ZARJA -THE DAWN n 5 4 7 9 8 URADNO GLASILO OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI_______________________SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA NUMBER 4 JULY-AUGUST 1999 VOLUME 71 23rd NATIONAL SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION CONVENTION DELEGATION May 23, 1999, Orlando, Florida We’ve set the course for the next four years, pledge our teamwork, and ask for the cooperation of every member as we enter the new millennium! NEW S.W.U. COOKBOOK! Dedicated to Hermine Dicke Enjoy it and share it with your family and friends The PERFECT gift for all occasions Features of the NEW cookbook include: 600 Great Recipes with easy formats 171 NEW recipes from our members Place your order now -$18.00 per book, postpaid AUTHENTIC SLOVENIAN RECIPES: Favorites of three generations Detailed Instructions Origins of regional recipes Historical Information Maps and notes of interest! MoREWS-fANS SLOVENIAN -AMERICAN COOKBOOK Heritage illustrations by renowned artist, Nancy Bukovnik Make checks payable to: Slovenian Women’s Union (or S.W.U.) Mail to: 431 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432 Please allow three weeks for delivery ON THE COVER... 23rd NATIONAL SWU CONVENTION DELEGATION Front row, left to right, seated: Pat Figurowski, Jo Lustik, Evelyn Majercik, Jean Korsman, Kathleen Dorchak, Beverly Menart; second row, I - r: Rosemary Donald, Corinne Leskovar, Mary Turvey, Irene Odorizzi, Mary Miller, Jennie Fitzthum, Ann Tercek, Pauline Pauchek, Angela Stare, Marge Church; third row, I - r: Victoria Bobence, Fran Gazvoda, Beverly Jackson, Gail Milton, Jonita Ruth, Mildred Pucel, Charlene Kobe, Delores Puhek, Angela Musial, Charlotte Laurich; fouth row, I - r: Elsie Spellacy, Jane Yadlosky, Olga Dorchak, Vida Kumse, Bonnie Prokup, Jean Železnikar, Dorothy Jamnik and Rosemary Mlakar. Not on picture is Charlotte Perdan. Photo was taken at the Wyndham Hotel in Orlando, Florida, convention headquarters. ZELE FUNERAL HOMES, INC. 452 East 152nd St., Cleveland, Ohio (216) 481-3118 ZARJA - THE DAWN (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703 NO. 4 JULY-AUGUST 1999 VOL. 71 Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze. Published six times per year - šestkrat na leto. Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice. Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926 Periodicals Postage Paid at Joliet, IL and at additional mailing offices All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do 1. v mesecu. Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd.,-Chicago, IL 60615-1703 Telephone: (773) 548-8878 HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JULY & AUGUST National Officers: Jul. 2 - Dorothy Sleigh, Regional President of Western States, Enumclaw, WA Jul. 16 - Bonnie Prokup, Regional President of IL-IN Peru, IL Aug. 1 - Patricia Figurowski, Nat’l Auditor, Joliet, IL Presidents: July 5 - Ann Cooke, Br. 32, Euclid, OH July 6- Maria Selak, Br. 55, Girard, OH July 17 - Mary Lou Terselic, Br. 103, Washington, D.C. July 21 - AnnTercek, Br. 50, Cleveland, OH Aug. 4 - Betty Matjašič, Br. 101, Bedford Hgts., OH Aug. 22 - Mollie McIntyre, Br. 22, Bradley, IL Secretaries: July 10 -July 18 -July 23 -July 25 - Rosemary Donald, Br. 33, Duluth, MN Mary Cossalter, Br. 39, Biwabik, MN Alouise Epley, Br. 73, Warrensville Hts., OH Marylou Matthews, Br. 108, Virginia Beach, VA Aug. 2 - Mary Satkovich, Br. 97,Caimbrook,PA Aug. 7 - Eileen Kaplan, Br. 3, Pueblo, CO Aug. 7 - Moreen Spencer, Br. 13, San Fran., CA Aug. 16 - FrancesUlle, Br. 68, FairportHbr., OH Aug. 20 - Charlotte Perdan, Br. 32, Euclid, OH MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY! Haberman — Zimmer Funeral Homes Traditional to Contemporary Funeral Services - Cramabon Services Pre-Arranged Funerals - We 19 Funeral Trusts . 805 N. 6th Educational Programs - Serving All Faiths 117 N. Wisconsin Dr. Sheboygan uommt Fwnmi (*•<** Howards Grove 457-7f'12 Mark S. Zimmer 565-2331 J / / X, ‘Serving Sheboygan A Sheboygan County Smce 1873'*'*'*^ §—■ " — =% 23rd National Convention, Orlando, Florida SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 23rd National Convention Orlando, Florida, May 20-23, 1999 NEWLY-ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS National President ................................................ Kathleen J. Dorchak Br. 47, Garfield Hts., Ohio National Vice President ...........................................M. Marjorie Church Br. 42, Maple Hts., Ohio National Secretary ................................................ Bonnie Pohar Prokup Br. 24, LaSalle, Illinois National Treasurer............................................................Jonita Ruth Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois National I Auditor....................................................... Beverly Menart Br. 33, Duluth, Minnesota National II Auditor...................................................... Beverly Jackson Br. 13, San Francisco, California National III Auditor .................................................... Frances Morison Br. 2, Chicago, Illinois APPOINTED NATIONAL OFFICERS Director of Heritage Activities ........................................... Irene Odorizzi Br. 103, Washington, D.C. Director of Women’s Activities .............................................Agnes Dobczyk Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois Director of Youth Activities ................................................ Angela Stare Br. 103, Washington, D.C. Editor of ZARJA ......................................................... Corinne Leskovar Br. 2, Chicago, Illinois Branch 33, DULUTH, MINNESOTA will host the 24th National Convention in the year 2003 A Message from Jean Korsman FOND REMEMBRANCES OF OUR 23RD NATIONAL CONVENTION We arrived at twelve noon on Wednesday in 85° heat; quite a contrast from the 38° in Duluth, MN at our 6 a.m. departure. Convention Chair Kathleen Dorchak and her mom picked us up and wisked us off to the Hotel-Con-vention complex, where her committee was already busy setting up the Hospitality/Craft/Heritage sales room. These hectic preparations continued until 7:30 p.m., when we realized the supper hour had long since passed. Those “in the know” selected a great Italian restaurant, where we shared a delicious family style meal, complete with wine and dessert! On Thursday, some of the early arrivals used their pre-purchased Disney passes to take in the various sites, while the committee prepared and displayed the raffle items, priced the craft donations, sliced the potica, stuffed the carnation-embossed convention bags and set up the registration table for the arriving delegates. That evening the poolside buffet was delayed for one hour by a deluge of rain, which prevented many of us from running even the few feet from our rooms. (We finally wrapped ourselves in bath towels and made a dash for it!) Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the evening, meeting new delegates and old friends from across the country, socializing and dancing to the button-box music of Bob Mueller. On Friday morning we all shared a breakfast buffet in the meeting room and opened the convention with an impressive ceremony that included the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem(s) in English and Slovenian and a special invocation. Kathy Dorchak then introduced her friend Linda Ford, whose keynote speech, entitled Friendships and Committments, was warmly received by the delegation. Twenty three delegates (nine less than in 1995) presented their credentials, which, added to the nine National Officers and three Regional Presidents, totaled 35 voting members. After a comprehensive report from the National Secretary, a one hour break was taken to allow all delegates to meet with the Chair of her pre-assigned committee. Greetings were read from the KSKJ, Branch 55, Ohio, VP of Illinois-Indiana, and past National President, Mary Muller. Also recognized was Mary Marolt, a convention guest and past National Treasurer, now living in Florida. The reports of the President, Vice President and three Regional Presidents were highlighted briefly. A luncheon buffet was served in the meeting room at noon. The business session resumed with the bylaws committee presenting fifteen proposed changes. The full details and numbers of these bylaws changes will be printed in the ZARJA and two copies sent to each Branch as soon as approved by the Insurance Dept, of 111. Reports of all elected and appointed officers will be published in ZARJA. Our Friday night Dinner Theatre Entertainment was a delightful mystery “Who Done It” with audience participation. A delicious comish hen entre with all the trimmings plus wine and dessert, was enjoyed by all, including our special guest, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, the Slovenian Ambassador to the U.S. Saturday morning we again gathered for breakfast and a planned group picture. (The photographer was a no-show, so this was rescheduled for 6 p.m. The nominations committee presented the slate of officers. Elected to four year terms were. President, Kathleen Dorchak, Ohio, Vice Pres. Marge Church, Ohio, Secretary, Bonnie Prokup, Illinois, Treasurer, Jonita Ruth, Illinois, 1st Auditor, Beverly Menart, Minnesota, 2nd Auditor, Beverly Jackson, California, 3rd Auditor, Fran Morison, Illinois. The new Board will assume their futies at a reorganizational meeting in July. A faxed message of support was received from Cirila Kermavner, an officer of SWU for 16 years, who was unable to attend because of recent surgery. A memorial service was held after lunch with Tory Bobence, Past National President reading from a Maria Pomagaj prayer card prepared by ZARJA Editor, Corinne Leskovar. The memory of our deceased Charter members and National Officers was recalled and honored in prayer and silence. Fund-raising Chair, Evelyn Majercik proposed some innovative ideas to increase our treasury. Br. 33 Duluth, and the Minnesota delegation were applauded for their offer to host the SWU Convention in the year 2003. (Continued on page IS) Evelyn Majercik: ' REFLECTIONS AND WISHES FOR THE FUTURE As I reflect on my years with Slovenian Women’s Union, I wonder if my mother knew what she was doing for me when she enrolled me in 1941. I gained all of my heritage from her, and had her life not been cut short by cancer, I am sure she would be among the many charter members of branches still left that feel a certain attachment to the organization. The past four years have been full and productive. It would be a real mistake if I did not take the time to thank the secretaries that I have corresponded with, that have taken time to write to me-sometimes not for any SWU business, but just to let me know they were still “out there and wanted to keep in touch. I do not want to name names, because I would not want to leave any one out. You know who you are, and I know that I will hear from you on occasion. At the recent National Convention, Beverly Menart put her heart, her soul and a lot of time into making a beautiful quilt. I am sure that every stitch that she made had a special meaning for her. This was in addition to the doll and the costumes that she also made. It is hard to believe, that less than 2,000 tickets were sold for the projects. Doesn’t that tell us something about our enthusiasm, our interest, our intent to keep going? Our membership is not only dwindling, but those who remain involved (so to speak) are forgetting that it takes more than wishful thinking for survival. If each member of the largest branches in the organization would have bought at least one ticket, for either project, what a success we could have had, and Bev’s work would have been properly rewarded. Instead, in receiving the checks it was noted that many members bought several dollars worth of chances, again picking up the slack for those who really just aren’t interested. As support for SWU, how many tickets did you buy? We need new members, but we do not need members who sign an application blank, never attend a meeting, don’t want to be bothered working at events, who fail to support the organization, who join just because someone asked them and they pay their dues. At the recent convention there was a total of 35 eligible votes. I have seen photos of previous conventions where the groups were too big for all the participants to be clearly seen. In 2003, in Duluth, Minnesota, the delegates may all fit on a regular snapshot. We can look to all the other civic organizations, including our churches, to see that today’s civilization is too involved with other social functions, other committments, other ideals to spend anytime in promoting heritage. We do not suffer alone, KSKJ, SNPJ, AMLA, Boy/Girl Scouts, Red Cross, K of C, Little Leagues, even altar boys/girls are all seeking more active members. The recent Memorial Day headlined the fact that VFW Halls are closing—lack of membership. If SWU survives even another decade, what will happen then? Can we truly look to our Junior Membership to pick up the reigns and give us rebirth, a second chance? I don’t see it in my lifetime, if you see it in yours, are you facing reality? Respectfully submitted, Evelyn Majercik Please be advised that after July 15, 1999, all correspondence should be directed to: Bonnie Prokup, National Secretary, Slovenian Women’s Union 3119 Carrie Street, Peru, 1L 61354 (815) 223-9596 Thank You SOMEONE WILL BE VERY LUCKY IN DECEMBER!!! WILL IT BE YOU? It can if you follow the information on the back cover of this ZARJA! We have been fortunate in getting two free tickets from American Airlines for our SWU anniversary, December 19, 1999, arranged by our newly elected National Secretary, Bonnie Prokup. What a celebration! You will have the prize! But, you must enter by contacting Bonnie and purchasing a ticket - or more - for one dollar! Thanks, Bonnie! And thanks to all of you who will support this fund-raising effort! Isn’t it great to be a member of SWU? Kathleen Dorchak: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS The delegates at the 23rd National SWU Convention in Orlando, Florida in May made historical decisions concerning the bylaws. Their jobs were difficult and they realize that changes is not always easy. They were a cohesive group working together having the best interests of the Slovenian Women’s Union in their hearts at all times. Here are a few of the changes that were decided. It was by unanimous decision that effective July 1, 1999 Social members will now be eligible to vote and hold any association or branch office. The Scholarship Committee can now award a branch more than one scholarship in a given year, as well as a family can receive more than one scholarship. However, no individual may receive more than one SWU scholarship. Scholarships will also be awarded to adult members continuing his/her education at an accredited college, university, or technical institute. Effective January 1, 2000 new members will be assessed $15.00 a year, will be considered Social members, and these new members will not receive burial insurance. Any new member or existing member enrolled prior to January 1, 2000 will be eligible to receive the burial stipend. Junior members will be assessed $5.00 per year and at the age of 18 may transfer to the Adult Class. Junior members enrolled prior to January 1, 2000 will be eligible for the burial stipend. Any Junior member enrolled after January 1, 2000 will not be an insured member. We hope the members of SWU are pleased with the decisions that were made at the convention. The delegates had a difficult job to do and hope that they made the correct decisions for a better and stronger Slovenian Women’s Union of America. National Convention at the Wyndham Resort The Wyndham Resort on International Drive in Orlando was an incredible place to have a National Convention. It was truly a sunny resort destination. There were three outdoor heated swimming pools and four-lighted tennis courts. The guest rooms were situated in 16 two-story buildings across 48 acres of lush greenery and flowers. The hotel provided casual dining at the Chelsea Cafe, Poolside or at The Marmalade Tree Snack Shop featuring Pizza Hut pizza. The Lobby Bar was a great place to stop in for a cool drink to unwid after our convention activities. There was also entertainment at the Illusions Lounge for those who wanted to dance and participate in the nightlife. The Convention Center had ample space and banquet rooms and hold more than one event at a time. We were never cramped for space. The food served was delicious and always on time. The servers were very eager to help us and always had a smile. The outdoor pool pavilion was a perfect spot for our Open House event. However, no one could predict that one large rainstorm would decide to hit us right at that time. However, we endured and were still able to enjoy an evening of food, drink, and entertainment. Our thanks to the talented Bob Mueller and his button box who saved the evening. Our location was close to the Disney theme parks, shopping or walking on International Drive, or to downtown Orlando. If you were able to join us for the convention we hope that you had a memorable and fun time. Orlando is a unique place to visit. No one should go home unhappy! Once you have been there, you will feel relaxed and youth! AMBASSADOR RUPEL AT CONVENTION The National Board, Delegates, Alternates and Guests were very pleased to have Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Dimitrij Rupel attend our convention. He was a delightful man. It appeared that he enjoyed being with us as much as we enjoyed having him join us in all of our activities. The Ambassador attended our fun evening at Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theater on Friday evening. On Saturday the Ambassador had an opportunity to become a “real tourist” and join the crowds at Epcot. He was accompanied by our Keynote speaker, Linda Ford; SWU member Diane Fomaro, and Ken Odorizzi. We have been told that they had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed their lunch in a French restaurant at Epcot. We were pleased to have the Ambassador as guest speaker at the banquet. The Ambassador briefly discussed the way Slovenia has risen from obscurity to being recognized by all the major countries of the world as a thriving democracy. He reminded us to be proud of our homeland and to keep Slovenia’s progress in mind when it is compared to other European countries. He stated Slovenia’s wish to be a member of NATO and to be an active member of global economics. Sunday morning the Ambassador was with us bright and early for breakfast and he attended the Mass at Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine. He joined our procession into the church and was recognized by Pastor Father Hart. We hope that this meeting will be the first of many to come for the Slovenian Women’s Union and the distinguished Ambassador. It was an opportunity for us to share our goals and ideas with him. If you were unable to attend the convention, we hope there will be another opportunity to meet him in the very near future. Address of our new National President given at the Convention Banquet Good Evening! Honorable Ambassador Rupel, SWU members, and guests, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” Aren’t you glad? I am glad to be here today. I am glad to have met each one of you. And I am very glad to say that I am a member of this great association - the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. Don’t you feel lucky? I think we all should feel lucky. We all should feel lucky that we took time from our busy schedules to attend this convention. Each of us is a part of an association that provides outstanding benefits, helps build long-lasting relationships and remembers the pride in our cultural heritage. Speaking for your newly installed National Board, we realize that a few of our new Team is new to the workings of the association. But let me assure you, they are very qualified to lead our association. As long standing members, we are excited about our term ahead. Our Team will work hard to strive for continued pride in our Slovenian heritage with...Your Rainbow for Success. Our rainbow for success - like all rainbows, contains many colors - red, yellow, blue, orange, green, and violet with the sum of all providing us - all of us - with the tools we need to make us successful! The RED of our rainbow stands for courage — that courage which shall make us fearless in the pursuit of our goals. We want you to take this RED of courage and use it in your branches at every meeting. We need to gain new members. Our membership is dwindling and these members are not being replaced. Our challenge of courage is to find ways to gain new members. Our next color in our rainbow for success is YELLOW — which is vision. We have vision to look to our new leadership to be committed to you the members. Look to the leaders of your branches for their goals, and encourage the members of your branch to help them to attain these goals. BLUE of our rainbow is humility — which is the sense of honor which causes us to seek good for others. We will seek good in all of our members and encourage their involvement. Call a member that you haven’t seen in a while and say “Hi, we miss you. Hope you can come to a meeting soon!” Let’s make changes. Change creates opportunities. Let’s try to be more humble in our actions. ORANGE is loyalty. The officers you have elected and appointed for thsi next four-year term are loyal and committed. We will work hard to maintain good relations with all branches. We intend to keep the lines of communication open. Let our Installation of the new Board of Directors and National Officers took place at the Banquet. From left to right: Corinne Leskovar, Irene Odorizzi, Marge Church, Bonnie Prokup, Kathleen Dorchak, Angela Stare, Agnes Dobczyk, Mary Turvey, Fran Morison, Beverly Jackson and Beverly Menart. Each was presented a lighted candle representing the colors of their respective offices. loyalty be there to assist any of the members with problems with your branches. GREEN is fellowship for the love displayed to those who have joined the Slovenian Women’s Union and share our heritage. By attending your branch meetings, your State Conventions, and the National Convention we exhibit ways to show your love for our organization and extend the sharing of fellowship. Finally, the last color of our rainbow for success is VIOLET — which is service. We, as your National Board as a Team, devote ourselves to service — service to you, our membership. As I mentioned before, we will work hard to keep the lines of communciation open between us and the members of our branches. The lines of communication open between us and the members of our branches. The President Jean Korsman with a warm wish and bouquet for her successor, Kathleen Dorchak. lines of communication are quickly broken when information is not shared with branch members. Help us fulfill the promises we made to you when we were installed just a few minutes ago. Communication helps attain successful years in SWU. Our hopes for the coming years are GREAT! Our Team will work hard and diligent for all of you - With the hope of success as our goal. Jonita Ruth, new Treasurer, and Kathy I would like to share a story with you, as follows: The Builder An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and to enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes. But, in time, it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter finished his work and the contractor came to inspect the house, he handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.” What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built, none too well. So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important times in our lives we don’t always give the job our best effort. Then with a shock, we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized, we would have done it differently. Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall, build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. “Life is a do-it-yourself project.” You life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of the attitudes and choices you make today. Let’s build this association as we live in it. This Rainbow for Success is an investment in your future built on your family members from the past. Keep you positive attitudes and look to each other for support and fellowship. Let’s work together as a Team to achieve Rainbows for Success. “This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad.” Thank you! Kathleen J. Dorchak, National President SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA Twenty-Third National Convention Orlando, Florida May 21-23,1999 FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1999 The Twenty-Third National Convention of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America was called to order by President, Jean Korsman, at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 1999. The Opening Ceremony consisting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthems of America and Slovenia and an invocation delivered by Jean Korsman. The president extended a welcome to all present, she then introduced Vice President, Kathleen Dorchak, Convention Chairman. An introduction to our keynote speaker, Linda Ford, was given by Kathleen Dorchak. Ford spoke on committment and friendship. Following the keynote address, the first session of the convention proceeded with the report of the Credential Committee, Josephine Lustik, Chair, and a Roll Call of the delegation. The voting delegation consisted of 23 delegates, 3 Regional Presidents and 9 National Officers—a total of 35 approved to vote. National Officers were introduced to the delegation as were chairpersons of the various committees. The National Secretary’s report was called for and given. Questions were received and answered. The delegation broke into smaller groups for one hour committee meetings. The session reconvened and greetings were read from American Slovenian Catholic Union, Branch 55 (Maria Selak), Illinois-Indiana Regional Vice President (Genevieve Buol) and a greeting from Past President Mary Muller. President Korsman also recognized the visit of Mary Marolt, past National Treasurer (under Mary Bostian and Mary Muller) who presently resides in Bradenton, Florida. The President’s report was reviewed. The Vice President, Kathleen Dorchak spoke on the need for membership. Reports from Regional Presidents, Bonnie Prokup, Charlotte Laurich and Olga Dorchak, which were included in the delegate’s packets, were not read in their entirety, but were briefly reviewed by President Korsman. A need for a working fund for the Regional Presidents was briefly discussed, such as reimbursement for costs including printing, phone calls, etc. The Business Session resumed after a lunch break and the task of Amendments to the Bylaws was begun. The following changes were voted on to be put into effect as of January 1, 2000. Article II, 2.05: Proposal was to delete the article in its entirety. Discussion was called for and the question was put to a vote. Majority ruled and the article will be deleted. Article III, 3.03: Proposal was to delete the word “Department”. Discussion was called for, none was offered. The question was put to a vote. Majority ruled and the word “Department” will be deleted. Article III, 3.09: Proposed wording: “Members of the Social Class shall be entitled to vote in any election or general referendum of this organization and its branches. Such members shall also be eligible for any association or branch office.” Discussion was called for, none was offered. The question was put to a vote and majority ruled and the new wording put into effect. Article III, 3.12: Proposed wording: “A member may transfer from one branch to another upon the issuance of a transfer form by the National Secretary. Such transfer forms must be requested in writing and will only be issued when all assessments have been paid.” Discussion was called for, none was offered. The question was put to a vote and majority ruled and the new wording put into effect. Article III, 3.14: Proposed wording: “Each member shall receive without charge a certificate upon which shall be printed conditions of membership. This certificate shall also list the names of the beneficiaries, which may be changed at any time at the request of the member. Upon the death of a member, the association will pay entitled benefits after receipt of the certificate and a death certificate. If the named beneficiary is deceased, benefits will be paid at the direction of the executor of the member’s estate.” Discussion was called for and heard. The question was put to a vote, majority ruled and the new wording put into effect. Article IV, 4.08: Proposed wording: “The Nomination Committee shall present to the National Convention a slate of candidates for the national offices of the association. Candidates for national offices are chosen from the delegates present. Additional candidates may be nominated by the convention members from the floor. All nominations shall be public. Voting will be by secret ballot only if more than one candidate accepts nomination to the same office. A lengthy discussion followed with delegates voicing their agreement/disagreement. The question was called for and a count was taken, with 26 against the proposal, and 9 in favor, the motion lost. The wording will remain as stated in the present bylaws. Article IV, 4.14: Proposed wording: “Delegates to the National Convention shall receive travel allowances as specified by the National Board. Remaining expenses are the reponsibility of the delegate’s participating branches.” It was moved by Evelyn Majercik that the wording of the proposal be changed to read “-the responsibility of the delegate/participating branches.” Beverly Menart seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the majority ruled, the amendment to the proposal was accepted. The vote was then taken on the amended proposal, majority ruled and the proposal was accepted. Article V, 5.04: Proposed wording: “The annual meeting of the Board of Directors will be held within the first three months of the year.” Discussion was called for and heard. Kathleen Dorchak explained the reason for this bylaw change. The question was asked for, majority ruled and the proposal accepted. Article VI, 6.05: Proposed wording: “It shall be the duty of the Scholarship Committee to award Scholarships to qualified candidates. Such candidates must be graduating High School seniors contemplating further education in an accredited college, university or technical institute. Each branch may be granted more than one scholarship in a given year. The number of scholarships to be awarded each year shall be determined by the Scholarship Committee. A family may receive more than one scholarship.” Discussion followed. Mary Turvey moved that the wording be changed to include, “No individual may receive more than one SWU scholarship.” Elsie Spellacy (No. 47) seconded the motion. Jonita Ruth (No. 20) moved that the wording “—graduating High School seniors, or an Adult member of SWU, —” be inserted. Angela Stare (No. 103) seconded the motion. Both amendments to the proposed wording were voted upon and both received majority approval. The question was then called for and again met with approval of the majority. FOR CLARIFICATION: Article VI 6.05 will read: “It shall be the duty of the Scholarship Committee to award scholarships to qualified candidates. Such candidates must be graduating High School seniors, or an Adult member of SWU, contemplating further education in an accredited college, university or technical institute. Each branch may be granted more than one scholarship in a given year. The number of scholarships to be awarded each year shall be determined by the Scholarship Committee. No individual may receive more than one SWU scholarship. A family may receive more than one scholarship.” Article VII 7.09 Proposed wording: “The National Secretary shall balance all books and accounts in her keeping which pertain to the association’s administration at the end of every fiscal year, and she will present them to the National Auditors for examination. She will present a report of her activities to the Board of Directors at each annual meeting and to the National Convention. She will also have published in the official organ an annual report which indicates the association’s receipts and expenditures, and shall pay all allowable death benefits.” Discussion followed on the proposal. The question was called for, vote taken and majority ruled, the new wording accepted. Article VII 7.10 Proposed wording: “The National Treasurer will act as a Financial Liaison between the National Board and the branches. She will assist the National Secretary in matters pertinent to assessments and perform other duties as required and assigned by the Board of directors.” Discussion was called for and delegates voiced their opinions on the proposed change. It was moved by Jane Yadlosky (No. 23) that the wording be changed from -“will act as” to “-will be known as—”. Motion seconded by Jonita Ruth (No. 20). The amendment to the proposal was accepted. A voice vote was taken on the amended proposal, with 24 votes for and 10 votes against. Motion carried. Article VIII 8.02 Proposed wording: Every branch shall have the right to propose an amendment or repeal any of the bylaws, except in the regulation of assessments, and may propose any measure it may deem proper for the success of the association.” Discussion was had, the question was put to a vote and the majority ruled. Article IX 9.02 Proposed wording: “A yearly assessment is payable one time per year immediately upon billing, usually in January, February or March. Assessments for Class A has been eliminated and only valid for members enrolled before January 1, 1996. New members are now admitted into Class B or Social. The regular yearly assessments are: a) Adult Class A $12.00 per year b) Adult Class B $15.00 per year c) Adult Class A (over 75 years of age) $ 8.00 per year d) Adult Class B (over 75 yean of age) $10.00 per year e) Junior Class $ 4.00 per year All Adult members admitted after January 1, 2000 will be considered Social members (no burial stipend) and will be assessed $15.00 per year. Any member who has been enrolled for 50 years and has reached the age of 85 shall not be obligated to pay any assessments.” Discussion followed. Jonita Ruth (No. 20) moved that the wording of the proposal be changed to read “—will be accepted as Social members.” Charlotte Kobe (No. 20) seconded the motion. Motion carried. It was noted by the National Board that reference to 50 year members who have reached the age of 85 not being obligated to pay assessments was in error, not having been properly researched. Jonita Ruth (No. 20) moved that the phrase be deleted. Beverly Menart seconded the motion. A vote on the amendment to the proposal was called for, Jonita Ruth (No. 20) moved to accept the amendment, Charlotte Kobe (No. 20) seconded the motion. Motion carried. The question was called for, the amended proposal received a majority vote. Article XI 11.03 Proposed wording: “A current Junior member may transfer to the Adult Class when he or she attains the age of 18. The assessment for the Adult Class is required beginning with the year of transfer. Junior members enrolled after January 1, 2000 will be uninsured members and shall be assessed $5.00 per year until the age of 18. ” Charlotte Perdan (No. 32) moved that the wording be changed to read “—may transfer to the Adult Class, without the loss of burial benefits.” Elsie Spellacy (No. 47) seconded the motion. Motion carried. The amended proposal was put to a vote and the majority ruled. Article XIV 14.01 Proposal: To be deleted in its entirety. (This was a correlation to Article III 3.03, regarding Social membership, which was accepted earlier. No vote was needed on the proposal. Various word changes and typographical errors will be corrected for the next printing of the bylaws. With amendments to the bylaws completed, the business session continued. The Treasurer (Beverly Menart) presented the report from the Salaries Committee with the following salaries listed: President $120.00 Vice President $ 50.00 Secretary $700.00 Treasurer $ 50.00 Editor $670.33 Heritage Director $ 50.00 Scholarship Director $ 50.00 Food Editor $ 50.00 Auditors (3) $ 50.00 per month per year per month per year per month per month per month (from Fund) per month per year Ann Tercek (No. 50) moved that the report be accepted. Dorothy Jamnick (No. 35) seconded the motion. Report accepted. Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi thanked the membership present for the numerous donations she had already received at the convention. At her committee meeting, she asked the members for their input as to what they would do if they were the Heritage Director. Summaries were presented. Irene also recognized and thanked the volunteers for their work at the Museum. SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1999 The second day of the convention opened with a prayer by President, Jean Korsman. It was announced that a change in the agenda had been made, with nominations of officers taking place as the first matter of business. Kathleen Dorchak, Chairperson of the Nominations Committee presented the slate of officers and the votes were taken. Results were as follows: President Kathleen Dorchak (No. 47) Vice President Marge Church (No. 42) Jean Korsman Secret Ballot was taken, Secretary Bonnie Prokup (No. 24) Evelyn Majercik Secret Ballot was taken, Treasurer Jonita Ruth (No. 20) First Auditor Beverly Menait Second Auditor Beverly Jackson (No. 13) Gail Milton (No. 38) Secret Ballot was taken, Third Auditor Fran Morrison (No. 2) **elected unopposed, elected Marge Church 20** Jean Korsman 15 Bonnie Prokup 19** Evelyn Majercik 16 unopposed, elected unopposed, elected Beverly Jackson 20** Gail Milton 15 unopposed, elected Counters for the Secret Ballot were Elsie Spellacy, Charlotte Laurich and Fran Gazvoda. Voice votes were taken on the unopposed candidates. Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA asked that a referendum/questionnaire be initiated that would give members an opportunity to speak on their ideas for the future of the magazine. Format and size of the project will be determined. Leskovar also recognized donations that had been received at the convention. She also spoke on the need for an apprentice editor, indicating again her desire to retire. She spoke on the cookbook project and answered questions regarding the newly published cookbook. Mary Turvey spoke on Scholarship and thanked donors to the fund. The matter of the newly formed Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation of Michigan being combined with the present and longstanding Scholarship Fund was brought forth for discussion. A clarification of the situation was made with several suggestions offered. After a lengthy discussion and time of essence, the matter was tabled until the afternoon session of the convention. After a lunch break, President Korsman resumed the meeting by reading a message that had been received from Cirila Kermavner, who was unable to attend the convention because of recent surgery. A short memorial service was presented. A prayer card to Maria Pomagaj was prepared by Corinne Leskovar. Tory Bobence, past National President read stanzas from the card, and at appropriate times, names of deceased charter members and National Officers were mentioned by those branch representatives present. Discussion was resumed on the question of the Scholar- ship Fund. At this point, Mary Turvey rescinded her motion to combine the two funds. This was unanimously accepted by the delegates. A report of the Fund Raising Committee was given by Evelyn Majercik. The idea of a cash raffle ($500) was given; 1st Prize would be $250, 2nd Prize $100. 3rd Prize $75, 4th Prize $50, and 5th Prize $25. Tickets would be $1.00 each and would be included in the next direct billing. The matter will be referred to the newly appointed Board. Corinne Leskovar introduced a concept for a book she would like to author which would be a historical review of our organization. Support of her proposal was received from the convention participants. Jonita Ruth (No. 20) offered the suggestion that the male members of our organization be eligible to hold offices. She likewise proposed a change for the month that the National Convention is held, citing a conflict with many other early spring/summer activities. In observance of the 73rd Anniversary of SWU in December, 1999, Bonnie Prokup arranged for a special raffle with a prize of two free tickets on American Airlines. Delegates applauded this generous offer by the airline and thanked Bonnie. Chances will be distributed to the branches and raffle will be culminated on December 19th. An offer for the 2003 National Convention to be held in Duluth, MN was made by Rosemary Donald (No. 33) and accepted without further discussion. A thank you to Kathleen Dorchak for her efforts on this National Convention was given by Fran Gazvoda (No. 25) with all present concurring. A thank you was also expressed to all outgoing board members, and a welcome to the new board members was given. The National Convention Business Sessions closed at approximately 2:05 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, 1999 with an essay brought to the convention by Beverly Jackson (Br. 13) and ready by Kathleen Dorchak. Jean Korsman, President Evelyn Majercik, Recording Secretary SPECIAL THANKS TO BRANCH 47 Special thanks are extended to Branch 47 for their help in coordinating a successful convention. This could not have been accomplished without their hard work and dedication over the past four years. Special thanks to Elsie Spellacy, Olga Dorchak, Diane Fomaro, various members for monetary donations and Mary Skull for the delicious potica served in the Hospitality Room. And lastly, thanks to our Keynote Speaker, Linda Ford. She was my right hand throughout the weekend to help ensure that everything was running on course. We could not have done it without all of you. Kathleen J. Dorchak Nat'I. Vice President and Convention Coordinator cJ-fzzitacjz <^J\soji and Q/izvcn Irene Planinšek Odorizzi AMBASSADOR RUPEL gracious guest at the SWU Convention The Honorable Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, was the guest speaker at the Saturday evening convention banquet, May 22, at the Wyndham Hotel, in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Rupel is a noted historian and sociologist and he spoke on Slovenia’s independence since 1991 and it’s impact on the world and expectations for the future. He also commented on his duties as Ambassador to the Slovenian-American community and offiered congratulations and best wishes to the Slovenian Women’s Union. Along with the delegates, Dr. Rupel attended the Mystery Dinner Theater on Friday evening, and on Sunday, Mass at the Basilica to Our Lady Queen of the Universe. A number of delegates enjoyed his company for breakfast. Arrangements were also made for the ambassador to enjoy a tour of the City or Orlando and Epcot along with escorts, Diane Fomaro, (Kathy’s sister), Linda Ford (Keynote Speaker) and Kenneth Odorizzi, husband of Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi. The SWU is deeply appreciate of the Ambassador’s presence at the social events of the convention. He definitely highlighted the event. Mystery Dinner table-mates enjoyed the program as this photo testifies, from left, standing: Ken and Irene Odorizzi, Diane Fornaro, Ambassador Rupel, Linda Ford; seated, from left, Corinne Leskovar, Kathy Dorchak, Olga Dorchak and Elsie Spellacy. CONVENTION DONORS TO HERITAGE Orlando, FL 1999 The response from the Officers and Delegates at the Convention held in Orlando, Florida May 20-23, was overwhelming! Many thanks to all the super ladies who remembered the Heritage Fund/Museum. It was most rewarding to renew acquaintances with the many loyal members and to meet the new delegates-the future of the SWU. Thank you all, once again, for donation to the Heritage Fund. $50 Victoria Bobence past National President and convention delegate responded with this generous donation. $50 Fran Morison, in memory of dearly departed husband, Percy Morison, is a frequent contributor. $25 Delegate, Charlotte Perdan and Branch 32 donated on behalf of a wonderful convention. $25 Members of Branch 35 sent a check which was presented by Anne Orazem, convention delegate. $20 Fran Gazvoda, convention delegate Br. 50. $20 Dorothy Jamnick, Sec. of Br. 35 and convention delegate $20 Members of Br. 38 presented by delegate, Gail Milton $20 In memory of mother Ljuba Troha presented by delegate Jean Železnikar, Br. 2 and sister Amelia Smith $20 In memory of Nathan James Fitzthum presented by delegate, Jennie Fitzthum, Br. 14 $20 Agnes Dobczyk, convention delegate Br. 20 and newly elected Women’s Activities Director. $20 Members of Br. 25 presented by delegate, Jane Yadlosky $20 Elsie Spellacy, hard-working member of the convention committee, Br. 47. $20 Charlent Kobe, convention delegate Br. 20 $20 Beverly Menart, past National Treasurer and newly elected National Auditor, Br. 33. $20 Kathy Dorchak, Convention Chairperson and newly elected National President, Br. 47 $20 In memory of Jack H. Yemec presented by newly elected National Vice President, Marge Church, Br. 42 $20 Beverly Jackson, past National Vice President and convention delegate, Br. 13 $15 In memory of Louis & Elizabeth Kambic from past auditor, Pat Figurowski, Br. 20 $10 Angie Musil, convention delegate, Br. 73 $10 Gladys K. Buck, Secretary, Br. 16 $10 In honor of Jennie Vidmar and in memory of Carol Piccinello and Charles Tercek, presented by Ann Tercek, delegate, Br. 50 $10 Rosemary Mlakar, convention delegate, Br. 100 $10 In memory of all deceased members of Br. 50, Euclid, OH presented by delegate, Ann Tercek, Pres, of Br. 50 $10 Josephine Lustik, past auditor, Br. 20 and a frequent contributor $10 Theresa J. Papesh, Br. 20 Other Heritage Donations $25 Sent by Ann Tercek, President of Br. 50 in memory of the recent death of her beloved husband, Charlie Tercek. $25 Donation from Br. 50 is one of many that has been sent by this regular contributing branch. $25 Branch 103 sent a donation from the members through Secretary, Mary Mejac in memory of Matilda Ter-selic. SUPPORT YOUR ORGANIZATION SUPPORT YOUR HERITAGE FUND Remember those you love and hold most dear with a gift to the Heritage Fund. Please send the donation to Heritage Director, 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 20191. Your donation will be acknowledged in the HERITAGE HEROES column. Plaque Donation $100 Jean Korsman (Br. 39), the National President presiding at the Orlando Convention, presented this donation at that time. She will be remembered on the Plaque in the Heritage Museum for her successful term of office in which she ushered the organization into the new millennium. Jean presided over the organization during a difficult time. The majority of the National Board members had been changed and there were a number of new and unusual problems ranging from membership difficulties to the unexpected National Office building repairs, and finally the gigantic change to centralized and computerized billing, taking the SWU into a modem accounting system. Her term was an unusually trying one and Jean assumed these challenges with success. It must also be remembered that during her term of office it was decided to print the beautiuful “More Pots and Pans,” cookbook which is a tribute to the SWU, its traditions and to Slovenian womanhood. For this and much more the SWU congratulates Jean Korsman and sends a huge thank-you for a job well-done as National President of the SWU, 1995-99. Another Plaque Donation $100 Jill Augustine, past president of Br. 103, presented this donation in memory of her great aunt, Ann Cecil Grum whose name will be engraved on the metal plate and attached to the Heritage Plaque in the Slovenian Heritage Museum. Ann Grum was a greatly admired local artist and exhibited her art work throughout Lake County, IL and local libraries. Jill fondly remembers being taken to her first opera and first circus by her Aunt Ann who worked in the Eisenberg Dept. Store on 10th St. in Waukegan, IL at the height of the immigrant experience. Ann Grum spoke Slovenian, Croatian and understood Serbian so she was a valued employee at the store. Keeping The Arts From Slovenia Alive Jill Augustine also believes in keeping embroidery and home-making arts alive and so she donated an embroidered picture to the Heritage Museum which is at least 75 years old. It was sewn by the nible fingers of Marie Bizek who was the foster child of her great Aunt Mary Kurcic an immigrant from Rakitna, Slovenia. Jill had inherited the embroidery from her mother who inherited it from Mary Kurcic. Jill had it framed for her mother, recently deceased, and has now presented it to the Museum. Many thanks, Jill, for this donation and for the others you have sent in the past. Hvala lepa! Nice smiles from delegates Rosemary Mlakar, Bonnie Once again, many thanks to all the donors for their Prokup and Gail Milton and guest, Evie Blazek (second contributions to Heritage/Museum, god Bless you for your from left). generosity! Irene O. MARY TURVEY, Director, Scholarship Fund Announcing Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program Winners! CONSTANCE MLAKAR-Slovenian Women’s Union Award JULIE WADYCKI - Frances Barman Award NATHAN LEE - Anna Rose Smolich Award CONSTANCE MLAKAR, member of Branch 100, Fontana, California, is the daughter of Joseph and Theresa Mlakar and a senior at A.B. Miller High School, Fontana, California, where she ranks first in a class of 670 students. As a young child Connie began began sharing her gifts of song and dance, first at Slovene National Benefit Society activities, and later sharing of herself as a volunteer at the Kaiser Permanente Hospital, where she has served as an aid to new mothers with babies and children in the pediatrics ward. Volunteer work at South Tamarind Elementary school as a kindergarten aide, along with serving as an outdoor camp counselor indicate her devotion to the welfare of young people. As a member of the Resurrection Catholic Church Youth Group, Connie has assisted at church functions including the Fontana We Care Group Kitchen and the Valyermo Festival. Connie’s extracurricular activities have included freshman cheerleader, varsity song leader, Chamber Singers, Z-Club, Photo Club, and the California Scholarship Federation, of which she served as an officer for three years. Awards received: San Bernardino County Red Ribbon Essay, Contest winner (1st place) and Slovene National Benefit Society’s Outstanding Youth of the Year. A.B. Miller High school Honors awards include: Written Composition, Geometry, Algebra, and U.S. History, two Varsity Letters, Scholar Athlete and Ivy Chain. These all confirm Connie as an outstanding student and community leader. Connie will attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada in September 1999 and will major in Elementary Education. Constance Ann NATHAN LEE - Nathan is a member of Branch 35, Aurora, Minnesota but resides in Hibbing, Minnesota with his parents David and Connie Lee. Nathan has been involved in many school-related activities: Key Club, Knowledge Bowl, Math Team, Positive Peers and the National Honor Society. Through Key Club alone he has performed a minimum of fifty hours of community service per year for the last four years. Nathan has participated in athletic teams such as tennis cross country, and track and field, and has been an altar server for seven years. Nathan’s determination and dedication skills are evidenced in his most challenging work - achieving an Eagle Scout Award in the Boy Scouts of America. As an Eagle Scout he is currently involved in Medical Explorers, a division of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a fine example to his peers and young people of the community. Further testimony to Nathan’s ability to achieve a difficult goal was his many hours of training in preparation for his entry and actual completion of grueling Grandma’s Marathan at the age of 16. Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska will be Nathan Lee’s entrance into another enormous challenge, that of majoring in the Pre-Medical program there. Nathan Correction: Please note the misspelling of our former Scholarship Director’s name in my last report: Carita Girman not Gareman. Apologies to Carita. MT c^f-nna <^>moLiafi ScLuaatox — Szn^j-aatoz Miss Anna Rose Smolich, a 44-year member and Past President of Branch 35, Aurora, Minnesota continues today to do her life long work of promoting education. Anna Rose died in 1977 and at that time named the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program as a beneficiary with a gift $5,000. Because of her thoughtfulness our Scholarship Program now has a tax emempt account available to all donors who would like to report their donations as tax deductions. The name of this new tax exempt corporation is Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation. Our Zveza is deeply grateful for the generosity of Anna Rose. Anna Rose was bom April 4, 1919 to Eli and Mary (Skraba) Smolich. Her mother, Mary was the Founder of Branch 35 and served as it’s treasurer and president from 1955 to 1966. Anna Rose followed her mother’s ways of supporting and caring for the welfare of others, through her career as a teacher in the Biwabik Schools for 31 years. She has shared her musical gifts with others serving 20 years as a church organist, receiving a Papal Blessing for her many years of dedication, and giving piano and organ lessons to children. Civic and community organizations in which she actively served were: Aurora American Legion Auxiliary No. 241, American Yugoslav Club, Slovenian Women’s Union Branch 35, K.S.K.J. Lodge No. 131 and its bowling team, Aurora Moose Lodge, Aurora Public Library Committee along with participating in many other local functions. Anna Rose has touched many lives during her lifetime and will continue to assist young students of today and into the future, through her generous gift of $5,000. Anna Rose will live on in the hearts and minds of many. JULIE WADYCKI - Julie is a member of Branch 2, Chicago, Illinois but resides in Munster, Indiana with her mother, Mrs. Pamela Wadycki; her father is deceased. Julie states that her goal in life is to influence the lives of others and make a positive difference in the world. She began her work as an elementary student at St. Thomas More School, bringing samples of potica, sausage, ethnic dolls, and clothing to introduce children and their teachers to a culture they had not previously experienced. As a student at Munster High School she continued to work toward her goal with activities she organized during her presidency in the Project X Service Group at Munster High School. Julie organized a Valentine’s party at a nursing home, promoted the March of Dimes Walk A Thon and worked on Students Against Drunk Driving by campaigning against destructive decisions with motivational posters, school dances, and other S.A.D.D. promotions. Last summer Julie attended Indiana State University’s Summer Honors Program, Terre Haute, Indiana, where she participated in college level psychology classes. Community and civic works have included volunteer baby sitting at the church nursery, waitressing for the church’s catering service. Rollerblading, exercising, and reading Shakespeare after being introduced to it at a Shakespearean Festival in Stratford, Ontario. Favorite school activities have been: Spanish Club, Drama Club, Speech Team, and Volleyball - Freshman Team. Being a recipient of the Outstanding Student Leader Award, indicates the great variety of interests and skills that Julie possesses. In September 1999 Julie will attend Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, where she will major in psychology. Good Luck to all our SWU Scholars! tfPLOMA Veda (Ponikvar: GARLIC CRESCENT ROLLS QUICK COCONUT CREAM PIE From Minnesota, our heartfelt greetings to all SWU members, and may your summer months be filled with laughter, joy, and productive hours with family and friends. The soft winds of May and early June are ebbing, even as we watch flowers bloom and garden produce thrive through longer and warmer days. The National SWU Convention chose Duluth Minnesota for its next convention four years from now. We shall welcome you with open arms, and hope we can share with you some of the beauties of the North Star State. No one wants to be tied to the kitchen stove in summer, and thus, we share with you some tempting recipes that are easy to make, wonderful to look at, and very delicious. MINNESOTA SALAD SUPREME 2 quarts of ripe red strawberries 6 cups white grapes whole or cut in half 6 cups red grapes whole or cut in half 3 large golden bananas sliced 6 cups pitted Bing cherries 6 cups fresh, firm nectarines sliced 1 can Wilderness Peach pie filling 2 pints fresh blueberries No matter how much fruit you use, do not use more than one can of the peach pie filling. Do not use kiwi, watermelon, or cantaloupe as this fruit contains a lot of water. Clean all of the fruit and slice. Place in large bowl except the blueberries. Mix in the can of pie filling. Before serving, add the blueberries on top and just lift them slightly through the fruit. Serve as mixed, or place on a crisp bed of lettuce. Interesting English-Slovenian Food Terminology: Ice Cream is Sladoled (sla-do-led) Hamburger is Polplata (pole-plštt-a) French Fries are Pomfri (požm-free) Hot Dog is Vroča hrenovka (vr6a-cha hrčn-ov-ka) You will find more of these in MORE POTS & PANS cookbook! 1 pkg. (4 oz.) refrigerated crescent rolls 2 tsp. grated parmesan cheese 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 egg beaten 1/2 tsp. sesame and/or poppy seeds Separate crescent dough into four triangles. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Beginning at the wide end, roll up dough. Place with point down on a greased baking sheet. Brush with egg; sprinkle with sesame and/or poppy seeds. Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Increase recipe for larger amounts. MUSHROOM OLIVE SALAD 1/4 pound fresh mushrooms chopped 2 tbs. chopped stuffed olives 2 tbs. olive or vegetable oil 1 garlic clove minced 1/8 tsp. dried basil Salt and pepper to taste In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-1/2 hours before serving. Yield. 2 servings. Increase recipe for more. *************************** BACON WRAPPED POTATOES This is an excellent and different way to serve baked potatoes. Recipe yields two servings. Increase for larger guest list. 1 small onion thinly sliced 2 medium baking potatoes, halved lengthwise 4 bacon strips Layer onion slices on cut side of two potato halves and top with other potato half. Wrap each potato with two bacon 1 pkg. (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix 1-1/2 cups cold milk 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided 3/4 to 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted and divided 1 pastry shell baked or graham cracker crust 98 04 9 inches) In a mixing bowl, beat pudding and milk on low speed for 2 minutes. Fold in half of the whipped topping and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of coconut. Pour into crust. Spread with remaining whipped cream topping; sprinkle with remaining coconut. Chill. Yield: 6-8 servings. strips. Secure with toothpicks. Place on a lightly greased baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until potato is tender and bacon is crispy. Discard toothpicks before serving. SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS Excellent for parties and snacks 2 lbs. Jimmy Dean regular sausage 1!/j cups all purpose baking biscuit mix 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded l,2 cup finely chopped onion l/i cup finely chopped celery l,i teaspoon garlic powder Preheat oven to 375°. Mix all ingredients. Form into 1 inch balls. Bake 15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet until golden brown. Makes about 6 dozen Sausage cheese meat balls can be frozen uncooked. (From Our ‘Heritage ‘Kticfiens JEAN KORSMAN - CONT’D FROM PAGE 2: SWU Scholarship Fund Donations April and May 1999 Donor In Honor of Amount Anne F. Perhay Scholarship Fund $10.00 SWU, Br. 3, Pueblo, CO Scholarship Fund 100.00 SWU, Br. 50, Euclid, OH Scholarship Fund 50.00 Victoria Bobence Scholarship Fund 50.00 SWU, Br. 35, Aurora, MNScholarship Fund 25.00 Angie Musil Scholarship Fund 10.00 Beverly Menart Scholarship Fund 20.00 Kathleen Dorchak Scholarship Fund 20.00 Char Perdan & On behalf of a wonderful Branch 32, Euclid, OH convention 25.00 In Memory of Mary Miklavčič Frank Miklavčič 25.00 Ray & Agnes Zabak David Kosak 10.00 Ann Saari & Bill Slogar Louis Kotzian 10.00 Ann Saari & Bill Slogar Mary Evanish 10.00 Ann Saari & Bill Slogar Sister Maxine Erchul 10.00 Jonita Ruth & Family Josephine Muster 10.00 Florence Mirtel Jack Yemec 15.00 Victoria Bobence Mary Evanish 5.00 Victoria Bobence Frank Chunivec 5.00 Victoria Bobence John Schuster 5.00 Victoria Bobence Matilda Terselic 5.00 Dr. & Mrs. Ed Kompare Anne M. Kompare 100.00 Mary Staut Frank Artac 10.00 Ann Saari & Bill Slogar Florence Bartovich 10.00 Vitko & Mary Staut Frank Parkel 10.00 Frank & Fran Shepel Frances Pengal 5.00 Frank & Fran Shepel Mary Ravnikar 5.00 Frank & Fran Shepel Frances Perushek 5.00 Frank & Fran Shepel Rose Steklasa 5.00 SWU,Br. 20, Joliet, 1L Louis Koenig 5.00 SWU.Br. 20, Joliet, IL Georgette Tinnerello 5.00 SWU, Br. 20, Joliet, IL Helen Janke 5.00 SWU, Br. 20, Joliet, IL Mary Ann Boyle 5.00 SWU, Br. 20, Joliet, IL Pauline Machak 5.00 SWU, Br. 20, Joliet, IL Lee Gutnik 5.00 SWU.Br. 20, Joliet, IL Josephine Muster 10.00 Ann Saari & Bill Slogar Joseph Mertel 10.00 Helen Dragovan Joseph Mertel 5.00 Br. 42, Maple Hts.,OH Theresa Filips 10.00 Br. 42, Maple Hts.,OH Mildred Lipnos 10.00 Marge Church Mildred Lipnos 10.00 Josie Gruden & Bill Vacel Mildred Lipnos 10.00 Mary Parkel Frank Parkel 10.00 Dorti Zidar Mildred Lipnos 15.00 Br. 103, Wash. D.C. Matilda Terselic 25.00 Br. 23,Ely,MN Mary Evanish 5.00 Br. 50, Euclid, OH Deceased Members 10.00 Ann J. Tercek Charles Tercek Carol Piccirello 10.00 Mary Turvey, Director SWU Scholarship Fund Saturday night’s Banquet and awards dinner was the highlight of the convention. The table decorations were individual ceramic candle holders and a stemmed crystal goblet with the SZŽ embossed logo, gifts for each attendee. A moving and solemn installation of officers was conducted by Tory Bobence. Each new officer was presented with a burning candle, the color symbolizing her job and duties... Guest speaker, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel spoke of Slovenia’s hopes and plans for the future. Pins and bouquets were presented to members who have served the SWU in some capacity with with unselfish dedication. A warm glow of friendship permeated the room. Our new President, Kathleen Dorchak was applauded for planning this heart-warming event. Sunday morning mass at the Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe was an inspirational and appropriate conclusion to our successful convention. Our SWU group made up just a small portion of the tourists and travelers who were in attendance there, but we were granted an introduction, were selected to bring up the gifts, and were honored to have our beautiful song, “Ceščena Si, Marija” played at the end of the mass; allowing us personal participation in this celebration. SAMSULA FLORIDA PICNIC Kathy, Ann Tercek and member-resident of Florida (above); Linda Ford enjoyed dancing with a happy partner (left). An afternoon trip to Samsula, Florida and Lodge 603 at the SNPJ Rec Center turned out to be our most “Slovenian” activity, and a most joyous occasion. We were greeted warmly by the members present, danced to their button-box group, and were served a delicious meal of Slovenian sausage, buns, parsley-buttered potatoes, white buttered beets, (a first for me) cole-slaw, coffee and apple strudel. We took a relaxing bus ride back, via a different scenic route. Reluctant to end the day and leave our new friends, we shared an ice cream Sunday at a nearby Perkins restaurant, sat at poolside for an hour in the soft glow of the setting sun, and finally said our goodbyes, with hopes that we will see each other in four years at the next SWU Convention. God willing we will see you all in Minnesota. flCTIUITIES Congratulations! SWU Crest indicates the 70th Anniversary of this branch in 1999. NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Thurs. St. Stephen’s lower hall Zveza Picnic - July 18, 1999 St. Mary’s Seminary, Lemont, IL Rain or Shine - The picnic is on! We are hoping we will have a large turn-out this year. If our sisters and their families from all the neighboring branches, as well as, our members attend, then we would rejoice with the knowledge we could truly support our Heritage and Scholarship Funds. Remember, holy mass at 11:00 a.m. -Marija Pomagaj chapel and afterwards, lunch on the hill. Great music by Vince Rigler’s Band, games, and of course, you will meet old friends. For those who have not seen the lovely Slovenian Cultural Center - you will be surprised and happy to see it now. Please remember our sick members in your prayers and also with a card: Elsie Melissa; Albie Rasp; David Hanzlik (Meta’s son has a brain tumor); Jennie Oblak, and Bill Fabian. Members, we’ve lost another dear member, Sophie Simec, who was buried June 7th. She was a member for 67 years! God rest her soul. Congratulations to our members who were honored by organizations at St. Stephen’s: Elsie Ciszek - “Mother of the Year” from Holy Name Society; Irene Smid - “Mother of the Year" from “Our Ladies Guild”; Mary Reich -“Woman of the Year” from St. Stephen Senior Women and Marija Rigler — “Mother of the Year” of Br. 2. We had a ncie time at our party for Marija. Mass was said at St. Stephen’s Shrine; the Slovenian Choir came from St. Mary’s/Lemont and Fr. Vendelin played the organ, Fr. Stan said Mass. Afterward, a luncheon was served by the members. A program was performed, “This is your life, Marija” by members and also her son, Vince Rigler and daughter, Susan Rus sang a song especially for her which was very touching. Justin (age 6) and Robert (age 3) sang Slovenian songs to their grandmother. Junior member, Ashley Schachter, dressed as an angel, entered the hall and presented Marija with an angel figurine, a gift from the members of Br. 2. 23rd National Convention/Orlando was really a success. We all enjoyed everything. Thanks to Kathy Dorchak and her committee for all their work putting this together. One of the highlights of the convention was attending Mass at “Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine”. It was built of stone, of brick and tile from money received from tourists. The place is so breathtaking, I hope anyone goes to that part of Florida will make it a point to go there and see this beautiful church for yourself. Thanks to the members of SNPJ/ Samsula for their hospitality, lunch, music by a great Slovenian band. We each got a big hug from Janice Gross, the hostess, when leaving. It was so nice to meet our members from other branches and we could see Love really is in every Slovenian. We enjoyed all the time we could be with one another. And then we had to spend some days at Mickey’s Disney World; it’s such a joy for kids of all ages... Please read the ZARJA for all the info regarding the business part of the convention. Our next convention will be held in four years in Duluth, MN; we will be looking forward to seeing old friends again. We know we will have a great time. Thank you all. Happy birthday to all our members and especially: Happy birthday America - May your colors wave forever! Love, DAISY NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO Meeting: 1st Tues. St. Mary’s Church Hall We ended our season with our May Party May 4 at the Carriage House at which time we honored our Mother of the Year, Josephine Krasovic. I attended the SWU National Convention in Orlando, Florida in May as a delegate for Branch 3. It was an enriching experience and so wonderful to be able to meet and spend time with such a wonderful group of ladies from other branches. I will give a full report when our meetings resume in the fall. Be sure to read all about it in the ZARJA. Congratulations to Carol Shisler and Dylan Bono on the birth of a son, Brennan. Brennan is the grandson of Carol and Bill Shisler and great grandson of Mary Tekavec. Congratulations are in order for the following: Maria and Tony Perko, children of Ursula and Charles S. Perko, and grandchildren of Josephine and Charles W. Perko and Anna Knific. Tony is a member of Pitts Middle School team that won the District NAL Title. Maria received honorable mention in the cover design for Classroom ’99 and News Writing Contest. Jon Chrisman, son of Doug and Kathy Chrisman and grandson of Bernice and Rudy Krašovec, Sr. was selected to the CSU Honor Band. Heather Walsh, daughter of Mary Jo Glavich and granddaughter of Sally Glavich, a 3-year graduate of the University of Sothem Colorado, recipient of the Anthony Capazzola Outstanding Academic Award, received her Bachelors Degre in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. After June, she will begin the advanced internship with DisneyWorld’s College Program eventually seeking her Masters Degree at the University of Central Florida. Beth Ann Hewitt, Jean Železnikar and Mary Turvey sharing a happy mood Member of the Year selected by Br. 5 Betty Dragan was bom in Waldron, Indiana, but has Ivied in the same house in Indianapolis for the last 36 years. Betty had IBM training and worked for the State of Indiana for 15 years as a keypunch operator. She worked at RCA for 17-1/2 years and she owned a dress shop in Shelbyville for 5 years. Betty has been retired since 1982. Betty married Louie Dragan on October 14, 1972. They were married in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Betty’s fondest memory was seeing all their friends from the many Slovenian organizations at their wedding. There were over 1100 people in attendance. Louie encouraged Betty to join the SWU and we thank you for that, Louie. Before illness curtailed many activities, Betty and her husband liked to travel. Betty like to do crafts, but most of all she loves to cook. A collector of china cup and saucers, Betty has accummulated over 60 sets from around the world dating back to the 1940’s. Currently, Betty and Louie reside in Indianapolis with their Chocolate point Siamese Cat, that they love to spoil. Our heartfelt wishes to our “Member of the Year!” daughter of Judy Weber and granddaughter of Frances Ondovchik, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Colorado University in Boulder. Congratulations are in order for Mary (Mitzi) and Albert Drobnick who will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary June 18. They have three daughters, Diane Wilson, Dana Eccher and Doreen Martinez. They have eight grandchildren. Josephine Poder is going to go to Santa Clara, California for the wedding her granddaughter, Shannon Doran, to John Saunders. Josephine will celebrate her birthday there and then go on to Seattle to be with her daughter, Jan and husband until July 6. Brittany Davies, daughter of Mary Jane (Krašovec) and Ron Davies and granddaughter of Bernice and Rudy Krašovec, Sr., is a survivor of the Columbine tragedy in Littleton, Colorado. She said the horror of the day will forever remain in her mind, but she is eager to move on. As always, remember the sick, homebound and nursing home residents. Our sympathy is extended to those who have lost loved ones. Have a good summer. We will resume our meetings October 5. Hope to see a lot of you then. PAULINE PAUCHICK NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN Meeting: 1st Thurs. SND, from May to Dec. Branch 5 held their annual May luncheon and meeting on May 13, 1999, at the Slovenian National Home. It was not a good weather day, but it was a great meeting. Teresa Lambert and Betty Dragan were both honored as Mother/Member of the Year. We were so glad to see them at the meeting. We were also fortunate enough to be able to provide food to several members who were homebound. We are again planning a Mass/Social for October. We have not as yet determined the date. We will keep you informed, so you can plan to attend. Member News: A huge congratulations to Louie and Dolores Konechnik, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. What a triumph!! Dolores is Branch 5’s Sec- retary. She and Louie have both been long time supporters of the SWU. Unfortunately, Louie broke his leg and ankle shortly before the big party. We hope you are on the mend, Louie. Congratulations to all SWU members who have graduated in 1999! Branch 5 wishes special congratulations to Katie Fon on her graduation from college. Katie attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Branch 5 would like to especially congratulate Sarah Williams on her high school graduation. Sarah will be going to college this fall. She had received several scholarships and will be attending the University of Indianapolis. Congratulations to Brooke Mohr, a Branch 5 junior member, on her 8th grade graduation from Christ the King Catholic School in Dallas, Texas. Brooke has been accepted into Ursuline High School, an all-girls Catholic High School, also in Dallas. On a personal note, I am engaged to be married. Leonard Friesenhahn, my intended and I have set the date as October 23, 1999. We will be getting married in Indianapolis, even though we both live in Texas. We live in two different cities and after much work, finally were able to put everything together for Indy. A special wish goes to all our members who have been sick or home-bound, we think and pray for you all. God Bless to You. Love from Texas, BARBARA MOHR NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 3rd Thurs. St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & Aug. Our Mother’s Day party was a huge success. We honored ALL our members this year with 45 ladies present. We were honored to have our two charter members with us, Mary Bucovnik and Jackie Nimmer. Jackie also celebrated her birthday with special treats for us. The lunch was catered and as usual our kitchen gals did a terrific job. We surely appreciate you all. We had many cakes donated by our members. We received a nice donation from LaVeme Korpnick to be used towards our Mother’s Day lunch expenses. Thank you for your nice card, LaVeme. We lost a member, Elsie Valenčič; in the paper it said she was a member of 43, but she was our member. Sorry for all the mix-up which goes to show we miss the printout sheet from headquarters for our list of members. The branch will get a mass offering for Elsie. To her daughter, Dorothy Rozman and family we extend our heartfelt sympathy. t Jean Jelenc We pray for the repose of Jean Jelenc, who died Oct. 25, 1998. She was so well-known in our community and we will miss her. With her late husband, John, they operated the Jelenc Funeral Home for many years. She was always very generous to us. May she rest in peace. It was nice to see Colleta Imperl back after all her problems over a dumb rain-pipe. Loni Limoni was busy in June as she had John’s relatives here from Slovenia, plus her daughter and granddaughter will come from Virginia to meet them. Hope you have filled your freezer so it won ’ t be too hectic, Loni! Theresa Fedran had surgery and is hoping to be back with us soon. Del Bozich is under the weather, too. Evelyn Laurich missed our Mother’s Day party as she was in the hospital. Many years Evelyn made our Mother’s Day cake. Get well, girls! Ann Gram bow and Julie Pesec are spending 10 days in Indiana. Isn’t it nice when your relatives pick you up? No driving needed thru hectic Chicago. Ann Norelli wil be spending 3 months in Italy. Happy Fourth of July to all. Remember the Mission Picnic at Triglav Park on July 25th. To all our sick members and those in Nursing Homes, our prayers are with you. MARY KIEL NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Meeting: 3rd Thurs. Slovenian Hall on Mariposa St. I have just returned home from the National Convention as I write today, and I had a wonderful time, visiting with old friends and meeting new ones. Four years seems like such a long time, but the minute you see the familiar faces, and give smiles and hugs, the time disappears. I am very proud to say I have been elected to the National Board or Directors again, as an Auditor, and I will be happy to be working with dear friends. The convention was very interesting. Our keynote speaker especially was moving to me. There were many changes that we are bringing back to our branches for the future progress of our Zveza. All these changes, we believe, are beneficial to bring us into the new century. We have many challenges, but we can do it, as we have in the past! The Mass and procession at Mary Altar of Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine in Orlando. The Shrine Mass was a fitting conclusion to the convention in Orlando and leading the procession of delegates and guests were Vida Kumse, Corinne and Gladys Buck in Slovenian costumes. Queen of the Universe Shrine was a glorious way to close the event. Thank you, Kathleen for a job well done. At home we had our “Hello to Summer” luncheon and it was a lovely day. We don’t meet in July or August, so it’s a nice way to end the first half of the year. Eleanor Hnilo told us that her daughter, Judy is off to Africa again for her vacation. And, our auditor, Ann Sus-tarich will be going to Slovenia. Much happiness in the home of secretary, Moreen Spencer with husband, Don coming home. He has had many difficult days but his determination and all the love and encouragement of his family will have him up and around soon. All our good wishes, Don. We sent cards to Agnes Lovrin, Agnes Leach, and Rose Scoff just to let them know we are thinking of them. “Friendship is as necessary as the sun, as constant as the stars, and as rewarding as spring after a long winter." Have a wonderful, safe and happy summer, dear friends! BEVERLY JACKSON NO. 14, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 1st Tues., 6 p.m. Slov. Society Home After a month of dry and warm spring days, many of us diligently and optimistically set to work planting our gardens. Then mother nature helped us out and sent us several days of showers, but unfortunately, cooled off the temperatures enough to effect some of our gardens. Oh well, back to work replanting my tender pepper plants. Another delightful evening was had by all at our Mothers Day Dinner with members and friends, in which we honored all of our members as Mothers and Ladies of the Year. We were pleased to see the smiling faces of the daughters of Fran Prijatel who always enjoy our special events. Eight year old Kayla Beasley who attends Orchard Hollow school, granddaughter of Marilyn Beasley, and Fran’s great granddaughter, was our youngest guest at the dinner. We were also pleased to have Polka Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement honoree, musician Eddie Habat and his wife Pat join us for the evening. A tanned and rested Ileene Collins is in town once again and also was busily catching up on the latest news. Colorful table favors were pot-scrub-bers in brilliant colors of the rainbow which had been crocheted by Larry Varney’s aunt Edith Schaar and were set at each place on the table. Many thanks to you, Edith Schaar! Secretary Diane Varney distributed 50-year member pins to several of our ladies. We were so happy to have with us 50-year member Mary Stražišar, who now resides at Gateway Apartments. Mary is one of the very dedicated members who had been President then Vice President for 35 years. She was our noodle lady, bingo lady, and prayer lady and has now retired and She’s 80! There were fifty voices (all female), shouting surprise! Gladys almost went into shock. The date was May 4 and the place was Gaddini’s. The celebrant was Gladys Buck, our friend and branch secretary. The hostess was her niece, Barb Ireland and co-conspirators were Veda Kumse, Edna Winters and Kelly Ireland. Can you believe that nobody blabbed!?! We had a great time. Barb is to be commended for all of her planning and preparation for this shindig. Barb and Kelly came in by train from Minneapolis. Grandniece Kelly, Gladys and Niece Barbara passed on these duties to present officers . So glad to have you with us Mary! No. 14 members who received 50-year pins are Mary Stražišar, Rose Mik-lich, Anna Ogrin, and Karen Puza. Congratulations and God bless you all! Once again Sophie Mazi and her crew provided us with her usual delicious home-style dinner from soup to breaded pork chops and roasted chicken to apple and cheese strudel. Yum! Yum! Many thanks for all who made this pleasant evening possible. Jennie Fitzthum and Vera Bajec who greeted us at the door, Diane Varney and husband Larry, President Martha Koren and husband Ed for decorating and setting up the hall into a springtime garden. And thanks to runners who diligently passed out door prizes: Steve Valenčič, Diane Varney, Eleanor Bub-nik, Stana Grill and Marty Koren, and to Kayla Beasley who pulled out the lucky numbers. A special thanks to Jim and June Slapnik for joining us and for donating the lovely flower centerpiece. Members are reminded to keep their ears pealed for news about our annual cookbout which Marty and Ed Koren generously hold in their spacious yard. A likely date is Tuesday, September 7. There will be further news forthcoming if it will take place. Remember ladies, no meetings will be held in the months of July and August. Hope you have a joyful summer! ALICE KUHAR NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Saturday, 1 p.m. monthly except Jan.-July-Aug. St. George Hall Hello all! I hope that you are all enjoying the summer weather! How are the crops? Congratulations and prayers for a successful reign to our newly-elected national officers. May they fulfill all of their duties for a successful regrowth of our S.W.U. Our thanks to Br. 16 president, Edna Winters for our May party. About 30 people enjoyed her hospitality. Edna had an ample amount of prizes so that we each received two. Father David also attended and entertained us by playing the accordian. We also had a sing-a-long. A few members were there whom we seldom see, Ana Lustig, Mary Rago, Matilda Voss and Elsie Seiner. Come to our meetings - we do have a nice time. Ann is looking forward to a visit from her son, Eddie and his wife, Pat. They live in Arizona now since they retired. We have a lot of congratulations to issue: to Tina Sertich who was honored as Mother of the Year by the Christian Mothers of St. George Church. Tina steps in to help at our meetings when ever she can. Congratulations: to the bride and groom, Angela Segvich and Joseph Matushek who wil be wed on July 2 at St. Florian Church. Joe is the son of our Beverly Matushek. Congratulations: to Jim Nicovich, grandson of our Julie Vrlich. Jim graduated from Crown Point High School and will be entering Butler College this fall. Congratulations: to Lindsay Puterko, Mary Puterko’s granddaughter, who will be a freshman at Munster High in September. Congratulations: to my granddaughter, Megan Monahan on her recent confirmation and also on her graduation from St. Bemadine’s grammar school. She will attend Oak Park/River Forest High School. More congratulations: to my daughter, Rose Marie Nishimura who was recently inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Society of Nursing. May 30th was a big day for celebrating at St. George Church. Father David celebrated his twenty-five years in the service of the Lord. His Mass of Thanksgiving was at 11:00 a.m. Many priests and brothers were there to share in his joy. After mass he was feted by about 300 guests at Mr. D’s Villa. Father’s family, his mom and dad, his three sisters and his brothers all came to share their joy and to celebrate. Bob O be rman was the emcee - good job, Bob! The choir excelled as usual. Helen Battista sang the Ave Maria and The Holy City as only she can do. Dotsi Rossi baked a super delicious cake as only she can do. Ad Multos Annos! * * * Grandma Ehnat has been doing a litle bragging and well she should. Her grandson, Joseph Slezak, a senior at Main South High School was on a team from his school that went to Washington, D.C. for a champion Civics competition. Their team captured first place nationally against 50 other teams from every state and the District of Columbia. This was the “We the People... The Citizens and the Constitution.” They were awarded the first place prize by U.S. Supreme Court Jus- tice David Souter. The highest they every placed before was 4th Place. Joseph was interviewed by Katy Couric on NBC. Our congratulations to all -moms and dads, too. Our Helen Pastirik reached the age of 90 on May 30. She is a lovely lady and faithfully attends our meetings. Mary Gorenz had surgery and is well on the road to recovery. Our condolences to: Marie Livaich on the death of her husband, John; Mary Meyers on the loss of her son, Gerald; and to my daughter, Kathy on the loss of her dear mother-in-law Marion Monahan. To all of the families our sympathies on their losses. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace! Peace and love, MARGE Disney World was the focus for sightseeing by the Joliet group and Walt Disney seems to be welcoming them to his World. From left, Bea Nemanich, Dorothy Koncar, Jonita Ruth, Charlene Kobe, Ann Dragovan and Marcia Judnick. NO. 20, JOLIET, IL Meeting: 3rd Tues. except June to Sept. St. Joe’s Park Hall Dear Members: I am writing this article today, Memorial Day, and I attended the Mass offered by Fr. George Klepec at the Grotto in St. Joe’s Cemetery. There was a nice crowd in spite of the rain and Fr. George bravely said Mass with the help of Art Hrvatin holding a large umbrella over Father and the altar. The sun managed to peep thru and we enjoyed the symbolic and patriotic ceremony by the American Legion veterans. May we always honor our veterans who gave so much for us. Well, our tired members returned from the Nat’l. Convention in Florida all excited with stories of their good times and “you should have been there!” Our new national officers from Br. 20 are Jonita Ruth - Nat’l. Treasurer and Agnes Dobczak - Director of Women’s Activities. Fr. David Stalzer won the beautiful quilt at which time, on hearing this, the “rowdy Br. 20” group gave a loud “hooray”! Our 1999 Woman of the Year celebration was a huge success with delicious food by Lillian Cepon and music by our Button Boxers - The Wolf Bros, and Geo Buric. The Joliet Croatian Kola Dancers entertained in costume. Many thanks to everyone who tirelessly helped decorating, bartending and to photographer Bob Judnik, who never lays down his camera. Also, elected as Woman of the Year by our Senior Club of St. Joe’s Church was Delores Ambrozich, a well deserving, tireless worker. Thanks to both ladies. Also congrats to “lucky” Bernice Ramsak, winner of 2 round trip tickets to anywhere in the USA - on a raffle from St. Joe’s PTO. The Diocese is celebrating 50th Anniversary Couples Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond on August 22. We know of the following: Rich & Audrey Chumovic, Albert & Adrianna Vidmar, Rudy & Millie Pucel, Michael & Frances Ruggera and Chester & Ber-nadine Rutkowski. Celebrating their 30th Anniversary are Frank & Lil Cepon. Recently, Michael & Nancy Mitok added a new baby to their family. Congratulations to you! Erin Burke, granddaughter of John & Mary Anzelc graduated from the U. of Maine at Machias, Maine on May 8th. While there, the Anzelcs spent 2 weeks with their daughter, Mary Ellen. Get well wishes to Deanie Gudek and Sharon Zelinski. Sympathy to the families of Jo Tezak on the death of her sister, to Pat Polley on the death of her sister, to families of our member, Julie Plese, age 93, Lee Gutnik and Josephine Muster, 71 year member. She served as National Treasurer, National Secretary and Vice President. She certainly was a faithful, tireless member. Upcoming events: July 18 is Zveza Day in Lemont, sponsored by Br. 2 of Chicago, beginning with 11 a.m. Mass and picnic on the grounds will follow. If you need a ride, call 727-1926. Our next meeting will be Sept. 21st at which time we will see the pictures and movie taken by Bob Judnik. Sept. 26 - Grape Harvest Festival Dance, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joe’s Hall with music by Bob Doszak Band. Don’t forget our Church Fair July 10 and 11. Be sure to purchase the raffle books to benefit our church. If you have articles you would like published in this ZARJA column, call 815-727-3177. KATHY STONICH MEET THE NEW BOARD! In conjunction with the Meeting of the Board of Directors on July 17 in Joliet, IL, the newly elected members of the Board will be in Lemont for ZVEZA DAY on Sunday, July 18th! Come and meet and welcome them as our new administrators! Those wishing to send in any comments, suggestions, reports, etc. for the Board meeting must make contact with the President in advance: Kathleen J. Dorchak, President, 3088 Markle Dr., Silver Lake, OH 44224, tel. (330) 686-1336. NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL Meeting: 3rd Thurs. Catholic School Library Mar.-Apr.-May-June Sept.-Oct.-Nov. Twelve members attended the April meeting. The National Convention was the main topic of discussion. Our elected Delegate and Alternate announced that neither of them could attend the Convention. Our member, Bonnie Prokup, IL-IN State President will be there and will give us a report at our June meeting. A donation was made to the Lighted Way Developmental School also the Resurrection Parish for the use of La Salle Catholic School for our meetings. Resurrection, St. Hyacinth; and Queen of the Holy Rosary Parishes support the school but Resurrection Parish maintains the building. Cathy Lenkaitis served delicious refreshments after the meeting. Our May luncheon to honor all members, was held on Wednesday, May 12 at noon at the Red Door Inn. Mary Mecum served as chairman and made all the arrangements. 19 members attended the luncheon. The centerpieces were blooming miniature rose bushes which were awarded as door prizes after the luncheon. Mary Ann Brunner, Jo Graboski, Betty Stack and Anne Wangler were the lucky recipients. A special prize donated by Bonnie Prokup was won by Josephine Savnik. A good time was had by all and we thank Mary for the nice party. The Catholic Post, newspaper of the Peoria Diocese, featured a photo of our member, Mary Jean Weihman, who teaches first grade at St. Patrick’s School in Ottawa and has taught CCD classes for 20 years. Her grandmother, Angela Strukel, must be smiling in Heaven witnessing Mary Jean’s dedication. We’re proud of her, too! We’re proud also of our Rev. Bernard Horzen who has been named National Spiritual Advisor of the KSKJ. We look forward to his articles in the KSKJ Voice. Congratulations, Father. Fr. Bernard was recently recognized by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council for his service as an educational advisor to the National Young Leaders Conference. This is a week-long leadership gathering for High School students held in Washington, D.C. We thank Father Bernard for the Slovenian Litany which was in Resurrection Church on May 16th. It is such a beautiful service that we can’t understand why so few of our Slovenian people come — those who do enjoy it so much. Thanks to Jo Foley for the delicious lunch after the litany. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Our member Frances Ahcin Kasik is a patient in St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, at this time having back surgery. She expects to be wearing a body cast during the next three months. We send you our prayers and wishes for a complete recovery, Frances. We’re happy to report that Theresa Wellner is feeling better and is back playing the organ for the Saturday night Mass. We pray that she will continue to get her strength back and will participate in our activities. Jane Sherman is a resident at La Salle Healthcare now and Theresa Savnik has resided in Dal-zell at the O’Byme Rest Home for several months. July birthday celebrants are: Amy Schweickert, Julie Ann Weber, Jr. member—Barbara Jean Prokup, Mary Mecum, Ann Dresen, Deborah Dob-ryndia, Mildred Welch, Bonnie Prokup, Alvina Ann Strukel, Jr.-member, Melissa McLaughlin, Barbara Krogulski and Audrey Prokuski. In August birthday celebrants will be: Julie Ann Wangler, Jane Sherman, Evelyn Kastigar, Susan Collins, Dorothy Parola and Barb Pohar. We wish each and everyone of you a Happy Birthday and hope there will be many more in the future. As we said before there are no meetings in Hot July and August but we’re looking forward to our Fall and Winter season. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, September 16, at 7:00 o’clock in the La Salle Catholic School. We’ll be making our arrangements to attend the State Convention in October--more about that later. At that time a new Illinois-Indiana State President will be elected as our Bonnie Prokup will assume the office of National Secretary at the end of this July. She was a wonderful State President and will do a good job as National Secretary of SWU for all of the members. Congratulations, Bonnie! We’re so proud to have you as our member. ANNE MARIE WANGLER, Reporter NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH 2nd Sunday, 1:30 p.m. St. Vitus Social Room A little late but best wishes to all our mothers for a belated glorious day... God bless all our wonderful mothers and, happy Father’s day to the bread winners, June 20. It has been brought to our attention that occasionally we miss someone who has passed away or in the hospital and we haven’t sent a card or our sympathies... Please contact Peggy Moore if you know of any of these occurrences.. . we need to keep in touch with all our members and a card is always nice to receive. A ZVEZA PIONEER IS GONE! We deeply mourn the passing of our very lovely past national officer, Josephine Muster of Joliet, Illinois. Josephine was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1903 and died April 8th, 1999. She was a 70-year member and served a National Treasurer from 1939 until 1952. The members of Br. 20 loved her and counted her as one of their most distinguished members. Josephine is survived by her son, Frank, son in law Samuel Hoobler, and was grandmother of 7 grandchildren and great grandmother of 10; she also had numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Sympathy to her family and we pray for her eternal rest and peace. V_________________________________J Woman of the Year of 1999 at SWU 25 was our own President, Fran Gazvoda. .. The affair took place at Sterle’s Country House on May 8, 1999. We all had a great time and participated in all the festivities. To date Br. 25 has sold 18 cook books. Delegates for May 20-25 convention in Orlando, Florida was President, Fran Gazvoda and Alternate, Peggy Moore. Ohio-Michigan convention will take place Sept. 25, 1999 with a Mass at St. Vitus Church, 6019 Glass Ave. and dinner at Sterle’s Country House. More info later. Watch the news in the ZARJA. Congratulations to Albina Mrsnik... Mother of the Year from Branch 50.. Čestitke. Happy birthday wishes to Marie Orazem and a speedy recovery to all members celebrating birthdays our good wishes for many happy years ahead and good health to all and to all members on the sick list or in the hospital a speedy recovery.. To Cirila Kermavner get well wishes... she recently had surgery. Keep all our sick in your prayers and thoughts. To my son, Rikk... a special belated birthday wish on June 1st. Love You. My personal thanks to the Slovenian National Home on St. Clair for the honor of selecting me Woman of the Year. The banquet was held on March 21, 1999 and was very beautiful. My sincerest thanks to all for your good wishes, gifts, flowers, etc. I am eternally grateful and I was happy to see my photo and write up in the ZARJA. Loved it and how nice to be thought of. Hvala. Did you see and read the article about our own Jim Debevec of the Ameriška Domovina in the Plain Dealer... what a feather in the cap of all Slovenians! We salute you, Jim! Till we meet again.. Na Svidenje, I’ll leave you with this thought... Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a gift. Vse najboljše! EMILEE JENKO NO. 32, EUCLID, OH Jpj^Zneting: 3rd Wed. 6:30 p.m. 'MBŽaid Public Library, Erie Room Hello ladies! Spring has just ended and summer is here. All the flowers and trees are in bloom. Whatever your plans are hope you have a fun and safe summer. Charlotte Perdan and her granddaughter, Alexandria Perdan, also a member, attended the National Convention in May of this year. Their plans also included a trip to Disney World. Hope you two had a great time. Did you see Mickey Mouse? Adrienne Jager and a friend, Michelle Solnosky took a trip to Florida, where they headed out on a cruise ship for a few days. The cruise ship visited the Grand Bahama Islands. The Mothers Day Dinner on May 19th was successful. A total of 15 members along with 4 guests attended. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. A reminder for all! Please do not forget that there are no meetings held in July or August. The next meeting scheduled will be on September 15th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library’s Erie Room. This is always the hardest thing to report. Our condolences go out to one of our member Josephine Comenshek. Josephine’s husband, Albert passed away on April 21st. The wake was held at Brickman’s Funeral Home, which was followed by the funeral the next day. Our love and prayers go out to Josephine and her family. Happy birthday wishes go out to those member who had a birthday in May and June. As well as Happy Anniversaries!! Oh lels not forget the birthdays and anniversaries in July and August. Best wishes to all. Good bye ladies until next time. Take care and best wishes. ADRIENNE JAGER 35, AURORA, MN l-rflf Meeting: 6 per year [CXjommunity Sr. Center No report was made for the May-June ZARJA so this one will be lengthy. We met on April 11th at the C. Center and opened the meeting with prayers for our families. Plans were made for a catered dinner on May 6th in honor of our Mother of the Year, Alice Wilson. Congratulations to our young members! Nick Martinetto made the honor roll - you are so special, Nick, in all the things you do! Our juniors planned the special Stations of the Cross on Good Friday with a choir that was beautiful. A job well done! Zachary Walbum, who made his First Holy Communion, and Katie Martinetto, Adam Ferris and Janelle Antilla were Confirmed in May. God bless you. High School graduates: Rebecca Klandar, Nathan Lee (Hibbing), Robert Orazem (Isle). Congratulations! We wish you the best in whatever your future plans may be. Nathan and Robert received the All-Slav Association Scholarships; and, Nathan is the recipient of the Anna Rose Smolich SWU Scholarship. High School Junior, James Wheeler was part of a team who took part in the Minnesota 3M Tech Challenge and received a Superior rating (the highest), and were only one of three teams received this rating in the Advanced Architectural Design level. They also received one of our Specialty honors for Best Overall Design. (Read more about Nathan in this ZARJA by our Scholarship Director.) Carolyn Hodnik took part in a dance recital - your group always puts on a beautiful performance, Carolyn. Get well wishes to Helen Simonich. Congratulations to Kelly Soular and Anton Zupančič. Belated get well wishes to Josephine Potter from Rensen, NY and Ann Royer. By now we hope you are both recovered and active again. Our sympathy to Frances Stark who lost her husband, Albert, and to Ann Royer who lost her husband, Frank. May they rest in peace. Thanks to Erika Hodnik and her daughters, Alysa and Carolyn for sharing their “vacation” in Japan with us. It was interesting to hear their impressions of the country and culture. Bernice Ceglar and Marlys Rabb served a delicious dessert - using a recipe from Pots and Pans. Thank you. On April 15th we met with Charlotte Happy 80th Birthday Mom/Nan/Grandma, Anne Orazem! I know it’s hard to believe but that wonderful lady, Anne Orazem, of Branch 35 will be 80 years ‘young’ on July 24th! If you know our Mom you’ll know that ‘young’ is exactly the right word for her. She is always on the go whether it be to the Happy Quilters, SWU, All Slav Club, etc., or just visiting one of us or other relatives! We can’t tell you how many letters and words of wisdom or comfort we have received over the years. Mom is the best when it comes to showing others that they are special, and in her thoughts, whether it is a long letter or just a note. Since three of us live out of town, this is more important than you can imagine. There’s nothing quite a special as a ‘note from Nan’ saying congratulations on winning your baseball game or hoping that you’re feeling better soon! She’s always the first one to tell us to slow down and the last one to listen to her own advice! Mom is the woman who has kept the family together and the woman that everyone turns to for advice (Can I get your recipe for potato salad for 200 people?) and always has a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen with, and words of encouragement. We just want to wish our Mom/Nan/Grandma a wonderful 80th Birthday and let her know she has our prayers and wishes for many happy, healthy years to come! We love you! Suzanne, Anthony, Paul, Kathleen and families Happy 80th Birthday! Vintage wine grows better with age A gentler, kinder drink; Anne like fine wine improves with years All who know her think. A caring person who takes the time -She does for others, you need not ask A caring word, a gentle touch Flows from Anne as wine from an open cask. Fine wine sits idle as it ages, Anne not so at all. She goes and does and travels far, She really has a ball. Nan's grand kids number a lucky seven, Her own children number four. But be it Nan or Mom she's called, She could not be loved more. Rothchild is to fine wine, As Anne is to us, big or small. A stellar gem to treasure, Appreciated by one and all. So this year on her birthday Anne reaches the age of 80. Let's raise our glass in toast to one Wonderful, Lovely Lady!!! Launch, our State President, at the Best Inn in Virginia. Delegates were informed of their responsibilities at the National Convention in May. Ideas were shared to make our meetings more interesting which helps to strengthen our SWU. * * * May 6th was a beautiful day for the gathering of many friends and members of Alice Wilson’s family to honor her as our Mother of the Year. We presented her with a lovely corsage of carnations and Irene Odorizzi’s book, “Footsteps Thru Time.” Wine and punch were served before dinner which was catered by Vyna Grivetti with cake and ice cream for dessert. After dinner, “memories” were shared and a beautiful poem by Erma Bombeck, dedicated to all mothers, was read by Alice’s daughter-in-law, Cheryl. No Slovenian celebration is complete without music, so our Festival Singers led in a sing-a-long of Slovenian folksongs to bring the happy day to a close. The Nativity Advent Wreath raffle was a success and I want to thank everyone for your total support. This money contributed to the delegates’ expenses to the Nat’l. Convention in Orlando. The lucky winner was Paul Williams from Harrison Township, MI (who happens to be my grandson and a member of our branch.) Congratulations, Paul. Thanks again to Prof. Max Shuster for his generous donation to the SWU Scholarship Fund in memory of his sister, Frances Peyton, a 50-year member of our branch. Our thanks to Kathy Dorchak and her committee who did such a great job of planning the Convention. Reports on the Convention will be in the forthcoming ZARJAs. Please take time to read them. We met many old and new friends again and will look forward to seeing you all in Minnesota in the year 2003. Congratulations to the Convention Raffle winners, Ann Tushar of Gilbert who won the Slovenian Doll and Fr. David Stalzer of Joliet, IL who won the hand-made quilt. Happy Summer everyone! ANNE M. ORAZEM NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN Meeting: 1st Wed. except June & Jul. Slovenian National Home Our ’98-’99 season of SWU meetings and activities closed on Friday May 7th with a wonderful banquet as members and friends gathered around Rosie Niemi, the honored Mother of the Year. All four children, three daughters and a son helped to make the evening special. A full course turkey dinner topped with a dessert and a lemon filled cake was prepared and served by member Rosie Marino and her assistants. Mike Launch on the accordian and Chuck Tomsich on the guitar played a repertoire of Slovenian songs. Charlotte Laurich and Jenny Briski sang and had the entire crowd singing with them. Our Emcee was Veda Ponikvar who capsuled Rosie’s life of generous giving. On the following evening our membership gathered in a group at St. Joseph’s Church to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for our members, our mothers and our own motherhood. Indeed—it was a grand way to end a great year. As I write-we say goodbye to our delegate, Gail Milton and our branch member State President Charlotte Laurich as they leave for the National Convention in Florida... and we give them our blessings for a most successful and fruitful three day affair. We will be anxiously awaiting a report upon their return. After a most successful season we are ready to take a deserved two month summer rest. Until August 4th when we meet again to begin another year in the life ofSWU. We wish you Love, Peace and Joy in Christ Jesus. May your summer be filled with blessings! GERT ZAKRAJŠEK NO. 40, LORAIN, OH Meeting: 2nd Wed. SS Cyril & Method Hall Twelve came to our meeting on April 12. Thanks to Agatha Donges and Irene Kokinda for the delicious lunch they served. Too bad that so few came to enjoy it. Our President got the door prize. The Pres, brought our meeting to order with prayer. Thanks to Angie Voytko for her donation to our treasury. We made a donation to the church for Easter. We lost another member. Helen Kozjan passed away recently. We received a thank you from her family for our memorial donation mass. I’m sorry to report that we did not send anyone to represent us at the convention due to illness. Oh well, the next best thing is to watch for news of the convention in future issues of the ZARJA. We honored all of our mothers when (Continued on page 25) Memories and souvenirs of our trip to Japan We were invited by S.W.U. Br. 35 Aurora, MN in April to talk about our trip to Japan. We are members of this branch. Our parents, Alan and Erika, have friends who live there and they invited us to come and visit them. Gary and his wife, Tachan met and got married while he was in the army. They lived in Aurora after the war and Gary worked as a building contractor. This is what he is doing in Japan now. We left for a 13-day vacation on June 2nd on an 11-hour overseas flight. We were met at the airport where Alyssa immediately remarked that she now felt what it was like to be in the minority. After a good day’s rest and some of Tachan’s delicious soup, we started out by visiting Nikko National Park. This is the only city that was not bombed during World War II. Gary’s friend, a Rotary Club member who spoke English met us and took us on a tour. We saw the burial sights of the Shoguns who were the military chiefs and also saw the 3 Golden Buddas, which were closed off to the public but he could get us in. That night we stayed in a Japanese Hotel and slept on the floor on Futons. It was kind of fun and something very Japanese. We were hungry for pizzas so our dad ordered two large ones that cost $60.00. Instead of pepperoni or sausage they had something like our hot dogs on top. Alyssa liked the Japanese foods but would not taste the octopus that dad ordered. We also went to Mt. Fuji which was awesome being on top of a mountain. It was hard walking on the rocks which are hard and made of porous lava. The Japanese have therapy rock gardens that you walk on barefoot and are supposed to promote health. We also went to the Pacific Ocean to collect sea shells and watch the Japanese surfers. Japanese homes are built very close together with not much space for a yard. On what space they have they grow green tea (which tasted awful) and rice plants. This trip was alot of fun and we learned alot about the customs and life in a foreign country. Alyssa and Carolyn Hodnik Alyssa (12) shows a soft sculptured Japanese doll; Erika (mother) holds a Mt. Fugi walking stick, and Carolyn (9) has Japanese umbrella with 2 origami cranes which symbolize peace. (Origami is a Japanese art craft using folded paper to form animals and flowers.) NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Br. 40 Continued: we held our luncheon at the Holiday Inn on May 12th. Twenty-two came and picked what they wanted from the menu. We were surprised by the visit of Barbara Buta who came from Phoenix, Ariz. She is the sister of our Irene Kokinda. We spent most of the afternoon socializing and later we went to our meeting hall and played Keno. It was a day well spent with friends and we were all happy that we came. Father’s day was on June 20th and we belatedly wish all our Father’s a happy day. Hope all you mother’s had a happy day, too. Try to come to our future meetings. With love, MARY MATOS NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH Meetings: Quarterly, 2nd month of the quarter, 2nd Saturday Maple Hts., Library On April 17th many of us attended a memorial mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for Jack Yemec, Jr., Marge Church’s brother. Jack’s family from Michigan attended. Following the mass a lunch was served at Hometown Buffet in Macedonia. The month of April saw us lose two long-time members: Theresa (Simončič) Filips and Millie (Glavic) Lipnos. Theresa’s late mother was a charter member of Br. 42 with Theresa joining in 1933. Millie’s late mother was the founder of our branch. Millie became a member in 1940 and held the office of Rec. Sec. for 29 years. She first held the office of Pres, in 1980 and continued to do so right up to the time of her demise. We would be remiss if credit was not given to this hardworking individual. In addition to the SWU, Millie served on the Maple Hts. Slov. Nat’l. Home Board of Directors, having been selected as their Slovenian Woman of the Year in 1974. Over the years she remained a pillar of the SNH serving in every capacity. All organizations need a Millie Lipnos whose diligence, dependability and loyalty made her the special Slovenian woman she was. My association with Millie was with the Planina Singing Society where we sat next to each other in the 1st alto section. The Glavics were known for NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 4th Wed. St. John Evangelist Rectory I hope all of you Mothers had a chance to spend a joyous time with your families on Mothers’ Day. I was invited by my granddaughter, Leah and her husband, Larry to attend services at their church on Mother’s Day! and then I was invited by Larry’s mother to a lovely luncheon. their vocalizing skills: sister, Mae Galla was an outstanding 2nd, alto and brother, A1 was our lead baritone. Can’t you just hear those heavenly Slovenian harmonies coming from that great choir loft in the sky? After a lengthy and difficult illness may she now rest in peace. She will be sorely missed. Terry Anzo’s granddaughter, Aria Marie Bona, recently earned degrees in social work and religion. She is anticipating a missionary assignment to either Cambodia or Bangladesh having already served in the Amazon, Haiti and Central America. Happy July birthdays to: Josie Gruden, Margaret Patena, Ellen Bodzionv, Mary Catherine Gruden, Alex Kossa-koski, Mae Danicic and Ludmilla Tac-sar. Happy August Birthdays to: Betty Ann Harr, Emily Gruden, Suzanne Harris, Mary Lou Prhne, Frances Hočevar, Jane Szymkowski, Mary Fink, Eleanor Charvat, Gabrielle Gruden, Mary Mauer and Marge Zupančič. Our annual mass at St. Wenceslas Church for living and deceased members on May 16th was fairly well attended, however, we had only 5 singing On May 26th our regular meeting day, we had our “Mother of the Year” luncheon at Klemmer’s. Helen Hajicek was crowned by our President Josephine Janezic. She was presented with a corsage and a plaque congratulating her on this special occasion. Some of Helen’s family attended, her daughter Joan Kohler, Daughter-in-law, Nikki Komassa, who gave a talk on her Mother in Law’s merits, and Helen’s very good friend, John Stimic. We had a very excellent luncheon. One of our youngest members, Maya Zelaya, daughter of Kyle, was very ex- members to do the Slovenian hymns. Fortunately we got a big boost in this department from our neighboring Slovenes: Florence Mirtel, Millie Stautihar, Ann Harsh, Paul Grill, Frank Hrovat and Joe Habjan. Many thanks for their able support. It was especially nice to see members, Betty Kosak Gawor and daughter, Betty Ann Harr who drove in from North Carolina to attend the mass and join us for brunch at the Crown Center Cookers Restaurant. I want to welcome a new member to Br. 42 - my niece, Nancy Kish, who resides in Henderson, Nevada. Nancy is the daughter of the late Julia and Louis Lipnos. Get well wishes to any ailing members and heartiest congratulations to our own Marge Church who has just returned from the SWU National Convention in Orlando where she was named National Vice Pres. She will certainly be an asset to the SWU Board of Directors. Have a safe and happy summer. Zbogom! LIL SADOWSKI Rose Lee and James Otto were married on April 6th, 1974. Their daughter, Kyle Zelaya, had a surprise 25th Anniversary Dinner for them at Classic Lanes. Many of their relatives and friends attended. We wish Rose Lee and James many, many healthy and happy years. Rose Lee is the daughter of the late Rose Kraemer, our long time and very dedicated Secretary of S.W.U. No. 43. Rose Lee and James Otto, Silver Anniversarians cited because she won one of the raffle prizes. We were happy to see Lorraine Johnson, who had knee surgery, at this luncheon. She still has a little difficulty in walking, but we are hoping she will mend real soon. Frances and Leon Sagadin just returned from vacationing in Arizona. Frances said they had a wonderful time visiting relatives and friends. Our last meeting was in June, which means that almost half of 1999 in gone. Some time I wish the time would stop just for a little while, I’m just not ready to get old that fast. ANNE E. KONCZAL, Reporter NO. 50, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. Euclid Public Library except July & Aug. Dober Dan! Memorial Day is safely tucked away. Now we have the whole summer to enjoy. There was a meeting on June 16th which is after the fact due to the timing of this publication. The pertinent details of the National Convention, which took place in May, will be explained to us by our two delegates, Mary Miller and Ann Tercek who represented Branch 50 at the Convention. Some changes of importance have taken place, especially when we reach the age of 85. The convention committee did a tremendous job putting all this together. Branch 50 humbly thanks each and everyone. We have a new National Borad of Directors: President, Kathleen Dorchak - Solon, Ohio; Vice President, Marge Church - Macedonia, Ohio; Secretary, Bonnie Prokup - Peru, Illinois; Treasurer, Jonita Ruth - Joliet, Illinois; Auditors: Beverly Menart - Duluth, Minnesota; Beverly Jackson - San Francisco, California, and Fran Morison -Chicago, Illinois. We will be anxiously awaiting their input and we thank the past Secretary, Evelyn Majercik for all the hard work she put in for the past four years. Personally, I will miss her firm letter writeups in the ZARJA during her term. The full National Convention story will be presented in detail in the next issues of the ZARJA. Our other big event was our Mother of the Year Banquet which took place May 13th at Sterle’s. The delightful mother chosen this year was Albina Mrsnik. The writeup of her in the previous ZARJA proved her worthy of this honor. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to a series of scheduled hospital checkups at the same time. Those who were at Sterle’s for this Mother of the Year event left happy, impressed, and satisfied. Our get well wishes go to Mary Okichi, Jane Somrach, Ann Hočevar, Vi Zak, Mary Serna, and Caroline Lokar (who is all braced up nicely at the hip.) Maureen Podlogar’s husband, Bill passed away on May 3rd. He is out of his misery and left fond memories. May he be resting in peace where he is, and share it with those who loved him. Our June 16th meeting in the Euclid Library meeting room was a last one until September, the month we also have our annual picnic. Time and place will be decided during the June meeting for the picnic. I find the greatest things in this world are not so much as where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. Let this be the theme for the newly elected corps. Na svidenje, VI MORAVCHEK NO. 54, WARREN, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec. Our Mother’s Day Luncheon was very nice with Fran Sainato and Louise Vett as hostesses. It’s the first time in 30 years that I didn’t have to make the arrangements - so, thanks again, girls! We had a good turnout at Cafe 422 and a delicious lunch and gifts. Quaint little houses on sticks to put into your plants were craftily done by Louise for each of us. It was a nice and thoughtful gesture. Hopefully, the convention went well. I just could not make it and I do regret not being there. The new cookbooks are wonderful and I have received comments from those who purchased them. We attended my cousin’s wake last week, John Kokli, from Geneva. His wife, Helen, was our good member and always came to our get togethers bringing wine from their vineyards to share with us. Rest in peace, John. Angela Kaferle is not doing well and is in a nursing home as is Mary Zuga. Get well wishes also to Valentina Gladd who fell and fractured her hip and is now recuperating at her daughter’s home. Several of our members will be traveling this summer and we wish them all safe journeys. Our next meeting will be on Sept. 15th at noon at my home, 4010 Green-mont Dr. S.E. We will make Scrub-bies, taught to us by Elsie Shine, and we will try to sell them for our treasury. Hope they’re not too hard to make -I’m not too crafty! God’s blessings to all. Happy Birthday to Louise Vett, Fran Sainato, Valentina Gladd, Anne Savor and Anne Brdek. JOANNE PONIKVAR NO. 55, GIRARD, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed., 7-8 p.m. .if you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 Happy Fourth of July!! Well I goofed again. In the May birthdays. I listed Anka Krakora as Anka Kregar. Sorry about that. We had our Mother’s Day Banquet on May 10, 1999 at the Olive Garden. A very nice group attended and we had a very enjoyable time. Steve Michael Forde, grandson of Rose Volk Juvančič, has been awarded the Republican Party Longworth Scholarship. He will intern with the Cincinnati Republican Party during the forthcoming campaigns for Mayoral election and other local races which started May 24th. Steve is the only student chosen for this honor from Xavier University where he will be a senior. Congratulations! Sophie Kren’s grandson, Brian Kren, 19 and a sophomore at YSU, was elected 3rd Ward Councilman in Girard. His term begins Jan 1, 2000. He is the youngest elected official in the city, receiving 36% of the vote. Congratulations!! Jake Bestic, Virginia’s Bestic’s grandson, left for Australia where he will be working part of the summer. Joe Bestic graduated from Washington & Lee University and will start medical school in August. Congratulations!! Andrea Selak will be interning with Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati. She will be a Senior Honors student at the University of Notre Dame where she recently served as Student Body Vice President. Congratulations!! Monica Selak was 1st place winner of the Candance Gay Award at the YSU English Festival. She is an 8th grade Top Scholar at St. Rose graduating in June from St. Rose. Congratulations!!! “Well Done” to all our Slovenian young people. July Birthdays: Stephanie Gordon, Marie Selak, Anna Kalan. JOAN KRISTIN TWADDLE NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH Meeting: Mar.-Apr.-May-June Aug.-Oct.-Nov.-Dec. Sec’y. Epley’s Home 20294 Emery Rd., No Randall We hope that all of you had a Happy Mother’s Day, and we all look forward to the summer activities that start taking place. It is hard to believe that the National Convention that was planned four years ago is already a thing of the past. A strong indication of how fast time is moving. Here at my home, so much has happened that if I wrote only about that, Corinne would have to allow me two pages. I will try to say a lot in a few words, and I’ll start with going to Florida for Easter and coming home ill-bronchial pneumonia. Early on I attributed my ailments to my lung problems and the heavy pollens in the area. After plenty of treatment, I did recover enough to get the doctors permission to go to San Francisco for five days. It was a wonderful trip, we saw a lot, walked a lot. Weather was terrific. The day after I arrived home, I was told that my son Michael was again in the hospital. He had had half of this left foot amputated in March. An infection had started and on April 26th, in an emergency, they amputated the foot above the ankle. At 1:30 p.m. the next day, his wife Lisa gave birth to their second child. We welcomed Mark Richard into the world, weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz. On April 30th Michael was returned to surgery and amputation just below the knee was completed. He is trying hard to adjust to being confined to the hospital, to being away from his family and we in turn are trying hard to understand all he is going through, and to help in anyway we can. Incidentally, mother and baby are doing well. Taking one look at a new baby can restore any faith you may have lost!! Members of Branch 73 attended the Mother’s Day lunch held at Quinn’s Restaurant in Solon at the invitation of Branch No. 47. It was a delightful gathering. Food was great, another beautiful day in the weather department, and we had more than a cordial welcome from all present. Thank you for inviting us. It was decided that for 1999, Branch No. 73 would honor all it members. You know we love you all and it becomes harder and harder to choose just one, and getting a “group” to attend extra functions is difficult, to say the least. In the interim, we lost another member. Lottie Timko, who was not able to attend our meetings for a number of years, but who kept in touch on occasion. To her family, we extend our deepest sympathy. That same sympathy is extended to the members of Branch 42, on the demise of their President, Millie Lipnos. May they both rest in peace amidst the angels. We do have a few happenings within our branch and we want to share them with you. Sophie Goga has taken up residence at St. Barnabas Villa in Northfield, Ohio. Reports are that she is content in her new surroundings, making new friends, and keeping herself busy. Good luck, Sophie, hope our paths cross in the not too distant future. (Hope you had a nice birthday). Ann Yoger will have her daughter (Gayle) visiting her from California for a short stay. They are both bound to be delighted with each other’s company. Ann Fike (Florida resident) is in an assisted living facility and managing to get around despite her hip problems. I think recuperating where the weather is warm has to be a favorable factor in recovery. Our president, Kay Yuratovac, will be traveling to London, Ontario in September to attend the convention of the Croatian Fraternal Union of which she has been a member for fifty years. Have a safe trip, Kay. The trip to Orlando, Florida for the National Convention was so enjoyable by the company we shared. Angie Musil (our delegate) and I managed to spend a couple days in Daytona Beach where we still have what was supposed to be our winter home. Bob and Delores Mueller, their daughter Robin and her son, Brandon met us there, having arrived a week earlier. Bob was there only a short time when he was asked if he would be around for Memorial Day. The highlight of the convention came (for us) after it was all over. We spent extra time at the Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. There, I met up with a Marist Priest who had taught at Chanel High School in Bedford. Father Frenoy gave freely of his time to us and it made our day. He remembered teaching my sons, and we shared other “memories” of his time here. We will not meet for the summer months, that does not mean we do not want to hear from you. We always like to hear about your travels, and if you are in any way incapacitated, please have your family inform us. We don’t want you to feel that no one cares, because you know that we do! Our next meeting will be the Monday AFTER Labor Day. Please make plans to join us then. I will be traveling to Cincinnati and Toronto to see the Indians play, and have tentative plans for a visit to Minnesota. Guess I’d better start packing. No meetings in July or August Please keep in touch with us. Our branch is getting smaller all the time, we don’t want to lose contact with any of you. Have a safe and happy summer. “Wear Sunscreen.” Respectfully submitted, EVELYN A. MAJERCIK IT’S IN EVERY s(uwe)i\iiaini CONVENTION TIDBITS! Do you know who the winners were of the two beautiful hand-made prizes!?! 1st Prize, QUILT, in forest green and ivory colors, was won by Fr. David Stalzer, spiritual Advisor of Br. 20, Joliet, IL 2nd Prize, DOLL with three Slovenian outfits was won by Ann Tushar, member and reporter of Br. 39, Biwabik, MN. Congratulations to the winners and deepest thanks to Beverly Menart of Duluth, MN who hand-made and donated the quilt as also all the outfits for the 18 inch doll donated by Jean Korsman. SWU’s Book of Records Presented At Convention time, it is appropriate that officers with longstanding service, members with special longevity in office and our most prominent branches be rewarded. So, it was at this convention. In the categories that signified all the work done by previous officers special SWU Emblem Pins were lovingly presented by the newly-elected president, Kathleen, with some assistance from Corinne in describing the service our officers have given. For in-stance, Gladys Buck, one of the longest serving Branch secretaries was cited not only for this, but also for the years she spent writing a fashion column in ZARJA many years back, and being the captain of theBr. 16 Drill Team in the 30’s and 40’s. Her number of years? 57!!! Many others were awarded and of this list, many were present to receive the applause of the assembly. Longest in service years in national office is Corinne as editor for 47 years. The delegates each received a copy of the SWU Book of Records - 1999 - to be placed in the branch’s archives. Those current branch officers with 20 or more years of service who were not at the convention may expect their Pins in the mail. Special Recognition! The Convention cited Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois as having the largest number of members, 774, the largest number of new members in the last four years, 126, and for having the most diligent solicitor of new members, Jonita Ruth. They received certificates to be placed in their branch archives. Branch 20 had a big group of 20 attending the convention! NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL Meetings: 2nd Mon. except Jan. and July Dickinson House I think we were all looking forward to June. Some of the nicest flowers are in bloom, just can’t help but wish we could have them all year round. Our Mass for the deceased members was celebrated on Sun. June 27th at Holy Family Church. In June Rose Ann Prey, Pres, celebrated her Wedding Anniversary as did Emma Folty. May you both have many more happy years. Marilyn Argubright will be making a trip to Slovenia along with her sister. Have a safe trip. July brings a few happy birthdays: Darlene Wieczorek, Darlene Wasielewski, and Anne Batty. August will bring Jo Morrison and Betty Hamilton birthday wishes too. Spring was a “downer” for a few of our ladies. On the sick list were: Rose Ann Prey, Helen Komater, Angie Nico and Jose Argubright. With all of the T.L.C. and they received and they are as “chipper” as ever. Nice to have them back with us again. Really isn’t too much more to say so I’ll be on my way and promised to stop by in the Sept.-Oct. ZARJA. A little poem I saw in a book. God bless thy year! Thy rest, thy traveling about, The rough the smooth, The bright, the drear. God bless Thy Year! Love, EUNICE KOMATER Memorial Service at the Convention At this time in the history of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, namely, the 23rd National Convention held in the year of the 74th anniversary, the delegates took a few moments of time during a break in the meetings to remember our beloved departed. Every delegate was asked to remember the founders, charter members, and most distinguished workers of her branch. As our former National President, Victoria Bobence of Ely, Minnesota read the prayer of remembrance, each delegate was asked to stand and speak the names aloud. All the branches with representation at the convention were included in this recital and in a very quiet room, many eyes became teary; the most touching moments coming when certain well-known officers were remembered with remarks from those who knew them during their time. Many were mothers or grandmothers of the delegates themselves. We thank Irene and Corinne for arranging this memorial tribute. Every delegate was given a copy of the prayer and picture-card of Marija Pomagaj, Patroness of Slovenians, to take home. Only one member has reached 72 years of membership! In this year of 1999, we have a member who was enrolled in 1927, making her membership an enduring 72 years! She is Margaret Fischer, former secretary and member of Br. 1, Sheboygan. Following her are four members with 71 years, namely, Hermine Dicke, former editor of Pots and Pans and Scholarship Director, Br. 1; Mary Bradach, Br. 14, Cleveland-Euclid, Ohio, Mary Am-brozich, Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois, and Molly McIntyre of Br. 22, Bradley, Illinois. Millennium Members! NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Meeting: When convenient Parich Center With all the spring rain, everything is lush and green. It’s a beautiful time of year. Mike and Gloria Plautz spent some time in France. Mike did some teaching and sight-seeing while there. They returned home on May 10. The SWU held a plant sale on May 16, followed by a pot-luck lunch. A short meeting followed led by Pres. Rose Pakiz. We honored Jeanette Perushek as Mother of the Year. She was presented with a “More Pots and Pans” cookbook. We gained a new social member, namely Josephine Verschay. Welcome Jo, to our branch! Mary Koschak’s grandson, James Myers, graduated from the University of Madison on May 16, with a masters degree in engineering. Those attending the ceremony were Mary Koschak and James’ parents, Dan and Jackie Myers. The following deaths to be reported: Virginia Prebil Himes, Frances Klan-char Deutsch, Frank Parkel and Florian Herrick. Our sincere condolences to their families. Our prayers go to those in nursing homes, in hospitals on those home-bound. We wish them all continued good health. FRIEDA KLANCHER NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C. Meeting: 1st Sun. except July & Aug, St. Columba’s Ch. Albemarle St. Sunday, May 16, 1999, was indeed a lovely sunshiny day; what a beautiful setting for our annual Mothers’ Day program. Vice President Donna Sheridan opened the program with welcoming remarks. This was followed with a children’s procession and crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s statue, directed by Jana Bevec. Lidija Millonig (Jana’s granddaughter), Mistress of Ceremony, introduced each participant and, as always, was superb; her delivery was enhanced by her fluent knowledge of the Slovenian and English languages. The participants in the program were: Andrej Bevec: Reading (in En- The Convention also remembered 8 members who have reached the distinguished age of 99 or more years in this year. OUR MILLENNIUM MEMBERS! Mary Gomik, Br. 24, LaSalle (1897) Katarina Maurin, Br. 93, Brooklyn (1897) Justina Gregorich, Br. 20, Joliet (1898) Frances Barman, Br. 25, Cleveland (1898) Rose Scoff, Br. 13, San Francisco (1899) Agnes Rastello, Br. 28, Calumet (1899) Caroline Fabijanec, Br. 57, Niles (1900) Mary Bohte, Br. 63, Denver (1900) Many Happy Returns! Convention Photos in this issue courtesy Jonita Ruth, Bob Judnick and Mary Turvey. Thanks to them. Newly elected Director of Youth Activities Angela Stare will be getting in touch with branches soon. Here she is with her little son, Andrej. glish), “The Tears Were Quiet and the Wind was Gentle.” Also a reading (in Slovenian) “Solze so Bile Tihe in Ve-terer Nežen” (translated by Tereza Bevec). Nika Kovačič: Read a poem, “Imaš še Mater Živo?”~a favorite for many years, which makes one realize how special a mother is and that we must recognize her every day of our lives, not only after she is gone. Nika’s husband, Eric Kovacic, had translated the words into the English version, entitled “Your Mother Still Lives?”; Tillie Au-sich was honored to read this touching English version, so appropriate for Mother’s Day. Veronika Stare: Slovenian poem recitation, “Goslice”; and her piano selection, “Poskočna”. Andrejček Bevec: Slovenian poem recitations, “Mamica Moja” and “Nesreča”; also a piano selection, “Morning.” Kristina Bevec: Clarinet Selection, “Bavarian Folk Dance.” Tomaž Bevec: Piano Selections, “Minuet in G. Major” and “Minuet in D. Minor.” Matjažek Fitzsimmons: Slovenian Songs, “Aeiou” and “Murenčki”. Also a Slovenian Prayer, “Sveti Angel.” Matjažek, 3-1/2 years old, is a member of Branch 103, as is his brother Tomaž (2 years old). Juliana (2-1/2 month old sister) will, hopefully, be a member soon. Lidya Millonig, Jana Bevec, Slavko Gygoric: Vsi so Prihajali” beautifully sung in perfect harmony with guitar accompaniment. The honored Mother of the Year, Teresa Bevec, was then presented with a bouquet of red carnations. Tereza has earned this much-deserved honor for her many efforts and participation in Slovenian events. Her appreciation was very humbly expressed, and we all wish her the very best as always. Our very active member, Jill Augustine, was also presented with a bouquet of carnations in appreciation for all her efforts and donations to our Branch. Jill has now moved to Florida and, needless to say, we will all miss her more than we can say. Thanks to Vice President Donna Sheridan for her outstanding efforts in decorating the hall. Her pink table cloths with cute baskets of flowers as the centerpiece for each table added to the festive atmosphere. Chris Bohinc, an accomplished accordionist, furnished Slovenian selections so appropriate for the occasion. Thank you Chris, this was very much appreciated. It was truly a pleasure to welcome Sabina Bartol, and so glad she could attend this festive occasion. Sabina always brings a ray of sunshine as she greets everyone. Very best wishes, Sabina, for continued progess in your health. Once again, many thanks to our members for their outstanding work and devotion to our Branch; especially on this day to everyone who performed so beautifully for our program, and to all who furnished food for the buffet table and pastry table. Also, thanks to everyone who donated items for the raffle prizes; all prizes were awarded, and it was great when our friends, Carol Ryba and George Plautz (of Branch 30) were both among the winners. President Mary Lou Terselic was unable to attend this event; however, we thank her for her assistance in helping to prepare for it. Special thanks in their efforts to Mimi (and son Peter) Mejac, Mollie Thomas, Nika Kovačič, Jana Bevec, Lidija Millonig, Donna Sheridan, Iča Zebot, Mara Chokel, Angela Stare. Also, many thanks to Anna Skopec who does an excellent job of arranging and selling the pastries. In other words, thanks to everyone for their assistance all year long. We miss Freda Michelitch (our former president). We wish her the very best of everything, and a speedy recovery. Our formal Branch meetings will resume in September. Wishing everyone a pleasant and safe summer. MATILDA AUSICH Spetich °o° °o° °o° 2o9 kiiiiiilliiiiiiil Join me for Button Box classes. Everyone has fun! Minnesota....Frankenmuth Cleveland ....Milwaukee For details & reservations O ~ Call 1-330-336-9196 or write Keyboard Cue Corporation PO BOX 564 Barberton OH 44203 o' ^Music for the Button Box v 5 Books & Cassettes ■/\cccndions^ by ^eUznik^AVAiloU^ Traditional IRA Competitive Rates Roth IRA Long-Term Growth Tax-Deferred Savings ^■1' |Jj» Fraternal Benefits Guaranteed Income Low Minimum Dori and Anna Maria Fooy look so pretty in their Slovenian costumes! NO. 105, DETROIT, MI Meeting: 3rd Sat. Temp, at Secretary’s home We had a super time at the Member of the Year banquet honoring Yola Roel. We had a delicious luncheon at Max and Erma’s and everything went well! My husband, daughter Anna and myself just came back from a 10 day vacation in Slovenia! This was my husband’s first visit, and he wants to go back. I felt so proud of both my husband and my daughter for wanting to visit the homeland of my parents, Frank and Milka Kregar of Girard, Ohio. We stayed in Šentvid which is outside of Ljubljana, with my aunt and uncle. During the 10 days, we traveled to many of the beautiful sights in Slovenia-Lake Bled, Postojna, Piran and Portorož, Kranjska Gora, Brezje etc. We enjoyed the delicious “Kremšnite” at a Gostilna at Lake Bled. Anna really loved the boat ride to the island. When we came home, she went to the painting of Lake Bled, which hangs in our living room, and said, “boat,” My husband and I couldn’t believe that she remembered that we took a boat to the island, and that she recognized the place from the painting. We think that she may remember quite a bit from this trip. We also drove into Celovec in Austria. A few miles from there is the beautiful church of Gospa Sveta. When we walked into the church, my eyes im- DOPISI ŠT. 39, BIWABIK, MN Na prvo majniško nedeljo se je spet zbralo lepo število naših članic, da smo v prijetni, domači družbi proslavile materinski dan in posebno še počastile Vido Lanari, ki je bila letos izvoljena: Mati leta! Bil je prelep in sončen pom-ladanaski dan, ki je vsem navzočim dal prijeten obučutek sestrskega združenja in praznovanja. Carol in Mary Sherek sta skupaj poprijeli za harmoniko in kmalu je cela skupina prepevala naše lepe slovenske melodije začenši še z Angeljskim Češčenjem. Ob dobrem kosilu tukaj v Four Seasons restavraciji je čas naglo potekel. Program je vodila Kathy Siskar, medtem, ko je predstavila Mater Leta - Eleanor Indi-har. Jeannie Ahlin, ki je med nami najbolj zaslužna in dolgoletna članica je prosila za blagoslov pred in po kosilu. Vida Lanari - se v SWU trudi in dela že veliko let. Prislš je v USA iz Slovenije s svojo mamo Terezijo in šestimi sestrami k očetu, ki je bil tukaj že par let. Tako se je po dolgi vojni in velikih težavah družina zopet našla in skupaj delala za boljšo bodočnost. Vida je bila rojena v Sostrem 3. aprila, 1944 kot šesti otrok v družini in to sredi vrhunca druge svetovne vojne. Šele leta 1956 se je očetu Francetu posrečilo dobiti sem celo družino. Najprej so si našli dom na Evelethu, potem pa se preselili na Gilbert. Tukaj je Vida 24. oktobra 1964 poročila Rick Lanari. Kmalu zatem sta si ustanovila svoj dom v Virginija, MN in našla svojo družinsko srečo med štirimi otroci. Dekleti Monica in Michelle ter sinova Marc in Greg. Zdaj pa ju razveseljujejo že vnuki in vnukinje, ki pri starih starših vedno najdejo dosti ljubezni in toplega družinskega veselja. Vida se je med tem časom tudi zaposlila in dela kot tajnica pri Marquette šoli na Virginiji, MN. Vedno pa najde čas svojo družino mimo veselja do šivanja in pa glasbe ter petja, katerega je ona, kot tudi vse njene sestrice podedovala po svojem očetu, ki je tukaj na Železnem Okrožju dolga leta slovel med najboljšimi tenoristi v raznih zborih. Njene sestre tukaj so: Maria Ferkul, Martina Michals in Teresa Meinhardt, ki so tudi članice. Njena mama Teresa je bila izvoljena za Mati Leta v 1.966, sestra Marija v 1994 in Martina v 1998. Vida vsa ta leta spremljajo zvesti nauki njenih zdaj že pokojnih staršev. Ob vsem težkem, katere so morali v življenju prestati, je bila vedno med njimi globoka vera in zaupanje v božjo pomoč in posebno so se priporočali nebeški Materi Mariji, katera jih je vedno vodila skozi težave na dolgi poti življenja. Vedno pa se rada spominja mladih dni v prelepi Sloveniji, kjer se je rodila in tako more nuditi tudi svojim otrokom, vnukom in vnukinjam iz svoje mladostne izkušnje, napotkov in ljubezen do rodne domovine. Pridružujemo se tudi me vse in Vidi iskreno čestitamo ob tem imenovanju, kakor tudi vsem dragim našim materam, ki v tem lepem mesecu majniku praznujejo “svoj materinski dan" in kličemo vsem: Bog Vas čuvaj in ohranjaj še lepa leta med nami vsemi. ANNE TUSHAR mediately filled with tears. My parents, Frank and Milka, were married there on August 2, 1949! that is where the Kregar family began and my daughter, their granddaughter, prayed at the altar like my parents did 50 years ago! At this time, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to my parents on their 50th wedding anniver- sary. “Naj Bog vaju ohrani še mnogo, mnogo let v krogu naše družine.” Our regular meeting will resume in September. Please make your best effort to attend. May all of you enjoy a happy and joyous summer! Na Svidenje, DORI KREGAR FOOY nflSfi SLDUEPJSKfl DEDIŠČinfl Ana Gaber BARAGA DAYS CELEBRATION BARAGA Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki FRANC JAKLIČ V BALTIMORU ZADENE BARAGO KAP (9. oktobra 1866) Nič manj žalostno se ne glasi tudi zadnje pismo na Dunaj, ki ga je 26. julija narekoval Jackerju. V njem pravi: “Letos nisem z Dunaja še nič prejel. Prosim vas kar najnujneje, ne zapustite me v moji stiski. Nikoli še nisem bil tako potreben pomoči v denarju, kakor sem zdaj. Bolezen, ki me muči že deset mesecev, in stari dolgovi, ki jih ne morem plačati, me delajo zares nesrečnega. Če letos ne bom dobil z Dunaja nobene pomoči, ne vem, kako bo z menoj." Potem pravi: “Še vedno moram voditi škofijo; naslednika letos še ne bo in tisti, ki sem ga predlagal na prvem mestu, je odklonil. Zato bo treba tri druga imena poslati v Rim, da bo sveti oče enega izmed njih izbral.” Pismo zaključuje: “Prosim vas torej še enkrat prav nujno, da me to leto ne prezrete.” S tresočo se roko se je z veliko težavo in nerazločno podpisal. Glede naslednika se je pa motil. Mrak ni odklonil, ker ponudbe iz Rima sploh dobil ni. V Rimu so čakali, da Baraga pošlje imena treh kandidatov in podatke o njih; on je pa mislil, da so jih bili poslali škofje z baltimorskega cerkvenega zbora. Baraga je prej na vsako pismo in vlogo hitro in točno odgovoril. Zdaj so pa pisma ostajala brez odgovora in vloge nerešene. Dne 27. septembra je narekoval odgovor duhovniku Murrayu v Alpeno: “Prejel sem Vaše pismo od 20. t. m. Pritožujete se, da ne odgovarjam na Vaša pisma. O moj ljubljeni sin v Kristusu, ako bi Vi vedeli, s kako veliko težavo narekujem pisma, bi mi oprostili, da odgovarjam samo na tista, ki so najnujnejša.” Nekaj oseb mu je dalo tudi večje vsote denarja, da bi imel boljšo postrežbo. Pa jim je s težavo povedal, da denarja ne bo porabil zase, ampak za škofijske potrebe. Rekel je, da zase neče imeti bolje, kakor je imel njegov Učenik. - Zdravnik dr. Ely, ki ga je v bohlezni obiskoval, je več let pozneje zapisal: “Med pomembnimi možmi, ki so med nami umrli, zasluži škof Baraga, da se ga posebej spominjamo. Bil je zares apostolski mož, ki ni gledal na čast ne na zložnost in tudi ne na življenje, da je mogel slediti svojemu božjemu Učitelju v skrbi za duše. Dobro se spominjam, da sem mu na nekem obisku prigovarjal, naj si dovoli več udobnosti, ki so se mi zdele potrebne zaradi njegove starosti in bolezni. "Čemu bi naj imel,” mi je rekel, “bolj udobno posteljo? Saj imam bolje postlano Labor Day Weekend - September 4 to 5,1999 Escanaba, Michigan September 4 - 6:30 p.m. Slovenian Mass - St. Patrick’s Church, 212 So. 12th. Reception after Mass September 5 - 4:00 p.m. English Mass -St. Patrick’s Church 6:00 p.m. Banquet - Annual Meeting -$20.00 per ticket 4989 Danforth Place, Danforth Rd., Escanaba September 6-10:00-2:00 Baraga Open House -615 S. Fourth St., Marquette The Crypt Chapel will be open at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Marquette For further information contact: Bishop Baraga Association, 615 S. Fourth Street, Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 226-7024. kakor moj Učenik; jaz imam streho, on pa ni imel, kamor bi glavo položil." V Baragovi bolezni je prišel v Marquette prosit za sprejem v škofijo Belokranjec Ivan Stariha, rojen 1. 1845 v Sodinji vasi pri Semiču. Študiral je na novomeški gimnaziji, ko ga je zatela vojska med Prusijo in Italijo in med Avstrijo. Moral je pod orožje in se je leta 1856 pod Radeckyjem udeležil bitke pri Custozi (Kustoci). Rad bi bil čimprej postal duhovnik, zato je z dopusta pobegnil v Ameriko. Pri New Yorku je služil za hlapca, da si je prislužil 20 dolarjev. Z njimi se je peljal v Houghton, kjer je služboval Vrtin, njegov bivši sošolec v Novem mestu. Vrtin ga je napotil v Marquette. Baraga je Stariho sprejel sloneč v postelji. Rekel mu je: “Vidite, kako je z menoj. Oddal sem vse škofijske posle; čakajte na naslednika.” Stariha je žalosten odšel. V Milwaukeeju so ga sprejeli v bogoslovje, potem je vstopil v marquettsko škofijo in Mrak ga je leta 1869 posvetil za mašnika. V preostrem podnebju Gorenjega jezera je pa zbolel in moral oditi v milejše podnebje Minnesote. Tam je bil sedem let župnik v Redwingu ob Mississippiju in je oskrboval tudi več misijonskih postaj. L. 1884 ga je škof poklical v Št. Pavel in mu velel, da naj na prazni planjavi sezida cerkev, šolo in župnišče. Okoli teh treh stavb je kmalu nastal nov del mesta. Škof ga je tudi imenoval za generalnega vikarja. - Leta 1902 so v Južni Dakčti ustanovili novo škofijo in molčeči, preudarni in delavni Stariha je bil 28. oktobra posvečen za škofa. Kakor Baraga je tudi on moral graditi škofijo s tal. Oskrboval je tudi štiri reservacije Indijancev Sju, ki jih je bila država za kazen za upor in morije iz leta 1862 tam naselila. Njihovega sovraštva do belih in njihove krutosti se je pa še zmerom bala. Da bi jih pomirila in nekoliko privezala nase, jim je plačevala vsako leto 53 dolarjev na osebo, dočim je drugim Indijancem dajala le po 10 dolarjev. Škof Stariha jih je vsako leto za nekaj tednov obiskal in jim maševal v šotoru. Ti svobodni sinovi narave so po svojem spreobrnjenju popolnoma opustili svojo krutost in so mu delali mnogo veselja. NADALJEVANJE ZUP’S INC. famous for QixaLitij MEATS HOMEMADE SAUSAGE WWW:zups.com e mail:pzups@noithemnet.com 303 E. Sheridan St. Fax (218) 365-2662 Ely, Minnesota 55731 (218) 365-3188 Polish Polish Delights Želodec Blood Sausage Pork Sausage Links Pork Sausage Rolls Fresh Bratwurst Smoked Bratwurst Summer Sausage Apple Potica Bacon Pepper Bacon Hot Bologna Wieners Frankfurters Porketta Susage Cheddar Brats # Country Style Smoked Sausage # Walnut Potica # Potato Sausage # Sauerkraut # Sweet Peppers # Hot Peppers # Hot Mustard # Choice or Prime Steaks Toll Free: 1-877-344-3663 HOMES IN THE JOUET AREA COLDWELL BANKER HONIG-BELL Realty 2300 Glen wood Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 Office: (815) 744-1000 Home: (B15) 726-4129 FAX: (815) 467-3146 ROSANNE RUTH the name to know REALTOR Member of Branch 20, S.W.U. “Call me when you are buying or selllngl" Ron Strle Proprietor Stefanich's Restaurant / 457 North Scott Street Joliet, Illinois 60432 (815) 722-9751 Fax (815) 722-5750 At Your Service During Life’s Most Difficult Moments Louis "Ron" Zefran Connie Rodriguez Frank J. Zefran Lois M. Zefran Debbie Zefran Jerry 1-800-249-9150 (773) 847-6688 2^-fxcu2 <\3xuz£.rux£ c^-forrz£., XVy/. 1941 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60608 First Midwest Bank National Association 50 W. Jefferson Street Joliet, Illinois 60431 <£> (815 727-5222 gjg famifi.es!!! Come to IronworCcC & experience your heritage hands-on together at.... JACCSCav Days & (grape JestvvaC August 14 & 15 A Minnesota Ethnic Days Celebration! Traditional 6irape Festival žr Pance with The ^arith brothers Polenta čand (Saturday from 5:00-10:00p.m.) PolKa Mass With Father PerKovith (Sunday @11:00 a.m.) Puquesne University Tamburitzans. from Pittsburgh, Penn. (Sunday @ 2:00p.m.) Live Entertainment All Weekend: Triglav Dancers, Polenta f?»and žr Z-von lingers, Winnipeg, Canada West Range Tamburitzans • East-West Buttonaires Tony Perpich & the Perpitones • Joe Cvek Orchestra Yours Truly, Johnny Snidarich Button Box Showcase featuring Ronny Setniker Pauline & Dorothy * Slovenian Home Button Box Club Rudy Jandry • Ely Slovenian Chorus Join Bill Lah in the Slovenian Sing-a-long Paul & Julie Sersha • Tommy Zakula Sing-a-long fcurjavas (Chickentown) “Old Time Neighborhood” hay racks, cabbage cutting & sauerkraut, grape stomping tubs, barbecued pig & lamb, smokehouse, donkey rides Tun for the entire family at Ironworbf!!! Mini Cjo(f* Trace your Family