Zarja $ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International Official Publication Slovenian Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki God’s Corner Volume 84 Issue 1 January/February 2012 The Dawn Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St. LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: www.swua.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 84, No 1, January/February 2012 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Cover Photo by: D. Pohar in Bela Krajina, Slovenia Communications for the next issue of publication Do you have something SUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please email the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15th day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the March/April issue must be received by January 15th. Thank you. Submission Guidelines Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone number, E-mail address and mailing address with each submission, including E-mailed ones. Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted materials. It is best to E-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal (or better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach your photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.) By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian Union of America (formerly the Slovenian Women’s Union of America) the use of the material, including your name, hometown and state. We may modify, reproduce and distribute it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or appropriate place. The Setting: Volunteer Day - Saturday, August 13, 2011 Did you ever attempt to schedule a meeting time with two working teenagers? Carol Novak did just that and John and Margaret Koncar, Branch 20, descended upon the museum. As scholarship recipients, each was required to serve six hours volunteering. This day was also the time of our National Board (NB) meeting. The NB moved upstairs to the apartment and left Carol Novak, our Scanning Specialist, with John and Margaret. I would periodically check on their progress, and without asking, I knew by the smile on Carol’s face that all was going well. We walked into the museum and did not know what to expect, in fact, we didn’t even know what was in the building. What we saw was total chaos, it looked like moving day. Carol and Mary Lou led us to the new Preservation Room, and there she explained our action plan: a. All scanned Applications for Membership files from 19291961 located in the basement needed to be toted upstairs and filed in the Preservation Room. That would be about 3,000 files. b. All cancelled memberships stored in cardboard file cabinets in the basement needed to be re-filed in metal file cabinets. Six of these cardboard cabinets were stuffed with decades and decades of cancelled membership applications. c. Haul metal file cabinets upstairs to the Preservation Room. Very early on Saturday morning, NB members were in the office/ museum rearranging the storage rooms. Reorganizing means becoming more disorganized, but from that chaos great things happened. The result was the Preservation Room, a repository of file cabinets on the main floor, containing many important paper artifacts and documents and NOTHING more. After John and Margaret finished their allotted hours we sat and chatted about their time spent at the museum. These are the words of John and Margaret. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 As we worked our eyes would scan the basement; we were mesmerized by the old photographs being sorted, the old books being indexed. That first Saturday we completed most of the tasks and returned a week later to fulfill our six hours. The action plan was completed with time remaining on our clock. One obvious target were the stacks of extra Zarja magazines in the basement. These were stacked in boxes, and immediately the basement took on a less cluttered appearance. This was our first experience volunteering and it surely brought to light that teamwork is the way to go. This was not a one-person job. We each gave six hours, but our total manpower could not be calculated. - John and Margaret Koncar The NB and members thank John and Margaret for their exuberance as they lugged file cabinets and files up the basement stairs. Carol Novak and Carole Terlap, our Scanner Specialists, are now saved from climbing the basement stairs laden with files. The Preservation Room has become a room that gives dignity to our archives. There is no doubt John and Margaret will have far reaching personal and academic achievements. I quote Carol Novak, “they can work here anytime.” Mary Lou Deyak Voelk VP Culture & Heritage 1 National President’s Message Greetings! My youth was filled with many God’s Corners; I just didn’t realize there was actually a name for it. They were everywhere, both inside the house and outside, and it always reminded me to behave! But more importantly I loved looking at them. I would say that my Aunt Josephine had the best collection. She even has pieces from our Slovenian church that closed down in the late 70’s, Saint Roch’s in LaSalle, Illinois. One of my God’s Corners is in my home’s SUA office. This contains some of my prized collections, such as the piece of bobbin lace made in Idrija given to me by my cousin, a blue rosary from Medjugorje given to me by a priest from the Croatian Press when Debbie and I first took over Zarja in 2005, a doll when Debbie went to Slovenia back in 1976, a picture of my father’s family and his immigrant parents Josephine and Janez Pohar, and a hanky embroidered by my great-grandmother Pergar. I hope you enjoy this issue and take a moment to reflect on how important our Catholic faith is to our membership that goes all the way back to the beginning. At the National Convention I met the most delightful lady from Branch 43 - Milwaukee, Fannie Smole. Fannie was beautifully dressed each day and had a wonderful smile. During one of the hardest votes of the day she asked to speak in regards to the proposed amendment to charge our name. Let me share her words with you: Hello Delegates, We’re assembled here today with our warriors going into battle to fight for the preservation of our union. Years ago a group of feisty women forged this union, with, I imagine, much opposition and dissent before winning the battle to form SWUA. I’ve spoken with some delegates and was informed that their family members wished to join but were not allowed to. Hello! Wake up people! We’re probably losing many potential members because of the stumbling block of so many restrictions. It is important that we open up the border of membership without restrictions. Period! Everyone should be able to join our ranks. We should encourage it always. It is in our interest to extend the hand of friendship and welcome all who wish to join us, work with us, and for us. My goodness - let’s be progressive thinkers. Changing the name of our organization does not mean that we honor any less those valiant ladies who fought to establish this union. Our actions today should show everyone that we acknowledge with 2 gratitude and respect their loyalty, perseverance, courage and TENACITY. And honor them evermore. It’s now in your hands! Today you can create an historical moment in our history. We will rejoice in victory or go down in defeat! Your vote today will be the voice of tomorrow. Changing the name of the organization has been talked about for years. In 2007 it was voted down, but not by much. Even I, as the President, was not convinced it was the right decision. The two things in favor of this name change for me was the fact that we were only dropping one word - WOMEN - and that our men would feel more welcome. I’ve been around long enough to know that we would also have many who would not be happy, but then I heard Fannie speak; a lady in her mid 80’s about as old as our organization and I say this because I am very proud of her and hope that when I am her age I act and look just like her!!! I thought - she is right and we do not need stumbling blocks. And I reminded myself ONE word was being left off - WOMEN! And it was then that I agreed with Fannie and cast my vote. I encourage all of you to read her words over and over again. Our organization is still based on our catholic faith; we are still dedicated to our founding members, those that followed and those presently serving. Our mission is a little different as we now are trying to make the American member more Slovenian; but this is good! This is at a time when many ethnic organizations are failing. We are still alive and that National Convention proved it! Let’s continue to be progressive thinkers as she suggested. And now Fannie has come up with another thought and I happen to agree with her. Please read on. I would like to suggest to our National Board the idea of having a page in our Zarja publication for folks to ask questions, make suggestions, give opinions, about our group. This kind of invitation will encourage members to be a contributing force to us. I would further suggest that we celebrate our membership campaigns with a slogan such as (or any others you suggest): PROMOTE * PROTECT * PRESERVE our union. Sincerely, Fannie Smole Great idea Fannie and everyone should feel welcome to send in their thoughts. The deadline for every issue is located on the inside of each Zarja - The Dawn. Thank you for your time. I wish the best of luck for a healthy, happy and very fun 2012! Bonnie Pohar Prokup, National President, SUA ZARJA THE DAWN Dear Members: The National Board of Directors will be meeting in March. If you have anything you would like to bring to our attention please let me know by sending your thoughts to wprokup@aol.com. Welcome to Our New Members! Schellinger, David, 1 Halazon, Miriam, 3 Banich, Penny, 5 Greiner, Mary Ann, 10 Furdeck, Kathryn, 20 Suliman, Eva, 20 Warsaw, Shelby, 20 Collins, Hanna, 30 Klatt, Lois, 30 Loncar, Breda, 42 LaPierre, Susan, 43 Samsa, Jacob, 50 Tomsick, Clarence, 50 Plovic, Marian, 71 Duffin, Cole, 89 Henkel, Bill, 89 Henkel, Doug, 89 Willis, Tymothe, 89 Riddell, L. Lee, 93 Erwin, Victoria, 99 Rozic, Peter, 108 Samec, Richard, 109 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 Thank You for the following donations! ZARJA CONTRIBUTIONS $50 Donation Wulf, Mary Kay, 100, Zarja $35 Donation Lucas, Lisa Vidergar, 100, +Frank J. Vidergar $30 Donation Pershey, Ed, 50, +Mary and Edward Pershey $20 Donation Tomazin, Mark, 100, Zarja Zalokar, Lisa, 100, Zarja Temple, Marilyn, 24, Zarja Zandeki, Marie, 24, Zarja Murn, Sylvia, 43, Zarja Ericksmoen, Anne, 33, Zarja $10 Donation Scepita, Mary Ellen, 7, +Veronica Scepita, Josephine Sever, and Ann Sever Krebs, Janice, 50, +Jane Berkopec SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS $60 Donation Robert & Mardel Fischer, +Margaret, Robert E. and James E. Fischer $50 Donation 2011 Ohio Regional Convention, +Anne Tomsic $30 Donation Dan & Mary Turvey, +our brother, James E. Fischer $25 Donation Alma Eppick Breda Loncar $5 Donation Leopold Grill 3 Meet Our New SUA National Auditors Paula Mavec Paula was born in Preba~evo, Slovenia. Paula was three years old when World War II began and her family with four girls then decided to flee to Austria along with thousands of others. Her mother was eight months pregnant and wanted an easier voyage so she planned to leave her behind with relatives since she was the youngest. Apparently, Paula put up a fuss, so they left her older sister, Mary, behind instead. They thought they would be coming back within weeks, but the officials closed the Slovenian borders and it was ten years before Mary re-joined their family. The family settled in a refugee camp in [pittal, Austria, and lived there for five years. During this time, her mother had three more children. The camp became a community, and the children went to school while the adults worked various jobs for the camp – gardening, sewing, carpentry, painting, teaching, etc. In 1949, her family was accepted to immigrate to America. They came into port in Boston, and after a two-day train ride, they arrived in Duluth, Minnesota. They settled in Elcor, Minnesota and later moved to Gilbert, Minnesota when the entire town of Elcor was moved. In the United States, her parents added five more children to the family. Her mother had a large garden, and Paula inherited her love of gardening. Paula met her husband, Albert Mavec, while she was working one summer in Joliet, Illinois. Her sister, Mary, had married Felix Mavec and was living in Joliet. Albert is Felix’s brother. Albert and Paula were married in September, 1962 and they will celebrate 50 years in 2012. They have six children and eleven grandchildren. Paula has been a member of the Slovenian Union of America for 40 years, and she currently is the VicePresident of Branch 99 - Lemont. She looks forward to her new role as National Auditor. 4 Grace Doerk Grace Doerk was born in Auburn, Illinois, a community of many Slovenes who migrated from Slovenia; many of them working in the coal mines located there. She was born of both Slovene parents, her father being born in Brezice and her mother being born in Novo Mesto. Her grandmother Mary Kastelc was 23 when she came over from Nova Mesto and her mom was five months old. Both of her parents settled in Auburn, Illinois. Her mother, Agnes Kastelc, met Frank Gerdanc in Springfield, Illinois and married. Years later they moved to Chicago on 25th and Central Park near the Slovene National Benefit Society. As a child, it was there that she became familiar with Slovene customs. At the age of seven, her family moved to Cicero, Illinois and from then on until she was 18 years Grace was involved in a SNPJ Slovene youth group. There was a magazine, Mladinski List, affiliated with the youth group and she became a frequent contributor. At the age of 18, she was involved with SNPJ Slovene Lodge 559, which involved her in various Slovene activities. Grace married Otto Doerk on September 24, 1955. After raising their family of two, Eddie and Debbie, she became a Director of a Slovene youth group for ten years where she taught the children to sing in Slovene and taught them many of the Slovene folklore dances. Grace had sung with Prseren, a Slovene singing group, for 15 years. At first it was a men’s chorus, but later on it became a mixed chorus under the direction of Professor Kubina and later by Father Vendelin. Just about the time that her youngest daughter entered seventh grade Grace decided to go to work at the Slovene National Benefit Society where she worked for 29 years until the company moved to Imperial Pennsylvania. All during this time she continued to be active in her lodge and has been its recording secretary there since 1969. She also served as recording secretary for 15 years for the ZARJA THE DAWN Chicago Federation of SNPJ lodges. At the same time she was an active member of the Slovene Progressive Women of America and served as its recording secretary for some 30 years. In 1982, Grace was elected to the position of National Assistant Secretary of the Slovene National Benefit Society where she wrote a health column for eight years. In 1990, she was elected to the position of National Secretary of the Slovene National Benefit Society. As the company moved to Imperial, Pennsylvania in 1993 her job terminated, but then in 1994 she was elected to the Supervisory Committee and served in this position until January, 2004. For 42 years Grace has written a column in the Slovene publication, Prosveta. During all of her tenure in office at the SNPJ, she traveled to various Slovene lodges throughout the United States speaking on behalf of the organization. She had made several trips to Slovenia in regards to her job and after retiring from the SNPJ she continued visiting Slovenia. On occasion Grace had met foreign ministers from Slovenia, Ambassadors to Slovenia and also had an occasion to visit the Slovene Embassy in Washington D.C. There is a Slovene section in Woodlawn Cemetery in Riverside, Illinois where about 600 Slovenes and their families are buried. Each Memorial Day there are special memorial services and Grace has been instrumental in keeping the Memorial pamphlet intact. Her parents are buried there and Otto and Grace will also be interred here. Does she go to Slovene polka dances and polka cruises? Yes, she does. Her love for polkas and Slovene music will never go away. This is something that Grace will cherish forever. Would her parents be proud for all she has done in promoting the Slovene heritage and culture? You bet they would. Her only regret is that they never taught her to speak in Slovene. Upon retiring from the Slovene National Benefit Society Grace became active in the Slovenian Women’s Union of America where she served as recording secretary of Branch 20 - Joliet for several years. She also continues to be active in the Slovene National Benefit Society; she is also a member of the KSKJ another Slovene fraternal organization. Both her Grace and Otto are active members of the Slovene Catholic Cultural Center in Lemont where they attend dinners, picnics, and cultural performances. Grace is very proud to be Slovene and just ask her would she redo her life promoting Slovene culture and heritage of course. Zivio Slovenia. Besides all of Grace’s involvement in Slovene organizations, she has worked part time in a music store for 17 years. She belongs to several women’s organizations JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 in her community. For the last eight years she has worked on a senior advisory committee as a volunteer to Congressman Tom Cross, Minority Leader in Illinois. Grace also works at health fairs aimed for senior citizens and she informs senior citizens of the many benefits that they are entitled to. She has worked as an election judge for about 16 years. If Grace could fit anything else in her schedule, she probably would, but family is very important to her so that takes priority. Her son, Ed, and wife, Kelly, and daughter, Debbie, and husband, Joe, and her four grandchildren - Joe, Laura, Michael and Annie are her pride. Alice Ebner Alice traces her Slovenian roots back to her grandmother, Louisa (Louise) Gergovic, and grandfather, Frank Kernz (Krnc). Grandmother Louise was born in the village of Bela Cerkev near Novo Mesto, Slovenia, immigrating to America in 1908 at the age of 21. Grandfather Frank was born near Novo Mesto, living in the village of Smarjeta until he immigrated to America in 1904 at the age of 24. Frank and Louise were married May 24, 1909, and became the parents of eight children. Louise was a charter member of Branch 89 - Oglesby, Illinois. Alice’s mother, Josephine, also took great pride in her Slovenian heritage, passing along the customs, traditions, and stories, both at home and thru Branch 89. Alice takes great pride in her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has served as den mother, campfire leader, catechism teacher, parish council member, election judge, school bus driver, and teacher of school bus “refresher” courses for the State of Illinois. Alice is a past Secretary of Branch 89 - Oglesby, Zarja reporter, and was President of Branch 89 during the years of co-hosting the National Convention at Starved Rock – Utica, Illinois in 2007 and hosting the Illinois/Indiana State Convention in 2010. Alice is well known for her cooking and baking talents. One of her favorite pastimes is listening to Slovenian polkas while rolling out strudels and poticas on cold winter days. Alice looks forward to serving as a National Auditor of SUA. 5 SUA Scholarship Program SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION Celebrating its 64th year of financially assisting students Mission: To generate funding to financially assist young students, with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian Culture 2012 SWU SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! $1,000 and $2,000 will be available for COLLEGE STUDENTS who will be attending an accredited college or university during the 2012 – 2013 academic year. Applicants must hold a paid membership in the Slovenian Union of America organization prior to March 1, 2009. $2,000 Princ Scholarships are open to applicants attending an accredited GRADUATE SCHOOL program, majoring either in education, mathematics, engineering, or science. Applicants do not have to hold membership in the Slovenian Union of America, but must be of Slovenian ancestry. For further information visit website http:// www.swua.org or contact Mary Turvey mturvey@aol.com or Marge Church yemec1@windstream.net. Deadline: Applications must be postmarked on or before March 1, 2012. E-mailed required materials will not be accepted. PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS: A registry of all SWU scholarship winners is being compiled. Can you help us by sending in a two-sentence statement on where you are located and what you are currently doing or have done in the past? Your reply would be sincerely appreciated. If our readers have info on these missing SWU Scholarship Winners, please advise. 1953 – Stephanie Cernigoj (1) Cleveland, OH 1957 – Mary Sodja (25) Cleveland, OH 1958 – Rudolph Otonicar (25) Cleveland, OH 1962 – Arlene Vojtko (40) Loraine, OH 1963 – Joan Mahaffey Punt (25) Calumet, MI 1964 – John Novak (73) Warrensville Hts, OH 1964 – John Strukley (40) Lorain, OH 1965 – Mary Statkus, (2) Chicago, IL 1965 – Barbara Grasch (17) Milwaukee, WI 1970 – Kenneth Cacich (95) Chicago, IL 1971 – Martha Hajduk (91) Oakmont, PA 6 SWU SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES PATRICIA TURVEY FETSCH, Scholarship Winner 1975 Patti received her 20 years of Service Award recently at the National Institutes of Health. Patti, a native of Upper Michigan, is the greatgranddaughter of Marie Prisland and remembers well her strong presence and passion for the education and advancement of women in American society. Patti graduated cum laude from Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, in 1979, with a major in medical technology and a double minor in microbiology and research/development. She interned at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Green Bay, WI, and from there went to Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, to work as a medical technologist in the laboratory. There she met her husband, John Fetsch, a resident physician at Abbott Northwestern. Both moved to Rochester, MN, where they married, and Patti worked in the chemistry laboratory and later as the assistant supervisor of the Mayo Clinic’s central processing laboratory. In l991, John and Patti moved to Maryland where Patti has since been employed with the National Institute of Health (NIH) as a laboratory scientist for the National Cancer Institute. In her laboratory in Bethesda, she has developed a technique to identify proteins associated with cancer cells, which in turn are used for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of solid tumor cancers. She has written and co-authored over 50 publications in medical journals, and has authored chapters in various pathology textbooks. Her work has been featured in the prestigious “Nature” Journal, and has been presented at national pathology meetings. She is on the editorial board of two cancer journals. Patti has two children, Lauren and John Jr. Her husband, John Sr., is a pathologist at the Joint Pathology Center, Washington, D.C. ZARJA THE DAWN GARRET JANCICH, SWU Scholarship Winner 2011 Branch 100 - Southern California “This summer I took my first trip to Slovenia. But not only that, it was my first trip to Europe. So, finally, I got out of my little Orange County bubble to experience something completely different - and I was blown away. Before I even landed I was impressed visually; everything was so green and very naturally preserved. I really admired that. I finally got to experience the images that I’d seen in photos and paintings for years, and they were some of the most breathtaking sites I’ve ever seen. Bled and Bohinj were both incredible. And the water was so clear in such vivid shades of blue and green. I was awe-struck by the caves in a similar way. Aside from the pure natural beauty, the historic, and man-made beauty and intrigue was also fantastic. The castles at Postonja and Bled, as well as the mines in Idrija, were all so interesting with such rich histories. I could’ve just stayed at these sights all day, imagining what life would’ve been there 500 years ago. But perhaps most importantly were the people I met and reunited with. Going on this trip with my grandma and cousin, the emphasis was definitely put on family. Over the two weeks, we met with relatives in Bled, Kropa, Jamnik, Vrhnika, and Idrija, as well as with friends in Ljubljana and Vipava. Everyone was so friendly and so welcoming; we were taken in and treated like family immediately even with those my grandma hadn’t seen in years. The bonds with these people were great and made the whole trip even more worthwhile. After only this one trip, I feel very comfortable with and am excited for returning to Slovenia to stay with and see everyone again. This trip was so impressive and so enjoyable on every level. I only hope that I can go back soon, so I can even more thoroughly see and understand my family and their culture.” Mt. Vogel, over Bohinj: (left to right) Garret Jancich, cousins, Sara Lundgren, also from Orange County (second from right) and his two Slovenian cousins JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 MONICA SELAK, SWU Scholarship Winner Branch 55 - Girard, OH, has received her Medical Degree and is employed by the Family Medicine Complex, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. LINDSEY STRATTON, SWU Scholarship Winner, Branch 39 - Biwabik, MN, is attending graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in Education. KELSEY SINGLETARY NICHO, SWU Scholarship Winner, Branch 20 - Joliet, IL, has given birth to her first child, Liam. The proud great-grandmother is Jonita Ruth of SUA’s Home Office in Joliet, Illinois. BAILEY RIBICH, SWU Merit Award Winner, Branch 39 - Biwabik, MN, has been named to the Dean’s list at Creighton University. Creighton is a Jesuit School located in Omaha, Nebraska. Bailey is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration. PATRICIA and ROBERT FIGUROWSKI celebrated their 50th anniversary on October 9, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Church, Joliet, Illinois. Pat is the Secretary of SWU Scholarship Foundation and continues to do much volunteer work at the Home Office in Joliet. The SWU Scholarship has entered its 64 th year of financially helping young Slovene students. This has only been possible due to the generous, charitable giving of you and past members of the Slovenian Women’s Union, now Slovenian Union of America. Your contributions have had a profound effect on young people of the past and present who try hard to find their way through the educational system. Please consider a scholarship contribution now or in estate planning, and consider the federal tax relief it provides, as the SWU Scholarship Foundation is a tax exempt corporation, established in l998. For further information or to make greatly appreciated contributions, contact Mary Turvey, mturvey@aol.com or Marge Church, yemec1@windstream.net. Wishing all of you dear readers, a most blessed, healthy and happy New Year! – Mary Turvey James Fischer, my dear brother and the eldest grandson of Marie and John Prisland, passed on to his new life on September 21, 201l. He gallantly fought small cell carcinoma and through his selfless act of contributing to medical research, his legacy will no doubt include an impact on how patients will be treated in the future. Jim’s beautiful family consists of his wife, Mary, daughter, Julie, (both members of Branch 1) sons, Jim Jr., Joseph, John, and two adorable grandchildren. - MT 7 INVOICES for 2012 ANNUAL DUES Annual invoices will be mailed in late December or early January. Last year, in order to save on postage costs, we asked you to pay your annual dues by using a form printed in the Zarja - The Dawn, but this year we did not request that you do this because the dues have increased. Also, we published a three month issue (October/November/December) so it was too early to ask for payment. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused, as some of you have chosen to make an early payment and we thank you for your promptness. Of course, we always welcome early payments as that saves us postage. Please note that we have revised the Member Application form (see page 11) by adding a small separate form on the bottom. We ask that in the future all members who choose not to wait for a mailed invoice and want to use the form printed in the Zarja, please complete the RENEWAL form instead of the Membership Application form. Also be reminded that your member ID number is printed on the label which is located on the back cover. Membership ID numbers are helpful - so if you have it - please provide it. If you are paying for another member and do not know their ID number, it is OK to pay without citing the number if the name is printed clearly. Another reminder - sometimes it takes awhile for your check to clear. Processing over 3,000 payments during the first couple of months of the year is very time consuming so we ask for your patience. Thank you. Zarja Looks Back 20 Years - January 1992 POTS AND PANS IS NEW Pots and Pans has a new look! And, more than that, it has over 100 new recipes and is completely revised. What you like about this cookbook is still there – but a whole section on Microwave cooking! 40 Years - January 1972 MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN by Marie Prisland Joliet branch and Denver branch are very close to becoming 100% branches in the campaign. What about Cleveland, our Slovenian metropolis? And Milwaukee-West Allis? And the states of Minnesota and Pennsylvania? – Colorado, California, Michigan, New York and others? WAKE UP, OFFICERS! Show us what you can do! Make possible – the impossible! EVERY OFFICER – ONE NEW MEMBER is our slogan! 60 Years - January 1952 WHAT WILL THE NEW YEAR BRING? by Josephine Erjavec, Supreme Secretary In the Slovenian Women’s Union the new year will bring about new plans for its future. The officers need your cooperation with which they will work more enthusiastically. Our organization is the loveliest of all having performed great deeds for the Church, communities and charities. Branches have contributed faithfully to our Funds, from which the needy in Slovenia were aided with food and the financially distressed in America with opportunities for higher learning. The Information Exchange – Starting with the March/April Issue This new feature is a way for members to help one another. Do you have a Slovenian related question that has you stumped? Send it to “The Information Exchange” at wprokup@aol.com. Please provide your name, E-mail address, and complete mailing address along with your question. Photos are welcome if it pertains to the question. 8 ZARJA THE DAWN Slovenian Union of America 27th National Convention - 2015 - Lemont, Illinois SLOVENIAN LEAP YEAR DRAWING February 2012 Fund-Raiser $10.00 PER TICKET CASH PRIZES TOTALING $2,565 25 Daily Drawings at $55 Feb 1st and 29th at $110 Feb 8th and 14th at $220 29 Daily Seller Prizes at $10 Top Seller Prizes: 1st Place - $110 2nd Place - $70 3rd Place - $40 Towards Convention Package C U T H E You are eligible for all daily drawings in the month of February, 2012. Sellers of the winning entries will receive $10 as an award for their selling efforts. The daily drawing amount and the seller’s $10 prize will be mailed to the winners of record the next business day. Winners will be personally contacted and posted on the website. For information on how Fund-raiser works, see next page. The following entry form should be printed clearly and accompany your $10 donation. R Detach at perforation E Entry Form Entrant’s Information: Name:____________________________________ Address:______________________________ City:______________________________________ State:_____________Zip Code:_____________ Phone:____________________________________ E-mail:________________________________ Seller’s Information: Name:____________________________________ Address:______________________________ City:_____________________________________ State:_____________ Zip Code:____________ Phone:____________________________________ E-mail:________________________________ Branch Location and Number:_________________________________________________________ Please send completed form (copies accepted) and $10 check payable to SUA/SWUA to: Denise P. Bartlett SUA Director of Special Projects 7902 West Howard Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53220-1612 Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 9 Slovenian Union of America 27th National Convention - 2015 - Lemont, Illinois SLOVENIAN LEAP YEAR DRAWING February 2012 Fund-Raiser www.swua.org Need additional entries? Contact Denise P. Bartlett at: Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com 2015 SUA/SWUA National Convention. SUA/SWUA holds its National Convention every four years in host cities around the country. These gatherings are important not only to conduct SUA/SWUA business but to have a forum for branch representatives to come together to give their reports, share their ideas, discuss concerns and further cement their mutual love and respect for all things related to their Slovenian heritage. C Our next SUA/SWUA National Convention will be held in Lemont, Illinois in 2015. U T Plans are underway to make this another memorable event. The successful completion of this “Slovenian Leap Year Drawing” Fund-raiser will provide monies to help defray the costs of conducting SUA/SWUA’s National Convention. The Convention Committee strives to offer an affordable convention package to enable H delegates and members from every SUA/SWUA branch to attend. The entries make excellent gifts for the E holiday season, birthdays, and to say “Thank You.” R E How Does the Fund-raiser Work? Everyone participating in the SUA/SWUA “Slovenian Leap Year Drawing” Fund-raiser has the chance to win cash prizes. Each day in the month of February, 2012, one winner will be chosen to win the listed cash prize for that day - $55, $110 or $220. In addition, each day the person who sold that day’s winning ticket will win $10. The daily winner and seller can be one and the same and win both prizes. Winners chosen on the 1st and 29th of February will win $110 each. The month of February has long represented love and our beloved Slovenia is the only country in the world with “love” in its name. Thus, the names chosen on February 8th - Pre{eren Day (Slovenian Cultural Holiday) and February 14th - Valentine’s Day will win $220 each. In addition, the top sellers (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) will win $110 and $70 and $40 respectively towards their Convention package. It’s a WIN opportunity for everyone. Your Participation is Appreciated! Good Luck! 10 ZARJA THE DAWN Membership Application Slovenian Union of America (Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America) www.sua.org swuhome@sbcglobal.net 815.727.1926 For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page Adult Dues $25.00 Adult Dues (International Address) $30.00 Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00 If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dues are for January through December If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year Invoices are sent annually in January Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name________________________________ First Name_______________________ M___ F_____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_________________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known) Location______________________ Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES ___________________________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about us? SUA member ___newspaper___ website___ other_______________________ I would like to volunteer for the SUA. My area of interest or expertise is______________________________ Applicant’s signature__________________________________________ Date______________________ Tell a Friend! If you wish SUA to send information to a friend or relative, please provide us with name and address Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ ( located on back cover) Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________ Mail to: SUA/SWUA, 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 11 Men in a SUA World Sausage Making A Family Affair Gunderson Farms My newest adventure for Zarja took me to a small town near my home and a chance to learn a little more about the craft of sausage making. Sausage making is not merely a cultural event, but also a family affair and in many cases it is not just following a tradition, but a motive for modern families and friends to get together. Slovenians have gathered in the kitchen for generations to share recipes and techniques in an enjoyable atmosphere. The case is also true for an Oglesby man named Mike Gunderson, whose wife happens to be Branch 89’s president. He makes many types of sausages and other homemade products, often times with the help of his wife and daughter. Recently Mike invited members from Branches 24 and 89 and gave us a chance to learn some of his secrets and I never miss out on a chance to learn something new, especially involving food or drink. Mike’s presentation was of an old Slovenian recipe, blood sausage, and the demonstration was amazing and I think inspired some of us to give it a try. The demonstration began as Mike reached into a cabinet and pulled out an old hand written recipe for the blood sausage and then explained how he is lucky to have it as most recipes exist only in the heads of the cooks. Many of the old recipes die with the cook if they are not learned by a younger generation and nowaday many of the younger people are not interested. It is a shame that so many great, traditional dishes have been lost due to thinking we will learn it later, and then it is all too soon to be too late. learned one of Mike’s secrets. He added the spices prior to grinding in order to get a more even distribution of the spices and to prevent clumping. The next ingredient to go into the pan is white rice, which is mixed into the pan (for the proper amounts check the recipe; in the demonstration he made about 25 pounds, but the full recipe makes approximately 120 pounds of sausage). Next, the naming ingredient is added; he gets the blood from a local meat locker. Approximately a quart of blood per 25 pounds is added and mixed in thoroughly. Interestingly enough, Mike said that the blood really doesn’t change the flavor as much as the color appearance of the sausage. When it wasn’t available, many Slovenians used red wine instead, which most Slovenians had readily available. Must be a cultural thing. Mike began by browning the meat. The meat consisted of the snouts, tongues, and side of pigs which was pan fried before being sent through the grinder; this is where we After everything is thoroughly mixed it is time to break out the stuffer and turn the mixture into sausage. The sausage casings (cow intestines) are soaked in a bowl of water to 12 ZARJA THE DAWN ensure their strength and f l e x i b i l i t y. They are threaded over the nozzle of the stuffer and the press then shoots the mixture into its casing. Mike made this look easy, but anyone w i t h experience in this can tell you that perfecting this technique takes time and practice. If you move too slowly, air gets in the casing, and if you move to fast, the casing will burst. Once the links were to the desired length of about 10 - 12 inches, the section was cut and tied into a circular link resembling a small delicious, meat wreath. This process is repeated until you either run out of the mixture or the casings; in a perfect world it would happen at the same time, but rarely does. Once the rings are tied, they are put into a pan of hot water, not boiling, because too severe of a temperature will burst the casings. Determining when the rings are done is simple; they will float to the top, which only takes a few minutes when the water is at the proper temperature. Once the rings float they are taken out and placed on kitchen towels to cool and dry. That brings the process to the final step - cleanup - and after a major run of sausage this can take awhile and help is always welcome. The best way to recruit help is usually to put out some samples of the sausage and a few pivos; seems to encourage participation. Though the whole process is a lot of work it is rewarding to see and eat the final product and many times the process turns into a party amongst family and friends. Often times, it is a time to catch up in a casual setting and often much laughter comes from the kitchen as old family stories are told, many of them involving people that helped or episodes that happened when making sausage in the past. Some of Mike’s tips in making sausage are to use quality ingredients, sharp knives, and to use stainless steel pans and bowls instead of plastic because the plastic will affect the taste. When talking with Mike afterwards we discovered that his recipe had evolved from a recipe given to him by a family friend that he tweaked to his liking. As he says, many of the best recipes are generated by adding and subtracting things, sometimes the best ones come from accidental changes. Mike started making sausage in 1983 when he was looking for a hobby, or as he says “something to do”, when he lost his eyesight. He has expanded and perfected his craft sense; interestingly, enough though, is that when he regained his sight years later he actually struggled with parts of the process and had to close his eyes to accomplish the tasks until he was able to adjust. His personal favorite is his Slovenian garlic sausage, which is also his best seller. As one would figure, his busiest time is around the Holiday Season when many people like to have his products for their family gatherings. Mike sells many other types of sausages and products, such as farm fresh eggs, chorizo, and bacon are amongst the large and delicious-sounding list. In talking with Mr. Gunderson, the things that jump out at you are his pride in what he does, the effort he has put into honing his craft and the passion he does it with; all attributes most Slovenians proudly display. Well, that is all for this issue, but count on hearing about how old Don did on his attempt at sausage making; fortunately Mike lives close by if mine doesn’t turn out well. And look forward to reading about more of my adventures from here in the USA and over in the homeland of Slovenia. Finally, if you have some ideas for an article please let me know and as always may good luck be yours. - Don Baldin Editor’s Note: Please see inside back cover for the blood sausage recipe that Mike uses. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 13 God’s Corner The Slovenian Feng Shui By Mary Lou Deyak Voelk, Zarja Journalist Artistic creations by Slovenian folk artist Maksim Gaspari, 1883-1980, have preserved Slovenian tradition. Consider Gaspari’s artwork a written biography of Slovenian rural culture. Generations will be able to look into the lives of their ancestors. I felt an inner exhilaration when I first set eyes on two Gaspari prints, Mother Slovenia Holding Court and Smoking the House. Smoking the House has a kitty corner shelf, tucked up high toward the ceiling. Corinne Leskovar called it a God’s Corner. Today, I have a collection of photos taken in visits to Slovenia of this Slovenian tradition. Humanity has a deep-rooted inner need to feel the sacred in their lives. Wherever human habitation has existed, remains of shrines have been found. Shrines existed as places of retreat, a place to give thanks, as protection against disease, drought, famine, and wars. The unique God’s Corner in a Slovenian peasant home was a faith-based reality. Death and suffering were constants in life. Death during childbirth was common. When droughts occurred the larder became meager. Smallpox, tuberculosis, cholera, polio, and dysentery raged through the population. The crucifix, hanging kitty corner from the ceiling, created a true manifestation. Its presence emitted a strength; it was an outward acknowledgement of an undying faith. This God’s Corner is all about symmetry. The crucifix is centered between pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. Prayer books fill the background. Three statues of Mary are in the forefront. The revered embroidered carnations and the bleeding heart are centered on the altar cloth. The large rosary and two smaller rosaries belonged to deceased family members. Each generation has its own problems and each is under very different influences from that which surrounded preceding generations. Today’s world is akin to a wide screen TV. We are being shaped by a revolution in technology and by cultural, social, and economic events both at home and abroad. All the more reason to make your home a comfort zone. All the more reason to memorialize what is most important in life. Why keep memories in a box, a scrapbook, or drawer? Why not use Slovenian wisdom and create a God’s Corner? It could be a few items or a cluster: a special cloth, a crucifix, a holy icon, a picture of a saint or religious leader, a candle, objects endowed with personal meaning, family photos; all placed with reverence in a special place. Its place could be in any room, on a shelf, a hall table, a nightstand, or the wall. A table clustered with memorable items and a lamp, alongside a comfortable chair, creates a meditation corner or a place to read that current novel. What’s more, the process of creating is as inspirational as the finished result. God’s Corner - the Slovenian feng shui. 14 This photo was taken in a gostilna dining room. The focal point is the family sauerkraut barrel covered with a doily, with the oil lamp and icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus atop the ‘altar’. The Christmas star and the Easter candle and butare are recollections of family celebrations. The ceramic urn and the butter churn are family treasures of generations past. Home and family are brought to the forefront with the photographs of their grandchildren. ZARJA THE DAWN This was a nook in a private home. The stark, white walls create a setting for the elongated crucifix as it hangs from ceiling level to below the barren altar. God’s Corner in the home of Rita and Bill Starich: From Rita’s grandparents, John and Mary Reidner: the statue and two photographs of Jesus and Mary. Missal and rosary were carried by Bill during his tour in Korea. Bill carried the Missal in his shirt pocket, and the rosary attached to his belt. During intense shelling, his army buddies would ask to use the prayer book, despite Bill telling them it was in Latin. “Can we use your beads, too?” This photo was taken in a 200+ year old gostilna wine cellar. This crucifix is entirely of metal and is hung kitty corner from the ceiling. The chains and graphic coloring of body fluid portray the pain of the crucifixion. In the alcove, a brilliant show of stone, statuette, and flower. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 This nook was in a private home. The graphically suspended crucifix hanging from the ceiling against stark white walls. Notice the long crucifix and the graphic portrayal of Christ. A croqueted bouquet of carnations and statues stand atop a carnation laden embroidered cloth. The suffering of Christ is graphically portrayed. 15 Little God’s Nook By Tone Pav~ek* Budding Songs, Maying Songs, Poems of Man Years, for Many Readers, 2009 Ruling in a peasant household, “Little God’s nook” with its cross guards the living and the pictures of the fathers who passed on. Underneath have generations Struggled but to draw their breath, with the Son of God observing prayer, sin, conception, death. God’s Corner in the family room of Anita and Frank Vovk, Branch 35. Collection of items from Slovenia; hand-embroidered tapestry by Anita. The Last Supper hangs in the dining room of Mary Ann Mlakar Kalamarz, West Ellis, a gift from her aunt many years ago. The sculpture is from the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Holy Hill, Wisconsin. But old symbols are demolished by the swiftly fleeing Time, which replaces men and houses, shrines of soul and peace of mind. What is old is now neglected. At the table, emptiness. And in Little God’s nook chatters the untiring TV-set. Tone Pav~ek, one of Slovenia’s most acclaimed poet and author, died at the age of 83, on October 21, 2011. Throughout his life he was devoted to literature both as a poet and author of children’s books. Especially important are his translations of Russian literature. He received numerous awards, including three Levstik awards for lifetime achievement and the Pre{eren Prize, the highest national commendation for a Slovenian artist. Each year more than 500,000 from throughout the world make a pilgrimage to Holy Hill to worship, meditate, or pray for healing. Some come to admire the beautiful architecture of the neo-Romanesque church built in 1926. Regardless of what brings people to Holy Hill, they are bound to be touched by its peaceful environment and to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit. Holy Hill was declared a Shrine with “Portiuncula privilege” by Pope Leo XIII in 1903. And, as a result of the increasing number of pilgrims, the Discalced Carmelites of Bavaria were invited to staff the Shrine in 1906. On November 19, 2006, the Shrine was elevated to the status of Basilica. 16 Tone Pav~ek ZARJA THE DAWN The Baraga Cross Memorial Who erected the memorial? Who was responsible for the memorial? By Mary Lou Deyak Voelk, Zarja Journalist In 1846, Father Baraga, a Slovenian priest, and his Ojibwa guide set off by rowboat from LaPointe, Wisconsin. Their destination was Grand Portage, Minnesota. A storm arose, sending them adrift. That evening they landed at the quiet mouth of the Cross River on the north shore of Lake Superior. In praise for their safety, a small wooden cross was erected at the site. This cross was later to be replaced with one of granite in 1933. Each year thousands of tourists hike down the path to visit the Baraga Cross. In spring 2010, Yul Yost, Branch 109 - Twin Cities, made the drive to the Baraga Cross. Yul dubs Baraga, “My hero and fellow countryman, a man whose intellect, linguistic abilities, and physical endurance makes him worthy of sainthood.” It was a dismaying experience. The base of the shrine was deteriorating, the path to the cross was in bad shape, even dangerous to use. The off-road parking was inadequate. Questions arose. Who erected the memorial? Who was responsible for the memorial? The Minnesota Department of Transportation was contacted, and a letter was sent to Bishop Sirba, of the Diocese of Duluth, since this was a diocesan cross on diocesan land, with concerns for its condition. Bishop Sirba acknowledged our concern. Questions were answered, and historical information became known. In 1932, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Stickney gifted land located on the north shore of Lake Superior, Cross River, for the erection of a monument in memory of Father Baraga. Bishop Thomas A. Welch accepted this gift and invited the Council of Catholic Women of the Diocese of Duluth to finance the building of the granite cross that would be a replacement of the wooden cross. Priests of the Diocese of Duluth and others also contributed. In September 1933, Bishop Welch blessed and dedicated the new cross. In the fall of 2010, Bishop Sirba directed Fr. Seamus Walsh of St. John Church, Grand Marais, Minnesota, to come up with plans to deal with the deteriorating cross and pathway. Fr. Walsh worked with Greg Gastecki, of St. John Parish, who supervised the entire project. The Schroeder Town JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 Board and area locals also gave their support. During this planning it was discovered that the cross and the pathway to the cross were outside the property lines of the original site given by the Stickney’s. New property lines were established, and the plan now included moving the cross to diocesan property. Edwin E. Thoreson, Inc. was contracted for the work. Under the new plan the cross was moved 6+ feet and a new 20-foot wide pathway, lined with 400+ cubic yards of crushed granite, was laid, leveled, and compacted, making the pathway wheelchair accessible. Boulders, 4-6 feet in circumference, were added to the east side of the path. A seat, a gift of Greg and Phyllis Miron, has been erected at the site. Because of the cross’s placement near the Cross River, rip rapping was laid for protection against erosion. Father Baraga, known as the most distinguished missionary of the 19th century, traveled the length and breadth of the Great Lakes for 37 years. The Baraga Cross is a memorial to his apostolic zeal. A depth of gratitude to the Diocese of Duluth for undertaking and funding the Baraga Cross Memorial project, inclusive of future maintenance of this historic site. Today the Baraga Cross Memorial is not a place that can be missed by motorists. The Cross is now a destination, and hopefully and conceivably, a place of pilgrimage. 17 Chandler Location, Minnesota Ninety-Nine Percent of the Residents were Slovenian Settlement Sandwiched Between Shagawa Lake and the Pioneer Mine By Mary Lou Deyak Voelk, Zarja Journalist SUA Minnesota State Convention September 10, 2011, Ely, Minnesota The scene was set at the Grand Ely Lodge (GEL) for the Minnesota State Convention on September 10, 2011. The GEL is a very popular establishment, known for their food, service, and its view of Shagawa Lake. The tables were splendidly set with lovely stemware, with a single carnation gracing the table. The menu followed Slovenian tradition: soup, salad, crusty rolls, with a “beef and vegetable assortment au jus”, coined Branch 23’s Slovenian Crock Pot, and served in china soup bowls! A bit of background: The GEL is located on the eastern end of Chandler Location, directly across the road from the former Pioneer Mine. When the mine was in operation, this hillside across from the mine, which now houses the GEL, was the dumping ground for cribbing from the mine shaft that was being replaced. In Ely it was called ‘red wood.’ In the early days no clock was needed in Chandler Location. Across from the open pit stood St. Anthony Church, its spire reaching upward, and whose bells pealed out the hours. Miners walking to and from the mine carrying their ‘lunch pails’ documented the shift changes. Chandler Location was a settlement sandwiched between Shagawa Lake and the Pioneer Mine. Ninety-nine percent of the residents were Slovenian. Chandler could best be described as a massive maze. In my lifetime, I have yet to experience any settlement that has resembled this special place. A hodgepodge it was, with weaving dirt roads, following contours of the land and the outcropping of ledge that was left by the early glaciers. It was as if houses were plunked into place. There were no street signs. Shortcuts prevailed. It was common practice to walk through several yards to get to your destination. The Robertson and Pervoshek families occupied the last two homes prior to the Pioneer Mine. The latter was my 18 grandparent’s homestead, where I spent every Easter and Christmas and Sundays for the first 18 years of my life. Each Sunday it was the gathering place for family dinners, with the traditional soup, fried potatoes, “soured lettuce”, sliced soup meat with horseradish, and the usual canned fruit cocktail or pineapple for dessert. Today the mine is idle. The open pit is now a vast fishing lake, appropriately named Miner’s Lake and the GEL, a beautiful log hotel, restaurant, and banquet facility, stands in the area where the iron stained cribbing was once dumped. So many memories… Standing on the road side watching the family men of Chandler Location dragging the cribbing from out of the massive pile. The hauling, chopping, sawing, and stacking in the wood shed behind their houses. The ‘red wood’ was free fuel used for cooking and heating. What a mess it was; the floors would be stained with red. Grandpa would pay me a dime to scrub that entire huge kitchen, and then he and I would lay ‘Slovenian carpeting’ to protect the clean floors for a few days. I must have been all of 8 years old. Then there was the wheel on the mine shaft that never stopped turning, until one day. I was running over to the Robertson’s and stopped in my tracks! The wheel was not turning! It was as if the world had come to an end. It had for the Robertson family. Ernie Robertson, husband of Hannah, and the father of four boys, had been killed in a mining accident. This was the exact moment I learned of death. The Pioneer Mine was one of a number of mines in the Ely area. Statistics document that over 240 miners lost their lives to accidents and cave-ins. Did I tell you that grandpa’s hand was crushed in an earlier cave in, leaving him a less than perfect hand? It is only correct that the Pioneer Mine is now on the National Register of Historic Places. ZARJA THE DAWN In my mind I can walk through the location and name most households. But I did need some help! *Robertson, Perovshek, Prijatel, Kerze and Kerze, Kerntz and Kerntz, Deyak and Deyak, Likar, Wren, Marolt and Marolt, Zelesnikar, Novak, Lesar, Vesel, Loushin, Zupec, Perushek, Skraba, Mizera, Zgonc, Miklaucic, Strezishar, Flake, Pucel, Moravitz, Shega, Ferdeber, Bueck, Ravniker, Kastelec, Smuk, Puzel, Yakich, Orazem, Melovasich, Perme, Preblich, Markovich, Rom, Polyner, Mavetz, Fran Mavetz Nelson, the Merhars, also known as the Kaj family. Kaj means “what” in Slovenian. Old Mr. Merhar was very hard of hearing and always asked “kaj?”All his sons were known by Kaj (Tony Kaj, Steve Kaj, and Joe Kaj). They lived near the sewage plant, the infamous “stinky ditch” area. The Museum, New Projects Lee Riddell, Branch 93 - NYC, is in the process of transferring donated artifact and archive data listed in the Accession Book to a spreadsheet. It will be an honor to announce to our membership that this digital Accession Book will be up on the SUA website for their viewing. Paula Mavec and extended family are in the process of pouring through hundreds of cancelled checks from 19501960+ which were recently found in the basement when file cabinets were moved! Most important are the burial insurance cancelled checks. Perhaps we all remember when our cancelled checks were returned to us each month? Up until the late 1940’s, cancelled burial insurance checks were placed in each deceased member folder. This project is an attempt to retrieve the checks and place them in their rightful place. Thank you Branch 23 for allowing me the honor to be your guest presenter, to stand at the podium, in the same area where piles of ‘red wood’ once lay waiting to be readied for grandpa’s kitchen wood stove. Chandler Location, for me that wheel is still turning. The Slovenian Heritage Museum is proud to announce the upcoming arrival of books from the library of Bogdan Grom of New Jersey. Mr. Grom is a world famous Slovenian painter, sculptor, printmaker, book illustrator, designer, author, and educator. His website presents a snapshot through decades of his life dedicated to art from the thirties to the present: www.bogdangrom.com. Look for photos and Mr. Grom’s biography in an upcoming Zarja. Photos by Frank Deyak *Special thanks to Dolores Faas Mikolich - Branch 23, Chuck Mikolich, Helen Deyak Koschak, and Dolly Kastelec Shober - Branch 23, for walking down Chandler Location memory lane with me. Museum Donation: Received from Marie Berce of Branch 1 - Sheboygan, are five pair of beautiful pillow cases made by her mother, Marija Peternal Berce, in the early 1950’s. The edgings are done in cotton thread, each pair features a unique crochet pattern, and the finest of needlework! Available from the SUA Slovenian Heritage Museum Slovenes of Northern California, 1860-2001 by Don Kambic $15 each or 2 for $20 plus shipping and handling These same books are listed as Used Books, and sell for $63 and up on Amazon.com and eBay. The photographs are awesome! Slovenian Union of America 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 For questions call 815.727.1926 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 The Slovenian Magazine Twice a month, this informative 25 minute show can be enjoyed via Channel 25, WNYE, in New York. Broadcasts are every other Sunday at 2:00 p.m. On the internet, shows can be viewed at any time via computer. This can be a great Branch activity! Find a suitable meeting place with WiFi and a big screen! Shows from 2007-2011 have been archived. Featured are current events, cultural and historical heritage stories, and countryside landscapes of Slovenia. All are in English. Click on ARCHIVE in the top menu for a listing of the shows and the guide. The website is: http://www.rtvslo.si/slovenianmagazine. World War II, Hometown Heroes Project Ann Orazem, Branch 35 - Aurora, Minnesota attended the convention in Ely, and brought along the following book: Hometown Heroes, the St. Louis County World War II Project. It was a special project of the St. Louis County commissioners, done in honor and in memory of some 4,000 service men and women of the county who served during WWII. This volume offers the SUA an awesome amount of information for our WWII collection. Thank you, Ann, for your thoughtfulness in sharing this massive volume. 19 Tributes to Long Time Members Our organization rests on the foundation of our long time members, those who have celebrated 50 years or more of membership and have generously volunteered their time and efforts to give the SUA the strength it has today. SUA’s Pat Budzilek will be writing for each issue of Zarja and will feature one of these hardworking members who gave so much. If you know someone who should be featured please send an e-mail with a short story and picture to wprokup@aol.com. Rose Mary Toth Rose Mary Toth was enrolled in SWUA Branch 49 - Noble, Ohio, at five years of age and still has her original insurance certificate, number 699! Her mother, Albina, was very active in the Slovenian community and Rose Mary has followed in her mother’s footsteps, proud to promote her Slovenian culture. She started her fraternalism as a child where she was a cadet with the SWUA drill team and traveled with her mother and the drill team across the USA performing in many different cities. Rose Mary was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Slovenian immigrant parents, John and Albina Mrsnik. She was raised in Euclid, graduated from St. Christine’s School, and Wickliffe High School, and now resides in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, with her husband, John. They are the parents of three daughters, Rose Mary Darden of Bolton, Massachusetts; Cheri Gottke of Concord, Ohio; and Terri Mansfield of San Antonio, Texas; and the proud grandparents of four, Kelly Devlin, Kimberly D’Angelo, Jillian Darden, and Madeline Darden, and greatgrandparents of twins, Mallory and Miles Devlin, all of Bolton, Massachusetts. Now retired, she was an Executive Secretary for the Cuyahoga County Treasurer’s Office. Currently Rose Mary is President of Branch 50, and also SUA’s Regional President of Ohio. Other activities include SNPJ 566 where she is Secretary-Treasurer, the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame, Zarja Chorus, and Tony Petkovsek’s Radio Club for the past forty years. She has been active at SNPJ Farm as an officer of its Ladies Auxiliary and as an auditor for the Farm Board. Other interests include being an officer for the American-Slovenian Committee for Cultural Exchange, past officer of the Progressive Slovenian Women’s Auxiliary #3, trustee on the board of the Slovene Home for the Aged, director of the Slovenian Society Home, Euclid, Ohio, and past President of the Federation of Slovenian Homes. She has been honored as the Woman of the Year, 1988, for the Slovenian Society Home and also as the Federation of Slovenian Home’s Woman of the Year, 1991. 20 As Branch 50 President, Rose Mary is very busy, as two branches, 32 and 14, have recently merged with Branch 50. Her goal is to make the combined membership feel at home by not only merging members, but by merging the spirit and activities of the three branches so everyone will find something familiar and feel at home. Rose Mary is a true Slovenian, proud of her heritage, always trying to promote her Slovenian ancestry. She epitomizes what it means to be a Slovenian woman, walking in the footsteps of our founder, Marie Prisland. - Patricia A.Budzilek ZARJA THE DAWN Branch Reports Poro~~ila Podru``nic BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Branch 1 has been very busy baking, knitting, and putting other craft goods together for our Craft Fair. We want to thank everyone for his or her hard work and time. We can’t begin to express our appreciation for all the help we received. The proceeds from the sale will be used to supply food for needy families in our Tri-Parish community. On October 9, several of us traveled to Milwaukee for the Wisconsin Regional Convention, which was hosted by Milwaukee Branch 43. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Klemmer’s Banquet Hall before the start of the business meeting. Rita Majerle-Klug of Branch 43 was elected Regional President and our Mary Ann Schellinger was elected Regional Vice President. After the meeting, we were entertained with a Slovenian sing-a-long and beautiful door prizes. Thank you to Branch 43 for an enjoyable day! I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year! Hard to believe another year has passed. Na svedenje! CHERYL KOTNICK LOPOUR BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois Bogov kot - God’s Corner as we remember when the neighborhood was Slovenian. Some homes had altars where they prayed nightly. Also, there were corner tables with a statue of Christ, flowers, candles, and rosary was prayed daily. A drawer held Holy Water, a cross, and bible for sickness or death. The tables were decorated special during the holidays. No one has pictures, only lasting memories. At the Illinois/Indiana Convention on October 2, we celebrated 85 years since the inception of our organization. We covered many important issues regarding the future of the SUA/SWUA. We wish to thank all of the branches for their participation in helping to make this a memorable occasion. We were grateful to have had Debbie Pohar and Mary Carmody - National Officers, as well as, Paula Mavec, Grace Doerk, and Alice Ebner - National Auditors in attendance. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 Everyone was pleased to see that President Joe Skala, Branch 2 and Vice President Barbara Bruch, Branch 89 were reelected, along with Branch 20 who will be hosting our 2013 Convention on their 85th Anniversary. Jo Ann Hozzian was busy snapping pictures. We all went home with a memento of a picture of the little Slovenian girl, a red carnation, and a slice of potica. All our thoughts and prayers are with our ailing members for a speedy recovery. Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year 2012. DAISY ZIMMER FUNERAL HOMES Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 Tel: 920.457.7012 Fax: 920.457.7013 W 2132 Ganton Rd., Sheboygan, WI 53083 920.565.2331 www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com 21 BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Contact Information: amtcharron@yahoo.com 719.696.8583 During the autumn, several members of Branch 3 were busy with Slovenian events involving various groups at St. Mary Help of Christians Church. On October 2, the Preseren Glee Club choir gave a concert at St. Joseph’s Hall. The afternoon of music featured favorite Slovenian tunes, including Jaz Pa Ti Pa Zidana Marela, Daj Daj Srcek Nazaj, and Zivijo Slovenci. Several Glee Club members are also members of Branch 3. On October 15, the annual Slovenian Heritage Dinner, a tradition for over a decade, was held at the church hall. A Mass, at which the Preseren Glee Club sang, preceded the dinner. The annual Slovenian Dinner was originally started by Branch 3 member, Bernice Krasovec, and is now coordinated by a group of women in the parish. The event featured accordion music by Jay Skul and Gary Kleinheim, a silent auction of several paintings by local artist Ed Posa, and a menu of Slovenian favorites including sarma, klobase, krvave klobase, kislo zelje, strudelj, potica, krompirjeva solata, and bean soup. Branch 3 had regular meetings on October 4 and November 1. At the October meeting, the branch Member of the Year, Anne Yengich, was honored with a Dutch lunch since she was unable to attend the May luncheon, which honored mothers. Her daughter, Judy, accompanied Anne. Marge Cullen and Eileen Kaplan hosted the November meeting, and new Branch 3 members, Marilyn Kristan and Linda Secora, were introduced. The meeting began with a memorial led by chaplain, Marie Mutz, for Branch 3 member, Rose Jersin, who passed away on July 26. Rose’s daughter, Mary Ann Barker, and granddaughter, Carol Barker Crosby, attended the meeting for the memorial. Betty Skul gave a report on the social activities enjoyed at the SWUA National Convention in Milwaukee. She commented on the gracious hospitality displayed by Milwaukee, which made her and her husband feel like family throughout the convention. Eileen Kaplan gave a report on the Slovenian tradition of God’s Corner. ANNETTE SABO CHARRON & BARBARA KARLINGER BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana I work a night shift, so in the winter I get to see some spectacular snow scenes as I drive into work. As I pass Eagle Creek Park, I often see deer nibbling on twigs and dry grasses peeking up through the snow. When I enter St. Malachy Church parking lot (which is located in the middle of 70 acres of farm land) I am often watched as I park my car, by the three resident coyotes that live on the property. A large hawk has his winter nest on the roof of the church, and often leaves the remains of his dinner by the entrance door of the church. In the quiet of the snow-covered field, under a spectacular, dark, star-studded sky, the peace of the scene always amazes me, and I take a few minutes to reflect on how fortunate I am. Some Slovenian households have a special table or corner dedicated to God. It usually is a pristine cloth, upon which sits a cross, or picture, or small statue of God. Flowers and candles are also in the small space. Today, we seem to be busy with so many things, that perhaps a small corner of a room would be a good place for a family’s God’s Corner. Think of those people who matter to you, and put together a small remembrance of all that is really important to you, to act as a daily visual reminder to stop and take a moment to thank God for all the blessings he has given us; a grandchild’s picture, a mother’s rosary, a holy card from a loved one. As I stand in the quiet of the cold winter night, the bright shining stars remind me that I am not really alone, that I am watched over by many who have gone before me... my father, many aunts and uncles, friends. Perhaps I am lucky that my God’s Corner is a place I work at every day. Wishing you Peace and Happiness in the New Year! KAREN, MARY & PHYLLIS Do you want to receive the monthly SUA Online Newsletter? Please e-mail: listoperator@swua.org to be on our list. 22 ZARJA THE DAWN BRANCH 10 - Cleveland, Ohio Hi Ladies, First of all on the agenda I would like to congratulate the new Board of Directors. I am sure they will do a great job. Second, I would like to let you know that our member, Ann Stefancic, will be 98 years young in May of 2012; more on that in the next issue of Zarja. Our sympathy to the family of our member, Mary Sinkovic, who has passed away; may she rest in peace. I hope all the members have a nice Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. We will have a meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of January, weather permitting. Hope to see you all! My granddaughter, Colleen Collins, is in the Army and she is stationed in Hawaii. May God bless all the service people and keep them safe. STEPHANIE SEGULIN BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Contact Information: 2324 Buena Vista Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002 bchiodo@comcast.net I hope everyone had a Blessed Christmas Season. One of the things I love about living in California is that it is sunny on Christmas Day. We had a very successful “Heritage Day” in August. We honored our founder, Bara Kramer, and past president, Josephine Auto, who was president for 30 years. She kept SWUA going all that time. I remember she called me after a meeting and said she and her sister, Virginia Satiric, were the only members who showed up for the meeting. But she told me they still had a formal meeting with minutes and the treasurer’s report and all. And I thought only Jo would go to all that trouble just to keep SUA alive! A lot of our members brought programs and pictures of events we celebrated thru the years. It brought back so many good memories. We decided to do “Heritage Day” every summer. The board members already decided we would have a luau. It was 50 years ago that my mother Fran Chide took a tour to Hawaii for SUA. The National President and many members came from back east for the tour. There were about 40 members who attended and we all had a great time. Three of our board members were on the tour and we all have photos of it. We are hoping for a great event that will be well attended. BARBARA CHIODO BRANCH 14 - Euclid, Ohio This is the final article from Branch 14 as we are about to merge with Branch 50. Branch 14 has had a long, productive history and now our members, many who have worked so hard over the years for the SUA, are no longer able to take positions as officers. We are very fortunate to have Branch 50 welcome us as a part of their group, which now numbers over two hundred members. Branch 50 invites you to attend their meetings, which are held at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 the Euclid Public Library on East 222nd Street. You will meet their officers, President Rosemary Toth, VicePresident Cookie Maxin, Treasurer Maureen Podlogar, and Recording Secretary Josephine Wutcheitt, and learn of their activities. If you choose not to become a member of Branch 50, please notify in writing the Home Office in Joliet stating which branch you desire to join. In any case, do not drop your membership as your burial insurance policy will no longer be in force, and also because the SUA is getting its 501(c)3, they must get out of the insurance business and liquidate all their present policies by converting them into cash value. I attended the Ohio Regional Convention, which began with a beautiful Mass at St. Vitus Church. The choir sounded like angels from heaven! Margo at Sterle’s put out a fantastic meal from soup to schnitzel to strudel. Our speaker, Breda Loncar, was inspiring, telling us that it takes only one person to start changing the world. Carol Ryba from the Home Office updated us on what is happening there. A Chinese auction took place and I was fortunate enough to win the basket provided by the Home Office, which had many items including a potica. It was a very interesting and productive day for all. From now on, Branch 14 members please read the news from Branch 50 to learn what is happening. God bless. PATRICIA BUDZILEK BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois Contact: Dolores60617@yahoo.com or Marjorie Mitchell 773.646.4392 At our last meeting on October 8th, Dotsi Rossi informed us that she would be stepping down as the reporter for Zarja due to health issues. It was suggested that I take over for her. I will certainly try to do my best. Our attendance at meetings is not what it should be. Only 10 members were at the October meeting. We discussed the idea that many of the members have a hard time using the steps to St. George’s basement for meetings. With that in mind, in the future we will be meeting at Sacred Heart Parish School Hall, on 96th and Exchange Avenue. The first meeting of the year will be on March 10, at 1:00 p.m. It will be a little easier, with a parking lot and NO STEPS. Come on out and give it a try. Mary Jane Strus and Mitzi Klobucar both were to undergo surgery in November. We hope they make a speedy recovery. On the agenda for an upcoming meeting, I have invited a friend, Emma Safar, to demonstrate the art of making apple strudel. She has graciously consented to show us how to be strudel bakers. Make plans to be at our meetings and for this event. We will still have our 50/50, dessert and coffee, bunco and prizes; so come and have a nice afternoon. DOLORES KRAL FRANKO 23 BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: patricia.schager@att.net God’s Corner, what a wonderful tradition in Slovenian homes. This concept was brought to the SUA members during the National Convention. Attending member Jeanne Warsaw said she was impressed by the tradition that is still a huge part of a home’s décor. “Houses have a corner dedicated to God. There may be an altar, altar scarf, flowers, cross, and a picture of the family. It is God watching over the home and family,” she said. Another tradition the Branch is keeping alive is the annual Grape Harvest Fest, celebrated this past September. The fest is a reminder of the festivals held in Slovenia celebrating grape harvests. “It’s for the entire family to enjoy a Slovenian experience,” said member Jonita Ruth. Ruth has been the force behind the annual fest that has become a must-go-to event. Our new year begins with the installation of officers. The entire team of current board members has graciously agreed to serve another year. Char Kobe will serve as President; Jeanne Warsaw, Vice President; Jean Herbst, Treasurer; Robyn Coyne, Corresponding Secretary; Diane Hohenwater, Recording Secretary; Pat Schager, Zarja Reporter; Jo Lustik, Bernice Nemanich and Pat Butterbach Auditors; Nancy Horwath and Sandra Kehring Sergeants at Arms. Congratulations on celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss are to members Robert and Agnes Dobczyk. Celebrating 50 years of marriage are member Rosemary and Tom Giarrante, member Patricia and Bob Figurowski, members Robert and Marilyn Dolnak. Condolences to the families of member Carole Terlip on the passing of her husband, and the passing of the son, brother, and sister-in-law of members Mary Lesnik, John and Joan Lesnik. PATRICIA SCHAGER BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Contact Information: 9_lives@att.net Dober Dan! Members of Branch 24 attended a Mass for all deceased members on Sunday, November 6, at St. Bede Worship Assembly Building. Following the Mass a brunch was served at the home of Loretta Story. The November meeting was held at the home of Debbie Pohar - a little piece of Slovenia - were we all enjoyed a feast with chestnuts - both baked and boiled. What better way to celebrate of feast of St. Martin - chestnuts and wine tasting! The members enjoyed our annual Christmas party with a dinner at Amici’s Ristorante. Hostesses for the lovely event were: Barb Pohar, Bonnie Prokup, and Debbie Pohar. We appreciate all their work and effort in making this a joyful occasion for all. 24 With the New Year will come a new slate of officers - to be announced - and new ideas and plans for the upcoming year. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year with many blessings. Until next time, may your hearts be filled with peace and love. LORETTA STORY BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Contact Information: 218.229.3202 anitam1@frontier.com Seven members came together on a most “Sonce sije dan” for our October meeting. We began with our prayers for our sick/shut-in members, especially Julie Pirnat, who is recovering from surgery. We prayed for the troops, our deceased members, and the soul of Lojze Slak, one of our favorite musicians. We then played and listened to Anita’s video of the Slak Ansambel in paying a tribute to the passing of Lojze. Condolences were sent out to the Slak family and friends. We read the minutes of the Minnesota State Convention in Ely. A report was given and we discussed some of the suggestions that Mary Lou Voelk sent to us. After a lovely lunch with apple crisp and ice cream by hostesses, Barb Urick and Gabriella Goritchan, we watched a DVD that Anita received from her friend in Slovenia. We only watched Part I, the “[ranga” that began at 6 a.m. and ended at 9 a.m. in time for the Church wedding. We will watch Part II at another meeting. We thank John Stark for his help in setting up the DVD player. I encourage all members to start preparing your material to apply for the scholarships. Note TO ALL APPLICANTS: Many of you I have not met, so I advise you to get your letter of recommendation from a teacher, pastor, employer or a very good friend. I am sure that would be better than someone trying to write about someone they don’t know and perhaps never met. BUT, I would like a copy of your letter of recommendation to be read at one of our meetings because we ARE interested in you and want to learn more about our members. Forms can be found online. We wish all applicants good luck! Wishing good health to all our SUA Family, Blessed Holidays! ANITA VOVK ZARJA THE DAWN BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota Contact Information: rribich@northlc.com 218.865.6600 This report is a difficult one for me to write because it is a bittersweet moment to announce that our beloved Branch 39 of Biwabik, Minnesota, pounded the gavel for the last time today to dissolve our local branch. The vote was unanimous and the members individually will decide if they may want to transfer to another Range branch. We will help you with that transition or you can state your preference when you renew your membership with the upcoming 2012 invoice. We have tried for months to find leadership for our branch and cannot continue with so few members attending. We urge you to continue your membership even if you must become a member of Branch 30, designated for members who do not have a home branch. We are still planning our Christmas/Epiphany dinner with the help of Carol Sherek. The date of that event is Sunday, January 8th, and will be held at the Rustic Rock Supper Club in Eveleth. It is scheduled to be a plated dinner. Please call Carol at 218.865.4701 for reservations and menu choices. You can also call Rosemary Ribich at 218.865.6600 for details. This event could serve not only as our annual party, but also as our 81st Anniversary and farewell. We have invited our sister Branch 35 of Aurora to join us in this celebration. We have scheduled an informal meeting for February 5th at St. John’s Social Hall to tie up some loose ends. Please attend if you are interested. On a personal note I want to say thank you for the friendship and camaraderie extended to me during my fouryear term, both as a local and Regional President. I have met so many wonderful people throughout the United States and without my local and state officers and members at my side I would not have been able to serve. Please continue to KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE – MARIJA POMAGAJ PROSI ZA NAS. ROSEMARY (SERTICH) RIBICH BRANCH 40 - Lorain, Ohio I am sad to report that we lost one of our most faithful members. Rose Jancar, age 86, died on August 27 after a brief illness. She always enjoyed attending our meetings and had a friendly, outgoing personality. Daughter, Carol Nickoloff, son, Michael Mann, stepdaughter, Marie Held, and four brothers survive her. To them we extend our deepest sympathy. A large number of our members attended her wake. Stephanie led prayers. Rest in peace, dear friend. We miss you and will hold you in warm memory. In September we met at a restaurant in Huron, then off to Martina Woelfl’s beautiful home for a pleasant afternoon of cards. Thank you for your hospitality, Martina. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 In October, the International Restaurant in Vermilion was our destination, where we celebrated Angeline “Babe” Grayson’s 90th birthday. Babe has been a member since the days when Branch 40 was a large, vibrant group of women, and she was a member of the drill team. Now we are few in number, but still meet in friendship and caring, as we did for Babe’s birthday, with cake and our wishes to her for continued good health and happiness in the years ahead. I hope you enjoyed the day as we did, Babe! Speaking of the drill team, many branches had them. I was a member of a drill team in Girard, Ohio, Branch 55, and can attest to the fun we had. We marched in parades and showed off our skills - crisscrossing and weaving, keeping our lines straight. Fun! Time to wish members of Branch 40, and to all the members of Slovenian Union of America, a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year 2012. Na Zdravje in Zivijo!!! STEPHANIE POLUTNIK BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413 twogames@wi.rr.com The Regional Convention was held at Klemmer’s Banquet Hall. Delegates were Jackie Smith and alternate, Fannie Smole. The day included dinner, meeting, and entertainment by Dolores Ivanchich and Tony Gorenc. Rita Majerle Klug was elected President and Mary Ann Schellinger Vice President. The next regional convention will be held in 2013, with a place to be determined. Remember to fill out your Leap Year Fund-Raiser form in this issue (page 9-10) and send it to Denise P. Bartlett. All proceeds help finance the 2015 National Convention to be held in Lemont, Illinois. Remember our Po Bozicna Zabava (Post Christmas Party) will be held on Saturday, January 14, at Aliota’s Restaurant at noon. The cost is $15. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling Helen Frohna 262.821.5295 or Jan Gehm, 414.321.1413. There will be a gift exchange. If you bring a gift, you will receive one. Please bring a gift suitable for either a man or a women. Pustna Veselica is Saturday, February 18, at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a traditional Slovenian meal to be served at 6 p.m., music will begin at 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of great food and music. Tickets are $20. No tickets will be sold at the door. This event is sponsored by the USPEH Organization, of which Branch 43 is a part. All proceeds help defray the cost of printing and mailing the newsletter. Your help is needed! Mark your calendars for April 3, and November 6. These are election days and our branch will have a bake sale at the 88th St. School. Your baked goods will be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to bake, please consider a monetary donation or supplies such as flour, sugar, etc. 25 Election of officers were held at our October meeting. Congratulations to President Jan Gehm, Vice President, BettyAnn Kolesari, Recording Secretary, Mici Bregant, Corresponding. Secretary, Tilly Skusek, Treasurer, Helen Frohna, Auditors, Virginia Strukel and Al Jelinek, Sergeant of Arms, Pat Tomaszewski and Rita Starich and USPEH Representative, Tillie Skusek. MICI BREGANT BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio Contact Information: 330.468.7989 webblekatt@hotmail.com Hi everyone. I hope your Holiday’s were joyful. The roster of our new officers will follow in the next issue. As everyone knows, Elsie Spellacy, has moved to be near her eldest daughter, Jane Ann. Her address is: Friendship Village, 1290 Boyce Road, Apt A205, Pittsburgh, PA, 15243. Our next meeting will be March 11 at the Maple Heights Library. Dorothy Squires is home recuperating from surgery and doing nicely. Well wishes go out to her. Congratulations go to Diane and Anthony Fornaro on their 25th Anniversary. Best wishes for both of them. KATHERINE WALLACE BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio Contact Information: 440.655.6735 ricktomsick@gmail.com Our warm, best wishes for a safe and healthy 2012. In today’s issue of Zarja, we celebrate the kitchen nook dedicated to God in many Slovenian households. In our home, we have a wooden crucifix prominently displayed facing the kitchen table. I can remember the corner nook in my Grandma Tomsick’s home on Luther Avenue when I was a young lad growing up in the 1960’s. Ivanka Matic 26 sent along a photo of the God’s Corner at St Vitus Village. This is a worthy tradition that provides a good visual reminder of our need to constantly give thanks to God! I want to express my gratitude to Josephine Wutchiett for maintaining minutes of our meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month, as well as her detailed minutes of the Ohio Convention held on October 2. As always, Cookie Maxin, has likewise done an excellent job of keeping a good, detailed record of the proceedings, and we thank her as well! At that convention, more than 35 members from Branches 10, 14, 42, 47, and 50 gathered to attend Mass at St. Vitus Church (concelebrated by Bishop Pevec and Father Boznar), and enjoyed a lunchtime talk at Sterle’s Restaurant by Breda Loncar of Slovenian American Times newspaper. I’ve included a photo of Breda with Olga Dorchak and her daughter Kathy. Carol Ryba from the national office of SUA also attended and spoke, updating our members on several new initiatives from the National Convention regarding dues and financial reporting for the branches. We also held election of officers, and Rose Mary Toth was elected President, with Cathy “Cookie” Maxin as Vice President for the term 2012-16. Congratulations, ladies! The Convention was a splendid event, thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of Marge Church, who was instrumental in planning everything so that it all fell into place very nicely. Thank you Marge! We recently welcomed new member, Ken Tomsick, who also made a donation in memory of his wife (and my mother), Anne, to the national scholarship fund. Branch 50 is excited to welcome former Branch 14 members following the recent merger of branches. Please e-mail me at ricktomsick@gmail.com with any news, updates, accolades, upcoming events, and the like, but keep in mind that we have about a two-month lag in reporting upcoming events. RICK TOMSICK ZARJA THE DAWN Branch 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: barbarabruch@yahoo.com or 815.339.2714 Greetings from Oglesby! Alice Ebner, Margie Walter, Flossie Argubright, Mitzi Banich and I attended the Illinois/ Indiana Regional Convention hosted by Branch 2. We helped celebrate their 85th Anniversary and had a very good time. The Mass was at St. Sympharosa Church and we also got to witness a Quinciera ceremony, as well as celebrate our Slovenian heritage. At the Maywood Banquet Center there was also a big party going on to celebrate a Polish Baptism. We had a very multicultural day and talked about it all the way home. Thank you to Fran Morison and the rest of Branch 2 for making the day so enjoyable. We are in the midst of our Bake-less Bake Sale drive and thank all the members both near and far away who contribute so generously. Their contributions enable us to support our SUA Museum, Scholarship Fund, and Zarja as well as local charities. Our member, and my dear, sweet daughter, Kitty Bruch, was married on August 6 to Neil Heuker. They are living in Columbus, Ohio, where Kitty works for Chase Bank and Neil is a Doctor of Chiropractic. Branch 89 sends them their very best wishes. Our October meeting was at the home of our President Bridgit Gunderson. Her husband, Mike, is an excellent sausage maker and he demonstrated making blood sausage. He ground, seasoned, stuffed, and cooked it while we watched. He uses a wooden paddle to lift the cooked sausage rings from the pot that belonged to Bridgit’s grandfather. Her mother remembered using it as a little girl. It must be 100 years old and they have had it all these years. It was a very interesting day and I wish everyone could have been there. Call or e-mail any time. BARBARA BRUCH BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: 718.335.8459 lgross@tstnyc.org On Sunday, October 16th, many branch members were among the more than 120 people, including the Slovenian Ambassador to the UN, Sanja [tiglic, the Ambassador to the US, Roman Kirn, and NYC Consul General, Melita Gabri~, taking part in the Mass celebrating the 95 th Anniversary of St. Cyril’s Church. The Mass was cocelebrated by Father Bernardin Su{nik from the Slovenian Franciscan Monastery in Lemont, IL, and Father Krizolog Cimerman, current pastor at St. Cyril’s. A cultural program featured the singing group Fantje na vasi from Cleveland and world champion button accordionist Denis Novato. Branch members joined many other music lovers to hear Slovenian soprano Sabina Cvilak at Lincoln Center in a stirring performance of Britten’s War Requiem with the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 The consulate here in NYC alerted us to Slovenian authors, Boris Pintar and Brane Mozeti~, discussing their recently translated works at Stevens Institute in Hoboken, NJ. For anyone living in the NY-NJ area, for the latest (and sometimes last minute) information on Slovene happenings, it’s a good idea to get the Slovene Newsletter, Ka`ipot. Just send an e-mail to Clara.Drew@gov.si and she will add you to the e-mail list. Members and friends enjoyed a lively meeting in November celebrating St. Martin’s Day by drinking wine, eating the traditional goose dinner, and learning facts about the saint (Why is St. Martin such a beloved saint in Ireland? Because he’s St. Patrick’s uncle and was responsible for Patrick becoming a monk!) and how the day is observed in other European countries and here in America. Thanks to Ria Whitmire and Emil Gaspari, we were able to get a jump-start on our Christmas shopping, purchasing wine, pumpkin and sunflower seed oil, chocolate bars, and sea salt through Tri-Wines, Inc. Some of our more intrepid members are looking forward to both the Windham SlovenSki Weekend, February 3-5, and a week at Big Sky, Montana, April 9-15. If this appeals, get in touch with John Kamin at JFKamin@verizon.net or 917.723.2456 for more information. After resurrecting Brooklyn’s Branch 93 and giving 10 years of service, support, and leadership, Lynn Zalokar has decided to step down from the presidency and take a less active role that will allow her to pursue other interests. We deeply appreciate all the work she has done to revitalize the group and will earnestly work to keep the momentum going for the next 10 years. Thank you, Lynn! ELIZABETH GROSS BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Contact Information: jmhlade@hotmail.com Happy New Year! We hope you had a very blessed Christmas Season! Just a recap of the last few months. In August, we held another Blueberry-Lemon Strudel Culinary Class. This combination seems to be a favorite. In October, our branch 27 was successful in raising over $1,000 at our annual Bunco event. The proceeds will be used to promote our Slovenian culture, contribute to the scholarship fund, and support the Cultural Center. Thank you to all members who attended and for everyone who donated bakery and door prizes. Special thanks to Martha Pecharich, En-Chro Plating, the Mavec family, and Zefran/Mt. Auburn for their generous donations of raffle prizes. Congrats to raffle winners Joe Mavec, Julie Partyka, Joan Sobocan, and Karmen Vavken. Also congrats to Diane Swiegert for winning the split-thepot! We also appreciate all who volunteered their time to help as well. It was a fun day! In November, we held a Sarma (Cabbage Rolls) Culinary Class. Thank you, Fanika Fritz, for showing us how to prepare this dish. In December, we held our annual Cookie Sale. Thank you to all who baked and to Mary Mavec and Paula Mavec for all their help in organizing this event! We will be having a meeting in January for the election of officers. Watch for the new calendar! Congratulations to Paula Mavec for being appointed as a National Auditor of SUA. Best wishes on this new position! Lastly, our branch will be hosting the next National Convention in Lemont in 2015. We have begun brainstorming ideas and your input is very valuable. We will need much support from our branch members and hopefully assistance from all Illinois Branches. Watch for future details! Wishing you a very prosperous New Year! JANA HLADE BRANCH 100 - Southern California Our members seem happy with the name change of our society that took place at the convention in Milwaukee and although we did not have a meeting since then, we have had reports and conversations with Mary Lou Jensen and Dorothy Jerneycic who had the opportunity to attend. Our two new university students are getting acclimated to their surroundings in New York and Chicago. Garret Jancich, the scholarship recipient, was accepted into two of the choirs at Cornell and is enjoying that along with the very serious academic schedule that he has. Sara Lundgren is blending in with her “housemates” at the University of Chicago. Jean, Garret and Sara from Ljubljana Castle These two accompanied me to Slovenia for a two-week tour in July where they had the opportunity to meet most of their cousins still living there. Many of the younger ones were close to their age and they were able to connect and have some valuable time getting to know each other. We saw many of the highlights of Slovenia and hardly a minute was lost as we had so many friends and family members Slovenian Union of America “Keeping the Spirit Alive” Jean, Mojca Malik, Lina Kerwick, and Rosemary Mlakar 28 ZARJA THE DAWN guiding us along the way. Thanks to Ales Malik, we even got to Venice. It was a trip that we will always remember. Mojca Malik, the 22-year-old daughter of Ales, spent most of July and August with us here in California. She is a dental student in Ljubljana and from the village of Slap near Vipava. She became like one of the family as we traveled around California, Arizona and a bit of Nevada, seeing such places as Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Grand Canyon and Sedona. It was hard to see her leave at the end of August but school beckoned and it was back to work for this lovely girl. Another young adult member of our Branch, Natalie Mlakar, spent several months traveling all over Europe, including Slovenia, of course. She is due to come home soon and everyone will be looking forward to a personal report. Of course, many of us have been following her travels on Facebook. We hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year will bring you health and happiness. JEAN KOCI BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bettekfitz@verizon.net Our branch met for a fall luncheon meeting on October 16. Thanks to convention delegate, Lynn Koiner, who presented an interesting, detailed briefing of the National Convention in Milwaukee, we learned much about this historic convention event. In addition, the handouts brought back by Bernadette Fitzsimmons from the variety of speakers at the National Convention were much appreciated by our attendees. We welcomed Mary Neumann, a prospective member that discovered our group through John Klansek’s daughter, Crystal, when they spoke recently about ethnic backgrounds. Mary came to the meeting thinking she may be of Slovenian descent through her mother, and was delighted to meet our members who helped convince her that she is, in fact, most likely Slovenian. A few SUA members attended our member artist, Estelle Zorman’s opening reception highlighting her lovely acrylic and watercolor paintings, “The Arrival of the Light”, at an art gallery in Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg, MD, on October 9, 2011. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 We met for our 8th Anniversary celebration in November, Christmas luncheon in December, and look forward to a potica making demonstration in March. All are welcome to join us as their schedule permits at meetings and events to enjoy sharing our Slovenian related experiences. BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities of Minnesota With summer-like temps this October, it is hard to think in terms of “Sveti Miklav`” the feature in the last issue of Zarja, but the articles that Mary Lou Voelk wrote certainly piqued our interest for the Slovenian-style holidays. With approximately 38 people attending our September meeting, Norm Setnicker updated the membership about the National Convention, the Ely Regional Convention, and the plan to start compiling an oral history of members of the Twin Cities Slovenian group and to submit folk stories of Slovenian Americans to Dr. Barbara Ivancic Kutin of the Institute of Slovenian Ethnology in Ljubljana. Plans were launched for a second round of Slovenian language classes, which will be held at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Minneapolis. There were 25 members who have signed up for the class. The teachers will be: Frank Medved, John Zakelj, Joe Kuznik and John Medved. The first class was held on October 4 with future classes being held on Tuesdays in 2012. The activity that sparked a great deal of interest for our September and October meetings was “Slovenian Show and Tell.” Members were encouraged to bring items that reflected their Slovenian heritage and to share the memories attached to these items. Not only was it entertaining but also educational. Items such as Rogaska crystal, pictures of Slovenian gardens, beeswax candles, and Triglav tower miniature were just a few of the many collectibles from our membership. Miro and Karen Medved hosted a reception for Roman Kirn, the Slovenian ambassador to the United States, on September 29th at the Medved home. Ambassador Kirn spoke at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs on the University of Minnesota campus. Following his speech, the ambassador, along with other Slovenian dignitaries and TC members, enjoyed the excellent hospitality at the Medved home. Thanks, Miro, for taking the initiative in making the ambassador’s visit a memorable one. Thanks to an idea by Rick Pisa, Branch 109 will start a lending library at our regular meetings each month. Members will be encouraged to bring Slovenian books that can be shared by our members. Great idea, Rick. In conjunction with the St. Martin’s Day celebration, Norm Setnicker showed a short video of the Vine Festival, which was held in Maribor in September. To top our November meeting, Liz Miller volunteered her culinary talents with a strudel demonstration. Thanks Liz! Vesele bozicne praznike! NORMAN SETNICKER 29 Breda Loncar: Guest Speaker at the Ohio State Convention Honored Guests, Regional SUA President Catherine Maxin, Vice-President Rose Mary Toth, Past President Olga Dorchak, National Treasurer Carol Ryba, other officers and delegates! My dear fellow Slovenians: I deem it a great honor to be asked to speak to members of one of the oldest organizations whose purpose is (and I quote) “to promote and awaken passion in those Americans of Slovenian ancestry… to honor and preserve our Slovenian legacy.” When Mrs. Marjorie Church posed the request that I speak at your convention, I was reluctant to accept the honor; I am too busy, I thought. I believe she caught me at a weak moment, and I accepted, thinking: Hopefully, it will be good publicity for the SAT, whose circulation we are trying to augment. Mrs. Church said my talk could be on any topic, but it should be “inspirational.” And believe it or not, I, who am never at a loss for words (just ask my husband), couldn’t identify the topic of my address until yesterday - when I decided to Google the biography of your founder and first President, Marie Prisland. What a remarkable individual, woman, Slovenian. She came to America at the tender age of 15 when the struggle for women’s rights was already unfolding and the Civil War was looming in the horizon. (I never did understand how they could call a war CIVIL.) During the following years a number of organizations were formed to provide forums for women to speak about those issues of importance to them and to all people with an interest in creating a society with an equality of rights for all. This fight for justice was recognized in part by the 19th Amendment, ratified on August 18, 1920, which gave women the right to vote. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that the SWUA was formed shortly thereafter. I want to share her words published in Marie’s forward for an issue of “Amerika Slovenka”: “For many years I have been watching various movements which have been launched and carried to a successful result by the women of this country. Seeing that their movements have benefited not only the social conditions of womanhood, but also brought numberless blessings to the community in general, I have often expressed a desire to launch such a movement among the Slovenian women in this free country of America.” What we needed most was an organization which would foster our ambitions and serve as an open forum for all the women of Slovenian birth; where they could freely express their opinions and at the same time learn the lesson their more fortunate sisters had gathered while living in this country. My wishes were more than fulfilled, and my efforts amply rewarded, when the SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION was founded in Chicago on the 19th day of December, 1926.” and this year, let me be among many to say: Congratulations on your 85th anniversary! 30 Upon reflection about the life of Marie Prisland, a woman of vision, love for her heritage, confidence, courage, resilience, and a deep conviction in her mission, the topic of my talk became crystal clear: It is THE POWER OF ONE – one individual and the miraculous change he or she can create. Our job isn’t to change Marie’s message. Our job is to let her message change us. There is power, strength in each of us; the question is: do we have a quest as Marie did? The first woman to be nominated as U.S. Vice President, Geraldine Ferraro, said: “We’ve chosen a path to equality, don’t let them turn us around.” Because life is not a dress rehearsal, we have but one lifetime to realize our potential. You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die, or when. You can only decide how you’re going to live now. Wilma Rudolph, first American runner to win three gold medals at a single Olympics, said: “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” And let us be stirred to action by Everett Hale’s famous quote: “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will.” Realizing our individual importance, our mission is simple. Let us reflect: What has God ordained that I do with my talents? My time? My energy? But I’m retired, you might say; or I’m past my prime; I’m tired, sick, burdened with too many responsibilities…. I’m sure you will agree that we can always find an excuse when in need. But let us reflect: We are women; We are Slovenian; We are members of an organization which has a specific and important mission. Are we doing our part to further the cause of promoting our heritage? Do we share our Christian values, traditions and stories of the past with our extended families, especially our grandchildren? Are we role-models of good Slovenians to our neighbors? The world? Do we get involved in promoting causes we believe in? Or are we passive, perhaps erroneously thinking our contribution is not worthy or needed? Let us examine what we can do as women. To many, woman is considered God’s most complete creation. She symbolizes independence, love, caring, gentleness, and intensity of purpose. The potential power of the tender sex has been acclaimed and celebrated by many philosophers and writers, such as Daniel Defoe. In his essay The Education of Women, Defoe wrote: For I cannot think that GOD Almighty ever made women so delicate, so glorious creatures, and furnished them with such charms, so agreeable and so delightful to mankind; with souls capable of the same accomplishments with men, and all, to be ONLY Stewards of our houses, cooks, and slaves. Clearly, even in 1719, when Defoe penned these words, the world knew women were capable of much more than housekeeping chores. ZARJA THE DAWN Men and women are as different as the planets, asserts John Gray, a contemporary American author, in his book: “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”. A man builds a house; a woman builds a home. Men make laws; women make traditions. And when men turn 60 and retire, women go right on cooking. “A woman is like a tea bag” – said Eleanor Roosevelt - “You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” If we really think about it, many of us are superwomen. Are we not the creatures to whom God gave intuition and femininity? Is it not easier for us to forgive, to show compassion, to share unconditional love? As Mohandas Gandhi asserts: “Men can never be a women’s equal in the spirit of selfless service with which nature has endowed her.” And would you agree that because we are women, we must make unusual efforts to succeed? When you think of a CEO of a company or of world political leaders, do you think of a man or a woman? All reports are in: Life is now officially unfair. And we can even agree that it is a man’s world, but the wise philosopher Socrates DID say: “Once made equal to man, woman becomes his superior.” Socrates’ comment begs the question: Who is really the Head of the Household? It reminds me of a story I recently read: At the end of the age when all the believers were standing in line waiting to get into heaven, God appeared and said, “I want all the men to form two lines. One line will be for the men who were the true heads of their households. The other will be for the men who were dominated by their wives.” God continued, “I want all the women to report to St. Peter.” The women left and the men formed two lines. The line of men who were dominated by their wives was seemingly unending. The line of men who were the true head of their household had one man in it. God said to the first line, “You men ought to be ashamed of yourselves. I appointed you to be the heads of your households and you were disobedient and have not fulfilled your purpose. Of all of you, there is only one man who obeyed me. Learn from him.” Then God turned to the lone man and asked, “How did you come to be in this line?” The man replied, “My wife told me to stand here.” Clare Boothe Luce, American playwright, editor, journalist, ambassador, socialite, and U.S. Congresswoman said: “If I fail, no one will say, ‘She doesn’t have what it takes.’ They will say, ‘Women don’t have what it takes.’” Let us not think like the American actress, Mae West, who said: “Brains are an asset in a woman, if you hide them.” Let us rather exclaim as Joan of Arc did: “I am not afraid…I was born to do this.” As women, let us forge ahead, use our talents, make a contribution, however small, to humanity. Not only are we women, we are Slovenian women – a fact which carries a heavy burden. Why? Because our nation is so small- there are only approximately 2 million Slovenians in Slovenia and another ½ million abroad. A small nation we are, but very rich in our cultural heritage. Our literature, music, architecture, arts, even sports, can compete with any nation. We have our greats in every field – such as Pre{eren, Cankar, Zupan~i~, Slom{ek, Anton JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 Foerster, Slak, Jo`e Ple~nik, Gaspari to name a few. Fostering talents in these diverse fields is and should be of prime concern to us all. I believe that is one of the reasons your organization began the now famous Scholarship Program. We should ask ourselves: How do I promote my heritage? What more can I do? The answer is simple: Share… share the Slovenian songs, recipes, stories you know. Share them with everyone, especially within the circle of your family. Show respect to our Christmas and Easter traditions by keeping them alive. This may be as simple as teaching a neighbor or grandchild how to “paint an Easter egg” the traditional way, using only natural dyes from onions, grass, leaves. I remember laughing when my co-workers asked me for my recipe for Slovenian potato salad. Every time we have pot-luck, that is what I am asked to bringSlovenian potato salad; along with my strudel, of course. When you think of a Slovenian home, what characteristics come to mind? Isn’t hospitality one of our trademarks? Don’t we immediately offer food and drinks to our guests? Don’t we usually insist on “second helpings” and often even send our visitors away with a care package. We display a pride in our homes, our gardens, ourselves. It amazes me that my fellow Slovenians tend to “dress up” even for meetings - a practice I do not see among my other friends. A stroll through downtown Ljubljana will confirm Slovenian women “like to look good when going out and about.” This reminds me of another story I heard just last week: A little girl, dressed in her “Sunday best” was late and running to her Sunday school class. As she ran, she prayed, “Dear God, please don’t let me be late. Dear God, please don’t let me be late.” Then she fell. She got up, dusted herself off, and saw that her dress was now dirty and had a little tear. She started running again, still praying, “Dear God, please don’t let me be late.” But this time she added, “But please don’t push me, either!” I always said I should write a book entitled: “Everything I needed to know, I learned from my Slovenian mother.” When we came to the United States, we had nothing – nothing. I didn’t know it then, but I did later in life. We were dirt poor. But we were never hungry; our clothes were always clean and in good repair. But my mother had balance in her life. She would sew, knit, crochet, and do needlepoint. Of course, these arts had to be passed on. She insisted: “Nobena izobrazba `enske ni popolna, ~e ne zna te osnovne stvari.” Translated: No education of a woman is complete without a knowledge of these basic arts. Of course, cooking, cleaning, baking also belonged to our well-rounded education. Education was a priority for my mother. “Ve~ zna{, ve~ velja{.” The more you know, the more you are worth. Although she was a widow and never earned more than $3,500 a year, all four of us are college grads and beyond. There was never a question about going to college. I remember when my sister Milena enrolled into Ursuline College and a neighbor lady stopped by for coffee. I overheard this conversation: “Gospa, ali ni neumno poslati punce v {olo? Saj se bodo poro~ile in bo vse Za manj.” Mrs., isn’t it stupid to send girls to school? They will get married and it will be all for naught. My 31 mother replied: “Gospa, izobrazba je vse kar lahko nudim mojim otrokom in sem hvale`na Bogu, da smo v Ameriki – v de`eli ki je vse mogo~e.” Mrs., education is all I can offer my children and I thank God that we are in America – which offers such opportunity. I am sure you have heard the famous Slovenian quotation: @ena dr`i pri hi{i tri vogle in {e pri ~etrtem mo`u pomaga. – A wife holds up three corners of the house and still helps the husband with the fourth. For some reason, this quote always bothered me, perhaps because it can be interpreted as showing disrespect to men. It was not meant to be so. I believe it is a testimonial of our great love and dedication to our roles as homemakers. Even though many of us work, don’t we still cook, bake, and garner great satisfaction in keeping our house neat and clean? If you go to Slovenia, you will see cascades of flowers from every window of every house. And how many of us like to display Slovenian knick-knacks which have special meaning for us? Our homes are important to us, Slovenian women. We grow attached because much of our being, and many wonderful memories are hard to abandon. Lastly, we are members of the SUA Organization and should have an allegiance to it. Its mission is intact. I quote: “SWUA is dedicated to honor and preserve our Slovenian legacy; to promote its ideals and to ensure its longevity for future generations.” Contribute to the organization in any way you can. Submit an article or anecdote to Zarja. Solicit a new member. Offer your assistance when asked. Educate yourself by reading about Slovenians and sharing that information. Calendar of Events JANUARY 8, 2012 Branch 39 of Biwabik, Minnesota to host Christmas/Epiphany Dinner to be held at the Rustic Rock Supper Club in Eveleth. Call Carol at 218.865.4701 for reservations and menu choices. JANUARY 14, 2012 Branch 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin to host annual After Christmas Party at Alioto’s Restaurant. Contact Jan Gehm at 414.321.1413. FEBRUARY 18, 2012 USPEH Organization of Milwaukee to host annual Pustna Veselica at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall. Contact Jan Gehm at 414.321.1413. MARCH 8, 2012 Branch 2 of Chicago, Illinois to celebrate St. Joseph and St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. Call Daisy or Fran for further information. There is strength in numbers; there is great strength in the combined membership of the SUA. Margaret Mead, whose great fame and force of personality reminded me of your founder, Marie, said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” We must band together (and in Marie Prisland’s words) “to commit ourselves to keeping the spirit alive by fostering in our membership an understanding and appreciation of our Slovenian heritage and by reaching out to awaken or instill this passion in others through communications, education, and the provision of resources.” - Breda Loncar 32 ZARJA THE DAWN Mike Gunderson’s blood sausage with homemade crackling bread, potatos fried with cracklings and salad with vinegar and oil dressing. A Slovenian Treat Mike Gunderson’s Blood Sausage Recipe Old Recipe from Frank “Spar” Kozel, Oglesby, Illinois Makes 120 pounds 60 pounds pork snouts 30 pounds pork tongues 12 pounds fresh bacon or beef tallow 12 pounds rice 2 pounds salt 5 ounces black pepper 5 ounces cinnamon 5 ounces cloves 5 ounces sweet marjoram 1 gallon pork or beef blood Cook all meats until they are soft, then grind very coarsely and put into mixing tub. Add cooked rice, spices and blood mix. Mix well again then stuff into beef round casings. Put rings of sausage into boiler and simmer until they float. Take out of boiler and dip into cold water. Place on table to cool. SLOVENIAN CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST in 2012 It’s not too early to start thinking of Christmas 2012! That is right, the Zarja Team is already lining up an exciting list of themes for the year 2012 and one of them is for the November/December issue of Zarja. We want to see your Slovenian Christmas tree. So the perfect thing to do is create the tree – this year! When we say Slovenian Christmas tree that can mean anything. It could be a tree loaded with red carnations, crystal ornaments from Rogaska, pictures of your Slovenian ancestors, wooden collectables from Ribnica, and so much more. Use your imagination and creativity! Include your family and perhaps it will become a family tradition. For further information email wprokup@aol.com. Zarja’s PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID LASALLE, IL Unforgettable Journey Travel through Slovenia with the Slovenian Union of America We invite you on another magical journey to Slovenia this fall. Join us for an opportunity of a lifetime! We promise this trip will be filled with laughter, delicious food, tasty drinks, live music, educational visits and lots of singing and dancing. This is a great opportunity to see Slovenia as you never have before. Our journey will take us through many villages from the east to the west with stops along the way to visit churches, museums, wine tastings, food tastings, boat rides and so much more. Come travel with us on a new fully guided tour of our beautiful Slovenia. This trip is going to be amazing. Complete details will be in the next isssue of Zarja, on our website www.sua.com or by calling Kollander World Travel at 800.800.5981. - Debbie Pohar, Editor of Zarja and Bonnie Pohar Prokup, National President of SUA October 19 - 29, 2012