Let Not The Light Of Freedom Be Extinguished! American Home over 100 years of serving Americarv Slovenians Vol. 110, No. 3 American Home Ameriška Domovina* 1 SLOVENIAN MORNING NEWSPAPER USPS 024100 ISSN Number 0164-68X AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 7, 2008 Phone:(216)431-0628 Cl nn E-mail: ahn@buckeveweh.net ^ »UU Aftermath of Communism Lingers In Our World: Slovenia Revisited Mia Krevh, Adriana Gadd, and Mateja Slatinsek are all smiles at St. Mary’s Slovenian Language School dinner on Sunday, Jan. 20 in the parish hall, while Lydia Gadd, far right, is busy serving dinners.____________________________________(Photo and text by Phil Hrvatin) by Eiden Francis Curtiss Archbishop of Omaha I have lived long enough to see an amazing transformation of life in the little country of Slovenia. My first visit there was in 1955 when I was a young seminary student. I spent time with my great uncle who was pastor of a rural parish, and other members of my family. My mother had been born there, but left the country with her parents in 1912 for a new life in America. The communist regime was still quite repressive in 1955, especially regarding the Church. No public manifestation of religion was tolerated, and many priests had been imprisoned and expelled. For nearly 50 years, the communist state promoted atheism and one-party secularism. The Church was consigned to the wastebasket of history. Now Slovenia is a republic and a member of the European Union. The Church is free to carry on its mission, but with limited resources (the communists confiscated much of the church’s property over the years and only a portion of it has been restored). It is struggling to regain support from a population traditionally Catholic, but with many people non-catechized and nonpracticing. It is a slow, arduous task to find ways to insert the Church and her mission into Slovenian life once again. Former Communists continue to have influence One of the problems is the influence of former communists who operate under new democratic guises - they use the media and public institu- tions to promote secular and sometimes a subtle anti-religious agenda. They are determined to prevent the Church from playing a major role in Slovenian life. They have the political experience, and the resources to fund their ideology. I recently read a report by ' Robert Senice, a fellow of the British Academy and professor of history at Oxford, summarizing the methodology of Communism in its various expressions throughout the world: “Communists eliminated or emasculated rival political parties. They attacked religion, culture, and civil society. They trampled on every vision of nationhood except the one approved by communist rulers. They abolished the autonomy of the courts and the press. They centralized power. They set up networks of security police and informers. They claimed infallibility in doctrine and paraded themselves as faultless scientists of human affairs. They insulated societies against alien influences in politics and culture. They fiercely barricaded their priorities. They treated every aspect of social life as in need of penetration by the authorities. They handled people as a resource to be mobilized. They showed little respect for ecology, charity or custom. These commonalities constituted communist order.” Some of these elements continue in the postcommunist era in socialist governments that eschew the title “Communist.” There continues to be a strong anti-religious bias in favor of secular control of society, especially the education of youth. Media control and media propaganda promoting a secular society are evident everywhere in these countries. Former communists continue to be a major political force in eastern Europe. Ignoring Past Persecution of the Church When I was in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, last Pope Receives Slovenian Bishops VATICAN CITY, 24 Jan. - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences seven prelates from the Slovenian Episcopal Conference on their “ad limina" visit. They are: • Archbishop Alojzij Uran of Ljubljana • Bishop Metod Pirih of Koper, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Jurij Bizjak • Bishop Andrej Glavan of Novo Mesto • Archbishop Franc Kramberger of Maribor, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Jožef Smej and Peter Stumpf S.D.B. November, there was a public exhibition in a prominent museum that graphically depicted the suffering of the Church, especially the bishops, priests and religious during the worst years of the communist regime from 1940-1965. The public media in the city ignored this display and refused to give it (Continued on page 2) 019*009*********M*******I>*6-DIG1T 44081 MARIAN McMAHON 3933 OHIO ST PERRY OH 44081-9562 Western Secularism Seen as Slovenia’s Greatest Threat VATICAN, Jan. 24 - The greatest moral challenge facing Slovenia today, Pope Benedict XVI told that country’s bishops in a January 24 meeting, is “Western-style secularism, which is different and perhaps more underhanded than Marxist secu-. larism.” As the country recovers from the after-effects of Communist rule, the Holy Father said, Slovenia is tempted toward “the unbridled pursuit of material goods, the drop in births and the reduction in religious practice. The Pope told the Slovenian bishops - who were in Rome for their ad limina visit - that the Church must counteract the effects of secular ideology. As Slovenia becomes a full member of the European community, he said, the nation’s leaders should be mindful of the crucial importance of building society on a firm moral basis. A strong Europe, the Pope said, “cannot relinquish the principle spiritual and ethical component of its foundation: Christianity.” “Each generation is called to renew the choice between life and goodness and death and evil,” the Pope told the visiting bishops. He exhorted them to redouble their evangelizing efforts, to help protect Slovenian society from the corrosive influence of secular materialism. Thanks to Ed Gobctz and Phil Hrvatin for this news. Thanks to Bogomir Kuhar, pharmacist, of Powell, Ohio for this news. AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 7, 2008 2 AMERICAN HOME AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103-1692 Telephone: 216/431-0628 - Fax: 216/361-4088 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA (USPS 024100) James V. Debevec - Publisher, English Editor Dr. Rudolph M. Susel - Slovenian Editor Ameriška Domovina Permanent Scroll of Distinguished Persons: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Louis B. Baznik, Michael and Irma Telich, Frank J. Lausche, Paul Kosir NAROČNINA: Združene države Amerike: $35 letno Kanada - $3.00 na izvod po redni pošti (ZD valuta) Slovenija in tujina, letalska pošta, $165 letno (ZD valuta) SUBSCRIPTION RATES United States: $35 per year Canada: $3 per issue in U.S. currency (1st class mail) Slovenia and other foreign: $165 U.S. per year (air) AMERICAN HOME (ISSN 0164-680X) is published twice a month for $35 per year by American Home Pub. Co., 6117 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AMERICAN HOME, 6117 St. Clair Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. No. 3 February 7, 2008 Recommends ‘A Bucket List’ by RUDY FLIS Slovenia Revisited: Aftermath of Communism Lingers Lent is here and I remember some past Lents, and how I struggled to do one or two special acts during those 40 days. I wonder if I ever gave up going to the show, or movies as it is referred to these days? That seems to escape my memory at this moment. I wouldn’t consider giving up going to a picture show now-a-days, ‘cause I seldom go to shows any more. Few interest me, so I was surprised when a few weeks past I saw a movie I wish to mention to you. This show has a unique story and two unique actors of whom I feel both should receive an academy award as their talent and experience enriched the story and each other’s performance. I could see it again and enjoy it as much as I did a few weeks ago. Rob Reiner was director and got the job done. Sunday, Feb. 17 from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Slovenian Society Home (Recher Hall), 20713 Rccher Avenue, Euclid, OH, Upper Hall. Help our favorite son Steven Mervar, son of Debbie Mcrvar-Habat and the late Eddie Mervar, stepson of Mark Habat. We need your generous support. Admission is $10 per person with cash bar, sandwiches and many door prizes, 50-50 raffle. He took two old pros and joined them in a different kind of story, and I watched as the minutes whisked by like grease lightning and left me with my mouth open as the screen told me to go home with its blank stare. It’s been a few years since I last enjoyed sitting in a theater and take pleasure in a picture show as I did this movie, “The Bucket List.” Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are far from over the hill in this movie. If you are one who avoids theaters during Lent, put it down in your notebook of things to do as “a must do treat for yourself.” Alone, or with spouse, or friend, you will enjoy this story. I’ll bet you think two old guys just simply cannot make any kind of story interesting. Senior citizens, is it possible we are yet useful? See the picture and you be the judge. We will be featuring a great lineup of musicians donating their talents: • Eddie Rodick • Fred Ziwich • Don Wojtila • Bob Kravos • Eric Noltkampcr, and many Special Guest Artists • Joe Novak & Friends. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or the Polka Hall of Fame, 605 E. 222 St., Euclid, OH, or at the Rcchcr Hall clubroom. Donations can be made to Steven Mervar. (Continued from page 1) any recognition. My friends told me that this was just one more indication of the influence of former communists in the political life of the nation. The secular agenda of too many government officials continue to exclude any real recognition of the important role of Catholicism in the culture and life of the country. My friends in Slovenia acknowledged many values of socialism which they enjoy, such as government-sponsored educational opportunities for all young people, and health care for all citizens (although it takes too much time to schedule doctor’s appointments and clinic visits). They are not opposed to the social agenda of their politicians, but they regret the lingering effects of communism that mistrusts other voices and systems, and considers religion and culture to be remnants of the past. They think that various political systems, including their brand of socialism, can exist with the Church and be supported by the Church. In fact, they think they could have a more just society that would be more peaceful and less contentious if their government and political leaders were less anti-religious. It bothers them that certain political leaders and ordinary citizens consider the Church repressive of human rights and opposed to human development and scientific advancement. It means that too many people do not really understand the mission of the Church, even though they are nominally Catholic. The secular anti-religious force in our country It seems to me that we are facing much the same problem in our own country with secularists who misunderstand and misconstrue the role of the Church in American society. They consider the Church to be autocratic in its leadership and reactionary in its response to changing attitudes and lifestyles. The Church obviously is not structured as a democracy, so in some ways it seems un-American to them. At the same time, they fail to acknowledge their own elitist positions which they try to impose on people in our society, whether they arc acceptable or not. the very elements that made Communism oppressive and intolerant of other ideas and systems are at work in the mindset of modern secularists. They are bent on ridding our society of the influence of all organized religion, especially an international Church that bridges all cultures and all political systems. We Catholics in the United States, like our counterparts in Slovenia, have to do everything we can to preserve our Catholic heritage that provides a foundation for protecting human rights and human freedom in every age and in every place. Recent history has proved that political systems opposed to religion tend to become autocratic and repressive of human rights. We need to hlert people to secular societies that respect no authority other than their own. We need to be very cautious about allowing the elitists in our country to decide our Have you seen the documentary film “Children of Petricek?” At long last, the heart-wrenching story of their post-war suffering is out in the open. In May, 1945, the British authorities in Austria treacherously handed over thousands of Home-guardsmen “Domobranci,” along with many civilian refugees, to communist Partisans. Fate of the Guardsmen is well known, but little was heard about civilians. But nothing remains hidden forever - the once-whispered secrets are now spoken of bravely. Men and women were immediately separated, and the children, ranging in age from infants, to late teens, were forcibly tom from their parents. They were transported to Petricek, a make-shift orphanage near Teharje. After months of abusive punishments and indoctrination, they were stripped of their identities, and farmed out to select foster parents. Only the older ones were political future, if we want to retain all our freedoms, and especially our right to practice our religion as we want and not as others decide for us. Even though Communism as a total system is finished in Europe, elements of it remain in its political successors in many countries. There are some dimensions of the secular agenda in our own country that promotes the same kind of anti-religious prejudice. We need to be aware of this challenge to the Catholic Church and to our American democracy. able to remember their real names and parents. Most never even knew their parents were summarily murdered. The same fate awaited all the civilian refugees in Austria, were if not for one man, never to be forgotten: 'u1 Dr. Valentin Meršol was instrumental in stopping the forced repatriation. On his knees before the British Command, he pleaded to stop sending his people to certain death. With God’s grace, his pleas were successful. Had he not prevailed, many Slovenians would not be here, in their new homeland, able to read about it - in freedom. DSPB Tabor gratefully remembers ‘J Dr. Valentin Meršol with an annual Mass, celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Collinwood. This year’s Mass will be offered on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. All members, friends, and other grateful Slovenians are cordially invited to attend. --M.D. * Joyce Hribar Fiebig Attorney at Law 33977 chardon Road Willoughby Hills Oh 44094 440-516-0200 x 204 Continuing the tradition established in 1952 ^^.hHhnrlaw.rnm ELECT Barbara Anne Ferris to Congress Democrat 10,h District Ohio VOTE - Tuesday, March 4 “...and this page endorses Ferris as the Democrat more in tune with the community, its needs and its future. ” — —P/ain Dealer April 23, 2006 www.ferrisforcongress.com “I will continue to work hard for the safety and security of our community and care for our veterans and seniors, create jobs, and strengthen education!” Paid for by Friends of Barbara Anne Ferris, Joanne Hall, Treasurer Benefit Polka Dance Remembering The Children of Petricek Peter Healy, Southfield Fire Department chief (left), is greeted by Yousif Ghafari, chairman, Ghafari and Associates at the company’s 25th anniversary celebration Aug. 20. Ghafari nominated to be Ambassador to Slovenia Concert & Poetry Reading 3 Mock Wedding Benefits March of Dimes 1S1 annual Mock Wedding (a good time for a very good cause) will be held on Saturday, March 1st from 6 to 12 p.m. at Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd., Willoughby, OH 44095. When you arrive at the mock wedding you and your date will receive your “character roles.” For example, if you are the Groom, your date will be the Bride. If you are flying solo, you will have a chance to catch the bouquet or garter. Cost is $100 per couple ($50 per person). R.S.V.P. by Feb. 17. Send checks to Sandy Danison, 11584 Lakeview Rd., Chardon, OH 44024. Price includes sit down chicken dinner, draft beer, wine, and wedding cake. Tickets will be on sale for a 50/50 raffle. A portion of the proceeds will go to the March of Dimes. Contact Sandy at (440) 477-7533. Top three reasons to join the fun: 1. - A good time 2. - A very good cause 3. - A nice tax deduction. This mock wedding is being organized by Team Luke. Luke was born on Jan. 14, 2004 at 3 pounds, 3 ounces, 29'/z weeks gestation, or I'A months early, stayed in the NICU for 50 days. Sunday, April 27, 2008 will be the 5,h time walking for March of Dimes Team Luke. Luke is now 4-years-old. Luke Mark Danison, a member of AMLA Lodge 1, is the great-grandson of Frank Zorich, one of the founding fathers of SDZ. Luke’s great grandparents are Eddy and Sophie Turk; grandparents are Edward Jr. and Katie Turk, and parents Brian and Sandy Danison, all members of AMLA Lodge 1. If you are unable to attend the mock wedding, but would like to make a donation to March of Dimes, you can send your checks along to Sandy Danison and it will credit Team Luke, which we will turn in on April 27. --Eddie Turk (Eddie is owner of Turk’s Service Station on E. 61 and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland). Necessity dictates policy. --Jim IVORY CITY PIANO SERVICE Albert J. Koporc, Jr. 446 East 152nd St. Cleveland, OH 44110 216-486-1105 DEARBORN, MI - The White House said recently that President George W. Bush will nominate Dearborn businessman Yousif B. Ghafari to serve as U.S. ambassador to Slovenia. Ghafari, 55, is the founder and chairman of Ghafari Inc., an architectural and engineering firm with offices in Dearborn, Chicago, Qatar and India. Ghafari is one of the Detroit area’s leading philanthropists and a prominent Republican fundraiser. He is a member of the Michigan finance committee for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He is the chairman of Ghafari Inc., a full service, multi-disciplined architecture/engineering, manufacturing engineering, consulting and professional staffing organization headquartered in Dearborn. Born in southern Lebanon on Sept. 27, 1952, Ghafari emigrated to the United States in the early 1970s and became an American citizen on Sept. 6, 1978 In April, '1972 he entered Wayne State University to study science and mathematics. He received his bachelor of arts degree in mathematics in 1974; a master of arts in applied mathematics and computer applications in 1975; and a master of science in chemical engineering in 1977. In 1992, Ghafari received his MBA from Michigan State University’s Advanced Management Program. He became a licensed professional engineer in 1984. Under Ghafari’s leadership, his company has received awards from Crain’s Detroit Business, Inc. magazine, Wayne State University, and others, he was named one of the Top 100 “Executive Heroes” in southeastern Michigan for his many philanthropic activities. In addition, Ghafari was inducted into the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit’s “Hall of Fame” and his portrait is on permanent display in downtown Detroit s Cobo Hall Convention Center. As an active athlete, Ghafari has run the Boston Marathon and Detroit Free Press International Marathon. He is married to Mara Ghafari and they have three children: Gabriclle, 25; Nicole, 21; and Peter, 19. Thanks to Edward A. Adamic of Warren, MI for this information. Musical performances by Slovenian choir Korotan and Johnny Sršen and friends will help mark Slovenia’s Presidency of the European Union. Cleveland-based Honorary Consuls of European countries will participate in the program. European Union member countries and other European countries represented will include Germany, Italy, Hungary, Lithuania, Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Serbia, and others. The program will be conducted by Slovenian Consul General Dr. Zvone Žigon on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Slovenian National Home, 6409 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland. Free admission. Cash bar will follow the performances. Membership Certificate Holders Annual Meeting Slovenian Society Home 20713 Recher Avenue Euclid, OH 44119 Sunday, February 10, 2008 2 p.m. We invite all certificate holders and Lodge & Club representatives to attend. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Newspaper Schedule The American Home (Ameriška Domovina) newspaper will continue to be printed twice a month. Deadline for all copy is a week before publishing date. In February, the next American Home newspaper will be published on Feb. 21 In March, the American Home will be published on March 6 and 20. In April the American Home will be published on April 10 and 24. In May, publishing dates are May 8 and 22. @0(§©[J^3(£j QDDCiJ IMlWQD Ok (SffQaOgQ Adriatic Cloast and ^lovenia A 9 day - First Class escorted tour of Croatia, and Slovenia Featuring: Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Ljubljana, Postojna Caves, Lake Bled, Zagreb Departs most Saturdays: April 19 - November 8, 2008 'K 802’ - Tour Cost: from $1548 per person Highlights of Slovenia Enjoy this 6 night fully escorted tour Visiting: Piran, Postojna, Lipica, Goriška Brda, Lakes Bled & Bohinj, and Ljubljana 4* hotels - Breakfast, Dinner and sightseeing daily. Music, wine tasting, great local foods - all included! Departures available May - Oct, 2008 four Cost: $1475 pp KSKJ - Slovenia & Croatia Enjoy this 13 night fully escorted tour featuring: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Goriška Brda, Škocjan Caves, Istrian Penninsula, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, Portorož 4 star hotels - Breakfast, Dinner and sightseeing daily Music, wine tasting, great local foods - all included! September 10 -23, 2008 Tour Cost: $2695 pp Zagreb, Ljubljana & Venice A first class, inclusive tour featuring; 13 nts. in excellent first class hotels, breakfast & dinner daily, wine tasting, guided tours, private coach, local expert sightseeing Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Ljubljana,Venice Visit Croatia, Slovenia, Italy for only: $2248 per person Polka Party at Sea '08 Enjoy a 7 night Polka Party on the Carnival Valor Set Sail from Miami, and enjoy the music of our Polka Hosts ;ind fun with Polka Fans from across the USA. We sail to the shops and beaches of St. Thomas, St. Maarten. Nassau. Prices start at $799 per person!! Call for details and more information! Over 150 signet! up! Join the Fun! — Featuring the musical talents of - - -Adam Barthalt, Hank Thunander, Joey Tomsick, Mike Schneider _______Seibert’s - California Polka Power, and Jack Tady March 9- 16, 2008 !! Please call, write, or email for a complete brochure !! discount airfare available from most cities for any tour Group Leaders? - Call to plan your next adventure! Kollander World Travel m. villfcy 971 E- 185th St-Cleveland OH 44119 (800)800-5981 - (216)692-1000 OW"&bc«f923VorW www.kollander.com AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 7, 2008 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 7, 2008 On The Road to Auburn, Indiana One of the automobiles that truly retained uniqueness and style was the Auburn Boat-tail speedster. The back of the auto is shaped like a boat’s bow. It is a two door convertible auto. It is a timeless vehicle and a gutsy ride to boot. ) MMei r J The picture above shows the dual purpose of the third room - rental for parties and events as well as static displays around the perimeter. These static displays had great depth in how much they collected and how they tracked the subject. (Continued from last issue) by PHIL PERME There were many other automobiles on the third floor - so much that they were too many to photograph or describe. Many brands, past or still in production, were represented of the 1920s, ‘30s, ‘40s, and up to a 1999 Plymouth Prowler in purple. Before automobile manufacturers boiled down to GM, Ford and Chrysler, there were hundreds. Dotting the landscape were several Cleveland auto makers including White Motors. The third floor also showed the offices of Gordon Buehrig, chief engineer, and his models, drawings and actual autos. There is something for everyone, and a lot to see. We rendezvoused on the first floor by the entrance. We took a much-deserved sitting break after a good three hours or so of walking, viewing, snapping pictures and buying souvenirs. The time slice of three hours seemed perfect. We saw what attracted our eye, it registered an impression, we learned and will remember. Any more than three hours tends to make everything a generic memory. For the ACD museum that would have been a disservice. We made plans for the next phase of the day - the Hoo-sier Air Museum. This looked like the best choice since we expected it to be a smaller museum and thankfully it was. However, it was better than we expected. Hoosier Air Museum -WWII, Vietnam, Korea The Hoosier Air Museum was located on the south side of the runway at the DeKalb County Airport, Auburn. It is totally self funded and derives money from donations and fund-raising activities. It is operated by the Hoosier Warbirds, Inc., an organization comprised of over 150 aviation enthusiasts. They meet regularly and have guest speakers who served in our wars. The reason I provided all the information above is because this museum really impressed my Dad. He having been a WWII B-17 pilot makes for an educated and respectful museum viewer. So I was pleased the museum was to his liking and exceeded his expectations. The airplanes and engines and such in the small hanger were OK. Many other museums including Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum are many times larger. However, what was unique was the library room with many books, plaques, models and a place to relax and learn. A nice place with a nice pace. We donated a few dollars and said goodbye to the two gents running the museum. One was an ex-Marine Vietnam era and the second was an ex-Marine Korea era. Both were nice guys. The Vietnam ex-Marine was a bit irreverent to the other branches of the service, but it was all in good fun. From the airport we drove back to the hotel - creatively since we turned the wrong way exiting the museum. However, we traversed and found our way to the main road. It all worked out and we went back to our rooms for some relaxing horizontal down time. That was about 2:30 p.m. Search for a Good Steak Upon reaching the hotel, parking the car and walking into the lobby, we discussed what we would do next and when. No one was hungry so we decided to meet in the lobby about 4:30 and go out to eat. Dan indicated he would treat and to look for a steak house in the area. At that juncture we went up to the rooms and relaxed. I think we all napped a bit but I can only speak for myself. Four-thirty p.m. came and I went downstairs to the lobby. Dad and Don took a little longer to get down to the lobby. So I took advantage of the time and got some restaurant information from the hotel staff. Seems there were only three steak house restaurant choices in proximity of the hotel that were local - not chain restaurants. I narrowed it down to one and we set out for the Bridgewater Country Club restaurant. It was a nice drive - pleasant day and wide open land. We finally found the restaurant and it was barely alive. If they served dinner, they wouldn’t have much of a staff to do it. So we opted to look elsewhere. We had ample choices of good chain restaurants back by the hotel. We agreed on Applebce’s restaurant. It was a little after 5 p.m., so it wasn’t crowded and the staffing was in place for the dinner rush. That is a nice combination since it results in fast and efficient service. We were seated immediately and had our beverages within minutes. Dad ordered the steak. I ordered the three for $10.99 deal as did Dan. We enjoyed our meals, including dessert, very much. Dad’s steak was excellent as we all sampled it. Dessert was seasonally inspired. I don’t remember what I got, but I do remember it was good and shared. Like three happy and fed politicians, we relaxed at the table after the dinner. Our server was from Brazil, South America and is attending an area college. Where she lived in Brazil never received snow or even cold. She had braved Indiana since February, 2007. I wonder how she will feel about the full winter of 2007/2008. She thought 55 degrees was cold. Welcome to the Midwest. An interesting fact is that Brazil speaks Portuguese, not Spanish as the other surrounding countries. Her name was Tatiana and she was genuinely glad to be in the U.S. and be a part of the culture. I’ve met people like Tatiana - zest for life, appreciate the important things and just beam sincere good will - but not as often as I wish. The attitude and approach - fearless, open and confident as well as genuinely giving from the heart - is refreshing and life affirming. Life really is simple; I think we complicate it. We were all impressed with Tatiana’s command of English after only about eight months. She did her part to fit in her world in Indiana. We certainly appreciated it. Dan and Dad were also impressed with how she handled herself, her sincerity and warmth. We all wished her very well in her future. Relax - Dan Goes to Festival in Auburn We got back to the hotel in a matter of minutes since the restaurants were very near. A short bit of discussion and Dad and I figured we’d call it a night and just hang out in the room then go to sleep when the time came. Dan was curious about the festival and would go there later that night. I read some more, recorded a few more comments and fell asleep way too early. I awoke after my mis-timed nap and screwed up my sleeping times. Not one to give up and one who enjoys a good rest, I managed to get back to sleep. If only all of life’s challenges were as simple. Dad managed to watch some TV - more of Ken Burn’s “The War” series. Dan conversely set out for I paid too much for it, but it is worth it. A little pain never hurt anyone. We do not anticipate any emergencies. I marvel at the strength of human weakness. I’m not going to say, “I told you so.” I’m proud of my humility. It isn’t an optical illusion. It just looks like one. No matter where you go, there you are. May I ask a question? the Auburn festival and by reports the next morning from him, he enjoyed it. Dan said the people were nice, courteous and respectful. He was impressed by the civic pride of the people of Auburn. This festival started on Monday and went all week. This was also a school week. So the festival represents most likely the fruit of their labors in terms of time and celebration. My guess is it concurs with the end of harvest. Probably more of a Midwestern trait, they were family oriented and quiet, productive people. This is America of which I am proud. Same goes for Dad and Dan. Anyone who isn’t confused here doesn’t really know what’s going on. I’ve told you for the fifty-thousandth time, quit exaggerating. Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined. He lived his life to the end. —Philip Hrvatin Wachovia Securities (216) 574-7371 This room holds the video slide of the library which actually included flight simulators. For a smaller operation, these museum volunteers should be and were commended by us. (All photos by Phil Perme) (To Be Continued) Oxymoronic Statements: The Chronicle of Louis R. Erste (Continued from last issue) by Louis C. Erste _______(aka “Lou”)_______ 1970’s Aren’t So Good Louie bought a used 1968 Plymouth but unfortunately, on the way to church at St. Vitus one Sunday morning, Oct. 4, 1970, he plowed into the back end of another fellow’s car at W. 25th and Denison Avenue. It totaled Louie’s car and wiped out the back on one side of the other car; a brand new Mercury. After a couple of months of negotiating with the other fellow, it was necessary to buy him a new Mercury. Unfortunately, this automobile accident left Louie and Rose without a car, but since Fran and John each had a car, Fran gave her fully loaded Ford Fairlane to Louie and Rose. Early in 1971 a lump of cancer was discovered in Rose’s breast and she was admitted to St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland where the lump was removed and the prognosis good. She spent about a week in the hospital. With the switch in houses, Lou and Betty now owned 3815 and 3817 Schiller but before building a house on their lot in Brecksville it was necessary to sell their houses in Cleveland. As mentioned earlier, both houses were the oldest on Schiller Avenue, and the neighborhood, for that matter. 3817 had been built as a bam or shed for 3815 and had been converted to a house later on. Before selling the houses it was necessary to “dress them up” and make them more appealing so Lou and Louie joined forces and started decorating. Lou installed wood paneling in the bedrooms at 3817 and Louie wallpapered two of the bedrooms at 3815. Louie had been working at his wallpapering for a few days and was doing a lousy job and he knew it, but he just didn’t have the strength to do better. Everyone else was satisfied because it looked better than before and Louie was happy to be able to do something for Lou and Betty. On Thursday, March 4, 1971, when Louie got up in the morning, around 9 am, he felt so good that he planned to drink his cup of coffee, go next door to 3815, finish the last of his wallpapering and then go home and take a nap, so he didn’t make his bed like he usually did. Unfortunately, at about 12:30 pm, Louie missed the last step of his ladder while hanging wallpaper and fell to the floor in one of the bedrooms at 3815 Schiller. At his age, 83, his bones were brittle and fragile which caused his hip to break in the fall. Betty called Lou home from work where he found Louie sitting on the toilet (with the toilet seat top down). He got Louie into bed where he could cover him with a blanket since he was cold. Other than being cold. Louie was in good spirits and holding his own. by 8:45 that evening it became apparent that Louie needed to go to a hospital because he probably had a broken hip. Waiting for that time period gave Louie the opportunity to calm down. Although he didn’t have a great deal of pain, he was stressed from the injury. Betty called for a police ambulance and they took Louie to Deaconess Hospital which was the closest hospital. Personnel at Deaconess were busy, and delay upon delay began, they had to contact Louie’s primary physician who recommended a surgeon to repair the hip. They didn’t have a bed available so all the while this went on they left Louie lying on a steel table in the hall with no blanket. Since it was March it was snowing and cold and the emergency room at the hospital was drafty besides. Louie asked Lou to give him his overcoat to keep warm, which he gladly did. Eventually Louie was admitted to the hospital and installed in room 201 bed 1. The same night, F.R. Holzworth, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, informed us that Louie’s surgery was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. the next day. When Lou and Betty arrived at the hospital at 1:45 p.m. Friday, they were told that the operation had been re-scheduled to 1 and was already underway. Dr. Holzworth repaired Louie’s hip, replacing the ball in the ^0n^i Melodies from Beautiful Slovenia Sfaivnidti fur.-Jin fuprzifp to wmc RDC Prcpam Dinaor WC5U ay.3 IW RMlia IIDT1U. Sunil«/y-UKiiri WsdnniJiy 6-* pm JWi iotnmek Dir* wiiimigi&r Million mdpi •HiWSJ-tWTWfM wit; www.wctti.ojg socket and afterward he said everything went beautifully. He said Lou and Betty should go home and call back in a couple of hours to see if Louie was out of the recovery room before returning. After calling a few times it was learned that he was finally back to his room at almost 7 p.m., so they went to see him immediately. He was very groggy and slept most of the time as is common after an operation. Louie survived the hip operation and Dr. Holzworth visited him daily for the hip issue, but he suffered other complications and was under the care of another doctor who was recommended by his primary physician because his primary physician didn’t practice at Deaconess Hospital. The other doctor did not seem very conscientious, allowing Louie to suffer without medication. Lou tried to find out when the doctor would be at the hospital for regular visits so he waited for the doctor for hours, but to no avail. The doctor was told that Lou wanted to talk to him but he never showed up in Louie’s room to meet Lou. The entire event was an unhappy one. For the first couple of days of Louie’s hospitalization Lou and Betty didn’t want to tell Rose what had happened since she was still in St. Vincent Hospital recovering from her cancer surgery. Of course, Rose insisted on knowing why Louie wasn’t coming to visit her and when she called home at 1:20 p.m. (just before Lou and Betty went to the hospital) the day of Louie’s operation, she had to be told what had happened. She had herself released from the hospital the following morning. Saturday, March 6th, Betty brought Rose home from Charity Hospital and then to It has been a few months since a reminder appeared in the American Home about the effort by Rich Terselic and Chuck Debevec to gain access to old 78 rpm phonograph records containing Slovenian polkas, waltzes and choral singing. It is our goal to preserve the “oldies” by converting them to compact disc (CD) format. Each reminder produces one or more new inquiries. Using modem computer technology, Chuck is able to Deaconess Hospital in the afternoon. Betty said she felt very warm seeing Louie and Rose embrace when they met. Louie was still weak but holding his own. That evening Saturday, March 6th, Lou took Betty’s father, Alex Ross, to see Louie in the hospital. Not only did the two of them live next door to each other, but they worked on projects together, especially cutting trees at Lou and Betty’s lot, so Alex was concerned about Louie. (To Be Continued) produce excellent reproductions from even scratched or cracked discs. If you have no further interest in keeping your 78s, we will provide them a good home, or after converting them to CD format, will return them, along with a CD containing the selections from the 78s. Contact Rich c/o 9003 Harris Street, Frederick, MD 21704-7827. 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