Official Publication Slovenian Women’s Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zenske Zveze V Ameriki The Beginning of a New DAWN $ 3.99 U.S./S 4.99 International Volume 78 Issue 1 January - February, 2006 New Articles ■ MEN IN A SWU A WORLD ENTERTAINING..WITH A D KID TALK \ TO AMERICA.-iTHE TMAlKj OF SLOVENIA BY JEN Feature Branches Finding Their Legacy Branch 1 Branch 109 From the Editor 80 Years old And LOVING our LEGACY! On the 19th day of December 2006, the Slovenian Women’s Union of America will mark its 80th anniversary. We have much to hold up and celebrate. Since its formation in 1926, our SWUA has been LIVING our LEGACY at the forefront: leading, taking action, speaking and reaching out to members across the United States of America. In December of 1926 Marie Prisland created an organization for immigrant women to become more Americanized. She did that at a time when women were just getting the right to vote. She gave them hope and courage. TODAY, THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO BUILD ON OUR LEGACY. We have dared to embrace and the vision to preserve the living spirit of the founders and past membership by promoting and nourishing the legacy left to us for future generations. There is much more in our organization’s history and work that is worthy of celebration. Individual branches who have dared to be at the forefront of our organization as well as individual members whose work is worthy of celebration, will be highlighted in Zarja in 2006. Be sure to read which members are celebrating special anniversaries as members of SWUA. On the special occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, I invite you to join us in making this a special anniversary. We invite you to be a part of the history and the future of SWUA through your continuing support. There is much work still to be done. We are grateful for your solidarity and support in the past and for your faithfulness to SWUA’s mission through the years. 2006 ZARJA TEAM Debbie Pohar, Editor Bonnie Pohar Prokup, Design Director Corinne Leskovar, Consulting Editor Special Note: In the spirit of SWUA, we have taken on the challenge of making a few modifications in the Zarja. The changes are in hope of producing a more enjoyable magazine for our readers. You will see some new fun articles that we hope you enjoy, mixed in with the traditional features. Our goal is that you will enjoy every part, but we will experience some growing pains and look forward to your valuable feedback. Thank you. Debbie Pohar, Editor..............pohar4@aol.com Bonnie Prokup, Design Director wprokup@aol.com Corinne Leskovar, Consulting Editor .............................corleskovar@aol.com 4> Every family has a journey Every heritage has a journey Every country has a journey These three comprise the human need for our roots and we can only find them by LIVING OUR LEGACY Zarj ft - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DESIGN DIRECTOR: Bonnie Pohar Prokup CONSULTING EDITOR: Corinne Leskovar EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St., LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.220.0636 FAX: 815.224.1074 PUBLISHER: Slovenian Women’s Union of America TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 78, No.l, January/February 2006 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet. IL 60432 Communications for the next issue of publication: Do you have something SWUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SWUA events or members, The deadline for articles is the first day of the month preceding the issue. For example, articles for the March/April issue must be received by February 1"'. Thank you. Editor takes on fresh challenge 50 plus years experience will enhance new consultant role When Corinne Leskovar was elected to take over as Zarja-The Dawn’s editor in 1952, her biggest challenge was learning how to put together the magazine. Now she expects to take on a new set of challenges as she hands over the editorial reins and becomes magazine consultant, the “go-to” person for everything Zarja related. “It was very exciting then and it’s exciting now. The new editors are young, savvy and smart, and now they’ll be putting the magazine together using computer software,” she says. Leskovar has almost single handedly overseen the growth and re-creations of the magazine during the last 53 years, doing everything from writing and editing to layout and production. As the daughter of former SWUA President Albina Novak, who also edited Zarja from 1933 until 1952, Leskovar was a natural to fill the position. One of her first tasks was to oversee Zarja through its transition to English. In January 1956, Zarja published eight pages in English and eight pages in Slovenian. Since then the magazine has become 90 percent English with some articles occasionally appearing in Slovenian. Leskovar has also seen the magazine grow in size - it now averages 35 to 40 pages, with some issues having more than 60 pages. With that growth there were changes in publishing houses. Leskovar helped the magazine transition between those houses, first working with Bohemian Benedictine Press, and in 1971, with Croatian Franciscan Press in Chicago, where the Zarja editor’s office remained for more than 30 years, until December 2005. During that time, Leskovar laid out every Zarja issue by hand. “I remember people would say to me ‘compliments to your staff,’ and I’d laugh and think, ‘what staff?”’ she recalls. Throughout the years, she’s seen some constants and some changes in the magazine. The sense of sisterhood, desire for camaraderie and Slovenian spirit have remained, but writers and columnists have come and gone. She worked with SWUA founder Marie Prisland who wrote several columns and with Prisland’s daughter Hermine Dicke, who also wrote for Zarja. There was the “Immigrant” column by member Irene Odorizzi, featuring stories of member immigrants. There were the series that ran, such as “This is our Heritage” articles by Milena Gobetz in 1976. Of course, Leskovar wasn’t just editing, much of Zarja was written by her as well. In 1951 Leskovar created and wrote the “Member of the Year” feature which is still featured annually. However, it is the direction of the magazine that has seen the most significant change during her time as editor, says Leskovar. While Zarja used to be primarily focused on helping Slovenian women acclimate to the U.S., now the magazine is more geared toward to helping Slovenian-American women find historical, heritage and genealogy information. Leskovar managed to grow Zarja in a way that balanced both the need for sisterhood and camaraderie with the changing needs of new members looking for heritage information. Now she’s trying to create a new balance for her life. When Leskovar’s not giving guidance on the magazine, she plans to use that Slovenian drive to stay productive. “Oh, I’m definitely keeping busy - I’m trying to line up speakers for Lemont’s Branch 99 events and we’ve got our cooking classes which are very popular.” Although it isn’t easy to let go of her “baby,” she hopes to use her experience to give direction to the next generation of editors overseeing Zarja. “When I put my last issue [the November-December issue] to bed, it was hard to let go. I wondered, ‘how can I make anyone understand the spirit I have?’ But I’m just going to continue to offer them anything I’ve got,” she says, -by Leslie Cummings, Zarja contributor In 1952, her biggest challenge was putting together the Zarja. Now she is to become the “Go To”person for everything Slovenian Related. ^ N % •. Ljubljana- CONTENTS FEATURE STORY 1 Editor Takes on Fresh Challenge In 1952 her biggest challenge was putting together the Zarja. Now she is to become the “Go To” person for everything Slovenian Related. ZARJA NOTEBOOK 2 Member’s Anniversaries 3 IL/IN Regional Convention 4 WI Regional Convention FROM THE FIELD Member Guest Column 6 That’s Slovenia, not Slovakia Discovering the Literature of Europe’s Terra Incognito IN EACH ISSUE 8 National President Message 9 Handling the Details - Your National Secretary 10 NewsfromSWUA.org 11 “Living Zarja” 12 Keeping the Dream Alive - Scholarship IT’S IN EVERY SLOVENIAN 14 Men in a SWU A World 15 Culinary Society—Not For Women Only 16 Entertaining - With a Touch of Slovenia by Jenka 18 Kid Talk Junior Members In The News 19 To America The Immigrant Experience HERITAGE NEWS 20 Legacy of the Written Word - Part II 22 Discovering your Roots- Beginning Genealogy 23 Living Your Legacy Through Genealogy LIVING OUR LEGACY Feature Branches Finding their Legacy 24 Branch 1 25 Branch 109 BRANCH NEWS 26 Branch Articles THE COVER Photo by Igor Modic: Winter in Slovenia 2 2006 Membership Anniversaries 79 Year Anniversary Mahne,Mary 68 Zaller.Mary 10 Banich.Mary Irene 89 Bucovnik, Mary Agnes 17 ■ Burger, Antonia 93 Wortiska, Dorothy 95 78 Year Anniversary Cuzella,Amelia A 95 Dicke,Hermine 1 Dosen,Manda P 95 McIntyre,Mollie 22 Driscoll,Evelyn A 95 Svalina,Fidelia 95 77 Year Anniversary Burkland, Miriam 99 Silko.Frances 2 Staut,Mary 102 Vidergar,Mildred 6 Spendal, Dorothy 10 25 Year Anniversary Gacnik,Anna 14 Steffen,Billie Jo McCue 1 Lunka,Ann 23 Foley.Bernice 2 Ahlin,Jennie 39 Kochniarczyk,JoAnne 2 Jagunich.Mary Nemgar 39 Wadycki,Julie Ann 2 Wimber,Venessa Sue 3 76 Year Anniversary Perdan,Marlene 14 Prebiljosephine Behrman,John M 16 lvancovich,Bess 16 Novakovich,Dorothy 16 75 Year Anniversary Govednik,Diane 20 Batich,Martha I® Gregorash,Ardis 20 Kuchta,Marie *4 Valek.Rose 20 Mervar, Valentina 47 Karges,Cyndi 20 Greben,Josephine Lesnik,Julie J 20 Traven,Carole Sartori,Dorothy 20 Allen, Todd 20 50 Year Anniversary Story,Loretta 24 Kaprelian.Maxine 1 Holderbaum,Michelle 25 Annicks.Pauline 2 Hanks, Jacqueline J 32 Tekavec.Mary 3 Menart,Ann Marie 33 Miklich,Mary Ann 3 Bucar,Sharon 33 Thompson,Josephine 5 Zupanich,Jean 34 Hlebak,Josephine 14 Ball.Margaret 35 Lokar.Rose 14 Zalec,Pamela 38 Marsey,Albina 14 Gruden, Gabrielle Wall 42 Varney.Diane 14 Gruden,Mary Catherine 42 Delsanter,Lillian 14 Harris,Suzanne M 42 Kokal.Mary 14 Prhne,Sally 42 Suski,Bernice 20 Balach.Diane M. 42 Holmes,Beatrice 20 Blazy.Imelda 42 Mihelich.Pauline 20 Offutt,Jeanette 42 Gruenwald,Jane 24 Stoltz,Josephine 42 Stupica,Ivanka 25 Rechlitz, Joel P 43 Zak,Ann Marie 25 Bozic,Alice 50 Shisila.Christine 30 Frank.Mary 50 Bailey, Bernice Prosen 30 Kirschner.Mary 50 Zupančič,Kristina 33 Matic,Vesna 50 Dragavon, Justine 34 Wilson,Geraldine 71 Pustovar, Monica 34 Zalokar,Lynn M 93 Hodnik,Margaret L 35 Kompare,Kathryn J 95 Menart,Connie 35 Balazic,Mary 99 Champa.Mary 42 Čebular,Anna 99 Pigat,Jessie 47 Krampač,Theresa 99 Misic, Josephine 50 Ooms,Frances 100 Beck, Mary 50 Lipic,Hilda 100 Florjančič,Ivanka 55 Mlakar,Constance Ann 100 IL/IN REGIONAL CONVENTION REPORT T|ie SWUA Illinois/Indiana Convention on October 02, 2005 provided members the opportunity to “Live their Legacy”... and live it they did!! It was a day of Faith, Food, and Friendship. Mass was celebrated by Father Juan Sanchez, Pastor of St. George Church who gave an inspirational homily setting the pace for the entire day. Kudos to Father Sanchez for his tenacious effort to welcome us in Slovenian. Members joined in singing Slovenian hymns to the Blessed Mother and as their voices reverberated through the church, my thoughts were of the many Slovenian immigrants who had lived their Faith and through whose sacrifices and generosity this Church had celebrated its centennial in 2003. After Mass we went to the Church Hall for registration, refreshments and raffle (the 3R’s of any Convention) Evelyn Driscoll of Branch 95 shared her talents for decorating by transforming the Hall’s appearance. Red carnation centerpieces were at each table and prayer cards for the Cause of Sainthood for Bishop Baraga were at each place setting. The potica made by the ladies at Holy Trinity Church in Indianapolis, IN was a big hit! (The ladies have made over 900 poticas since August which in itself is an attestation to its delicious taste.) We then traveled to the Crow Bar restaurant for the Convention meeting and dinner. There were many favorable comments on the lovely Slovenian motif place mats created by Branch 16 Dotsi Rossi’s daughter. The meeting was called to order by Regional President, Genevieve Buol and Branch 16 President, Therese Ehnat led the opening prayer asking everyone to join in the prayer for the Cause of Sainthood for Bishop Baraga. National Officers in attendance were Jonita Ruth, Treasurer and Bonnie Prokup, Secretary. National President, Kathleen Dorchak-Hall sent her best wishes for a successful Convention and Mary Turvey sent information regarding changes in the Scholarship program. Bonnie addressed membership and the importance of recruiting new members for the continued existence of our Organization. She also briefed members on proposed plans for the 2007 National Convention at Starved Rock in Utica, IL hosted by all the Illinois Branches. Delegates from 6 of the 9 IL/IN Branches were present to give their respective reports and submitted reports from the others were read by President Buol. Corinne Leskovar, Editor of the Zarja announced effective January 1,2006, Debbie Pohar will be the new Editor, Bonnie Prokup, Design Director and Corinne will be a Consulting Editor. The three ladies have been working together on the Zarja since early 2005 to facilitate a smooth transition. Branch 2, Chicago volunteered to host the IL/IN Convention in 2006 and Branch 20 in 2007 as it will coincide with their respective 80"' Anniversary celebrations. Date and place of the 2006 Convention will be printed in the Zarja. Branches 16 and 95 were acknowledged for their cooperative and outstanding effort in hosting the 2005 Convention, (75% of Branch 16 members were in attendance). The meeting was adjourned by President Buol. Following a delicious dinner, a raffle of 2 large round poticas made by Vida Kumse of Branch 16 and 3 large loaf poticas from Indianapolis was conducted to the delight of the lucky winners. Herman Simrayh provided Button Box Music Entertainment to which we sang, danced and thoroughly enjoyed until it was time to leave. Everyone received a souvenir Tote Bag imprinted with our Organization’s Logo as they departed. Respectfully submitted by Genevieve A. Buol, IL/IN Regional President This article appeared in the St. George Church Sunday Bulletin by Father Juan. Pastor of St. George Church: / would like to thank Mary Therese Ehnat, President of Branch 16 and our members for hosting a beautiful Mass, meeting and luncheon last Sunday. The Mass attendance and collection was larger. I thank you for your patience with my attempt to share some words with you in Slovenian. I want to thank our woman for wearing their beautiful Slovenian clothes. A special thank you to Ralph Caruso for setting - up the tables and chairs for the meeting. I enjoyed the delicious “potica ” after the mass. Fr. Phil shared, with me that he had a great time with everyone at the Crow Bar Luncheon. He enjoyed the joyful music provided by the “button box" player, the food, and the conversation and the "potica" Raffles. Again thank you to our Branch 16 for sharing the important day for you and your Slovenian Sister Branches from Illinois and Indiana. Finally, I want to thank the Slovenian Woman’s Union for their generosity and their note “thanking me for my thought provoking homily. WISCONSIN REGIONAL CONVENTION REPORT The Slovenian Women’s Union, Branch 43 of Milwaukee celebrated a very special day on September 25,2005 at Klemmer’s Banquet Center. Branch 43 hosted the Wisconsin Regional Convention in conjunction with the celebration of its 75th anniversary. The day started at 8:30 a.m. with a special blessing of a gentle rain, which did not dampen the people’s spirits. It was a most enjoyable morning spent greeting people as they were coming in. A continental breakfast of juice, muffins, bagels, potica and coffee was enjoyed by everyone. Members from all four Wisconsin branches had a chance to socialize and renew old acquaintances. The social hour passed all too quickly. President Josephine Janezic enthusiastically welcomed everyone. The business meeting was called to order with an opening prayer at 9:15 AM. Yvonne Johnstone Khaldy graciously accepted being our recording secretary. The minutes from the last convention, held in Sheboygan, were read by Aggie Gruenke. Minutes were approved as read. Stavia Dobersek, president of Branch 12 for 27 years, was congratulated and honored for being the second Honorary President ever in the history of SWUA, the first being Marie Prisland, our beloved founder. The roll call of branches followed. The attendance from all branches was great. Congratulatory letters were read from National President Kathleen Ferrante, Branch 43 scholarship award winner Michelle E. Goldmann and Branch 1, Sheboygan. Delegates gave their annual reports on their activities and problems during the year. It is encouraging how every branch is working towards recruiting new members. Branch 1, Sheboygan, was very successful, as they have become number one in the nation in recruiting new members. Congratulations go to President Aggie Gruenke , her officers and members. That’s the way to go! Branch 1, Sheboygan, disapproves of paying $20.00 dues after July 1st, feeling that new member’s dues should be pro rated. Branch 12, Milwaukee, has lost many members due to illness and passing on to eternity. They are really trying to get new members, and would like the Board to consider eliminating membership dues for existing members who have attained the age of 80 years. This policy is in effect with the majority of other Slovenian organizations. It is suggested that if dues are not paid by long time members, that the Home Office retain them on the membership list and deduct, from the beneficiary payment, the dues which were not paid prior to the member’s demise. Also a problem is the dropping of insurance for members who have been in the organization for decades. The Home Office dropped 16 members from Branch 12 in 2004, with the majority of those dropped being over the age of 75 years. They would also prefer State Conventions to be held on a bi-annual basis, since all the information about branches is now available through the computer. Branch 43, Milwaukee, had great success with the evening meeting in June and will continue the June evening meetings. Their meetings are very interesting and well attended. Branch 102, Willard, with aging membership and not many young people around, is doing its best. They also would prefer State Conventions to be held on a bi-annual basis. Josephine Janezic spoke of all trying harder to keep our Slovenian culture alive through different activities with the purpose and hope of getting our young people interested in SWUA. Some of the many activities within the Wisconsin branches are: Member of the Year luncheons, Christmas parties, Bake Sales, and Slovenian missions. Having speakers on interesting topics at the meetings was very successful, as were the style shows, learning the Slovenian language, hymns and songs. It was suggested to have a Slovenian flag and music for the meetings. All the branches appreciate the communication between member branches and our Home Office. E-mail and web pages are a big help. Best wishes are extended to Lynn Zalokar, who was instrumental in starting the monthly newsletter on E-mail. She now passes this work on to Tom Zakosek. We all wish him well. '7M Honorary Branch 12 President Stavia Dobersek and Josephine Janezic 0 Junior Members Greeting Guests Michelle E. Goldmann of Branch 43 received a SWUA Cultural Scholarship. Michelle is currently attending Loyola University in Chicago. We are honored to have two National Officers: BettyAnn Kolesari. National Vice President and Denise Bartlett, National Second Auditor in Branch 43. BettyAnn read a letter from Mary Turvey regarding changes to SWUA scholarship awards. I am very proud of all Wisconsin branches for their focus on VISION, MISSION and PURPOSE. The next Regional Convention of Wisconsin will be hosted by Branch 12, Milwaukee in 2006. After a minute of silence and a tribute to deceased members, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM. The room was quickly set for a Holy Mass celebrated by Father Joseph Cunningham at 11 AM. Slovenian hymns were angelically sung by the Uspeh Chorus. Three of our young members in ethnic costumes enhanced the appreciation of our Slovenian heritage by doing the readings and petitions. Father Cunningham delivered an impressive sermon to a full room. We are grateful to Mr. Frank Menchak for the Slovenian reading After Mass, dinner was served in the next room where tables were beautifully set and decorated by centerpieces of red carnations and favors. A delicious dinner was followed by cheese and apple strudel made by Branch 43 member Mici Coffelt served for dessert. Master of Ceremonies, David Bevsek, kept excellent order. He spoke about SWUA and his sense of humor complemented his title. During dinner. Bill Bregant was our strolling musician. Afterwards, the delightful entertainment included the Uspeh Chorus, directed by Mici Bregant, Slovenian melodies sung by Delores Ivancich , accompanied by Tony Gorenc, a poetry reading by Rita Majerle-Klug and, stealing the show, Mici Bregant’s 12 year old grandson, Phillip Bregant, performing on the cello. We all benefited from this experience of an enjoyable and fruitful day celebrating the 75th anniversary of Branch 43 and our State Convention. May God reward our members who worked so diligently to bring about this success. Josephine Janezic, Wisconsin Regional President / Date to Remember Branch 108 Slovenian Pust Festival February 25, 2006 \^This is open to all guests The Slovenian Pust Festival on Saturday, February 25 will take place at the Chevy Chase Christian Church Hall in Chevy Chase, MD. It will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a program, followed by Slovenian musical entertainment, Slovenian style dinner choices, desserts and a raffle. Children are invited to dress in costume. 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