Let Not The Light Of Freedom Be Extinguished! American Home over 100 years of serving American Slovenians Vol. 104, No. 34 91PZS100Z DO NO10NIHSVM Ameri 7VTM IO « _ ill Haii jm WJ&R rti'vraWliE Ameriška Domovina' SLOVENIAN MORNING NEWSPAPER USPS 024100 ISSN Number 0164-68X AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, AUGUST 22, 2002 Phone:(216)431-0628 e-mail: ah@buckeyeweb.com 70c Slovenian Martin Strel attempts Swimming Entire Mississippi JOE ROSS / ST. PAUL PIONEI R PRESS On July 6, his third day out, the marathon swimmer churns through Bemidji, Minn., not far from the headwaters of the Mississippi at Lake Itasca. Strel hopes to reach the Gulf of Mexico on Sept. 7. by CYNTHIA BILLHARTZ St. Louis Post-Dispatch KEITHSBURG, IL - A light bums inside room No. 13 of the Keithsburg Motel late one Friday night. Slovenian swimmer Martin Strel, 47, answers the door. He is wearing nothing but a skimpy pair of white cotton briefs and an inquisitive look, which quickly turns to a grin. Come, come, he says, gesturing with gusto surprising for a man who swam 40 miles earlier in the day. His face and hands are beet-red and flaky. But his arms, legs and torso are smooth and lily white, thanks to the wet suit that has protected him from the harsh sun and murky Mississippi River waters during the past 30 days. On July 4, Strel entered fhe waters of Lake Itasca in north central Minnesota - the Mississippi’s point of origin - and began swimming. His motto is “Swimming for peace, friendship and clean waters.” His goal is to reach the Gulf of Mexico by Sept. 7. If he reaches the Gulf, Strel - a former music teacher turned professional marathon swimmer - will be the first to swim all 2,360 miles of the Mississippi. He "nil also shatter his current World record of 1,776 miles, which he set in 2000 by swimming the Danube in Europe from beginning to end. Strel also holds the World record for the longest non-stop swim - 312 miles m 84 hours, and 10 minutes. “After I step into his hotel r°om. Strel immediately be-8ms offering things - a place to sit, something to eat, a bed °n which to sleep - in typi- Cal Central European hospitality. Come to find out, he IJtakes a habit of treating hose he meets as though ey are the wondrous curi-°Slty, not him. When asked how he feels o swimming more than 0 miles over 30 consecu- “cu days’ ^'s resPonse is "h, OK. Hurt a little.” As a testament to this fand understatement, Strel’s Borut, 21, stands near of the hotel beds holding large massage roller. ’ trel’s budget won’t al- low for massages by professional therapists. And over-the-counter pain relievers do little good. So on this night, Borut will do what he can to impart some relief to his father. But the knots and pain have such a grip on Strel’s overworked muscles that finding a comfortable position in which to lie down is nearly impossible. Like most, nights, he will sleep only three or four hours. His daughter, Nina, 17, will tell me later how much her father suffers. “I can see it in the evening in the hotel,” she says. “Sometimes it’s not easy to see him, and I say, ‘Dad, how can I help you?’ What does he say? ‘Nothing. This is my decision and my dream.’” Eye to Eye Challenge Saturday finds Strel standing on the shore of Oquawia, IL, at 8:45 a.m. Borut is rubbing lubricants on him to prevent chafing. Strel then slithers into his wet suit and fins. His destination on this day is Fort Madison, Iowa, 32 rpiles down river. When asked how he’s feeling this morning, the achy Strel responds, “Sad. Not good.” He lowers his goggles, dives into the water and quickly swims off. Three kayakers surround Strel. Their job is to steer him clear of river traffic, floating debris, bridges and other river-borne obstacles by using hand signals and blowing whistles. The water is nearly still and will remain so the rest of the day. Strel has named this venture Eye to Eye, because he sees himself going eye to eye with the mighty Mississippi. The river, in turn, has quite literally spit in Strel’s left eye by giving him a case of conjunctivitis. But Strel is prepared to take whatever his foe throws at him, be it speedboats, heavy barge traffic, locks and dams, strong undertows, pollution or - as he nears New Orleans - alligators and snakes. Early on, kayaker Matthew Mohkle could see Strel’s incredible grit as he swam Lake Itasca. The water there was no more than 2 feet deep and moving quickly. “We would hear these gutteral noises from Martin when he would hit a limb or a stick on the bottom,” he says. “It was very dangerous, because he could have punctured an organ. I had a headache every day those first three days, because I was blowing the whistle the entire time.” Pollution ahead! Strel’s stroke is so smooth and he glides through the water with such efficiency that he’s hypnotic to watch. By mid-morning he has swum nearly five miles when he reaches lock and dam No. 18. He will encounter 27 locks and dams on his journey. Strel hates them because they slow the current to a near standstill and force him to get out on shore to walk around them. He yearns for St. Louis, where the lock and dam system ends and the Missouri River joins the Mississippi. Such factors mean faster currents and easier swimming. But they also mean more pollution. Joe Engeln, assistant director for science and technology at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, says rivers integrate whatever is happening on the land. When Strel reaches St. Louis, he will be swimming in waters that have run off of lands from two rivers and numerous states. “It’s going to be everything from lawn chemicals that have washed off in rainstorms to everything that went through pipes into the river or its tributaries,” Engeln says, “some of those (pipes) come from wastewater treatment facilities and sewers, some from industrial facilities. “While the Mississippi River is cleaner than in the past, it still carries a pretty good range of chemicals.” Teresa Coon wouldn’t swim six hours in the Mississippi, let alone 66 days. She and her family have come down-river to watch Strel swim for a day. Coon’s husband, Marvin Fressel, met Strel upriver and invited him and the Eye to Eye team to stay at their home in Bettendorf, Iowa, a few days ago. Strel accepted. When Coon, a physician, asked Strel how he was feeling, he told her his ears were hurting. She took him to her office and flushed them out. She also gave him prescription eye drops for his pink-eye and antibiotics in case he gets diarrhea. Coon was shocked to learn that Strel hadn’t made medical arrangements here in the states. A Stroke a Second Nearly four hours and more than 12 miles after starting, Strel stops for lunch at Port of Burlington. About 20 people cheer and applaud as he sloshes out of the river. Strel signs autographs, then gets on board Larry and Phyllis Cassaday’s 47-foot houseboat for lunch. In addition to the kayakers, Strel is being followed by the houseboat and a motor home with a crew of four men, including his son. He eats a bowl of soup, salad and bread prepared by one of those crew members, chef Pavel Mortonoshi, a retired criminal lawyer from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Strel also drinks a sizable cup of Eye to Eye red wine. A Slovenian winery donated several cases of the specially labeled wine to Strel, who drinks a bottle each day as he swims. For the past two weeks, Larry Cassady and his friend Jim Vogt have watched Strel closely. The two estimate that he takes a stroke every second, which adds up to approximately 36,000 strokes in a 10-hour day. At that rate, they calculate, Strel’s arms will have windmilled through more than 2 million rotations by the time he reaches the Gulf of Mexico -which they’re absolutely certain he will. Stre! says he will stroke once for each, "of the 2 million people who live in Slovenia, a former Yugoslav republic and now an independent country. (Continued on page 2) AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, AUGUST 22, 2002 2 Jim’s Journa^g^jj^ iiS'S names to Slovenian By Jim Debeve We were at St. Mary’s (Collinwood) picnic at Slovenska Pristava on Sunday, Aug. 18 and enjoyed Rev. John Kumse’s homily about a movie named “Rudy.” It was not about Rudy Pivik or Rudy Flis, but about Daniel E. “Rudy” Ruettiger. Rudy had a dream about playing football for Notre Dame. The theme was about determination. Rudy applied to Notre Dame three times before being accepted. He finally made it and promised football coach Ara Parseghian he was going to make the team. He eventually earned a spot on the team’s scout squad. That story reminded me about another feel-good movie which Fr. Kumse and I enjoyed called “Dave.” No it was not about Dave Kush-ner, but about Dave, a small businessman, who is the U.S. President’s look-alike and takes on the job of imitating the President when he becomes incapacitated. It stars Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver. Dave does such a good job of being President that the citizens of our country began to love the “new and reformed” President” and his approval ratings go from low to high. Although only movies, anyone who has achieved any degree of success in life can relate to the feeling of exhilaration portrayed in the films. Doing well on a test at school, getting the job of your dreams, finding the right partner in life, building the St. Vitus Village, or simply cooking a delicious meal all leave a wonderful feeling. Well, I experienced the feeling of “Dave” and “Rudy” the past two weeks by receiving the tremendous number of correct answers to our “Funny Puns” contest. Last week we had 19 winners, and this week we add 11 more. We add the fol- leuth Subscribers: Carmen McBrayer of Richmond Heights, Polka Millie from the Polka Hall of Fame in Euclid, Margaret Ponikvar of Willoughby, Olga (Poljanec) Schley of Dorset, Ohio, Mary Miklavčič of Thompson, Ohio, Vida Kalin of Cleveland, and Thomas A. Sedmak of Slingerlands, NY. The following correctly responded by e-mail: Tom Kunsitis of Richmond, Virginia, Jean Sega of Wadsworth, Ohio, Sue M. O’Donnell from Yorba Linda, Calif., Myra Jerkič of Euclid, Patricia A. Klančar of Forest Park, Ohio, and Frank Zevnik of Willowick, Ohio. Congratulations to all our Super Smart Slovenian Subscribers!!!! Some wanted to know what the prize is for getting the correct answers to a difficult quiz. Like Dave and Rudy, everyone receives my sincere admiration and good feelings generated by solving the puzzles. And now we have another contest, again with no materialistic prizes, and it is a bit more difficult: What was “Project Greek Island?” Send all responses to Jim, 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 or ah@buckeyeweb. com Mlakar Marches Down Memory Lane\ by RAY MLAKAR Well, time out for a little satire and jokes. Perhaps I have mentioned it, but last year Josie and I got a new puppy, a Terrier. Her brother Tom Zupan got it for Josephine when our last dog, Muffle, a Schnauzer, went to meet his maker. This Carin Terrier came from Amish country, Amish breeders in Apple Valley. I named him “Harry.” It seems that everyone I am found of I call Harry. Even when I was working, a fellow worker may have been named Mel or Andy, yet I always called him Harry. Anyway, over the past year I adopted a prayer I say for Harry and that is, “Dear God, please help me be the person my dog thinks I am.” Well, now for the real joke. Are you ready? “Doctor,” said the obviously disturbed young man to his psychiatrist, “my biggest problem is that I always dream of baseball, nothing but baseball.” “Don’t you dream about girls?,” asks the head shrinker. “I don’t dare,” said the young man, “I’m afraid that I will lose my turn at bat.” Perhaps over the years in reading Ray’s Walk Down It's Time for your eye exam! J. F. OPTICAL Eye Care Specialists Eye Exams Latest in eye fashion - Contact Lenses We Welcome Your Drs. Prescription 775 E. 185th St, Eye Glasses Cleveland, OH 44119 Repaired Tel.: (216) 531-7933 (34) Pvt. Ray Mlakar Memory Lane, some of my far distant readers are wondering, “What does that dude look like?” I am going to furnish you with a real photo taken back in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1949. Holy smoke, that is over 53 years ago. I would not dare send in a recent photo for if you see one old man, you have seen them all. It seems that when I was in Germany, Mom always asked why I do not send a recent photo of me in uniform for she wanted to see if I put any weight on in the course of the year, but guess this photo shown here, is not what Mom wanted, for it did not show my waist size because I was still only 131 pounds soaking wet, but then I don’t recall anyone getting heavy on Army chow. Can’t hardly believe it myself that is me in the photo for I had dark black hair and a full set of my own baptismal teeth and now well over fifty years have gone to the wind and Ray has white hair and teeth from the five and dime. Well, maybe not the five and ten for they did set me back $89.50, but then I got Eagle stamps with them. Well, time I sign off or Jim will say, “Is this what you call a short article?” In the meantime May the Good Lord Bless and Watch over all of my readers -- and the editor! mpLECTmm #r gmy Cruising Around Alaska by RUDY FLIS Go aboard a ship and sail on the ocean. They call that a cruise. Been there, done that. The first time, it was on a restless Atlantic Ocean, January, 1953. I was so seasick for three days, I wanted to die. My second cruise was much better. The ocean was calm as I headed home on the USS Patch, a two stacker. The first cruise was on the USS General A. W. Greely, a one stacker, where we were packed in like sardines. The only thing private on the Greely was my rank - Pvt. - E-2. As far as I was concerned, my cruising days had ended on July 31st, 1954, the day I set foot in the good ole U.S.A. I was wrong. Therese, my wife, and I flew to Fairbanks, Alaska on July 30th this past month. We did the land tour to Anchorage where we boarded a ship and sailed into different ports for seven days. Seven days of sunshine let us see the peaks of all the mountains. So much sunshine is uncommon in Alaska. Alaska’s unique beauty held me in awe. The many pictures I have of our beautiful, relaxing vacation cruise will help my memory stay fresh. Our ship did not have the USS initials in front of its name. But it did have beauty, steadiness at sea, quietness and food as I have never seen or experienced. The quality of food did not affect its delicious taste. My tight belt attests to my weakness as all this good food surrounded me every day. Therese and I had a simply wonderful time in Alaska. It was a dream come true for Therese, and an anniversary gift from our children. This Alaskan vacation was a blessing as are our children. Slovenian Martin Strel Swims... (Continued from page 1) Nina says her dad loves country music and sings along to Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson when he drives. Unfortunately, he can’t break up the tedium of swimming 10 or more hours a day with music. Strel, who is sweating profusely as he eats lunch in his wet suit, says he combats boredom and fatigue by telling himself stories. “I must prepare every day, two or three new stories,” he says. “Today, about you - tomorrow, too, maybe. No story - no swimming.” • ’• He finishes eating, gets up and heads toward the water - less than 45 minutes after emerging. “A Symbol of Hope” The afternoon wears on, and Strel continues swimming like a bionic dolphin while several people sit inside the cabin of the Cas-sadays’ boat avoiding the August heat and talking. Denis Ostir, a Slovenian broadcast journalist, is among them. “People (in Slovenia) don’t consider Martin to be an athlete - which he is, he’s an incredible athlete,” Ostir says. “But he is more of an icon, a legend, a symbol of hope. If you went to Slovenia and asked people, ‘Who is Martin Strel?’—everyone from little kids to really old people, they would know who he is.” Meanwhile, Cassaday is wincing and yelling as speed boats fly by creating waves for Strel and the kayakers. “Jay-sus!” he exclaims as one cuts between the houseboat and Strel. Off in the distance, Strel swims on. Only now, his right arm isn’t rising as high above the water and he’s moving much slower. He’s also starting to take rest breaks for several seconds at a time. Strel can see his finish line for the day - a long black railroad trestle that spans the river from Iowa to Illinois. But it’s a good three miles away. So he painstakingly plugs away as the sun dips below the horizon. At 8:45 p.m., 12 hours and 32 miles after starting. Strel reaches the bridge and finishes swimming for the day. Within 20 minutes, he’s seated inside the Eye to Eye motor home eating crepes and soup that Mortonoshi has prepared for him. When Strel spots Coon and Fressel approaching, he barrels from the camper to greet them. When asked how he feels, Strel has a ready answer. “Must be good,” he says. “For tomorrow, next day and day after.” Thanks to Mary Sterle of Euclid, Ohio for submitting this fascinating article. Life in the Refugee Camps Newburgh Hall Wine Fest 3 by ANTON ŽAKELJ, translated and edited by JOHN ŽAKELJ (Continued from last week) Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1945 I’ve been thinking about what Strajt said yesterday. He asked me where I was when the rest of our village’s leaders looked for me to join them in a mission to Ljubljana to ask General Rupnik to establish a Domobranec outpost in our village. At first I couldn’t remember but, after thinking about it for a long time, I decided I must have been at the butcher’s working on a plan to divide whatever meat we had among the villagers. I forgot to tell my family where I was and people couldn’t find me. Erie Natlačen visits our room every day to play chess with Mire. I also agreed to play some chess with Levičar. The sun is so low in the sky now that it stays behind the surrounding mountains all day. People say that Bishop Rozman predicts we will all return home by Christmas next year. The others believe him, but I don’t. Friday, Dec. 14,1945 I made slippers for myself today for the first time in 13 years. (When I was young, I used to help my father in his shoemaking shop, but I preferred to move on to business-type work.) 1 got some soft, sturdy cloth for the upper part and leather for the soles. 1 made wooden tacks to attach the leather soles to the upper parts. It would be better if I could sew them on, but my eyesight is too poor. I need bifocals. Saturday, Dec. 15,1945 Yesterday and today we had to exchange our Marks for Shillings. Each person can exchange up to 150 RM (Reich Marks). Anything over that has to be deposited into a postal savings account, but with no guarantee of repayment. I had 455 RM, so I had to deposit 305 RM. I also had 1,000 RM which belongs to my brother Jože. I divided that among 6 people '''horn I could trust and who did not have any money of their own. They each exchanged 150 RM and returned the Shillings to me for my brother. All together, our room turned in 8,925 RM. This week I’ve gone to Mass every morning, and extra prayers in the evenings. Sunday, Dec. 16,1945 We went to Mass at 9 a.m. Then Cilka, Mici, Milica and I went into the woods to gather some moss for a Nativity scene. For lunch, we had dumplings. From 5-10 p.m., we argued with Levičar about faithfulness an(i families. As he often does. Levičar made disparaging remarks about women. Mici and Cilka were offended. Finally, Rafael told Levičar to leave, which he did. Strajt and the others who were thinking about returning home have delayed their return again, maybe until spring. The news from home is not good. Monday, Dec. 17,1945 Despite yesterday’s argument, Levičar visited The Slovenian redbreasted flycatcher sings one of the most beautiful bird songs in all of Europe. It is considered a very rare nesting bird. In Slovenia it can be found in the Julian and Kamnik-Savinja Alps and in the region of Kočevje. The red-breasted flycatcher lives in cool beech and fir-beech forests. Its nesting areas in Slovenia are on the shady sides of forest-covered slopes. It nests on the tops of decaying tree trunks. The only nest found in Slovenia so far was situated six meters above ground in an elongated opening of a decayed tree trunk. The bird’s singing has been entered by the Slovenian ornithological organization Društvo za opazovanje in preučevanje ptic (DOPPS-BirdLife Slovenia) into the Eurovision Bird Song Contest earlier this year. Due to its natural characteristics and well-preserved nature, Slovenia is home to a large number of bird species, many of which are today considered endangered in the world. According to international standards, up to 14 again and stayed with us almost all day. Why does he come here? Mici and Cilka are offended when he says all women are available to all men. I think he Lias no morals. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 1945 I cut firewood and became very exhausted. I went to bed at 7, feeling like I had no energy and with pains in my ribs. We are each getting 200 grams (almost half a pound) of white bread per day, but not much else. Wednesday, Dec. 19,1945 I got up at 9:30, still feeling very weak. A warm south wind melted all the snow today. The women began a spiritual retreat. People say that for Christmas UNRRA will provide each refugee with a coat and a large package of food. We will see. (To Be Continued) Important Bird Areas (IBA) have been established in Slovenia, Including the Sečovlje salt-pans, the Ljubljana Marshland, the Ribnica valley, Lake Cerknica, the Planina field, the Nanoscica river basin, the Reka valley, the region around Kočevsko and the Kolpa river, the Krakovo forest, the Drava river, the Mura river, the Goriško region, the Karst and the Triglav National Park. Besides the Corncrake, the Ljubljana Marshland is also home to other endangered bird species like the Curlew, the Whinchat, the Lesser Kestrel, the White Stork, and others. The smallest Slovenian swallow was on the verge of extinction but thanks to BirdLife Slovenia, there are 500 pairs nesting in Slovenia. Slovenia’s BirdLife projects also take credit for preserving the Great Cormorant and the Grey Heron as well as the nesting areas of the Blackheaded Gull and the Common Tem. —Slovenia Weekly The Slovenian National Home at 3563 East 80th Street in Cleveland is holding a “Wine and Cheese Festival” on Saturday, Sept. 28th. In keeping with the excitement of the evening we have planned a program that is sure to engage your senses while adding to your wine knowledge. Tables of wine from Ohio, California, New York and Slovenia are featured and you get to keep your wine glass. From the moment you enter the “Wine and Cheese Festival” until the time you leave hours later, it combines to produce a truly profound wine experience. In addition to the opportunity to sample > the wines, an unending array ^ of cheese, crackers, dips and £ fabulous fruits are supplied. At the Slovenian Home we believe every guest deserves the best. For your listening pleasure, A1 Battistelli will be the strolling musician and from eight to 10, for dancing. More surprises are in store, so remember the date, Saturday, Sept. 28 from six to 10 p.m. Tickets are also available by calling 216— 662-3339. All for $12.00 admission. --Florence Mirtel Chairperson Slovenians: People with good taste Song§ ’& Melodies from Beautiful Slovenia Slovenian Radio Family ED MEJAC RDC Program Director WCSB 89.3 FM radio hours: Sunday 9-10 am Wednesday 6-7 pm 2405 Somrack Drive Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 440-953-1709 TEL/FAX web: www.wcsb.org Mike and Angie Visit us ANGELA’S Family Restaurant Open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served DELICIOUS HOME-COOKED MEALS 7121 St. Clair Avenue - Cleveland -881-2342 - - ADDITIONAL FREE PARKING - Dr. Mirko Vombergar D.D.S. 6551 Wilson Mills Road Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143 Call for your appointment 1-440-473-4746 Office Hours - by appointment only. Saturday and evening hours available. We also sneak SLOVENIAN! Px /1 [2^>an CL an l^oslc Funeral Homes Two Convenient Locations 28890 Chardon Rd. Willoughby Hills 440-944-8400 (Formerly Grdina) 17010 Lake Shore Blvd. Cleveland (Collinwood Area) 216-486-2900 A Slovenian Family Sen'ing the Slovenian Community. Dignified-Personalized-Professional Services Dan Cosic and Joseph Zevnik, Funeral Directors Slovenia’s Beautiful Bird Song znnz ‘77 icnnnv ‘vwiAnwon 4 Growing Up Slovenian of CM H CO D O < Euclid Beach Park by JOE GLINŠEK < Z HH > o s o Q < Parking was free and there was no charge for admission to the park. You Qould spend a delightful evening enjoying the sights and sounds without spending a dime, but the ‘goodies’ ^ were hard to resist. Hun-phrey’s Hull-less popcorn U and their sticky popcorn balls became famous, and are still being sold in the Cleveland area. They called it Frozen Custard, and The Beach scooped this soft ice-cream into millions of cones, the best I’ve ever tasted. Their taffy was made and wrapped in yellow waxed paper as you watched. Small crowds always gathered around the glass-enclosed taffy factory inside the park. The machinery that mixed, pulled, twisted, cut and wrapped the sticky white confection, was a marvel to behold. The final amazing device of this candy assembly line, rapidly swallowed cut pieces of taffy and wrapped them individually from a spool of yellow waxed paper, twisted both ends closed, and spewed these yellow ‘bows’ like bullets out of a machine gun. Studying each machine and watching it perform, I was in awe of the mind that conceived these mechanical marvels, and mesmerized by every operation. Surprisingly, the machinery was of more interest to me than the taffy. My sweet tooth was legend, but taffy was on a very short list of candies I didn’t crave. However, they didn’t miss my business; most of the people on streetcars leaving the park were carrying taffy in its little white paper bags. Another popular seller was Vemor’s ginger ale, a sweet peppery beverage dispensed from kegs alongside a frothy brand of root beer. Two covered pavilions with cafeteria facilities served a limited menu of sandwiches, hot dogs, pies and coffee. Well-known to be scrupulously clean, they were a reliable place for a modest meal or snack. You may have intended to have an enjoyable evening at no charge, but it required great willpower to leave without sampling the mouth-watering goodies that flavored the air. Jutting out from the park and across the sandy beach well into Lake Erie was a long wooden pier. Used for strolling and fishing, it must have been costly to maintain, and after a bad storm it often needed major repairs. It cer- tainly wasn’t a moneymaker, but it was a widely recognized landmark. You could use the beach to sun and swim in the lake, or cool off in the round wading-pool with the lighthouse tower in the center. Water gushed from the top and cascaded over gradually larger tiers into the pool. After dark it was colorfully lit and created a lovely rainbow waterfall; quite an extravaganza in the 1930’s. I doubt that the swimming fees paid for its upkeep, but like the long pier, the lighthouse pool was a famous landmark. Various views of the pier and the glittering lighthouse waterfall were featured on Euclid Beach postcards. Dad took me into the lighthouse pool when I was very young. With an adult, almost any child that could walk was allowed into this shallow pool. Not really meant for swimming, this giant spectacular wading pool made it fun to get wet and cool off. I stood at the center with waterfalls rushing over my head, and it was a memorable experience. On a hot summer evening, just the sight and sound of the waterfall had a cooling effect, and the colors of the foaming water were a visual delight. If you decided to get wet, you went to a changing room and paid a couple of tickets for a numbered brass tag on a safety pin, a basket for your clothes, and a navy blue wool bathing suit on which you pinned the tag. When ready to leave, the tag entitled you to a fresh towel and identified your redeemable clothes. The wet suits and towels were dropped in a hamper as you left. The woolen suits were unbearably itchy until you raced into the water and got them wet. Men’s bathing outfits were a one-piece affair with straps, and nearly as modest as the women’s suits. Both were purely functional - style was not a consideration. They also had the usual sheep-like smell of wet wool, tinged with the odor of disinfectant. Complete with a live organist, one of the better roller skating rinks in town was another attraction at Euclid Beach. Since you were always going around in a large circle, learning to cross your feet in a turn was a must, and I just couldn’t get it right. On my few skating attempts, 1 tried to turn by skidding and skewing sideways. With nothing for my efforts except blistered feet, roller skating became purely a spectator sport. The Beach was a great place, and a fond memory for me and everyone I knew while we were growing up. One of the first places to have a permanent trailer park, it was adjacent to the amusement area and connected by sidewalks. People came from many states to vacation in a rented trailer. A separate section of concrete bungalows had also been built for year-round residents. These weren’t much larger than a trailer, which at that time was a very small space. During the 1930’s, a trailer was just that: a little six by 12-foot box on wheels. It would fit in a kitchen of today’s luxurious, so-called mobile homes. Unlike today, they were elbow to elbow and row upon row. Though said to be neat and clean, they must have been extremely cramped. But the park was a very desirable attraction, and comfortable living is a relative concept. Euclid Beach’s Fourth of July fireworks were the biggest and best around. Safely shot from the pier over the water, they could be seen at no charge by anyone visiting the park, and by people at homes for miles around. We lived about six miles south of the park, and could easily see the high aerial displays from the street in front of our house. Their fireworks were probably bigger, better and cheaper than any in northern Ohio. Euclid Beach Park was a nationally-known destination for summer vacationers, and was originally made famous by the Humphrey Brothers. No alcohol was sold or allowed on the premises, and everything possible was done to make it a wholesome family park at modest prices. Especially for those of us living nearby, it was good clean fun for a couple of dollars. When I was married and had three children, we lived within a ten minute drive of The Beach. On HI ;■■■ % JANEZ AND LOJZE - more formally known as Johnny Pecon (left) and Louis Trebar - played the last dance at Euclid Beach Park’s main ballroom on Wednesday, Aug. 27^1969. many summer evenings in the early sixties, we’d drive over after supper, have a frozen custard and treat the kids to a couple of rides. We walked on the pier and around the park, heard screams from The Thriller roller coaster, and watched kids giggling with the animated Laughing Lady at the Fun House. Rounding off a pleasant summer evening with a spectacular sunset over the lake. It was just a short drive home to put the kids to bed. The park was successful for many years right up to the mid-1960’s when it began to fade: One autumn night in 1969, Euclid Beach Park turned off its lights forever. Young and old alike, mourn its passing. Euclid Beach Merry-go-Round (Drawing by Gary Hull) Euclid Beach Park: Circa 1910 Slovenia: Small Change, Big Doubts When it comes to change, much in Slovenia seems to take its cue from the mountains which dominate the country. Its economics, politics and business, reforms often move painfully slowly. Compared with some other transition countries, the small ex-Yugoslav state sometimes seems to be working on geological time. That is hardly surprising. Slovenia’s population of fewer than 2 million people inherited from the Yugoslav socialist era have a far better living standard than any other post-communist country. Slovenia has similar wealth levels to Portugal and Greece and an air of quiet, smug contentment. The country’s business and political elite has been under pressure not to risk that prosperity. There have been few of the speedy privatizations, sales of enterprises to foreigners or inflows of foreign investment which have marked other countries’ post-communist transitions. The results have still been good, if not magnificent. GDP growth has averaged 4.4 percent over the past five years, faster than most western countries, though slower than some transition economies. Unemployment, at 7.2 percent by International Labor Organization standards, is relatively low. Only inflation causes widespread concern. Yet, beneath the calm surface, there are growing signs of stress. European Union membership, the inflow of foreign capital and changes in the country’s political leadership all threaten to create mini-earthquakes for change-averse Slovenians. They may, some believe, be more dramatic because reform has been avoided so long. The past few months have seen a growing public debate about the country’s direction. Controversy about EU and NATO membership has sharpened with publication of European Commission proposals for agriculture, regional development, and budget funding. Support for membership of both organizations has fallen. The debates have reflected Slovenia’s unusual political atmosphere, says a western diplomat based in Ljubljana, the capital. “Slovenia is rather Alpine, rather sniffy and rather self-satisfied with what it has,” he says. “Both foreign direct investment and privatization are currently moving at a snail’s pace.” Having closed 26 of 29 negotiating chapters, more than any other applicant, Slovenia is confident of being in the first wave of new union members, mostly from post-communist central and eastern Europe. Accession is scheduled for 2004. “It’s quite clear Slovenia remains very much in the forefront of the negotiating efforts compared with all the others,” says Erwan Fouere, head of the EU’s delegation in Ljubljana. “I think they are quite proud of that.” Nevertheless, the EU would still like to see greater competition in the banking sector. The low proportion of foreign direct investnient has also raised concerns about the country’s fitness to compete in the single European market. “If you look at the figures for foreign direct investment Books of Slovenia , T Plecnik's Treasures: Ciboriums, Monstrances and Sacramentariums The discovery of decorative vessels for liturgical service designed by master architect Jože Plečnik came as a revelation. This work presents almost 200 color photos of Plečnik’s gorgeous sacramental vessels otrer its 132 pages. The authors are Plečnik expert Dr Peter Krečič and publisher Rok Kvaternik; photographs are by Janez Pukšič. Price . $80 (ISBN - 961-20S-0513). P Plecnik’s Market in Ljubljana This portrait was occasioned by the extensive renovation of Ljubljana's famous Central Market, one of the most distinctive architectural symbols of the Slovenian capitol. On one side the structure recreates a fortified ramparts running along the Ljubljanica River. On the other, the structure's many commercial shops and stalls open to the old town and open-air market nestled below Ljubljana Castle. The authors are art historian Asja Petrič, Plečnik expert Dr. Peter Krečič and Aleksander Bassm, director of the Municipal Gallery of Ljubljana Photographs are by Branko Cvetkovič. Includes 54 color and 22 b/w photos in 121 pages. Price - $80 (ISBN - 961-209-031-5). Slovenia This is considered the best photographic portrait of Slovenia ever published. Written by veteran Slovenian journalist Stane Stanič, it has over 250 color photos and 286 pages, including stunning pictures of the Slovenian countryside, and a well-written • text covering the nation's history. It costs 5100 (ISBN 1 871489 18 0). Also available: Slovenian Emigrant Literature (Slovenska Izseljenska Književnost) This three-book set in Slovenian chronicles the lives and writing of noteworthy Slovenian emigrant writers the world over. The set costs $95. (ISBN 961-6182-69-2.961-6182-74-9. 961-6182-76-5) Plecnik's Drawings of Chalices This is a limited edition reproduction of nine original drawings of Plecnik's sacramental chalices The portfolio of 24" by 16" lithographs is suitable for framing to decorate either home or office. Included in the portfolio is a catalogue prepared by Plečnik scholar Dr, Peter Krecic illuminating the design of each of the nine vessels. The price Is $380 (ISBN-961-209-054-8). Books of Slovenia These books are imported by Books of Slovenia, a division of Delphi Associates To order, please send a check or purchase order to Delphi Associates at 453 Rialto Avenue, Venice, CA 9029.1. Prices include shipping and handling. Be sure to indicate the book(s) desired and allow several weeks for delivery. For information call (310) 392 4843 or email BooksofSlovenia@attbi.com DELPHI ASSOCIATES 453 Rialto Avenue Venice, CA 90291 310 392 4843 310 396 3574 (fax) in relation to GDP in other countries, Slovenia is definitely at the bottom,” Mr. Fouere says. “So there is a certain amount of concern.” The commission’s proposals for budget, agriculture and regional development policy negotiations - all seen as unfavorable for Slovenia -have helped to make membership look still less attractive. “The closer we get to joining the European Union and NATO... the more people think about the real consequences,” says Dimitrij Rupel, the foreign minister. “When the EU was a distant idea, or NATO was further in the distance, everybody was in favor.” Yet, whatever the public sentiment, accession is already changing Slovenia’s economy. Foreign direct capital inflows last year were $442 million, against $176 million the year before. Milan Kucan - who has led Slovenia since 1986 -must retire in December, while Janez Drnovšek, prime minister almost continuously for 10 years, may leave his post and run for the presidency. Kucan’s departure could open the way for a new generation of politicians less fearful of foreign involvement in Slovenian business and less committed to meddling in the economy. “We would like to see as much foreign investment as possible. But in greenfield areas, (new investments). It’s not necessary immediately to have as high a level of foreign investment as possible in existing companies. This is nothing very special for us,” says Anton Rop, finance minister, a possible succes- sor to Mr. Drnovšek.________ —Financial Times Life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a-ticking whether you are getting somewhere or just standing still. Dr. Zenon A. Klos E. J85,h Area ^ 531-7700 — Emergencies -Dental Insurance Accepted Laboratory on Premises — Same Day Denture Repair COMPLETE DENTAL CARE FACILITY 848 E. 185 St. (between Shore Carpet & Fun Services)_ Shows Condos Europe Hawaii We’re eager to help you plan your travel now AMD in the future! Business of the Year, 2001 22078 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid, Ohio 44123 216-261-2050, travel@euclidtravel.com Tours Cruises Florida Alaska Hfe’ne here AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, AUGUST 22, 2002 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, AUGUST 22, 2002 6 Recalling St. Lawrence Parish Life (Continued) by JOSEPH T. SNYDER Games Baseball at Union Field was synonymous with summer time and a daily exercise from morning to evening. Softball was played at Chain Works when the older guys, The Laurentians, pre-empted our facility. Back in the early forties, they played indoor baseball with a 12” or 14” ball, usually at Morgana Park. This was a challenge because very few players could hit the ball to the outfield. The only player who wore a glove was the first basemen. We also played what is now called “Stick Ball” usually in the late afternoon in the school yard using the trees, sewer lids, and school abutment for bases and a rubber or tennis ball and a makeshift wooden paddle. Prior to my arrival, introduced was a modified version of baseball whereby the batter hurled a rubber or tennis ball against a ledge on the school. The ball was then projected in the air or on the ground toward the church. If a grounder was stopped before it crossed a crease in the pavement about 20 feet from the batter, he was out. If the fielder caught a fly ball, even off the church, the batter was out. At designated spots, there were singles, doubles, triples and homers. If one hit a church window, it was an automatic out. There were three players on each side. During recess and lunch hour we played a game called “Poison” when it was not banned by school authorities. Ripped clothing, scratches, and bruises were a regular outcome. This was not a game for the timid. We played two variations of “Kick-the-can” along with “Hiding-go-seek” as we called it. Then there were games like 7 feet in the mud garden; Buck-buck, how many fingers up; Red Rover, Marbles, which we called agates, be they beauts, bowlers or pee-wees; knife or mumbly peg, Fireman, fireman, save my child; and for the para military types: “Capture-the- flag.” “It” now called “tag,” was a routine exercise for the swift and shifty. In the pre-TV era, innovation brought about some novelty toward competition in school-yard and field games. Rules were improvised as the games proceeded. We made paper footballs out of newspapers and string. The game was played on the street or in the school yard, depending on the space available. A good passer could hurl this paper projec- tile maybe 30 yards. This form of touch football later became a craze for the yuppies. However, they used real pigskins. Sometime around 1948, an outdoor basket was placed against the back end of the school. Many good outdoor games were exhibited. The biggest problem, aside from crashing into the wall, was the absence of a net, which became weather beaten in about a week or so. Caddy was a game played with a stick paddle and an obelisk shaped piece of wood that had four different designations, one on each side: H, III, V, and X. The game was played in the street with a utility lid as the home base. An explanation of the rules would be too extensive for now. But the participants still have fond memories of this exercise. Bowling was popularized upon the arrival of The Slovenian E. 80,h Lanes. As a reward for pin setting during the week nights, Mr. Kovach, the manager, allowed us ,to open bowl on Saturdays as long as we provided the pin setter. The wager on the various games that we played was that the loser had to set pins the next game. This incentive was quite a motivation to improve. Side bets included making difficult spares and splits. Tommy Fortuna was the best of our generation. We had a Club Room in the school for a year or two in the early 1950’s rotating the hula-hoop. In the mid-fifties, some of the younger girls played softball with the boys at Chain Works. At one time, they had a girl’s basketball team with their own rules which would have no relationship to the women’s basketball of today. One year we had a mixed bowling league which was more of an exercise in socializing than bowling. Most of us teenagers learned from our elders the intricacies of Pinochle, Hearts, Sixty-Six, and Poker, then the galloping dominoes. The stakes were naturally small until we learned how to borrow and run up a tab. These paper transactions developed into some rather interesting events. Sometimes an adult would intrude into our games and introduce some real cash. This was his mistake, because a combination of winnings and borrowings usually could cover his bluff. (To Be Continued) Drive in - or Walk In "'Miiffrirurr - - ■ • .■ * •, . BRONKOS Drive-in Beverage 510 East 200th St. DMH Corp. Fifclid, Ohio 44119 531-8844 Imported and Domestic Beer and Wine Soft Drinks - Milk - Ice - Snacks Imported Slovenian Wines Radenska Mineral Water -=> We have all Ohio Lottery Games <= Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday (No wine sold) 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Owner - David Heuer Collinwood Slovenian Home Ilk 15810 Holmes Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 216-681-6649 is proud to honor musician NORM KOBAL as their 2002 Man of the Year on Sunday, September 15, 2002 Join In the festivities for Norm with continuous music from 3:00-11:00 PM in both the upper and lower halls. Presentation at 9:00 PM with your Masters of Ceremonies Tony Petkovšek and Denny Bucar CONTINUOUS MUSIC ALL DAY WITH.... *The Buttonaires perform outside In the tent starting at noon* Dancing In the upstairs hall starting at 3:00 PM with: Ron Likovič • Tony Fortuna • Joey Tomsick Eddie Rodick • Jeff Pecon • Bob Kravos For the button box enthusiasts, dancing in the lower hall starting at 3:30 PM with the following: Magic Buttons • Button Box Connection Northern Ohio Players • Mahoning Valley B. Box Club and that fun bunch....Zeke and Charlie! r< ALL ENTERTAIMENT IS FREE OF CHARGE! Bands subject lo change I-------------------------------------------------} Cream Cake Recive \ i or i KREMNE REZINE - sNlTE \ Last week we published a letter from Sue (Lapuh) i O’Donnell of Yorba Linda, CA who was looking for ai Cream Cake recipe from Bled, Slovenia. This week reader i and travel guide Mimi Stibil of Parma Hts., Ohio found the i recipe which she says is supposedly from Bled. She encloses i it for all readers to enjoy. 8 cups milk, plus 1 cup milk for pudding and egg mix-1 ture 10 eggs, separated 2 tablespoons vanilla 10 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons flour 2 regular packages vanilla pudding 1 pint whipping cream 2 tablespoons rum 2 packages unflavored gelatin (Knqx) Puff pastry (2 sheets) Powdered sugar CREAM: Beat sugar and egg yolks, add flour-and Vi cup i milk, pour into boiling milk. Cook for 2 minutes, beating i continuously with electric mixer. Add vanilla to pudding > which was mixed with !/2 cup milk and add to boiling milk, i Cook for additional minute, beating continuously. Add gela-1 tin, which was soaked in cold water for 10 minutes, to the i cream mixture. Remove from heat. Beat egg whites. Fold i egg whites into mixture and add rum. Pour mixture into i 18x11x3 pan with the baked crust on the bottom. Cool in re-1 frigerator overnight. The next day, beat whipping cream i (Cool Whip can also be used) and spread over cooled mix-1 ture in pan. Top with another baked crust. Sprinkle crust i with powdered sugar. CRUST: Roll the puff sheet a little larger than the size of i the pan. Sprinkle cookie sheet with water then put the dough | down and prick with fork for air holes. Bake for 15 minutes i at 350°. -Mimi Stibil’s Kitchen ! j Robert Žnidaršič, MD, Joins Lake Hospital Systems Robert Žnidaršič, MD, a board-certified family practitioner, recently joined Lake Hospital System. Dr. Žnidaršič earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo and completed his residency at Summa Health System in Akron. His special medical interests include pediatrics, especially well-child and immunizations; men’s health; hypertension; and diabetes. He has offices in Chardon (440-285-9338) and Madison (440-285-9338). He is the son of Madeleine and Dr. Adolph Žnidaršič of Euclid, Ohio. Sifh* Jfireplace RESTAURANT US Lah« Sho>« Bvd MJ «47 Shoftfala Shopping Cawr Lunchts * Dinntrt • Cocktails One of the best known family restaurants for hometnade entrees and desserts Seafood • Sizzling Steaks Chops & Chicken Excellent International Cuisine Cozy Atmosphere Reasonable Prices Excellent Service & Value * Special Recognition Award it for Food Service Sanitation DAILY BUSINESSMAN’S LUNCHES 11:30 a.m.4:00 p.m. Mon.-Tliurs. 11 a.m.-10 pm, Fri, i Sal. 11 am-11 p.^ Suf].11:30am-8:00pm Stimburys Accounting Accounting & Income Tax Services 496 E. 200th St. Euclid, OH 44119 (216) 404-0990 Fax (216) 404-0992 Uuctime@en.com nUp://stimburysaccounttng. com EmUed » Practice Before foe Internal Revenue Service Servicing Indivkkils Corpocatiom t Small Businesses. Ivan’s Electric Sewer Cleaning & Old Pipe 24 Hr. Service j (216) 881-7740 ESTATE SALE Bungalow. 2 bdrms - ga" rage. Ready to move in. (440)449-1783 () House for Sale Euclid Brick Bungalow Good condition. 3 BR atr conditioned. Semi fr1' ished basement. Detach^ J double garage. i 1 CaIM40-423-152jgJ1 Alice Opalich, Family Matriarch ALICE OPALICH Funeral services for Alice (Kastelic) Opalich, 93, of Richmond Heights, OH and Cape Coral, FL were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 at St. Mary’s Church, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland. Mrs. Opalich died Saturday morning, Aug. 17, 2002 at UHHS Richmond Heights Hospital. Bom Jan 1, 1909 in Col-linwood, she moved to Richmond Heights in 1948. She was the family Matriarch and wife of former Mayor of Richmond Heights, Stephen Opalich. Mrs. Opalich, along with her husband, were founding members of Cape Coral Country Club and Palmetto Pines Country Club. She was also a member of KSKJ St. Joseph Lodge No. 169, AMLA St. Anne Lodge No. 4, American Slovene Club, St. Mary’s Altar Society, Auxiliary of Euclid General Hospital since 1950 (now honorary) and life member of Southwest Florida Symphony Society since 1974. Mrs. Opalich was employed by Cuyahoga County Courthouse for several years before retiring to raise her family. She was co-founder, along with her husband, of several businesses such as Precision Fabricating, Non-Ferrous Metals Fabricating, Euclid and Wickliffe Services, Cleveland Plastics Fabricators and Cape Coral Fabricating. Survivors are her children, George (Janna) Opalich, Dorothy (Thomas) Eryan and Pat (John) Chiap-Petta; grandchildren, Stephen (Michele) Opalich, Elizabeth CARST-NACY Memorials 15425 Waterloo Rd. 481-2237 “Serving the Slovenian Community." Opalich, Craig (Renee) Opalich, Mitchell (Jamie) Opalich, Jenny (John) Mills, Georjanna Opalich, Brad (Fiancee Diane) Bryan, Ted (Lisa) Bryan, Stephanie (Juan) Antunez and Stacey (Jeff) Elliott; greatgrandchildren, Halle and Heather Regalo, Austin, Alexandra, Allison, Chad, Chelsea, Dylan and Sawyer Opalich, Morgan Mills, Lexi and Spencer Antunez, and Cody, Cory, and Colton, Elliott; great-great grandchild, Hope Regalo; daughter-in-law, Judy (William) Bray; sister, Dorothy Urbancich; and sisters-in-law Caroline Kastelic and Kathryn Opalich. Her husband, Stephen Opalich, whom she married in 1934; sister Josephine Klemenčič, and brothers Matthew and William Kastelic, are deceased. Friends called from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at Brickman & Sons Funeral Home, 21900 Euclid Ave., Euclid. Burial in Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights. The family suggests contributions to St. Mary’s Church Endowment Fund, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection on Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Christine Church, 840 E. 222nd St., Euclid. In Loving Memory of the 10th Anniversary of Mary Muniza- Klemencic Aug. 26,1992was a sad day for all who knew and loved you. We below, your family, can’t forget who and what you were to us all. ROZALIJA BLATNIK Rozalija “Rose” Blatnik, 83, passed away on August 20, 2002 at Euclid General Hospital. Rose was bom on Sept. 21, 1918 in Zagradec, Slovenia. Rose belonged to KSKJ St. Joseph Lodge No. 146, and St. Christine Altar and Rosary Society. Survivors are her children Victor (Rose Marie) Blatnik of VA, Frank (Christine) Blatnik of NH, Mary (Joe) Pervan of Rocky River, and Dennis (Mary) Blatnik of Chesterland; grandchildren Gina Frasier, Jaqueline McDonnell, Angela Fleming, Nicole Potvin, Joe Pervan Jr., Christopher Blatnik, Ker-rie Blatnik, Anita and Michael Pervan, and Madeleine Blatnik; and seven greatgrandchildren. Deceased family are her husband Viktor; granddaughter Tracy Blatnik, and nine siblings. Friends may call at The Dan Cosic Funeral Home (formerly Grdina’s), 17010 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland Zele Funeral Home MEMORIAL CHAPEL Located at 452 E. 152 St. Ph: (216) 481-3118 Family owned and operated since 1908_ Love, Son - John Nieces - Carole, Mimi D. Mim A. - Tillie Nephews - John - Ed Granddaughters -Linda - Laura All Great-Grandchildren In Loving Memory of the 5'h Anniversary of the death of Edward Avsec Died August 25,1997 Always remembered With thoughts of love in our hearts and still so missed. Rest in God’s loving care, dear Ed. Wife, Daniella . and Family C&mCngf' Ev&nty Sunday, Aug. 25 Picnic at SNPJ Farm Heath Rd., Kirtland sponsored by Lodge 158 Loya-lites. Dinner served 1-3 p.m. Music by Eddie Rodick Band 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. Annual event where George Knaus treats everyone to a liquid refreshment at designated time. For information call Pat Nevar (216) 481-0163. Wed., Aug. 28 Fed. of Amer. Slov. Sr. Citizens Annual Picnic at SNPJ Farm on Heath Rd. Dinner served 1 p.m., music by Frank Moravsik 2:30 -5:30. Dinner-dance $11; admission only $4. Tickets sold by all clubs or call (216) 481-0163 or (440) 943-3784. Friday, Aug. 30 Concert Igor and Zlati Zvoki from Slovenia at Slovenian National Home on St. Clair, Cleveland. Sunday, Sept. 1 Slovenska Pristava picnic (Zlati Zvoki). Sunday, Sept. 1 St. Jude Parish, Elyria, Ohio (Fr. Frank Kosem, pastor), annual Festival and Donation Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Miro Odar of Richmond Heights, OH for their $25.00 donation. \ In Honor of Ed Blatnik August Gselman of Plantation, Florida recently visited the American home and donated $60.00 in honor of his dear friend, 92-year-old Ed Blatnik of Lighthouse Point, Florida. Many thanks for your generous donation. chicken Bar-B-Q dinner from 12 noon until 9 p.m. Activities for all ages and plenty of food. Sunday, Sept. 8 St. Vitus Altar Society dinner. Sunday, Sept. 15 Wine festival (Vinska Trgatev) featuring Veseli Godci Ansambel, at Slovenska Pristava. Sunday, Sept. 15 Collinwood Slovenian Home, 15810 Holmes Aye., Cleveland honors musician Norm Kobal as Man of Year. Festivities and continuous music from 3 to 11 p.m. in both halls. All entertainment free of charge. Saturday, Sept. 21 Bishop Baraga Association Slovenian Mass at St. Ignatius Church in Houghton, MI, 7 p.m. with reception in church hall. Sunday, Sept. 22 Bishop Baraga Association Mass, 4 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church in Houghton. Mich. Banquet after Mass at MTU University Center. Memorial Union Ballroom. 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton. (Continued on > 2 m > Z > > 5 3 2 In Memoriam and Thank You We mourn the loss of dear uncle, great-uncle, I and friend Sr '1* u: f 1909 Joseph Stariha 2002 .V. who died May 21, 2002, after a brief illness, and was laid to rest May 24, 2002 at All Souls Cemetery. His wiffe, Frances, preceded him in death. We wish to thank everyone who visited him in the hospital; paid their last respects at the funeral home; and accompanied him on the final journey on earth. ^ - ------- j * J A special Thank You to Fr. John Kumse for visiting Joe at the hospital, and administering last sacraments; ] saying the Mass of the Resurrection, and prayers at the J grave site. A heartfelt Thank You to the singers for the moving serenade to Joe at the funeral home and church-Sincere thanks to the pallbearers Ciril Benedejtic, Matt Grdadolnik, Matt Kajfez, John Kozlevchar, A1 Pestotnik Gus Petelinkar, Milan Smuk, and Matt Zabukovec. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Thank You to Zele Funeral Home personnel for caring funeral service. Special thanks to Mrs. Josie Cerer and her helpers for the delicious luncheon after the burial. We also thank all who sent flowers, and gave Mass and Memorial donations. We have sent thank you cards f to everyone, and apologize if we have missed anyone inadvertently. May God reward you for your kind | expressions and deeds of sympathy. Rest in peace, dear Joe and enjoy your rewards in ] Heaven. We will remember you always. Joseph Plut, nephew, and family, Canada John Dejak, John and Alba Plutt, Mary Podlogar, family, friends, Cleveland August 22,2002___________________ ' .T* ■M DOMOVINA, AUGUST 22, 200? 8 U.S. Request for Anti-Extradition Treaty a Problem for Slovenia The United States recently requested Slovenia and most other countries that are currently candidates for admission to NATO (and to the European Union) to sign treaties with the United States whereby they pledge not to extradite U.S. soldiers