Zarja — The Dawn URADNO GLASILO OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION NO. 5-6 MAY-.IUNE. 1992 VOL. 64 f%,% A SLOVENIAN BEAUTY! V* ON THE COVER... ZARJA - THE DAWN (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA -THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 NO. 5-6 MAY-JUNE, 1992 VOL. 64 Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Zenske Zveze. Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust. Annual Subscription for non-members, $10.00 — naročnina $10.00 letno za ne-članice. Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926 Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, IL 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 Telephone: (312) 548-8878 jrjrjrjrjrjrjrjrjrjrjrjrjr HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN MAY & JUNE National Officer: May I - Jean Korsman, State President. Minnesota, Biwabik, MN May 10 - Mary Tomsic, Hon. State President, PA, Strabane, PA Presidents: May 11 - Christine Konte, Br. 66, Canon City, CO May 12 - Barbara Spritzer. Br. 92, Gunnison, CO May 25 - Frances Yerman, Br. 57, Niles, OH June 24 - Genevieve Safran, Br. 27. Braddock, PA Secretaries: May 3 - Anna Anderson, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA May 6 - Gladys Buck, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL May 7 - Josephine Argubright, Br. 89, Oglesby, IL May 13 - Helen McFarland, Br. 66. Canon City, CO May 13 - Mary Mejac, Br. 103, Washington, D.C. May 14 - Mary Pabijan, Br. 15, Cleveland, OH May 27 - Anka Kregar, Br. 55, Girard, OH Portrait of Mary Majercik Lax is the work of Mary Grozdanik of Espyville, PA who has a unique talent of transferring faces from photographs onto settings, costumes, or environments of choice. She especially enjoys doing them with a Slovenian look. She also paints other things, animals, birds, scenery and uses different kinds of materials such as slate, stone, wood, paper, etc. She is a very gifted person. When Evelyn Majercik decided she wanted a picture of her late daughter, Mary, with a Slovenian national costume, Mary produced this lovely one which is now a family treasure. Acquaintance with the Grozdanik (Vercek) Family goes back more years than I can remember; however, my friendship with Mary Grozdanik is fairly new and vary meaningful. This young lady resides in Espyville. Penna. and she is a very talented artist. She paints on everything, and particularly enjoys doing faces. On a recent visit to her area while thumbing through a magazine, I came across a photo of a beautiful "ethnic" girl. Mary's talent for copying is remarkable. I asked her if she could paint this photo for me, 1 just wanted a picture of a traditional, ethnic-featured person. I always search for just such a painting at art/craft shows. Mary told me it would be no problem and added if I would send her a picture of myself when I was 20-25 years old. she would paint out my face into the painting. I could not come up with a photo, but submitted to her photos of my late daughter, Mary. When the portrait was delivered to me. to say 1 was stunned would be putting it mildly. 1 not only had my ethnic-person picture. I had a beautiful portrait in memory of my daughter. I am grateful to Corinne forgiving me this opportunity to share the talent of Mary Grozdanik. and the beauty of my daughter, with members of SWU. EM. May 28 - Linda Lambright. Br. 6, Barberton, OH May 17 - Margaret Mollica, Br. 57, Niles, OH June 1 - Ann Pavelič, Br. 8, Steelton. PA June 2 - Blanche Laurich. Br. 81. Keewatin. MN June 3 - Jane Hudak, Br. 74. Ambridge, PA June 11 - Betty Stack, Br. 24, LaSalle, IL June 19 - Dorothy Brezonik, Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI June 29 - Elizabeth Spolar, Br. 56. Hibbing, MN MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY! NDEPENDENT SAVINGS IS NOW METROPOLITAN -1515 E. 260th, Euclid, Ohio 44132 731^8865 THE IMMIGRANT MOTHER For all eternity, America is indebted to the immigrant mother, whether she is Italian, Jewish, Polish, Austrian, Hungarian, German, Russian, English, Slavic, Greek, Syrian, Bulgarian, Czech, Irish, Slovenian, Croatian or Ukrainian. Born in the old country, she usually married at a young age, the young boy with whom she worked in the field. While still a young bride and sometimes with a child she remained and waited, while her man left for America. That distant land filled with promises of a better life. The days, months, and sometimes years passed slowly, while she patiently waited for word from her husband. Finally, when the letter came with the passage fare for the long boat ride to America, she gathered up her few possessions and children, and boarded the ship to join her husband. She found him working in the steel mills, brick yards, coal mines, and on the railroad; and she found him living in a shack, shanty, railroad car, or even in a tent. But at least this was a start, a foundation for a new life, and here in America, by his side, she prepared for the years ahead. Our country was young; it needed laborers; and she gave to America, five, six or more children of her body, and of her soul. While her husband worked in the bitter cold of winter, or in the blistering heat of summer, in ditches laying sewers, and deep in the ground mining coal or iron ore, she worked from early morning to late at night cooking at a coal stove, washing her clothes with a washboard, and heating the water in a big copper tub on that same coal stove. At the same time she took care of the children, preparing breakfast, making lunches; and sending them to school. When the freshness of young womanhood is gone; by the flickering oil lamp she sews and irons clothes late into the night. She scrimps and saves to dress her children decently, while she wears an old dress and stays at home. Her children must have an education, so that they may be respected and amount to something, someday. She is the unsung heroine and pioneer of America. No statue can be built high enough, with which to sculpture a fitting memorial to the immigrant mother. —Author Unknown Reprint from Glasilo K.S.K.J. Submitted by Ann Nusich, Br. 38 THESE ARE OUR CHOSEN MOTHERS-MEMBERS of Slovenian Women’s Union who will be honored this month of May by their sisters in our branches - to know them is to love them! They are our shining examples of Motherhood, Womanhood and Sisterhood! 2, Sharon Nadziunas, 3, Mary Drobnick, 5, Frances Lambert, Anne Lekse and Frances Jovanovich, 10, Theresa Ferraccioli, 12, Rose Luebke, 13, Ann Sustarich, 14, Diane Varney, 16, Fran Zupančič, 17, Kate Matzelle, 19, Frances Mohar, 20, Mary Josephine Lustik, 25, Frances Hočevar, 26, Mary Slaney, 28, Roberta Gasperich, 32, Christine Verch, 33, Beverly Menart, 34, Rose Planton, 35, Helen Zuponcic, 39, Jane Purkat, 40, Kathy Russ, 43, Jennie Janezic, 47, Mary Kociancic, 50, Angela Shine, 52, Dorothy Ban, 55, Maria Selak, 71, Rosemarie Germovsek, 73, Josephine Novak, 79, Antoinette Kitna, 100, Jan Eckert, 102, Rose Pekol, 103, Mary Mejac and 105, Evelyn Sunich. GOD BLESS THEM AND ALL OUR MOTHERS OF S.W.U.! Br. 2, Chicago, IL SHARON NAUDZIUNAS From our holiday-theme monthly meetings to our special functions, you can be sure our Sharon will be one of the first to volunteer to help make each occasion “special”. Organizing the children’s Christmas Party, hostessing the Adult Christmas Party, taking charge of the "Penny Social”, working with the Zveza Day Picnic committee,, she is there. Sharon came to us 7-1/2 years ago, and has participated in every function of Branch 2. Every branch should have such a dedicated member. Sharon was bom November 23, 1951, and along with her brother John Br. 3, Pueblo, CO MARY (MITZI) DROBNICK Mary (Mitzi) Drobnick, Mother of the Year of No. 3, Pueblo, Colorado, is a life-long resident of Pueblo and comes from a family of 15 children, 12 boys and 3 girls, all of whom are still living, except four of the boys. Mitzi has been a member of Slovenian Women’s Union for 1 1/2 years. Her mother, Anna Pechek, and her mother-in-law, Louise Drobnick, were Members; both of them are deceased. Mitzi is a high school graduate and worked for the Colorado Fuel & Iron Corporation for 37 years in Data Processing, Purchasing, Accounts Pay-Continued on page 12 r Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI ROSE LUEBKE The 1992 Mother of the Year from Branch 12 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is Rose Luebke, a member of the lodge for more than fifty years. Rose was born in Milwaukee, the daughter of Joseph and Rose Pucel. Both of Rose’s parents were Slovenian, and both came to the United States from Slovenia. She has two sisters, Josephine and Mary, who also live in the Milwaukee, and has continued learning on her own since that time. She ran a grocery store with her husband Roy for twenty years, and worked part time in the tax division of the Wisconsin government for a Br. 13, San Francisco, CA ANN SUSTARICH Branch 13 of San Francisco, California congratulates Ann Sus-tarich as Woman of the Year! Ann is the daughter of Rudy and Virginia Sustarich and is a third generation member of the S.W.U. Ann is a gentle, bright and humorous person. Currently, she is employed as a seafood inspector/broker. She attended San Francisco State University, University of Washington and University of Rhode Island. Her degrees are in biology, fisheries and statfstics. She has worked on board research and commercial fishing vessels. Ann is a avid swimmer and scuba diver. She is also a biological illustrator; her main subjects are fish and California wild flowers. Katie Judnich, Ann’s Grandmother enrolled Ann in S.W.U. as a child. Ann attended S.W.U. activities since childhood and became an active member as an adult. In fact, her mother, aunts and all of her cousins are active members. When we asked Ann what her greatest inspirations in her life were - she quickly responded that her belief in God, her family and life itself have been her greatest inspirations. Br. 14, Euclid, OH DIANE VARNEY When you read the life story of Diane Varney, the impression is of a women very loving, very much in tune with her family and the world in which she lives, a giving person who is happiest when she is caring for others, who is proud of her children and grandchildren, who is a devoted daughter and family member. Diane is also the secretary of Br. 14, a position she has held for 2 years with a membership of 36 years behind her. Other members are her mother, Jennie Fitzthum, (50 plus years) daughter, Laurie Trevino and sister-in-law Marilyn Fitzthum. Let’s learn more about Diane. Her parents are Jennie and Jim Fitzthum and older brother, Jim, comprise her family of origin. She was educated at Euclid High and as a medical assistant at Milwaukee’s Career Academy. She works at Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio, where she lives, and is stationed in the Emergency Room as a secretary. Her daughter, Laurie, married now and a former Army cook, also works there so Mom sees her often. Diane loves collecting antiques and putters around the house, her favorite place to be. She is married to Larry Varney (second husband) since May 2, 1986. Diane sees her role in life as a rewarding one. She remembers how supportive and loving were her parents so that she could complete her career plans and now, in her nursing world, she feels fulfilled. She says it is won---------------------------- Continued Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL FRANCES ZUPANČIČ Fran Zupančič who was our Reporter for 10 years was chosen for the Mother-of-the-Year honor for 1992. Fran was bom on October 10, 1916 in Chicago. She worked for Great Lakes Supply Co. until her marriage and after her family was raised, she was employed as a secretary for Continental Can Co. until her retirement after 18 years of service. On November 23, 1940 Fran married John Zupančič at St. Francis De Sales Church. John was employed at Amoco in Whiting, Ind. John was active in all sports and he was the Star Center on the St. Florian Basketball Team that won the K.S.K.J. National Championship in 1934 and 1935. He also participated in many of the sporting events at Calumet Park. John passed away on January 1, 1992. John and Fran were blessed with two children, John A. and Paul and three grandchildren, Jill, Noel and Christopher. John and Fran celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in November 1990 with their immediate family at the Grey Goose Bed & Breakfast in Chesterton, Indiana. They also attended the Mass at Holy Name Cathedral where many couples from the Chicago area celebrating their 50th Anniversary were honored at a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Bernadine. Fran’s leisure time is spent in knitting, crocheting, cooking and baking. She enjoys gardening and music and also the many activities associated d page 12 -------------------- Br. 17, West Allis, WI CATHERINE MATZELLE Catherine was named for her mother, Katherine Horvath, a longstanding and beloved member. Our Catherine is also with Br. 17 for many years during which she has helped, in her mild, quiet way, at all the branch functions. She is serving as our auditor for the past five years. She has a knack for figures, and has shown that talent inumerable times, mainly as secretary with the Knights and Ladies of Baraga lodge of KSKJ which she assumed following the death of her husband, Joe, in 1983. Catherine is the mother of three: Richard, married with three children, Michael, Lori and Elise; Jerry who has three children, Jerry, Jeffrey and Angela; and Darlene also has three children, Rebecca, Joseph and Sara. Two of Catherine’s sons graduated from college as did two of her grandchildren. Catherine never had the chance for advanced education; she completed as much as she could, including vocational school, then went to work at age 16 in a grocery store. After that, she was employed for 26-1/2 years at General Motors, Milwaukee and Oak Creek, retiring in 1976. Catherine (Katie to us) married her husband in 1939. He was a printer and they met through the KSKJ lodge, which was one of the best ways young people met in those days. Tho she says she has no special interests, Katie does enjoy playing cards and bowling. At the meetings, she is always calm and Continued on page 13 FRANCES MOHAR Frances was bom in Eveleth in 1914, the oldest of four children to Frances and Louis Nemgar. She graduated from high school in 1932 and had one year of junior college, taking up a business course. She worked in a photo shop, then at Lyn-dale Dairy as a bookkeeper and later at the Amalgamated Shirt Factory. In between this time, she married Frank Mohar from McKinley, MN (1943), but she lost him after only 2 years due to a drowning accident when Frank and a friend ran across a frozen lake while hunting, and fell into the ice. She never married again, and has been a widow for these last 45 years. Their one child, Judy, is now a medical technician and is married, with three children herself. So, Frances devotes her time to her three grandchildren, Jeff, a student at the University of Duluth, Rick, a high school senior and Lisa, 10th grader. They live only 60 miles apart, so she sees them often and never misses a basketball game to watch her grandsons, both on varsity teams. Lisa is also a cross-country runner, and has grandma cheering her on. Frances is the kind of grandmother that supports and stays close to her family. She is a good member, seldom misses a meeting or event, and is on the audit committee of Br. 19 for about 4 years. She lives quietly, enjoys knitting and sewing for the family and every Christmas knits dozens of mittens to give to the Salvation Army for the poor. A happy, loving Mother of the Year is Frances Mohar, our beloved member. Happy Mother’s Day Br. 20, Joliet, IL MARY JOSEPHINE “JO” LUSTIK I was born on April 21, 1937 the only child of Joseph and Mary Vidmar , (now deceased). I attended St. Mary Nativity Grade School and graduated from Joliet Township High School. Prior to starting a family, 1 worked as a secretary. My parents were Slovenian and came from Slovenia in their early twenties. Like so many other immigrants, they worked hard for what they had. My father worked at a local factory till he retired. My mother had a very big garden which she maintained, and also did beautiful crocheting. They were loyal American citizens, but never forgot their homeland. On October 25, 1958, I married Walter Lustik of Joliet at St. Joseph’s Church with Msgr. M. J. Butala officiating. We spent our honeymoon in Mexico. My husband is a machinist by trade. We are the parents of four grown children; Marla, Kevin, Darren and Jeffrey. They all attended St. Joseph’s Grade School in Joliet. At the time, I was very active with the PTO and the Atlantic Association. Being a “room mother” was a special joy- My daughter, Marla does secretarial work which she enjoys, and Kevin graduated from Northern Illinois University; he now works and resides in Chicago. Darren spent almost three years in West Germany while he was in the Army. He and Jeff now both work part time and go to Junior College. Continued on page 13 Št. 25, Cleveland, OH FRANCES HOČEVAR Skoraj vsakdo, ki se udejstvuje slovenskih prireditev (kosila, igre) prav gotovo pozna našo ženo leta, Francko-Frances Hočevar. Ponižno in skromno, se ti približa s “šopom” kart za naslednjo prireditev. Ni prav nič vsiljiva. Lepo te vpraša, a še lepše pogleda in glej, že poteguješ denarnico iz “varžeta" ali iz “tašelna”. Naša Francka je bila rojena leta 1920. 3. decembra, na dan sv. Frančiška Ksaverija. Rojenice so jo pustile pri Čampljevih, v Hinjah pri Žužemberku - Suha Krajina. Francka je bila najmlajša od petih otrok druge mame. Deveti otrok v družini pri Čampljevih. Prva mama je imela štiri otroke. Umrla je zelo mlada, zato se je oče še enkrat poročil. Oče je bil “šuštar”. Tiste čase so šuštarji težko delali in malo prislužili, pa še s tako veliko družino, je bilo slabo. Zemlje je bilo pa tudi malo, kar jo je bilo okoli hiše. Otroci so morali iti zgodaj služit', tako je tudi Francka odšla za pesterno po vasi kjer so imeli male otroke in večje grunte, da so jo lahko plačali. Nekaj otrok prve matere je odrinilo v letih 1907,10,20 čež lužo, "s trebuhom za kruhom". Odšli so že pred rojstvom Francke. Otroci druge mame so pa ostali doma in se izučili raznovrstnih obrti, le Francka je šla služit’. Služila je v Hinjah in tam okrog in na Mateni, ------------------------- Continued Br. 26, Pittsburgh, PA MARY B. SLANEY The members of Br. 26 have unanimously selected their Secretary, Mary B. Slaney, as Mother and Woman of the Year for 1992. Mary, one of the eight children (6 boys and 2 girls) of Joseph and Barbara Bahorich was born on January 24, 1912 in Pittsburgh. She continues to live in the same neighborhood, attends the same church, and socializes with many of her childhood friends. Her parents were active in many Slovenian organizations and encouraged their children to follow in their footsteps. Among the family’s various affiliations were her father’s many years of service as an officer of KSKJ Lodge #41 and her sister, Angeline’s longtime service as an officer of KSKJ Lodge #81. Her mother was one oi the charter members of Br. 26, which was organized in December 1928. In 1970, Mary retired from her job at a neighborhood clothing store after 38 years of service. Free of a daily job, Mary was able to join, and, in many cases, serve as an officer in many organizations. She was an officer of St. Mary Assumption Church’s Christian Mothers; a commentator at Mass at St. Mary Assumption Church; and an auditor and volunteer of KSKJ Lodge #81. Mary is also a member of the local AARP, the Pensioners Group and the Lawrence-ville Senior Citizen Center. Also, during the 1970s and early 1980s, Mary organized, planned and ran bus trips to places all over the country for vari-n page 13 -------------------- ROBERTA GASPERICH The members of Br. 28 have selected a 24 year member as their chosen Mother. They know her to be a most devoted and thoughtful mother, grandmother and friend. She herself says that being with people is her greatest delight. As a waitress at Parkside restaurant, she surely has the opportunity to do this! Roberta is of English descent. Her father was a copper miner and she is a member of a large family of 11 children. She was bom in Laurium, MI in 1935, attended Sacred Heart Catholic grade and high schools. Roberta married Carl H. Gasperich in 1952 and they have spent 40 years together; except for the time he was away serving in the Army. They enjoy watching hockey games and partridge hunting together and rearing their four children and now, the five grandchildren that delight the family. During the time the children were small, Roberta stayed home. She remembers those years as the best. She visits and calls them often now that they are on their own, of the four only one lives close by. A special happiness is the twin arrivals her daughter was expecting in March. At the meetings of Br. 28, Roberta is one of the mainstays. She is very energetic and has a friendly smile. She shares her family events with her sister members and loves to be in their company. Among her most treasuured nemories is a trip they made to Germany to visit their son and his family; and the future includes a trip to the wedding of her oldest granddaughter in September. She thanks all the members for the honor of being chosen Mother of the Year by her lodge “sisters”! A truly fine lady. Br. 33, Duluth, MN BEVERLY MENART Beverly (Bielen) Menart was bom Nov. 9, 1938 in Farmington, MN., the first of 3 children of Swedish/German descent. She lived in Hampton, Hermantown, Proctor, has 7 stepbrothers and sisters; but now lives at 1111 98 Ave. W. in Gary. She attended Hermantown High School and Wanner Beauty School. She worked at Northwestern Bell for 18 years and has worked at Magnolia Shoppe as bridal consultant and assistant bookkeeper. Beverly and Tony, on this photo together, were married Nov. 23, 1957 at St. Elizabeth's Church, where they are members. Tony is retired now from the printing trades. They garden together and share cooking duties. Three children — Mark. Neal and Lisa, all live in the Gary, New Duluth area. Along with Lisa’s husband, Scott, and grandson, Anthony, John, they get together often. “Nana" sees Anthony, 3, almost daily and he loves to "sleep over”. Bev, a 13 year member, has been Recording Secretary/Treasurer and is now President of Br. 33. She was a delegate to the National Convention last May in Cleveland, OH. Her daughter and grandson are also members. She sings in church choir and with KSKJ Slovenian Singers, is an expert seamstress, knits, crochets, does counted cross-stitch. "Now she would like to learn bobbin-iace making! Bev is also an excellent cook, assisted with Continued Br. 34, Soudan, MN ROSE ANN PLANTON The Mother of the Year for 1992 from Branch 34, Soudan, MN, is a member who has been with the SWU since 1952. She is Rose Ann Mertel Planton. Rose was bom in Ely on March 10, 1921, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Zalokar) Mertel. Her father was bom in Cerklje pri Kranju, and her mother in Bled, Slovenia. They were married in Pittsburgh on October 12, 1915 by Joseph's brother, Father John Mertel, who was from St. John’s Seminary inCollegeville, MN. Joseph also had a brother, Mike, who lived in Ely. Joseph was the secretary for the American Fraternal Lodges # 1 & 20 for many years and Elizabeth took over the duties after his death. An interesting note was that Father John also married Mr. & Mrs. John Brula, Sr., of Soudan and Calumet, Michigan. After graduating from the Ely High School in 1939, Rose worked for the War Price & Rationing Board in Ely from 1943-1945. She, like so many others from Ely, met a Soudan man, Tony "Remer” Planton, and they were married at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana , on August 12, 1943. “Remer” was the first draftee from Tower-Soudan, and left for the service on April 7, 1941, serving in the Army for 4-1/2 years as a Sergeant with the Field Artillery as a Scout and Tank Destroyer. He saw action in France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland and was also stationed in England. He served on page 13 --------------------- Br. 35, Aurora, MN HELEN E. ZUPONCIC Helen E. Zuponcic, a member of the Slovenian Women’s Union, Branch #35, Aurora, Minnesota,, was chosen “Mother of the Year” for 1992 by her organization. Helen was bom in Meadow, a small mining location in Aurora, on April 27, 1915, of Slovenian immigrants. She was the eighth of eleven children raised by John and Johanna Bradach. Six children survive of this large family: John (a nonagenarian), Joseph, Henry, Alice (Mrs. George Wilson), and Margaret (Mrs. Stanley Cina). After graduating from the Aurora High School during the depression years, Helen was employed as a local telephone operator. Later, during World War 11, she accepted a position as secretary for the U.S. Forest Service in Aurora. Helen married Herman M. Zuponcic, a lifelong Aurora resident, in 1944 when he was on leave from his war duties in South Pacific. He was in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion at that time. Herman retired a number of years ago as a Utilities Superintendent for the City of Aurora. The Zuponcics are the parents of five children, including a set of twins, and ten grandchildren. Veda, the oldest, is a concert pianist and a professor of music at Glassboro College in New Jersey. She and her husband. Dr. Leonid Roshal, and son, Gavriel Herine, reside in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Martin is Senior Coordinator, Systems, at Inland Steel Mining Corn-Continued on page 14 Br. 39, Biwabik, MN JANE PURKAT Biwabik, Minnesota members are happy to extend best wishes to Jane Pukart! Jane Eileen Spohn-Purkart was born in Anoka County, Minnesota of French and Irish parents in 1927. She attended high school in Anoka and Coon Rapids. After graduation she went to work for the F. C. Hayer Co in Minneapolis where she worked until her marriage to Don Purkart. Their love story is a lovely one. Jane came up to the small town of McKinley for her roommate’s wedding, and there met Don, a life-long friend of the groom. Jane and Don began to "date" via the long distance telephone and within a year, they married. That was 1952. The six boys in a row and finally, their seventh, a darling baby girl. Their youngest and last child was another boy. making a grand total of eight! Their 40th anniversary was celebrated in January at the Holiday Inn in Eveleth hosted by their children and shared by family members. Sons, Jan, Dan, David, Jerad, Dennis, Michael and Joey and daughter JaNeen (who is now 24 and works in Minneapolis), hosted the party. Jane and Don have nine grandchildren, seven of whom live close by and are lucky to be the recipients of her warm and generous love. Jane often baby sits for them, too. Jane became our member through the encouragement of her mother-in-Continued on page 14 Br. 43, Milwaukee, WI JOSEPHINE JANEZIC The worth and value of a woman can be estimated by what she loves and does, but most of all by what she is to others. There are many facets to Josephine Janezic's personality. First of all she is a deeply religious person whose confidence in God never wavers. Her strong religious beliefs and the resistance to join Communism forced her to (lee the country while still under age. Second, she follows her Mother's philosophy of life, "That in giving ourselves to others in love and understanding, and in getting to know the needs of others, we bring joy to our hearts." Her devotion to her parents, particularly, her aging widowed mother Antonija, whom she and her husband brought from Slovenia twelve years ago, is most exemplary, because they spared nothing to make her mother’s remaining years comfortable and happy. This devotion extends lavishly to her family: Josephine and Stanley married in 1957 in Australia, their love and respect brought special closeness into lives of their daughter Patricia, and son-in-law Paul, and particularly to their one and only treasured grandchild, Michelle. Josephine’s skills are many and varied. She can cook a feast for any occasion, make a fashionable dress, put together stylized drapes, you name it, as a fashion coordinator she comes through with pleasing results for she ------------------------------ Continued Br. 47, Garfield Hts., OH MARY KOCIANCIC Mary has been a member of Br. 47 for 23 years and was also a junior member and cadet as a young woman. She was born July 4. 1918 in her New-burg. East 81st St.. home where her father had his first Barber Shop. She is the oldest of three daughters born to Mary Adler and Frank Locniskar. At about the age of four, her family moved to the Garfield Heights area where she and her husband. Tony currently reside in the home which was her parents'. Mary attended Garfield Hts., schools including high school where she particiapted in many activities including band, orchestra, glee club, year book, and was class secretary for four years. Received her certificate in Pianoforte in 1934. Her love of music has carried through the years, as she once taught piano. She enjoys ballet, the Cleveland Orchestra and, of course, good old Slovenian polkas and waltzes. Her graduating class of 1936 still gets together yearly for picnics and holds special reunions every five years. After graduation, Mary worked at different jobs, Woolworth’s, General Electric, Jack & Heintz. It was then that she met Antony Kociancic, while attending novena devotions at St. Lawrence Church. Fr. John J. Oman was very dear to both of them. Tony was a printer and worked for several commercial printing companies, then joined the Plain Dealer where he worked for 27 years, 14 of which as supervisor in the composing on page 15 ----------------- Br. 50, Euclid, OH ANGELA SHINE For 1992 Branch No. 50 has selected a "Woman of the Year,” the ever popular Angela Shine. Angie was born in Grayslandy, Pa. Her parents were Julia and Michael Shine. There were 4 girls and 2 boys in her family. In 1936 Angie came to Cleveland to seek work and lived with her married sister, Stella Koporc on Marcella. Later her mother came to Cleveland and they lived together on East 63rd St. After her mother passed away, she purchased a double family home on East 72nd St., where she still resides. Her first place of work was at the Bishop and Babcock Co. A short time after she got a job at the Eton Heater Manufacturing Co. where she worked for 33 yrs. At that time the workers’ unions were coming in quite rapidly, and Angie was a strong union woman and fought for the workers rights. She was the first organizer of their union, their financial secretary; served on the By-Law Committee; was an Officer of the Loan Committee and Chairman of the Shop Committee. Angie was written up in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, a daily newspaper, in 1965 in an article titled: "Labor Day News”, as the most active Shop Committee lady in the State of Ohio. Angie is an avid bowler and has bowled most of her adult life. She holds an average of 137 and still bowls twice a week. Angie also belongs to Comrades Lodge of SNPJ; Euclid Slovenian Pen-Continued on page 15 Br. 52, Kitzville, MN DOROTHY BAN Dorothy Ban, Br. #52 Mother-of-the-Year, was born to Italian-English parents. On April 25, 1942, she married her childhood sweetheart, Martin Ban, of Slovenian ancestory and guess what? She not only raised four beautiful children, Martin Jr., Gregory, Doreen, and Peter, but she learned to make delicious "sarma" in addition to her famous "sugo”. Dorothy, a very energetic, bubbly lady took great care of her family and also managed some part time jobs and extra fun activities. Her jobs consisted of a sample-taker in the mines, an assembly-line worker at Precision Industry, and a helper at Spies bakery. Because she enjoyed people, Dorothy became active in the VFW Auxiliary and Women of the Moose. Her membership in the Slovenian Lodge #52 has lasted 20 years where she has participated in various activities and functions. She also played volleyball for many years and has been an avid bowler most of her life laying claim to many first-place team trophies in both leagues. During the cold winter months, Dorothy's favorite pastime is cooking. Her children are rarely disappointed when they stop to see mom and snoop around to see "whats cookin’’. Cheerful and delightful, this little lady is always her family’s Mother-of-the-Year and we’re proud and honored to share her with the Slovenian Lodge in this special honor. (Written by her daugliter-in-law) Br. 55, Girard, OH MARIA F. SELAK Maria is of the new generation of Slovenian-Americans, born in this country of Slovenian immigrant parents who left their homeland and came to the U.S. after WW II. In spite of hardships that came with lack of money, security of employment, language barriers, these families brought their traditions, values and spiritual strengths with them and succeeded in making a new destiny for their families. So, Maria, now, is passing on to her own children, the things she was brought up to regard by her own parents. She was bom in 1950 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Milka and Frank Kregar who had just come from Slovenia as refugees. Three younger sisters followed Maria: Anka, Martha and Dori, all members of SWU, too. She attended St. Rose Elementary School, Ursuline High School and Youngstown State University, receiving a degree in Elementary Education and minor in Math. She began working as a page in the Girard Free Library during her senior year of high school, and upon graduation from college in 1972, assumed a position of children’s librarian at the library where she worked until her first child was born in 1978. She is now a substitute teacher. Maria likes to sew, embroider, cook and can, plays the piano and sings, especially Slovenian songs. This 100% Slovenian family also speaks Continued on page 15 ROSEMARIE GERMOVSEK Rose was born in Cadiz, Ohio to George and Mary Prohart Wrkich - a Slovenian-Croatian family, and is one of eight children. The Wrkiches were married 67 years before her father’s death in 1988 —and now, mother Mary is 85 and living in Smithfield, Ohio. Rose graduated from Wintersville high school - later was employed by the Federal Paper Board in Steubenville and then transferred to Washington, PA. After her first child was born, Rose stayed home to raise her family. She has two children, Mary Jo is 29, received her degree in Business Administration from Slippery Rock University and is married to Paul Hartman. They reside in Bethel Park, PA. Son, Joe is 27, and finishing his studies to get a degree in electrical engineering at Youngstown University. Rose and her husband, Joe, have lived in Strabane for 31 years; he is retired from Cooper Industries since 1991. They enjoy attending Slovenian dances and especially listening to their son, Joe play the button box accordion at these events. Rose’s family brags about her cooking, in fact, son-in-law, Paul claims Rose’s strudel is one of the reasons he married into the family! Rose has been a member of br. 71 for 10 years. She enjoys attending all the functions and rarely misses a meeting. Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, the late Josephine Germovsek-Kotar and Josephine Cargnoni, were both good members of Br. 71. Since 1988. her daughter, Mary Jo is also a member. When we read about Rose, and mother's like her, we feel proud and happy that they are a part of us, and wish them all the best in fulfilling their lives. Br. 73, Warrensville Hts., OH JOSEPHINE NOVAK I had a delightful time interviewing our Mother of the Year. A member of Branch 73 for over fifty years, Josephine Novak resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She came to the state thirty-five years ago. She has since lived in California and Ohio, but she returned to Florida fourteen years ago and settled in the "deep south.” I had met Josephine several years ago and by the time our phone conversation ended, we were again great friends. Joseph (Dolinski) was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 1, 1913. She attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and South High School. At the age of twenty she married John Novak. Two sons, Michael and John, came from the marriage. Her husband died in 1940. Josephine told me that she had not worked prior to her husband’s death, but left with two sons to raise, she did take on a clerical job at a local Cleveland drug store. She loves to travel but her jaunts are limited because of health problems (we do hope your eyes are improving, Jo). The Senior Apartment Complex where she resides affords her many activities; she particularly likes Bingo. Filling me in on how she keeps herself busy she made a remark that we should all remember; “I can't do much, but I always try to help..." Isn’t that great! Son Michael has retired after 30 years with the Air Force and his (only) daughter, Julie, recently made Josephine a great grandmother. Son ----------------------------- Continued Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA ANTONETTE KITNA Antonette (Toni) Kitna, a 20 year member of Br. #79 has been chosen Mother of the Year for 1992. Toni was born in Seattle, Washington on January 14. 1938. She is the youngest of four sisters. She received all of her formal education from Catholic nuns and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in Seattle, Washington. Toni has held several careers. Dur- -ing high school she worked in the fisheries industry. After graduation, Toni began a career as a grocery clerk for Thriftway Stores Inc. and stayed employed there for ten years. Presently, Toni works for Hunter Douglas Inc. in the Window Fashions Department as a Quality Control Inspector in Kent. Washington. Toni has been married to Robert Kitna for twenty-six years. They have twin sons Mark and Marty. Robert has worked for the City of Auburn as a Senior Serviceman for many years. Their son Marty is an Economics graduate of the University of Washington. He is currently employed as a Systems Analyst with the Boeing Company in Bellevue, Washington. Marty is also planning to begin graduate studies in Business Administration or Law in the Fall of 1992. Their other son Mark is an Industrial Psychology graduate of Central Washington University. Mark is currently employed as a Sales Associate at Puget Sound Securities in Seattle. Washington. Toni has always encouraged her boys to work smart n page 16 ------------------- Br. 100, Fontana, CA JAN ECKERT Our Mother of the Year is Jan Eckert of Fontana. California. Jan was horn in Ely, Minnesota the eldest of the three daughters of Angela Zobitz and Frank Steiner. She moved to California with her family while still in school and graduating from Chaffey High School and Chaffey College. After working for Kaiser Steel as a secretary for a number of years Jan attended a real estate school and is now a sales agent for Century 21 in Alta Loma, California. Ron Eckert is her husband of 34 years and they have two lovely children, Rhonda Becker of Hawthorne, CA and Michael of Fontana and one grandson, Sam, grandma’s pride and joy. Our Mother of the year is a bubbly, attractive woman and always a gracious, generous person. Jan is our Sunshine Lady sending greetings to hospitalized and confined members. Angela Steiner, Jan’s mother has been a member of our branch for many years, also. Angela is now recovering from a bout with pneumonia. We all hope she is fine by the time she reads this article. Jan has a sincere zest for her Slovene heritage and culture. We are pleased to honor Jan Eckert! Reporter a Br. 102, Willard, W1 ROSE SIMONELIC PEKOL Rose was born in Chicago on the southwest side in 1923, in a family of 10 children. The community life was special during those years as all neighboring families were just newly arrived in the U.S. and learned together how to assimilate into the American way of life. They belonged to St. Stephen’s Church. Like many men, her father was a skilled worker and was employed as a plasterer. Rose went to St. Stephen’s School for 8 years and then a year at Harrison high school. She had various jobs such as hospital work, factory work, house work and when she became of age, she was employed at Western Electric Company. She then made wedding plans with Edward J. Pekol, and the ceremony was held in Chicago; she then had to wait for him until his military service was up. After the war, they moved to his home town of Willard, Wisconsin to be near his parents during their illness. In 1952 he went back to Illinois where he was employed in electronics and research work. Rose raised their family in Willard while Ed drove back and forth on weekends - a very difficult thing to do in the years without expressways. Rose spent her entire 32 years caring for the family, taking full responsibility and did a very nice job. Ed’s type of work did require him to be gone a lot of the time. Their four children are Rosalie, born in 1946, Marlene, born in 1948, Edward, Jr., born in 1952 and Robert, born in 1957. Three of them reside in Wisconsin and Illinois and Marlene is in Willard. They have nine grandchildren, three of them living close by who come to grandma's house often; the others live further away and visit on holidays and vacations. The eldest is Pam, 23, Connie was deceased at 18 years of age, Brian, 17, Mike. 15, Janet, 10, David, 13, Danny, 10, Amy, 9 and Amanda is 5. Baby sitting takes lots of Grandma's time, so she has been unable to attend many meetings, - and also, she is a diligent and willing worker at Holy Family Catholic Church, located just across the street from Rose’s home. She is such a pleasant lady, friendly, quiet and always has a smile for you. She's small and has greying hair and one can tell her home is her You can only have one mother, patient, kind and true; No other friend in all the world, will he the same to you! When other friends forsake you, to mother you will turn; For all her loving kindness, she asks nothing in return! As we look upon our childhood, sweet memories we recall; Of a face so full of sunshine, and a smile for one and all. Sweet Jesus, take this message, to our dear mother up above; Tell her how we miss her, and give her all our love. May you rest in peace, dear mother, in that heavenly home above; With Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in God’s own eternal love. In memory of Gloria Nusko, (Br.2) mother of 13 children who passed away in September, 1991. She is sadly missed. favorite place to be. Social activities include playing cards and “Bingo" with her lady friends. Her husband retired in 1982 so they have a little more time to do things together. He is a Ham radio operator and likes to pursue his main enjoyment, talking to his long time associates all over the world on a daily basis. Another thing that the Pekol's have been known to do is use his movie equipment to entertain others. They have an enormous amount of movies taken down through the years of family events, church and community parties, etc. Now Ed has time to transfer these onto video tape and he enjoys showing them to us. Hope he continues to video the great occasions that will be pleasure for generations to come. It makes a nice family and community bonding. Reporter of this article is Avis Suda, a friend, and we’d like to close with Rose’s own thoughts: "It’s a good feeling to be honored by my friends as Mother of the Year!" MARY (MIMI) MEJAČ This year wc are priviledged to honor Mrs. Mary (Mimi) Mejac as Woman of the Year, for her outstanding performance and dedication as our branch secretary since its inception twenty-six years ago! Her perseverance and continuous interest in our organization makes her a strong mainstay of our group. Due to her integrity and ability, she maintains the financial status and assets of our branch with good stability. We see her as a strong Slovenian lady, embracing these values which our parents gave us, faith, hope, and trust. Mimi's poise and stature give her a distinction as she grows older. She wears her greying hair pulled straight back in a bun which offsets her expressive eyes and sometimes mischievous and infectious grin. Her glances tell you that she is aware of situations, and she keeps in touch with daily current events outside her sphere. Her lovely home and family are her chief concerns. She is a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Mimi and Conrad Mejac host a social life in their home with traditional Slovenian warmth and hospitality. It is a central meeting place for many Slovenian visitors when they are in Washington. Dear Mimi. the wonderful ladies of Br. 103 express their sincere thanks for the tenacity and guidance which you have projected over these many years, with your many capabilities and such selfless giving of your self. We salute you! F.M. Br. 105, Detroit, MI EVELYN SUNICH Branch 105’s selection as our Mother of the Year is the lovely and charming Evelyn Sunich. She will be honored at a luncheon on May 16th at Jovan’s Steak House. Evelyn was born on March 8. 1923 to May me and J.W. Hancock in Depoy, Kentucky. She has two sisters, Georgia Latham and Esther Miller. Her only brother. Richard Hancock, lost his life in the Philippine Islands during World War II. Evelyn who married Peter Sunich on April 18. 1963 has one son. Philip Tyrer. from a previous marriage. Phillip and his wife. Agnes, have four daughters. Margaret. Beverly, Mary and Tammy. Evelyn and Pete enjoy their granddaughters and their many great grandchildren (9 at the latest count). Philip and Agnes currently reside in St. Cloud, Florida and Evelyn and Pete visit them as often as possible. Granddaughter Margaret and her husband. Morris Van Assche have four children - Philip, Kristy, Jennifer and April. Beverly and her husband. Bill Owens have two daughters - Ashley and Angela. Mary and Douglas Wells have one son. Douglas, Jr., and Tammy and her husband, Keith Mereel have two children, Christopher and Shelby. Both Evelyn and Pete enjoy many weekends with their great grandchildren and those of us who have met them enjoy these well-mannered children, too. Pete's parents were born in Austria and his Mother.Theresa, joined the Slovenska Ženska Zveza on July 25. 1929 in Calumet, Michigan, so Evelyn is carrying on a family tradition. In 1956 Evelyn started working for Michigan National Bank as a teller. She retired in 1986 as a Collector and Investigator. Both Evelyn and Pete love to travel and have seen other countries as well as many of the states in our own country. The Sunich’s celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary in April 1988 with a wonderful party for 200 of their good friends. We are proud to have Evelyn as a member of Branch 105 in Detroit and wish both of them many more years of good health and happiness. Departed Members 1 - Mary Leon (69) 30-yr member 2 - Mary Krapence (91) 60-yr member 6 - Frances Gradisher (82) 54-yr member 10 - Dorothy Zagar (67) 48-yr member 14 - Frances Mochnik (97) 65-yr member 20 - Mary Mutz (91) 64-yr member Mary Rakowski (83) 51 -yr member 25 - Mary Hribar (87) 61 -yr member 35 - Julia Turk (70) 36-yr member 38 - Mary Elizabeth Tegg (75) 18-yr member 50 - Sally Furlich (52) l-yr member 52 - Josephine Politano (93) 45-yr member Genevieve Zidarich (71) 43-yr member 56 - Barbara Doshen (92) 44-yr member 64 - Leona Palcher (79) 36-yr member 66 - Mary Chesnik (100) 53-yr member 95 - Ann Granich (79) 39-yr member Lucille Sarich (91) 43-yr member 105 - Joan Sroka (39) ^ 39-yr member- and her parents, lived in the neighborhood tor a long time. She graduated from Harrison High School who's famous alumni included Benny Goodman and Irv Kupcinet. Boredom does not exist in Sharon's life, for she is a very talented lady. She is the treasurer of our Branch 2. she served on the St. Stephen's Parish Council and was President of Our Lady's Guild; was active in the cub scouts and was very involved with St. Stephen's School festivities. Sharon works for Bensley and Kiener. certified public accountants, and now lives in Berwyn with her son Paul (who has become a teenager this year) and her parents Dorothy & Verland "Fuzzy" Foral. But this move has not stopped Sharon from her continuous time and effort shown at each meeting. We don't know how we could ever thank her enough for all that she has done or show her how much we care, except to say we love you Sharon, and may God bless you with good health so that you will be the busy and vivacious lady that you are for many, many years to come. Congratulations! to our "Woman of the year”. Br. 3, Mary Drobnick able and the Print Office prior to her retirement. She and her husband, Albert, who also worked for the Colorado Fuel & Iron Corporation, have been married for 42 years and have three daughters. Diane Wilson does office work and is the mother of two children. Lisa and Nick; Doreen Martinez works for the Colorado State Fair and is the mother of three. Dylan and twins Skyla and Zandria; Dana just graduated from the University of Southern Colorado with a degree in Social Work and will be getting married in June to Ray Eccher. Mitzi speaks highly of her parents and says they were an inspiration to their children by instilling faith and love in them. She is a very outgoing person with hazel eyes, short in stature and dishwater blonde hair. She has added a lot to our meetings and her suggestion of a mystery prize monthly has been quite a booster to our treasury. She is also very active in the Eagles' Auxiliary #145 and is President of the Retired Eagles' Association. She also loves to travel and. of course, help babysit her grandchildren. The members of No. 3 are proud to honor her as our Mother of the Year. Our congratulations to you, Mitzi! Br. 12, Rose Luebke number of years after that. She has always believed in the importance of education, and has modeled this belief for her children and grandchildren. Since retirement. Rose enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening and spending time with family. Roy and Rose celebrated their forty-sixth wedding anniversary with Pat's family in January, 1992. Rose's belief in education strongly influenced her two daughters. While Rose was not able to attend college for a number of reasons, she instilled early on in her daughters the love of learning and the importance of doing one's best. While busy with the store while the girls were in elementary school. Rose still found time to serve as president of the school PTA. Though it was difficult, both parents sacrificed so that their children would be educated. It paid off. Rose's oldest daugther. Pat. has a master's degree in school administration and works in a central office position in a suburban Milwaukee school district. Her younger daughter. Linda, began her career as a nurse after receiving her bachelor's degree from Marquette University, and later earned a master's degree in music. She is currently employed as a music teacher in a suburban Seattle. Washington school district. Rose has continued her strong belief in education with her six grandchildren. They value the time that grandma spends with them reading or playing games. Rose stays close to her family, traveling at least twice a year to Seattle to visit Linda's family and seeing Pat's family regularly. She is always present at the numerous plays, concerts and sporting events in which her grandchildren participate. Rose's skill at cooking is always appreciated by her family, and when they get together for a meal. her Slovenian sausage is always requested. Rose is always willing to pitch in to help in the kitchen at lodge meetings. which she regularly attends with her sisters. She particularly likes playing her favorite game at the meetings. When asked about her feelings about receiving this honor, she responded that she is very pleased to have been chosen. As one of her daughters, I would like to add that the honor is well deserved. Reporter derful to feel needed and to see people being helped. She thanks all the members for the honor of selecting her Mother of the Year and especially dedicates this honor to her aunt. Amalia Legat, one of the most active members of Br. 14. Br. 16, Frances Zupancich with the Senior groups to which she belongs. Fran and Edna Winters were surprised with a pot-luck supper at the October 1991 meeting when they both celebrated their 75th Birthdays. On December 12, 1991, Fran had a hip replacement and has made an incredible recovery so that by January 27th she was able to get around without the aid of a walker or cane. Fran was the Reporter for Branch No. 16 for 10 years and did an excellent job. We were very sorry that she had to resign due to health reasons. She attends meetings faithfully and willingly volunteers her service wherever needed. She was also a delegate to the Regional Convention held in Oglesby, Illinois in 1986. Her Mother-in-Law, Agnes (Zupančič) Cherne was a Charter member of Branch No. 16 and was the first President of our Branch. Her Sister-in-Law, Olga Kowalkowski is also a member of Branch No. 16. Fran is also a member of the following organizations — Confraternity of Christian Mothers of St. George Church where she has held the Office of Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, the East Side Seniors where she was the Sunshine Gal until she had to resign due to health reasons and the Golden Agers. While her children attended St. George School, she was an active member of the P.T.A. and the Alumni Club. On Thursday, May 14th, Fran will be crowned 1992 Mother-of-the-Year by Marge Prebil, our 1991 Mother-of-the-Year. There will also be a crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by a dinner and short program at the Golden Shell Restaurant. With this honor as Mother-of-the-Year, Fran, go our Congratulations and best wishes for good health so that you will enjoy your family, your hobbies and all your Senior activities for many years to come. We love you, Fran! Gladys K. Buck positive - we love her relaxed manner. To her, the honor of being selected Mother of the Year is very special and she says her greatest achievement is having friends that care! Our heartiest wishes to her on this occasion! Br. 20, Jo Lustik At the present time, I am treasurer of Branch 20, and also served as auditor a few years ago. Last May, I was elected 3rd national auditor at the convention in Cleveland. My husband and daughter are members of Br. 20 and 1 am proud to be a 50 year member. Some of my activities with the branch include being in charge of the ad book for the 20th National Convention when it was held in Joliet in 1987, and the 60th Anniversary Souvenir Book in 1988. I enjoy helping out with all of the events of Branch 20. My favorite leisure time activity is going to the library to read. Other things that interest me are cooking and baking, I’m not an expert but do get some compliments. Traveling is fun, also. The greatest inspiration in my life today is my family on whom I can always rely to be encouraging and supportive. It is an honor and pleasure for me to be the 1992 Woman of the Year for Branch 20! Josephine Lustik “We love Jo and extend heartfelt wishes!" Št. 25, Frances Kočevar kakor je rekla, da je pol ure peš ali petnajst minut s kolesam do Iga. Leta 1944. so jo partizani odpeljali z drugimi ljudmi iz vasi Tisovci, na prisilno delo v Stavčo vas. Tam so vsi tolkli kamen na cesti. Nekega dne so domobranci napadli Stavčo vas, so pa s prijateljicami zbežale proti gozdu. Bežale so proti Beli krajini, vse skozi gozd in grmičevje. Po nekaj urnemu bežanju so se počutile varne in so jo mahnile mimo sv. Petra, mimo Tople Rebri proti Hinjam. Francka se je ustavila doma za par ur, da je vzela in spravila nekaj stvari v culo in že jo je pobrala proti Zvirčam in v Velike Lašče. Po tednu bivanja med domobranci je odšla na Ig, kjer je ostala do razpada vojne. Šestega maja 1945. se je prid- ružila drugim beguncem, ki so bežali pred komunističnim nasiljem na Koroško. Imela je smolo. Prvi begunci, ki so prispeli na Koroško pred desetim majem so bili zajeti od partizanov pri Borovljah, pri mostu. Od tam so jih odpeljali, bilo jih je od 600-700 v nemški “logar", za 14 dni. Po 14. dneh so šli do Podrožce, kjer so jih natovorili v živinske vagone, jih zaklenili in jih odpeljali skozi tunel na Jesenice, potem pa še naprej v Škofjo Loko in končno so jih iztovorili v St. Vidu nad Ljubljano in odpeljali v škofove zavode, kjer je ostala nekaj tednov. Še ni bilo konec trplenja. Morala je še za en mesec oditi na Mikloš-čevo cesto v “grozno celico". Pravi: “Zaupanje v Boga in Marijo me je rešilo, da nisem obupala.” Po tej križevi poti se je vrnila služit’ na Mateno, kjer je ostala še 12 let. 1957. leta jo je stric povabil na obisk v Ameriko. Decembra je prišla v Cleveland, na Woodland Avenue. Z njim je ostala deset dni, nato pa je šla k sestri Mary Stek-lasa. Pri njej je ostala dokler ni srečala nekoga, ki ji je ukradel srce. Njegovo ime, Tone Hočevar. Nekaj časa sta hodila skupaj in končno sta se zmenila, da se poročita. Dan poroke je bil 23. avgusta 1958. Kmalu po poroki je začela tudi Francka delati, da si malo pri- ' hranita s Tonetom za bodočnost. , Njeno veselje v dvoje je trajalo le 4 leta, 4 mesece in 11 dni. Njen Toni je umrl 3. jan. 1963. leta. Po smrti je še delala do svoje upokojitve, v januarju 1982 leta. Še nekaj drugih stvari, ki jih Francka opravlja poleg, da nam pomaga pri ženski zvezi prodajati tikece. Zelo rada štika prtičke in blazine in veste kaj še? Sosedom in prijateljem hodi pomagati pleti, da vidite prav PLETI! Pri vseh naših sejah je vedno videti njen nasmejani obraz, ki nas vedri. Eno stvar pa sovraži in tudi senčica prekrije njeno čelo - to že vse vemo kaj jo spravi v slabo voljo prepih. Skušamo ji ustreči in pozapremo okna in vrata. Prepiha je imela dovolj v ‘fabrk’!” Kjer je delala 12 let, pri Cole Products. Čestitamo Vam, Francka, in želimo vse dobro na Vaši nadaljni življenski poti. Bog Vas živi! Počastile jo bomo pri Sterletu, 12 maja ob 1:15 p.m. Cirila Kermavner ours church and senior citizen groups. Mary has been a member of Br. 26 since 1929; however, her active involvement came about in the early 1970s, when our then president and friend, Anna Trontel, encouraged Mary to run for an office. She accepted and has since served as an auditor, recording secretary and, since 1973, as Secretary. Mary and Anna were also responsible, with help from others too numerous to mention, for scheduling, planning and hosting the S.W.U. National Convention 1976 in Pittsburgh. To this day, Mary continues to receives compliments on this affair from other branches. It is in recognition of Mary's hard work, dedication and leadership to Br. 26 for many years, and as their way of saying “thank you,” that members have chosen her as their Woman of the Year for 1992. Mary is the mother of four daughters — Virginia, Mary Ann, and Barbara — who live in Pittsburgh, and Sister Barbara Mary, a School Sister of Notre Dame. Sister Barbara Mary currently is a second grade teacher at St. Pius X School in Baltimore. Mary also is grandmother of 12 (7 boys and 5 girls). Most of her family lives in the Pittsburgh area and continues the tradition of gathering at her home for every holiday. Recently, 25 of her family gathered at her home to celebrate her 80th birthday, all attending in spite of a snow storm. Speaking for her family, Mary has always been a guiding force in their lives and a very special mother, grandmother and great grandmother. To them she is the "Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother of the Year” every year! See photo pg. 35 Barbara Slaney Br. 33, Beverly Menart St. Elizabeth's Caterers. Bev's personality traits of sweetness, talkativness, generosity, hos-pitability, and leadership all combine to make her the very special person she is. Lois Pelander, Reporter Br. 34, Rose Planton overseas for 2-1/2 years. Along with his Captain and Lieutenant, they were the first to cross the Rhine River. When he returned from the service, he worked at the Soudan Mine until it closed, went to the Pioneer Mine in Ely and then worked at Kainz Lumber Company in Ely for six years. He died of lung cancer in 1974. Rose and Tony lived in Soudan all their married life, and lived in the former Yapel family home on Fourth Street for ten years before they built a new home on Fifth Street, where Rose lives now. They had two children, James, who graduated from Be-midji State College and was a teacher nine years, worked for U.S. Steel, then was a manager of concessions at Fortune Bay Casino in Tower, and now works for Erie Mining Company in Aurora. He is married to the former Rebecca Suihkonen, who also happens to be a granddaughter of our member, Ann Frazee. Their daughter, Jane, graduated from Vermilion Junior College and Eveleth Technical College and is employed at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth as an L.P.N. Rose has a brother, Joe Mertel, who lives in Winton, and had a sister, Elizabeth Smoley of Ely, who died on August 28, 1991. Rose has been a seamstress for many years, sewing for many people, including our priests, Father Kryspin and Father Anselm. She made her daughter’s clothes, from coats to for-mals. She always had a garden and canned her own vegetables; she has crocheted, embroidered and made many braided rugs. She likes to cook and bake and her neighbors will agree that she is good at both. Playing 500 in cards is another enjoyment of hers. Caring for other people is something else Rose has done in the past— among them are her neighbors on Fifth Street—Anton Poderzay, Mary Pahula, Theresa Pahula, and also James “Doc” Brula and his wife, Annie. She traveled to Ely to care for her mother and her home every week for many years and visited her mother in the Ely Nursing Home for six years. Rose served as the chairman of the sewing circle, St. Monica’s, of St. Martin’s Parish for 23 years, a member of the Soudan Altar Society, and Northwoods Senior Citizens. Pernicious anemia and severe arthritis has slowed Rose down but she still is able to be up and around. She has lovely greying naturally curly hair, which falls in waves-lucky you, Rose! She has traveled to Slovenia to visit relatives at Črnomelj, Bled, and Cerklje with her husband’s relative from Cloquet. She has visited her husband’s relatives—Ed Planton’s in Florida; Stan Planton’s in Massachusetts; Leonard Planton’s in Illinois and a cousin in Arizona. Rose comes from a family with religious vocations; her mother’s brother and uncle were priests and a sister was a nun. Rose’s second cousin, Sr. Theresa Kocjencic, is at St. Scholastic Priory in Duluth and visits Rose on occasion. Cousins to Rose are Ann Mertel Saari of Ely and Mike Mertel Saari of Ely and Mike Mertel, of Ely who now lives in New Jersey. Rose reads, understands and speaks Slovenian, and if you sit near her in church, she has a lovely singing voice—she said it was because of Mary Hutar’s encouragement at St. Anthony’s in Ely! She also wanted me to add that her dear friends while growing up in Ely were three women who live in Tower-Soudan, who also married Soudan men—Mary Frances Deyak Jamnick (their mothers came from the same place in Slovenia); Angela Koprivnik Jamnick (her parents were godparents to Rose); and Ann Jerich Spollar. It was at the Sweet Shop in Ely that these “girls” met their husbands from Soudan! Another interesting life for our Mother of the Year. We wish you well in the coming years, Rose, and we are happy to have you honored as our Mother of the Year-1992! Adeline Mustonen Br. 35, Helen Zuponcic pany in Virginia, Minnesota. He and his wife, Rhonda live in Biwabik, Minnesota, and are the parents of four children: Deja, Erin, John and Anton. Carl, the twin of Cora, lives with his wife Sally in Hurst, Texas, and is employed as an advisory programmer and serves as the manager of professional services at Computer Associates in East Irving, Texas. Cora is a piano instructor and a composer of children’s music. She and her husband, Kelton Barr, reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota with their two children, Anitsa and Alexei. Kathy, the youngest, is a church organist, a professional photographer, and a travel agent. She and her husband, Jerry Schaefer, live in Ghent, Minnesota with their three sons; Jason, Jordan and Jacob. Throughout the years, while raising her family, Helen continued her studies in advanced piano, peddagogy and music theory. After the children left home, her learning resumed at a nearby college where she enjoyed sub- jects that had a special interest to her: art, literature, music and foreign languages. Even now, she and her daughters attend music clinics and seminars together. Helen has been teaching young children in piano for over forty years and continues to do so. Her young students perform regularly for the residents of the local nursing home. In years past, Helen directed the children’s choir at the Holy Rosary Church in Aurora where she and her husband have been lifelong members. Helen enjoys cooking and baking for her children and grandchildren when they visit. She has been, and still is, an ethnic cook and has passed her love of Slavic foods on to her progeny. She is an avid reader, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, and an ardent movie buff. The Zuponcics have traveled extensively during their married life. Their travels always included the children when they were young. They have visited all states of the U.S., Canada and her Provences, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Near and Far East. The Zuponcics have traveled throughout the Jugoslavian Republics and have found great joy in visiting Slovenia, the homeland of their forebears. Both the Zuponcics and the Bradachs have numerous relatives living there. Last summer was especially exciting for them as they were guests of the former Soviet Union’s Mozart Festival, where they followed their daughter Veda’s piano concerts in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kiev and Kishiniv near the Black Sea. Helen’s mother, Johanna Bradach, was a member of Branch #35 as was her sister Mary (Mrs. Donald Easter, deceased). Another sister, Alice, is the current secretary of the organization. Recently, two daughters, a daughter-in-law, and a number of grandchildren have enrolled — four generations. Submitted by Cora Zuponcic Barr Br. 39, Jane Purkart law, Annie Purkart (our mom is now 90 years young!), who thought Jane should “get out” on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy time away from the growing family. For 17 years she would ride along with “Grandma” and now, Jane drives Grandma to the meetings. Another of Jane’s talents lies in her knowledge of Slovenian baking. She learned to make walnut potica and apple strudel from Grandma and now shares her skill with her own daughter-in-law. Jane is a petite and sweet person with a heart full of love for all. Many an hour she has spent sitting with siek or troubled friends and relatives, giving comfort in her quiet way. She always has kind remarks for all and you can trust her with any confidences. She has beautiful, naturally curley brown hair and is always perfectly groomed. She enjoys walking several miles a day and finds time to go to aerobics classes where she doesn't give a hint as to her 65 years. Don retired after 30 years at the Erie Mining Co. Jane has worked for the last three years at a local bakery. She learned to drive a car five years ago at her sister’s insistance, and now drives off to work while her husband stays home! She also enjoys the freedom of driving to Minneapolis to visit her brother and sister and daughter, occasionally. In spite of the fact that Jane is not Slovenian, she is such a thoughtful member, generous contributor and hard worker, that the members of Br. 39 truly honor her as our “Mother of the Year”! Jean Korsman, President 110C _ nB zmore, se treba, slo- vsega »» m tlarucam^ nam rfovaU . odborom „a 31 n« I. treDft vsega sam tlatucam^ h nftm ob S1 mvatl * odboro o drivge sestra. trSSa, n tlh *'ftnic ° lo dosežemo P» se. ^minice. Da „„veRa. na nas ... ie. da desetletnici tlh *'ftnic ° w dosežemo se. druinice. . novega na. ja- ^v, "naoravltl ***$5 1943 VOL. XV "o- dim Jc ~vse tianice ^' orivlaina ^menimo, eno v rokavu. Le slla. Ja2, wj vain .e do- prldlte. 11 banko P«1'1? neka) Naia zadnja ^ treba bro ob“e3]a nekoliko 0I)O"I“'lo imel« SUSSES* da ^ maSo namesW ln ^ en0,a 0ozlmi so rote MAY-JUNE, 1992 /19 f S.W.U. HISTORY k NATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS The following members were elected through the years to serve on the National Board: Anna Motz, Treasurer Miss Katie Triller, Auditor Gladys K. Buck. Educational Committee Authored the FASHION article in ZARJA Zora Yurkas, Youth & Recreation Board Anne Lustig. Illinois-Indiana State President CURRENT OFFICERS President. Edna Winters Vice President. Mary Rago Secretary. Gladys K. Buck Treasurer. Edna Winters Recording Secretary. Vida Kumse Auditors. Sylvia Spretnjak Anna Motz, National Treasurer in 1932 jr, mm u m (Ilavne odbornice in delegatinje prve konvencije S. Ž. Z. vršeče se 7. in S. novembra 1927 v Chicagi, Illinois \ f AsV$^ w „ oaf8 the ne^e\ve'een(, \£ed *°utr' ® >«,rS c-«" kR.I V - the DAWN in'"' Novottvoljem glavni odbor SŽZ N, fa* Duhovni svetovalec. Kev. St.. Lorain. Oh.o d 1034 DiUing- GlaVha predsednica: Mane WAv*..SMWg.n.W». anec< R ,, 19303 Glavne pqdpredsedmce.^ Coghe, 4517Cd Prosvetni odsek: Urednica in upravnica "Zarje”: Albina Novak, I I 35 E. 7 I st St., Cleveland, Ohio; Anne Petrich, 2178 Burton St., Warren, Ohio; Gladys Buck, 10036 Ave. L, So. Chicago, Illinois. Gladys Buck, Fashion Sews Columnist in ZARJA, 1943 S.W.U. HISTORY The Cadets in front of St. George Church in the uniforms (formerly from Br. 20) which they wore until they were able to buy new ones. CADETS The Cadets were organized by Miss Katie Triller in 1942 and were active till 1945. The instructor was Miss Gaspodaric. Cadet members were: Mary Therese Bayuk Rose Kure Jennie Bakse Josephine Pasdertz Josephine Bakse Mary Jayne Petrie Jean Bencsics Grace Slobodnik Margaret Bencsics Therese Slobodnik Mathilda Dominikovich Gloria Triller Pauline Kete Pauline Spretnjak Dolores Kosich Phyllis Vidovich Marge Ogrinc Olga Yaki Dorothy Porento The Cadets participateu in a variety of activities including the 1943 SWU Convention in Pittsburgh, Zveza Day in Lemont, Neighborhood Flag Dedications, Memorial Services during WW 11 and Cadet weddings. Their first uniforms were white and given to the Cadets by Branch #20 after their Cadets had purchased new green and gold uniforms. They wore these until they were able to purchase their own new uniforms in a beautiful royal blue. On Jan. 24, 1943, the Cadets sponsored a Dedication Banquet in St. George Church Hall. It was a celebration which included the blessing of flag and uniforms. Presentation of the Chevrons to the Cadets was made by Albina Novak, National Officer and Editor of the Zarja. CADET CHORAL GROUP The Cadet Choral Group was in existence from 1943-45 and was directed by Lome Brezovec Richtar. About 20 members participated in this Choral group. They rehearsed at the Calumet Park Field house in the evening. The selections chosen were in Slovenian and in English. The girls also performed at Neighborhood Flag Dedications and The Memorials during WW II. Cadets in their lovely new uniforms for their Flag Dedication, 1944. fr ■" ^ S.W.U. HISTORY k l Three Br. 16 Cadets pose in front of the Roosevelt Hotel in Pittsburgh for the SWU Convention in May, 1943, left to right: Mary Kralj Rago, Gladys K. Buck and Pauline Spretnjak Druga (now deceased). In 1944, an operetta entitled, “Love Pirates, of Hawaii,” was performed by the cadets at the Calumet Park Fieldhouse under the direction of Miss Gaspodaric. KITCHEN BAND The Kitchen Band was organized specifically to perform at the 50th Anniversary of Branch #16 on Sunday, April 30, 1978. The Instructor was Tina Martin, the pianist, Jean Franko and the accordionist was Joe Franko. There were about 16 members, aged 50s and 60s, who participated in the activity. Rehearsals were held at St. George Church Hall and the Calumet Park Fieldhouse in the evening. The group was attired in Slovenian costumes and the instruments were kitchen ware, used creatively, to produce the sound needed for this unusual band. It was surely a hit! BOWLING In the early 1940s, Zora Yurkas organized several bowling teams and entered them in the Midwest Bowling Tournaments. One of these teams, the South Chicago Aces, won the championship in 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the 1980s, the Krai Family Bowlers, namely Andrea Krai, Mary Krai Rago, Dolores Krai Franko, Christine Krai Tomasic and Beki Krai participated in the Midwest Bowling Tournaments. One of the most enjoyable groups organized by Br. 16 was their Kitchen Band that performed for many occasions in and around So. Chicago. 1st row, from left: Stephie Golob, Gladys Buck, Marge Prebil, Anne Lustig; 2nd row: Mary Stone, Tina Martin, Frances Konar, Jean Franko, Mary Brebrick and Phyllis Perko; 3rd row: Edna Triller Winter, Elsie Starcevich, Emma Kralj, Violet Somin, Anne Ksiazek, Helen Pastirik, and Joe Franko, Accordionist. S.W.U. HISTORY —i/ This Christmas Party was held on Dec. 1, 1957 and arranged by Elsie Starcevich. Santa Claus sits in the middle of the Junior members. CHRISTMAS PARTIES During the 1950s and 1960s, beautiful Christmas parties were planned and arranged for the Juvenile members by Elsie Starcevich and Anne Lustig. Due to the declining attendance at the parties, they are no longer held, but the branch choses to remember each junior member up to the age of 12 with a gift each Christmas. Adult Christmas parties, however, are held annually with many members in attendance. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Branch #16 took the occasion to celebrate many anniversaries with a banquet and program. The first three were held at St. George Church Hall and the last three at the Rupcich Restaurant, the Villa Cosenza and the Crow Bar Restaurant. We remember the 20th on Jan. 25, 1948, the 25th on Feb. 15, 1953, the 30th on Feb. 16, 1958, the 45th on Feb. 25, 1973, the 50th on Apr. 30, 1978 and the 60th on Dec. 15, 1988. All the Anniversary celebrations were preceded by a High Mass at St. George Church with the exception of the 60th celebration which was held in conjunction with the Christmas Party. MOTHER OF THE YEAR The Mother of the Year event is always a well-at-tended affair commencing with the crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. George's Church followed by the previous Mother of the Year crowning the current Mother. A dinner is served followed by a short program. This affair is always held at St. George Church Hall. History of Br. 16 will be continued in the next issue. 45th Anniversary was celebrated on Feb. 25, 1973 at an auspicious banquet attended by many members and these officers, seated at the head table: left to right: Fr. Thadeus Trpin (deceased), Anne Lustig, State President; Gladys Buck, Secretary-Treasurer; Alvina Sreboth; Fr. Jerome Sellak (deceased); Jean Triller Bukvich President, (deceased), Mrs. Katie Triller, Charter Member (deceased). VICE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Beverly Jackson I just returned home from the Board of Directors Meeting in Joliet, IL and to say I had an exciting, challenging and “fun” time is an understatement. Exciting was seeing all the snow and the beautiful city of Chicago for 3 days (temp. 32°). Challenging was the three day meeting at the Home Office in Joliet and fun was going to the Bowling Alley to cheer on our “team” of Br. 20 bowlers and going to the marvelous Pot Luck dinner sponsored by the branch at St. Joseph’s hall. To say this job of Vice president is diversified is so true! One minute I’m arriving by limo to make major decisions for the betterment of SWU and the next minute I’m making gravy in Olga’s kitchen for about 30 dinner guests! Such responsibility! And, I love it all! 1 believe the mosi interesting and enjoyable day of all was our trip to the Croatian Franciscan Press in Chicago to see our own ZARJA coming off the press! It was exciting! ... the wonderful lunch we shared together with our hosts, Fr. Paul Maslach, and his delightful staff and of course, Corinne, for giving us all this unforgettable day. It was an extra treat to meet Fr. Anthony Petrusic, president of the Croatian Catholic Union there. My prayers and thanks to all the Board members for your encouragement and the additional enthusiasm you provided me. God bless! and am looking forward to our next meeting and hoping to apply new ideas from this meeting. Positive thoughts result in positive results! I: „ MEMBERSHIP DSlVE IT N “FAMILIES” We just completed Phase I of the current Membership Drive! It means that now, as of April 1st, we begin another, second phase. We finished with 140 new members. Success? Yes! But now, for Phase II, we’ll change the motto a little - instead of SUCCESS WITH UNITY! We are thinking: SLOVENIANS! WE’RE UNITED! The Board of Directors met in March to set goals and directions for this campaign. What better time than now to show your pride in your heritage, a time when Slovenia is very much in the minds of everyone! Our future depends on new members and you can do this. There are many of you whose family members don’t belong to SWU. If you enjoy meeting with o‘her members, celebrating events, learning more about your culture, receiving an interesting and informative magazine like ZARJA, and being part of the SWU family, then bring in your family! Your branch can be the one with the most new members. You can be the person who brings in the most new members. We all win with this success but one member, the top worker, will be the one who will receive a special top prize for this phase II only: A handmade doll in the Slovenian Costume made by Beverly Jackson! FROM THE HOME OFFICE: The May 1991 National convention decree of Special Assessment was observed by the following branches during March: 2, Chicago, IL $317.00 6, Barberton, OH 31.00 10, Cleveland, OH 195.00 26, Pittsburgh, PA 50.00 39, Biwabik, MN (prev $44.00) 3.00 59, Burgettstown, PA (prev $20) 7.00 64, Kansas City, KS 13.00 66, Canon City, CO 35.00 71, Strabane, PA 74.00 83, Crosby, MN 4.00 92, Crested Butte, CO 20.00 100, Fontana, CA 18.00 101, Bedford Heights, OH 21.00 105, Detroit, MI 52.00 Total $840.00 NOTE: Ten branches still owe the Special Assessment as of April I. Said assessment was due the 1st of January. Share this pride and enjoyment. Prove it’s true that... SLOVENIANS! WE’RE UNITED! Our next meeting will be our Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast. The Mass is Sunday, May 18th at 8:30 a.m. and breakfast will follow in the church hall. Hope to see all of you there. Our church, Sts. Cyril and Methodius, will have the parish picnic in July. The Slovenian Women’s Union, Br. 1, will chair the Slovenian booth. We will need the cooperation of everyone to make this a success. Mary Udovich is back in Sheboygan after surgery in Milwaukee. She is at Greendale Nursing Home. Speedy recovery to Louise Ribich. Now the weather is warmer and sunny - spring! Let’s make a special effort to go and visit with our members in the nursing homes around the area. Happy • Mother’s Day - Happy Spring! DOROTHY BREZONIK NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL We celebrated our March meeting with our annual “St.Joseph Table” -the chairpersons: Kay Turner and Fran Morison with the help of their committee did an excellent job, Ray decorating, Josie and Helen with their beautiful placemats and favors. Also, the Josephines and Josephs received beautiful red carnations, and many of our members were dressed in red. Fran read a story regarding St. Joseph. We had a short meeting. Points of interest: 1. Picnic - Lemont - July 19. -We need raffle prizes. Let's all get together and have a good time, remember, lots of good food, great music, dancing, games and many surprises... 2. Cheer Basket - Please try to help the needy. 3. June 6 - St. Stephen’s 1st Annual Summerfest - Lots of goodies. Keep the date open and join your friends. 4. We wish our scholarship applicants good luck. Our social part of the meeting -Father Kalist blessed the food and what food we had; the tables were loaded with all those delicious homemade items, our menu was endless. Thanks to everyone. We all had a nice time. We were glad to hear that Anna Gaber is out of the hospital, back home and doing well. It will be great to have her at the meetings again. Marie Ovnik spent a week in Slovenija visiting relatives. She said that things are getting better, she had a very good time. Millie Paisoli will also be vacationing in Slovenija. Lucky ladies. It is such a beautiful little country, hope you all will be able to go someday soon. Please say a special prayer for Father Fortunat, he is very ill. Congratulations to the Sisters of St. Stephen’s on another successful school year, and good luck to the graduates. The Altar Society wishes to than! everyone who attended their Buna Party, it was a success and reall; helped St. Stephen’s. We lost another long standing member, Sophie Petrovič; our condo lence to her daughters Frances ani Margaret. Also, condolences to the Frank (Lefty) Zibert family, to his wife, Gerry, mother, Frances Zibert and sisters Dorothy, Frances, Theresa and brother, Edward. Please remember them in your prayers. BARAGA Days will be celebrated over the Labor Day week-end Sept. 5-6-7 Marquette, Michigan. If interested please contact Irene Kalina. Also keep in mind, Baraga Mass at Lemont last Saturday of the month 5:30 p.m. Happy Mother’s Day to all our members and special day for our Sharon Nadziunas who we are honoring this year. She is also a very special lady. Tony and Josie Squok spent 6 weeks in Florida - Visited with Margie Kochevar who is very ill, a friend of many of our members of Br. 2. Hope that many of the members were able to see Mary Foys’ doll collection which was on display at the Heritage museum in Joliet. Proceeds were to benefit S.W.U. Heritage. The Holy Trinity Croatian Church will be having a picnic in Lemont on June 7. Lamb roast, music and fun. A great big “Happy Father’s Day” to all the Dad’s in June! You men really deserve a special day - hope it is what you waited for. Dates to remember in June: 11th - S.W.U. Mass for the ailing Members; Meeting 7:00 p.m. 14th - Flag Day 21st - Father/Son Breakfast Keep in touch with one another by phone or mail. And remember, “A warm smile is universal in any language.” Have a great summer. Love, DAISY NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO Prior to our meeting February 5, refreshments were served to twenty members. Hostesses were Rose Zupančič, Agnes Cvar and Mary Hochevar. New officers were installed by Mary Drobnick, outgoing vice-presi-dent. As reported before, newly elected officers for 1992 are as follows: Mary Tekavac, President, Josephine Poder, Vice-President, Frances Simonich, Secretary-Treasurer, and Angela Meglen, Recording Secretary . Mary Tekavec, President, called the meeting to order. Reports were given and approved. Josephine Poder will make calls to members when they are to bring the mystery gift. It was felt that all members should be involved in this as it helps to bring money into our treasury. Adeline Kochevar was reported to be on our sick list. Also Jennie Lukanic and Frances Raspet are still ill. Frances Kolbezen is recuperating at home as is Frank Prijatel, husband of Ann, who faithfully attended meetings until she was no longer able to. We extend get well wishes to all of the above as well as any others who might be ill. Prayers were said for our deceased member, Catherine Patrick. The mystery gift for the month was donated by Jennie Mishmash and was won by Mary Yanks. When Jeffrey Alan Alire, son of Scott and Bonnie Alire, was born he made many people beam with joy. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Zupančič Jr., great grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Zupančič Sr., and great, great grandson of Mary Kochevar, our 96 year old member. Congratulations to all! Congratulations are in order for Andrea and Bob DeGarbo on the birth of daughter, Francesca. Francesca is the graddaughter of Marie Mutz and great graddaughter of Katherine Ruper, who will be 94 in September. As some of our members are active in the Visitation Ministry at St. Mary’s Church, it is only fitting to bring out what a wonderful job our Ministry is doing by keeping in touch with those who are homebound and in nursing homes. There will be an article in the Chronicle about us. We ask that people keep us informed about those who are ill. We have been blessed with such good weather in March whille our neighbors to the north were digging out from a blizzard that stranded hundreds of people and our airport bulged with storm-blocked travelers. Our meeting was held after we all indulged in the delicious soup that is being served by the ladies of the Parish after the 12 o’clock mass every Wednesday during lent. Prior to the meeting, refreshments were served to twenty-two ladies by Mary (Mitzi) Drobnick with the help of Jennie Mishmash. Mary Tekavec, President, opened the meeting with prayers. Reports were given and approved. Guests, Johnna Margison and Elsie Anzlovar were introduced. Delores Klun and Frances were reported to be on the sick list. The mystery prize, donated by Rose Zupančič, was won by Jennie Mishmash. After the meeting, "B" was played. Among those who have been ill is Lorraine Pechnik. She is doing real well now and has retired. HAPPY RETIREMENT, Lorraine! Stanley Jeršin, husband of our member. Rose, is recuperating from surgery he had recently. Anne Spelich, former president, hasn’t been feeling well and is now in Virginia visiting with her son and family. On a happy note, congratulations are in order for Diane and Donald Pritekel on the birth of daughter, Julie Ann, who is the granddaughter of Nadine and Henry Pritekel. Valerie and Charles Marvel were out here visiting with the family. Valerie is sister of Henry and Joe Pritekel and Mary Yanks. The visit was very timely for they did get to see the new arrival, Julie Ann. Our sympathy goes out to the family of Marie Williams who passed away March 19. Bingo games are held in St. Mary’s Hall twice monthly. This is a pleasant way to spend Sunday afternoon and all are welcome. Dates of games are published in the Bells. Don’t forget, our meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Parish hall. Happy Mother’s Day! PAULINE PAUCHICK No. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN MAY IS HERE AND IN INDIANAPOLIS THAT MEANS THE 500! Our May meeting is scheduled for THURSDAY, MAY 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the Slovenian National Home. We are having a social/business meeting, so please plan to attend and bring a covered dish. You might even consider bringing a new member. Applications will be available. In commemoration of Mother’s Day, we will be honoring our Mothers of the Year, FRANCES LAMBERT, ANNE LEKSE and FRANCES YO-VANOVICH. They have helped to build our Branch through their continued involvement, dedication and support. They have carried and passed on their Slovenian Heritage instilling it in others. We are proud to be honoring them not only as Mothers, but as examples for us all. We have four members who have reached a milestone within the Slovenian Women’s Union. They are our 50 year members. This is an achievement that cannot go unrecognized. Therefore, we will also be honoring these women at our May meeting. Do not forget that Sophie Turk is in charge of sales for the new cookbooks. Contact her for details. We look forward to seeing you all the meeting on May 14th. Respectfully submitted, BARBARA MOHR NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH First of all, a sad note! Our president, Dorothy Zagar, has died. She was buried April 1st. We are very sorry and will miss her. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Tribute to Dorothy Zagar The Slovenian Women’s Union Branch 10 would like to send condolences to the family of Dorothy Zagar, our late president and to her dear friend, Lucille Romik. Dorothy was our president for over a year, and she kept our group together. She will be missed. She died on March 28th at Richmond Hts., Hospital. Fr. John Kumse, pastor of St. Mary’s had the mass of Christian burial on April 1st. We thank all our ladies and friends who visited the funeral home, attended mass and accompanied her to her final resting place, Calvary Cemetery. May she rest in peace. A.S. for the Members of Branch 10 On March 18th, the meeting was called to order by Dorothy, her last time among us. She led the prayers for our sick and deceased members. 18 members were present. We have over 200 members in the branch and it was a pleasure to have selected from them, our 1992 Mother of the Year, Theresa Ferraccioli. On May 20th we will have a dinner to honor her. Reservations must be made in advance and guests are welcome. Call 531-7635. It will be at the Slovenian Home on Holmes Ave. at 1 p.m., first floor. Please try to attend. On March 24th we went to visit our member, Mary Komidar who celebrated her 104th birthday. She is our oldest member. Faye Morro and Joyce LeNassi baked a cake and several of her friends at the Slovenian Home for the Aged on Neff Rd. helped to celebrate with us. It was a very enjoyable afternoon. On the sick list is Vickie Pianecki, who had surgery. Our condolences to the families of Marian Rolf, Frances Leskovec, Josephine Jackos. To Elsie Zeletel, we send our deepest sympathy on the loss of her mother, Jennie Batich, who was a long-time member. She will be missed. Please let us know if you have a change of address of beneficiary. Also, keep a list of all the lodges and organizations you belong to with names and telephones as to who to notify. We don’t get to pay our respects to our members if we are not notified in time. Dues for 1992 is past due. Please pay as soon as possible if you are iri arrears. Also, an extra dollar per year is to be collected for increased SWU expenses and sent in to the Home Office. Our new secretary is Theresa Dagg, 15611 Saranac Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110. Happy Mother’s Day to all. ANN STEFANČIČ NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI After a nice lunch we sang Happy Birthday to Kathy and she was our only celebrant this month. We had our meeting and it was nice to see Tillie Russ with us as she spent time in the hospital. She said she feels fine and she looks great. Our Sunshine Girl fell over a telephone cord and guess what, she broke her shoulder! Mary Evanish, we missed you at our meeting. Kate Zalesnik is still not up to par but hope to see her at the meeting soon. Molly Nacht was feeling bad so her trips were only as outpatient to the hospital. Our wishes are to all of you - for good health. Maybe now that spring is around, we’ll all be feeling better. Ann Grambow and Julia Pesec along with some friends and relatives took a Caribbean cruise. I’m sure they enjoyed it. Evelyn Laurich spent 10 days in Arizona visiting her granddaughter. We planned a Sausage Demonstration Luncheon for April 16th. For something put together the last minute, you members were very cooperative! Just heard that Tootsie is in the hospital. Hope your stay will be short. Being it was Kathy’s birthday, she was lucky playing our famous game. In May we will honor our Mother of the Year, Rose Luebke. As I am writing this, I hear that our charter member, Mary Bucovnik is having problems and her sister, Ann Paulin had an allergy reaction. Hope you both will be fine very soon. Pray for the good health of all our ailing members. MARY KIEL NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Our March meeting was an exceptionally lovely occasion. Joanne Man-iscalco brought her mom, Ann Ver-celli, to join us and celebrate her 82nd birthday. Ann (the cookie lady) has Confirmants Kevin and Kenneth Spencer with the Bishop of San Francisco Stephanie Nagel been unable to attend meetings for a while, but she’s never been out of our thoughts. It was a joy to see Ann again and thank you, Joanne, who took a day off work to carry out such a lovely idea. We also sang Happy Birthday to Marion Lucchesi. A few months ago, we had the honor of giving 50 year pins to our members of long-standing, Anna Fabian, Albina Grimsich and Sophia Os-troka. God bless you, ladies, and congratulations! Vica Cukrow, our dear and oldest member, is 102 years old. We wish her more of God's blessings. She has been a member 54 years. Very Happy Anniversary wishes to Jackie and Jerry Lowe - they will celebrate 31 years in August. Jackie was reporter for a while and we would love to have this busy gal back at our meetings. Members, Patricia Shusterich and daughters, Holly Ann Shusterich and Marilu Duarte live in the Ventura area of Southern California. We hope they didn’t have any problems with all the floods. Also, hope June Patrick is on the mend at her daughter’s, Karen Pera. June had back surgery and broke her wrist. And, good wishes to Mary Wraa who had corneal surgery. Our secretary, Moreen Spencer received a lovely note from Evelyn Kin-near. She wrote from Saratoga, Calif, to say how much she enjoys ZARJA and keeping in touch with us. Even Bill reads it, not bad for an Irishman, she says! This reporter would like to send regards to Bill and Evelyn. They lived a few houses down from my family when I was a young girl. Goes back a few years! Parents. Moreen and Don Spencer and aunty, Doreen Sustarich, are very proud of Kevin and Kenneth Spencer who were Confirmed recently. These young men attend Sacred Heart Cathedral High in S.F. Grandmother and Br. 13 Vice President, Louise Petrusich is also very proud of granddaughter, Stephanie Nagel, a graduate of St. Francis High School in Sacramento and planning to attend Serra College in Rocklin to study nursing. Stephanie has a great talent in acrylic painting and was very active in soccer and track during high school. She is transferring from a junior to an adult member in our branch. We are proud to have this lovely young lady. Congratulations to our Woman of the Year, Ann Sustarich. This is a very deserving young lady and a beautiful brunch is planned at the Marriot on May 17th, 1992 in her honor. Wishing all our sister members a beautiful Mother's Day. BEVERLY JACKSON A MULTITUDE OF BLESSINGS TO OUR MOTHERS! cJizzitacjz čzNzvcri, and O/izivi Irene Planinšek Odorizzi DOLL ART DISPLAY AT THE HERITAGE MUSEUM Mary Foys Lauretig, member of br. 2, Chicago, is the originator and designer of beautiful dolls, dressed in many costumes representing different countries, places, events, movies and all special and attractive! The Doll Exhibit of Mary’s dolls was held at the Heritage Museum in March. Jean Govednik (seen with the guest book) is on the Museum committee and welcomed visitors. On Saturday, March, 14 and Sunday, March 15, following Masses at St. Joseph’s Church, Mary Foys Lauretig displayed her marvelous collection of 85 dolls at the Slovenian Heritage Museum in Joliet. When asked about her collection, Mary stated, “I’ve been making dolls for about 10 years. Depending on the kind of doll and the amount of work it takes, I can make a doll in one to two weeks.” One doll was lovelier than the next and Mary stated that there is usually a story behind each doll. She cited the Las Vegas group of about a dozen dolls which were made as table decorations for a special meeting of Branch #2, Chicago. Mary continued, “I saw that kind of doll in Las Vegas and I said, I can make that doll.” She did and there are twelve lovely girls attired in feather headdresses, costumes and lots of sparkle. Her very first doll, about 18 inches high, was a lovely porcelain figure dressed in a burgundy gown with dark hair and movable eyes. She said, “I had to put those eyes in myself.” Mary also mentioned that she made some of the bodies; others were purchased. Her collection was arranged at the Museum very attractively on three long tables by Terry Morison in groups of: storybook dolls, “Gone With The Wind" dolls, Slovenian dolls, Croatian dolls and the largest group was an assortment of ethnic dolls from all over the world. Besides the numerous dolls, Mary also displayed a number of plates reflecting colorful doll-like figures. Mary was asked what type of plates and paint were used and she replied, “I use corelle plates. 1 coat the plate with Gesso so the paint will adhere to the plate and then I apply my own design and acrylic paint.” The result is lovely. The Doll Show was hosted by the Slovenian Museum volunteers from Branch #20. A donation of $1.00 was requested of viewers with proceeds benefiting the Heritage Fund. Refreshments were available to those who attended and consisted of coffee, potica and cookies. We send our appreciation to Mary for bringing her beautiful dolls to Joliet for people to enjoy and for helping to enlarge the coffers of the Heritage Fund. If any other branch is interested in sponsoring Mary Foys Lauretig and her Doll Show please contact her through Branch #2. Donation to Heritage Museum Mary Taucher of Branch #47, Garfield Heights, Ohio, sent a lovely letter and check for $25.00 from the members of the branch. We thank the group for its continued support of the Heritage Museum through the years. If you have a desire to help our Heritage work, please send a donation which will be gratefully accepted. Slovenian Genealogical Society Forms If you are interested in genealogy and wish more information on the Slovenian Genealogical Society which is forming send your name and address along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Slovenian Genealogical Society. 6625 Jeffrey Lane, Lafayette, IN 47905 ggvlw/j&l 9 Not ours, but another! SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION In Ljubljana on March 14th, 1992, a new organization was formed for Slovenian women, by the name of Slovenska ženska zveza (our own name in Slovenian is the same) or, Slovenian Women’s Organization. 70 founding members adopted the aims and programs of the Christian Democratic party which is the sponsoring organization of the S.Ž.Z. It will work for the further instruction and uplift of Slovenian women of all Slovenia, to bring them into the political mainstream, teach them the workings of the new system they have adopted and gain from them support and popularity. The women, on the other hand, will be given opportunities that will take them out of the home and into public life. The first president is Milica Sturm, an attorney-at-law, from Ljubljana. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized her wish to not only bring unity to Slovenian women at home, but to join them to other organizations abroad. The political ideology to which they will subscribe is based on Christian values upon which they will try to bring together people of opposite views and beliefs in the effort of gaining greater understanding and solidarity among themselves. The women received messages of support from members of the government, some of whom were present and by telegram from others including the Archbishop of Ljubljana. They have pledged to work for all that will improve family life including the environment, education, health issues, economic and political programs, and whatever will help them grow in their new-found political freedom. (Taken from the Slovenian original in “Družina", March 22, 1992.) We, of the S.Ž.Z. of America, wish them well! Slovenia, the new REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA, has now reached its primary goal, to become recognized as an independent, free nation among other free nations of the world! With the recognition of the Republic of Slovenia by the United States, that followed recognition by over 50 world entities, Slovenia has come to full nation-hood! Ultimately, we will see United Nations acceptance of the new country and it will cap a year of immeasureable achievement! This is truly a jubilant moment for us - an unforgettable time in the lives of Slovenians at home and throughout the world! Our only hope is that Slovenia, with her courageous, determined people, will reap the harvest of blessings that true freedom can bring! We will pray to this end! C. Leskovar Irene M. Odorizzi Heritage Director: Slovenian Costumes It’s always interesting to see a branch “come alive” with a special project and such is the case of Branch #13 in San Francisco. National Vice President, Beverly Jackson was relating an experience that Branch #13 enjoyed in conjunction with the Harvest Festival held at Nativity Church in San Francisco. Beverly and Olga Kambic decided to make Slovenian costumes for the event and together these two gals sewed twenty-two skirts, aprons and simple headpieces for their interested group. Each lady provided her own white blouse. The group added much color and interest to the Harvest Festival because the Slovenian costume had not been used prior to this event. Winter Olympics Athletes from the newly recognized Republic of Slovenia entered the Albertville Stadium, walking proudly, under their new flag. Many of them wore patches on their coats similar to the crest which appears on the Slovene flag. The European Community recognized Slovenia just a short time prior to the games. The Slovenes were among nine nations who participated in the Winter Olympics for the first time. Television viewers were surprised to see Charles Kuralt of CBS speak one night of “his people, the Slovenes.” The viewers were treated to scenes of Slovenia, native costumes, gaily dressed "Kurenti”, and button boxes performers. It was an event of which to be proud even though the Slovene athletes did not win any medals. There will be many more Olympics and we will watch once again as the Slovene athletes proudly walk under their flag. UNITED STATES RECOGNITION OF SLOVENIA ON APRIL 7,1992 BRINGS FULL INDEPENDENT STATUS TO OUR HOMELAND! SLOVENIJA MAGAZINE There are many magazines printed each year but none like “Slovenija.” This quarterly magazine is chock-full of wide-ranging articles and lovely pictures to increase your pride in your Slovenian Heritage and acauaint you more intimately with Slovenia. It is written completely in the English language. You can order SLOVENIJA by sending a check for $20.00, the price of the yearly subscription to: Slovenia Magazine, c/o SIM, Cankarjeva 1, pp. 169 61000 Ljubljana, Slovenia MY FIRST IMPRESSION by 3rd Auditor, Josephine Lustik Our national board meetings which were held on March 16, 17 and 18 are now history, but the com-raderies and friendship of the officers will remain with me for a long time to come. Since this was my first meeting, 1 felt I had a lot to learn. There was a definite spirit of co-operation and openness among the board members, which is what impressed me the most. Upon arriving at the Home Office on Monday morning the anticipation of the next three days was uppermost in my mind. After a few minutes of exchanging friendly greetings, we sat down and the meeting was called to order. Our president, Victoria Bobence, kept the meetings running smoothly, and with the well- planned agenda we were able to accomplish much. I would just like to mention that the highlight of the session came on the third day when we went to Chicago to visit the Croatian Franciscan Press. Here we got a chance to see first hand what it takes to bring the Zarja to life. Father Paul, Custos of the Croatian Franciscans in U.S. & Canada, Editor, Corinne, Press Manager, Prince Manjooran and everyone there treated us like family. After a delicious lunch, we were taken on a guide tour of the press rooms. We now have a better understanding of the work that goes into the publication of the Zarja. Our visit there was very interesting and informative. Three days of intense discussions were concluded, and all of us headed home with a renewed sense of determination and pride in our organization. The dedication of the officers is evident, and I look forward to future neetings and our convention in 1995. NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL At the March 12th meeting we were all Irish! Sylvia Spretnjak made green shamrock name tags for all of us with Irish names, so each member had to call out her Irish name. Thanks to all the ladies who brought such beautiful prizes for the “B” party. We are all looking forward to a successful day. We were happy to hear from Romaine O’Brien, Regional President of the Illinois-Indiana branches. We are looking forward to going to LaSalle this fall. Mary Ann Dandurand had knee surgery and is recuperating at home. Mrs. Agnes Krillich was hospitalized with pneumonia and is now residing with her daughter in Whiting, Ind. Elsie Starcevich is vacationing with son and daughter-in-law in Florida. Our condolences to Elaine Strubel on the death of her brother. Several Br. 16 members are members of Calumet Park Seniors and on St. Patrick’s Day we were celebrating International Day. Each lady was supposed to bring an item from her native country and tell the story about it. Edna Winters brought a colorful glass sipper, used to sip Slivovica - it was her mother’s and originated in Czechoslovakia. Clara Soviano brought a 50 year old Tambourine from Italy that is used in their dances. Marge Prebil brought some plates from Sovenia that were 100 years old. She also brought a plaque that says “Dobrodošli” that she keeps at the entrance to her home. That means “welcome”! Gladys Buck brought a Slovenian “kozolec” miniature, that is a hay rack; also hand carved kitchen utensils made by the Slovenian Ribničans who went from village to village selling their wares. The sign she held said SLOVENIA with LOVE in it. “Čipke” (lace) making tool - for bobbin lace from Idrija, was also brought. “Metrga” is a table used for making dough for bread. The well at the top is used for mixing the dough and the drawer below holds the flour. The table top is used for rolling the dough. This is from and old Slovenian kitchen. (I hope these old items will find their way into our SWU Heritage Vluseum some day! Editor). Later on, Clara Saviano told us the itory of how, as a child, she came to he United States from Italy and what i sight to behold when they saw the itatue of Liberty in New York. How happy they all were. They sang Italian songs and danced the tarentella and Clara described their colorful red, white and green costumes. Marge Prebil, Mary Rago, Sylvia Spretnjak, Jo Hester, Gladys Buck, Manda Maggis and Edna Winters sang Slovenia and Croatian songs accompanied by John Novak on his accor-dian. The songs were: “Ko študent na rajžo gre, Oj, Marička peglaj, Suze lije plave oči, Moja droga je cie kocham.” Others who took part in the program were Marie Vidovich, Fran Zupančič, Mary Brozovich and Elaine Strubel. We ended the program with everyone singing “Just Because”, Frankie Yankovic, the Polka King’s song. Gladys and Edna danced to the music in their colorful Slovenian costumes - “narodna nošas”. We also de- scribed our costumes to everyone present. We all enjoyed this ethnic affair. Mother of the Year party is going to be held at the Golden Shell restaurant on May 14th at 6 p.m. Call Gladys or Edna for reservations. Helen Gomick, Margaret Liptak, Draga Pavlovich and Gloria Serapin are 50 year members and they will be honored at the Mother’s Day dinner May 14th. E.W. NO. 17, WEST ALLIS, WI With the arrival of spring, it’s a wonderful time of year, as we honor all mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers on their special day. This brings a reminder that our special Mother, Katie Matzelle will be honored at a noon day luncheon on Wed. May 6th at Kegel’s Inn on 59th and National. Please notify our Sec’y Robin Marolt at 327-1444 or President, Marion Marolt at 327-3871 if you plan to attend so reservations can be made. Make this a memorable day for Katie, a day she will long remember. We will hold a short business meeting before the festivities begin. Members, please note. There will be no meetings in June, July or August, a time for a bit of vacation. We resume the regular schedule of monthly meetings on Sun. Sept. 20th at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Baraga Hall. Another reminder: Our fund-raiser event will be held on Sun. Oct. 18th in conjunction with our meeting. Prizes will be greatly appreciated. A speedy recovery to Coletta Imperl and a return to good health to all our members and friends who are not feeling up to par. Happy Mother’s Day. FRAN PIWONI NO. 20, JOLIET, IL As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” The flowers are bursting all around us. This is my favorite time of the year. The trees are turning green, the sun stays longer in the sky, and it gets darker later. This time of year puts a spring to your life - no pun intended! May is the month we are very busy preparing for our annual “Woman of the Year” dinner. We will be honoring Josephine Lustik, and her family this year. The scholarship awards will be presented to the recipients at the dinner; we will also be paying tribute to Our Lady of Brezje. Congratulations to: Edward and Olga Ancel. They were recognized by St. Francis de Sales, No. 29, for their long years of service to the lodge and K.S.K.J. A tea was held by the Cantigny Ladies Auxiliary No. 367, VFW to honor Mary Mihelich, the 18th District President. Fred and Dorothy Jursinic are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on May 23. Richard and Mary Kay Demick will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 2. Richard and Debra Teece - their marriage is May 2. John and Maureen Konopek were recently married. Jim and Diane Ryzer, welcome the brith of baby daughter, Martha Kathleen, March 19. Get well wishes for a speedy recovery to Alous Misic. Condolences to: Patricia Figurowski, on the loss of her brother, Raymond V. Kambic; and to the fam ily of Mary Rakowski of Youngstown, Arizona. You have our deepest sympathy. “Carousel of Fashions,” in the Herald News featured our President, Deanie Gudac in a lovely outfit from Fehrenbackers, Inc., Joliet. Wanted: Men, women and Juniors who would like to join a Slovenian Choir. You don't have to be Slovenian, you don’t have to speak Slovenian. You must enjoy singing. You are needed for the choir for the “Annual Grape Dance. Join in May and you will need to practice, May, June, July, August for the September Grape Dance. It should be a lot of fun. You can be any age to join. Interested pesons call Fr. David Stalzer 726-4031, or the SWU Home Office, 727-1926. Dates to Remember: May 19 - “Woman of the Year” Dinner, 6:30 p.m. St. Joseph Park; members free and guests pay $5.00. May 24, St. Joseph’s Altar and Rosary Society will have their annual card party, 1:30 p.m.-St. Joseph’s Park. June 7 - Sunday, 64th Anniversary mass, 8:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Church with Open House at Home Office/ Museum. ANN M. DR AGO VAN NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL No meeting evoked a feeling of nostalgia within me like the February get-together when Gabrielle Lustig and her sister Toni Legris co-hosted in the old homestead in Bradley for the first time in many years. To me, for a moment, it reminded me of the days decades ago, when our mother welcomed the SWU. All the chatter was in Slovenian then; this day, our feeble attempts to speak Slovenian only end up in laughter. Many thanks, Gabriella and Toni, for an enjoyable afternoon BRANCH 20 CHORUS Would you like to join a new chorus of Br. 20 members in Joliet? The plans are well under way for a new singing group and if you are interested, please call Fr. David Stalzer, (815) 726-4031. It will be fun and educational! February was extra-special for Leo and Mary Rittmanic, who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on the 26th, starting it off right at the 7 a.m. Mass with blessings from the Church and Pat Skelly’s singing of Mary’s favorites, like Panis Angelicus and “Češčena si, Marija”, the latter in English, of course, but we sorta chimed in, in Slovenian. It was a first for Fr. Butters in his 27 years as priest that he participated in an anniversary celebration of 65 years. Normally, Leo at 87, still serves the early Mass during the week. Then off to breakfast we went! On Saturday, the 29th, the happy couple received the congratulations of relatives and many friends at an open house in the parish hall, hosted by their children: Barbara of Bradley, Helena Hoffmann of Appleton, WI and Kathryn Ochwat of Houston, TX. Except for one loaf, Helena baked all the poticas, and delicious they were! Leo and Mary have 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. May God’s goodness follow you, dear friends, all the remaining years of your lives! Mayme Drassler said bye-bye to Bradley for an indefinite stay in Sun City, Arizona, with her sister Mathilde. Have a good time, Mayme! The sick among us need our continued prayers. Please include Joe Sebastiani, husband of Helen, our branch secretary. Since we are still in the Easter Season I can wish you three blessings: Happy Easter, Happy Springtime, Happy May! God love you all! EMMA LUSTIG, Reporter AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC UNION m LIFE INSURANCE FOR THE FAMILY HOME OFFICE: 243) GLENWOOD AVENUE • JOLIET, IL 60435 (815) 741-2001 ANNUAL VISIT TO BR. 20 BOWLERS AT RIVAL’S LANES On March 16th, National Officers of SWU in Joliet for the annual meeting, visited Rival’s Bowling Lanes to cheer on the four Br. 20 Ladies Bowling Teams! On this picture are Nat’l Auditor, Marion Marolt of West Allis, WI with the league secretary, Sharon J. Home-rdin, president Sharon R. Homerdin and treasurer Carol Doszak; in front is Nat’l Vice President Beverly Jackson of San Francisco and Br. 17 Secretary Robin Marolt of West Allis. This league was organized in 1936 by Josephine Erjavec and Emma Planinšek and is still bowling! Vickie Bernikas, Ardin Gregorash, Beverly Jackson (Nat’l Vice Pres.), Darlene Marquardt and Mary Michelich. NO. 23, ELY, MN Vice President, Rosemarie Buckner opened the meeting with a prayer in the absence of Pres. Marcy Zupec. Angie Godec did the reading, “Hereafter” which was awesome. On the sick list were Mary Repp, who had hip surgery and Julia Russ who has a broken leg. A brief discussion was held about the Mother's Day Dinner and it was decided to honor all the 50-year members at this time and also present each one with a carnation. The following committee was appointed to take care of the arrangements: Frances Strukel, Mary Folio, Mary McNeal, Frances Zavodnik, Mary Mavetz, Helen Theno, Amelia Grahek, Dorothy Popesh, Ann Stupnik and Marge Skubec. There were 38 members present and Frances Zavodnik won the door prize. A special “thanks” to Bill Slogar, who donated a beautiful, large box of chocolates to all the members, and that really “saved the day” as the lunch committee for March had a problem. Rose Costelli and Doris Papesh They were then on the April lunch committee. We all enjoyed “The Chocolates and Coffee after the meeting and we all got some additional energy to “socialize” a little bit longer. Yes, A fun time was had by all. Thanks again - Bill!! JANE YADLOSKY, Reporter Dawn Club Pres. Angie Mobilia opened the meeting with a reading, “Seeds of Hope” which was very inspiring. The members gave a special "Thank ou” to Angie Mobilia for lining up the Valentine Dinner, which was so delicious - cabbage roll, mashed potato/gravy, buttered carrots, dinner roll and dessert - all for $4.50. It was delicious! Rosemarie Buckner gave special recognition to member, Rose Novak, whose son, Ronald, a teacher in Thief River Falls, MN, got a special Award from the Chamber of Commerce for being “The Outstanding Citizen of the Year” for all his hard work and volunteering his time to promote hockey for all the youth in that area. Yes, Rose, like mother like son, - Rose is also one who is always busy donating her time helping others, especially, the elderly in the nursing home, now, but she also was active in youth activities, such as scouting - Keep up the good work. Rose! Ana 1 know she is very proud of her son also - what an honor! Julie Russ was on the sick list. Another reading “Measure your years in blessings” was read — How true! There were 30 members present -Angie Godec won the door prize. Pat Harrison, Gen Klainsek, Michalene Ferguson, Jan Adair and Polly Bick. April lunch committee was: Ann Saari, Ann Stupnik, Margaret Deyak, Margaret Tomljanovich and Julie Zgonc. Coffee, and' were served - then the '‘socializing" began! Wow! J Y NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL We had a poor attendance at our March meeting, partly due to the large number of members who are ill and also because our local High School Chorus had their annual Spring Musical Show that night. The members in attendance are looking forward to October and the State Convention which we will host this year — but, we will need help from more of you. Our Treasurer, Anne Serri, is recuperating from her knee surgery and undergoing therapy. We missed her at the meeting and hope she will soon be up and around. Fannie Kobilsek is a resident at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Mendota and Barbara Cass is a resident at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Peru. We remember all of our sick and shut-in members with prayer at our meetings. Our sympathy is extended to Antonia Hoefferle whose husband, John, passed away on March 2. He is also survived by four brothers in Slovenia and a sister in Germany; and to Evelyn Kastigar whose husband, Anthony, passed away on March 23. Anthony is also survived by a daughter, Joanne Haupt of Waukesha, WI, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, four brothers and three sisters, including our members Dorothy Parola of Oglesby and Anne Dresen of Ocala, FL. We pray that God will reward John and Tony with Heavenly Peace. There will be no special "Mother of the Year" in 1992. We will honor all members at our May Dinner. Plans will be completed at the April meeting and will be printed in the church bulletin and local newspaper. Watch for the date, time and place and make your reservations accordingly. A short business meeting will follow the dinner. The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. in La Salle Catholic School-Re-surrection Bldg. We should have reports on our convention plans at that time. Please join us and help make the 1992 Illinois-Indiana State Convention a great success. A Happy Mother's Day to all of our Mothers and a wish that God will grant them good health and much happiness. ANNE M. WANGLER, Reporter NO. 26, PITTSBURGH, PA Happy Springtime - Br. 26 had the first meeting of the year 1992 on the 16th of March. Prayers opened the meeting and special prayers were said for our sick and deceased members. Our president, Agnes Widina was in Shadyside Hospital, therefore, meeting was conducted by our Vice President, Josephine Rolik who did a very good job. 23 members were in attendance. We have a couple of active members on our sick list: Amelia Zunic, who is one of our auditors, Sophie Yonavich and Veronica Senfner. Kay Hudak Feffner a California resident and member of long-standing, passed away on February 6th. God rest her soul. We will all remember her in our prayers. No minutes were read by the Recording secretary as our December meeting was the Christmas Party. Financial Statement for the year was read by our very active member, Mary Slaney. A donation from each member was asked and all members approve of the dollar yearly contribution for the SWU. We didn’t have too much business at this meeting. Door prizes were distributed to the lucky ladies and delicious home made cakes were served. JANE LYNCH NO. 32, EUCLID, OH Our March meeting had a lot of members absent as there was a lot of illness about. We hope that our members will soon be on the mend and able to attend the springtime meetings. Ceal Znidar had eye surgery and is recuperating nicely at home. Ceal's three year old grandson, Frankie had a heart operation. He also is recuperating at home. He is the son of Pam and Tim Znidar. Other members still on the sick list are: Mary Drobnick, Faye Starman and Rose Brancely. Get well wishes to all our sick members. Hope to see you soon at the meetings. Pres. Dorothy Lamm did a very fine job representing the Slovene Society Home as Woman of the Year on March 15th. It was a very beautiful affair. The meal was delicious and this event brought out a lot of people including Josephine Comenshek, Josephine Gornik, Ann Cooke, Esther Garbincus and husband, Hermine Strainer and friend, Ann Adams and husband, Molly Sodja and friend, Fran Ogoreuc and husband. All of Dorothy’s family were there which included her husband, Bob, daughter Denise with husband and their three children, daughter, Robin and husband and their two children. Dorothy and Bob Lamm are very proud of the family and grandchildren and have every right to be! Dorothy hopes that her five grandchildren will not forget their roots and their Slovenian Heritage. Our Mother of the Year celebration will be on May 20th to honor our member, Christine Verch. Hope to see a lot of our members attend the dinner and bring a friend. A full course dinner will be served. It is a BYOB affair; wash will be furnished. Call our treasurer, Ann Cooke for tickets. Secretary, Charlotte Perdan made a Lenten version of a pretzel called Little Arms. She gave one to each member at the meeting. Thanks, Charlotte for your thoughtfulness. We had a blind auction at the March meeting - it was very successful. Thanks to all who brought in items as prizes -it’s nice to see you get involved in raising money for our treasury. Polly Pike just came back from a month’s vacation visiting her daughter in Florida. Polly will be going back there to help her adopted grandchild, China Allen celebrate her 2nd birthday. Polly will be there another month. Charlotte Perdan and husband, Rudy are travelling to Chicago for a weekend to be in the Peterson Bowling Tournament. Good luck, Rudy. Hostess Ceal McLean and helper, Josephie Gornik, had the refreshment table all decorated to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. It looked lovely. Birthday girls, Dorothy Lamm, Mary Tushar and Mary Stark brought cakes. Thanks, ladies for the delicious desserts. Happy Birthday again to all members with wishes for good health and happiness. Happy Mother’s Day to all members. May you have a wonderful day. Come join us to celebrate and honor our Mother of the Year, Christine Verch on May 20th. Hope to see more members attend our meetings. FRANCES OGOREUC TRIO OF OUR MEMBERS HONORED AS WOMEN OF THE YEAR OF THE SLOVENIAN NATIONAL HOMES IN CLEVELAND, OHIO Three of our outstanding members, Jean Križman, Br. 50, Dorothy Lamm, Br. 32 and Helen Urbas, Br. 103, were honored March 15th, 1992 at a gala banquet in their honor in Cleveland, Ohio. They were selected by three of the nine Slovenian National Homes of that area, to be recognized for their great contributions to the Homes. Our sincere congratulations! Slovenian National Home on St. Clair president Edward Kenik made the presentation to Jean Križman; Joseph Petrie, president of the Slovenian Society Home on Recher Ave. in Euclid presented a plaque to Dorothy Lamm; and the Maple Hgts. Slovenian National Home president, John Schrenk did the honors for Helen Urbas. Jean is not only active with the SND, and is an excellent fund raiser for them but also participates in many and varied charities, especially the Slovene Home for the Aged and the American Red Cross. She is on the Board of Directors of business, professional and city-wide organizations. The members of Br. 50 are proud of Jean and salute her! Dorothy is the president of Br. 32 in Euclid and active with other societies in her area as well. As is usually the case, Dorothy has insisted on accompanying her children along in their many activities and guiding them into Slovenian lodges and related groups. She and her husband, Bob, are the parents of Denise and Robin and have four grandchildren. Dorothy was a delegate to our last National Convention. Hats off to her! Helen is a native of Lorain, but lived for many years in Washington, D.C. where she was a government employee, namely, the War Manpower Commission from 1942, remaining there until 1973. She is a member of Br. 103 which she joined during those years. She is a competent organizer and leader in activities of Lorain, particularly as they concern the Slovenian community there. Not only do Br. 103 members extend congratulations but Br. 40 members as well, for they are her daily co-workers! NO. 33, DULUTH, MN Alice Cacich will be new Secretary/ Treasurer for the rest of 1992. Prayers of sympathy on the death of Margaret Vichich, 10 year social member, in Houghton, MI. Elizabeth Smolnikar is her cousin. Prayers for sick members including Lorraine Mlodozyniec and Betty Pic-connatto Have a pleasant summer. LOIS PELANDER Reporter NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN One of the smallest groups of our members gathered on Wednesday, March 18, for our regular meeting and money-making project. In spite of this, we took in a good amount of money, thanks to the members who donated when they could not attend! There are so many in our branch who have been out-of-town, have been ill, etc. Money that we made will be used to pay our over 80-year-old members' dues. We welcome another new member, Dorothy Erchul Dombeck, of Vir-ginia-a former “girl” from Soudan, and whose grandmother, Mary Erchul (5th Street) was a member of our branch years ago! Welcome, Dorothy, and we hope you can attend some of our meetings and special occasions. We received a letter from our Regional President, Jean Korsman, and our Vice President, Angeline Morin, will represent our branch at the regional meeting planned for April 22, as I will not be able to attend. A donation was made to the Bishop Baraga Foundation, which we have continued to support for many years. Two of our members, Ann “Inky” Stefanich, who had leg surgery, and Marge Skala, who had heart surgery, are convalescing and we wish both of them a speedy and complete recovery. Preliminary plans were made for our Mother of the Year celebration honoring Rose Planton. We will have a dinner at the Tower Cafe and then meet at the parish hall for a little socializing. At our March meeting the door prize was brought by Emma Betourne and won by Sophie Spollar. For the April meeting, Margaret Mesojedec and Agnes Mattson will serve as hostesses and the door prize will be brought by Tory Bobence. All of us are waiting for warmer weather and hoped we can have a good turnout for our celebration on March 20. ADELINE MUSTONEN, Reporter NO. 35, AURORA, MN We didn’t have a meeting in March, out I have to recognize our busy Junior members. Katherine Hanka’s granddaughter, Stephanie Hanka took part in Stacie’s Studio of Dance Education-All Minnesota Dance Competition in Minneapolis. She placed second and won a ribbon and trophy. Stephanie and her family spent Easter at Dis-neyworld in Florida. Heather Orazem took part in the Speech Contest and won 1st place and a trophy. She also attended a dinner in St. Cloud honoring Students of Excellence, their teachers and parents. These students were awarded a plaque and certificate by Governor Aurie Carlson. Robert Orazam is a member of the High School Band and they performed at Disney world during his 7 day Easter PROUD OF HER FAMILY! BR. 38, CHISHOLM, MN OFFICERS OF 1974-75 This photo was printed in the Br. 38 History, March, Mary Slaney and her four daughters: seated, right: 1992 issues of ZARJA without the caption as follows: Sr. Barbara Mary S.S.N.D.; standing: Mary Ann Standing, left to right: Auditor Lucille Palcich, Vice Pres- Grgurich, Barbara Slaney and Jean Ford. Lovely Mary ident, Jennie Samsa, Secretary, Frances Bizal: «'«?«/: Tre- is also Mother of the Year for 1992. asurer Anna Trdan and president Frances Hren. Vacation. Heather and Robert attend the Sandstone East Central High School. They are Betty Orazem’s grandchildren. It is good to have you home again, and doing so well, Betty! Joseph Orazem’s isle Basketball team won 2nd place in the 7th grade State Basketball Tournament in Minneapolis. They played Crosby-Ironton for the championship. Each team member won a medal and trophy for their school. They were also invited to attend the Timberwolves BB game on March 29th at Target Center and play an exhibition game afterward. An exciting experience for these young athletes! Needless to say, we were proud grandparents among the fans who attended the games! Our sympathy and prayers are with the family of Julia Turk. She was a dedicated member of our branch and will be sadly missed by everyone. May she and all our faithful departed rest in peace. Special thanks to Max L. Shuster for his generous contribution to the SWU Scholarship Fund. Wishing all our mothers a special happy Mother’s Day. ANNE M. ORAZEM NO. 40, LORAIN, OH As I am writing today the calendar shows that it is the first day of Spring, but looking out my window, it looks more like the first day of winter! We have had another snow storm! We haven't been able to enjoy any of the early flowers. One day they bloom and the next day they are covered with snow. O, well, that's March foryou! Fifteen members came to our meeting and enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by our birthday girls: Joyce Ar-rendondo, Agnes Mroski, Angie Voy-tko and Angie Zgonc. Thanks and thanks to all who brought prizes, too. Our president brought the meeting to order. After reports were read, we made plans for various activities. We signed up for our Mother of the Year dinner, hoping for a good attendance in April so we can finalize our plans to honor our Kathy Russ. Sorry to report that we lost another member; Frances Ivancic passed away recently. She was 97 years old. We offer our sympathy to the family. Congratulations to Elise Hoffman, who graduated from Auburn College recently. She lives in Alabama and is the granddaughter of our secretary, Agatha Donges. Joyce Arrendondo won the attendance prize. Our Lodge will be hosting the Ohio-Michigan State Convention on Oct. 11th, 1992 and hope more of our members will be coming to our meetings which are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. in the school hall. We need all the help we can get to make it a success. Hope you have a Happy Mother’s Day. Love, MARY MATOS NO. 42, MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH Our regular meeting was held on Tuesday March 10th at the Slovenian Home and was well attended. As usual, the desserts donated by the birthday members were many and delicious. A report was given by Marge Church on the bakeless sale and it was very successful. All plans have been made for the Mother's Day Mass on May 12. 1992 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Wenceslas Church which will be followed w'ith a dinner at the Slovenian National Home. We are hoping for a large turnout as all our mothers are being honored. Ann Zupančič and her committee have an excellent menu planned. This is alw'ays such a nice affair. Mrs. Anna Draganie wishes to thank the members for all the cards they have sent. She can be sure they will continue to do so. June 27th will be the 50th wedding anniversary for Frances and Frank Stavec. Congratulations! Incidentally. Frances has been a member and a strong supporter of Lodge 42 since 1932. Plans are almost complete for our annual bus trip to the cottage of Ann and Marge Zupančič at Pymatuming Lake. The date for this is Wednesday, July 15th. Please mark your calendar for this fun day. The membership extends their deepest sympathy to Louise Toth on the loss of her husband A1 on March 29. 1992 in Fountain Valley. Calif. ANNA HODNIK/ANITA VOVK: FOR MOTHER’S DAY! Learn Slovenian aav" .........»?■■■■»!!■................ ms Aloha! is a new word I learned on my recent trip to Hawaii. It means — hello, goodbye and I love you. I didn’t go to Hawaii to get away from winter, because 1 happen to prefer winter to summer. I love to travel to different places and see the beautiful world that God has created and to experience the cultures of the people. Hawaiians are a people who are very family oriented. The elders respect the young and the young respect their elders. This was very evident in the church services that I attend. They also have deep respect for their land and environment. They waste nothing and feel an obligation to protect and preserve their land for future generations. I attended a Hawaiian mass along with about 30 members of our group. The gospel reading was about “Jesus in the Desert” and the priest gave a powerful homily on the desert we are all living in today. He said with the shortage of priests and many near retirement, we have to take a serious look at where we are headed. He said the day is coming when we may not be able to attend mass at our church. Priests cannot be expected to do everything. There are more and more problems they have to deal with in our society tyoday. All of us have to get involved by volunteering our time and talents. We cannot rely on just a few parishioners to do it all. Let’s give this some thought and attention. Anita and I want to extend our best wishes to all mothers and let us remember prayers for our deceased mothers. Aloha! Vocabulary Imam...I have Dolino...Valley Zeleno...Green Ptičke...Birds Tam...There Lepo...Nicely, beautifully Pojo...They sing Kratek...Short, good Čas...Time Mi...Me Delajo...They make In...And Me...Me Veselo...Happy, Entertains V...In Dolini...Valleys Hišico...House Očetovo... Father’s Njej...It Pa...And, flavoring particle Ljubo...Loving, dear Mamico...Mother Mojo...My, mine “1 HAVE A GREEN VALLEY" 1 nave a green valley, The little birds there sing nicely, They make a good time for me And entertains me. I have in the valley a little house, It is father’s house, In it is a dear, little mother, My Mother. IMAM DOLINO ZELENO Imam dolino zeleno, Ptičke tam lepo pojo, Kratek čas mi delajo In me veselo. Imam v dolini hišico, Hišico očetovo V njej pa ljubo mamico Mamico mojo. Tomaž Habe: MOTHER MOTHER, Your heart is the most which the world has. MOTHER, Goodness and worries, they two are without limits. Your smile is everything to me And your gentle hand, Which caresses me. MOTHER, The word, which comes to me from the heart. MAMICA MAMICA, Tvoj srček je največ kar svet ima. MAMICA. dobrota in skrb sta brez meja. Tvoj nasmeh mi je vse in nežna roka, ki boža me. MAMICA, beseda ki pride mi iz srca. Our May birthday members are Clara Hrovat, Dorothy Mehosky, Vida Shega, Samantha Thompson and Shawn Thompson, Dorothy Ponikvar, Mitzi Champa, Donna Wilk, Gretchen Wilk. Melinda Prhne, and Angie Zupanc. Our June birthday members are: Mary Ann Filips, Dolores Lipnos, Robert Kastelic, Jennie Intihar, Betty Ann Kastelic, Sally Prhne and Kathy Gruden. Happy Birthday to all of you!! Our prayers and best wishes are being sent to our members who are ill or who are a shut-in. Please remember them with a phone call or a card. DOROTHY MEHOSKY. NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Looks like Spring! Come to the meetings, they are fun! We had a nice group of members at our March meeting. There were a couple of new faces and also back with us was Arline Fritz, looking well, after a serious illness. Arline, take it easy. To all our ailing, in a hospital, home or nursing home, a get well wish. On Wednesday May 13 we are honoring our Mother of the Year, namely, Josephine Janezic, at Eleanor’s lo- cated at 5601 Broad Street in Green-dale at 12:15 Sharp! A separate room will be available for our group. From now on the meetings will start at noon, starting with a lunch, meeting and finish with our favorite game. The June birthday gals can bring their treats in May, and the July and August birthday gals in Sept. Get well wishes for Mary Komes’ grandson, who is 9 years old. He was hit by a car while riding his bike which he received on his birthday, March 18. He was hospitalized, came home and then back to the hospital. Just received word that Pauline Plesko is at Evelyn A. Majercik 31 Eldred Avenue Bedford, Ohio 44146 A Crafty Idea I do try to keep myself occupied during the winter months, whether they be spent in Ohio or in Florida. In February, I decided to try something different. I walked into a craft store and noticed a very nice skirt. I was told that the “project” was part of a class. You know I signed up. The “European Patchwork Skirt” pattern comes from Switzerland. It is not your standard tissue paper pattern, but one that you design yourself. I am not a seamstress, but I did make the skirt and I love it. It is different. It is a challenge, believe me. If you would like to give it a try, please send $2.00 and a self-addressed-stamped envelope. QUICK IDEA: Because I have made more doilies than I have need for. I have been placing/sitching them onto brass rings and hanging them on my windows. Different and beautiful. Thank you to all the nice ladies who have written notes and asked for patterns. If any of you have a pattern to share, please send it on to the above address. Any craft idea is most welcome. Let’s keep those fingers busy. St. Camilius Nursing Home on Blue Mound Road; also Ann Wieselman is in a Nursing Home at the present. More details on her will be available. Jennifer Jo Spende was married to Brian Leckman on Feb. 28, 1992 at Welsh Gerber Gast Haus. Following the wedding a reception was held. Jennifer is the daughter of Bruce and Pat Spende of Delafield and the granddaughter of Katie Spende of Milwaukee. Congratulations and best wishes to Jennifer and Brian. No meetings June, July and August. Have a happy and safe vacation and happy Mother’s Day. R.K. NO. 50, EUCLID, OH A beautiful, sun-shiny day, but snow was predicted for tonight’s meeting, on this last day of March. Easter Sunday is fast approaching and we are getting our branch members ready for Mother’s Day. March meeting - Green & Green! Guess they read my column, so the members wore green for St. Patrick’s Day. Green frosting on cookies, too, as now we only serve cookies to eliminate crumbs on the carpeting and it will be easier on our Women of the Year committee, right Angie? Her day will be at Sterle’s on May 14th at 1:00 p.m. Come and have a good meal and a good time. Had a speaker from Gateway Retiree’s Home where quite a few of our members reside and love it as they get their cleaning done, and transportation for appointments furnished. Congratulations to Frances Som-rack, married for 65 years, and Pauline Seifert, my sister-in-law, married for 67 years on May 5th. She misses the meetings since she moved to Parma, OH and we miss her, too. In a letter to me, Rose Ziherl from Florida says hello to all our members and thanks the ladies who helped her sister, Mary Chesnik, who is now at Wickliffe Country Place. Quite a few ladies still ailing, namely, Molly Strunge, Honey Vegal, Molly Mauer, Fannie Kaltenback, Gertrude Laurich, our charter member Sophie Posch and Jean Miller. Prayers!! SWU is proud to have Jean Križman, our member, and Dorothy Lamm, president of br. 32, as Women of the Year honorees from the Cleveland National Homes. They are hard working members in community affairs and deserving of this honor. Sally Furlich, 51 years old, a short time member and daughter of Josephine Trunk, our pioneer member, died from pancreas cancer. She was the popular secretary in the business office of VASJ high school. Our Cadets officiated at her wake and the well-attended funeral mass at St. Vitus Church. Prayers for her and the president of Br. 32, Dorothy Zagar, who died yesterday. Sympathy to their families. I had the best time at Junction City Jackpot Casino with Josie Arko, Justine Pieman, my good roommate. Rose Zelniratis, Julie and Frank Sadar, Aggie Flanders and Dorothy and Bob Lamm. If you like a little gambling, this is the place to go on tour, as tours are less expensive and with give-away “perks” and discounts. We enjoyed good service, excellent meals and new, clean hotel rooms, adobe-style architecture adjoining Souix Indian Reservation. A new, growing, casino and we thank Rose Lewis of Euclid Pensioners Club for her hard work in planning this tour. Stan and Jennie (my brother and wife) spent a couple of weeks in Florida visiting their daughter and family. Stella and Frank Kostick are home from Florida and ready to go somewhere else. Going on a cruise to London on the Queen Elizabeth are Ann and Charles Tercek, Stella Rupe, Albina Mrsnik and Rosemary Toth, a first London Trip from Kollander’s. Grandson of Ann Tercek and son of Nancy, Robert Mramor, a floral cul-turist, is going to Denmark, Holland and Germany with his superior (boss) of a greenhouse to inquire and examine and learn European floral procedures of seedlings. A nice opportunity to see Europe, too. May all our members and their friends enjoy their trips and come back to tell us about them. Take them before yo get too old to enjoy. We traveled 46 states. We can still go to Colorado to visit with son, Roger and family, as our granddaughters will be home from college and help make and bake poticas and strudels and eat home-grown horseradish and Cleveland klobase. Looking forward to our visit. We heartily welcome our new members, namely, Tillie Nosse, Mitz Matko, Alice Signorelli, Charlotte Carlton, Florence Ross and Ann Marie Ryavec. Come and see us sometime so we’ll know you. Have a Happy Memorial Day and enjoy the large Euclid Parade. VERA ŠEBENIK NO. 52, KITZVILLE, MN First meeting of the year was called to order by President, Rose Trombly. After prayer, the Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. No communications were read. Since our last report in ZARJA, Jessie Bunetto, Angeline Hrovat, Genevieve Zidarich and Josephine Politano joined their families in the “Heavenly Kingdom”. Members of the lodge, jointly, with the church groups, said the rosary. Our sincere thanks to Dores Marino who led the rosary for Genevieve Zidarich and Ann Voiovich for saying the rosary for Josephine Politano. Members of Br. 52 served the Memorial Lunch for Gen Zidarich and Josephine Politano in clubrooms of the Immaculate Conception Church. A moment of silence for all our recent departed members was held. They will be missed. To the families, our sincere sympathy in the loss of one so dear to you. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. To all our members who have been ill or hospitalized that we were not aware of, speedy recovery. Meeting closed with prayer. Hopefully, with the winter “blahs” over, we will have more in attendance at the meetings to come. On April 1st, we celebrated April Fools Day! We invited members to call our bluff and show up! After games were played, door prize was won by Alice Baratto. All those present received a prize. To those who have not paid their dues for 1992 and the $1 assessment, please mail them to Jennie Domenic Crea. Hostesses were Mary Techar, Florence Techar, Frances Rapovich and Shirley Spinelli. MILDRED BARBATO NO. 54, WARREN, OH Our annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon will be on May 20th at 1 p.m. at the Elks, on Rt. 422. We are hoping to have a good attendance. You will all be contacted for reservations. If you don’t get a call, please get in touch with Jo Kassan, 856-4539. Our President, Jo, has been ailing with a bad virus and hopefully she’ll be on the mend soon. When she misses all her social activities, you know that she’s not feeling well. Get well also to Frank and Angela Kaferle who are ailing. Prayers are with you. Vic Zuga had cataract surgery and is doing well. Congratulations to Helen Gorsick, whose granddaughter, Laura is the top girl athlete at John F. Kennedy H.S. Looking forward to having our son, Phil, come home from Taiwan, R.O.C. after being there on business for 8 months. He has certainly seen the world! Happy Springtime and Mother’s Day to all. JOANNE PONIKVAR NO. 57, NILES, OH In the month of March we opened the meeting with a prayer - 16 members being present. A lovely lunch was served to us by Frances Yerman and Phyllis Muccio. It is nice to see such a good turnout at the meetings and we really do enjoy an afternoon of good food and good company. The meeting was carried on as usual. All reports made. President read a letter from the Home Office. Again we have to thank Mimi Shirkman for making crocheted shamrocks for all our members and although she was unable to attend the meeting, we all had her gift. We completed our plans our Mother’s Day, a party to be held at Paul’s in McKinley Heights at 1 p.m. on May 12th. We also have some good news as Mary Ann Leonard became a grandmother for the first time and Viola Logar became a great grandmother. Mary Ann’s daughter, Mary Jo Calhoun had a beautiful baby girl on Jan. 7th and Mary Ann and her mother, Viola are both long time members. Congratulations to all. I am sure she will be spoiled just a little...! In our March issue, we were surprised to see a picture of Frances Mollis, one of our members. She was the youngest attending a convention back in 1939. We feel very honored and congratulate Frances on this remembrance. On the sick list we have Mary De Capua who had knee surgery and also Viola Logar was in the hospital after our meeting. They are both at home recuperating and we wish them speedy recoveries. Spring is just around the corner as I write but with all the snow we are having in March, we wonder...so, all you sick members, hurry and get well and join us when Spring finally does get here, for an afternoon of good fun. Birthdays celebrated in March were Carol Abdalla, Patricia Blair Rusk and Nancy Lambart. Our April lunch committee: Marge Mollica and Julia Sherlock. Take care and stay healthy. FRANCES STANEC Winter is a memory and spring is here. Hope it brings our members good health. On Feb. 12th, the Valentine Meeting and social was held at St. Jerome’s Home in Strabane. Although it was a cold and snowy night the members turned out to attend our organizational meeting for the year. The members voted to have meetings and activities on the following dates: May 14th, Mother’s Day, covered Dish Dinner; September 10th, Fall Meeting, Candy Sale and $1 Wrapped Grab-bag; October 8th, Halloween Meeting and Grocery Game; December 10th, Christmas Meeting with the place to be announced. Please try to get involved in the fun of these occasions. We were sorry to hear the past secretary of our branch for many years is not feeling well. Lucy Smith is in our thoughts and prayers and would enjoy hearing from her sisters in the lodge. Also, Lucy Koklich is on our sick list and was missed at the last meeting. Get well, to both Lucies! Congratulations to Rose Germov-sek, selected as Mom of the Year, 1992. She certainly deserves this honor for being a loving Mother and long-time member of our branch. Happy birthday wishes to Patty, Peggy, Mary, Mary Jo and all members celebrating in March and April. Mary Jo Hartman is now accepting dues for 1992 at the meetings or at her home, 112 Graeser Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Please remember the dollar dues increase per year when you write your check. I hope I’ll see you at the next meeting! PEG GRICAR NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH Happy Mother’s Day to the Mom’s, Grandma’s, moms-to-be, and a very special remembrance to all our Mom’s who are no longer with us. We hope that those of you who are fortunate enough to still have “Mom” (your own, or your in-law) with you, that you will take the time to visit, call, send a card. All mothers deserve the honor that is given to them for this one day. Just like Christmas, everyday should be Mother’s Day. As the mailman delivers your ZARJA, we are probably headed in your direction, providing you live north of Florida, and also providing that I have not made a wrong turn! We wind down our stay here with a visit from our son over Easter. It has been a nice vacation even though the weather has been far from what was expected. A real break in the routine was a recent visit 1 took to Tampa when seventy-one of the alumni from our (northern) high school got together for a reunion. A very happy time, so glad to see so many familiar faces. Get well wishes: To Rosemary Prazek who had to have surgery for a shoulder problem. We know you have other health problems, Rosemary, and our prayers are for good health to return to you soon. My Ohio informant tells me that Jennie Flisek (Regional President, Penna.) paid a visit to our area, staying at the Day's Inn where our convention was held. Sorry I could not have been there to enjoy the Polka weekend. Understand that seven buses brought the groups in—terrific. Hope you enjoyed your stay. A special congratulations to Josephine Novak, Fort Lauderdale, Florida who was chosen as our Mother of the Year. A few years ago Branch No. 73 initiated the program of, starting with the oldest member, reserving this honor to those members who in the past had not been recognized. Perhaps other branches would like to adopt the same policy. You will be amazed at the number of years these ladies have been loyal, supportive members of SWU and you will see how much joy this simple little act brings into their "golden years." Try it. To all of you who have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, we send our best wishes. If you would let us know about any special celebrations, we would be happy to include them in our report. All it takes is a phone call or a short note. Please keep in touch. Looking forward to "seeing” you soon. Respectfully submitted, EVELYN A. MAJERCIK NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WA Branch No. 79 held a meeting on March 29th at the home of Annette Johnson. We had a good turn-out and, as is usual for Annette, the food was outstanding. Were glad to have our new members Teresa Erickson and Steffie Van Wieringen attending and involved in our function. Our annual Mother of the Year plans are under way honoring Toni Kitna this year and is planned for May 3rd at Johnn V’s, 17051 SE 272nd, Kent. Detailed flyers will be mailed to all members and since this is a major event of the year, let’s all try to attend. Our branch handled the food at the SNPJ No. 738 dance recently held at the VFW Hall in Enumclaw on a Sunday afternoon. What cooperation we had! Fran and Frances Potočnik both made delicious strudels, Monica Podolak was in charge of the kitchen with Mary Kell, Anna Mae Anderson, Dorothy Kovacevich, Steffie Van Wierignen and Fran Potočnik helping for long hours. Kathy Vogel and her husband Kurt were in charge of the food tickets. Many thanks to all, our project was successful. All members present helped in many ways. So happy that our charter member, Anna Faulk, is recovering from her surgery. See you in May - and hope the other branches throughout the country are enjoying as beautiful weather as we have been. MARY BRATOVICH NO. 81, KEEWATIN, MN Weather for our March 25th meeting day was a bit sunny, plenty windy, cool, and showed wonderful signs of spring. Tulips and daffodils are peeking further out of the ground in my flower bed. Pres. Josie Kapla opened the meeting with a prayer. Minutes were read. A discussion for Mother’s Day Breakfast was open for ideas. The gals decided we’d have the breakfast after the 8 o’clock mass at the Keg and Kettle Restaurant on Thursday, April 30th, to honor all our members, Father Walter O’Connell, celebrant. Our own Mary Zevnick recently visited one of our charter members, Ann General Prebeck at the Heritage Nursing Home in Chisholm. Reports of these visits remind us how much our friends look forward to seeing us. Pres. Kapla read a letter from our Regional pres. Jean Korsman. The letter was an invitation to all SWU members to meet at the Rustic Rock Restaurant on Wed. April 22 at 1 p.m. Lunch and a short meeting to discuss our “Four Year Plan” and a direction they would like Minnesota to go, and lead members on goals of our founder, Marie Prisland. We hope to send a few members to the meeting. Pres. Kapla and husband, Louis returned from a month long vacation from Oahu, Hawaii on March 3. They stayed with the Minn, delegation at the Pogoda Terrace and enjoyed their fourth year vacationing there. While the Kapla’s were on vacation, Josie’s name was drawn by our local radio station WKKQ and she would have a coffee Social at her home for 10 guests. Josie chose 11 o’clock, the morning of our SWU meeting to have the Social. Also present were two staff members of WKKQ. Coffee, cookies, and some delicious Bran and Blueberry muffins, made by Josie were served. Each guest could keep their own coffee mug as a gift to take home. Two prizes were given; trivets made from sea shells from Hawaii. The two lucky winners were Verna Bardine and Minnie De-Jarlais. Josie also received some gifts from the Station. What a pleasant time for a get-together that morning. Thanks, Josie. One of our dear members, Josie Churack celebrated her 80th birthday March 14. Her children gave her a beautiful reception and luncheon for all her friends and relatives at the Senior Citizens Center. Children, Niece’s, and nephews came back home and met school mates from 20 years back, and more! They all looked great - especially Josie. She relishes every day of life. May you all enjoy blessed and healthful Spring Days. MARY MAROLT NO. 85, DEPUE, IL May brings memories of May baskets and May Pole dances. It is the beautiful month of the Blessed Virgin. It doesn’t seem possible that one third of the year is gone already. Our congratulations to Linda Wid-mar who was on the Dean’s List at the University of Illinois. She is the daughter of Caroline and John Wid-mar. We would also like to congratulate Kathleen Lavrin, Help Desk Supervisor at Loyola University Chicago Medical Center who was selected as a national finalist for the 1992 International Help Desk Excellence Award. This award, given by the Help Desk Institute, honors individuals acting as resource personnel who have most en- hanced the image of the Help Desk profession by setting and achieving the highest standard of excellence in customer support. The presentation was held in New Orleans. Kathleen has been employed in the computer service department at Loyola for 31 years and has been in the managerial field for 12 years. She is the daughter of our auditor Mildred and John Lavrin. We recently had a Day of Recollection at our church and the speaker was Fr. Bernard Horzen. What a wonderful, gifted speaker he is. He holds the interest of his audience and makes two hours seem like two minutes. How very fortunate and thankful we are to have him in our midst! Our member, Josephine Slatner was recently a patient at the hospital, but is feeling better and back in Heritage Nursing Home in Peru. It would be nice to send her a card. Mrs. Slatner was 96 years old on March 16th. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mary Maloney, one of our members who recently lost her brother, John Zugich, also to his wife, Marjorie, daughters, Nancy and Marjorie. John was a very dear friend to all of us and we will miss him, too. He was always so interested in the Slovenian heritage and the DePue community and kept abreast of everything that was going on. John received his degree from the University of Illinois school of Pharmacy and his Master’s in Public Health from Yale University. He was the Associate Director of the sity of Michigan Hospital until 1975 when he became Director of the Northville State Hospital, retiring in 1978. He was past president of the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists and participated in numerous other activities. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him, and also, on our dear departed members. Happy Summer! God bless! MARY JERMENC NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL Here it is, March, and it won't be long until Easter will be here. Time really flies by so fast that you really wonder where it’s gone. “You never lose what you love, if you love what you lose"! Our March meeting was well-at-tended. A short business meeting was held. Barbara Sitar and Ange Nico are ' scheduled for knee surgeries in the near future. Our prayers are with them and we all hope their recoveries will be fast ones. Emma Casserly was hospitalized and is on the road to recovery. Elsa Zabavnek and her husband, Frank, celebrated their 54th Wedding Anniversary on March 6th. Her daughter, Alice, and her husband, Joe Kernz were here from Ohio to help them celebrate. Elsa will be 92 years young in Sept. and Frank is 69. An Heirloom set of Encyclopedia Britanica was presented to the Oglesby Public School System in memory of Lyle Morrison (1906-1991), the late husband of our member, Josephine. He was a Lab Technician at Lehigh Portland Cement Co. for 36 years. His strong belief in a good education was foremost in his mind. It is with this thought that the family, his wife, Josephine, sons Robert, Dennis, Douglas, and Lyle, dedicated the books to our local schools. The sales of Pots and Pans Cookbook is really doing well. A report was to be given at the April 13th meeting. May you all have a happy springtime! EUNICE KOMATER NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL “Happy Easter to you and your families!” were the closing words at our April meeting. President, Millie James also led our group in prayer for the souls of deceased members, Marge Innis and Lucille Sarich. Our sympathy to their families. Secretary, Frances Benkovich read the letter from newly-elected Regional President of Illinois-Indiana, Romain O’Brien, extending her cooperation to our branch. Greetings were sent to the members by Mary Barcevac from Texas and suburbanite Tillie Martin. Mary recently had cataract surgery. Also on the sickJiat is Mary C. Perkovich, who is still limping following foot surgery. Our sadest news was that Marge O’Connor lost part of her leg due to diabetes. She is undergoing physical 'therapy at Ingals Hospital now. We are all pulling for you, Marge! God bless you. Bernice Bubel won the free dues for the year. Split the Pot winners were Marge Niksich and Eleanor Bandera. Other lucky ones were Charlotte Fryza, Manda Dosen, Marcie Kress, Mary A. Perkovich, Lottie Brkljacic, Evelyn Driscoll and Helen Alb. Many thanks to our hostesses, Manda Dosen, Marge Krmpotic, Janet Versich, Mary Brozynski and Marge Niksich. MARIE MARAS NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Greetings from Northern Wisconsin! March weather has been quite typical, teasingly warm, sunny days, then a surprise soft and fluffy 10 inch snowfall, and again, robins in full force! The vacationers are back from Texas. The change from winter to immediate summer was rather sudden and vice versa. Our drive from Ft. Worth to San Antonio was interesting. Old Missions, the Alamo, the San Antonio River Walk, and boat rides thru the city, was very impressive. Everyone was preparing for Mardi Gras at that time. The Frank Goveks should be back soon after wintering in the south. The Frank Pakizes made a fast weekend trip to Florida. Confirmation was celebrated in our parish on March 23rd. Bishop John Paul of LaCrosse presided along with 5 area priests. There were 19 young high school students confirmed. Our community lost its pillar of the pioneering era with the death of John Snedic, a well-known, kindly man who instigated many projects for retaining our Slovenian heritage, language and traditions in these parts. He was president of our “Slovenska Družba” since its beginning in 1975. He was a self-educated artist, botK in painting and wood carving, leaving many mementos with family and friends. Also, the neighboring town of Greenwood won’t forget him as he once serve there as Alderman and Mayor. He and his wife, Ann retired to a small farm with their son, Bill. It was a quiet valley between the few hills we have here in Willard and he named it “Mirna dolina”. It was just that. He died peacefully at age 81 on March 23rd, in the area he loved. He was buried at Holy Family Cemetery where many of the original, hardworking Slovenian pioneers rest. Our sincerest condolences to all his family. Another parishioner is gone. Doris Cesarec went to her eternal reward on March 14th. John Rakovec, a former DATES TO REMEMBER May 2 - MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON, Br. 47, Garfield Hts., OH at Quinn’s Restaurant, Solon, 1 p.m. May 3 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR DINNER, Br. 19, Eveleth, MN, at Amanda’s Restaurant. May 3 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA at John V’s, Kent. May 3 - PLANT SALE, Br. 102, Willard, WI, 1 p.m. May 5 - MOTHERS DAY DINNER, Br. 14, Euclid, OH, 6 p.m. Call Vera Bajec 481-7473. May 6 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR DINNER, Br. 17, West Allis, WI at Kegel’s Inn at noon. May 6 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PENNY SOCIAL, Br. 33, Duluth, MN May 11 - MOTHER’S DAY BANQUET, Br. 89, Oglesby, IL May 12 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 42, Maple Hts., OH May 12 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY. Br. 57, Niles, OH at Paul's in McKinley Hts., 1 p.m. May 13 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON, Br. 43, Milwaukee, WI at Eleanor’s, Greendale, 12:15. May 14 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 2, Chicago, IL May 14 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 5, Indianapolis, IN May 14 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR DINNER, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL at Golden Shell Restaurant, 6 p.m. Call Gladys or Edna for reservations. May 14 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR DINNER, Br. 50, Euclid, OH at Sterle’s Slovenian Restaurant, 1 p.m. May 14 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR COVERED DISH DINNER, Br. 71, Strabane, PA May 15 - MOTHER-DAUGHTER LUNCHEON, Br. 54, Warren, OH at the Elks, Rt. 422, 1 p.m. May 16 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 105, Detroit, MI May 17 - MOTHER’S DAY MASS & BREAKFAST, Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI, 8:30 a.m. May 17 - MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH, Br. 13, San Francisco, CA at the Marriot. May 18 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI May 20 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 10, Cleveland, OH May 20 - MOTHER-WOMAN OF THE YEAR DINNER, Br. 20, Joliet, IL at St. Joseph’s Park, 6:30 p.m. May 20 - MOTHER OF THE YEAR DINNER, Br. 32, Euclid, OH May 20 - MOTHER-DAUGHTER LUNCHEON, Br. 54, Warren, OH at Elks Club, Rt. 422. Willard resident, died March 24th in the nearby town of Loyal. May they all rest in peace. Our prayers and good wishes to all our many shut-ins and to those who care for them; also, for Bill Boh, husband of our Vice-President, Ann. Sincerest birthday wishes to our long-time member, Donnell Wolf, who celebrated her 80th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. Her daughter, Judy, came from Ithaca, NY, in between snowstorms, to help her celebrate along with the Slovenian Singers and her friends at our famous North Mound establishment. We wish her | many more years, she’s a great gal! | May brings us Mother’s Day and 1 plans to be made for our Mother of the Year dinner and also, many graduations. Best wishes to all. MARY STAUT NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C. Our meeting convened on March 8. Since we did not have a meeting in February, there were many things to be discussed regarding plans for the coming months. This was a very productive meeting in making plans for our anticipated activities. Details, of course, will be reported as they become final. As spring is almost here, many of us are thinking about vacations; however, in the case of this report, I enjoyed mine in February. Our member, Irene Odorizzi, planned a super vacation in the Hawaiian Islands for herself, her husband Ken, Ken's father, and me. We flew to the Island of Oahu, arriving in Honolulu where we spent a couple days visiting places of interest, including the Dole Pineapple factory, Bishop Museum, Polynesian Cultural Center, and Pearl Harbor. This was very touching for me as my brother, Tony, was a Naval Officer on the USS California during the attack. He was in charge of evacuation of the ship. After the last rescue boat left for shore, he and a seaman were the only ones left on board. With the burning oil in the water beginning to surround the ship, there was no alternative but to dive into the water and swim to shore. Miraculously, they survived. We visited the USS Arizona Memorial which is built directly over the sunken ship, and the rusted remains could be seen. We then boarded the Cruise Ship Independence, which was to be our home for the entire Cruise and would take us to the vari- ous islands. In addition to OAHU, we visited Kauai, Hawaii (the largest of the islands), and Maui. We took tours on all these islands which are too numerous to describe here; however, I must mention the Submarine trip which took us down 105 feet where we viewed the schools of tropical fish which were following the submarine; the divers feeding the fish, and coral all over the bottom of the ocean. We landed on the sandy sea bed before rising back to the top. The next day we had a Helicopter tour which was very exciting. We had a perfect view of the vast area of dark lava from volcanic activity over the past few years. We flew over the crater of the volcano and gazed into the pit where lava was still burning, then to the other side where molten burning lava was spewing from a large fissure. Of course, if one chose to stay on the ship, there were many activities to keep one busy the entire day. Irene did an outstanding job of scheduling this entire trip. In July 1900, she also planned the Cruise we all took to Alaska — that, also, was a memorable trip which took us to Glacier Bay, a helicopter trip to the top of the glaciers where we stepped out and walked — quite a frightening experience; and many more exciting experiences. Both Slovenian Women’s Union Branch 103 PICNIC Dear Friends and Families: You are cordially invited to join us for our annual Mother/Woman of the year celebration on Sunday, May 31, 1992. This year we will move the party outdoors to beautiful, scenic Lake Needwood at Rock Creek Regional Park in Rockville, Md. Mother’s Day Program - Sunday, May 31, 1992 12:00 - 1:30 — Picnic Brunch 1:00 - 2:00 — Slovenians Artists Display 1:30 - 2:00 — Games 2:00 - 2:30 — Nature Hike 2:30 - 3:30 — Needwood Queen Boat Cruise/Boat Rental 4:00 — Outdoor Folk Mass Our central meeting area for the day will be Picnic Area #1. Once you enter Rock Creek Regional Park, look for the SWU signs pointing to Picnic Area 1. Ample free parking is available about 200 yards from this picnic area. Artists, Estelle Zorman-McGucken and Marie Kačič-Robinson will display their work in the early afternoon. There will be prizes and games with a “Slovenian theme”, and a Slovenian language nature hike for the children. We will take a cruise on the Needwood Queen, an outboard powered pontoon boat with the flair of a Mississippi sternwheeler. For those more ambitious, row boats, pedal boats and canoes may be rented. As our day draws to a close, we will celebrate mass together and sing Slovenian hymns. This year the Mother of the Year chosen to be honored is Mrs. Mimi Mejač. As in previous years, members of Branch 103 will provide a variety of homemade Slovenian style food. You are encouraged to bring your own cooler and soft drinks, as they will not be provided. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park. There is a snack bar in the Boat Shop near Picnic Area 1 that serves fast food, ice cream and soft drinks. If you wish, you may bring meat to cook on the grill; the picnic area provides grills. Please call or inform Freda Michelitch, 703-759-2430 or Bernadette Kovačič, 301-989-4643 by May 28 if you plan to attend the Mother's Day celebration. Thank you! Any further questions may be directed to Freda or Bernadette. Sincerely, Bernadette J. Kovačič, Program Chairperson of these cruises were outstanding — and impossible to compare because they were so different — but both cruises were excellent, leaving me with many fond memories. Thanks again, Irene. Happy vacation to all! MATILDA AUSICH SWU Membership Campaign S LOVENIANS W e’re U nited! Campaign Phase II is now on! REMEMBER JOE ANCEL’S ADMONITIONS TO US LAST MONTH? Our delicate earth is under great stress and Joe has reminded us of the need to do our part to save its resources. In his last article he stated that we should consider the world's depleting oil supply. He wishes to correct two statistics as follows: The lifestyle under which we Americans live consumes 25% (not one-third) of the world’s resources although we are only 5% (not one-sixth) of the world's population. We hope Joe will favor us with more information in the future. Ed. ATTENTION SENIORS... OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU IN WYOMING at Yellowstone National Park Do you enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people? Are you interested in a summer adventure of exploration and of meeting new faces, making new friends... or are you retired and looking for a change in the everyday routine...or would you just like to earn a little salary as you fulfill these wishes? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might wish to consider spending a summer in Yellowstone National Park as an employee of Hamilton Stores. Hamilton Stores Inc. founded in 1915, operates the general stores and photo shops in Yellowstone within a grand loop of 215 miles. Age Requirement: Usually the retirees are in their later fifties or sixties. Some are older. Working Season: April I to the end of October although the majority of the employees are needed from May thru mid-Sept. Applicants who can stay longer receive first consideration. Work Week: There is a seven or eight hour day, five days a week with two consecutive days off which allows enjoyment of Yellowstone and surrounding areas. Married couples are given the same working schedule including lunch hour and days off. Starting Salary. The pay scale begins at S4.25 per hour. The starting pay for specialized positions as cooks, auditors etc. are determined by the responsibility involved. Living accommodations: Most employees room & board. There is a $8.25 per day charge ($5.75) meals and $2.50 room) which is deducted from the paycheck. For those who have travel trailers (married couples only) travel sites are allowed. Positions available: Sales clerks. Roving Clerks, grocery stock clerks, checkers, food service clerks, fountain grill cooks, custodians, auditors, cashiers, first and assistance cooks, photo processors, dining room assistants, kitchen or fountain maintenance, dormitory managers, security guards, maintenance workers, store setup crew and distribution center workers. Write to: (April 1 to Nov. 1)-Hamilton Stores, Inc., Personnel Dept., P.O. Box 250, West. Yellowstone, MT 59758, (406) 646-7325. (Nov. I to April 1)- 1800 W. Koch #6. Bozeman, MT 59715. (406) 587-2208. 1 had occasion to speak with many retired employees who spoke highly of this opportunity and have come back yearly. I decided to share this adventure with the ZARJA readers so this year you could be one of the happy faces at Yellowstone. Happy Summertime! Irene M. Odorizzi, Heritage Director HERMINE PRISLAND DICKE 3717 COUNCIL CREST MADISON, Wl 53711 PotS and Pans For this May issue, it is heartwarming to offer a mother’s potica recipe submitted by her son. Mary (Rosič) Rojic, deceased and former member of Br. No. 20, lived in Elmhurst, IL. She immigrated from Osek, Slovenia where potica is called "habanca". Her son. Leo W. Rojic of Bloomingdale, IL compiled the MARY ROSIČS WALNUT AND RAISIN HABANCA (POTICA) recipe, for all of us to enjoy. Carita Girman, our Scholarship Director, would like to have you try her BUSTER BAR DESSERT. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Affectionately, Hermine & 1 BUSTER BAR DESSERT 42 ore« cookies l;4 cup melted margarine gallon vanilla ice cream, softened 1 jar chocolate fudge topping 1 cup Spanish peanuts 1 carton (8 ounces) whipped topping Crush cookies and mix with melted margarine. Spread evenly in bottom of 9" x 13" pan, reserving S cup of crumb mixture. Spread softened ice cream over crumbs. Place in freezer until firm. Spread fudge topping, peanuts, whipped topping, then remaining mixture. Freeze until firm. MARY ROSIC’S WALNUT & RAISIN HABANCA (POTICA) 2 15-ounce boxes of white or dark raisins (or 1 of each) soaked 4 or more hours in liqueur, wine, brandy, sherry or rum. (Soak preferably overnight). 8 cups Hour 2/.< cup water (110o-120oF) 1 ounce dry yeast !/2 pound butter (2 sticks) (4pkts.-1/4 0unce) l;2 cup sugar (granulated) 1 tablespoon sugar l!/2 cups sour cream (granulated) 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 lli teaspoon salt 4 eggs, unbeaten 1. Sift flour into bowl and make a well in the center. 2. Add yeast, sugar, salt and warm water. Stir water/yeast mixture with a fork, do no mix into flour. Let stand until yeast foams. 3. Combine melted butter, sugar, sour cream, vanilla and eggs. Mix until blended and add to foamed yeast mixture. 4. Stir flour and yeast mixture until thoroughly blended, (do not knead at this point). Cover and let rise in a warm place (l .- hour or more). 5. Time to drain the raisins and begin preparing the fdling. Filling pound butter (2 sticks) 2 pounds w alnuts (minced) 3 cups bread crumbs ■'4 cup dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons lemon peel 1 cup sugar (granulated) (bottled) I1': cups sour cream ’'4 teaspoon allspice 1 tablespoon vanilla teaspoon nutmeg 6 egg yolks, unbeaten 2 tablespoons cinnamon 6 egg whites (beaten stiff) Note: Pecans, almonds or nut mixtures of your choice may be substituted for the walnuts. 6. In a 6 to 8-quart pot, saute the bread crumbs in 11 pound butter, for about 10 minutes, stir frequently. Add the lemon peel, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and walnuts, stirring often for 10 more minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the drained raisins. 7. On a floured board knead dough 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth and plastic. 8. Grease a bowl, add the dough and turn dough to grease the top. Cover, let rise at least 1: hour until dough doubles in size. 9. In a 3-quart bowl combine the brown and granulated sugars. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla, egg yolks and mix until blended. Fold in beaten egg whites. 10. On a large lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about a 26" x 48" size. 11. Spread the sour cream/egg mixture evenly over the entire surface. 12. Spread the crumb/walnut/raisin mixture evenly over entire surface. 13. On wider side, tightly roll the dough as for a jelly roll. 14. Seal edges by moistening with water or preferably brush on some beaten egg mixture. 15. Place the entire roll around the outer edge of a large greased cookie sheet, or with the edge of a plate cut to lengths of baking pans. If cut, seal ends and place in greased pans. 16. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. 17. Before placing in the oven, prick all the way through with a long tined fork every 4 to 6 inches and brush entire top with a beaten egg just before placing in the oven. 18. Bake at 350° for 45 to 60 minutes or until; light to medium brown in color. 19. Remove from oven and let set in the pans placed over wire racks for about 15 minutes. 20. Remove from pans and place on wire racks to cool. DELICIOUS! DOPISI I ŠT. 10, CLEVELAND, OH Po novem letu, 18 marca smo imeli drugo sejo pri naši podružnici. Še kar precej članic je prišlo na sejo - po številu 22. veliko drugih sem še pogrešala. Seja se je vršila z različno obravnavo, obračuni in proračuni še od preteklega in sedanjega leta. Kot sem videla našo predsednico, se je počutila precej slabo. Vseeno imamo vsako toliko malo razvedrila, ko se snidemo skupaj, malo poklepetamo, malo se nasmejemo in čas gre hitro naprej. Odbor so malo spremenili, podpredsednica je gospa Štefi Koncilja Sfiligoj, če se nisem zmotila in njena hčerka je tajnica in blagajničarka pri naši podružnici. Vsem skupaj, novim odbornicam čestitamo, želimo da bi zvesto in lepo vodile svoje delo še v naprej. Imamo pa tudi več bolnih članic, ki so bile že sedaj po novem letu v bolnicah. Parkrat je bila gospa Rozi Mikulič, Meri Krancar je sedaj že nekaj časa v starostnem domu na 200 št. Gospa Mili Novak je bila tudi par dni v bolnišnici. Ima lepa leta, v maju bo spolnila 91. rojstni dan in še vedno rada dela domače nudelce. Bolni članici sta tudi Gospa Veronika Gerič in gospa Trobentar. Danes ko to pišem se spominjam na vse bolne članice in katere so nas zapustile. Ko je praznik sv. Jožefa želim vse skupaj še ljubega zdravja, posebno pa tistim, ki imajo rojstne dneve in tistim, ki praznujete vaš lepi godovni dan, želim še veliko zdravja, veliko zadovoljnih let med nami in svojimi dragimi. Hvala članicam, da so se pot-| rudile za prigrizek in kek. Gospej , Fay Moro in sestra Lenasi sta 8. marca praznovale rojstne dneve. Prav lepe iskrene čestitke in lepa hvala za njihovo dobro voljo, trud in postrežbo. Imeli smo tudi žrebanje, zadela sem tudi jaz majhno škatlico, zadela sem čokolado, me je škatlica zadela, ne jaz njo. Nazadnje so se pa še to spomnile, da so me vtaknile za Mater leta, čeprav sem se otepala, pa so le trdile, da moram sprejeti. No pa vseeno lepa hvala vsem za vse. Približala se je že pomlad, 20. marca, neverjetno, sinoči je pa sneg padal, da se ni en čas nič videlo. Okrog hiše so pa že pomladanske rožice cvetele in mali beli zvončki so že naznanjali, da se bliža pomlad. Imamo pa še en mesec dni do Velikonočnih praznikov in želim vam zares srečne, vesele in dosti pirhov ter dobrih potic da bi im'ele. Naj vam še sporočim, da je gospa Meri Komidar, ki živi že več let v starostnem domu, praznovala 104. leta - starostni dom Neff Rd. Lepo so proslavili njen rojstni dan. Prišla je skupina muzikantov njej igrat, nimam pa točnih podatkov kdo so bili. Bom končala za danes, pa pustila malo še za drugič. Bodite lepo pozdravljene do druge seje. ne smem pozabiti kar me je prosila predsednica, da katere niste plačale članarine, da to poravnate takoj, ker po treh mesecih nas izbriše ven iz društva, tako mi je naročeno. Torej pohitite, da ne zamudite, ker je škoda, da ste dolgo let plačevale in da bi sedaj izgubile. Ko je nastopila pomlad, smo se je razveselili. Pa nam je čez par dni obrnila hrbet in zopet poslala belih snežink na zemljo. 27. marca je tako snežilo kot da bi same cunje trgali gor in jih metali dol. Pa se je sonce prismejalo, sneg je izginil, samo malo mrzlo je še postalo. Pa naj sušeč opravi svoje sedaj, ko je čas za to. Naj vam naznanim tudi eno žalostno novico, zopet nas je zapustila ena naša dolgoletna članica, stara 88 let - Jani Batič. Pogreb je bil v soboto 28. marca. Tudi njen mož je dočakal lepo starost, preko 90 let. Na stara leta so mu odrezali obe nogi, ker je imel sladkorno bolezen. Gospa Jani ga je lepo stregla in imela vse neverjetno čisto pri njeni visoki starosti. Oba sta bila ustanovitelja pevskega društva “Lilija". Njen mož Henrik je delal v Colinwoodski Opekarni (ceglarni). Kakor sem slišala od drugih in same gospe Jani, da sta veliko pomagala pri gradnji Slovenskega Doma na Holmes in mož da je bil posodil še nekaj denarja za gradnjo. Tudi ona dva sta imela zidano hišo ne daleč od Slovenskega Doma. Da sta bila dobro oba znana in poznana med sosedi in prijatelji je pokazal njen pogreb. Udeležilo se ga je kar precej ljudi. Še predno so jo pripeljali v cerkev je bilo 70 ljudi pri molitvi rožnega venca. Tudi v pogrebnem zavodu je bilo veliko prijateljev, ki so se poslovili od nje. Bila je parkarat v bolnišnici, še po Novem letu, na dan 25. marca - Marijino Oznanjenje, ob 11. uri dopoldne pa je mirno in za vedno zaspala v naročju svoje ljubljene hčerke. Naj jima bo lahka zemlja v tukajšnji domovini, njej in njenemu možu. Bog naj jima obilo poplača za ves trud in požrtvovalnost, kar sta storila za svoje prijatelje in svoj narod. Oba sta bila dobra pevca, sedaj jima pa bodo ptički prepevali na božji njivici melodije. Njeni hčerki in vsej ostali družini pa v imenu naše podružnice, naše globoko sožalje ob izgubi drage mame in očeta. T. FERRACCIOLI ŠT. 68, FAIRPORT HRB., OH Bili smo v upanju v teh solčnih dneh, sevede prezgodaj, da bi bilo zime konec. Danes, ko to pišem v zgodnem jutru se je pregrnila bela odeja, že po ozeljenih vrtovih in nam preprečila naše veselje. V zatišju okrog hiš, so že prikukale spomladanske čebulnice, tulipani, hajacinte, narcisi z drobnimi belimi cvetki nam bodo kmalu za zvonili zvončki in oznaznjali veselo pomlad. Ptice selivke so se že vrnile iz južnih krajev in nam prinesle pozdrave iz dalne Californije od naših prijateljev. Skozi okno opazujem, kako si iz pod snega iščejo hrano, in tudi že prostor za gnezda. In kot vsako leto, tudi letos pred našo hišo, spredaj v podstrešku, se tam zvali kakih pet mladičev, kateri nam v poletju žvrgolijo, kod Celovški Jodlarji. To leto so federalne volitve, smo v upanju, da se bo Amerika, pred volitvami usmilila Slovenije in Hrvaške, in ju priznala kot samostojni neodvisni državi v EVROPSKI skupini narodov. Slovenska ženska z veza... malo drugače Njena politika temelji na krščanskem razumevanju človeka V soboto, 14. marca, je bil v dvorani občine Ljubl-jana-Vlč ustanovni zbor slovenske ženske zveze. Udeležilo se ga je okoli 70 delegatk iz različnih krajev Slovenije in v celoti podprlo pobude iniciativnega odbora, ki je nastal v okviru SKD. Ustanovnega zbora so se udeležile tudi gostje - predstavnica podobne ženske zveze iz Avstrije in Hrvaške, precej pa je bilo tudi gostov - podpredsednik SKD Franc Miklavčič, minister Izidor Rejc, predstavniki ljubljanskega Demosa in še kdo. Slovenska ženska zveza združuje ženske iz vseh družbenih slojev, ki sprejemajo program Slovenskih krščanskih demokratov, čeprav niso nujno članice stranke, in želijo prispevati k oblikovanju politike, ki temelji na krščansko demokratičnih načelih. Zveza bo slovenske ženske politično ozaveščala in izobraževala. Z njeno pomočjo bodo ženske laže dosegle enakovredno vlogo v javnosti, partnersko sodelovanje in imele večje možnosti za njihovo uresničitev zunaj doma. S pomočjo zveze bodo laže vplivale na družbene spremembe. Preveč ljudi je danes pasivnih, med njimi vladata črnoglednost in malodušje. Naloga zveze bo širiti optimizem, upanje in voljo do dela tudi na družbenem in političnem področju. V novem slovenskem parlamentu mora biti veliko več žensk. Slišali smo tudi, da bi se tudi Cerkvi na Slovenskem slabo pisalo, če bi jo ženska zapustile. Zveza se bo zavezemala tudi za to, da bi nekatere ženske dobile priznanje za veliko delo, ki so ga ves čas odgovorno opravljale, pa tega družba ni znala ceniti. Posebej so bile omenjene redovnice, ki tudi na socialnem področju naredijo toliko dobrega, pa za to družba niti ne ve, kaj da bi se jim primerno zahvalila. V preteklosti so jim celo prepovedali opravljati njihovo človekoljubno delo. Tudi te krivice bo potrebno popraviti. Na zboru so zbrane ženske po obširnem pogovoru sprejele program in statut Slovenske ženske zveze in izvolile njeno vodstvo. Prva predsednica zveze je Milica Sturm, diplomirana pravnica iz Ljubljane. Na tiskovni konferenci po ustanovnem zboru je predstavila delo zveze doma in njeno povezanost s podobnimi ženskimi organizacijami v tujini. Politika zveze bo temeljila na duhovnem izročilu krščanstva in na krščanskem razumevanju človeka. Krščansko pojmovanje človeka bo tista podlaga, na kateri bodo vzpostavile sodelovanje med verujočimi in neverujočimi. Zavzemale se bodo za svobodo posameznika v okviru krščanskih načel, za solidarnost in pravičnost kot temeljne vrednote civilizirane družbe in pravne države. Zavzemale se bodo za človeka in za njegove neodtujljive pravice, zavračale pa vse nauke, oblike in načine, ki izkrivljajo svobodo in zanikajo človekovo dostojanstvo. Prepričane so, da je partnerstvo med moškim in žensko neločljivo, zato se bodo zavzemale, da se to uresniči na vseh področjih: v družini, vzgoji in izobraževanju, ohranjanju zdravega okolja, skrbi za pravilno uporabljeni prosti čas, sociali, zdravstvu, gospodarstvu in v političnem udejstvovanju nasploh. Po ustanovnem zboru je vodstvo Slovenske ženske zveze poslalo nekaterim naslovljencem pozdravne brzojavke, med drugim tudi ljubljanskemu nadškofu in metropolitu dr. Alojziju Šuštarju. “Družina”, 22. marca, 1992 Resnično, Slovenski in Hrvaški narod sta več prispevala za dobrobit Amerike kot kateri drugi, večji narodi, naj bi omenila le našega misijonarja škofa Baraga, ter Hrvaškega iznajditelja v elektriki Nikola Tesla. Lepi so spomini na te lepe večere v majniku, vse je bilo veselo z naravo, ko se je ta v cvetju veselila pomladi. V mesecu Majniku se spominjamo, in še čutimo dolžne zahvaliti, našim dobrim mamicam, pa naj bodo še žive ali pokojne, za vse kar so za nas naredile. V zadnji Zarji sem omenila in priporočila v molitev, članico Slovenske Ženske Zveze sestro Antonijo in njenega moža Johna, ki pa se je med tem časom že preselil v večnost. Naj mu bo dobri Bog dober plačnik. Pokojnikovi ženi Antoniji pa naše iskreno sožalje od naše podružnici. Antonija je že dolga leta članica S.Ž. zveze v Peru, III. Na težko operacijo se je morala podati Mrs. Adeline Kutie, in že kar dobro okreva. Vse članice naše podružnice št. 68 ji želimo najboljšega zdavja. Naša tajnica Fany Ulle je šla ta mesec na obisk k svoji hčerki v Chicago, zato smo marčno sejo opustile. Zdaj pa prejmite še mnogo pozdravov, in vesele velikonočne praznike in dobrih slovenskih potic, krofov in tudi pirhov. JULKA KLAMMER T. Ferraccioli Majska Devica ti premila ne zavrni rožic teh, ki v venček jih zložila, ljubezen nas je vseh. O čuj srce goreče, Te kliče koprneče. Marija varuj nas, Marija varuj nas. Tam gori na rajski trati, prelepi maj cvete, in nam Presveta Mati, pokaži nam usmiljenje. Da z venci tega maja, zapojemo sredi raja. Marija varuj nas, Marija varuj nas. Vse se raduje, polje in gaj. Na čast Devici Mariji ta mesec maj. Ptičice ljube tam žvrgole, pesmice svoje prek dolin odmevajo tam v gore. NflSfl SLDUEMSKfl DEDIŠČINA >\\ Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki FRANC JAKLIČ — Nadaljevanje — V. BARAGA PRI VELIKI REKI ZAČETNO DELO (Od 21. septembra 1833) BARAGOVO TRPLJENJE. ZAOBLJUBA ZDRŽNOSTI OD OPOJNIH PIJAČ Campeau bi bil rajši videl, da bi Baragova cerkev in stanovanje stali na levem bregu reke, kjer je sam imel hišo. Upal je, da bo to dvignilo vrednost njegovega posestva in bo tudi v korist njegovi trgovini z Indijanci. Ko nekoč Barage ni bilo doma, je skrivaj dal razdirati stanovnjasko hišico in na pol dodelano cerkev in ju po zamrzli reki prenesti na svojo zemljo. Baraga ga je moral s tožbo prisiliti, da je dal stavbo nazaj prenesti. Campeauu so zaradi njegovega sebičnega in zvitega značaja Indijanci nadeli ime "Lisjak". Že kot žganjetržec se je nehote uvrstil med Baragove nasprotnike. Umrl je v precejšnjem uboštvu. Vendar ni bilo Baragi nikoli žal, da je zamenjal vzorno urejeni misijon v Krivem drevesu za tega nadvse težavnega ob Veliki reki. V tolažbo so mu bili vedno bolj številni krsti in zgledno življenje spreobrnjencev. Tako je bil n. pr. ondukajšnji najstarejši poglavar prej tako hud pijanec, da njegova žena in otroci še življenja niso bili varni. Baraga ga je pa dobil za krst in mož potem ni več pokusil alkohola. V družini je postal krotak kakor jagnje. Svojim sovaščanom je prigovarjal, da naj sprejmejo krščanstvo ki jih bo prerodilo v dobrem. V veliko tolažbo so bili Baragi tudi verniki iz Krivega drevesa. V mili zimi tistega leta je sneg zgodaj skopnel; za lov in za prestrezanje sladkornega soka je bilo vse zelo ugodno; zato se jih je mnogo odpravilo proti jugu. Dan hoda od selišča pri Veliki reki so si postavili začasne vigvame. Tako dolgo so hodili prosit Barago, naj jih obišče, da je res šel. V pismu na Dunaj z dne 7. marca leta 1834 je opisal,.kako je hodil. "Ni si lahko predstavljati, kako težavna je pot skozi severnoameriške pragozde. Zdaj je treba iti skozi goščave in devati z obema rokama veje vsaksebi, kakor bi človek plaval; zdaj je treba iti po pol ure dolgih močvirjih, v katerih bi se človek skoraj pogreznil; zdaj spet drži pot čez široke potoke po edinem šibkem drvesu, ki ga Indijanci posekajo na bregu, da pade preko potoka. Na tem potovanju mi je bilo treba iti po takem ozkem, zibajočem se mostu čez reko, široko več ko 30 čevljev (9 m) in zelo deročo in globoko. Divjake je zastran mene zelo zaskrbelo, ko smo prišli do reke. Jaz sem v božjem imenu kar krenil na ta nevarni most. Pa komaj sem prišel do srede, sem začel omahovati in bi bil kmalu padel v vodo. Dobri divjaki so zavpili od žalosti, jaz sem pa le srečno prišel čez. Divjaki tečejo po takih deblih kakor veverice, včasih tudi s težkimi tovori na ramah." Njegovi bivši verniki so ga v svojem začasnem bivališču prisrčno sprejeli. Z o. Sanderlom se še niso mogli dosti zbližati, ker še ni nič znal njihovega jezika. Tudi tukaj so zvesto opravljali svoje verske vaje. ‘Zelo prijetno sem bil presenčen,” piše Baraga, "ko sem sredi pokrajine, kjer dobivajo sladkor, našel majhno kapelo, ki so jo ti dobri Indijanci postavili, da morejo v njej opravljati svoje molitve." Stala je na slikoviti višini, odkoder se je odpiral lep razgled po reki in jezeru. Tri dni je ostal pri njih. Maševal jim je, vsi so se tudi spovedali in prejeli velikonočno sv. obhajilo; 15 jih je tam sredi gozdov prejelo prvo sv. obhajalo. Drug za drugim so prihajali k njemu in ga prosili: “Oče, izprašaj me, morda že znam za sv. obhajilo.” Tri odrasle je krstil. Od njih je šel v vas Maškigonog previdet dva Indijanca. Tamkašnjih 21 katoličanov mu je obljubilo zgraditi cerkvico, ker so se tudi poganski vaščani začeli zanimati za cerkvico in poverdal, da jo bo blagoslovil na čast sv. Jožefu. Pri Veliki reki so tesarji pohitili z izdevalo cerkve. Baraga je določil 20. april za njeno posvečenje. Dne 24. maja je opisal v pismu to slovestnost. Kaj takega vaščani še niso videli. Bil je jasen, sončen pomladanski dan; vedra nebesna modrina je lepo soglašala z radostjo vernikov. Tudi zelo mnogo poganskih Indijancev in do tedaj versko brezbrižnih belokožcev se je uvrstilo v procesijo. Na čelu procesije je postaven Indijanec, slavnostno oblečen in okrašen, s ponosom nesel križ in ga pred cerkvijo zasadil v tla. Cerkvene potrebščine so kot dar prišle iz Evrope, večinoma iz Ljubljane, ki mu jih je bila v Krivo drevo poslala Amalija, med njimi tudi že omenjenih šest Langusovih slik. Ljubljansko škofijstvo hrani v izvirniku Baragovo pismo, ki ga je 13. junija 1834 pisal Francu Pircu, župniku v Podbrezju. Pirc se je na Baragovo besedo kljub svojim 49-im letom odločil, da bo šel v severoameriške misijone, odkoder je Baraga pisal tako spodbudna pisma. Ta izredni mož se je rodil leta 1785 v Godiču pri Kamniku. Tedanje stroge srednje šole je dovršil z odliko. V francoski dobi se je dobro naučil tudi francoščine. Leta 1813 je bil posvečen za mašnika. Kot župnik v Pečah pri Moravčah in v Podbrezju je hotel s sadjarstvom pomagati kmetom iz revščine, zato je zasadil vzorne sadovnjake in spisal knjigo “Krajinski vrtnar." Rotil je pa kmete, naj iz žlahtnega sadnega soka vendar ne delajo žganja, ki telesu in duši prinaša samo škodo. Pirc je bil plemenit in nesebičen, pa stvaren in praktičen mož. Indijanci so mu nadeli ime Ganiuno dee, po naše Dobro srce. To Baragovo pismo do Pirca se začenja: “Vaše pismo, v katerem mi sporočite svojo željo, priti v naše misijone, me je neizrečeno razveselilo, ker priča o veliki vnemi, ki jo čutite v svojem srcu za spreobračanje naših sobratov. Pisal sem glede tega našemu škofu, prečastitemu g. Frideriku Reseju, in upam, da Vas bo brez pomislekov sprejel.” Daje mu natančana navodila, kako naj potuje. Naj ne jemlje veliko prtljage s seboj, tudi knjig ne, ker se vse lahko tam kupi. Prinese naj pa mašnih potrebščin, klešče za peko hostij, svetopismensko konkordanco (zbirko sorodnih mest iz sv. pisma), mnogo podobic, rožnih venčkov, križčkov in pa platna za cerkveno obleko, ki je v Ameriki zelo drago. Kliče mu: “Bog Vas spremljaj na Vaši poti! Zadeli boste na velike težave, pa čaka Vas tudi lepa krona v nebesih, če boste te težave iz ljubezni do Boga in do bližnjega voljno prenašali." Tega pisma pa Baraga ni oddal pri Veliki reki, ampak nekoliko pozneje v Detroitu. Tja je šel osebno priporočit Pirca in mu zagotovit sprejem v škofijo. Škof Rese je po latinsko lastnorečno pripisal: “Čas- titega g. Pirca bom rad sprejel v svojo škofijo." Ko je pa pismo prišlo v Podbrezje, Pirca že ni več dobilo; odšel je bil proti Ameriki. V septembru se je Baraga odpravil na dva dni dolgo pot do šestih koč, stoječih ob gornjem toku Velike reke, že na ozemlju Združenih držav. Že poprej jih je neki kristjan od Velike reke pripravljal za krst. Štiri družine so se spreobrnile, ostali so pa Barago zavrnili, češ da hočejo ostati v veri svojih očetov. Tudi drugam je šel spreobračat pogane. Po cele dneve se je trudil skozi gozdove in udirajoča se močvirja. Pirc se je v svojih pismih večkrat pritoževal, kako so ga komarji neusmiljeno mučili na potovanjih; Baraga pa te nadloge nikjer ne omeni. Molči tudi o zvereh, zlasti volkovih, ki jih je bilo mnogo tamkaj in so popotnike plašili in spravljali v nevarnost. Pred zimo je še enkrat hotel videti Maškigong. Vidi se, da mu je bil posebno pri srcu. Dne 3. novembra piše, da so mu spet pripravili veliko duhovno veselje. Večina družin je bila štiri do šest dni daleč proč na lovu. Ko jim je Baraga sporočil, kateri dan bo prišel, so se vsi zbrali v že dograjeni cerkvici sv. Jožefa. Med priglašenci za sv. krst je bilo tudi 17-letno indijansko dekle. Njen oče je bil trdovraten pogan in krščanstvu hudo nasproten. Ko je dekle zvadelo, kdaj bo prišel misijonar, je prosilo očeta, da sme iz lovišča iti v Maškigong. Mož je slutil, kaj namerava, vendar ji je končno le dovolil; zažugal ji je pa, da ji bo ušesa porezal, če postane krstjana. Baraga jo je vprašal, ali pri vseh očetovih grožnjah še vztraja pri svojem sklepu. Ko je videl, daje pripravljena na vse žrtve, jo je poučil in krstil. Čez zimo je ostal v svojem misijonu pri Veliki reki. O božiču je bil zelo vesel svojih vernikov, ker so iz odadljenih gozdov, s težkimi krpljami na nogah, mnogi tudi nezadostno oblečeni, prišli domov, da v cerkvi molijo božje Dete in pojo božične pesmi. Na krpljah so prišli tudi stari in bolehni ljudje in dečki in deklice v starosti 10 do 12 let. Ta maldina je Barago živo spominjala na 12-letnega Jezusa, ki je z Marijo in sv. Jožefom tudi od daleč potoval v tempelj. — Baraga je torej iz svojih spreobnjencev delal ne samo dobre kristjane, ampak tudi junake. Do takrat je pri Velili reki imel preko 200 spreobrnjencev. Za tiste božične praznika so vsi šli k sv. zakramentom. Indijanci ob ognju in pri kajenju Karel Mauser RAZDRTO GNEZDO iMMMMIIMmUlMHIHIHIIIIIIIIIIHMIMMMHMMIIHIIMIIIIIItlllMIHiailHIIIMIMlilllHMIIIMHIIMIMHmHlllllltMIHMIHI Samota, ki jo je nekdanja sestra Anastazija prinesla iz Ljubljane, se je na Jesenicah samo poglobila. Ni se mogla pritožiti zavoljo stanovanja, sobica je bila lepa, da se je začudila. Nič od sesterskih spominov ni bilo tukaj, vse je bilo novo in tuje. Toda že po dobrem tednu se ji je zdelo, da ni okolje, kar jo muči, da vse hudo prihaja iz srca. Pričela jo je mučiti zavest, da je odrezana od novic svojih sosester. Dokler je bila v Ljubljani, je od doktorja Polca marsikaj zvedela. Slišala je drobne novice o materi Doroteji, o sestri Jed rti, o sestri Marjeti - zadnjo novico, da se je sestra Virginia poročila. To novico ji je prinesel doktor sam, ko je prišel na posvetovanje zavoljo neke težke operacije. Vendar jo je ta novica nekoliko spravila iz tira. Kaj je rekla mati Doroteja - kako je prenesla ta udarec? Torej je ni razočarala samo ona, ker je izstopila iz sesterskega reda. Ona je pač tako mislila, da je. Nekaj iz njene notranjosti je izginilo, nastala je velika praznina. Tisto, kar je prej vršila iz ljubezni do Boga in reda, je sedaj plačano z denarjem. Torej denar? Težko ji je bilo, ko je stala ob umirajočih kakor uraden človek, ki čaka na konec dihanja. Globoko jo je pretresla smrt stare dninarice. Zanjo ni bilo več pomoči; bila je vesela njenega obiska. Sedla je na stol ob njej. “Ali bi vam lahko v čem pomagala"? jo je vprašala. “V veliki stvari, prosim. Včasih je duhovnik hodil k bolnikom. Strežnice se prav nič ne zmenijo za mojo prošnjo. Poskrbite mi za gospoda.” “Prinesla vam bom papir in ga boste podpisali, da zahtevate duhovnika. Gledala bom, da ga boste dobili.” Starka je blaženo sklenila roke. Poskrbela je brez posebne prošnje, prišel je drugi dan zvečer. Kakor da je bolnica slutila svojo smrt. Umrla je še pred polnočjo po srčnem napadu. Dan po pogrebu je šla na pokopališče. Nesla je tja šopek rož. Zvečer, ko je že v nočni halji sedela na postelji, se je spomnila na sestrske molitve. Poiskala je drobno v usnje vezano knjižico, ki je ni zavrgla. Bil je mali oficij, ki so ga sestre vsak dan molile. Trdo ga je držala v rokah: naslonila je glavo na zid in zaprla oči. Zadnjo nedeljo v novembru je imela nekdanja sestra Anastazija - sedaj Pavla - v bolnici prost dan. Spominov se tudi tega dne ni mogla otresti. Ta dan je bil redovni praznik - Katarina Laboure. Ta dan je vsako leto imela mati Doroteja poseben govor, njen najboljši govor. Zgodaj je šla v cerkev in sedela v klopi skoraj celo uro. Zunaj je narahlo snežilo. Sobica je bila prijetno topla. Zleknila se je na posteljo in vzela knjigo v roko. Brati pa ni mogla. Kmalu jo je splašilo trkanje. “Obisk imate, gospodična Pavla'.” “Postrežnica Reza je rekla: “Neka stara ženica je tukaj. Rekla sem ji, naj počaka, da pogledam, če ste doma. Ali naj pride?” Vrata so se na stežaj odprla, stara žena v črni ruti je stala med podboji in z obema rokama je držala veliko staro torbico. “Ave, sestra Anastazija! Mati je prišla, ker ji je bilo dolgčas po hčeri. Strašno grdo bi bilo, če ne bi vam vrnila obiska.” “Noro je strmela vanjo. Z eno roko naslonjeno na okenski polici, z drugo pa v zraku. Skušala je nekaj reči, pa ni mogla.” Mati Doroteja je zaprla vrata, se čudno zravnala in pričela stopati proti oknu. Sestra Anastazija se ni zganila, le obraz je bil bel. Roka sestre Anastazije, ki je visela v zraku, je čudno padla v roko matere Doroteje. Stara ženica v črni ruti je spustila torbico na tla in ujela v roke tanko telo, ki se je nagnilo naprej. “Redovni praznik je danes, draga sestra. Prišla sem vas prosit odpuščanja. V srcu ste bili vsak dan pri meni. Vsi smo trpeli." Slabost, ki jo je obšla, je obrisala notranji strah. Mati Doroteja je prinesla kozarec vode in od slabosti je ostal samo trepet rok in trudnost. Hotela se je dvigniti. Šele zdaj so se sestri Anastaziji usule solze. Ni jokala na glas, jokala je tiho kakor utrjen otrok, ki se je zgubil. Glas matere Doroteje je bil čudovito mehak. V njenih očeh so se lesketale solze, obraz pa tudi postaran. Mati Doroteja je pri obisku sestre Anastazije na Jesenicah imela še važen opravek. Sklonila se je k svoji starinski torbici in vzela iz nje dve pismi. Nataknila si je očala, popravlja si lase in mirno govorila: “To pismo je iz Beograda. Morda ne veste, da imamo tam nekaj sester, ki so si napravile prav prijazno gnezdece. Življenje tam je precej drugačno od našega tukaj. Mati Klavdija nam piše tole: Spet imamo dve mesti ker se naše delavno polje čudovito širi. Prosim vas, da po svoji sodbi izberete dve sestri, ki sta voljni priti. Sprejeli ju bomo z velikim veseljem. Zelo bi nas dvignilo, ko bi ena od sestra bila in-strumentalka. Tu hodimo vse v redovni obleki in ljudje nas spoštujejo." “Tole pismo je končano, imam pa še enega; tega je pa pisala naša korajžna sestra Jedrt. Takole; Tako ste me razveselili z vašim pismom, da vam ne morem povedati; čeprav ne morem ljudem veliko pomagati tu v hribih, se mi zdi, da ne smem odtod. Odkar je stari zdravnik odšel v pokoj, sem postala pol zdravnika sama in sem skoraj noč in dan na poti. Marsikdaj ne morem dati drugega kakor duhovno tolažbo. Duhovna zapuščenost pri ljudeh je večja kakor telesna beda. Človek ne bi mislil, koliko se je v ljudeh spremenilo. V nekaterih zavoljo razočaranja, v nekaterih zavoljo prevzetovanja. Z darovi, ki jih dobivam, podpiram zdaj sestre, ki so v Ljubljani najele slabo in staro stanovanje, kjer se ob nedeljah najdejo in v skupnosti dobe tolažbo. Neizmerno sem vesela, da ste izbrali drago sestro Anastazijo. Z vami vred, častita mati, sem trdno prepričana, da nikoli ni prenehala biti sestra in da je izmed nas največ trpela. Mar ni bil sveti Pavel velik med apostoli, čeprav spočetka ni bil niti z njimi. Me nismo dovolj poskušale ji priti blizu v dneh njene velike samote. — Nadaljevanje — '01 n m IE ) f( U N G A1 H [Ei r Fans 1 Did you know that Ians go way hack before Christ and that no one culture can be given exclusive credit for its start? l eather-type rigid Ians (a fan with a still leaf or feather mounted to a handle or Mick) were found in the tomb of Tukankhamen. This pharoah was buried in the 14 century B.C. Evidence of fans used in ancient oriental cultures as well as Assyrian and Indian have also been found. In the orient, both men and women -arried fans. Members of the royal court had a different fan from the warrior and his family , and fans used in the formal tea ceremony were different from those used on stage. The folding fan became very fashionable in Europe during the I50()'s. At this time, the most popular were those made of feathers. The I600's brought elaborate, detailed paintings and designs on parchment or canvas. The sticks for these fans ranged from the finest wood to ivory or mother-of-pearl . By the I700's a fan was to a lady what a sword or walking stick was to a man. No proper lady was seen without her fan. Furthermore, boys and girls were schooled in the language of the fan; although the girl's training was far more extensive, as it included the A NEW FRIEND Many packages of clothing were packed up and sent to Croatia in the last few months, things that people gave from the goodness of their hearts for the people in the homeland who suffered so severely the 6 month war there. In Minnesota, our members were especially active. Br. 34 collected lots of clothing and our member, Helen Adkisson helped to pack it. She felt so close to those who would be receiving it, that she pinned her name and a dollar in one item and now she has received a letter from the recipient - someone who thanks her very much. Helen is so elated and feels so good to have found a new friend. nandling of the fan and the execution of its language. Young men needed only to know how to read the fan. With one wave of her fan. a fellow would know if the lady was pleased or upset with him. Every movement, how the movement was made and with which hand meant something. For example: To fan very slowly said. "I am mar- wrnrmnwommwmiwimarw n mnmww DAVY’S COLUMN ried," while fanning very fast meant "I am engaged." To carry an open fan in the left hand said. "Come and talk to me." If you put the handle to your lips, you said. "Kiss me." Letting a fan rest on the right cheek meant "Yes." while letting rest on the left meant "No." Even dropping the fan wasn't necessarily safe. To do so told the onlooker. "We will be friends." In the I900's when more and more women entered the business world and the work force, fans died out. They were considered bothersome and in the way. Happy Mother's Day to all moms and grandmoms, DAVY A History of Fans, by Nancy Armstrong published by Clarkson N Potter. Inc. 1974. Encyclopedia Britannica. Vol. 9. Encyclopedia Britannica. Inc. 1965. TWIN BLESSING! Jennifer Jean (right) and Lynn Marie Marolt, one year old this month are the precious members of Br. 17, West Allis. Twin granddaughters of our Nat'l Auditor. Marion Marolt, president of Br. 17, West Allis, WI and nieces of her daughter. Robin, the secretary, captured all our hearts when Marion and Robin passed around photos of the twins at the Nat'l Board Meeting in March. Jennifer Jean and Lynn Marie are daughters of Ray and Linda Marolt and are members of Br. I7's junior Dept. Robin says they are extremely playful, talkative, love to wrestle with each other, or the dog! They are partners in everything they do - and get into lots of mischief! They will be one year old on May 20th, 1992! Happy, Happy, Birthday, birthday! 2ND CLASS POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO ILLINOIS A Rosanne J. Ruth REALTOR Ofc: 815 485-3401 Ofc 708 755-0755 Res: 815 723-4506 Member of Branch 20. S W U 200 W Mapie