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ZARJA - THE DAWN
NUMBER 6	NOVEMBER-DECEMBER	2003
URADNO GLASILO SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMENS UNION OF AMERICA
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SOCIAL CALENDAR OF OUR BRANCHES
November
1-2 BAKE SALE, Br. 20, Joliet, IL
St. Joseph Church - before all masses
16 PENNY SOCIAL, Br. 2, Chicago, IL St. Stephen Lower Hall, noon
CHRISTMAS PARTIES November
6 CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON, Br. 5, Indianapolis, IN
19 DINNER. Br. 10, Cleveland, OH Kristy’s Restaurant, 200th St.,
Call Steffie (216)451-1876
19 POTLUCK.Br. 32, Euclid, OH, 6p.m.
19	DINNER, Br. 50, Euclid, OH, SND Holmes Ave.
December
2 Br. 14, Euclid, OH, SSH, Recher Ave.,6p.m.
Call Diane (330) 923-4034
3	PARTY, Br. 55, Girard, OH, Little Pepino’s6p.m.
4	PARTY, Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI, Kegel’s Inn, 1 p.m.
6 JUNIOR CHRISTMAS PARTY,
Br. 2, Chicago, IL, noon, St. Stephen Hall
6 ST. NICHOLAS DAY, Br. 93, New York, NY
7 PARTY, Br. 35, Aurora, MN Community Center, 3 p.m.
7 PARTY, Br. 42, Maple Hts., OH, Sterle’s 1:30p.m. Call Marge (330) 464-0696
11	CHRISTMAS LUNCH, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL Jovial Club, 1:30p.m.
Call Theresa or Gladys by Dec. 1
14 ADULT MEMBER PARTY, Br. 2, Chicago, IL St. Stephen Hall, noon Call Jean Hrastar (312) 738-2414
17 ANNUAL LUNCHEON, Br. 54, Warren, OH 1 p.m., Cafe 422
21 DINNER, Br. 20, Joliet, IL, Al’s Steak House, 1 p.m. Call Barb 744-9422 or Sue 725-1726
ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703
NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2003 VOLUME 75
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published Bi-monthly - šestkrat na leto.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $20.00 — naročnina $20.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Periodicals Postage Paid at Joliet, IL and at additional mailing offices All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do 1. v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703 Email: CORLESKOVAR@AOL.COM Telephone: (773) 548-8878 - Facsimile: (773) 268-4899
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
National Officers:
Nov. 9 - Beverly Menart, Nat’l Auditor, Duluth, MN Nov. 11 - Mary Muller, Past Nat'l Pres., Oakbrook, IL
Dec. 29 Marjorie Church, Nat’l Auditor, Macedonia, OH
Presidents:
Nov. 5	-	Genevieve Grilc, Br.	85,	Depue, IL
Nov. 13	-	Josephine Aiuto, Br.	13,	San Fran.,	CA
Nov. 15 - Dolores Hennelly, Br. 95, So. Chicago, IL Nov. 23 - Steffie Segulin, Br. 10, Cleveland, OH
Dec. I	-	Mary Therese Ehnat,	Br.	16, So. Chicago, IL
Dec. 31	-	Josephine Kapla, Br.	81,	Keewatin,	MN
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!
In this Issue:
Suzanna Zupančič-Brathwaite
Web & Graphic designing, Programming and Consulting Oblikovale spletnih strani in grafike, programiranje
Adres/Naslov:	Tel.: + 1(718) 778-8645
482 Montgomery St.. #2F	E-mail:	su2i@stmdesigning.com
Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA	Website:	wvw.stmdesigning com
Located in New York City we can provide lor local, national and worldwide dents
Internet webpage: www.swua.org e-mail: swuhome@msn.com On line newsletter: lzalokar@yahoo.com
On the Cover	1
President’s Message	2
Secretary’s Message	3
Minutes of Board Meeting	4-6
Scholarship Award & News	8-9
Heritage News	11-13
Genealogy News	13
From our Heritage Kitchens	14
Members Write	15
Slovenski otroci in mladina	18
Activities of our Branches	20-32
Cover photos including Nancy’s »all of old photos (story	on page 10) by Denise Bartlett
Bonnie Prokup
Mary Lou Voelk
Mary Lou with Frank, an antiques dealer
ON THE COVER:
Progress, from the ground up!
SIX DAYS
September ll-16th, 2003 will be unforgettable days in my life. I traveled to Joliet to put in some intense working hours. You see, the Museum needed some tender loving care.
For 6 days, which included travel time, we scrubbed, polished, moved furniture and file cabinets, sorted and sorted, and then rearranged. New exhibits were set up. The days were long and exhausting, up to 11:00 p.m. in the evenings, not a minute was wasted.
Not only did the main floor get a face lift, but the basement as well. For us, the result was broken finger nails, bruises, sore aching muscles and loss of sleep. But today I announce that we now have a Museum that looks more like a shining example of what the museum code of ethnics calls for.
And while 1 was disappointed that more volunteers did not come forward, some dedicated people showed up at the door. The S.W.U. will be forever grateful to Daisy Železnikar, Sr. Marlene Ambrose, Dolores Hennelly, Helen Min-nick, Dorothy Surman, Delores Krzysciak, Lillian Bennett, Theresa Burns, Vickie Hodgman. Thanks to Jean Herbst who brought us lunch, and Jo Lustik for the potica and the use of her camera. Special thanks to Vickie Hodgman who bunked us and fed us during our 6 days.
Nancy Henkel	Kathleen	Dorchak-Hall
Madam President Kathy Dorchak and Secretary Bonnie Prokup were with me those 6 days. They both gave of their time, cancelled their personal plans. You must know that your electorate has chosen fine leaders! Thanks also to Betty Ann Kolesari, Vice President and Denise Bartlett, Second Auditor who traveled from Milwaukee. Much elbow grease was used by these two ladies.
Our museum is looking great! I can say I am proud of it. But there is more to do. Records need to be put in order, all artifacts need to be accounted for, other artifacts need to be stored in acid free containers. New exhibits need to be built. To quote Bonnie Prokup, “look what we created in six days, imagine what we could have done in seven!”
In the future, again, I will be asking for volunteers. 1 continue being optimistic. I know there will come a day when people will be seen dancing the polka up and down Chicago Street.
So do come visit and give us your critique. To Illinois branches, please hold an open house here once a year with your members. Branches further away, think about making a weekend visit — the Museum is for everyone.
To je To!
Mary Lou Voelk
Denise Bartlett
J
Betty Ann Kolesari	Theresa	Burns
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2003 II
NATIONAL PRESIDENT Kathleen Dorchak
Our Image Is
Our Success
I also want to remind you all to purchase your Magic Month Calendar for January 2004 that was in the September/ October issue of the ZARJA. The proceeds from this fund raiser go specifically towards our Heritage Museum and Library. They make great gifts and you can also win as the seller.
May each of you gain a special friend this holiday season. In the words of Thomas Hughes, “Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God’s best gifts.”
Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Vesele božične praznike!
Kathleen
When you think about successful companies and businesses I am sure you think of a certain image or logo associated with that business. A very successful company wants to be identifiable by a unique and specific image. This is what 1 envision for our beloved Slovenian Women’s Union of America. We are the image of an organization that brings to life our foremothers and shares our heritage by touching our members and other American-Slovenians. Do you realize what our image is? It’s our signature magazine. The ZARJA; our Heritage Museum; and now our Research Library!
We are doing great things in the process of preserving our heritage. We are a very special organization with very special members. All of you are our image. Don’t you feel it? It's a part of us - each and every day. And additionally, our organization has a beautiful Heritage Museum and Research Library that is available to our members and the Slovenian community across the nation. How special is that? I think this is pretty special and very unique. It is our image.
Let’s capitalize on what belonging to our organization offers to each and every one of us. I hope many of you will consider making plans to visit our Heritage Museum and Library in Joliet, Illinois in the near future to see what we have to offer. The Joliet community has much to offer also in the way of entertainment and family fun which will make your trip worthwhile.
With the holidays approaching I hope all of your branches have special Christmas parties and welcome all your members to attend. Reach out to some of the members you have not seen in a long time and offer to drive them to your meetings. You may also want to call a newer member to make sure she/he is aware of the event. Our organization is all about personal contact. It is so important and so much a part of our image. Let’s all work to make that personal connection. This could be the beginning of a life long friendship.
Mara Chokel and Angela Daley of Br. 103, Washington, D.C. are the perfectly gracious hostesses on this photo taken at the Slovenian Heritage Festival in April. They are both long-time members, attend all functions and are active proponents of our heritage. They worked diligently that day and only stopped for a moment when asked to pose by Irene Odorizzi, a former National Officer, one of the many guests.
Mara also hosted Nat’I. President, Kathy and Editor, Corinne when the 75th Anniversary mass was held at the National Shrine in Washington in 2001. The ladies enjoyed seeing her home, filled with beautiful murals painted by her late husband, the well-known artist, Bogomir Chokel.
Members like Mara and Angela are the best example of our SWUA sisterhood in action!
Lovely Ladies
National Secretary,	263	New	Members!
Bonnie Prohar Prokup:
BE A PART OF IT! THE FUTURE IS NOW -
The Future is Now - Be a Part of It! The Future is Now - Be a Part of It! The Future is Now -Be a Part of It! Keep saying it over and over again, because it’s true! The future is now and what we do will make the difference for what will come. And furthermore, we need you — be a part of it!
Our organization is changing and in a positive direction. We are delivering to our membership and forever trying new programs of interest. What we must remember is that the reason we were founded is not the reason we are existing today. It is quite the opposite. No longer are we trying to make the Slovenian woman American but we are trying to make the American woman more Slovenian! We are trying to hang on to our rich past filled with many heritage treasures. And its not too late!
Help is needed across the board. If you would like to volunteer in any part of our organization, please let me know. Together we can make wonderful things happen.
And wonderful things are happening. Take a look at our membership campaign. We have reached 263 new members. That is outstanding! One of our best years ever and the year is not over! We also had minimal cancellations this year. What we can’t prevent however is the number of deaths that happen each year. Already this year we lost 95 of our dear members.
We also have many celebrations out there as many branches have reached 75 years. And, don’t forget the ZARJA will be celebrating 75 years next year. We plan to have a year long celebration as this is the “glue” that holds us all together.
In addition, our financial problems won’t be so negative as next year our new membership dues will increase to $20.00 per adult member. I know this seems like a lot to many but you must understand it is desperately needed. It costs the SWUA over $15.00 for each member for just the ZARJA, alone, which does not include everything else.
Finally, be sure to read about the new look at the Museum. I was part of the 6-day reorganization and there was lots of work and lots of laughter. We played polkas by Dick Tady (CD) over and over and over again. And the funny thing is I still don’t know all the words. But during those late nights when it was around 11 p.m. and we were still working, I was able to create many new polka dance steps. Have you ever tried the macarena to a polka?
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Bonnie Pohar Prokup Wprokup@aol.com
Membership Update!
It’s hard to believe how successful we have been this year in recruiting new members. And yet it all seems so easy. As of October 1, 2003 we have 263 new members. Can you believe it? Our best year prior to this was 200. And just think... the year is not even over with. As I stated in my letter mailed to all Branch Presidents and Secretaries - RECRUIT - REBUILD! It is working in my own branch. I don’t ever recall a year as good as this one has been for us. Branch 24 of LaSalle, IL has 20 new members and more are expected to roll in. And it’s happening to other branches too. Believe it!
Below are branches that have gone above and beyond the goal lor 2003:
16 South Chicago, Illinois
23 Ely, Minnesota
24 La Salle, Illinois
25 Cleveland, Ohio
26 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 34 Soudan, Minnesota
43 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 47 Garfield Heights, Ohio 50 Euclid, Ohio 54 Warren, Ohio 89 Oglesby, Illinois 100 Fontana, California
102 Willard. Wisconsin
103 Washington, D.C.
And here are branches that have met their goal:
14 Euclid, Ohio 33 Duluth, Minnesota 79 Enumclaw, Washington
99	Lemont, Illinois
And then those close behind:
13 San Francisco, California
20	Joliet, Illinois 38 Chisholm, Minnesota 93 New York City, New York
For those branches not listed - don’t give up! Recruiting new members is very important to the future of our organization. Thank you!
Slovenian Women’s Union National Board Meeting Minutes July 19, 2003 - July 21, 2003
Saturday, July 19, 2003 Call to Order: 10:35 a.m.
Roll Call: President Kathleen Dorchak-Hall, Vice President Betty Ann Kolesari, Secretary Bonnie Prokup, Treasurer Jonita Ruth, First Auditor Beverly Menart, Second Auditor Denise Bartlett. Absent: Third AuditorM. Marjorie Church.
Opening Prayer: President Dorchak-Hall offered the opening prayer.
Nicki Blowers served as the recording secretary for Saturday, July 19, 2003.
The board approved the minutes of the February 2003 National Board Meeting that were published in the May/June issue of ZARJA.
President Dorchak-Hall made opening comments, distributed informational folders, and read a Code of Ethics. The board unanimously agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics as read.
Reimbursement for board meetings was discussed. Discussion ensued regarding this issue especially dealing with housing in member’s homes versus a hotel. It was moved by Vice President Kolesari and seconded by Secretary Prokup that a monetary compensation of $25.00 per night, regardless of the number of people staying in the home, is made to a member who houses a national board member while they stay in Joliet on SWUA business. Motion carried. Reimbursement forms were distributed.
Communication between board members was discussed, especially regarding checking emails. Email must be answered in a timely manner, which, after discussion, was decided a timely manner is within one week. AOL Instant Messenger was discussed as well as fax numbers for members.
A contact list for all National Officers was mailed in advance to the board. President Dorchak asked for corrections, additions or deletions.
The Vision, Mission and Purpose Statements of the SWUA were reviewed and the board approved the Vision, Mission and Purpose statements as written.
The 2003 Survey was reviewed. The board thanked Mary Lou Voelk for her work recapping the survey results. Primary concern of the survey was regarding a dues increase. The survey will serve as a good resource for the development of a strategic plan. The strategic plan will be an ongoing project by the National Board.
The bylaw changes that were approved at the convention must be sent to the Illinois Department of Insurance and will be printed in the September/October issue of the ZARJA.
Job descriptions for each position were mailed in advance to each board member and were discussed for accuracy. These will be changed after the bylaws and minutes are approved. Salaries for each position were discussed. The board decided salaries will remain the same and will revisit all appointed salaries. The salaries for the ZARJA editor and Heritage Director may merit further discussion.
Lynn Zalokar sent information to President Dorchak-Hall regarding Elizabeth Talian James, a woman who is
interested in selling Slovenian items'via direct marketing, in particular, the cookbook. The board agreed to have President Dorchak-Hall contact Ms. James to work out the details. The board agreed to not sell or allow our membership lists to be distributed.
National Vice President’s Report: Vice President Kolesari stated that she is trying to become acclimated and will ask any questions as they arise.
Identical business cards for the board were discussed. Vice President Kolesari will spearhead the printing of these cards for the entire board. She will present different logos for Internet voting and then develop a form for printing requests.
National Secretary’s Report: Secretary Prokup reported the Cookbook Fund must be transferred to pay delegates as well as having a low general fund balance. A motion was made by First Auditor Menart for the Cookbook Fund to pay back the General Fund by the $15,829.00 which purchased the cookbooks. A second motion was made by Secretary Prokup. The motion passed.
Membership campaign was successful. 228 new members have joined since January 1 to June 30, 2003. Secretary Prokup has spearheaded previous membership campaigns. Details were handed out via her formal report. Her suggestions is to continue with the current campaign. The board agreed to “The Future is Now” Part II campaign.
A Financial Statement for January to July 31, 2003 was reviewed.
Delinquent accounts and payment of death benefits for delinquent accounts were discussed as set out by the bylaws.
Membership lists were discussed. The Board agreed that one hard copy of the roster will be mailed to the president and secretary of each branch at the end of August, and if other rosters are requested, the branch will be charged a fee of $5.00 each if a hard copy is requested. A complimentary e-mail copy can be requested at any time.
New members are always listed in the ZARJA and can be accessed by emailing the Secretary Prokup.
National Treasurer’s Report: For the next convention topics to be discussed are bylaws amendments, job decrip-tions for Treasurer, Secretary and length of terms for all National Officers and Appointed Positions. Additional items discussed include setting their own standards rather than rely on the “default" Robert’s Rules of Order.
National Convention Coordinator:	Coordinator
Menart reported the following: No final convention report as she is still paying bills. The convention had 45 voting members. Proceeds for the fund raisers were as follows:
• Quilt Raffle - $710.00
• Silent Auction - $1,049.50
• The profit from the convention is still being tabulated
• The advance of $1,000.00 paid by Branch 33 will be paid back from the Convention Fund
• Convention evaluations were discussed.
The next National Convention will be at Starved Rock National Park, Illinois with excursions that will coordinate with our Slovenian Heritage. Secretary Prokup will be con-
vention coordinator with a collective help from the Illinois branches.
National Auditor’s Report: Auditors Menart and Bartlett reported the Calendar financial report has been handed to the auditors and needs to be reviewed. The auditors will work collectively to ask Secretary Prokup for answers to specific account questions prior to the March 2004 audit. Secretary Prokup reported the Illinois insurance audit mentioned several small ideas for a more accurate accounting system. She plans to refine the books/audit system over the next four years after accessing numerous problems as well as refining our accounting system. The auditors will work on establishing guidelines for audits. Third Auditor Church was not available to attend the meeting however, the board discussed her written report. The auditors would also like to audit the books of the cookbook account after all convention payments have been paid.
Office Manager’s Report: Office Manager Ruth reported that we have a new computer up and running. A new copier has been acquired. The purchase of a fax machine was discussed and it was decided not to purchase one at this time. The board requested having someone cover for her during vacations. The board also discussed her job description.
A discussion ensued regarding the National Board’s position on personnel issues. *** A long discussion ensued regarding a past personnel issue involving a former national officer in March 2002 and the necessity to alleviate potential legal liability that the past Board was burdened with. The newly elected board unanimously embraced an established code of ethics and agrees to maintain the same confidentiality of personnel issues when necessitated as advised by legal counsel. The Board also agrees that we are accountable to our membership while safeguarding any potential legal burden to the SWUA.***
The membership brochures were reevaluated. A discussion ensued regarding having the word “Christian” on the membership application. The word “Christian” will remain off the application. On the application, add full name with middle initial on the name line. Further work will be done on the application later.
Special Projects Director: Second Auditor Bartlett motioned and Vice President Kolesari seconded the appointment of Mary Lou Voelk as Special Project Director and Interim Heritage Director until a permanent Heritage Director is found. The motion carried unanimously.
Secretary Prokup motioned and First Auditor Menart seconded that Special Projects Director Voelk be reimbursed for travel expenses for one trip in the remainder of 2003, and two additional trips in 2004 to the museum in Joliet. The motion carried unanimously.
Heritage Museum: The Board agreed unanimously to proceed with the plan to become a Heritage Foundation. Heritage Director Voelk plans to send thank you notes personally for all Heritage donations. Other ideas for the museum to gain patrons were discussed. Future items to sell at the Heritage Gift Shop were discussed.
Volunteers are desperately needed at the museum and Heritage Director Voelk has lists of jobs that need to be done. Ideas of how to get volunteers into the museum were discussed.
The Board reviewed and made changes to a Gift/Deed Remembrance Card proposed by Director Voelk.
President Dorchak-Hall offered the closing prayer. Meeting adjourned for the day at 9:33 p.m.
Submitted by Nicki Blowers, July 19, 2003
Sunday, July 20, 2003 Call to Order: 10:00 a.m.
Roll Call: President Dorchak-Hall, Vice President Kolesari, Secretary Prokup, Treasurer Ruth, First Auditor Menart, Second Auditor Bartlett and Third Auditor (1999— 2003) Fran Morison. Absent: Third Auditor Church.
Opening Prayer: Treasurer Ruth offered the opening prayer.
Secretary Prokup served as the recording secretary for Sunday, July 20, 2003.
Home Office Duties:
• The Board recognizes the need for the Museum to be open on weekends.
• Any salary increases will be tabled to a later date.
• Office Manager Ruth shared a copy of her job duties.
• She also mentioned Branch #20’s 75th Anniversary during the 1st weekend in October. She would like all of us to be in attendance. She advised that our Museum will be open on Sunday. A suggestion was made by Secretary Prokup to have a Welcome Reception on Saturday, October
4.	The Board approved unanimously.
• The board also discussed the possibility of having a Notary Public on the premises for the future.
ZARJA Editor: A motion was made by Second Auditor Bartlett and seconded by Vice President Kolesari to approve Corinne Leskovar as the ZARJA Editor until a future editor can be found. The motion passed. Discussion ensued for a “Birthday Celebration” for the ZARJA’s 75th year in 2004.
Membership Director: A Membership Director will be appointed at a later date.
On-Line Newsletter: A motion was made by Vice President Kolesari and seconded by Treasurer Ruth to approve Lynn Zalokar as the On-Line Newsletter editor. The motion passed.
Budget: Vice President Kolesari motioned to approve the proposed 2003 budget, to include a Major Fund Raiser. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Ruth and approved by all.
Board of Directors Resolution: A motion was made by Vice President Kolesari to reinvest the maturing investments, as recommended by.SWUA Financial Advisor, William Prokup. It was seconded by Treasurer Ruth and was approved by all.
Scholarship Director: A motion was made by First Auditor Menart to approve Mary Turvey as Scholarship Director. Second motion was made by Treasurer Ruth and approved.
Webmaster: Second Auditor Bartlett motioned to approve Linda Ford as our Webmaster. First Auditor Menart seconded the motion and the motion passed.
A suggestion to sell Heritage items on the website via “Paypal” was reviewed. First Auditor Menart offered to assist in the handling of this process. President Dorchak-Hall
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2003 /5
and First Auditor Menart will work with Webmaster Ford on this project. The board suggested that pictures of the items be made with a digital camera and forwarded to the webmaster for insertion to our web site.
Fundraiser - Creation of Little Booklets: Second Auditor Bartlett will contact committee members from the National Convention to determine if they are interested to serve on this committee. She will then get back to the Board. All agreed this is an excellent idea.
Spiritual Director: A motion was made by Second Auditor Bartlett and seconded by Secretary Prokup for the Board to seek a Spiritual advisor. The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Monday, July 21, 2003
Call to Order: 8:30 a.m. with an opening prayer from President Dorchak-Hall.
Roll Call: President Dorchak-Hall, Secretary Prokup, Treasurer Ruth, First Auditor Menart, Second Auditor Bartlett. Absent: Vice President Kolesari, Third Auditor Church.
Secretary Prokup served as the recording secretarty for Monday, July 21, 2003.
Advertising: The board agreed to accept the price structure as previously advertised in the ZARJA.
New Business: At the National Convention, a suggestion for the need of the National Secretary to have a copier was discussed. Second Auditor Bartlett graciously presented Secretary Prokup with a check for S200.00 towards the purchase of a copier for the National Secretary. This donation is in honor of her Grandmother, Gertrude Delopst, first President of Branch #43 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - established in 1930.
Pat Figurowski, member of Branch 20 came to the board meeting and discussed outcome of the Magic Month Calendar Raffle for 2003 as well as the Calendar Raffle for 2004.
Branch 24 in La Salle, Illinois will also be celebrating their 75th Anniversary in October. All board members are encouraged to attend.
Future meetings may be Focus Meetings to include appointed National Officers and possibly other members that are very active for the SWUA. These meetings will be determined as needed at a later date.
The Board members reviewed the responsibilities of their projects before the conclusion of the meeting. Secretary Prokup motioned to end the meeting. First Auditor Menart seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
President Dorchak-Hall closed the meeting with a prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
Submitted by Bonnie Prokup July 21, 2003
REPORT OF THE MINNESOTA REGIONAL CONVENTION
On Sunday, September 14th, the Minnesota branches again traveled to Duluth to attend our regional convention.
The format of the Convention was changed slightly this year with the mass being held at 9 o’clock in St. Elizabeth’s Church. After the mass we went down to the church social hall for coffee and rolls and the meeting.
After the reading of the minutes of our last convention and the treasurer’s report, a brief discussion folllowed regarding some of the changes that were made at the National Convention. Beverly Menart also gave a run down of the income Branch 33 received from the silent auction and the quilt raffle, which helped them meet all of their convention expenses. We all agreed that it was a very successful National Convention.
Anita Vovk spoke on the “Slovenian Travel Award” which the SWUA is sponsoring. She read a letter from Renee Flyter, telling of her experiences on the Slovenian trip. Anita urged us to invite any of our young members (18 to 26 years) to apply for this wonderful trip. (Too bad they aren’t offering it for Sr. Citizens!)
The highlight of the convention was the election of the new Regional Officers. Since I have already served for 2 terms, I was not able to accept the office of President again. It was with gratitude and much pride that we were able to get 2 young and capable girls to fill the vacant offices. Lisa Donnell of Branch 33 in Duluth graciously accepted the office of President. She is the daughter of Beverly Menart and was one of the directors of Camp Heritage during the National Convention. Rosemary Donald, who is now serving as the secretary of Branch 33 in Duluth has accepted the Regional Secretary Office. Jean Korsman, of Branch 39 in Biwabik has agreed to remain in the office of Vice President. 1 want to thank these girls for stepping forward and accepting these offices.
There were 68 members present.
A roll call was taken of the branches present: Branch #23, Ely 19; Branch #33, Duluth 21; Branch #34, Tower 7; Branch #35, Aurora 6; Branch #38, Chisholm 4; Branch #39, Biwabik 11.
Before adjourning, a collection was taken and $95.00 will be sent to the ZARJA Fund from the Minnesota Branches.
The business portion was adjourned and we traveled to the Blackwoods Restaurant in Proctor for a delicious buffet banquet. At that time Beverly Menart conducted the installation of the new officers. The drawings for the cash prizes were held, and many other prizes were won by the members in attendance.
Tower-Soudan, Br. 34, will host our next year’s Regional Convention.
It is with mixed emotion that I end my eight years as Minnesota Regional President. I enjoyed working with the branch officers and members, both regionally and nationally, but it is time to turn the office over to a young and capable new president.
Charlotte Launch,
MN Regional President
New Executive Board of SWUA
A h
Beverly
Denise
Beverly Menart
First National Auditor
I was bom in Farmington, MN and lived in Hampton, MN until the age of thirteen when we moved to Duluth where I have lived ever since. I graduated from Hermantown High School and later I attended beauty school, business school and took a correspondence course in accounting from the U of M. I worked at a women’s high end fashion store, The Magnolia Shoppe, for twenty-nine years in various capacities from seamstress to bookkeeper and everything in between.
My husband and I will be married forty-six years in November. We have two sons, Mark and Neal and one daughter, Lisa McDonell, and have four grandchildren: Anthony, Andrew, Paige and Abbygail.
My hobbies include reading, knitting, crocheting, counted cross stitching, Brazilian embroidery and sewing. I have been a seamstress for years, but my first love is quilting. In my spare time, 1 volunteer at St. Mary’s/Duluth Clinic making clown hand puppets for the ER and pediatrics unit. I also am a member of the American Sewing Guild and make teddy bears for Gold Cross Ambulance for children, and we also make Comfort caps for chemo patients.
I am pleased to again be on the Board of Directors as First Auditor and will continue to work for the success and growth of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America.
Marge
Denise Paula Bartlett
Second National Auditor
Newly elected 2nd auditor, Denise Paula Bartlett, is a proud member of Branch 43 in Milwaukee, WI. Her paternal grandmother, Gertrude Globočnik Delopst, served as Branch 43’s first President. Since Denise retired in May 2001 she has become quite active in Branch activities. Denise worked for over 28 years as Police Matron/Officer with the Milwaukee Police Department. She has 2 sons and 4 stepdaughters.
Denise and husband. Bob, have 12 grandchildren living in 3 countries. Her interests include extensive traveling (including 3 trips to Slovenia), visiting and babysitting grandchildren, reading, collectibles and playing her favorite card game of blackjack. Her husband insists that she add shopping, rummaging and talking on the telephone to her list. She is particularly proud that she graduated with academic honors from the University of Wisconsin-Mil-waukee with a B.S. in Criminal Justice at age 50. Denise says she has an insatiable appetite for knowledge. She has always been very involved in several organizations (Police Union, Boy Scouts, High School reunions, Childbirth Education, etc.) in which she held various offices.
Denise thrives on keeping busy and often complains that there aren’t enough hours in a day. Referring to herself as “56 years young”, she is excited to channel her energy toward furthering the accomplishments of the
S.W.U.A. at this stage of her life. Her husband is very supportive and is offer-
ing to become involved with her efforts, too.
Denise is also looking forward to working with her first cousin, Betty Ann Kolesari, S.W.U.A.’s newly elected Vice President. Denise says Grandma Delopst would be so proud!
Marjorie Yemec Church
Third National Auditor
Originally from Maple Heights, Ohio, Marge is currently living in Macedonia, Ohio. She is a graduate of the University of Dayton, Ohio and presently employed by an international company as administrative assistant to the Vice President of Operations.
Member of Branch 42 Maple Heights, Ohio for 20 years Marge held office for 17 years as secretary-trea-surer. Active on a national level as auditor in 1995-96, National Vice President from 1999 to 2003, and currently serving a term as an auditor.
She served on the SWU Scholarship Committee for 8 years, followed by service as interim Scholarship Director until a permanent director was selected by the National Board, which position is now being held by Mary Turvey.
“Being a member of the Board has introduced me to new friends and 1 can’t tell you how enjoyable that has been. My sincere wish is that more members become interested in serving on the Board as it is most rewarding. Zbogom!”
New Minnesota State President
Lisa McDonell is the new president of Minnesota, elected at the recent State Convention in Duluth. Lisa was the Camp Heritage Director at our National Convention in Duluth a,nd has a special interest in the junior membership and heritage.
Her mother, Beverly Menart introduced Lisa to the SWUA many years ago; the members know she will become involved in many new activities. She is also a member of the SWUA Scholarship Committee.
She can be reached at: 406 West House St., Duluth, MN 55808, tel: (218) 626-3630, email: lmcdonell3630@msn.com.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2003 /7
New! SWUA Slovenia Travel Award
The SWUA announces an award to send two young adults to Slovenia for a two week tour in July 2004. This tour is hosted by the University of Ljubljana Student Organization. This program provides guided tours to many-of the tourist attractions, cultural events and informal language classes. Following is a summary of the guidelines and application process:
1.) Applicants must be 18-26 years of age ( 18 by December. 31, 2003 )
- have held a membership (paid-up) for the past 3 years
2.) Applicants must write an essay of 100 words or more (double-spaced)
- tell why applicant wishes to receive the Travel Award, how will this experience help them to generate new members into the SWUA. and how will they use this experience to promote the Slovenian heritage
3.) Must include a resume
- include applicant's heritage background and photo
4.) A recommendation by their branch officer must be included.
5.) Within two (2) months of return, winners will submit
- an article which will appear in the "Zarja" and a photo or two from the tour
The SWUA Travel Award will cover cost of airfare and $xx dollars for incidentals.
Applications are to be mailed to: Mary Turvey, Scholarship Director 52 Oakridge Dr. Marquette, Michigan, 49855 ** All applications must be received by December 1, 2003
For more information on the SWUA Travel Award, contact:
Anita Vovk 719 Knuti Dr.
Aurora. MN 55705-1212 Phone: (218) 229-3202 amv@cpinternet.com
Kathleen Wheeler 16917 Marlborough Circle Minnetonka, MN 55345 Phone: (952) 935-7441 Cell: (612) 803-9416 kwheeler@compassinail.com
Lisa Ochsendorf 6096 145th St. N.
Hugo. MN 55038 Phone: (651) 653-5215 lfo 1968@hotmail.com
We are anxious for our members to take part in this offer and wish each one
GOOD LUCK!!!
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NEWS
Meet Jenny Elizabeth Lockard one of five college freshmen to receive a 2003-2004 SWU Scholarship. Jenny is a member of Branch 42, and the daughter of Fred and Karen Loc-khard of Hudson, Ohio. Jenny is the recipient of the Frances Barman Award.
“My Heritage and Culture”
I am very interested in family history because, in the words of Loretto Szucs, editor of Ancestry Magazine, “a family is many generations woven together.” So, I try to put together the pieces of lives that ended before I was born in order to have a more complete picture of my family. Through questioning my mother (Karen Gruden Lockard) and grandmother (Josie Perko Gruden), and writing biographies of my grandmother and great grandmother, I gained a better idea of what life was like for them. Although I’ve never met either of my great grandparents (Frank and Angela Vidic Perko and Louis and Mary Kranjc Gruden), I feel a sense of closeness to them through stories, letters and photographs. I have visited the Perko house on Miller Avenue in Maple Heights, Ohio many times and imagined what life was like there. Stories of my great grandparents are my link to “the old country” and the traditions they passed down to their children will always be my connection to my Slovenian heritage.
SCHOLARSHIPS for 2004-2005. High school seniors and adults returning to college or technical school for additional classes, please do not hesitate to apply for one of our awards. The SWU Scholarship Committee wants to help deserving students financially.
Young adults 18 to 26 years of age, please read in ZARJA about the new SWU Travel Award, a two week trip to Slovenia July 2004. Anita Vovk is chairman of this project and can be reached at amv@cpintemet.com
An urgent message to Branch Secretaries who have not responded to letters that were written to you early this fall. PLEASE return the letter sent to you requesting addresses of scholarship winners from your branch who are no longer members.
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS (August and September 2003)
$5.00 donation: BeBe Lobe (tJames Icenhour)
$10.00 donations:	William Slogar (tJean
Polyner), Nancy A. Mramor - Scholarship donation, Branch47, BedfordHts., OH (tTheresa A. Zupančič)
$25.00 donation: Corinne Leskovar (tRobert J. Dicke)
$100.00 donation: Robert J. and Mardel Fischer (tMargaret G. Fischer and Robert E. Fischer)
History of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America Scholarship Program
(Continued from the last edition of ZARJA)
Scholarship Founder Marie Prisland served as Director from 1949 to 1965, Hermine Prisland Dicke, Director 1965— 1991, Carita Ancel Girman, Director 1991-1995, Marjorie Yemec Church, Interim Director 1995-1996 and Mary Fischer Turvey, Director from 1996 to the present.
The vision of a long time member, a woman who devoted her life to education, Miss Anna Rose Smolich, brought the Scholarship Program a new, rewarding path. A member of Branch 35, Aurora, Minnesota, Miss Smolich died in 1997 and at that time named the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program as a beneficiary of a $5,000 gift on condition that the Scholarship Program was tax exempt. During a very difficult process with objections by some, the Slovenian Women’s Union Foundation was finally formed as a corporation in December 1998 and was federally approved as a 50c(3) in April 1999. We are truly appreciative of Anna Rose Smolich’s perspective of our needs in order to survive for years to come.
During the 1999 SWU National Convention Scholarship bylaws were changed so that more than one member of a family can now receive a SWU Scholarship. Also approved was a bylaw change so that more than one member of a branch could receive an award in a given year.
One of the most exciting times for me as the SWU Scholarship Director is when I received a letter dated April 7, 2000 from Frank J. Vidergar, President of the Slovene Rest Home Association advising that our scholarship program was going to receive a gift of $100,000 to be used for undergraduate, college, and post graduate, vocational and trade school scholarships in our program. I called Marge Church, Vice President of the SWU Scholarship Foundation that day and she was absolutely speechless! Rosemary Mlakar, a member of the Slovene Rest Home Association Board of Directors, was instrumental in obtaining this large gift for us. Her work will assure that the SWU Scholarship Foundation will be distributing scholarships for years to come. Anna Smolich and Rosemary Mlakar, along with many generous donors have given the SWU Scholarship Program a bright future.
Wishing each of our Zveza members a very Blessed, Merry Christmas!
Mary Turvey, Director 52 Oakridge Drive, Marquette, Michigan 49855
mturvey@aol.com
t Robert J. Dicke 1912-2003
Robert J. Dicke of Madison, Wisconsin passed away on September 19,
2003.	Bob received his Ph.D. in biochemical entomology at the University of Wisconsin in 1943 and during WWII served as a Naval Lieutenant in Trinidad where he worked to control malaria. He was a beloved teacher and researcher at the University of Wisconsin Entomology Department for many years.
Bob has done a great deal of work for the Slovenian Women's Union. He was constantly on call as a proof reader for his mother in law, Marie Prisland with work on her book “From Slovenia to America" and later did much of the proof reading and layout work for “Pots and Pans,” a cook book that his wife, Hermine Prisland Dicke authored. Bob was the sampler and evaluator for every recipe that Hermine tested and attended many SWU functions.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Hermine, and four caring children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who have made these past years so enjoyable for him.
The Dickes on their wedding day
Dear Friends of SWU,
I’d like to thank you so much for all the cards and letters that you've been sending me. Bob was a wonderful man and husband and 1 miss him terribly. Your prayers and good wishes mean so much to me.
1 send you all my love,
Hermine
London Lodge W9095 London Road Cambridge, Wis. 53523
In Loving Memory
Slovenian Women’s Union has lost one of its greatest friends, Robert J. Dicke, husband of Hermine, loving father and grandfather. Robert was laid to rest on September 22nd, 2003. The above photo was taken at the Dicke’s 60th Wedding Anniversary several years ago.
Bob was a professor of entomology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where they lived all their married life. At that time, Hermine was a registered nurse, but during her marriage became a full time homemaker for Bob and their four children.
Cooking and baking was always her prime talent, so it was natural that as time went on, she succeeded in following her mother, Marie Prisland’s footsteps in editing an SWUA Cookbook, Anally focusing on the well known Pots & Pans cookbook that followed her popular cooking column in ZARJA, entitled Pots, Pans and Pastimes. Through the years, Bob became her chief “taster” of all the delicious specialties baked in their home. Ultimately, she sought and received his comments and approval of the recipes she published for our members.
Besides his ability to be a good taster, Bob was handsome and affable, and a gentleman of highest intelligence. To be a guest in their lovely home was always a pleasant experience. During his later years of fragile health, Hermine and the children never left his side and helped him continue to enjoy all the greatest delights of his life, such as visits to his beloved central Wisconsin farm.
Our sincere condolences to those nearest to his heart. He is leaving them a legacy of love.
C.L.
Introduction to “The Cabin”
By Robert J. Dicke
M«
Lemories are either good or bad; there are no inspired memories. They either bring a glow of happiness or a shadow of sadness. Neither of these kinds of memories can be altered any more than we can relive and change a day or even a single moment of that day. Since all memories are immutable, the bad are best forgotten because their recall serves no good purpose. The prudent do not retain these liabilities; certainly the wise do not dwell upon them. But the good memories are those human assets that continue to warm and brighten our souls. We should hoard and treasure them; but we should share and recount them often.
Mary Lou Voelk - Director of Special Projects
New Exhibits at Slovenian Heritage Museum
BLACK DAMP” BY STEVE STOUT
A new exhibit at the S.W.U. Heritage Museum memorializes the Cherry Mine Coal disaster that occurred November 13, 1909. Cherry is a small town in northern Illinois. As one looks upon the black and white photos, the coal pail filled and lumps of black, and the lantern, one shudders at what the working conditions were like almost
100	years ago. 259 men and boys were never saved despite great deeds of heroism by rescue teams.
A hand-out of the Cherry Mine Disaster is also available at the museum. More information can be found on the internet. Just key in the words “Cherry Mine Disaster” or log onto: http://www.kentlaw.edu/ilhs/cherrymi.htm.
*****
A film crew from Slovenia came to Joliet area in October. They filmed at the cemetery where many of those miners of Slovenian descent are buried.
*****
The following activities and research projects on this event have been issued for students as Things To Do.
The town of Cherry (just a few minutes north of Interstate 80 on 111. 13 at the Peru exit) is well worth a visit. In the town library is a very interesting exhibit of old mining tools and pictures relating to the disaster. The Cherry Public Library is open Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The telephone number is (815) 894-2919. (Bear in mind that Cherry is a very small town.) Then, ask your way to the cemetery where there is a very impressive monument to the victims. It was erected by the United Mine Workers of America.
A good class project: look up the Chicago newspaper treatment of the Cherry Disaster. Students could work on specialized reports: rescue efforts, relief efforts, ethnic composition of the Cherry miners, child workers in the mines, political response, and legislative consequences and editorial and people response to the disaster.
There is a statue of a miner who has returned safely from a day in the mine, and is embracing a child. That statue is in a Chicago park on the West Side. Who can find it? Is there a story behind the statue? Can a student take a picture and bring it to class? Clue: Ask your alderman to have the Chicago Municipal Library search their records for background on the statue. It is in Humboldt Park, and was badly deteriorated by weather and graffiti, when last we looked.
Other Sources:
The Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration presents Eight Days In A Burning Mine. This remarkable narrative gives the experiences of a man who, with nineteen others, was imprisoned in the bowels of the burning mine for eight days and lived to tell the tale. Driven away from the shaft by flame and smoke, the little band found the deadly “black-damp” closing in about them and retreated to the farther recesses of the workings.
FAMILY
HERITAGE PHOTO GALLERY
By Nancy Henkel
The Family Photo Gallery at our SWU Heritage Museum in Joliet is underway. One entire wall is dedicated to this new exhibit. Numerous old photos depicting early Slovenian life are a way of telling their stories. It is a wonderful variety and each one is unique. Many wedding photos show the lovely couples on their special day, some are even double weddings. There are wedding photos that date back to the 1890's but many are in the early 1900’s. Also shown are early Slovenian Picnics, Farm Life, men in army uniforms, and restaurants and taverns owned by Slovenians.
Mr. Donald Kambic of San Diego donated about thirty very old photos of northern Slovenian Californians. Also included are naturalization papers, applications for lodge memberships from the 1900’s, marriage licenses and Ellis Island information about his family. A favorite photo is a Napa Valley Farm family on their front porch. Mr. Kambic is an author of a marvelous book on the Slovenes of Northern California. He has donated a copy to our SWU Library. Thank you so much, Donald! It is a wonderful book and if anyone is interested in purchasing a copy for $10.00 let us know. We recommend it.
Marilyn and Flossie Argubright of Branch #89 Oglesby have given many photos of their parent’s families, the Le-gans and the Gerdens. Some family life photos of early years are from Slovenia.
The Supan (Zupančič) and Kemtz (Kmc) family’s display spans from the time of their early 1900’s weddings, life with their children, and 50th wedding anniversaris. Nancy Supan Henkel, Branch #89, donated these photos of her grandparents.
Slovenian iron miners from Chisholm, Minnesota show their determination, laughter, pride and hard work on their beautiful faces as they look down on us from our wall of heritage. Their images are unforgettable.
With great pride we encourage you all to come to the SWU Heritage Museum and enjoy these wonderful families. Each one tells their own story. We would like you to have your family represented here too.
Family names featured are:
Judnic	Ancel	Bolinar Bajuk	Gregovich
Sukle	Radovich	Vidmar	Matjašič Kemz
Kukar	Kristta	Fox	Kochevar Supan
Troya	Pause	Kambic Legan	Kramarich
Butala	Vlasovich	Cesar	Gerden
Golobic Urbančič Ogulin		Novak	
Christmas comes every year!
Not a Christmas season passes without memories of setting up the creche under Grandpa Perovshek’s Christmas tree. There were about 25 sheep, with real wool bodies; the Holy Family, Wise Men and the animals, all made from wax. I remember placing each sheep so carefully around the crib. Of course one sheep would fall and then we have all heard of the domino affect?
So when Corinne Leskovar pointed out the book Jaslice (The Christmas Creche) by Father Leopold A. Grčar, OFM in our library I poured into it. The pictures are beautiful, and with the aid of a Slovenian dictionary I was able to decipher some words of explanation. You see, this big book is written entirely in Slovenian. From this book, the Slovenija magazine and internet searches I now give you some history of the “painted creche” as Slovenians call any picture of the Nativity. The following are examples of the historical development of the creche with the Slovenian people:
An image of the Christmas creche appears on the seal of the Gornji Grad Benedictine Monastery from the 13th century. A document from 1242 mentioning the seal has been preserved. The image shows the Child swaddled and lying in a basket with Mary praying with crossed arms. An ox and donkey are turned toward the Child.
Another depiction of a “painted creche” is the fresco in Vrdenec. About 1300, an artist depicted the Child swathed in diapers and lying in a Gothic chalice symbolizing the Eucharist. At the church of Sv. Janez in Spodnja Muta the Child rests in the creche and represents the bread on the altar. In both of these scenes, Mary lies beside the Child.
The frescos of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries show the arival of the Wise Men. A Gothic fresco at Sv. Miklavž nad Cadramon shows the magnificent royal procession. Perhaps the most beautiful “painted creche” is the Adoration of the Magi in Mace, dated 1467.
Throughout this historical development we find creches of many types. Approaching the current day creche is the Gothic wing altars, literally a cabinet with wings on each side. The nativity is either painted or is a relief in the cabinet. The stable, shepherds and wise men are depicted on the wings. Other styles include the “cupboard-style”, a creche arranged in a glass display case. Others were of paper, wax, clay, wood and those with moving figures placed in moss. The “stage creche” is flat with sawed and painted figures and scenery with a proscenium (stage)
The Slovenian countryside boomed of creativity in making creche figures during the 18th and 19th centuries. The 19th century preserved excellent examples of folk art. Recognized artists joined in the creation of creches, using cardboard. It was only necessary to cut them out and glue them to a sharpened wooden stick and fix them into moss. Traditional biblical figures were dressed in traditional local clothing and placed in a realistic landscape.
The end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century creches gave way to wood or plaster statues.
Purchase creche figures that are inexpensive. Use as they are, or repaint the figures in brilliant colors using craft paints. A “cabinet creche” with wings can be made out of a small box, such as a shoe box. “Wings” can be cut from the sides. The top of the box can be raised and held up with twigs. The inner and outer surfaces can be painted or covered with moss (using glue) and the painted figures placed in the creche. Find a place of prominence in your home: God’s Comer. Most important is the joy of family activity.
Today, erecting a creche continues to be a widespread custom in Slovenia. The most interesting are the “living creches” that are arranged in natural surroundings. Of special interest is the traditional “living creche” in Postojna Cave, one of the world’s largest karst caves, where the figures are arrayed amonbg the world-famous stalactites and stalagmites.
The most common place to set up a creche is a comer of the main room, in Slovenian called “bogkov kot” or “God’s comer”. During Advent the scene is prepared, the landscape is covered with moss and the figures are put in place.
For those of Slovenian heritage, making a “bogkov kot” can be a wonderful family activity. Just follow these simple instructions. Most of all enjoy the each other, and may you and your family have a blessed Christmas season.
To je to!
Mary Lou
Make a creche or a God’s Corner
“God’s Corner” - BOGOV KOT -
In Slovenian homes, Bogov Kot was a corner shelf in the main room such as is depicted on the photo above. (Artist, Mimi Ražman Bucik)
SO YOU WANT TO LEARN SLOVENIAN!
By: John Leskovec
Let’s be very candid: Learning Slovenian will be a long, difficult job! Slovenian is one of the most complicated languages. Are you familiar with conjugating verbs in Latin, Spanish, or other languages? Well, Slovenian also conjugates nouns, adjectives, adverbs, everything! One of the conjugations, Genitive, has no counterpart in English. In addition, sentence construction is unlike anything you’ve ever worked with. Some of you, having known Slovenian as a child, may be able to pick it up more easily.
Still interested? Finding the right materials can be difficult. You can’t judge a books or tape’s value until you've tried them, and by then, you have spent your money. So try to buy what you think will be good for your method of learning from someone like Amazon. They have a liberal return policy.
The best overall list of Slovenian learning materials is available from Schoenhofs (www.schoenhofs.com). They’re'a big university bookstore near Harvard, in Cambridge, Mass. But try to get their complete catalog which lists many more books than the three listed on their internet page.
On their web page you’ll find, among others:
GOBETZ, M
Slovenian Language Manual (Slovenian Research Center)
1976 paperback. 333pp. 1SBN:X11671 $24.95
This is a good one if you have time to take a very painstaking route. You’ll learn all about the grammar but you’ll have to be very regular and persistent in your studies. This is the one used in the Adult Education Program at Euclid High School, near Cleveland, Ohio. Even with a teacher, it takes a long time. Another that may be available is:
Zakaj ne po slovensko?
Book and 4 cassettes, by Jože Toporošič $89.95
This would be too difficult for a beginner, but once you’ve learned all the declensions, and future and past tense, it would be very helpful. It consists of a thin story line with several Slovenian actors. You hear conversational Slovenian in several voices as they go to work, take the train, go to the theater and restaurants; they get sick, visit relatives, go on vacation, etc. This one is best for someone who knows some “kitchen Slovenian” from their childhood or from hanging around the Slovenian Workmen’s Hall. The stories and the tapes move you along very quickly.
From Amazon (www.amazon.com), you can order:
Colloquial Slovene: (A Complete Language Course by Andrea Albretti List Price: $45.00, Amazon Price: $38.25 You Save: $6.75 (15%)
Availability: This title usually ships within 2-3 days. Paperback Bk & cassette edition (December 1995) Routledge; ISBN: 0415089484
Several people have told me they like this one for learning phrases quickly, especially if you have some grounding in Slovenian. And it has cassettes.
Continued on page 20
\o9V
Gene®
Dear Slovenian Genealogists:
Have you wondered if Slovenians are trying to find relatives in America? We may find out before long. A bus filled with Slovenian Baraga pilgrims came to Marquette several weeks ago. I wanted badly to tell them that I am one of them, a Slovenian too, but regrettably was unable to communciate except with those who spoke English. I showed them the “Ask Tončka” column, and asked them to send in requests. I also passed out copies of ZARJA to several on the bus.
Some years back, dr. Peter Pavel Klasinc wrote an article entitled “Family and Personal Fonds in Slovenia Archives.” In this report he stated that papers have been collected by individuals relating to families dated as early as the 1500’s. Since WWII these collections are now organized in various Archives of Slovenia. Some have great historical or genealogical value but others may hold information on a business, land, letters, etc. that pertain to one person or small group of people with a common surname.
Personal Fonds are those of often well-known individuals with specific first names and surnames. To learn more about this subject go the following website which lists the fonds of the Archives of Maribor http://www.pokarh-mb.si and from there find fonds listed on the Ljubljana Archives website. There are many more names than those listed. You can email me at home for a larger listing of fonds from the Klasinc article, or contact Peter Hawlina, Lipica 7, 4220 Škofja Loka, Slovenia or at srd@guest.arnes.si Peter Hawlina, President of the Slovensko rodoslovno društvo has offered to try locate these fonds for you if you are interested. There will be a research fee of $25 per hour plus costs. Some familiar surnames that are listed are: Azman, Fon, Kalan, Leskovec, Novak, Marcun, Perko, Petrie, Potochnik, Ravnikar, Richter, Rupar, Sturm, Vidmar, and many more.
May this wonderful time of year bring each of you happy hours spent with family and friends!
Tončka mturvey@aoI.com 52 Oakridge Drive, Marquette, Michigan 49855
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY GENEALOGY?
To get a Genealogical Workup sheet that will help you as an easy biographical guideline send your request, with $6, to:
Mary Turvey, 52 Oakridge Dr., Marquette, Ml 49855
Also, you can find it on our website, WWWSWUA.ORG Everyone’s doing it! Make your Family Tree!
The New Neighborhood Online Comments
by Lynn Zalokar
So many interesting subjects come into view online! In Neighborhood Newsletter someone asked: What do Slovenians look like from outside? Are they really SO FRIENDLY?
Another intriguing thought:
Read more on the www.bookcrossing.com website. About 100 in Slovenia are participating. Want to see what "native” Slovenian are reading?
And, how about the lady who wants to locate a source, preferably a supplier in the USA for pear brandy from Pleterje in Slovenia - a brandy bottle that has a pear growing inside?
From Our Slovenian Kitchens
Sharing their heritage with us!
Cathy and Debbie’s food demonstration at the Slovenian Jubilej in March, 2001 brought out a big crowd of members and families. Thanks to them for sharing their recipe and remembrances with us.
“One of the ways Slovenian-Americans have helped to preserve their Slovenian heritage has been by cooking ethnic recipes handed down through the generations. In the homeland, Slovenians were raised to respect and hold sacred the fruits of nature. The accounts of our family’s history in vegetables grown in the soils of our family’s farmland and vegetables grown in the soils of our family’s farmland and meats preserved by smoking. Except for baking in clay ovens, our family still performs all of the traditional Slovenian customs from cooking to wine-making to preparing and smoking our own sausage. My sister and I would like to share a little of that heritage that was passed down to us from our grandmother, Josephine Brekan-Pohar.”
What a Gift!!
You are giving a chance to win $500.00 cash to
someone with just a $10 donation! There are other prizes of $300 and $100 cash given out during the days of January,
2004.	The Center section of the Sept.-Oct. ZARJA include your Magic Month Calendar. Order more calendars from the Home Office, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Gift the Gift of the Year!
Slovenian Flancati
6 egg yolks
12	tablespoons of thick sweet cream l,2 teaspoon salt
'i teaspoon vanilla
2 cup sifted flour
3 level tablespoons
granulated sugar
Beat egg yolks, add cream and vanilla. Stir in sugar and salt. Add flour gradually till a soft dough is formed and can be handled easily. Set aside and allow the dough to rest for 1 hour.
Roll out the dough to the “thickness of knife”, or about 1.5-2 mm (you may dust the surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking). Cut the dough into rectangles, 10x14 cm. Make two cuts in each rectangle, parallel to the shorter edge, some 4 cm from both edges. Pick the right edge and pass it through the left cut (or vice versa), pulling the dough enough to make the resulting “braid” stable and firm, but not enough to tear the dough.
Fry the “flancati” in small batches until golden brown; drain and dust with powdered sugar.
We are extremely fortunate that our grandparents took the time to share their customs with us. We have made it our goal to ensure that the generations after us will be as proud of their heritage as we are. Thank you for permitting us to share a part of our heritage with you.
Cathy Pohar-Lenkaitis <6 Debbie Pohar
Grandfather: John Pohar, arrived in America 1920at age 18. Grandmother: Josephine Brekan-Pohar, arrived in America
1912 at age 3.
Cathy in her kitchen making Flancati
Flancati is served at every wedding in our family - my grandmother always said that it would bring the new couple good luck for years to come.
Our Members Write..
A visit to the SWUA Heritage Museum: (1. to r.) Dusan Bucar, Jonita Ruth, Justine Kastelec, Edi Bucar, Bertha Hofer, Vera Bucar and John Lukančič.
From their Homeland To Our Homeland!
About mid-August, I received a phone call from my cousin, Justine Kastelec who had just received a letter from our cousin, Edi Bucar of Slovenia. With his wife and son, he would be coming to the United States on a 2-week pilgrimage tour to Bishop Baraga land in Michigan and Minnesota and hopefully would visit us in Joliet.
Our relatives arrived with their tour group at O’Hare Airport on September 9th, and the next day toured points of interest in Chicago and had some free time to do some shopping.
They arrived in Joliet at 10:00 a.m. the next day. The group consisted of 46 Slovenes from all parts of Slovenia, including our cousin, Edi, his wife Vera and their son, Dusan. Edi and Vera are both retired and travel extensively. My cousin, Justine had been to Slovenia twice before so she had already met them.
As they stepped off the bus their meeting again after so many years was a sight to behold. Justine then introduced them to our Joliet group includ-
ing my cousin, John Lukančič, my daughter, Lynn Kurtyak and Justine’s niece, Kathy Malone from Dwight, IL. At our first meeting I found them to be warm, friendly, happy, smiling and very polite. Edi and Vera did not speak much English but their son had studied it in school. He admitted his English wasn’t perfect because he had very limited chances to use it, but he carried a Slovene-to-English dictionary to help in the difficult spots. Between his limited English and our limited knowledge of Slovenian, we managed to understand each other fairly well.
We spent the afternoon visiting in Joliet with this whole busful of tourists from Slovenia. They saw our beautiful, historic, St. Joseph’s Church; made a visit to the Slovenian Heritage Museum across the street from the church; the Cemetery, including the Grotto and Chapel, to visit gravesites of deceased relatives; visits at our various homes and had lunch at Merichka’s (a well-known Slovenian restaurant in town). We treated them to typical American food and “Pivo” (beer). Later, we took our relatives to our home for homemade apple strudel for dessert and a taste of Planinsek’s smoked sausages. Edi Buchar’s mother’s maiden name was Planinšek, as was my maiden
name. My father, mother, brother and now my nephews have carried on the sausage-making tradition. The Planinšek smokies are fairly well-known in the Joliet area and are still enjoyed by family at Christmas and Easter. It was an extremely enjoyable meal with the usual Slovenian merriment. John Lukančič, who is my cousin on my mother’s side, discovered that he was related to Vera Buchar, a half-cousin.
The bus with the travelers then left Joliet and went to Lemont to St. Mary's Seminary. That is another popular pilgrimage site for Slovenian travelers. There they attended Holy Mass at Marija Pomagaj Shrine and then boarded the bus for Madison, Wisconsin to stay overnight on their way north.
I have so many happy, heart-warming memories of these cousins who live so far away but are so much like us. We had a chance to compare our two countries and cultures through stories and a few pictures that they had brought with them. Slovenia has a beautiful coastal area along the Adriatic Sea where Edi and Vera have an apartment for holidays and weekends at the seashore. We were surprised to find how much we had in common and plan to keep in touch via e-mail.
Bertha Hofer, Br. 20, Joliet, IL
Happy Anniversary SWUA! 1926 - 2003
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2003 /15
Write your holiday greetings in Slovenian!
Vesele in Blagoslovljene Božične Praznike ter Srečno Novo Leto!
A Blessed and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Naj Njegov mir ostane z vami v Božičnem času in skozi celo Novo Leto
May His peace remain with you at Christmas and throughout the New Year!
o.
My Family’s Christmas in Slovenia
By Mirijam Yartz Gremes
Mirijam's home is in Praproče, Pošta Polhov Gradec, Slovenia She is a member of Br. #38, Chisholm, Minnesota
‘ur family spends the Advent preparing our souls for the coming of little Jesus. We try to look within ourselves and think about what we did wrong, and what we could do better.
We make sure that everybody goes to confession, we fast and the family gathers every evening around the Advent Wreath to pray.
My Mom told me that the Advent Wreath is a new custom which came from Western Europe after the second world war.
Our Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas who comes on December 6th so we do not spend most of the December thinking what we are going to buy. After Slovenia’s independence in 1991, things changed a little bit. Cities are now decorated in early December and stores are trying to make people spend money. (In the days of Communism, Christmas was not celebrated so everybody was celebrating privately). Despite the pressure (in school, for instance, the teacher would ask who was at midnight mass and we had to stand up and they wrote that into our files). We kept the custom of attending midnight mass and I think it would cause a little revolution if someone would cancel it. But now let me go back to our family. Christmas Eve day is still a fast day. We start it by cleaning the house and making potica. Then we put up the Nativity Scene and decorate the house. Sometimes we put up the Christmas tree, which also came to Slovenia from Western Europe, or we would just decorate the house with pine branches, pine cones, lights and other decorations, all by us made at home.
Another thing we did was wrap walnuts into gold paper we saved thru the year that used to be wrapped around candies. Other ornaments were made from wood chips, straw and anything else we could find. Some of this activity would be already done during Advent. There are still a lot of people doing that especially those who have children. It seems to be even more popular than before. My Mom even made us ornaments from lace for decorating around the house.
When potica was baked, the house was now decorated and the ringing of the bells announced that evening had come. We all gathered in the living room. Dad prepared the incense burner. Mom prepared the Holy Water and we started by praying the rosary. While still praying, we went around the house and blessed, with holy water, and incense, the whole house, stables, hayracks and other buildings, all which are a part of our property.
When we came back into the house, we finished all the parts of the rosary and prepared dinner, which is usually just potica, tea or warm milk. After dinner, we would sit down and talk, listen to the Christmas songs and start to get ready for Midnight Mass.
It takes about 45 minutes to get to church so around 11 o’clock at night, we started to gather with other people who were coming from other mountains and hills with burning torches that are made from birch tree wood, that was dried for a year and is split on the top. Together we went down into the valley to celebrate Christmas Mass, which starts in a darkened church. Then the choir began to sing “Silent Night”, quietly first and then as the song become louder and louder, the lights started to come on and pretty soon everybody began singing, the church is all lit and a little child brings the Baby Jesus to place Him in the Nativity Scene. Now the Christ Child is “officially born". And the Christmas Season begins.
Vesel božič!
SRečne BOttčnc pruzmhe;
Submitted by:
Yul Yost
3015 Fairview N
St. Paul, MN 55113-1244
yulyost@msn. com
“HEROES AMONG US”
Martin Strel started swimming the Mississippi River at its source in Minnesota on July 4th, 2002 and reached the Gulf in 68 days on September 9th, 2002. He chose to start on the American Independence Day to acknowledge the tenth anniversary of the United States’ recognition of Slovenia as an independent country.
Slovenia is a nation of two million people that is tucked between Austria and Italy. Its territory was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. Thereafter, except for a brief occupation by the Nazis during World War II, it was part of Yugoslavia.
Slovenians preserved the language of their ancestors, who settled the territory on the foothills of the European Alps in the seventh century A.D.,), Yet despite being dominated by Germanic rulers for centuries, the Slovenians preserved their cultural identity. Now free at last, Slovenia has quickly become noticed on the world stage. In 2001 U.S.
President Bush met his Russian counterpart in Slovenia. Its national team was one of the thirty-two finalists of the latest World Cup in soccer. Martin’s friend. Slovenian-born Rasho Nesterovic, the seven foot giant, plays center for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
For over 100 years, Slovenians have been leaving the teeming shores of Europe and settling mainly in Cleveland, Chicago and Northern Minnesota. Hardened by the mountainous environment of their homeland, Slovenian immigrants distinguished themselves with great work ethics. They also love to test their physical endurance as did Jerry Pushcar, of Ely, MN, the son of Slovenian immigrants. Jerry paddled solo from New Orleans up the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Brule Rivers. He crossed Lake Superior, then followed Canadian lakes to the Mackenzie River, crossed the Richardson Mountains to Porcupine and Yukon rivers to reach his goal, Nome, Alaska, where he currently lives. He covered over 9,000 miles and it took him nearly three years. Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist Jim Klobuchar, also a hyphenated Slovenian, writes about Jerry in the book, Heroes Among Us.
But our hero today is marathon swimmer, Martin Strel, who two years ago swam the entire length of the Danube, a distance of 1,866 miles. For his greatest challenge, the Mississippi, Martin was escorted by three American paddlers who also tested themselves when they solo canoed the length of the Mississippi. They are Guy Haglund, his American Manager, and two of the kayakers, Byron Curtis and Matt Mohlke.
However, no one yet has “paddled” the entire Mississippi with his arms as Martin has just done. 9-20-03
FAREWELL TO THE MISSISSIPPI
by Martin Strel
First of all let me express my deep gratitude for the warm reception you have shown to my team. The friendly hand waves of Americans from both banks of this great river, from its bridges and boats and from its levis, will remain forever in our memories. Now I know the meaning of American hospitality. As you may know, I swim for peace, friendship and clean water. I began to swim the Mississippi near the new center named A Place of Beginnings at Minnesota's Lake Itasca on the 4th of July. Today, September the 9th, 2002, at noon, I have swum into the Gulf at the Head of the Passes which is mile zero. Thus after over two million strokes with my arms, I have reached the tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
I have heard of America since my childhood. It was in this land that many of my countrymen found refuge from the tyrants of Europe. Now 1 know why they came here, you call it Liberty.
1 have seen the beauty of this land along the river as it winds among the boreal forests of northern Minnesota and then along the fruited plain of the Central States and finally by the bayous of Louisiana. The Mississippi... it was a lifeline to the Native Americans for millennia and an inspiration to Mark Twain.
Now, the Mississippi is America to me. Today we all are participants in a great cause, which is to return this waterway to its pristine state. As you see, my escorts in the kayaks and I travel by muscle power. We have not contributed to the pollution. Under auspices of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency we have kept daily records of the clarity of the water, the most we could do within our schedule.
Thank you for giving me the chance to realize my dream. But now it’s time to say good-bye. And to borrow that famous phrase, my “Life on the Mississippi” has come to its end. But then again, I am fortunate to have survived the killing waves on Lake Pepin in Minnesota, a lightning bolt which struck a buoy as I swam by it in Missouri, and other rigors of the river farther downstream. I am leaving with indelible memories of you all.
Goodbye now from me, my daughter Nina, my son
Borut, and from the skillfull and courageous combined team
of Americans and Slovenians. We will join you and with
solemnity recall the victims of that most infamous day in
your history, now just 2 days away. In this spirit my wish
to you is: .	_ , , , ,
America - may Goa shed his grace on thee.
STREL IN THE WARM HOMECOMING EMBRACE OF HIS SON
il ^ 1 tf:
Slovenski otroci in mladina
SUZANA ZUPANCIC-BRATHWAITE 482 Montgomery St., 2B Brooklyn, NY 11225 E-mail: Suzi@stmdesigning.com
It is holiday season again. It really makes time fly by way too fast. As if yesterday I was 10 years old and sitting next to my parents and listening to the lovely stories of their youth. I guess that is what holidays are all about. Families. We share happy and sad times, we know everything about each other and we are there for each other.
But let me tell you a story:
I do not remember how old I was when my dad decided to buy an old vineyard. Believe me, that was not my mom’s dream, as I found out years later. Vineyard was small, old, having nothing but a small “shack” on the top of the hill, which would fall apart if you would just touch it. But behind that old, wooden shack, there was a little, but deep, pond, where people got all the water they needed for the vineyard. In those days people, didn’t have good cars and roads were really bad, so they needed ponds like that, to collect rain drops and use the water for all their needs. It took hard work and a few years to get a bucket of grapes and few more years to have a great red and white wine, which my dad is so proud of.
I was around 6 years old and crazy for doing everything that I was not allowed to do. So, I played next to the pond and my nickname became CLUMSY BEAR, not just like that, from nowhere, because soon I was in the pond. In November. Can you imagine that? My sister, who is just 2 and half years older, try to get me out, but she couldn’t. So finally she called our parents to help us out. Well, I got my punishment, but hey, I swam in a pond... I was so proud of myself. That evening the family gathered because it was the 11th of November, MARTINOVO that is how Slovenians call the day when young wine - mošt, gets the color and final taste. It becomes WINE. In my family circle there are many great singers, who know many old folk songs and even this I didn’t want to sing then, as a child. I make sure to sing those songs today to my little boys. Luka’s favorite is “I will buy one hill.” Happy song about how I will buy one hill and put a vineyard there, so that I will be able to call all my friends to help me out with hard work; but at the end we will be paid with great wine, a song and the best food!
You can say that 11th of November is part of Thanksgiving! We are thankful for all the goods that our fields, vineyards return us after hard work all year long. And we can celebrate that with all our friends and family. And make sure that next year, we meet again.
HOLIDAY SEASON - ČAS PRAZNIKOV
THANKSGIVING ZAHVALNI DAN
CHRISTMAS TREE BOŽIČNO DREVO
PURAN
PRESENTS
DARILA
FAMILY
DRUŽINA
SLOVENIAN INTERNET -
SLOVENSKI INTERNET
Would you like to know what is going on in Slovenia around November and December?
You have a story to tell? Drawing? You have a question? No problem, just e-mail me or write me on an address below. And have a great holiday time!
Suzan Zupančič-Brathvvaite
482 Montgomery St., #2B Brooklyn, NY 11225 E-mail: suzi@stmdesigning.com
tfCafy/w
A NEW FLAG DESIGN FOR SLOVENIA?
The National Assembly of Slovenia has established a competition to design a new national flag.
The current flag is seen as similar to other countries (Russia and the Czech Republic) and causes confusion with the country of Slovakia. This competition is open only to the citizens of Slovenia.
The tricolor flag was used from 1848 to 1918, but the Austrian Empire really never recognized it in 1918. The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was formed and the flag was banned. This kingdom was renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929.
During World War II, Slovene nationalists defaced it with the Krain coat of arms, and the Slovene partisans defaced it with a red five pointed star or with the OF emblem. This emblem was a zigzag line to resemble triple mountains. It should be noted that the Slovene nationalists were a military force created by the occupying Germans and the partisans were “Liberation Fighters.”
After World War II, with the formation of Yugoslavia, meaning the southern slavs, the flag remained as the tricolor with a five-pointed red star. This flag was kept during the entire period of socialist Yugoslavia.
MT. TRIGLAV
Slovenia’s highest mountain
The current flag has white, blue and red stripes of equal width and are from the	original	tricolor flag	of 1848. This tricolor	flag has been in almost constant
use	since	then.	Various	symbols were placed	on it depending on the political
situation of the moment. The stripes are the one constant of the flag.
This flag, adopted after the independence in 1991, has a coat of arms in the form of a shield in the upper left quadrant. The lower part of the shield encompasses the three peaks of Mt. Triglav. Triglav is the highest point in the Julian Alps at a height of 9394 ft. (2863 m) and is located in northwest Slovenia. The two wavy blue lines below the peaks refer to the Adriatic Sea and the	rivers. The six-pointed gold stars
are from the coat of	arms of the Counts of Celje, the
last Slovenian dynasty, who in the Middle Ages united most of what is today Slovenia.
The flag represents the history of Slovenia and in particular its independence in 1991. Most of the discussion on a new flag is centered on the confusion that arises from the similarity of the names, Slovenia and Slovakia, and that both countries have the same tricolor flag with their own coat-of-arms on it.
Apparently outside of the main cities and political centers there is not much discussion of the issue. It will be interesting to see the designs that are developed, the winning designs and the eventual public reaction to changing their flag.
Tom Zakosek (Br. 99)
It has been a source of inspiration and devotion for Slovenes for more than a millennium. The early Slavs believed the mountain to be the home of a threeheaded deity who ruled the sky’ and the underworld, but no one managed (or dared) to reach the summit until just two centuries ago. Today Triglav figures prominently on the national flag and seal. (SLOVENIA, Lonely Planet Travel Book).
Who among us has climbed to the top of Triglav? As a point of information, I have sought out those who have done so and have come up with only three members, besides me. They are: Agnes Gaber (Br. 2) - two times, Tea Rozman Clark (Br. 93), twice, once with her husband who feels he is now a “true” Slovenian, and Ina Dolničar Henderson (Br. 93)! Bravo!
We hope many of you will take the challenge and do it!
Corinne Leskovar
And, the debate goes on...
As of ZARJA presstime, 228 entries have been sent in by Slovenian citizens for evaluation by the special Commission. After their decision, Jhe Slovenian Parliament will rule and later in 2004 we should know what the Slovenian flag will look like in the future!
Reports due first of month preceding publication.
Activities of our Branches
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL
Founding Date: DECEMBER 19, 1926 Meeting: 3rd Sunday St. Stephen lower hall
This has been an exciting fall for the Chicago baseball fans of the Cubs and White Sox - both teams were fighting for the championships. Cubbies became the Central Div. Champs.
Thanks to Irene Kalina as with her efforts, a bus was obtained and our members joined with others on Sept. 13 and 14th to celebrate the Bishop Baraga Week End hosted by KSKJ -St. Aloysius Lodge 52 - Indianapolis, IN. There were 14 priests who con-celebrated Mass (included 2 from Slovenia). Mark your calendar for next year’s event, Sept. 23/24 - Upper Michigan.
A fun time was had at St. Joseph park for the Vinska Trgatev (Grape Festival) of Br. 20. Father David would be so proud of the members for keeping up this tradition. This is their 24th year and it keeps getting better. We really enjoyed ourselves.
We were eagerly looking forward on October 5th to the IL/IN State Convention. Delores Puhek will be our delegate. 9 members will be attending. Br. 20 will also be celebrating their 75th anniversary. It will be great to see and hear the Slovene Singers from Duluth, MN - we really enjoyed them when we were there for the National Convention in June.
LaSalle Br. 24 planned the celebration of their 75th Anniversary on Oct.
19. 5 of our members planned to attend.
Because our monthly meeting falls on the same day, many members were unable to attend.
We are hoping that our members who were in the hospital are now feeling much better - Geneva Cerjak, Fran Rebout, Elsa Antoniolli, Ann Bunetta, Adeline Parziole, Stella Longosz.
Our condolences to the families who lost loved ones: Lucille Kuta; Angie Kurpiel; Tommy Smid - Please remember them in your prayers that they will rest in peace.
Gen Buol was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Marion Council of her church. Congratulations! Gloria Schiffler won the Senior Speed Skating contest of 2003 - this was her 6th straight time. GO Girl!
Dates to remember:
Nov. 9 - 8th Anniversary Slovene
Cultural Center Nov. 16 - Br. 2, PENNY SOCIAL
- Beginning 12 noon - “Strolling
Along 5th Ave.”
Dec. 6 - Children’s Christmas party
- noon “Snowman Christmas”
Dec. 14 - Adult Christmas Party -
12 noon, “Holly Jolly Christmas”
- Reservations necessary, please
call Jean Hrastar-(312) 738-2414.
$10
Clare Lesza and Gloria Schiffler received gifts from Br. 2 for their 76th birthdays.
“Vesele Božične Praznike in Zdravje v novem letu - 2004” - Merry Christmas:!!!
Love,
DAISY
Welcome “NEW” Members
September 2003
Name	Branch
Bartol, Gladys	1
Zupan, Bonita	100
Boh, Ann	102
Sixel, Patricia M	102
Schmidt, Katherine	103
Cukale, Margaret	2
Anzelc, John	20
Anzelc, Raymond	20
Brsan, Melanie	20
Humphrey, Joseph Hunter	20
Kodrick, Anthony	20
Malloy, Elizabeth M	20
Malloy, Margaret	20
Manis, Charlotte Sak	20
Mavec, Martin	20
Mavec, Marylynn	20
Rojic, Leo W	20
Vora, Rachel	23
Baldin, Ruth A	24
Borys, Arlene	24
Bregant, Ethel	24
Considine, Susan	24
Hollerich, Lois	24
Karan, Olivia	24
Pryde, Mary	24
Zandecki, Marie P	24
Mallik, Carolyn	25
Pavlosky, Bonnie L	26
Regan, Anna	3
Hankins, Wendy Bole	30
Ness, Marcia	34
Mikulich, Arlette	35
Zupančič, Angela	42
Davis, Claudia	47
Moorfoot, Laura A	93
Wagner, Aleksandra	93
Continued from page 13
Another recently issued CD is:
Talk Now! - Slovenian
By EuroTalkinterative, List Price about US $25.00 London, England
You can order online at: http://www.eurotalk.co.uk/
Thsi is a different type of language learning series. Talk Now! uses games and quizzes as a basis for making the learning process a little more fun. Their goal is for you to absorb words and phrases without even realizing you are learning them.
Good luck to you! If you think of it, drop us an email in six months or a year, or after your next trip to Slovenia, and let us know what you think. If you find other books or tapes that you like, tell us about them. People are always asking about books and tapes and it’s good to share experiences.
You may contact John by email at jleskovec@msn.com, or by snail mail to John Leskovec, Slovenian Genealogy Society International. 10829 Tibbetts Road, Kirtland, OH 44094. Tell him you saw it in ZARJA.
Our Museum offers Slovenian learning materials also. See pg. 30
Thanks for your INVOICE DONATIONS!
These specific donations came with dues payments. We thank the members for their generosity.
Donor
Cera. FrancesM(43) Wagner. Aleksandra (93) Perez. Lillian (50)
Hoag. Laveme (38) Gall,lrene(l01) Dragavon, Justine (34) Soltysinski, Jaqueline (16) Stuntebeck, Judith (39) Naudziunas, Paul (2) Naudziunas, Sharon (2) Sova. Mary (20)
Nosal, Katherine (105) Bartol. Gladys (34)
'honor of parents John S Antonia Bartol (Mikulich) Gomik,Jo(32)
Totals:
Zarja	Heri-	Schol-	Gen.
tage	arship	Fund
($) ($)	($)
50
50
50
85
50
50
5
5
10
15
5
15
10
10
5
5
2S
10
115
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Founding Date: JANUARY 15, 1927 Meeting: 1st Thurs. SND, from May to Dec.
Greetings Branch 5 members! We have had a very busy autumn season and hope you had a chance to participate in some of the great things the Slovenian community in Indianapolis had to offer. It was very nice to see some members at the “Bishop Baraga Days” celebration here in Indy, and also at the polka dance at the Nash.
Don’t forget our Christmas luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 6!!! Watch your mail for more information on this annual event... sounds like our “energetic treasurer”, Karen Zarich, has some surprises planned (Christmas Bingo??) so plan on attending.
We have several members who have fallen recently, please remember them and all our sick members in your prayers during this holiday season. Remember to pray also for our members who have military family ties, this is a hard time of year for them.
Have a safe and blessed holiday.
Peace
PHYLLIS
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH
Founding Dale: MARCH 8, 1927 Meeting: 4th Wed. 1 p.m. SND Holmes Ave.
Hi, Ladies! We had a meeting Sept. 24th, opened by the president, Steffie Segulin and prayers for our ailing members. We missed Ann Stefančič and Theresa Dagg. First on the agenda was our Oct. 12th Ohio-Michigan Convention we were hosting in Collinwood. We were hoping to see many of the branches attend. We thank Fr. John Kumse, our genial pastor, for conducting the services in church.
We had a discussion about our Christmas Party that will be held at Kristy’s Restaurant on 200th St., in Euclid, Ohio on November 19th. Call S. Segulin, (216) 451-1876 for more information.
Get well wishes to our ailing members, Mary Pierce, Mary Petrie, Joyce LaNasse and Justine Girod.
Thanks to the members for our September refreshments, Marie Gomback. Mary Podlogar, Jean Jansa and Steffie Segulin. Our next meeting will be February 18, 2004. God bless and keep us healthy!
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Please, a happy and healthy New Year!
STEFANIE SEGULIN
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI
Founding Date: OCTOBER 31. 1927 Meeting: 3rd Thurs.
St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & Aug.
This summer was very hot and humid, and our air conditioners were on full blast. After a week of inclement weather in August, we are now in a pleasant fall season.
In our city, ten thousand motorcycle riders, Harley Davidson bikers, came from all parts of the US to celebrate their hundred year anniversary. Their parade was one of the largest events and certainly the loudest in our area. Harley’s first family led off the “chrome cavalcade”, pledging to remain in business another hundred years as the heavyweight cycle makers. When the bikers left they thanked Mil-
waukee for the good time they had here.
Our Sept. meeting was well-attended. I want to thank Virginia Strukel for the delicious “pork dinner” she made. Also, to Elizabeth Bartolic for the cheese and apple strudel she made for us. Members brought other desserts. Thank to all who worked in the kitchen and served the food.
Molly Macht came to the meeting with her friend after a long absence due to a light stroke. Rose Larek was in the hospital and is recuperating at home.
We celebrated September birthdays and they were: Stavia Dobersek, Fran Remshak, Theresa Fedran, Molly Macht, Nell Zietlow, Mary Cimmer-mancic, Leona Zigmund and also Estelle Kobow who was not at the meeting. I hope everyone enjoyed the evening.
Our Christmas party was discussed and it will be held on Dec. 4th at 1:00 p.m. We need door prizes and raffles and would like the members to bring them. It will be held at Kegel’s Inn, 5901 W. National Ave.
STAVIA DOBERSEK
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
Founding Date: OCTOBER 31, 1927 Meeting: 1st Tues., 6 p.m. Slov. Society Home
Where has this year gone? Seems like we have just ushered in the year 2003 and here we are almost at the end of the year with 2004 just peeking in around the corner!
As I dash off this report I’m just settling in after a two-week trip to Slovenia. I enjoyed one week with a very friendly group of folks from the Fairport Harbor Slovenian Home, plus several from out-of-state, on a Kollan-der World Travel tour called “Highlights of Slovenia.” I then stayed on to enjoy an extra week with relatives in Komenda and Kamnik and was delighted that the heat wave which hit Europe this summer broke to cool weather while we were there.
Now that I’m home, it’s time to gear up for Tony Petkovsek’s Thanksgiving Weekend at the downtown Marriott Hotel and the Polka Hall of Fame’s Annual Awards Show and Meet the Winners Dance.
A reminder ladies...the date for our popular Christmas Dinner is Tuesday,
December 2 starting at 6:00 at Slovenian Society Home on Recher Avenue. Call in your reservations for yourself and family and friends to Treasurer/ Secretary Diane Varney at 1-330-923-4034. We all look forward to the delicious home-style dinners prepared by Sophie Mazi and the fun atmosphere among friends. We are all asked to bring along a gift to be used as a door prize.
To all of our ailing ladies we send a speedy recovery prayer and hope you’re feeling better very soon.
Ann Cekada is at Gateway Assisted Living area, Angela Baranowski and sister, Mary Kmel are at Gateway Apartments. Sorry to report that Ann Cesnik passed away.
Wishing members lots of stuffed turkey and pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, and a Merry Christmas among family and friends... and a Happy and Healthy 2004 New Year! Vesele Božične Praznike in Srečno in Zdravo Novo Leto 2004!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
Founding Dale: JUNE 11, 1928 Meeting: 3rd Tues. except June to Sept. St. Joe’s Park Hall
Autumn is here with brilliantly colored trees and bushes. We hope you had an enjoyable summer.
Our meeting was held on Sept. 16 at St. Joseph Park Hall. It was well-at-tended. (Dues for coming year are $20.00.) Attorney Ted Hammel presented an informative talk on filing a claim on one’s estate. It is wise to have a willing executor who knows where important papers and your Will can be located. There were many interesting questions requiring clarification.
The 50/50 prize was won by Sister Marlene Ambrose. The accummulating attendance award would have been given to Dorothy Brown who was not in attendance.
Have you purchased the January Raffle Calendar? You know, YOU could be a winner!
The calendar of events which was mailed to you is now on your refrigerator door, right?
The traditional Grape Harvest Festival Dance was a success! There was
much dancing to the music of Bob Dos-zak Band. The former Mayors with their wives were honored. This year the Honorary Mayor was Ray Koncar, a popular Joliet area button box player and member of the Polka Mass-sters. Winner of the 50/50 for the evening was Anna Marsh. Winner of free dues was Joan Lesnik; raffle winners: Chris Pucel, Deanie Gudac, Jean Herbst. Proceeds from this dance will be used to pay dues for members over 80 years of age.
Nomination of officers was on the agenda at the October meeting. Guest speakers were Attomey-at-Law, Elizabeth Dow, and Paralegal, Susan Fredrick who talked of Legal “Horror” Stories.
The SWU Branch 20 Bakery Sale will be held at St. Joseph Church before and after masses Nov. 1-2. Proceeds from this sale will benefit the Branch 20 Scholarship Fund.
On November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph park the meeting and election of officers will be held. Following will be a discussion on “A Natural Approach to Osteoporosis” presented by Dr. Frederic Ratio of the Riverside Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic.
On November 23, Branch 20 will have a booth at the Christmas Bazaar at St. Joseph Park Hall. See you there!
Come to our Holiday Dinner on December 21 at Al’s Steak House, 1990 W. Jefferson Street. For further information see your “Calendar of Events
On his Sunday morning radio program (9-10 a.m. on WJOL) Bruce Korosa recently played “The Mountains Call” for Branch 20 members.
Lillian Cepon and Marge Grayhack donated towards the Scholarships.
* * *
A Look Back to Feb. 21, 1982
Josephine Erjavec and Emma Planinšek were honored at the American Slovenian Home on their retirement as officers of S.W.U. Branch 20. For a total of 99 dedicated years they worked together in SWU Branch 20, became involved in heritage research and participated to ethnic affairs through song, dance and display.
* * *
Get well wishes to Frank Koncar, Kenneth Tezak and Agnes Dobczyk’s husband, Bob.
Congratulations to Janet Contos and
her husband who were blessed with a baby girl.
A correction in the July-Aug. ZARJA is that Marc Judnick graduated from Arizona State University.
Condolences to the family of Katherine F. (Malnarick) Hill who recently passed away.
Credit is due to Jonita Ruth for helping me gather information for the ZARJA.
“When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings with toys at Christmastide. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?”
G.K. Chesterton SISTER MARLENE AMBROSE (815) 724-0731 ***** Grape Dance Report
To all of our faithful members who supported onr Grape Dance with their purchase of raffle tickets and donations, thanks. As one of our “out of state” members wrote: “Please accept my cash donation toward the success of this year’s Grape Festival. It’s hard to be actively involved when I’m out on the East Coast but Joliet is where my roots are! God Bless.”
Her note warmed my heart and I wish we had more enthusiastic members both in and out of town. Only with total support from all of our members can we be successful in our main fundraiser of the year. Please keep in mind that all donations to the branch are welcome as none of the dues that you pay in January comes back to your branch. Each and every individual member keeps our branch afloat. We count on all of you to actively support our branch. Some local members volunteer to do much work while others do not support the Branch at all.
It is a well-known fact that churches only get the support from 33% of its registered membership. I hope our branch can depend on more than a small number like that.
When you are asked to help your branch, please find it in your heart to do so either physically or monetarily. Each branch is only as strong as the number of members that actively support it.
*****
75th Diamond Anniversary
The celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Br. 20 began on Oct. 4 with a wine and cheese party hosted by Betty Ann Kolesari and Denise Bartlett in the Slovenian Heritage Room.
On Oct. 5, a champagne breakfast was held in Ferdinand Hall. The State Convention meeting followed.
At 11:30 a.m. we proceeded to St. Joseph Church where we had three priests concelebrating the Liturgy; Pastor, Fr. Jim Radek, guest, Fr. Frank Perkovich, and Fr. Tom Paul our Spiritual Advisor as the concelebrants. Fr. Tom Paul gave a very informative sermon. We extend our thanks to the St. Joseph Slovenian Choir which was accompanied by organist Don Legerski.
Our family style dinner was at St. George Social Hall with music by the Bruce Korosa Band. Many members enjoyed the beautiful sunny afternoon. Robert and Marcia Judnick came from Arizona for this event. Many others came in from out of state. We were honored to have Fr. Gregor Gorsic in attendance, too.
The Joliet Croatian Kolo Dancers gave us a splendid rendition of folk dances and songs. Many thanks go to the ‘Singing Slovenes’ who travelled from Duluth, Minnesota and entertained us with familiar Slovenian songs, most of which we could join in singing.
We will always remember this beautiful day which we all enjoyed immensely in celebrating our Br. 20 -75th anniversary!
Wow! here’s a toast to 2008!
NO. 23, ELY, MN
Founding Dale: SEPTEMBER 19, 1928 Meeting: 1st Monday St. Anthony’s Church Hall Sept. thru May
"The wheels on the bus go round and round" - that’s the song we could have sung on Sunday, Sept. 14th, the day we went to Duluth for the Minnesota State Convention.
We, in Ely, had to wake up early as the bus picked us up at 6:00 a.m., then we journeyed thru some foggy spots to Tower to pick up some guys and gals, then to Aurora for more, then to Biwabik and Gilbert - so all in all, we
had 38 on the bus. We got to St. Elizabeth's Church in Duluth just in time for the first reading but were there for the Mass. Afterward, we went to the church hall for registration, coffee an’ - then the meeting - it was nice to see so many members from all over -all the branches gave reports on any money-making projects they have had. Election of a new president and secretary was held.
After the meeting, the bus driver took us to the Blackwoods Restaurant in Proctor, MN where we had a wonderful buffet dinner. Afterward, the newly elected officers were installed. Special thanks were given to Dorothy Jamnick who had been the state secretary for 12 years, and due to health reasons, had resigned. Raffle drawings and door prizes were held - all in all, we all left very satisfied and happy.
Our ride home was great! We are all looking forward to next year’s meeting as it will be in Tower, MN which is much closer for us than Ely.
Our August meeting was held on Aug. 5th at St. Anthony’s Church in Ely. President Gerry Petrich opened the meeting with prayer. A letter about the state convention was read and a discussion on how to get more members to attend and the idea of a bus to Duluth was acted on.
Our delegate to the National Convention in Duluth gave her report on all the things she did, and reported on the change in the by-laws. She had a display table of information for members to check. She thanked the branch for allowing her to attend the convention with all costs paid for by the branch. A donation for the Heritage Museum was tabled to a later meeting. A delicious graham cracker torte was served and everyone socialized. Winner of the door prize was Gerry Petrich and winner of the 50/50 drawing was Margie Skubitz. The officers were in charge of the lunch.
Our Sept. meeting was held on Sept. 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the newly-redecorated classroom at our church. Final plans for Minnesota Days were made. Judy Swenson, our vice president conducted the meeting, as our president, Gerry Petrich was on a trip to Slovenia. Pat Lammi introduced her guest, Shirley Johnson of Fridlley, MN. The business included appointment of Pat Lammi to the treasurer’s post and Jane
Yadlosky to the office of secretary. Our elected treasurer has resigned for personal reasons. Calling committees will be updated with the current membership list.
Judy Swenson brought a large map of Slovenia. Our ‘homework’ for our next meeting is to find out where our ancestors came from and we’ll put stickpins on the map in appropriate spots and we’ll have this on display.
Lunch committee for October month was Dorothy Grahek, Mary Ann Pulis and Evie Prijatel.
A wonderful rhubarb cake and coffee were served by Gloria Smuk and Angie Godec. Door prize winner was Angie Godec and the 50/50 drawing winner was Angie Godec.
Respectfully,
JANE YADLOSKY, Reporter
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL
Founding Dare: OCTOBER 17, 1928 Meeting: 3rd Thurs. Eureka Savings Bank Mar.-Apr.-May-June Sept.-Oct.-Nov.
Dober Dan!
Greetings from Branch 24 and welcome to our new members, Arlene Borys, Lois Hollerich, Olivia Karun, Marie Zandecki, Ruth Baldin, Susan Considine and Mary Pryde.
We were extremely pleased to see so many ladies at our September meeting, which was so pleasantly and deliciously hosted by Jo Grabowski, Mary Ann Brunner and Jennie Pohar. (Perhaps it’s all those goodies that’s attracting them!) In any case, it warms our hearts to be together, enjoying our heritage, planning events and of course, enjoying something good to eat. What a happy combination.
By the time you read this we will have celebrated our 75th anniversary! Seventy-five years - that’s a lot of poticas and strudels and love and hard work! We owe so much to those who founded our organization and have kept it going for 75 years. And, the bonus is, we just keep growing and becoming stronger.
The only sad note is that our deceased past president, Anne Marie Wangler, was not here to celebrate with us. She was so looking forward to it,
however, she was with us in spirit and proud of all the efforts of the members to make this a memorable occasion.
Also, Fr. Bernard Horzen, O.S.B., brother of Josephine Foley of our branch, fell in September and broke his hip. He is recuperating nicely and we all hope and pray that he will be restored to good health very soon.
During the month of November we will have a Mass said for all deceased members of our branch and plans will be made for our annual Christmas party. Christmas - what a magical time of year, especially for the children. I think there’s a little child in each of us. Enjoy the day and the season and may the peace of the Christ Child remain in our hearts all year long.
Until next time,
LORETTA STORY
NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH
Founding Dale: NOVEMBER 22, 1928
2nd Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
St. Vitus Social Room
Hi members... I’ve missed all of you. We haven’t had a meeting during this hot summer. We will go back on track come fall and winter. Our meetings have been few and far between.
A few get well wishes and hellos to all our shut-ins! Mary Urbančič, Frances Hočevar, Marie Orazem, Josie Ambrosic. 1 see them quite often as I go to their houses to give them a shampoo and set... and 1 imbibe with a glass of B&B.. (don’t tell anyone!) 1 have been on the ailing list myself but I’m back in the swing of things now.
A few of our members are now residents of St. Vitus Village and they tell me that are very happy there.
I hope all of you had a lovely summer... vacations and picnics. My son Rikk and fiance, Dawn flew to Las Vegas and then rented a car and toured some of the west... saw the Grand Canyon, the Casinos, Lake Mead, Boulder City etc. They have returned and are back at work. They had such a great time touring this great country of ours. God bless America!!!
Many attended the Federation of Pensioners Picnic at SNPJ Farm in Kirt-land. The food was catered by Julie Zalar and it was mm-mm good. The weather was on our side, too. It was perfect.
I bumped into Steffie Segulin at the Collinwood raffle and she told me that she had a wonderful time and great companions at the SWUA convention in Duluth.
Remember this: FRIENDSHIP IS GOD’S MOST PERFECT GIFT!!!
Be good to yourself...
Love and na svidenje,
EMILEE JENKO
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH
Founding Dale: AVGUST 25. 1929 Meeting: 3rd Wed., 6:30 p.m. Euclid Public Library, Erie Room
Meeting was called to order at 6:50 p.m. by President, Pam Dirk. Alma Eppick lead us with the opening prayers.
V.P. Adrienne read the correspondence. The Euclid Public Library purchased the books “Design & Make Soft Furnishings” by H. Luke and “The Best Brownies & Bars" by Gregg Gillespie with our donation. A book plate in the front of each book will indicate it was donated by our branch.
State Convention was held October 12 with Mass at St. Mary’s Church on Holmes Avenue followed by a Slovenian Dinner. Adrienne was keeping a list of members who planned to attend.
At the last meeting, Josephine Gornik returned her expense money from the National Convention back to the branch treasury. A motion was made by Ann Cooke and seconded by Josephine Koss to send $50 to each of the following, the Heritage Museum, Scholarship Fund, and ZARJA.
Our branch’s youngest member, Mary Dirk drew the winning 50/50 Raffle tickets. 1st prize of $100 went to Lee Stone. She is a member of Pam’s bowling team. 2nd prize of $50 to Pam Dirk, 3rd prize of $25 to Ranee McLean and 4th prize of $25 to Dorothy Lamm. Thanks go out to everyone who purchased tickets and a special thank you to Dorothy Lamm for suggesting this fund raiser. The branch sold 178 of the 200 tickets. An income of $356 (178 tickets at $2.00 each), less the $200 for prize money, leaves a profit of $156 for the treasury. Out of 55 tickets that were mailed to various people 20 were not purchased or returned.
The next meeting will be November 19th and we will be celebrating Christ-
mas early. Pot Luck will start at 6:00 p.m. Lavonia made a cash donation to purchase the ham and Rudy Perdan has volunteered to prepare it. Please let Adrienne know what you would like to bring so that we have a wide variety of items. I am sure everything will be tasty as we have good cooks in our membership.
President Pam shared with the members correspondence from National Secretary that our branch has not met the membership quota of 4 for the year. As our membership declines we have a responsibility to attract and bring in new members.
Thanks goes out to members for the door prizes they provided at the meeting.
Lavonia Avitt lead closing prayer.
We bless all our sick members and hope you will remember them. Birthday members - enjoy your day! And, pray for our departed relatives and friends.
Every day is the right day to let someone know you care!
Happy Holidays to all!
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLOTTE PERDAN
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN
Founding Dale: OCTOBER 8. 1929 Meeting: 1st Wed.
St. Elizabeth's Church
Our beautiful summer is officially over; now we can enjoy the fall colors in all their glory. Would you believe, some areas already have snow?
On October 14 we hosted the MN Regional Convention. We elected a new slate of officers who are: President, Lisa McDonnell, Br. 33, Secretary, Rosemary Donald, Br. 33 and Jean Korsman from Branch 39 Biwabik will remain as Vice President. The new officers were installed by Bev Menart, Br. 33 President and National Auditor.
The outgoing officers are Char Laurich, Pres. (8 years) and Dorothy Jamnick Secretary (12 years.) Winners of the money raffle were: Marge Walling, $ 100.00, Ramon Berg $50.(X) and Gloria Smuk won the $25.00 prize. Next year's convention will be hosted by Branch 34, Soudan.
Congratulations to Dominic and Winnie Ellena on their 57th wedding anniversary on Sept. 14. Seven years
President ofBr. 34,
Jenna Frances Zimmerman, Macy Barrett and Maria Zimmerman. They proudly hold their championship trophies from the Champlin Dance Academy they attend. Jenna, Macy and Maria are new members of the Soudan-Tower Branch.
ago we were hosts of the Regional Convention and Winnie was in the kitchen cooking and Dominic was running the dish washer. This Sept. 14th Winnie was again in the kitchen with Doris Skull serving up the coffee and rolls before the meeting. How is that for dedication ! Dominic and Winnie’s daughter and son-in-law, Carolina and Fred Shermock also celebrated their 25th Anniversary recently. Congratulations!
On October 2, our branch went out to dinner to celebrate our founding anniversary. We went to the Upper Deck Restaurant in Superior, WI. The food was good and everyone had a great time.
Bright and early Saturday morning, Oct. 4, we boarded a bus to travel to Joliet Br. 20 for their 75th celebration. We were fortunate enough to be able to travel with “Frank Bucar and the Singing Slovenes”. Four ladies from the Range drove down to Duluth very early: Anita Vovk and Ann Orazem from Br. 35 Aurora and Jean Korsman and Rosemary Ribbich from Br. 39 Biwabik. They joined the tour with us Duluthans, Lisa McDonell and myself. So nice that along with some of the singers, we had quite a few SWUA members. What a trip! It was great!
At our November meeting we will have election of officers and discuss plans for the coming year. Be sure to come!
Our condolences go to Virginia Mik-rut whose daughter, Marguerite Bran-denoff passed away from leukemia. All our prayers are with her.
Best wishes to everyone for a festive and blessed Holiday season from Branch 33 and here’s to a successful year for SWUA! Look out, here we come!
BEV MENART, Reporter
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN
Founding Date: OCTOBER 12, 1929 Meeting: 3rd Wed., 1 p.m.
St. Martin’s Church Hall Jan. to May; Sept., Oct. & Nov.
How the time does fly! It seems like yesterday that we had our summer recess from meetings. Br. 34 began the fall meeting schedule with a fine turnout at St. Martin’s Catholic Church on Sept. 17th. The main topic of discussion was setting up preliminary plans
for next year’s State Convention which Br. 34 will host in Tower-Soudan. Also, it will be our branch’s jubilee year - the diamond year of 75 years! Early plans have been made to have it at Fortune Bay Casino in Tower on Sept. 12, 2004. A Polka Mass is being planned.
September meeting hostesses were Helen Adkinson and Jean Zupancich. They served a delicious lunch. Winners at Bingo were Adeline Mustonen, Theresa Berg and Marcella Rooney. Fr. Pakiz won the door prize.
I would like to thank all my new members for helping us be the top branch in SWUA, enrolling the msot new members in 2003! Your ancestors would be as proud of you as I am. Together we will work to preserve our heritage and for the betterment of the SWUA.
I know our branch will host a successful convention in 2004. To paraphrase the words of Pres. John Kennedy at his inauguration: “Ask not what your branch can do for you, but what you can do for your branch!”
I was happy to attend both the National Convention and State Convention. I was able to see many old friends and make new ones.
Am proud of my grandchildren who are our new members, especially for the 1st place awards they won in a dance competition at the Champlin Dance Academy. I was there when Jenna Zimmerman got her 5 year trophy, Macy Barrett got her 4 year trophy and Maria Zimmerman, 2 years.
Member Fred Pahula is on our sick list; also Father Pakiz. Keep them in your prayers.
Lucille Svatos lost her daughter, Kathy Bush to cancer. Our sympathy to the family. Lucille gained a new daughter-in-law when son, Steven and Jennifer Bevis got married, Sept. 20th.
Keep in mind that our next convention will be in Sept. 2004 and join us to help make our SWUA grow.
May God bless all of you, members. Keep the faith! Our Troops, parents and children need our prayers, too. Thank you all, my special angels!
ADRIENNE MIKLICH
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
Founding Date: OCTOBER 15. 1929 Meeting: 6 per year Community Sr. Center
President Anita Vovk opened the meeting on Aug. 13th with prayers for our members and their families. We enjoyed a delicious luncheon catered by Heidi’s Catering.. Heidi (Furry) and her five children are members of our branch and we wish you much success in your new business, Heidi, and girls!
Anita was the delegate to the National Convention and gave a report on the highlights. Plans were made to attend the State Convention in Duluth on Sept. 14th.
Our sympathy is with all those who have lost loved ones, especially Hermine Dicke who lost her husband. Bob. May all our departed rest in peace.
Get well wishes to Martha Gunderson and Mary Lou Voelk after their surgeries and to all members who are ill.
Anne Hodnik spent a couple of days in the hospital but is feeling good again
Adrienne Miklich with her grandchildren,
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and was able to attend the State Convention with us. Thirty-five members from the Range went down to Duluth by bus and a few others drove their cars. We attended mass at St. Elizabeth Church followed by coffee an’ in the church hall. The meeting was opened with prayers for a successful convention. State President, Charlotte Laurich gave a report and explained the reason for the increased yearly dues to $20.00.
We exchanged ideas on how to interest new members to join our SWU. Anita Vovk read a letter from a person who went on the Tour to Slovenia, sponsored by the University of Ljubljana which was very interesting. This is a wonderful opportunity for young people. Our SWU is sponsoring two students for this tour. All details are in ZARJA.
Now it is time to elect new officers. Youthful energy must have flowed down from our National Officers as we
elected a new, young woman as State President, Lisa McDonell of Duluth. Secretary is Rosemary Donald, also of Duluth. Jean Korsman of Br. 39 remains as State Vice President. Congratulations to all of you. Lisa is Beverly Menart’s daughter and was in charge of the Camp Heritage event at the national Convention in June.
A monetary gift was collected for the ZARJA printing fund.
We traveled to a restaurant in Proctor for a delicious dinner followed by prizes and raffle drawings. When it was time to board the buses for the trip home, we bid goodbye to all our friends and thanked Br. 33 of Duluth for giving us a special day together as SWU brothers and sisters.
We meet again for the Christmas meeting December 7th at the Community Center at 3 p.m. Dinner will be at 4 p.m.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry
Christmas to everyone.
CORRECTION: Rainy Orazem won the Nativity Advent Wreath. Arlette Miklich is our new member and Ray and Barbara Vodovnick celebrated their 40th (not 46th) wedding anniversary!
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 39, BIWABIK, MN
Founding Date: FEBRUARY 3. 1930 1st Sunday monthly St. John’s Church
I hope all the State (Regional) Conventions were as successful as ours in Minnesota. A beautiful day weather-wise and fraternally. Our bus from the “Iron Range” arrived 20 minutes late; but the Priest and parishioners at St. Elizabeth’s welcomed us graciously. Thanks to Br. 33 Duluth, for a wonder-
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ful day. They also responded to the call for new officers. Thanks to Charlotte Laurich for serving as our State President for eight years, and to Dorothy Jamnik our reliable sec.-treas. for many years. Our newly elected young officers are Lisa McDonnel, Pres, and Beverly Donald secretary-treasurer.
I miss the long, warm days, and can hardly believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner! We had a low temperature of 21° on October 1st, so are grateful that our potatoes are snug in bags in the warehouse. We had tons of carrots, beans, cukes, beets, tomatoes, peppers, brocolli, cauliflower, and raspberries in our vegetable garden! Not enough rain for our potato crop; but then we only planted for our own and our families use; so the yield was sufficient. We can also harvest our rutabaga crop anytime now; they’re best (sweeter) after a light frost.
Anita Vovk and Ann Orazem from Br. 35, Aurora, and Rosemary Ribich and 1 (Br. 39, Biwabik) were in attendance at the 75th Anniversary of Br. 20 in Joliet. We joined the “Slovene Singers” from Duluth on the bus trip and we were looking forward to the planned celebrations. Our own Father Per-kovich was invited to be the keynote speaker. He told me recently of his affection and ties to Joliet, IL which was one of his first invitations to celebrate the Mass with his “Polka Mass-ters singers musicians; so this was a special day for the Minnesota group.
Congratulations to Br. 20 on their 75 years of keeping Mrs. Prisland’s dream alive. May our Zveza continue to grow in numbers; keep following the vision, and may God bless our endeavors.
JEAN KORSMAN, Reporter
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
Founding Dale: APRIL 21, 1930 Meeting: 2nd Wed., 1 p.m. SS Cyril & Methodius Hall
We had a good turnout for our Sept. luncheon. Those in attendance were Agnes Sera/.in, Agnes Drstvensek, “Babe" Grayson, Anne Tomsic, Mary Gradišek, Martina Woelfl, Agatha Donges, Rose Jancar, Angie Voytko, yours truly and one guest, Frances
Sirse. We all enjoyed the good food and the fellowship that prevails when our group gets together. Angie Zgonc has been ill so she was unable to be there. To her, and to all those not feeling up to par, we wish you well!!
We were hoping that some of our members will attend the Ohio-Mich. Convention to hear the hands-on report of the happenings at the recent National Convention in Duluth which, from all we read, was a resounding success. Congratulations and best wishes to all our newly elected board.
Fall is upon us - can you feel the nip in the air? Because of all the rains we had this summer, we are promised a glorious display of Indian Summer. Enjoy. Then Thanksgiving is not far behind!!! And all to soon - Christmas, the most beautiful of all family holidays. As this will be the last issue of ZARJA this year, I want to wish each of you the blessings of good health and happy holidays in the circle of your own family.
Love,
STEPHANIE POLUTNIK
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH
Founding Date: MAY 31, 1930 Meeting: Quarterly, 2nd month of the quarter, 2nd Saturday Maple Hts., Library
It seems like we just went to press with the Sept.-Oct. ZARJA and here it is, time for the final report of 2003. Our August meeting speaker was Bob Dober, a retired teacher, past councilman and life-long Maple Hts., resident. His presentation was on “Awareness and Appreciation” and was most interesting and entertaining.
Congratulations to member, Gab-rielle Grudin of Lima, NY who became the bride of Robert Wahl in August.
Happy November birthdays to Jo Stoltz, Elziabeth Gravier, Louise Toth, Marie Zimmer, Elyse Harr, Betty Gawor, Edmund Yemec, Theresa Gorup and Aggie Haslup.
Happy December birthdays to Joe Offutt, Nicholas Lipnos, Beth Carroll, Chris Gravier, Eleanor Lipnos, Albina Skocaj, Jenny Lockard, Mary Lipnos, Marge Church, Christine Stropki and Teresa Stanonik.
Our next meeting is Sat., Nov. 8th at 11 a.m. at the Maple Hts. Library.
Please make an effort to attend. Our Christmas party will be on Sunday, Dec. 7th at 1:30 p.m. at Sterle’s. Reservations are a must so call Marge at (330) 467-0696. Don’t forget the January 2004 Museum Magic Month Calendar that came with your last issue of ZARJA. This is a great fund-raiser and with the holidays just around the comer, it can be a nice gift for someone. Call or e-mail the Home Office for additional calendars.
Maple Hts. lost a legend in September with the passing of Beatrice Vincent. Miss Vincent, as she will always be remembered, was a junior high teacher to so many Slovenian students at the old Broadway School. She was the personification of womanhood and set a perfect example for an assortment of pubescent females to emulate. Boy, could we use her today! She was a devout Catholic who after 9 years of teaching became the fashion director
for both May’s and Bonwit Teller, a writer for the Plain Dealer and the Cleveland Press and authored the book, “Make Mine Success” published by Double Day. She began the "Women’s Success Institute” with her sister, Rita, a Navy Finance retired executive and put on seminars for countless career women. I had the good fortune of attending one of these at the Maple Hts. Library in the 1980s. What an outstanding lady that we were so fortunate to be associated with. She told me once in later years that as a teacher she never had behavior problems with any of the kids from the Slovenian neighborhood. Why does that not surprise us?
I cannot think of her without recalling how patiently she tutored me when as a 12 year old I was given the task of reciting the following poem before the entire school assembly on Armistice Day which has evolved into Veteran’s Day and is remembered on November 11th.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
This poem was written in May, 1915 by Major John McCrea, a Canadian surgeon. It is considered one of the most memorable war poems ever written and bears repeating in these times of strife.
Get well wishes to any ailing members and especially to Teresa Gorup and Nancy Kish who recently spent time in the hospital. A Happy Thanksgiving to all our members and their families. Have a joyous Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
Z bogom!
LIL SADOWSKI
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI
Founding Date: JUNE 4. 1930 Meeting: 4th Wed.
St. John Evangelist Rectory
Our September meeting was well-attended. It was good to see everyone again, after our summer break. Recording secretary, Annie Konczal, was absent, as she had her second knee replacement.
Our National Vice President, Betty Ann Kolesari, went to Joliet, IL with 2nd National Auditor, Denise Bartlett. The purpose was to spruce up the Heritage Museum. It took over 5 days, 8 a.m.-ll p.m. Betty Ann and Denise were able to stay for two days and reported that the cleaning, reorganizing and rearranging were tiring, but rewarding. Kathleen Dorchak, Bonnie Prokup, Mary Lou Voelk and other volunteers helped to get the museum ready for a welcome reception on October 4th, prior to Branch 20’s 75th anniversary on the 5th.
Betty Ann also brought in a guest -a lady who read about the new national officers in a Slovenian newspaper, American Home (published in Cleveland, OH) and saw that she and Betty Ann live in the same town. She contacted her and Jacquelyn Smith came to our meeting. Jacquelyn is originally from Cleveland. She showed us her well-used hand-made wooden spoon for making POTICA and stated that when she tried to find a replacement spoon, she contacted the American Home, thinking they might know where she could find this type of spoon. The paper did an article about this and soon Jacquelyn found herself receiving all sorts of spoons in the mail. She brought in a hand-made one that looked like the twin of hers (except brand new!) It was sent to her by an Irishman from Wisconsin. Hmmm, IRISH Potica?!!?
Our birthday people. Rose Chepeck, Ray DeLopst (with an assist from Helen Otto) and Lorraine Johnson treated us to a great meal. Josephine Janezic, Yvonne Khaldy and Milka Menchak also contributed.
Joan Yaklich is recovering from eye surgery and Rose Vodnik has not been feeling well. We wish them a speedy recovery. We also said a prayer for Mary Martino’s daughter, Carol Jason,
who recently had a pancreas and kidney transplant.
Submitted for Annie Konczal, YVONNE JOHNSTONE KHALDY
NO. 47, GARFIELD HTS., OH
Founding Date: JUNE 17, 1931 Maple Hts. Public Library March, May, Sep. and Dec.
Our September Meeting opened with prayer by our President Olga Dorchak. We had a picnic meal and a small meeting. We welcomed new member, Debbie Duris to our Branch. She is a friend of our National President, Kathleen Dorchak-Hall. We had a good time and we all enjoyed each other’s company.
Our next meeting will be November 9th, 2003 at 1 o’clock at the Maple Hts. Library. We discussed our Christmas Party which will be held on December 6th at 1 o’clock in Valley View. More details at the November meeting.
Birthday wishes go out to our November and December members: November members: Sarah Huffman, Josephine Korman, Val Mervar, Frances Romano, Jo Walters and Angela Zakrajšek.
December members: Jodi Caultert, Ann Harsh, Karen Tolhurst and Beth Wallace. Many happy returns for all our members.
May the coming of the Holiday season fill us all with Peace and Goodwill for the coming year.
Blessed Holidays to all members of SWU.
KATHERINE WALLACE
We gratefully acknowledge a gift of$95 from the Minnesota State Convention assembly that was collected in Duluth Sept. 14, 2003. The members choose The ZARJA Fund for this generous gift.
$95 - Minnesota State Convention donation
ZRRJfl donations!
American Slovenian Catholic Union
±
(KSKJ)
An exciting offer to SWUA Life Insurance & Annuity Plans
• Whole Life
• 20-Pay Life
• Single Premium Whole Life
• Term Life
• Student Term, $ 10,000 / $35 annually*
• Tax Deferred Annuities
• Traditional & ROTH IRAs
KSKJ will make a $25 contribution to SWUA for every accepted and approved new Life Insurance or Annuity plan on the member’s behalf.
*$10 donation only for Student Term (certificates)
For more information call
(815) 741-2001 or 1-800-843-5755
American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
2439 Glenwood Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 www.kskjlife.com
rm
$25
SWUA Membership Information
$25
Name:
Address:
SWUA Branch #
City, State & Zip:
Phone Number: _ E-mail:___________
H/O use only:	Date	Certificate	Issued,
Note:
$10
This coupon must be attached to the KSKJ application in order for a donation to be made.
American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
$10
NO. 50, EUCLID, OH
Founding Date: SEPTEMBER 15. 1931
Meeting: 3rd Wed.
Euclid Public Library except Jan.-Feb.-Mar.-July & Aug.
Fifteen members were in attendance at our last meeting on September 17, 2003. At the meeting we were all happy to learn that member Ann Tomsic recently became a grandmother to a baby girl! Two of our members, Ann Winters and Anne Parker, are sick and we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers and are hoping for a speedy recovery. We are also sending our warmest wishes to Jo’s son, who is in the hospital.
We are ringing in the Christmas season a bit early this year, and our annual Christmas party will be held on November 19 at 1:00 on Holmes Avenue. This year, in addition to delicious food, festive decorations and friendly company we will be having a Chinese Auction! We are looking forward to a wonderful party and are expecting to see you all there in your holiday best!
Autumn is upon us, and winter is right around the comer, so I want to encourage all of our members to be safe in the rain, ice and snow. I wish all of you the happiest of Thanksgivings and the merriest of Chirstmases! Stay warm and enjoy the company of family and friends! Thank you for your participation in making this branch such a wonderful group of women!
ALLISON HROVAT, Reporter
NO. 54, WARREN, OH
Founding Date: AUGUST 22. 1932 Meeting: 3rd Wed., Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Our annual Christmas luncheon will be held on Wed. Dec. 17th at one o’clock p.m. at the Cafe 422 in Youngstown Road. Our hostesses will be Louise Vett and Fran Sainato. It was decided at our last meeting that we will not have extra door prizes and each one will be requested to give a donation for the ZARJA publishing fund in lieu of bringing prizes. I will call all of you for reservations.
It was good to have a nice turnout at my home for the fall meeting. And, especially to have Vic Zuga with us. Good health and God’s blessing to all. Our sympathy and prayers to Hermine Dicke on the loss of her beloved husband and to Mary Turvey on the loss of her uncle, Bob Dicke.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 55, GIRARD, OH
Founding Date: JUNE 8. 1933 Meeting: 3rd Wed., Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Happy Autumn to all from Girard, Ohio! Actually, since I am writing this while I am away at school, Happy Autumn and Greetings from the University of Notre Dame! Hopefully everyone is
adjusting well to the school year and enjoying the last of the warm weather. In South Bend, it has already turned quite chilly - a sign that another snowy and bitterly cold winter is on the way. I must say that college life is certainly an adjustment from my high school days in Girard. I think being over five hours away from my family makes me appreciate them that much more. Its so wonderful receiving a phone call from my parents, cookies from Stara Mama Kregar, and notes from my siblings and aunts. Although the food in the dining halls isn't terrible, I definitely miss home-cooked meals (everyone knows they are made with love). I also miss being able to bake - a definite mark of any Slovenian.
In local news, my mom Maria Selak and several other volunteers from St. Rose Church along with Fr. Peter Haladej have been busily making over 250 apple strudels for the First Annual St. Rose Apple Fest which was to be held on October 11. The recipe being used for strudel making is Mary Otonicar’s “Special Apple Strudel” recipe from the 1971 edition of our very own Pots and Pans cookbook. All food items featured at the festival were to be apple-based such as apple cider, apple dumplings, and apple crisp. Hopefully, there was a nice turn out for this family event as it may very well become one of Girard’s newest and tastiest traditions.
In other news, please keep Branch 55 member Delores DePietro in your prayers. We all are wishing her a
SWU Heritage Museum Gifts
TWO NEW T-SHIRT DESIGNS:
Blue with SWU logo..........................$13.00
(XXL $17.00)
Grey with white and red design:..............15.00
AMERICAN FIRST...SLOVENIAN AT HEART
......................................(XXL	$18.00)
Christmas and All Occasion Photo design Cards. 2.50 Blue Apron - “Love is in every Slovenian” . 22.00
Blue Apron - “Dobro je Videti" .....................20.00
Black Cloth Brief Case with SWU logo ...............15.00
White Visors ........................................5.00
Paper Wine Bags......................................2.00
Embroidered “King” Towels - White....................7.00
Atlas of Slovenia ................................ 110.00
Slovenia Books - (Lonely Planet) ...................16.00
Slovenian Language Manuals.........................18.00
T-shirts w/Heart design - all sizes.................5.00
Golf shirt - Black with logo - all sizes ..........20.00
“Princess” Aprons - (child) .......................12.00
Measuring Spoons and Spatula........................0.50
Polka King - Frankie Yankovic	Book ..........10.00
St. Nicholas Cookie Cutters........................10.00
Indian Webs - Look like little nets.................4.00
Sweat Shirts.......................................22.00
Sweat Shirts - size 2-XX ..........................27.00
Ceramic Angels......................................2.00
Wooden Kitchen Decorations ........................ 1.00
Envelopes on Genealogy..............................4.00
Slovenian language Dictionaries....................25.00
Small Pin “Marija Pomagaj na Brezjah” 0.50
Books - “Marija Pomagaj na Brezjah" ...............5.00
Key Chains ........................................ 1.00
SWU Pins..........................................   1.00
Slovenia Baseball caps............................10.00
SWUA 75th Celebration Video.......................20.00
SWUA Video - Through My Eyes -....................20.00
Slovenian Costume Patterns (Ladies size 14). 5.00 White Kitchen Towels (embroidered with
Slovenian proverb.............................7.00
Lace doily from Idrije (small) ....................6.00
Books - “Blaženi Skof Slomšek”.....................5.00
Book - “Pepca’s Struggle".........................16.00
Book of Poetry - “Roses from my Garden” .. 8.00
Red Pop Can Holders............................... 1,00
Splasher Cloth Pattern Books.......................5.00
Order from Slovenian Women’s Union, 431 No. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432
|Sj	Cookbook	Order	Form
* “MORE POTS & PANS”
:$[ Please send me ______ copies at $15.00 per book	including
v'	postage and handling.
$
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Name
Address
City __________________ State	  Zipcode
M
Make check payable to and send order to:
Slovenian Women’s Union 431 North Chicago Street jj	Joliet,	IL	60432
speedy and full recovery.
Just a friendly reminder for all members. The annual Christmas party will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at Little Pepinos Restaurant in Girard at 6:00 p.m. All members will be contacted in advance but don’t forget to mark it on your calendars!
Well, that’s all for now. May God continue to bless all of our families.
MONICA SELAK, Reporter
NO. 93, NEW YORK, NY Contact: Andrea Selak Tel. (212) 925-6521 Email: andreaselak@hotmail.com
As fall descends on New York City, Branch 93 is planning some new and interesting events. In mid-September, we held a Slovenian book/video exchange over pizza, where new member Elizabeth James won the door prize (a Vera Bradley cosmet bag). One of the recommended books (from Sonja Knezevic-Kong) is “Slovenija - Pokrajine in Ljudje” (Slovenia - Regions and People). Several branch members attended the Dalai Lama’s public talk in Central Park in September, as well.
Congratulations to Manca Klanjšček, the lead singer in a band called Triphazard, who will be featured
in a documentary about European women artists working in the U.S. The filming of the documentary took place in September. Manca also plans to go to Slovenia in November and, time permitting, may look into extending the museum library, perhaps by contacting publishers in Slovenia to attempt to negotiate a discounted large shipment. Adrienne Bosner, who is studying Slovenian with Marta Sternberger, also may travel to Slovenia with her grandmother this fall. Congratulations also to Mirjam Hladnik. The research project she is involved with “Slovenian Women in the USA and Their Role in the Preserving of the Slovenian Cultural Heritage’. This research project includes Australia, Europe, Africa and hopefully Argentina and Canada if funding permits. A group of researchers from the Institute for the Migration Studies in Ljubljana who work on this project have extended the research into a documentary. Miriam will revisit some of the cities where she interviewed women of Slovenian descent and will be doing fdmed interviews.
We’ve recently begun to promote our branch through press releases. We’ve drafted a press release and asked members to send the release to newspapers in the area. Hopefully, this will spread the word about our activities and will generate additional interest in membership.
Our upcoming events include a Slovenian wine tasting later this fall, a holiday party in December (tentatively Dec. 6th). Next year, we plan to celebrate “Kulturni dan” (Day of Culture, the anniversary date of France Prešeren’s death) and Gregorijevo (the Slovenian version of Valentine’s Day) on Feb. 8th. April 3rd, we plan to meet for egg dyeing with plants and onion skins.
A quick note to Branch 93 members: as we do most of our communicating through e-mail, if your e-mail addresses change, please let us know! If you are not on e-mail, please contact me for information on any upcoming events. We also plan to do a mailing of the current membership list in December to those who are not on e-mail.
Please contact us if you find yourself in the NYC area!
ANDREA
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Founding Date: MARCH 1, 1939 Meeting: 2nd Wed., Apr.-May-June Sep.-Oct.-Nov.-Dec. 12:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Church Hall
Greetings, everyone! How are you doing? I can’t believe fall is here already. The flowers are really nice and I love the fall colors. I still have tomatoes, onions, beets in the garden!
SLOVENIAN -AMERICAN COOKBOOK
We had a nice meeting in September with about 8 of us attending. I talked about the National Convention. Ladies who do not get to go the meetings, please read the Sept.-Oct., 2003 issue of ZARJA that tells you all about the changes that were made. Evelyn Driscoll and Bernice Morrison brought cakes and we thank you for taking care of this.
We lost a dear member, Mary A. Perkovich (nee Pesut). She died on August 26th. She was sick for 5 years, and was a long-time member of our Branch. She will be missed. Mary was a sister-in-law of Manda Dosen, another of our fine, long-time members. Eleanor Bandera’s grandchildren got married. Melaise Smith wore her grandmother’s wedding dress from 64 years ago. Grandson, Peter Bandera got married in July in San Diego, and Eleanor went to another wedding in September, for granddaughter, Ann. Congratulations, grandma!
I just heard that Bernice Morrison’s daughter, Margaret Ann is a professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She has been teaching English there about 7 years. Congratulations, Bernice.
Ladies, if you need to change your ZARJA address or change your beneficiary, please get in touch with me, the Home Office or Secretary, Bonnie Prokup. It is very important.
Say a prayer for the sick, home-bound and the men and women in the Services. They need our prayers.
Happy birthday to the ladies in November and December. Have a nice Thanksgiving and a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year 2004.
DOLORES HENNELLY
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Founding Dale: MAY II. 1941 Meeting: When convenient Parish Center
Our next meeting will be held sometime in December.
Fall is definitely here; with the very dry summer the farmers are harvesting the crops early.
Mindy Debevec and Luke Bauer, both of Eau Claire, were married June 28th at St. Raymond of Penafort Church in Brackett, Wl. The Rev. Paul Getter officiated. Music was provided
by the Chippewa Valley String Quartette. Mindy is the granddaughter of Agnes Debevec.
Willard Historical Park is beginning to show progress. A bunch of men started on the shelter; a lot of work is yet to be done.
Frank and Jean Govec left for Yuma, Arizona where they will spend the winter.
Sue and Larry Pakiz and Joanne and Tom Zwaschka just returned from a visit to Slovenia. They visited friends and relatives of the Pakiz and Hribar families. One event they attended was the annual festival at Bohinj, when the cows come down from the high plains where they had spent the summer. Cheese and milk products are sold at the Fair. And everyone enjoys the button box music, folk dancing and food. They also visited with Fr. Mirko who was in the hospital due to stress. He will go to Ljubljana to recover at the home of relatives. The weather and scenery in Slovenia was fabulous, they said.
Welcome new member, Patty Sixal.
Our condolences to the family of Stanley Suda.
Prayers and get well wishes to Edith Backus, Helen Krainz, Agnes Lesar and Olga Hribar.
AGNES DEBEVEC
FROM THE NATI’L SECRETARY’S OFFICE
Missing Persons:
Please help! The members below have moved and we don’t have their new address. Anyone who knows of their address please contact the National Secretary.
Artisensi, Olga Bregar, Mary Kathryn Callans, Nancy Cekada, Anna Dougherty, Mary Dovnik, Danielle E Forsythe, Carol A Gordos, Paula Hecimovich, Mary Hegeduš, Ashley Krall, Mary E Lauretig, Mary Foys Lemire, Marie Maurin, Anne Ostrem, Frances Portnoff, Nancy Pousha, Stella Rothe, Frances M Somrock Robinson, Melissa Stemot, Ann M Stupica, Angela Wilkerson, Mary
S(T^f~r ^A/\ ilkCcuj-ž čloo&Lž,	' Ctjl
5 inch high color lithographed papers Wears a cranberry red cloak, with green/gold trim FDA-approved inks and paper used
• Cookie Kit (36 papers, “A” tinplate cutter, recipes/instructions ....................$10.50	PPE*
• 36 papers only ......................... 6.50	PPE
• 96 papers only.......................... 11.50	PPE
• Ohio residents add 8% sales tax.
• Shipping fees already included.
Other holiday designs also available.
VISA, MC, AmEx, Check or M.O. accepted Santa Papers by Hunter, Inc.
P.O. Box 26016, Fairview Park, OH 44126 Tel.: 1-800-793-0788 * Fax; 1^40-895-9517 Wholesale prices available for stores, schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations.
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki
Membership Application
Yes!
I want to join the S.W.U. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication, ZARJA-The Dawn; I can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, I will come in contact with fellow Slovenes. Please type or print legibly. Choose type of membership:
□	Junior (Birth to 18), Annual Dues $5.00	□	Adult, Annual Dues $20.00
Name and Middle Initial ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address __________________________________________________ City/State/Zip	________________________________________________
Phone/Fax _________________________________________________________ E-Mail	________________________________________________________
Date of Birth ___________________________________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _________________________________________
Please describe your Slovenian ancestry ___________________________________________________________________________________________
How did you hear about us? _ S.W.U. member ________ newspaper	  website	  other
Applicant’s signature: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date:
Branch Affiliation No. (if known) ______________________________________________ Location:	__________________________________________
Please make checks payable to the Slovenian Women’s Union of America and mail to:
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432 - (815) 727-1926 e-mail: swuhome@msn.com — Internet webpage: www.swua.org
Please allow four to six weeks for membership processing.
In addition to my dues, I wish to contribute to the General Fund:	For	Office Use:
$ ___________________________________________ Date	Received:	___________________________
In honor of _____________________________________________________________ Membership No.:
In memory of ____________________________________________________________ Branch Affiliate: _
Send acknowledgement to _________________________________________________
□	I would like to volunteer for the S.W.U. My area of interest or expertise is: ________
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At Your Service During Life’s Most Difficult Moments
Louis "Ron" Zefran	Connie	Rodriguez
Frank J. Zefran	Lois	M. Zefran Debbie Zefran Jerry
1-800-249-9150
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n \~h-itzzTciL czJ~foni£i,
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SHELIGA DRUG INC.
ThuFl/aSuz. 6025 St. Clair Aw., Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 431-1035
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TEZAK FUNERAL HOME “First in Service Since 1908”
Licensed Producer: Richard K. Tezak (815) 722-0524 American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
1211 Plainfield Road Joliet, IL 60435
ZELE FUNERAL HOME, INC.
452 East 152nd St., Cleveland, Ohio (216) 481-3118
Marie T. Stelow, MS, LCPC
Individual, Couple, Family Therapy
1000 Essington Road	Phone: (815) 773-2303
Joliet, IL 60431	Fax:	(815) 744-1623
SLOVENIJA MAGAZINE
Quarterly issue/$30 USD per year.
Personal checks accepted. Send your subscription to: Slovenija Magazine, Cankarjeva 1,
P.O. Box 169,1001 Ljubljana, SLOVENIA, Europe
It’s truly beautiful magazine!
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limmr
FUNERAL HOMES
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tnark@zimmerfuneralhbme.com 805 North 6th Street. Sheboygan. WI 53081 (920) 457-7012 - Fax:(920) 457-7013 117 North Wisconsin Drive. Howards Grove. WI 53083 (920) 565-2331 www.zimmerfuneralhome.com