Kollande World Tri
ZARJA - THE DAWN
URADNO GLASILO	OFFICIAL	PUBLICATION
SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI	SLOVENIAN	WOMEN’S	UNION	OF	AMERICA
NUMBER 1	JANUARY-FEBRUARY,	2005	VOLUME	77
COVER DESIGN BY LINDA FORD ZARJA - The Dawn, Our Bi-Monthly Publication
The SWUA National Board would like to hear about your magazine cover ideas that illustrate the theme of “Legacy.” Magazine issues need to be planned months in advance. We need your ideas NOW! Please send to lzalokar-@yahoo.com.
Honoring the Future
Calling All Junior Members! We do plan to use photos of our junior members for one cover in 2005: Junior Members who are SWUA members under the age of 18. We are requesting school photos (wallet size or smaller). These small photos will be assembled for one cover. Please carefully print the name and branch number of each junior member on the back of each photo. Please send photos to: ZARJA - The Dawn 4851 S. Drexel Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60615 Questions re: the photos? e-mail corleskovar@aol.com (Corinne Leskovar).
Deadline on both requests: March 1, 2005. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JAN-FEB
National Officer:
Jan. 10 - Mary Turvey, Dir. Sch. Fund, Marquette, MI Secretaries:
Feb. 1 - Agatha Donges, Br. 40, Lorain, OH Feb. 27 - Diane Varney, Br. 14, Euclid, OH
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!
trtr-tfCr-frtctic-Cr-Cr-trG -Crtr ☆
Naj v letu 2005 vse ovire postanejo premostljive, vse, kar je bilo predaleč, dosegljivo, vse, kar je bilo nemogoče, možno, vse, česar nismo imeli, pa naj ostane v duhu upanja, vztrajnosti in poguma.
Želimo vam veliko sreče in zdravja v letu, ki prihaja.
In 2005...
ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION, 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
NO. 1
JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2005
VOL. 77
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published Bi-monthly - šestkrat na leto.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $20.00 — naročnina $20.00 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 L v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703 Email: CORLESKOVAR@AOL.COM Telephone: (773) 548-8878 - Fascimile: (773) 268-4899
GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING!
JANUARY 2005
9	Br. 20, Joliet, IL, Church Centennial Dinner,
St. Joe’s Park Hall
15 Br. 43, Milwaukee, WI, Christmas Party,
Klemmer’s Banquet Hall
16 Br. 20, Joliet, IL. St. Joe’s Church Centennial Dance, Park Hall 1 p.m.
FEBRUARY
5 Slovenian Culture Day-Open House, l-4p.m.
SWU Heritage Museum, Joliet, IL, hosted by Br. 99, Lemont, IL
MARCH
5	Br. 108, Olney, MD, Polka Outing,
Blob’s Park, 6:30 p.m.
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jllk
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First Midwest Bank
Joliet • (815) 727-5222
May all obstacles become passable; all that is far, attainable; and, all that is impossible, feasible.
May we, even with disappointments, remain hopeful, perseverant and courageous.
Wishes for good fortune and good health in the New Year.
At Your Service During Life’s Most Difficult Moments
Louis “Ron” Zefran	Connie	Rodriguez
Frank J. Zefran	Lois	M. Zefran Debbie Zefran Jerry
1-800-249-9150
(773) 847-^688
1941 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60608
NATIONAL PRESIDENT Kathleen Dorchak-Hall
“Living Our Legacy in 2005!”
I can just feel the excitement of our membership campaign for 2005 - Living Our Legacy! Isn’t that the reason we all belong to this great organization? We can do it - 500 new members in 2005. I firmly believe it. I am sure we all know Slovenian-Americans that would benefit from belonging to the Slovenian Women’s Union. Now is the time to tell them how we are “Living Our Legacy.” Share with them a beloved family tradition, a recent issue of the ZARJA, or invite them to join you at one of your branch meetings. Sharing what comes from your heart will be remembered and just wait to see how it reaches out and touches other people.
On behalf of the board and our members I extend the following heartfelt appreciation:
• to Bev Menart for sewing the beautiful quilt, “Sugar Maples,” for our latest fundraiser for the ZARJA.
• To all of those who brought tickets for the quilt raffle.
• To Betty Ann Kolesari for creating the Magic Month Calendar for January, 2005.
• To all of those who bought chances for the Magic Month Calendar with proceeds going to the Heritage Museum.
• To Pat Figurowski for once again handling the Magic Month Calendar Raffle.
• To Jean Korsman, past National President for her loving “Recipies From The Farm.” Jean did an outstanding job of providing us with recipes and stories from her beloved Minnesota farm.
• To Alice Kuhar, for accepting the position to be our new Food Editor for 2005.
• To Mary Lou Voelk for representing the Slovenian Women’s Union at a conference in Slovenia in November,
2004.
• To Corinne Leskovar for always managing to generate exceptional issues of the ZARJA - The Dawn every other month.
• To Bonnie Prokup for taking the helm of the new Membership Campaign - Living Our Legacy!
• To Bonnie and Bill Prokup for keeping our financial records accurate and membership information up to date.
• to Jonita Ruth for keeping our Home Office running smoothly and efficiently.
• To Bernadette Fitzsimmons and the founding members of Branch 108 for a new branch in Gaithersburg, MD.
• To Corinne Leskovar and the founding members of Branch 99 for a new branch in Lemont, 1L.
• To Jan Wilt for working as our Museum Director.
• To Lynn Zalokar for keeping the members informed through the monthly on-line newsletter - “The New Neighborhood.”
• To Mary Turvey and her committee for the success of our Scholarship Program.
• To members from the Illinois branches for helping at the museum - creating displays and assisting any way they can.
• To members from the Ohio branches, led by Rose Mary Toth, and for a very successful Slovenian Heritage Festival dedicated to “Keeping Our Slovenian Heritage Alive.”
• To our auditors Bev Menart, Denise Bartlett and Nancy Henkel for keeping our SWUA financial books in order.
• To Linda and Bill Ford for creating our website and helping us move into the age of fast paced technology.
• to Jerry Sherek our new Web Master along with Leslie Cummings and Tom Zakosek for their work on creating a new look for our website.
• To Anita Vovk for spearheading the new SWUA Travel Scholarship program.
• To all four of our Regional Presidents, Genevieve Buol - Illinois-Indiana; Lisa McDonell - Minnesota; Olga Dorchak - Ohio-Michigan; and Josephine Janezic - Wisconsin for their dedication to reaching our branch members and keeping them informed.
• To all Branch Officers, especially Branch Presidents and Secretaries for their leadership of our members.
• To all Branch Reporters for submitting timely information for publication in ZARJA.
• To our members for their contributions and hard work to keep us a strong organization.
If I missed thanking any one. I truly apologize. It takes each and everyone of us working together to be successful. I appreciate all of the hard work by each of you.
If you have never been to Slovenia or have not been there recently, the time is now to plan a trip in June of 2005. Working with Kollander Travel we have created an outstanding trip to “Experience the Wonders of Slovenia” from June 18 to July 3, 2005. The trip will also include side trips to Venice and Padova, Italy and Klagenfurt, Austria. This 16-day all inclusive deluxe tour is a great way to travel to Slovenia with your friends and family. Make your plans soon to join us by calling Kollander Travel at (800) 800-5981. What a great way to continue “Living Our Legacy.”
As we welcome the New Year, I wish each and every one of you a happy and blessed year! May you always have prosperity and abundance!
Living Our Legacy - Creating a future from our past,
Kathleen Dorchak-Hall
93 Wilbur Drive Munroe Falls, OH 44262 Telephone: (330) 686-1336 Fax: (330) 688-6203 E-mail: Kdorchak@neo.rr.com
a
SWU Fall Festival Celebrates Ohio branches working together!
The idea for a Slovenian Heritage Festival was presented to me by our President Kathy Dorchak-Hall. At first I said I did not think I wanted to handle it, but now I am glad I had because it was such a great success. Not without a lot of hard work and planning, tho. This did not come about with only myself, but with a hard working committee of Ohio members by my side: Marge Church, Jackie Albers, Pam Dirk, Elsie Spellacy, Olga Dorchak, Pat Habat, Diane Varney, Lil Sadowski, Katherine Wallace, Jo Gornik. I have to thank my Vice President of Br. 50, Cookie Maxin and all her family and friends for all their hard work handling the kitchen, GREAT JOB, thank you again. Also, thank you Debbie Duris for your GREAT JOB handling all the financial business and printing.
I want to also say thank you to Pat Habat for her ideas in putting our pamphlet together which was distributed to everyone along with our song sheet with the Pojka Mass songs. Jo Gomik, thank you for the beautiful afghan donated for our quilt raffle. Thanks to all the organizations that donated baskets for our Chinese raffle, baked goods that were sold in the kitchen and monetary donations, namely, Branches 14, 25, 32, 42, 47, 50, and 54, which were very much appreciated. I have to thank my Branch 50 members who backed me so tremendously in every way that was needed and to all the husbands that showed up to help!
Well, the way we started our Slovenian Fall Festival was on October 3, 2004 with a Polka Mass with Fr. Pizmoht of Immaculate Conception Church in Willoughby and the Joey Tomsick Orchestra. We followed this with our Slovenian Art Guild being present with all their Slovenian articles being displayed and also for sale, and also Posters by Beth. We had a bobbin lace display with Ruth Abbott and Anna Jesenko. Olga Petek was there with her Sveti Miklavž cookie display, they were beautiful. There was a Chinese Raffle with only Slovenian articles; it was a big hit along with the S.W.U. items for sale. Slovenian wine tasting and Frank Azman with his terrific sausages for tasting went over very well. Azman’s mail-order sausage, too. (see page 26.)
SNPJ Circle #2, along with their Director, Cecilia Dolgan entertained us with their songs. It was good to see the young children present. This is when Joey and the Boys could take a break from playing for everyone’s dancing pleasure. I must mention, too, that Michael Benz, from Kollander World Travel, was with us and presented the brochure for the S.W.U. Tour to Slovenia. You must check out the Tour! It sounds great for 2005!
Our theme for the festival was “Keeping our Slovenian Heritage Alive.” I hope that with all our efforts this was done, or I certainly hope so. You know that the Slovenian Women’s Union has a long history of women dedicated to the enrichment and knowledge of our ancestors and our Slovenian heritage. It is imperative that it be carried on by those of us members. The Slovenian Women’s Union needs many members being continuously involved. There is much knowledge and history instilled in our older members, they are so valuable. Let us pass this on to our younger generation so they will know the importance of our history while not forgetting the past.
I want to wish everyone a very Happy & Healthy 2005.
Rose Mary Toth, President, Branch 50, Euclid, OH
Photos above: Fr. Louis Pizmoht officiated at the Polka Mass; Youthful singers of SNPJ Circle 2; Rosemary Toth, Chairman of the Ohio Festival, second from right, with volunteers Jennifer Hrovat, Jamie Vecchione and Alescia Sharpe; in the background, Glenn Terrell; and, Justine Skok, a foremost Slovenian artist with her paintings.
Photos by Phil Hrvatin
National Secretary, Bonnie Prohar Prokup:
ANNOUNCING ... the 2005 Membership Campaign
SLOVENIA TO AMERICA “LIVING OUR LEGACY”
Living our Legacy is the theme for 2005. From Slovenia to America, one will learn more about our rich Slovenian legacy and the people of Slovenian birth or descent and the many contributions they have made to this country and to the world. By doing so we will ensure that this legacy remains a vital, living stimulus to future accomplishments.
By making the SWUA your choice for today, it will be your legacy for tomorrow. Embrace the idea that the future is not a place to which we are going, but a place we are creating. This campaign crosses the boundaries of every age and stage of life. Use it to pass on the passion for Slovenians wherever we find them.
How do we get started? It is so easy! Start by telling everyone you know about the SWUA. Let them know that we are an organization that is working towards tomorrow. We have plenty of energy and continue to breathe new life into a 78-year-old organization. Memberships make great gifts. A one-year membership can be so meaningful and yet affordable, $20 for adults and $5 for children up to age 17. Highlights of your membership include: local branch activities and events across the country, bi-monthly magazine ZARJA - The Dawn; free on-line monthly newsletter “The New Neighborhood, ” our Slovenian Heritage activities, events and features; scholarship opportunities for high school and seniors and adult continuing education; organizational resources for historical and genealogical searches;
SWUA Heritage Museum in Joliet, IL (exhibits, library, and merchandise), web sites linking Slovenian-American interests, connection to the wide world network of Slovenian-Americans.
Now is a great time to give a gift of legacy to your family and friends. And not only that, you can participate in the 2005 Membership Campaign.
Living Legacy Rules:
• Recruit as many as you can. We offer something to all ages and sexes.
• Contest runs from January 1, 2005 - December 31,
2005.
• Updates on those in the lead will be featured in the ZARJA, Online Newsletter, and “The New Neighborhood” and on the Website.
• Winners will be announced in the March/April 2006 issue of ZARJA, the February online newsletter, “The New Neighborhood” and on the Website at www.swua.org
Living Legacy Categories:
• Family: Which family recruits the most new members. * MUST handwrite on application the family name to credit.
• Branch: Which branch recruits the most new members. The formula will be very simple. I will take the amount of new members for 2005 and divide that by the total numbers of members in your branch. The highest percentage wins!
Living Legacy Awards:
• Winners of each category will be featured on the website and the March-April, 2006 front cover of ZARJA. And will have bragging rights for the entire year.
• Also a grab bag valued at $100 will be awarded to each group.
Please join us by playing a vital role in making this remarkable quota come true, 500 new members!
is with very deep regret that we inform you of the death of Robert Hall, beloved husband of National President, Kathleen Dorchak-Hall. Robert passed away on December 11, 2004 following a very tragic car accident. Our sincere condolences are extended to Kathleen and her entire family. Please keep Kathleen and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Bob was a member of Branch 47 and a staunch supporter of SWUA.
WISCONSIN REGIONAL CONVENTION Report from the State President
The Slovenian Women’s Union Branch 1 of Sheboygan celebrated a very special day on September 26, 2004. They hosted the Wisconsin Regional Convention in conjunction with the celebration of their 78th Anniversary.
Rose Pakiz, President of Branch 102 in Willard, Wisconsin and her husband arrived in Sheboygan the evening before. What dedication! As for the rest of us, the beautiful sunny Sunday started at 7 a.m. Branches 12 and 43 traveled to Sheboygan, by bus or by cars. I must mention here that a member of Branch 43, Bob Bartlett, husband of Denise Bartlett, National Auditor, had a complete knee replacement on Monday, September 20 and with great inner strength he came to the convention on the 26th. We admired him for his devotion to SWUA.
Upon arrival to SS Cyril & Methodius Church parking lot, we were all welcomed by Mary Jo Grabner and directed to the church’s lower level where president, Aggie Gruenke greeted everyone. After registration, and a continental breakfast, we walked together into church for the celebration of Holy Mass. Father Glenn Powers, Pastor, officiated and delivered an impressive sermon. Monica Viviant, the organist and the choir performed angelic Slovenian hymns with members joining in. It truly was a beautiful Mass, a perfect start for the day!
Later we traveled to “A1 & Al’s Restaurant” for a business meeting and dinner. The room was decorated impressively. Red carnations were everywhere and our members were delighted with the array of potica, a truly Slovenian room. Every member enjoyed a gift that was brought by generous members. The dining room was filled in no time. The Prisland family was well-represented, they were all introduced by Katie Gorton, a granddaughter of Mrs. Prisland, founder of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America.
Aggie Gruenke welcomed everyone and introduced State and National Officers. Our business meeting was called to order with an opening prayer by the State President, Josephine Janezic, who asked for a minute of silence in honor of Ruth Scheck, President of Branch 1, who passed away in February of 2004. Angie Fritz graciously accepted being our convention recording secretary.
Josephine welcomed everyone, made introductions and thanked many for coming. The minutes from the last convention were read by Betty Ann Kolesari and approved as read.
We were honored by the presence of three National Officers: Betty Ann Kolesari, National Vice President, Denise Bartlett, National Auditor, and Mary Turvey, Director of the SWUA Scholarship Fund. Congratulatory letters were read: Kathleen Dorchak-Hall, National President, Jonita Ruth, National Treasurer and Genevieve Buol, Regional President, IL-IN.
Roll call of branches followed. Delegates were called upon to give their annual reports:
Br. 1, Sheboygan: Aggie Gruenke with 23 members present; Br. 12, Milwaukee: Stavia Dobersek with 15 members present; Br. 43, Milwaukee: Mici Bregant with 22 members present and Br. 102, Willard: Rose Pakiz with 2 in attendance.
It was wonderful to hear the many ways the Branches
are actively trying to keep our Slovenian culture alive through different activities with the purpose of getting our young people interested in SWUA. Some of the many projects within the Wisconsin Branches are: Member of the Year lunches, Christmas parties, bake sale, Slovenian Day party, visiting the sick, fund raising for projects such as ZARJA magazine, the Heritage Museum, Scholarships and Slovenian Missions. Having speakers on interesting topics has been very successful, as were style shows, learning the Slovenian language and singing hymns and songs. It was suggested to have a Slovenian flag visible and to play music at branch meetings.
Josephine spoke of future goals and encouraged members to bring in new memberships. She stressed the importance of Branch 1 to stay strong because she felt it is the backbone for the rest of the branches. There were very few questions and no complaints. Betty Ann Kolesari and Denise Bartlett both spoke about the future of the organization and asked us to keep looking ahead. We must look forward and be proud of our Slovenian heritage. Mary Turvey spoke with enthusiasm about scholarships, proposals for donations and Family History Projects of the SWUA. Mary Jo Grabner had a very interesting talk about the history of SWUA and her personal involvement. Father Powers then gave a very interesting, inspirational talk. The time was slipping away too fast and after a short prayer, the meeting was adjourned.
A delicious buffet dinner was served and there was no shortage of our favorite, potica. Entertainment by Frank Horzen and his accordion playing Slovenian songs made the dinner complete. The beautiful program by Katie Gorton and her husband, Jim, brought tears to many eyes, especially when they sang the song “Marie” which Katie wrote in honor of her Grandma, Marie Prisland.
Katie and Jim Gorton
Program Moderator Mary Jo Grabner, kept excellent order of time in a skillful manner. As she called the names of the 50 year members, Aggie Gruenke presented thirteen members each with a 50 year membership pin. Six received an honorable mention.
My sincere compliments and gratitude to Aggie Gruenke and members for organizing this exquisite day. We all benefited from this experience and had an enjoyable and fruitful day celebrating Branch l’s 78th Anniversary and Wisconsin State Convention. May God reward Branch 1 officers and members who worked so diligently to bring about this success.
Josephine Janezic
Wisconsin State President
Branch #1 78th Anniversary and Wisconsin State Convention
It was a beautiful, sunny day in late September when the Branches of Wisconsin converged to Sheboygan for the celebration of Branch #l’s 78th Anniversary and the Wisconsin State Convention. Branch #1 President, Aggie Gruenke, with the help of Branch members and WI State President, Josephine Janezic, correlated a day that will be remembered by all in attendance. Starting the day at SS Cyril & Methodius Church with Fr. Glenn Powers officiating, mass and sermon was truly exceptional. The spark of energy only enhanced as we entered A1 & Al’s Restaurant to Frank Horzen’s solo serenading of Slovenian songs on the accordion. The banquet of food was outstanding and Chris Shircel’s potica adorned each table; everything was absolutely delicious. Each of the speakers and delegates added so much and listening to the individual stories reminds us all of the importance of our mission. Having Marie Pris-land’s granddaughter, Kathy Gorton, along with her husband, Jim, performing was such a moving ending to a great day. Many of Marie Prisland’s offspring graced us with their presence, as well.
It was a true honor for my husband and member, Jack, and I to attend. Hats off to Branch # 1 on their 78th Anniversary celebration, in conjunction with our State Convention event. Many thanks to all who traveled, participated and made it happen!
Love, Health and Happiness to All!
Betty Ann Kolesari
For the Sheboygan, WI State Convention in September, I wanted to do something special as a tribute to my grandmother, Marie Prisland, so I wrote a song in her honor called “Marie.” It’s a song accompanied by guitar in a lilting 3/4 meter with harmonious phrases and lyrics reflecting the pride that so many of us have for a woman who’s ideals we follow. Marie Prisland had a dream, a vision, that through the Slovenian Women’s Union women would come together and hold their heritage and vitality for life dear. All of us are that dream.
My husband, Jim and I also sang “Kje Je Moj Mili Dom” and “Slovenija, Odkod Lepote Tvoje” on the recording. The songs are professionally mixed and mastered by Jim who is a recording engineer. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Vse najbolše,
Katie Gorton
Ship my “Marie” recording to:	CD	Cassette
Name: _________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________
$10 per recording plus $2 shipping per order. Send check or money order to:
Katie Gorton
2545 Eastwood Lane, Brookfield, WI 53005
A triumvirate of National Officers, Betty Ann Kolesari, Denise Bartlett and Josephine Janezic with Mary Jo Grabner and Angie Fritz, right, conducting the raffle for Br. #1.
President of Br. 1, Aggie Gruenke, at the podium
MfiFUE
By Katie Gorton
CHORUS:
Marie, Marie, I’m thinking of you.
I wonder what you'd say, on this beautiful day.
Marie, Marie, we celebrate your life.
We hold your memory dear, after all of these years.
1. From Slovenia to America,
the girl was left behind.
She arrived on Ellis Island,
to become a woman with a brilliant mind.
You showed us your courage, as you crossed the wide sea.
You gave us all hope,
for our whole family.	CHORUS
2. A daughter, a mother,
a grandma, a friend, a woman, a leader,
who’s love will never end.
You opened the door, to welcome us home.
And you opened your heart,
so we were never alone.	CHORUS
IL/IN REGIONAL CONVENTION REPORT
Sunday, October 3, 2004
The 2004 IL/IN Convention is over and what a day it was! Words are inadequate to express what was felt by members and guests in attendance. Thank you Branches #24 (LaSalle), #85 (DePue) and #89 (Oglesby) for hosting this event. Kudos to your members for doing an outstanding job!
I am pleased to report that the attendance this day of 120 guests, far exceeded the volume at any recent IL/IN Convention except for those held in conjunction with the Host Branch Anniversary celebration.
The day opened with Mass celebrated by Father Bernard Horzen, O.S.B. and included congregational siging of Slovenian hymns which set the tone for the day’s events. Following a short walk (just across the street) to St. Joseph’s Hall, we registered, made our selections of the raffle prizes we would most like to win, and then enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner. In addition, there were tables laden with Slovenian pastries i.e. strudels, poticas, flancati, and cookies all prepared by members of our Host Branches.
Father Horzen enlightened us with an inspirational presentation on the SWUA. A moment of silence was observed for all the deceased members since our 2003 Convention and special acknowledgement in memory of Mary Jermene, Eunice Komater, and others whose spirits we felt were present with us. Also remembered were the loyal SWUA members who could not be with us due to illness. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
National Officers in attendance were: Vice President, Betty Ann Kolesari, Treasurer, Jonita Ruth and ZARJA Editor, Corinne Leskovar. Correspondence was read from the National President, Kathleen Dorchak-Hall, National Secretary, Bonnie Pohar Prokup and Branch 5 Secretary in Indianapolis, Karen Zarich. Vice President Kolesari updated members on happenings in the SWUA. Her enthusiastic broad-spectrum presentation was very informative.
Delegates from 7 IL Branches (2, 16, 20, 24, 89, 95, 99) presented their respective reports and I read the Reports submitted by Indianapolis Br. #5 and Bradley #22. When presenting the Branch #89 Report, Angela Nico also included the meaningful poem and prayer which she herself had composed.
One Br. 89 member, Barbara Sitar will be 102 years old on November 20. Listening to the Delegates’ reports I sensed a new pulse within our organization to carry forward and build upon that which members in the past had initiated and/or nurtured. This enthusiasm for the SWUA as a means of learning more about our heritage is inspiring new membership and resulting in our current growth spurt. Today’s Convention provided a forum for sharing how heritage is incorporated into Branch meetings. The packet of suggestions for meetings mailed to the Branch Presidents has been well-received.
The Branch reports included many new ideas; my favorite was have a Cookie Sale for the Holidays consisting of only “Slovenian Cookies” - recipes can be found in the SWUA cook book.
The National Convention in 2007 will be hosted by all the IL/IN Branches at Starved Rock, IL, a unique change from being held in a large metropolitan area. In her letter to the assembly, Bonnie Prokup suggested each Branch consider being responsible for a specific part of the Convention,
i.e., Sunday Mass, Hospitality, Sunday afternoon activities. Camp Heritage, Silent Auction, Meeting Planning, Reservations, etc.
In addition, I asked members to submit for consideration their own suggestions, ideas and/or sites and to see either Nancy Henkel, Mary Ann Bruner or Bonnie Prokup who have initiated preliminary convention planning so that the National Convention in 2007 can reflect input received from every IL/IN Branch.
The date and place of our 2005 State Convention is yet to be determined. Please advise me of your willineness to Host this event in 2005. Branch #2 of Chicago graciously volunteered to Host our IL/IN Convention in 2006.
On Behalf of all who attended the 2004 IL/IN State Convention I say HVALA LEPA to the members of Branches 24, 85, 89 for making October 3, 2004 a day we will remember for its camaraderie, delicious food and Slovenian Spirit!
Genevieve A. Buol
IL/IN Regional President
P.S. - Wishing all members Srečno novo leto.
Nationals at the Illinois-Indiana State Convention: from left, Loretta Story, Corinne Leskovar, Nancy Henkel, Jonita Ruth, Betty Ann Kolesari and Genevieve Buol
At the IL-IN State Convention Angie Nico (89) in Slovenian national costume, left, read her delegate branch report; center: Fr. Bernard Horzen took a moment to study the program; right, Gladys Buck (16) and Betty Ann Kolesari (43) enjoyed the great spirit of the day.
ILLINOIS/INDIANA STATE CONVENTION
Illinois/Indiana State Convention was blessed with a beautiful sunny autumn day with 120 members in attendance October 3 in Peru, Illinois. Double the amount of members attended including some men and two young juniors. Mass began the day with Slovenian Fr. Bernard Horzen, O.S.B. as the celebrant along with Slovenian singing, a picture of Marija Pomagaj adorned the altar and along with red carnations and ferns. Dinner and meeting followed with State members and even some from Florida, Wisconsin and Champaign, Illinois in attendance enjoying their Slovenian heritage and legacy. It was a happy celebration for all.
Nancy Henkel
A nice representation of over 20 members came from Br. 20; among them, Kathy Stonich and Bea Nemanich
Report of the OH-MI Regional Convention Olga A. Dorchak
OH-Ml Regional President
On Sunday, October 31, 2004 a noon Mass was held at St. Mary’s, Collinwood for the OH-MI State Convention.
Mass went well considering Rev. John Kumse was under doctor’s care for a throat infection. Father Kumse should be commended for conducting our mass so well.
Our host Br. 32 had placed a lovely bouquet of flowers at the Virgin Mother altar prior to the start of mass.
We then adjourned to the social hall of St. Mary’s for lunch and our meeting.
The delicious lunch was well received by those in attendance.
Meeting was called to order, minutes were read of our previous convention by OH-MI State Vice President, Debbie Duris, Br. 47.
Rose Mary Toth, President Br. 50 and Chairperson of the 1st SWU Slovenian Heritage Festival sponsored by the Cleveland area branches, was called on to report results.
Without having a complete financial report as yet, we are assured of having raised at least $3,000.
Much discussion arose concerning the Festival. It was unanimously agreed that members would like to hold a 2nd Festival with Rose Mary again as Chairperson. Rose Mary will give this serious consideration, she promised.
There were 47 members and 4 guests present. Roll call of those in attendance:
Br. 10 Cleveland, 5 members and 3 guests; Br. 14 Euclid, 2 members; Br. 32 Euclid, 13 members; Br. 42 Maple Hts., 5 members; Br. 47 Garfield Hts., 10 members; Br. 50, Euclid, 9 members; Br. 54, Warren, 2 members; Br. 101, Bedford Hts. 1 member and 1 guest.
Delegates of branches present gave short reports on branch activities.
Congratulations were given to Br. 32 for their succedss-ful hosting of this Convention and the food prepared, as well as the service provided by Rudy Perdan, Br. 32.
There will be a combined effort of Br. 47 Garfield Hts., Br. 42 Maple Hts. and Br. 101 Bedford Hts. to host next year’s Regional Convention.
With the end of the business portion of this Convention there followed a money raffle, as well as a Chinese auction of many donated prizes.
Thank you to everyone that made this a very successful Convention!
Custom Designed & Personally Escorted Specialty Tours and Cruises for 2005
ANITA VOVK/
MIRJAM GREMES:
The Slovenian Archival Experience
Part II
So what are proper ways to preserve documents?
The documents that are being saved outside of the archive centers should be locked in metal and fire-safe boxes where they are protected against fires, earthquakes, water, theft, light (UV rays are one of the biggest damaging factors), pests, etc. the temperature for storage should be between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity should be between 50 and 70%. For magnetic recordings such as discs, tapes etc., the temperature should be between
10	and 15 degrees Celsius and with a relative humidity between 30% to 40%. It is believed that it is better to store documents in dry places rather than in damp areas. All materials used to house documents such as various folders, envelopes, sheet protectors, and boxes have to be acid-free and clearly labeled and marked with the information about the contents. It is also required to enclose a detailed list of the contents for each box or folder holding several documents. There are, of course, several more regulations that define everything from the height of the shelves to electric installation and they vary from country to country.
In Slovenia, people can give the documents to the Archive of the Republic of Slovenia (they also accept documents from abroad but you have to have the permission of the country of origin) and they will store them free of charge, forever. You can also include a clause forbidding any third person from viewing the documents for an amount of time to be determined by the owner of the documents.
The Archive of the Republic of Slovenia also has a restoration shop where they fix damaged documents in the style that would have been used at the time when the document was issued. We had the privilege of seeing this shop and watching the restoration of papers from the eighteen hundreds and they also showed us how they fix books from the 14th century that were hand-written on vellum, a writing surface made of animal, skin, which have cover pages made of wood. The oldest document they have is from the year 1163. The archive has around 25 km of shelves and saves around 220,000,000 documents. It is comparable to any European archive and has even higher standards than many of them. We also found out that all the genealogical information is held by the Archibishop of Ljubljana library which is a very busy place and it is advised to call before hand and make reservations.
To be continued
(SWU has provided every Branch with one or more archival boxes and given instructions for preservation of Branch documents, photos, etc.
Please contact the Home Office for further information.)
'Tnlipn and Polkas in Bloom in
Amsterdam, Holland ■ Netherlands April 19-26, 2005	J
Travel with Polka Radio Ambassador, Tony Petkovšek and an All-Star lineup of polka musicians
Experience the Wonders
... n • nr_______
with Slovenian Women's Union of America
June 18 - July 3, 2005
Novo Mesto, Maribor, Ljubljana, Portorož, Bled
i	■	1	-■	  ■	'
Return to Slovenia June 27-July 7, 2005 with Joe and Nancy Novak
Congenial hosts make for party time along the way
American Slovenian Catholic Union
K.S.K.J Slovenia 2005 September 8-21, 2005 Explore various regions for 2 weeks
*	Slovenia in a Week *
*	Highlights of Slovenia *
finarant’d Ilrnarturcs: (6 nites) May thru Sept. 2005
Cruising with Slovenian Style Music £
Polka Party at Sea March 15-20, 2005 aboard the "Norwegian Dream"
Gary Seibert, California Polka Power (Band) Cleveland’s - the Captain’s Crew (Button Box) Minnesota’s Hank Thunander Cozumel-Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras-Belize City-Cancun
Roclcin ’ Polkas at Sea April 10-17, 2005 aboard the "Star Princess"
LynnMarie & The Boxhounds Princess Cays-Cozumel-Grand Cayman-Ocho Rios
Polkas in Paradise April 30-May 11, 2005 with Al Battistelli on NCL’s “Wind” Hawaii cruise
For the best Airfares to Slovenia call: Sample Airfares: Cleveland/Ljubljana Fall: from s675 / Winter: from s595
"Celebrating 81 Years in Travel, since 1923"
Sp Kollander World Travel
^"7	971 E 185 St ♦ Cleveland OH 44119
(800) 800-5981 . (216) 692-1000
www.kollandcr-travcI.com
Mary Lou Voelk — Director of Special Projects
HERITAGE NEWS:
November 17-19, 2004 was the time line for the international conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, put on by the Institute for Slovenian Emigration Studies. This invitation to attend was a wonderful experience. Most importantly, I learned of the beauty of our English language, and the ability and the depth of our language to describe situations, feelings, and concepts.
The conference title, The Roles of Women in the Migration Context of Slovenian Ethnic Space, is a translation from the Slovenian language. As words do not translate purely, let me begin by explaining “ethnic space.”
The translation can have several meanings:
1. Wars and treaties down through the years have changed country boundaries, leaving those of Slovenian heritage living now in a foreign country (Italy, Austria, Hungary)
2. People who have left Slovenia for political or economic reasons and are now living in a foreign country. (Australia, Argentina, USA)
3. Those who flee their country for asylum in Slovenia (Bosnia-Herzegovina refugees)
About 17 participants delivered their research on varying projects. I chose several projects that gave insight into the woman as an emigrant. One must keep in perspective that history writes little about the emigrant woman, as history is predominantly male. Where he went, she went. It wasn’t until a man died that a woman became visible.
Migrations from Istria After World War II
by Jure Gombac	•
When Fascism repalced the Austro-Hungarian Empire, social circumstances worsened. A strict patriarchal system and a strong church influence prevailed. Woman had little personal freedoms, had poorer education, with increased health problems. Single woman moved to the coastal areas to earn a dowry, or to support themselves. With the close of WWII, this area became part of Yugoslavia, another culture shock, turbulent years and changing borders.
To live and care for others is her sole vocation
by Irene Destovnik
This research concentrated on the life of woman of peasant and sub-peasant life in Carinthia villages in the 2nd half of the 19th century and the 1st half of the 20th century. Most women in this area had emigrated from other parts of Carinthia and Camiola because of economic need. In this patriarchal society, single women tended to leave their homes after the marriage of the inheritor and the arrival of a new wife rather than be given the role of maid. Those who stayed at home took on temporary work in nearby towns and neighboring countries and only came home to help.
In these peasant societies, the church played a large role, warning of the temptations of the modem world. Women were reminded of the role the Catholic Church intended for them. Leaving home and parents all had a shade of sin.
Adaptation of foreced migrant women from Bosnia-Herzegovina
by Natalija Vrečer
The outbreak of the war in 1992 contributed to the migration of such women to Slovenia. These same migrant women “made sense out of their life” in exile as their time was structured in caring for others and in keeping tradition alive. Their adaptation was hindered as forced migrant women in Slovenia were not able to become employed for a period of 10 years.
Slovenian Women’s Union of America,
Our Slovenian Legacy
by Mary Lou Voelk
This was not a research project, but a glimpse at the past 79 years, and how changes in our American society have had an affect on the membership of the SWUA, that is, Change Agents verses being Victims of Change. In today’s American society, it is the family that carries on values and traditions. Churches, schools, and certainly not our media carry any responsibility. Today, the American family is ethnically diverse where no heritage may be minimized, to do so would minimize the child. When children are accepted, they leam to accept.
* * * * *
A most important discussion point was raised. Slovenia is a minute country in comparison to the USA (SWUA).
Our society/families are diverse while their society is 90% + Slovenian. While Slovenia and the SWUA are into preserving their heritage, there are differences in goals. We are a nation of immigrants, our roots are elsewhere. We are not preserving a country, but an ancestry. Slovenia on the other hand, must look to preserving what is their country, i.e. language and heritage.
To je to.
Mary Lou
In Search of My Slovenian Roots
(Part 2)
By: Beverly Blaszkowski (Branch 33, Duluth, MN)
After finding the Davich relatives in Hibbing, MN, I was elated. My husband, Bob and I then planned out trip to Hibbing to meet Joe and Peter Davich. Joe Davich told me of their son who had traveled to Slovenia shortly after he graduated from college in the 1960’s. From his grandmother, Anna Petek Davich, he learned of her birthplace, Logatec, Slovenia. His visit to Logatec turned out well indeed. He found family who had photos of the old Petek family homestead. Peter and Joe Davich shared all the photos with us, and also gave an address of the Petek family in Logatec.
Once we returned home from the visit I began searching
the Internet census records for Hibbing, MN and found my grandma Mary’s name listed in the 1910 census records. She was listed under her married name of Mary Sickich, her husband was listed as John Sickich who worked in the iron ore mines in the Hibbing area. It was also listed that they had a one year old daughter named Mary Sickich, and that grandma Mary’s brother Frank Petek was a boarder at their home.
From these records I found Mary had immigrated to the USA in 1905, her sister Anna Petek immigrated in 1909, and their brother Frank Petek followed in 1911. It was then I joined the Ellis Island web site and was able to find her listing on the Ship’s Manifest of the S.S. Kaiser Wilhelm
11.	She had arrived at the Port of Ellis Island, New York on May 10, 1905.
Again, because of the Ellis Island Web site, I was able to find that Grandma Mary sailed alone on the S.S. Kaiser Wilhelm 11. The ship was built only two years before was the largest express liner in the world, with three masts and four funnels. The ship had also won the trans-Atlantic speed record in 1903. There were 775 first class passengers, 343 second class and young Mary Petek was traveling as one of the 770 third class (steerage) passengers.
Mary set sail from Bremen, Germany on May 2, 1905 and arrived into the Port of New York on May 10th, 1905 alone and ready to begin her new life in America. She was listed as being twenty-two years of age, single and listed her occupation as “servant.” Also listed was that she was able to read and write English and that she was of Slovenian descent. Her last residence was listed as Logatec, her final
S.S. Kaiser Wilhelm 11
destination was Eveleth, Minnesota and that she had a rail ticket to her “final” destination. From Eveleth she would be traveling to Hibbing to join a friend by the name of Paul Nicker. Her passage to America was listed as being paid by “self’ and that at the time she was in possession of $10 American dollars. She left behind in Slovenia, her mother Maria Petek.
Such a wealth of information from the Ellis Island Web site! Another genealogy site that was extremely useful was www.ancestry.com.
*****
In the next issue I tell how I finally found what caused the death of my grandmother, Mary, and then of finding her resting place.
Lynn Zalokar
COMMENTS..,,
Living Our Legacy
We all have different ways of interpreting this statement. Some of my early childhood memories in South Chicago include my grandmother stretching dough across the table to make strudel or potica, going to picnics every summer in Lemont, IL and going to Kegl’s for their chicken dinners! Today, things are quite different. With the re-or-ganization of Branch 93 in NYC, I have the opportunity to meet native Slovenians and Slovenian-Americans from across the country. I have a better idea of life in present day Slovenia as well as finding out about different Slovenian-American areas in the U.S.
We, as SWUA members, may miss the obvious, the greatest resource we have, each other! Today so many people travel for business or leisure, there is an opportunity to meet SWUA members all over the country. In some areas of the country you can see the old neighborhoods where Slovenian immigrants first settled. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to learn from each other and see these areas before they disappear...
Denver, CO trip
I had a brief trip to Denver before Thanksgiving. I posted an anonymous note in the online newsletter to see if any SWUA members were in this area and if there was anything “Slovenian-related” to see? I got a response from Joann Birsa who is a member of Branch 63-Denver, CO. Joann showed me the old neighborhood of “Globeville,” where a Slovenian church still stands. Joann brought me to her house in a nearby suburb where she showed me digital photos on her computer from a recent trip to Slovenia. Joann also entertained with an accordian concert, I asked Joann for a photo of her family’s annual holiday baking marathon. They start at 6:00 a.m. and as the photo notes, in 2003 they finished at 1:25 in the morning! JoAnn said they make about “a hundred dozen cookies (different varieties) and five large poticas”. They give away most of their baked goods as gifts. Since Joann’s husband is a native Slovenian, Joann and her daughters can apply for dual citizenship! Two have applied successfully and I saw their official notification from Ljubljana! (25 year old Vicki is an accomplished equestrian and recently took lessons at the prestigious Lipizzaner school in Slovenia.)
Cookbook Donations
Have any of you donated a cookbook to your community library, college library or a food anufacturer with a test kitchen? I donated a cookbook to my parent’s library in Tinley Park, IL this summer. I included a label inside the book that says the book is donated in honor of my parents, “children of Slovenian immigrants.” The new library just opened this fall so I took a look over Thanksgiving. I went
LIVING OUR LEGACY” IN ACTION!
Estelle Dawn Zorman follows her heart!
This is part of the artist’s statement that accompanies her every work of art.
Remember those fairytales that begin with “Once upon a time?” Well, once upon a time a baby girl was bom in Slovenia - then part of Yugoslavia. In those fairytales, whenever someone was sent on a journey, the fairy godmother would give a magic something to help them on that journey. In fact, everyone is given some magic, something to help them on their way. My godmother gave me some golden stones, and one of them was a desire to express
myself and communicate with others visually.
At present, watercolors is my medium of choice it is so fresh and spontaneous. I’m very drawn to nature and am constantly searching for the issness and essence of things. I love shapes and of course, color.
There was a time though, during a difficult part of my life, that I stopped painting. It took all my strength just to Estelle and	get out of bed. But one day,
her daughter, Laurie	I noticed my brushes and
Kozolec near Mountainside, watercolor, Estelle Zorman
paints and again I began moving the colors around. I realized how much joy the doing of art gave me on that day when my sadness said goodbye and the sun entered my studio and soul once again.
Before I begin any painting, whether it’s a simple flower or a more esoteric subject like an angel, I light a candle, play some music and ask for guidance to be a clear channel to paint a painting that will hold light energies of joy, love and peace.
Brenda Ueland asks, “Why should we all use our creative power? Because there is nothing that makes people so generous, joyful, lively, bold and compassonate, so indifferent to fighting and the accumulation of things.”
I paint to raise my consciousness and I invite you also to be lifted up so that our journey here will be more and more filled with joy.
Estelle Dawn Zorman
(301) 977-6887
to the cookbook section and didn’t see my donation on the shelves. The librarian checked for me and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the cookbook had been checked out for the second time!
Cooking/Baking
This year my Branch #93 in New York City had both a potica and strudel demonstration. Many of us have never attempted either one. It wasn’t as hard or complicated as I thought. We experimented with the quicker methods of using phyllo dough and puff pastry for the apple strudel. Since then, I have made 2-3 with Pepperidge Farm puff pastry.
Photos
On a holiday house walk in November, I noted a clever way to display old black and white family photos. There was a row of mason jars with a photo in each one. If you have a unique way of displaying old family photos, please send in a photo and a note to the ZARJA.
Happy New Year to all. I hope you will drop a photo or note to the ZARJA on how you are “living our legacy” in your part of the U.S.
Cheers,
The Birsa family with their home-made holiday goodies, from left to right: Vicki Birsa, Margie Birsa Egerton, Leona Birsa Labruyere, Silvan Birsa, Joann (Stevens, anglicized from Stefanic) Birsa.
Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program Winners’ Essays
MY HERITAGE AND CULTURE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO ME
The Student Authors:
(Continued)
My whole life, I have been an active member in our Slovenian community. When I was younger, the Slovene Hall in Fontana, CA was like a second home. Many weekends were spent with my family at the Hall, whether it be for meetings, dances or youth circle activities. As a member of the youth circle, I performed many times onstage, singing Slovene folk songs to my father’s accompaniment while dressed in the narodna noša. I remember playing balina with my young friends and older men. When we got tired of balina, the other kids and I would go back inside and slide around in our socks on the freshly waxed dance floor. The older folks would twirl around us, keeping time to the happy sounds of the polka band. Sometimes my dad or grandpa would find me and make me dance to a polka or waltz. I’d stumble through a few tunes, then go back to playing with my friends. At the end fo the night, my grandma would surprise me with her delicious homemade strudel. I would go home happy and, as Grandma intended, with a full stomach.
When I look back on these experiences, I realize what a valuable opportunity I have been given, to be raised in this caring community. For me, this community has provided many fond memories and has contributed to the close bond that my family is blessed to have. Now, as my involvement in the Slovene community continues to mature, so does my pride and interest in our culture. I will continue to be an active member in our community, working with others to keep the Slovenian traditions alive so that my future children can experience the same wonderful moments that I experienced growing up.
Natalie Mlakar
For as long as I could remember, I intensely interviewed my grandma to find out about Slovenian traditions; always believing that others had such a strong tradition and sense of community. Although my grandmother provided invaluable information and history, I never realized how integrated and ingrained my heritage was in my life until I left Cleveland. I didn’t need parades or extravagant festivals; I had my own set of traditions that ran deep within my family. From participating in annual Mother’s Day Celebrations with the S WU, buying potica at Maple Height Catering, enjoying the Women’s choir at St. Lawrence church and making detours through the “old neighborhood,” to listening to my grandparents speak Slovenian on Sunday morning with polka music playing in the background. I don’t know whether my mother and grandparents worked hard to instill “Slovenian” in me, but I am proud to have it in my life and I plan to share my heritage and culture with my friends and future family.
Anne Kemmerling
“It’s in every S/ovenian!” This expression has remained meaningful to me since I first learned it as a child from my grandmother, Elizabeth (Betty) Orazem. From an early age, my family taught me that a Slovenian heritage is inexorably tied ot being a loving member of one’s family and community. This lesson has guided my life decisions over the years, from selecting a college with a strong emphasis on social justice values to becoming a volunteer with agencies such as Amnesty International and Catholic Charities Refugee Services. My career path has also been guided by this lesson, as I have decided to dedicate my professional life to serving people who are in the most need of loving care and support. I am currently a graduate student in Boston University’s Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, where I am developing the skills, knowledge, and experience to become an effective clinical psychologist. In this capacity, I aspire to work as a therapist providing direct care to refugees and other traumatized individuals, and to carry out research and teaching experiences that will help others in their efforts to provide care.
Robert Orazem
My heritage and culture have made me what I am today. Slovenian customs have influenced me in many ways. My grandparents (Frank and Mary Bucar) came from Yugoslavia in 1953 with my father (Frank) who was only three years old and my Uncle Andrew who was just an infant. Because my grandparents only spoke Slovenian, my Dad, his brothers, and sister learned the langauge, along with English. My Uncle Vid came to the United States when he was fifteen years old. He has told me many stories and customs of Slovenia. He is also a very good artist, drawing portraits of people, animals, and scenery. My Dad has played the accordion for thirty years and thru his influence, I’ve played the accordion, piano, and alto saxophone. At the age of six, I sang at Ironworld in Chisholm, MN with the “Slovenian Singers.” My influence continues with my older twin sisters Barb and Brenda who also play the accordion and church organ. My older brother Frank plays the accordion, button box, and drums. With all this Slovenian music and heritage I am so blessed and so proud of my family’s roots and hope to visit Slovenia in the future so I may see first hand where my grandparents were bom and raised.
Denise M. Bucar
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA Scholarship Report
Welcome to this New Year of 2005! May it bring many successes to our Slovenian Women’s Union organization, it’s members, and its projects. There is much good news to report for the SWUA Scholarship Program. Scholarship application deadline for 2005 is March 1, 2005 for both $1,000 scholarships and $500 awards to continuing education students. Please check our websites for further information and also to download appropriate application forms:
http://www.swua.org or http://w ww. members. aol. com/sherryew/S WU/S WUScholarship. html Scholarship entrants, remember, the SWU Scholarship Committee is interested in giving financial aid to students with various grade point averages, also based on financial need and desire by the student with serious intentions to complete higher education.
Allison Hrovat, a member of Branch 50, Euclid, OH, recently reported on her 2004 SWUA Travel Award. She and a second Travel Award winner, Martina Findley, of Branch 5, Indianapolis, IN, were provided with free transportation from the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program to Ljubljana, to attend a two week seminar in July 2004, sponsored by the Student Organization of the University of Ljubljana. (Allison writes about her experiences on page 15.)
BIOGRAPHICAL UPDATES ON OUR PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS;
MARY SPEHAR WHITE 1982
Scholarship winner, Mary, is from Br. 33, Duluth, MN. She is the lead singer for the “Singing Slovenes,” a joyous group of Minnesotans who performed at the Frederic Baraga Celebration in L’Anse, Michigan last September.
“I would be delighted to make a donation to the SWUA Scholarship Program. It is through this program that I was able to finance part of my college education and I am ever grateful for that. It will be 22 years since I graduated from high school and in 1982, I was the very first recipient of the Marie Prisland Scholarship Award. What an honor to receive that particular award in honor of such a great lady! I will always remember that!!
My education was competed at the University of Minnesota, Duluth where I received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in the spring of 1987. I taught for a short time, however, I am currently employed with a nationally known staffing firm. This type of work is very rewarding, as I am helping the unemployed find work. Yes, there’s an element of teaching to this profession; my education does come in very handy!!
As far as enriching my Slovenian Cultural experiences, I have been busy. The Slovenian Heritage Culture has been instilled in me from a very early age with ethnic foods and music. I am the Vice President of SWUA Branch 33, Duluth. I have been a member since birth, thanks to my mother, Suntina Spehar, who has been active for close to 50 years. My aunt Anna (Spehar) Podgoršek, was one of the first
ladies on the National Board of Directors from Minnesota and was a National Auditor. I am also President of the KSKJ Lodge #171.
Another wonderful part of our heritage is the music. I have been very fortunate to have been a member of the “Singing Slovenes” for the past 22 years. Our group performs for churches, schools, nursing homes and ethnic festivals. In October 2003 we traveled to Joliet to perform for the 75th Anniversary of Branch 20. We had a terrific time and the celebration was very memorable!
I think it is just terrific that there are funds available to students through the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program. Let’s keep our program running strong!! Again, I am very grateful to have received the first Marie Prisland Scholarship Award.”
GINA PUSTOVAR 2000
Winner of a 2000 SWUA Scholarship and member of Br. 34, Gina shares this with us:
“My name is Gina Pustovar, and I received a SWU Scholarship when I graduated from Marshall School in Duluth, MN, in 2000.
I am currently in my last semester at the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN. St. Benedict is a private college, with commitments to women’s education and to the Catholic Benedictine tradition. My course of study is communications, with minors in Psychology and Business Management. I’ve been involved with the Mock Trial team for 4 years and I am editor of the Psychology Department newsletter. I have served as campus ambassador, participated in the Communication Club, pre-Law society and participated in rugby and intramural sports.
I would like to thank the SWU for their financial contribution to my education. I appreciate the effort the SWU makes to provide scholarships for their members.
DONATIONS OF OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2004
A SWUA Wisconsin Continuing Education Award was suggested at the Wisconsin State Convention, September 26, 2004, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Those donors with a (WI) after their names indicate that they have donated to this special $500 award. Total donations to date from Wisconsin members is $220.
$5.00 donations: Mary Bregant, Wl (tEdward J. Bregant), Olga Dorchak, TA
$10.00 donation: Fanny Smole, WI, Prisland Family Descendents, Yvonne Johnstone Khaldy, WI. (tGertrude Delopst, First President of Branch 43, Milwaukee, WI). Frank & Martha Kotnik, WI (tJean Steffes), Ed & Germain Tesovnik, WI (tAnna & Ann Tesovnik, SWUA Branch 42, Maple Heights (tAnne Arko).
$20.00 donation: Virginia Strukel, WI - in honor of Theresa Fedran’s 85th birthday.
$25.00 donations: Mary Prisland, WI (tMarie Prisland), Bill & Gail Wallace, WI - Scholarship Fund, Katie
&	Jim Gorton, WI, (tProfessor Robert J. Dicke).
$30.00 donation: Margaret A. Fischer, WI (tMargaret G. Fischer).
$50.00 donation: Antonia Vodnik, WI (tAntonia Lubesek).
$1,000.00 Scholarship: Funded by Nancy Svet Burnett in honor of her Mother, Frances Cimperman Svet.
$1,000.00 from Rose Marie Princ to fund a 2005 Josef Princ Scholarship.
$1,000 gift from Rose Marie Princ to fund a 2005 Rose Marie Princ Scholarship.
Each and every donation, no matter how large or small, is sincerely appreciated. Thank you donors and supporters of our SWUA Scholarship Program for your educational assistance to our young students. Donations and further information on our program can be mailed to:
Mary H. Turvey, Director 52 Oakridge Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855
Looking for Slovenian-American Women in Business
An upcoming issue of ZARJA - The Dawn will feature Slovenian-American women in business. Our Slovenian ancestors left us a rich legacy that influenced us either directly or indirectly. There is a special Slovenian relative behind every woman in business of Slovenian decent living today in the U.S.
For example, I own my own business in Fairfax, Virginia, just 15 miles outside of Washington, D.C. Where did I get my sense of adventure to open a business? Some of it, I’m sure, came from my grandma, Katarina Rogina who came to Joliet, IL, in the late 1800’s (I was raised in Joliet). She came alone on a long journey by ship, leaving behind parents and friends she would never see again to make a new life in this country.
If you are a woman in business, and of Slovenian descent, please share your story with ZARJA readers. This topic deserves attention because it is a wonderful example of how our Slovenian roots contributed to our success and may inspire other women to follow in our footsteps.
Each woman who wants to be considered should submit a photo of herself, and a photo of her Slovenian relative/ancestor who influenced her. The photos will be used for a future magazine cover. Also include a brief write-up on your business and how your Slovenian relative/ancestor has influenced you. Please e-mail the write-up, including your branch number, to me.
Beverly France
Bevfrance@aol. com
Photos should be sent to the ZARJA office. Please carefully print the name of each individual on the back of each photo and mail to:
ZARJA - The Dawn
Women in Business Issue
4851 S. Drexel Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60615
Deadline is March 1, 2005
Ask Tončka
\o9V
Tončka, aka, Mary Turvey 52 Oakridge Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855
The process of compiling the Slovenian Women’s Union Family History has begun. If readers do not remember seeing the family charts to be filled out and submitted in the January 2004 issue of ZARJA, they can ask for the same information from the President’s Package which was mailed to each branch this past fall. Although response for family charts, photos, and stories has been limited, we have received some beautiful contributions to the project. The book will be organized individually by family name. Each collection of family records will begin with a title page, listing the surnames and the submitter’s name and address. An index at the back of the book will include all surnames, alphabetized with page numbers for lurther reference. If you would like to submit something of your family, even just an obituary of a Slovenian Women’s Union member, please do so very soon.
SWU TRAVEL SCHOLAR SAYS:
It was a life-changing experience!
Allison and Martina with Ljubljana’s castle and rooftops
Words cannot express what the Slovenian Tour has meant to me. Upon finding out that I had won the trip, it all seemed like a far away dream... but when the day actually came to leave, I still did not know what to expect. I arrived in Munich and met my traveling companion, Martina from Indianapolis, for the first time. We had a wonderful time exploring Germany for a few days before heading to Ljubljana to meet some of her relatives and spend a few days with them. Upon arriving at the train station, the two sons of the family met us and we went immediately to their grandparents’ apartment for a delicious, enormous and fattening lunch of traditional Slovenian foods. With her family, we explored Ljubljana - from the bridges to the castle; the city streets to the moun-taintops... it was all so gorgeous. It was incredible to look around and see people that looked like us and to finally have a sense of where our families came from.
The tour started days later, and it was hard to say goodbye to Martina’s family. They had shown us so much hospitality and we had become so close to them, we didn’t want our time together to end. But we knew that a goodbye would not mean goodbye forever, so we left with smiles on our faces and fond memories in our hearts.
We met our tour group - young people from every corner of the globe -Pittsburgh, California, Canada, Australia, Argentina ... with a common bond of a Slovene heritage. If I were to write of all of our adventures, it would take pages out of this magazine. Suffice it to say we saw all of the regions of the country and had unique adventures in every part. We white water rafted the Soča river, hiked to the tops of waterfalls, spelunked in the Karst caves, and walked through castles from the 14th century. We ate every type of food imaginable and sampled quite a bit of the Slovenian-made wines and liquors. We learned
the Slovene language - both in the classroom and on the streets - and practiced it to the best of our abilities.
I can’t explain how much I adored seeing Slovenia. Thinking of my trip makes me so happy, but also incredibly sad because I miss being there so much. Being able to finally make a connection with the place that my family comes from changed so many things about my views on life and of the world. I can’t wait to go back and explore more. Both Martina and I have plans to return for other programs in the future. But above everything that I learned in Slovenia about my heritage and about that beautiful country, the most profound thing that I learned was about people in general. The people in our trip were all so different, from different places and different backgrounds, but somehow we all became close friends and had the most amazing time of our lives. One common bond - our Slovene heritage
-	outweighed all of the differences and made for the most magical experiences of our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you, SWU, for this incredible and life changing experience and for a new amazing friend (I love you, Martina!) You can feel free to send us back anytime!!!
Allison Hrovat
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The Abeceda Fund-Raiser! For the benefit of our Student Scholarship Travel Award Fund
I am asking those members whose first, middle or last name begins with the letter “B” to send only $ 1, to the 2005 Travel Award Fund, c/o Mary Turvey, 52 Oakridge Dr., Marquette, Michigan 49855. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.
Anita Vovk
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Slovenian-American Heritage and Culture
Part II: What are we preserving?
By Richard A. Terselic
France Prešeren National Poet of Slovenia 1800 - 1849
His birth is honored as Slovenian Cultural Day every year on February 9ih
Preserving Slovenian-American culture pride and spirit in America is an important concern to me. I hope to stimulate thought and discussion among persons who share my concern-but fully expect, and accept, that some will disagree with the opinions I express.
People who choose to join and support our fraternal, social and cultural activities - whether or not they are of Slovenian heritage - do so with various expectations. First, they expect to enjoy the activities and the people with whom they associate. Second, if fraternal, humanitarian or community activities are involved, they want them to serve a good purpose from which they can take satisfaction. Third, if there is a religious dimension, participation must be compatible with their beliefs and level of interest. Fourth, if there is Slovene cultural content, it must involve something that participants find interesting and important enough to celebrate and preserve. In that regard, I don’t think that much thought is given to what we are trying to preserve - and why. However, this may be crucial, and in this regard my thesis is that:
* For the most part, what we are trying to preserve is “old” and, may be increasingly difficult to find practiced today in Slovenia, and,
* We have limited interest in things of a political nature or what is progressively becoming a part of contemporary culture in Slovenia.
To begin, I’ll provide an illustration related to cultural preservation from my own family. My younger daughter - an SWU member - lives in an area where there are no Slovene groups and activities. On weekends she dresses in clothing of the style of medieval Europe and participates in re-creation activities through the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA). To an extent, don’t we Slovenian-Americans engage in a similar celebration of things from the past?
Next, let me share some ancedotes to support my thesis. In 1991 Slovenia fought its war of independence. There was substantial (though not unanimous) support among Slovenian-Americans for its success. Succeed it did, and Slovenia achieved a measure of political freedom that none of our ancestors experienced before their coming to America! However, some might argue that the “true democrats” held control for only a brief period. Most Slovenian-Americans who have visited Slovenia in the post war period probably didn’t follow (or care about) the details of the political situation. Why? Because interest in the contemporary political situation in Slovenia is of low interest to Slovenian-Americans. This isn’t bad, since politics is not an entertaining subject to most people, and can divide people. I only mention this because it illustrates that our Slovene-related interests have definite limits.
The next event triggering my thinking was a visit to my home by a teenager from Ljubljana. While we enjoyed her visit, sadly, I found that she represented a view of Slovenian youth far different than what I hoped to see. My love for polkas amused her, and her interests are limited to classical and world pop music. In terms of what interests me about Slovene culture, we shared no common interests. Coming from a large, cosmopolitan city, she has not been exposed to the “old ways,” more likely to be found in rural areas of Slovenia. My guest’s interests are probably representative of many young people in Slovenia today -and particularly those in large cities where new things and new ways find a receptive audience. She has no interest in the political situation back home, is a vegetarian and practices no religion. While some of her contemporaries will continue to learn to play the accordion and polkas, learn traditional dances and melodies, and participate in folk festivals, most will likely be drawn to MTV, pop music, pizza and sports. The point of this anecdote is that life in Slovenia today is quickly distancing itself from what we celebrate and work to preserve in America. A friend observed, “Young people go for new things, and the old stick with what was given to them when they were young...the culture passed on to them by their immigrant parents.”
The next anecdote relates to a clipping sent to me that describes the disbanding of the 70-year old, Progressive Slovene Women of America. They once had a membership of 2000, but it decreased to 300, with many members in their
80’s. Its President was quoted as saying that young women were too busy to join and participate. What can we make of this event? It doesn’t bode well to hear that any long standing Slovenian-American organization has decided to disband - since others are likely to be experiencing similar problems - and it might be just a matter of time before they are forced to confront them.
My final anecdote relates to a recent visit to the Washington area by choral group from Slovenia. While such a visit by a folk orchestra or singing group from Slovenia would likely be welcomed in numerous Slovenian-American communities, if a heavy metal band, an avante garde theatrical group or a contemporary poet from Slovenia - reading his/her recent works - in the Slovene language - were to propose a visit, I think that it might be difficult to find a host, except in communities that thirst for “anything Slovene.” Why? I believe the answer is that contemporary Slovene culture is not what the majority of Slovenian-American communities are interested in.
I	believe the aspects of our Slovenian culture and heritage that we in America
-	as well as in places such as Canada and Australia - desire to preserve are the elements brought to this country - and nurtured - by our ancestors in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s and after World War II - that have primarily rural origins. While we are open to adopting new cultural elements, they must have an “old feeling.”
When we think about what makes us proud to be of Slovene heritage - and the things we want to celebrate and preserve - they involve values, memories, things and - to a lesser extent - language. The values include: our Catholic faith (though not exclusively), a respect for education, thriftiness, hospitality, sociability, congeniality, a zest for enjoying life, honesty in our personal and business lives, and a willingness to work hard and commit to accomplishing worthwhile tasks. The memories we seek to preserve include: the beauty of the “old country,” the happy stories from having lived or visited Slovenia, the “good times” from the early days in America, enjoyable events we attended and pleasant associations with people who share our interests. The things we seek to preserve include: the traditional events - such as the Easter blessing of food, St. Nicholas pageants, traditional crafts, foods and wine, our unique folk music, theater, the poetry of the old masters, and for some - basketball, bowling, and marching tournaments. While it is becoming more difficult to do so, preserving our Americanized version of the Slovene language is also worthy of note. While “living” languages change over time, the version spoken by immigrants and generations of their descendants, may remain substantially frozen. Teaching materials may not be “user friendly” and persons willing to serve as instructors are in short supply.
Each of us has different things that are most important to preserve and, hopefully, to pass onto to our children and grandchildren. Once away from home, in search of opportunity, they are likely to lose contact with things “Slovene” and become absorbed by the demands of work and family. However, as adults, the spirit instilled in them sometimes emerges, and they seek to re-associate with elements of their heritage. As I observed in my first article, it is becoming more difficult to find communities where enough people of Slovene heritage - or who are not of that heritage but wish to celebrate it - to form organizations and conduct activities. One answer is to find ways to be open and inviting to persons outside our culture, as occurred when diverse ethnic groups came into contact a century ago.
Another delicate issue that has been raised is the connection between some Slovenian-American organizations and the Catholic Church and role of its liturgy in their activities. However, this situation does not always occur in local groups affiliated with national organizations that have strong Catholic connections. A religious connection may be a deterrent to persons who would like to join and participate, but do not share this faith - or any faith.
To preserve our culture and heritage, dedicated people go to great lengths, investing long hours and hard work in planning and implementing events, and serving in (sometimes thankless) leadership roles in fraternal, cultural, humanitarian and social organizations. An important problem is the advancing age of leaders, as in the case of local lodge officers. Another problem is a rigid mental “set” that can develop that is closed to new ideas. A challenge for present and
future leaders of Slovenian-American organizations is to be open to new ideas
-	and people - and to find ways to make membership and participation attractive to current members, and to new recruits. Defining what these organizations seek to preserve may be important to success. In concluding, I believe it is important to think about and discuss what to preserve and how. A reviewer suggested that the government of Slovenia has a stake in this issue and needs to assist in language training and exposing American youth to their heritage and culture.
Richard A. Terselic
Richard was bom on the near east side of Cleveland in 1937. His parents, Anthony and Mathilda (aka Tillie) were of Slovene heritage and operated a food market. Richard attended Catholic schools and the Case Institute of Technology, graduating in mechanical engineering. He worked in the space program before leaving for management training at the University of Michigan. After graduating he and his family moved to the Washington, D.C. area. He worked in several government agencies and retired from the Food and Drug Administration in 1993.
He joined a Slovenian-American fraternal organization after arriving in Washington, and, through this connection, served on the Slovenian Chapel Committee. He has written (now 4) articles dealing with Slovenian-American cultural preservation, as well as family histories. He has made several trips to Slovenia, on business as well as to visit family members.
His wife, Mary Lou (Esposito) Terselic, is a long time member of SWU Branch 103, and currently serves as its President. His mother was an active member of the branch before her death. His daughters, Susan and Nancy, are also SWU members. Both completed language and cultural programs in Slovenia. Susan received an SWU scholarship during the 1980’s.
Mary Lou and Richard reside outside Frederick, Maryland.
A New Series: CHURCHES IN SLOVENIAN COMMUNITIES
THE CHURCH OF “MARIJA POMAGAJ”
St. Mary Help of Christians 307 East Mesa Ave., Pueblo, Colorado
In the early 1890’s Slovenians, Slovaks, Germans, Italians, and Irish came to work in the Pueblo smelters and steelmills. A former broom factory building served as a church for many. In 1895 a church was built in the “Grove” area and withstood a destructive flood in 1921. The present church was erected in 1953-54 on “safer” ground.
Since 1997 the parish is part of a cluster with two other churches. Our Pueblo Bishop supports and participates in our Slovenian traditions. The campus includes a Slovenian Library, Diocesan Genealogy Center and a Prayer Garden. And of course there are the Poticas, Strudels, and Noodles.
Submitted by Eileen Kaplan Secretary/Treasurer Branch 3, Pueblo, CO
SHELIGA DRUG INC.
7/uul/aSujt.
6025 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 431-1035
Serving our neighborhoods' daily needs
TEZAK FUNERAL HOME "First In Service Since 1908”
Licensed Producer: Richard K. Tezak (815) 722-0524 American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
1211 Plainfield Road Joliet, IL 60435
ZELE FUNERAL HOME, INC.
452 East 152nd St., Cleveland, Ohio (216) 481-3118
“DANCING A POLKA TO HEAVEN”
Part memoir, part tribute and Tilled with the story and history chronicles of the life and ministry of Fr. Frank Perkovich of Gilbert, Minnesota. $18.95
Available at SWU Heritage Museum 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
Thank you for ZARJA donations
$20 Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL $25 Br. 105, Detroit, MI in memory of member, t Helen Grasser $20 Br. 54, Warren, OH and Joanne and Harry Ponikvar in memory of long-time member, tAnn Savor
50 Memorial for Ann Tercek from daughters, Nancy and Joan and Families
MEET ALICE KUHAR
My interest in cooking began as I grew up watching mamma cook our traditional Slovenian foods. Our parents taught us to be proud of our heritage which led me to take my first trip to Slovenia in 1968 to visit relatives and see first-hand the beautiful country of my parents. The trip was sponsored by Hollander World Travel and led by Tony Petkovšek, host of a polka radio program in Cleveland. Since my career was also in the field of radio, 1 soon joined the Cleveland Slovenian Radio Club. From there 1 was invited by Tony in 1975 to present a weekly women’s recipe segment on his program. It is called “Kuhar’s Carousel.”
\7\
New Cooking Columnist Alice Kuhar
On the radio since then, I’ve been presenting mainly recipes of Slovenian traditional dishes plus some other nationality favorites and even new recipes now making the cooking scene. Presently, I’m on Tony Petkovsek’s Polka Radio program on his Saturday program and repeated on Thursday’s show.
For the past several years I’ve also been doing a weekly segment on Slovenian customs and traditions. Tony’s programs are broadcast on WELW 1330 AM 3-5 p.m. daily and Saturdays 12-2 p.m. and Worldwide on-line www. 247polkaheaven. com.
I’ve been a member of Branch 14 in Euclid, Ohio since 1970, the same branch my mother belonged to since its inception.
Welcome, Alice! We are all looking forward to learning a lot more of our cooking heritage!
These dumplings are a favorite if you love Cheese Štruklji. They taste like Cheese Štruklji but without the dough.
COTTAGE CHEESE DUMPLINGS (Skutovi žličniki)
1	carton (14 oz.) cream style cottage cheese
2 eggs
2	tablespoons sugar
x'a teaspoon salt l2/3 cups flour
Buttered Bread Crumbs:
l,2 cup dry bread crumbs l7j cup butter or margarine
Combine cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and salt; mix well. Add flour and beat with wooden spoon. (Add more flour if mixture is too thin.) Allow mixture to set about 15 minutes to thicken slightly.
Drop by tablespoonfuls into a large pot of boiling, salted water, dipping spoon in water each time. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare buttered bread crumbs. Remove dumplings with slotted spoon. Roll dumplings in buttered bread crumbs and serve.
For Buttered Bread Crumbs: Brown crumbs slowly in saucepan with melted butter until light brown in color, then pour over dumplings.
Variation: Sprinkle with sugar and/or cinnamon and serve as a dessert.
For recipe information and comments, write to Alice Kuhar, 19400 Arrowhead, Cleveland, OH 44119
An easy method to prepare Kolachky dough wi'h a twist...by using ice cream!
GRANDMAS ICE CREAM KOLACHKY
(Ruth Korelec)
1	pint French vanilla ice cream,
softened (or any flavor ice cream) 4	sticks (1 pound) butter,
room temperature 4	cups flour
Walnut Filling (below)
Mix together softened ice cream and butter; and flour. Add additional flour if necessary, until dough is no longer sticky. Knead dough for short time. Divide dough into 4 balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 2 hours.
With rolling pin, roll out one ball of dough on lightly floured surface to about Vinch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares. Place a teaspoon of filling in center of each square. Fold one comer of square to center, then fold opposite comer over to join, pinching the two ends together. Repeat process with remaining dough.
Bake on lightly greased baking sheets in preheated 350° oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes about 12 dozen.
Walnut Filling
1	pound finely chopped walnuts
1	cup granulated sugar
1	teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Warm milk (or use leftover egg whites, stiffly beaten)
Combine walnuts, sugar and optional vanilla. Add either warm milk and/or egg whites to make a soft filling.
Variation: Use your favorite jam or canned pie filling or poppy seed filling.
Activities of our Branches
Reports due first of month preceding publication.
Thank you, Jean!
Our diligent food columnist for the year 2004, Jean Korsman gave us many wonderful recipes and ideas for our cooking skills. Besides cooking and baking very well, Jean is currently the President of Br. 39, Biwabik, MN and in the past served this organization as its National President from 1995 to 1999!
We thank her for all her great participation in SWU and wish her a very Happy New Year!
Welcome “NEW” Members
Name	Branch
Kambic, Donald	100
Johnson, Candace S	102
Hrastar, Fran	108
Lattuca, Kathleen C	2
Wroblewski, Alexis	2
Larson, Charlene A.	20
Orwig, Cindy M.	22
Gardill, Mary Jo	26
Pierzga, Mary C.	26
Gatti, Cheryl G.	3
Casperson, Molly	30
Casperson, Rachel	30
Metrokin, Roberta K	30
Blaszkowski, Beverly L.	33
Mervar, ThereseH.	33
Gerou, E. Beverly	38
LaBate, Pauline A.	38
Rudolph, Anne	38
Newberry, Margaret A.	47
Paisa, Lauren C.	47
Jones, Connie	5
Blackford, Emma Grace	50
Ambrose, Doris	89
Walter, Marjorie	89
Blase, Emily E.	99
Gombac, Josephine	99
Gostečnik, Christian, OFM	99
Manjooran, Annabelle M	99
Manjooran, Elizabeth D.	99
Manjooran, Prince J.	99
Pecaric, Irene	99
Simrayh, Bonnie	99
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, WI
Founding Date: DECEMBER 1, 1926 Meetings: Fr. Cherne Hall
Congratulations to the 50 year membership pin recipients. These were presented at the State Convention on September 26 to:
Dr. Mary Prisland, 57 years; Mary Girdaukas, 56 years; Donnie Zagožen, 53 years; Frances Grabner, 50 years; and the following who were later visited by Branch officers: Frances Krol-nik, 56 years; Darlene Schmidt, 56 years; and Amelia Mueller, 55 years.
Thank you members of Branch 1 who continue to remember their $5 birthday gift donations. Send to Kathy Schroeder, 1605 Carmen Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081.
Present officers of Br. 1 are: President, Aggie Gruenke; Secretary-Trea-surer, Kathy Schroeder; Recording Secretary, Angie Fritz and Sunshine Lady, Irene Stein.
Please note: Meetings and special events are announced in the Church weekly bulletin in the two issues prior to the meeting date.
ANGELINE FRITZ
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Founding Date: DECEMBER 19, 1926 Meetings: 3rd Sunday, 1 p.m.
St. Stephen lower hall
Happy New Year 2005 The Penny Social (Nov. 21) was a success. It was the first time we had this event on a Sunday afternoon. Mary Reich and Ann Bunnetta greeted everyone at the door. We had a nice turn out.
Our Bakery Booth was loaded with many different kinds of Slovenian Pastries as well as other holiday sweets, Irene Smid, Gen Buol, and Marija Rigler baked poticas and strudels - the bakeries disappeared very fast. The Christmas Booth was filled with beautiful items. Terry Morison hand-knot-
ted very unique animal Christmas stockings, there were also fancy pillows, scarves, ornaments, etc. for everyone’s Christmas shopping. Mary Puhek and Elsie Ciszek did a fine job as sales clerks. Mamie Fabian and Helen Fitzgerald sold chances for toys. Thanks to everyone, guests and members who came, as the proceeds are used to purchase toys for our Jr.’s Christmas Party.
December 4th - Children’s Christmas “Happy Birthday Jesus” Party -there were 47 Jr.’s attending, also parents, grandparents and guests. The children arrived very excited and happy to see each other and also waiting for Santa. Fran had them singing songs together, then each child took turns to sing alone to show their talents. This year we asked our Jr.’s to bring a gift for children who are less fortunate than they are. Misericordia Home will be the recipient of these gifts. Toys were brought unwrapped requested by the Sisters of Misericordia. The gifts were displayed at the Crib. After Santa came and greeted our Jr.’s each was given a gift. The toys that were collected for the Home were packed and marked for Special Delivery to Misericordia from SWU #2, Junior Angels. Thanks to the mothers who baked.
Remember our sick and stay at homes: Rose Mary Litwin, Jennie Worth, Frances Jasbec, Stella Lon-gosz, Chris Pirman, with a card and in your prayers.
Our condolences to the families of Art and Roberta (Rabetz) Vas who both passed away one week apart and to their daughters Karen and Kathy. They were all graduates of St. Stephen School and lived in the neighborhood for many years. Please remember them in your prayers.
Jan. 16 - New Year’s meeting; Feb.
20	- Valentine Meeting.
Words to live by: “The highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy
Love,
DAISY
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH Founding Date: MARCH 8, 1927 Meetings: 4th Wed. 1 p.m. SND Holmes Avenue
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! The ladies were present for our Chirstmas Party at Fanny’s where we also had a meeting. We prayed for our ailing members and for those of our young men and women in the armed forces. We extend sympathy to the families of Antonia Hrvatin and Helen Strumble, sister of Ann Stefančič.
Thanks to all who brought prizes to the party. It seems everyone had a good time just being together. Lucy Romik had the honor of picking the winning ticket for the Slovenian Doll - it went to Tina Collins from Mentor, Ohio. She was really surprised. We hope to publish, a picture in the next ZARJA.
I really missed the members who are in the Slovenian Home for the Aged, namely, Joyce LeNassi, Mary Pierce and Justine Girod. If you have the time, please visit these wonderful members or send them a card.
I would like to hear from these members: Molly Brodnick, Mary Simper-man, Ann Zerial, Betty Ales, Edith Kokal, Rose Troha, Cecelia Leskovec and Danielle Susel. It would be nice to get a card. My address is 15611 Saranac Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110.
Our next meeting will be February 23, 2005 at the Holmes Ave. Hall at 1 p.m. Hope to see you there.
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year and a Happy Valentine’s Day.
STEPHANIE SEGULIN
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Founding Dale: OCTOBER 31, 1927 Meetings: 3rd Thursday St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & August
We are having such good weather -no snow so far. At our November meeting we had Molly Macht and her friend join us. Molly had a slight stroke and was very ill for a time so we were very happy to see her! At one time she was our Sunshine Girl and last September, she was our birthday girl. Take care, Molly, and hope to see you soon again.
Christine Kuks can’t come to our
meetings because she can’t drive anymore, and the same problem is facing Ludwig Babich who promised to stay with our branch, although inactive.
November birthday members were Tony Vodnik, Lillian Hartman, Rose Luebke, Ann Jelinek and Joan Ostrander. Virginia surprised us with a delicious meal and Mrs. Vodnik brought delicious cupcakes. December birthday members were Mary Evanich and Tony Starich who was 93! He keeps up on his dancing every Thursday at the Serb Hall. He never complains and says dancing keeps him young and healthy! We believe it!
We talked about our Christmas party which then happened on Dec. 8th. Thanks to Connie Lewandowski who took over the arrangements.
Sympathy to the family of Helen Pizar who passed away at the age of 90. We attended her funeral and gave the eulogy at Bevsek Funeral Home.
Happy New Year to All!
STAVIA DOBERSEK
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
Founding Date: OCTOBER 31, 1927 Meetings: 1st Tuesday, 6 p.m. Slovenian Society Home
Hard to believe ... the end of November and still no snow ... but wouldn’t you know, snow showers are predicted for our big holiday, Thanksgiving Day! Let’s pray the weathermen are wrong as usual.
We have several of our members who have been on the sick list as of last month. Justine Prhne, cousin of Vera Bajec, is on the mend after a stroke; Jo Emser is recovering after knee surgery at her daughter’s home; and Vice Pres. Pat Habat’s husband, Eddie, is home after several days in the hospital and doing very well. We’re all looking forward to seeing him at our Christmas Party (next week). Sending speedy recovery wishes to all of our members and hope you escape the yearly demon, flu!
Pres. Diane Varney and husband, Larry took a few days off to motor down to North Carolina to enjoy the peak season of autumn with nature’s glorious colors as leaves turn into brilliant shades of red, gold and rust; they were home in time to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
Congratulations to member Marilyn Fitzthum and husband, Jim celebrating being grandparents! Son and his wife in Indiana had a new baby in October ... and named her Daisy!
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Year 2005. Hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with love and kisses!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL Founding Date: FEBRUARY 13, 1928 Meetings: 2nd Saturday, 1 p.m. monthly except Jan.-July-Aug.
St. George’s Hall Contact: Mary Therese Ehnat Tel. (773) 646-5758
Our Christmas Party was held at the Jovial Club on Dec. 2nd. Among the 40 members and friends were Fr. Phil Kiley and Fr. Juan Sanchez who led us in prayer before the meal. The cookies for the sweets-table were many, varied and delicious. Thank you, ladies. Christmas cards were signed by all to be sent to our sick and shut-in members.
Election of officers was held in November. It was unanimously voted to retain the present slate. Pres. Mary Therese Ehnat; Vice Pres. Mary Jane Strus; Secretary, Gladys Buck; Rec. Secretary, Vida Kumse; Treasurer, Sylvia Spretnjak; Auditor, Fran Novak. Thank you for accepting for the next year.
Our sympathies and condolences to the families of Katherine Ricevich and Lena Fasciana on the death of their loved ones. Also to Josephine Schmaltz on the death of her husband, Wilfred. May they rest in peace.
Vida Kumse gave a report on the State Convention. She is doing well after her cataract surgery.
Get well cards were sent to Manda Maggio and Josephine Scmaltz. Get Well wishes and prayers to Dotsi Rossi.
Congratulations to Gen Marco on the birth of her 8th great grandchild, Charles Michael Berton 10/4/04 and to Marjorie (John) Mitchell on the birth of her 9th grandchild, Jennifer Anne Beck 9/22/04.
Marjorie Mitchell was traveling again, this time with her daughter, Barbara to Buenos Aires, Argentina for 9 days, including a tour on Tigre River and a full day at a Ranch on the Pampas. She said Buenos Aires is very European
Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois, offers the following scholarship to its members
ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP to a member
21	years of age or over who is pursuing advanced or continuing education.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP to a graduating eighth grader who has been accepted to attend one of the Catholic high schools and is enrolled for the fall 2005 semester.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP to a current high school student who wishes to continue in a Catholic high school or is planning to transfer from a public high school to a Catholic high school.
Scholastic ability must be shown as well as an evaluation of the applicant’s character and code of behaviour. For detailed eligibility information and application forms, contact Branch 20 Scholarship Program William L. Bums, Jr.
1109 Plaza Drive Joliet, IL 60435-3844 Phone (815) 725-5319
Applications must be received prior to April IS, 2005
and was surprised to have been served “KRVAVE KLOBASE” (blood sausage) as an appetizer.
Gladys Buck had visitors in November, namely, her niece, Barbara Ireland, great niece, Kelly and her friend. They are from Lakeland, Minn. Now Gladys is spending a few days in Bramson, MO - taking in the Christmas sights.
There is no meeting in January. February hostesses are Dotsi Rossi, Mary Jane Strus and Marjorie Mitchell; March - Helen Battista, Mary Therese Ehnat and Gladys Buck.
Sorry we can’t all be winners. Good luck to all and congratulations to the “Lucky 31” who will be chosen as winners of the “Museum Month Calendar” for January, 2005.
Veselo Novo Leto!
SYLVIA SPRETNJAK
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL Founding Date: JUNE 11, 1928 Meetings: 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. Joseph Park Hall Sister Marlene Ambrose (815) 723-1499
Our meeting on Nov. 16 was well-attended. The accumulated attendance award was won by Marlene Ancel, but she was not present. The 50/50 prize went to Grace Doerk.
Br. 20 is sponsoring the St. Joseph Church Centennial Year Celebration Dinner Dance. The date is Jan. 9,2005, dinner at 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:00 p.m.) in St. Joseph Park Hall. Music will be by Bob Doszak Band from 3:00-6:00 p.m. See you there!
On Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Park Hall, Fr. Tom Paul, our spiritual advisor, will conduct the installation of officers. The search is on for our 2005 Woman of the Year. If you know of anyone deserving this honor, bring in your nomination to the Feb. meeting. You can also mail it to the President Char Kobe. After the meeting, Judge Penn of Joliet will join us for a “Sing Along” on the digital piano.
There will be no dance on Feb. 6. It is rescheduled for Apr. 24, 2005, 4-8 p.m. in St. Joseph Park Hall, with Bob Doszak Band. This is another Centennial year activity for the benefit of St. Joseph Church.
Theresa and Bill Bums, accom-
panied by their daughter, Patricia Mas-succi, attended the wedding of a good friend in St. Emilion, France. It was quite an experience as the bride’s family lives in a XHth century castle. Festivities began with a dinner the evening before the ceremony; and the wedding on Saturday afternoon was followed by an evening reception and Sunday brunch at the castle.
“We also visited Montpellier, France where we had resided years ago. The last 2 days were spent in the Rouen area with a visit to the home of the artist, Monet.” (Theresa Bums)
We send a big THANK YOU to Maria L. Gulas for her support to S WU. “We really appreciate it!” CONGRATULATIONS:
Mildred Pucel on receiving an appreciation plaque for 19 years of dedicated service with the Joliet Police Dept, as a crossing guard.
Pam McGuire on being re-elected as Circuit Clerk in Joliet. You make us so proud, Pam.
Mayor Arthur and Frances Schultz on celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 6, 2004.
Paul and Rene Rozman on their baby boy; and Jennifer Otis on her new baby boy.
We also send get well wishes to Anna Mae Mulvey, Kathy Kramerich and Mary Tomasich.
If you have a relative in a nursing home or someone who is homebound, call Theresa Bums, 725-5319. She is head of our Br. 20 shut-in program.
We offer our sympathy and prayers to: the families of t Augustine F. “Gus” Muren, tHelen J. Babich (in July); tClara R. Dolasinski Smith; and tEdith Rosenquist; also, to Virginia Papesh who lost her husband recently; Mary Ann McGinnis whose dad died; and Jodie Wartenburg and family on the death of their grandmother.
From days gone by ... on Oct. 21, 1984, the Ljubljana Octet performed at St. Joseph Park Hall. The Concert and Dance sponsored by Br. 20, benefited the “Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund.” When Marie Prisland saw the Statue of Liberty in 1915, she exclaimed, “Greetings to you, America! Be good to us.”
Slovenian articles and cookbooks are available for all your gift needs at our Heritage Museum. Call (815) 727-1926.
Our next meeting will be on Feb. 15, Tues. at 7:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Park Hall. The speaker for the evening is Dr. Robert Sterling, author of the book “Joliet, Then and Now.” We will be informed on the history of Joliet.
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Members of Branch 24, LaSalle, Illinois enjoyed a great day in Joliet
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL Founding Date: OCTOBER 17, 1928 Meetings: 3rd Thursdays Eureka Savings Building monthly except July and August
Dober Dan!
Happy New Year to all! Hoping you have many warm and wonderful memories of the Christmas season. By the time you read this the Christmas party celebrated by our Branch and also Oglesby’s Branch 89 will have come and gone; we know there was a full house at Bartley’s in La Salle on December 7. We always enjoy these gatherings as so many of our members make such a wonderful effort to attend and a good time is had by all.
Nine members of our Branch made a trip to the museum in Joliet on November 8 to help decorate the Christmas tree in the museum’s window. It was a good opportunity for the ladies to visit the museum and to see all it has to offer. We got busy talking, shopping, visiting the Church and eating donuts and soon ran out of time. We had planned to eat lunch at Polonia’s, but had to postpone that trip until the following Wednesday when three of us made a return trip to finish the job. We even decorated a “Slovenian” tree -clear lights with only red carnations and Slovenian ribbon woven around the tree. That was my favorite!
The museum has a CD available now by the “Singing Slovenes” and it is wonderful. I think most of us bought it along with some fine quality T shirts and greeting cards.
The attendance at our meetings has been very heartwarming and we are pleased to welcome two new members; Syvia Kirsteatter and Marilyn Hurley. Lois Hollerich is making a tremendous recovery following knee surgery and she braved the chilly, damp weather to attend our November meeting.
We are also very happy for Wendy Lauer and her husband, Scott who became the proud parents of Nicholas, bom on November 10. It is the first Grandchild for Wendy’s mother, Janice Mueller and he, no doubt, is bringing much happiness to the whole family.
Our hearts and sympathy go out to the Pohar family who recently lost one of their youngest, Patrick Smith, 7 years, son of Dan and Yvette (Pohar)
Smith on November 14. Patrick, the oldest of five boys, bravely fought a long battle with Neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer. Our prayers go out to his Mom and Dad, brothers and all his family.
Our hearts and prayers go out, too, to all our service men and women separated from their loved ones not only at this holiday season but every day. May God watch over them and bring them home safe.
Again, may the New Year bring you God’s blessings and happy hearts filled with peace and love.
LORETTA STORY
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH Founding Date: AUGUST 25, 1929 Meetings: 3rd Wed., 6:30 p.m. Euclid Public Library, Erie Room
Happy New Year 2005 with every day bringing all of us good health and peace in the world!
The Ohio-Michigan Conference on Oct. 31st is now history. The event took place at St. Mary’s Church with a light lunch after the noon Mass. Business meeting followed. Every branch seemed to be upbeat and the main topic was on ways to increase declining membership. Br. 32 hosted this conference; next year Br. 47 will do the honors.
Br. 32 lost one of our outstanding members, Anna Rossman. What a wonderful lady - who did so much! May she rest in peace! To all our ill
members, God bless - and try to get outdoors. Have happy days.
Our present officers will remain the same for 2005. We shall publish the names in the next issue. Thanks to all members who gave a hand at the conference. Our president, Charlotte Perdan deserves a big THANKS! To all branches that attended, thanks to you!
DOROTHY LAMM
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN Founding Date: OCTOBER 12, 1929 Meetings: 3rd Wed., 1 p.m.
St. Martin’s Church Hall Jan. to May; Sep., Oct. & Nov.
The season has brought a flurry of activities. We had the Diamond, 75th Anniversary of our Soudan branch. Lots of good memories were part of our anniversary celebration. Thanks to all members and outside help!
We went to Caba San Lucas Refieco for two weeks and had fun in the sun. That vacation was great after the convention.
The 75th anniversary of Aurora’s Br. 35 was another great time. Mass was first, then a great dinner. The members shared their scrapbooks. Prizes were given out and I won a beautiful silk fall table decoration. I have it on my table now.
Br. 34 had the Halloween meeting on Oct. 20th and we enjoyed the decorations. Theresa Berg and I were happy to take care of this event. Door prize was won by Ag Mesojedec and brought
by Fred Pahula. Discussion was on
election of new officers and plans were	JX	WAS	A	GALA	75TH	IN	AURORA
discussed to invite Ely branch #23 to a luncheon. Next meeting will be breakfast at the Good Old Days restaurant in Tower.
Hope you all had lots of candy smiles and well wishes for your fellowmen.
Frances Tanko is in a nursing home.
Keep your prayers and thoughts for peace in the world. Member Mary Zovadnik’s nephew is serving in Iraq.
Adijo!
ADRIENNE MIKLICH,
President
Members at the Oct. 10th super celebration took a moment to smile for the camera: Bernice Ceglar, Mary Koski, Gabriella Goritchan, Marlys Robb, Anne Orazem, Joanne Pleveli and, in front Margaret Ball. President Anita Vovk (right) welcomed all in her Slovenian national dress.
Below photos show the hands of lace-maker, Mirjam Gremec at the bobbin pillow, and the history of Br. 35 prepared for this occasion.
NO. 35, AURORA, MN Founding Date: OCTOBER 15, 1929 Meetings: 6 times per year Community Center Contact: Anita Vovk E-mail: AMV@cpinternet.com
We celebrated the 75th anniversary of our branch on Oct. 10th by attending Mass with our members and guests from Br. 39, Biwabik, Br. 34, Soudan and Br. 38 Chisholm, followed by a social hour before dinner in our Holy Rosary Church hall.
President Anita wore her Slovenian national costume and served punch, and delicious pastries she herself made. After a delicious dinner, during which Stanley Trost provided dinner music with his accordion, the event continued with tributes to our charter members given by Bernice Ceglar and Anna Hodnik. Two interesting guests were Mirjam Gremec who explained and demonstrated the art of making bobbin lace; and then Mary Fossen of A.E.O.A. told us about a bus service available to us for shopping, appointments, etc. If we don’t use it we will lost it, she said.
Now it was time for the prize drawings and there were many, including several Anita brought from Slovenia. Adrienne Miklich of Tower won the floral arrangement. Thanks to everyone, especially Anita, who made this special celebration one to remember and thanks to all our guests who joined us.
Happy New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day!
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN
Founding Date: JANUARY 12, 1930 Meetings: 1st Wed. except June & July Slovenian National Home
The busy holiday season is over. And I hope it was a joyful one for all of you. Our hope is that this new year will be another successful one for all of our Slovenian Women’s Union branches.
We, in Chisholm, are looking forward to the growth and renewal of our
branch. We lost some of our older and active members, but attendance at our October and November meetings improved and we were glad to welcome two new members! Our annual Christmas party was held at Valentini’s Supper Club on December 1st, and it was well attended and a great start to the social holiday season.
Our branch will be observing our 75th anniversary this year, and we are hoping to have a Polka Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, followed by a banquet in the church social hall. These
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plans are only tentative and we will work out the final details at future meetings.
Plans are also being discussed for a Heritage Day with all the Minnesota Branches participating. The location for that celebration will be either here in Chisholm, or at Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik. The date for that event will be mid September, so you see this will be a busy and hopefully successful year for us.
Rose Niemi, who was our reporter for many years, and a hard-working member of our branch, is ill and has been hospitalized. We wish her and all of our ill members renewed health. We pray also for our service personnel in Iraq and hope they will soon be safely home.
CHARLOTTE LAURICH, Reporter
NO. 39, BIWABIK, MN Founding Date: FEBRUARY 3, 1930 Meetings: 1st Sunday monthly St. John’s Church
Srečno novo leto to all! By the time this goes to press, our beautiful Christmas season will have passed and we are wishing all of our sister branches a very Happy New Year.
We will be looking forward to our belated Christmas Party on January 9th, 2005. Our membership decided to hold the party in January again this year since everyone is so busy baking our strudels and poticas and doing all those busy Christmas things.
We will have our event catered by the Memory Lane staff and plan to meet at 12:30 p.m. It will be fun to go back, relax and enjoy visiting with friends. Everyone is asked to bring three wrapped gifts for our “stealing doubles” dice game that we all enjoy.
During our November meeting, we nominated our officers. It was a unanimous decision to keep the same officers for 2005, so an election of officers was not necessary in December. Officers are, President-Jean Korsman, Vice President - Eleanor Indihar, Secretary/ Treasurer - Vida Lanari and Reporter
-	Rosemary Ribich.
We have had much discussion during the last two meetings about our upcoming Branch #39, 75th anniversary. Plans are pending and memorabilia will be sorted and put in order during the
next several months to be ready for the occasion. A date for the event will be chosen in the new year.
We were all saddened by the death of our long time member, Marjorie Dewhurst. Several members attended her funeral and were in the guard of honor at the service. President, Jean Korsman read the final tribute. Marjorie was an inspiration to all of us. In spite of her blindness, she remained interested and willing to participate in the social events of our branch. Her family, especially her granddaughters, saw that she attended our Christmas dinners and other functions and she would enjoy the days with us. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family. We will miss you, Marge.
We also have been busy updating our membership list and establishing a calling committee. If there are members of our branch who would like to attend the meetings but are unable to find a ride, please let a member know and we will be happy to find a way for you to attend. We understand the difficulties of some of the older members and also the inclement weather conditions that sometimes make it impossible to attend.
We received word that member, Emma Ronkainen is recovering from surgery. We will continue to keep in our prayers.
After the adjournment of the December meeting, the hostesses, Maria Ferkul, Martina Michals and Vida Lanari served a choice of delicious desserts. The tables were decorated in a Christmas motif, the tree was brightly lit and some Slovenian Christmas
music was playing softly in the background. We extended Christmas greetings to our members and their families and will be looking forward to seeing everyone at annual dinner party in January.
ROSEMARY (SERTICH) RIBICH,
Reporter
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH Founding Date: APRIL 21, 1930 Meetings: 2nd Wed., 1 p.m. SS Cyril & Methodius Hall
Sadly, we have lost yet another faithful member. Mary Ferlic died after a brief illness. Mary is survived by her husband, George Ferlic, son, George Ferlic and daughters, Joyce Arredondo and Mary Ann Teitelbaum, both of whom are our members. She is also survived by six grandchildren. Mary was proud of her Slovenian heritage and instilled that pride in her family. She was an active member at C and M church and in several fraternal and social organizations as long as her health permitted. We will miss your smiling face, Mary, May you rest in peace. To your loving and caring family we extend our deepest sympathy.
In November we enjoyed a sumptuous feast prepared by future chefs at Lorain County Joint Vocational School. In fact we all liked it so much, we are going back for our Christmas dinner I hope none of you reading this missed it.
My sons, Rob and John and his wife, Jane visited my daughter, Elaine who teaches in Hong Kong. While there,
DONATIONS -Od./Nov. 2004
Donor	Zarja
Branch 95 Zarja Birthday Party 20 Branch 24 Zarja Birthday Party 100 Mem of Anne Brdek from Br. 54 10 Mem of Mary Zuga from Br. 54	10
Mem of Anne Brdek from
Harry & Joanne Ponikvar	10
Mem of Eunice Komater from
Barbara Bruch (89)	10
Mem of Eunice Komater from
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Argubright (89) 5 *Mem of Anne M. Shuster
Labate, Pauline (38)	10
they attended an Oktoberfest at the Marco Polo Hotel. Imagine their surprise when they heard familiar music. Rob said it sounded just like what he’s heard at the Slovenska Pristava. He talked with one of the band members who told him he was Slovenian and his Alpine music band had been coming to this hotel for the whole month of October for ten years. I was able to pick up their computer link and the songs were all Slovenian and Croatian. My family shared a table with a family from Japan who told them that this event attracts people from all over Asia. Živijo Slovenci!!! As a side trip they flew to Beijing to see the Great Wall of China - totally awesome - and they saw work already in progress in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics which Beijing will host.
Francine Pavlovčič’s grandson, Captain Frank Pavlovčič is a psychiatrist with the U.S. army medical corps stationed in Washington, D.C. However, for the next seven weeks he will be on assignment in Germany caring for soldiers coming through Germany from Iraq. We wish him well in his work. Thank you, Captain.
Angie Voytko and I were among the large crowd that attended the joint concert staged by Glasbena Matica and the Slovenian Junior Chorus at the Slovenian National Home in Cleveland. We thoroughly enjoyed their performance. Congratulations to all on a job well-done and well-received!!!
We are well into Winter, so can Spring be far behind? Enjoy the snow and keep warm.
Love, STEPHANIE POLUTNIK
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH Founding Date: MAY 31, 1930 Meetings: Feb., May, Aug. & Nov. 2nd Saturday - 11:00 a.m. Contact Person: Lil Sadowski (216) 398-4367
Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all shared a joyous holiday with your families and loved ones.
The N.E. Ohio SWU Heritage Festival in October was a huge success. It was a pleasure to work with Rosemary Toth, President of Br. #50, who chaired the event and coordinated volunteers from the N.E. Ohio branches. Many thanks. Rosemary, for a job well done.
Our January birthday celebrants are Nancy Kish, Kelly Ann Gaines, Mary Perko, Kelly Lipnos, David Lipnos, Karen Lockard, Mary Lou McHenry and Margaret Gravier. February celebrants are Don Ferfolia, Diane Balach, Anthony Zupančič, Allison Gruden and Edna Scotton.
Teresa Stanonik, daughter of Aggie Gorup Haslup and granddaughter of Teresa Gorup, attends the Univ. of Hawaii. She has been on an environmental field study in Kenya, East Africa for the past 3 months and is actually learning to speak Swahili. Don’t our members get around?
With various war stories coming out of the current struggle in Iraq it brings back many memories of the war years of our generation - the war that was to end all wars - WWII! Stationed in Sicily during that time was Bob McArdle, the late husband of our member, Eleanor Dragonic McArdle. Along with 4 other buddies, Bob became acquainted with a local Italian family that befriended the GI’s by feeding them and allowing them to do their laundry in their home. In 3 weeks when it came time for the unit to move on Bob w anted to repay them in some way. He did so by leaving his own personal biOie in their baby girl’s crib. 60 years later this woman now owns a restaurant in Baltimore which happens to be a popular hang-out for reporters and media personnel. She told the story of the bible to a Baltimore Sun reporter and expressed a desire to locate the rightful owner of the bible which contained his name and serial # and the towns of Maple Hts., and Bedford, Ohio. With this in-
In Memoriam Angeline Delopst Johnstone
Cudahy, WI Born 11/05/16 - Died 12/10/04 She’s dancing the polka in Heaven!
formation they were able to eventually locate Eleanor’s son, Dale, and made a TV new:; video of him going to the restaurant to meet the lady and retrieve his father’s bible. It really is a small world!
Our annual meeting in November was held at the Maple Hts. Library. Regretably, Jackie Albers announced her resignation as President and since no replacement was available, Marge Church has agreed to combine the office of Pres, and Sec. for the time being. The remaining officers agreed to remain. To Jackie, a sincere thank-you for all your efforts in our behalf. You did a great job.
We lost another member with the passing of Mary Tome, a member since 1970 who was a very active member until ill health forced her to curtail her activities. May her soul and all the souls of our departed members rest in peace.
Get well wishes to any ailing members and a special thank-you to Betty Ann Harr in North Carolina who again sent door prizes for our Christmas party via her brother, Dan Kosak, who graciously delivered them to my home. “Hvala lepa.” Till next time.
Zbogom.
LIL SADOWSKI
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Founding Date: JUNE 4, 1930 Meetings: 4th Wed., noon St. Mary Help of Christian Contact: Yvonne Johnstone Khaldy YJK1013@AOL.COM (414) 744-3837
Our October meeting was opened with a prayer. Our Treasurer, Mary Martino was in North Carolina visiting her granddaughter and her five great grandchildren, so our President, Josephine Janezic gave the financial re port. The minutes were read and were-
Serving the public at the Ohio Festival were Natalie Costa and Theresa Lesnik; and a lovely artist (right), Tony Rash, a member of the Slovenian Art Guild, displayed her paintings.
approved by the members.
We certainly had good weather for Thanksgiving Day. I hope all of you had a wonderful day with family and friends. It was decided that our Christmas Party will be on January 15th at Klemmer’s Banquet Hall at 10401 West Oklahoma Avenue. For further details please call Josephine at 545-0691 or Yvonne Khaldy at 744—3837.
Uspeh News now has a new Editor, Betty Ann Kolesari and Yvonne Khaldy is the Co-Editor. Congratulations! I know that you will do a good job in getting all the important news out.
After the meeting we had a very delicious lunch brought in by our birthday members.
Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year. Remember all of our sick and deceased members in your prayers.
ANNE E. KONCZAL, Reporter
NO. 47, GARFIELD HTS., OH Founding Date: JUNE 17, 1931 Meetings: 2nd Sunday of the month Maple Heights Library, 1 p.m. Contact: Elsie Spellacy (440) 232-8733
The Holidays are over and we are all getting back to normal. Get well wishes go out to all our members that are under the weather but especially to Elsie Spellacy. She is recovering from back surgery and everything went very well.
Birthday wishes go out to all our January and February members.
January: Antonia Davies, Josephine Lea, Laura Bossard, Diane Fornaro,
Mary Hrovat, Helen Yerman, Agnes D. Zabak, Tyler Andrew Mundson, Betty Zahler and Kay Yuratovac.
February: Margarita Franchini, Ludmilla Bolek, Ann Kemmerling, Jessie Pigat and Dorothy Squire.
Thanks,
KATHERINE WALLACE
NO. 50, EUCLID, OH Foundaing Date: SEPTEMBER 15,1931 Meetings: 3rd Wed., 1 p.m. except Jan., Feb., July & Aug. Euclid Public Library Contact: Anne Tomsick Tel. (216) 531-2745
Happy New Year to all our members!
Heartfelt congratulations to our branch president, Rose Mary Toth and all the officers of each branch who participated so vigorously for the Slovenian Heritage Festival. Members and guests from everywhere arrived early on Sunday, October 3rd, at the SNPJ farm in Kirtland, Ohio.
Father Pizmoht celebrated the Polka Mass, and the Joey Tomsick Orchestra provided the music. Father Pizmoht’s homily coincided appropriately with the theme “Respect for Life Sunday.” The attendance was estimated at over 500 people, which included many out-of-town guests including Father Per-kovich from Minnesota and DJ, Tony Petkovšek from Radio WELW, in Willoughby, Ohio.
Among demonstrations: Genealogist, Rosemary Jisa, Slovenian Art Guild members, Pat Habat, Bea Pestot-nik, Enika Zulic, and others. There were raffles with all Slovenian-type prizes, artwork, bobbin-lace, and gifts
Photos by Phil Hrvatin
which included cook books, aprons, crafts, St. Nicholas traditional cookies baked by Olga Petek, “Avia” wine-tast-ing and Frankie Azman’s sausage samples; Slovenian traditional pastries were prepared by the hard-working kitchen staff with Cookie Maxin in charge. There was a very special appearance and singing presentation by the Circle 2 children and directed by Cilka Dolgan, and music for dancing by the Joey Tomsick Orchestra. It added to the festivities; all of this on a beautiful blue sky, sunny Sunday in October.
The Kollander/Triple A travel agency displayed brochures for the Slovenian Women’s Union upcoming tour, “Experience the Wonders of Slovenia,” scheduled for June 17 thru July 3rd 2005.
Thanks to all the branches and to Branch 25 for baskets of goodies for the Chinese Auctions and to Jo Gomik for the Carnation Afghan. There were smiles and “Love” showed in each guest as they departed this “happening.”
At our October meeting President, Rose Mary Toth surprised everyone by serving strawberry cassata cake in appreciation for a job well done by our Branch.
The Ohio-Michigan Convention was held on October 31,2004, at St. Mary’s Church in Collinwood, where a Mass and luncheon was held in the newly constructed parish center dedicated by Cleveland Bishop Anthony Pilla on September 5th. St. Vitus Parish was in the news when on September 3rd, Bishop Anthony Pilla and Bishop Edward Pevec dedicated the opening of the Saint Martin dePorres high school and blessed the new facility.
We also received the sad news of the Lorain, Ohio Slovenian Home closing it’s doors after eighty years. President Linda Secular and members feel very emotional about this development.
Jo Arko’s grandson, Jimmie Greener from Albuquerque, New Mexico is a writer of short stories and recently completed his second book entitled “Reflections of Life in our Town.”
I had the occasion recently to visit Theresa Clements at Gateway Manor in Euclid, Ohio. What a delightful person she is with so many vivid memories of happy occasions. Her dear friend, Ann Orlikowski keeps Theresa informed of our Branch activities.
On a sad note, since that meeting, Theresa Clements and friendly, loving Ann Winter have passed away, Get well wishes to Josephine Smith, Bea Tome, and our Auditor Dorothy Ann Winter who sends her love to all!
Evelyn Pipoly is volunteering as our secretary for a temporary time. Fran Kaifiesh, our new treasurer, doing a wonderful job! The next meeting will be March 16, 2005, and just a note to remind our members about the “wearin’ o’the green.”
Respectfully,
ANNE TOMSICK
NO. 54, WARREN, OH
Foundaing Date: AUGUST 22, 1932 Meetings: 3rd Wed. Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Happy New Year to All! Good health and God’s blessing for the year, 2005!
We had our annual Christmas luncheon and spent a delightful afternoon with good food and fellowship. Thanks to Louise Vett and Fran Sainto for their generosity.
We are saddened by the sudden death of our president, Anne Brdek. She had been in ill health but always came to our meetings, in fact, recently we enjoyed her company at our ZARJA birthday luncheon. She is survived by a daughter and son and several grandchildren. Some of our members attended the funeral and prayed at her bier. We will miss her!
A day later, Mary Zuga passed away in a nursing home. She is survived by three sons and a daughter, also several grandchildren. It was unbelievable to lose two such staunch members so quickly.
Louise Vett will be our new president. She attended the Heritage Festival in Cleveland and she and I went to the Ohio-Michigan State Convention in Collinwood. Elsie Shine will be our vice-president and yours truly continues as secretary, treasurer and reporter.
Our November meeting was held at Vic Zuga’s apartment and we enjoyed her grand tour of the complex that overlooks Mosquito Lake. Vic celebrated her 90th birthday in October and her family had a wonderful luncheon party in her honor. She is so special and I feel very fortunate that we have a close friendship, for a long time, in fact, since birth!
Our next meeting is in February, weather permitting it will be at my home. I’ll be calling you.
Pray for peace.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL
Foundaing Date: MAY 9, 1938 Meetings: Second Mondays Dickinson House
Hello to all. Our State Convention was held on Sunday, October 3 at St. Joseph’s Parish in Peru, Illinois. Cohosting our convention with Branch 24 LaSalle and Branch 85 DePue was quite an honor.
A great big thank you to all the delegates and members who traveled far and near to help make our convention of 2004 such a success. We are very proud to say we were 120 members strong!
Our day began with Mass at 11:30 celebrated by Father Bernard Horzen, O.S.B. Needless to say the Slovenian music sung at Mass was absolutely beautiful.
We then journeyed across the street to St. Joseph’s Hall where our banquet was held. The tables were adorned with bouquets of red carnations, Slovenia’s flower, and a long stem red carnation was placed at each place setting as a favor. After registering and browsing through the raffle tables, everyone was seated and Branch 24 President, Loretta Story welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. Father Horzen led us in prayer for our blessing of food. We then enjoyed a delicious pork roast and fried chicken dinner with all the trim-
When you move...
We know that many members are moving and usually, mail follows you to the new address. In the case of ZARJA-The Dawn, the post office forwards it only for a short time. If you have moved and didn’t send your change of address directly to the SWU Home Office, you may not get ZARJA on time, or ever. When you have a problem, first ask the mailman why he did not deliver it, then let us know immediately.
The P.O. discards any ZARJAs that go thru their change of address process. You don’t get it and neither do we get it back. To the cost of printing, therefore, add the cost of a P.O. notice (cost to us is 70c), and the 37c stamp to your secretary asking for her help. So, remember for any changes, send us your old and new addresses as soon as you move.
mings. The dessert table was a Slovenian’s dream, filled with poticas, apple strudels, krofi and cookies.
Then on to a more serious note, our Regional President, Genevieve Buol opened the meeting. All delegates gave their reports of activities taking place in their branches. Delegates reporting were from Branch 2, Chicago-Branch 20, Joliet, Branch 24, LaSalle, Branch 89, Oglesby, Branch 95, South Chicago, and newly founded Branch 99, Lemont. The delegates were all so proud of their branches and activities. The warmth and bonding of our Slovenian heritage kept peeping through all their reports. The over-all theme seemed to be to keep active, to involve our young members, and to grow in membership. A special thank you to our delegate, Angie Nico. Dressed in her Slovenian attire, Angie gave a thorough and informative report of Branch 89’s activities. We know it wasn’t easy for Angie to make the trip, but she was there in spite of it all. You are such an inspiration to all of us, Angie. Hope you are all rested up by now.
The meeting was then closed with gratitude and parting words from our President, Genevieve Buol. The raffle winners were announced and everyone
parted with thoughts and enthusiasm for their Slovenian heritage.
At our Branch 89, October 11 meeting at the Dickinson House, we voted to donate a Slovenian cookbook to our Oglesby and Peru libraries. Our past-president, Rose Ann Prey installed our two new members, Doris Ambrose and Margie Walter. A very hardy welcome to both of you! It was noted that all officers will hold their posts for another year. A very hardy thank you to all of you! Before we closed our meeting, a candle was lit for each deceased member of Branch 89. We then prayed the rosary together.
Until we meet again, peace to all!
ALICE EBNER
NO. 93, NEW YORK, NY
Original Foundaing Date: NOVEMBER 26, 1938 Andrea Selak (212) 925-6521 andreaselak@hotmail.com
Branch 93 has been very active over the past few months! Vesna Straser is now serving as President of the Branch. Special thanks to Lynn Zalokar for your years of service as Branch 93 President!
Several Branch members have recently moved from the New York area. Mirjam Hladnik moved back to Slovenia during the summer, but was planning to be back in New York for a visit in December. In addition, I moved to Boston in the early fall to pursue an MBA degree at Harvard Business School.
Branch 93 has had several events over the past few months. At the end of September, Vesna hosted a branch meeting at her apartment in Manhattan. Attendees enjoyed apple strudel and discussed potential upcoming events. In November, members met to celebrate Martinovo, a Slovenian holiday traditionally celebrated in early November to mark the turning of grape cider into wine. The group sampled Slovenian cooked wine, cooked chestnuts, homemade salami from Ravne na Koroškem and apple strudel.
Cynthia Shaw once again performed in the New York Revels from December 10th - 12th. Cynthia serves as the Musical Director and Performer for the group. Congratulations to the group on their 25 th year of performing in NYC!
Happy holidays to all from Branch 93. If you find yourself in the NYC area, please feel free to contact Branch 93!
ANDREA SELAK
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL Foundaing Date: MARCH I, 1939 Meetings: 2nd Wed. Apr.-May-June Sep.-Oct.-Nov.-Dec. 12:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Church Hall
Hi, everyone! Happy New Year! I hope you all have a blessed holiday.
I	left Chicago for the warmer climate after we had our last meeting of the year which was very nice. Evelyn Driscoll and Bernice Morrison brought the goodies. Thank you, ladies. We all appreciate the attendance of the few ladies who are so loyal and I am asking you to get some new members so we can keep our group going.
Millie Poropat and I went to the IL-IN State Convention in Peru and had a great time. Mass was nice and afterward, our meeting and wonderful meal. There was a raffle, of course, and Millie was one of the prize winners. Want to thank Branches 24, 85 and 89 for the great event. We were so glad we were able to attend.
Starting in 2005 you will be getting your yearly dues statement from the National Secretary, Bonnie Prokup. Keep up your membership so you won’t miss getting ZARJA. For all members who live out of town and we don’t see often, we know you enjoy reading about our branch in this publication.
Say a prayer for the sick and home bound and we’ll get together again when I get back from Florida. We will definitely have a luncheon in June at the Jovial Club. Don’t forget and plan now to attend!
DOLORES HEN NELLY
Br. 95 members at the Jovial Club last June: Marie Maras, Mary To-poris, Dolores Hennelly, Evelyn Driscoll, Bernice Morrison, Helen Now-icki, Helen Price and Mildred Poropat
NO. 99, LEMONT, IL Original Foundaing Date: JUNE 13, 1940 Meetings: Fifth Sundays of the month Slovenian Cultural Center Contact: C. Leskovar (773) 275-1115
Happy and Blessed New Year to all! We have had a wonderful fall and Christmas - with two successful events. First was the Bunco on Oct. 31 st; and then the Slovenian Christmas Cookie Sale on Dec. 12th. Thank you to our great members for their work in making them so memorable.
Those who attended the Bunco say they’ll all come to our next one, they had so much fun! So, we hope that does happen on Oct. 30th in 2005. Fran Schultz and her daughters deserve a whole bushel of thanks for their work and enthusiasm. Weren’t you amazed at the prizes? They were fabulous! Again, we are grateful to the prize donors, and to all who participated.
You are probably all wondering who were the big prize winners! Well, Liz Kluge won the Flat Screen TV (she’s Joan and Joe Sobocan’s daughter and we are all delighted that the winner was in our Br. 99 family...); second prize, the DVD-VHS Player went to Helene Froling of Michiana Shores, IN; the third winner- the $ 100 wine-gift basket
-	was Marie Graizinger of Tinley Park; and the fourth, the $100 Artful Gallery gift, went to Joan Kaszmarek’s brother, Wayne Krempach, (Joan, our member, was the super-duper “clown” in our kitchen that day)!
The second recent event was our cookie sale that Joan Sobočan chaired on Dec. 12th. Joan is our Secretary and a very diligent lady who does everything with grace and beauty. Her table arrangements are knockouts. We can’t report on this event yet, but we know it was sensational! Treasurer Mihaela Simrayh made sure we had the proper
Slovenian Ambassador to the US, Samuel Zbogar, center, with members in Washington at their fall celebration: from left, Lydia Millonig, Mimi Mejac, Terezija Bevec, Ana Skopec, Angela Daly, lea Zebot, Angela Stare, Veronica Stare, Tillie Ausich and Mary Lou Terselic.
information for a leaflet on “Christmas cookie recipes and traditions,” so everyone got a copy when they bought the cookies. One of the Chicago Tribune Food Editors attended and interviewed some of our members for a future story. Were we excited!
We meet again January 30th and ask you come bring along your daughters and granddaughters because they will be able to help you put together your family Ancestor Charts!
On the agenda is election of officers plus a short program in honor of Culture Day that takes place in Slovenia every February 9th, the anniversary of the birth of France Prešeren, her most famous poet. So, we’ll see you Jan. 30th at 1 p.m. at the Slovenian Cultural Center.
BARAGA DAY LUNCHEON is on Sunday, January 9th at the SCC, after
11	o’clock mass. Hope you will all attend and help us remember our saintly American-Slovenian missionary on the 137th anniversary of his death.
COR1NNE LESKOVAR
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Foundaing Date: MAY 11, 1941 Meetings: When convenient Parish Center - (715) 267-6764
Our December meeting was held on December 5th, our Christmas Party after 10:30 mass. Rose Pakiz reported on the Convention held in Sheboygan, September 26th.
November 20-21 our annual bake sale was held after both masses.
P.C.C.W. and KSKJ Christmas Party for the kids was on December 12th. On November 22 PCCW held their meeting and Christmas Party. We had a Baby Jesus shower. Each one gave gift of money. This will go to the Hannah House for Unwed Mothers.
On November 7th the sick and elderly of our parish were anointed at 10:30 mass.
On December 4th four boys made their Confirmations at St. Mary’s in Greenwood. After the services refreshments were served by the CCD teachers.
Pat Sixel was misspelled in the last report.
Prayers and get well wishes to Sophie Trunkel and Tyron Handke.
AGNES DEBEVEC
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Foundaing Founding Date: MAY 22,1941 in Cole rain, MN Rededication: NOVEMBER 14, 1965 Meetings: 1st Sun. except July & Aug. St. Columba’s Ch. Albemarle St.
Branch 103 in Washington, D.C. held its annual Fall Social on October 23 , 2004 at St. Ann’s Church Hall. Featured were the Woman of the Year Program (honoring Mimi Mejac, Secretary since the inception of the branch in 1965) and two special projects -“Operation Shoebox” designed to send food, toiletries, and other items to our military in Iraq and a fundraiser to support a Catholic preschool located in Škofja Loka in Slovenia.
U.S. Marine Major Robert J. Terselic (son of Branch President, Mary Lou Terselic) recently completed his second six-month tour in Iraq. When he was stationed in Iraq, he volunteered to distribute items to other members of the military in his area. Since many never receive packages from family or friends, Branch 103 decided to collect suitable items (or purchase them) and send them to be distributed to our military under “Operation Shebox.” The generous response of the Branch members and friends is making it possible to send several large packages overseas.
Our efforts also elicited an offer from the “Indian Princesses,” a group of schoolgirls (a member of which is Christine Mangold, granddaughter of Mimi Mejac) to make items for a Christmas package.
The second project was brought to our attention by our Vice President
Angela Stare, whose family is a friend of Father Alojz Snoj in Slovenia. Father Snoj is starting a preschool in Škofja Loka with the intention of adding more grade levels in the future. Because of its religious nature, the school will receive reduced funding from the government and must depend on donations from persons interested in filling the urgent need for Catholic education in Slovenia. The response was generous and, as a result of the social, we have been able to make a substantial contribution to this cause.
Our social was a success and the festivities were enjoyed by all. The talented and enthusiastic musicians -Frank Vidergar and Gene Schacher -performed, as they have for several years. Frank and Gene were joined by Frank’s father who played the button box accordion. The three musicians entertained us with many of the traditional Slovenian folksongs and a rousing communal sing.
The newly appointed ambassador from Slovenia, His Excellency Samuel Zbogar, and his wife and their youngest daughter joined us and participated in our activities.
The ladies prepared a sumptuous repast including klobase and many delicious dishes, and a special treat -palačinke (Slovenian crepes) - prepared by Ana Jevtic and two of her friends, Tatjana Zunko and Lavra Kreacic.
Others working in the kitchen were Tillie Ausich, Jana Bevec, Amira Ca-ceres (a longtime friend and helper), Mimi Mejac, Barbara Roesmann (a newcomer to our team of cooks who almost single-handedly prepared the chicken dish), Ana Skopec, Angela Stare, Mary Lou Terselic, Molly
Thomas, and lea Zebot. The sauerkraut, the result of a combined effort by Jana Bevec, Angela Stare, Molly Thomas, and lea Zebot (a process we have used successfully for many, many years) was delicious.
Mimi Mejac prepared the invitations and flyers, and she and Mary Lou Ter-selic sent them to those on our mailing list. They joined Molly Thomas in handling reservations and bought food and other supplies with the help of Ana Jevtic, Peter Mejac, and Stanley Šušteršič. Sarah and Peter Mejac and their children, Nicholas, Andrew, and Andrea assisted them in setting up the chairs and tables and decorating the hall. Also assisting were Tillie Ausich, Amira Caceres, and Lavra Kreacic. Red, white, and blue balloons added a festive air.
Pastries were sold as were syrup, wine, and klobase. Many of our members as well as some nonmembers contributed to the pastry table, which was presided over by Ana Skopec, Ana Jevtic, and Angela Daly.
The ladies who made the baked goods were Terezija Bevec, Ann Cour-venhoven, Angela Daly, Bozena Dolensek, Ana Jevtic, Angela Stare, Mary Lou Terselic, Molly Thomas, lea Zebot and Tatjana Zunko.
A special thanks to Valerie Bohince and her brother Bernie, who traveled many miles to pick up and deliver the klobase. Molly Thomas and Angela Daly then took on the task of packaging the klobase that were not served at the meal and distributing them at the event.
Jana Bevec, her daughter Lydia Mil-lonig, and her granddaughters, Lidija and Lucija, all talented singers who have often delighted us with their repertoire, sang a medley of Slovenian songs that were introduced by Lidija.
A raffle was held with prizes donated by several local businesses as well as by members of the branch. Selling the raffle tickets were Veronica Stare (looking charming dressed in the national costume), daughter of Angela Stare, and Pia Cigler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mirko Cigler from the Slovenian Embassy.
As the saying goes, a good time was had by all, thanks to all who worked very hard to make it a success.
MIMI MEJAC, MARY LOU TERSELIC and MOLLY THOMAS
NO. 108, OLNEY, MD
Foundaing Date: NOVEMBER 16,2003
Branch 108 celebrated their first anniversary with a festive meeting at Mama Lucia’s Restaurant in Olney, MD on November 21, 2004. We were serenaded by a music video of the Slovenian “Avsenik” band throughout the afternoon. Several members brought (and shared) homemade Slovenian desserts. Potica, flancati and skof-joloski kruhki (honey biscuits) were available to sample, as well as other decadent desserts. Officer elections were held; we welcome our new officers, and to those officers who remain in their positions, we appreciate their continued dedication and sharing our heritage with one another.
Several door prizes were raffled off, including gift certificates to Mama
Lisa and baby Daniel
Lucia’s, local florists, grocery stores, a variety of Slovenian Christmas greeting cards and a basket of foods and goods imported from Slovenia. Junior member, Juliana Fitzsimmons drew the winners names and there were many happy winners present at our celebration. Each member also received a Sveti Miklavž (St. Nicholas) bookmark/refrigerator magnet, and handout about this generous saint as a token of appreciation.
Much excitement was generated when Erika Kokal Roda displayed samples of coffee mugs with Slovenian motifs of carnations and designs drawn by our own local artists and members Estelle Zorman and Marie Chachich. In fact, the beautiful sample mugs were sold on the spot and added to a Christmas package being sent out of town! A variety of these original mugs will
be available for sale this year. We are so lucky to have such talented artists in our midst.
Member John Klansek gave an interesting report on the recent elections in Slovenia. We thank John for compiling this information and relaying it to our members at the October meeting.
We thank May Kokal for coordinating the Slovenian refrigerator magnet project at the October meeting; beautiful photos were selected to create magnets for friends and family.
A warm welcome is extended to our new members, Anton Colarič, Fran Hrastar and Natasha Leskovsek. Anton has attended Slovenian events in the area for years and decided to connect with our branch. Fran moved from Cleveland to Maryland years ago, and is happy to have found fellow Slovenians and a classmate in our branch. Natasha has expressed the desire to learn more about Slovenian customs so that she may pass them on to her three young children. Her two oldest children, Martias, 7 and Helena, 5 joined the children’s choir, “We are Slovenian, Let’s Sing Together,” and are learning to sing songs their grandfather sang as a child. Congratulations to Lisa Kokal and Brian on the birth of their son, Daniel. Baby Danilo is our newest prospective member. Remember to sign up your children and grandchildren; they are our LEGACY!
We are in the process of planning events for 2005. Please check mail/email and the on-line newsletter for announcements. All members, guests and members of our sister Branch 103 are invited to join us again this year for the Slovenian family polka outing at Blob’s Park on March 5. The dinner meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by polkas, featuring Slovenian accordionist, Jay Intihar.
We hope Lynn Koiner, Eveline Lawrence and Stasha Seaton are able to join us for meetings and events in 2005; we wish them all God’s blessings during this challenging time of healing and recovery.
Srečno in zdravo novo leto (Happy and Healthy New Year) to all Branches of the SWU!
JOAN STRNISA SIMMONS, Secretary
BERNADETTE KOVACIC FITZSIMMONS,
President
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki
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Slovenia in 2005! See it with us!
16 Days: June 18 -- July 2, 2005!
Come along with us on a perfectly wonderful HIGH-TOUCH TOUR OF SLOVENIA with a side trip to Venice- Padua! Details on the itinerary are in the last issue of ZARJA or, send for the complete and descriptive brochure!
Special welcome to everyone wanting to visit Slovenia for the first time - We’ll help you find your favorite locations!
The features: Discounted Air-fare from the midwest and all other U.S. cities to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia; Land travel via luxury motorcoach; Four star hotels; at least Two meals a day -starting prices: USD $3,599 per person double occupancy;
($575 single supplement)
Deposit of $300 required with reservation
HOLLANDER WORLD TRAVEL
971 East 185th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44119
Price is based on rate of exchange of EURO and USD. In addition, the trip is a full 16 days duration.
also by EMAIL: KWTRAVEL@KOLLANDER-TRAVEL.COM or by TELEPHONE with your credit card number: 1-800-800-5981 or 1 (216) 692-1000
For further information, conatact SWUA Nat’l. President, Kathleen Dorchak-Hall,
Tel. 1-330-686-1336, Email: kdorchak@neo.rr.com
When we travel to Slovenia this June,
the group will also go to the area known as Carinthia (Koroška). It was there, on the fields of Gosposvetsko polje that an ancient rite was held in the 15th century and lasting for seven centuries, whereby a Slovenian peasant, sitting on the Ducal Stone was approached by the new Duke and after a short ceremony signifying his consent to show justice to the people to be governed, he gave over power to the new Duke. This ceremony is considered to be one of the earliest forms of democracy. It was known to the important scholars of the time, including the man who would later become Pope Pius II and the prominent 16th century French legal theoretician and historian, Jean Bodin. Of interest to the citizens of the United States is the fact that before writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson took notice of this ceremony and may have incorporated the idea in his early draft. (A book on this subject, “The Contractual Theory of the Installation of the Dukes of Carinthia,” written by Joseph Felicijan, is available in libraries and universities.)
Enthronement of the Carantanian Dukes	(Gojmir	Anton	Kos)
Živela Slovenija!
Long Live Slovenia