$ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International

Zarja
Official Publication Slovenian Union of America
Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki

Volume 85 Issue 2
March/April 2013

The Dawn

^

Vesele velikonocne praznike

Zarja - The Dawn
EDITOR: Debbie Pohar
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup
EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St.
LaSalle, IL 61301-1359
TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596
FAX: 815.224.1074
WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org
PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America
(Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America)

TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926
Vol. 85, No 2, March/April 2013
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 60432-1703

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 May/June issue must be received by March 15th. Thank
you.

Submission Guidelines

President’s Message
Slovenian Union of America
Approved for 501(c)(3) Status
We need our membership’s help to
continue to build a strong SUA
Greetings:
We are so thrilled! We, the Slovenian Union of America, have
been approved for 501(c)(3) status. Please stay tuned to Carol
Ryba’s column in the Zarja for ongoing updates. This is an
important achievement and can make a huge difference in
many ways for years to come.
One way to start planning for the future is by recruiting new
members. Whether you are a part of an active branch, live in
a city where you assume you are the only Slovenian-American,
or a city that was once thriving in Slovenian heritage, or a
town where you want to start your own branch - the time is
now! We are fortunate that our organization is still very strong,
whereas many others have folded. Perhaps it’s because of
our strong Slovenian spirit. We need to continue to keep our
Slovenian Spirit Alive! We need our membership’s help to
continue to build a strong SUA.
Your National Board of Directors have been working very
hard to improve this organization that has been alive since
1926 and now we need your help. Without members, we are
nothing! We are challenging each one of you to find a new
member. Consider giving a gift membership to a friend or
relative. The future depends on our members. Can you help?
Applications are in every issue of Zarja or can be downloaded
from our website - www.slovenianunion.org.

Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone number,
e-mail address, and mailing address with each submission, including
e-mailed submissions.

On behalf of the entire National Board of Directors, have a
wonderful Easter filled with lots of potica, sausage, family,
and friends. Sincerely,
Bonnie Pohar Prokup, SUA National President
wprokup@aol.com

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.)

Confused? What’s with those initials?

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.

SWUA Slovenian Women’s Union of America
(Former name of our organization)
SUA

Slovenian Union of America
(New name of our organization)

SWU Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation
(Name is not changed)

Calendar of Events
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Branch 100 - Southern California to hold cooking/baking
class at the home of Bonnie Zupan in Banning.

Saturday, May 4, 2013
Branch 47 - Garfield Heights, OH to host Member’s
Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. at Burntwood Tavern in Solon.

Saturday, March 9, 2013
Branch 89 - Oglesby, IL to host 2nd Annual “Evening of
Slovenian Heritage” from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at
Claudette’s in Oglesby.

Sunday, May 5, 2013
Branch 13 - San Francisco, CA to host Member of the
Year Luncheon at Val’s Restaurant in Daly City.

Saturday, March 23, 2013
Branch 99 - Lemont, IL to host the annual creation of
butarice party at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Paula Mavec.
Also a demonstration on the art of egg decorating using
onionskins and leaves. Kids and adults are welcome.
Lunch and supplies are included and it’s FREE!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Branch 43 - Milwaukee, WI to host annual creation of
butarice event starting at 10:00 a.m. at Triglav Park in
Wind Lake. Procession with butare at St. John’s Church
in Greenfield at 8:00 a.m. for Palm Sunday Mass on March
24; narodne nose are encouraged.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Branch 20 - Joliet, IL to host Member of the Year Banquet.
Contact the Branch for information.
September, 2013
Branch 35 - Aurora, MN to host the Minnesota Regional
Convention. Date and information to follow.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Ohio Regional Convention – more information to follow.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Branch 20 - Joliet, IL are planning an 85th Anniversary
Celebration - more information to follow.

Friday - Sunday, April 12 - 14, 2013
KSKJ National Bowling Tournament to be held in
Indianapolis, IN. See Branch 5 report for further details.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Branch 1 - Sheboygan, WI, in partnership with the John
Michael Kohler Art Center, is featuring “Family Festival –
Slovenija” with all festivities showcasing Slovenian culture,
heritage, and food.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Branch 20 - Joliet, IL to host regular meeting with guest
speaker Paula Mavec, who will talk about her attempt to
climb Mt. Triglav and her plans for next year.
Thursday - Sunday, May 2 - 5, 2013
Branch 109 - Twin Cities, MN to participate in the Festival
of Nations, theme - “Children, Our Past and Future” at
the St. Paul River Center.

March/April 2013

Vesele
velikonocne
praznike
^

Sunday, April 14, 2013
Branch 99 - Lemont, IL to host a mass for deceased
members at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Slovenian Catholic
Mission Church in Lemont followed by an All Members
Celebration at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Sonja DePratt.

1

The Slovenian Union of America has been approved to
operate as a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt organization!
All donations given to SUA will be tax deductible.

Ryba’s
Reminders
by Carol Ryba - National Treasurer
501(c)(3)
By now most of you have heard that on November 20,
2012, St. Nicholas delivered the BEST CHRISTMAS
PRESENT EVER to the Slovenian Union of America.
After a long, tedious journey we have been approved to
operate as a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt organization.
The benefits for our organization will be endless. For
starters, all donations given to SUA will be tax
deductible. We also will take advantage of reduced postage
costs by mailing at lower non-profit rates. These are just
some of the benefits we can look forward to in our future.
We are excited because there will be many more costsaving benefits.
We are in the early stages of making the necessary changes
to operate as a 501(c)(3). A checking account was set up
using a new Federal ID number, so that in 2013, the
membership monies collected will be interim funding for
the new entity. Per a resolution passed in June 2011 at our
SUA National Convention we can use the monies which
are unrelated to the burial insurance policies affecting
memberships initiated prior to the year 2000. All Branch
Officers and the membership as a whole will be kept
informed.
Please be assured that we are obtaining the proper
guidance from a Certified Public Accountant so we can
provide accurate and complete information to our Branches
and all members. We do not yet know how much money
we will be able to transfer from the old entity because we
are also still waiting for more information and guidance
from the Illinois Department of Insurance. Complete
information will be forthcoming as soon as we are able to
obtain CPA guidance.
2

Burial Insurance
When we receive instructions, every member who has a
burial insurance policy (approximately 1,700 members) will
receive a letter, and it will be absolutely imperative that
recipients send a reply. By today’s standards the policies
are all quite small - ranging from $100 to $350. In answer
to the members who have inquired about donating their
policy monies to the SUA - we have learned from the
Illinois Department of Insurance that that is one of the
options. It is a very thoughtful offer and would certainly
be helpful to the SUA’s financial status. Hopefully, by the
time you receive the next issue of the Zarja, we will have
more information to provide.

Donations to the Slovenian Union of America
These donations can be sent with your dues and you only
need to write ONE check, but specify the amount of the
donation. Of course, only your donation is tax
deductible to the extent allowable by Federal law.
Membership dues are NOT tax deductible.

Please Note:
Donations to the SWU Scholarship Foundation A Separate 501(c)(3) Entity
These donations must now be sent directly to Mary Turvey.
Per our attorney, one 501(c)(3) Corporation cannot collect
for another 501(c)(3) Corporation. Therefore, please do
not include donations for the SWU Scholarship Foundation
with your dues in ONE check. All donations for the
Scholarship Foundation must be sent to the Scholarship
Program Director, Mary Turvey, 4 Lawrence Drive,
Marquette, MI, 49855, and the check must be made payable
to the SWU Scholarship Foundation. If this donation is
sent to us, we will send you a refund check so that you
can issue a new check.

Zarja The Dawn

March/April 2013

3

SUA Donations
Thank You!
Donation $75
Primozic, Edward, 108, +Primozic Family
Donation $50
Branch 24, Heritage Fund
Donation $25
Skrilec, Maria, 93, Zarja
Lambert, Martin, 5, Zarja
Drobnick, Julie, 50, Zarja
Robertson, Jean, 43, Zarja
Wilhelm, Marjorie, 1, Zarja
Luoma, Marian, 13, Zarja
Smith, Marcia Jean, 30, Zarja
Fisher, Myra, 100, Zarja
Montgomery, Bernice, 20, Zarja
Banich, Mary (Mitzi), 89, Zarja

Welcome New Members
Eccher, Mitchell, 3
Washkowiak, Mary Kaye, 24
Zupan, Michelle, 30
Zaverl, Albin, 35
Kuhel, Gertrude, 42
Burgess, Mary Lynn, 89
Gorgal, Allan, 89
Smukovic, David, 89
Terse, Paul, 89
Nasenbeny, Gordon, 99
Lomsek, Anna, 100
Lomsek, Jerry, 100
Trunkel, Sarah, 102
Cassell, Naomi, 103
Tugberk, Alisa, 103
Tugberk, Suzan, 103
Zadnik, Elizabeth, 103

Donation $20
Pavlovcic, Frances, 40, Zarja
Twers, Michele, 13, +Josephine Aiuto, mother
Kellen, Susan O’Block, 26, +Kathryn Bergent
Donation $15
Melmer, Jo, 93, Zarja
Tomaszewski, Patricia, 43,
+Helen A Tomaszewski, my mom
Donation $10
Venne, Sally, 30, Zarja
Bartholomew, Nancy, 50, Zarja
Terlep, Carole, 20, Zarja
Palcher, Ray, 35, Zarja
Balata, Bernice, 24, Zarja
Burke, Cheryl, 1, Zarja
Boles, Helen, 71, Zarja
Prince, Sophie, 109, Zarja
Ogrinc, Josephine, 16, Zarja
Hodgman, Vicki, 99, Zarja
Rupar, Joan, 1, Zarja
Smole, Fannie, 43, Zarja
DeBernardi, Leone, 23, Zarja
Pakiz, Susan, 102, Zarja
DeJule, Beverly, 20, Zarja
Glazer, Zory, 50, Zarja

Spring Fling Fund-raiser
Thank you for your support!
The SUA National Convention Spring Fling
Fund-raiser winners will be notified by mail and
their names posted on our web site www.slovenianunion.org.
Our next issue of Zarja - The Dawn will also list
all the winning entrants and the top sellers.

GOOD LUCK!

Donation $5
Yach, Carol Jean, 43, Zarja
Niskala, George, 23, Zarja
Pakiz, Rose, 102, Zarja

4

Zarja The Dawn

Membership Application and Renewal
Slovenian Union of America
(Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America)
slovenianunion.org sua@slovenianunion.org 815.727.1926

For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page
Adult Dues $25.00

Adult Dues (International Address) $35.00

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
Membership Renewal Notifications 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 their 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

March/April 2013

5

SWU Scholarship Foundation
by Mary Turvey, SWU Scholarship Director

LINDSEY STRATTON, member of Branch 35 and a 2012 recipient of the $4,000
Rose Marie Princ Scholarship for a Graduate Student, wrote a most moving,
thought- provoking article she wants to share with ZARJA readers.
“Each person has social needs such as belonging, hope,
safety, and love. These concepts have been validated to
me by my Slovenian heritage. Heritage is membership to
a group and an affinity with others. It is the luxury of relating
to people with similar backgrounds. Coming from a closeknit Slovenian family affirms my social needs. It is
important to extend these values to others.
I am who I am because of my family. My sister has
Downs syndrome and although she is very independent,
my family has always worked together to be her
advocates. She has taught me empathy for others. Family
is where we learn our heritage, especially from our elders.
Growing up in southern Wisconsin, a couple times a year
my parents packed up three kids and a dog in the minivan,
destined for northern Minnesota to visit grandma. Visits to
her Slovenian town have served as a reminder of my roots.
Being around people like me validates who I am. I belong.
Like many, I enjoy animal companions. I have a passion
for dog training, specifically facilitating an understanding
between people and dogs. I volunteer as a “puppy raiser”
for Occupaws, a Wisconsin nonprofit guide dog
organization. Guide dogs provide independence and
companionship for their blind recipients. I urge you to close
your eyes for a moment and imagine what a properly
trained guide dog could do for you in a world without light.
I am not alone.
In May, I will graduate with a Master of Science in
School Counseling. My role will be to prepare youth for
healthy adulthood. I have lived a life of privilege and

belonging. Not all children have such an upbringing, but
they can still have a bright future if someone shows them
their potential. A school counselor helps students realize I
have a hopeful future.
I have been practicing my professional role in the School
Counseling Organization. I am organizing an event for a
local nonprofit called Fierce Beauty, which advocates for
victims of human trafficking. I am hosting a speaker and a
supply drive for a new safe house. The women being
rescued into this home need to feel a level of safety,
another luxury that myself and others take for granted. It
is critical to extend this to others. I am safe.
In addition to internship, my last semester includes
completing a thesis. I am working with an advisor to
discover how a school counselor can impact students in
foster care. I need to be prepared to serve this population
in my school and in my home as a potential foster parent.
Many of these children lack the luxury of being surrounded
by people of their heritage. They deserve to feel the support
I always had. I am loved.
I belong. I am not alone. I have a hopeful future. I am
safe. I am loved. These are all elements I have felt in my
life largely due to my strong family base and the kinship of
my Slovenian heritage. I can’t give others my heritage,
but I can share features from it. I am proud of my roots
and I feel an obligation as a school counselor to extend
these principles to others in need. The generous help from
the Rose Marie Princ Scholarship has helped me to do
so.”

“I AM LOVED, I AM NOT ALONE, I BELONG, I HAVE A HOPEFUL FUTURE”
These are powerful statements found in Lindsey’s writing.
They are the very heart of the well being of each of us.
Yet most of these topics are not discussed openly. Our
social community continues to diffuse; older, safe, caring
neighborhoods no longer exist.
How many of you are aware of human trafficking? I only
learned of it through an International Film Festival
presentation which was held in our local library. The movie
was produced in Yugoslavia and pictured a horrible situation
of refugees boarding trucks with the belief they were being
settled in a new land. In the end they were all killed and
their body parts sold on the black market. We hear of
6

young children brought into the United States with promises
of a better life, ending as sex slaves. In many of our cities
there are shelters for abused women and the homeless.
The EDUCATION that Lindsey has received, plus her
driving ambition to make changes, is a beginning. We, who
are not educated in the legal aspects and psychological
treatment of human rights and needs, can still make a
difference. By reaching out to someone with less; giving a
nice warm smile, or a cheery positive greeting, we can in
a small way convey Lindsey’s healing messages. Let each
one of us make a change for the better in the lives of
others now.

Zarja The Dawn

CELEBRATING 64 YEARS OF FINANCIALLY ASSISTING STUDENTS
Mission: To generate funding to financially assist students
with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture.
SWU SCHOLARSHIP REPRESENTATIVES
SWU Scholarship Representatives have been contacting
and working with students who are eligible for 2013
Scholarships. Branch 100 - Fontana, California, has found
a new representative, who is also a past SWU Scholarship
winner: Teresa Koci, 14 Dion, Laguna Niguel, California,
92677, 949.363.1513. Welcome, Teresa!
BRANCH 20’s ACTIVITIES OF 1960’s and 1970’s
During this time, the ever active, creative Branch 20
membership came up with the idea of a craft show. Breda
Modic, a local artist, chaired the meeting. Frances Jasbec
displayed her hand-knitted rugs, afghans, stoles, and vests.
Mary Foys Lauretig exhibited her beautiful paintings, and
Jennie Puhek’s skill was in bobbin lace-making; a difficult
task with lovely results. Luba Troha’s talent was in tatting
on the wheel. Breda Modic displayed her ability to make
yarn. Albina Novak made dolls and dressed them in
Slovenian costumes. Other hobby projects were often used
for meetings; as when the ladies collected nylon stockings
and used them to stuff animals that were sold or used as
prizes for Zvezin Dan ( Zveza Day) in Lemont.
Now in 2013, some of the hobbies have remained, but there
are new ones too. In your branch, you most likely have
members who bake, quilt, do crossword puzzles, scrap
book, make ornaments, beaded jewelry, and wreaths.
Wouldn’t it be fun to share those talents at a meeting?
We would like to thank everyone for their special kindness
that was shown during the Christmas season. The
complimentary messages you sent were appreciated. Our
students will benefit from your spirit of giving as you make
an investment into the future of our nation. THANK YOU!
THANK YOU! Donations can be sent to: Director Mary
Turvey, 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, Michigan, 49855,
mturvey@aol.com or Marge Church, 1028 Skyland Drive,
Macedonia, Ohio, 44056, yemec1@windstream.net or
contributions can be wired to SWU Scholarship Foundation,
Ishpeming Community Federal Credit Union, 1419 Second
Street,
Ishpeming,
Michigan,
49849,
www.Ishpemingcu.org. All contributions are tax deductible.

Scholarship Donations
Donation $200
SUA Branch 109 - Twin Cities, MN
Donation $150
Alisa Tugberk
Donation $100
Maria Kompare, +Edward & Anne Kompare
Anthony Kambich, +Helen & Anton J. Kambich
Julie Wadyki Belloli, +Evelyn Tome
Donation $50
Margaret & John Addicott, +Anne Mylnar Cooper
Agnes Kurnick, +Edward Kurnick & Edith Ansel
AMLA #50 Nas Com, +deceased members
Donation $25
Jean Koci
Irene M. Odorizzi
Breda Loncar
Joyce Zawerschnik
Jo Lustik, +Joseph & Mary Vidmar
Patricia Budzilek, +Monica Mikolic
Branch 50 - Euclid, OH
Michael A. Progress
Carol Ryba, +Valburga Bucar Grantham
Ronald J. Erjavec
Donation $20
Dorothy Jerneycic
Rosemary Mlakar, +Rose Novak
Ray & Agnes Zabak, +Louise & Tony Lausche
Donation $15
Elvie Blasick, +Martha Luine
Donation $10
John Gantar

For information, questions, and greatly needed contributions, please contact:
Mary Turvey, 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, Michigan, 49855 mturvey@aol.com
or Marge Church, 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, Ohio, 44056 yemec1@windstream.net

March/April 2013

7

Death of a Surname
By George Plautz, Zarja Staff Writer
A Record of Immigration

Slovenian Pioneers to America 1840-1879
Every time I think I am making progress writing about immigrants in the 1870’s I find others who came
before that. Thanks to John Vidmar, a SUA member, who e-mailed me with information about the Rev. Philip
Jacob Erhlah and his brother, Lawrence. In the last column I stated I could not find any information on Lovro
Elrlah. He is listed in the censuses as Lawrence Erlach. He was born in 1840 in the Ljubljana area and
attended school there. He came over soon after his brother was assigned to a mission in Nebraska, about
1866. Pertinent information follows in the column. Two genealogists also contacted me. They were researching
their family from the Bela Krajina region, and I discovered that their families arrived in the 1860’s. Another
SUA member, Arlene Rose Considine, has volunteered to look up church records in four parishes in Iowa to
assist me with my research. Hvala lepa! We continue with the Slovenian pioneers to America.
1857-During this year George Lorditsch (Lovretic, also
Loretitsch) came to America. He married Catherine either
in Slovenia or when he arrived. George was born about
April 1826 in Dragatus Parish, Republic of Slovenia, and
died about 1912 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Catherine
was born about 1838 and died about 1910. They had the
following children: Mary, born about 1857, married Jacob
Bopp; Margaret, born about 1859, married John Bopp;
Crescentia, born about 1860, married someone named
Fees; Joseph, born March 20, 1863, married Magdalena
Lentz, died May 25, 1958; John, born January 14, 1864,
married Ida Hildigar Saly, died October 8, 1903; and
George, born about 1865, married Margaret Pfarr in 1890.
The family lived in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with a son
moving to Ohio, and a daughter to Maryland. Descendants
are actively working on their family history.
1865-About this time, Lovro Erlah came to America. He
traveled to Nebraska to be close to his brother. Sometime
in the early 1870’s he married Sarah McCormack, an early
Irish settler of Nebraska. There exists an interview with
Sarah in 1938 and she tells about her father settling in
Nebraska. She states that she bore seven girls and five
boys. Lawrence Erlach was a professor from Ljubljana,
born about 1840, could speak 11 languages and was a
teacher in his brother’s school in Nebraska and a School
Superintendent in 1888 and 1889. He died sometime before
1910. His wife, Sarah, was still alive in 1940 and listed in
the U.S. Census. Their children do not appear to have left
8

heirs, but at least one married. The children are: Sarah,
born November 13, 1874, died October 1970 in Dakota
County, Nebraska; Mary, born about 1875, died young;
Martha, born about 1877; Robert, born about 1892, married
Bertha, last name unknown; Lawrence, born about 1882;
Michael, born February 3, 1885, died about 1954; Thomas,
born June 4, 1887; Helen, born about 1893; Ruth, a nurse,
born November 25, 1893, died June 1975, in Jackson,
Dakota County, Nebraska; Anna, born about 1894; Mary,
a school teacher, born July 23, 1896, died June 1, 1992, in
West Point, Cummings County, Nebraska; Teresa, born
about 1898. Dates of birth in the censuses tended to be
different each time the family was listed. There is an extra
girl in the list and I am not sure whether a child had two
different Christian names or that Helen is actually the same
person as Ruth. The family primarily lived in Jackson
County, Nebraska, only moving to Colorado for about three
years, where their son Lawrence was born. Michael is
buried in the Catholic cemetery in Dakota, Jackson County,
Nebraska, where the family lived. It appears there were
no descendants after the first generation.
1866-During this year John Gorsche arrives in America.
John originally starts in Chicago, working as a peddler,
before moving to Dubuque. Eventually he bought a farm
in Defiance. On May 5, 1883, he married Barbara Tomec
(Thomas) in Defiance, Shelby County, Iowa. John was
from Zapudje, house number 9 in Dragatus Parish, born
on September 2, 1843. His father is John Gorse and his

Zarja The Dawn

mother is Ana Brajdic. He arrives in America with his
brother, Peter, born September 23, 1846, and died in 1917.
John and Barbara have the following children: Barbara,
born September 5, 1883, died November 25, 1966; Johanna,
born April 11, 1885, died March 26, 1963; John, born
September 4, 1886, died December 11, 1978; Joseph Peter,
born February 29, 1888, died April 6, 1978; Mary, born
July 14, 1889, died March 10, 1947; Christina, born March
22, 1891, died March 17, 1980; Frank John, born February
15, 1893, died about 1939; Philomena, born March 13, 1895,
died August 27, 1977; Dorothy, born October 30, 1897,
died October 4, 1982; Henry, born August 6, 1899; Peter
A., born June 29, 1901, died June 1972; Emil, born March
7, 1903, died December 24, 1989. As noted in an earlier
column, John Gorshe was a pallbearer at the funeral of
Michael Petsche, a fellow immigrant and farmer.
Descendants are actively researching this family.
1869-1870-During this time period records indicate the
immigration of Blasius Jekliz and his wife, Magdalena
Klinar, from Mojstrana, Dovje Parish, Republic of Slovenia.
Blasius settles in Minnesota with his son, John, and
daughter, Mary; there is no record of his wife. Blasuis
was born on February 2, 1813, in Mojstrana, Republic of
Slovenia, and died July 18, 1898, in Brockway, Stearns
County, Minnesota. He was married to Margaret Klinar,
daughter of Simon Klinar and Maria Skumanz, on February
8, 1847. Blasius settled in Brockway, Stearns County,
Minnesota, as did his son and daughter. Mary Jekliz was
born October 28, 1847, in Mojstrana, and died on February
8, 1930. She married Franz Schaubach, born November 2,
1841, in Kronau, Kranjska Gora, Republic of Slovenia.
Frank died on June 11, 1913. Franz immigrated to Brockway
(St. Stephens), Minnesota, in 1867, probably with his father
Blasius and mother Marija Lucavnik. Blasius Schaubach
was born about 1810 in Slovenia and died before 1885 in
Brockway, Minnesota. Franz and Mary had the following
children: Johanna, born July 1, 1867, died October 22, 1953;
John, born December 8, 1869, died March 8, 1905; Mary,
born April 14, 1871, died March 28, 1955; Marianna, born
April 6, 1873, died about 1940; Anna, born about 1875;
Frank born August 11, 1876, died October 27, 1962;
Bernard, born August 16, 1878; Andrew, born July 20, 1880,
died December 15, 1945; Gertrude, born August 20, 1882,
died May 24, 1972; Louis, born July 20, 1884, died August
5, 1957; Joseph Lucas, born October 6, 1888, died
September 15, 1976; and Agnes, born October 19, 1890,
died May 23, 1978. Frank and Mary Schaubach were
farmers. John E. Jacklich was born on December 21, 1850,
in Mojstrana, and died about 1935 in Pueblo, Colorado.
John married Frances Justin about 1877 in Brockway and
they had the following children: Vincent Paul, born July
18, 1878; John Valentine, born April 1880; Louis Cyril, born
June 15, 1883, died April 26, 1928; Mary, born June 1884;

March/April 2013

Gertrude C., born April 1886; Frances G., born April 1886,
died about 1917; Katherine A., born April 23, 1890, died
July 5, 1983; Peter A., born about 1891; and Angela
Josepha, born October 4, 1893. The family moved from
Minnesota to Pueblo, Pueblo County, before 1900. In
Pueblo he was a tailor for gentlemen; in Minnesota he
was a farmer.
1870-During this year John Strutzell arrives in Waterford,
Clinton County, Iowa, with his mother Margaret.
According to the history of the Strutzel Family 1986 by
Jeff Strutzel, John David Strutzel was born on October
18, 1856, however this could not be verified in Crnomelj
Parish baptismal registers. His mother was a widow and
his father is mentioned as John Strutzel (Strucel). John
marries Anna Suhoropetz on November 26, 1877. Anna
Suhorpetz was born on March 28, 1859, in Otovec,
Crnomelj Parish, and her father’s name is Joseph. The
following children were born to John and Anna: John David,
born September 1, 1878, died November 11, 1955; Joseph
Henry, born November 2, 1879, died October 11, 1952;
Francis Bernard, born September 7, 1881, died March 4,
1936; Mary M., born June 16, 1883, died May 10, 1976;
Anna D., born June 1886, died in Milwaukee; Henry Martin,
born June 11, 1888, died November 1955; Helen C., born
June 9, 1890, died August 3, 1962; Elizabeth C., born March
13, 1893, died May 1986; Andrew W., born May 8, 1895,
died June 5, 1928; Margaret S., born May 7, 1898; Alice
D., born March 29, 1900; and, Hildegard M., born August
7, 1902, died September 26, 1978. John’s mother remarried
to a Simonich in Iowa, and then after his death, to Andrew
Perion in Joliet, Will County, Illinois. Margaret Perion died
October 11, 1911, in Joliet, Illinois. John’s and Anna’s
children were born in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota
before settling in Illinois. John David Strutzel died on May
28, 1925, in Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois. His wife,
Anna, died about 1909 in Illinois. John was a farmer and
worked in the steel mill in Joliet. This family should have
many descendants researching the family, but I was only
able to find one on Ancestry.
SUA member, Richard Terselic, sent me a clipping from
The Wall Street Journal regarding Autosomal DNA
analysis. This analysis sheds light on the whole family tree,
rather than just the direct maternal or paternal lines, and
gives you the analysis of all four grandparents. I am
wondering if anyone has experience with this type of test.

To contact me by mail:
George Plautz
1307 Dragon Head Drive, Valrico, FL 33594
or by e-mail at doblice@gmail.com.
9

Going Back Home to Camp Wilark:
A Civilian Conservation Corps Story
by David G. Sodac, Branch 89 - Oglesby

“Economic hardships were already challenging his Slovenian immigrant family of six.”

M

atthew Anton Sodac

had turned 15 years of age in April,
graduated from La Salle Grammar School
in June of 1927, and hoped to join the
workforce just two years before the economic collapse of
the nation. Economic hardships were already challenging
his Slovenian immigrant family of six. Matthew was the
oldest of the four children and needed to forego his hopes
of continuing a formal secondary education. Instead, he
soon was going to receive a real education from life itself
and was expected to search for a job in order to contribute
to the family’s growing debts and day-to-day subsistence.
He was fortunate in that the La Salle County, Illinois,
geographical area in which his family lived, had abundant
coal, slag, and zinc mining opportunities, as well as
processing, production, and manufacturing factories that
complemented the prosperous mining industry. He was
eager to find a job; surely one of these companies would
take him on and he could begin his post-schooling years.
Obtaining a job wasn’t easy but part-time work was
occasionally available, so Matt went to work in various
zinc manufacturing factories that produced castings and
rolled zinc. The work was strenuous and hard, dangerous
with the chemical fumes and the handling of equipment,
but it gave him a means to financially contribute to the
family’s needs.
Within two years of his grammar school graduation and
his entering into the workforce, the stock market crashed
10

that October of 1929. The rippling effects of the Great
Depression spread throughout the United States, and the
communities comprising La Salle County weren’t an
exception. As the nation’s economy began impacting the
La Salle County mining and manufacturing industries, more
and more men were being laid off. Generally, the first to
go were the younger, single men who didn’t have families
to provide for. Fewer and fewer work opportunities were
available to Matt. He augmented his lessening income with
occasional music gigs as an accordion player with a local
polka band. By December of 1932, 15 million people had
lost their jobs. The production and manufacturing of goods
was severely restricted across the country, and included
the once prosperous factories across La Salle County,
Illinois. Matt was unemployed. The impact on the economy
and families experiencing the Great Depression would
linger on through late 1933. As the country was stifled by
the economic effects of the Great Depression, employment
opportunities were becoming increasingly bleak. Families
were stretching what income they were able to save in
order to put food on the table.
Then, on March 4, 1933, there was an emotional shift to
anticipation, hope, and excitement following the presidential
inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his address
on the state of the nation’s economic recovery. The newly
elected 32nd President pledged to pull everyone out of the
Great Depression that had draped over the country like a
funeral pall. During his inaugural address, FDR stated that
“This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will
revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my

Zarja The Dawn

firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear
itself.” [1] Every American hoped and prayed for an end
to the bad times - the unemployment, the unpaid bills, and
the miserly life of having to just get by.
FDR set out to develop revitalizing legislation to get
America back to work and on its feet. On March 21, 1933,
the Emergency Conservation Work Act (ECW) was
introduced and passed. The ECU Act stipulated that “…the
unemployed could work for the prevention of forest
fires and for soil erosion, flood control, removal of
undesirable plants, insect control, and construction or
maintenance of paths, tracks, and fire lanes on public
lands. In return, those enrolled in this program would
be provided with appropriate clothing, daily
subsistence, medical attention, hospitalization, and a
cash allowance.” [2] The Emergency Conservation Work
Act was more commonly known as the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) or Roosevelt’s “Tree Army.”
Through the amazingly quick and successful passage of
this Act, FDR proposed to bring together the nation’s young
men and the land in an effort to save them both. The Act
proposed to seek thousands of unemployed young men,
enlist them in a conservation army, and send them to battle
the increasing destruction of the nation’s natural resources.
History has recorded that the Civilian Conservation Corps
was one of the more successful New Deal programs of
the Great Depression. Even though the CCC existed for
just less than 10 years, it left a legacy of reforested lands,
roads, bridges, and buildings throughout the United States’
parks and National Forests that would still serve us to this
day. Between 1933 and 1941, more than 3,000,000 men
served in the CCC. [3]
On April 5, 1933, the details of
the CCC were drafted,
finalized, and presented to the
American public. The
Department of Labor was to
initiate a nationwide recruiting
program; the Army was to
condition and transport
enrollees to the work camps;
and the Park Service and Forest Service were to operate
the camps and supervise the work assignments. An April
24, 1933, front page article in
The Daily Post-Tribune, the
community
newspaper,
announced that the final
instructions for enlistment in
the “Tree Army” were
expected any day and that the
LaSalle county region was
very fortunate to have

March/April 2013

received a quota allotment of 192 boys and young men.
Then on May 2, 1933, the Daily Post-Tribune listed all the
requirements for the recruits and announced the formal
call to “Forest Army.” The applications would be available
at the local County Relief Office. Matthew Sodac was
one of the first to request enrollment papers from the
LaSalle Township Relief Office. He met all the necessary
requirements, including being an American citizen,
unemployed and on the welfare relief roll, the son of an
unemployed head of household, unmarried, and between
the ages of 18 and 26.
Then, May 5th, the headlines on the front page of the Daily
Post-Tribune read “Register 43 Here Today for Forest
Army Work.” The lead-in to the article read “Youths
Eager To Begin Service With Uncle Sam. Forty-three
La Salle and Oglesby young men were selected Friday
afternoon by the La Salle Township Relief Committee
as eligible candidates for the civilian conservation
‘reforestation’ army that will be quartered at Fort
Sheridan soon after enlistment.” The article then
announced the 26 selections from La Salle and 17 selections
from Oglesby.
The La Salle selections included: Frank Komacar, Eugene
Walker, John Borostowski, Louis Braggo, Louis Fink Jr.,
Martin Spriet, Philip Gerace, John Ajster, Carl Golden,
Robert McConnell, Henry Feldhaus, Walter Michalski,
Ernest Tomsha, Matt Sodac, Edward Kilanowski, Nickolas
Herakovitch, Joseph Zeman, Charles Pagoria, Fritz Vande
Wyngaerde, Frank Costella, William Reynolds, Frank
Tomaszin, Anton Meznarich, and Joseph Keenan. The
Oglesby young men chosen to attend were: Fred Stella,
Frank Meglich, Charles Souvitski, Victor Sienza, John
Skarston, Frank Targus, John Daffora, Guido Pisanechi,
Charles Gillio, John Waitkus, Tony Samolitis, Mike Vidic,
Juluis Zarnicki, John Markovitch, Joseph Lesniak Jr., Angelo
Mancinie, and Richard Carbis. [4]
Life’s new adventures awaited Matt and the other young
men. Their sense of pride would be returned. They would
experience people, places, and participate in activities that
would hold memories for a lifetime. Soon after, Matt and
the others were transported by the U.S. Army to the
Jefferson Barracks Military Post, in Lemay, Missouri, for
physical conditioning and work assignment prepping. Matt
would become an integral member of the 1654th Company
P 202 of the CCC, to be the first stationed in the forests of
Oregon. The families benefited from the enrollment of the
young men by receiving a monthly pay allotment. Each
month, $25 of the $30 monthly pay was sent directly to the
families back home. That was a godsend to Matt’s family,
as his father had been unemployed for quite a while.

11

Following the Army’s supervised,
conditioning camp, Matt and 100
other Illinois young men were
collected and shipped out by train to
the forests of Camp Wilark, Oregon,
to begin their CCC experience. This
was his first cross-country train
experience and his first opportunity
to see the country outside of La Salle
County, Illinois. Upon their arrival at
Camp Wilark, and after becoming
accustomed to the regimen expected,
the boys of Company 1654 began a
series of projects involving the
development of roads, bridges, and
telephone line construction on the
forest lands. The summer weather
had been hot and dry, with no
significant rain since June 9. The
temperatures soared into the high
90’s. Then, on August 14, just before
1pm, the Wilson River fire started. The CCC “Boys from
Illinois” were the first reinforcements on the fire and arrived
on day two. The fire ravaged the Tillamook region for 10
straight days. One of their own, Frank Palmer, a CCC boy
from Illinois, became the only fatality of the fire. He was
struck by a falling green tree while he was taking a break
on the fire line. The 1933 Tillamook Burn covered
approximately 250,000 acres and burned 11.5 billion board
feet of old growth timber. It was one of Oregon’s most
destructive and famous fires. Other than recalling dad
talking about working on some construction projects and
fighting a forest fire as a part of his thrilling experiences in
the CCC, little did I realize what an important role these
men from Illinois played in the history of Oregon. He
described his CCC experience as “the time of his life,”
now I have a better take on what that phrase actually
meant.
Matt had later held onto the postcards and pictures that he
had sent to his family back home. He cherished his ID tag
and discharge papers all of his life. He saved a yellowed
and crinkled copy of a typed work detail that listed him as
the squad foreman in charge of a group of men. Matt
completed his rigorous six month assignment at Camp
Wilark and was shipped back to Ft. Sheridan, IL, for deprocessing and resumed his life back in his hometown of
LaSalle, with a sense of accomplishment. Matt was a better
man for this experience. He enhanced his self-worth, as a
capable, competent, young man, who contributed to his
country. He always talked about bringing us, his family,
out to Oregon to share the scenic beauty of what he
experienced so many years ago and walk the land that
turned him into a man. We never got there. Dad died in
12

May of 1976, following a two-year
battle with cancer. Following his
death, the small collection of CCC
mementoes mom passed on to me,
his son. They continued to be stored,
as they originally were, in an aged,
black, metal box until the writing of
this article.
Wanting to know more about this
period in my father’s life, I
researched the CCC and attempted
to obtain any information on the
original camp that I could find.
Apparently, Camp Wilark closed
within a year after the arrival of the
first CCC Company’s assignment.
Camp Wilark was originally set up
as a makeshift camp whose housing
accommodations were comprised
of wooden platforms with canvas
tenting on top, neatly set in rows in an open field area of
the forest. Near the camp was the small town of Houlton,
which was used as a postal center. Houlton was a dying,
eventual ghost town, located at the St. Helen’s Railroad
Station. The CCC boys would most likely have gone for
recreation into the neighboring town of St. Helens, which
is the county seat and the largest town in the area. St.
Helens is situated on the Oregon side of the Columbia
River, near the border of the State of Washington. The
quaint town features a spectacular panoramic view of Mt.
St. Helens. Camp Wilark itself, was eventually absorbed
into another CCC Company with more permanent wooden
structures, in place of the canvas tents.
This journey into the history of the Civilian Conservation
Corps and my father’s participation as one of the original
enlistees, led me into discovering the presence of the
Oregon Department
of Forestry’s History
Museum in Salem,
Oregon. The Forest
History Center’s staff
is
working
on
preserving the history
of the CCC’s - their
contributions and
accomplishments in
Oregon, from the
CCC’s focus in
fighting forest fires to
constructing many of
the
Forestry
Department’s

Zarja The Dawn

buildings and lookout towers. Their website posted an email address with which you could contact the center for
more information; so I did. When I asked about more
detailed information about the forest projects from June to
November of 1933 at Camp Wilark, the Coordinator of
the History Center informed me that the camp was indeed
one administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry,
but that they too had very little information and no photos
of the Camp Wilark. In 1935, the Oregon State Capitol
building burned. The State Forester’s office was located
in that building, and all the photos and much information
about the early CCC camps were lost in the fire. Given
that information, I decided that my father’s mementoes
maybe needed to “go back for a visit” as my father had
promised us so many years earlier. I asked if the Center
would like the mementoes and photos that I had from my
father. Alan Maul, the History Center Coordinator,
immediately wrote back that “Yes, we would be very
interested in any photos and the other items you have
from Camp Wilark. It is very exciting for us to possibly
get some of those early camp photos.” So, what few
pictures, documents, and items that dad had saved have
now been carefully packed and shipped back to Oregon.
Well, now it will be more than just a visit for these items, it
will become “home.”
In a later e-mail from this same History Center
Coordinator, he wrote that he had found some articles about
Camp Wilark and their projects in copies of the “Forest
Log,” a Department of Forestry newsletter that was started
in the 1930’s. He’s promised to copy them and send them
out to me. One article starts with: “Since the arrival of
the Illinois boys composing Camp Wilark P-202,

Oregonians in the surrounding locality have come to
know what real baseball is. To date Wilarkers have to
their credit five victories out of a total of six games
played.” I smiled; they not only had the experience of a
lifetime, but they made a winning impression.

SOURCES
[1] Franklin D. Roosevelt, Inaugural Address, March 4,
1933, as published in Samuel Rosenman, ed.,
The Public Papers of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Volume
Two: The Year of Crisis, 1933
(New York: Random House, 1938), 11–16.
[2] Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself: FDR’s
First Inaugural Address.
Retrieved from: www.historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/
[3] Hansan Ph.D., John E., The New Deal: Part I
Retrieved from: www.socialwelfarehistory.com/eras/
the-new-deal-part-i/
The Civilian Conservation Corps and the National
Park Services, 1933-1942: An Administrative
History.
Retrieved from: www.nps.gov Salmond, John A. (1967).
The Civilian Conservation Corps, 1933-1942: A New
Deal Case Study. (Duke University Press)
Retrieved from: nps.gov/history/ccc
[4] Select editions of “The Daily Post-Tribune,” a
community newspaper of La Salle-Peru, IL.
Jan. 1933-Aug. 1933 editions. Available in microfilm
viewing at the Peru Public Library, Peru, IL

In the writing of this story, we’ve wondered how many other
Zarja readers across the country have had their Slovenian
relatives enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
How wonderful it would be to hear from them, their names, where they were
stationed, and what projects they’ve contributed to. We are asking you to
consider sending that information, so we can compose a follow-up article with
summaries of those stories.

Please write either the Zarja home office address listed on the inside cover of
this magazine, or e-mail bdsodac@gmail.com, or write a note to David Sodac,
1211 Highland Court, Bettendorf, IA 52722.
March/April 2013

13

Olga Dorchak
Tribute to Long Time Members
by Patricia Budzilek

A

ll SUA members remember Kathleen
Dorchak, who was our president for two
terms; eight successful years. Kathleen
had a special mentor, her remarkable mother, Olga
Dorchak, who has been working for the Slovenian
community all her life, and still, at the age of 84, is
very active.
Olga Antoinette Zadnik was born in Cleveland,
Ohio, on October 13, 1928, to Jacob and Ivanka
(Kljun) Zadnik, better known as Jack and Jennie,
immigrants from Podgrad, Slovenia. Olga attended
public schools along with catechism classes at the
oldest Slovenian parish in Cleveland, St. Lawrence
Catholic Church, where she made her First
Communion and Confirmation. As a child she
participated in concerts, opera, and other activities
at the Prince Avenue Slovenian National Home
where she was a member of the Kanarcke
(Canary) Slovenian Singing Society. Unfortunately,
both St. Lawrence Church and the Prince Avenue
Home have now been closed.
Tragedy arrived in her family with the unexpected death
of her father on May 28, 1938, when Olga was nine years
old. Her mother’s desire at the time was to return to
Slovenia to see her own mother, Olga’s grandmother. In
early July, 1938, carrying her father’s belongings packed
in a large trunk, Olga, her sister Elsie, and her mother left
by train for New York City. There they boarded a luxury
ocean liner, the “Normandy,” spending eight days at sea
before arriving at LeHavre, France. From there they took
a train to Trieste, Italy, and then rode a hay wagon to Olga’s
grandmother’s home in Podgrad, where she met for the
first time a tall, grand lady, her grandmother, Franceska
(Maslic) Kljun, and also her many aunts, uncles, and
cousins.
While visiting, Olga had the opportunity to see and hear
Italian dictator Mussolini. She almost did not make it back
to America because the possibility of war (WWII)
decreased the number of ocean-going ships, but by the
14

grace of God, the family was able to obtain tickets on the
last ship out of LeHavre and returned to Cleveland. There
her mother purchased a delicatessen on St. Clair Avenue.
Fortunately, in the following years, Olga was to return to
Slovenia seven more times, most recently with Tony
Petkovsek and Joey Tomsic, and spent much time with
many of her relatives, but never again saw Grandma.
When she lived in the St. Vitus neighborhood in Cleveland,
Olga attended classes in a mostly Slovenian area where
she felt very much at home, because for the first time she
did not have to explain her Slovenian nationality. After two
years in the school, she was considered an “ideal American
girl” and was chosen to participate in Red Cross pageants,
the first year as Florence Nightingale, the second year as
Clara Barton, and the third year at Public Auditorium as a
representative of Poland because there was no Slovenian
costume to use!

Zarja The Dawn

Olga’s mother remarried in December, 1939, to “Pepe”
Gerk, as he was called at first. Later he definitely became
Papa, as he was her father for many years longer than
her birth father. This marriage was followed by a move
back to the old neighborhood where Olga was born; where
she could once again attend Mass at St. Lawrence, and
go back to the same public school and be with her former
classmates. In a way it was like she was going home again.
Sadly, Papa died on May 20, 1957, exactly 19 years after
the death of Olga’s birth father.
Always athletic, in high school Olga became a gym captain
and eventually Secretary of the Gym Captains. In her senior
year at John Adams High School, she was voted Class
Secretary. To this day she is still involved with her January,
1947, graduating class, meeting them three or four times a
year for lunch, a yearly picnic, and for a special activity
every fifth year.
The summer before her senior year in high school Olga
met Alex (Al) Dorchak, who had been recently discharged
from the Navy. He was then employed at the Cleveland
Electric Illuminating Company, where coincidentally she
was employed after graduation from John Adams. After a
courtship of a year, Al and Olga were married on August
19, 1947, and became the parents of two darling daughters,
Kathleen and Diane. Kathleen and her husband, Bob,
presented them with one grandson, Jason, and two greatgranddaughters, Sky and Teaghan. Olga’s husband always
encouraged her in all her activities, and cared for their
daughters while she made two trips to Slovenia. Al died
on January 10, 1994, on daughter Diane’s birthday, and
Olga’s mother died soon after on August 26, 1994.
Olga has been a member of the SUA since 1965 and belongs
to Garfield Heights - Branch 47 where her mother was
president for a number of years. When her mother found
it difficult to continue as president, a new president was
voted in and Olga became vice-president where she
chaired many meetings due to the health problems of the
president. Her mother was very proud when Olga then
became president; a position she held for about 20 years.
She is presently secretary- treasurer, and her daughter,
Diane, is vice-president.

on East 80th. As an officer and representative of the club,
Olga attends Federation of Slovenian Home meetings and
has been the president of the Slovenian Home’s Seniors
for the past five years. Other activities include CEI
(Illuminating Company) retirees’ functions, where she is
the activities chairperson of the CEI ladies group, and
AMLA #50, where Olga was president for many years
and financial secretary for the past two years.
The NASH, the Slovenian Home on East 80th, is where
you would most likely find Olga these days. She has
devoted much of her time to keeping the Home active and
wants it to last for many more years. It was very sad
when St. Lawrence Church closed because it was closely
tied to this Home and now it has become even more
difficult to keep the Home going. In 2009, Olga was chosen
“Woman of the Year” by the NASH.

Olga encourages everyone to
participate as much as possible
in all our Slovenian activities
and organizations; helping to
keep our heritage alive. For
her, it is a labor of love.

Tribute
to Long Time
Members
Note: Please notify me if you would like
to suggest a SUA/SWUA member to be
profiled in this feature. Remember - they
must have been active for many years,
and are probably in their 80s.
My e-mail is pbudzilek@oh.rr.com.

Olga has also been financial secretary for the past seven
years of the Newburgh-Maple Heights Pensioners’ Club,
which holds its meetings at the Slovenian National Home

March/April 2013

15

TRIGLAV
by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk
Unfortunately, Paula did not reach the summit as she had hoped, but not
without a gallant try on what was to be her first attempt.
Prologue:
It was a year in the planning, a July 2012 family reunion of the maternal Bajda and
paternal Belehar families in Slovenia. They came from Slovenia, America, and
Argentina. Part of the schedule was a planned two-day trek to the summit of Mount
Triglav. Since Paula Bajda Mavec would be climbing the highest mountain in Slovenia
and the highest peak in the Julian Alps, it might as well be for a cause. It was Paula
who suggested, “I can do it for Zveza!”
Paula spent the winter and spring of 2012 in training. Before we get to the story of her
climb, let’s become more knowledgeable on this iconic symbol of Slovenian identity.

16

Zarja The Dawn

Mount Triglav
Triglav means “three headed,” Tri glave, and is probably
named after the Slavic god, Triglav*. It is Slovenia’s
only national park.
Triglav is usually depicted as a three-headed
man, representing the unity of three gods, similar
in nature to the Trinity in Christianity. The three
heads represent sky, earth, and the underworld.
In one legend, Triglav is veiled or blindfolded so
that his eyes cannot see the evil deeds of men.
Triglav is also the setting of the legendary Slovene
folktale Zlatorog, Goldhorn, whose realm is the heights
of Mount Triglav.
The endeavors of Jakob Alja` (1845-1927), a Slovene
Roman Catholic priest, composer, singer, choir master,
patriot, and passionate mountaineer, play an influential
role in the notoriety of Mount Triglav. In 1895, he bought
the summit of Triglav. With this purchase he gained
rights to build on the property. The Alja` Tower, a metal,
storm structure of iron and zinc-coated sheet metal,
was carried to the top summit of Mount Triglav with
the help of friends. The climb, the tower, the immense
physical endurance are all symbolic of his motive, to
ensure recognition of the Slovenian people as a nation.
The rocket shape was certainly visionary!
The first verse from “Oh, Triglav, My Home, how
gorgeous you are!” was put to the music written by
Jakob Alja`. So dear to the Slovenian people, the
Slovenian flag* was solemnly and passionately unfurled
at the summit on the night of June 26, 1991, proclaiming
Slovenian independence.

*Triglav is the
prominent
element on the
flag
of
Slovenia and
the
only
country in the
world with a
mountain on its
flag.
In 1989, a
monument
in
memory of Jakob
Alja`
was
commemorated in
the Village of Dovje, where he spent 38 years as a
parish priest. Not only a mountaineering enthusiast,
he was one of the organizers of the main water system
of Dovje and founder of the Cultural Society of Dovje.
He renovated the church of St. Michael, and was
“pastor and guiding force that led to better times.”
Father Alja`’s walking stick, which he used when
climbing, is kept at the Slovenian Alpine Museum in
Mojstrana. He is buried in Dovje. Engraved on his
tombstone:
“Each day, in the light of mornings’ dawn
Our peaks are all aglow
Waiting - for your return
You, their guardian angel:
Our “King Matjaz” of Triglav
Priest of Dovje - Alja`”

Paula’s Climb:
I was 70 years of age when I attempted to climb Mount
Triglav last summer. Those who accompanied me were
all related in one way or another! They were Albert Mavec,
my husband, 82; Joe P. Mavec, son, 47; Meka Celidonio,
daughter, 43; Eric Celidonia, son-in-law, 40; Marty Mavec,
son and teacher in Manila, Philippines, 40; Emily Putnam,
Marty’s friend and also a teacher in Manilla, 29; Leopolda
Bajda Schutte, my oldest sister, 74; Albina Bajda Medved,
sister, 64; and Rosie Bajda Antilla, sister, 58.

March/April 2013

Also on the trek were Joe A. Mavec, Albert’s cousin from
Glenwood, Illinois, an avid athlete at 69; Patty Tuma, my
friend from Port Charlotte, Florida, 64. One grandson, Jared
Morrissette, was also to go, but injured his foot and was in
a walking boot.
Gospod Matija Selen, pastor of the parish in Skofija Loka,
and an avid mountaineer and biker, served as guide and
leader for the older group. My cousin-in-law and an avid
17

Background: Albert Mavec. Front: The Bajda sisters, left to right: Rosie Antilla, Albina Medved,
Paula Mavec, Leopolda Schutte at the Vodnikov Dom elevation 5,961 feet.

mountain hiker, Ivica Gaspirc, early 60‘s, led the faster
group, who did make it to the summit. She was
accompanied by Romana Gaspirc, late 20’s, my second
cousin and daughter of Ciril Gaspirc, a brother to Ivica’s
husband.

On the morning of July 9th, we met with Gospod Matija,
Ivica, and Romana for an early breakfast. Gospod Matija
brought packs of potica for the trail. Ivica and Romana
transported us to the trailhead about one mile away. The
climb began at about 6:30 a.m.

July 9 and 10 had been planned for the hike. Weather is
always an issue, and Gospod Matija had alerted us of a
bad storm forecast for the 10th. It was a group decision to
attempt the climb and see how far we would get.

Gospod Matija led the older group: Albert, Paula, Leopolda,
Albina, and Rosie. The faster group was led by Ivica and
Romana: Joe A., Joe P., Meka, Eric, Marty, and Emily.
Very soon, the group split due to our endurance levels.

On the evening of July 8th, the American branch of my
family (Bajda and Belehar) split into two groups. Those
who chose not to climb went on to Portoroz. The climbers
went on to Podkluka and the Podkluka Sportz Center Hotel,
where we spent the night. The Slovenian biathlon team
was staying at the hotel and were training in the area.

Gospod Matija was worried about the cloud cover at the
summit and the safety of Ivica and Romana’s group. There
were many phone calls.

18

The mountain views were superb; herds of cows grazed
in the alpine pastures. The continuous tinkling of their bells

Zarja The Dawn

echoed throughout. Each step needed to be carefully
executed as we navigated the rocky formations and jutting
tree roots. We hiked over hills and through valleys. The
three-foot wide path gave ascending and descending
climbers room to pass on the trail. From these heights,
Mount Vogel, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj were gleaming
jewels.
The faster group, led by Ivica and Romana, made it to
Vodnikov Dom by 9:30 a.m. and up to Planinski Dom by
11:30 a.m. Meka and Joe P. made it past the Planinski
Dom, but decided to turn back due to the scary heights
and the weather concerns of Gospod Matija.
A local Slovenian, wearing cut-off jeans, no shirt, and with
pivo in his back pack, gave the ascending team the
confidence needed to reach the summit.
Joe A. (cousin) went to the wrong hut
(Kredenca) but did make it to the top. The
summit team, Joe A., Eric, Marty, Emily,
Ivica, and Romana finished the descent
by 8 p.m. Throughout the trek, Romana
was strong, and Ivica - she was a machine!

Albert Mavec, in an alpine meadow.

Descending the mountain can be
more perilous. Triglav is indifferent
to human needs!
The day ended with a wonderful
meal at the hotel; the beverage of
choice was Union Radler*. It did
quench our thirst!

My group made it to Vodnikov Dom
(elevation 5,961 feet) about noon, when Joe Mavec and Eric Mavec.
*Union Radler, a fruit
we decided to stop. We had come more
beer, with a strong
than half way, but time was needed to descend. My nursing
grapefruit
odor,
is
brewed
by Pivovama Union
experiences came into use when Albert stumbled on a tree
(Laška). It’s yellow in color, with a white foam
root and cut his elbow. He was bleeding from a very large,
that doesn’t last.
ugly gash. I was able to bandage the wound and stop the
bleeding using Rosie’s bandana. We arrived at the hotel
about 5:30 p.m. With the generous first aid supplies from Epilogue:
the hotel, I was able to cleanse and bandage the wound, In August 2014, Paula will be returning to Triglav to
and thus avert any infection. Only a small scar remains complete what she began in July 2012. She holds true to
her goal of making the climb; “I can do it for Zveza,” and
today.
is grateful for those who had faith in her commitment.
In retrospect, most of us underestimated the challenges Paula’s only purpose for this upcoming trip will be to reach
posed by Mount Triglav. It certainly brings to mind the the summit; time will be no matter. If need be, she will
often quoted phrase by Robert Burns, “The best-laid plans wait out the weather.
of mice and men often go awry.”
For those interested in joining Paula, be it climbing,
sight-seeing, and/or excursions, a tour is in the
Sixty-seven years prior, my family and I walked through
planning stages. Hired professional guides will
the mountains into Austria, with plans of returning in a
accompany on the climb. Look for details
few weeks. We were to spend the next five years in a
in
an upcoming Zarja and the SUA website refugee camp, and then, on to our new home - America.
www.slovenianunion.org.
Safety is what it is all about. For the final descent, we
Triglav Or Bust – Paula’s Trek
could have benefited from wearing helmets and the use of
$100 Donation
$5 Donations
lanyards. Protecting the head and clipping on to safety
Mavec, Marty
Trad, Nancy
lines using the belaying system, is sound advice. I know I
Harsy, Dorothy
could have reached the summit given more time, but it
Underhill, Carol
was the right decision to turn back, considering the weather
Rogalla, Rose
and time constraints. Reaching the top is only half the trek.

March/April 2013

19

Paula’s original goal was half the distance to
the summit, or $4,696 (feet). $3,737.96 has
been pledged to date. All pledges are specific
to heritage events during SUA’s 2015 National
Convention. The search is on, both at home
and in Slovenia. A number of great, potential
events are being considered.

far exceeds the price of admission to climb
the mountain; the payoff is priceless! While
most of us will never accomplish such a feat,
we can join in the climb by making a pledge. It
is assuring Paula she has support all the way
to the top! A pledge means we climb Triglav
without any risk, any hardship or feeling any
aches. I say we take a risk and go the entire
Triglav speaks to you as you climb; it speaks way, $9,396 (feet). Let’s reach the summit
of human endurance, of sure-footedness to go before Paula! As Paula would say, “We can
forward despite hardship. It speaks of the do it for Zveza!”
panoramic beauty of nature. Its spiritual payoff

To whet your appetite, check out this website!.
http://home.kpn.nl/rjs25/hoofdmap/climbingtriglav.htm
Check out www.slovenianunion.org
for Facts and Information on Triglav!

A reminder, as the SUA is now a non-profit organization, pledges
made after November 2012 are tax deductible.
Send checks payable to SUA to:
Slovenian Union of America
Attn: Jana Hlade
431 N Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432-1703
Triglav, the Slovenian symbol of endurance; its silhouette on the national flag, represented on
its money, and rooted in history and mythology. Its spiritual draw beckons to all Slovenians

“Come climb me once in your life.”

“I Can Do It For Zveza......We Can Do It For Zveza”
20

Zarja The Dawn

Slovenian
Union of America
Branch Reports
BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Contact Information: Mary Ann Schellinger
920.457.7946 rhmas@yahoo.com
We started our holiday season with the placement of a
decorative wreath on Marie Prisland’s grave at the
Greendale Cemetery. The wreath was made and donated
by one of our members.
On December 6th, we got together for a holiday party.
In keeping
with the spirit
of the true Branch 1’s new officers after installation.
meaning of
C h r i s t m a s , There was a total of 90 items and over half were handmade.
we donated Each member received a holiday stocking with a St.
canned goods Nicholas bookmark and a St. Nicholas spice cookie. The
and items of cookies were baked and decorated by the branch officers.
winter wear The caterer was “Czech Please” who provided a wonderful
to a local meal. It was topped off with Slovenian Pink Tea and nut
food pantry. rolls (like potica) made with walnuts and poppy seed and
Scarves, hats served with honey butter. Yummy!
The newly elected officers were installed. A funeral
and mittens
filled a large candle from Slovenia was lit and the group spent a few
The “donated” gifts for the needy.
Santa bag. minutes of silence in remembrance of those in our branch
who had passed away in 2012. Memory angels were
presented to the families of the deceased. Entertainment
for the evening consisted of a piano sing-a-long started
off by “The 12 Days of Christmas” using Slovenian words
such as ena, dva, etc. (We are trying to bring in bits and
pieces of the Slovenian language during our meetings.)
There sure were a lot of smiles and laughter during the
song. We then continued with traditional Christmas carols
and ended by singing Silent Night (Sveta Noc) in Slovenian.
We are putting the finishing touches on Family Festival Slovenija, our project in partnership with the John Michael
Kohler Center to be held April 13th and is open to the public.
The planning of the Slovenian festivities has been a lot of
work, but we are eagerly anticipating this special
opportunity to highlight our heritage.
CHERYL LOPOUR
St. Nicholas cookies baked and decorated by officers.

March/April 2013

21

BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois
We opened our new year with the
most treasured icon of our heritage,
a tribute to the “Snow Shoe Priest,”
our own Bishop Frederick Baraga.
His selfless giving and work with

April 2011: A group of Engineering College students from
Slovenia that was entertained by Branch 2 during their visit.

told us a memorial candle would be lit at St. Peters/Chicago
for our deceased.
Upcoming dates: March 17th – St. Joseph
Table and April 21st – Springtime meeting.
Keep our troops and their safe return in
your prayers.
DAISY
BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado
Contact Information:
amtcharron@yahoo.com
Early December was filled with holiday reveling for
Branch 3 members. On December 1, many members
participated in the annual St. Mary’s Church St. Nicholas
Feast Day Mass, which was followed by a Slovenian dinner
in the church hall. The Diocese of Pueblo Bishop Fernando
Isern, Monsignor Kapushion, and Father Ben Bacino
concelebrated the Mass. Monsignor Kapushion thanked
the congregation in both English and Slovenian for the
mountain of gifts donated during the offertory for needy
children in the Pueblo area served by Catholic Charities.
At the end of the Mass, St. Nicholas (Bishop Isern) made
an appearance to the delight of all of the children, young
and old. St. Nicholas personally visited with children in the
church hall during the delicious dinner, which featured
klobase, sauerkraut, hotdogs, condiments, beer, and soda.
A large variety of desserts, including several kinds of
strudel, were also served. Vice President Eileen Kaplan
donated a Barbie doll clothed in a traditional Slovenian
costume which she made. The doll was a part of the silent

the education and cultural exchanges between Baraga and
the Native American should be an inspiration and example
for us to draw from. Acts of charity and kindness take
little effort to put into practice. The compassion of education
is also passed along the way.
February offers us the opportunity to show the love in
every Slovenian. Our heritage shouts this
from the mountaintops.
With the Girl Scout Cookie drive going
across the U.S., many of our members may
remember belonging to troops #122 and
#1345 of St. Stephen and selling those
delicious cookies. We brought boxes to
SWUA meetings and sold them. The ladies
were happy to see the young members in
their uniforms and presenting their sales
pitch. Keep supporting our junior members
who are out selling for their troops. One
day some may be the officers of SUA and
will tell other members of the experience
they had with the Girl Scouts of America.
Please remember in your prayers our
members who are on the sick list: Christine
Podder, Joyce Broader, Donna Cerer,
Mary Reicher, Mary Newbould, Glen
Latronica, and Barbara Reich.
We had Christmas dinner at Ignatz
Restaurant. We sang Slovenian songs and Annie Chrisman, great-granddaughter of Branch 3 member
Fran read a beautiful Christmas poem. She Bernice Krasovec, chatting with St. Nick (Bishop Isern).
22

Zarja The Dawn

auction, and proceeds went to the church’s religious
education programs.
The Christmas party was held on December 4. Guests
of Barb Karlinger included John Skul and Mary Fran Sabo
Kelley. The party had a reindeer theme, and Betty Skul
won the reindeer centerpiece. During the luncheon, John
Skul strolled through the room playing various selections
on his chromatic accordion. Vice President Eileen Kaplan
gave an interesting presentation on reindeer and their
relationship to the Christmas season. As is the custom at
the annual party, all attendees brought Santa gifts to share;
everyone went home with a fun door prize. Madeleine
Khosla gave each participant a favor bag filled with
Christmas goodies. All members who attended the
Christmas party contributed to the SWU National
Scholarship Fund.
ANNETTE SABO CHARRON &
BARBARA KARLINGER
BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana
I love it when Easter is early, although Ash Wednesday
being the day before Valentine’s Day was a real bummer
if you decided to give up sweets! Fasting during Lent is
good. Perhaps it is time to think of others who don’t have
as much, or as much to eat. Perhaps it is time to clean out
your house, and donate to those in need. Perhaps it is time
to sit and think of how to share your most precious
asset...yourself. Call someone just to ask, “How are you
today?” Invite someone to share a pot of soup. Ask
someone to join you for coffee and donuts after Mass at
Holy Trinity. We always think of Lent as a time to “give
up something” so this year, “Give of yourself.”
Watch your mail, on-line and postal, for date, time, and
place about our next meeting. This is always a very busy
time of year, especially with the Mini Marathon and Race,
but please try to make time to stop in for our meeting.
Thank you!

April also brings the KSKJ National Bowling Tournament
to Indy, so mark your calendar for a weekend of fun!
Friday, April 12, is “Meet and Greet” at the Slovenian
National Home, with bowling on Saturday and Sunday at
Brownsburg Bowl. The Bowling Bash dance will be
Saturday night at the Slovenian National Home. Friends
and families from all over the Midwest make this a yearly
trip, so come and see old friends and meet some new ones!
There’s sure to be plenty of Lasko, klobase, and polkas
for everyone! Come and cheer for our Branch 5 members
on the men’s and women’s teams... GO INDY!!
Remember that after Lenten “Fasting,” comes Easter
“Feasting!” May your Feast be shared with loved ones!
Happy Easter!
KAREN, MARY, & PHYLLIS
BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California
Spring is in the air in the San Francisco Bay area with all
of the blossoms, tulips, and daffodils in all their beautiful
pastel colors. March is the month of shamrocks and the

Standing (Left to Right): Doreen Sustarich, Moreen Spencer,
Beverly Jackson, and Margie Schleiger.
Seated:Virginia Sustarich and Agnes Leach.

Looking good in their Christmas surprise this year were the husbands of Loviscek/Fon family wives! Pictured are husbands:
Grant (Betsy) Walker, Steve (Phyllis) Fon, Scott (Sara) Cline, Terry (Sheryl) Thorpe, and Pat (Katie) Poole.

March/April 2013

23

wearing of the green; Happy St. Patrick’s Day. St.
Gregor’s Day is celebrated in Slovenia this month. We
want to wish everyone a very Holy and Happy Easter –
“Veselo Veliko Noc.”
Thanks to Ann Sustarich for taking Slovenian language
lessons at the Slovenian Hall. Join us at our Member of
the Year 2013 luncheon at Val’s Restaurant, 2468 Junipero
Serra Blvd., Daly City, on Sunday, May 5, 2013. Please
send in your reservations by April 26 and check for $32.00.
Lunch is served at 12:00 p.m. The food is tasty, conversation
and gossip wonderful, and the raffle prizes out of this world.
Branch 13 officers and members (pictured) will all be there
to greet you: Doreen Sustarich - President, Moreen Spencer
- Secretary/reporter, Beverly Jackson, Margie Schleiger,
(seated) Virginia Sustarich - Auditors, Agnes Leach - Vice
President, and Michele Twers - Treasurer.
MOREEN SPENCER
BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois
Contact: Marjorie Mitchell: 773.646.4392
Dolores60617@yahoo.com
A very happy and healthy New Year to all! We celebrated
Christmas early with our annual party at Tom’s Restaurant
on December 8th. Thirty members, plus guests, gathered
for our monthly meeting and ended with singing of
Christmas carols. It was nice to see Helen and John
Battista, Bob Kuhel, Jim and Dotsi Rossi, and Jackie
Soltysinski and her husband enjoying the festivities.

Branch 16 members at Tom’s Restaurant.

jobs, big and small. Jo is the lady who puts together the
Branch’s yearly Calendar of Activities that is sent to each
member. No excuses for not keeping in touch with Branch
activities!
Barbara DeLaney takes over the Branch Treasurer
duties. Jean Herbst, who has been a tiger watching over
the money, reluctantly passed the wand because of family
commitments. Jean is another of the tireless volunteers in
our Branch.
Guest speaker, Paula Mavec, will entertain members at
the April 16 meeting with her thrilling adventure, her
mountain climbing attempt to Mt. Triglav in Slovenia. Paula
is a member of Branch 99 in Lemont, Illinois, and first
National Auditor of SUA. It’s always exciting for we “arm
chair adventurers” to hear about treks to exotic places.
Our final meeting for the year is May 21, when we will
honor our Member of the Year with a banquet. This night
is a time-honored meeting/party filled with good food,
entertainment, and a chance to dress up.
It is with sadness we announce the passing of long-time
member, Lillian Brulc. She led an extraordinary life as a
renowned artist who left a legacy of sculptures, paintings,
and murals throughout the world. She is the sister of
member, Lucille Dragovon.
PATRICIA SCHAGER
BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois
Contact Information: 815.223.9596 wprokup@aol.com
We had a great turnout for our Annual Christmas
Party held at Amici’s Ristorante. Special guests
included Brother Luke from St. Bede Abbey and
Mike Kasap and his wife who were instrumental
in our highly successful All Soul’s Day event.
Thank you to hostesses Barb Pohar, Debbie
Pohar, and Bonnie Prokup.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday,
March 21 st at Eureka Bank. Hope to see
everyone there. This is a good time to invite a
friend to join.
Welcome new member, Mary Kay!

The mail brought an unexpected Christmas greeting from
long-time member, Gladys Buck. Gladys moved to
Minnesota to be near her niece. Vida Kumse, our member
in Slovenia, also sent Christmas wishes to all.
DOLORES KRAL FRANKO
BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois
Contact Information: patricia.schager@att.net
It’s not too early in the year to announce that this is the
85th anniversary year of Branch 20 and plans are being
made for a huge celebration on Sunday, October 20. More
details as we get closer to the date. Stay tuned.
A big thank you to Jo Lustik for her tireless, behind the
scenes volunteering and cheerful readiness to help with
24

Zarja The Dawn

BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota
Contact Information: 218.742.8049
johnks6@yahoo.com
Our branch is looking forward to another great year. Anita
Vovk, our president for many years, did not run for reelection as she and her husband plan to move to the Twin
Cities area to be near their family. We are really going to
miss her. Best of luck to them!
The officers elected for 2013-14 are: President - John
Stark, Vice President - Marlys Raab, Secretary/Treasurer
- Bernice Ceglar, Recording Secretary - Sharon
Starkovich, and Sergeant at Arms - Jean Stark.
We will be hosting the Minnesota Regional Convention
in September. Some preliminary planning has begun. We
are looking forward to this event and welcome your input
to make this an outstanding fall event for our Minnesota
members.
2013 is off to a very mild start weather-wise. We will
enjoy it as long as it lasts. A very happy and healthy 2013!
MARLYS RAAB
BRANCH 40 - Lorain, Ohio
Contact Information: step@windstream.net
At our monthly luncheon we celebrated Francine and
Frank (Fritz) Pavlovcic’s 65th wedding anniversary. They
are parents of Frank and Cathy, grandparents of five, and
great-grandparents of two. They are active parishioners
of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church. To you both, dear
friends, we send our love, congratulations, and our wishes
that God continue to bless you in the years ahead.
Long time president, Agnes Tomazin, died on December
7 at age 91. A very special lady, she was honored in 2004
as the Lorain Slovenian Home Woman of the Year. Ever
proud of her Slovenian heritage, Agnes learned to play the
button-box in her 60’s, and entertained residents in area
nursing homes. Having served in the U.S. Navy during
WWII, she resided at the Ohio Veteran’s home in Sandusky
for a number of years. Members attended her wake and
funeral at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church. Rest in
Peace, dear friend.
Get well wishes to Mary Gradisek, and to Aggie Serazin
who is in Amherst Manor Nursing Home. We miss you
both.
Our meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
STEPHANIE POLUTNIK

Francine and Frank (Fritz)

Pavlovcic

“President Roosevelt signed the draft in 1940.
Frank was drafted on March 25, 1941. The
popular song then was ‘Goodbye Dear, I’ll Be
Back in a Year, Because I’m in the Army Now.’ But
on December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl
Harbor, and everyone was in the service for the
duration. Frank was in the army for 4½ years. He
came home in July and we became engaged. Then
on January 6, 1942 his next leave - Three Kings
Tuesday, we were married and he returned to the
army on Friday. Our son was born in 1943 and
Frank came home in September of 1945. And here
we are thankful to be together for 71 years. I thank
God for His Blessings.” - Francine Pavlovcic

BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413
twogames@wi.rr.com
Our Pobozicna Zabava was held on January 12, and all
who attended had a good time. Many thanks to President
Jan Gehm, who made all the arrangements and to the many
members that donated the wonderful raffle prizes and to
the members and guests who attended. Congratulations to

March/April 2013

25

Secretary – Debbie Duris, and
Treasurer – Olga Dorchak. Our
auditors are Ginger Kemmerling
and Katherine Wallace. Thank
you for your participation.
In an effort to keep Branch 47
members
involved
and
participating in our meetings here
are dates for 2013. Our first
meeting will be our member’s
luncheon on May 4th at 1 p.m. at
the Burntwood Tavern (formerly
Max & Erma’s) on Kruse Drive
Branch 47 (left to right): Jan Gehm - President, Betty Ann Kolesari - Vice-president,
in Solon. Our September meeting
Jack Kolesari - Auditor, Mici Bregant - Recording Secretary and Reporter,
is on the 7th at 1 p.m. at Panera
Stan Vidmar - Auditor, Tillie Skusek - Corresponding Secretary,
Bread in Solon and our
Helen Frohna - Treasurer, and Linda Abstetar - Sgt-at-Arms.
December Christmas Party is
all of the newly elected officers who were installed after again at the Valley View Community Center on December
our dinner. Thank you to Fannie Smole who read the 7th. Please note that we have changed our meeting time to
installation words. After this solemn ceremony, we played begin at 12:30 p.m. and the potluck luncheon is immediately
a picture game in which we had to name the Christmas following.
I encourage you to mark down these dates and times to
Carol that was depicted in the picture. Thanks to Helen
Frohna for providing this entertainment. All had fun enjoying come share in our good times. It’s always special and
the camaraderie while exchanging our ideas as to what memorable when we get together with as many of our
the pictures portrayed. The afternoon ended much too members as possible.
To get branch information contact Debbie at her home
quickly and it came to a close with everyone singing Sveta
at 330.467.2281 or e-mail her at dcduris@gmail.com.
Noc.
I am excited to be your new reporter. Wishing you all a
By now you have received your 2013 calendars and I
hope that you will refer to them for meeting dates and very Happy and Blessed Easter as we move into Spring
other events. We are looking forward to making butare and warmer weather. If you have any information you
starting at 10:00 a.m. at Triglav Park in Wind Lake on want me to share, you can call me on my cell 330.730.8951
Saturday, March 23, and then our traditional next day or e-mail me at kjferrante@gmail.com.
KATHLEEN FERRANTE
(March 24) procession as we carry our newly made butare
at the 8:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass at St. John’s Church
in Greenfield. If you have a Slovenian costume, please
wear it. After Mass we will have breakfast at the Open
Flame Restaurant on W. Edgerton Ave. and Hwy. 100.
There was no regularly scheduled meeting for January,
because of our Pobozicna Zabava. Our next meeting will
be held at noon on Wednesday March 27, at the West Allis
Library. Come and enjoy a nice lunch, and fellowship prior
to our meeting. We meet there again on Saturday, April
27, at noon.
A REMINDER: If you would like to share your Slovenian
Heritage with our members, please contact Jan Gehm.
Enjoy your springtime.
MICI BREGANT
BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio
Contact Information: Olga Dorchak 330.468.7989
webblekatt@hotmail.com
Greetings! At our Christmas meeting for 2012 members
voted for our officers. The officers are: President – Debbie
Duris, Vice President – Diane Fornaro, Recording
26

Kathy Hlad, Rick Tomsick, and Joan Podmore.

Zarja The Dawn

Mery Tomsick and Ken Tomsick.

BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio
Contact Information: 440.655.6735
ricktomsick@gmail.com
We enjoyed the Branch 50 Christmas party and gift
exchange at Recher Hall on December 4th. The food by
Tavcar Catering was exceptional and we were treated to
some lively accordion and button-box music thanks to Bill
Kirkle and our members Kathy Hlad and her student Joan
Podmore (daughter of Anne Tercek). Thanks to Cookie
Maxin for making party favors and of course to Maureen
Podlegar and Rose Mary Toth for all their hard work in
planning the evening.

Our first monthly meeting will be Wednesday, April 17
(at Euclid Public Library) at 1:00 p.m. I would be interested
to hear from you as to whether the 1 o’clock time works
for you; maybe we can schedule future monthly meetings
on different days or at times when more people can attend.
Mark Sunday, October 13, on your calendar for this year’s
Ohio Regional Convention. Planning is underway, and we
really do want to make this year’s event a very special
and well-attended one! Watch this column and the SUA
website for more information at www.slovenianunion.org.
Please let me know if you are able to get involved in the
planning for this year’s convention. It is our hope to do
things a bit differently this time so that the organization
can build greater enthusiasm and attract new members. If
you’ve been wanting to get involved or just have any novel
ideas about new content related to our cultural heritage,
perhaps this is the year for you to get involved!
Ann Arhar and Louise Troglia have been on our sick list
and in our prayers as we wish them health and recovery.
Remember to keep all of our Branch 50 members living
and deceased in your daily prayers.
We’ve learned from the National Board that the SUA
has been granted tax-exempt status as a non-profit
organization by the IRS, which is really good news that
we all hope will encourage charitable contributions to the
SUA.
I want to remind you to check in on SUA’s activities by
going to the website at www.slovenianunion.org often.
Bonnie Prokup reminds me that SUA is always looking
for volunteers who like to write, do research, or submit
photographs (you can let her know at wprokup@aol.com).
Many blessings of this holy Lent and Easter season to all
of you!
RICK TOMSICK

Branch 55 - Girard, Ohio.

March/April 2013

27

BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio
Greetings from Girard! I hope the first few months of
the New Year 2013 have been full of blessings and joy. In
Branch 55 news, the Annual Christmas Party was held on
December 5. As in the past, the event was co-hosted with
members of AMLA Lodge 42. All in attendance had a
great time.
Monthly meetings have resumed. Members are strongly
encouraged to attend! That’s all the news for now. In
closing, a quote from William Shakespeare: “April hath
put a spirit of youth in everything. (Sonnet XCVIII)”
MONICA SELAK
BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois
Contact Information: Jim Ebner 815.883.3268
deadendbluff@yahoo.com
“Ooh’s and aah’s,” as well as several bursts of laughter
filled the dining room at Mario’s Maples as we held our
December “get-together” which concluded with a “White
Elephant” gift exchange. Twenty-nine members and guests
enjoyed a delicious meal.
Officers for the coming year are as follows: President Barbara Bruch, Vice President - Fran Morrison, Secretary
- Rose Bell, Treasurer - Terry Kamnikar, Auditors - Paula
Snell and Alice Ebner, Zarja Reporter - Jim Ebner. Our
sincere thanks to those who have taken an office for the
first time, and to those who have taken a higher office.
Your willingness to serve is a great asset to Branch 89!
A great time is in the air as we plan our second annual
“Evening of Slovenian Heritage,” Saturday, March 9, from
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Claudette’s in Oglesby. There
will be tastings of Slovenian smoked sausage, potica, apple
strudel, raffles, polka music, cash bar beverages, photos
from the past, and a great time to visit with others of
Slovenian heritage. Whether you are near or far, stop in,
bring your friends, take time to enjoy the moment, our
heritage, and each other!
Remember! Our 2013 Branch meetings resume Monday
evening, March 11, 6:00 p.m. at the Dickinson House. A
food demonstration featuring traditional Slovenian crepes
(palacinke) will be hosted by Barbara Beer. Until then!
Dober Dan!
JIM EBNER
BRANCH 93 - New York, New York
Contact Information: 718.335.8459 lgross@tstnyc.org
Our first meeting of the new year - held at a new location
- Ana Kiti~’s Cafe Marlene in Sunnyside, Queens - led by
Tanya Vajk (currently mentoring V.P. Tanya Makovec
Petrik who assumes the presidency in 2014), was attended
by about a dozen familiar faces, but enlivened by new
member Gregor Pintar from Slovenia. Everyone introduced
themselves and described their Slovene connection,
especially when they or a family member came over from
28

Slovenia, and that person’s immigration story. It was
fascinating and we regret we hadn’t planned to tape it!
Carole Ryavec told us about her documentary, currently
in post-production, “Shifting Borders-Lasting Ties”
(Gozdarska povest) about her family; her grandfather’s
tiny village was in Austria in 1909, but became part of
Italy after 1918, then Yugoslavia in 1947, and since 1991 is
now in Slovenia. It’s a story about family ties and cultural
identity that overcome all political divisions. (See http://
shiftingbordersdoc.com for some wonderful pictures and
a fuller description.)
Members addressed the lack of Slovenian languagelearning opportunities and we are investigating the
possibilities of a class via Skype. Also being considered is
a brief Slovenian lesson at each meeting; first goal - being
able to order what filling we want in our Panini in Slovenian!
We then enjoyed viewing a short, animated film, ^ikorja
an’ kafe (Chicory ‘n Coffee), followed by Moj ata,
socialisticni kulak (My Dad, the Socialist Kulak).
At the end of January, in honor of Slovenian Cultural Day,
the Four Saxes Saxophone Quartet gave a concert at St.
Cyril’s. Opening remarks were given by the Ambassador
of Slovenia, Roman Kirn.
Fashion devotees were in for a treat in January when
Slovenian designer Sanja Grcic presented her winter
collection in NYC. Her style has been described as “Street
Couture; instinctive, innovative with clever detailing.” The
unusual combinations of shape, fabrics, and colors make
her a standout. Her store, Koda 386, in Ljubljana, was
lauded by The New York Times as one of the best
designers’ corners in town.
ELIZABETH GROSS
BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois
Contact Information: jmhlade@hotmail.com
Hello everyone! Just a recap of the last few months. In
November we held our election of officers. Most positions
stayed the same, however our treasurer, Tom Zakosek,
stepped down and Monica Morrissette will replace him.
The board consists of the following: President - Julie LaJoie;
Vice-President - Paula Mavec; Secretary - Linda Schultz;
Treasurer - Monica Morrissette; Auditors - Mary Mavec
and Ann Nowak; and Zarja Reporter - Jana Hlade.
Our December cookie sale was a success and our branch
raised over $400. Thanks again to Paula and Mary Mavec
for their dedication in organizing the event. Also, a special
thank you to Dawn Vidmar for her very generous support
of the cookie sale. We thank you!
On March 23rd at 1:00 p.m. come join us for a Butaramaking party! A butara is a decorated bundle of spring
greenery that Slovenians traditionally made to bring to
church on Palm Sunday. The party will be at the home of
Paula Mavec. Paula will also demonstrate the art of egg
decorating using onionskins and leaves. Kids and adults

Zarja The Dawn

are welcome. Lunch and supplies are included and it’s
FREE! RSVP to Paula required by March 17th.
On April 14th, we are hosting a Mass for deceased
members at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Slovenian Catholic
Mission Church in Lemont. Then at 1 p.m., join us for our
Member Celebration at the home of Sonja DePratt. We
again will celebrate ALL our members. Bring a dish to
pass. Water, lemonade, and coffee will be provided. There
will be games, prizes, and a perennial plant exchange. It’ll
be a great time!
Something new this year is our Meet and Greets; just a
social get-together and we’ll provide the sweets. Please
see details for all events in the new calendar. Wishing you
a happy spring!
JANA HLADE
BRANCH 100 - Southern California
Contact Information: ajkoci@cox.net
We had a festive dinner meeting to celebrate Christmas
on December 8th. Our favorite Napoli’s Italian Restaurant
took care of us beautifully in their banquet room.
Dolores Glivar greeted us with lovely, red carnation
corsages and boutonnieres to add to the festive mood. Mary
Lou Jensen put miniature poinsettias on the tables.
Members, families, and friends arrived from many directions
to take part. Mary Lou Vidergar spent time in Southern
California to participate in several Slovenian gatherings
that week. It was so nice to have her with us.
Our meeting went smoothly with willing participants taking
offices that needed to be filled. We thank Joanna Farrage
as our new Treasurer and Jean Turnbull as Recording
Secretary. Mary Lou Jensen will continue as President.
We elected our 2013 Member of the Year and are pleased
to say that Marcia Leathers will be our honoree. You will

Enjoying the Christmas luncheon are Anne Kapel with
daughters, Mary Lou Jensen and Linda Sand.

March/April 2013

hear more about this fun-loving and generous person in
the next issue. In the meantime… congratulations, Marcia!
We decided to have another cooking/baking class as we
have done for several years now. The date is Saturday,
March 2nd, at the home of Bonnie Zupan in Banning. The
menu will be corn meal zgance with goulash. These
cooking sessions have been fun, educational, and tasty,
too! We hope that many of you will attend.
I want to personally thank Editor Debbie Pohar for putting
together the very nice article on my cousin, Fr. Joze Cukale,
s.j., and his work with Mother Teresa in India that appeared
in the January/February issue of Zarja. I had no idea that
the piece would turn out so well. Hvala lepa!
We wish everyone a Happy Spring… as it will almost be
upon us when you receive this issue! Na svidenje!
JEAN KOCI
BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin
Contact: kleespires@comcast.net
Greetings from Willard! It was a quiet winter in our village,
highlighted by our Holiday meeting and party in early
December 2012. The Christmas meeting and party were
enjoyed by 11 members and 4 guests on a beautiful, crisp,
winter day. The afternoon included lunch, present
exchange, and bingo, all branch favorites.
We are happy to announce our officers for the next term:
Bonnie Brierton was unanimously re-elected as our
President. Theresa Zorman will be our new Vice President, Sue Pakiz will continue as Branch 102’s
Secretary/Treasurer. Thank you, ladies, for continuing to
lead our branch.
Everyone was happy to gather for our Valentine’s Day
party and meeting on February 16th. Honoring our Member
of the Year, Ruth Zwieg, was on the top of the agenda.
Ruth and her family are long-time members of the Willard
community and have done much to support SUA activities,
community events, and area residents. Many thanks go
out to Ruth for her support of Branch 102.
Sue wants to remind all members to watch for their
renewal notices in the U.S. Mail. Members may also use
the renewal forms that are published in every issue of
Zarja. Don’t forget to send in your renewals!
We welcome new members, Sarah Trunkel and Gloria
Plautz!
Bonnie is developing a phone tree so that we can keep in
touch with more ease. More on this at our next meeting
on March 23rd. By the time you read this, we will be getting
ready for our Easter celebrations, our bake sale, and spring
will have returned. Any members with events or other news
to report, please contact Bonnie, Theresa, Sue, or Karen.
August 10th and December 7th are the dates of the
remaining meetings for 2013. Please try and attend! Until
next time!
KAREN HRIBAR SPIRES
29

BRANCH 103 - Washington, D.C.
Any mention of Slovenian heritage and SUA involvement
has a special significance in our local Slovenian-American
community. In the cases of four deaths among Branch
103, their Slovenian heritage was featured prominently in
their obituaries. An example of our dear members’
recognition:
The 2011 death of Amelia (Molly) Thomas was in The
Washington Post, which included mention of Molly’s
Slovenian-American heritage and her work with Branch
103.
Ana Menapace, a faithful supporter of events and the
Slovenian Mass, died in January 2011, with a Mass by
Spiritual Director, Fr. Wadas. Ana fled Slovenia during
WWII, settling in Rome, and eventually outside New York
City with her husband, Robert, a U.S. military officer. Later
moving to Washington, D.C., she was a patron of the arts
and regular attendee at Slovenian Embassy events.
Idrija tape lace made by Nancy Terselic

in August 2009. Before becoming ill, she brought her
enthusiasm to the planning of branch activities. Her
extensive online obituary can be found at the Legacy.com
website: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/TatjanaRudl/
homepage.aspx
Our branch is fortunate to have among our membership,
Nancy Terselic and her husband, Jason Butsch, who are
active in medieval research and re-creation activities
through the Society for Creative Anachronism. She is a
fiber artisan who spins sheep’s wool and other animal and
plant fibers, and uses the yarn for weaving, knitting,
crocheting, and other fiber arts. Combining her love of
history, fiber arts, and Slovenian heritage, she taught herself
to make bobbin lace, including Idrija tape lace, using
traditional Slovenian-style tools and techniques. (She would
love to get in touch with other Slovene-American bobbin
lace makers – e-mail nancyterselic@juno.com.
RICHARD TERSELIC

Ana Menapace

Matilda (Tillie) Ausich, died in December 2012. She
came to the Washington area in 1948 where she began a
long, successful career at the Pentagon. She served
faithfully as our recording secretary for many years and
wrote articles for Zarja. She enjoyed ballroom dancing
and worldwide travel.
Tatjana Zunjo Rudl arrived in the Washington area to
work as an au pair. She served as a Slovenian language
instructor, one of her students being a future U.S.
Ambassador to Slovenia. She married Greg Rudl in Slovenia
30

BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland
Contact Information: Bettekfitz@verizon.net
In December, Branch 108 participated in a Kris Kringle
Parade in Frederick, MD. The SUA banner was proudly
displayed, showing respect for our historical roots to the
organization.
Congratulations to member Lisa Kokal; she graduated in
December, 2012, with her Therapeutic Massage Degree.
She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
and was a recipient of the Jeff Young Scholarship. Lisa is
also the proud mom of junior member, Daniel Kokal Hester,
who came in 1st place in the New Market Elementary
School PTA Reflection Photography Contest and Music
Composition. His photography artwork is titled “All Parts

Zarja The Dawn

In Memoriam

Matilda Ausich
1920-2012
Recording Secretary of Branch 103
Matilda “Tillie” Ausich served 37 years, as Recording
Secretary and Zarja Reporter from 1965, when Branch
103 was organized, to 2002. She was the epitome of
a Recording Secretary, having worked as a secretary
at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and eventually
becoming Executive Secretary to the Air Staff Board,
Office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, until
her retirement in 1991. Her minutes reflected
outstanding secretarial skills and were accurate,
grammatically correct, perfectly typed and presented
at each meeting for review.
Tillie participated in all branch activities undertaken,
assisting in preparations from setting up tables, working
in the kitchen or serving at the buffet table. She could
always be counted on for donations of delicious
pastries for meetings or festivities.
Along with attending all branch meetings, which
required a drive of 45 minutes each way, Ms. Ausich
attended SWUA National Conventions as a delegate
in Washington, DC (1965) and the Chevy Chase, MD,
Regional Convention (1990).

mother were born and worked at Grad Podsreda
(Podsreda Castle). Her life-time wish, to visit
Podsreda Castle was finally fulfilled.

In 1983, Tillie was appointed “Woman of the Year,” a
title she truly deserved. She was a lady with a very
When the Heritage Museum in Joliet was established, quite manner and many outstanding qualities. Her
Tillie donated antique items and clothing that belonged contributions to Branch 103 were numerous and her
to her mother. This interest in heritage led her to friendship will be treasured by those that knew her
complete the Ausich Family History, a huge well. Tillie’s life was one, well-lived. She will be
undertaking, as well as participating in the SWUA tour remembered by many.
of Slovenia in 2001, along with her traveling partner
– by Irene M. Odorizzi, Branch 103 and
Nika Kovacic of Branch 108. A highlight of the trip
Nika B. Kovacic, Branch 108
was traveling to Podsreda, where her grandmother and

Work” and his piano music composition is titled “Tears for
Junior.” Congratulations to Daniel on all his
accomplishments and for helping to coordinate a coat drive
at his school to help the less fortunate in Frederick, MD.
A warm welcome is extended to three new SUA
members; all members of the Konchar family. Frank
Konchar signed up his two teenage daughters, Noelle and
Natalie, of Etters, PA, for junior memberships, and his

March/April 2013

father, Frank, from Ashville, NC, has gifted an adult
membership to his daughter, Katie, in St. Louis, MO. Lynn
Koiner and I enjoyed meeting Frank and Frank Konchar,
the father-son duo who attended the National Convention
in June, 2011. Through correspondence, I encouraged both
Frank’s to sign up their family members, and I’m delighted
that they have taken the step to pass on the legacy of our
Slovenian heritage with gift memberships for their children.
31

Kris Kringle parade:
Pictured are May Kokal, her grandson Daniel, and her daughter Lisa Kokal

Branch 108 will be celebrating their 10th anniversary at
the end of the year; members, friends and guests are invited
to attend meetings to help plan for this special occasion.
Vesele velikono~ne praznike in veliko pirhov!
BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS
BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities (TC) of Minnesota
National and international economic issues, carried over
from 2012, ushered in the new year in Slovenia and the
United States. Pension cuts, EU budget demands, along
with leadership questions, have clouded Slovenia’s
traditional optimistic attitude. However, at the state and
regional levels the TC Slovenians ushered in 2013 with a
hopeful outlook.
At our 8th anniversary dinner held at the Venetian Inn on
January 20, President John Zakelj briefly summarized our
accomplishments from 2012 and asked for a renewed spirit
of volunteerism from the TC members. Norm Setnicker
reported on the progress of the SUA’s non-profit status as
well as an update of the officers for 2013. John Zakelj will
continue as president; Bob Grahek, vice president; Mary
Ann Setnicker, treasurer; and Liz Miller, recording
secretary.
Jean Rolsted, our corresponding secretary, and Karl
Grahek, our membership chairperson, are undergoing
32

cancer treatments and their duties are being shared by
other members. Please keep them in your prayers during
this difficult period.
Our first language lesson in 2013 centered on Slovenian
children’s books. Tea Rozman and her 4½ year old
daughter, Isabella, shared a dozen Slovenian children’s
books with the class. Tea centered her presentation around
one of Slovenia’s most celebrated illustrators, Lila Prap,
and the book entitled “Moj Ocka.” One of the highlights
during the session was Isabella reading parts of the book
in Slovenian and being able to translate into English. Tea
Rozman Clark is a native Slovenian and one of our newest
members. She is currently finishing her PhD at the
University of Minnesota.
Two major challenges face Branch 109 this spring. The
Festival of Nations (May 2-5) exhibit which centers on
“Children, Our Past and Future” promises to test our
creativity. Another challenge will involve a “genealogy
workshop” at our March meeting. It will be chaired by
Charles Podominick, who has been doing genealogy
research in Slovenia for the past few years. This workshop
promises to be a rewarding experience for our members.
Keep smiling “z obdr`anim smehlajem.”
NORM SETNICKER
“Born in USA with Slovenian parts”

Zarja The Dawn

Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia
Add a little Slovenian flare to your Easter this year by creating these beautiful eggs for display and then
turn them into delicious deviled eggs, to be enjoyed by your family at your Easter feast.
Slovenian Colored Eggs (Pictured on front cover)
Foliage and flowers collected from your garden are the secret to
these works of art. To achieve natural colors, select produce based
on your color choice. We used yellow onion skins to create a
brownish color and purple cabbage to create a blue color. (Note:
You can use other fruit and vegetables to create different color
dyes.)
Eggs
Foliage and Flowers
Panty Hose
Purple Cabbage, 1 head, sliced
Yellow Onions, 3 (skin only)
Vinegar
Pot for each color

Brown Color:
Bring 10 cups of water and the skins from 3 yellow onions to a
boil over medium-high heat; let boil for 30 minutes. Reduce heat
to low, then strain and discard onion skins.
Bring colored water back to a gentle boil, then stir in 3 tablespoons
vinegar. Gently lower eggs into the pot and boil for 30 minutes.
Blue Color:
Bring 10 cups of water and 1 head of sliced purple cabbage,
sliced to a boil over medium-high heat; let boil for 30 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, then strain and discard cabbage.
Bring colored water back to a gentle boil, then stir in ¼ cup
vinegar. Gently lower eggs into the pot and boil for 30 minutes.

The process is simple. Position a leaf or flower facedown against
an egg. Wrap the egg in a four-inch square piece of panty hose
and tie the ends with string.

Turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 2 -3 hours, or until desired
color is achieved. Remove eggs and transfer to a carton; let cool.

Slovenian Style (Horseradish) Deviled Eggs
6 hard-boiled eggs
¼ cup mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
½ teaspoon dill weed
¼ teaspoon ground mustard
Dash salt
Dash pepper
Dash paprika

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks, set white aside. In a
bowl mash the yolks, add mayonnaise, horseradish, dill weed, ground
mustard, salt, and pepper; mix well. Spoon mixture into egg whites.
Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until serving.
Makes 1 dozen
Note: For a tangier taste, add more horseradish.

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Grow Our Membership
We are challenging each one of you to find a new member.
Consider giving a gift membership to a friend or relative.
The future depends on our members.

Benefits of Membership
* Receive the bi-monthly magazine Zarja - The Dawn which highlights Slovenia, its rich heritage,
culture, traditions, and recipes, plus more.
* Receive the monthly on-line newsletter The New Neighborhood.
* Participate in local branch activities which promote “Keeping the Slovenian Spirit Alive.”
* Scholarship Opportunities after three years of membership.
* Research both SUA/SWUA’s historical and genealogical resources – the Ivana Project and the
Matti Register; both long-term scanning projects of member documents since 1926.
* Visit SUA’s website with links to numerous Slovenian-American interests.
* Visit SUA’s free Heritage Museum in Joliet, Illinois, with exhibits, library, and merchandise.

*BEST OF ALL*
Connect and network with Slovenian-Americans across the country!