$ 3.99 U.S./S 8.99 International Official Publication Slovenian Women’s Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze v Ameriki Volume 82 Issue 2 March/April, 2010 The Dawn Sol je morje, ki ni moglo nazaj na nebo. Salt is the sea that could not return to the sky. Zarj 3 - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St., LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 IT’S IN EVERY SLOVENIAN 2 National President’s Message 8 Nationwide Membership Campaign In Progress 9 Membership Application 10 SWUA Scholarship Program WEB SITE: www.swua.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Women’s Union of America TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 82, No 2, March/April 2010 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Communications for the next issue of publication: Do you have something SWUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SWUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15"' day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the May/June issue must be received by March 15"’. Thank you. The lively city of Piran HERITAGE NEWS 11 Men in a SWUA World 12 The Sečovlje Salina Nature Park by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk 16 Joey Tomsick Sweeps National Polka Awards! 17 Jacqueline Widmar Stewart London Book Festival Award-Winner 18 St. Gregory Day, Gregorjevo by Don Baldin 22 Branch Reports 3 0 Calendar of Events CULINARY 31 Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia From the Editor This is always my favorite issue to create because although it is still dark, cold and dreary outside, writing about spring always brings a smile to my face. I can definitely relate to the tradition of wanting to wash away the problems and worries from the long cold winter followed on St. Gregory’s Day in Slovenia. I think I will participate in the old custom and build my own little boat, light a candle on it and watch it sink and disappear into the little creek behind my house. The recipes that Jenka and Marija prepared for this issue are delicious. I was lucky enough to try them personally. Finally, if you are ever near the Slovenian coast, it is definitely worth a trip to the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. As Mary Lou Deyak Voelk describes the salt pans are fascinating. Debbie Pohar, Editor Letters to the Editor Dear Carol (sent to VP of Home Office): If it will save postage you can send me both of my daughters invoices from here on. I have spoken to both of them about paying their dues and they are in agreement that saving pennies for you means preserving the Zarja and supporting the SWUA. Cheers to a Happy New Year! Keep up the great work at the SWUA, we are all proud to be members! Melanie Wilds Dear Jenka: Thank you for including a recipe on Barley Soup. It brought back many memories of my mother. I remember coming home from school on a cold day and opening the door to find this simmering away on the stove. 1 was so excited to see the recipe that 1 ran to the store, bought all the ingredients and cooked away. Thank you for bringing back a fond memory. IT’S ALMOST TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE TO MORE POTS AND PANS I remember back in March of2000 when I arrived at the Home Office in Joliet for my first National Board of Directors’ meeting. For anyone who has been in the building, picture the back room that holds a desk and large table. We just received shipment of the remainder of the 10,000 cookbooks that were purchased prior to the 1999 National Convention. Cookbook boxes where piled sky high and circled the entire room! We had well over 9,000 to sell! We had an invoice due for $78,000! I never imagined the day would come when we would have only a few boxes left, the invoice and two and a half conventions paid for! Yes, that time is almost here. In a little over a decade we sold almost all of the 10,000 More Pots and Pans cookbooks. We paid off the invoice and the proceeds from the sales paid for the 2003, 2007 and a good portion of the 2011 National Convention. For everyone who was a part of the creation of this cookbook, BE PROUD! For everyone who purchased or sold a cookbook, THANK YOU! For those of you who still want to purchase a cookbook, you need to do so quickly as we only have a few left. Bonnie Pohar Prokup, President Last Chance for More Pots and Pans Slovenian Heritage Museum 431 N. Chicago Street Joliet, Illinois 60432 815.727.1926 [- www.swua.org & y = National President’s Message Dreaming and Preparing for the Future is Very Important Your National Board of Directors are very busy preparing for the upcoming Annual Meeting; we are doing our best to keep costs to a minimum. We are lucky that we like each other because can you imagine spending three nights with seven officers in one upstairs apartment? Did I mention one bathroom? All jokes aside, that never seems to be a problem for us and honestly we have a fun time sitting around in the evening discussing SWUA and our dreams for the future. DREAMING and PREPARING for the future is very important. We have to remember the organization that was created 82 years ago had a mission much different than today. Today our members look very different, not only are we generations away from the immigrant lady, but we also have many men. And might I say some very talented and dedicated men! Just read through Zarja and see how men play an important role in our organization. One way of preparing for the future is taking an active role in the upcoming bylaw changes for the 2011 National Convention. It is important you let us know what you think is and is not working. Keep in mind that the name change of our organization will be up for a vote again. What I want you to do now is think to yourself.... Does the name, Slovenian Women’s Union of America describe who we are today? Congratulations to everyone who purchased a calendar. The money will be used for the 2011 National Convention. Special thanks to Denise P. Bartlett for chairing this fundraiser. Last weekend your Zarja Editor Debbie Pohar, National Secretary Karen Taylor and I traveled to Joliet for two nights to finish laying the kitchen floor (actually Debbie laid the floor). Karen and I cleaned the entire apartment, touched up the walls with paint and cleaned our “fourth bedroom” and started on the porch. The kitchen looks beautiful! Even though we went there to work, the three of us had a blast! Never did it feel like work. In closing a short story about my daughters. In our house we don’t like winter. This is the time of the year when my girls say.... “Mom, put the white furry guy that you received from your cousin in Slovenia on the mantel, you know the one that chases away the winter. ” Enjoy! Bonnie Pohar Prokup National President wprokup@aol.com Illinois Indiana Convention Report Dober Dan. This year the convention was hosted by Branch 99 of Lemont at the Slovenian Cultural Center. Our host provided the members who attended a well planned day and a wonderful convention experience. We had an ample amount of Slovenian pastries beginning in the morning, a beautiful Mass with songs sung in Slovenian by the choir led by Mark Cepon and then the meeting. We opened with a prayer for our deceased members and our military personal; also a pledge of allegiance. We were honored with the presence of National Officer Denise P. Bartlett and Auditors Gen Buol and Mitzi Banich. Six of our eight branches had representatives. A total of 60 members attended. The two absent branches sent a report. Branch reports were read by the delegates. Summaries of the reports show that our branches are active and are trying to preserve our culture, traditions and legacy. All branches hold events to raise capital. They vary from gatherings such as picnics, bunco parties, festivals, bake sales, bakeless bake sale and raffles. Money is dispersed through donations to the Church, religious organizations, scholarships, Zarja, Christmas Parties, The Slovenian Heritage Museum, the needy and birthday cards to juniors. Events include Christmas dinner, crowing of the Blessed Virgin, Member of the Year dinner and St. Joseph and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. All branches try to make the time together educational and eventful for their members by having presentations which will induce attendance. Classes on Slovenian recipes are a hit. The sight of the next convention will be in Oglesby, IL hosted by Branch 89 on September 19, 2010. Marty Mavec and his accordion provided musical entertainment. Lillian Cepon prepared a dinner. This was followed by a speech from Dr. John Vidmar. He educated us on the history of our people and genealogy. Hvala Lepa, Joe Skata, Regional President Welcome to Our New Members! Branch 2 Branch 16 Branch 30 Branch 100 Ruth Monaco John Zupančič Cheryl Edwards Frank Jemeycic Laurel Giller Connie Swiderski Branch 3 Branch 20 Arlene Lane Bonney Klaus Zupan Patricia Derby Dolly Cox Barbara Greenwood Sherrill Cummings Branch 43 Branch 103 Megan Greenwood Margaret Fritz Carly Grant Danna Ponce Jane Hess Barbara Hoff Michele Meegan Marianne Hudar Branch 47 Branch 108 Angela Mock Constance Kobart Margaret Rys Joyce Bartol Jane Roche Deborah Martincich Harper Simms Dustyn Rae Martincich Branch 71 Branch 109 Jacque Simms Claire Kurtz Posega Keeley Germovsek Jenifer Mayer Kelsey Simms Sharon Waide Elizabeth Hartman Snow Simms Kristina Hartman Branch 110 Pamela Valentine Branch 23 Mary Jo Hartman Alexis Carmody Danielle Venturi Frederick Godec Gabrielle Venturi Branch 99 Branch 24 Sandra Artusa Branch 12 Mary Lou Bickwell Marilyn Beck Lesley Jo Goetz Elizabeth (Betsy) Klopcic Kyle Hlade Megan Hlade Branch 13 Branch 26 Sarah Hlade Veronica Goetz Rose Mihm Jared Morrissette Jacqueline Lowe Dorothy Pietro Melanie Morrissette 2011 SWUA National Convention June 16-19, 2011 Milwaukee, Wisconsin DoubleTree Hotel-Milwaukee City Center 611 West Wisconsin Avenue Please mark your calendars. Room reservations may be made beginning in August 2010. The staff at the DoubleTree Milwaukee City Center has contracted with SWUA to keep prices well below the usual downtown prices. The National Convention Committee will be striving to work towards an affordable convention package to encourage a large participation from all SWUA Branches. To offer help, ideas, suggestions or to ask questions please contact Denise P. Bartlett in Milwaukee at 414.327.4990 or at denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com Zarja The Dawn Donations Thank you for your generous support of SWUA. During this tough economic time worldwide, it shows how important our heritage is to all of us. Your donations are truly appreciated. Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. $100 Donation Elizabeth Fox, 89, + Carolyn (Kemz) Widmar Dr. Louis Lukančič, 20, +Louis and Paula Lukančič Rose Ann Prey, 89, Zarja Karen Ryczek, 30, +Marie Prince Kovalik, mother Anonymous, 20, Scholarship $80 Donation Cheryl Barkovich, 105, +Edith Nagel Barkovich Ileene Collins, 14, +Louis and Josephine Lustic Anthony Kambich, 20, Honor of the good work by Jonita Erjavec Ruth Diane Sweigert, 99, Honor of Frances M. Schultz $75 Donation Natasha Leskovsek, 108, Honor of Valentin Leskovek $60 Donation Ellen Plautz, 102, Zarja $50 Donation Bernadette Blatnik, 30, Honor of Anita, Mary and Kathy Blatnik Charles Dolinar, 23, +James F. Dolinar Carolyn Tomazic Engers, 20, Zarja Yvonne McComber, 109, Zarja Barbara Nash, 103, +Anne Perhay Katherine Petrich, 16, Honor of Rosemary Petrich Rick Pisa, 109, +Franciska Prijatels and Franc Vesel Helen Prijic, 43, +Helen Riffel, mother Delores Remington, 1, +Josephine Papesh Fang Joseph Spreitzer, 20, +Edna Spreitzer Arlene Sunkel, 20, +Madelyn Mramor, cousin $40 Donation Marcia Judnick, 20, +Louise Krameric and Louise Riffel $35 Donation Grace Schatz, 20, Zarja Harrison Schatz, 20, Zarja Janet Schatz, 20, Zarja $30 Donation Mary Bachmann, 43, +Frances Ribich, grandmother Dale Briese, 20, +Margaret Briese Caterina Burjes, 25, Zarja Dorothy Govednik Cummings, 13, +Govednik-Malerich Families Sherrill Cummings, 20, Zarja Margaret Dupont, 30, +Lillian Serra and Margaret Kochevar Joan Egly, 20, +Mickey and Jen Juricic Mary Cay Freiberg, 43, +Catherine Lesatz, mother Sharon Gillen, 50, +Ann Tercek, grandmother Dana Goetz, 12, +Sophie Stamfel John Hlade, 20, Zarja Lillian Horvath, 30, Zarja Mara Cerar Hull, 14, +Kristina Rihtar Tina Jemigan, 5, +Anton Slapar, Sr. and Angela Barlich Ivan Kamin, Subscriber, +Franc and Ana Kamin Janet Morrissey, 13, +Rose Sleyko-McCarthy, mother Nancy Pajunen, 109, +Josephine Koslucher Erickson Kathleen Nemanich Paulson, 34, Zarja Vida Theresa Perme, 50, +Mrs. Frances Perme-Br. 32 Judith Susa, 26, Zarja Jožica Tompa, 43, Zarja Elsie Wojdula, 2, +Wojdula and Kroschel Families Karen Zuga, 54, +Victoria Zuga Mary Zakrajšek, 30, +Rudy and Frances (Dusa) Grahek Julia Zalar, 50, Zarja $25 Donation Elizabeth Arthur, 12,+HelenPizar Barbara Chiodo, 13, +Frances Pechovar Chiodo Mary Darovic, 99, +Mary Colnar Evelyn Driscoll, 16, +Polonia Ashenbrener, mother Janyee Eviston, 24, +Margaret Laken Connell Bob Ficek, 24, Zarja Frances Ficek, 24, Zarja Diane Govednik, 20, +William Govednik Aggie Haslup, 42, Honor of Teresa Gorup Theresa Jamnick, 23, Zarja Barbara Kosi, 2, +Mary Pacholski Anne Krpan, 24, +Millie Sanders, sister Clara Lesza, 2, +Deceased Lesza Family members Barbara Louthan, 93, Honor of Helen Polainer Barbara Louthan, 93, Honor of Edward Polainer Barbara Louthan, 93, +John and Gertrude Toni Polainer Tom Mahalik, 20, +Isabelle Mahalik Deanna Martin, 30, +Simonic Dickovich Kathleen Mikatich, 3, +Nick Mikatich Irene Planinšek Odorizzi, 103, +Emma Planinšek, Past President Branch 20 Raymond Osterman, 20, +Katrina Osterman Lorraine Ovnik, 2, +Marie Ovnik Frances Pavlovčič, 40, +Mary Pavlovčič Frances Piwoni, 12, +Helen Pizar Amy Rathbun, 13, +Fran Chiodo Frances Jean Reichelderfer, 100, +Jean Kurilich Rosanne Savol, 20, +Josephine Ramuta Sumic- Ann Ramuta Savol Frank Stupnik, 30, +Frank and Rose (Brula) Stupnik Lillian Twomey, 33, +Teresa Tezak Minerich Louise Vett, 54, +Anne Savor Sophia Stalzer Wyant, 109, Zarja William Zerial, 99, +Ann Zerial-Mally $20 Donation Anne Antich, 99, Zarja Peggy Argubright, 100, Zarja Jill Caldwell Augustine, 103, +Pauline Grum Caldwell, mother Nancy Bartholomew, 25, +Ann Potochar Edward Bayuk, 102, +Josephine Bayuk Helen Boles, 71, +John and Vera Boles Gladys Bom, 30, Zarja Debra Briggs, 30, +Dorothy Bechtel Deborah Brown, 30, +Anthony Skul, father Mary Burk, 20, +Louise Schoener, mother Cheryl Burke, 1, +Hermatz Brothers Frances Bums, 93, +Frances Klun Nena Cercek, 100, +Lea Cercek Nancy Criss, 30, +Teresa Yones- JoAnn Yones Kochevar Mallow Rosemary Demshar, 100, +Rose Baraga and William Demshar Carol Jean Dickinson, 50, +Jean and Rudy Paik Julie Drobnick, 50, +Ceil Znidaksic Alice Ebner, 89, +Josephine Argubright Jeanette Eckert, 100, Zarja Anne Germaine, 99, +Ursula Zupančič Frances Glowienka, 12, +Mary Kokalj Josephine Gomik, 50, +Sophia Skopitz Paula Gottardi, 39, +Larry Gottardi, Sr. Judith and Christina Grozdanik, 50, For all St. Lawrence Church Parishoners Ann Harsh, 47, +Anna Kresevic Sandra Herrick, 102, +Florence Klinke Beatrice Holmes, 20, Zarja Jean Ivons, 10, Zarja Mary Kay Kais, 43, +Arline and Frank Fritz Betty Ann Kastelic, 42, +Mr. & Mrs. Louis Kastelic Alice Kuhar, 14, +Anna Kuhar, mother Melissa Tevsh Lacasse, 1, +Mary and Joseph Tevsh Anne Laurich, 38, Zarja James Lilek, 20, Zarja Evelyn Marvic, 20, +Mary Marvic Terdic and Mary Rogel Marvic Catherine Maxin, 50, +Mary Maxin Albina Medved, 23, +Theresa Vlaisavljevich Cheryl Megahan, 105, +Anna Karun Mary Grill Mejac, 103,+Conrad Mejac Rose Meyers, 20, Honor of Nancy Meyers Thomas Moren, 109, +Frank Moren Stan Mramor, 40, +Stanley Mramor Sr. Carol Novak, 20, +Kate Terlep Wedic Evelyn Pipoly, 50, +Michael Pipoly Anthony Pozelnik, 25, +Albina Pozelnik Bonnie Prokup, 24, Honor of Corinne Leskovar Virginia Roland, 103, +Andy and Christine Susman Margaret Rosenberger, 26, +Helen Cesnik Kathleen Schiltz, 33, +Terezija Kambic Gersich Gerald Sebalj, 20, +Dorothy Sebalj O’Connor Robert Sherek Sr., 39, Zarja Elsie Shine, 54, +Mrs. Jennie Shine Elizabeth Skul, 3, Zarja Tillie Skusek, 43, +John Skusek, husband Staci Sleigh-Layman, 79, Honor of Mary Kell, best aunt! Marcia Jean Smith, 30, +Vem Zadel Florence Smorkol, 24, +Deceased Family Members Barbara Sostakowski, 47, +Lovko and Novak Families Mary Sova, 20, +Walter Sova, husband Josephine Sovich, 50, +Josephine Fajdiga and Lillian Goryance Lillian Stefanich, 20, +Anna Zelko Mildred Stofac, 3, +Raymond Stofac Milena Stropnik, 1, +Helena Dolenc, mother Virginia Sustarich, 13, +Katie Judnich Florence Telich, 23, +Apalonia Zitko Dorothy Marie Tezak, 3, +Catherine Tezak Rick Trauner, 5, +Emestine Trauner Frances Trautner, 20, Honor of Trautner Family Jean Turnbull, 100, +Frank and Clarissa Costell Susan Ukovich, 20, Zarja Sally Venne, 30, +Margaret Speler Shirley Vertacic, 1, +Mary Margaret Vertacic Helen Walsh, 20, +Agnes and Matt Verbiscer Nada Weber, 93, +Ivana Slavec and Francka Tomsic Geraldine Wilson, 71, Zarja Robert Zalokar, 71, +Frank and Mary Zadnik Zalokar Jean Železnikar, 2, +Luba Troha Ann Zupančič, 42, +Margaret Zupančič $15 Donation Veronica Allen, 7, Zarja Bernadette Fitzsimmons, 108, +Erik Kovacic Vida Habjan, 25, +Vida Habjan Madelyn Klun, 35, +William Slogar Wanda Kocinec, 99, +Leopoldina Škamperle Anton Malenšek, 93, Zarja Julie Partyka, 99, +Frances Zibert Jean Robertson, 14, +Louis Kovach Mary Rom, 109, +Jerry Loushin Olga Mary Seday, 10, +Mary Zupančič and Theresa Seday Helen Troha, 50, +Frances Kosten $10 Donation Helen Adkisson, 34, Zarja Mary Aikovich, 16, Zarja Mary Ann Allendorf, 105, +Mary Suran Dolores Ambrozich, 20, +Edward “Spike” Ambrozich Mary Frances Andrews, 25, +Andy Andrews, husband Francka Androjna, 14, Zarja Mary Barbarich, 5, +Josephine Zgonc Peter Barbarich, 5, +Josephine Barbarich Carolyn Bemickus, 20, +Dan Bemickus Virginia Bestic, 55, +Frances Juvančič, mother Mary Bockin, 1, Honor of Josephine and Frances Stancar Ludmilla Bolek, 47, +Agnes Zagar Dolores Boychuk, 2, +Catherine Kroft, mother Patricia Butterbach, 20, +Theresa Pasich Delores Carey, 50, +Antonia Kausek, mother Shirley Kompare Charnas, 2, +Joseph Kompare Rose Chepeck, 43, +Agnes Bachun Arlene Considine, 109, +Majozin and Teshak Families Agnes Cook, 50, +Anton and Theresa Potokar Mary Copp, 13, +Jeanette Lovrin Linda Costell, 100, +Clarissa Costell Dolly Cox, 20, +Mille Mikolič Mary Louise Dale, 54, Zarja Joan Gergisch Daniel, 1, +Agnes Gergisch, mother Leone De Bernardi, 23, +Rose Kozat Beverly DeJule, 20, Zarja Mary DiMatteo, 63, +Mary Bohte Mary Therese Ehnat, 16, +Mary Matasick and Mary Brebrick Betty Fassiotto, 20, +Tom Fassiotto Theresa Fedran, 12, +Tony Krefel and Tony Fedran Mary Ferkul, 39, Zarja Olga Feroni, 23, Zarja Caroline Frank, 50, +Walter Frank Lois Geary, 20, +American Troops around the World Dolores Glivar, 100, Honor of Joseph Glivar, brother Joan Golob, 1, +Edward Golub Karen Goodman, 43, +Gertrude Delopst Barbara Greenwood, 3, +Stanley Gersick Agnes Gruenke, 1, +Grace and Ray Bernadine Gudac, 20, +Thomas and Anne Buchar Virginia Guertin, 2, Zarja Janet Gulliford, 25, +Charles Gulliford Patricia Hostnik, 105, +Louise Hostnik Serjak Dolores Hrovat, 47, +Agnes Zagar Carol Marie Jacobson, 33, Honor of Dorothy Jacobson Carol Marie Jacobson, 33, +Mae DelZotto Carol Marie Jacobson, 33, +Mary Hinnenkamp and Josephine Rizzi Dorothy L. Jamnick, 35, +Frank Jamnick Dorothy M. Jamnick, 35, +Dorothy Drobnick Josef Janezic, 43, Zarja Bernice Jarkovich, 16, +Mary Kovach and Mary Jarkovich Terry Kamnikar, 89, +Kemz and Kamnikar Families Patricia Kasza, 20, Zarja Virginia Kemmerling, 47, +Mary Taucher Pamela Kenney, 99, +Pauline Marolt Helene Kolosov, 99, Zarja Kathleen Kopfensteiner, 2, Zarja Jeanette Korsman, 39, +Annie Purkat Joyce Korst, 20, +Richard Korst Pat Koski, 23, Zarja Jennie Kovacic, 2, Zarja Nika Kovacic, 108, +Erik Kovacic Colleen Kovic, 20, +Joseph Kovic Judy Kovic, 20, +Helen (Malesich) Darin Bernice Krašovec, 3, +Mary Hiza Mary Kmel, 14, +Angela Baranowski AnnaKsiazek, 16, Zarja Mary Anne Kwiecinski, 39, +Mary Krebs Wendy Lauer, 24, Honor of Janice Bedenko Mueller, mother Agnes Leach, 13,+Josephine Aiuto Mary Lesnik,, 20, +John and Mary Lesnik, Bill and Mary Lesnik Dorris Lovrin, 13, +Jeanette Lovrin Josephine Lustik, 20, +Joseph and Mary Vidmar Dorothy Mahan, 20, Zarja Carolyn Mallik, 25, Zarja Beth Ann Manion, 2, Zarja Jennifer Dickinson Mann, 50, +Jean and Rudy Paik Eleanor Marel, 91, +Deceased Family Members Darrell Marquardt, 20, +LeRoy Marquardt Lydia Marquardt, 20, +Mary Ann Churnovic (Moka) Amelia Massaia, 93, Honor of her mother Mary Mavec, 99, Zarja Paula Mavec, 99, +Mary Bajda Frances Ann Maxwell, 99, +Frances Liposek Maxwell Carol McDonald, 38, Zarja Helen McFarland, 66, Zarja Dorothy Mehosky, 42, Zarja Milka Menchak, 43, +Mici Coffelt Bernice Metesh, 20, Zarja Patricia Meyer, 1, +Agnes Jaschinski Clare Mihelich, 20, Zarja Albina Mikec, 2, +Stanley Mikec RoseMiklich, 14,+Miklich Family Elaine Milar, 13, +Mary Bluth Yerman Shirley Miller, 24, +Arthur Miller and Rolando Family Janet Sikora Mladic, 2, +Irene Sikora Krystal Mladic, 2, +Ann Mladic Mary Frances Mohr, 5, +Mary Konovsek Marie Mutz, 3, +Theodore Mutz Sharon Naudziunas, 2, +Ed Zibert Mary June Nauertz, 102, +Josephine Bayuk Frances Novak, 16, Zarja Genevieve Novak, 97, +Margaret Mihelčič Gloria Nowakowski, 24, +Josephine Zokal Cecelia Nuteson, 12, +Cecelia Kozleuchar Josephine Ogrinc, 16, Zarja Ray Palcher, 38, Zarja Mary Palcic, 93, +A11 Past Members of Branch 93 Theresa Papesh, 20, Zarja Georgiana Pascente, 20, Zarja Suzanne Pecharich, 99, +Mary Pecharich, mother-in-law Lois Pelander, 33, Zarja Josephine Perko, 3, Zarja Jessie Pigat, 47, +Pauline Pigat Viola Pisoni, 46, +Marie Thompson Marie Pivik, 25, Zarja Jacqueline Plankar, 20, Zarja Lea Plut-Pregelj, 108, Zarja Jane Polnaszek, 20, +Barbara Kociuba Stephanie Polutnik, 40, +Mary Bradish, sister Evelyn Prijatel, 23, Zarja Rita Pyszka, 24, +Pyszka-Sinkovec Families Marija Rigler, 2, +Jakob and Josephine Stražišar Joan Rupar, 1, Zarja Bernadine Rutkowski, 20, Zarja Carol Satej, 68, +Jennie Satej Mohorčič Frances Schultz, 99, +Frances Zibert Agnes Serazin, 40, +Agnes Celik Helen Sisto, 108, Zarja Patricia Sixel, 102, +Josephine Artac Fannie Smole, 12, +Stavia Dobersek Delores Spelich, 24, Zarja Frances Stancar, 1, Zarja Joan Stately, 109, +Mary Verrant Kosluchar, grandmother Kathryn Stately, 109, Zarja Rose Sterle, 38, +Marie Newman Viola Strupeck, 99, +Anna Strupeck Josephine Svigel, 10, +Antonia Svigel Carol Swanson, 24, +Frank and Ann Kodrich Elaine Taylor, 99, +Edward Svete Mary Louise Terselic, 103, +Mathilda Terselic Phyllis Turk, 35, +Robert Turk JoAnn Udovich, 1, +Theresa Udovich Barbara Urick, 35, +Edward Urick Jennie Valent, 99, +Fani Certalic Marilyn Vidmar, 50, +Julia Jarc Zak, mother Michael Vidmar, 20, Zarja Nicholas Vidmar, 20, Zarja Justin Virant, 1, +Mrs. Carol Virant Frances White, 66, Zarja Margy Whitmore, 108, Zarja Melanie Wilds, 26, Zarja Marjorie Wilhelm, 1, Zarja Alice Wilson, 35, Zarja Charlotte Wos, 30, +Josephine Pintar, mother Margaret Yernatich, 34, +Agnes Tekautz Agnes Zabak, 47, +Lausche and Zabak Families Lynn Zalokar, 93, +Marilyn Kovačič Zalokar Joyce Zawerschnik, 12, +Rose Wallis Joyce Zawerschnik, 12, Zarja____________________ Marilyn Zefran, 43, +Amelia Zefran Dorothy Zupančič, 20, +Mary Gregorash Judith Zupancich, 23, +Edward Zupancich Rose Zuponcic, 43, +Mr. & Mrs. Anton Pike $5 Donation Lillian Adamic, 20, Zarja Josephine Ancel, 46, Zarja Anonymous, 1, Zarja Beverly Batic-Sciarrabba, 50, +Mary Batic, mother Helen Baum, 30, +Cecilia Adamic Kostka Paula Behling, 43, +Gertrude Delopst, mother Helen Benac, 20, Zarja Sophie Bevsek, 43, +Frank Bevsek, husband Margaret Bongiomi, 30, Zarja Bernice Ceglar, 35, +Pauline Pleveli Julia Horwath Crouch, 20, +Helen Horwath Judy Di Pasquale, 102, Zarja Theresa Fedran, 12, Honor of Theresa Fedran Michalene Ferguson, 20, Zarja Linda Ford, 47, Zarja Amelia Glavan, 40, Zarja Agnes Glavich, 3, Zarja Lucille Gregorash, 20, Zarja Lucy Elizabeth Hubbard, 35, +Smolich Family Branch 39 Lois Jensen, 13, Zarja Charlene Kobe, 20, Zarja Stephana Kobe, 50, +Edward Kobe William Kobe, 20, Zarja Mira Kosem, 14, +Jean Križman Marlynn Koski, 35, Zarja Frank Kotnick, 1, +Kotnick Family Martha Kotnick, 1,+Schimpf Family Frances Krall, 10, Zarja Josef Laposa, 5, +Marija Filip Laposa Virginia Bendick Maslyk, 30, Zarja Theresa Mershnik, 12, Zarja Mary Miklavčič, 68, +Frank Miklavčič Paul Naudziunas Jr., 2, +Joseph Naudziunas Mary Petrella, 20, Zarja Geraldine Ruzic, 102, +Angeline Ruzic Helen Sebastian, 22, +Anna Yakofich Christine Shisila, 30, Zarja Marilou Shotwell, 103, +Angela Clarke Angela Smith, 39, +Kozina and Vesel Families Mary Jane Strus, 16, +Anna Jamnik Betty Wiley, 3, +George and Elizabeth Skube Kay Yuratovac, 47, +Dorothy Winter Nell Zietlow, 12, +Mary Jane Prodoehl Estelle Zorman, 108, Zarja Genevieve Zubek, 2, Zarja If your donation is not listed here, it will be listed in the next issue. Thank you to everyone who donated to our organization. It’s members like you that truly keep our heritage alive! Nationwide Membership Campaign Ending Moving on to a New Branch Wide Membership Campaign -+10 Members by December 2010 T| he time has come for all new members enrolled between September 1 - March 1 for each SWUA branch to be totalled, and the top three recruiting branches will win Potica. The winners will be announced in the on-line newsletter and in the next issue. This month we move forward to a new membership campaign to challenge each branch to recruit at least 10 (ten) new members by December 2010. If your branch members all participate in recruiting efforts, getting one new member a month is much simpler than you think. Awards, accolades and more will be announced for our winning branches. Do consider offering individual incentives to your very own individual recruiters with special recognition and prizes. I hope you have noticed positive results in recent months by reaching out to prospective members and welcoming new members from both near and far with a personal phone call or e-mail message. Remember to schedule branch meetings at times and places that are convenient to the majority of your membership, and make the meetings educational and fun. Are you missing a few members from your roster? A former member may simply have forgotten to pay an invoice last year; phone or e-mail them and invite them back; send a new member application and help put them back in contact with fellow Slovenians and receiving Zarja - The Dawn magazine. Give your branch members the “personal touch”, encourage each person to participate in branch activities, and to contribute their unique talents to the SWUA, and you will succeed. To help facilitate the processing of membership applications, please use the “New Member Application'’ form on the opposite page. This form has been revised to simplify the registration of SWUA memberships and ensure correct billing. All branch presidents received copies of the new form, along with membership brochures in late January. It is important to remind all branch members to destroy old forms and use the new in place of the old immediately. You may request SWUA Membership Brochures and applications from the home office by calling 815.727.1926. New member applications may also be downloaded from the SWUA website. Keep passing out the new membership brochures; distribute them personally to branch members, friends, families and members of your community along with your smile and personal invitation to join SWUA. I look forward to surprising the top three branches recruiting the most new members in the last six months; they will win a gift from Rocky Mountain Potica delivered to the Branch Presidents’ of the winning branches by April, 2010 to share with branch members. First place branch winners will receive three poticas; second place branch winners will receive two poticas, and the third place winners will receive one potica. In the event of a tie among the top recruiting branches, six potica’s will be distributed among the winners, along with a bag of gifts from the Slovenian Heritage Museum Gift Shop. To order potica for Easter, or other special occasion, go to www.RockyMountainPotica.com. Vesele velikonočne praznike! Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Marketing & Fundraising Consider giving a gift membership for birthdays and special occasions. Membership Application Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki www.swua.orgswuhome@sbcglobal.net (815) 727-1926 Yes! I want to join the S.W.U.A. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication, ZARJA - The Dawn', I can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, I will come in contact with fellow Slovenians. Choose type of membership: Adult, Annual Dues $20.00 For January through December (If you join after Check here if this is a gift. Provide recipients name/address below. August 30, you will not be billed in January of the If you agree to continue paying for this membership next calendar year) next year, please provide your name/adress/e-mail Adult, International Address Annual Dues $30.00 on the back of this form for billing purposes. Junior (Birth to 18), Annual Dues $5.00 Invoices are sent annually in January; dues notices in the amount of $20.00/adult or $5.00/junior will be mailed to the address of the member listed below in January of the next calendar year after joining, unless otherwise specified. Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Women’s Union of America 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name First Name Street Address____________________________________City/State/Zip_ Phone E-Mail Date of Birth_______________________Branch Affiliation Number (if known)______________Location Maiden Name__________________________________________________Do you speak Slovenian?_______ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES How did you hear about us? S.W.U.A. member newspaper website____________________other I would like to volunteer for the S.W.U.A. My area of interest or expertise is_______ Applicant’s signature___________________________________________________________ Date Tell a Friend! If you wish us to send information to a friend or relative just fill in name and address here: My friend’s name________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City State Zip SWUA Scholarship Foundation Entering Its 61st Year of Financially Assisting Students The Slovenian Women’s Union of America Scholarship program has been financially assisting Slovenian students annually since 1949. Generous contributions of members and the general public have helped support students and adults during the changing times. In 1997, the vision of long time member and educator, Miss Anna Rose Smolich brought the scholarship program to a new level by naming the SWUA Scholarship Program as a beneficiary of her estate on condition that the Scholarship Program was tax exempt. In December 1998 the Slovenian Women’s Union of America Scholarship Foundation was formed as a corporation and a federally approved 501c3, obtaining a tax exempt status which remains in effect today. As a tax-exempt charity, the SWUA Scholarship Foundation provides tax relief to those making donations, in estate planning, as well as investing in the future leadership of America. Contributions of any amount are gratefully received. Donor gift cards are available for memorials or in honor of loved ones. Scholarship awards of S1,000 can be named in honor of a special person. All donations are printed in Zarja and letters of acknowledgement are mailed to donors. The scholarship donations listed are wonderful Christmas gifts given to the Slovenian Women’s Union of Union Scholarship Foundation. Some checks were received from Christmas Branch parties, where in lieu of personal gift exchanges, these beautiful contributions were made. We are truly blessed to have such charitable givers in our membership. Jan King, the SWUA Scholarship Foundation Webmaster has graciously updated the information and application pages of website http;//www.swua.org “scholarship”. Past SWUA Scholarship winners: We would like to hear how your education has provided for you in present times. Contributions, questions, and comments can be mailed to: Mary H. Turvey, Director Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation 4 Lawrence Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855 mturvey@aol.com SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS The following contributions were most gratefully received and acknowledged: “All contributions are tax exempt” $500 Donation Branch 12, Milwaukee, WI in honor of living and deceased Branch 12 members $400 Donation Branch 20, Joliet, IL $150 Donation Mary Jo Eakle (+John Skusek) $125 Donation Rose A. Arthmire (+her parents Joseph and Antonia Ozanich of Keewatin, MN) $100 Donation Branch 89, Oglesby, IL $60 Donation Robert and Denise Bartlett in honor of the Delopst family $50 Donation Mr. and Mrs. Ron Erjavec (+Dorothy O’Connor) Agnes A. Kumick (+husband Edward K. Kurnick and +sister Edythe Ansel) $30 Donation Branch 55, Girard, OH $25 Donation Joyce Zawerschink $15 Donation Dorothy Jerneycic $10 Donations Bebe Lobe, JoJo and Ron Mavetz (+ Emma Pucel) Jonita Ruth (+Dorothy O’Connor) For more information on the SWUA Scholarship Foundation Program please visit http://www.swua.org “scholarship” Men in a SWUA World Martin Krpan, the Mythical Salt Smuggler of Slovenian Writer Fran Levstik CnllO octii: The only two things that I know for sure about salt is that I got tired of putting it down on the sidewalks all winter and that I have had to cut down on the table variety, doctor’s orders! Well that is until I came across the name Martin Krpan, He is the mythical salt smuggler of Slovenian writer Fran Levstik. According to the legend, Krpan makes a living by illegally transporting salt from the Adriatic Sea to the lands of Slovenia and other parts of inner Austria. Interestingly, he uses his “diminutive” mare to do the smuggling and becomes quite a hero as he goes along. As the story goes Krpan lived in a place called Vrh pri Trojici (peak at Trinity) in Notranjska, not far from Ljubljana and was a big and very strong individual who could easily carry his own mare. He smuggled the very precious English salt into Slovenia and one day on his travels he crosses paths with the Emperor. Krpan easily lifts his heavily loaded mare out of the way so that the Emperor may pass and is impressed by Krpan’s strength. One year later a terrible giant comes to Vienna and challenges the noble knights to duels and mows them down one by one even killing the Emperor’s son. So, remembering Krpan and his amazing strength the Emperor summons him to defeat the giant. Seeing Krpan on his little mare and armed with only a butcher’s axe and a club he made from a linden tree that grew in the emperor’s garden, the giant, Brdav, pokes fun at him. But, Krpan would quickly have the last laugh as he easily defeats the giant by using the club as bait and when the giant bites it, his teeth get stuck in it allowing Krpan to pull him close and cut his head off. The Emperor is so impressed that he offers him many gifts including his daughter, but Krpan did not care much for her and settled for a license to transport salt and a bag of gold. Ok, even though it is an entertaining story you ask what does it mean to Slovenia if it’s fiction and didn’t really happen? Well, our hero resurfaced in 1991 when Slovenia gained its independence and the country acquired a piece of the coast known as the Sečovlje salt pans and Martin Krpan has become part of its symbol. His likeness has also appeared on supermarket shelves on a box salt that is named after him. Krpan is often depicted carrying his mare in reference to the familiar scene in the book when he moves out of the way of the Emperor. If you are interested in reading the entire story log on to the SWUA website at www.swua.org. The next time you go to the store and see that little girl holding an umbrella as the American salt symbol you can smile and think that the Slovenian symbol can lift a horse. Well that’s all for me and by now we should be enjoying the great weather of spring and some time outside which also means baseball, picnics, gardening and all the other great activities. Enjoy and as always may good luck be yours. - Don Baldin The Twin Cities Slovenians are Using the Martin Krpan Story as Part of the Festival of Nations Exhibit Depicting Folklore in Slovenia Planning Progress Summary by Norm Setnicker The Folklore of Slovenia theme will consist of four components: Martin Krpan, Zmaj (Ljubljana dragon), Kurent and Zlatorog. The backdrops will be scenes of Ljubljana, Triglav and possibly background from one of the earliest entrees. School children will be given “baseball cards” depicting the four components with a written description on the back; the other side would be a picture. There will be a dragon for the photo shoot similar to the Ribincan last year. The dragon will be about 6 foot high with a cut out in its mouth where kids or adults can put their face and have a picture taken. The Consulate General’s office is in the process of locating a vendor for a Kurent mask and a two-foot statute of Kurent in native costume. Frank Medved will design a continuous running video presentation about the four components. There will also be a brochure designed by Karl Grahek featuring “Slovenian Folklore”. The Sečovlje Salina Nature Park by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk © Once upon a time, there were numerous large and small salt-pans in the Gulf of Trieste and Istria. These saltpans once exerted a great influence on area economies and city-states. Many disputes and wars were waged over salt. Salt was power. Salt was a commodity whose worth was compared to gold. Its use as a seasoning and a preservative of foods is well documented. Prior to having salt, man ingested the blood and meat of animals to stabilize the body. With the invention of gunpowder, salt became ever so valuable. Historically, numerous accounts are written on the symbolism of salt. Jews living in the old Jewish quarter of Fez were known for being involved in salt mining, hence the expression, “salt of the earth”. Salt has been used as a unit of exchange. The ancient Romans paid soldiers an allowance for the purchase of salt. Sal in salarium is Latin for pay. To say someone is “worth one’s salt” was a saying that meant they were worthy of the wages they earn. Salt also has a rich religious significance. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells the crowd they are “the salt of the earth”. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be wade salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men”. Matthew 5:13 (Impurities in sail causes it to lose the ability to give flavor) Jesus uses metaphor to illustrate that like salt, citizens have the ability to enhance, “to spice things up”, to add flavor to society. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer every man. ” Colossians 4:6 (Words can be a lullaby, encouraging, dynamic, or a sword) if Sečovlje (pronounced Seh-CHOVE-lee-eh) Salina On average, 2y000 Tons of Salt is Harvested Annually Environmental History: The Formation of Saltpans and Wetlands A salt marsh is formed when incoming tides, over a span of thousands of years, deposits sediment in low-lying coastal areas. The result is the creation of wet mudflats. Salt pans, either natural or man-made, are small depressions in the mudflats that trap and hold seawater. In the more brackish waters, saltwater grasses take hold and stabilize the grounds. These grounds become a home for sea and bird life, flora and fauna. Living quarters on the second floor Historical Process of Salt Harvesting The first documentation of salt harvesting on the Slovenian coastal area goes back to the year 840. In the 1400’s, Salter’s from the Croatian island of Pag brought a new method of harvesting salt to the Piran area. The process involved coating the salt pans with mud. As the mud slowly hardened the salt pans were covered with a crust/ carpet of green algae called petola. Petola prevented the mixing of sea mud sediment from the bottom of the salt pan with the salt. It also prohibited separate ions from building up in salt. The result was a white salt known for its purity and sublime taste. “The genetic difference between ordinary table salt and very expensive, gourmet sea salt is apparently .01%. And yet, the cost is 100 times more expensive and the taste 1000 times more sublime. ” As seawater flowed into carpeted/crusted salt pans, the water gradually evaporated. Salt crystals/clusters began forming on the warm surface of the water. These clusters were raked with wooden scrapers (gavero) into piles, then gravity took over. The excess moisture seeped down and out from the bottom of the salt piles. The salt was then hand-loaded onto wagons or wheelbarrows and taken to storage units. Metal was never allowed to touch the salt. Rare environmental and climatic conditions allowed for this method of salt harvesting. The protected delta, the relative constant sea level and hot summers with a constant breeze allowed for a speedy evaporation. Salt was harvested daily, as the action of the tide controlled the process. Houses were built within the salt pans to accommodate the workers. A typical house had 2 stories with the living quarters on the second floor. Salt and tools were stored on the ground floor with a separate bakery located outside. Houses were built of rough-cut pure white blocks of stone from the Istrian Peninsula and were chinked with left over chips and mud. A small amount of land surrounding each house was a place to dock their boat. This was their means of transportation throughout the salt pans. The Sečovlje Salina Nature Park Sečovlje Salina Nature Park covers about 650 hectares (IVi miles) in extreme southwestern Slovenia, along the Slovenian-Croatian border. Nearby is Piran, the city built of salt”. In 2001 the area was designated a nature park by the government of Slovenia and the ancient method of salt making was proclaimed a cultural monument. Today the Sečovlje Saline Nature Park is the only place in the world where the ancient scientific process of petola is used. As a designated landmark, salt is harvested in strict compliance to the centuries old procedures. Although the Sečovlje salt pans are state owned, Mobitel, a private company, has a 20-year contract to manage the park and produce the salt. Each year the company invests 1 million Euros for maintenance, cultural heritage and biodiversity. The Sečovlje Nature Park features a museum, a landscape park and wetlands that form a natural habitat for flora and fauna. The museum features a time-line Separate bakeiy located outside C« mam of salt making, but there is more than salt. In 1993, the Sečovlje salt pans became the first Slovenian wetlands to be put on the Ramsar* listing because of their exceptional landscape and ecological value. Lake Cerknica and the Škocjan Caves have since been added to the annotated listing. *Ramsar is an annotated list of wetlands of international importance. It lists the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park as “an area of tidal mudflats, salt pans and salt marsh supporting reed beds and salt-resistant vegetation at the mouth of a canalized river. The site is important for various species of breeding, wintering and large numbers of staging water birds. Numerous nationally rare invertebrates and halophytic plants occur within the site, and the area is important for conservation education, outdoor recreation, and scientific research. Salt pans have been operated in the delta for hundreds of years and 40% of the site consists of operational salt pans. Ramsar site no. 586. ” But the nature park is more than just salt. As recognized by Ramsar, the lands are a most diverse environmental oasis. More than 270 species of birds have been identified at the salt pans. Over 90 species use the wetlands as a nesting ground. It is a migratory flyway for many birds and a winter haven for others. This environmental oasis has clearly defined stipulations as to any negative activities. Encroachment on the salt pans, hunting and pollution of air, water and soil is prohibited. Construction, land use or any human intervention that could change the living conditions of the flora and fauna are prohibited. Picking of plants is prohibited, as is causing damage to habitats and nesting sites. Today, the human factor has been added to the listing of encroachments as the climate and seaside make it a lucrative area for tourism. Today, efforts and research are on going in order to maintain and sustain a balance between tourism, salt making and environmental protection. Today it is obvious that salt has once again become a commodity whose worth is compared to gold. Research Engines: 1. www.20search.com Search: salt pans/Slovenia; Martin Trpan/folktale 2. www.google.com Search: Ramsar convention 3. www.kraji.eu Search: salt pans (presentation of salt making) 4. For a panoramic view of the coastline and the salt pans: http://www.panoye.com/panorama/parenzana-and-secovlje-salt-fields 5. www.kpss.si 6. http://www/ inyourpocket.com/ (English/ Slovenian site) gM0MH£ I Activities for Kids of All Ages Long onto www.swua.org for the following Heroes are mirrors of culture! Read the folk story: Martin Krpan by Fran Levstik (1831-1887) To read the story, log onto www.swua.org. This folk tale has been handed down generation after generation, a Slovenian cultural story. As salt once had a worth touching gold, folk tales about salt are abundant. Fairy stories are timeless, and Martin Krpan is just that, a typical man, and of course, a hero. This fairy story is written in typical form: good vs. evil, the common man vs. giants, kings. After reading the story log onto the following site. http://www.otroci.gov.si/ For Martin Krpan: Click on Games and Puzzles. Wonderful site for kid exploration on Slovenia! Tasting the Red Sea If you want to experience how salty the Red Sea is, follow these few simple steps. Ingredients: Warm water Measuring cup Bowl Salt Red food coloring Measure out a liter (appox. 1 quart) of warm water and pour it into the bowl. Add four teaspoons of salt into the water. Add a few drops (3 or 4 is fine) of red food coloring to the mixture. Take a sip (not too much!). Delicious! How to Make a Nativity Scene with Salt Dough http://www.squidoo.com/salt-dough-maps (click on salt dough crafts) Step by step tutorial from beginning to end. Excellent site! Give a Gift of Music The Gift Keeps Giving Each Time the Music Plays! CD’s by the popular Barich Brothers, Joey Tomsick Orchestra and the Singing Slovenes are available at the Slovenian Heritage Museum. On the Minnesota Iron Range, the melodious and popular Barich Brothers are well known. They volunteer their toe tapping melodies at the nursing home in Ely. Their presence is known at the Tower Civic Center on Senior Sunday. Once a month Nick’s Bar in Gilbert resonates with their music and weddings are their specialty. If you want a recommendation, just ask Rosemary and Bob Ribich. Everyone is still talking about their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Frank Bucar received confirmation that the Singing Slovenes will be performing in Branson, Missouri in the Spring of 2011 as part of the annual “Worldfest”. Also participating is the Richie Yurkovich Band and the Chmielewski’s. I received a note from Mary Palcic in Florida. Mary was quite excited about the new CD by the Joey Tomsick Orchestra, and no wonder! What honors the orchestra has earned. Accolades are many, but today Joey is walking even prouder as on November 28, 2009, at the 22nd Annual Awards Ceremony presented by the Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, the Joey Tomsick Orchestra triumphed in all five categories in which they were nominated. Joey Tomsick was named Musician of the Year, band members named Sidemen of the Year; CD “Funhouse” named Polka Album of the Year with the Original Song of the Year, and the Joey Tomsick Orchestra named Band of the Year! Slovenian Heritage Museum 431 N. Chicago Street Joliet, Illinois 60432 815.727.1926 www.swua.org Branch 50 Member Joey Tomsick Sweeps National Polka Awards! JTO Wins in Five Categories Including Band of the Year and Recording of the Year! The Joey Tomsick Orchestra of Cleveland took top honors at the 22nd Annual Awards Ceremony presented by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday, November 28,2009. The band, which celebrated its 25lh Anniversary this year, triumphed in all five categories in which it was nominated. Bandleader Joey Tomsick was named Musician of the Year, while Bandmembers Phil Hrvatin and Hank Guzel, Jr. received the award for Sidemen of the Year. Earlier this year, the Joey Tomsick Orchestra released it’s long awaited for CD, Polka Funhouse which was named Polka Album of the Year, as voted on by the membership of the Polka Hall of Fame. The title track of the album won for Best Original Song of the Year. The Joey Tomsick Orchestra also won the most coveted award for Band of the Year, an honor that they will treasure forever! This crystal award was presented by Cleveland media personalities Dick Russ and Loree Vick before an audience of close to 1,000 people at the St. Clair Slovenian National Home. The Polka Funhouse CD features 16 selections, about half of which are new or originals. You’ll find several button box tunes, some snappy new polkas, delightful waltzes, the beautiful “Grandpa” song and the hot Polish-style selection “What Would I Do Without You”. You may purchase the award-winning album directly through Joey’s website at www.joeytomsick.com and at the Slovenian Heritage Museum by calling 815.727.1926. The Joey Tomsick Orchestra and Tomsick s daughter Faith, 6, had a big day at the Polka Hall of Fame Awards show. Enjoying the moment are (from left) Tomsick, drummer Jim Penko, bassist Hank Guzel and saxophonist Phi! Hrvatin. The Joey Tomsick Orchestra - Band of the Year Joey Tomsick - Musician of the Year Bandmembers Phil 1 Irvatin and 1 lank Guzel, Jr. - Sidemen of the Year The Joey Tomsick Orchestra CD, Polka Fimhou.sc - Polka Album of the Year The title track of Polka Fimliou.se - Best Original Song of the Year Branch 100 Member Jacqueline Widmar Stewart London Book Festival Award-Winner The 2009 London Book Festival has selected Jacqueline Widmar Stewart’s new book Finding Slovenia: A Guide to Old Europe’s New Country as runner-up in its annual competition honoring the best of international publishing. Awards are based on general excellence, the author’s passion for telling a good story and the potential of the work to gain a wider audience in the worldwide market. The awards ceremony was held in London on January 21,2010. Finding Slovenia also was selected as Finalist in the National Best Books 2009 Awards Travel Category by USA Book News. Fleeing imperial Austria before the scourge of two world wars, the author’s grandparents never could have imagined their small homeland as a free country. In her book Stanford-educated attorney Jacqueline Widmar Stewart portrays the natural and cultural history of this green gem, long hidden away in Central Europe. Within the space of two generations the stunningly beautiful little land has lifted itself from a feudalistic past to lead the European Union as an independent nation. Finding Slovenia: A Guide to Old Europe s New Country’ by Jacqueline Widmar Stewart, was published on September 22,2009, by Mladinska knjiga of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Ms. Stewart first book, entitled The Glaciers ’ Treasure Trove: A Field Guide to the Lake Michigan Riviera, explores the history and culture of five parks at the Lake’s southern tip, including the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. For more information please see www.lexicuspress.com and http://londonbookfestival.com Finding Slovenia: A Guide to Old Europe s New Country is available at the Slovenian Heritage Museum by calling 815.727.1926. St. Gregory Day Gregorjevo The Welcoming of Spring Traditions by Don Baldin, Zarja Correspondent On the eve of St. Gregory Day, Gregorjevo, creatively designed boats and houses are released into the various rivers of Slovenia. Each boat or house has a flickering candle lit and carefully placed inside. According to local lore, problems and worries associated with the cold days will be washed away along with the lights. It is St. Gregory's Day that Spring begins. Photo Courtesy of the Slovenian Tourist Board Gregorjevo - Traditional Event Photo by: Bobo Traditions and customs pertaining to St. Valentine’s Day and the first day of Spring are widely known, but in Slovenia there is another day that encompasses both of these concepts. The day is St. Gregory Day, which is celebrated each year on the 12,h of March. The holiday is named after St. Gregory who was a Pope in 540 A.D. and is credited with many things but most famously for rewriting the old Julian calendar to what became known as the Gregorian calendar (named for him). He was considered to be an ideal Pope and a great teacher and his calendar is still in use today. Like St. Valentine’s Day, St. Gregory’s Day also has a tie to love even to the point of birds in Slovenia. It is said to be true that birds mate on this day because their calls are believed to be louder on this day. Blackbirds are the biggest group to rush to mate and this has led to many old Slovenian beliefs or wives’ tales, such as the following. In the Dolenjska region it is believed that the birch trees turn green early so that the blackbirds can mate and in Ljubljana it is believed that the birds have a feast on March 12th. A couple of the traditions that are related to the birds are that people will place fresh poticas, breads and other goodies under bushes and trees for the birds to celebrate their weddings. Also the blacksmiths of the times would quit work at noon to go out to the woods and climb the trees to whistle to the birds and celebrate their weddings. Because of this in Slovenia, St. Gregory Day used to be considered the first day of Spring. There are several interesting and fun customs connected to St. Gregory’s Day that are tied to work and the light used to work by. The belief that most are based on is that the start of the extended daylight meant that the artificial light sources were no longer needed and the workers were creative in extinguishing their lights. It began with the shoemakers who used the light of the sun and threw their artifical light into water. They would use broomsticks to light a bonfire and then take the broomsticks and twirl them Maksim Gaspari: The difficult job ofplowing in circles before launching them into the water. Other types of craftsman followed other traditions such as making small paper boats and placing short candles on them and letting them float down a stream and when the candles were close to burning out the paper boat would sink and signify the putting out of the flame used for winter. The tradition grew and other types of miniature boats were created; for example wood shavings would be placed in a basket and set fire as they were placed in the stream and some would also apply sap to get their raft to bum hotter. It is said that the water would put out the fire and wash away all the uncomfortable work done under the unnatural light. As the tradition grew, the boats became more spectacular and were built into shapes such as little houses and churches with windows carved into wood and cardboard with a candle inside and glued to small boats to travel down the stream. As the boats became better the crowd grew to view the beautiful fleet of tiny vessels and soon a St. Gregory festival came about. The festival grew to the point of where the children would build boats of their own (gregorcki) which were judged and prizes were awarded but only the adults were allowed to light them on fire as they were sent down the waterway. In Genterovci in Prekmurje it became tradition for the boys in their final year of school to dress in hats and colorful ribbons and walk door to door in the town. They would sing songs in honor of St. Gregory, the patron saint of schools and it was the time that young children were invited to the school for the first time. There were traditions in the rural areas as well on St. Gregory Day; it was believed to be the start of the longest days of the year, and the fanners would put it to good use. This became the day for the farmers to begin working their fields especially the difficult job of plowing; it was believed on this day a good farmer would get his longest field plowed up and ready to be planted. The saying in Dolenjska was “St. Gregory Day the longest day, the longest field should be plowed!” While in the Karst region it was decided that these longer days left too much time between lunch and dinner so it would require an afternoon tea break with some tea and potica. This is referred to in the old saying “With St. Gregory comes afternoon tea". Since St. Gregory is related to the start of spring, several other sayings developed from the holiday, here are a few of them, some you may have to figure out the meaning. “If peach trees flower before St. Gregory, three people will have to share one peach”, meaning a bad crop. “On St. Gregory's Day foxes come out of their dens. If the weather is bad, they do not go back. But if the weather is nice they go back to sleep for fourteen more days”, something similar to our ground hog day celebration. “The farmer plows his fields all day long and wears his hat on the side and asks his old wife for a slice of bread”, no idea what that means. And finally, “After St. Gregoiys Day any wind that blows melts the snow away", not sure if it’s true but it sounds like a good idea. So, as you can see this remarkable Saint has many influences and represents so many things to so many different types of people and their regions. This man who became a great Pope and teacher and is responsible for the calendar system of today should be thought of and honored on his day the 12th of March. Plus, it is another thing to celebrate and as Slovenians we never turn down a chance to have a celebration. Tezak’s 1908 - 2008 Home to Celebrate Life ® 1211 PLAINFIELD RD., JOLIET, IL 60435 www.tezakfuneralhome.com 815.741.2563 Fax 877.587.8460 815.722.0524 Celebrating our 100"' Year! s Tour Slovenia Sponsored by Zarja The Dawn October 20 - 30, 2010 extend your stay and spend more time in Slovenia this can be arranged. Debbie and Bonnie have years of experience in escorting and designing trips to Europe. From the moment you show interest in joining this tour all the way to your flight home, they will be there for you. Not only will you have their individual attention but also that of a professional tour guide from Slovenia with excellent English and Kollander Travel. Come travel with us on a new fully guided tour of our beautiful Slovenia. Let us do the work for you! Space is limited, save your spot now! Call Judy at Kollander World Travel at 1.800.800.5981 x 3 or Bonnie Pohar Prokup at 815.223.9596 or wprokup@aol.com. Land Tour Includes * Accompanied by a professional local tour manager * Excellent accomodations * Four (4) wine cellar visits and tastings * Buffet breakfast daily/1 lunch/6 dinners included * Authentic Roman dinner in Ptuj * Lunch and wine tasting at a typical tourist farm * Deluxe private motor coach * Hosted by Bonnie Pohar Prokup and Debbie Pohar * Farewell dinner at a specialty restaurant in Ljubljana Come explore the “Secrets of Slovenia II” as we take you on another magical journey through Slovenia’s back roads. Your Zarja hosts Debbie Pohar and Bonnie Pohar Prokup promise you another opportunity of a lifetime. This time our magical journey will start off on the east side of Slovenia where we will spend time in Maribor, Ptuj and concentrate on the hidden secrets of the Prekmurje region. Later we will travel across the country with dynamic stops along the way to the coastline where we will dedicate days to the beauty of the Adriatic Sea and its surroundings. We will finish the tour in the capital city of Ljubljana. Much like the last time there will be free days where you can meet up with family and friends, take part in an optional tour or enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to Land Tour Cost $2,400.00 Per person in twin Single ROOM Supplement $420.00 Space is limited, save your spot now! Day 1: 20 OCTOBER - Depart from your home cities to Slovenia. Day 2: 21 OCTOBER (Arrival to Maribor) Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Maribor. You will have the rest of the day at your leisure until we meet for dinner in one of the most famous “gostilnas” in the Štajerska region with excellent cuisine. (D) Day 3: 22 OCTOBER (Maribor - Ptuj - Maribor) In the morning, enjoy a short walking tour of Maribor with a visit to the Vinag wine cellar, a tunnel in the city centre. You will have enough time for lunch on your own, shopping or just relax in one of the numerous cafes. In the afternoon travel to the medieval town of Ptuj and take a walk though the picturesque streets and visit the Ptuj castle. Since the origin of Ptuj is Roman, you will travel back in time and enjoy an Old Roman dinner, where you will be dressed in Roman clothes and eat typical Roman food. Return to Maribor for overnight. (B,WT,D) Day 4: 23 OCTOBER (Prekmurje) Today will be dedicated to discovering the secrets of Prekmurje and its river Mura. Visit the town of Verzej and the town of Ižakovci with the island of love. Admire the Babic floating mill and enjoy a typical snack from the region. On the way back to Maribor visit the Gornja Radgona sparkling wine cellar. Return to Maribor for overnight. (B,WT) Day 5: 24 OCTOBER (Bogojina) Travel to Bogojina to visit this charming town. Then to Filovci, the town of pottery, where you will visit the pottery museum. After the visit, you will experience the local cuisine and taste local “Bograc” goulash with “Prekmurska gibanica” for dessert. End the day with dinner in local restaurant with music. (B,D) Day 6: 25 OCTOBER (Maribor to Rogatec and Bizeljsko region) In the morning travel to Rogatec and visit an open air heritage museum where workshops will be organized for participants to be able to get involved in the making of different handcrafts. We will then drive south to the Bizeljsko region and visit the wine cellar, Repinca. Continue to Portorož for dinner and overnight. (B,WT,D) Day 7: 26 OCTOBER (Portorož) Day at leisure in Portorož. (B) Day 8: 27 OCTOBER (Portorož - Ljubljana) Travel to the western part of Slovenia and one of the most popular wine regions, Goriška Brda. Admire the hilly landscape and visit the town of Gonjače from where you can admire a magnificent view of the region. Then on to the picturesque town of Šmartno and visit a typical house before arriving in Dobrovo, the center of the region. Visit a local wine cellar with wine tasting. Late in the evening travel to Ljubljana for overnight at your hotel. (B,L,WT) Day 9: 28 OCTOBER (Ljubljana) Start your day with a walking tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Visit the most significant sights of the old city centre: the picturesque Central Open-air Market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Joze Plečnik. See the Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the charms of Ljubljana on your own, relax in numerous cafes or stroll the quaint streets. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B,D) Day 10: 29 OCTOBER (Kranj and Škofja Loka) Today regarded as a ‘Museum City’, Škoija Loka was for centuries a proud independent property of the Freising dominion and during that time numerous guilds developed within its walls. The intertwining of culture and nature inspired numerous artists, who also left their traces in the town. Strolling along the streets, we will admire the town’s flourishing history, reflected in rich architecture, colorful facades and splendid churches. On a 600-year-old bridge we unfurl legends from the past, and the visit to the magnificent castle will give us an insight into the art, craft and everyday life of the town’s residents. Kranj prides itself on its beautiful old centre and the impressive canyon of the River Kokra. It is also regarded as ‘Preseren’s town’, as Slovenia’s greatest poet spent the last years of his life there. We will visit the house he called home, still featuring the original 19th century furniture. In the centre we will admire the prominent houses surrounding the lively main square with the Town Hall, see a memorial to Prešeren, and visit the majestic Gothic Church of St. Kancijan. Return to Ljubljana for farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) Day 11: 30 OCTOBER (Depart Slovenia) After breakfast transfer to Ljubljana airport. (B) Contact Judy - Kollander World Travel 971 E. 185 St. Cleveland, OH 44119 Telephone: 1.800.800.5981 x 3 or Bonnie Pohar Prokup Telephone: 1.815.223.9596 Email: vvprokup@aol.com Branch Reports Poročila Podružnic BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin The ringing of the church bells on January 3,2010, marked the beginning of the 100th anniversary of SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. These same bells were cast in Yugoslavia, now Slovenia, in 1910 and transported to the church through the courage, foresight and efforts of the Slovenian pioneers of SSCM. The lighted sight of the bell tower, with additional lighting recently installed due to the generosity of a faithful parishioner and S WUA member, was beautiful to behold. Let us all, young and old; join to celebrate this yearlong event with enthusiasm and lasting memories. As we, Branch 1, planned our program for 2010, we kept in mind the Slovenian traditions. We hope to see all of our members take part in keeping our heritage alive! Our Christmas dinner meeting was well attended. Great food, great friendships and great accordion music! The election of officers was postponed as the positions of treasurer and secretary are to be vacated. The phone numbers of the nominating chairperson, current treasurer and secretary were given to all. Members are asked to call and nominate someone for these important positions. Until next time. ANGIE FRITZ BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois Sorry to report that we lost another member, Rose (Possedi) Garcia. Condolences to her son Dr. Michael and his wife, Christine on their loss. Please remember her in your prayers. Our Annual St. Joseph and St. Patrick Table will be held on March 21, 2010 at the Christo Rey dining room. The meeting will begin at 12:00 p.m. On May 16lh we will celebrate our Member of Year by honoring all members. Contact Fran or Delores for more information. In addition to members buying the SWUA Calendars, Branch 2 also purchased 10 calendars to support the National Convention, which will be held in Milwaukee in 2011. Tina Schwerin has moved from her home in Cicero and is now residing at Mays Lake Village in Oakbrook. HAPPY EASTER to everyone! DAISY BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Greetings to all Branch 5 members! My resolution this year was just to be nicer and to think more of others, and for those of you who know me, that is not always easy. In my two jobs, I come into contact with the same 500 people daily, so I decided to adopt the “RAK” system. “RAK” stands for Random Acts of Kindness, so doing something for someone without any great fanfare or acknowledgement. Cleaning off a snow covered car next to mine, bringing in some candy for a common area, folding the towels from the work dryer, bringing someone a cup of coffee sometimes it is the little things that don’t cost that can mean so much to someone. Look around, make someone smile today. Easter Season is upon us. I remember Grandma Loviscek doing those beautiful wax eggs in all the jewel-toned colors, the wonderful smell of the fresh hot krofe rolled in sugar and the pineapple-covered ham, hot from the oven. I remember the Easter-egg hunt at my Uncle Tony’s farm in the pasture where I found the big Chocolate Bunny. I remember the church filled with the smell of incense and Easter lilies. I remember new Easter dresses and Easter coats and Easter bonnets with the elastic chinstraps that were always too tight. I remember new patent leather shoes that came with a real live baby chick or duck that was “dyed” a springtime pink or blue. It is the message of Easter to renew us, not just with hats and dresses, but also from the inside. Renew a friendship today, call someone or drop them a card. Renew a membership today, bring a friend to a meeting. Renew a love today, watch an old movie or read a favorite book. Renew yourself today, one day at a time, do something for you. Renew a tradition today, share with family and friends. May the Peace we find at Easter renew you in the coming year. MARY, KAREN & PHYLLIS BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Our Member of the Year Luncheon will be held on Sunday, May 2nd at Val’s Restaurant in Daly City, 2468 Juniper Sierra Blvd. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., Lunch at Noon. Cost is $33.00 per person. Call President Doreen Sustarich at 415.468.5039 before April 25 to make your reservations and entree choice. We thank our National President Prokup for including part of our article in her message in the last issue. I received calls who thought it was wonderful. Thank you Bonnie. We have a legacy of family members who came before us. Katie Judnich was the mother of Josephine Auito our President for 33 years until her passing in 2005. Josephine’s sister is Auditor Virginia Sustarich. Helen Sustarich, another sister was the Financial Secretary. Jo, Virginia and Helen enrolled their daughters as Juniors. President Doreen Sustarich, Financial Secretary Moreen Spencer, Treasurer Michele Twers and Auditor Ann Sustarich. My mother Frances Pechavar Chiodo was an officer, reported for forty years and attended many National Conventions. She enrolled me and my sister Beverly Jackson as Juniors. Anna Kambich was the mother of Jackie Lowe. Anna Fabian was Vice President for many years and enrolled her daughters Diane Fabian Brahney and Joann Fabian. Doris Loven is a past Financial Secretary and her daughter Mary Copp is a member and her daughter Jeannette Lovrin was a member until she passed away. Last year Moreen’s daughter-in-law Alina Spencer and my two daughters-in-law Amy Rathbun and Katie Rathbun become third and fourth generation members. They all love the Zarja and try the recipes. Jeanette Lovrin a member for forty-four years, passed away on November 13th. She was the daughter of Doris Lovrin and sister of Mary Copp. Remember we changed our meetings to the first Wednesday of the month, at noon and a potluck lunch. Everyone is welcome to attend. BARBARA CHIODO bchiodo@comcast.net BRANCH 14 - Euclid, Ohio We are planning our annual Mother’s Day Dinner on the first Tuesday in May at the Slovenian Society Home on Recher Avenue. This is an event that many of our members look forward to as they once again are able to meet and talk with old friends they have not seen for awhile. Stana Grill will once again be calling everyone asking for reservations. If she misses you, please contact her as we want everyone to join us for a wonderful evening. BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois We wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. We enjoyed our Christmas Party on December 12th at Tom’s Restaurant. We had a very nice turnout. Fran Griffin handled the preparations and did a beautiful job. There were plants on each table which were raffled off, a decorated glass filled with our old-time penny candies for each of us to take home, two calendars for the February drawing and we had a 50/50 raffle. Thanks Fran and Marjorie for doing such a beautiful job. Our President, Marjorie Mitchell and her husband, Bob are going through a rough time now with their health. Marge has such a positive attitude and so much faith that I’m sure everything is going to be fine. Pray for both of them. We learned that Rosemary Petrich is recovering from a heart problem, keep her in your prayers. Tina Sertich is still recovering from her hospital stay and is now doing therapy in a rehab hospital in Valparaiso. Get well Tina. We hope to see you soon. Our first meeting of the year 2010 will be on March 13 at 1:00 p.m. in St. George Hall, 96th and Ewing, side door. Hope to see everyone there to help us plan the events of the year. Well that’s about it for now, have more to say next time. DOROTHY ROSSI BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois “Ilove music” says it all when Bruce Korosa gets up to play his accordion. The Branch 20 member was recently nominated for Best Polka Player at the prestigious Chicago Music Awards. He was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 29th Annual Awards Show. Bruce and his orchestra are well known in the Joliet area. He has entertained polka lovers at area festivals, picnics, the Rialto Square Theatre, and parties. He and wife Kathy host “Polkas on Tour” every Sunday on local radio station WJOL 1340 AM. Congratulations to the Korosas for the honors and the many happy smiles his talent and music have given his fans. Members Nicki Blowers and Nancy Ferencik hosted the St. Joseph Table and wonderful food. Our members always look forward to a good time. So many exciting events are open to all in Joliet, home of Branch 20. April meeting guest speaker Billie Limacher of the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park will speak of the history of the Park located along the waterway that runs through the city. The Park is a lovely addition to the area and hosts plays, music under the stars, fairs, and a riverwalk where you can watch the river traffic and drawbridges go up and down. Our sincere condolences to members Jenny Lou Skul, Evelyn Felbinger, Deborah Brown, Donna Lawler, Katie Lawler and Amanda Skul on the passing of Anthony Skul, brother, father and grandfather. We also remember the passing of the sister of member Millie Briski and Anne Marie Picco. Condolences to members Janette Alsbury, Jean Warsaw, Robin Coyne, Mary Lewis, Cindy Welsh and Branch 20 President Charlene Kobe on the passing of George Beutel. PAT SCHAGER patricia.schager@att.net BRANCH 23 - Ely, Minnesota Greetings and best wishes for the New Year to all the members of SWUA from Branch 23. This past December we held our annual Christmas party at the Grand Ely Lodge with 27 members in attendance. We had a great time singing Christmas carols led by Mary Ann Pulis. We also played a few games of bingo. Everyone ZIMMER FUNERAL HOMES Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 Tel: 920.457.7012 Fax: 920.457.7013 W 2132 Ganton Rd., Sheboygan, WI 53083 920.565.2331 www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com enjoyed the afternoon and each other’s company amidst much laughter. The winner of the Christmas wreath was Antoinette Hokkanen. The wreaths from the SWUA Fundraiser were absolutely beautiful. I had sent some to a few of my relatives and they were really pleased. Our luncheon entrees were excellent and the service was super. We are continuing to sell our “Slovenian Rags” with a great deal of success. In the coming months we hope to be able to donate to more causes. Since we started getting together for luncheon meetings, we have seen a real growth in our attendance. The announcements will be on WELY radio and in St. Anthony’s bulletin. God Bless You All! GERRY KLUN PETRICH gpetrich@citlink.net BRANCH 24 - La Salle, Illinois Dober Dan! It’s almost Spring! I think everyone is more than ready for it after the winter we’ve had here in the Midwest! There’s been many a day when all you can do is, put on the coffee and some good Slovenian music and stay put. Oh, and I found one last “Solnce” chocolate bar in the freezer, left over from the last trip to Slovenia, and I enjoyed that, too. I never thought chocolate and salt would make a good combination, but these candy bars are delicious! You must make it a point to purchase some, if and when you get to Slovenia. We mourn the death of a longtime and dear member, Florence Dondelinger, who passed away before Christmas after a long and courageous battle with cancer. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family. Our branch usually “hibernates” during the Winter months of January and February - “gearing up” for our meetings to resume in March - just in time for our baking demonstration and preparation for Easter. Keep warm and busy! Visit the sick and homebound -those who are less fortunate. Be on the lookout - nature has many surprises for us as the earth “wakes up” to Spring! Keep in your prayers the sick and dying, our men and women in the armed forces, and until next time, may your hearts be filled with love and peace. LORETTA STORY 91ives@comcast.net BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota The Iron Range loses a Loyal Slovenian Donald E. “Polka Pal Don” Micklich, of Tower, Minnesota who passed away on December 11th. For 42 years Don’s voice was well known on the Iron Range, first as “Country Cousin Don” and later as “Polka Pal Don” for the WELY radio station in Ely. He was always grateful for the support of his loyal fans and being inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame. Donald was very active in his Community and in his Catholic Faith. He was very proud of his Slovenian Heritage and promoted the culture and traditions every chance he had. He was always accommodating to the Slovenian Organizations, announcing their up-coming events and fundraisers. Donald’s wife, Adrienne, held the office of President of Branch 34. Anyone wishing to express their condolences to Adrienne and the family, may send them to Adrienne Micklich, P.O. Box 542, Tower, MN 55790. May the soul of Donald rest in peace with the Lord! ANITA M. VOVK BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota Twenty-five Branch 39 members came out of hibernation to enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner on Sunday, January 10th. A full turkey dinner buffet with all the trimmings was served at the Rustic Rock Supper Club in Eveleth. The room was decorated in Christmas decor and a fun setting for our annual Bunco dice game. It was a great way to begin our 2010 Zveze year, renewing friendships and welcoming new faces. Thanks go to Carol Sherek, our new Social Chairman for arranging the delightful day. Carol was unable to entertain us with her button box ethnic music as she was recovering from shoulder surgery however, she was able to attend the festivities. Get well soon Carol, we miss your music. As luck would have it, no one brought a camera! We’ll just have to wait for photos till next year. On a personal note, I want to thank all the members and the National Board for the beautiful cards and get-well wishes sent to me during my recent surgery. I especially appreciate all the sincere prayers. We all know that it is through prayer that one recovers and prayers are answered as I am getting stronger daily. Special thanks go to my Branch officers for handling the business in my absence. Hvala Lepa MARIJA POMAGAJ PROSI ZA NAS ROSEMARY (SERTICH) RIBICH rribich@northlc.com ^fp- First Midwest Bank Jolict 50 W. Jefferson St. 1415 W. Jefferson St. 2801 W. Jefferson St. 230 N. Chicago St. 1301 N. Larkin Ave. 2300 Rt. 59 Crest Hill 16051 Weber Rd. Lockport 800 S. State St. New Lenox 1888 E. Lincoln Hwy. 800.322.3623 • firstmidwest.com Member HJIC JU BRANCH 40 - Lorain, Ohio There were only five at our January luncheon. Several of our faithful were unable to come. Rose Jancar was not feeling up to par and Agatha Donges had injured her shoulder in a fall and was in re-hab. She is hoping to return home shortly. We missed you both! We celebrated Aggie Serazin’s birthday with a cake and our good wishes for many happy returns of the day. (See cake recipe below.) Happy Birthday Aggie! Fritz and Francine Pavlovčič celebrated their 68th anniversary. In reminiscing, Francine told me that Fritz had enlisted in the army prior to the beginning of World War II. He came home on furlough and they were married on January 6, 1942. Later he was shipped overseas to the European war zones and didn’t return for VA years! They have 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters. They marked the occasion of their anniversary with a family dinner. Our congratulations and good wishes to Fritz and Francine with hopes they celebrate many more years together in good health and joy in each other!!! STEPAHNIE POLUTNIK step@windstream.net BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin By now you’ve received your calendar for 2010 and you know of events and meetings for the year. I hope that it gives you an incentive to participate. This year marks our 80th Anniversary and we hope to make it something special. The date is June 5, 2010, so mark your calendars, more information will follow. March 28, 2010, is Palm Sunday. The 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. John ‘s Church will be for all the living and deceased members of our Branch. A Sunday Brunch Meeting will follow immediately after the Mass at Meyers Restaurant, 4260 South 76th Street, just a few blocks east of the church. We ask that anyone who has a Slovenian dress to wear it. Plans are in the making to gather at Triglav Park on Saturday, the 27th to make butare for the procession on Sunday. What a way to begin the Easter Season! Left to Right: Virginia Strukel - President of Branch 12, Yvonne Khaldy - Wisconsin State President, Jan Gehm - President of Branch 43 and Denise P. Bartlett - National Treasurer As our guests entered the dining room for our Christmas Party they were greeted by Minka, our Slovenian dressed doll. You will meet her at the convention in 2011, where you will be able to purchase raffle tickets to win her. Many thanks to Branch 1 of Sheboygan who was responsible for her creation and presented it to us at the State Convention. Left to Right: Josephine Janezic - Past President, Jan Gehm -President, Karen Goodman - Sgt-at-Arms, Betty Ann Kolesari -Vice-President, Tillie Skusek - Corresponding Secretary, Mici Bregant - Recording Secretary, Helen Frohna - Treasurer, Toni Needham - Auditor and Tom Gehm - Auditor A nice time was had by all who attended our Christmas Party and it was nice to see members of Branch 12 join us for the festivities. Josephine Janezic presided over the installation of our officers for 2010. Many thanks to Aggie’s Birthday Cake It is so good and easy! I got the recipe from my daughter. You will note there are no eggs and you mix it by hand. Chocolate Mayo Cake Ingredients: 2 cups of flour 1 cup of granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/3 cup cocoa 1 cup water 1 cup mayonnaise Grease and Hour a 9x 13 pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together: flour, granulated sugar, baking soda and cocoa. In a 2 cup measure, add water and mayonnaise. Stir to blend well and add to flour mixture and mix well. Spread in prepared pan. Bake in pre-heated oven for 35-40 minutes until no imprint remains when touched lightly. Cool then frost with favorite frosting or: Chocolate Chip Frosting Ingredients: 6 tablespoons margarine 6 tablespoons milk 1 Vi cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon com syrup Va cup of chocolate chips Combine in saucepan: margarine, milk, sugar and com syrup. Stir and bring to a boil. Boil 30 seconds stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips. Let stand about 10-12 minutes. Then beat until chocolate chips are melted and mixture starts to thicken. Pour and spread over cake. Try it. I know you will like /////-Stephanie Polutnik everyone who baked cookies or door prizes. They were appreciated by all. Best wishes for a New Year filled with Happiness and Good Health. MICI BREGANT BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio Join us, March 17th to again extend a welcome to former Branch 32 members and to applaud our returning president, Rosemary Toth, following double knee replacement surgery. During this time she continued overlooking Branch 50 activities. Good job, Rosemary! Ivanka Matic, Josephine Arko and I are all recovering and out and about! Rosemary was elected President, Cookie Maxin Vice-President, Maureen Podlogar Treasurer and Secretary Josephine Wutchiett. Reporter, Anne Tomsick and auditors Lillian Homar and Louise Troglia. Thank you for your service. Sincere condolences to the family of Frank Troglia. His wife, Louise, was our 2009 Member of the Year. Condolences also to the family of Mary Persin. She will be remembered as a generous woman of faith and beautiful inside and out. On another sad note, it is fitting to pay tribute to 102-year old baker and cook, Mary Ster, well known to all our local Slovenian homes. Fascinating in many ways, she will be greatly missed by family and devoted friends. The 48th annual Thanksgiving Polka Party by Tony Petkovšek in Cleveland was a success. Member Joey Tomsick and his Orchestra swept major categories, including Band of the Year, Recording of the Year (for his new record, the “Polka Funhouse” written by Frank Koblekar), Best Musician and Best New Song. Two of Joey’s sidemen, Hank Guzel (bass) and our own member Phil Hrvatin (saxophone), also won awards. Other band members include Jimmy Penko on drums and Mery Tomsick on vocals. After the awards show, the crowd returned to the Marriot for a polka Mass celebrated by retired Cleveland Auxiliary Bishop A. Edward Pevec and Minnesota’s Fr. Frank Perkovich Mary Palcic of Branch 93, NYC phoned me. I thanked Mary for reading my article and was pleased to make her acquaintance. Kollander World Travel has relocated to 200th Street, in Euclid. Tony Petkovšek’s WELW daily polka show is now broadcast from Fairport Harbor. His address is 665 2nd Street, Suite 8, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077. Check out ClevelandSlovenian.com: www.cleslo.com. SWU A member Phil Hrvatin along with Tim Percic created this site to promote Slovenian culture and heritage. Sign up for free at info@clevelandslovenian.com. ANNE TOMSICK 216.531.2745 cjaynow@yahoo.com BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio Hello from Girard! I hope that the first few months of the New Year 2010 have treated everyone well. It’s hard to imagine that ten years have already come and gone since the start of the new millennium back in 2000! Branch 55 and A ML A Lodge 42 members Dolores DePietro and Steve Luzar on the buttonhox Monthly meetings are back in session for the New Year. Members are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings. We always welcome new ideas so come and join us! That’s all the news for now. Wishing all of you a happy and healthy Spring! MONICA SELAK In Branch news, I hope you enjoy the pictures from our annual Christmas Party held with members of AMLA Lodge 42. A great time was had by all in attendance at this past year’s event. A special thanks to Dolores DePietro for her button box performance! Marine Corps Captain Mark Selak recently returned home from his first tour of duty in Japan. Welcome home, Mark! Left to Right: Dolores DePietro, Anka Krakora, Maria Selak, Joan Twaddle and Milka Kregar BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois We had a very nice Christmas dinner and were lucky to have a day with good weather. Chris and Annalise Sabotta made the cutest little foam gingerbread ornaments for everyone. They were personalized with our branch name and number and were very creative. Pam Nosalik was the guest of her mother Darlene Wasielewski. President Alice Ebner told us that we had the most successful bakeless bake sale ever and we want to thank all our generous members, especially those who are unable to attend meetings. Please make an effort to join us on Sunday, March 7, at 1 p.m. at the Dickinson house. We are going to have a cooking demonstration on making flancati. After going to the fun demonstration at Lemont last fall we decided to replicate it and are doing it on a Sunday, a change from our usual Monday meeting day. This is something kids can do, so bring them too. If you are coming from out of town, please call me to find out what to bring and to make sure we have not had to change plans at the last minute. It should be a good time for everyone. 1 can still remember eating them at Grandma Terselic’s house when I was a little girl and am glad to be able to keep the tradition alive. We are considering moving more meetings to Sunday afternoons. What do you think? Would you be more likely to attend? Call or e-mail any time; we are always happy to hear from you and appreciate suggestions for making our meetings interesting. See you in March. BARBARA BRUCH barbarabruch@yahoo.com 815.339.2714 BRANCH 93 - New York City, New York February 6th found our branch celebrating Kulturni dan (Slovene Cultural Day) with a Slovenian wine-tasting event, while enjoying nibbling on potica, kifli and various savory appetizers. Marta Stemberger’s Slovene language students, accompanied by Lenart Krečič on the key-board, sang some Slovene folk songs and recited Preseren’s Zdravljca (The Toast) and Gregorčiči Veseli pastir (The Merry Shepherd). Everyone joined in singing Slovenija gre naprej (Slovenia Goes Ahead!) in anticipation of cheering on Slovenia’s soccer team for the World Cup games in June. Scheduled for March 20"' is another one of our popular cooking demonstrations. Sonja Mosquin will be showing us how to make Njoki (Gnocchi) and Češpljevi Cmoki (Plum Dumplings). We’ll be inspired to try making these at home, but right now enjoy eating them while they’re hot! Slovenian Language Lessons sponsored by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Slovenia are now offered in NYC! Classes are held weekly at Church of St Cyril. Contact Marta Stemberger for more information: 718.919.0727, marta@eARINNA.com, (Marta is a member of Branch 93) Check our web-site www.SWUANYC.org to see current and past activities, or take a look at www.facebook.com (type in “SWUA”). Join our Yahoo group (e-mail: SWUABranch93NYC- subscribe@yahoogroups.com where we notify you of upcoming activities and last minute news of events. For anyone not on e-mail, please call Branch 93 contact: 201.947.6336. We welcome ideas for events and if you’d like to lead one, contact Lynn Zalokar at Lzalokar@yahoo.com or call 201.947.6336 ELIZABETH GROSS BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Hello everyone! We’ve had a great start this year in our branch. In January we held our meeting at Olive Garden Restaurant and had a great turnout. Members present unanimously decided to elect the same officers: President-Julie Partyka; Vice-President-Paula Mavec; Secretary-Barb Block; Treasurer-Tom Zakosek; Auditors-Fran Schultz and Michaela Simrayh; Sunshine Lady-Mary Ann Partyka. In February, we held a successful Blueberry/ Lemon Strudel culinary class. It’s always great to learn to make (and eat!) our favorite Slovenian recipes. New this summer is a Bocce Ball and Summer Game Social at Vice-President Paula Mavec’s home in Joliet. She has a bocce court in her back yard, and all are welcome to attend. Registration is required and bring a dish to pass. Details are still in the works. We would like to again thank all the bakers for our successful Cookie Sale in December. We were able to offer the wonderful bakery of Jean Cherway, Maria Vlasic, Dawn Vidmar, Jana Hlade, Mary Mavec, Paula Mavec, Julie Kaluza, Lillian Cepon, Ljuba Novak, Fran Schultz, Ivanka Buh, Diane Sweigert, Marija Petak, Nandi Puh, and Mary Ann Partyka. Also, another great big thanks for the many, many items we collected to send to troops overseas. Our officers are working hard to increase membership, communication, and participation in our branch. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please attend a meeting or contact secretary Barb Block at barbandlarryblock@att.net. If you didn’t receive a schedule for our branch, please contact Barb as well. In addition, please let us know if any of our members are ill, deceased, or need help in any way. Contact Mary Ann Partyka at craftymar304@comcast.net. Wishing you a very blessed Easter season! JANA HLADE jmhlade@hotmail.com BRANCH 100 - Southern California Almost forty members and guests enjoyed our Annual Christmas Gathering. It was also a time to review our year and elect officers for 2010.1 am happy to report that Mary Lou Jensen agreed to continue as president of the Branch. She is doing such a great job, that we are truly happy to have her continue. Also, Linda Costell will continue as Vice President. Rosemary Mlakar retired as the Branch Secretary after many years of service but we were fortunate to have a volunteer to take over after the business is handled, and that is Connie Swiderski. I, Jean Koci, will continue as Branch Reporter and Recording Secretary. Dorothy Jemeycic will continue as Sunshine Correspondent. I was surprised to have a call from Mary Lou Voelk some weeks ago when she was preparing her article for the January-February issue about the Three Kings. It was great to see the article in print when my Zarja arrived a short time ago and to find that she really included our Branch members’ memories in this very special issue. Thank you, Mary Lou! As for the Salt Mines in Piran...the feature of this issue, I have some special memories of visiting the Museum of Salt Making in 2003. A few of us broke away from the rest of the travelers in our tour group in order to spend some time with the director and coach of the Flip Acrobatic Club of Piran while we were in the area. They insisted on treating Amie, myself, Elvie Blasick and her son, Chuck, to a tour of the museum so that we could learn the history of salt making there. Living where we do in Southern California, we had never seen such an operation. One of the most interesting parts was the salt pans house, where the workers lived in the upper level and the storage space and ovens for baking were located on the ground floor. Bags of salt were stored after they were filled. Today this salt is sold in gift shops all around Slovenia so that we can take a bit of it home with us. The mines are no longer used commercially even though the salt pans gave an important occupation and livelihood to many who lived in this Adriatic area for many hundreds of years. JEAN KOCI BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin Greetings from Willard! We are so grateful another winter will soon be behind us. Members celebrated Valentine’s Day with another wonderful potluck lunch. We enjoyed bingo and visiting so the afternoon just flew by. Thanks to Sue Pakiz for the wonderful door prizes. Birthday greetings to Candy Johnson, Msgr. Malnar, George Plautz, Kathy Severson and Lynn Schwartz. Marie Hoppa, Juliet Murphy, Judy DiPasquale and Dickie Bauer also celebrated birthdays since we talked last. At our last meeting, Junior member Megan Johnson shared pictures of designs she used for her prom dress last year. Megan, a talented artist, is majoring in design. Our sympathy is sent to the families of Mary Djubenski and Bob Debevec, who passed away this past winter. Both were lifelong Willard residents who supported SWUA, Mary as secretary/treasurer and Bob, through his wife Jo. As we kick off this new year of meetings, Branch 102 officers are hoping more members will join us regularly. Any ideas for outings or topics for meetings are really appreciated. Please call or email our president Rose Pakiz or our secretary Sue Pakiz. Everyone’s help is needed to keep Branch 102 vibrant. Thank you to everyone who attends meetings regularly in spite of some longs drives. KAREN HRIBAR-SPIRES kleespires@comcast.net BRANCH 103 - Washington, DC Branch 103 reelected the same officers and is looking forward to future activities such as the Easter Blessing in the Slovenian Chapel, Communion Breakfast in May, presentation by former president Jill Augustine about their stay in Iran and a celebration of our 45th anniversary in the fall. President Mary Lou Terselic and husband Richard celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. At the reception, Chris Bohince played Slovenian melodies on his accordion. To celebrate her 87th birthday, lea Zebot and her daughter Mana McNeill went to Slovenia. They visited lea’s father’s gravesite, the home town of lea’s husband Ciro, and gravesite of a friend of SWUA Stane Sustersic, and famous tourist places Ljubljana, Lake Bohinj, Klagenfurt and Visarje. Please remember Ana Sonc-Jevtic in your prayers so that she will have a full recovery from the cancer that has stricken her. Our condolences to the family of Jim Cesnik who passed away after a lengthy illness. Former President Sabina Bartol passed away in October at the age of 91, after a long and successful life and career. She was Branch 103 President from 1993 - 1994 and Woman of the Year in 1991. Sabina married native Slovenian, John Bartol, USN (deceased). Her love of all things Slovenian was apparent in her writings, her joy and SCOLA WWW.SCOLA.ORG Helping people of the world learn more about one another participation in branch activities, her meticulous attention to detail in preparing for meetings and her loving and considerate concern for branch members and for those she encountered as branch president. We all responded to her ready smile, twinkling eyes and warm words. Sabina’s account of a Mass commemorating the independence of the Republic of Slovenia and its membership in the United Nations was particularly vivid and moving (Zarja - October 1992). The account included a prayer Sabina had written and recited. Sabina was known for the prayerful intentions and petitions she recited before branch meetings. Please remember Sabina and Jim Cesnik in your prayers. MARY MEJAC mmgram4445@rcn.com BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland The installation of new officer’s was led by Lynn Koiner, followed by a blessing from Spiritual Advisor, Father Peter Rožič. Officer’s for 2010: President - Bernadette K. Fitzsimmons; Vice President - Lynn Koiner; Secretary -May Kokal; Treasurer - John Klanšek; Auditor - Nika Kovačič; Spiritual Advisor - Fr. Peter Rožie; Program Chairperson - Marjeta Cedilnik and Historian - Erika K. Roda. Everyone received red carnations and all joined hands in a circle to say the “Our Father” prayer, as a symbol of our unity and heritage. We were happy to welcome new member, Virginia Durbin who drove nearly 140 miles roundtrip from the Harper s Ferry. We also welcomed our guests, Marjeta Cedilnik’s parents from Slovenia, husband Shane and her brother Andy from California. Mrs. Blažža Cedilnik, native Slovenian visitor was our guest speaker on the topic of “Nova Zaveza, a cultural, political Slovenian organization that questions the truth of past and present crises from the impact of war throughout Slovenia’s history. Mrs. Cedilnik is a regular contributer to Left to Right: Standing - Fr. Peter, Anne Stratton, Lynn Koiner, Margy Whitmore, Marie Robinson, Nika Kovacic, Helen Sisto, Virginia Durbin, Mr. Cedilnik, Bernadette Fitzsimmons Seated - Blazza Cedilnik (guest speaker), John Klansek, May Kokal, Marjeta and Zala Cedilnik. Fran Hrastar, not pictured was also present the Nova Zaveza publication, and her challenges and triumphs have brought her questions to the attention of the Queen of England. A summary of her lecture will be printed in a future issue. Welcome to the Mathews family, Katie, Sarah, Eric, Lawrence and MaryLou Kusar from the Chesapeake, VA area; Colleen Juričič of Crest Hill, IL; Ashley Smith of Arlington, VA and Virginia Durbin of Rohrersville, MD. We will miss member Janet Glasz, a regular attendee at branch meetings who recently moved to Chesapeake, Va with her husband, and wish her all the best in her new home. Weather permitting, members and guests will participate in Slovenian T-shirts/ costume in the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Gaithersburg at the Washingtonian Center on Saturday morning, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. For details, go to www.hssg.org. We’ve had fun in this event in the past. Please join us and for lunch at nearby Macaroni Grill! Vesela velika noč (Happy Easter) BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS Bettekfitz@verizon.net Try a Tax-Deferred Annuity for 1 Year! I 1st Year Tax-Deferred Annuity Rate For full details, visit www.kskjlife.ors or call 1-800-843-5755 AMERICAN SIOVENIAN CATHOUC f /UNION •Rates subject to change without notice. Not available in all states. Not FDIC insured. Backed 100%by KSKJ Life with no administrative fees, BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities of Minnesota The lingering refrains of “Sveta noc” and “Glej, zverzdice bozje” seem like distant memories as we concluded our 2009 Christmas Party. Mary Ann Palmer opened the party with a reading entitled “Christmas of My Childhood”. Norm Setnicker had the children’s attention by his reading of “Sveti Miklavž” and a brief Slovenian language lesson which centered around the traditional Christmas manger scene. Miro Medved led us in the singing (Slovenian) of the above mentioned Christmas carols. We drew names for two donated poticas- complements of Yvonne McComber. Sydney Wood and Brian Hahn two of the children in attendance, were given Slovenian Christmas ornaments. The ornaments were made of porcelain, inscribed with the Slovenian flag, Christmas ornamentation, and the words: “Vesel Bozic.” On January 23rd we held our 5th Anniversary party at the Nectary restaurant, owned by member Andrew Percic. President Norm Setnicker thanked the group for all their efforts in achieving what has become a “rich oasis” of Slovenians sharing the legacy of their forbearers in a large metropolitan area of the Twin Cities. Members Betty Poferl, Shelby Setnicker Eshitit and Karen Medved entertained the 50 guests playing Slovenian songs. Where would a Slovenian party be without singing? Miro Medved and Mary Ann Palmer led us into Slovenian songs such as: Jaz Pa Ti, Kol’kor Kaplic, and “Moja Dekle.” On a dim note Branch 109 will be without Jeff Martinka, our Festival of Nations Chairperson. Jeff has new employment in Milwaukee. Jeff’s leadership will be sorely missed. Jim Smrekar, who launched our Branch into the festival two years ago will again lend his leadership skills along with Sue Rademacher and Nancy Jean Pajunen. - a Slovenian, a German and a Finlander-What a leadership team! Branch 109 will host the regional convention this fall, the first for our group and those of Minnesota who will be traveling to a major city. Unlike northern Minnesota where local churches have a cultural relationship with the Slovenian population, we have a diverse religious and ethnic population. Finding a location to meet the objectives of a Minnesota Regional Convention is proving to be a challenge. As my dad used to say, “Pa Bo”! NORM SETNICKER Calendar of Events MARCH 7, 2010 Branch 89 of Oglesby, Illinois will host a Flancati Cooking Demonstration at the Dickinson House at 1:00 p.m. RSVP to Barbara Bruch at barbarabruch@yahoo.com or815.339.2714. MARCH 13, 2010 Branch 108 of Olney, Maryland will participate in the Gaithersburg Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. For details go to www.hssg.org. Slovenian T-shirts and Slovenian costume are encouraged. MARCH 20, 2010 Branch 93 of New York City, New York will host a Njoki (Gnocchi) and Eešpljevi Cmoki (Plum Dumplings) Cooking Demonstration. Contact Lzalokar@yahoo.com or call 201.947.6336 for further information. MARCH 21, 2010 Branch 2 of Chicago, Illinois will host their annual St. Joseph and St. Patrick Table at Christo Rey Dining Room at noon. MARCH 27, 2010 Branch 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin will be making Butare at Triglav Park. MARCH 28, 2010 Branch 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin to host Palm Sunday mass followed by brunch at Meyers Restaurant. Please wear your Narodna Nošas. MAY 2, 2010 Branch 13 of San Francisco, California will host their Member of the Year Luncheon at Val’s Restaurant in Daly City. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., cost is $33.00. Call Doreen Sustarich at 415.468.5039 before April 25 to make your reservation and entree choice. JUNE 5, 2010 Branch 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin will celebrate their 80'h Anniversary. More information to follow next issue. JUNE 16 - 19, 2011 Mark your calendars for the National Convention to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brian Hahn and Sydney Wood mm the Christmas ornaments Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia Bean and Corn Soup (Sočivje) Bean and Com Preparation: 2V2 cups dried pinto beans 2-3 bay leaves 1 teaspoon black pepper corns 1 cup com cut from cob (or frozen) 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt Cover the beans with water by about 1" and bring to a boil. Once the beans boil, turn off the heat and drain the beans. Discard the water and cover again with cold water. Return to the heat and add bay leaves and pepper corns. Bring to a simmer and add the com, paprika and salt. Cook for about 20 minutes. Roux Preparation: 1/4 tablespoons oil 6 tablespoons flour 2 cups water Heat oil, add flour and saute to make a roux but it does not need to be browned. Add water a little a time. Soup Preparation: 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 2 cups soup broth 3A teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 beef bullion cube Add to the roux the paprika, soup broth, tomato paste and salt. Add this mixture to the bean and com stock and then add the beef bullion cube. Simmer for about 1 hour and serve. Marija and Jenka preparing the following recipes at Marija s house in Slovenia President Bonnie Pohar Prokup cleaning the beans from Marija s garden for the soup Brittle Flancati (Krhki Flancati) Marija’s Artistic Twist of Flancati Flancati are served at all special occasions. The texture should be so flaky that they crumble in your mouth. At every Slovenian wedding, there are flancati to nibble on. This recipe describes a traditional way of twisting the dough plus an artistic twisting technique that was shown to us by Marija Bauer in Slovenia. 1 cup flour 2 eggs 1 tablespoon sugar 1 Vi tablespoons soft butter A pinch of salt 2 shots of rum Vi grated lemon peel Powdered sugar (to top) Make a well with the flour add eggs, sugar, butter, salt, rum and lemon peel into the center of the well. Mix the ingredients well to make a dough. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll out to 1 /16 of an inch thick and cut into ribbons of about 2 inches wide the entire length of the dough. Next cut the ribbons into 4 inch lengths. Make 2 slits into the center of each of the ribbons. Be sure to leave the top and bottom of the ribbon intact-don’t cut through to the ends. Take one of the outside edges of the ribbon and insert it into the second slit. Pull it through on the underside and it will twist into shape. Fry the flancati until golden brown (about 30 seconds on each side). When cool sprinkle with powdered sugar. You will also need apricot jam or Solo pie filling Cut dough into an equal number of squares in the following sizes: 2 inch square, 1 /2 inch square and 1 inch square. Cut a slit at each corner diagonally towards the center (take care not to cut all the way through to the center). Stack one of each size of the cut dough on top of each other with the 2 inch square on the bottom, 1 /2 inch square in the middle and the 1 inch square on top. When stacking stagger the corners when placing the next piece on top and slightly twist up the corner to give a flower look and create a well in the top piece to place apricot jam. Fry, when cool place 1 teaspoon of apricot jam in the middle and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Mix butter, flour, ricotta cheese and baking powder together and knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Place in the refrigerator for about V2 to 1 hour. Divide the dough into to 4 even balls and roll each ball on a floured board into a circle that is about 1/8 inch thick (about a 12 inch disk). Cut into 8 equal pie wedges (as you would a pizza). Place 1 teaspoon of apricot jam or Solo fruit filling into each wedge at the top third of the wedge. Fold the top 2 comers of the wedge into the center and seal all of the seams. Roll each wedge from the top to the tip to form a crescent roll. Pinch the tips of the crescent to seal. Place each crescent on a parchment lined baking sheet. Beat the egg and milk together. Brush each crescent with the egg mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 425° F for 15 minutes until golden brown. While still warm from the oven sprinkle them with powdered sugar through a sieve. Makes 32 crescents Editors Note: You can use butter crescent roll dough prepackaged in the refrigerator aisle at your local store, roll into circular shape and continue with the cutting into pie wedges for a quick but still delicious version oj this recipe. If you do not tell anyone and hide the wrapper no one will know! Butter Crescents (Kifeljčki) 1 cup butter 1 cup sifted white flour V £1 5 1 cup ricotta cheese J _ * 1 Vi teaspoon baking powder f*ste Apricot jam or Solo fruit filling **” 1 egg 1 tablespoon milk cV '/2 cup powdered sugar Secrets of Slovenia II Tour Slovenia Sponsored by Zarja The Dawn October 20 - 30, 2010 Space is limited, save your spot now! Call Judy at Kollander World Travel at 1.800.800.5981 x 3 or Bonnie Pohar Prokup at 815.223.9596 or wprokup@aol.com. Come travel with us on a new fully guided tour of our beautiful Slovenia. Let us do the work for you! \j ion 920100321,2