sconsin
-No' 2- Chicaeom
Organized December■
Organized December 19, 1926
DECEMBER, 1980
NUMBER 12
VOLUME 52
ZARJA - THE DAWN DATES TO REMEMBER
(ISSN 0044-1848)
NO. 12	DECEMBER,	1980	VOLUME	52
Meinbei, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske /veze.
Published monthly except one combined issue, July August — izhaja vsak mesec razen skupne številke za julij-avgust.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $10.00 — naročnina $10.00 letno za ne-člane. Por social Members, .65 per month za družabne članice .65 mesečno.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION Ol AMERICA
/ARJA, 4il No. Chicago St. Joliet, III. 60432 Telephone (SIS) 727-1926
Second C lass Postage paid at Chicago, Hi All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the EIRST of the month. — Vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednica do I. v mesecu.
Editor. CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 2032 W. Cerinak Rd., Chicago, III. 60608 __________________Telephone (312) S4 7-66 79______________
ON THE COVER...
RECALLING HISTORY WITH ANNIVERSARY PICTURES OF THE PAST
Br. 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin celebrated their 25th anniversary in 1951 with a gala banquet when this photo was taken. In the front row are the officers serving the branch at that time, from left:
Ursula Marver, Sgt. at Arms, Anna Modiz, Recording Secretary, Mary Turk, Treasurer, Christine Rupnik, President, Marie Prisland, Founder, Teresa Zagožen, Secretary, Mary Krainc, Anna Zavrl and Christine Sterk, Auditors.
Our picture of Br. 2 Chicago, Illinois was taken at their 40th anniversary celebration in October of 1966, one of the finest events in their history. The S.W.U. Founder is seated in the center with officers, from left, Stefanie Osterman, Vice President, Albina Novak, Secretary, Josephine Železnikar, President and Corinne Leskovar, Recording Secretary. Standing are Luba Troha, Sentinel, Mitzi Krapenc, Sophie Petrovič and Frances Zibert, Auditors and Anne Zorko, Hostess.
And, on September 10, 1967, the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Br. 3, Pueblo, Colorado was held in conjunction with the State Convention. Guests seated at the table were, from left, Christine Konte (Br. 66), Rev. Frank Kogovšek, State President Anna Pachak, Master of Ceremonies John D. Butkovich, National Secretary, Albina Novak, Rev. Daniel Gnidica and Charter Member, Mary Bozaich.
We approach our 55th year of Zveza! May all our branches succeed in all their endeavors and that this milestone is just one of many more to come!
EDITOR
“S uccess W ith U nity” MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
We need your cooperation to increase our ranks!
ANNUAL MEETINGS & CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Dec. 1 — Br. 73, Warrensville Hgts., OH Dec. 3 — Br. 33, Duluth, MN Dec. 3 — Br. 38, Chisholm, MN Dec. 4 — Br. 13, San Francisco, CA Dec. 7 — Br. 22, Bradley, IL Dec. 7 — Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA Dec. 7 — Br. 19, Eveleth, MN Dec. 9 — Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH Dec. 10 — Br. 40, Lorain, OH (Party)
Dec. 10. — Br. 85, Depue, IL Dec. 11 — Br. 45, Portland, OR Dec. 11 — Br. 43, Milwaukee, Wl Dec. 11 — Br. 2, Chicago, IL Dec. 13 — Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH Dec. 14 — Br. 50, Cleveland, OH Dec. 16 — Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI Dec. 16 — Br. 54, Warren, OH Dec. 17— Br. 32, Euclid, OH Dec. 21 — Br. 20, Joliet, IL Dec. 21. — Br. 17, West Allis, Wl Dec. 28 — Br. 105, Detroit, Ml
JUNIORS’CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Dec. 6 — Br. 2, Chicago, IL.
Dec. 11 — Br. 45, Portland, OR Dec. 13 — Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH Dec. 16— Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL
l^frrT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN DECEMBER
National Officer:
Dec. 6 — Albina Uehlein, Director, Lakewood, Oil
Presidents:
National Women’s Activities
Dec. 6 — Stella Ciccioni, Ur. 70, W. Aliquippa, lJA Dec. I? — Victoria Volk, Ur. 99, lilmhurst, II Dec. 21 — Mary Mihelich, Ur. 79, limimclaw, WA Dec. 26 — Dorothy Lausche, Ur. 15, Cleveland, OH Dec. 30 — Jennie Gerk, Ur. 47, Garfield Hgts., Ol I Dec. 31 — I rances Vidmar, lir. 83, Crosby, MN
Secretaries:
Dec. 23 — Mary Meadows, Ur. 56, Hibbing, MN Dec. 29 — Elizabeth Uirk, Ur. 84, New York, N.Y. Dec. 30— Mary Jermene, Ur. 85, Depue, II.
Many happy returns of the day!
“BOŽi© - e H ft I STM A S
President’s Message
The holidays are approaching and with them happy thoughts and plans: celebrating with our families, exchanging gifts and cards with friends. With this in mind, let us first remember the Child Jesus, who is the reason for all our joy.
Because we need the togetherness of the holiday season, we should try extra hard to offer our services to our respective branches, if asked. When elections are held in your branch, offer your time and efforts as an officer. It is a privilege to be so designated. It makes you a leader; someone members look up to for advice and understanding. This is the backbone of our Zveza.
Many of you will have Christmas parties for your children and adult members. This is a good way to enjoy the season among friends.
We receive letters from women who live far from their parental homes and are interested in their heritage. One young lady from Santa Barbara, California, asked for an application from our Home Office, because of her interest after receiving S.W.U. Cook Book from her mother in Minnesota. Missives like this warm my heart and make me feel we still have much potential in this land of ours. Let’s get our friends to interest their families, maybe through a Cook Book as a Christmas gift. It’s worth a try.
Interest has been building in regard to the S.W.U. Catholic Women’s Conference, now being planned for July 19th in Lemont, Illinois. A format is being completed for guest speakers, etc. Hopefully we can count on our members, throughout the U.S. to sponsor bus trips to this event. We will welcome friends, as well as relatives of our membership. It is my feeling that we are in desperate need of spiritual guidance with the problems the world has today. Perhaps a multitude of prayer will carry some weight in that direction.
Many areas held their State Conventions during the month of October and much was brought out in discussion. It is a good time to air our differences and bring about some understanding, while we renew our acquaintances with sister-members.
For our ailing members a wish is for better health; happiness and knowledge that our prayers are with you.
I	wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. & Mrs. John Pachak on the sudden death of their son, William. For him and all our deceased a plea that the Lord keep them in His heaVenly environs.
My sincerest holiday greetings to the board members as well as all our membership and their families, with the hope that the Christ Child will give you good health and a happy outlook on life.
May God Walk With You.
Mary Muller
Rev. Athanasius Lovrenčič, O.F.M.
Time of expectation
Advent time is a time of expectation, a time of preparation for the great day, when we celebrate the birth of the divine child, whom God sent as our Redeemer. The advent time we celebrate in our liturgy reminds us of the very first advent of thousands of years ago when the human race was awaiting the redemption, when the fulness of time came and God’s promise was fulfilled.
Our Mother Church is very serious when she gives us St. John the Baptist as our model as he crys out; Prepare the way of the Lord. From our experience we know the more we are prepared for Christmas, the more we grasp the meaning of Christmas, the more real joy we get out of this holy season.
Modern man doesn’t have much from of all the preparation that he is making for the 25th of December; he doesn’t have time, still less patience for “Expectation”; modern man has to have what he wants right now, he must have his full enjoyment right now, therefore Christmas for him is just a celebration when he has a “good time”.
But this is not the mentality of a Christian; our advent time is not just the preparation for the forthcoming Christmas but at the same time a reminder of Christ’s second coming; for this second coming, our whole life is a long but final advent. If we neglect our preparation for this forthcoming birth of Christ, well, we think, Christmas will come and go and we shall return to our daily routine. But with our life long advent is a different story; when this one is over, there won’t be another one.
The real meaning of the advent and Christmas seasons is precisely this: with our liturgical celebration of these holy days we come closer to Christ, we start to understand more and more the meaning of Christ’s first coning and in this way we start to live a better life, a life full of hope; after all, Christmas is the Birthday of Jesus who came among us, that one day we would be with Him in heaven.
CHICAGO SLOVENIANS ENJOY THEIR SPECIAL DAY
October 4, 1980 was a very special evening in Chicago, as it marked the 30th anniversary of the Slovenian American Radio Club as well as the Slovenian Day Festival. In the past, Slovenian Day has always been celebrated with joyous laughter and much excitement; however, this year’s event was extra special.
The program opened with greetings from Ludwig Leskovar, founder and president of S.A.R.C., followed by the singing of the American and Slovenian national anthems by the Slovenska Pesem Chorus. Under the direction of Rev. Dr. Vendelin Spendov, OFM, the Chorus continued with their own selection of inspiring Slovenian folk songs, which helped to set the mood of this very special evening.
The S.A.R.C. Folk Dancers, donned in the various regional costumes of Slovenia, then presented to us MISS SLOVENIAN DAY for 1980 - Miss Wanda Gregorich. They escorted her on stage amidst the gentle stirrings of a graceful waltz. Wanda is daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Louis Gregorich of Chicago.
The program continued with the France Prešeren Singing Society presenting their own rendition of folk songs. We were then introduced to the newest Slovenian folk singing group in Chicago -- GLAS SLOVENIJE — It is a musical ensemble directed by John Arko, which promises many hours of enjoyment for all of us.
The senior and junior folk dancers also made their contributions to the program with several skits, and traditional folk dances. Their happy faces and spry steps make them a delight to audiences everywhere. Many compliments to their directors.
The highlight of the evening’s festivities was the performance of the ansambel “Galebi” and the accompanying trio “Mavrica” of Opčine near Trieste. They are an extremely talented group of spirited young men and women who take great pride in their Slovenian heritage. This comes across in their songs, for they give all of us a feeling that to be Slovenian is truly something wonderful. Following the program they provided music for dancing, creating such an air of excitement so that none of us wanted them to stop. They were truly the “piece de resistance” of the festival.
And finally, we would like to mention the person who was the “star” of the Festival, none other than Corinne Leskovar. The Slovenian American Radio Club named her Slovenian of the Year for 1980, and deservedly so. In addition to being supreme officer in SWU and editor of ZARJA and director of the SARC Folk Dancers, she is involved in numerous civic and cultural organizations. Her contributions to the Radio Club and the Slovenian community in Chicago have been so great, that no award could truly do her justice. We are very proud to have her among us in Branch No. 2, and it is our sincere hope that she will continue with all her endeavors as well as grace us with her charming personality.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Members of Branch 2 Chicago, Illinois
Hopp - sa - sa! Around and around, tying up the boys in a neat package to the tune of the Slovenian polka, the little folk dancers of the Slovenian American Kado Club in Chicago delighted the Slovenian Festival audience in October. Among them is Jeff Nusko, grandson the late Albina Novak, who is a life-long member. Their teacher, Magda Simrayh is the newly-elected president of Br. 2.
FROM OUR WOMEN’S ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
DECEMBER! One of the busiest months of the year, finalizing our affairs of the past 12 months, getting ready for the new year, with new officers and new ideas, and also celebrating the most important event of all times, with religious services, plus entertainment, for young and old.
Congratulations to all the women who have accepted offices in all the branches across the country and especially to the very young women who had the initiative to accept an officer’s job for the first time. We all need new and young ideas and this is an excellent way to "break-in" the younger generation. Many of our members have held offices for years and even as many as 50 years and over. These are dedicated women to the Slovenian Women's Union and going into the second and third generations of families. Our sincere t hunks to them all.
At this time, / would like to wish A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THE HAPPIESTOENEW YEARS to our National Board, The Editor, Officers and members of all our branches.
ALBINA UEH LEIN Women’s Activities
“HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL” MILO AND ALBINA UEHLEIN
YOU ARE...
“TODA Y'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN"
facing the modern world and its problems and decisions on a daily basis. Knowing this — the realization of it — has prompted the Slovenian Women’s Union to undertake a great project, the first Christian Women's Conference of the S. W. U. to be held in Lemont, Illinois the weekend of July 18-19, 1981.
The theme oj the conference will be “The Christian Woman of Today”, an all-encompassing title, within which many subjects of interest can be included.
It is to be a gathering of women, from far and near, all walks of life, members and non-members — all will be welcome. We will attempt to seek a better understanding of Christian teachings as they apply to women and as they can help us to find the strength and courage to live out God's plan for us.
We are proud to announce that our main celebrant and homilist will be The Most Rev. Alois Ambrozich, D.D., Bishop of Toronto, Canada. He is one of the highest-ranking Slovenian priests in North America and is the representative in Canada of all Catholic ethnic minorities living there. We are honored that Bishop Ambrozich has consented to conduct the Conference and offer us the benefits of his wisdom and experience.
Our S. W. U. Spiritual Director, Rev. Athanasius Lovrenčič, Custos of the Slovenian Franciscan Fathers, is our moderator and coordinator of the event. All necessary accommodations to enable us to have a relaxed atmosphere will be provided.
The grounds of the Shrine and Monastery are beautiful and will be the perfect setting for outdoor activities that wilt include Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a Candlelight procession around the Stations of the Cross at Lake Bled Park and Rosary Park. The Conference will be conducted in both languages, Slovenian and English.
As details become available, you will be informed in ZARJA of preparations and programs, travel to Lemont and best accommodations for the weekend of July 18-19th. Make your plans now to be a part of this spiritual event, the S.W.U. Christian Women’s Conference.
We each need to find in ourselves the inner faith and strength that will help us to fulfill our roles in life. This “retreat" has one and only one purpose, to increase our faith and love of God and to make us better women.
Editor
A CTIVITIES OF OUR BRANCHES
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, WI
There was a nice turn-out at the October meeting, which included a Halloween party enjoyed by all.
The Secretary’s report and her audited books were approved.
Anne Modiz, state president gave a resume’ on the state convention held in Milwaukee by branch No. 43 and we are grateful to her for chartering a bus which enabled us to attend the Convention and Banquet.
A motion was made and seconded to give a donation to the Chapel Fund, Greendale Cemetery.
Our branch has several events coming up in 1981:
A bake sale will be held the latter part of February; our city Sheboygan, will be the scene of the Midwest Bowling Tournament to be held in April.
The State Convention will be likewise held here on September 25th.
Also it was moved and seconded the annual meeting with a Christmas party will be held on December 16th at 7:30 P.M. in the St. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall. Please try and attend. If you are taking care of your dues please come early.
Get well wishes and a cherry hello to all the shut-ins, sick and older members.
A special Christmas greeting to all the branches.
Happy Birthday Zveza! (December 19th)
We will dispense with the January meeting and the first meeting in the new year will be on the third Tuesday in February.
MARGARET FISCHER Reporter
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL
Holiday time is here again with plans for parties in the making. December 6th, we’ll have the usual ^Childrens’ party with goodies, gifts and Santa Claus. Entertainment is also in the planning. The time is 1 pm and the place is St. Stephen’s Lower Hall. Junior members are invited to bring their families with them.
On December 11th, members are asked to attend a 7:30 pm mass commemorating our 54th Anniversary. The adult members’ Christmas Dinner will follow in the lower hall at St. Stephen’s. Tickets will be $3 for members and $5 per guest. Be sure to call in for reser-
vations by December 5th. Corinne Leskovar heads the committee and you can call her at 847 6679 or Secretary, Jean Zubek, 243 4738. Grab-bag of $3 value is optional and please write your name on the gift package.
On the sick list is Elsie Melissa. Remember her in your prayers. As I submit this report for publication, we have lost one of our members, Albina Rakovec. She was our good neighbo. on Cermak Rd. and loyally attended meetings. It was called to our attention also that Mary Mesinger died in California. God grant them peace and our deepest sympathy to the families.
Past president and “Sunshine Lady”, Frances Zibert has moved to New Buffalo, Michigan. She’ll be missed. Frances was a very active member here at St. Stephen’s at various lodges. Before leaving, she promised to come back and visit as often as possible.
Kiara Jaclyn was born on Oct. 10th to Adrienne (Oblak) and John McCormick. Congratulations to the proud parents and grandmother, Jennie Oblak. Yours Truly became a grandmother to little Jenifer Nicole Scieszka born Nov. 5th. She is the first-born of my son Gene and his wife, Eileen.
So, members, don’t forget the date of Dec. 11th and be sure to attend the festivities and help us all celebrate the holidays. To everyone, “Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
ANN SCIESZKA
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH
Our October meeting was very well-attended. Everyone was glad to be back to regular meetings. With all the concerts, dinners going on, the ladies feel there is so much to talk about, after being away from our meeting the past three months.
We have some sadness to report. Five of our members have lost their dear ones including me. Mrs. Louise Kastelic lost her husband, Joseph, Mrs. Steffie Koncilja also, her husband, Joseph in California, Frances Kraus lost her husband, Louis and my husband, Raymond J. also passed away. It is so tragic to lose your loved one. Eternal rest grand unto them, until we meet again in Heaven.
Our recording secretary, Rezka
Kerraccioli lost her father who lived in Lipsanj, Slovenia.
Our deepest sympathies to all the remaining relatives and families.
Member, Josephine Brusich suffered a fall coming out of church and broke her ankle. We wish her a speedy recovery.
A few weeks ago at St. Mary’s Church in Collinwood, we, the parishioners, were honored to have a 50th Jubilee for Rev. Louis Tomtz. The church was filled, we had a procession in narodne noše and all the men who keep our church in such nice order were ushers. Beautiful singing was done by the choir and the organist, Ivan Rigler. Later, a nice dinner was held at the church where relatives, friends and the socieites of the church were able to meet with Fr. Tomtz. Thanks to our pastor, Rev. Victor Tome who made this all possible. Rev. Tomtz is our Slovenian speaking assistant and we all love him very much.
In November, our elections were to take place and we will report on this next month.
Winter is just around the corner and soon we will be going into 1981. To all we wish a very happy holiday. To our ailing members, a speedy recovery. My very best wishes. Hope to see you at the December meeting.
SOPHIE MAGAYNA
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI
October’s meeting wasn’t as well-attended as we like. It seems several of the regulars weren’t feeling too well, so here’s hoping they all took good care of themselves and are back with us the rest of the year to help celebrate the coming holidays.
Meeting began with Frances Plesko leading us in prayer in our mother tongue, Slovenian.
The various reports were given and all accepted as read.
A detailed report of our card party was given and thanks to all our generous donors of door prizes, bakers and workers, we did pretty well. At least, we should be able to meet our year’s expenses.
Stavia Dobersek gave her delegate report on the State Convention and we tried to carify some of the questions brought up.
A card party date for 1981 was discussed but not definitely settled as we are trying to avoid dates the other Slovenian groups have, and halls are getting hard to rent.
Our Thanksgiving luncheon was discussed and we decided not to make it too elaborate, so we’re leaving it up to the birthday girls.
Stavia led us in the closing prayer in English and we got seated for our luncheon. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Theresa Sukys, Ursula Ruppe and Evelyn Laurich. A good number of prizes were donated by several of the members in attendance which were given out that night. The tables were set up by Frank and Jo Wilhelm who always arrive early to see that we have an attractive setting, this time for Halloween.
Marie Brekan donated a strudel, Julia Pesec and Ann Plautz brought cakes. Thanks to all our generous bakers and donors.
We stayed longer than usual, playing our favorite game. God bless you all and remember our ailing ones in prayer!
MARY DEZMAN
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Sorrow once again visited Branch No. 13 with the death of Sister Frances Schneller Sankovich. Frances and her sister, Helen Butala, now deceased, were regular-attending members until Frances moved to Santa Rosa to be near her two sons, Mike and George. Frances had been confined to a rest home for a few years. My personal memories of her were of many happy times spent in her company in my youth. This dear lady will be missed by her two sons, Mike and George Schneller their wives, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Heaven with you, dear sister Helen, and your many friends await you! Dear friend, may peace be yours and a knowledge your family loved you and will be a pround reminder that YOU walked among us and left the best of yourself behind for all to remember.
Our trip to Reno and Sparks was a most happy time for all, thanks to our President, Josephine Aiuto. Games were enjoyed on the trip up adding much laughter and truly made the time pass so swiftly. 1 don’t know about the rest of our travelers but I came home wiser and poorer. Happy times like this add richly to our book of memories, thanks to Jo.
Happy Holidays are in the offing and we wish one and all a most Joyous Season. Where do the years go? It seems the years simply roll so swiftly away. It is not due to age as I’ve so often felt, as even the young complain of the passing of time. It must be events and the times being so full that the days are just not long enough to accomplish all that is set out for us each day. Soon the end of another year will be here and I hope
1981 will be a productive and happy year for each and every one. Fill each day with love for one another, be kind and smile happily; good vibrations bring happiness in return. Happy Holidays to all!
Katie Radovich, our only charter member, is recovering nicely from a hip operation and walking with a walker already. This sweet lady has had a really dreadful time with illness so it is happily that I write of her recovery. Many prayers for her health have been answered. We love you and miss you and await your return to our group. Get well!
FRANE. CHIODO, Reporter
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
Sorry for not reporting any news in the last couple of months but my husband Joe has been in and out of hospitals since July. But, now he is improving and I’m able to get back to a more normal routine.
Our meetings have been well-attended. There wasn’t anything special decided, just ordinary things were discussed. Members who were reported ill are:
Jennie Vidovič, Josephine Cebulj, Ann Novinc (Kewanee), Rose Klemenčič and Mary Koljat. We wish them all improved health. Our prayers and good thoughts are with them.
Deepest sympathy to our member, Pauline Anzelc who’s husband, Ray, died recently. Our sincere condolences are offered to the families and relatives of our members, Josephine Poropat, Vera Krajic, Josephine Lapuh and Margaret Baron. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Our November meeting was the annual session for voting on issues and in December, we will have the elections of officers and our Christmas Party.
Congratulations to our member, Mitzi Globokar and her husband, Vince on the celebration of their 25th Wedding Anniversary on October 29th. The best of everything to both of you always.
Best wishes to all members who have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries the past few months. See you at the December meeting.
ANTOINETTE ZABUKOVEC
NO. 16, SOUTH CHICAGO, IL
Our October meeting was very well-attended. President Marge Prebil led the members in prayer for Marie Cherne, our recently deceased member. A report was given on the Illinois-Indiana State Convention hosted by Branch No. 95. We had a
group of 39 ladies and men attended the beautiful Mass at Sacred Heart Church. Father Mark Kozina delivered an inspiring homily and joined us for dinner along with Father David Stalzer. It was held at the Jovial Club. Many lively discussions took place showing that the members were really concerned with the welfare of the SWU.
The children’s Christmas party is being planned by Beverly Matushek and Mary Christine Whalen. It will be held at St. George’s hall on Saturday, December 6th. Money for the party was raised at a Mini bazaar of holiday decorations held at the November meeting.
We discussed our adult Christmas party and Anna Lustig agreed to take charge. It was to be held at the Villa Cosenza on Tuesday, November 11. More on this later.
Get-well greetings are wished for Romaine O’Brien, Jean Franko. Mary Primožič and Zora Yurkus.
Sunshine prizes went to Mary Crnokrak and Bernice Jarkovich.
We had an abundance of goodies to feast on at the end of the meeting as October seemed to be a popular birthday month. Many happy returns were extended to Dolores O’Brien, Phyllis Perko, Dorothy Perko, Millie Skul, Mary Ann Starcevich and Edna Winters.
Edna Winters has been instrumental in publicizing our Slovenian heritage. At our local senior citizen’s club Halloween party, Edna, Gladys Buck and Della Selenik appeared as the “Slovenian Trio.” Gladys and Della each in their ‘Narodna Noša’ were two Slovenian ladies while Edna, complete with accordian, had on her father’s outfit which is over 50 years old! The trio won second prize.
At a Halloween party at Alvernia Manor in Lemont, Edna had her Aunt, Katie Triller wear her authentic Slovenian outfit. Katie is the Honorary President of Branch 16 and celebrated her 92nd birthday on November 25th.
Congratulations to Corinne and Lud Leskovar on their Silver Wedding Anniversary and to all our members, best wishes for a happy and blessed Christmas season.
MARGESPRETNJAK Reporter
NO. 17, WEST ALLIS, WI
December is the month of the year when everyone’s thoughts turn to the Birth of Our Lord or the holiday known as Christmas. From every steeple on Christmas Eve, the Christmas bells will ring out their message of Good Will and Cheer.
Our annual meeting will be held on
Sunday, December 21, 1980 at 2:00 pm sharp at St. Mary’s Baraga Hall. Kindly use the rear door. I will be at the hall at 1:00 pm to collect the assessments. Election of officers and important decisions will be made. After the business meeting we shall have our Christmas Party, exchange of Christmas Gift, ($1.25 value) and the distribution of the children’s gifts. As usual, a delicious luncheon will be served. Please mark the date on your calendar and make it a “must” to be there. Any donation of your choice of bakery will be greatly appreciated.
To the sick and shut in members, we send our warmest greetings and hope they will be up and about soon.
Here is a Recipe for a Happiness Cake:
I cup of good thoughts
1 cup of kind deeds
1 cup of consideration for others
2 cups of sacrifice
2 cups of well-beaten faults
3 cups of forgiveness
Mix thoroughly. Add tears of joy, sorrow and sympathy. Flavor with love and kindly service. Fold in 4 cups of prayer and faith. Blend welt. Fold into your daily life. Bake well with the warmth of human kindness and serve with a smile anytime. It wilt satisfy the hunger of starved souls.
Best wishes for a Blessed, Merry Christmas and a Joyful, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. God’s Blessing to all.
MARIE A. FLORYAN
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
I am starting this article by wishing Mrs. Dorothy Chepuran a “Very HAPPY	102nd.	BIR-
THDAY”. This greeting is a little late, but the wish is still there. She is our oldest member. I know with her large family around her, she had a very happy day.
Wedding bells rang out for our member Darla Marquardt, who became the bride of Raymond Tomac and also for the son of Ray and Marion Gornik. 45th wedding anniversary was celebrated by Rudy and Jennie Dernulc and 60 years of wedded life was celebrated by Rose and John Pasdertz Sr. Congratulations and best wishes to all of you. Wedding Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sukle, son of Kay Sukle.
This past month found many of our members on the get-well list. Rose Marentič, John Jevitz, Jennie Konopek, Joe and Josephine Erjavec, Mary Mutz, Carrie Girman and Kathleen Kramerich. We will remember you in our prayers hoping for healthier days ahead.
Sue Mihelich’s mother-in-law, Ann, passed away as did Louis Brule, the husband of Angeline Brulc, brother of Lucille Dragovan and uncle of Wileen Dragovan. May they rest in peace.
On November 2nd, All Souls Day, lights burned through the evening on the graves at St. Joseph’s cemetery. What a beautiful sight. This is a Slovenian custom in the homeland that is upheld here at St. Joseph’s.
—	Sympathy to Fr. Tom Paul and Rose Paul on the death of grandmother and mother-in-law, Rose Paul.
Now that the election is over, I want lo congratulate the husbands, brothers and sons of our members who won on Nov. 4th and also the President of these United States. Let us remember them in our prayers, to help them lead our country and cities to a successful next 4years.
Joliet celebrated the good harvest with the “Slovenian Grape Festival Dance” and what an enjoyable time we had! We are quite proud of the results for it was our very first venture in featuring this type of dance. Installing the grape arbor on the ceiling atop the dance floor and hanging of the fruit and candy was artistically completed by:
Fr. Dave Stalzer, Fly and Marge Rachor, Smitty and Joe Ambrozich, Stan and Mary Marolt, Gen and Gene Klainsek, Marie and Steve Malnerick, Jenny Skul, Millie and Rudy Pucel, Agnes and Al Lovati and Danny Mueller. Many thanks to Corinne Leskovar for loaning us the entrance Arbor and to Olga Ancel for the wall murals depicting grape pickers which were painted by member, Loretta Grzetich.
For the Grape Stealing scene Fr. David was the narrator. The policemen were:
Ed Stonitch, Franze Fedo, Marie Malnerick, Gen and Gene Klainsek, Fly Rachor, Tony Kaluza, Smitty Ambrozich, Agnes Lovati, Jenny Skul and Marge Rachor. The Honorable Judge was Ron Smith, the Jailer, Joe Skul and the Mayor and his wife, Rudy and Millie Pucel.
All the workers were dressed in Slovenian Costumes which added to the authenticity of the atmosphere.
Congenial bartenders were Fly Rachor, Joe Ambrozich, Gene Klainsek, Jim Ostrem, Ray Gornik and Ed Ancel. Kitchen duties were performed by Dorothy Koncar, Marge Stalzer, Fran Kodrick, Florence Ancel, Emma Nosse and Mary Rudman, from whence good food and aroma escaped.
Admission/door prizes and prizes were handled by Marie Malnerick and Theresa Schmidberger, Dolores Smitty Ambrozich, Marge Rachar,
Jenny Skul and Gen Klainsek.
The Welcome Committee consisted of Emma Planinšek, Millie Pucel and Agnes Lovati.
Our appreciation to the following donors:	Syl’s Restaurant, Joe
“Skipper” Ambrozich, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sitar of Valley View Garden Center, Strudel makers, Emma Planinšek, Mary Ambrozich, Mary Wisemantle, Mary Rudman, Marge Grayhack, Fran Kodrick, Margaret Stalzer; Potica Cake and sharkel, Margaret Stalzer; Franz and Mayme Fedo for making the beef; Joe Stukel and the boys for setting up the hall.
Come to our Christmas Party on Sunday December 21st 1:30 P.M. There will be a $2.00 gift exchange and entertainment, refreshments and Christmas cheer. The party will be proceeded by Election of officers. This is one of our last big get-togethers for 1980. Be counted, by included! You may win the door prize worth $14.00. There will be many other surprizes too.
The members who have not as yet paid their 1980 dues have been contacted by Secretary Agnes Lovati who included a self-addressed envelope for easy payment. Please! Your cooperation will be appreciated.
There are still a few unclaimed dishes from Heritage Day. If you are missing your platter, please claim same soon.
Attending the Wisconsin State Convention and 50th Anniversary of Branch No. 43 were National Secretary Olga Ancel, driver, and passengers Josephine Erjavec, Rec. Secretary, Millie Pucel, Vice President, Jo Karl, Jo Buchar and Auditor, Dorothy Koncar. We were all pleased with the informative and well-organized meeting. The mass and dinner was well attended. This was a fitting tribute to Br. No. 43.
To the Ill-Ind State Convention in S. Chicago, 28 members rode the bus, enjoyed the scenery, companionship and memories. It was a day spent among women with a common cause. Thank you, Branch 95.
“Happy, Successful, busy, active and wonderful year” are just a few words that describe 1980 for Branch No. 20. We were totally involved in Midwest Slovenian Heritage Day, Grape Festival Dance, Midwest Bowling Tourney, St. Joseph’s Table, Mother’s Day Program and Baraga Days. To all the officers and members who cooperated giving of their talents, labor and time, a THANK YOU from Zveza. It is you who keep Slovenian Women’s Union in the forefront in our community!
St. Joseph’s Church is holding a
BERTHA HOFER HONORED BY HER PEERS
Bertha Hofer, a long-standing member of Br. 20, Joliet, III. was presented with a unique citation by the Village of Shorewood, Illinois which reads in part:
hereby express sincere appreciation for her unselfish dedication and devotion to the people of Shorewood and give recognition to her 23 year contribution to the village in her many capacities. ” It was presented to her by the President, Richard F. Talaga on October 15th. She is currently office manager and executive secretary of the Village and typifies the involvement and generosity of many women in today’s mainstream of American life.
Bertha and Fred Hofer moved to Shorewood Beach on Saturday, January 6, 1951. This date stands out in Bertha’s mind because it is her sister Irene’s birthday. In September of that year they enrolled their daughter, Karen, in the newly built Troy Township Grade School close their home. Soon they became involved in school functions — PTA, 4-H, Brownie’s, Girl Scouts, various school sports, band and numerous money raising projects to benefit the school. Bertha held office in the PTA. She and Fred helped organize the Troy Bank Parents and together served as the first membership chairmen. Fred also served on the school board for 12 years.
For the Township Bertha served as Judge at elections for many years. The one election that stands out in her memory was November, 1960, when John F. Kennedy was elected. That morning she arrived at the polls at 5:30 A.M. and left at 6:45 A.M. the next morning because of the record vote. She also served as Cancer Crusade Chairperson for 4 years and participated in many fund drives in her community. While their son, Rick, played on the Troy Little League, Bertha served as treasurer for 2 years and Fred helped coach. As chairman of the Land Committee Bertha was the contact person for obtaining a lease for several acres of land adjacent to the Holiday Inn in Shorewood where 3 baseball diamonds, bleachers, a score board and concession stand were built and utilized for the past 10 years.
While serving as Trustee of the Village Board she was chairman of Parks & Recreation and it was during her term that a “Learn to Swim” program was initiated at the Holiday Inn Pool for the children of Shorewood, an Arts & Crafts program was started during the summer months and it was thru her efforts that land was leased and later donated to the village which has become the first playground-equipped park in Shorewood. The Shorewood Youth Club of which Bertha was an active member and officer donated the playground equipment with money they had raised through various activities.
Also, during her term as Trustee, a Library Committee was appointed to research the need for a library. Bertha served on this committee and worked diligently for the formation of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District. She is now serving her second term as Library Trustee and holds Library Card No. 1. The library is presently housed in a former store in the Shorewood Plaza, but negotiations are now underway to purchase land and later build a library-civic center.
During their near 30 years in the community, Fred was a charter member of the Troy Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. He was one of the supporters for incorporating their Village and was one of seven residents elected to serve as Trustee. From the Board members he was appointed the first Village Clerk from November 1957 to April, 1961,
at which time Bertha ran for office and served as Village Clerk for almost 2 terms.
Since that time Bertha has been appointed and elected Village Trustee, served on the Sanitation Committee and as secretary of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission. She presently is Executive Secretary and Deputy Village Clerk for the Village of Shorewood.
They raised a family of five — Karen, Judy, Lynn, Rick and Tori. The four girls and 2 granddaughters, Tina Williamson and Jenny Kurtyak, are all members of Branch 20.
Bertha has been a member of the original Branch 20 Cadets (her mother organized the drill team in January, 1938). She was a Lieutenant under Drill Master Ted Duncan. She was in the early Slovene Dancing Group and helped her mother at many Zveza picnics, dances and various activities. Her mother, Emma Planinšek, has been President of Branch 20 for 45 years and her sister, Irene, organized Branch 103 in Washington D.C. and is presently serving as National Cultural and Heritage Officer.
It’s a wonderful thing to know of our member’s accomplishments. We salute Mrs. Hofer extending our wishes for success in all her future endeavors. ED.
New Year’s Eve Party featuring Roman Possedi - an enjoyable way to bring in the New Year.
May the Infant Jesus give you joys that never cease and bring happiness, health and much peace at Christmas and in 1981.
JOSEPHINE ERJAVEC
NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL
Our October meeting and Halloween party was hosted by me with much assistance from Ann Richards. We can always count on her for her generous help - thanks, Ann.
A few members arrived with amusing costumes to add to the atmosphere and fun. Dorrine Pechauer, our special guest, had us stumped as to her identity until she revealed her face.
We had a dry run on correspondence so we concentrated
on our Christmas party plans. It will be a pot luck on December 7th, at Jose Zaletel’s home with Helen Sebastiane and Mayme Drassler as co-hostesses.
Our accumulated convention fees were paid up which made our treasury look a bit better. We will be increasing the amount of our penny drill to meet future expenses for convention trips, other pleasures, and charity.
Congratulations to Angela Nico, our State President, for conducting our state convention meeting in such an orderly manner - the many questions were answered very tactfully and efficiently. We had a fulfilling day with Branch No. 95 hostessing the convention and will be looking forward to our next in Chicago.
Grandmother’s brag notes:
Marsha Clutter (Ann Richard’s grand-daughter), cheerleader for St. Joseph’s Catholic School, was chosen queen for the Bradley Midget football team. This was a big moment and thrill for a little precocious 8 year old and her family.
My grand daughters, Laura and Kim Lamie, who attend Maternity Catholic School were on the undefeated CYO softball team. All these children are also academically doing very well. We are proud of these youngsters who are developing in such a healthy way - both physically and mentally.
We want to offer special prayers to Mary Rittmanic, our president, who is recuperating from cataract surgery and also to all members who are incapacitated.
Happy Thanksgiving to all our members. I’m sure we all can be thankful that we live in a country where we have freedom of religion and speech, and great opportunities to progress.
Hope you all have a pleasurable gathering with your families and the blessings of our Lord.
MARGEPLANTON Reporter
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL
I missed our October meeting due to illness but I was told there had been a good attendance. I felt bad that I couldn’t be with the ladies because we always have a good time when we’re together. It was decided to postpone our yard and bake sale until next spring because of the possibility of bad weather this late in the fall. So, ladies, continue to gather suitable items for this sale. We want it to be a big success as this is our only fund-raiser this year.
Emma Shimkus spent a week in Ohio visiting her brother and helping
him and his wife celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
Our vice-president, Nellie Mochnik, has been hospitalized at IVC Hospital. We miss you Nellie, and pray that you will be back with us soon.
Theresa Knafelc passed away in October after a long illness. We offer our sincere sympathy to her 2 daughters and 3 sons and their families.
Plans for our Christmas party will be finalized at the November meeting. Watch the church bulletin and local paper for details. This is a busy time for everyone but do take a little time out for good fellowship and delicious treats at our party. We must remember our sick and shut-in members also during this Holiday season. Given a choice they would certainly prefer to be active members.
Wanita Helmer will have copies of “Woman’s Glory” cookbooks available for Christmas gifts. This might be just the thing for a young bride who would like to duplicate some of the specialties her mother-in-law has treated her family to.
Best wishes to all for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
ANNE M. WANGLER
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH
Hello:	Here it is the first of
December. Thanksgiving has passed and I hope all had a happy and thankful time with family and
friends.
Our October meeting was well-attended and we heard of many happy events. We also had beautiful pictures to see from Europe; we are thankful to Lavana Avitt, a new member, for showing them.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. ILawrence Perme: on their marriage. Lawrence is the son of Mrs. Elmer Perme, our member. His wife is the former Michelle O’Kicke. Also to Albert and Debbie Homly, son of Mrs. Vicki Homly and Mr. and Mrs. George Turopalek. Mrs. Turopalek is the former Frances Branisel, daughter of Frank and Mary. Best wishes and may you have many happy years together.
As the wedding bells were busy, so were the travelers. Mary Sodja, Ann Rossman, and Jo Comenshek went toTrenkaus Manor, New York..
Josie Skabar went south to Florida as did Ann Cooke and 'Carol Kozan, her daughter, to visit her daughter Cathy in Houston, Texas. They said they had a wonderful time and the weather was just as wonderful.
Jo and A1 Comenshek went to Las Vegas, returning with many happy memories.
Now to remind all to attend the meeting in December, on Wednesday the 17th, remember dues will soon be due.
In this season of Advent please remember our deceased members and also their families. We wish to extend our prayers and sympathy to Johanna Weglarz on the loss of her husband, also to Ann Tekavec on the loss of her husband. Ann had been our secretary for many years. May they rest in peace.
Now as I close, a Merry and Holy Christmas to all and a happy and healthy New Year.
PHYL
NO. 33, DULUTH, MINN
Although it is the end of October by the time this is in print it will be time to wish each and every one of you a Blessed Holiday Season from all in Branch 33, Duluth.
With the end of the year approaching it is time to again remind all members to get their current dues all paid in to the treasurer and also if possible to pay them ahead. It makes it much easier for all that way. Thanks.
Our Christmas meeting will be Dec. 3. Our Mother-of-the-Year will be chosen at that time as well as election of officers and other year end business. A “Penny Social” will complete the evening for enjoyment for all.
A social note: Julie Rukavina wedding in November. Both Julie and mother, Jackie, are members.
Mrs. Sever is now living at Nopeming Nursing Home.
My thanks to all Zveza members for kindness and prayers at the time of death from bone cancer of my mother, Agnes Blazevic. Although she was not a member she was well known by many. All of her 14 living children (1 deceased) and most of her 100 grand children and great grand children attended her funeral.
Greetings and prayers for all our members.
LOIS M. PELANDER, Reporter
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MINN
Our October 15 meeting had fourteen members attending, a little less than last time! We are almost finished with “tying up” our Minnesota Day, which we hosted. Our members voted to donate to the Tower Christmas Lighting Fund. The city has ordered new Christmas decorations and is asking for donations. We will all enjoy them, those of us who live in Tower-Soudan and those who will drive through at that time.
A memorial Mass was to be said for the deceased members of Branch No. 34 during November, the month of the Poor Souls. It was hoped that all our members would attend that Mass to show our remembrance of those who have gone before us and were so faithful to our branch.
We will have our election of officers at our next meeting; we do not have a regular meeting in December, the month elections are to take place.
Two of our members are hospitalized, Mayme Musich is receiving therapy at the Ely-Bloomenson Nursing Home after breaking her hip in a fall at her home in Tower; Barbara Johnson is at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth receiving treatment. We hope and pray for your recovery!
Hostesses for the evening were Agnes Tekautz and Mary Vollen-dorf; the winners during the social hour were Ann Stefanich, Anne Vesel, Marcella Rooney and Sophie Spollar. The attendance prize was brought by Victoria Bobence and won by Agnes Tekautz.
Our November meeting was on Wednesday, November 19, with Ann Stefanish and Angeline Grahek as hostesses; the attendance prize brought by Helen Chiabotti.
Let’s all try to attend all meetings -
-	bring a prospective member as your guest — let’s try to get new members!
ADELINE MUSTONEN
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
The October meeting was called to order by president, Anna Rose Smolick with the Lord’s Prayer said in Slovenian.
We were happy to have so many ladies attend our meeting on such a beautiful fall day. Three year old Allyson Ferris, daughter of Carol Ferris and grand-daughter of Anna L. Hodnik, our youngest member, attended her first meeting. Welcome, Allison!
A report was given by several members who attended Minnesota Day in Tower. We were happy to meet Hermine and Bob Dicke. We will all enjoy reading Pots and Pans even more now that we met Hermine!
Plans were made for our Christmas Party with Anna Hren and Helen Simonick as cochairpersons.
A Penny Social will be held at our February meeting. The money will be used to pay the dues for “over 80 years” members.
Our sincere sympathy to the families of Pauline Pleveli and Mary Krasovetz. Pauline was a charter member and very active with our S.W.U. May God grant them eternal
Minnesota State S.W.U. Convention
Reported by yicloria Rohence
Dear S.W.U. Members:
The 23rd annual Minnesota State S.W.U. Convention, hosted by Branch 34, was held on Sunday, September 14, 1980 in Tower, Minnesota.
After coffee an’ the business meeting was called to order by State President Victoria Bobence. Opening prayers were led by Mrs. Mary Gornick of Tower, with all members reciting the Oče Naš and the Češčena Marija. Acting Secretary, Adeline Mustonen read the minutes of the last meeting and the correspondence. After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded that each branch pay the dues of any member 80 years or older; motion was passed. President Bobence stressed the need for new members and asked the branches to enroll at least one member during the “Success with Unity” campaign now in progress. Anna Hodnik, National Youth Director, spoke briefly to clarify her letter which she sent out to each of the local branches urging one person to be in charge of the young people of their branch; to support her in Minnesota and then on the national level. Please make an effort to appoint a Youth Chairman in each branch! Barbara Rosandich, National Auditor greeted the women and urged them to preserve the traditions of this organization. We were happy to have Barbara with us alter a seige of serious illness. Hermine Dicke, Chairman of the S.W.U. Scholarship Committee, gave us an informative summary regarding the Scholarship Fund. As Editor of “Pots and Pans and Pastime” since 1963, Hermine asked the members for recipes, especially Slovenian, for the new cookbook she hopes to have ready shortly. We were delighted to have Hermine and her husband Bob as our guests.
Branch No. 23, Ely will host the next Minnesota State Convention on Sunday, September 13, 1980. A closing prayer preceeded adjournment.
Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father George Kryspin, pastor of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Tower, Marcella Rooney was the lector, and Mary Hutar organist and soloist. All of the congregation joined in the singing of Češčena si Marija with much enthusiasm during the recessional. During the Mass, Ann Podgoršek, former National Auditor from Branch 33 of Duluth, was remembered in our prayers, as word was received just at the close of our business meeting that Anna had passed away. Our sympathy and prayers to all the Podgoršek family.
After the Mass, a delicious chicken dinner was served ending with Krofe, walnut potice and apple strudel. Mistress of ceremonies, Adeline Mustonen, President of Branch 34, opened the program with a welcome, speaking in both Slovenian and English. Entertainment was provided by local talent, Jean Adkisson and Nikki Gornick of Tower and the Poderzay Brothers of Soudan. Hermine Dicke spoke briefly closing with words quoted from her mother, Marie Prisland, Founder of S.W.U. Anna Bradach of Chisholm delighted the audience with a detailed account of her trials and tribulations in making her first Slovenian national costume which she also modeled. Mary Hutar of Ely led the community singing accompanied by her sister, Catherine Merhar. After closing with prayer, prizes were given. (Glad that Bob won the red carnation with the added bonus!)
What a joyous occasion it was to witness the expressions of almost 300 members and guests in attendance! To capture this moment is almost impossible to relate in words. Their strong bond of ethnicity and love was ever so apparent.
A special thank you to all of the women of Branch 34 for such a memorable day and for making us all grateful to be members of the Slovenian Women’s Union.
rest and let the perpetual light shine upon them.
All members who have not paid their dues should please pay up by December 31, 1980. Send them to Anna L. Hodnik, Treasurer, S.W.U. No. 35, 706 Summit, Aurora, MN 55705. Thank you.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!
ANNM. ORAZEM
NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN
Hello Everyone: We had a short meeting, but what a lively one! President Jennie Samsa thanked everyone who worked or donated for a most successful luncheon and bake-sale that we held on October 22. It was a fun day for all, especially for those of us who worked. Such a happy group.
Our meetings for the next 18 months will be monthly, as we get ready for the National Convention to be held in Chisholm in May of 1982. Time’s afleeting and we have lots to do.
We’re having a Christmas Party on Dec. 3rd and will exchange $2.00 gifts, which Santa will distribute following a pot-luck supper. Hopefully, we’ll have two accordionists there to sing-along with. Should be a great evening, so fellow members plan to be there.
Some Sunday in January (we haven’t decided on a specific date) we plan to bring a few portable sewing machines to the Slovenian Home where we hope to get a good start on making our “Slovenian National Costumes”. Ann Bradach has the patterns and already made hers and she will be our guiding light as we get together.
We hope to have a birthday club as part of our SWU group. Should get it started by January.
Sisters Rose Faras, Lillian Hosking and Norma Radotich served a delicious lunch and another meeting came to a happy end.
May God bless you all -
FRANCES KELLY
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, W1
With the cold month of October, the attendance was slightly lower than previous months. But I am sure it will be normal or better attendance in November and December as we will be accustomed to weather conditions. Part of the evening the discussion was on the Fall Poultry Card Party which is a past event, and the other, our Adult Christmas Party. It will be held on our regular Thursday meeting night, December II, 1980 starting at 6:30 P.M. instead of 7 P.M. due to election of officers etc. Please be on time at 6:30 P.M. We decided on catering service, so that everyone will be free to enjoy a good lunch. All members will be contacted by phone and are urged to attend. Reservations must be made in advance, with yours truly or Rose Zuponcic - phone No. 672-8554; Rose Kraemer - phone No. 481-7357.
It was also decided that members were to visit the sick at home, hospital or nursing homes. If you know of anyone ill please contact one of the officers, otherwise we have no way of knowing. Mrs. Pasler who is 94 years young, had major surgery, is now at home and is doing very well. Josephine Kolar was also hospitalized and is now at home. A speedy recovery to the above and all other shut-ins.
Sincere condolences to the families
of Josie and Jim Verbick, Louis and Fran Widemsek on the recent death of their sister-in-law, and to Bud and Joan Ziebell and Mike Widemsek as she was their aunt. May she rest in peace.
Another sad occasion was the death of Mr. Haug. He attended our 50th anniversary and the following Sunday passed away. Mr. Naug was the son-in-law of our charter member Antonia Velkovreh. He is also survived by his wife Sylvia and daughter Joan. Sincere sympathies to these families.
Coming to the end of 1980 a new roster of members is compiled, if you have any changes in name, address or beneficiary, call me, so that the correction can be made, as soon as possible.
Does anyone know where I could purchase Laurel Berries (muskaplec).
I	believe that is the Slovenian spelling. Write to Rose Kraemer, 2623 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, W1 53207.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ROSE KRAEMER, Sec.
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
Our meeting in October was well-attended, but it could be better. Come on, ladies! Circle the second Tuesday of the month and the time, 7:00 P.M. We’d love to see you.
Don’t forget, we also have an attendance prize each month, and this month the winner was Angeline Kozjan and the prize donor was Angie Voytko; our mother and daughter combination.
Each month we serve a dessert lunch by our birthday girls. This month they were Theresa Rajher, Francis Tilosanac and Mary Ploszaj. Happy birthday to all.
Then we play cards or our favorite, plain old “B” - of course, we do have a business meeting and pray a little too! So won’t you please come and join us?
I	hope this attendance campaign has whet your interest enough to encourage you to attend a meeting -see you!
We discussed our Christmas party and don’t forget, it’s at 6:00 P.M. sharp.
On our sick list are Bertha Blazina and Mary Tomazic. Hurry and get well!
In my reporting I can and do make many mistakes. They arc not intentional and if I have hurt anyone, please forgive me.
We lost another member, Mary Zallar. She passed away after a long illness. Mary is survived by her twin sister, Annette Ferlic, a daughter Marilyn Tkaczuk and two grand-
children. Our sincerest sympathy to the family.
Thank you to Annette Ferlic for her generous contributions to our lodge.
It’s cold tonight and little snow flurries have come our way. So it makes me think of Christmas which will soon be here! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
I	will close with this poem:
Be patient with every one,
Bui above all with yourself
I	mean, do not he disturbed because of your imperfections. And always rise up (raveling from a fall.
MARY PLOSZAJ
NO. 42, MAPLE HGTS., OH
Hello, ladies! Want to wish you all a very happy holiday! All our best wishes for their birthdays to Donna Stubljer, Mary Yemec, Julia Lipnos, our Florida Gal, and Frances Zakrajšek.
Our Grape Festival Bake Sale was a great success. All that delicious pastry, fresh fruit and vegetables! I want to thank you all for donating this and for your help.
At our last meeting in October, we had a good attendance. We also celebrated our Theresa Simoncic’s 89th birthday. We had surprises for her and she even baked her own delicious apple strudel and her daughter baked delicious apricot tarts! We had fun. We also enjoyed having two surprise visitors, A1 Glavic and Tony Kaplan.
We hope Nicoleta Lerchbacher’s husband is feeling a lot better since his surgery. Get well wishes also to Mary Filips’ husband, Fred and Tonka Kastelic’s husband, Louis.
Our members extend get well wishes to all.
One of our members, Betty Ann Harr and family have moved to Lake Villa, Illinois. We want to wish her, her husband, Wally and the family happiness, good health and succss in their new home and in Wally’s new job as he was transferred from Cleveland.
Nellie Chapas took a trip to Strasburg, VA to visit her daughter ,-and family. Marge Lipnos and A1 went to Washington D.C. as did Teresa Gorup. Mary Prhne (my sister-in-law), went up to New England for her vacation.
Christmas parties are Dec. 13th for our children at 1:30 pm at the Slovenian National Home and Dec. 9th for our Christmas Party. Wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous, Healthy New Year.
MARY LOU PRHNE
Hermine Prisland Dicke 3717 Council Crest Madison, Wisconsin 53711
ML
and
My mother and I exchanged letters just about every week. One that I treasure was dated Dec. 19, 1973 when she wrote: “Today is Zveza’s birthday. Do you remember that day when you were with me in Chicago? I am thinking how afraid I was that nobody will follow us. When 1 came home from Chicago I found a letter from Pueblo reporting that a branch had been organized there. I was dancing from joy”.
The well-attended Wisconsin State convention in Milwaukee was a very special event since Branch No. 43 celebrated its 50th anniversary. In his homily Fr. Athanasius Lovrenčič, our spiritual director, beautifully compared Zveza to a mighty river that as it flows carries everything in its path along the way. He emphasized the good that Zveza carried as it moved along for almost 54 years: courage, dedication, unity, sharing, love, cultural preservation and much more. His well-chosen words inspired us all.
One of the nicest compliments received at the convention was from a lady who said her niece who had never made potica tried Mary Baznik’s recipe (July-August, 1976) and had perfect results. (Mary and 1 spent one night until 2 A.M. during the S.W.U. national Pittsburgh convention getting that recipe together; as she made potica, I wrote down every movement).
Now, detailed instructions are for FLANCATI which were enjoyed at the convention banquet and, hopefully, beginners will try for the Christmas season. To obtain the recipe Bob and I drove to West Allis where we spent the day with John and Mary Frangesch. Mary, an expert in Slovenian cuisine, has taught Slovenian cooking classes in Milwaukee and Sheboygan. This is how she made FLANCATI that day with her friend, Frances Dragan:
At the state convention, Mary Djubenski of Willard, Wis., gave me the recipe for breaded chicken as
prepared for their annual Slovenian church bazaar:
FLANCA I I-(Air Nothings)
2 cups flour, unsifted
3 egg yolks (large) or 4 medium 1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
2	tablespoons sugar
I	tablespoon rum or brandy
I	pinch grated nutmeg
4 cups lard, peanut oil or shortening for deep frying
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
In medium bowl add flour and the next 6 ingredients. Tilt bowl, and with fork gradually beat egg yolks into other ingredients until all flour is mixed in. On lightly floured board, knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and little bubbles appear under surface. Long kneading is important. If it does stick, use more flour. Divide kneaded dough into 5 equal parts, and form into balls. Place dough balls on floured board to rest for one hour covering with a bowl. Roll one ball at a time (keeping rest of dough well covered) on lightly floured board or pastry cloth to about 10 x 12 inches. Roll out remaining balls placing squares of white cloth, larger than dough, between each rolled section to prevent dryness. Cut into squares
2	1/2x3 inches in size, or as desired. Within square make 2 slits about 1 inch apart. Have ready hot shortening in small pan (about 2-quart size). (I use lard or peanut oil). With square in hand, stretch slightly and shape. Bring index finger and thumb under outer strip reach for opposite strip, over middle and pull through, forming a twist and a design - or, pull opposite corners through the slits for another shape. If you are alone, it is best to get all squares ready since frying one batch takes only seconds. Gently drop 3 or 4 squares in the hot fat, turn in about 30 seconds so that both sides are lightly browned. With large fork or a slotted spoon remove to a large tray covered with a brown paper bag or paper toweling. When cool, dust both sides with powdered sugar (use small strainer containing powdered sugar). Do not overheat fat, or, FLANCATI will become too brown. Note: You may strain used fat through cloth when semi-cooled and refrigerate it. It is suggested not to keep it longer than several weeks. (1 do not re-use my fat, but dispose of it).
BREADED CHICKEN
1 broiler-fryer chicken Salt
1/2 cup flour
2	eggs, well beaten
2	cups fine bread or soda cracker
crumbs (we use soda crackers)
Lard or salad oil for frying 1/4 to 1 /2 cup water
The night before cut the chicken, wash, pat dry and salt. Refrigerate overnight. Next day dip chicken pieces in flour, eggs and fine cracker Of bread crumbs. In heavy large skillei with at least 1 inch of hot lard or oil, fry chicken pieces until light brown, about 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a roasting pan and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water and cover. It takes about 3/4 to 1 hour of baking in a 325° oven. “There should always be a little water in the pan so the chicken steams”. Menu: Breaded chicken, buttered vegetable, lettuce salad or coleslav, mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing made from backs, necks and giblets; bars and potica for dessert and coffee.
A beautiful dessert for the Holiday season would be STRAWBERRY DELIGHT as prepared by Mary Mihelich of Joliet, 111., who shares her super recipe with us.
STRAWBERRY DELIGHT
CRUST AND TOPPING:
112 cup oleo, room temperature 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 cup flour
Mix together with a fork in a flat pan (pie pan is fine). Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until brown. Stir. Put half in a 13 x 9-inch pan. Reserve remaining half.
FILLING:
1 16-ounce package frozen strawberries, thawed
2	egg whites
1	cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (I use two teaspoons Realemon)
1 teaspoon vanilla 112 pint whipping cream, whipped Mix all ingredients except whipping crcam. At high speed beat for 20 minutes (the volume is unbelievable). Fold in whipped cream. Spread on top of crumb mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top. Put in freezer. Remove from freezer about 20 minutes before serving.
A Very Merry Christmas to all!
Fondly, Hermine
“Alozija, it’s time to ring the bells!” How often I heard my father remind me that we must go next door tc St. Vid’s church to pull the thick ropes which would stir the heavy belles, signaling the time of day throughout the village.
Many of the people called me “Meženarjeva hčer” (church custodian’s daughter) because of my father’s position as caretaker of the church and for ringing the bells daily.
In addition to working for the church, we also raised a lot of cows that grazed in pastures far over the hill. Watching them and keeping the animals from straying on to another farmer’s property was my job. Mother was in charge of bringing them home at feeding and milking time.
My parents, Franc and Josephine Medved, raised six children. All of my brothers served in the Austrian Army, and my sister, Amelia, was a proficient dressmaker.
In 1908, two of our neighbors left for the United States. They told me, “If we like it and there are jobs available, we’ll let you know. Then you could join us.” At the time of their departure, I was already convinced that I would love to go to America — anything would be better than watching the cows! Anxiously I awaited the letter that would or would not arrive. Finally, it came and I read it eagerly:
Dear Alozija,
We finally arrived in America and are pretty well settled here in Cleveland. There are a lot of Slovenian people, plenty of jobs, and better salaries. There are also many nice looking young Slovenian men who want to get married. We hope you will come. Let us know and we will make the arrangements for you.
Your friends,
Dušan and Bizjak Families © Irene M. Planinšek Odori/.zi, 1980
IRENE ODORIZZI.
2362 Paddock Lane Reston, Va. 22091
THE IMMIGRANT
ALOZIJA FROM GAMBIŠČE St. Vid Pri Stični
I reread the letter several times. My parents did not want me to leave the family and, even I was uncertain, after the opportunity had finally presented itself, that this was what I wanted to do. After much soul-searching, I decided to give America a chance and the arrangements were completed.
My trip took three weeks, and during the entire voyage I was seasick. As I grew weaker and weaker, the thought of what I had done came to my mind; was my decision a mistake? would I ever arrive in America? or would I die at sea? It was easy to become depressed when sick and alone. Once in America and after talking with a number of other immigrants, I found that it was not unusual to experience a miserable voyage, and to become extremely seasick during the course of the trip.
When I arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 8, 1908, the Dušan and Bizjak families met me at the train station. America seemed very strange at first, but I was confident that eventually I would like this amazing new country. My friends located a job for me as a waitress in a Slovenian gostilna (tavern-restaurant). Everyone was very good to me, and it was there that I met a bartender, John Turk, who had just come to America as I had. We knew each other only three weeks when we married on February I, 1909, at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland. John was 24 and I had turned 18, on September 7th.
My husband had come from Novo Mesto where his parents, John and Mary Turk, had a nice home and a big piece of land on which they raised hogs, chickens, and cows. He had followed in his father’s footsteps and become a butcher.
During his compulsory military training in the Austrian Army John was sent to Hercegovina. Upon his return to Novo Mesto, after four years, he discovered that several neighbors had departed for America, and his eldest sister was married with two little daughters. Then John, his parents, and his sisters also decided to go to America. Since there was insufficient money to buy tickets for the entire family, John remained in Slovenia with his sister’s two girls. When his family had arrived safely in the United States he immediately made preparations for himself and his nieces, now aged three and four, to join them.
John told me many times that when he began his journey for America he had hopes of finding a nice girl and eventually making her his bride. However, since he was traveling with two children, the single girls naturally assumed he was married, so they paid no attention to him.
When John arrived in Cleveland, he found himself amongst the Slovenians who lived on St. Clair Avenue, around 40th Street, the same vicinity where I lived. His father worked as a butcher in a corner grocery store, and was also able to get a job there for his son. In the evenings, John worked part-time as a bartender at the same gostilna where I worked. It was love at first sight, he always told me.
After our marriage, we lived in the same neigh-
borhood about a year, but I never really liked city life. Then our friends, who lived in the small town of North Randall, Ohio, persuaded us to move there, where everyone was either Slovenian or Croatian.
North Randall had only one store in town operated by a German couple, Kohl’s General Store, which sold everything including hardware, clothing, groceries, and medicine. The immigrants found it difficult to shop since they did not understand the English language, so they would have to make motions or point at the items which they wish to buy. One day when John went to the store to get a spool of thread for me by motioning how to sew, the clerk recognized his need immediately.
One of American innovations in business techniques at the turn of the century was the system of displaying on tables and racks all the items sold in the store. The immigrants, who were of all nationalities, might not be able to ask for the item in the English languege, but could pick from the selection on the counter and present it with payment to the clerk. In Slovenia, the merchandise was on the shelves or in drawers in the rear of the counter, and customers would ask a salesperson to secure the item desired.
John found work immediately driving a team of horses. Several men were needed to haul stones for the Shanks estate. It took a long time but Dad, along with several other men, found enough stones for the home as well as for a few cattle barns. His salery was small, but at least he had a job which was better than not working at all. Later in 1951, our daughter purchased the custodian’s residence with 5 1/2 acres on the Shanks estate: the main house was purchased for the funeral home.
Later, John secured employment at a race track, again working with a team of horses. Next to butchering, he enjoyed working with horses as he did in the army.
In July, our daughter, Lojzka (Louise), was born and I was very busy at home with my three infants — all babies. John was born in 1910, Joseph in 1911, and the little girl in 1912. Besides our children and the housework, I also had a nice vegetable garden, chickens, and later hogs, as did all our neighbors. John helped with the butchering of these animals for anyone who asked. He always made delicious rice sausages, pork sausages, and smoked meat, since he had been trained in Europe to do this kind of work. Without modern refrigeration, we had to use other means of preserving the meat. Pork and sausages were fried, put into crocks and covered with hot lard. Rice sausages, stored in containers outside would freeze and also keep for a long time. Smoked meat either remained outside in the smoke shanty or hung up in the attic.
In 1917, John’s oldest sister died leaving five children. We took in the two young girls who came to America with John, and other relatives took the other children. The girls helped with baby sitting for my three youngsters so that I could go to work. I located several housework positions and also cleaned at the Club House,
saving every penny of my salary so that we could build a home. On July 4, 1921, we moved into our own home. That was quite an event because we carried by hand all the smaller pieces of furniture, household items, and clothing across the field, and our horse and wagon conveyed the larger pieces of furniture. The children were so excited, and John and I were so happy that we could now say, “We own our own home.” That evening we all slept on the floor of our new house and watched the
fireworks. It was another new beginning.
School wasn’t too far away, and the children usually walked, even on cold days. Everyone was so bundled up in bulky clothing they could hardly walk, and it was humorous to see them pushing through the snow. On
Alojzia and John pose for their wedding picture, February 1, 1909
rainy days I would take out the horse and wagon and drive the children to school. They still got wet because it was an open wagon, but they didn’t have to walk. Religious instruction took place at home. We belonged to St. Lawrence Parish in Newburgh. Father Oman would come to our house, teach the children catechism, and prepare them for the sacraments.
When a slaughter house opened up near by, John began working as a butcher. The company butchered hogs for a few days and then cows, as well as prepared the meat for market. We were lucky to get good number of tails for soup. It seemed that no one wanted to use the tails so our family along with the neighbors were well-supplied for ox-tail soup.
From this employment John changed to working with a pick and shovel at the Ore Docks. It was much harder work but he received more salary working there until his retirement in 1949.
During the course of years we also took in youngsters from the Children’s Service, and acted as foster parents. Altogether, we raised eleven children, and in one instance the agency did not want to split a family of four because the children were all under six years of age, so we took them all. In fact, now that they are grown, we still keep in touch with several of our foster children.
We have been a fortunate couple as the Lord has blessed us with forty-four years of happy wedded life, and three of our own fine children, two nieces, and eleven foster children. What more can two people wish for? We have had a good life in America. Certainly there have been problems. Everyone has both the good and the bad, but we thank God for bringing us to America for the home which we were able to build and for the family which we raised.
The End
Note: Many thanks to Lee Epley, Sec. of SWU, Br. No. 73, for supplying the information for her mother’s story.
MINNESOTA STATE CONVENTION MINUTES
The 23rd annual state convention of the Slovenian Women’s Union of Minnesota was held on Sunday, September 14, 1980, in Tower, Minnesota. After a coffee an’ from 9:30 to 10:30, the meeting was conducted by Victoria Bobenee, Minnesota State President and a member of Branch No. 34, Soudan, who were hosts to the convention. She greeted the ladies in Slovenian — the opening prayers, Oče Naš & Češčena Marija were said in unison, with Mary Ciornick, Branch No. 34, leading the ladies. The acting secretary, Adeline Mustonen, read the minutes of the last meeting. Greetings were read from Mary Muller, National President; Rose Kraemer, Branch No. 43, Milwaukee, Albina Uehlein, Branch No. 40, Lorain, Ohio and Jennie Tavchar, Branch No. 65, Virginia. A thank-you was read for the memorial donated to the scholarship fund in memory of Fr. Okorn from Hermine Dicke, Scholarship Chairman. A thank you will be sent to Mary Folio of Ely for her secretarial work for the past two years. President Bobenee urged all members to publicize trips and events of SWU within our area and out of state, with the hope that we could charter buses to attend these gatherings. A discussion was held about dues for our older members, and a motion was made and passed that each branch assume responsibility for dues for their members 80 years or over. Ann Hodnik, National Youth Director spoke to the group about this and also about getting a person in each branch in charge of the youth in their branch. Barbara Rosandich, National Auditor, from Ely urged all of us to preserve the traditions of our organization. Hermine Dicke then spoke to the group about scholarships, hoping people would send memorials to the scholarship fund; she also commented on her Pots and Pans column; stating that she is in the process of writing a cookbook, which will be called “Pots & Pans.” Il was suggested we .all remember Ursula Zaic, of Hibbing who will be 100 years old.
Fly, Minnesota, Branch No. 23 offered to host Minnesota Day next year, which will be held on Sunday, September 13, 1981. We then adjourned and had Mass at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower with Fr. George Kryspin as celebrant; the lector at Mass was Marcella Rooney; presenting Offertory Gifts were Mary Gorniek and Victoria Bobenee; the soloist and organist was Mary Hutar, from Ely. Our closing hymn “Češčena si Marija” was sung with great enthusiasm from song sheets that were passed to all the ladies.
During the Mass, our group was informed of the death of Anna Podgoršek of Branch No. 33, Duluth and former National Auditor; we remembered her in our prayers of petition. After the Mass we went to the parish hall, where we were welcomed in English and Slovenian by Adeline Mustonen, president of Branch No. 34, who also was mistress of ceremonies.The ladies then enjoyed a chicken dinner, with krofe, apple strudel and potica. Entertainment during the program was provided by Nikki Gorniek and Jean Adkinsson on accordion and organ, and the Podrzay Brothers, Tom, Tony and Leonard, who played their accordions, which was very well received. Hermine Dicke then spoke to the group again — her warmth and charm really comes through and we enjoyed her so much!
Ann Bradach modeled her national costume she had made and gave the ladies a detailed account of how she created her outfit from the pattern offered in ZARJA last July.
The tables at the dinner were decorated with red carnations, which had been crocheted by Mary Gorniek and Angeline Grahek, and placed in white bud vases, with red and blue streamers down the middle of the tables with small American flags placed here and there — to carry out the motto that we were to be in the SWU to make us good American citizens, among other things. The program covers had been designed by Larry Mustonen, son of the president of Branch No. 34, who also lettered the place cards at the head table. The dinner was concluded with prayer and then Mary Hutar, accompanied by her sister, Catherine Merhar, from Ely, led us in community singing. Prizes were given as follows: the first prize, a quilt made by Marian Stepan of Soudan, to Rose Pucel of Ely, the $50 bond to Leslie Karvala from Soudan; and the third prize, a box of jams and jellies homemade and donated by our President, Victoria Bobenee, went to Mary Chiovitti of Duluth. The carnations which had been made were also given as gifts — glad you got a carnation, Bob Dicke!
We want to thank all of you who made our Minnesota Day in Tower-Soudan so successful. We had nice weather, after all the rain, and a wonderful time was had by all. We had close to 300 for our dinner, which is great!
We would also like to thank President Bobenee for the nice job she is doing as Minnesota president and also for accommodating Mr. & Mrs. Dicke at her Clear Lake Resort during their stay in Minnesota — and a big thanks to all my members of Branch No. 34 — about 25 in all that are active — for all their cooperation with me in planning and accomplishing this undertaking.
ADELINE MUSTONEN, Reporter, President, Branch No. 34
Minnesota Stale Conventioners included President of Br. 34, Adeline Mustonen, National Scholarship Fund President, Hermine Dicke and Minnesota Regional President, Victoria Bobenee.
NO.45, PORTLAND, OR
Lodge No. 45, Portland, Oregon is this year celebrating it’s 50th anniversary! It is our hope that on Dec. 11, at 6 P.M. at the Mallory Hotel, with which we are all familiar, there will be a good number of us gathering to enjoy this occasion in conjunction with our annual Christmas party. We will exchange our small gifts as usual. This is a special event so let us all endeavor to keep this date in mind. We will be calling way ahead of time.
At this time we are sad to report the passing of two long time members. Mrs. Anna Barta, a charter member and our Mother of the Year, and Mrs. Lucy Betich, who was our oldest member in age, 94 year of age. They will be missed.
Mrs. Mary Zeko and Mrs. Olga Kuntz are both still confined to nursing homes, so let us remember them with a card or a visit.
Please bring your dues up to date by mailing to President, Mary Roso. Don’t forget, Dec. 11 is party night at the Mallory Hotel.
Your reporter, ALICE E. V1DAN
NO. 47, GARFIELD HGTS, OH
Our September meeting was opened with prayer by president Jennie Gerk. Considering it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon the attendance was good.
On the agenda was a discussion about having a bake sale and bazaar to be held at Maple Hts., Slovenian Home on October 5 at which time there also was a grape festival (Vinska Trgatev). Ladies who were present were asked to bake or bring in hand-made items for the bazaar; other members were to be contacted by phone.
When this article will be published in the Zarja we will have had our bake sale and bazaar. 1 would like to thank all the ladies that baked, worked donated articles or helped in many ways. It was a great success helping our treasury greatly. Ladies were also asked to keep in mind that our 50th anniversary will be September 20, 1981.
Mary Kresevic’s grandson, Mark Milosovic, was united in marriage to Monica Sue on August 23 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We wish the young couple many happy years together.
Happy birthday to all our September, October, November and December-born members.
On our sick list we have Mary Železnik from Los Angeles, California, Jennie Bizjak, Stefania Novak recuperating in nursing
homes, Jennie Pugelj, Marymount hospital.
At home are Mary Kresevic, Jennie Segulin, Mary Vulcek, Mary Godec and Jennie Cvelbar. Remember our sick members in your prayers; if possible pay them visits or buzz them. I am sure they would like to hear from you.
Sunday, December 14, will be our yearly meeting and Christmas party at one o’clock at the Slovenian Hall in Maple Heights, 5050 Stanley Avenue. Please try to attend in full number as we will have election of officers and many important subjects on the agenda. There are still a number of members who have not paid their 1980 assessment; please do so and don’t make it difficult for your secretary - they are hard to get.
If members have any news call me.
I	don’t know if you don’t tell me. Branch No. 47 extends our deepest sympathy to Sophie Magajna who recently lost her husband, Raymond. May he rest in peace.
Happy Holidays to all. Till next time, have a nice day, every day.
MARY TAUCHER, Sec.
NO. 50, EUCLID, OH
Our October meeting with 90 members present was presided by President, Ann Tercek. It was a good meeting with one guest, who, it turned out, became a member! Welcome, Ann Parker.
Our Mystery Bus Trip sure was a mystery with buses waiting in the wrong location and then we got lost and landed in Perry, Ohio, instead of Painesville; but it was well worth it. What a nice place, the Vogue, with Hank Zalar the owner coming out to greet us!
The food was so delicious and plentiful, he really went all-out with his beautiful buffet. With two buses of women a lot of singing went on especially with super player Louie Bajc on the accordian.
All the ladies seemed to enjoy the Pork Chop dance and the Broom dance and the Hot Potato. When doing this on the dance floor, they looked like teen agers - no aches or pains at present. This was really a good time. We hope we’ll do it again next year, Ann, our President who was in charge.
Our member Caroline Budan sang a solo at the Glasbena Matica 50th Anniversary Concert from the opera Rigoletto. She sang it like a bird, just beautiful. God Bless Her.
There will be a Junior Christmas Party. Our Christmas Dinner and Party will be at the Slovenian Home on Holmes Avenue at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday December 14th. Call Ann Tercek at 261-3615 for reservations.
News; Mary Grmsek got married Oct. 25th. Congratulations to both. Josephine Melle’s daughter, Maryanne, got married Oct. 11th. Bertha Richter’s son, Ray, married in Davenport, Iowa Oct. 5th. Frances Scigliano’s son, John Leblanc, graduated from Boot Camp in Alemida, California. Frances Mausser visited her grandaughter, a school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona and also visited Grand Canyon and Mexico. Mary Sherry and Ann Orlikowsky will attend a dinner dance in Washington D.C. which is our sister lodge there, No. 103.
Anniversaries: Mary Jo and Peter Rom went to Las Vegas Oct. 16 celebrating their 24th anniversary. Lost money of course! Mr. and Mrs. John Celesnik celebrated their 52nd anniversary, also Antonette’s birthday was Oct. 21st.
Sick List: Molly Mauer, Mother-of-the-Year suffering with an ab-cessed tooth; Jerry Plavcan, Frances Somrak, Carol Piccirello, Angie Shine, Stella Rupe, Ann Kristoff, Vi Zak (hurt her leg) and Jessie Rich. Glad to hear all are well by now.
Sympathies: Our sincerest sympathies go to Vera Nosan on loss of sister-in-law, Irma Jerse; Mille Pike on loss of brother-in-law, Anton Mestek. Jo Siewiorek’s sister Mary Krall passed away. May they rest in peace.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Chuckle: A Prayer:
Teach me the glorious lesson (hat some times I may be mistaken.
Your Reporter, VERA MATEYKA
AND GOOD WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Officers & Members Hr. 73, Warrensville Hgts., O.
On Women and Men and Underlying Language Differences
Women and men have acquired different language communication skills because of societal views and expectations. In the past forty years, sociologists, anthropologists, and linguists have noted a wide variety of male and female behavioral distinctions which reveal meanings in language between women and men.
As soon as a child is born, he or she is treated accordingly. Boys are considered stronger and girls are cute, lovable and fragile. At this early stage in life only biological differences exist. Throughout history it is apparent that man was the sex who shaped the world, men were the strong, courageous, intelligent people, while women were viewed as more emotional, less intelligent, and subordinate to men. In picture books, television, magazines, and selected toys children receive there are sexist messages. Boys and girls are shaped into their sex roles by inevitable everyday experiences. The early formative years are extremely important in acquiring a sense of self; children learn about who they are, and how others perceive them through their development. Language is of great importance in understanding why women and men perceive themselves in certain ways and why they have learned to talk in various ways which are acceptable to others. Each sex leans through the socialization process to use words and phrases which are appropriate, not only to a situation, but also to how others will perceive it. “Women have words and phrases which the men never use or they would be laughed to scorn. Thus it happens that in their conversations it often seems as if women had another language than the men.” (Trudgill, Peter: Sociolinguistics, p.85.)
Differences in language styles
In the past few decades close observational studies have been done on how women and men speak differently. It has been found that women have a language style that is rarely found in men. The female style of speech involves the cooccurence of certain phonological features. Women less frequently use swearing, joking, and hostile verbs, but show a more frequent use of psychological state verbs. They tend to use expressive intensifiers like so and such, certain adjectives like adorable and lovely, the words mm hmm and tag questions. They use conjunctions rather than interjections to mark topic shifts and
there is a preference for certain conversational topics and speech genres.
Differences are phonetic
There are a number of words and phrases which tend to be sex bound. This suggests that taboo may be involved in some way; it is certainly more acceptable for men to swear and use taboo words than it is for women in our society. However differences found within the English language are	phonetic and
phonological, and taboo can not be used as an explanation. The differences are generally so insignificant that most people are not consciously aware of them. Some surveys done in Britain and America have provided	some striking
features. It has	been found that
women’s vowels are more peripheral and more front, more back, higher, or lower than men’s. In all the cases examined it has been shown that, “allowing for other factors such as social class, ethnic group, and age, women consistently use forms which more closely approach those of the standard variety	or the prestige
accent than those used by men.” (Trudhill, Peter; Sociolinguistics, p. 91.) Women are more sensitive to grammatical features than men; therefore women’s speech is better than men’s speech. English speaking women may be expected to be more correct in grammar than men. They are expected to be less aggressive, less innovative and more conservative; conservative language is a sign of feminity. Women leave sentences unfinished more frequently; they also speak in ways which reveal that they may not have full confidence in a statement. It has been found, that women will use a higher pitched voice when complaining, she may use it in order to get her own way. Another area which men and women display distinct speaking patters is numerals. Men use more numerals in descriptive passages than do women. Women are more likely to give an approximate number while men are more sure of themselves and they state a number more accurately.
It is obvious that men’s and women’s speech is based on sterotypes. Many of the unconscious ways we use language is dependent on our past experience in learning what is the correct way to act and to speak. For example, women and girls read books on etiquette and read newspaper columns for women.
From these types of sources they learn basic rules of conduct, many rules are of such that women are indirectly advised to ask men questions, to let them talk more, and to praise them. This behavior is not meant to be reciprocated. Through life experiences of influence from books, magazines, television, and women’s advice columns, women learn as young children that the men in the world are the most important people to support. It becomes a part of their prescribed behavior and they accept the mold society has placed them into.
Dependence of language usage
Little boys are taught they are stronger, more independent, more logical, and innovative. It is no wonder then that they grow up with a different language pattern from women. A language reflects thoughts, attitudes, and culture of the people who make it and use it. Analysis of a language tells us a great deal about the interests, achievements, obsessions, hopes, fears, and prejudices of the people. Men have made the decisions of the rules in language; in analyzing words and phrases it is prominent that language is sexist. Many higher ranked positions have man attached to the end of the word, but people claim that it refers to both male and female. They why do we have Avon ladies and house wives? They don’t refer to both men and women. “It seems only fair to give the “she” a turn. We can simplify things by calling them all congresswomen.” (L. Van Gelde: Ms. 1980, p. 120.) Our language is changing because of the social changes taking place. Women are getting educated and are rapidly becoming a part of the influential spheres. There is conflict in speech and writing. Many men and women, especially women are going through a state of normlessness. Changes are occurring at such a rapid pace that people are experiencing cultural shock. Men and women do not know how to act with each other as they once did.
What language reflects
During the past decade women overall have become more assertive and have actively voiced their opinions of sex discrimination in language. They are tired of being subordinate objects to men. Women are growing from a child-like state of helplessness to a mature level of having a better self concept of themselves. Although women will probably differ in language style for a long way to come, they have become aware of it, and this is the
first step towards change. Speech is a form of action, not only a reflection of underlying social processes. In using he or she rather than he, for sex-indefinite actecedents is a tangible gesture of including, rather than excluding women from consciousness. Males who consistently interrupt females in conversation are engaging in acts of social domination. This trait is typical in men. Verbal communications have been helping to establish and maintain male dominance. In this decade women and men will play different roles in the process of phonological change; language undoubtedly exists at the very core of human interaction.
Linguistic sex varieties arise because language as a social phenomenon is closely related to social attitudes. Women and men are socially different in that society lays down different social roles for them and expects different behavior patterns from them.
Women’s and men’s speech is a reflection of societal values and expectations.
BERNADETTE KOVAČIČ
September— October
2	— Jennie Winsec 6 — Margaret Zella 10 — Ivana Valencic — 51 years 12 — Hedwig Kodrich 14 — Vera Krajic — 52 years Josephine Poropat
16	— David Druga 20 — Mary Jurcic
Paula Lukančič Anne Ragusa
23	— Barbara Gerzin (101 years old)
Agatha Marolt 25 — Mary Baraga 29 — Jennie Elovar
33 — Ana Podgoršek
34	— Mary Pahula, Charter
member 34, 1st Secretary, 1st Recording Secretary
35 — Pauline Pleveli — Charter 35 41 — Josephine Markel
50 — Agnes Urankar — 52 years 56 — Frances Bosich Rose Chernugal 88 — Frances A. Kopriva Ana Martinčič 96 — Mary Mlinar 100 — Anna Logo
ANGELA N1CO
MY PRAYER
Oh! Thank you, Lord,
For all that you have done for me.
The food... the clothes...
The warmth of hearth...
Provide a castle blessed by thee.
Forgive me. Lord,
For times I lost my trust in you.
Your varied paths...
And barriers, too...
Protected me and my faith grew.
Please guide me. Lord,
Please give me strength to conquer all Temptations.. .misdeeds...
Great or small.
Guide not my will, hut send your call...
To serve you. Lord,
For needs in each capacity.
Your instrument
I	choose to be
For any task you have for me.
Published 5/17/80 THE DAILY NEWS-TRIBUNE-
October— November
2 —Mary Mencinger
Mary Shorner
3 — Frances E. Perko 12 — Antonia Gradišnik 14 — Josephine Lapuh
16 — Marie Cherne
17 — Margaret Betenz
Cecelia Verbick
24 — Jennie Krultz
25 — Agnes Opaskar — 50 yr
Jennie Stanisa 27 — Frances Oblich
35	— Mary Krašovec 40 — Mary Zallar 45 — Lucia Betich 56 — Caroline Kozina 64 — Frances Jarc Rose Wolk 77 — Mary Sholich 88 — Theresa Hiti 95 — Genevieve
NO. 54, WARREN, OH
Our Branch held a Halloween party at my home and we really had an enjoyable event. Several of us came in costume and those that didn’t were fined a small amount. Helping me out were my mom, Rose Racher and my mother-in-law, Mary Ponikvar.
At the business meeting, we discussed nominations for officers that would be elected in November and the Christmas meeting to be a luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 16th at 1:00 pm, place to be announced. Chairmen are Mary Zuga and Ann Savor. There will be a $3 gift exchange and you are all asked to bring canned foods for a prize.
Our sympathy to Ann Savor’s family on the death of brother-in-law, Mr. Cooper.
Get well wishes to Dennis Persin, Elsie’s son, who has been ill.
Back from the Button Box Road Concert is our president, Josephine Kassan who was a dancer in the. group. She had a wonderful time and is still in the clouds! They gave concerts in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, etc. and the people were so hospitable to them.
Happy and Blessed Holidays to all.
JOANNE PONIKVAR Reporter
NO. 55 GIRARD, OH
As I write it is October and the beautiful leaves are falling like rain, earlier than usual. It’s hard to believe that the winter weather is not too far off.
I know I’m late in my article to say where a few of our members vacationed this past summer, but trying to get a little news seems to be hard to do while I seem to get criticized for not writing. These are the ones that should take over and find out how hard it is to get news to write about.
Well, back to my writing. Maria Cvetnic and her daughter, Kay Sefcik and a granddaughter visited relatives in Zagreb, Yugoslavia. While there, they visited Maria’s two sisters, They toured Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Their trip was a most exciting one. Sophie and Tony Kren visited their daughter, Pat and Rick Harper and family who reside in Colorado. Back from a wonderful trip to Hawaii is Mary Selak. She was accompanied by her son, Sam Ambrose, daughter-in-law, Martha and great grand daughter, Renee Casiango. They, too, did a lot of touring of many interesting places.
On the sick list is Jo Perusek who
Member of 103,
Washington, D.C.	,a	Salle-Peru-Oglesby, Illinois.
rln hemoriam \
V BLAG SPOMIN ?
recently underwent major surgery, but is now at home recuperating. Also, Mary Svesko has been very ill and is now coming along fairly well. It would be nice to remember them with a cheery card. At our November meeting, election of officers took place. The names of the new officers will be in my next article. Hope everyone has a wonderful and joyous Christmas holiday.
FRANCES HRIBAR NO. 56, HIBBING, MN
As this will in the December issue our plans were made for our Christmas party. Our meeting was opened with a prayer by president Rose Maras, the treasurer’s report and minutes were approved. Reported sick were Ursula Zaic and Frances McGraw. We have lost three members this year namely. Frances Bozich, Rose Chernugal and Caroline Kozina. May their souls rest in peace and our sympathies to their families. The charter was draped for them.
It was decided to have a bakeless bake sale with each member donating two dollars towards the Christmas dinner. We will have it at our December meeting, the place to be decided. An exchange of gifts will take place for those who want to.
Lunch was served by hostesses, Ann Kemp, Rose Kemptgen, Frances McGraw and Mary Massich. Cards were played and winners were Rose Maras, Milena Koehler and Dorothy Oberstar. A special prize winner was Valeria Carlson.
Hostesses for November were Julia Vecchi, Margaret Skorich, Elizabeth Spolar and Antonia Rapinac.
Best wishes to all and a speedy recovery to our sick. A Blessed Christmas to all and the best of everything in the New Year.
ANNE B. SATOVICH Reporter
NO. 57, NILES, OHIO
The October meeting was held at the home of Frances Yerman. Plans for the Christmas Dinner were completed and will be held on our regular meeting night and will be held at Rudy’s Restaurant.
Get well cards were sent to Mary Visnosky and Nancy Segreto. Mary had the misfortune of falling and breaking her thigh. Nancy is improving slowly. We wish both speedy recoveries. It was so nice to see Clara Zobitz at the meeting after her long illness. Frances Yerman is back from attending her niece’s wedding and now has a houseguest from West Virginia visiting her.
Lunch was served by Mary Moler,
BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THE HOME OFFICE FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING!
Popular heritage books such as "From Slovenia to America” by Marie Prisland and “Footsteps Through Time” by Irene Odorizzi, will make appropriate Christmas gifts for your family and friends. Prompt mailing assures your receiving them in time for the holidays.
Mrs. Prisland’s book sells for $3.50 soft-cover and $5.50 hardcover and Mrs. Odorizzi’s book is $6.00 hard-cover. For each order send 75 cents for postage. Send to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION HOME OFFICE 431 No. Chicago St.,
Joliet, IL60432.
Viola Logar, and Mary Ann Leonard. The door prizes were won by Millie Bako and Margaret Gilyda.
I want to thank Mary Moler for giving me the news for this column because I was wandering over the mountains of northern Vermont. My sisters, Mary Strah and Nettie Hoffman and I were on a Foliage Tour in the Poconos and up to Bolton Valley in the ski country. We saw the most beautiful colors on the trees, from pale yellow to blood red. One had to see to believe!
I agree with Marion Schoeberlein when she wrote the following.
God wrote His autograph Upon the sky last night -In the stars I never saw A signature so bright!
With the dawn again For watchers to behold-
He wrote His name in sunlight-An autograph of gold!
ANN PEASE, Reporter
NO. 59, BURGETTSTOWN, PA.
Halloween and Thanksgiving are over with for this year. As I write this, we are having our first look at “ole man Winter” with a bit of snow flakes falling. With Christmas nearing, may be we can look forward to a white Christmas. And soon the towns will be decorated with colorful, glowing lights and to hear Christmas music coming from afar. So, I hope by now, everyone has the baking and shopping done and are anxiously waiting Santa’s visit.
Our October meeting had 19 members. It was nice to see Mary
Dvoršak, Mary Serrini, and Stella Delvarney back. We discussed our Christmas dinner about which I’ll tell you in the next article.
Our lodge was hostess for the Blood Bank held in November. Members baked cookies and donated coffee, cream and sugar. These ladies helped in serving: Frances Korošec, Jenny Ferbežar, Ann Lounder, Fran Montequin, Catherine Ferbežar and Louise Paskitius.
Mitzi Lawrence and Hilda Montequin visited with one of our shut-ins, Mrs. Papesh. Belated 40th wedding anniversary congratulations to Steve and Theresa Shearson. Fannie Sage recently had an operation. We send you our warmest get-well wishes for a complete recovery. Fannie is recuperating at her daughter’s home in Canton, Ohio.
Happy December Birthday to: Mary Serrini, Hilda Gavazzi, and Tommy Paskitius. And to these gals for their New Year Birthday for January:	Josephine Ferbežar,
Theresa Shearson, Fran Montequin, Louise Paskitius and my mom, Hilda Montequin. They’ll start the new year out with a bang! To everyone, enjoy Christmas with your families. Happy Holidays from Santa and me, ROSEMARY ORENCHUK
NO. 71, STRABANE, PA
Our October meeting was opened with prayer. It was a short business meeting.
Get well cards went to Mary Koklich, Antonia Oshinsky, Mary Tomsic and Sophie Gezek, who now are doing well. We had a very nice turn out with 22 members.
We had Sharon Boštjančič, Frances Polosky and Peggy Gricar in charge of the social. The tables looked so nice with Halloween decorations plus the goodies that they made themselves. Also, they brought a “B” game that we all enjoyed. All received some gifts.
We were happy to see new faces, namely, Lorraine Rathbone and Mary Lewis who had come to their first meeting; they will be back.
We sang Happy Birthday to all members who had birthdays in September, October and November: Sharon Boštjančič, Alice Pugar, Caroline Massoch, Mary Lukas, Frances Poloski, Catherine Szoka, Eva Klapach, Frances Tomsic, Antonia Oshinski, Frances Dixon, Mary Egersky, Ann Antonella. Hope the all have many more birthdays.
We ended the meeting by praying for our sick members and also for our deceased members.
PA Y YOUR DUES, EA RL Y!
A good habit to get into, is the annual payment of dues! Secretaries would appreciate it and you would have less to think about! In branches where the secretaries are already overworked, keeping monthly dues records is an extra effort. Do everyone a favor - pay once a year!
Ask for mail envelopes for added convenience. Secretaries will be glad to oblige.
If you haven’t as yet paid for 1980, send the dues now. Below is the current dues schedule. Please add whatever your branch has determined they need for their treasury.
Membership classes
Payment
Benefits
Juniors, Birth to 18 Class A, 14 to 51 Class B, 14 to 61
Social, 61 plus
$2.40 per yr. $9.60 per yr. $12.60 per yr.
$7.80 per yr.
$100- no ZARJA $100 benefit
$300 for ages to 31 $250 for ages to 41 $200 for ages to 46 $150 forages to57 $100 for ages to 61 No benefit - ZARJA only
We missed our good member Josephine Verkoltz, who comes to all our meeting and makes the apple strudel! We’ll forgive her because her daughter Evelyn Frank and her grandson and Evelyn’s daughter-in-law arrived from California.
Thanks again for the great job the ladies did at our October meeting.
Next meeting is on December 11, at 7:30 - same place and election of officers, also. See you all there.
LUCILLE SMITH
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH
Our annual “Night on the Town” held during the month of October, was enjoyed October 17th. The turnout wasn’t as great as other years, but those able to attend enjoyed a delicious dinner and then on to the well-known “Front Row Theater in the Round” where the famous “Eddie Arnold” was entertaining. Everyone enjoyed the entire affair, as many of our members have a number of the Eddie Arnold records
-	including yours truly.
Sorry to report that Emma Sklenicka, Agnes Walters, and Betty Simec were hospitalized recently; hope that their recuperations are speedy. We are glad to hear that Mary Chesnik is feeling better after a bout of illness. I want to thank my dear friends Emma Sklenicka and Louise Epley who came to see me on my birthday which fell only five days after Emma’s release from the hospital which I appreciated so much, as well as to thank Emma for the lovely card and basket of fruit she brought me. Emma has known my family and relatives from way back and is still very dear friends with all.
Our cancelled stamp drive for the Kidney Foundation is continuing very successfully, anci we want to thank again our larger contributors Olga Sray and co-workers, Mary Pelc, Gloria Dusek and Leona Mandich. Those members who aren’t connected with a business and send us those stamps they receive in their own households, their contributions are greatly appreciated also. 1 received a large amount of cancelled stamps from a Miss Julia Nagy, but with no return address so I could’t call or write her to thank her; so if she or anyone knowing her reads this article please have her get in touch with me as I would like to thank her in person.
While typing this article I received a phone call from one of my friends who started off by wishing me a “Merry Christmas”, and then it dawned on me that since we in
Cleveland and its suburbs had our first taste of snow mixed with rain that was her way of expressing anxiety as to what the coming months will bring in the way of weather since our first snowfall came so early. Until the next article - love and good health!
MILDRED D. ROBERTS Reporting Secretary
NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WN.
Monica Podolok hosted the Oct. 12, 1980 meeting. Ten members were present to discuss the Christmas planning. The annual potluck will be Dec. 7 at the Enumclaw Community Center beginning at 1:00 P.M. The Octoberfest was not held this year for lack of planning and hopefully will be again next year.
Each of us wish all of our sister S.W.U. members the peace and joy of Christmas, a New Year full of hope and love
DOROTHY SLEIGH NO. 92, GUNNISON, CO
Our annual picnic was a very enjoyable day for all members and spouses who were there. Fran and Gerry were very nice hostesses. We all enjoyed visiting, and as did all our members, I enjoyed eating.
The ladies who attended the Convention in Pueblo had a lovely time to hear them talk about it. They also had a good time on the road. Mary had trouble with their car, but, thank God they all got home without any more trouble.
Our meeting for October was held at the home of Rose Carricato on the 21st. Margaret opened the meeting with a prayer. Roll call showed twelve members present. Minutes were approved as read as was the treasurer’s report. Old business: we will try and have some items made
for the Sugar Plum bazaar. Frieda will have a work shop at her home and will call members to help.
New business: we had our secret pal name drawing.
Our November meeting was at the home of Frances Guerreri. Mystery box donated by Linda Mikus, won by Frances Guerreri. High prize winners were Frances and Fern; low, Ann and Margaret Depew.
Our hostess Rose served a delicious, we-could-say-dinner: jello, home-made sausage and potica. Delicious! Thanks, Rose!
Hope all had a lovely thanksgiving with your loved ones. We are beginning to feel the winter season. Won’t be long before we get measurable snow.
Happy Holidays to all.
FERN WHITE
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL
45 members attended our October meeting. First the good news! Helen Golich enrolled five new members and they are: Helen Jerbic, Pat Pavich, Adeline Marino, Loraine Zagar and Hanah Pilkarski, who did not waste time and accepted the position of Christmas Chairperson as her first assignment with our group! Many thanks to you, Hanah, and we greet all of you not as strangers, but as friends!
The Nominating Committee selected for the coming election of officers is: Mary (Bob) Perkovich, Chairperson, assisted by Martha Štampar and Helen Price.
The climax of the evening was when our members so wisely chose Manda Dosen as our Mother-of-the-Year. She has accepted this honor with pride and gratitude and a full heart. Congratulations, Manda!
After the business session the ladies enjoyed the goodies donated
by Bernice Bubel, Charlette Fryza, Evelyn Driscoll, and Yours Truly. Hostesses for the evening were, Emma Yergovich, Charlette Fryza, Dolores Hennelly, Helen Price, and Bernice Bubel. Cash by Fran Seabloom, $2.
Delighted to hear that Marge Krmpotic is on the mend after undergoing a painful operation. We send her our best wishes, and to all our our members who are ailing.
Birthday Greetings to our December celebrants: Rose Marie Cacich, Josephine Stengel, Fran Seabloom, Hermina Lakich, Vica Rukavina, Stephanie Magnavite, Rose Boerner, Marge Simunic, Mary Kahn, Mary Ann Taporis, Lucy Sarich (Tex) and Lois Chereso.
In conclusion: A standing vote of thanks for running a smooth and most enjoyable convention to Ann Kompare who chaired the whole proceedings. She welcomed our State President, Angela Nico who performed her arduous task with seriousness and sense of responsibility. Thanks to our visiting National Officers Mary Muller, National President, Olga Ancel, Secretary and Mary Marolt, Treasurer, also Evelyn Driscoll (Rec. Secretary), Rev. Kozina, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and Rev. David Stalzer, Spiritual Advisor.
Our sincere thanks to Rev. Mark Kozina for the homily in which he stressed how important a role women are playing in this day and age, not only in our relationships with those of our own household, but in dealings with those in the world outside.
The Rev. Stalzer spoke about the changes in Christians stating that change is implicit in our time, and reminded us to keep steady and find resources for renewal.
Our thanks to Sister Diane and the choir for a delightful assortment of songs, and last but not least to the following committee who worked very hard for this convention: Mildred Poropat, Helen Golich, Evelyn Driscoll, Virginia Kwiatkowski, who made the boutonniers, Helen Price, Martha Štampar, Manda Dosen, Lou Nosich, Mary Brozynski, Sylvia Vukadinovich, Helen Alb, Matilda Martin, Dolores Hennelly, Hatie Isek, Fran Griffin, Marge Doherty, Mary (Bob) Perkovich and to Helen Spelich and Hubby, Joe, for the delicious food that was served.
I am grateful to all of you for your full cooperation.
We hope that all 170 people who attended this convention enjoyed themselves and that all of you returned to your homes with pleasant recollections of what has been done
here. To be a host to such a gathering is an honor of which any branch might well be proud. Also, to Mary Muller for presenting Mildred Poropat, Evelyn Driscoll and yours truly with a memorable gift for long standing service to our branch, many thanks.
The Merriest Christmas to all of you!
MILDRED JAMES NO. 100, FONTANA, CA
What a pleasant surprise it was to see my godchild, Mary Reich, enhancing the cover of the October Zarja and especially in the progress of making my favorite dessert! The ladies on the picture look so preoccupied and intent in their baking preparations, no doubt making sure that the strudels would be of superior quality both in taste and appearance. Mary, you know how fond I am of strudels! The least you could have done was bring me a sample. After all, it would have taken you only four and a half hours by plane to get here. Oh! some godchildren are so very inconsiderate!
We had a visitor from Illinois, which made me and mine very happy. We enjoyed my dear brother’s visit to the utmost and the three weeks that he was here passed all too quickly. Now we have to wait until next October to see him again and the time will crawl to keep pace with a snail. Nevertheless, we will look forward to spending happy hours with him again next year.
A heartfelt thank-you is expressed by our president, Anne Kapel, to all the ladies who participated in the successful card party that was held for the benefit of our branch. Thank you again, ladies, a real big thank you!
Happy birthday returns are wished for Frances Kapel, Antoinette Kovach, Gertrude Missbrenner, Rose Novak, Christine Pierman and Josephine Squok. Enjoy your birthday cakes, ladies and to heck with the calories!
Mildred Zeitz’s husband, Frank, is seriously ill and in Desert Hospital at Palm Springs. May God answer the prayers that are offered for his recovery.
Condolences are offered to Mary Burnackon the loss of her brother. Mary flew back to Pennsylvania for the funeral. Her intentions were to visit him during his illness but he was called home before her intention could be fulfilled.
The ladies of our branch wish to convey a warm “thank you” to Ann Tercek for the lovely acknowledgement that was given to us in the October issue of the Zarja.
It was such a nice gesture but then what else can you expect from such a nice lady?
Now that the holidays are approaching, it’s almost time to bake our strudels and poticas. So, ladies, get out your ingredients, pans and get busy. If you have any strudel left over, you can always get rid of it by calling you-know-who.
God bless you all, see you next month be He willing.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH DRAWENEK
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Branch No. 103 once again deserves congratulations for its efforts in making our annual dinner-dance a success. The hall was especially lovely this year as it had been recently painted and decorated. The tables were lovely with small red and white checked cloths covering fresh white table cloths. The tables were adorned with red and white candles, with a vase of red carnation, fern, and ivy.
All the food and great variety of pastries were made by members of Branch No. 103. Many of these items required a lot of time and work which was performed with unselfish dedication. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all members who participated in this event, and to non-members who gave their time and efforts to help make this a successful evening.
Tom Fudala and his orchestra from Richmond, Virginia were excellent musicians, and played a wide selection of pieces which everyone enjoyed. The floor was always filled with dancing couples twirling to the inspiring music. During intermission, several interesting prizes were distributed.
We were delighted to welcome a number of visitors from Cleveland who joined this gala event. Among them were two sisters of Mollie Thomas, Mrs. Mary Ipavec and Mrs. Margaret Dobnikar; and aunts of Harold Paulin, Mrs. Mary Sherry, and Mrs. Ann Orlikowski who were accompanied by their two friends Mrs. Hermine Zupančič and Mrs. Gertrude Magalenga.
We would like very much to mention each individual who contributed so much to the success of this event, but the list would be too lengthy for this article. So once again, thanks to each and every participant for your help, without which the event would not have taken place.
Until next year’s event, best wishes, to all.
MATILDA AUSICH Recording Secretary
Greetings from our Youth Director:
I would like to wish all of you a very blessed and Merry Christmas and health and happiness in the new year.
As we come to the close of 1980 and the International Year of the Family, 1 hope that all of you in some way have promoted the importance of good family values. As members of the Slovenian Women’s Union, 1 hope that you have tried to encourage interest and promote membership into our organization which promotes good family living. As we look around us and see family life disintegrating, we can’t just sit back and do nothing. Apathy is the most serious ailment of our society today. You only get out of life what you put into it. If everyone would do just their little bit to get rid of this attitude, we would begin to see a change in our lives and in the lives of people around us. Let us work and pray for a better new year.
May God Bless You All !
Anna L. Hodnik
Remarks given by Honorary President of Colorado, Anna Pachak, al the Regional Convention
Dobrodošli!
Welcome all Zveza friends, Rev. Father Blane, State President, Frances Simonich, President of Br. 3, Frances Skul, Delegates and Members.
Time goes by fast. It is just one short year since our last S.W.U. State Convention with our faithful friends.
Our S.W.U. is the only organization in America with so many Slovenian women as members, over 7,000. Every year we give thousands of dollars in Scholarship Awards to our outstanding junior members. We have many campaigns for new members, celebrate Heritage Days, Bowling Tournaments and Concerts.
Today we have with us 8 members from Br. 92 in Gunnison, Colorado. Warm greetings to all of you.
I	would like to extend my best wishes to all members and thanks for the accomplishments you are making for ourS.W.U.
God bless all of our members. Thank you.
The best to you for Christmas
and the Jsfew Year Mary & Walter Muller
National President
Chicago, Illinois
Holiday Greetings! FORTUNA FUNERAL HOME
Cleveland, Ohio
5316 Fleet Ave
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SEASON’S GREETINGS
from
EDWARD F. KOMPARE
FUNERAL HOME
9858 South Commercial Avenue
Chicago 17, Illinois
Phones' SO 8-1111
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NO. 105, DETROIT, MI
Our October meeting was held at the home of our President, Pauline Adamic, on Saturday, October 25th. There were 12 members present.
It was decided that we would hold our Annual Christmas Party on December 28th at 7:30 P.M. The place is the Chambertain Restaurant (one of the city’s finest) located at the Holiday Inn on Michigan Avenue near Outer Drive in Dearborn.
As always, members are cordially invited to attend the party and guests are more than welcome, so bring your friends, husbands, children, daughter-in-laws, etc — the more the merrier. More information including the menu will be sent to each member early in November.
Our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery from her recent
eye surgery to Steffie Hometz, one of our best loved members. Also on our sick list is Mary Benkovich who recently had a heart attack. Her daughter tells us that she is doing fine, but had to move to Houghton Lake to live with her daughter since she should not be living alone. Hope you enjoy the snow, Mary, you sure will see enough of it up there. We’ll think of you as we watch the weather forecasts. Speaking of moving, Donna Medina and Alice Sheets should be beginning to see daylight after their recent move to Grosse Pointe Woods. There sure is a lot to move when three generations, including eight-month old Danny, have to pack-up.
Congratulations to our newest Grandmother, Katherine Mihelič, the proud Grandmother of Melissa Andrea, her first grandchild. You’re
much too young to be a Grandmother, Katherine.
Best wishes to Margaret Healy, Frances Ursic, Frances Hostnik (we missed you on the 25th), Joann Sroka and especially to Mary Vihtelic, who are celebrating their birthdays during November. May God bless and give you a healthy, happy year.
Since we do not have a meeting during December, our November meeting was very important. We planned to hold election of officers in additon to planning activities for the early part of 1981. The meeting was held on November 29th at the home of Mary Jamsek.
Until next month, our best wishes to all of the members of the Slovenian Women’s Union.
KATHLEEN EMERSON Reporter
‘ ‘ We tied a yellow rihhon round the old oak tree... as the refrain goes, in hopes that our prayers for the release of the American hostages in Iran will help bring them home again soon.
(At the Slovenian Heritage Day in Joliet, June 22, 1980 — National President Mary Muller and Co-Chairman Millie Pucel)
SLOVENIAN COSTUME PATTERN IS PUT TO GOOD USE
Modeling her newly-made-Slovenian National Costume, member, Anne Bradach made a hit at the Minnesota State Day in September. Anne made the outfit from the pattern offered in ZARJA by the Editor on the occasion of the 50th Jubilee of ZARJA. Ann has inspired other members to do the same, and in fact, in Chisholm, Aurora and Duluth, members will be busy making more costumes according to the instructions given with this special pattern.
But, says Ann, there were many times when she had to use all her ingenuity to figure out what the instructions meant to a first-time seamstress. Therefore, we are giving you some of her hints and suggestions, in the hopes that it will enable everyone to succeed in the making of a beautiful Slovenian costume she will be proud to wear.
Here are Ann’s comments:
“Slovenians traditionally choose a darker color for the material of their dress, for practicality and because they are more interested in progress than in showing off in colorful garb! They are more interested in fun and festivals (laughter from the crowd)!”
“Also, the Slovenian woman’s dress is made to be worn often, not only for parades, hence the apron!”
“I must repeat my thanks to Corinne Leskovar for all her help in obtaining the materials and giving me pictures and ideas for the “Auba” headpiece. Mr. Frank Mihelich of Gilbert got me a pattern for it and will be asking him for more help the next time he comes to Chisholm. 1 also had a booklet of Narodne noše from Europe written in Slovenian that gave me a few more hints.
“Anyway, here are some of the pitfalls I encountered. The package said ’size 12 dress’ - this floored me as I am a size 38 D cup! So, I cut the blouse an inch bigger all around,
then found it was too big and had to rip it all out and recut it according to the pattern. Since it fit nicely, I wasn’t too worried about the rest of the pattern being too small.
“1 found that on the blouse, the neckpiece was too short. There should be a marking for the centerfold - in other words, I didn’t realize “center” meant “centerfold”.
If you buy lace trimming that is pre-gathered, do the cuffs first, as they will need gathered lace. But, for the neckline, gathered lace is too bulky, so you must use straight lace edging. 1 sewed the lace between the
2	pieces of neckline material and then sewed it to the blouse, first on one side then the other. Buy about 1 1/4 yards of cording to pull in the neck gathering.
Don’t make the apron before the jumper as I did. 1 had to cut it down and put a new top on it because it was too long for my finished length of the jumper. When you make the apron, the lace is only gathered at the two bottom corners. If you want a stiffer ‘mašna’, or bow at the back of the apron, use the same material as the apron. Some use 4 inch ribbon and make a permanent bow that they snap on.
“Before you begin to sew the narrow ribbon trim on the front of the jumper bodice, stitch a narrow seam connecting the 2 dart parts. This prevents a pucker.
“For three days I tried to figure out how to turn the bodice inside out after sewing the shoulder seams in, until someone finally told me to rip the shoulder seams and it worked! Then, carefully, I sewed the shoulder seams back and did the lining by hand.
“I put the zipper to the front of the jumper just as I had sewed the lace to the neckpiece of the blouse. The zipper goes between the lining and the tafetta. It takes a little manuevering to get it aligned but it
can be done. Then you don’t need to use the bodice piece C.
“I used chalk and a yard stick to measure the 4 inch hem of the skirt. Then baste the hem up, lay the 3/4 inch velvet ribbon on the basted stitches first and then you can sew the other row of ribbon above it 1 or
1	112 inches apart.
“No way could I make the 2 needles stay an inch apart as I gathered the skirt, so I had to rip again. I laid out the skirt on the floor, got my chalk and yard stick out and lined the material all across. Then I pressed, using a light iron, on the chalk line. I folded the skirt one inch below the pressed chalk line and pressed again. 1 measured the full length of thread for each needle (3 yards) - (two lengths), so when doubled and threaded, each needle would have 4 strands of thread. I sewed by hand the small stitches, 112 inch from the top, then again, one inch lower on the pressed line to match the top line stitches. When the skirt was gathered, the stitches matched.
“Finishing the skirt - 1 sewed it to the bodice, sewed in the zipper and lastly, sewed by hand, the bodice lining to the top of the skirt at the waist.
“For the finishing touches, I bought a chain at the hardware store, according to the length 1 measured around me - also wide enough to look quite authentic. I have added a ribbon bow and little purse to the chain. For a flower bouquet to pin at the bodice, I bought a kit for making silk cloth carnations at a hobby shop. I made four flowers from the kit. A flowered scarf can be finished off with fringe. Only two sides need to have the fringe (as it is expensive to buy).
“I hope this description will help anyone sewing a national costume for the first time.”
p. Atanazij Lovrenčič, of m:
Moj Božič
Pred božičnimi prazniki postanemo zelo zaposleni; toliko je za narediti, pripraviti hišo, postaviti jaslice in okrasiti božično drevo, poslati božična voščila sorodnikom in znancem. Naša glava je polna z različnimi pripravami, da pozabljamo na glaven namen, zakaj praznujemo božič. Sveta Cerkev nas tudi hoče pripraviti na božič. Morda bo kdo rekel: ali ni že dovolj stvari, ki nam ta čas nalaga? Le malo bolj prisluhnimo Cerkvi, in prec bomo videli, da je prav za prav le ena priprava nujna: in to je naše srce, naše duhovno razpoloženje.
Tukaj bi bilo na mestu vprašanje: Kaj pomeni božič za moje življenje? Ali imajo božični dnevi kakšen vpliv na moje vsakdanje življenje? Ko končno božični dan pride, smo navadno tako utrujeni duševno in telesno, da ne čutimo veselja, ki bi nam ta dan moral prinesti. Cerkev bi nas rada pripravila z adventnim časom; ona bi nam rada pomagala, da bi se notranje umirili in obrnili vsojo pozornost na dejstvo, da nam je Bog poslal Odrešenika. Cerkev bi ti rada pokazala kaj božič pomeni zate, ali kaj naj bi pomenil zate in za tvojo družino.
Pri vseh teh pripravah, vzami si čas, obrni svoje misli na Jezusa, ki je prišel na svet zate. On bo videl tvojo okrašeno hišo, božično drevo z jaslicami, a vse to ga ne bo zadovoljilo. On bo gledal na tvoje srce, kako ga boš ti sprejel, sprejela, kaj pomeni božični dan zate.
Božično Dete bo posebno gledalo
na to, kaj bo tvoje srce najbolj razveselilo na ta veliki dan: Ali dar od prijatelja, ali božično voščilo od tvojega sorodnika, ali pa dejstvo, da je Jezus bil rojen zate na božično noč. Končno božič ni nič drugega kot Jezusov rojstni dan, ko se je Druga Božja Oseba očlovečila zate.
Kot ti želiš svojim dragim veliko veselja, za te praznike, prav tako Kristus želi, da bi bil tvoj božič vesel. A On dobro ve, da brez njega ni pravega veselja. Božično drevo brez jaslic, brez svete družine, je žalostno. Prav tako je božič žalosten za človeško srce, če v njem ni prostora za božje Dete, ki gaje Vsemogočni poslal zate na božično noč.
Ah, ti večno sveta noč
Zaprtih oči se zamaknem v preteklost.
Na voglu s svetilke sneži in sneži na smreko božično, v osamljeno cesto, na zvon, ki z voščili iz dalje doni.
Priprtih oči se spet vrnem v sedanjost.
In vlaki drdrajo do zadnjih postaj od tržnic, delavnic in šol in uradov — le zvezde mi pletejo v morju smehljaj.
Odprtih oči se obrnem v prihodnost.
Iskalci Boga v pristanišču stojš in Mož in Devica, v naročju z Otrokom, in vsi po božično Ljubezen slavš.
Razprtih oči se še enkrat povrnem.
Pod cestno svetilko že dolgo sneži. Snežinkam svetijo peruti srebrno. Na prsih jim Jezusov križec žari.
n
Vladimir Kos
jUifcsti fioPne bofiičM paagnike m s/ieeno
«01/0 (ko!
KONFERENCA KRSCANSKIH ZENA
Živimo v modernem svetu z vsemi dnevnimi problemi in odločitvami. V tej zavesti je nagnilo Slovensko žensko zvezo k odločitvi velike naloge, da skliče prvo konferenco krščanskih žena SŽZ, ki se bo vršila v dnevih 18. in 19. julija, 1981 v Lemontu, Illinois.
Tema konference bo “Krščanska žena v današnjem času”, ki je vseobsegajoč naslov, v okviru katerega se more obravnavati razne predmete splošnega zanimanja.
To bo zbor žena od blizu in daleč, vseh poklicev, članic in ne-članic, — vse so dobrodošle. Poskušale bomo najti boljše razumevanje krščanskega nauka, ki se tiče žene in ki nam more pomagati najti moč in vztrajnost živeti božjo voljo.
Posebno smo ponosne in vesele, da bo naš glavni mašni so-darovalec in pridigar preč.g. Dr. Alozij Ambrožič, škof iz Toronta, Kanada. On je med najvišjimi slovenskimi cerkvenimi dostojanstveniki v Severni Ameriki in v Kanadi deluje posebno med katoliškimi manjšinami, ki tam živijo. Zelo smo počaščene, daje škof Ambrožič pristal, da bo vodil konferenco in nam nudil svoje bogato znanje in izkušnje.
Naš duhovni svetovalec, č.g. Atanazij Lovrenčič, OFM, predstojnik slovenskih frančiškanov v Ameriki, bo voditelj konference.
Preskrbljeno bo za potrebna prenočišča v kar najbolj primernem okolju. Krasni prostori romarskega grička in samostan, nam bo nudil kar najlepšo priliko za duhovno zbranost, vključno sv. mašo na prostem pri lurški votlini. Na predvečer se bo vršila procesija s svečkami okoli Križevega pota, blejskega jezera in roženvenskega parka. Konferenca se bo vršila v obeh, slovenskem in angleškem jeziku.
Ko znanih več podrobnosti, boste obveščene v ZARJI. Odločite se že sedaj, da se boste udeležile prve Konference Slovenskih žen SŽZ v Lemontu to poletje, dne 18. in 19. julija.
Urednica
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Ob priliki Slovenskega dneva v Chicagu, je Slovenski radio klub počastil urednico Zarje, go. Corinne Leskovar. Na sliki ji mala Sonja Arko izroča šopek nageljnov. Ga. Leskovar je so-direktorica slovenskih oddaj na radiju in učiteljica slovenskih folklornih pleasalcev.
ANA GABER:
Št. 2, Chicago 1L.
NAŠA SLOVENSKA DEDIŠČINA
Iz Prekmurskega kotička, 15. oktobra 1980: Amerikanski Slovenec Po dopisu Mrs. Gizelle Hozian
Dan 4. oktober bo ostal zopet močno zabeležen v	slovenski	zgodovini.	Slavili	smo	ob veliki
udeležbi Slovenski dan. Obenem smo praznovali 30. obletnico slovenskega	radio prgrama.	Komaj
se zavedamo, da je že poteklo toliko let. Delo, ki seje v tej dobi potom radio kluba vršilo, je vredno, da se ohrani v trajnem spominu. Lud in Corinne Leskovar in vsi sodelavci zaslužijo naše najiskrenejše častitke. Častno mesto jim pripada v zgodovini čikaške Slovenije.
Med točkami sporeda je bilo odlikovanje zaslužne osebe. Tokrat je bila izbrana res najbolj zaslužna, delavna in vneta za dobro vsakega Slovenca Mrs. Corinne Leskovar. Kaj žrtvuje ona za slovensko mladino in sploh za Slovence v Chicagu, je nepopisljivo. Ona je vzgledna žena, ljubeča mati, urednica Zarje, učiteljica Folklorne skupine in še in še.. Vsi bi morali njej pokloniti velik šopek hvaležnosti in priznanja. Pa je namesto tega ona sama nam delila rdeče nageljčke kot znak ljubezni in spoštovanja.
Bog te živi, draga Corinne! Da bi dočakala še 50-obletnico obstoja slovensko - ameriškega radio kluba v Chicagu.
Ivan Cankar
SVETA NOČ, BLAŽENA NOČ...
I	Trije dnevi so še do svetega večera; na delo je treba za jaslice. Vidva v hrib po mah; vidva režita in lepita pisane nodobe, štalico, sveto družino, svete tri kralje, pastirje in ovce; ti, ki si največji, pa naslikaj pisan Drt- da bo tako lep kakor lani in ga pride pogledat vsa soseščina! Jaslice stoje v kotu, velike in svetle kakor kapelica. Zvečer, kadar gori samo še rdeča lučka pred njimi in je vse tiho, prihajajo otroci po prstih, postavijo mizo pod jaslice in polagajo pred štalico rozine in orehe -za Jezusa, ki je ubog in lačen.
Ponoči, kadar vsi spe in nihče ne vidi in ne sliši in je zunaj sneg, vstane Marija....Otroci samo šepetajo: “Jaz sem slišal..Vzbudil sem se, pa je šumelo, kakor da bo kdo hodil in luč pred štalico je močno svetila.”
“Kaj si videl?”
“Kako bi mogel gledati..Marijo?Zaprl sem oči in sem molil. Strah me nič ni bilo...”
"Jaz pa sem videl angela, ki je molil pred jaslicami.”
“Kakšen je bil?”
"Ko je odmolil, je šla luč okrogla in svetla kakor sekira, vse po izbi in skozi okno proti nebu; med zvezde je šla..”
Od svetega Pavla zvoni; daleč se razlega pesem v zimo in noč. Blizu je polnočnica. Zunaj je sneg; kadar se vda tenka ledena skorja, se pogrezne noga do kolena. Nobena hiša ni temna. Okno do okna, luč do luči. Vrata se odpirajo tu in tam; skoraj že gre procesija po belem snegu, pod belim nebom in še bolj belimi zvezdami. Tisti, ki so prišli iz daljnih krajev, nosijo svetilke.
Cerkev je žarko razsvetljena; tudi na velikem lestencu gore sveče. Vse je, kakor da se je bil Jezus rodil prav ta večer. Srce se vzdrami, vzdigne se, gre samo, visoko, vse polno sreče, ki ji ni mere ne imena. Luči trepečejo v dišavah ki se vijejo kakor bela megla proti stropu. Kor odpeva oltarju, ena sama radostna pesem, ki se razlega iz daljave v daljavo. Pred štalico kleče pastirji in molijo; visoko nad njimi mirno sveti zvezda repatica.
Noč je svetla kakor dan: vse teme so ugasnile. Ni več skrbi, ni več žalosti... Sveta noč, blažena noč!
HANA IN NJEN UJETNIK
Zgodba je vzeta iz knjige Franka Bukviča z naslovom “Zgodbe o zdomcih in še kaj” in skrajšana. Godi se v Nemčiji v času, ko je bila Jugoslavija poražena in Slovenija zasedena po Nemcih, Italijanih in Madžarih leta 1941.
(Nadaljevanje)
Po treh letih zopet od doma
Kakšno leto doma na beg ni mislil, čeprav je misel že ves čas podzavestno kljuvala v njegovem srcu kot neozdravljiva rana. Sprva je skušal misel potlačiti, toda glad po svobodi, ki jo je partija teptala v blato, je bil vsak dan večji. Ko se je dokončno odločil za beg, se ni mogel spomniti, če je mislil najprej na beg in šele potem na Hano. Toda zadnje dneve se mu je Hana kar naprej selila v srce in se mu prikazovala v sanjah. Njegovo slovo od domovine je bilo zato manj boleče.
Če je primerjal svoj nekdanji beg iz Oberplana v domovino s tem sedanjim čez železno zaveso, je bil prvi v primeri z drugim otročje lahek. Takrat je potoval vse do Gradca kar z vlakom. V Gradcu, kjer se je pričela nevarnost, pa so mu priskočili na pomoč slovenski visokošolci, ki so mu našli zvezo in ga s tovornjakom spravili v Maribor. Zdaj pri drugem begu se je bilo treba izogniti minskim poljem in graničarjem, ki so bili oboroženi z brzostrelkami in ki so jih spremljali volčjaki. Nekaj dni se je še boril sam s seboj, tuhtal in odlašal. Potem je pa šlo lažje in hitreje kot je pričakoval. Iz angleške in nato iz ameriške zasedbene cone se je prebil na Bavarsko. Petega dne se je z vlakom pripeljal v Oberplan. Tedaj kar verjeti ni mogel, daje bil pred nekaj dnevi še doma v važni državni službi. Razočaran nad življenjem v domovini se je vrnil v Nemčijo. Ker je bilo dan pred Božičem, je izstopilo precej potnikov. Končno si je oprtal nahrbtnik, stisnil v desnico kovček in počasi odšel proti vasi. Začelo se je mračiti in snežinke so mu na gosto padale na ramena. Zagledal je pred seboj mogočno Pfallerjevo hišo z gostilno, zgrajeno v švicarskem alpskem slogu z navpično streho in prostranim balkonom.
Kako ga bodo sprejeli? Kaj bodo rekli? Ali ga bodo posadili za mizo ali pa mu pokažejo vrata, ker jih je ociganil? Prav vse je odvisno od Hane, če ga še mara ali ne več. Navsezadnje se je morda že poročila, je srečna žena in mati? Zakaj naj bi čakala nanj? Ona ga ni ničesar vprašala, on njej ničesar obljubil.
Za svoj nenadni odhod se je lahko izgovoril samo na njenega očeta. Pfaller mu je zagrozil z gestapom in ga imenoval psa. Kljub samotolažbi mu je hudo in vedno bolj se je zavedal, da je Hano že med vojno zares ljubil.
Če ga ne sprejmejo z veseljem, bo povedal, da je pobegnil iz domovine, da se je mimogrede ustavil pri njih, da vidi, kako jim gre. Takoj drugi dan se odpelje v Monakovo in po novem letu se vpiše na vseučilišče.
Pritisnil je na težko kljuko in stopil v vežo, v kateri je dišalo po gostilni in po božičnih praznikih. Neodločen je obstal pred vrati. Že doma je mislil, če je Hana še prosta in voljna, jo zasnubi in se z njo poroči. Sedaj so mu švigale po glavi neprijetne misli in ga begale. Postavil je kovček na tla in potrkal na vrata. Slišal je odgovor; “Notri”. “Dober večer, ga. Pfaller”. Pfallerca je pri mizi valjala vanilijeve rogljičke v sladkorju in jih zlagala na srebrni pladenj. Dva fanta, starejši je bil Hanzi, mlajšega ni poznal, sta sedela na klopi nasproti nje in jo gledala pri njenem opravilu. Ona ga je takoj spoznala. “Jezus, Marija, g. Miran”, je vzkliknila in jo jer kar zaneslo k njemu. “Kje za božjo voljo ste hodili ves čas, da nismo ničesar slišali o vas? Pa sedaj za Božič! Kakšno veselo presenečenje! To bo radost in veselje”. Vsa srečna mu je ponudila obe roki. Po njenem obnašanju in po njenih besedah je takoj vedel, da je dobrodošel, da so ga ves čas težko pričakovali in upali, da se vrne.
“Odšli ste od nas tako po cigansko, ne da bi se poslovili”, mu je poočitala. “Vojna je bila, jaz ujetnik, ki sem imel domotožje, vi pa moji sovražniki... Sem pač pobegnil, kar bi storil vsak domoljub”.
“Sovražniki? Moj Bog, samo tega mi ne pravite, da smo bili vaši sovražniki. Takšnih besed Hana ne bo vesela.”
“Hana”! Stisnilo gaje pri srcu.
“Da, Hana. Saj ste prišli zaradi nje, ali ne?” se je z materinsko zaskrbljenostjo, pol z upanjem pol dvomljivo boječe zazrla v njegove oči, kot da je tam zapisan odgovor na njeno vprašanje.
“Zaradi nje...če je prosta....hm..če me mara”, se je nasmehnil.
Njegove besede so razblinile zadnji dvom v njenem srcu.
“Vas Mara? Pa še kako! Prosta je, kot ptica pod nebom. Njene sreče, ko vas zagleda, se niti predstavljati ne morem. Ubogo dekle. Ni bilo dneva, da vas ne bi omenila. Odkar je minila vojna, vas je dan za dnevom pričakovala. Koliko je prejokala zaradi vas. Vsa leta je upala, da se vrnete. Le kje je vzela takšno močno vero? Pač ljubezen! Ne vem, če je še kje na svetu človeško bitje, ki bi lahko ljubilo bolj močno in bolj iskreno kakor ljubi Hana vas. In zdaj ste zares tukaj.”
Ko se je izpovedala, se je povsem sprostila, da so se ji solze brez vsakega sramu udrle po licih. Bila je dobra in skrbna mati, ki ji je hčerkina sreča pomenila vse na svetu.
“Kje pa je Hana?” je vprašal in se ozrl proti vratom, kot da bi morala vsak hip vstopiti.
“K šivilji je šla, a se bo vsak čas vrnila, vsekakor še pred večerjo.” Potem je nadaljevala poltiho, kot da bi šlo za posebno družinsko tajnost:
“Imela je snubce, premožne in izobražene, a je vse po vrsti odklonila. Lani jeseni jo je zasnubil neki ameriški major in teksaški bogateč, a je tudi on pogorel pri njej. Samo na vas je mislila ves čas.
Trdila je, da je bil nesporazum in krivila predvsem očeta, da ste odšli.”
“To bo že res.”
“Lepe božične praznike bo imela, najlepše v svojem življenju”, je dodala in si s predpasnikom obrisala solze.
Videl je, da ga je Pfallerca sprejela kot lastnega sina; svojčas je bila tako redkobesedna in se predvsem z njim ni kdovekaj menila.
“Hanzi, ali me še poznaš?” je vpašal dečko, ko se je vsedel. Ni mu odgovoril, ampak po deški navadi krepko pokimal.
“Kdo pa sem?”
“Miran, jugoslovanski vojni ujetnik,” je odvrnil počasi.
“Vojna je že mimo in zdaj sem za spremembo politični begunec. Kajne, midva sva si bila vedno velika prijatelja" Podal mu je desnico.
“Čigav si pa ti fantek?” je položil roko na glavo kuštravega, okrog tri leta starega črnolasca, ki ga je doslej tako pozorno gledal, da niti za hip ni umaknil svojih velikih modrih oči od njega. Fantek mu ni odgovoril. Sedel je za mizo nepremično, kot da bi bil priraščen na klop in sramežljivo povesil oči. Namesto fantka mu je odgovorila Pfallerca, najprej z jokom, potem hlipaje:
“Torej zares nisi vedel ..če bi vedel, ne bi odšel...potemtakem je imela Hana prav..Tvoj je, Miran! Tvoj sinček! Poglej, kako ti je podoben. Tudi tvojemu sinčku je ime Miran. Hana je vztrajaja pri tvojem imenu, “obrisala si je solze sreče.
“Moj sin? Nisem vedel”. Samo gledal ga je. Ni mogel verjeti, da ima sina in že tri leta starega. Prvič v življenju je občutil, kaj se pravi biti oče in je bil ponosen in od srca ginjen. Stegnil je roke, si ga dvignil v naročje in mu rekel: “Jaz sem tvoj očka, Miranček”. Božal gaje po laseh in poljubil.
“Moj mož je vedno trdil, da si zato pobegnil, ker je zanosila.”
“Bog mi je priča, da nisem vedel. Hana mi je sicer povedala, da ji je bilo slabo-pa zaradi svinjske pečenke. Pač pa me je vaš mož zelo užalil. Grozil mi je z gestapom in z lastnoročnim strelom, če me bo videl s Hano.”
“Mojega moža so zmešali nacisti, predvsem tajnik in nadučitelj. V stranki je bil in nekoliko preglasen. Iz preiskovalnega zapora, kjer so iskali vojne zločince, se je vrnil ves spremenjen. Sedaj je zopet dober mož in oče.”
"Ko je izvedel, da je Hana v drugem stanu, je bil ogenj v strehi. Tako je divjal, da sem mislila, zmešalo se mu bo. Kot brezumen je tekal po hiši in po kmetiji. Ni mu hotelo v glavo, ko je bil tako zaveden Nemec, da mu je hči zanosila z vojnim ujetnikom. Priznam, tudi mene je zadelo, vendar ne narodnostno kot njega, temveč kot dobro mater, versko in moralno, da se mi je hčerka lahko tako daleč spozabila. Bolelo me je. Tisto leto ni bilo noči, da ne bi jokala. Starši pričakujejo od svojega otroka najboljše, in če jih otroci razočarajo trpe. Toda jaz sem kljub udarcu ostala ljubeča mati in sem svojega otroka skušala razumeti in mu v nesreči stati ob strani. Očetu je pa padla krona z glave. Njemu ni šlo za otrokovo srečo ampak za svoje dobro ime. Bal se je sramote. Kaj bodo rekli ljudje? Županova hčerka, gostilničarja in najbolj
premožnega posestnika v Oberplanu, hčerka zavednega Nemca in narodnega socialista je zanosila s tujcem, pritepencem, ki je ušel kot cigan. Nekoliko ga je potolažilo, ko sem mu povedala, da si akademski izobraženec, da študiraš za zobozdravnika in da ti je oče javni tožilec. Hana je bila pripravljena, da nas zapusti. Bala sem se za njeno zdravje. Oče je zahteval, da naredi splav. Hana tega ni hotela.”
Mati je nadaljevala: “Pred porodom je oče zahteval, da bi Hana šla v takozvane nacistične jasli in bi tam otroka preprosto podarila nemški državi. Hitler je imel nekako tovarno otrok, kjer so dekleta po Hitlerjevem naročilu spočenjala otroke za “Kanonenfutter”. Hana je takrat prvič povedala očetu, da ne mara Hitlerja, ker je navaden norec in da sovraži naciste. Je rekla:" Otrok ni Hitlerjev. Naj mu jih rodi njegova Eva, če jih hoče imeti. Moj otrok ostane pri meni, pa četudi bo sirota brez očeta. “Po porodu sta se sprla zaradi otrokovega imena. On je hotel imeti nemško ime, ona pa tvojega: Miran. In zdaj? Neverjetno ima otroka rad. V koleslju ga vozi naokrog. Brez njega ne gre ne na polje, ne na vas. Bolj je nor nanj kot je bil na Hanzija."
Pfallerca je med pripovedovanjem skuhala večerjo in jela pogrinjati mizo. “Med tednom nimamo navade, da bi pogrinjali, toda danes je poseben dan.” Prenesla je bel prt zvtkanimi rožami, bavarski porcelan in srebrn jedilni pribor. Tako so pogrinjali mizo samo za velike praznike in družinske svečanosti.
Pfaller je vstopil v kuhinjo in zagledal Mirančka v tujčevem naročju. Ko ga je prepoznal, ga je začudeno gledal, kajti ni mogel verjeti očem, da se je vrnil Hanin pobegli ženin. Moška sta zrla v zadregi drug drugega, pa ne dolgo. Kar sta imela drug proti drugemu sta izrazila s krepkimi besedami in očitajoče. Ko je Pfaller spoznal, daje prišel Miran snubit njegovo hčer, se je nekdanji Hitlerjanec oprostil in pokazal srečen obraz. Težki življenski udarci so tudi njega spametovali. Najprej je moral požreti strašno sramoto zaradi Hane; pred nosom se mu je zrušil tisočletni Hitlerov rajh, njegov ljubljeni vnuček je bil sirota brez očeta. Sedaj bo pa lahko zopet vsakemu pogledal v oči. Pred tremi leti nedostopen in poln prezira do Mirana, zdaj pa človeško topel in očetovsko skrben. “Kar v Muenchen pojdeš in tam dokončaš študije. Finančno ti jaz priskočim na pomoč. V Oberplanu zelo potrebujemo zobozdravnika.”
Ob besedah "Miran, moj dragi, moj ljubi” so se vsi ozrli in utihnili.
"Nikoli več me ne smeš zapustiti, nikoli več", in Hana je poletela v njegovo naročje. Duša se ji je topila od radosti in naglas je zajokala. V joku je bilo njeno hrepenenje, vsa bridkost in žalost, vse ponižanje in razočaranje. In vsa velika ljubezen!
KONEC
DOPISI
ŠT.3, PUEBLO, COLO.
V globoki žalost sporočam smrt prerano umrlega, ljubega sina William Pachak. V času ko listje pada z dreves, je bilo končano njegovo življenje v naročju narave dne 5. oktobra. Naj sonce sije, naj dež rosi, povsod čutimo praznoto in globoko žalost v srcu. Ostal nam bo v dragem spominu do konca naših dni, saj večnost prinaša in odnaša in on nam govori iz onostranstva: ne pozabite me! Njegovo željo bomo izpolnili.
V kratkem času bolezni je odšla v večnost po svoje plačilo, čla. Frances Perko, ki je bila vestna članica naše podružnice št.3. Še se spominjam kako vesela je bila, ko sem jo vpisala v našo podr. Želim ji mirni počitek in blag spomin.
Smrt je tudi odvzela vnuka od družine William Fritezel. Naše sožalje. Drage članice Zveze, vsem želim polno Božičnega blagoslova in daj Bog, da Vas smrt ne obišče.
Polna žalosti, Vaša,
ANN PACHAK
Op. ur.: Prekrvite, Mrs. Pachak, iskreno sožalje ob bridki izgubi. Vem, da vse članice, sočustvujejo z Vami v teh dneh žalosti.
ST.10, CLEVELAND, OH
Zapustili so nas vroči poletni dnevi, ki so bili letos res neznosni. Prismejala se nam je lepa bogata jesen, katere se kmet najbolj veseli, če mu zemlja dobro obrodi.
Tudi me smo vesele, če nam zelenjava lepo uspeva v vrtu in jaz imam rada rožice, posebno nageljne.
Mislim, da so naše članice lepo preživele poletne počitnice in si nabrale novih moči za bližajoče se zimske mesece.
Naša seja v septembru je bila preložena na oktober, ker je naša tajnica Zofi Magajna imela zelo bolnega moža, ki je umrl dne 22. septembra. Tudi Stefi Koncilja je 14. oktobra zgubila svojega moža. Obema članicama in njihovim družinam, naše globoko sožalje!
Med tem poletnim časom smo izgubile tudi 2 članice. Dne 18. avgusta je umrla Ivanka (Jenny)
IVAN ZUPAN:
SVETONOČNI ZVONOVI
Le zvonite, le donite svetonočni vi zvonovi!
Srca tužna nam blažite tukaj v domovini novi.
Danes naši spet spomini let nekdanjih se budijo, tjakaj proti domovini dragi, zopet nam hitijo.
Kje so oni srečni časi svetonočne poezije? —
“V nepozabni rojstni vasi,” nam srce veli in bije. —
Tam smo naša mlada leta v krogu dragih preživeli, in ko noč je bila sveta, smo božične pesmi peli.
Pesmi danes slične, mile, čuje tudi se v tujini, teda lepše tam so bile v daljni, stari domovini!
Naj zvonovi iz daljave naše milo se glasijo, in božične spet pozdrave tja čez morje vsem donijo!
Valenčič in Mary Kogoj. Ker je to bilo v poletnem času, zato niso obvestili naše podružnice. Družine umrlih članic so poslale zahvalne kartice, ker je podružnica naročila sv. maše za pokoj njihovih duš.
Imamo tudi nekaj bolanih članic: Antonija Jerkič in Ženi Planinšek, kateri se je zdravje že toliko vrnilo, da je prišla na sejo.
Tudi v naši družini se je oglasila bela žena. Dne 13. marca letos je umrl moj najstarejši brat, star komaj 56 let in nato dne 9. julija pa mu je sledil še oče v lepi starosti 83 let. Res, da smrt pobira, nič ne izbira.
Mary Bek namerava prestopiti k naši podr. Za podr. št. 41 so se
prodajali tudi tikci za afgan, kar bo v pomoč društvu.
Naj še omenim, da je naša podpredsednica Fani Žagar pregledala vse knjige za to leto in je izjavila, da je našla vse v najlepšem redu. - Podr. je darovala $25 za slovenski starostni dom.
Na zadnji seji se nas je zbralo 16. Tega dne smo slavile rojstne dneve. Ga. Zofi Magajna in jaz, Ga. Komidar Mary nam je darovala lepe šopke rož. Bog povrni vsem skupaj za vse!
Ne pozabite, naša prihodnja seja se bo vršila dne 16. nov. Imele bomo tudi volitve za novi odbor.
Sem skoraj pozabila omeniti, da je skoraj naša soseda in članica ga. Hrastar praznovala 95 rojstni dan. Lepo se je zahvalila za kartico od podr.
Po seji smo molile za vse umrle članice in tudi za mojega očeta in brata. Hvala ga. Markovič, da se je spomnila.
T. FERRACCIOLI ŠT. 14, EUCLID, OHIO
Zadnja dva meseca nisem poročala v Zarji, ker je bil moj mož od julija bolan in deloma v bolnišnici. Hvala Bogu se mu zdravje sedaj izboljšuje in tako sem zopet pri rednem delovanju.
Naše seje so dobro obiskane in razpravljamo o rednih vprašanjih. Naslednje članice so bolane:	Jennie Vidovič,
Josephine Čebulj, Anna Novinc (Kewanee), Rose Klemenčič in Mary Koljat. Vsem želimo dobro zdravje in naše molitve in dobre želje so z njimi.
Globoko sožalje izrekamo članici Pauline Anzelc, ki je izgubila ljubega moža in drž. predsednici Sophie Magajna, ki žaluje za dragim možem Ray-em, kateri je preminul pred kratkim časom.
Enako izrekamo Iskreno sožalje družinam in sorodnikom naših članic, ki so umrle: Josephine Poropat, Vera Krajic, Josephine Lapuh in Margaret Baron. Naj duše pokojnih počivajo v miru.
Novemberska seja je bila letna seja, ker na seji v decembru bomo imele volitve odbora in letno božičnico.
POSLANICA GLAVNE PREDSEDNICE
Lepi božični prazniki se nam približujejo in z njimi naše tople želje, da bi jih vse obhajale v pravem veselju ob spominu na božje rojstvo.
Potrebujemo vzajemnost, zato nas prazniki še toliko bolj povezujejo v sestrsko skupnost, ki naj nudi povečano delavnost za naše podružnice. Ob volitvah v odbore se naj ne bi branile sprejeti odgovornosti, ampak bi morale biti celo ponosne, da imamo častno dolžnost voditi naša društva, ki so temelj Zveze.
Mnoge boste imele krajevne božičnice za mladinske in odrasle članice. To je najlepši način božičnega veselja, sredi prijateljic.
Prejemamo pismo iz raznih krajev, v katerih naša mladina vprašuje za njihova izročila. Mlado dekle iz Santa Barbara, Cal. se zanima za svoje prednike, ker je prejela Zvezino Kuharsko knjigo od njene mame iz Minnesote. Mnogo podobnih primerov nam kaže, kako lepo božično darilo more biti naša kuharska knjiga.
Zanimanje narašča za prvo Zvezino konferenco katoliških žena, ki se bo vršila dne 19. julija v Lemontu, III. Podrobnosti so še v načrtih, vendar obeta prinesto to zborovanje novo duhovno poživitev v naših vstah, zato vemo, da se bodo žene in dekleta odzvale v velikem številu.
Mnoga vprašanja, ki so bila iznešena na naših državnih konvencijah, potrebujejo nadaljnega razmišljanja in razprave. Prav je, da članstvo razpravlja o teh vprašanjih na zborovanjih, kajti samo na ta način moremo graditi boljšo Zvezo v bodočnosti.
Naj izrečem globoko sožalje družini Mr. in Mrs. John Pachak ob nenadni smrti njunega sina Williama. Naj njemu in vsem blagim pokojnim Bog podeli nebeško srečo.
Prejmite vsi moje iskrene želje za praznike. Naj božji Sin Vas vse blagoslovi.
MARY MULLER
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■H
Prisrčne čestitke članici Mitzi Globokar in njenemu možu Vince za njuno slavje 25 letnice poroke dne 29. oktobra. Obema želimo vse najboljše!
Najlepša voščila vsem članicam, ki so slavile svoje rojstne dneve in obletnice v zadnjih mesecih.
Na svidenje na seji v decembru.
ANTOINETTE ZABUKOVEC
ŠT. 17, WEST ALLIS, Wl
Volitve, obljube... Cvetje in poletje, vse je prešlo. Zlato barvano drevje je izgubilo svoj čar. Želimo, da lepe obljube ne bodo pozabljene v Washingtonu. Konvencija države Wis. v Milwaukee, je bila zelo zanimiva ter upamo, da bo plodonosna.
Govor urednice Zarje, je vedno jedrnat in zanimiv. Upajmo, da ni vse zrnje padlo na prazno skalo, članice št. 43 so se lepo postavile na ta dan. Najprej z okusnimi krofi in kavo zjutraj ter z izvrstnim kosilom opoldne. Govori in petje na odru je vse bilo zanimivo in lepo.
Vem, da boste podrobneje brale o tej konvenciji v angleškem delu ZARJE.
Pri naši podr. ni posebnih novic. Žrebanje na seji v septembru je bilo zelo živahno. Udeležba pa obilna. Mnogo nasmejanih srečnih obrazov, saj smo imele kar 25 lepih dobitkov. Čestitam vsem, ki ste imeli srečo ter hvala vsem članicam, ki ste kupile toliko tiketov, da smo imele tudi tak lep uspeh. Hvala odbornicam za trud, saj brez njih ne bi bilo uspeha. Ob koncu smo imele okusni desert in kavo. Molly Mathea zasluži zlato medaljo za njen slastni cheese cake.
Glavna seja bo 21. dec. ob 2 uri popoldne, kot po navadi. Prosimo članice, da se udeležite, te seje. Izvolile bomo odbor za leto 1981. Imamo tudi veliko drugih stvari, ki se bodo razmotrivale ta dan. Kakor vsako leto bomo tudi letos razdelile Božična darila za naše mlade člane. Imele bomo tudi izmenjavo daril, ki seveda ne bodo velike vrednosti. Pradlagana vrednost je $1.25 do $2.00. Saj gre bolj za zabavo, kakor za vrednost. Vse, ki ste pri volji, prinesite darilo, ako pa nočete, pa je tudi dobro.
Po seji bomo imele lunch kot po novadi. Torej pridite, da se skupno pozabavamo.
Ne pozabimo naše bolne
članice. Naj Nebeško Dete vrne zdravje ter jim lajša bolečine na duši in telesu. Molimo za umrle; naijim sveti večna luč.
Članicam širom Amerike želim vesele Božične praznike ter blagoslovljeno zdravo Novo leto.
MARY MURN
ŠT. 20, JOLIET, ILLINOIS
Letna Vinska trgatev naše podružnice v parku sv. Jožefa, je za nami. Praznik je bil lepo obiskan. Mnogo članic, njihovih družin in prijateljev je prihitelo od vseh strani. Igral je orkester Romana Possedija, ki vedno razveseli občinstvo s slovenskimi melodijami. Lepo je bilo videti med nami našega župnika, Rev. Tadej Terpin in z njim našega novega kaplana Rev. Krizolog Cimerman, OFM. Oba z župnikom sta se pridružila veseli družbi s petjem. Tudi Rev. David
Staltzer, ki je sedaj nastanjen v cerkvi v Lockportu, je bil med nami. On vedno rad pomaga podružnici ob raznih prireditvah. Iskrena hvala vsem za pomoč in lepo udeležbo. Upam, da se zopet vidimo prihodnje leto. Tudi naš Msgr. Butala rad pride na naše prireditve, zato velja njemu in vsem duhovnikom, ki se zanimajo za naš napredek, prisrčna hvala.
V lokalnem listu “Herald News” smo brali, da je “St. Joseph parish welcome a new assistant, Rev. Kriz Cimerman, a Franciscan priest.” Želimo mu mnogo sreče in veselja med mladino, ki potrebuje njegove nasvete.
Dne 8. nov. so matere “Parents School Aid” priredile na farnem parku slovenski večer. Dvorana je bila lepo okinčana s slovenskimi motivi. Na razpolago so bila domača okusna jedila.
SPOROČILO TAJNICAM
Ob priliki obletnice podružnice, glavni urad pokloni darilo ustanovnim članicam ter 50 let članicam.
Članice, ki so pristopile po rojstvu podružnice in so dosegle 50 let članstva so upravičene do darila, kakor tudi odbornice z vsaj 25 leti službe.
Prosim, da pregledate članstvo, tako da moremo poslati darilo v znak naše hvaležnosti in priznanja.
OLGA ANCEL, gl. taj.
Božični prazniki se nam približujejo. Z njimi radost in veselje, ko se družina zbere okoli božičnega drevesca in codpirajo svoja darila. Od vsepovsod se slišijo lepe božične melodije. Teden dni kasneje pa mladina slavi Novo leto. Bog nam daj novo leto doživeti v zdravju in veselju.
Vsako leto imamo tudi Novoletni ples. Seveda se je precej naših faranov poslovilo za vedno v tem letu. Bog jim daj večni mir.
Vsem vesele Božične praznika in srečno Novo leto'
JOSEPHINE ERJAVEC
ST. 64, KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
Kljub temu, da je bilo poletje hudo vroče in suho, se nam je približala mrzla jesen.
Od podružnice, nimam dosti kaj poročati. Bom pa zapisala veseli dogodek od naše župnije sv. Družine. Lansko leto smo skoraj bili pri končni odločitvi, da bodo zaprli našo šolo, ker je skupno samo 60 otrok v šoli. Potem pa se je naš župnik Rev. H. Mejak in čestite sestre in drugi mladi župljani močno potrudili, d	a
so dobil v šolo črez sto otrok. Napravili so še eno sobo, da imajo sedaj še en razred za šolski otroški vrtec. Vsi župljani so kar pridno pomagali č. sestram z eno zabavo v cerkveni dvorani v počastitev njihove 70 letnice delovanja v naši župniji. To je bila druga postojanka za naše č. sestre sv. Frančiška, ali slovenske šolske sestre, kakor so jih imenovali v Sloveniji. Imele so svojo glavno materino hišo v Mariboru, odkoder so prišle v Ameriko najprej k hrvatski fari Sv. Janeza Krstnika in črez 3 leta pa v našo župnijo, povabljene od č.g. Jožef Kompare in uspešno delujejo še na obeh farah, kar nam je v veselje.
Župljani sv. Marije so zelo
žalostni, ker jim je nadškof Ignac Strecker zaprl njihovo lepo veliko cerkev. To je bila prva cerkev v našem mestu, katero so zidali irski katoličani; a vse se spreminjazveliko naglico.
Imam pa tudi dosti žalostnih sporočil. Meseca aprila je po dolgi bolezni preminul Anton Springer, mož naše dobre članice, Josephine Springer. Poleg nje zapušča 3 hčere, sina ter brate in sestro ter več vnukov.
Dne 12. maja nas je zapustil moj ljubljeni mož in oče enajstih otrok, stari oče 49 vnukom, prastari oče 6 pravnukom. Dosegel je lepo starost 92 let. Tukaj zapušča tudi brata Antona. Rojen je bil v vasi Drašič pri Metliki. Naj mu bo lahka gruda.
V	septembru je umrla naša članica Frances Jarc, ki zapušča
2	sinova in 2 hčere ter več vnukov. Dne 5. okt. je nagle smrti preminula naša čla. Rose Volk. Za njo žaluje soprog, ena hčer in dva vnuka ter 5 sester in bratov, kakor tudi mnogo bratrancev in sestričen. Dolgoletna čla. Agnes Zakrajšek je tudi izgubila sina Emil, za katerim žaluje tudi brat in 2 sestri. Naša župnija je v kratkem času izgubila kar dva dobra župljana, Albert Posetti, ki zapušča ženo Frances in hčer ter Lawrence Waters, ki zapušča sina, hčer in več vnukov. Dne 15. okt. pa je preminul Henry Sambol, ljubljeni mož naše čla. Genevive Sambol in oče Richarda ter stari oče vnukinje. Zapušča tudi 2 sestre in več drugih sorodnikov. Bil je tudi naš sosed. Hitro sta odšla eden za drugim z mojim možem. Moj mož me je večkrat vprašal: kako je Henry?
Vsem dragim pokojnim naj sveti večna luč in bodi jim ohranjen trajni spomin. Vsem preostalim iskreno sožalje!
Prav iskreno sožalje tudi pošiljam Mr. in Mrs. John Pachak
v Pueblo, Colorado, ko sem slišala, daje preminul njun zadnji otrok, sin William. Težko prizadeti bivši drž. predsednici za Colo., Kans. in Mo. Mrs. Anni Pachak, moji dobri prijateljici, naj bo ob strani Bog ob bridki izgubi.
Najlepši pozdrav,
ANTONIA KOSTELEC
ŠT. 68, FAIRPORT, HRB. OH
Drage članice; Ko boste te vrstice čitale, bo le še nekaj dni do Božičnih praznikov. Želim Vam prav vesele Božične praznike, ter srečno in blagoslovljeno Novo leto. Naj Vam Novorojeno božje dete prinese zadovoljstva in zdravja posebno pa miru v Vaša srca.
Imele pa smo našo sejo, 22. oktobra in nič posebnega nismo obravnavale, le kar imamo običajno na vsaki seji. Le to so nakatere sprožile z željo, da bi sedaj, ko bo zima lahko klobase naredile, krvave in riževe in to z nobenim dobičkom, samo za članice. Bo mogoče na prihodnji seji, nadaljevanje od klobas.
V	soboto 25. Okt.zvečer smo že premaknili uro za eno uro nazaj. Dnevi se krajšajo, večeri bodo dolgi, kaj bomo ženske začele, naj več ročna dela. Jesen imamo, in to se vidi najbolj na drevesih in še nekaj dni in tudi listje bo odpadlo. Ptice selivke se odpravljajo v toplejše kraje, one Vam bodo prinesle novico, da imamo tukaj že zimo, in Vam prinesle pozdrave od nas iz Ohio, Vam ki ste po južnih državah. Imam sestrično v Floridi, Pepco Urbas, poznano po Clevelandu tudi, Kristino Kebe, ki se tudi večkrat oglasi z lepim dopisom iz Floride v Ameriški Domovini. Žal da je v začetku tega leta, nepričakovano zgubila svojega dobrega soproga Tonita, ki je bil nadvse dober mož in spremljevalec v življenju, čas bo zacelil bolečo srčno rano. Poznana gospa Paula Softič, sedaj živi v Floridi, katero sem imela priliko spoznati ob njenem obisku tukaj pri svojih prijateljih; tudi njej tople pozdrave. Naša tajnica in njen mož Eddy, sta se tudi srečno vrnila z obiska od svojega sina v Californiji. Akoravno se je bala leteti po zraku, je bila to njena prva vožnja z aeroplanom. Gospa Fani Divjak je tudi članica naše Zveze in tudi dobra pisateljica, Fani, oglasite se kaj v naši Zarji, vse bomo rade čitale in slišale, kako je Vaše življenje tam pri Vas v San Marco v Californiji. Vidva z možem
SLOVENSKA POTICA V AMERIŠKI REVIJI
Novembrska številka revije Bon Appetit me je prav prijetno presenetila. Med drugimi članki je precej prostora posvečenega etničnim kvašenim Specialitetam pod naslovom Holiday Bread Bonanza; A Lesson in Ethnic Baking from Expert Beatrice Ojakanges in Duluth, Minnesota.
Gospa Ojakanges je znana kulinarična mojstrica finskega pokolenja, ki organizira na svojem domu v Duluthu kulinarične tečaje, kjer preizkušajo in izpopolnjujejo evropske kvašene specialitete. V omenjenem članku je nekaj zanimivih nasvetov. Opozarja, da je kvas živ organizem, ki se uniči s prevročo ali premrzlo vodo. Zato raztopi kvas v mlačni vodi, kateri pridaš malo sladkorja. Testo naj vzhaja na toplem prostoru, pokrito naj bo z narobe obrnjeno stekleno skledo. Testo se bo najlepše oblikovalo na z oljem namaščeni mizi ali pa na plastičnem prtu s flanelno podlago. Končno daje še en zanimiv nasvet. Kruh se bo lepo svetil, ko bo pečen, če ga takoj, ko ga izoblikujemo, namažemo s stepnim jajcem in to ponovimo, predno ga damo v pečico.
Na prvem mestu med recepti etničnih kruhkov je v tem obsežnem članku Potica ali Nadevan slovenski božični kruh. S samim receptom se mogoče vse slovenske gospodinje ne bomo popolnoma strinjale, toda osnovne sestavine in potek dela so v bistvu podobni našemu načinu. Slovenkam pa le prihaja toplo pri srcu, ko zagledamo svojo najbolj tradicionalno božično in velikonočno slaščico opisano v enem izmed največjih ameriških kulinaričnih revij.
Zanimivo je, da mojstrica tudi omenja razliko med evropskim in ameriškim načinom obnašanja. Tudi v Sloveniji spada med lepo vedenje, da se ne branimo, kar nam je z dobro voljo ponujeno. S tem izkažemo najlepše priznanje gospodinji za njen trud. V ameriškem življenju, pa smo dostikrat v tem oziru malo drugačni.
NIKA B. KOVAČIČ
uživata celo leto z vrtom, obiskujeta in pomagata sinovi družini v njegovem podjetju. Imam tudi prijateljico v Peru, blizu Chikago, gospa Tončka Hoefferle, ona je tudi članica naše Zveze.
Tudi Martinčičeve poznam v Chicagu, Fani in Franka. Že par let je minulo odkar sta se oglasila pri nas in na žalost me ni bilo doma. Vidim v Ave Marija mesečniku, da sta člana pevskega društva Slov. pesem, kar zavidam Vama in če bi bila blizu bi se vam kar pridružila, vem da imate tudi dobrega pevovodja in dosti zabave imate z petjem. In še eno gospo poznam v Cikagu, njeno ime je Angelca Boštjanova po domače, poročena je bila v Planini, in za sedanje njeno ime ne vem; če bi slučajno to čitala oglasite se, kako ste tam v Vaši družini.
Prav lepa hvala ga. Ana Gaber za pravila, ki jih je priobčila v oktobrski zarji; Naša slovenska dediščina - Kako bi bilo zares lepo, ko bi človek res mogel se po njih ravnati. Kamelični čaj namesto pomirijevalnega praška, to jaz zelo upoštevam, jih imam vsako leto, kar celo gredico nasajenih kameličnih sadik. Manj jesti to zapoved so mi sedaj pred kratkim zapovedali ko sem bila v bolnici, nič soli nič maščob, če pa še enkrat pride napad, potem pa operacija; žolčne kamne je pokazal rengentni aparat.
Pred volitvami smo, le dober teden še in bomo že vedeli kdo bo naš prihodnji državni predsednik. Nobeden ne bode čudežev delal. Dosti se sliši kritike in nezadovoljstva nad Ameriko, toda velik del sveta, bi želel živeti tako, kot živimo mi v tej deželi, svobode in tudi reda, razumevanja in človeškega sočutja. Ko svet očita Ameriki materijalizem, je sam veliko več kriv tega greha, kot ga je naša Amerika. Pravijo inflacija; saj sam predsednik pravi, pa ni treba toliko kupovati, znova stvari uporabite mesto, da vržeš proč. Pa še nekaj mi je prišlo na misel, ko smo imeli obisk. Družino moje nečakinje, sem jih postregla tudi z Marbol Šiffon cake me je nečakinja prosila za recept tega čaka in sem ji kar kuharsko knjigo dala, da naj si ga sama prepiše. (Vsa družina dobro govori angleško). Ko je prečitala je rekla, da ona doma ne more tega čaka peči. Zakaj ne? Zato ker bi rabila 12 jajc, 5 celih in 7 beljakov, in tam so jajca po quarter (25 cents) vsako. Pred
kratkim sem dobila pismo iz domovine, ki se glasi; meso je dobiloastronomsko ceno pa še ni ga, sladkor, olje ravno tako, pralni prašek in kavo pa gredo iskat v Italijo ali Austrijo, tudi tam je strašno drago pa se vsaj dobi. Skratka pri nas je čedalje slabše. Pozdrav od poročevalke za Slovensko.
JULKA KLAMMER
ŠT. 71, STRABANE, PENNSYLVANIA
Dnevi se krajšajo in bliža se zima. Dne 26. oktobra je že padlo nekaj belih metuljčkov, pa so hitro izginili. Dozdaj je ugodno vreme.
V	mesecu novembru se spominjamo naših dragih pokojnih. Obiščemo njihove grobove in molimo za pokoj njihovih duš. Žal, jaz ne morem obiskati grobove moiih pokojnih. Meseca maja sem tako nesrečno padla,da sem si zlomila hip in sem bila 4 mesece v bolnici. Sedaj se zdravim na domu, pa še moram
imeti pomoč, ker še ne morem sama hoditi.
V istem času me je doletela še druga nesreča. Moj sin je hudo zbolel in je bil v tistem času v drugi bolnici. Dne 14. junija je umrl in nisem vedela o njegove smrti in ne pogreba in doslej še nisem obiskala njegovega groba. Bog daj, da bi se mi zdravje toliko zboljšalo, da bi lahko šla molit na njegov sveži grob.
Slišala sem, da je mojo prijateljico Anna Pachak zadela enaka usoda, da ji je umrl njen ljubi sin William. Draga Anna, moje srčno sožalje, saj sama najbolj občutim, kako huda je bolečina, ako izgubiš ljubljenega sina. To je naša usoda. Naj v miru počivajo.
Naša tajnica Lucy in Aggie lepo vodita našo podružnico Slovenske ženske zveze. Imajo lepe seje in dobro poslovanje. Vsem članicam se lepo zahvalim za poslane bodrilne kartice za ljubo zdravje.
Lep pozdrav!
MARY TOMSIC
Anna L Hodnik
LEARN SLOVENIAN
Some of you might like to add a Slovenian greeting on vour Christmas cards or messages this year. A typical greeting is: Želim vam vesele Božične praznike in srečno novo leto! Translated it means: Wishing you a merry Christmas holiday and a happy New Year.
u\
What A Grandmother Is
n
Christmas eve — Sveti večer
manager — jasli
shepherd — ovčar
carols — božične pesmi
blessed — blažen
born — rojen
child — otrok
star — zvezda
holly — božje drevesce
bell — zvonec
tinsel — bleščica tree-- drevo winter — zima snow — sneg ice — led ski — smučke skiing — smučanje hill — hrib skate — drsati skating — drsanje
NOTE TO SECRETARIES
On Ihe occasion of a branch’s organization, the home office presents a gift lo Ihe charter and 50->ear members.
Members, ■ who joined since the birth of a branch and reached 50-year membership are also entitled to a gift, as well as any officer with at least 25 years of service.
Kindly check your membership so that we may send the gifts in recognition and appreciation.
OLGA AN CEL
Missing Something In Your Life?
Subscribe to the American Home newspaper and become better informed on the latest news about the people and events in the Slovenian American communities in the greater Cleveland, northeastern Ohio, throughout the U.S. and Canada. You’ll be proud to be a Slovenian.
English Friday section, $10.00 per year. Send check or Money Order to: Weekly American Home, 6117 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103.
CIjfiRTEllIjOaSE 3RR	
• 150 Rooms & Suites	
• Restaurant & Lounge	• Enclosed Swimming Pool
• Banquet Rooms	withTerrace Bar
• Business Meeting Rooms	• Whirlpools
• Ballroom	• Exercise Room
• Sauna • Game Rooms	Barber Shop
24800 Euclid Ave.	
Euclid, Ohio	261-0300
A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own. She likes other people’s little girls. A grandfather is a man grandmother. He goes for walks with the boys and they talk about fishing, tractors and things like that. Grandmothers don’t have to do anything but be there. They are old so they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is enough if they take us to the store where the “pretend horse” is and have lots of dimes ready and if they take us for walks they should slow down passing things like pretty leaves or caterpillars. They should never say “Hurry up.” Usually, they are fat, but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear. They can take their teeth and gums off.
It is better if they don’t typewrite or play cards except with us. They don’t have to be smart, only answer questions like “Why dogs hate cats”? - things like that. They don’t talk baby talk like visitors do because it is hard to understand.
When they read to us, they don’t skip words or mind if it is the same story again and again.
Everybody should try to have one, especially if you don’t have a T.V., because grandmothers are the only grown-ups who have got time.
Submitted by Rosemary Orenchuk
BE A
ZVEZA
BOOSTER!
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!
May the blossoms of love Perfume your days.
And may happiness walk with you Now and always.
Emily Carey Alleman
FREE SECRET SLOVAK RECIPE COOKBOOKLET
SLOVAK RKCIPKS l)ept. 7.
1863 Timothy W. Mifflin, Pa. 15122
Featuring Cabbage-rolls, Nut-rolls, Pierogi, and Secret Sensible Desserts. Send $2.00, postage and handling.
December
Ida Josephine Brittain
Great wealth has December,
For December can remember January’s clean while pages, February’s simple stages;
March and its madness,
April and gladness;
May with charm and lovely youth, June with quest for life and truth; July’s generous hands,
August’s angry commands; September by golden days, October through rosy ha/e; November, now departing with silvered ways.
Great wealth has December...
For December can remember.
otieee lows op .* se. ihc:oi>is
c
“FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
D
Fable Fun
Hi Boys and Girls,
Happy St. Nick's Day December 6!
CHRISTMAS is the ideal time for candy, so why not put some of these homemade varieties in the Christmas box you are planning to send?
Peanut Brittle
1 1/2 cupfuls sugar 3/4 cupful corn syrup 1 pint water 1 tablespoonful soda 1 tablespoonful vanilla
1 pound peanuts
Combine sugar, syrup, water, soda, and vanilla, and cook until candy forms a hard shell when dropped in cold water. Add peanuts. Spread in a thin layer in buttered dish or pan and set to cool.
Brown-Sugar Candy
2 cupfuls brown sugar 1 tablespoon butter
112 cupful water 112 cupful nuts Cook sugar and water to boiling point, add butter, and cook until small amount forms soft ball when dropped in water. Add nuts, beat, and pour into buttered plate. Cut in squares.
Once upon a December, when hens were hens and the rooster ruled the coop, during a time before the beavers sentenced all the rivers in our nation to damnation, in a not-so-far, not-so-humble kingdom lived a band of nerdy badgers.
It’s not that these badgers were mean, it’s just that they loved to play impractical and well as practical jokes. (Their favorite stunt was to wrap pine cones in banana peels and then rehang them on the banana trees.)
Wei, boys and girls, word got to the most bearable animal in the forest, the king, who just happened to be a giant grizzly, of the terrible pranks the badgers were playing on his loyal subjects. So, after careful consideration and finding sand in his royal honey, the king decided to excommunicate the badgers from the forest. (Excommunicate is a nice way of saying he kicked them out.)
That Christmas Eve (in order for this story to have a happy ending) a caravan of rats and their pet spider snuck into the kingdom. These unwelcomed gypsies ate the cookies left for Santa, slept in the warmest places and dug holes in the nature trails.
Meanwhile, in the non-forest part of the world, the badgers decided to return to the forest and ask for a second chance. (Not. that they really cared if they got it or not, it’s just that they were bored and had nothing better to do.)
Upon re-entering the forest, the rats immediately stole the badger’s picnic basket. They thought it contained a Christmas feast or presents. (Boy, did they get a surprise.) Instead, the rats and the pet spider found exploding cigars and peanut cans full of snakes along with other such gags. The badgers, on the other hand, were so thrilled to see new faces, they instantly pulled out their trusty eleven volume set of joke books for all occasions.
After hearing and experiencing the first chapter of jokes (chapter one) the rats picked up their pet spider and left the forest for good.
The king was so grateful to the badgers that he allowed them to live once again in the forest as long as they only played their jokes on the law-breakers and trespassers.
’Til Next Month
DAVY
P.S. Happy Holidays!
UJp/od/hj	..."
z
Who is Santa Claus?
Submitted by Kathy Nusko, Br. 2, Chicago, Illinois
Don’t be surprised while I confide, He may be standing by your side!
He’s every wish and pervent prayer; He’s every kind deed everywhere. He’s love wherever love is found, He’s one’s best self the year around.
He’s every Christmas melody,
He’s every gift neath every tree.
He’s in each handclasp of a friend;
He’s Christmas cheer that has no end.
He’s faith, and hope, a dream come true Why, yes. ol course, he could be von!
u
N
B
Union National Bank & Trust Co.
50 West Jefferson, Joliet, Illinois 60431
Three locations to serve you.
GEREND HABERMAN Funeral Home
SHEBOYGAN, Wl 53081
“FOOTSTEPS THROUGH TIME”
By Irene M. Odorizzi
rtrj
A book about the time Slovenian immigrants came to America.
Send $6.00 (75C postage) lo: S.W.U. Home Office, 431 N. Chicago, Si., Joliet, III. 60432
SLOVENIAN COSTUME PATTERN
Adjustable size: jumper, blouse and apron.
Send $2.50, (postage included)
10 S.W.U. Home Office,
431 No. Chicago St., Joliet. 11.60432
ZELE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
TWO COMPLETE FUNERAL HOMES 452 East 152nd St.	6502	St.	Clair	Ave.
Office
481-3118	Cleveland,	Ohio	361-0583
ZEFRAN FUNERAL HOME
1941-43 WEST CERMAK ROAD LOUIS J. ZEFRAN	ELIZABETH L. ZEFRAN
LOUIS R. ZEFRAN	MARILYN E. ZEFRAN
Funeral Directors and Embalmers CHICAGO, IL. 60608	Virginia	7-6688
A. GRDINA & SONS
ZA POHIŠTVO IN ZA POGREBE
Za vesele in žalostne dneve
Nad 70 let že obratujemo naše podjetje \ zdovoljnosi naših ljudi. To je doka/ da je podjetje i/. — naroda za narod. V vsakem slučaju se obrnile do našega podjetja, prihranili si boste denai ir. dobili stoprocentno postrežbo
Podružnica: 15301-07 Waterloo Rd.
Tel. KEnmore 1-1235	Cleveland, Ohio 44110
Pogrebni zavod. 1053 E. 62nd. Street Tel. HEnderson 1-2088	Cleveland, Ohio 44103
17002-10 Lake Shore Blvd.
Tel. KEnmore 1-6300	Cleveland, Ohio 44119
Ermenc Funeral Home
5325 W. (.reenlield Ave.
Phone: 327-4500
Milwaukee, W isconsin
NEW ENLARGED & REVISED EDITION!
Slovenian-International Cookbook
Womans Glory— The Kitchen
To order, send $6.00 (includes postage) per copy to:
SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION 431 N CHICAGO ST JOLIET. IL 60432
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