ZARJA -THE DAWN
URADNO GLASILO	OFFICIAL	PUBLICATION
SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI____________________SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA
NUMBER 1	JANUARY-FEBRUARY	1999	VOLUME	71
ALL ROADS LEAD TO OUR CONVENTION SITE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JANUARY
ZARJA - THE DAWN
National Officers:
Jan. 5 - Evelyn Majercik, Nat’l Secretary, Bedford, OH Jan. 6 - Irene Odorizzi, Cultural Heritage Officer, Reston, VA
Jan. 10 - Mary Turvey, Dir. Sch. Fund, Marquette, MI Presidents:
Jan. 2 - Kay Yuratovac, Br. 73, Warrensville, OH Jan. 11 - Frances Correll, Br. 93, Brooklyn, NY
Secretaries:
Jan. 5 - Mary Jackovich, Br. 28, Calumet, MI Jan. 12 - Mary Krall, Br. 37, Greaney, MN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN FEBRUARY
Presidents:
Feb. 4 - Ruth Sheck, Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI Feb. 8 - Josephine Artac, Br. 102, Willard, WI Feb. 16 - Mary Zales, Br. 8, Steelton, PA Feb. 22 - Anne Marie Wangler, Br. 24, LaSalle, IL
Secretaries:
Feb. 1- Agatha Donges, Br. 40, Lorain, OH Feb. 18- Theresa Dagg, Br. 10, Cleveland, OH Feb. 27 - Diane Varney, Br. 14, Euclid, OH
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703
NO. 1 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1999 VOL. 71
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published six times per year - šestkrat na leto.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Periodicals Postage Paid at Joliet, IL and at additional mailing offices All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I. v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703 Telephone: (773) 548-8878
^ First Midwest Bank
National Association
50 W. Jefferson Street Joliet, Illinois 60431	<=>
(815 727-5222	nu
^L/s,ax to a£C	cmA	fxiznch!
Slovenian Women’s Union National Convention Raffle
First prize: Queen-size, hand-made Quilt “Geese in the Pond” design, in forest green and ivory.
Second prize: 18 inch Doll, dressed in Red Coat, trimmed in black velvet with black fur muff,
Plus... costumes of three Slovenian regions, Gorenjska, Bela Krajina and Prekmurje. Complete, with stand.
Both prizes made by National Treasurer, Beverly Menart.
Doll is donation by National President Jean Korsman.
Tickets available by mail: Send $1 per ticket with coupon below to:
Beverly Menart, SWU Nat’l. Treasurer 1111 98th Ave. W., Duluth, MN 55808 Telephone: (218) 626-3183
Winner need not be present. Drawing will be at the Nat’l. Convention, May 23, 1999, Orlando, Florida. We will fill out your tickets and place them in the raffle box for you. You will not receive any tickets.
Name:
Address:
Quilt:
Doll:
City, Zipcode:
Number of Tickets Number of "Tickets
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION CONVENTION RAFFLE
Amount Enclosed: $
JEAN KORSMAN, National President
DL iPiomiiz of an Exciting 7999-
t
We anticipate exciting times and events for our organization in the new year, 1999. In just four months time, we will be convening the 23rd National Convention of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America in Orlando, Florida. By now you will have selected the delegates who will represent your Branch at this important gathering. This is where you will witness “Democracy in Action”: Every vote of each delegate will count: in the election of the officers that will guide us into the next century, in any proposed bylaws changes, in any vote on special assessments and dues increases, on guidelines and qualifications for membership, on the Insurance aspect of our Union and dozens of other issues that are sure to be raised, accepted or rejected. Every vote will be vital to the future of Zveza. I hope you have elected delegates who are well informed and interested in preserving our record of sisterly love and concern for our membership.
Our founder Marie Prisland’s objective and purpose for chartering our organization in 1926 was to “To assist immigrant Slovenian women in their social, moral and intellectual education, foster American and Slovenian ideals, help members become citizens, encourage participation in civic affairs and arrange for an adequate interment for it’s deceased members.”
Over seventy years have passed, and necessitated changes in our purpose. The dream “to Americanize members” now becomes a wish to involve ourselves in a search for our Slovenian identity. The older we get, the more deeply we concern ourselves with our roots. We feel compelled to mingle our grandparents and parents’ culture with our own.
As members of SWU we can follow in our predecessors’ footsteps by imitating their gracious manners and hospitality; show respect for our National Officers, abide by the precepts and bylaws agreed on
over the years, cooperate with the local officers who give their time and efforts to keep our Branches functioning. We should cheerfully participate in the activities and projects that are presented each year. We should generously donate to the support of our ZARJA, HERITAGE, and SCHOLARSHIP funds so that they can continue to prosper and produce the results that were intended from their inception.
The roots of our Zveza were planted deep, growing into a tree that has stood solid for over seventy years! We can only make progress if the “branches” of that tree remain strong. Please send delegates to the National Convention who love and cherish our organizations’ proud history; who support our efforts to educate and enlighten our young members so they will look back and recall the Slovenian Women’s Union with the warmth and gratitude we feel towards our founders; those pioneer women who had a vision for the future: They were ahead of their time in their hopes for a strong “union” for us all.
We must protect that beautiful legacy; promote harmony and goodwill and come to the convention prepared to vote on issues that will benefit us all in the years ahead, strengthening and preserving our Slovenian Women’s Union of America.
I	am so proud and pleased with the new cookbook, MORE POTS AND PANS. I know you will agree this beautiful tribute to Hermine Dicke is more than a cookbook; it will be a long-lasting memento to all who came before and all who use it’s recipes and read it’s stories.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Corinne. and the committee who worked hundreds of hours compiling and editing the recipes, planning its unique format and finally publishing and marketing this book. Be sure to get one for yourself and all your family and friends. They will treasure it always.
NATIONAL SECRETARY - - KEEPING UP-TO-DATE
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£	We	have	passed	over	the	threshold	of	the	new year, and we draw ever closer to a new century. It will £
ft	be far easier to make a “new beginning” in 1999 than it will be	to start the year 2000. I made note in another	ft
£	Christmas message this past year using the word “millennium.”	I questioned others, and now I question you,
J	was that word ever included in your vocabulary? If your answer	is “yes,” then truthfully — did you know what	£
5	it meant? In the computer world it is referred to as Y2K. Whether you use the word, if you understand the word,	ft
j	can you even comprehend what a new century holds in store? It is time to sit back and reflect on where we have	£
ft	been, where we are and where we are going. Question yourself as to how far into this new millennium we
(SWU) will travel.	»
£	By	now	you	are	all	aware	that	the	new	cookbook	is	in	circulation.	The	job	that	was	put	to	us	was	j
n-	tremendous and most of the finished product is the result of the time and talent that Corinne Leskovar put forth.	ft
£	She and the committee have done all they can to make this book available. It is now up to you the members to	£
promote and sell our “effort.” As a suggestion, may I encourage branches to place small items (blurbs) in the	£
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ft	church bulletins. They are always anxious for community projects. If your branch finances are substantial, ads	ft
£	in local papers can stimulate sales. There was such a demand/plea for a cookbook, we have filled that request.	£
ft	We hope that you in turn will show us your thanks by selling at least one book per member.	ft
$	The National Convention will take place in May, 1999. Again, much effort has been put into making
this a successful convention. There are many issues to be discussed, elections to take place and by-laws to be *
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ft	revised. A member from your branch should be encouraged to	attend the convention as	a delegate. Many	«.
opportunities, after the meetings, will be afforded for you to enjoy	the Orlando, Florida area.	We dare not enter	£
ft	the new millennium without good resolutions.	ft
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$	Inquiries	have	been	made	regarding	a	website	for	SWU	and we are researching the possibilities. Fair $
warning, if it is costly, it will not happen. It will require a person to keep the information updated, to be available
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ft	for all inquiries and in general to maintain it daily. Consideration will have to be given as to the “necessity” of	»■
J	such an endeavor. Another question to ask yourself, “Would I use it?”
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Our biggest challenge immediately is to start the billing for 1999. Again, we ask that you send no payment ft
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u-	until you receive an invoice. Many members who wrote inquiring why they received no billing were advised
that they had paid in advance (of the billing). Mistakes, errors, blunders, etc. do occur, and we admit to them.	£
ft	Perhaps before you pen your reprimands or voice your disagreement, a few moments of reflection and consideration	ft
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$	might make everyone feel a little bit better. A BIG thank you to those who take time to include their appreciation	$
£	for our work. One note received early in December stated, “record keeping has been a nightmare. Now that	£
ft	someone else is responsible for the bookkeeping, I do not anticipate any further problems.” It truly made our day.	ft
As we start the New Year, we extend to each and everyone of you the very best that the days, weeks,	$
ft months have to offer. May good health remain with you, and may your renewed faith in God, with the birth of	ft
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t,. His Son, sustain you through any difficult days and carry you into the next century.	«.
*	Respectfully,	£
ft	Evelyn	A.	Majercik,	National	Secretary	ft
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HELP US FIND:	*
Looking for the family of Anthony Sterle, brother of Frances Sterle LaDu. Anthony’s last known address	£
is 808 Clay Street, Eveleth, MN. Frances (deceased) was a member of Br. 19. Will appreciate hearing from	£
anyone with information.	ft
Also, we are searching for members of the Kristine Kebe family and Marie Son family, the Francka	£
Povsic family and the family of Kathryn Prebilich. It will be to their benefit to contact us: P.O. Box 46539,	£
Bedford, Ohio 44146	(440) 439-1825.	ft
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IN THE NEW YEAR - WE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Br. Member
2 Ryan Harrison (Jr.)
2	Cordell M.Cirer (Jr.)
Anthony M. Poddic Alyssa Stanczak Louis C. Pasderetz (Jr.)
ColeJ. Pasderetz (Jr.)
12 Mary Beth Hofbauer
13 Edythe Ansel (Social)
Dina Carriker (Social)
14 Patricia A. Habat Carlee M. Varney (Jr.)
20 To mark their 70th Anniversary:
Brianna A. Haug (Jr.)
Kinsey Cahill (Jr.)
Gerry Stiteley (Social)
Janie R. Eskridge (Jr.)
Nancy A. Mitok Diana M. Ganster Robert F. Koncar(Jr.)
John W. Koncar(Jr.)
Francis R. Koncar(Jr.)
Mark Brsan Anthony L. Kambich Frank Oster
Elizabeth Gonzales (Jr.)
Jeanne Juricic Nancy A. Sraj Jill M. Petrak Robert M. Kochevar Rev. George Klepec RoseM. Hrubos Mary H. Nahas Jennifer Whitgrove (Jr.)
Mary B. Martincich Donna J. Chesko Marilyn t. Wittkofski NicholaL. Blowers Robyn Coyne Cindy Welsh Alexandra Wicks (Jr.)
Shane Coyne (Jr.)
Mildred J. Peterson (Social) Lorraine M. Wedio (Social) Lillian M. Wetzel (Social) Annette M. Jelinek Jan Gould
Jeanne M. Picchiotti Amanda L. Blowers (Jr.)
Mary Ann Crater Bemadine Ford (Social) Josephine Smoljo (Social) Barbara A. Leben Calvin J. Cahill (Jr.)
Brian Hunter
JanetS. Schatz
Debora A. Komp
Patricia A. Desiderio
Bemadine B. Price
Kathy A. Yirsa
James A. Lilek
Margaret A. Attaway (Social)
Rachel A. Pucel (Jr.)
Rudy T. Pucel Philip G. Pucel Doris M. Tadey Elaine M. Dinguel Frank J. Mandel Carol A. Novak George Buric Anthony Wolf Joseph Wolf (Social)
Wendy R. Wittkofski Sharon Schroeder Mary C. Irwin Jessica M. Welsh (Jr.) Danielle M. Dobczyk (Jr.) Lindsey J. Dobczyk (Jr.) Casey Joseph Dobczyk (Jr.) Angela C. Chytracek (Social) Helen A. Valerugo (Social) Shirley Muehler (Social) Anna Marie Jelinek (Social) Arlene Albert Beverly Jean Ashcraft Sarah L. Blowers (Jr.)
23	Judith M. Swenson Joanne P. Skansgaard Benjamin J. Newhouse (Jr.) Aimee J. Osaben (Jr.)
Valerie J. Osaben Jody F. Labernik Frances Thoren
24	Julie A. Wangler
Frances L. Kasik (Social) 30 Carole L. Morris Christina Borsos George J. Plautz, Jr. Joanne Walker Caroline Bachun Margaret S. Gorshe Nancy A. Kish Shirley J. Ferguson Carol A. Ryba Cheryl T. Pershey Helen M. Baum Frances McKee (Social) GayaBanovich Marie A. Williams Nancy C. Bukovnik 35 Mary Margaret D’Orazid 38 Elda F. Bonacci (Social) Elizabeth J. Harwood Frances M. Motta 43 June R. Smarella (Social) Cheryl M. Griep 47 Dorothy M. Squire 54 Frances D. Sainato Louise Vett
100 Matilda Skebe (Social)
101 Joan E. Larson Sandra Larson Michelle M. Sibits
102 Lynsey Volorsek(Jr.)
103 Thomas Fitzsimmons (Jr.) Anne B. Zorc
Cynthia M. White Rosemarie Lawing
105 Mary H. Golia (Social) AnnaM. Fooy (Jr.)
SWU NATIONAL CONVENTION
HOTEL RESERVATION REQUEST
orlando Harriott.
8001 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 351-2420; 1-800-421-8001
The Orlando Marriott staff looks forward to serving S.W.U. in fine Marriott tradition. In making your reservation we request that you either:
1) Enclose a check or money order covering the first night’s stay. If the advance deposit is for more than one person, please indicate the individual names that will be covered by the deposit.
— OR —
2) Send us the entire number of your following credit card; AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, VISA, MASTER CARD, CARTE BLANCHE, or DISCOVER CARD. Don’t forget the expiration date and your signature.
The Orlando Marriott regrets that it cannot hold your reservation for more than 10 days of receipt without one of the above. All reservations must be guaranteed.
Deposits will be refunded only if cancellation notification is given up to 72 hours prior to arrival.
Name (print) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:   ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone (Business) (	)____________________________________ Home	(	)_____________________________________
For arrival on _____________________________________________ Depart	on	_________________________________________
(day)	(date)	(day)	(date)
Please reserve ______________________________________________ No.	of	Rooms	for	  People
Name(s) of person(s) sharing accommodations    ___________________________________________________________________
Limit 5 persons per room
(Additional room if applicable ____________________________________________________________________________________________
□ Check or money order enclosed	□	Diners Club	□ Carte Blanche
□ American Express	□	Visa
□ MasterCard	□	Discover	Amount $ _______________________________
Credit Card Number: ____________________________________________ Expiration	Date:	______________________________________
Signature:  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I authorize the Orlando Marriott to charge my account for one night’s deposit and all applicable taxes. Check-in time is 4:00 p. m. Check out time 11:00.
Single:	$109.00	Double:	$109.00	Additional	Person:	$10.00	Suites:	$350.00
Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 11%) in effect at the time of check in.
GUARANTEED RESERVATIONS:
All reservation requests must be accompanied by a first night room deposit, guaranteed with a major credit card, or by SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION. Hotel will not hold any reservations unless guamateed by one of the above methods.
CUT-OFF DATE
Reservations by attendees must be received on or before Wednesday, April 28, 1998, (“Cut-off date”).
Slovenian Women’s Union National Convention May 20-23,1999
Marriott Hotel - 8001 International Drive, Orlando, Florida
Convention Chairman, Kathy Dorchak, our SWU Vice President, presents the following schedule for the forthcoming National Convention:
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1999
Arrival of Delegates and Visitors to Hotel Hospitality Suite open in the evening Convention Credential Committee will accept Credentials from Delegates.
FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1999 - 8:30 a.m.
Opening of Convention and Keynote Address Convention Meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Luncheon recess at Hotel from noon to 1 p.m.
Dinner-Theatre Entertainment in the evening.
SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1999
Convention Meeting, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Convention Banquet 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 23, 1999
Holy Mass followed by excursion to New Smyrna Beach, Florida to meet Slovenian Community there.
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for the delegates on Friday and Saturday. There will be a continental breakfast before mass on Sunday for all attendees. Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine is just a few miles from the hotel. We will provide transportation to the Shrine and to the Sunday social event. ---------------------------------------------- Kathy------
Names of the Delegates are requested to be submitted to the National Secretary by January 31, 1999. Proposals to the Convention are to be submitted to the National President by February 1, 1999.
NOMINATIONS CHAIRMAN NAMED
In advance of the 23rd National SWU Convention in May, the President has appointed Vice President, Kathleen Dorchak as chairman of the Nominations Committee. See Bylaws Articles 4.07 and 4.08. Branches are requested to send in written Nominations for positions that will be elected at the Convention by April 15, 1999: Kathleen Dorchak, SWU Vice President 3088 Markle Drive., Silver Lake Village, OH 44224 The National President will chair the Convention Bylaws Committee
many, Queen of the UmveRse ShRine
Mary Turvey, Director Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program:
1999 — The 50th Anniversary SWU Scholarship Fund Program
Fifty years ago, during 1949, the first SWU Scholarship Awards were presented to the following students: Marie Bombach Dye, Branch 105, Detroit, Michigan; Donald Carek, Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Frederick Pahula, Branch 34, Soudan, Minnesota.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program, we are pleased to present reports from some of our past scholarship winners.
Dr. Donald Carek, winner of one of the first three scholarships awarded in 1949 graciously sent the following:
“It is hard to belive that it is almost 50 years since your Slovenian Women’s Union so generously helped launch me on what was to be my career. I am happy to review for you what has happened in my life since my freshman year in college back in 1949.
From premed studies at Marquette University I went onto graduate from it’s Medical School in 1956. During my studies at Marquette I was made a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Honorary Jesuit Society, and Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Honorary Medical Society.
Next there was internship at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. followed by four years of resident training in Psychiatry, and Child Psychiatry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From that training I moved into a faculty position at the University of Michigan and stayed on in academia for the rest of my career. From Michigan I returned to Milwaukee in 1966 on the faculty at Marquette University School of Medicine. In 1976 I moved to Charleston, S.c. to assume the position of Professor and Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina,; the position I held until I retired in 1996. Since retirement I continue on at the University on a very limited basis as Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus. Over the course of this career I have had a number of publications, including two books on psychotherapy. I
have been listed in every edition of “Who’s Who in America” since 1986.
I feel especially blessed in my family life. Married in 1956, Fran, an RN, and I have six children and twelve grandchildren. We are grateful that all our children are college graduates, one also being an MD on the Medical University faculty here in Charleston. Since my retirement Fran and I pursue a number of mutual interests. We both sing in our Catholic Church choir. We also are very much into Early Music, Fran being an excellent recorder player and I playing along either on recorder or bass viola da gamba, be it with our teacher, at home, in Church or wherever it might be. We are avid tennis players and we enjoy traveling. We have traveled far and wide, including a tour of Croatia and Slovenia this past summer. Among highlights was a visit to Ljubljana as we got to see that it is truly a jewel of a city.
In my reflections on how I have been tremendously blessed, I feel very much indebted to your Slovenian Women’s Union for its invaluable scholarship assistance back in 1949 when I was so sorely in need of such help in order to get out of the starting gate. To underscore my gratitude, I am enclosing a check of $500 dollars from Fran and me for you to add to your Scholarship Fund. Sincerely, Donald J. Carek, M.D.”
1986 Award winner of the Josephine Erjavec Scholarship, Mary S. Mihelich, Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois writes:
Rowing on the Charles River near Harvard University, our SWU Scholar, Angela Miklavčič and her teammates practice the sport that has gained them national championships.
“Since my freshmen year of college I went on to graduate from the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in advertising. I received a gradaute assistantship from the University of Illinois to continue my education and received my masters degree in advertising in 1991.
I live in Chicago and work at the Argonne National Laboratory as a Program Coordinator in the division of Educational Programs International Training Course Section. I have had the privilege of meeting individuals from over 50 countries, including Slovenia.
I would like to take this opportunity and thank the Slovenian Women’s Union for their support in my education and congratulate them on 50 years. Here’s wishing you 50 more years! Sincerely, Mary S. Mihelich.”
1996 Award Winner, Angela Miklavčič, Branch 68, Euclid, Ohio writes: “I would like to write and express my gratitude to your organization for generously supporting my college education during the 1996-1997 school years. I would like to take this opportunity to let you know how I have been doing at school and what activities I am involved in.
As many of you know, I am entering my junior year at Harvard University this fall. I am majoring in Social Anthropology, but I am also taking pre-medical classes so that I can apply to medical school after graduating. So far, aside from extremely difficult Organic Chemistry classes, I have enjoyed all of the courses that I have taken. The Professors are friendly and the Teaching Fellows are invaluable in helping us understand the course material. And, because of the wide diversity of courses offered at Harvard, I have been able to take many different types of classes from one on the Cultural Revolution of China to Calculus to Classical Music. This year I will be busy completing my Physics component for my premed classes and will be studying for my MCAT entrance exams which I plan on taking in the spring of 1999.
Aside from doing my schoolwork I work ten hours a week for the student-run cleaning service. This past year I also was involved in VISIONS Harvard, an organization devoted to promoting awareness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic all over the world. The club’s main event is the sponsoring and organizing of the annual conference on AIDS for which I was on the publicity committee. Next year I hope to become more involved in the mentoring program for children who are living with the virus.
The extracurricular that takes up the majority of my time, however, is rowing. I have been a member of the varsity crew team for the past two years. This year was excellent as our entire team qualified to go to the NCAA Division I National Championships on Lake Lanier, Georgia. The course we rowed on was the course for the 1996 Olympics games held in Atlanta. My team finished 7th in the nation and my boat, a four-1- (which consists of four rowers and one coxswain) finished 10th. It was the highlight of my year to spend a week in Georgia at the end of May and row well in the competition.
I	hope this gives you a better insight into one of the students you are helping with your scholarship program. Without your help my mother and I would be facing a much greater financial debt. Thank you again for your support. Sincerely, Angela Miklavčič.”
We are grateful to Dr. Donald Carek, Mary Michelich, and Angela Miklavčič for sharing their wonderful experiences since they first ventured into a college classroom as freshmen, filled with hope and dreams. Surely they affirm the worthiness of our Scholarship Program.
Those SWU members who are currently high school seniors, planning to attend a certified university or college in fall of 1999 are encouraged to apply for our 50th Anniversary Scholarship Awards. Please write to me for information and application forms soon. The deadline for application returns is March 1, 1999. Donations and correspondence are most welcomed, and appreciated.
1999 is the 50th Anniversary Year of the SWU Scholarship Fund! Please make your donations to help us Keep The Dream Alive! Remember a loved one, or a special occasion with a donation to this Fund. Send it to:
Mary Turvey, Scholarship Fund Director 52 Oakridge Dr., Marquette, MI 49855
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THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN CATHOLIC HISTORY
Compliments are extended to Edward Gobetz Ph.D. of the Slovenian Research Center for the article which he compiled entitled, “Slovenian Catholics in America,” and which appeared in the Encyclopedia of American Catholic History.
Professor Gobetz, retired from his teaching position at Kent State University, maintains his continued and active interest in recording outstanding contributions of individuals of Slovenian extraction in all fields of endeavor. This has been practically a life-long project with Professor Gobetz, the only person to our knowledge who has made such a commitment to Slovenian heritage.
The article which appeared in the Encyclopedia deals specifically with the contributions of Slovenian missionaries, priests, bishops, religious, laity and Slovenian Catholic Women. The concluding section mentions the Slovenian Women’s Union which we quote as written.
"Also of great importance are several Catholic-oriented fraternal societies, such as the American Slovenian Catholic Union (former K.S.K.J.) established in 1894, and the Slovenian Women's Union, founded in 1926. These groups, with lodges throughout America and with their own periodical press, Amerikanski Slovenec and ZARJA - The Dawn respectively, continue to offer strong support to Slovenian Catholicism in Ameria, as well as to other Catholic activities in U.S.A. to the missions around the world and to the Catholic Church in Slovenia, the land of their roots."
Edward Gobetz is a visionary to be lauded, first, for his insight into recognizing the need for a compilation of Slovenian contributions and secondly for the selfless dedication required to work endlessly in this field. For many years, Professor Gobetz has researched and then publicized the accomplishments of American-Slovenians in fraternal newspapers as well as other publications.
The work that he has undertaken has become more significant since Slovenia achieved independence and is recognized as a distinct country. The accomplishments of Slovenians living in all parts of the world will enhance the position of Slovenia as well as the individuals achieving prominence in all fields of endeavor from science to the arts.
Edward Gobetz is to be commended most highly and encouraged to continue to promote our Slovenian heritage as he has in the past. The question could be asked, “If Professor Gobetz doesn’t, who else will, who else has?" Indeed!
Most Reverend Elden Curtiss, Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska, attended the 1998 Bishop Baraga Days in Cleveland and, on Sept. 5th, visited the historic Bishop Baraga Exhibit, chatting with Prof. Gobetz in Slovenian. Archbishop Curtiss is the highest-ranking Slovenian clergyman in USA. He is proud of his Slovenian immigrant mother and has endeared himself to all who has had a chance to meet him. The exhibit of 42 display panels and over 340 enlarged laminated photographs, with texts, was prepared by Dr. Gobetz, with the help of his wife Milena and Mr. Leopold Omahen.
Photo: Slovenian Research Center of America
Joliet Herald News Jan. 4, 1998 Excerpts from a story by Marilyn Olson
EMD OF fin ERA
(Prologue: At the beginning of 1998, the building that was the home of the Erjavec family in Joliet, Illinois was sold. At one time it was the Home Office of the Slovenian Women’s Union, in the years 1939 to 1952, and the home of the S.W.U. National Secretary, Josephine Erjavec and her family. It was the center of activity for Branch 20 when the organization had its most successful period of growth.
In Jan. 1998, the local Joliet newspaper sent one of their best reporters to interview the Erjavec family and bring their story of early times on Chicago Street to life. Thus, the following is excerpted from Ms. Olsen’s Herald News Story and reprinted to give kind closure to an era that will never be duplicated.	Editor)
The transaction was recorded as a simple transfer of ownership of property, but it means more than a real estate deal.
The transfer recently of a building at 527 Chicago St. from Ron Erjavec and his sisters, Jonita Ruth, Olga Ancel and Mildred Pucel, marked the sale of the last Slovenian family home in an area that was known as “Slovenian Row” for many years.
At one time, Joliet had one of the three largest Slovenian communities in this country.
Slovenians immigrated to the United States in search of better jobs and a better life.
By 1885 there were about 45 Slovenians in Joliet. They spread word of jobs and a good life in this Illinois prairie town and by 1900 Joliet had become one of the largest Slovenian communities in the United States, with hundreds of workers and their families moving to the town.
Many settled at first in Cleveland, working at the steel mills, the Rev. George Klepec of nearby St. Joseph Catholic Church said. Then the promise of more work in the steel wire plants in Joliet lured them farther west.
Work in the steel mills was hard and dirty, with long hours. Many of the Slovenians chose to leave the mills and start their own businesses. They opened stores, which sprang up along North Chicago Street.
“My grandparents, Martin and Mary Kostelec, immigrated to this country looking for work,” said another Slovenian-American, Rick Kostelec of Joliet. “I’ve been told that companies from the United States actually advertised job openings in Europe, and then paid the passage of workers and their families as long as they agreed to work for the company for a specified length of time. My grandfather worked on building the canals here, as well as in the steel mills.”
Simon Setina built a two-story monument business at 527 N. Chicago St. in about 1917. The family lived above the shop all these years. After grandfather Setina died (Josephine’s father), then the shop was a frame store, then Drew Upholstery, a business still there.
“Currently only three Slovenian businesses remain open in the area: Golobitsch’s Baron’s Den, Tezak Funeral Home and Stefanich’s Restaurant,” Olga Ancel said.
Klepec said interest in Slovenian heritage has been renewed since 1992 when Slovenia, for the first time in history, became an independent country. The tiny mountainous area, located in the northern comer of what was formerly Yugoslavia, has been part of several different empires.
Klepec also speculated that many immigrants to the United States may have been encouraged to come here partly to avoid becoming involved in military service for the Au-stro-Hungarian Empire.
But no matter where they worked, or why they came to the United States, they worked just as hard at keeping their Slovenian customs alive for future generations.
“The old house at 527 Chicago St. was a busy place,” Olga Erjavec Ancel remembers. “My mother learned to drive a car at 16 years old to help with my father’s business, and we always had meetings here, as well as celebrations. She ran a candy store and ice cream shop in the building next door.”
The three sisters and brother climbed the 27 steep steps to the second floor of the house recently to toast the past with Slivovitz, a potent plum brandy.
It was a bittersweet moment when they remembered all the good times and hard work the family had at the house. Memories of wedding receptions for Olga and Mildred, birthings, and finally the deaths and wakes of their parents were reflected in their faces.
“It was a good house,” Ron Eijavec said, lifting his glass.
In 1939, Josephine Erjavec posed with her three daughters, Olga (left), Millie (right), and Jonita (sitting next to her), dressed in the national Slovenian costume.
THE SLOVENIAN HERITAGE MUSEUM
In 1976, Irene M. Odorizzi was appointed Heritage Director of the SWU and within two years her idea of establishing a Slovenian Heritage Museum to preserve the contributions of Slovenian immigrants to the American way of life was on. its way to becoming a reality. The Museum is housed in the SWU National Office, at 431 N. Chicago St. in Joliet, IL which is located in Slovenian Row, the heart of the early Slovenian immigrant community. It is also a part of the National Heritage Corridor of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.
The Museum which has been maintained by volunteers from Branch 20 during the past 15 years, celebrated its Grand Opening on February 21, 1983 at which time Mrs. Odorizzi offered a dedication which is reprinted as follows:
“We are gathered here today to dedicate this Museum to our Slovene immigrants who epitomized the sacrifice, ideals and work ethic upon which the United States was established; we also dedicate it to those who are gathered here today, who recognized the responsibility of preserving our heritage; and thirdly this museum is dedicated to future generations who will reflect upon the past and continue to keep alive the same spirit of our Slovene immigrants who have inspired this memorial.
The footsteps of Slovene immigrants have been impressed into American soil with an enduring message of sacrifice, hard work, responsibility and loyalty to an adopted country for over 100 years. The significance of their contribution to the American way of life may well go unnoticed and forgotten in years to come unless they are visibly recorded for posterity.”
The initial volunteers were Rev. David Stalzer, Agnes Lovati, Mildred Pucel, Marie Malnerick, Mary Ivanich, J elen Horwath, Jean Govednik, Ann Dragovan, Molly Gre-prich and Olga Ancel, along with many behind the scenes workers from Branch 20 headed by President of Branch 20, Emma Planinšek.
The visitor can view these artifacts which are on display along with exhibits of Cadet uniforms and national costumes. A slide show (now in video) entitled, “Golden Times,” pays tribute to its founders and documents the history of the Slovenian Women’s Union from its founding in 1926 to the
Initially the Museum was developed by funds obtained through three Heritage Festivals organized by Branch 20 and the combined branches of Minnesota. Since then a reliance on individual donations of the members and the branches have assisted in sustaining the Museum. Branch
2	has been a generous contributor during the years along with many individuals and branches that have contributed $100 donations to the Heritage Plaque.
Families of early Slovenian pioneers contributed to the museum with donations of national costumes, clothing, linens and laces, jewelry, photos, furnishings, handcrafted items and assorted memorabilia which were a part of the life at the tum of the 19th century. There is a library, a picture display, maps and life-size manequins displaying national dress.
The SWU Home Office and Slovenian Heritage Museum at the corner of Chicago and Clay Streets, central meeting place in Joliet.
1980’s. The two-projector slide and sound show was awarded an “Excellent” rating by the Illinois Association of Museums and was developed by Mrs. Odorizzi.
Through the years, there have been special exhibits, tours for children, lecture programs and many open houses for various SWU functions as well as other fraternal groups visiting Joliet. At all times, the functions reflect the friendliness and hospitality for which the Slovenian people are known.
Numerous gift items handled by Jonita Ruth can be purchased at the Museum which reflect the pride of the American-Slovenian. T-shirts, aprons, hats, visors, cups, key chains, tots bags, books, greeting cards, postcards, etc. are available for sale, either by mail or when visiting the museum which is open upon request or for various occasions.
At this writing the Museum is only fifteen years old-merely an infant, but one with a future. That future depends upon funds to develop other areas of the Museum and to secure the services of a curator; it depends upon the interest and vitality of the membership of branches within the Joliet area to form a team of volunteers; it depends upon the next generation to continue to preserve the heritage bestowed upon them by their Slovenian immigrant ancestors. Who can be depended upon to carry the torch in the next millennium? Will it be you?
The SWU recognizes all volunteers who have assisted at the Slovenian Heritage Museum for nearly two decades in many events. Their participation is valued and appreciated.
The dedication of the Slovenian Heritage Museum occurred in 1978 and since that time, the Museum has been maintained by the Museum volunteers. Every few years, additional space was added for the expanding displays, the “Golden Times,” slide show and a library of Slovenian books and artifacts.
Branch #20 members who have devoted time as volunteers at the Museum during the past 20 years were: Helen Horwath, Olga Ancel, Mildred Pucel, Mollie Gregorich, Helen Plut, Jo Lustik, Ann Dragovan, Marie Scheidt, Margaret Dusa, Mary Rozman, Jean Govednik, Marie Mal-narich, Jonita Ruth, Mary Ivanich, Mary Anzelc, Diane Govednik, Dolores Krzysciak, Dorothy Surman, Lillian Cepon, Julie Kaluza, Marge Grayhack, Jo Mlakar. Louise Sega and artists Lucille Dragovan and Lillian Brule and many other ladies have participated at various times.
The ever-changing and artistic window displays depicting heritage themes were undertaken by former National Secretary, Olga Ancel followed by her sister, Jonita Ruth.
The list is long of individuals (male and female) who helped on many occasions and we thank them all.
MOLLY GREGORICH
Since Molly began her dedicated work as a Museum Volunteer in 1988, she has been a very dependable person in many aspects of museum work whether it’s as a Museum hostess in heritage sales, working with refreshments or assisting with the cleaning.
In 1990, Mary Catherine Tracy and Mary Rozman began cataloguing the hundreds of books donated to the Museum Library and since Molly especially enjoyed working with books she became part of that committee. The ladies worked diligently on this large task until it was completed. For the past few years Molly has assumed responsibility for new arrivals and often spends time at home cataloguing them.
She appears every Tuesday at the Museum and participates in whatever work must be accomplished. When asked why she has donated her time as a Museum volunteer for so many years, Molly mentioned, “I do it because I like it. When you’re retired you want to do things for the community. ” Molly also works as a volunteer for the Rialto Theater in Joliet.
Molly assisted Lucija Dragovan in the painting of the 10 murals in Joliet-a commission of the Joliet City Government. It was a tremendous undertaking and she assisted from the first moment to the last one.
One SWU member mentions that, “Molly is such a nice person. She’s very friendly but also very shy. She’s always embarrassed about publicity or being in the limelight.” Molly is a valued member of the Museum team.
HELEN HORWATH
Helen was one of the “early” Museum Volunteers, starting in 1983. She was there with ideas and dedication in the early phases of the development of space and exhibits and became Co-Chairlady with Jean Govednik.
Helen was also interested in establishing the Museum as part of the historic I & M Canal and attended their meetings along with Helen Plut as a liaison between the newly formed I &
M Canal and the Slovenian Heritage Museum relaying information that could be used to the advantage of the Museum.
She also kept records of the activities of the Museum, started private tours, developed exhibits and recorded the events of the Museum.
Helen was a vital and important part of the Museum until she became ill and it was impossible for her to participate as she had done in the past. However, her intelligence, ideas, interest and dedication is not forgotten. Her presence is missed.
OLGA AND ED ANCEL
A perfect Slovenian-American couple, the Ancels are dedicated to the Slovenian community activities in the Joliet area. Ed was a constant supporter of Olga’s activities in the SWU and assisted her in her secretarial responsibilities. They have been leaders at St. Joseph church for many years.
Bertha Planinšek Hof er, Mistress of Ceremonies:
REMARKS GIVEN AT BRANCH 20’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Our Branch 20 has accomplished a myriad of programs and activities since its inception in June, 1928 to the present date. This is because of the loyalty, dedication, steadfastness, honesty and industriousness of its officers. I speak from experience because my mother, Emma Planinšek, was one of those officers - President for 46 years. There were others with the same attributes, but I won’t mention names since there were hundreds and I don’t want to overlook anyone.
I became a member on April 18, 1937 at the age of 15. Soon after, I became a member of the drill team, dance group, bowling team, worked at numerous picnics in Lemont, Rivals Park and St. Joe’s Park, dances at St. Joe’s Hall on Chicago Street, helped make sandwiches for SWU meetings, worked at the Bunco and card parties — let’s just say I was a very active member in the earlier years of branch 20.
Perhaps that’s why I’ve been asked to served as mistress ceremonies today on this memorable occasion. It’s quite an honor for me to do so in memory of my mother who was devoted to the SWU. Although I could not follow in her footsteps upon her retirement, my sister, Irene Odorizzi did. She plays a very important role as Heritage Director, carrying on our Slovenian heritage, hopefully to benefit generations to come.
My mother’s leadership abilities may have given me the confidence to run for political office and be successful in winning 7 elections; including two for Village Clerk, two for Village Trustee and three for Village President in Shore wood, Illinois.
Reflecting on this memorable occasion, it is obvious that it was a well planned day, thanks to the hard working committee and officers. They are to be complimented and thanked. The weather also cooperated - it was a lovely Fall day.
There was a great turnout for the breakfast; the Polka Mass stirred one’s emotions, and was very inspiring and in a perfect setting - the beautiful St. Joseph Church. Another Joliet jewel!
The dinner in the elegant Empress Ballroom was well attended, some 360 reservations. The audience was very friendly and responsive. I only wish I could have circulated and visited with more of you. There were many friends and acquaintances that I have not seen in quite a long time.
During the dinner and program, I’m quite sure, it was obvious that I had laryngitis which was later diagnosed as a viral infection of the lung. My illness is over and I am now on the road to recovery thanks to antibiotics, chicken soup, jello, juices, tea with lemon and honey and plenty of rest. I was not prepared for the setback, so I have a lot of catching up to do, but in due time.
I	appreciate the committee’s invitation to act as Mistress of Ceremonies and again thank you, Slovenian Women’s Union members and friends, for many pleasant memories.
I	am very proud of my Slovenian heritage and proud to be a member of Branch 20 of the Slovenian Women’s Union. Thanks, mom!
RIGHT PHOTOS:
Top right photo: Slovenian Embassy officer, Igor Kerstein and his wife, enjoyed the 70th Anniversary... seen here with Bonnie Prokup, Regional Pres, of IL-IN (left) and Angela Nico of Br. 89 (right).
Middle: Branch 16 members with Angie Nico and Olga Ancel (right), always proud to wear their traditional costumes.
Lower: Fr. Bernard Horzen and the Illinois ladies who attended the Regional Convention in Joliet enjoyed the hospitality at the SWU Home Office.
RECIPES BY:
VEDA PONIKVAR
600 13th St., NW Chisholm, MN 55719
Warm and sincere New Year’s greetings to all SWU Sisters across the nation from all of us in Minnesota. Winter was slow in coming to our state this year but now we are bundled up in snow and a bitter, sub-zero cold.
With anticipation of Springtime and of course, the next millennium, everyone takes the blistering cold in stride and we turn to the warmth of Slovenian kitchens where there are simple but delicious dinner fares, mouthwatering pastries, and crunchy salads.
Maxim Gaspari: Na peči
Tu se lepd grejemo, Mimo in smejemo,
zunaj oster sever brije, sneina rjuha zemljo krije.
J. Stritar
Slovenian motif:
Sitting on the stove and warming ourselves on a cold, winter day...
>.t_B_fl.8.n.a.a-fl a a a a a a.a.8 fl.njLa.nfl..a.a
Home-made Cough Syrup
Blend together 1 cup honey, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar and the juice from half a lemon to make an effective cough syrup. Do not refrigerate. Use by taking a spoonful every hour or so.
This Noodle Strudel recipe is one of many brought back from Slovenia by our Violet Ruparcich, noted Ethnic ambassador in music, song and dance. This is a good potato substitute with meals.
NOODLE STRUDEL
1-8 oz. package of V’ noodles
2	lb. small curd creamed cottage cheese
2 cups golden raisins
3 eggs beaten 1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream Cook and drain noodles. Add eggs. Combine all remaining ingredients and put in 9x13 greased pan. Smooth top with a spatula and sprinkle with buttered graham cracker crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. May be served hot or cold.
BEST SCOTCH COOKIES
By Olga Jakse Fritz
Sent in by SWU member Janice Mueller, 128 7th, LaSalle, Illinois 61301.
2l/2 cups brown sugar 2l'i cups granulated sugar
1	lb. plus 2 tablespoons butter 5 eggs
1;2 cup molasses *2 teaspoons salt
5	teaspoons baking soda 8]/2 cups flour \x'i teaspoons mace lf/2 teaspoons nutmeg l3/4 teaspoons allspice l3/4 teaspoons ginger l3/4 teaspoons cinnamon l!/2 teaspoons cloves
Beat one egg in cup to brush top of cookies before you bake them. Use a pastry brush.
Mix sugar and butter until creamy. Add eggs and beat. Add the rest of the ingredients and let rest for about x'i hour.
Roll about 1 large tablespoon of mixture into a ball. Put on cookie sheet. Press about x'i inch thick. Brush with beaten egg and put in oven 325 degrees for 14 minutes. Take pan out and turn it around and bake one or two minutes more till cookies fall. Make only one sheet at a time. (This is a big batch.)
NEW ORLEANS BOURBON “TON” CAKE
Bake at 350° for 2 hours. Non-stick vegetable oil; cooking spray; all purpose flour for dusting (This cake is sinfully rich, but oh, so good!
3^2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg l3/4 cups bourbon 3/4 cup milk
lf/2 cups (3 sticks) butter at room temperature
1 lb. dark brown sugar
6 eggs
2 lbs. pecan pieces
7 ounces pecan halves
Lightly coat 10 x 4-inch tube pan with non-stick cooking spray. Lightly dust the pan with flour, tapping out the
excess.
Sift together the flour, baking powder and nutmeg into a large bowl.
Mix 3/4 cup of the bourbon, the milk and vanilla in small bowl.
Beat the butter in large bowl on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in brown sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time; scrape down the side of the bowl frequently to keep the batter smooth. On low speed, beat in the flour mixture in
3 additions alternately with the bourbon mixture. Stir in the pecan pieces. Pour into the prepared tube pan. Arrange the pecan halves in concentric circles over the top of the cake. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour 40 minutes. Remove aluminum foil. Bake for another 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in the crack in the top of the cake comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. Cook cake in pan on wire rack for 20 minutes. Turn cake out of pan. Place sheet of waxed paper under wire rack. With long wooden pick pierce cake in about 12 plates. Slowly pour remaining cup of bourbon over cake until all of it is absorbed. Cool completely. (Cake can be made several weeks ahead. Wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To serve, cut with serrated knife into thin slices.
flCTIUITIES
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Thurs. St. Stephen’s lower hall
“Happy New Year - 1999” Hope everyone had a nice time celebrating the farewell for 1998 and the welcome for our new year of “1999”...
Our years are going by so fast, we were so busy over the year - here’s a review of ’98.
January - We had a New Year’s Party to welcome everyone for the start of the year.
February - Valentine Party -Everyone wore red and were given red flowers.
March - St. Joseph Table and St. Patrick celebration.
April - Business meeting - plans to cover the months ahead. Plus Easter celebration.
May - Mother of the Year is Genevieve Cerjak. A “play” of her life was put on by the members; fun, fun, fun!
June - Celebration of St. Stephen’s Parish’ 100th Year. Cardinal George was the main celebrant; also Father Christian came from Slovenija. Choir sang those beautiful Slovenian songs. Mrs. Fritz and her helpers prepared a great dinner. All the Fathers from St. Mary’s, Lemont, attended, as well as the sisters who taught school over the years. Street was named St. Stephens Place and a plaque was placed on 22nd Place and Wolcott Avenue. It was a happy time, but sad because the Franciscan Fathers were leaving St. Stephen's Parish and the old days that we knew would not be the same. However, we are happy that the Jesuit Fathers are servicing the Church with two Masses on Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Father Peter Lah (from Slovenija) celebrates Mass the 1 st Sunday of each month (8:00 a.m.) in Slovenian. We are so happy to have him with us.
July -Zveza Day Picnic! Its always such a fun time. The weather was great. We were entertained by a troupe of 35 gymnasts called “FLIP” from Piran,
Slovenia. Music by the Heritage Ensemble.
August - Members helped at Lemont Franciscan Fathers’ Honey Picnic.
September - Baraga week-end in Cleveland, Ohio.
October - IL/IN State Convention/ Joliet. It was nice to see all the members from different branches, also we were reacquainted with members we met in San Francisco who came in from Ohio. It was really a fun week-end. Br. 20 celebrated their 70th in grand style. We all enjoyed ourselves.
November - Penny Social - Money made is used to help with the Juniors Christmas Party.
December - Br. 2 - Anniversary -we are one year older and hopefully we can get new members in ’99. Mass was celebrated by Father Stan, and afterwards dinner was served in the church hall. Poinsettias were placed on the altar in memory of our loved ones.
Congratulations to Fr. Athanasius Lovrenčič on his 50th Golden Jubilee. Concelebrants were Rev. Kaffer. Bishop of Joliet; Fr. Blase, St. Mary’s; Fr. Lennon, Joliet; Fr. Horzen, St. Bede Abbey - Music by the Franciscan Sisters/Lemont.
Please remember all our sick and stay-at-home members, who are unable to attend meetings, with a card or call.
NATIONAL CONVENTION/Or-lando Florida - May 20-23, 1999. We hope we will have a good showing from Chicago; it should be a fun time. Remember San Francisco and what a great time we had?
Our Lord called the following to His Heavenly Home in 1998: Sylvester Hrastar; Helen Storcz; Pavla Arko; Mary Ferenchak Foys; Kay Srabar-neck; Mary Marinich; Mary Koziol; Frankie Turner; Paul Simonelic; Tony Bogolin; Sally Bogolin; Marija Pecharich; Evelyn Tome; and Percy Morison. We will miss them all, our condolences to their families. Please remember them in your prayers that they will rest in peace.
Our 50-year member of 1998 is: Barbara Jakubowski.
Let’s all try real hard to get one new
member each before the convention.
Remember: “When you give what you make with your hands, you share your heart.”
Love,
DAISY
NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO Meeting: 1st Tues.
St. Mary’s Church Hall
Christmas has come and gone. I hope everyone had a Very Merry One.
Our regular meeting November 3, 1998 was opened with a prayer with 12 members present.
The regular order of business was taken care of. A letter was received from the home office pertaining to nominating officers and delegates and alternates to the national convention. This was tabled until our January meeting.
A sympathy card was sent to the Charles Pechek family and a birthday card to Frances Simonich. Rose Zupančič was to have surgery. We wish her well.
Katherine Kochevar brought the mystery gift which was won by Pauline Pauchick.
Our Christmas party was held December 1st at the La Renaissance Restaurant, hosted by Margaret Cullen and Eileen Kaplan.
After the November meeting, dessert was served by hostesses, Agnes Cvar and Gertrude Jordan. Bingo was then played.
Congratulations are in order for Grant Macklen, son of Mary Macklen and Roger Macklen and grandson of Frances Ondovchik, being named an AP scholar by the Colorado Board in recognition of excellent achievement. Also, congratulations are in order for John Barker, Jr., son of Mary Ann Barker and John Barker and grandson of Rose and Stanley Jersin, who was named the Assistant sports information director at Wichita State University. He will have the primary responsibility for handling daily sports information, duties of women’s basketball, as well as assisting with the media relations in the 15-sport athletic department.
Make a new year’s resolution to treat yourself to “MORE POTS AND PANS”!
“It’s a magnificent cookbook!”
“Worth every cent of the $18.00 price!”
“It’s beautifully done. The art work and pictures of Hermine Dicke and Betsy Fon in color are especially attractive!”
“What beautiful art - such sketches that I would just keep looking at them!”
“Having fun with the new cookbook - my grandchildren love trying to pronounce the Slovenian names!"
The second Potica Recipe is my favorite!"
“Please rush me 7 cookbooks - all the ladies in my club want them!”
Such are the letters we are receiving from the people who have seen the new MORE POTS & PANS cookbook and are buying them!
I trust that when you glance at the cover, you already are hooked on buying one! The beauty of this book has surpassed our expectations and we are proud to offer it to the cooking public. The contents are fabulous, too, with recipes that are new and exciting.
So many moms and grandmothers are buying them for their younger generations because in it they will find the recipes of home-style Slovenian foods clearly written that save any further transposing from mom’s memory to paper.
With this cookbook, we think we have fulfilled the promise made last year to present a new cookbook filled with ethnic recipes combined with recent, modem versions and favorite American recipes of our members. We’re very proud of how well it is being accepted by all!
C. Leskovar, Editor
See the back cover of this ZARJA for details on ordering your copy!
Get well wishes are extended to all who are ill, remembered in our prayers are the homebound and nursing home residents and condolences to all who have lost loved ones.
Our next meeting will be January 5 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall.
Happy New Year to all!
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN Meeting: 1st Thurs. SND, from May to Dec.
Our Annual SWU Mass was held on Saturday, October 17, 1998, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. We had a nice turnout for this event. During the meditation, Norma Stefanciosa sang a beautiful Slovenian song. The SWU members were surprised and certainly enjoy it. Thank you so much, Norma. We followed Mass with coffee and Krofi. Special thanks go to Sue Ann Yovanovich and Frances Yovanovich for helping to set up before Mass and then again for helping with clean up afterwards. Also, we would like to thank Phyllis and Steve Fon, Nikki
Brown and Anne Neese for helping with the clean up.
Our holiday party was on Thursday, December 3, 1998, since my article is due before then, look for details in the next issue.
Member News: Do you all have your new SWU cookbooks? Our member, Betsy Fon, is pictured on page 4 in costume. She looks great. You will have to buy the book to see it!
Maggie Turk McClain is once again included in the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 1998”. Maggie was selected by one or more of her former students who are in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” or “The Dean’s List”. Those in the teaching world think very highly of Maggie. She is currently Principal at St. Malachy Catholic School in Brownsburg, IN. She has also been accepted into Butler University’s Experimental Program for preparing school principals, starting in January. Congratulations, Maggie!
Katie Fon is still keeping busy at ISU. She recently designed the costumes for a Jewish play that required quite a bit of research on her part, in-
cluding 1900’s costumes, rabbi robes and prayer shawls.
Jennifer Kronoshek is a senior at Emporia State University at Emporia, Kansas. She is majoring in English and Theater and is attending the University on scholarships from both departments. She has been cast in a theater production each semester she has been in attendance. This past Spring, she had the leading role in “The Philadelphia Story.”
Suzanne Kronoshek is a sophomore and a scholarship athlete at Emporia State University. She is a sprinter for the ESU’s Women’s Track Team and is pursuing a career in Nursing.
Julianne Kronoshek is a scholarship athletic at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Julie is a member of KSU’s Women’s Cross Country and Track Teams. She is studying Graphic Design and is also a scholarship recipient from that department.
Congratulations to Jennifer, Suzanne, and Julianne! We know their parents, David and Nancy (Konechnik) Kronoshek, are very proud. The girls are the granddaughters of Branch 5
member, Dolores Konechnik, and great nieces of Lil Brezigar. Their great grandmothers were all very active members of Branch 5, Mary Konechnik, Josephine Tomasetig, Mary Kronoshek, and Antonia Brezigar.
Thanks for all those who sent in Member News; feel free to send anything to me.
Take care and enjoy the new year.
Love from Texas,
BARBARA MOHR
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 3rd Thurs.
St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & Aug.
October brought out many members so they heard the report on our State Convention. Congratulations to Josephine Janezic who accepted the position as Regional President. She’ll do a terrific job.
Molly Macht missed our meeting because her daughter was visiting from the Virgin Islands.
We lost 2 very good members, Sophie Stampfel and Jean Jelenc. Years ago, Sophie would make her Potica Cake and othes made the other goodies. The committee made the rounds at the nursing homes at holiday time to visit our ailing members and some were very happy to eat the home-made goodies: altho some were on special diets and couldn’t eat sweets, they appreciated the thought.
Sophie moved to be near her daughter in New Mexico but she kept in touch with us. Her funeral was here at St. John the Evangelist Church. Many members attended, which made us happy. To her family, our heartfelt sympathy.
Jean Jelenc was at Mercy Rehabilitation for some time. She was a big supporter of our branch, especially when we had any doings. Jean was always there to pick up the cost of printing tickets and made financial donations. She was the former owner of Jelenc Funeral Home. To her family, our heartfelt sympathy.
Bernice Blazek, with her health problems, had another set back. Her son, Daniel passed away at age 45. Our heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Sylvia Kotze had some knee surgery but is doing fine - but the flu bug kept
her home, we hear. Some other members were not up to par, but we hope everyone is feeling well now.
Our November meeting was well attended. We had election of officers and all accepted for another year. We have a terrific secretary, Frances Remshak. We all received a copy of her report and feel fortunate to have her expertise.
The Convention committee gave final report on the event and that was excellent. The kitchen crew will again handle our lunches at the meetings. They do a great job. We will again remember our members in nursing homes. (Fran was to take care of that for this past holiday.) Our Christmas party plans were made. More on that next time.
Remember, our meetings are on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Social members pay, please, by June 1st. Make the secretary’s job easier.
MARY KIEL
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Meeting: 1st Thurs. Slovenian Hall on Mariposa St.
Just returned from the annual Christmas luncheon and it was a lovely event We had a small group but a joyous one.
We had a short meeting before the celebration and the election results, on a motion by Agnes Leach, seconded by Betty Doherty, for retention of the same'officers resulted in a unanimous vote. All officers graciously accepted.
We missed Secretary Moreen Spencer as she was home with hubby Don who had just had a quadruple bypass surgery. Our prayers are with you, Don and get well wishes, too.
Also missing was Anna Fabian who is nursing a broken wrist, also, Dorothy Zaharrin, Anna Kambic and Agnes Lovrin. Hoping all these ladies will be well soon. We miss you.
It doesn’t seem possible that anothei year is closing. We miss many of the faithful members who just cannot make meetings anymore. We thank the ladies who continue to support us each month and our prayers to our departed. You are never forgotten.
We had a couple of wonderful luncheon, a lovely Valentine Party, a great Christmas party and many wonderful day bus trips planned by president, Josephine Aiuto. In this new year I hope to see some new smiling faces.
Happy Birthday Rose Scoff
We do have fun and it’s lovely to get together for good desserts and good friendship.
I am very proud to say this reporter will be the delegate to the 1999 SWU National Convention and I can’t wait to see the wonderful friends I made at the last conventions.
Enclosed with this report is a snapshot of our member, Rose Scoff, taken on her 99th Birthday! The celebration was in July. Rose is a 50-year member, delegate for Br. 13 for many conventions and was Western States President for many years. She is still the same fiesty lady. God Bless you, Rose and Happy 99th Year!
Always remember, every morning when you open you eyes it is a special day. Every day, every minute, every breath, truly is... a gift from God.
May love litter your life with blessings.
BEVERLY JACKSON
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Saturday, 1 p.m. monthly except Jan.-July-Aug. St. George’s Hall
Welcome to 1999! I hope that you all came thru the holidays unscathed! Did you get all of your Christmas decorations put away for another year? I’ll bet there is something you missed - I do, every year.
Guess who went to Branson, Missouri to enjoy the shows and Christmas decorations? Did you say Gladys? You are right! She is our travelin’ gal! Go, girl!
Our congratulations and best wishe;
to Corinne Winters, lovely daughter-in-law of our Edna, on receiving her degree in Business Administration. She graduated on December 12th from the University of South Florida College of Business Administration. She also blew out the candles on her special day, December 17th.
Sylvia Spretnjak, our faithful coffee and tea brewer, setter up of cakes and other treats, also celebrated her natal day on December 22nd. Happy New Year, Sylvia. Valerie Schwer, Ana Lustig’s granddaughter, spent a few days in a hospital. Hope all is well.
Our dear friend and member, Mary Priesol was called to her eternal reward on November 12th. Mary and Emil were wed forty-eight years and had six wonderful children. They also enjoyed 10 grand children. Mary was always available to pitch in and help - NO was not in her vocabulary.
A large representation of our members came to the funeral chapel to pray the rosary with St. George Christian Mothers. Many of us were at her Mass the next day. Father Blase Chemazar was the concelebrant, and also gave a lovely tribute to a lovely lady. Mary was our member for 49 years. We will miss her.
On Tuesday, December 1, we had word that another of our dear members left this world. Tini Martin died in Sawyer, MI, where she made her home for a number of years. She was laid to rest here at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Evergreen Park on Saturday, December 5th. Some of our members went to the cemetery for the service. Father Blase led the prayers and gave a brief homily. Tini was a member for twenty five years. I can still visualize her as she danced down the aisle at Aldo’s (Mrs. D’s now), singing “Židana Marela”. She wore a narodna noša and carried a red silk umbrella - imported from Slovenia. This was on the occasion of our fiftieth anniversary.
Our condolences also to Helen Bat-usta on the death of her sister-in-law, Dora Mozzaco, sister of Dr. John Bat-.ista.
Eternal light shine upon them. May Jiey rest in peace.
No meeting in January. February 13 is the first meeting of the year.
What sunshine smiles are to is to flowers	humanity.
All my best!
MARGE
Irene M. Odorizzi:
Happy New Year to 18 members over 90 years young
At the time of this writing, there are a number of Branch 20 members who have reached their 90th or more birthdays. Jonita Ruth, clerk at the SWU National Office has supplied names and the year of birth of our distinguished members.
Mary Ambrozich 1902, Louise Baucher 1907, Ann Fandak 1908, Justina Gregorich 1898, Anna Horvat 1903, Justine Kauzlaric 1906, Susan Kowalski 1907, Josephine Muster 1903, Frances Papesh 1908.
Theresa Papesh 1904, Anna Petrie 1901, Julia Plese 1905, Johanna Rogel .1908, Lillian Anderson 1908, Mary Dolasin 1909, Ann Kobe 1908, Louise Sega 1909 and Florence Valli 1908.
Scholastic Winners
Since 1988 Br. 20 has annually sponsored a Scholarship for grade school students entering high school. One of the promoters of this idea was Jonita Ruth. The following students have won scholarships since they were initiated.
SCHOLASTIC WINNERS: 1988: Tanya Cepon, Mary Lou Golf, Tamara Gregorash, Colleen Gunter, Pamela Lodewyck; 1989:	Stephanie
Zawoysky, Jill DeJule, Erin Regis, Jennifer Grisham; 1990: Amy Tezak; 1991: Erin Burke, Kris Cardwell; 1993: Erin Burke, Leslie Ferguson; 1994: Mark Cepon, Leslie Ferguson; 1995: Mark Cepon; 1996: Christine Kozol and Sarah Tezak.
CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP: 1994: Rose Valek.
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL Meeting: 3rd Tues. except June to Sept. St. Joe’s Park Hall
Dear members, Our 70th Anniversary was a huge success and reports from everyone indicates that they had a wonderful time. Our program on Oct. 3rd opened with an informal gathering to meet representative of the Slovenian Embassy, Igor Kerstein and his wife at St. Mary’s cafeteria. We were delighted hearing music by the button boxes of the Wolf Bros, and Geo. Burich on guitar; Fr. David Stalzer was there, too, enjoying the good food and music. On Sunday, Oct. 4th we enjoyed breakfast at the Ferdinand Hall and the IL-IN State Convention we proceded to church at which time Lillian Cepon greeted us in Slovenian. When we marched into St. Joe’s Church it brought back memories of the many times my schoolmates and I marched this way and I could almost see Msgr. Butala waiting at the altar before saying mass.
We all enjoyed the Polka Mass by the Polka Massters as we always do in our beautiful St. Joseph Church. In the afternoon, our program continued at the beautiful Empress ballroom with a welcome from Toastmistress Bertha Hofer, President of Shorewood, IL and the Star Spangled Banner sung by Anna Mae Lukančič. It really brought out our patriotism and gave us some “goosebum^o.” The Slovenian National Anthem was sung by Marian Schoener and Lillian Cepon. Invocation was by Fr. George Klepec, pastor of St. Joe’s. Our guest speaker was Igor Kerstein. Recognition was made
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS OF BR. 20, JOLIET ADULTS, JUNIORS AND GUESTS!
Br. 20 is planning on a group trip to Orlando, Florida for the SWU National Convention in May, 1999. We will be visiting Disney World and other places of interest in Florida.
To get our group together, we need your earliest reservation. It will be a nice and enjoyable vacation for families and individuals who have never seen the exciting places they write about in Floridfe - and now is your chance to see these places with your friends.
If you have always wanted to visit Florida, do it now! You will be enjoying a wonderful, well-organized trip!
Please plan on joining us. Call Jonita Ruth, at the SWU Home Office, 1-81S-727-1926 or 1-815-726-6990.
VISITING THE HOME OFFICE OCTOBER 4th
Left to right: Fran Gazvoda, Pres. Br. 25, Cirila Kermavner, Nat’l. Auditor, Bob Mueller, Button Boxer Supreme, Olga Dorchak, Regional Pres, of Ohio-Mich., Ann Harsh of Br. 47, Florence Mirtel, Treas. of Br. 101 and Anne Cooke, Br. 32 Pres.
of the 70-year members, Mary Am-brozich and Josephine Muster and the oldest member, Justine Gregorich. The Veselje Folk Dancers from the Slovenian Cultural Center danced in their Slovenian costumes. Music was by Bruce Korosa, in his intimitable style. The branches that were in attendance were Br. 1,2,16,32,33,47,50,73,85, 89,103,-and 105. Thanks to all of you and hope you can attend our National Convention in Orlando, FL in May. Make your reservations now. We invited the Wolf Bros, and their button boxes. So, come along and have a good time with us.
Recently, Bernice Metesh had a visit from two cousins, Paul Grosznik and his daughter, Anna from Višnja Gora, Slovenia. They were here for one week in November. Also, Bernice and Virginia Tezak were featured in the Community Comer Newspaper, where they spoke to more than 120 seventh graders at Reed-Custer Middle school about their experiences in the All American Girl’s Softball League which was formed in 1943. They are both members and enjoy relating their wonderful memories from the past.
Congratulations to Wally and Jo Lus-tik who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in Oct. Chuck Franz and his wife celebrated his 39th (???) birthday at the Croatian Cultural Club where the Wolf Bros and others who joined in for a jam session play every Friday nite; they serve good home cooking. Also present were Ed and Olga Ancel, Bill and Diane Govednik, Art and Rose Rogel, Cele and Vangie Wolf, Joniu Ruth and of course, Kathy Stonich, your reporter. You can usually find us there along with many other Polka lovers enjoying the evening. I guess we’re addicted to good music, good food and good company!
Congratulations to Jo Ann Legerski on her new grandson, David Allen. Get well wishes to Jake Jackovich, Judy Derlinga, Mary Ann Stukel, Ann Dragavon and Bertha Hofer.
Our sympathy to Julia Crouch on the death of her husband in Houston, TX and Fran Morison, Br. 2 on the death of her husband, Percy; also to Marianne Kapraun on the death of her father.
Patiently waiting for your calls, I remain your reporter,
KATHY STONICH, (815) 727-3177
Calendar Notes
January 17,1999 - Sunday - Meeting at St. Joseph Park - 1 p.m. (Note Change of Day and Time). This afternoon our Spiritual Director, Fr. David Stalzer will conduct the installation of officers. The search is on for our 1999 Woman of the Year. If you know of anyone deserving of this honor, accompany your nomination with a resume and turn it in at the February meeting. If you wish, you can mail it direct to President, Char Kobe, 25228 Black Rd., Joliet, IL 60435. A buffet dinner provided by the officers will follow the meeting. For our entertainment, we will listen to the melodious sounds of ‘‘Stay Tuned” String Band featuring Jenny Skul and Company.
February 16 - Tuesday - Meeting at St. Joseph Park - 7 p.m. - After our regular meeting tonight, we will have Judy Bejna from the Woman’s Health Connection at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, discuss the issues that concern us such as Heart Disease, Strokes, Migraines and Menopause - the Second Hormone Revolution. For information on all the recent advancements in the care and treatment of the above, come Feb. 16th and have your questions answered. The hostesses are Bernice Ramsak and Marie Kanta.
Congratulations! SWU Crest indicates the 70th Anniversary of this branch in 1999
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR POLKA KING FRANKIE YANKOVIC
The Joliet Herald News picked up a feature story for their paper Oct. 15th about the death of Frankie Yankovic, America’s Polka King, and well known Slovenian musician, because the SWU Home Office had a display of his many tributes and recordings in their window. Jonita Ruth, our office clerk put up the display. She said in the newspaper article:
“In 1966, Yankovic and his wife, Ida flew in from Florida to act as Mayor of the Br. 20 SWU Grape Harvest Dance held that September. He was quite a guy. My mother used to say he was No. 1 of the Polkas! He was always making other people happy and did a lot for our nationality.”
Yankovic’s tapes, CDs and videos are sold at the Home Office Gift Shop. Ida Yankovic is our member of Br. 20. Deepest sympathy to her, the family and his many fans all over the world.
Dear Editor,
Enclosed you will find a check for ifteen dollars ($15.00) to renew subscription for ZARJA-The Dawn. I like to read ZARJA, it tells how Slovenians in the United States are still active and working for all kinds of benefits. I wish
o	your readers good luck and good lealth.
Srčen pozdrav vsem!
Ursula Ruppe
New Berlin, WI 53146
NO. 24, LA SALLE, EL Meeting: 3rd Thurs. Catholic School Library Mar.-Apr.-May-June Sept.-Oct.-Nov.
Fifteen members answered the roll call at our November meeting. A thank you note was read from Editor Corinne Leskovar for the donation to the ZARJA magazine, in honor of our 70th anniversary.
Information regarding the new cookbook was received in a packet from the National Secretary’s office. The price is $18.00 per book and must be paid in advance. They can be ordered from the National Home Office or through the Branch Secretary who will order them in lots of 10 at one time. The description of the new book “More Pots and Pans” says it’s dedicated to our past food page editor, Hermine Dicke. This sounds like a wonderful book, dedicated to a very special lady.
Olga Fritz, 90, passed away on October 3rd in Texas. Olga received her 50-year pin in 1989 at the October meeting. She was an active member but as her health failed she moved to Texas to be with her daughter in Sea-brook. We had a nice group of members who said the burial prayer at the funeral home and attended the mass at Resurrection Church. She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Carl) Sandin in Texas and son, James (Paulette) in California, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and three brothers, Joseph, Edward and Julius Jakse and their wives. Paul Ferentchak, 73, brother of Marian Borisek, and my cousin, passed away on October 8th after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Pearl and daugther Linda (Stephen) Pelka, 2 grandchildren and his sister Marian (Edward) Borisek, and 2 brothers Philip (Caroline) of Frankfort, IL and Rudy (Lynn) of New Providence, NJ. Funeral Mass for Paul was in Holy Family Church in Oglesby. We offer our sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and pray that God will grant eternal rest to the deceased.
We do have happy news, too. Congratulations to Cathy and Scott Len-kaitis on the birth of a son on October 28th. Grandma Barb Pohar will be busy with the second grandchild bom in
1998	and we congratulate Barb and
aunts Dennie Pohar and Bonnie Prokup who will enjoy the new addition to the family, too.
Christmas baskets were preprared and delivered by Minnie Carter, Adele Gensler. and Betty Stack to our shut-in members. Each year our Branch takes the name of a child from the giving tree in Resurrection and Betty Stack purchased a gift for a two year old, and delivered it to the United Way-Catholic Social Service office. These three members have done this work for several years and we appreciate the good job they do. The Christmas party was held at the Uptown Grill on Decembei 3rd. Adele Gensler, Minnie Carter and Anne Wangler served as co-chairmen.
Election of officers was held, but since no one would come forward to accept a position, the current officers agreed to serve for two more years. We have so many good active members that could do a good job and hopefully they will step forward at that time. There will be no special Mother of the Year. Our convention delegate, Jo Grabowski, and alternate, Mary Ann Brunner go to Orlando next May. They are very active, enthusiastic members and will represent us very well.
Wanita Helmer had surgery in Springfield and had been recuperating at the home of her daughter, Kristin Allen in Springfield while she continued with more physical therapy. She returned home in time for Thanksgiving. Anne Serri, our long time Treasurer, has been seriously ill and is in Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru. Please continue to remember our sick members with your prayers.
A Happy Birthday to our January celebrants: Janice Mueller, Cathy Len-kaitis and Auditor, Linda Struna. In February are the following: Irene Mauser, Sharon Brady, Theresa Savnik and Anne Wangler.
Prayers for our deceased members were said in Slovenian with Josephine Savnik’s help; refreshments by Theresa Kinczewski and Anne Wangler.
We will not meet in January and February, in anticipation of cold, snowy weather. Our first meeting of 1999 will be on Thursday, March 18, 1999, in La Salle Catholic School at 7:00 p.m. We hope you will meet with us as we plan our activities for the year.
ANNE M. WANGLER, Reporter
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. SSH Recher Ave.
At our November, 1998 meeting we had our election of officers. We would like to congratulate the following ladies:
President: Ann Cook Vice President: Alma Eppich Treas./Sec.: Charlotte Perdan Rec. Sec. & Reporter, Position Open
Auditors: Josephine Gomick and Josephine Comenshek Sunshine: Thelma Lisching Historian: Frances Ogorevc Hostesses: Ceal McLean and Frances Ogorevc Raffle: Helen Kovačevič and Mary Zakrajšek
Sgt. of Arms: Helen Kovačevič
Charlotte and Rudy Perdan are proud to present the wonderful news of their granddaughter, the newest arrival, on November 13, 1998: Mary Catherine Dirk, 8 lbs. and 21 inches. Congratulations to Pam and Bill Dirk, the proud parents. Enjoy your bundle of love.
Ann Cook is visiting family in Lake City, Florida. Some of us very envious, especially me.
Ceal McLean’s, daughter in law, Katherine McLean and the four grandchildren came in from Terre Haute, IN, to visit over Thanksgiving Holiday, as did Helen Kovacevic’s, granddaughter, Nicole Smith of Landenberg, PA.
Get well wishes to Thelma Lisching suffering from the dog bite she received. A speedy recovery!
Alma Eppich thanks everyone for all the get well wishes and cards she received while she was recuperating. We are all glad to have you back, Alma.
Mary Tuschar has moved and if anyone is interested in writing to her or visiting her, this is her new address: St. Augustine Towers, 7821 Lake Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102. Best wishes to Mary.
Just a reminder: we will not be meeting in January or February. We will resume again on March 17th, 1999.
The delegate for the 1999 Convention in Orlando, Florida to represent our Branch will be Charlotte Perdan and Ann Cook is the alternate.
Happy New Year to all. Stay safe, warm, and healthy.
With love, ADRIENNE JAGER
Rest In Peace
Departed Members — 1998
Br. Name
1 Ann Schlegel Ann Hoffman Mary Ziegenhom
2 Tekla T. Kerzich Mary DelRusso Rose A. Zielinski Catherine Tuzak Mary Kerzisnik Helen Storcz Mary Marinich Mary Foys
3 Lillian Germ Rose Grahek Mary Kambich Dolores Klun Mary Beth Klune Elsie Mramor Mary Burchik Frances M. Raspet Mary Miklich Audrey M. Kochevar Kathryn V. McFarlane MaryJ.Ursick
5 Joanna Sekula
6 Mary Drobnick Louise Ujcic
7 Ann M. Server
8 Mary Retrievi 10 Ann Snider
Elsie Wasson ioseVicic Frances Kopac Mildred Darrow Mary Gliha Magdaline Dobnikar Jennie Ceme Jennie Russ
12	Mary Ann Goll	29	Mary Decker	50	Josephine Mole
	Michael Dezman	30	Jos.C. Janezic(Br. 15)		Josephine Trunk
13	Gail Thomas Marian Mirabella Mary Wraa		Frances Pajak Julia Sneller(Br. 15) Tillie Shoemaker		Mary Žnidaršič Anna Zalar Rose Mertic
14	Patricia Debeljak Catherine Krall		Dorothy Bechtel Frances Povsic		Josephine Justin Florence Brichta
	Mary Novinc	31	Mary Hekich		VidaGawenda
	Jean Lube		Pauline Lopp	55	Rosemary Gordon
	Frieda Miller	32	Jean Clara McNulty		Nancy Dombrosky
	Mary Sintic		Elizabeth Petrovič	57	Antonia Milavec
	Mary Stražišar		Elizabeth Perme		Mary A. Lukz
	Julia Stmad		Marie Stark	59	Theresa Shearson
	Frances Mam	33	Katherine Broten		Mary M. Ferbežar
16	Madeline B. Jerich		Jennie Fresl		Evelyn Stetar
	Mary Priesol		IjloseM. Kresky	63	Kathryn A. McFarland
17	MaryJ. Marolt		Rose Masich	66	Josephine Javemick
18	Mary Ann Ursic		Agnes Skull		Christine Konte
19	Mary Dresher		Sentina Spehar	67	Amelia Bryan
20	Isabelle Russ		Molly Gregorc		AnnaNovad
	OlgaGregorash		Helen Budimir	68	Mary Modic
	Mary Klein	34	Angela Jamnick		Julia Grabelsek
	Louise F. Koenig		Sophie Zupanich	71	Catherine Sroka
	Anne Fandak	35	Frances C. Payton	76	MaryM.Tutin
	Mary Swanson	37	Julia Hall	77	Mary Kovacic
	Georgette Tinnerello	38	Peregrina Hodnik	81	AnnaJakovitch
22	Mary Rittmanich		Frances Schaefer		Anna Preback
23	Anthony J. Gomik		Frances Enrico		Antonia Ozanich
	Rose Koshak		Theresa Gerzin	86	Nettie Gangl
	Katherine Matesha		Frances Komidar	88	Jennie Stusek
24	Olga Fritz		LaVeme Nosan		Mary Troyan
	Doris A. Hallett	40	AnnM. Rozanc	89	Agnes Supan
25	Mildred Chesnik		Katarina Yakopak	91	Jennie Zomada
	Mary Jeras	41	Mary Habat		Amelia Tihey
	Frances Okom		Agnes Bojc		Bertha Persin
	Dorothy Yuko	42	Jeanne Legan	92	Mary Jane Sayre
	Christine Glavan		Joanne Kosak	93	Bumetta Mische
	Frances Kotnik		Julia Lipnos		Kathryn Prebilich
	Agnes Bozic		Vida Shega		AnnaKerkovich
	Jennie Schneider	43	Jean Ann Luzar		Anna Stalzer
	Ann Skully		Ann L. Rebemisek	95	RoseMarie Cacich
	Helen Majer		Esther A. Schmitz		Mary M. Jurko
	Mary Noggy		MitziCorgiat		Marie Helen Ziffiro
	Stephanie Rahne		Margaret Peters		Sylvia Vukodinovich
	Mildred Slogar		Rose Terbenz		Matilda Grepo
	Hermina Race	47	Mary A. Kastelec	96	Albina Kasmoch
26	Catherine Jaketic		Helen Krofl	99	Mary Podgornik
	Frances Lokar		MaryTurkovich	100	Cecelia Horzen
	Marie M. Marta		Jennie Cergol	102	Marian G. Herrick
	Rose Marie Woods		Mary Sholar		Anna Louise Lesar
27	Josephine Miller	48	Olga Ambrozich	105	Katherine Petrich
28	Mary Munch Mary Bracco Elizabeth Ellenich			106	Rose Guzzo Fannie V. Wozniak
In Loving Memory f Antonija Vekar
On April 18, 1998, the time had come for my Mother to be united with God. She longed for this all her life. I recall that her greatest joy was to go to Mass, which she attended daily. The biggest gift for her birthday was going to Holy Hill for Mass and a picnic.
She took ill on April 14, at 5:00 a.m. She was in great pain; early in the evening I feared the worst for mom. Although she protested that she did not want medical attention, I had no choice. I called for an ambulance. After a thorough examination the doctors told me that she would have to stay in the hospital for possible surgery. Despite my urging her to listen to the doctors, she tearfully and pleadingly refused the surgery. She was determined that her time had come and she wanted to go.
Suddenly my world and my dreams for her were interrupted. The doctors and nurses made it clear that without this operation my mother’s days were numbered. Through the kindness of the doctor, I was permitted to stay with my mother until her death. Modem medicine made my mother comfortable, gave her time to say farewell to each member of the family, and to receive the Last Sacrament. She was very peaceful and content and still able to talk. It was getting very late and she was not expected to live thru the night. Both of us drifted into silence. The next morning she woke-up by sitting up, reaching and calling for her mother. I needed to calm her to prevent her from injuring herself. She was disappointed because now her mother was gone and I had interrupted her dream.
These last days with her, watching her and observing how peaceful she had become, I remembered how her life had been filled with love and kindness. I recalled that when I was a child, my mother sold a much needed chicken just to buy me a fashion belt because she knew I wanted very badly. Looking over at my mother who was now covered with white sheet, reminded me of the great delight and pride she took in crocheting tablecloths to beautify tables for family dinners.
It pleased me to recall how she loved her grandchildren and how oveijoyed she was when she held her first one-day-old great grandchild. At the Baptismal ceremony she found it difficult to put her down. No wonder Michelle loves her so much.
As I looked at her knarled fingers, I could remember her hands deftly making fine noodles as Christmas gifts, knitting socks, mittens and scarves to give away. Back home in Slovenia, whenever poor people came to the door, she gave them supper, fresh clothing and a place to sleep. Many times my father helped her. They were known in the village for their generous spirit, and was not easy during the war.
In my meditation on her suffering, I understood for thf first time how hard it must have been for her when I left home. She had encouraged me then, giving me her blessings for my treedom so I could leave the country, although I was only seventeen. I recall now her having told me that the reason for her coming to America in 1978 was to fulfill her duties of teaching me all that she thought I needed to
know. On day she jokingly said, “There is nothing more I can teach you.” Being at her bedside was a perfect opportunity for me to tell her that by just being with us she taught all of us great and lasting lessons.
My thoughts wandered to the times when she always wanted to contribute her share of work to the family. Our house never sparkled more; she loved to dust. If she had any free time, she used it for reading. She was an avid reader of books: true stories and books written by missionaries. She loved animals and to read about them.
She cherished her God and her parents. It always amazed me how devoted she was to both. She highly treasured her parents’ teaching. I also remember her great trust in God and love for prayer. As a family we used to pray the rosary every night, no matter how late it was.
My mother delighted in Slovenian music, especially church music. At Christmas midnight mass we used to walk one hour to church in a group and sing holy songs all the way. She would also sing and hum to herself while working.
At her bedside on the last day of her life, I saw my mother open her eyes, pick up my hand, and the hand of my sister-in-law on the other side of the bed. She no longer was able to speak. She looked at us with a smile on her face and waved our hands up and down as if she were conducting music. She was in the state of bliss. A few hours later, with a smile still on her face, she left us. She was, at last, united with her God, the great love of her life.
Mama, nasvidenje...
Daughter,
Josephine Janezic,
Greenfield, WI
QBHnoannnnnionmomaoBinm«
Once a man tried to write poetry.
He looked around:
Up at the textures of the sky,
Inside the radiance of a flower,
Below at the movement of insects,
Out at the flight of birds,
Within the friendships of people,
Into the devotion of husband and wife.
And he experienced the Love of God.
The man found that so much poetry had already been written, But in different languages.
“God and His poets compose endless creations, ” he thought. So the man said,
“Then I will be a translator.”
And he began to write poetrv.
Richard T. Radich
(Richard is the son of Emily Radich, our member. He lives St. Bonifacious, Minnesota. We thank him for his contribution to our ZARJA and commend him on his admirable talent.)
> «Uli IAMI« MMI
t Sophie Stampfel
June 28, 1908 - November 3, 1998
It is with great sadness that I write to tell you of the passing of my mother, Sophie Stampfel. She died in her sleep on the morning of November 3,1998.
She was a long-time member ol Slovenian Women’s Union, Lodge No. 12, and greatly enjoyed the friendship of your members. When I read an article to mother, about her beloved cousin, Rose Kozar asking each of her daughters to join your organization, mom’s eyes lit up. She thought her cousin, Rose to be one of the special people on earth. So, in my mother’s memory and with a bow to cousin. Rose, I too would like to join SWU.
As many of you know, mother was bom in Opatje selo, Slovenia, in the house that her parents, Frank and Frances Peritz built. Her father left for America before WWI to seek his future. She stayed with her mother and two siblings and they were caught in
NO. 35, AURORA, MN %■ Meeting: 6 per year * Community Sr. Center
We met on a cloudy, cool Sunday, October 11th at our Community Center. By the time you read this it will be January or February.
Plans were made for our Christmas dinner meeting to be held at the Legion Club Rooms, December 6th.
A report was given on the Minnesota State Convention held in Chisholm.
It is important for each Branch to
the war. Her sister, Olga and brother, Lojzek died during this time. Mother was placed in a convent school for safety sake and grandmother took in sewing and saved enough money to follow grandfather to America. Mother met Joe Stampfel in Minnesota and married him there. They promptly moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and had three daughters, Norma, Olga and later, as an oops, me, Dana. Mother and father later divorced and she raised me from the age of nine.
Mother was a strong woman. She worked at Singers Clothing store and SLOGA office. She was a very active member in numerous fraternal organizations. She taught me many things, by example. She taught me that education is important; she went back to school after age 40, to learn typing and other skills. I earned my law degree at age 50. Mother was a proud Slovenian woman, who, like her mother before her, never gave up. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimers five years ago, she came to NM for a visit and never left. She was active and participated in family activities until the end. She passed down her heritage through cooking, baking. I am now making potica with my grandson.
I,	as many of you, will remember Sophie Stampfel as a friendly organizer, a good person to walk and talk with and maybe, find a four leaf clover. She will be missed.
send a delegate to the 1999 SWU National Convention in May. This gives your Branch a voice in the decisions made that effects all of us. Sending a delegate means raising money to defray her expenses. This can be a fun time for all the members working together. Several suggestions were made and a iecision was to be made at our December meeting. Dorothy M. Jamnick was elected as our delegate and Anne M. Orazem as alternate.
We closed our meeting with prayers for our deceased members.
Thank you to hostesses Dorothy M. Jamnick, Vida Marinšek and Anita Vovk for the delicious lunch. Thanks to Keith Shatava, our local funeral director, who gave an interesting presentation on prepaid and prearranged funerals and many other services they provide. Death isn’t something we like to talk about, but sooner or later we all have to deal with it, and being informed makes it so much easier.
We held our Christmas Dinner Meeting on December 6th at the Legion Club Rooms, which were all decorated for the holidays.
We opened our meeting with prayers for all our members and their families.
Thank you to Vice Pres. Anita Vovk who donated the beautiful Nativity Advent Wreath for a fund raiser for our delegate. It was displayed as a centerpiece on the dinner table and admired by everyone. Someone will be the lucky winner on May 1, 1999, when the drawing will take place. We are asking all members to buy or sell one or more books.
Congratulations to everyone who rtjade the new Pots and Pans Cookbook, dedicated to Hermine Dicke, a reality. It will be treasured by everyone, as it is so much more than a cookbook.
Thanks to all our present officers who have agreed to serve one more year. They are President: Anne M. Orazem; Vice Pres.: Anita Vovk; Rec. Sec.: Alice Wilson; Sec. Treas.: Dorothy M. Jamnick; Sgt. at Arms: Jane Grebence; and Philips Turk will continued to be our Sunshine Chairman.
December brought sorrow to two families. Helen Simonich lost her husband, John, on Dec. 8th. Mary L. Smolich, a 57-year member of Br. 35 passed away on Dec. 20th. She was our 1997 Mother of the Year. Sympathy and prayers are with both families. May their loved ones rest in peace.
Congratulations to our Motner of the Year 1999, Alice Wilson, our Rec. Sec. She will be honored on May 2nd.
We made up our 1999 calendar as follows:
Feb. 7:1:30, Dime Social -C. Center Apr. 11: 1:30 - C. Center May 2: 12:00, Mother of the Year-C. Center
Aug. 11: Luncheon Meeting-Megan’s Oct. 10: 1:30 - C. Center
Dana Goetz, Albuquerque, NM
Dec. 5: XMas Dinner Meeting - Legion
Thank you, ladies, for your generous gift of $57 for the Activities Dept, at our local nursing home.
Hostesses for the Feb. meeting are Betty Rokser, Helen Simonich and Barbara Urick.
We closed our meeting with prayers for our deceased SWU members.
Anita Vovk and her husband, Frank spent a month in Slovenia this past summer so we invited her to tell us about her interesting vacation. She also shared many beautiful pictures with us. Thank you, Anita.
Again we’re grateful to Anita for the door prizes she brought: slippers from Slovenia won by Dorothy M. Jamnick; tablecloth won by Barbara Urick and chocolates by Helen Simonich.
We said the Advent Prayer and grace before the Legion Auxiliary served a delicious pork and beef dinner. Thanks to Dorothy M. Jamnick for her treat of wine before dinner and after dinner mints.
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH Meeting: 2nd Wed.
SS Cyril & Method Hall
Seventeen came to our Oct. 14th meeting. Thanks to Olga Love and Sephanie Polutnik for the delicious dessert they served us. Jean Balogh was the winner of the door prize.
Meeting was brought to order by our Pres, with prayer. She read us a letter from the Slovenian Home inviting us to come and help them celebrate their 75th anniversary.
Our new members, Anna Rossman and daughter, Mary Ann Foster went to Joliet to attend the 70th anniversary of Branch 20. They were so impressed with the Mass and activities that followed! Mary Ann gave us a very interesting report. Thanks, girls. We all love these 2 members.
Watch the future issues of our ZARJA for a report on the Ohio-Mich convention which was held in Cleveland on Sept. 20th. We sent a sympathy card to our Agnes Mroski who now resides in Sun City, Arizona. Her husband passed away recently.
We lost another member. Our Angeline Martin passed away. We wish to express our sincere sympathy to her family.
FOR SALE!
Slovenian Choral Tapes
Branch 42 Maple Heights, Ohio has produced a tape of the Planina Singing Society -selections from 1984, 1985 and 1987, and also fefitures the Planina Junior Chorus at their 1977 concert. This will bring back memories of the songs of Zorman, Avsenik, Slak, Kosat-Planisek, etc.
Cost is $8.50 including tape, shipping and handling. Send check to: Marge Church, 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, Ohio 44056.
Meredith Ferlic, granddaughter of our Mary Ferlic continues to be honored by the Tennesse Tech Golden Eagles in volleyball. Although she has suffered through some injuries of late she leads the nation in digs with 278 and has 91 kills and 27 assists on the year. We wish to congratulate her.
Here’s some news from our Jean Balogh: Mr. & Mrs. Pat St. Myers of Greenville and Mr. & Mrs. George Balogh of North Canton are pleased to announce the marriage of their children Stephanie Lee Myers and Kevin M. Balogh. They exchanged vows on Oct. 10th at the Presbyterian Church in Greenville, Ohio. Stephanie graduated from Ohio State University in 1996 and is employed at Bank First National in the Human Resources Dept.
Kevin is a 1994 graduate of Ohio State University. He is employed by Ohio State University Technology Service. They will be making their home in Hilliard, Ohio.
Kevin is the grandson of our Jean and the late Jennie Zgonc, long-time members of Lodge 40,
Twelve came to our meeting on Nov. 11th. Yours truly and our President served us a delicious dessert. Mary Ann Foster won the door prize.
Thanks to all who donated prizes for our money-making project.
After we finished our business matters, we spent the rest of the afternoon making plans for our Christmas dinnei on Dec. 9th.
We were sad to hear of the passing away of Anthony Yelenc, faithful member of SS CyrU and Methodius Church. Many priests and nuns came
to pay their respects, Fr. Krajnak and Fr. Joe officiated at his funeral. We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to his family.
Lest we forget, our Francine and husband, Frank are going to celebrate their 57th anniversary on Jan. 6th. Best wishes from all of us (and I was a year older on Dec. 16th!)
We hope you enjoyed the holidays in good health. Happy New Year!
Love,
MARY MATOS
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH Meeting: Quarterly, 2nd month of the quarter, 2nd Saturday Maple Hts., Library
By the time you read this, the holidays will be over and our Christmas lunch at Dimitri’s in Parma will be history. With the curtailment of ZARJA issues it is very difficult to keep our members informed of news and announcements in a timely fashion.
In October, I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Turvey, the Scholarship Fund Director of SWU. Mary and her husband were en route home from visiting their daughter in the East and stopped off in Cleveland, at Marge Church’s invitation, to attend the “Glasbena Matica” concert and Dinner/ Dance. A lovely lady, Mary is the niece of Hermine Dicke and granddaughter of Marie Prisland. Now when I read about Mary in ZARJA I can put a face to the article.
November proved to be a milestone in the Kastelic Family which boasts 9 members in our branch. The subject of their special celebration was Uncle Korel Jordan who celebrated his 100th birthday in California. Korel is the brother of Betty Kosak Gawor and her late sisters, “Tonka” Kastelic and Frances Legan. Betty, her daughter, Betty Ann Harr and husband, Wally, traveled in from No. Carolina. Betty’s son, Dan Kosak traveled from Parma. The 3 Kastelic brothers, Lou Jr., Dr. Joe and member, Bob made the trip along with cousin, Tom Legan and wife, Arlene, completing the locals. Bob tells me that many relatives came from different parts of the country and some 60-plus attended a mass at St. John Chyrsostam Catholic Church in Inglewood, CA in Uncle Korel’s honor. They also sang the Slovenian
Hymn, “Lepa Si, Lepa Si,” much to the delight of the Latino congregation. A reception followed at the Marriott in Manhattan Beach. Bob and Dr. Joe visited with my daughter, Lynn, before leaving California.
The Kastelic Family has long been a much respected and highly regarded family in the Slovenian enclave of Maple Hts. Bob’s mother, “Tonka,” as we all knew her, was a delight and devoted charter member of Br. 42.
Our sympathy to Imelda Blazy on the loss of her sister Tillie Cook.
Happy January birthdays to: Kelly Ann Gaines, Mary Perko, Kelly Lip-nos, David Lipnos, Karen Lockard and Camille Lao.
Happy February birthdays to: Michael Balach, Diane Balach, Nicky Lerchbacher, Edna Scotton, Allison, Gruden and Theresa Ferfolia.
Get well wishes to any ailing members.
Zbogom.
LIL SADOWS KI
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 4th Wed.
St. John Evangelist Rectory
In this automated world time is certainly flitting by in a big hurry.
Now getting back to the past, our October and November meetings were well attended, and, of course, we were treated both times by our birthday girls. Our main subject for discussion was our Christmas party, which was in December at Klemmer’s Banquet Center.
Some times we get help from nonmembers. One such person is John Stimac. He is supportive in all of our doings, and at our last year’s Christmas dinner we made him our Honorary Member. We have another such friend, and at our meetings it was unanimously voted that Stanley Janezic would also be our Honorary Member. He was presented with a plaque at our Christmas dinner.
Here’s some very good news, our member Jo Zahn is a new grandmother. Her daughter-in-law had a beautiful healthy baby boy. His name is Matthew Robert. Congratulations, Jo.
Our next meeting will be on February 24th, same place, same time. Here’s hoping 1999 will be a good year for all of us.
ANNE E. KONCZAL
MINNESOTA REGIONAL CONVENTION:
(Left to right) Father Clem Gustin, Father Stanly Dolsina, Jean Korsman, Charlotte Laurich, Catherine Sandvick, Eleanor Ostman, Father Steve Daigle, and Chisholm Mayor Marge Peterson. Tribune Press staff photo by Veda Ponikvar.
60th ANNIVERSARY:
The honored guests at Branch 89’s 60th Anniversary in Oglesby were Angela Nico, Chairman, Fr. Toni Trosley, Rose Ann Prey, President, Eunice Komater, Charter Member and Emma Folty (standing). Treasurer.
GATHERINGS TO REMEMBER:
IL-IN REGIONAL MEETING:
At the podium, Mary Turvey, SWU Scholarship Chairman speaks before a large group of Illinois-Indiana members
Top photo submitted by Gert Zakrajšek (38), bottom two photos by Angie Nico (89)
Kathleen J. Dorchak National Vice President
m
I was truly honored to be able to represent the members of the Slovenian Women’s Union in a meeting on Tuesday, September 15th with a delegation from the Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia. The delegation was in the United States on a fact-finding mission to determine how they can help Slovenes outside the borders of Slovenia improve relations and our culture. They visited American Slovenians in a variety of cities in the United States (Chicago, Pittsburgh, Bethelehem, New York City, and Cleveland) and in Canada. Present at this meeting were many of the prominent Slovenians in the city of Cleveland. Evelyn Majercik, our National Secretary and Cirila Kermavner, our First Auditor were also in attendance.
Questions asked to the delegation varied from how can we obtain Slovenian school books for our children; can we get direct flights scheduled from cities in the United States to Ljubljana; why can’t we get musicians and directors to teach our children; how can we get television programs via satellite from Slovenia; just to name a few. The Slovenian Americans also indicated that they thought it was important that our homeland Slovenians know more about what we do in America to keep our heritage and culture alive. It was a very informative and educational meeting for all. I know I speak for those of us able to attend when I say we all thought the delegation will be committed to taking our concerns and comments back to the Parliament to discuss ways to meet our needs.
On Wednesday, September 16th I was also invited to attend a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador from the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Dimitrij Rupel. Many of the attendees from the previous evening were in attendance. The luncheon was to honor the delegation’s visit to Cleveland.
What a rare and special opportunity this was. I was overwhelmed and very impressed. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of these historic moments.
Highlights of my Trip
by Elsie Spellacy, Br. 47
The morning of August 18th we left Cleveland and landed in Honolulu, the afternoon of the same day. We were met aUthe airport by my daughter, Terri and her husband, Tracy - they presented me with a lei of plumeria orchids which smelled divine. We had a limousine ride to the hotel.
One of the most important sights was the visit to the Arizona Memorial of WWII. It left me with a lump in my throat and an ache in my heart. Looking at the submerged battleship, we saw a few bubbles of oil still seeping out of the ship, even after more than 55 years! We also saw the U.S.S. Missouri docked. It won’t be ready for visitors until next year.
We saw the Punch Bowl which is the National Cemetery of the Pacific, comparable to the national cemetery at Arlington, VA.
Traveling with us were Terri and Tracy’s son, Grant and his other grandmother, Tracy’s mom, Sarah Turner. The little one loved walking on the beach in his bare feet. We went to a Hawaiian Luau, too and ate the meat roasted in a pit. What a sight! The food was great but we didn’t go for “Poi.”
The first few days were spent in the vicinity of Waikiki Beach - to see the shopping malls - and they are BIG. We motored all around Cahu. Since Tracy and his family lived in Cahu for over twelve years, they took me to see places not usually seen by tourists. Other sights that impressed me were the Blue Hole, where the ocean comes up and sprays water through a hole in the lava; the plane that is used in Fantasy Island TV show, and the Dole Plantation. Never knew there are so many varieties of pineapple. The final days were spent in the vicinity of Kailua. The weather was beautiful, warm and breezy, making it an unforgetable experience and one I hope to repeat in the future.
NO. 54, WARREN, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Our meetings will resume Feb. 17th at noon at my home. Bring a bag lunch and we’ll have a business meeting following.
Our officers, naturally, are all the same for 1999, and we hope to continue keeping our heritage alive, even though our branch has dwindled in numbers thru the recent years. By now you have all recuperated from the Christmas holi-
days and now we look forward to the new year.
My husband and I have just returned from a two week vacation in Florida. It was wonderful and hopefully we will make it a yearly trip.
Get well to Mary Zuga and Angela Kaferle. We especially miss Mary at the meetings. Anne Brdek, our president, had a nasty fall but is doing much better.
Our Mother of the Year will be “all our members” and we will have our annual luncheon in May. You will all be notified.
It’s nice to have two new social
members since last fall and they enjoy coming to our small gathering. You will all be called for the March or April meeting. I have volunteered to have the members come to my home for the meetings since the Elks Lodge club-room has closed because of gambling, etc.
We’re happy to have our son, Tom and family Wove to Columbus from Alabama. Three hours drive is much better than 15 or 16 to see them!
God bless you all.
JOANNE PONIKVAR, Secretary
SLOVENIA - A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO VISIT
My son-in-law, Dennis Dickinson had to make a business trip to Breda, Holland, so it was decided that he also take his family on a tour of Holland and Slovenia for two weeks. My granddaughter, Jennifer, was able to arrange to stay in Breda, Holland for six weeks to work in the offices of SVZ, a major frozen food processing company that exports world-wide.- It was part of her curriculum for her internship. She is currently a senior at the Albertson College of Idaho. Jennifer is also a member of Branch 50 and a previous recipient of the SWU Scholarship.
My daughter, Carol has desired to visit our relatives and sight-see beautiful Slovenia all her life. They kindly invited me to join them on this wonderful trip to once again visit the homeland of my parents. I have kept contact with our relatives for many years by writing letters, phone calls and making four previous visits. I have also hosted family and friends from Slovenia many times. They were all very anxious and gracious in their invitations for us to visit them. Most of our relatives and friends live in Žužemberk and Ljubljana. Carol and Dennis studied many of the brochures brought to us by our cousin, Ani Kovic, who visited us in 1993. With the help of travel agents and the Internet, we were soon on our way with a planned itinerary.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Ljubljana for our first stop in Slovenia. Our friends from Rakitna, Slovenia, Mr. and Mrs. Drago Bitenc, took us to Postojnska Jama (caves), Lipica, and also to where the mares are bred for the famous Lipizzaner horses. The castle at Bled, and the pilgrimage place at Brezje, Marija Pomagaj, were favorite places to visit. We went to Mass at Brezje and took pictures in front of the statue of Pope John Paul II, which is there in memory of his visit May 17, 1996.
While riding in the region of Dolenjska towards Velike Lašče we noticed a large sign commemorating the American author Louis Adamic’s 100th Anniversary of birth. He was bom in Spodnje Blato, Grosuplje. He came to America at the age of 15. He wrote “The Natives Return” written in English.
Jean with her family, Carol and Dennis Dickinson and their children, Jennifer and Matthew and Sara Bitenc of Radovljica, Slovenia at the statue of Pope John Paul
Inside the church of SS Fortunat and Mohor
Frančiškanska Cerkev, near the Holiday Inn in Ljubljana was where we went to Mass. We also attended Mass at the newly rebuilt church in Žužemberk, Sts. Fortunat and Mohor. It has a beautiful painting by the famous Slovenian artist, Tomaž Perko. The frame around the picture was made and donated by my cousin’s son, Miha Legan. Miha is an artist who carves and overlays the wood with 24 karat gold.
I would also like to mention that in passing we saw many wayside chapels in excellent condition and of course another Slovenian aspect - kozolec (drying racks) in various sizes from single to 25 food long doubles.
My first visit to Slovenija was in 1923 at the age of ten with my mother. The Slovenian population has vastly improved their standard of living. Everyone now has all the modem conveniences, such as automatic washing machines, refrigerators, and the latest cars, etc. No more washing clothes by the riverside, carrying water, etc. Farming and owning cows is still their passion and if at all possible every available piece of land has flowers and vegetable gardens.
This was my fifth trip to Slovenia. My husband and three sons have also visited beautiful Slovenia and now my daughter, her husband and children visited the birth place of our parents and predecessors. We took pictures in front of some of their birthplaces that are still standing. All in all, we were so fortunate that the climate was just perfect.
It is sad that many of our relatives that I had seen previously have gone to their Maker. But now, their grandchildren and great grandchildren carry on the Slovenian traditions.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank our daughter, Carol and her husband Dennis and my grandchildren, Matthew and Jennifer for making this trip possible at my age, 85.
Jean E. Paik
Omaha, Nebraska (402) 334-1051
Br. 73 members celebrated their annual party in honor of Mother of the Year, Vice President Betty Drnach. Here is part of the group at Dimitri’s Restaurant, left to right: Kay Yuratovac, Pres., Betty Drnach, our honoree, Angie Musil, Treas., Jean Novotny, Alouise Epley, Sec’y., and Margarite Franch ini.
Members Enjoy!
Accordianist Bob Mueller during Br. 73’s visit to Joliet for their 70th Anniversary in October.
NO. 55, GIRARD, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed., 7-8 p.m.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Our Christmas Party was held December 1st. We had election of officers. The same officers were re-elected. Congratulations!!!
Rose Juvancic’s grandson, Steve Forde, a junior at Xavier University in Cincinnati, has been chosen by a faculty member to serve on the Judicial Review Board, which is the main student disciplinary board of the University . Congratulations!!!
Jenna Heslop, Rose Juvancic’s granddaughter, was chosen by students, grades 6th through 8th, to be Student Council Vice President of Warren Elementary School in Marietta, Ohio. Congratulations!!!
Our 1999 meetings: Wed., March 17, Wed. April 21, May - to be announced, Wed. Sept. 15, Wed. Oct. 20, Wed. Nov. 17, and Dec. - to be announced.
Meetings will be held at 1058 Susan Lane, Girard, Ohio at 7:00 p.m.
January birthdays: Mary Kristin, Anna Catone, Dolores De Pietro,
Daniel Gordon and Jessica Gordon.
February birthdays: Josephine Kren and Matilda Cigolle.
JOAN KRISTIN TWADDLE
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH Meeting: Mar.-Apr.-May-June Aug.-Oct.-Nov.-Dec.
Secy’. Epley’s Home 20294 Emery Rd., No Randall
Happy New Year to each and everyone of you. We do hope that your Christmas Season was enjoyable and that as you pack away your decorations you will fondly remember all that happened to close out the year. If some of those memories are not pleasant, we certainly hope that the New Year will be kind to you.
Our fall meetings found it necessary for us to meet at the home of our President, Kay Yuratovac. This came about when our Secretary, Alouise Epley, experienced some health problems. She is on the mend, slowly but surely, and is getting back to her somewhat normal routines. It will be a welcome sight to see her back amofig us, and to be meeting again in her dining room. Take care, Alouise. Our prayers are with you.
Had a pleasant experience recently when I had to deliver four cookbooks to Bemie Blatnik. She has been a member of No. 73 for many years, but I truly never had the opportunity, to
meet her. On a very warm, sunny Saturday, I drove to her home in nearby Macedonia and briefly got to visit with her. She was surrounded by family and the holiday bussle was very evident. Brief as it was, I enjoyed meeting everyone and envy her the activity of the day.
In October I had the privilege of attending a reception for the Prime Minister of Slovenia given by Dr. Rupel, Ambassador. The function was held at the Ritz-Carlton Grill Room and attended by numerous Slovene dignitaries. My oldest son, Dr. Stephen, escorted me and if anyone “fit in”, he certainly did. Chatted with Tony Petkovšek whom I have not seen in a few years, it was nice to be remembered after such a long time. Cirila Kermavner and Jean Drobnik were also in attendance and I think they will agree it was a very delightful afternoon.
If you have long-awaited the cookbook, you have already read that it is out and ready for you to buy. You can check with me (440-439-1825) because I do have a few on hand. Or, you can send your check to the address furnished in ZARJA, and they will mail it to you. You will find it a very good book, and we are sure you will use your own copy frequently and you certainly will want to share it with your family and friends. It is a good purchase for $18.00.
Since we do not meet for January and February (cold weather months), we want you to reserve March 1st for our next meeting. Have lots to talk about, we want to update you on any
We love to read news of your branch in ZARJA!
OUTSTANDING NORTH RANDALL VOLUNTEER WINS AWARD FROM MEDICAL MUTUAL OF OHIO
CLEVELAND - North Randall resident Alouise Epley recently received an honorable mention award for exemplary community service from Medical Mutual of Ohio during the healthcare insurer’s 1998 Outstanding Senior Volunteer Awards luncheon at the Holiday Inn of Independence.
Epley, who was selected for recognition from candidates throughout Ohio, was nominated by the Suburban Pavilion Nursing Home in her city. For more than 20 years, she has provided Rosary and Eucharist services and spiritual support for both the Catholic and non-Catholic residents. The nursing home residents look forward to her weekly visits, and she has also invited them to her own home for picnics.
Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award nominations are submitted annually from community organizations across Ohio with first-hand knowledge of exceptional volunteers who are at least 65 years old. With names removed from all written entries, members of Medical Mutual’s Senior Advisory Councils select winners based on the impact of their grass-roots work in helping others to achieve a healthier, happier quality of life.
* * *
News Release 11-5-98, by Doreen Lazarus, Senior Communications Specialist.
convention business. Our annual anniversary mass at St. Judes will be on April 11th, 1999. Mark your calendar for that date also.
Please let us know about any sickness in your family, any new babies, if you are moving, accomplishments ol the kids, we are always anxious for news from you.
Have yourself a Happy Valentine’s Day, if we don’t get to see you before, and we will fill you in on the Christmas Party we are sharing with Branch No. 47. Take care, stay warm, watch that ice, keep in touch.
Respectfully submitted,
EVELYN A. MAJERCIK
NO. 85, DEPUE, IL Meeting: at Members’ Homes
It is hard to believe the New Year is here. Hope everyone will have a good one and I wish health, blessings and prosperity in 1999 to all our families, friends, and members. Time goes by so fast.
We had our meeting in November and 3 of our faithful members were unable to attend. I am sorry to report that Pearl Drennan has been in and out of the hospital this past months. We hope she will be feeling better soon.
Mary Oberch was on vacation with her son in California.
Mary Kuhar had a previous commitment so was unable to attend. We hoped to see all well and back by December.
Our president, Gen. Grilc spent Thanksgiving in Mississippi when she accompanied her daughter and family. They also visited with her grandson, Joshua Kimble who is attending Mississippi State University.
Our former pastor, Father Tom Badovsky celebrated his silver jubilee on November 22 at St. Valentine’s Church in Peru where he is now pastor. A Mass of Thanksgiving and a lovely reception was held. Our congratulations to Father Tom and many more years of serving God.
I hope our winter will be as nice as our weather has been.
Take care and God bless.
MARY JERMENC
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Meeting: When convenient Parish Center
After a beautiful fall, cold windy weather is upon us.
Frank and Jean Govek left for Yuma, Ariz. on Oct. 5. We hope they have a
A great friend to many, Alouise Epley
The members of Branch 73 congratulate Alouise on the award, and commend her for her loyal services to the nursing home residents.
pleasant stay where the weather is warm.
Andrea Plautz flew to Belgium to spend some time with friends and her host family.
Mary Staut accompanied by her 91-year old friend, Ana Dmytrenko, from Neillsville, visited her niece in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada early in Oct. This is a very beautiful large Slovenian community, so hospitable. It was truly a pleasure being there. They saw many large orchards of a variety of fruits. Vineyards of grapes are abundant there.
Msgr. Matthew G. Malnar was granted a master of divinity degree (his third masters degree) at the Holy Apostle’s commencement ceremony this past May.
He now holds 8 academic degrees including 3 bachelor of arts degrees. On the humorous side, yes, he does teach in between trips and surgeries! Congratulations to a former Willard native.
The weekend of Oct. 17 and 18 and again on Nov. 21 and 22 the SWU held bake sales. A nice variety of baked goods were available.
At the meeting on Nov. 8, discussion was held on the state convention and various other topics.
JESENSKA VESELICA - FALL FESTIVITY
The annual meeting, Christmas party, pot luck meal, and election of officers were held on Dec. 6th. Bingo followed the meeting.
My daughter, Kay and I flew to Washington, D.C. in mid-November to visit my granddaughter, Wendy. We did some sight-seeing. We also visited my cousin Cyril and Marie Mejac, where we were served a lovely Slovenian dinner.
A surprise party was held for Ann Snedic at her home on Nov. 18. A pot-luck meal was served. The Slovenian singers, accompanied by Frank Pakiz, sang Slovenian songs. It was, indeed, a pleasant evening. Ann was 90 years old on Nov. 18.
Mary Djubenski had cataract surgery on Oct. 14. All turned out well for her.
Walter Backus was hospitalized a few months ago after a heart attack. We wish him well.
Angie Verhunce had surgery on her knee in late Oct. She is recuperating at her son’s house in Stratford, Wis.
Marie Amundsen had foot surgery recently. She had a brief stay at the hospital. We wish all the sick, home-bound, and in nursing homes a speedy recovery.
The list of deceased include Frank Petkovšek, age 88, and Frank Ceme, age 90. Our condolences to the above families.
FRIEDA KLANCHER
NO. 105, DETROIT, MI Meeting: 3rd Sat. Temp, at Secretary’s home
January 1999
Happy New Year! Wow! Can you believe that we are beginning another year, and a very important one at that. This year will begin the countdown to our next millennium - the year 2000! This is a fabulous time to be living.
We hope that all of you enjoyed the holidays and that the festive spirit will live in your hearts throughout the year. Our wish for all the ladies and their families is that peace fill their lives and that God is the center of their homes. When my father, Frank Kregar and I traveled to Slovenia in 1989 we stopped at the famous Shrine of Marija of Brezje. This shrine dedicated to Mary is known throughout Slovenia because
No. 103, Washington, D.C.:
The Fall Festival or Jesenska Veselica celebrating our Branch’s anniversary was unique in several respects. It was held on Sunday afternoon rather than Saturday evening to accommodate guests with small children and those who do not like to travel at night. It also included a heartwarming performance by the all-male Lek choir from Ljubljana, Slovenia, which was received enthusiastically by the audience and which responded with numerous encores.
In addition, the following friends of Branch 103 who are not members gave us a welcome helping hand.
Stane Sustersic was the capable liaison between us and the choir and worked with Mimi Mejac, branch secretary, to ensure the choir’s performance at the Veselica and provided the background information used by Mimi and member Jill Augustine in the invitations as well as on the printed program.
After Mary Lou Terselic, president of Branch 103, greeted the choir in English and presented it to the audience, Lydia Millonig, granddaughter of member Jana Bevec, reiterated the greetings in Slovenian. Miro Pregelj introduced the songs sung by the choir with his usual wit and charm.
Jim Cesnik, father of our member, Sarah Mejac, helped with setting up the sound system.
With their usual cheery willingness, Valerie, Chris, and Bernie Bo-
many people, who were ill, have been cured. Throughout the church hang crutches, canes, etc., of those people who have been cured through the intercession of Mary. The reason that I mention this church is that a wall hanging caught my attention. “Kjer ljubezen, tam mir. Kjer mir, tam Bog.” Translated, this means: “Whenever there is love, there is peace. Wherever there is peace, there is God.” This is a good motto to live by for the coming year. As long as God is central in your life, you will be at peace.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Angie Bemick and her family, whose husband passed away in
hince pitched in where needed.
Our valuable assistance in the kitchen and elsewhere were Amira Caceres, a friend of Molly Thomas, the branch treasurer, and Dalena McGee, a friend of member Mara Chokel’s grandson, Michael.
Mary Lou Terselic’s family was well-represented. Her husband, Rich and her son, Ricky helped with the cleanup (as usual, a thankless task). Her daughter, Susan Eckert (visiting with her family from Africa) recreated her own participation in earlier events when her daughter, Tabitha dressed in her mother’s narodna noša presented a floral tribute to the conductor of the choir.
Offering their help were members of Mimi Mejac’s family. Her husband, Conrad, son, Peter, and her grandchildren, Kevin and Tony Mangold and Nicholas Mejac helped with buying, delivering, and serving soft drinks and other beverages, setting up the tables, distributing food and drinks to strategic places, and cleaning up.
Last but not least were the son and daughter of member Angela Stare, Andrej and Veronica, who joined the other younger folk in their various tasks.
Again, a heartfelt thank you to all these friends of Branch 103 who made the job of putting on the Veselica a little easier.
MIMI MEJAC, Secretary
November. May God bring you peace and comfort.
I shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to tell you about our daughter Anna. She and I met our Governor Engler at a restaurant in Warren. We wish him the best as he begins another term in office. Anna is growing very nicely. She is bilingual - which I’m so proud of. She really enjoyed Christmas last year.
Our next meeting will be January 12,
1999	at 7:00 p.m. at the SNPJ hall on Mound Rd. Please try to join us as we prepare to make our plans for this vear
Our love to all of you!
DORI KREGAR FOOY
Christopher Ross Majercik of Coventry, Ohio is a member of Br. 73. He attended kindergarten at St. Francis De Sales School and was graduated in June. What a future we foresee for this bright-looking youngster!
He is the grandson of our National Secretary, Evelyn Majercik.
A Crafty Idea
I have recieved the pattern for the crocheted baby blanket that was mentioned in a previous column. Have to be honest, I have not made this one (as yet), but I did see the one that was presented at a baby shower. Hopefully, after the holidays, I will be able to use the pattern myself. The friend who gave me the pattern is an amputee and she keeps herself busy crocheting. I am sure you will enjoy the pattern.
Send $1.00 and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Evelyn A. Majercik P.O. Box 46539 Bedford, Ohio 44146
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HI, EVERYONE!
How are all of you? Good and healthy I hope.
As you know I started giving TIPS OF THE MONTH, last month, I trust you all followed last month’s, and continue to follow it forever. This month’s Tip is: “NEVER CONSUME ANY TYPES OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOLS.” Please do not consume drugs or alcohol. They do not do anything for you. No matter what you hear, drugs and alcohol are not good. They are illegal for us minors, and if they were legal, I would beg you to please NOT to take any.
I	hope you all are doing great academically! Remember, as much as we would like to admit it, we must always put school first, in the long run, it helps. Here’s a tip, I learned from person experience, NEVER WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! For example, you had two weeks to complete a project, and it was due Monday, don’t wait until Sunday night, and start the project. You get a better grade if you spend more time on it.
Well, I really must go, I have homework too!
See You Next Time, and feel free to write.
Julie
ZARJA GOES UP IN SPACE!?!?!
As all members of Slovenian Women’s Union know, the title of our publication, ZARJA, means the Dawn. So it is no wonder that this old Slavic word is being used by Russia as the name for their space satellite, spelled ZARYA. It is taking with it all the hopes and expectations that the dawn brings to the earth each and every day.
Undoubtedly, it was the same thought that occurred to the first officers of S.W.U. who accepted ZARJA as the name that leads our organization on its daily search for enlightenment.
MAKE 1999 THE YEAR YOU JOIN SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION
ZfiRJH donations!
There is no question that donations of money are important and do help us to the “Keep the Connection” Fund going.
But, let’s also remember to keep the connection between us going: between members and branches, so that we can form a stronger and more sisterly bond! Yes, let’s keep in touch and continue to make contacts wherever and whenever we can. Go to meetings! Attend branch functions at your home-base and at your neighboring branches! Travel around to see what the others are doing! Read ZARJA! And, you’ll benefit greatly from knowing your sisters of S.W.U.!
Editor
*****
The donations we have been receiving for the ZARJA Publisher’s Fund are indeed gratefully accepted. Mrs. Jackie Nimmer of Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI sent us $100 with the following letter:
“I enjoyed reading the May-June ZARJA, especially page 28, entitled ‘A Memory for all of us’ written by the Editor. The Year 1928 doesn’t seem so long to some of us, but 14 ladies had a great vision, and as it is growing, the younger folks are beginning to move up. The enclosed check is in memory of my mother, Josephine Schlosar (the founder of Br. 17, West Allis, Wisconsin).
“You always have good articles in ZARJA. Thank you.
Josephine Schlosar Nimmer
November, 1998
Br. 20, Joliet, IL	$400
Br. 2, Chicago, IL	20
Br. 105, Detroit, MI	20
October, 1998
Phyllis Kukar (39)	250
Br. 24, LaSalle, IL	250
Br. 12, Milwaukee,	WI	50
September, 1998
Minnesota Branches	50
Br. 101, Bedford, OH	100
August, 1998
Br. 35, Aurora, MN	5
Br. 24, LaSalle, IL	10
Br. 50, Cleveland, OH	10
Br. 105, Detroit, MI	10
Anne Orazem, Br. 35	5
Br. 103, Washington, D.C.	33
July, 199p
Br. 35, Aurora, MN	10
Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL	5
Br. 50, Cleveland, OH	5
Br. 24, LaSalle, IL	20
Br. 5, Indianapolis, IN	50
Pat Figurowski, Br. 20	20
Two Memorial donations came from our loyal member, Anita Vovk in Aurora, MN:
In memory of John Bobence	$5
In Memory of Anthony Machek	$5
And, another generous donation from:
Mary Lou Crotty (39)	$10
In memory of their departed member, Mr. Percy Morison, Br.
2,	Chicago, IL	$25
In memory of A.E. Bemick, the late husband of member, Angeline Bemick, of Br. 105, Warren, MI	$20
Deepest thanks to these two branches and sincere sympathy to the families. To all our donors, heartfelt gratitude!
Special thanks to Br. 20, Joliet, IL for their two generous donations in November: $150.00 and $250.00, for a total of $400.00. The following sentiments were expressed:
Secretary, Pat Butterbach:
“SWU Br. 20 would like to thank you for all you have done for us in the ZARJA - publicity, advertising, photos, etc. Therefore, we are enclosing a check for the ZARJA Fund as an expression of our gratitude. Sincerely, the Officers and Members of Br. 20.”
Co-Chairman, Jonita Ruth:
“Enclosed is a check from our Anniversary. Thank you for all your work and help. It was nice letting the organization know what Br. 20 was doing through the ZARJA. Thank you so much!”
Two very generous checks were received in October for the publishing fund. Our sincere thanks to Phyllis Kukar, member of Br. 39 and long time secretary of Br. 31, when it was still a separate branch in Gilbert, MN. Phyllis and her two brothers are sending a donation of $250 to ZARJA in memory of their mother, Pauline Lopp, a 62 year member of Zveza who passed away recently at the age of 100!
And, the members of Br. 24, LaSalle, IL have complimented us with a check for $250 as a contribution, with their thanks for ZARJA’s presence in their lives. How generous! And, the third donation came from Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI with their best wishes!
To all our donors, heartfelt gratitude!
GOOD WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!
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BARAGA
Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki
FRANC JAKLIČ
V BALTIMORU ZADENE BARAGO KAP (9. oktobra 1866)
Pa se je zbudil iz nezavesti in si za silo opomogel. Bourion, ki ga je obiskal vsak dan pred zborovo sejo in po seji, mu je nekega dne povedal željo nekaterih škofov, da ostane v milejšem baltimorskem obmorskem podnebju, za upravo marquettske škofije pa naj imenuje kandidata za pomožnega škofa s pravico nasledstva. Pomožnega škofa se ni branil. Imenoval je, kakor je navada, tri kandidate: na prvem mestu Mraka, na drugem Čebulja, na tretjem pa jezuita o. Kohlerja. Po srcu bi bil najbolj za Jackerja, a se je duhovnikom zdel premalo gospodarski. Izjave o osebnosti, zmožnosti in delovanju predlaganih kandidatov ni mogel napisati. Drugi škofje jih niso dovolj poznali, zato ta tri imena sploh niso šla v Rim. Škofje so v Rim prosili samo to, naj mu dajo pomožnega škofa, in so imenovali Mraka. A to ni bilo dovolj. Rim je ta predlog vzel na znanje, vendar je imenovanje odložil. Dvomil je, ali je bil Baraga ob predlaganju kandidatov sploh zmožen tiste trezne presoje, ki je potrebna za tako važno zadevo.
Zelo je pa Barago zadel nasvet, da bi za trajno ostal v obmorskem baltimorskem podnebju. Bourion piše: “Nikoli ne bom pozabil, kako milo in otožno me je škof pogledal. Zdelo se mi je, da mi kakor umirajoči Cezar pravi: Cel6 ti, moj sin? Ob misli na ločitev od lastne črede bi ga bil skoraj drugič zadel mrtvoud. Ne, mi je odločno dejal. Vrniti se moram in umreti tam, kjer sem živel. Čeprav med potjo umrjem, se moram odpraviti proti domu."
Bal se je, da bi zbrani škofje tega nasveta, aa ostane v Baltimoru, ne vzeli v resen pretres. Zato je takoj drugi dan prosil Bouriona, da naj ga spremi domov. Da bi mu nadškof in škofje ne prigovarjali, se od nobenega od njih ni poslovil. Zapustil je bolnišnico sv. Neže. Na vožnji proti postaji ga je moral Bourion neprestano podpirati z ramo. Tudi na vlaku. V Chicagu ga je moral nesti na drug vlak na rokah, kakor otroka. Oba sta mislila, da bo na potu umrl. Pa ni; Bog je hotel, da še podrugo leto trpi in s trpljenjem izprosi novega blagoslova svojemu delu.
Doma je zvedel, da je eden izmed duhovnikov, katerega je zelo cenil, dal vernikom pohujšanje in odšel iz škofije. Barago je ta novica tako vznemirila, da nekaj dni ni mogel ne govoriti ne hoditi.
Edina človeška tolažba mu je bila misel, da je zdaj spet doma. Zvesti služabnik Gašper Schulte mu je skrbno in z ljubeznijo stregel. Baraga se mu je prepustil kakor bolan otrok svoji materi. Drugih oseb pa, kakor piše Jacker, v svoji skromnosti in obzirnosti ni rad videl okoli sebe.
Že v štirih tednih se je tako popravil, da je hodil, ker Jackerja takrat ni bilo v Marquettu, tudi previdevat bolnike in učit otroke. Od tega napora je pa spet tako oslabel, da ni bil za nobeno delo več. Tudi jesti ni mogel sam. Sedel je v naslonjaču, premišljeval in molil. Dozdaj je v svoji škofiji in v indijanskih ozemljih sosednjih škofov osebno vse sam vodil in urejal; zdaj pa ni mogel nikamor, čeprav je bil na mnogih krajih tako potreben. Svojim vernikom, zlasti Indijancem, bi bil tako rad dal še zadnja navodila. Rad bi jih bil spomnil, kako jih je vedno ljubil in jih še vedno ljubi; naj se torej držijo njegovih zadnjih očetovskih navodil. Rad bi jih še zadnjikrat blagoslovil in v ta blagoslov položil vso svojo dušo. Pa je vedel, da ne bo nikoli več pri njih.
Maševati sprva ni mogel, potem pa je spet začel. Ko mu je po dveh mesecih postalo tudi maševanje pretežko, je hodil k sv. maši, zlasti nedeljski. Včasi je ostal pri dveh mašah. Verniki so videli, s kakšno težavo zdrži na stolu; videli so tudi, kako ceni sv. mašo in kako jim jo s svojim zgledom priporoča.
Zgodnja Danica je Slovencem poročala o njegovem obolenju, delnem zboljšanju in poznejšem poslabšanju. Tudi po Ameriki se je žalostna vest hitro razširila.
Dne 28. januarja 1867 je narekoval Jackerju dve strani dolgo pismo za na Dunaj, ki se začenja: "Prej sem bil zmerom pri dobrem zdravju; ob začetku cerkvenega zbora v Baltimoru me je pa napadla huda bolezen, ki še zmerom traja in me dela nezmožnega za vsako opravilo." Potem navaja poročilo ameriškega nemškega časopisa o njegovem obolenju in dostavlja: “Še zmeraj čutim posledice kapi. Pisati ne morem in le z veliko težavo in po dolgem pripravljanju se podpišem. Vendar upam, da bo spomladi bolje. Cerkveni zbog mi je določil pomožnega škofa s pravico nasledstva, a še ni odločeno, kdo bo. Tri imena so šla v Rim, kakor običajno, odločitev bo pa prišla šele poleti.” Tolaži ga zavest, da je škofija lepo urejena. Zlasti ga veselijo šole redovnic. V L’Ansu učijo jožefinke tudi dečke; upa, da bodo vzgojile tudi kaj bodočih duhovnikov.
Upal je torej, da bo na spčmlad bolje. Dne 22. marca je pa pisal nadškofu Purcellu:	"Moje
zdravstveno stanje je zmerom enako, odkar me je 9. oktobra zadel v Baltimoru mrtvoud, od katerega se še nisem popravil. Včasih sem tako slab, da komaj govorim. Nezmožen sem za vsako delo. Želim, da moj pomožni škof kmalu pride, ko se bo spet začelo več dela. Molite zame, dragi prijatelj, da mi Vsemogočni nakloni potrpežljivost v bolezni m srečno smrt."
To mu je bilo najhujše, da je moral - z Jackerjevo pomočjo - še vedno upravljati svojo škofijo, ki je bila še mlada in še zelo neurejena.
NADALJEVANJE
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SLOVENIJA MAGAZINE
Quarterly issue/$30 USD per year.
Personal checks accepted. Send your subscription to: Slovenia Magazine, Cankarjeva 1,
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A LONELY PLANET TRAVEL BOOK BY STEVE FALLON
SLOVENIA
Cost is $16.00 ($13.95 plus $2.05 postage and handling)
Proceeds from the sale of SLOVENIA will go toward our 1999 Convention Fund.
Slovenian Women’s Union is proud to bring our members and friends the availability of SLOVENIJA at nominal cost and convenience. Please send your orders to
Slovenian Women’s Union 431 No. Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432
4rt'	T	PERIODICALS
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JOLIET
ILLINOIS
NEW S.W.U. COOKBOOK!
Dedicated to Hermine Dicke
Enjoy it and share it with your family and friends
The PERFECT gift for all occasions
Features of the NEW cookbook include:
600 Great Recipes with easy formats 171 NEW recipes from our members
Favorite dishes of HERMINE DICKE
SLOVENIAN -AMERICAN COOKBOOK
AUTHENTIC SLOVENIAN RECIPES:
Favorites of three generations Detailed Instructions Origins of regional recipes Historical Information Maps and notes of interest!
Heritage illustrations by renowned artist, Nancy Bukovnik
Place your order now $18.00 per book (includes postage and handling)
NOTE: Payment MUST accompany order.
DO NOT SEND cash BRANCH OFFICERS: All orders must be paid in advance. NO CONSIGNMENTS Shipments will be made with ten books to a carton.
Make checks payable to: Slovenian Women’s Union (or S.W.U.) Mail to: 431 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432
Please allow three weeks for delivery