Let Not The Light Of Freedom Be Extinguished! J S F Lawn Q noiJsgslUi .yli'.unoflsib i0 ao’KftrMu? f(!V!*b <»i siiffot bns it Serving in Ohio and nationwide over 150 0 00 American Slovenians Vol. 97 - No. 24 (USPS 024100) SLOVENIAN MORNING Ni=Wd^. AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JUNE 15, 1995 ISSN Number 0164-68X 50c Michelle Petrovič named 1995 Presidential Scholar Michelle Petrovič, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John J. Petrovič of Los Alamos, New Mexico, has been named a 1995 Presidential Scholar by President Bill Clinton. The family traveled to Washington, D.C. this month accompanied by the Principal of Los Alamos High School to receive the award at the White House. This tops the numerous awards Michelle has received in the past for her various achievements and accomplishments. Recently, Michelle and 18 others were named to the 1995 All-USA Academic First Team as representative of the outstanding talent in the nation’s schools. That cover story appeared in the USA Today newspaper, May 18 issue. Last year Michelle was one of the first-place winners in the Discover & Co. talent search for exceptional teens whose Tribute Award scholarship program recognizes not only academic or athletic achievement, but also is concerned with accomplishments and feats that cannot be measured by grade point average alone. A science whiz, at age 16, she won two first and one second place awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair awarded by the American Medical Association, Eastman Kodak and the U.S. Department of Commerce Patent and Trademark Office. Michelle graduated as Valedictorian of her class. She is also a fine musician (piano, organ and French horn, and plays in the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra). She is a chess expert and excels on the tennis court as well. Her poetry has been published. In the fall, Michelle will enter Harvard University to continue her studies. She is focused on eventually becoming a Pediatric Oncologist. She is the granddaughter of the late John Petrovič and Jo Modic Petrovič of South Euclid. Her uncle is Robert J. Petrovič, Chairman of the English Department at Euclid High School. Michelle maintained a GPA of 4.0 and has received awards on her research on chemotherapy’s effect on physical and chemical properties of hair, using her own hair as research subject, suggesting hair analysis can be an early diagnostic tool. Her teacher commented, “Michelle has the ability to transform a health tragedy into an intellectual triumph.” Petrovič studied changes in Rev. Max Sodja celebrates 60 years in priesthood! ‘Our Journey’ was well done Editor: I would like to commend the ad hoc committee that compiled the Naša Pot/Our Journey supplement on a job well done. This edition did an excellent job of recapping the events in May of 1945, the situations that preceded them and the subsequent survival in the Austrian camps. Hopefully, it will also give your English reading subscribers who have not had the misfortune to experience those events, a vivid update in history. As someone who experienced that turmoil as a six-year-old child, I am amazed at how many memories the articles brought back, unfortunately some not very pleasant. For example, the musty odor, the water seepage, the darkness, the crowding of horse-drawn wagons, an occasional motor vehicle with crowds of humanity all in the Ljubelj tunnel and the fear of being separated from my mother, suddenly became very vivid once again. Mojca Slak makes a valid point about not permitting this horrible disaster to our (Slovenian) nation to be forgotten. For selfish reasons, some would prefer it were. Perhaps we can take a lesson from our Jewish brethren who are doing their best to insure that the world does not forget the injustices done to their people. By following their lead and keeping the memories alive, we may be able to contribute in some small measure to the prevention of similar events in the future. Again, you did well. Cordially, Tony Smole Green Bay, Wis. physical and chemical properties of her hair as she underwent chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease. Petrovič says that chemotherapy doesn’t necessarily make people go bald, but that other factors, such as physical and chemical makeup, must be considered. Last year she traveled to Washington to receive the highest (gold) award from Discover Card. The Master of Ceremonies was Ed Bradley, Co-Editor of CBS’ “60 Minutes.” He said, “You have already shown you are accomplished, determined, and smart, now you have to find your passion. Your path is uncharted. You have to be trail-blazers.” Congratulations to all! Last Saturday, June 10, Father Max Sodja, the last of his ordination class, observed 60 years in the priesthood. The happy occasion took place at the Church of the Epiphany, 8235 S.W. 57th Avenue, Miami, FL 33143. Archbishop John Clement Favalora was the main celebrant. Father Sodja was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1908, one of eight children of Slovenian immigrants. He first dreamed of becoming a priest at the age of eight, after being inspired by a photograph on the cover of a Catholic magazine of a young priest in the midst of a group of children. However, he kept his calling a secret from his parents, siblings and friends the entire time he was growing up. He entered John Carroll University in Cleveland after high school and earned his degree before disclosing his plans to his family. After graduation, he entered the Seminary of Our Lady of the Lake in Cleveland, not telling his family until the night before he was to leave! Father Sodja is the last surviving member of his class of 26 priests. He was ordained in 1935 and was assigned to the parish where he grew up, St. Vitus. “It was tough preaching to the kids I had played ball with and fought with!,’’ Father Sodja remembers. He stayed at St. Vitus for 10 years. He subsequently served at another parish in Cleveland, but it was a medical leave and fate which brought him to Florida in 1953. Father Sodja recalls how one day while traveling in Florida, he took the wrong bridge to Miami Beach and “discovered” Key Biscayneby accident. The community of Key Biscayne was in its infancy then, attracting young World War II veterans with houses selling for $11,000. Father Sodja met a young priest who was saying Mass in the Old Mashta House, since Key Biscayne had no church yet. This young priest convinced Father Sodja to stay and help him build a church. Father Sodja received permission from his bishop back in Cleveland and ended up staying for 20 years in Key Biscayne at St. Agnes Parish. In those days, Father Sodja said, “all of the people on Key Biscayne were young, many of the men just returning from military service.” He has fond memories of the time when St. Agnes was being built and the great times they had raising funds for the church by holding picnics, parties, and dances. Father Sodja retired at the age of 70 and no longer celebrates Mass due to his age and physical limitations. He lives on Hammock Lake in a house his brother bought 30 years ago and is glad to be part of Epiphany Parish. Eucharistic Ministers from the parish see to it that he gets the Eucharist every day. The priests visit with the 87-year-old former Clevelander frequently and see to it that all his needs, both spiritual and temporal are taken care of. No A.D. June 22 There will be no Ameriška Domovina (American Home) newspaper printed on June 22 due to vacation. The June 29 edition will be the “Freedom” issue which will be printed earlier in the month but distributed on June 29. There will be no Slovenian section on June 29. After that, the next American Home will be printed on FRIDAY, July 7. The following editions will be printed on Thursdays as usual as we get back to the normal printing routine following vacations. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 1995 A7 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA. JUNE Ifi 199R 2 Forward With Democracy The European ~~ In the West, the political The 50th anniversary of the class has rarely been held in end of the war in Europe is a such low esteem. From time to commem^r',t‘* the Cod^’**'' " ' Rome elected triumph over an ON ROAD L—-f— (7467) Slovenians Visit Illinois CHICAGO — Governor Jim Edgar of Illinois sent greetings to the CPZ Ignacij Hladnik Traic, Slovenija or the Slovenian Choir. The group is made up of university students who had come to the State of Illinois to perform. Pictured left to right: Bernadette Simrayh; Pat Michalski, Special Assistant to the Governor for Ethnic Affairs/Media; Vito Primožič, Director, and the Slovenian Choir. Fantje Sings in Milwaukee On October 29, 1994, the Slovenian Community of Milwaukee experienced a very special treat as the Fantje na Vasi shared their talents with us. These young men, members of a choral group from Cleveland, entertained and delighted the audience with a concert of familiar Slovenian music as well as some sacred and classical Slovenian melodies. These voices, blending in beautiful harmony, kept everyone eager to hear more. The concert was held in the Wisconsin Room of the UWM (University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee) Union and as the audience sat at round tables they had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the harmony of these unique Slovenian voices. After this performance everyone was invited to dance to the music of Louie Bashell, the Silk Umbrella Man, a former recipient of the Slovenian Arts Award of Merit. During the intermission some spontaneous singing could be heard as the guest chorus and people in the audience joined together in some familiar folk songs. The night ended all too early and reluctantly the hall emptied. —Mary Bregant Fear gives intelligence even to fools. —Anonymous Al Koporc, Jr. Piano Technician (216) 481*1104 IN LOVING MEMORY Of Our Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Sister-in-Law Frances Walland Erzen Died June 9, 1994 The rolling stream of life flows on. But still the vacant chair Recalls the love, the voice and smile Of one who once sat there. Sadly missed by: Husband — Stanley Son — Robert Erzen and Family Sister-in-Law — Mamie Stitt and Husband — James Sister-in-Law — Frances Walland and Many Nephews and Nieces Slovenia urged speeded up privatization LJUBLJANA, June 8 (Reuter) — The Slovenian government has urged the Privatization Agency to speed up the privatization process of Slovenian companies, said Tone Rop, state secretary for privatization. The government also requested the Finance Ministry prepare a law on the privatization of state-owned banks by the beginning of October. “We hope the majority of Slovenian companies will finish their privatization by the end of 1955,” Rop told a news conference here. “We want the agency to simplify the administrative process, which is a part of each privatization,” he said. Slovenian massive privatization started in the beginning of 1994, but until now only 200 out of 1,500 companies have completed the process. Slovenia’s two biggest banks, Nova Ljubljanska banka and Nova kreditna banka Maribor, which are the only two state-owned banks out of a total of 34 Slovenian banks, will start their privatization only after the law on bank privatization passes in the parliament. —Robin Verbose * * * AT&T Corp said its distributor for Slovenia and other republics of former Yugoslavia, except for Macedonia, will be Slovenian export-import company “Slovenijales.” For this purpose Slovenijales has established a new company called “Slovenijales-TEL, d.o.o.” “Slovenia offers great opportunities with its four percent GDP growth and represents a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe,” said James Allan, regional vice-president of AT&T Multi-Media Products Group, at a news conference. Donna Osterc, the director of Slovenijales-TEL, added, “AT&T expects to produce an income of $1.5 million in the first year of operating in Slovenia, which should increase to about $10 million after three years.” “AT&T sees Slovenia as an extremely dynamic market where there is big demand for new communication services which has not been met yet,” Osterc said. —Marja Novak, Ljubljana newsroom Success is dependent upon the glands - sweat glands. Coming Events Sunday, June 18 St. Mary’s Slovenian School Picnic at Slovenska Pristava with 12 noon Mass followed by the Corpus Christi procession. Dinner after 1:30. Dancing to music of Alpine Sextet at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 25 Ohio KSKJ Day Picnic at Slovenska Pristava in Harpersfield, Ohio. Food, refreshments, music and dancing to the Joey Tomsick Orchestra. No admission or parking fees. Everyone is invited. Wednesday, June 28 Waterloo Pensioners Club Picnic. Dinner at 1, dancing 3 to 6 at SNPJ Farm, Heath Rd. Music by Lenny Andexler Orch. $8.50 for dinner. Admission only: $3.00. Sunday, July 16 St. Vitus Summer Picnjc at Slovenska Pristava. Wednesday, July 12 Holmes Ave. Pensioners (Recycled Teenagers) Picnic at KSKJ Farm on White Rd. Time is 12 noon until ? Music by Fred Ziwich. Food and refreshments available. Sunday, July 23 St. Anne Lodge No. 150 KSKJ Annual Celebration: Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 10 a.m., followed by dinner at Sterle’s at 12 noon. Sunday, Oct. 1 Upstairs Downstairs Dance, Slovenian Society Hall, 20713 Recher Ave., Euclid from 3 to 9:30 p.m. featuring 5 bands. Proceeds to Penn Ohio Polka Pals and Akron, Barberton, Canton. George Knaus sponsor. Donation $6 advance — $7 at the door. Call 481-9300. Sunday, Oct. 22 Slovenian American National Art Guild, Annual Artists & Crafts Show and Sale at Slovenian Society Home from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 Jadran 75th celebration. Cook: Sophie Mazi; music: Don Wojtila Orchestra. Sunday, Nov. 12 Senator Frank J. Lausche centennial of birth observance at St. Vitus Church and hall. Saturday, November 18 Fantje na Vasi Concert, St. Clair Slovenian National Home. ★***★*★**★****★★★*★★★★★★★★*★★★★★★**★* J Century 531'3S36j| : Tire service co______________| * * Firestone HOME AND AUTO SUPPLY * * * * * * I5.IOO Wuli-rhin K GIB BANK Since, f957 Our golden ‘Passboo^Savings Account is your passport to great Points of Interest 4.10% ary 4.163% A min deposit of $2500 is required to open a Golden Passbook Savings account If balance goes below $2500, interest rate tails to 3%. 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I have always imagined paradise as a kind of library. —Jorge Luis Borges Winged Connoisseurs A group of researchers at Japan’s Keio University in Tokyo claim they have taught their pigeons how to distinguish a cubist-style painting — one of Pablo Picasso’s most famous genres — from a Claude Monet-style impressionist work. According to New Scientist magazine, when asked to identify which was cubist, the birds pecked the right painting with 90 percent accuracy. Psychologist Shingeru Wantanabe regretted that the birds were unable to discern a Cezanne from a Renoir. Vince Gostilna was trying to teach his pet chicken the same trick, but he says the fowl kept fouling up the painting. Beef Up the Turkey Substitute low-fat ground turkey in recipes that call for ground beef. To add a beef flavor, stir 1 teaspoon of instant beef bouillon grannules into each pound of ground turkey. Because bouillon contains sodium, you may want to decrease the amount of salt in your recipe. Meeting St. Mary’s School Alumni (Collinwood) will hold a meeting on June 21 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The St. Mary’s senior group will not have a meeting July 4th because of the holiday. On August 1, instead of a meeting, a picnic will be held at Richmond Park. More information will be forthcoming in the July -Jennie Schultz Happy 90th Birthday to Stan Erzen from your neighbors: Josie, Minka and Dorothy Happy 4th of July Oil CNanqe, Lube & RIter W/pURdtASE of AN ENqlNE TUNE-Up Euclid - 752-5878 22455 ShoRE Center Dr. (across (rom VaIue Clry In Dntn. 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His testimony of what happened there, says Stephen Berk, a history professor at Union College, helped halt the deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz, saving the lives of as many as 200,000 people. Dr. Berk, one of the leading authorities on the Holocaust, frequently mentioned Mr. Mordowicz in his lectures, but didn’t know he was still alive until a few weeks ago. Dr. Berk was delivering a lecture on Auschwitz at a Toronto synagogue when a woman arose and asked, "Do you know that the man sitting next to me is Mr. Mordowicz?” The entire congregation, including its rabbi, were stunned, says Dr. Berk. "It was like someone stepped out of a history book," re adds. Mr. Mtvdowicz, now 75 years old, had retired from a civil servant’s job in Israel 10 years ago to live in Toronto, where he has a daughter. The world still largely disbelieved reports of German death camps when he and a fellow prisoner escaped from Auschwitz. The two hid for two days in a gravel pit, then crawled between watchtowers in the dark before swimming across a river. “This was not to save my own life but to inform of the horrors of Auschwitz,” Mr. Mordowicz says. "Auschwitz was still a secret then." They made their way to Slovakia where Jewish leaders arranged for an interview with an envoy of Pope Pius XII. "I spoke with him for eight hours,” says Mr. Mordowicz. Largely because of Mr. Mor-dowicz’s testimony, the Vatican petitioned Hungary to stop the deportation and enlisted the help of the Allies to add pressure, according to Dr. Berk. Hungary acceded in July 1944. Mr. Mordowicz, whom Dr. Berk calls "one of the heroes of the 20th century,” actually survived Auschwitz twice. Fighting in the Resistance, he was recaptured. After the war, Mr. Mordowicz married and worked as a manager in an electrical parts factory in Slovakia before emigrating to Israel in 19*5. Happy 4th of July Sounds Like You Need A Quality Body Shop... 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