N URADNO GLASILO SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION NUMBER4 APRIL, 1982 VOLUME 54 "WE SHALL NOT FORGET" might be the slogan of the above representatives forming the Slovenian Miners & Laborers Memorial Fund Committee intent upon establishing a suitable and artistic remembrance of the great contribution,made by our Slovenian fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers who worked with all their strength to give our beloved country the strong industrial base by which it grew and grew, into the gigantic power it is today. They invite you to join in the Fund drive co-sponsored by fraternal and other societies and many individuals. A goal of $10,000 must be reached this year! Dedication at the Iron Range Interpretative Center in Chisholm, Minnesota will be in 1983! On the photo, from left to right. Chairman, Rev. David Stalzer, Robert Kosmerl, National Secretary of the American Slovenian Catholic Union, Marian Jackovich, National Officer of the American Fraternal Union; seated, L£:'r: Brule , international sculptress and artist who has been retained to design and execute the Memorial and Mary Mu'ie., National President of Slovenian Women's Union. CALENDAR* April 1 BAKE SALE, Br. 19, Eveleth, MN April 7 FUND RAISER, Br. 95, So. Chicago, IL April 18 ANNIVERSARY MASS, Br. 73, Warrensville Hgts., OH April 24 SPRING DANCE, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA April 25 CARD PARTY, Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI April 25 MOTHER’S DAY DINNER, Br. 19, Eveleth, MN April 25 MOTHER’S DAY MASS, Br. 101, Bedford Hgts., OH May 2 MOTHER’S DAY MASS & BREAKFAST, Br. 13, San Francisco, CA May 5 MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTY, Br. 10, Cleveland, OH May 5 MOTHER’S DAY PARTY, Br. 95, So. Chicago, IL May 11 MOTHER OF THE YEAR MASS & PARTY, Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH May 12 CELEBRATION DINNER, Br. 21, Cleveland, OH May 13 MOTHER’S DAY MASS & PARTY, Br. 2, Chicago, IL May 13 TRIP TO KNOXVILLE, Br. 20, Joliet, IL May 18 MOTHER OF THE YEAR LUNCH, Br. 54, Warren, OH June 20 PAN-SLAVIC DAY, St. Joe’s Park, Joliet, IL June24 JUNIOR MEMBERS’ PICNIC, Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI July 18 ZVEZA DAY, Lemont, 111. Br. 2, Chicago, IL Sept. 12 COLORADO-KANSAS-MISSOURI STATE CONVENTION, Br. 92, Gunnison, CO Oct. 3 ILLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVENTION, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL ZARJA - THE DA WN (ISSN 0044-1848) NO. 4 APRIL, 1982 VOL 54 Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union ot America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze. Published monthly except one combined issue, July-August — izhaja vsak mesec razen skupne Številke za julij-avgust. Annual Subscription for non-members, $10.00 — naročnina $10.00 letno za ne-flane. For Social Members, .65 per month — za druiabni članice. 65 mesečno. Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 4)1, No. Chicago St., Joliet, II. 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926 Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, IL AH communications for the next issue of publication must he in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo bili v rokah urednice do L r mesecu. Editor, ČOKI N NE LESKOVAR Editorial Office, 20J2 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, II. 60608 Telephone (312) 847-6679 HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN APRIL National Officers: April 4 IRENE JAGODNIK, Nat’l Auditor, Cleveland OH April 8 LUCILLE SMITH, Regional President, Strabane, PA April 21 HERMINE DICKE, Scholarship Comm. Chairman, Madison, WI Presidents: April 1 FRANCES KOROŠEC, Br. 59, Burgettstown, PA April 4 ANNA ROSE SMOLICH, Br. 35, Aurora, MN April 4 MARGARET GRICAR, Br. 71, Strabane, PA April 4 MARGARET DEPEW, Br. 92, Gunnison, CO April 13 FRANCES SKUL, Br. 3, Pueblo, CO April 13 JENNIE SAMSA, Br. 38, Chisholm, MN April 17 VIRGINIA UHERNICK, Br. 74, Ambridge, PA Secretaries: April 3 VIDA LANARI, Br. 19, Eveleth, MN April 7 STELLA DANCULL, Br. 21, Cleveland, OH April 8 ANGELA KOZJAN, Br. 40, Lorain, OH April 26 JENNIE CREA, Br. 52, Kitzvillc, MN MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY! INDEPENDENT CRAVINGS 1515 E. 260th, Euclid, Ohio 44132 731- 8865 920 E. 185th. Cleveland. Ohio44119 486- 4100 HAPPY EASTER! HAPPY EASTER! HAPPY EASTER! President's Message APRIL 1982 I wish you all a Happy Easter with an abundance of health and happiness. Our campaign is now entering it’s last phase. With the convention next year, let us try to bring in new membership. With each member submitting one or more candidates, just think how our ranks would swell and our spirits soar! At our Board meeting the decision was voted on unanimously to cut expenses to the quick. Because of extremely high costs, it is necessary to eliminate the February and June issues of ZARJA, bringing the number to 9 per year. Also, cuts will be made in travel, advertising and many other expenditures. The audit report will be printed in the Board minutes, so suffice it to say, a great deal of our time was spent making these cuts in our budget. I am sure you will all understand and bear with the changes. Regarding the National Convention in 1983, it is not too early to start planning your participation. Use your by-laws as a guide in electing your delegate at meetings next Jan., Feb. and March. Our Heritage Museum is beginning to make progress. The committee, headed by Irene Odorizzi and chaired by Millie Pucel and her aides, members of Branches 2 and 20, report a substantial receipt of clothing and materials to put on display. It will be an incentive for visitors to the National Office and a credit to the organization. Father David Stalzer reported on the Miner’s Memorial and expects progress toward completion by May 1983. His pleas for contributions is made to you all. The Scholarship fund is growing and we are looking for applicants amongst our graduates. Our Cookbook will be delivered by March 15th. It is a beautiful, informative copy that everyone will welcome. Br. 2 strudel-makers are featured, as are tasty recipes to tempt the palate from all over the U.S. 1 am again making a plea for branches to assist their officers whenever necessary. Many who have served for years wish to retire. How nice for a younger member to help in making the transition pleasant. We need to know that we can depend on our sister-members. It is gratifying to the retiring officer and a challenge to the new-comer. The Board and local friends participated in a testimonial dinner for Josephine Erjavec and Emma Planinšek, who retired after serving a total of 99 years in the SWU with Br. 20. They are truly magnificent ladies and 1 wish them much health and happiness. Belated congratulations on the 50th anniversary of Branch 52 in Kitzville. Let us remember our sick and ailing members with a card or visit to cheer them. Our prayers for deceased members and friends are constant. May God Walk With You. MARY MULLER TESTIMONIAL DINNER REFLECTS 99 YEARS OF DEDICATION! NO. 20, JOLIET, IL I would like to share with you the events of a very special day in the history of Branch No. 20, Joliet, Illinois; the Testimonial Dinner for our retiring President and Recorder, namely Mrs. Emma Planinšek and Mrs. Josephine Erjavec, whose lives were dedicated to SWU. The day began with the celebration of Mass at 8 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church with Father Trpin, pastor, officiating. We transformed the American Slovenian Home Hall into a lovely setting of red and white, having tables covered with red cloths, centered with fresh carnations, and the head table enhanced with white candelabra and greenery. Guests were greeted by Marie Malnerich and Dorothy Mahan, presiding at the guest books. Marie, in uniform, representing the Drill Team Cadets, and Dorothy, representing Slovenian Heritage, beautifully attired in traditional national costume. The dinner was served buffet style at 3 p.m. Included in the menu were smoked sausage, made by Ted Planinšek, Emma’s son, and apple strudel for dessert, several donated by members Mary Ambrozich, Justine Kauzlaric and Mary Rudman. (Pots and Pans may contain some of the recipes used; saw Hermine charming the cooks in the kitchen!) They did a tremendous job preparing and serving 300 people. The program began with the singing of the National Anthems, American and Slovenian. The invocation was given by Msgr. M.J. Butala, past Spiritual Advisor. A word of welcome and congratulations was read by Mrs. Bernice Suski, representing the Slovenian Home, recalling the help and encouragement given when the Slovenian Home was still on the drawing board. Judy Derlinga, President of Branch 20, extended welcome to all present and turned the program over to the Toast-mistress, Corinne Leskovar, Zarja editor and National Emma Planinšek, John Jevitz and Josephine Erjavec at the Testimonial Dinner Feb. 21st. John is a long-time friend of both and authored the testimonial resolution present at the dinner. Officer. Corinne recalled her many years of association with both celebrants, she, herself, being a life-long member, knows the importance of preserving the heritage (hey so unselfishly worked for. Chi Chi Murer, Executive Director of the Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center was the guest speaker. She commended both women for their dedication and preseverance in ------------- page 13 Just a few months since the fund drive for the Slovenian Miners and Laborers Memorial began and we are pleased with the current results. The report shows over $4,000 collected in this short time. Keep it up! This is our way of remembering the work of our immigrants who came from their homeland in Slovenia to forge a new land in their new homeland, America. Read the letters we have been receiving with contributions from the children and grandchildren of those brave and strong men who manned the iron and coal mines, the steel mills of Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado and other places throughout the U.S. Located at the Iron Range Interpretative Center in Chisholm, Minnesota, a place that is visited by thousands all year long, the Slovenian Immigrant Miners & Laborers Memorial will be an educational and inspirational place. We are thankful for the great response and ask for your further help. Our goal is $10,000.00. We have asked the Slovenian national fraternal organizations to join the Slovenian Women’s Union in this movement. All contributions will be published in ZARJA — THE DAWN and organs of the fraternal organizations cooperating. A sincere thank-you to all! The dedication of the Memorial is scheduled SLOVENIAN MINERS & LABORERS MEMORIAL Iron Range Interpretative Center Chisholm, Minnesota RECENT CONTRIBUTORS: “I would like to make a contribution to the Slovenian Miners Project. Both of my grandparents came from Slovenia and worked in the Iron Range mines. My father and both brothers continued this in Chisholm. Living out in the west coast now, not too many people know what a Slovenian is. I really enjoy the monthly magazine ZARJA and especially the stories of the Immigrants." Nancy Kochevar Santa Barbara, CA “My father, John Bartol, was an active member of the Tabor Slovanov Lodge 34, SNPJ, San Francisco, California from Nov. 6, 1916 until his death on June 29, 1966. Prior to settling in San Francisco, he worked for many years in the mines of this country to enable him to bring my mother and me to this country. Recently, my cousin Otillia Kurnick, who resides in ‘S.F.’ advised me that you are accepting contributions for a fund to be used in memorializing our Slovenian Miners and Laborers. Therefore, the enclosed check in the amount of twenty-five dollars is submitted in the name of my parents, John and Josephine Bartol. Wishing you great success in your efforts for this Memorial, I am, sincerely,” John J. Bartol McLean, VA “The Slovenian Women’s Union endeavor to erect a filling memorial to the Slovenian immigrant miners and laborers who contributed so abundantly to building our great nation, is a most worthy one. Knclosed is our contribution of $15.00. My wife and I are both retired and live on a fixed income, which becomes an ever greater challenge with our deteriorating economy.” Joe Drašler Denver, CO Please use the coupon in this issue with your contribution and thank you in a Jvance. SLOVENIAN MINERS AND LABORERS MEMORIAL, CHISHOLM, MINNESOTA I wish to contribute the following donation to the Slovenian Miners and Laborers Memorial to be erected at the Iron Range Interpretative Center in Chisholm, Minnesota. Name: _________________________Address:___________________________________—------------ Enclosed is my donation: ______________City, State, Zipcode: ----------------.--------- (Names of individual donors of $100 or more will be placed on a special bronze plaque at the Memorial). MAIL TO: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION HOME OFFICE, 431 NO. CHICAGO ST., JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60432. MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING FEBRUARY 22, 23, 24, 1982, HOME OFFICE, JOLIET ILLINOIS u___________________________________________________ The annual meeting of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America Board of Directors was held at the Home Office on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, February 22, 23, 24, 1982. The first meeting was called to order by the president on Monday at 9:30 a.m. followed by prayer. Present were the following National Officers: President Mary Muller, vice-president Anne Kompare, secretary Olga Ancel, treasurer Mary Marolt, auditing committee chairman Barbara Rosandich, 2nd auditor Marion Marolt and 3rd auditor Irene Jagodnik, also editor Corinne Leskovar and Scholarship Fund president Hermine Dicke. Cultural Officer Irene Odorizzi was present for the first meeting. The editor was appointed to take the Minutes. The president called upon Mrs. Odorizzi for her verbal report. She explained the intention of the cultural committee to establish a Museum of Slovenian Heritage at the Home Office Building and that work was slowly progressing. The local Museum Committee has been assigned the work of setting up the displays and doing preliminary filing of material as it is received. To date, Slovenian national costumes, old clothing representing the early years of this century and relic magazines and publications have been received. More display cases will be ordered and some mannequins have been obtained and are dressed in the Costumes. The local Museum Committee comprised of Mildred Pucel, chairman and Br. 20 members, Rev. David Stalzer, Mary Ivanich, Marie Malnerick and secretary Agnes Lovati then met with the Board of further discuss progress of the Museum. The help of Ms. Madeleine Otte, a librarian, has been secured and Ms. Otte also attended this meeting. She has volunteered her work and expertise as an advisor. She discussed various divisions for the Museum such as a Book Division, Display Division and Archives. A financial report was given by the Heritage Fund Committee, namely, Mmes. Ancel, Marolt (Joliet), Lovati, showing that the fund has been invested in a passbook account at a local savings and loan association. Very little distribution of funds has been made this year. All funds are earmarked only for use in heritage and cultural projects sanctioned by the Slovenian Women’s Union. The money in this fund reflects the proceeds of the three Heritage Days held in Joliet and the sales of T-shirts and aprons. The Board was very satisfied that the committee is doing excellent work in maintaining the fund and hopes that all efforts will be made to speedily set up the Museum in the front portion of the Home Office first floor which will be known as the SLOVENIAN HERITAGE MUSEUM. Plans for a Heritage Day in 1982 in some other city but Joliet have not materialized. Branches have failed to respond to repeated appeals for sponsorship in Chicago, Milwaukee or Cleveland. Therefore, the local committee has accepted a proposal to join four other nationality groups in Joliet co-sponsoring a Pan-Slavic Day festival June 20, 1982. Proceeds from the Slovenian section will be given to the SWU Heritage Fund as it will, to some degree, take the place of the Slovenian Heritage Day as it was known. Members of Br. 20 and Chicago branches 2, 16 and 95 will be asked to give volunteer help for Pan-Slavic Day. Fr. Stalzer will be the chairman of the Slovenian section with assistance by the local Museum committee and Chicago officers, Fran Morison and Jean Zubek of Br. 2. Mrs. Odorizzi expressed her sincere hopes that our subordinate branches all over the U.S. will take interest in sending heritage materials to the Museum. Correspondence from a member suggesting a geneological division was discussed and a formula will be sought whereby a member can trace her family roots. A center for geneological information is planned for a later time at the Museum. Mrs. Odorizzi was commended for her work and dedication to the Slovenian immigrants through her ZARJA column and Heritage-Culture office. It was moved by B. Rosandich that the Heritage Committee has full responsibility for the purchase of initial equipment and all items needed for the Museum, seconded by Marion Marolt and carried. The Slovenian Miners and Laborer’s Memorial in Chisholm, Minnesota was opened for discussion. Since its inception after the 1979 National Convention, Fr. David Stalzer has undertaken the task of informing national fraternal societies in the U.S. of this plan and to ask them to join in raising funds. The announcement was made in ZARJA and other publications that it is an undertaking that should be made by all Slovenians regardless of lodge affiliation since a large percentage of the Slovenian immigrants coming to the US since 1900 have been miners and laborers. This Memorial is to their courage and industry which helped form our great nation. The fund has now grown to $4,000 through contributions from SWU branches, individuals and other lodges, namely, the American Slovenian Catholic Union, the American Fraternal Union and Western Slovanic Association. Donors’ names were sent to all fraternal publications. On the steering committee handling the fund and arrangements are Fr. Stalzer, chairman, Mary Muller, SWU National President, Robert Kosmerl, KSKJ National Secretary and representing the AFU, National Officer, Marian Jackovich. Others on the committee are National Board members of SWU. The committee and Board of Directors are thankful that the response has been very good so far and that donations are steadily coming in, however, the goal of $10,000 is far from being reached. Therefore, the Heritage Committee proposed to the Board that $1,000 be given from the SWU Heritage Fund for this pumose. The contribution is needed to firmly establish the Memorial Fund and make necessary disbursements. After lengthy discussion this amount was approved, on a motion by Mary Marolt, seconded by O. Ancel; and the Board thank all members who are involved in this project and all donors. Artist Lillian Brule has been retained to design and execute the construction of the exhibit which will be placed in the Iron Range Interpretative Center in Chisholm. Maintenance of the Memorial will be accepted by the Center. The Slovenian Miners and Laborer’s Memorial will be the first such exhibit in the newly established Ethnic Hall. Date for completion is early, 1983. Dedication is planned to coincide with the SWU National Convention in the spring of 1983. More donations are requested from our members for this most worthy cause. It was also noted that many contributions are coming from families of deceased miners and steel mill workers by their sons and daughters as a memorial to them. The editor suggested further that the SWU stretch its interest in Slovenian ethnic awareness to other parts of the country wherever we have members, so that our interest and dedication to Slovenian heritage be given a wider scope. The Slovenian Museum in Joliet and Miners Memorial in Chisholm are already established and now this opens up the possibility of similar centers in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania and Colorado. It is a trend that would indicate further study. The members adjourned for lunch. The second meeting was called at 1:30 p.m. Reading of officers’ reports commenced as follows: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, president of auditing committee, second auditor, third auditor, editor, president of Scholarship fund. Written reports were read from women’s activities and youth directors and regional presidents of Minnesota, lllinois-Indiana, Colorado-Kansas Missouri, Wisconsin. After all reports were read and approved, the Board made the following unanimous decision, that reports of officers given at the meeting be placed in the Minutes of the Meeting but not published in ZARJA in the interest of economy. Executive committee reports, (president, secretary and treasurer) and the report of the auditing committee will be published along with financial report of the full year and all decisions of the meeting. Every officer is requested to write a separate article for publication in ZARJA at one time during the year. It was moved by O. Ancel, seconded by M. Marolt and Carried. The secretary read the directive of the Illinois Insurance Department Board of Examiners received recently after their examination of the SWU financial records for the year 1980. The operation of the SWU was thoroughly checked and found in order. They indicated, however, that the percentage of expenses is too high to be acceptable. A resume of this matter was presented to the Board by the executive committee and our attorney, Bernard Kompare. All expenses for the year 1981 were scrutinized by the Board in an attempt to find places where immediate expense cuts could be made for the present year. The topic was temporarily set aside until the next day to give members more time to consider these cuts in expenditures. Correspondence was read from members extending greetings to the Board, namely, former president, Mary Bostian of Cleveland, former regional president, Anna Pachak of Pueblo and the families of the late Frances Sietz and Sophie Magayna. The Board expressed deepest sympthy to Mrs. Pachak in the loss of her husband, John, in Dec. The passing of Frances and Sophie was sadly met by all Board members who knew them personally. Memorials to them were sent to the Scholarship Fund. Prayers were offered at the conclusion of today’s meeting. A scholarship in memory of Fran Sietz has been started by her home branch, No. 50. Their goal is to subsidize one special SWU scholarship to a Cleveland member in the amount of $500. This information was contained in a letter from Br. 50 president, Ann Tercek who also described the beauty of a memorial mass they held in Fran’s honor and which is to become an annual event in her birthday month of February. Special photo of her will be sent to the Home Office. Announcement was made that for the May ZARJA, residents of the Slovenian Home for the Aged in Cleveland will be featured in a special cover picture being arranged by Jean Križman and other members. These elderly grandmothers and mothers are deserving of honor as they are long-standing members of Zveza. The Home is in the midst of a fund drive and the editor was asked to make an appeal in the May issue. Members of Cleveland branches have been firmly supporting the Old Age Home by volunteering their time, work and talent, also through donations and support of local fund drives. This unique and much appreciated charity is heartily endorsed by the SWU and it is hoped that members will continue to be of help where needed. Br. 6, Barberton, Ohio members are appealing to the Board to help them solve the problem of disinterest among their members to take office. Secretary Mary Swaggard has been in constant touch with the Home Office. Mrs. Ancel and Mrs. Muller have corresponded with them and hope that some way can be found to guarantee the future for this branch of 87 members. Further attempts will be made through Ohio officers. FINANCIAL REPORT — FINANČNO POROČILO January 1 to December 31, 1981 Income — Dohodki: Assessments....................................$70,637.85 Interest from bonds............................ 45,901.81 Stock dividends................................... 750.00 Int. bank cert., savings, checking.............. 4,023.75 Rental income................................... 2,565.00 Miscellaneous................................... 2,005.00 Taxes withheld......................................63.46 $125,946.87 Disbursements — Stroški: Death Claims — 170...........................$21,200.00 Salaries......................................19,500.00 Administrative, travel and per diems.......... 8,732.75 Unemployment tax.................................214.02 FICA.......................................... 1,369.37 Electricity, gas and water.................... 2,354.01 Department of Insurance filing fee................25.00 Real estate tax............................... 1,374.46 ZARJA -THE DAWN Printing............................$40,824.00 Postage.............................. 3,830.00 Address file update.................... 776.00 45,430.00 Advertising, printing and stationary...........1,699.90 Postage and telephone......................... 1,284.19 Office building insurance....................... 565.00 Maintenance................................... 4,354.99 Bowling, Junior, Campaign, Secretarial awards.........................1,813.70 Illinois Fraternal Congress dues..................25.00 Scholarship Fund: Msgr. M.J. Butala 60th anniversary . . $25.00 Memoriam Louis Zefran....................25.00 Memoriam Frances Gaspich.................25.00 Memoriam Frances Seitz...................25.00 100.00 Legal fees...................................... 362.17 Bank charges, box rental and investment fees 1980-81....................1,026.50 Donations: 10th anniv. Slovenian Chapel, Washington, D.C......................$100.00 Bishop Baraga, Marquette, MI............100.00 Bishop from Ljubljana visit..............25.00 225.00, Miscellaneous................................... 283.66 $111,939.72 Gain for year..................................... 14,007.15 Balance December 31, 1980 ....................... 689,771.95 Balance December 31, 1981......................$703,779.10 OLGA ANCEL, Nat’l Secretary •REPORTS NATIONAL PRESIDENT Greetings. I welcome you and hope our sessions will be fruitful. This has been a busy year. I attended the Cotillion in Cleveland in April and enjoyed seeing so many of our members at the dinner; the luncheon-meeting on Monday was equally responsive with representation from 11 branches in the Ohio area. The Christian Women’s Conference in July was held in Lemont. 1 must commend our members in Minnesota for their wholehearted participation. Without them, we would have failed in our venture. Those who attended must have found some inner peace and uplift listening to the speakers: Father Athanasius on Saturday and Bishop Aloysius Ambrožič, Bishop of Toronto, on Sunday. Also, participating on Saturday was our seminarian, Michael Morison, son of Branch 2 president and her husband, Percy. It has been my pleasure to attend State Conventions whenever possible. There have not been reports from all Regional Presidents to this meeting and 1 look forward to hearing from them. Every month my articles touch upon membership and activity, therefore, it saddens me when some branches ask to merge because they are unable to get officers to spell those who have served for many years and would retire. I would ask our Regional Presidents to offer assistance when this happens; even attend some of their meetings, if possible. I receive much correspondence and am trying to answer questions or offer advice. I enjoy this rapport with our members. For the past year, I have remembered birthdays and often get a note of response. We have lost 2 stalwart members in Frances Sietz and Sophie Magayna, both tireless workers for SWU, whose presence will be notably missed. God walks in mysterious ways — we plan — He decides. 1 enjoy my work and ask your continued good will, cooperation and support. I shall do my best to earn it. Best wishes to you all. MARY MULLER NATIONAL SECRETARY Dober Dan! I am most appreciative of the thoughtful gesture of the Board to move up our annual meeting to coincide with Joliet’s testimonial dinner. Said event honored Emma Planinšek and my mother, Josephine Erjavec, both devoted, hardworking officers through five decades. Because of the Illinois insurance department audit of 1980, steps must be taken to curb expenses to comply with the department’s expenditure ratio to assessments. Our attorney, Bernard Kompare, will correspond with them following our decisions at this week’s meeting. During the past year new certificates written were 147. 44 juniors transferred to adults, 170 deceased and 222 cancelled for a total decrease of 245. Perhaps a nonmember beneficiary ought to be urged to join and thus take the place of a deceased. Membership increase is ever a most important goal. Letters from members across the country praise our ZARJA, which is the link that binds us together. Worthy of special commendations Corinne Leskovar, who edits a superb magazine, a priceless piece of literature in our homes. The future of our fine organization is a concern of all of us. We pray God will enlighten all of us in our future. OLGA AN CEL NATIONAL TREASURER Madame President, Officers of the National Board of the Slovenian Women’s Union: the year of 1981 showed a gain financially in spite of the climbing inflation and the serious economy of the country, thanks to all cooperating officers and members. The financial report shows a balance as of 1981 of $703,799.10. The first Christian Women’s Conference was held sponsored by the Slovenian Women’s Union in Lemont, Illinois. The spiritual benefits were many. Heritage and museum plans are progressing. The Miner’s Heritage Fund is also progressing. The change this year of extending the convention to a 4 year period instead of the 3 year period became a reality. It has been under consideration for a long time, but now it is a fact. This is an important move ahead for the organization, especially financially. We continue to strive to bring new members into the organization, as it is very necessary to continue the fraternalism of the Slovenian Women’s Union. The special thoughts today should be centered upon the financial affairs and business of the organization and the spiritual and fraternal benefits of the Slovenian Women’s Union, the most important being family, church, fraternalism and concern and participation in the community, state and nation. Strength in all of these areas will make for a happier and healthier atmosphere where all can live in peace and harmony. Respectfully submitted, MARY MAROLT AUDITING COMMITTEE National President, Mrs. Muller and Members of the Board of Directors. It is not only a pleasure, but an honor to be here at the Annual Board meeting and Audit of the Slovenian Women’s Union, which was called to order on Monday, February 22, 1982, at the home office in Joliet, Illinois. As the Chairwoman of your auditing committee, I hereby report that after a thorough examination of the SWU transactions, the Scholarship Fund and the Editor’s Account, all have been found to be in proper order for the year of 1981. Income from the Branch’s assessments, interests and other sources were checked. Disbursements were reviewed, insurance vouchers and all outstanding checks were accounted for. Bank deposits, records of the National Secretary, Olga Ancel and National Treasurer, Mary Marolt, were checked and verified. A general review was made of all items on record and a visit was made to the Union National Bank Trust Co. by the entire Board to review the investments. A complete accounting was made of all assessments, accounts and the bank management thereof. All transactions were found in proper order. The committee wishes to thank our National Secretary and National Treasurer for their assistance and cooperation. They are to be commended for their efficiency. The undersigned members of the Auditing Committee hereby certify that the SWU records for the year 1981 are correct. Slovenian Women’s Union Auditing Committee Chairman: BARBARA ROSANDICH MARION MAROLT IRENE JAGODNIK The president announced she is appointing Ann Tercek, president of Br. 50, one of the most active branches in the SWU, as regional president of Ohio and Michigan, filling the term until the National Convention In a letter, the Ohio members have asked that the SWU consider a change of name eliminating the word, Union. The topic was previously brought to the attention of the Board by branches in Washington, D.C. and Illinois. The last National Convention also had it on the agenda tho no decision was made. The Board noted that the name of Slovenian Women’s Union was already changed one time in the 1930’s from Slovenian Ladies Union. It will be placed on the National Convention agenda. Meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. The auditing committee commenced examination of the ledgers of the financial records of the secretary and treasurer at 7:00 p.m. adjourning at 9:15 p.m. On Tuesday morning, the president called the officers to meet at the Union National Bank and Trust Company. There the bank’s trust officers met with the Board to look over the current standing of our investments and make the projection for the future. All documents were checked against our records and found be in perfect order. Investments have been yielding higher dividends through careful re-investments of maturing bonds and notes. Progressive improvement has been noted since last year. The Union Bank’s management fee is very reasonable. The Board thanked the trust officers, Paul Gantzert and Ronald Erjavec for their good work as well as SWU secretary and treasurer. The auditors continued their ledger examination from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. including the records of the publishing and scholarship funds. Lunch followed. Third meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m. The auditors’ report was given and accepted for file. The Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Athanasius Lovrenčič paid a visit to the Home Office at this point and upon hearing of the important deliberations of the members, offered a special prayer for blessings from St. Joseph to whom he has great devotion. After a short recess, the Board again tackled the subject of cutting expenses to meet the guidelines set by the Insurance code which controls our business operation. The seriousness of this problem relates directly to the steadily increasing costs of printing and mailing ZARJA. The responsibility of the Board is to improve the financial balance of our expenses against income which comes from assessments. Cutbacks were thus considered in two major categories, ZARJA and PROMOTIONS including awards, donations, and travel to branch events. Office cuts will be another category. The following Resolution was proposed: 1. Reduce the number of issues of ZARJA-THE DAWN by dropping an additional two issues per year besides the August issue already in force. The months of February and June were decided. Since the February, 1982 issue has already been printed, there will be less reduction this year than in 1983. Further cutbacks will be made in the number of pages per ZARJA and the number of issues printed. Of help in this regard will be better regulation of mailing addresses in a new computerized system being installed at the printing house of Croatian Franciscan Press of Chicago. Postage cuts will thus be assured. Further, the editor has voluntarily withdrawn her own salary for the two months in question, by $500 per month, retaining only a small amount for maintenance of the office. Writers’ awards that have been paid by the general treasury will now be taken from the money received from advertising (publishing fund). The editor has increased advertising rates beginning in 1981 which will be reflected in a greater publishing fund income from which the writers’ awards, costs of editor’s postage and supplies and a substantial contribution to printing costs (average $1,000 per year) may be paid out. The Board authorized the editor to ask for donations by members, also to seek more advertising and to require photo reproductions in ZARJA be paid by branches, members or the publishing fund. The editor will also meet with the printers to find other ways of economizing,. 2. Office cutbacks will be as follows: no printing will be ordered for one year unless costs are covered by sales. A minimum of office supplies will be purchased. Awards and contributions will be kept to a minimum ■ Secretarial, juvenile and bowling awards will be retained but not increased. Memorials to the Scholarship Fund will be reduced to $10 (on demise of national officer or benefactor). There will be no donations made from the general treasury. 3. Travel expenses will be accepted only for the annual Directors’ meeting next year and the National Convention. Any invitation to Board Members for a speaker or official representation to a function outside her own community will be paid by the sponsoring branch (travel and per diem). The secretary pointed out that to offset these reductions, the increased income due to assessment increases in effect since January, 1980, will alter the financial balance when the current year’s report is made. Since 1980, the gains due to increased assessment will be helpful. The above resolution was moved by I. Jagodnik and seconded by Marion Marolt. Carried. It will be now be given over to our attorney for presentation to the Insurance Dept. It was Mr. Kom-pare’s suggestion, also, that a new accounting method be employed that would be acceptable to the Department and that a proposal to the Illinois State Legislature be contemplated to affect a change in the regulation and thereby release the organization from the low allowable percentage, which regulation has been in effect for many, many years and does not agree with present economic conditions. The meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m. The president called the fourth meeting to order on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. The Board members had attended Mass at St. Joseph’s church across the street from the Home Office earlier and received ashes as a symbol of Ash Wednesday holyday. Topics were accepted by the president from members of the Board reflecting their work of the past year. Mary Marolt asked that branches be encouraged to pay assessment for older members who are deserving of this consideration by virtue of their years of membership and age. The Board agreed that a 50 year member over 80 years of age should be considered by a branch for this gift. Mrs. Marolt also suggested a 5 year plan of action be instituted by SWU in the interest of economy — time and money — and to assure the organization a long future life. The following points were recommended. That the SWU conduct an intensified membership campaign for new members. It is clear that a large number of new members would help alleviate the financial problem. Desirable age for new members is 30 to 40 years. That we reduce National Convention working days to two days with an evening session if necessary, with extracurricular activities or social activities planned for the day before or following the actual convention meetings. The last recommendation was moved by B. Rosandich and seconded by Marion Marolt and carried and will be sent to the hostess branch as a decision of this meeting. That branches be given help in suggestions to help them increase activities and become more successful units. Some of the suggestions include: 1. Replace departed members immediately with new members; 2. Appeal to young members to attend meetings and become active; 3. Make personal contact between officers and members; 4. Promote greater efforts in cultural, educational activities; 5. Conduct SWU Rituals at occasions where stated in our regulations (explained in the SWU Ritual book), thus showing respect for all members. It was pointed out that prayers for deceased members and attendance at funerals, using the messages of the Ritual, presentation of flowers at funerals, showing the SWU emblem, flags, etc., are all beautiful means of manifesting respect for our sisters in life and in death. Installation ceremonies for new members and preservation of records are interesting ways to increase activity. The Five-Year Plan for the SWU would have one primary goal — the increase of members. 2000 new members must be enrolled by the year 1987. 1000 are needed to replace the anticipated loss through death of our elderly members who were enrolled during the founding years of Zveza and before WWI1. The secretary’s statistical count of members shows a high percentage of 75 years age and older. This projects negatively for the next five years. 1000 more new members are needed in the younger age classification to keep the organization viable. New officers will be found in this age group. In order for the 5 Year Plan to be successful, definite guidelines must be set and the branches’ cooperation secured. As we are in a membership campaign in preparation for the next National Convention, we shall begin Phase II of this campaign by stating the goals each branch is to follow to increase its membership in one, two, three, four and five years. The secretary will prepare each plan and send it to the branches. The 5 Year Plan was moved for adoption by Mary Marolt and seconded by C. Leskovar. Carried. National Convention in 1983: The president will be touch with the hostess branch, No. 38, Chisholm, Minnesota, with decisions of this Board. Also, members are reminded that delegates are to be chosen in the months of January, February and March of 1983. Delegates are to attend all sessions of the National Convention as they are called and stay the full time. The delegates will be paid travel expense at the lowest fare and 3 per diems each. Any other expenses incurred will be paid by the delegate herself from private funds or donations given from the branch. The loss of the secretary of Br. 10, Cleveland when Sophie Magayna passed away suddenly has deeply disturbed the members and sympathetic wishes were sent by the Board to the membership. It is hoped that with the help of considerate members, a replacement will be found for the secretary’s position. Mrs. Jagodnik will ■ attend their next meeting. The Scholarship Fund report shows a substantial balance at this time due to good investing and low disbursements. Over $2,000 was contributed this year from 103 members and friends. Almost $2,000 was realized in appreciation and dividends. The proposed increases in Scholarship grants approved at the last Board meeting were not implemented because of some protests that the amounts were too high for so few recipients. Therefore, the Scholarship committee was asked by Mrs. Dicke to give their opinions on the matter and come to a decision since it is still two academic years until the next National Convention. The following decision was made by them in this matter: High School Division: Each scholarship in 1982-83 will be for $750 for each of four students for one year of study. The same amount will be given for the academic year of 1983-84. One special Scholarship will be given as the Marie Prisland Award to a qualified girl student, preferably in the field of education. The Fran Sietz Memorial Scholarship will be given in 1983 and subsidized by donations from Br. 50. Non-winners of SWU Scholarships will receive a $50 stipend each. College Student Division: College student members may apply for a $250 grant, one per year to be given. The Board adjourned for lunch at 1:00 p.m. and reconvened for the fifth session at 2:00 p.m. Donors to the Scholarship Fund were thanked for their kind interest and help. The largest donors in 1981 were: Br. 20, Joliet, former Championship Cadets with a donation of $750, and $100 from the Slapnik— Petkovšek families. In 1982, the largest contributor so far is Mary Ermenc, in memory of her husband, Frank, a loyal past donor. Cookbook: Hermine Dicke, the editor of the new cookbook, POTS & PANS, named after her food column in ZARJA, reported that the book will be shipped to the Home Office within one month. Delays that were unexpected were explained. The cookbook is attractive and consists of about 300 pages. Artistic designs on the cover and chapter dividers were done by her brother, Ted Prisland, who also helped in the paging of the book and was her contact with the printers during the past year while the work was being done to complete the book. Her husband, Robert, also gave many hours of help in reading and assembling the material for print. She presented two copies to the Board and all were very pleased with the look and contents of the book. Mrs. Dicke gave the printers costs and a selling price of $8.00 per book with $1 additional for postage on individual orders, was set. The Home Office will handle all shipments. Branches and members may order bulk shipments. There were no charges presented for work on the cookbook by Mrs. Dicke except for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in travel to and from the printers on numerous occasions and for materials. The cookbook proceeds will be kept in the special fund already set up for Convention expenses. It was hoped that sales will be good among our members so that the initial capital outlay will be remimbursed quickly. The cookbook printers are the same as the ZARJA printery, Croatian Franciscan Press. The Directors enthusiastically thanked Mrs. Dicke for her interest, work and ability in the masterful production of Zveza’s second cookbook. During the discussion on this afternoon, the Board received a visit from pastor of St. Joseph’s church, Rev. Thaddeus Trpin. He blessed the group and offered his advice on several points that were brought into the discussion, mainly, how to attract more new members. The work of the SWU was highly praised by Fr. Trpin, especially the publication ZARJA and the heritage-cultural work we have sponsored to preserve the Slovenian ethnic identity. With prayer for a safe return home, the president adjourned the annual meeting at 4:00 p.m. Mary Muller, President Corinne Leskovar, Recording Secretary Rev. Athanasius Lovrenčič, O.F.M.: Times are hard! On Radio, television, and the newspaper we are getting the message that: times are hard. In parishes the pastors are getting worried about meeting their payments. From Washington we hear every day that we have to cut the national budget. We have to admit that we have gotten used to luxury; there is no end of our shopping, we have to have the best, we forgot the word: sacrifice. And this is happening not only here in our beloved United States, but all over the world. We say that God sees everything; why doesn’t He help us? Did you ever stop to think that He is telling us something! He would like to lead us back to a simpler way of life, to show us dedication of our parents and grandparents, who struggled with hard times and yet built us beautiful churches and schools which we enjoy even today. That we have hard times, does not mean we are at the end; no, but it does mean we will have to work with the pioneer’s spirit of our forefathers, it does mean that we will have to get accustomed to the word: sacrifice. The same is with our Union. Right now we have financial difficulties with our publication: “ZARJA”. All of us would like to keep our “Dawn” alive. We will succeed, because nothing is insurmountable if people work together. As we sing with all the Christians the Joyous Alleluia, let us be mindful that in Him who overcame death, we can overcome all the difficulties of the present life. Rev. Bernard Horzen of SI. Bede's Academy, LaSalle, Illinois, came to Br. 89's Christmas party and there met Danny Basil, aka Santa Claus! See Branch Report on page 22. | On Learning Other Languages j; The conjugation of the verb “to speak”: in Slovenian, is govorim, govoriš, govori, govoriva, govorita, govorita, govorimo, govorite, govorijo; in Italian, it’s parlo, parii, parla, parliamo, par/ate, parlano. Difficult? No. confusing? You bet! Worthwhile? Well, that depends on your priorities. Learning a foreign language may not sound like an ideal way of spending your time, but I can assure you that all of your efforts will be rewarded ten-fold if you do. 1 couldn’t agree more with those advocates of multilingualism: in today’s society, there is an increasing interaction between peoples of different cultures in daily life. As Slovenians active in SWU, we are interested in our own culture, and learning our native language is one way that we are “rediscovering” our heritage. Elsewhere, many high schools and colleges are requiring a minimum level of proficiency in a foreign language: to satisfy my college’s requirement, for example, I am currently earning credits in Italian. With increasing numbers of jobs being made available in business and government for applicants fluent in foreign languages, Americans are finally beginning to realize that a solid command of English is still not enough to satisfy top employers. Not only does a foreign language ate’e our cultural curiosities and expand our career possibilities but it also satisfies a very personal need. You may remember that from the “Let’s Keep our Family Heritage Alive!” editorial several months ago, I mentioned an emotional link that is made when an understanding of family history is reached. For me, learning my family’s languages is the next logical step in this process of understanding. My mother, Mary Lou, is all Italian, and my lather, Rich, is 100% Slovene. To become fluent in Italian and Slovenian is a strong desire of mine because it is a step above and beyond the family tree that will bring me closer to my family heritage. My reasons for learning other languages are valid: they enhance the entire cultural experience, open doors in the job market, and add to family heritage in a meaningful way. To top it off, learning foreign languages can even be fun! However, I wonder whether learning more than one at the same time is good for mental sanity: when I’m in Italian class, I often translate into Slovenian instead, and when writing letters to relatives in Ljubljana, I sometimes accidentally sign off with “Arrivederci” instead of “Lep pozdrav”! There has to be a foolproof method for keeping two foreign languages separate from each other, but 1 sure haven’t been able to find it yet!! SUSAN TERSELIC Member of Br. 103 17 Simmons University Park, PA 16802 Anna L. Hodnik: Youth Director Learn Slovenian! Since music plays such a big pari in (lie life of most Slovenians, I thought we would devote this month's lesson to musical terms. music - glasba musician - glasbenik music hall -- koncertna dvorana concert - koncert choir - pevski /bor lo sing - peti singer - pevec(-vka) song - pesem bandmaster - dil igent orchestra -- orkester opera — opera accordian -- harmonika piano — klavir guitar - kitara clarinet -- klarinet violin — violina, gosli organ — orgle saxaphone - saksofon flute — flavta harp -- harfa drum -- boben drummer - bobnar trumpet -- trobenta soloist — solist(ka) composer - skladatelj composition - skladba Junior members of Br. 13, San Francisco presented a darling Christmas pageant at their church in December. STATE CONVENTION NEWS iniii c NO. I, SHEBOYGAN, WI Frances and Gasper Guer-rieri celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently. Heartiest congratulations to Br. 13 member and her husband! The Annual Illinois-Indiana Regional Convention will be hosted by Branch No. 16, South Chicago, on the first Sunday in October, the 3rd, 1982. Please set this date aside to plan to attend. Final details will be announced later. Several contacts have been made with Br. No. 5, Indianapolis, Indiana, to include their turn to participate as the host Branch for 1982. We were excited and looking forward to a trip to Indianapolis for the Convention, but were informed it was difficult for them to assume responsibility at this time. The usual format is to follow the Branch numbers in sequence for each Regional Convention. We hope to see some Br. No. 5 members in South Chicago at the Convention in October. Fr. David Stalzer has been appointed to be the General Chairman of SWU special events. Presently he is working on the need for a monument in recognition of the Slovenian Miners and Laborers Memorial for Chisholm, Minnesota. To meet the ten thousand dollars goal, it is only a fraction compared to the lives lost and sacrificed for the Slovenians who paved their way for us as they immigrated to the new world. Some branches have set aside one day successfully, for a white elephant-bake sale day to earn funds for this purpose. If each branch in our nation planned this, our goal would be met. A special thanks to all the Branch No. 2 members who worked so diligently to make the 1981 Convention a success. It was really appreciated. The desserts are still watering in my mouth. I was told these recipes were to be found in the new cook book. Wishing you all blessings for good health. Angela Nico Illinois-Indiana Regional President I IT 11 10 It was most regrettable we were not able to hold a meeting in February. The bake sale was well organized and planned by Chairman Dorothy Belinke. We express our appreciation to her and to the ladies who assisted at the booth. Our gratitude to all members who donated the beautiful bakery and for cash donations. Our exceptional thanks lo Agnes Gruenke and her daughter Julie for the pretty Valentine cakes, their bakery and for the pretty hand-made pink afghan they donated and which was given. Get well wishes are extended to Anne Modiz, our recording secretary and State President. Our deep condolences to the Henry Udovich family and surviving wife, Hermine. May his Soul and all the Departed, Rest in Peace! We need new members to replace those we are losing, so let us do our best! To all the sick and convalescing may you get well soon. May all members everywhere be blessed by our Risen Savior on Easter morning and ihrough out the Year. We will hold a meeting on April 20th ai 7 p.m. in the Church Hall. You are cordially invited to attend. MARGARET FISCHER r NO. 2, CHICAGO, II. A jovial party mood prevailed at the February meeting. Besides celebrating the birthdays of two great American Presidents, we had a few of our own birthday ladies present, among them, Jean Zubek our secretary, also Mitzi Krapenc and Julia Petrich. Happy birthday, ladies! Our youngest member present was Gloria Nusko and the oldest was Luba Troha who will be 82 years young soon. Celebrating their anniversaries with husbands are Angie Koziarz and Ann Mladic (41 years!) Congratulations to all. At this meeting, Jean Zubek was selected as our Mother of the Year. Congratulations, Jean! The date of our mass and party is May 13th. Mass at 7 p.m. will be followed by the crowning of the Blessed Moilier statue by our chosen Mother. Afterward, a get-together in the lower hall with friends and family takes place. Cakes and coffee will be served. Plans are in the making for (lie annual Zveza Day July 18th in Lemont. Volunteers are needed. Members are asked to bring prizes to our remaining meetings so we can plan many exciting attractions for our guests. Remember, we always come up with something interesting and with your help, it will be done again! Prizes on a 50-50 basis are being offered now so we can collect funds for the current charity, the Slovenian Miner’s Memorial in Minnesota. Mass for the health of ailing members of Br. 2 is on April 9th, the second Friday at 7 a.m. At this Mass we will also remember the 11th anniversary of the passing of our former National Officer, Albina Novak who died April 6th, 1971. Remember our sick and shut-in COME TO MILWAUKEE BARAGA DAYS The annual BISHOP BARAGA DAYS will be held in Milwaukee Wisconsin, on September 4th and 5th, 1982. Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., of Milwaukee will be host to this annual event. Father Lawrence Grom, O.F.M., pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee, is the local chairman for the Baraga Days and Martin Gregorcich is the local coordinator. The Liturgies on Saturday and Sunday evenings will be held at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Milwaukee. Plans call for a Slovene Mass on Saturday at 7 p.m., and an English Mass on Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, with Archbishop Weakland as main celebrant and homilist. A cultural program will be presented at St. John Evangelist new hall in Greenfield after the Saturday evening services. The Bishop Baraga meeting will be held after the Sunday liturgy at the Pfister Hotel with dinner in the grand ballroom. Archbishop Weakland has invited a number of Bishops from Slovenia and North America to participate. At the meeting reports will be made on the progress of plans for the beatification and ultimate canonization of Bishop Frederick Baraga, first Bishop of Marquette, Michigan, who worked for 38 years as an apostle to the Indians in the upper Great Lakes regions of Michigan and Wisconsin. Last year’s celebration at Marquette drew throngs of the faithful from Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Joliet, Waukegan, Milwaukee and Canada. The Pfister Hotel and the Park East Hotel, both within walking distance of the Cathedral, are offering special rates for those coming to Milwaukee for the Baraga Days. More information will be available in the weeks and months ahead; the Baraga committee urges early planning to assure desired rooms and dinner reservation tickets. Hospitality rooms and information desks will be available at both hotels. For dinner-reservation tickets ($13.50) send checks payable to: St. John the Evangelist Church To: Mrs. Stella Pousha (reservation chairperson) 2981 South 101st Street — West Allis, Wis. 53227 Reserved tickets will be distributed during the Baraga Days. members with a visit or card, especially now, during lent. Rose Zielinski became a grandmother for the second time. Corie Elizabeth Zielinski was born on Feb. 2nd. Congratulations lo parents and grandparents. We enjoyed the specially made candies brought to the meeting by Jean and president Fran Morison. It’s one of their hobbies. The candy was made in designs for Valentine’s Day and 10 lucky ladies took home plates full. Lil Putzell also brought home-made fudge. Mary Foys Lauretig, our vice-president, brought beautiful centerpieces in the hearts and flowers motif. Our thanks to these ladies for making our meetings so pleasurable. Remember, dues for 1982 is to be paid as soon as possible. We’d like to be way ahead on this so we can efficiently conduct our 1982 business. Members paying in full lor the year will be eligible for free dues in 1983, to be given to some lucky member ai the May celebration. And, please check your dues books for any delinquency. Next meeiing is Holy Thursday, April 8th. then, in May wc enjoy ourselves on the 13th. Hoping to see you both times as we need your cooperation and attendance. Wishes to all for a blessed Easter. ANN SCIESZKA NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH Meeting was called to order by our president, Anna Markovich on March 3rr 1 e j, odprt je hram! Ker take darove vam nosimo, od vas jih v zameno prosimo: imate kaj bele pogačice? ne branimo se tudi kračice, bodi jajce, bodi hleb, v naš izgine žep! Bogato gorica obrodi vam, bogato se polje oplodi vam, podeli Bog kruha vam belega, vsi lica bodite veselega! Mi zdaj moramo drugam •— hvala, hvala vam! Oton Župančič her nearer to him, then he can tend lo all her needs, lie's a nice Slovenian boy! Happy birthday to I ranees V'id eg a r, Dorothy Pel rich, I crcsa Paro and lo my friend, Mary Cilad. Oh, yes, there’s another celebrant. Who? Me! I was 14 years old iliis month. You don’t believe me? 6 and 8 is 14 isn’t it? I visited with another member today who has been quite ill and her recuperation is coming along but slowly. I had this lovely visit with Mary Kebe and 1 intend to call upon her more often as she is a charming and sincere person. May God bless and shower her with His love. 11)1 111 DRAW! NI K NO. 101, BEDFORD IK. I S., Oil Hello, and a Happy Spring to each of you! Many thanks for all your help and participation in our Spring C ratt and Rummage Sale. Your generosity and cooperation made it the success it was. We even had items donated from Anna Mac lii/lcy from Atlanta! Her sister, our treasurer, Florence Mirtel, went down to visit and Anna Mae sent a box home with ■Florence. We thank you! Remember, our Mother’s l)nv Mass is April 25th at 9 o’clock at Holy Trinity Church. Wishing everyone a very Happy taster and a joyous one as well. DOROTHY S/lJMSkI, Reporter Branch 105, Detroit, Michigan has not disappeared from the face of the earth. My apologies to all of the members for my delinquent reporting. We were all extremely busy the last part of 1981. With the all too lew active members, we managed an extremely successful bake sale during November. So successful, in I act, that we have been asked to do it again this Spring. Special thanks to the members who “managed the store” while the bowlers clicl their thing. Our thanks to the Slovene National Home in Detroit for allowing us to use their facilities for the bake sale. Our Annual Christmas Party was held on December 18th at Perini’s, a lovely Italian restaurant. We certainly were treated royally, including a personal visit from Mrs. Pcrini, the owner. The food and beverages were delicious and the dining room was decorated beautifuly for the holidays. We will have to go a long way to do better. Best of all, because we decided to have a l uncheon instead of a Dinner party, we had the best turnout ever. In addition to several husbands who joined us, we also had a special guest all the way from Florida. Craig Parsons, grandson of Alice Sheets and brother of Donna Medina, was here visiting for the holidays and what a handsome young man he is. During one of our meetings it was decided that instead of exchanging gifts for the holidays, we would made a contribution to the Slovene Workers’ Memorial to be exhibited in Chisholm, Minnesota. We are forwarding a check for $100.00 for this purpose under separate cover. Our President, Pauline Adamic, and all of the members of Branch 105, wish lo send very special birthday greetings to Pauline’s aunt, Frances Ukovieh, who is celebrating her 100th birthday in March. Frances is a long-time member of Branch 20 in Joliet, Illinois. Happy Birthday, Frances. We have been unable to hold a meeting so far this year because ol the absolutely terrible weather — icy streets and no place to park in the residential areas. Hoping to have all kinds o I good tilings lo report soon. Our best wishes to all of the members of the Slovenian Women’s Union. k A I 111 I I N I Ml RSON, Reporter p. Atanazij Lovrenčič, ofm: Blagoslov resnega dela. Od vseh strani zveni na naša ušesa: težki časi; kako daleč bo to šlo, dokler se ne bo obrnilo na boljše, se mnogi sprašujejo. A če začnemo šteti svoje blagoslove, vidimo, da se ljudem po svetu godi veliko slabše, kot pa nam. Priznati moramo, da smo se razvadili. Če govorimo s starejšimi ljudmi koliko so oni morali prestati, ko so orali ledino naše zemlje. Bog je dobri Oče, ki skrbi za svoje otroke; a On hoče, da zavihamo svoje rokave in se posvetimo resnemu delu. Koliko ljudi danes računa samo na to, da jih bo država podpirala, in pri tem zanemarjajo talente, ki jih je Bog podaril, da bi jih rabili v svoj prid. Velikokrat rabimo stvari, ki jih sprejmemo od Stvarnika v svojo lastno pogubo, namesto da bi jih rabili po pameti in delili z drugimi, ki so v potrebi. “Pomagaj si sam in Bog ti bo pomagal”, je pozabljeno. V vseh časih je Bog stal ob strani svojega ljudstva in jim pomagal; a istočasno je pričakoval od njih resno delo in z delom je bil zmiraj združen božji blagoslov. — Prav te dneve zveni preko dežele Velikonočna Aleluja. Kristus je moral veliko prestati, da nam je zaslužil naše lastno vstajenje. Naj bodo ti časi še tako težki, v Njem ki je vstal na velikonočno jutro, bomo vse zmagali in prišli do cilja za katerega smo bili ustvarjeni. Vstal je in živi med nami DOPISI I ŠT. 3, PUEBLO, CO Po dolgem molku se Vam drage sestre, zopet oglašam. Upam, da ste obhajale veseli in blagoslovljeni božični čas. Moj je bil poln žalosti. Pri letnih volitvah je bil ves prejšnji odbor zopet izvoljen. Članice so vse zadovoljne, pravijo, kaj bi druge volile, ker sedanje dobro vodiljo našo • podružnico Zveze. Častno priznanje življenskega dela našima prijaznima delavkama, JOSEPHINE ERJAVEC IN EMMA PLANINŠEK od št. 20 v Jolietu, ki sta zaradi starosti odstopile iz odbora, toda od nadaljnjega delovanja za našo priljubljeno Zvezo. God bless you Josie in Emma in thank you! V kratkem času smo zgubile kar 3 članice. Kdo ni ljubil našo Millie Pechek, znano po naselbini. Millie, odšla si na tiho domovanje, kjer že mnogi spe in kjer kmalu bo tudi naš dom s teboj in vsemi dragimi. Po dolgi bolezni je umrla Mary Kristan. Bila je v starostnem domu 11 let. V tem domu je podleqla smrti tudi Frances Plute. Vedno slišim o smrtnih slučajih naših zvestih članic in prijateljic. Hčerka Hedvig me je obvestila, da ji je umrla mati, Anna Sterle iz Strabane, Pa. Zelo obžalujem, ker smo bile vedno v pismenih pogovorih. Pred leti je bila Zvezina poročevalka raznih društev. Umrla sta moje dobro poznane, FRANCES ZAITZ in SOPHIE MAGAJNA. Poročilo o njuni smrt nas je vse občuteno prizadelo.Naše sožalje tudi Marv Germ ((na Grove) ob izgubi hčer-Ike Eva Sajbel. Smrt se ji prepogosto oglaša, saj je v kratkem času izgubila 2 hčerke, sina, vnuka in pred leti moža Johna Germ, ki ji bil prilijubljeni gl. predsednik KSKJ. iviary Horvat je umrl sin John H. Zadel ga je srčni napad, pravnuk čla. Milke Henigsman, ki velikodušno prispeva za našo podr. Elsie Mramor žaluje za bratom Rudolfom, ki je tudi podlegel srčni kapi, Jennie Lukanik je spremila svojo sorodnico Rechel Bensik do roba. Rechel izhaja iz stare ulig rodbine. — Po dolgi in mučni bolezni je umrl Oscar Gorshe, mož Mary G. Vsem naše sožalje! Vsem, ki so se preselili v večnost, naj Bog nakloni nebesa! Naglo se pomikajo leta, toda naših draqih ne smemo pozabiti’. Dne 6. aprila poteka 11 letnica odkar nas je zapustila ALBINA NOVAK. V duhu je še vedno z nami. — Enako je še vedno sveži spomin pred 11 leti umrlega župnika Fr. Daniel Gnidica. Poslovil se je 6. marca pred 11 leti. Ohranimo naše drage v blagem spominu! V jan. in febr. smo preložile naše 2 seje, ker imamo neznosne snežene zamete in ledene ulice. Vedno nas na novo obiskuje sneg. Vsem želim vesele in blagoslovljene velikonočne praznike in mnogo starodavnega velikonočnega veselja. Moja tiha molitev poroma na grob dragega moža Johna in umrlih otrok. O pridi, dragi John v tihi noči, v spomin nekdanjih dni ljubezni: položi na vse rane moje, pomagaj mi skozi dolgo črno noč. Pozdravljene vse članice naše lepeSŽZ! ANNA PACHAK ŠT. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Tudi tu na zapadu smo imeli letos zimo precej mrzlo, čeprav v San Franciscu nismo imeli snega, pač pa velike plohe in viharje. Pomlad prihaja s svojo očarljivo lepoto, cvetlice se odevajo v mavrično barvo in zvončki zvonijo in se klanjajo prelepi Vigredi. Nekdo mi je podaril vejice jabolčnih cvetov. Kako snežnobeli so ti cvetovi, prepleteni s tanko tančico; kot lepa duša tiste žene, ki jih je darovala. Pred leti je prijatelj vzel na trak glas mojega moža. Posneto je bilo med petjem naših narodnih pesmi, ki jih ljudstvo prepeva po svoje. Pete so v ljubezni in spominu domovine naše Slovenije. Neizrečeno drag mi je spomin na moža, ko govori; saj sem bila z njim zaročena 15 let in poročena 45 let. Ko čujem njegov glas, se mi zdi, da sem zopet z njim. V San Franciscu smo izgubili članico Zveze in nekdanjo predsednico. Vsi smo bili žalostni ob njenem nenadnem slovesu. Geraldine Adami je bila aktivna in vplivna žena v cerkvenih organizacijah in povsod. Sožalje družini, možu, sinovoma in sestrL Rev. Žaubi je bolan na smrt. Vsi sočustvujemo v trpljenju tega svetega moža, ki tako mirno prenaša bolečine neozdravljive bolezni. Knjiga SLOVENIAN HERITAGE I, ki jo je napisal prof. Gobec vzbuja veliko zanimanja še tu na Zapadu. Še misliti si ne moremo, da se je v mali Slovenini porodilo tolikov slavnih umetnikov, zdravnikov, profesorjev in intelektualcev. Berite to knjigo in si obogatite duha. Knjigo prodaja naša nekdanja dolgoletna zaslužna in častna sestra, velikokrat izvoljena za preds. Calif., Wash, in Oregon, ROSE SCOFF, 2208 Mariposa St., S.F., Ca. Romanje naše Zveze v Lemont bo letos dne 18. julija. Katera more, naj se udeleži, ne bo ji žal. Vse drugo Vam bo sporočila naša dopisovalka FRANCES CHIODO. Srečni smo, da imamo že toliko let tako požrtvovalno in nadarjeno poročevalko, ona ne pozabi nikogar nikdar. Toliko let se žrtvuje, je res zaslužila Nobelovo nagrado. Bog Te živi, Frances!! Ali veste, da je bil pokojni nadškof ljubljanski, Anton Vovk iz Prešernovega rodu. Rodil se je v vasi Vrbi na Gorenjskem. Pesnik France Prešern je živel pred 100 leti. Se splošno imenuje največjo slovenski pesnik. Slično, kakor Ivan Cankar, ki je bil pisatelj. Prešernov “Sonetni venec” je prekrasen. Samo trpeče duše morejo kaj tako lepega ustvariti. Iz angleščine sem prevedla naslednji verz: Bog nam ni obljubil rožnati vrt prelepih rož; če se le dotakneš stebelca, se zapikajo trnji i/ roke. Ob koncu naj izrečem iskreno zahvalo gospej Leskovar, ker se je spomnila moje malenkosti v moji bolezni. Vsem lepe pozdrave! POLDICA PODGORNIK ŠT. 14, EUCLID, OH Zaradi slabega vremena in ledenih cest, smo odpovedale 2 zimske seje. Vera Bajec in njen mož Joe sta na obisku pri hčerki v Californiji. Ileen Collins in mož sta tudi šla na obisk Jamaica za nekaj časa in ko boste brale te vrstice, bodo že vsi domaosveženi in odpočiti. Mary Stražišar Kiwani Ave. je postala 5-tič prastara mama. Naše čestitke! Paulina Koncilja se nahaja v domu za onemogle Western Reserve v Kirtland, Ohio. Tam je tudi Anna Kostrevec. Prav vesele Velikonočne praznike in obilo pirhov, želimo vam vsem! In vsem tisitim, ki praznujete svoje rojstne dneve, voščimo še mnogo zdravih let. Pozdrav vsem članicam SŽZ. Poročevalka MARY ŠT. 24, LASALLE, ILLINOIS Dne 21. februarja je bilo krasno slavje Slovenske ženske zveze v počastitev in zahvalo dveh pridnih delavk za organizacijo vse niuno življenje: JOSEPHINE 'ERJAVEC in EMMA PLANINŠEK. Slavje se je vršilo v Slovenskem domu v Jolietu. Veljajo jima naše iskrene čestitke za veliko delo opravljeno mnogo leta. Solze smo imele v očeh, saj so njuna dobra dela blagoslovljena že na tem svetu, ker sta obdarovane v krogu dobre družine in številnih prijteljev. Bog jima daj obilni blagoslov tudi v bodoča leta. Prav je, da se spominjamo naših dragih staršev in vseh voditeljev naše organizacije. Jaz se spominjam teh žen in Albine Novak, ko se je društvo ustanavljalo v našem kraju. Prišla sem iz fabrike in moja mama Mary Bildhauer je bila vneta za vse dobro, kakor tudi moj oče Matt B. ki je pomagal zidati Lemont. Umrla sta v lepi starosti in spomin na njih bo vedno ostal med nami. MICI Starka zima je hudo pritisnila in se kar noče posloviti od nas. Poslala nam je preveč snega in ledu. Računi kurjave so nezaslišani. Toda razveselimo se, saj se nam bliža Velika noč. Januarsko sejo smo preklicale zaradi slabega vremena, zato smo imele volitve na februarski seji, ko so članice odločile, da naj odbornice ostanejo do konca leta. Ostalo je “vse po starem". Letošnje (1983) volitve bodo na novemberski seji. ANNA KNAUS je bila izvoljena za mater leta. Rada prihaja na seje. Več o njej bo v majski ZARJI. Naše seje se vršijo kot po navadi na drugo sredo v mesecu. Za materinsko proslavo v maju se še nismo odločile. AMLA ali SDZ ima konvencijo drugi teden v maju in je mnogo naših članic delegatinj in se hočejo udeležiti banketa pri Sterletu v počastitev Mrs. Knaus, zato bodo članice in prijatelji pravočasno obveščeni o datumu tega kosila. Dne 19. febr. je cerkev sv. Vida imela skupno kosilo in naša članica JOSEPHINE GODIČ je bila izbrana za “ženo leta’’. Ona je glavna kuharica v šolski kafeteriji. Ko so učence zadnjega letnika vprašali kaj bodo najbolj pogrešali, so vsi soglasno odgovorili “kosila, katera pripravi Josie". Mož leta je slov. cvetličar, Jimmy Slapnik. U.S.S. Band je v zvezi z letnim koncertom zopet imel tekmovanje v pečenju. Letos je bilo še več tekmovalcev Čla. Frances Macerol je dosegla drugo mesto za njen sirov štrudel. Neki požarni brambnik je zmagal kar štirikrat. Se vidi, da kuhinja ni več samo za ženske! Sporočamo žalostno vest, da smo v tem letu zgubile že kar 4 članice, ki so se za vedno poslovile: Rose Škrab, Angela Trček, Angela Svetanovich in Jennie Siwak. Isabelle Galinat pa je zgubila svojega moža Earl. Naj vsi počivajo v miru božjem. Naše sožalje žalujočim ostalim! Naša podr. ima 4 članice v domu ostarelih: Dorothy Strniša, Frances Philips, Mary Makovec in Matilda Starič, ki bo slavila dne 13. aprila svoj rojstni dan. Obiskujte jih! Mi smo jih obiskale in jih razveselile z krofami. Blagoslovljeno Veliko noč! Naj Bog obdari vse z ljubim zdravjem. JENNIE FEMC EMILIJAN CEVC: TO JE DAN, KI GA JE NAREDIL GOSPOD... OJ, veliki četrtek! Žalostni dan razkritih oltarjev, zagrnjenih križev, smrtne žalosti, bridkost poslovilne večerje našega Gospoda Jezusa Kristusa, ki je na večer, preden ie trpel za naše in vseh zveličanje. To je danes vzel kruh v svoje svete in častitljeve roke, dvignil oči proti nebu k Tebi, Bogu svojemu Vsemogočnemu Očetu, se Ti zahvalil, ga blagoslovil, razlomil, dal svojim učencem in rekel: “Vzemite in jejte od tega vsi, zakaj to je moje telo....” Oj, veliki petek, dan velike Smrti, ko se je dopolnilo naše odrešenje! Dan Kristosove poslednje molitve: “Oče, odpusti jim...” Dan krvi in prebodene strani. Zvonovi molče, tabernakelj je široko odprt. Jagnje božje je darovano. Glejte, les križa, na katerem je viselo zveličanje sveta! Pridite, molimo! Oj, velika sobota in molitev pred grobom. Križ na oltarnih stopnicah in prižgana sveča, ki naznanja veliko nedeljo, blagoslov ognja in blagoslov jedi. Dišeča po gloriji med zastrtimi okni, gobah.... Oj, velika nedelja! poveličanja in pomladne moči! Po soboti pa, ko se je svital prvi dan tedna, je šla Marija Magdalena in druga Marija pogledat grob, aleluja. Aleluja! Trikratni spev, vsakokrat z višjim glasom zapet. Kristus se je dvignil iz grobnih temin. To je dan, ki ga je naredil Gospod, radujmo se in veselimo se ga! V jutranjo meglo plane glas zvonov in pesem radosti. Nad mlado pije se dvignejo bandera in od mrtvih vstali Bog hodi v zlati monštranci med sadovnjaki. S šumom se razpira popje in drevje pričenja cvetiti. V potoku narašča voda in od gora vleče mrzel veter, ki razganja meglo. Hiše so obsijane z lučjo in roženkravt in rožmarin slutita pomlad. novi pesmi zvonov in po kadilu in kresilnih Sestra Gospodovega Aleluja, aleluja! Krepke roke držijo banderske drogove. Fantje gledajo v zrak, ker se bandero zadeva ob veje dreves. Počasi stopajo, obračajo bandero proti vetru, da lepše plapola, posnemaje v svojem fr-fotanju glas ptičjih peruti. Ministrante, ki nosijo sveče, bolijo roke, zvončki izmenoma pozvanjajo in baldahin diši po kadilu. Gospod župnik ima zlat plašč in sivo glavo. Na stojalu monštrance se igra sonce in pevci pojo: “Premagal je pekel in smrt.” Tako stopa procesija. Žene s škapulirji in velikimi svetinjami na modrih trakovih molijo v zboru rožni venec. Možje odgovarjajo počasi, kot je počasna in težka njih hoja in misel, ki se sprehaja od Boga do polja in živine. Dekleta imajo nova krila in dišeče robce in fantje stopajo z živim korakom. Otroci venomer klepetajo — menijo se o pirhih in poticah. Zvoni Gospodovemu vstajenju na čast. Doma čaka žegen. Miza je pregrnjena, gnjat diši, potica in pirhi leže ob hrenu in klobasah in na vsem je božji blagoslov. Tako Bog posvečuje darove zemlje. Otroci so lačni in se gnetejo k mizi. In oče se prekriža in vsa družina z njim in moli svečano kot nikoli sicer: na čast vstalemu Zveličarju in za mlado setev... Na vasi sekajo pirhe in pomaranče in v cerkvi se pričenja velika maša. In diakon zapoje z visokim glasom. Nad tabernakljem stoji Kristus s praporcem in škrlatnim plaščem. Pod cerkvenim ostrešjem si znašajo ptiči gnezda. Zima je prešla, prenehal je dež, cvetlice so se prikazale v naši deželi. To je dan, ki ga je naredil Gospod, radujmo se in veselimo se ga. Aleluja, aleluja! Vsem čitateljicam blagoslovljene velikonočne praznike! ANA GABER: ŠT. 2, Chicago, 1L NAŠA SLOVENSKA DEDIŠČINA Velika Noč Kristus naš je vstal od smrti, Zvonovi le zvonite, Prepevajte mogočno alelujo, Vesele glasove imejte. Kristus naš je vstal od smrti, Naš odrešenik sveta, Pokleknimo in častimo Vsemogočnega Boga. Kristus naš je vstal od smrti, Le iz srca molimo, “Bog pomagaj nam grešnikom, da nikoli v temi ne zaspimo. ” Dori Kregar MLADA BREDA Povest dr. Ivan Pregelj I del. 5. Saj ne zna kuhati. —Nadaljevanje — Anici je udarila kri v glavo. Hlapec in Katra sta zapustila kuhinjo in Anica ju je slišala šepetati v veži in se smejati. »Oba me sovražita in pomenjena sta,« je mislila Anica, in solze gneva in žalosti so ji privrele v oči. Tedaj je nož zaškrtal ob nekaj trdega, Anica je rahlo kriknila. Iz prsta ji je divje curljala kri. »Oh, ste narodni!« se ja začudila Marjanica, »vi nesrečni otrok, kako se morate tako vrezati.« Marijanica je hitela povezovat krvaveči prst. Tomaž in Katra sta se vrnila v kuhinjo. »Aha, to je za kazen,« se je ponorčeval Tomaž. »Saj nisi za kuhinjo,« je piknila Katra nevesto, »zakaj se le štuliš sem. Gori pa so postelje v neredu, in pometel tudi še ni nihče. Vsako dete zna več ko ti.« Katra in Tomaž sta bila odšla, Anica pa je sedla na ognjišče in zajokala. »Ali tako boli?« je vprašala usmiljeno Marjanica. »Boli, boli!« je plakala Anica, nato je vstala burno in hitela gori v svojo sobo in se vrgla na posteljo ter ihtela: »Ali sem to zaslužila, ti moj Bog, ali sem to zaslužila?« In kakor v ogorčenosti in odporu je dvignila oči proti nebu, in tedaj so obvisele te žalostne in odgovor iščoče oči na sivorjavem očesu v okrhanem okvirju nad posteljo, in Anico je pretreslo do srca. Obrisala si je oči in ranjeno roko je dvignila ko v molitvi proti sliki in rekla: »Ti vse in ti veš vse. Ne zapusti me, ne zapusti me.« In glava ji je klonila in Anica se je zamislila, in vse davne pa do najbližjih slik so šle mimo nje, in polagoma se je umirila in z zaupanjem je dvignila še enkrat oči i k skrivnostni sliki svoje mladosti. Tedaj je vstala in stopila k oknu in se ozrla na dvorišče. In tam doli sta stala dva moža.Eden njiju slaboten in bled, drugi velik, lep in močan s podvihanimi rokavi. Anica je odstopila skoro plašna od okna in zaječala: »Ne, to ni prav!« In zdelo se ji je, da ne more prestati vpričo sivorjavega očesa, in odhitjela je iz sobe, da pozabi prizor, ki ga je videla na dvorišču. Tam doli pa je našla moža v prijateljskem pomenku z Lipetom. Ali ona ni pristopila k njima, temveč se je vrnila v kuhinjo k Marjanici in delala in pomagala dekli in poslušala njeno glasno govorico in se ji nasmihala, ko je Marjanica hvalila njeno marljivost; ali nasmihala se je tako žalostno, da je končno še Marjanica izgubila dobro voljo in umolknila, srečna Marjanica vpričo nesrečne neveste na Peči. 6. In šivati noče. Deževno jesensko vreme je sedlo z veliko trdovratnostjo nad dolino. Bilo je zelo mrzlo in on- stran nad vasjo je bilo videti že s snegom pokrite gore, tu doli v nižavi pa je kuhala mrzla megla, da niso ljudje sami vedeli, kdaj si nabavijo drva za zimo, ki je bila očividno letos prihitela prezgodaj. Dan za dnevnom je lezel enakomerno v megli, ginili so tedni, da človek res ni vedel, čemu ginejo. In vendar se je zdelo ljudem, da bi že bilo dobro, da se enkrat vreme preobrne ali tako ali tako. Kakor dih umiranja in dolgega časa je bilo vsepovsod, prav kakor tedaj, ko je bil kovač prikoval smrt na hruško in je prišla v deželo žalost in skrb in dolgčas. Popolnoma tako je bilo sedaj, samo da ni bilo slavnega kovača nikjer, in je smrt kaj vljudno obiskovala ljudi, in so mrli starci na naduhi in otroci na davici. Ni bilo preteklo dvoje mesecev, in Anica je čutila, da je trudna. Trudna Peči in dela, trudna zbadanja od strani tašče, trudna od tega čudnega, nenaravnega življenja na Peči. Zdelo se je, da so ji lica upadla in obledela. A to je bilo samo včasih, ko sta jo morile žalost in zapuščenost. Pač pa je smeh docela izginili z njenega obraza. Zamišljene njene oči so bile podobne solncu, ki vse bolj slabi jeseni. In zdaj so bile povrhu še megle pokrile to solnce. In tudi Anici so legle megle na srce. Brezčutna bi bila hotela biti Anica, ali ni mogla, in tolažbe, nekake vzpodbujajoče moči ni našla. Ali naj bi jo bila iskala pri možu? O Bog, prav v dno duše mu je videla, da je trudnejši od nje in da je ni reči, ki bi ga vzdramila. Če je ona hirala duševno, je mož umiral, in ona je vedela to in mu ni mogla pomagati. Zato je bilo treba nebotične moči, ona pa in njena dobra volja je krvavela dnevno pod bičem taščine nadvlade. V teh dneh se je bila sprijateljila z malo Jerico, vzela jo s seboj na vseh svetih dan na grob rajne mamice in tete. Razjokala se je in zvečer se je vrnila z molčečo Jerico. Nehote ji je bilo dete prirastlo k srcu Izraz tope brezčutnosti na Jeričinem obrazu je izginil, ko je zaslišala prijazno bezedo iz Aničinih ust, in oči so ji v sveti navdušenosti zažarele. »Smrt! to je najlepše, kar si morem želeti,« je modrovalo mlado dekle, »umreti je lepo, umreti za Boga«. In za hip je pristavila: »O srečni ljudje, ki jih trpinčijo in morejo preliti kri za Kristusa.« Tedaj je Jerica utihnila; opazila je, da je Anica ne posluša. Anica je mislila vse nekaj drugega in šele po dolgem se je zavedla in vprašala Jerico: »O smrti si govorila? Ali ti ne živiš rada?« »Živim rada, da trpim!« je dejala deklica. Anica se je presenečena ozrla na njo. Kako more to dete govoriti o smrti? Kaj sploh ona ve, kaj je smrt? »Kaj drugega misli, Jerica,« jo je karala Anica, »potem se ti bo pa sanjalo o smrti!« »Meni se sanja samo o smrti in trpljenju. Samo včasih se mi sanja, da bom velika grešnica in se šele po dolgih letih spokorim,« je zopet pripovedovala Jerica, »in tedaj me je strah in se zbudim in ne morem več zaspati!« Dekletove oči so žarele tako čudno v somrak, in Anica je potegnila deklico k sebi in jo poljubila. Vtis tega večera je ostal skozi cele tedne v spominju Anici. Vedno in vedno na novo ji je prišlo vprašanje: Kaj je smrt, ali je smrt res nekaj groznega, ali ni samo strah v nas » ■■■■■■■« o ENAKOST IN NEENAKOST o MOŽA IN ŽENE Danes se mnogo govori in piše o enakopravnosti moškega in ženske. Ustanovile so se celo organizacije z namenom, da se borijo za dokončno enakopravnost med obema spoloma. V naslednjih vrstah bi rad podal nekaj misli ob tem vprašanju z vidika krščanskega nauka in zdrave modrosti. Vendar se v glavnem omejim na vprašanje enakopravnosti v zakonski in družinski skupnosti. V predkrščanskem času, pa tudi še danes v deželah, v katerih se vpliv krščanstva še ni mogel zadosti uveljaviti, velja takorekoč nepisan zakon in trden običaj, da je žena v družini in zakonu ter sploh v družbenem življenju manj upoštevana kot moški in ima zelo podrejeno mesto zlasti v javnem življenju. Moški kot telesno močnejši si žensko pogosto s silo pridobi, če ne naravnosti kupi kot bi šlo za neko blago. Je višji od nje in žena je takorekoč njegova last. Kjer je Cerkev naletela in še naletava na takšne običaje, jih ne skuša na revolucionaren način spremeniti. Vzame si časa in počasi začne uvajati novo, krščansko miselnost glede bistvene enakopravnosti moškega in ženske v zakonski in družinski skupnosti. Cerkev se ravna pri tem po evangeljskih načelih, to se pravi z neprestranim učenjem pravega nauka, s prepričevanjem spreobrača srca in običaje. Že prve strani svetega pisma, ko govore o stvarjenju prvega človeškega para, poudarjajo bistveno enakost moža in žene v zakonu. Kristus je tudi v tem v celoti potrdil in spopolnil starozavezni nauk. Drugače tudi ni moglo biti, zakaj Kristus ni prišel odpravljat Stare zaveze, temveč jo uresničit in izpopolnit. Moški in ženska, tako uči krščanstvo, imata enako človeško naravo, zato imata tudi bistveno iste pravice in dolžnosti. Človeško dostojanstvo je isto v obeh spolih. Vse tisto, kar spada k bistvu zakona ali iz njega izhaja, je enako in skupno obema zakoncema. Sem spada pravica in dolžnost do zakonskega dejanja, do medsebojne zvestobe in nerazvozlijivosti in pravice ter dolžnosti do otrok. Ta enakopravnost moža in žene v zakonu in družini pa ne izključuje neenakosti, ki jih sam telesni in duševni ustroj žene in moža ter posebna naloga vsakega od njiju v družinski skupnosti zahteva. Oče in mati imata vsak svoj poseben položaj in nalogo in samo od lepo urejenega sodelovanja obeh je možno dosegati pravi dobrobit otrok ter družinsko harmonijo. Lepo izrazi to dopolnilno nalogo v družini Pij XI, ko pravi, da je “mož glava, žena pa srce družine”. v.#=lKi Kakor ima mož prvenstvo vladanja, tako si žena mora lastiti prvenstvo ljubezni. Mož je glava družine, a zato še ni upravičeno govoriti o podrejenosti žene možu. Podrejenost je pojem, ki se je utihotapil v krščansko miselnost iz barbarskih običajev. Pri teh se je smatral za svobodnega človeka samo tisti, ki se je lahko sam branil — namreč, kdor je bil zadosti močan in je znal uporabljati orožje —. Ker žena redno ni bila tega zmožna, je bila izenačena z nedoraslimi otroki, ki so bili dejansko podrejeni poglavarju družine. Pod njegovim varstvom! Žena je vedno potrebovala varstva močnejšega moškega: ali očeta, ali starejšega brata, dokler ni bila poročena. Popolnoma napačno bi bilo, če bi žene zaradi enakopravnosti zapadle skušnjavi, da bi se hotele “pomožatiti", delati isto kar dela mož. Res je, da ni nobenega poklica ali dela, ki bi ga enako ne mogla opravljati tudi ženska. A prav tako je gotovo, da so nekateri poklici in dejavnosti, ki so bolj skladni z moško, in drugi, ki so bolj skladni z žensko naravo in njenim značajem. Ne upoštevati tega, bi se reklo, ne hoteti priznati, da sta moški in ženska dve različni bitji. Kljub enakopravnosti! Misliti, da se mora ženska smatrati za manj vredno, če ne dela istih del kot moški, je imeti o človekovem dostojanstvu in človekovi osebnosti popolnoma napačen pojem. Nobena ženska bi se ne smela po pravici čutiti manjvredno, če se jo redno izključi iz vojaške službe ter vojnih operacij — ubijanja in uničevanja — kvečjemu bi se smela in morala smatrati za nadvredno. Tudi se nobena družinska mati ne bi smela čutiti manjvredno, če njen mož popravlja motorje, medtem ko ona vzgaja otroke. Kaj je bolj važno biti načelnik in urejevati vlakovni promet, ali pa voditi gospodinjstvo v domači hiši? Dalje, kaj je bolj važno: popravljati stroje, ali pa skrbeti za čistočo in red lastnega doma? Ženska je enaka moškemu ne oziraje se na to, kaj dela in čemu se posveča. Če ženska misli, da je enakopravna moškemu samo tedaj, če opravlja ista dela kot moški, potem bi to pomenilo, da se nima za enakopravno in se poskuša izenačiti z njim prav s tem, da opravlja ista dela kot on. Če priznamo (in kdo bi ne bil prisiljen priznati), da je glavna naloga žene biti družinska mati, je jasno, kje mora biti predvsem njeno mesto. Kadar potreba prisili družinsko mater, da prevzame ■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ in je smrt sama na sebi nekaj lepega? In nekega dne si je odgovorila Anica: »Jerica se ne boji smrti, zakaj v nji je ljubezen velika in velika vera. Jaz pa, mi pa, mi veliki otroci umiramo strahu, ker ne ljubimo in smo brez vere.« In dan je minil za dnevom, ali pravega razpoloženja ni bilo za Jerico. Čutila je, da ni najmanjšega razločka mej njo in umirajočo naravo, in skoro želela si je nekaj posebnega, groznega, nekaj takega, kar bi jo pretreslo, napravilo njenemu mišljenju in življenju drugo pot, zaobrnilo njene misli v gotovo smer. Samo te negotovosti in mlačnosti ne, samo tega hiranja in umiranja ne. Kdo ve, ali ni njen mož čutil istega? Ni li morda ravno radi tega izostajal po cele dneve z doma in včasih celo pil, da ga je drugi dan bolela glava in je kašljal po noči? Sivorjavo oko nad posteljo Aničino je gledalo zagonetno in žalostno v somrak, in Anica, ki je včasih dvignila k njemu oko, je čutila, da ji je celo ta slika nekam tuja, malomarna. Polagoma je začelo Anici postajati to stanje grozno in sklenila je, da hoče hoteti, a kod, a kaj — tega sama ni vedela. Tako je bil prišel dan sv. Andreja, in tašča se je bila odpeljala v mesto, kjer je bil letni semenj, da nakupi obleke za zimo celi družini. Vzela je Jurija s seboj. Ko sta sedla v voz, je prišel za njima Tomaž. Katra je velela počakati in rekla: »Bi šel tudi rad? Saj za enega se že stisneva, kaj!« »Vi ste prav res, kakor se tiče, mati,« je dejal Tomaž in sedel na voz. On in Katra sta sedela udobno, skromni Juri pa zelo nerodno. Ali onadva sta se malo brigala zanj. Saj pravzaprav niti na semenj ni šel, temveč k zdravniku, ker ga je bila Anica lepo preprosila. Drugi dan je zagledala Anica, ko je prišla doli v sobo, ogromen kup blaga. Pozno po noči se je bila vrnila Katra s sejma. Anica se ni dotaknila blaga, ali proti desetim je bila vstala tašča in jo poklicala. »To sem kupila, glej,« je razkazovala kos za kosom tašča, »ali se ti ne zdi, da je trdno in lepo? Komaj še sem dobila to. Po goldinarju je. Boš sešila do nedelje, saj nimam, kaj bi se oblekla. To je za srajce, za Jurija. Pa Tomažu jih obenem napravi. Kaj kakšno delo izven doma, se mora zavedati, da vzgoja in skrb za otroke ne smeta trpeti. Ženina prirojena sposobnost in nagnjenje do materinstva in potreba njene prisotnosti v družini za normalen telesni in duševni razvoj njenih otrok, je glavni razlog za družinsko nalogo žene. Skrb za telesni razvoj otrok ni prva ne glavna naloga staršev. Bolj važna in glavna je duhovna vzgoja nad telesno dobrobitjo. Žal, prenekateri starši to pozabljajo in so bolj zaskrbljeni za neko enakost ženske z moškim in prav zato zapuščajo odlično mesto v družini, ki ji po naravi gre. Delajo v napačnem mnenju, da bodo samo tako res enakopravne moškemu. Moški sami so pa dolžni dati ženam vse priznanje tudi, če se ukvarjajo izključno z otroki in družinskim delom in z njimi pravično deliti svoj zaslužek. Loj/e Kukoviča hočeš, saj je le domač, in ti se razumeš na delo. Je le dobro, da ni treba tuje šivilje, denar je drag in časa imaš dovolj!« In Anica je kimala z glavo in gledala na velikansko skladišče obleke in ponavljala v duši: To je njej za obleko, to je za predpasnike, to je za zimske jopice, za srajce, za krilo, za hlače, to je za Jurija, za Tomaža, za Nežo, za Jerico, za vse in vsakega nekaj, samo za njo in Luko nič. In ona naj šiva vsem, možu, tašči, hlapcem in deklam, ona, nevesta na Peči. Jerici! Ti moj ljubi Bog, njej rada napravi in pastirju. Ali zakaj naj ona šiva Neži, zakaj Tomažu? Ali ne zna Neža sama sebi sešiti zimske kočemajke, in Tomaž, ali nima denarja, pa bi si dal napraviti v vasi? Zakaj pa so šivilje, ali zato, da bo ona delala za vse? In vse večji se je zdel kup blaga Anici in vse večji se ji je zdelo število ur, ki jih naj bi presedela za tem kupom blaga. Zato pa ni skoro vedela, kje in kaj naj vzame prvo v roko. »Samo da mi obleko sešiješ do nedelje; drugo se ne mudi!« je zopet pripomnila tašča. Pri teh besedah je pogledala ostro Anici v obraz in videča njeno zamišljenost pripomnila: »Zate nisem vzela ničesar, saj si dobro založena z obleko. V treh letih je ne obnosiš.« In žena je z ostrim pogledom motrila Aničino lice, da je postala nevesta zelo zbegana in ni rekla nič. To pa je moralo jeziti taščo in nekam srdito je rekla: »Če ti pa ni prav, ti moj ljubi Bog, saj ti svoje blago odstopim. Že potrpim.« »Ne,« je dejala sedaj Anica, »ni treba!« Čutila je, da bi v hudi potrebi le nerada prejela kaj od tašče, in nadejala se je skrivaj, da je Juri gotovo kaj kupil za njo. Ali Juri je bil vstal precej rano in odšel z doma, in Anica ni vedela, kaj je ž njim. Tudi ji sinoči ni rekel ni besedice, kaj mu je svetoval zdravnik. Vendar pa je čakala, da govori zvečer ž njim. In vzela je mero tašči in se lotila dela. Prst, kjer se je bila vrezala, ji je zelo nagajal, in ko je sedela sključena v sobi, jo je kmalu začelo zebsti v noge in roke. In obenem je začutila silno zapuščenost in neznosno ji je bilo v sobi, polni vzduha po kupljenem blagu. Čutila je nekak odpor proti vsemu, jezila se skoro na moža, da sama ni vedela zakaj. Nikakor ji ni hotelo delo izpod rok. (Nadaljevanje prihodnij) ( “FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART” Hi Boys and Girls, Last month I wrote to you about Lent, the preparation of Easier Sunday. Well, this month I'd like to tell you about Easier. You all know that Easter is the feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord, but do you know why we celebrate the way we do? I mean what to eggs and chicks and bunnies have to do with Jesus rising from the dead? Well, the hare is a symbol of .fertility (the ability to have babies) and new life. This animal was chosen in Europe as this symbol, but North 1 America didn’t have any hares. This animal wasn’t common to our continent, so our ancestors had to adopt the hare’s cousin as our symbol for new life. That’s how we got the Easter Bunny. See boys and girls, we have rabbits and bunnies, but no hares. Remember last month I mentioned that eggs were at one time forbidden to eat during Lent? Well, because they couldn’t be eaten for 40 days, when Easter come around they were a real treat, so folks decorated them to make them look special. By the way, eggs and chicks are also a symbol of new life. Did you know that Easter customs weren’t'put into practice here in the United States until the Civil War? That’s right. During the war the soldiers who had died were commemorated in the churches on Easier Sunday so the churches were decorated for this occasion with flowers. After the war the decorating of churches continued and this gradually, through the influence of the Irish, mainly, brought in the other customs of coloring eggs etc... Happy Easter! DAVY THE FROZEN PRIEST Bishop Baraga held the fur-lined coat tightly around his shoulders. His watch showed that it was a few minutes oast four in the morning. Bishop Baraga began his prayers. “Mother Mary,” he prayed, “help me speak and act like your Son today. Help me remember how much He did for me so that 1 can do what I can for others.” The bishop pulled closer to the new fire. He opened the pages of his breviary and began to say his Office. Bishop Baraga was a Slovenian immigrant to the United States who became the apostle to the Chippewa Indians in what is now upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin. Bishop Baraga saw that the poor people in these cold forests needed to hear the Word of God. They needed someone to love and to care for them. So, Frederic Baraga gave them the gift of his life. The bishop was a great preacher. Sometimes he would preach live sermons a day. He taught catechism several times a week whenever he was not visiting one of his mission outposts. For the Chippewa mission at L’Anse, he translated parts of the Bible, the common prayers, and hymns. He published these together with a Chippewa grammar at his own expense. Bishop Baraga loved to celebrate the Mass and the sacraments for the people. He heard confessions for long hours almost everyday. He was never too busy to listen to the needs of the people. He knew how hard it could be to follow Jesus, so he always was a kind and forgiving father. Whenever someone was sick, the bishop would drop what he was doing to help. Often, he would have to go for miles on snowshoes to visit a sick member of the community. He never seemed to think about himself or his own comfort. He built churches, equipped little schools, started Christian communities, taught the Bible, and served the people. He went through the woods on dogsled and over the waters of the northern lakes in a birchbark canoe. Bishop Frederic Baraga was called by God to be a part of His Family. The Bishop’s part of the bargain was to show everyone how much they were loved by the Lord Jesus. On one particularly bitter winter day, Bishop Baraga wrote in his diary: “The snow was very deep and the temperature colder than 1 have ever known, but the salvation of a single human soul means more to me than all the comfort in the world.” Reprint from Ben/iger Co. 6th Grade Religious Instruction. CONFIRMANTS AT ST. STEPHEN'S Most Rev. Alfred Abramowicz, Aux. Bishop of Chicago, administered (he Sacrament of Confirmation to a large class at St. Stephen’s church including four of our Br. 2 members, Jeff Nusko, Chris Podder, Sharon Gibas and Michelle Nusko seen her with the Bishop and St. Stephen’s Pastor, Rev. Vendelin Spendov, OFM. Sharon is holding the bouquet presented to Bishop Abramowicz during the ceremony. The four are all students at the school and often participate in Br. 2 events. 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