$ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International Zarja Official Publication Slovenian Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki Volume 84 Issue 5 November/December 2012 The Dawn THE BARAGA CROSS On the Shores of Lake Superior in Schroeder, Minnesota Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St. LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 84, No 5, November/December 2012 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Communications for the next issue of publication Do you have something SUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15th day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the January/ February issue must be received by November 15th. Thank you. Submission Guidelines Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone number, e-mail address and mailing address with each submission, including e-mailed submissions. Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted materials. It is best to e-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal (or better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach your photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.) By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian Union of America (formerly the Slovenian Women’s Union of America) the use of the material, including your name, hometown and state. We may modify, reproduce, and distribute it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or appropriate place. Junior Member in the News Emily Blase of Branch 99 - Lemont, Illinois, has been selected as the Gospodi~na Slovenskega Dne, Miss Slovenia, of the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont. Every year a Gospodi~na is selected to celebrate the center’s anniversary. This year, the center will celebrate its 17th anniversary on November 11th. Emily graduated from Lemont High School this past May, and has begun her first semester at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Mechanical Engineering. In high school she was very active in several clubs, including Foreign Language Club, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. She played soccer for 12 years, softball for 11 years, and volleyball for four years. She intends to continue with intramural soccer in college. Emily attended the Slom{ek Slovenian School in Lemont for 12 years, and was a teacher’s assistant at the school for the 20112012 school year. She also danced in Slovenian school and was a member of the Lipa Dance Group. She has volunteered at the center for six years, helping with special events and serving dinners. Emily is the daughter of James and Dana Blase. Her grandparents came from Mokronog (close to Novo Mesto) and Gornja Bistrica. She would like to visit Slovenia and meet her relatives. Emily especially would like to visit Ljubljana and Lake Bled. She has always been interested in going to see the island ever since she was a small girl. Being part of the Slovenian community has allowed Emily to meet so many people with the same interests because of the shared background. Emily has made many friends, as well as having closer relationships with her relatives that are a part of the Slovenian Catholic Center. She hopes to carry on her heritage with her future children, and also have them be an active part of the Slovenian Catholic Center. Emily is thankful for her Slovenian Heritage and happy to learn about her Slovenian culture and her roots. Slovenian Union of America 27th National Convention - 2015 - Lemont, Illinois SLOVENIAN “SPRING FLING” DRAWING March 2013 Fund-Raiser Top Seller Prizes: $10.00 PER TICKET 1st Place - $110.00 2nd Place - $70.00 3rd Place - $40.00 Towards Convention Package CASH PRIZES TOTALING $2,695 C 27 Daily Drawings at $55 March 20th and 31st at $220 March 1st and 17th at $110 31 Daily Seller Prizes at $10 U T H E You are eligible for all daily drawings in the month of March, 2013. Sellers of the winning entries will receive $10 as an award for their selling efforts. The daily drawing amount and the seller’s $10 prize will be mailed to the winners of record the next business day. Winners will be sent an e-mail and names posted on the website. For information on how the Fund-Raiser works - see next page. R The following entry form should be printed clearly and accompany your $10 donation. Detach at perforation E Entry Form Entrant’s Information: Name:____________________________________ Address:______________________________ City:______________________________________ State:_____________Zip Code:_____________ Phone:____________________________________ E-mail:________________________________ Seller’s Information: Name:____________________________________ Address:______________________________ City:_____________________________________ State:_____________ Zip Code:____________ Phone:____________________________________ E-mail:________________________________ Branch Location and Number:_________________________________________________________ Please send completed form (copies accepted) and $10 check payable to SUA/SWUA to: Denise P. Bartlett SUA Director of Special Projects 7902 West Howard Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53220-1612 Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 1 Slovenian Union of America 27th National Convention - 2015 - Lemont, Illinois SLOVENIAN “SPRING FLING” DRAWING March 2013 Fund-Raiser www.slovenianunion.org Need additional entries? Contact Denise P. Bartlett at: Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com 2015 SUA/SWUA National Convention. SUA/SWUA holds its National Convention every four years in host cities around the country. These gatherings are important not only to conduct SUA/SWUA business but to have a forum for branch representatives to come together to give their reports, share their ideas, discuss concerns and further cement their mutual love and respect for all things related to their Slovenian heritage. Our next SUA/SWUA National Convention will be held in Lemont, Illinois in 2015. Plans are underway to make this another memorable event. The successful completion of this “Slovenian Spring Fling Drawing” Fund-Raiser will provide monies to help defray the costs of conducting SUA/SWUA’s National Convention. The Convention Committee strives to offer an affordable convention package to enable delegates and members from every SUA/SWUA branch to attend. The entries make excellent gifts for the holiday season, birthdays, and to say “Thank You.” How Does the Fund-Raiser Work? Everyone participating in the SUA/SWUA “Slovenian ‘Spring Fling’ Drawing” Fund-raiser has the chance to win cash prizes. Each day in the month of March, 2013, one winner will be chosen to win the listed cash prize for that day - $55, $110 or $220. In addition, each day the person who sold that day’s winning ticket will win $10. The daily winner and seller can be one and the same and win both prizes. The month of March has much to celebrate – including St. Patrick’s Day, 1st Day of Spring, and Easter Sunday. The winners chosen on March 1st – the first day of “Spring Fling” – and March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day (a day of luck for Slovenians, too) – will win $110 each. The winners chosen on March 20th – the first day of Spring – and on March 31st – Easter Sunday – will win $220 each. In addition, the top sellers (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) will win $110 and $70 and $40 respectively towards their Convention package. It’s a WIN opportunity for everyone. Your Participation is Appreciated! Good Luck! 2 ZARJA THE DAWN President’s Message Greetings: With Thanksgiving just weeks away, this is a great time of the year to recognize all those individuals who deserve a big thank you! I can’t think of a better place to start than with all of you, the membership of the Slovenian Union of America. Just where would we be without you? I am amazed when I read through the branch reports to see just how far we have come. And the exciting feature stories, regular articles, upcoming events, and more. Yes, we certainly have so much to be thankful for. When many ethnic organizations are struggling, we appear to be alive with a renewed energy. We would not be in this position today if it were not for you! Thank you! set out to do in July 2011 will be rewarding when every last one is accomplished. Our dreams are huge but certainly achievable. Anything is possible with this team! More thanks to all the Appointed Positions, Directors, Zarja Writers, Regional Presidents, Museum volunteers, and to all the Branch officers. You, too, are making a difference in this soon to be 86 year old organization. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. May it be filled with family and friends and lots of potica, strudel, and sausage. Sincerely, Bonnie Pohar Prokup, National President wprokup@aol.com My thank you continues to the National Board of Directors. Time seems to be our worst enemy, but we do a great job finding a moment to make the difference. The tasks we Picture below is of Bonnie’s Home Office at Christmas NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 3 Burial Insurance Claims Ryba’s Reminders Who Do We Contact? By Carol Ryba - National Treasurer Address Changes Please keep us informed IMMEDIATELY. All changes should be sent to Jana Hlade. We prefer notification via e-mail, as it is faster. Do NOT contact the Zarja staff because mailing lists are maintained by Jana. She can be contacted as follows: E-mail: swuamembers@live.com or send via U.S. Mail at the following address: SUA Attn: Jana Hlade 431 N. Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Though it is our hope to eventually get out of the insurance business, we still have not received instructions and guidance from the Illinois Department of Insurance. Therefore, we continue to pay claims for those members with policies. Questions about Insurance Claims Call Jonita Ruth at 815.727.1926 or send an e-mail to Carol Ryba ryba4homeoffice@yahoo.com Send claims to: SUA 431 N. Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432-1703 To collect claim, we must have a copy of the member’s death certificate and a copy of the insurance policy if it can be found. In order for a claim to be valid, dues must be paid by the third month of the year. We will sometimes make an exception if the member was ill and the family did not know dues had to be paid. Of course this will be determined on a case by case basis. If dues were not paid for the previous year, more than likely we cannot pay the claim per our bylaws and in accordance with the Department of Insurance. Sometimes a family will find a policy where dues have not been paid for several years. We cannot pay these claims. Dues must be paid yearly in order for insurance to be valid. St. Virgil, Patron of the Slovenes by Michael A. Vidmar, Branch 20 - Joliet The saint with the title “Patron of the Slovenes” or “Apostle of the Carinthians” is an Irish monk, St. Virgil. He traveled many miles to eastern Europe to spread the Faith. on the other side of the world. He was cleared of the charges when he successfully defended his ideas. He was also an architect and rebuilt St. Peter’s Monastery that later became the first Cathedral of Salzburg. St. Virgil was born in the eighth century and descended from Irish high kings. He was distinguished for his learning and virtue. He traveled to the Holy Land in 743 A.D. and then to France and Bavaria. He advised the Frankish King Pepin who asked his brother-in-law, Duke Odilo of Bavaria, to make Virgil the Bishop of Salzburg when the see became vacant. He was appointed abbot of St. Peter’s Monastery and later bishop of Salzburg around 765 A.D. In Salzburg, St. Virgil baptized two dukes of Carinthia, and at their request sent St. Modestus with 14 priests to preach the Faith to the Slavs in Carinthia. St. Modestus worked for 10 years in Carinthia and Styria. He built six wooden churches with the aid of St. Virgil. After the death of St. Modestus, St. Virgil visited the Carinthian missions in 784 A.D. He died shortly after his return to Salzburg on November 27th, his feast day. Pope Gregory IX canonized St. Virgil in 1233 A.D. St. Virgil was a renowned scientist and was denounced to Rome by St. Boniface for his teaching that men lived Sources: Lives of the Saints Vol. II, Rev. Thomas J. Donaghy; Bartleby.com; Under the Oak website; virgilofsalzburg.com. 4 ZARJA THE DAWN Thank you for the following donations! Slovenian Union of America Donations Donation $100 Klobucher, Tom, 20, +John and Rose Ann Klobucher Branch 1, On Behalf of Branch 1 Members Branch 103, +Molly Jerich Thomas, Ana Rojina Menapace, Alenka Richardson, Mara Kocevar Chokel, and Tatjana Zunko Rudl Donation $75 Bachmann, Mary, 43, Honor of Diana Ribich Bachmann Donation $50 Zajec, Miha, 93, +Ignacij Kunstelj and Maksimilijan Kunstelj Donation $30 Pohar, John IV, 24, +Sally Strohmaier Donation $25 Rusie, Linda Fon, 5, Zarja Gorensek, Natalie, 30, +Juliana Gorensek Gorensek, Annmarie, 30, +Anne J Hocevar Kraske, Pat, 20, Zarja Barthelemy, Elaine, 109, Honor of Stephanie Polutnik, my mom Dore, Rosemary, 2, +Anne Hozzian Freiberg, Raymond, 43, Zarja Vidmar, Michael John, 99, Zarja Considine, Arlene, 109 Donation $20 Ahearne, MaryAnn, 93, Zarja Tyrell, Karen, 20, +Helen Rozman Williams Donation $10 Storcz, Pamela, 2, +Helen and Bernadine Strocz Donation $5 Yost, Yul, 109, Zarja Heritage Museum Donations $10 Donation Branch 43, +Vera Ornik Branch 43, +Nell Zietlow Branch 43, +Justina Androjna NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 SWU Scholarship Foundation Donations Donation $100 Stane and Marge Kuhar (Parents of SWU Scholarship winners Nicholas and Andrew Kuhar), +Luka and Josefa Kuhar Donation $50 *Elizabeth Fon Walker Donation $35 *Amy Free Donation $25 *Jeanne Mirtel-Mears, +Florence Mirtel, her mother Donation $20 *Diane Fir Gremeth *Jeannette Hiti Weber Marge Church, +former SWU National Auditor, Beverly Menart Mary Turvey, +former SWU National Auditor, Beverly Menart Donation $10 Branch 1, Sheboygan, WI, +Jean Golub Branch 1, Sheboygan, WI, +Josephine Schuette * denotes past SWU Scholarship winner Welcome to Our New Members! Dore, Caitlyn Rose, 2 Dore, Kelly Marie, 2 Imparl, Jane, 20 Sustar, Mary, 20 Terlep, Joseph, 20 Grahek, Josephine, 23 Wire, Janet, 26 Edwards, Deb, 33 Sersha, James, 33 Nanti, Marianne, 35 Crowley, Laura, 42 Baraga, Leonard, 43 Sims, Mary, 71 Arouh, Janice, 100 5 SWU Scholarship Foundation Celebrating 64 years of financially assisting students Mission: To generate funding to financially assist young students with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture. This year’s SWU Scholarship recipients were asked, not only to provide an essay on what Slovenian heritage means to them, but also to do six hours of volunteer work. ELIZABETH ANCEL Branch 20 - Frances Barman Scholarship “I have always felt lucky to have such a strong sense of heritage and high value of family. I have very fond memories of my grandparents, Ed and Olga Ancel, enjoying potica, playing pinochle, and dancing the polka at family events. My grandparents helped to instill in me an interest and admiration for my heritage that only grew stronger as I became older. Even after they passed, their memory was a huge part of our family’s trip to Slovenia in 2008. We spent two weeks in Slovenia visiting many attractions, such as Lake Bled, meeting extended family, and exploring the rich Slovenian culture. It was the experience of a lifetime that I will carry with me forever. As I prepare to attend college at Purdue University and begin shaping my future, I will carry my Slovenian roots with me and celebrate my unique heritage whenever possible.” Liz volunteered this summer at the Brownsburg Swim Center, Brownsburg, Illinois, working with children. TOM KLUN Branch 23 - Jean Kurilich Scholarship “Growing up, my Slovenian grandparents instilled within me the fundamental values of respect, humility, and family. In Slovenia last fall, I discovered my own values transcended international borders. My relatives in Ribnica, Slovenia, displayed these same values. While there, I was promptly welcomed, offered home-baked treats, and made to feel at home. It was clear that my grandparents grew out of this heritage that engendered such warm hospitality. I then realized that these values were not specific to my family. Rather, these values are the foundation of Slovene heritage; a heritage that goes far beyond a family tree and brings individuals together in order to laugh, share, and enjoy. Someday, I will welcome family into my home, offer them potica, reminisce about the past, and share plans for the future. I am truly blessed to be of Slovene heritage and I look forward to passing these Slovenian values to others.” Tom spent his volunteer hours helping the members of Branch 23 with their big annual fund-raiser, selling unique cleaning cloths. 6 MAYA VOELK Branch 23 - Jean Kurilich Scholarship “Over the years, I have gained a significant appreciation for my heritage. As the daughter of a Japanese mother and a Slovenian father, I have gained knowledge and appreciation for both cultures. However, with help from my grandmother, Mary Lou Deyak Voelk, my Slovenian heritage has become an especially invaluable part of my life and my upbringing. It has taught me many lessons; ones that cannot be taught in classrooms and textbooks. Through my Slovenian culture, I have learned the value of travel. Two summers ago, my family and I traveled through Slovenia. I was amazed by the country’s beauty and culture. While there, my family and I visited the village of my ancestors, Sveti Gregor. This experience solidified my background and has since given me a greater Tom at Lake Bled in Sloveniathe comprehension of who I am. I now fully understand importance of traveling. It results in augmented knowledge of oneself, as well as an irreplaceable global understanding and open-mindedness. Perhaps most importantly, my heritage has also taught me the value of family. From learning how to make potica with grandma, to taking a drive through the Slovenian Alps with my parents, my Slovenian heritage has allowed me to connect with my immediate family, as well as my ancestors. My heritage has demonstrated the invaluable bond that can be formed through a shared culture. I am grateful for my opportunities to stay connected to my heritage. The knowledge of my background and culture has given me a greater sense of who I am and where I came from. Some day, I hope to pass these same lessons on to my own children, just as my grandparents and parents have generously done for me.” Maya volunteered for “Relay for Life,” a national fund-raiser to preserve lives of the unborn. SWU Scholarship Foundation Scholarship memorial cards are available for the asking. Contact: Marge Church at yemec1@windstream.net or 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, OH 44056 ZARJA THE DAWN KYLE LOREK MARGARET KONCAR Branch 14-50 - Frances Barman Scholarship Branch 20 - Frances Morrison Scholarship “Over the past 18 years of my life, I have learned a great “ M y deal about life, ideas, and my heritage. My Slovenian Slovenian heritage serves as the foundation of who I am, what I do, heritage is an and what inspires me to be. When I am asked the question, essential part What nationality are you?, I am always proud to say of my life. ‘Slovenian.’ If there are any other people who also say From the time that they are Slovenian, I always feel a connection with I was little, I them. It helps to know that you and another person have have always something great in common, even if you have never met enjoyed them before. This is one reason why my Slovenian heritage furthering my is important to me. knowledge of A major reason why I find my Slovenian heritage so my Slovenian unique to me is the fact that Slovenes are known for being culture. The talented in the arts, skillful athletes, and hard-working no m a n y matter what the goal may be. I have spent my life traditions experimenting with all areas, including the arts, athletics, brought to and academics. I have always received above average America grades and persevered through stressful times. I have from Slovenia played many sports, including basketball, football, soccer, make up key and tennis. I took swimming lessons for many years and components MARGARET KONCAR, Branch 20 participated in many summer camps. However, my main of my life and Recipient of the $2,000 passion is music and theater. I have played piano and have the person I Frances Morison Scholarship taken lessons for 14 years. I have been involved in am today. On Community Theater for over 12 years and have performed many occasions our family makes and eats the delicious in all of the shows at my schools. My plan is to continue food from Slovenia, such as potica, strudel, smokies, and my music and theater career, by majoring in music with a kravica. Polka music is something I love to play and listen minor in theater, at the University of Akron. to. I love all aspects of my heritage, from dressing in my My Slovenian traditions have always stayed close to my Slovenian costume, to polka music, to the delicious foods. heart, whether it be the ones we practice in my home as a My most memorable vacation was spending time in the family, the anxiously awaited visit from Miklav` at beautiful country of Slovenia and expanding my experiences Christmas time, or remembering and marking of the culture even further. the symbolism of Christ’s Passion through Special holiday traditions the traditional @egan Easter celebration. A and ethnic foods that I have strong faith has made me the person who I known and loved my whole am today, through my Slovenian heritage, and life are parts of my I could not be happier. I look forward to Slovenian heritage that I continuing my Slovenian practices and hope to someday pass on learning more about the Slovenian way of to my own children.” life. Margaret spent her I would like to thank the SWU for helping volunteer hours as a me to become the best person I can be. Thank flutist, Eucharistic you for making me believe that I can do minister, and in ticket anything I put my mind to. And with that sales for events held at belief, I am already halfway to achieving my the St. Joseph’s Catholic goals.” Church of Joliet, Illinois. Kyle volunteered his musical talents at the The Zarja Editorial Office Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, sincerely apologizes to Madison, Ohio, working over 300 hours, Margaret Koncar and participating in a number of performances. Lindsey Stratton for their For a special gift to Slovenian Home for LINDSEY STRATTON, Branch 43 pictures being omitted from the Aged residents in Cleveland, Kyle did Recipient of the $4,000 Rose Marie Princ the previous issue. a vocal and musical concert this summer. Graduate Student Scholarship NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 7 PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNER’S NEWS Lisa Lorek, Branch 14-50, SWU Scholarship winner (2008) graduated magna cum laude from the University of Dayton, May 2011. She received the “Outstanding Senior in Visual Communication Design Award” and has begun an internship at Brokaw Advertising in Cleveland. This past summer, two SWU Scholarship recipients, Patricia (Patti) Turvey Fetsch (1975) and Veronika Stare (2009) worked together in Patti’s laboratory during a Summer Internship Program sponsored by the National Veronika and Patti Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Veronika designed and exhibited a poster entitled “Diagnostic Application of PNL2 and CD146 in Fine Needle Aspirates of Metastatic Malignant Melanoma.” The purpose of this study was to determine if specific proteins could be used as a means of improving diagnostics, or serve in therapeutic treatment of melanomas, using a technique Patti developed in her laboratory at the NIH. Veronika is a senior at Gettysburg College and will continue her study in the medical field. In the January 2013 issue of Zarja, more detailed information will be provided for those students interested in applying for SWU Scholarship Foundation Scholarships of 2013. Deadline March 1st. Visit http:// www.slovenianunion.org for applications and information. The most beautiful, meaningful time of year is once again upon us. The Officers and Trustees of the SWU Scholarship Foundation would like to wish each of you dear readers, a very blessed Christmas! Thank you for the wonderful financial gifts you have provided for students wanting to learn. For questions, comments, or DONATIONS write to: Mary Turvey, SWU Scholarship Director 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, Michigan, 49855 mturvey@aol.com Marge Church, SWU Scholarship VP & Treasurer 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, Ohio, 44056 yemec1@windstream.net BRANCH 2 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS HISTORY I magine what Frances Jazbec experienced as she accepted the position of being the first Branch 2 president of the newly formed Slovenian Women’s Union of America! Thirty-five members, many from immigrant families, joined during the year of l926, and they all wanted to learn, share, and become united under one fraternal organization. During the early years, new Branch 2 presidents were elected each year. Some became SWUA National Officers. But, many had young families and must have found the work demanding and time-consuming. In later years, presidents did elect to stay on for longer periods of time. Current President Frances Morison, who was elected in l982, has continued her highly productive work to the present time, 2012. Frances Morison 8 Fran Morison has given expertise, organizational skills, future planning, and her precious time for 30 years to Branch 2 of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, now Slovenian Union of America. Congratulations and God bless you, Fran! ZARJA THE DAWN The Baraga “Rendezvous” By Norm Setnicker, Zarja Reporter and MC at the Baraga Rendezvous I n the spirit of the French “voyageurs” that traveled the Great Lakes region, specifically the North Shore of Lake Superior, a gathering of Slovenians celebrated the legacy of Father Frederic Baraga. Yul Yost, a member of Branch 109 - Twin Cities Slovenians, arranged and organized this “rendezvous” at the present day Baraga Cross located in Schroeder, Minnesota, an 80-mile drive from Duluth. Father Baraga was born June 29, 1797, in what is now Slovenia, and was ordained in 1823. This year marks his 189th anniversary of his ordination. According to a noted biographer of Father Baraga, Franc Jaklic, Father Baraga was 33 when he arrived in America, when, sensing a call to work with Native Americans, specifically the Ojibwe, he began learning the Ojibwe language from a Native American attending seminary in Cincinnati. His first assignment was in what is now Harbor Springs, Michigan, on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan. The Baraga “Rendezvous” took place on Saturday afternoon, September 15, 2012, alongside the lapping waves of Lake Superior. It was a gorgeous autumn day, with the NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 bright sun accenting the azure sky and the colorful hues of the autumn leaves rustling in the light breeze. Approximately 47 people, who traveled from a variety of places in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, formed a circle near the six-foot granite cross, located on a point near the mouth of the Cross River. Traditional Slovenian songs played by John Stark (Singing Slovenes) and Karen Medved on the button box accordions prefaced the twohour ceremony. John Zakelj, president of Branch 109, welcomed the intimate group of Slovenians who gathered to pay homage to the life of Father Baraga. Deacon Peter Mueller, from the local St. John’s parish in Grand Marais, shared a blessing which emphasized the importance of Bishop Baraga’s accomplishments to the Native Americans. Lenora McKeen, Associate Director of the Bishop Baraga Association, headquartered in Marquette, Michigan, followed him. In addition to Father Baraga’s accomplishments, Ms. McKeen outlined the steps, which the Holy See has set down for Sainthood, and indicated that two miracles must be documented for the sainthood 9 along with those of priests from other parts of Europe, laid the foundations of Catholicism in the upper Midwest. Slovenian priests came to Minnesota, before it became a state, and began to evangelize native tribes of the region. Baraga had visited sites in Fond du Lac and Grand Portage (both in the future Diocese of Duluth). Mr. Oberstar cited Father Francis Pierz (Franc Pirc) for helping Father Baraga in Michigan and then moving to central Minnesota, where he recruited eleven Slovenian candidates for the priesthood. Among them were Father James Trobec, who became Bishop of the future Diocese of St. Cloud, and Ignatius Tomazin, who served as a missionary at both the White Earth and Red Earth Indian Reservations. Mr. Oberstar, who was born in Chisholm, Minnesota, mentioned his fondness for Father John Shiffrer. Father Shiffrer was a priest in Chisholm from 1911 until he retired in 1966. In his remarks, Oberstar made reference to his Slovenian upbringing with the traditional foods and songs. One of his favorite songs was “Oznanil je angel.” Ironically, after he concluded his remarks, a talented Slovenian tenor, Shazor Shah, from the Twin Cities, sang that beautiful Slovenian hymn accompanied by John Stark and Karen Medved. One could see the tears welling up for many of the listeners as the refrain “Cescena si Marija, je angelski glas” was sung. Bishop Sirba blessing the Baraga Cross with the Cross River waters process. One miracle attributed to Father Baraga was the healing of a cancer victim. She also called on the SlovenianAmericans to join the Baraga Association and show their support for Father Baraga’s impending “Sainthood.” Lenora announced that in October, 2013, Baraga Days will be held in Duluth, Minnesota. Two noted Minnesotans, Mary Lou Voelk (Ely), SUA’s VP of Culture and Heritage, and former longtime congressman, James Oberstar, addressed the gathering. Mary Lou, who has done research of Father Baraga, recently wrote an article in the Zarja magazine on the initiatives that the Slovenian community of Minnesota has taken to upgrade the landscape and property designation for the Baraga Cross. Her short remarks chronicled significant quotations attributed to Baraga and underscored his importance to the Slovenian cultural community. While Mary Lou was reading these quotations, a magnificent bald eagle suddenly appeared, soaring majestically over the gathering-perhaps blessing the audience with “Baraga’s presence.” One could not ignore the symbolism. Mr. Oberstar, in addition to the historical background of Slovenia becoming independent in 1991, touched on Father Baraga paving the way for a number of Catholic priests from the Province of Carniola in the Hapsburg Empire. Their labors, 10 Bishop Peter Sirba and Father Seamus Walsh ZARJA THE DAWN The rendezvous concluded with Father Michael Tegeder, pastor of an Indian church as well as the resident priest of St. Francis Cabrini church in Minneapolis, talking about Baraga’s respectful and supportive relationships with Native American Indians. Professors Clare and Larry Martin, who are part Indian themselves, and who talked about the hymns that Baraga wrote with the Indian elders, accompanied Father Tegeder. Professor Martin blessed the Baraga Cross with a handful of tobacco and then proceeded to teach the audience two Indian Christian hymns - “Huron Carol” and “Ninzhawednaagoz” (translated - I am Blessed). It was interesting to note that Professor Martin played the song on an authentic Indian flute honed from a buffalo horn. One can honestly say that each attendee did have a spiritual experience and a lasting appreciation for Father Baraga’s legacy as symbolized by the Cross. Yul Yost commented that “This historical monument will become a destination and not a simple roadside curiosity.” Left to right: Professor Clare Martin, Shazore Shah, Professor Larry Martin, and Yul Yost *The TC Slovenians would like to update the wording on the plaque attached to the base of the Cross. The word “Yugoslavia” should be removed and replaced with the word “Slovenia”. We hope to correct the wording before Baraga Days 2013. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 Adorning with flowers / Mary Lou Deyak Voelk THE BARAGA CROSS Rededication: August 5, 2012 It was a beautiful summer day. The waters of Lake Superior glistened in the sunlight. About 70 people had gathered at the Baraga Cross on the shores of this majestic lake. The cross had recently been moved so it would stand on Diocese property and the path revamped to make it handicap accessible. Officiating were Bishop Paul Sirba, Diocese of Duluth, assisted by Father Seamus Walsh and Deacon Peter Mueller of St. Joseph Church, Grand Marais. Rededication prayers were read from the Book of Blessings. - Mary Lou Deyak Voelk 11 Death of a Surname By George Plautz, Zarja Staff Writer A Record of Immigration We continue with the pioneers who came to Minnesota from Slovenia to farm and tame the wilderness of Stearns County. There were no homes waiting for these pioneers who arrived during the Civil War and post Civil War eras. They built their homes out of logs and cleared the land, built mills to grind flour and make lumber, building out of a wilderness today’s farmland. Many rocks were pulled and trees sawn and uprooted to create a land for sustenance in America. During this era there may have been a number of countrymen who came to America from Slovenia, but, unfortunately, I can find no record of the ones I find in the Castle Garden web site. Entries without accompanying genealogical information came from several books written about immigrants from Slovenia to America. 1866-During this year, Ulrich Zeleznik arrived in Albany, Minnesota. Ulrich was born about 1834 in, I believe, Slovenia. His wife, Maria, and two daughters, Lucia, born about 1882 and Elizabeth, born about 1885, are listed in the state census. Ulrich is mentioned in the history of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church history as one of the pioneers in the church. I could find no additional information about this family. 1867-During this year, Mathias Burya arrived in Brockway, Minnesota. He was born about 1837 in Slovenia, and married Gertrude, born about 1847. Mathias and Gertrude Burya were farmers. I discovered only two sons born to Mathias and Gertrude: Frank Burya, born June 9, 1877, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, divorced by 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, working as a day laborer for a private family, and died on December 14, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois and Louis Burya, born November 20, 1879, in Stearns County, Minnesota, died on February 11, 1935, in Stearns County, Minnesota. It appears Louis was a farmer. While I could find no confirmation that this is factual, it appears that another son was also born to Matt and Gertrude. John Burya and his wife, Rosa, live next to Matt and his family in the 1895 Minnesota state census. John was born in 1870 in Brockway, Minnesota, and died before 1930 in Valley, Washington. His wife, Rosa, 12 Slovenian Pioneers to America 1840-1879 immigrated to Minnesota in 1872, from Slovenia. Rosa was born about 1869 in Slovenia, died March 21, 1948, in Valley, Washington. The following children were born: John George Jr., born January 19, 1892, died March 11, 1979, in Valley, Washington; Frank, born November 10, 1894, died September 1977, in Valley, Washington; Mary, born about 1897; Michael born September 3, 1899, died September 26, 1993 in Vancouver, Washington; Louis, born September 30, 1903, died April 7, 1992 in Chattaroy, Washington; and, Joseph, born March 13, 1910, died May 5, 1995 in Valley, Washington. There is a reference to a Mary Burya, born February 2, 1874, married John Schultheis in Stearns County, and moved to Montana, who may be a sister to Frank, Louis, and John, but the census data in Montana does not coincide with a birth date of 1874. John’s and Rose’s descendants continue to live in Washington. 1867-During this year, John Rekar arrived in Brockway, Minnesota. He was born about 1833 in Slovenia and he died before 1910. John was married to Frances and they had three children. Frances was born about 1844 and died after 1920. John and Frances were farmers. The children were: Johanna, born about 1879; Maria, born about 1881; and John, born May 1, 1882. The children were all born in Brockway, Minnesota. John was living with his mother according to the 1910 US Census, farming as a single man, and died on January 28, 1935, in Stearns County, Minnesota. I was unable to determine if Maria or Johanna married or whether they died before adulthood. 1867-During this year Gregor Klebein arrived in Brockway, Minnesota. Gregor and his wife, Theresia, were both born in Slovenia. Gregor, born about 1840, and Theresia, born about 1849, had six children in Brockway: Theresia, born about 1877; Gertrude, born about 1879; Mary, born about 1881; Anna, born about 1883; Johanna, born about 1885; and Christina, born about 1887. The last reference to them is in the 1895 Minnesota state census. A Mary Klebein shows up in a St. Cloud directory in 1959, living in St. Stephen; also a Joan Klebain, living in St. Cloud. At the present time I do not know how these individuals are related to the original pioneer family. 1867-During this year, Frank and Gertrude Tratrick arrived in Brockway, Minnesota. Frank and Gertrude were both born in 1830 in Slovenia. The only mention of them is in the Minnesota state census of Brockway, Minnesota. 1867-During this year, Peter Pogatchnik arrives in St. Anthony, Minnesota. Peter was born about 1848 in Slovenia. His wife, Ursula, born about 1858, also is from Slovenia. Peter and Ursula have the following children: John, born 1886; Anna, born 1893, married Henry Koswski; Nicholas, born about 1896; Lena, born about 1898; Agnes, born about 1899; and Josephine, born about 1901. Peter is mentioned in the history of St. Anthony of Padua, but no other recording of this family exists other than the 1910 US Census for Albany, Minnesota. There is no link to a relationship with Mathias or Gregor Pogatchnik. I did find a marriage of Margrette Pogatchnik to Ludwig (Louis) Bachor in Red Jacket, Michigan. Margrette was born in 1879 and her parents are Peter Pogatschnik and Ursula Mashinich. Margaret and Ludwig Bachor are listed in the 1910 US Census for Michigan, living in Red Jacket, and the 1920 US Census for Michigan, living in Detroit. Margaret is listed as born both in 1880 and 1881 in Minnesota. There are three children: Ludwig, born about 1902; Florence, born about 1904; and Agnes, born about 1906. The children were born in Minnesota. Margaret is most likely a child of Peter and Ursula. I could find no record for the Pogatchniks in Michigan. May 26, 1867 Mathias Pogatchnik arrives in Minnesota. Mathias Pogatchnik, born on February 22, 1834, in Mojstrana, Slovenia, died May 30, 1923, in St. Anthony, Minnesota. He married Cecelia Kunsik, born November 22, 1836, in Mojstrana, Slovenia, died March 30, 1917, in St. Anthony, Minnesota. Matt and Cecelia had the following children: Wilhelmina, born September 26, 1858, in Mojstrana, Slovenia, died November 7, 1937, in St. Cloud, Minnesota; Frank, born November 11, 1861, in Mojstrana, Slovenia, died March 17, ZARJA THE DAWN 1915, in St. Anthony, Minnesota; John, born November 9, 1865, in Mojstrana, Slovenia, died Mary 19, 1930, in St. Anthony, Minnesota; Joseph, born November 24, 1870, in St. Anthony, Minnesota, died June 23, 1951; and Alois, born March 18, 1874, in St. Anthony, Minnesota, died February 25, 1917, in St. Anthony, Minnesota. Mathias is the son of John Pogatchnik and Gertrude Lautizar. Mathias was a farmer and the chairman of Krain Township as it was organized in 1872. Descendants of this branch continue to live in Minnesota. May 1867 Gregor Pogatchnik arrived in Brockway, Minnesota. Gregor was born in 1832 in Mojstrana, Slovenia, and died before 1875. He immigrated with his wife Agnes, born about 1840 in Slovenia. They had the following children: Mary, born about 1864 in Slovenia; Agnes, born about 1868; Gregor, born about 1870; and Augustus born about 1875. Agnes, Gregor and Augustus were born in Brockway, Minnesota. Gregor is the brother of Mathias Pogatchnik, and son of John Pogatchnik and Gertrude Lautizar. Gregor is mentioned in the biography of Father Buh Masinaigans. The first Mass said by Father Buh in Brockway was said at the home of Gregor Pogatchnik. No record of the family exists after the 1880 US Census for Brockway, Minnesota. July 3, 1868 Thomas Oman arrived in New York. He established himself in the settlement of St. Stephen, Minnesota. Thomas was born December 21, 1836, in Gozd (Kransjka Gora), house number 97, and died on October 4, 1911, in St. Stephen, Minnesota. He married Maria Smoley, born December 9, 1855, in Gozd, house number 33, the daughter of Joseph Smoley and Elizabeth Ebner, on January 25, 1874, in St. Stephen, Minnesota. Mary Oman died on September 18, 1944, in St. Stephen, Minnesota. By 1896, Thomas owned over 200 acres in Brockway, Minnesota. His brothers, Simon and Mathias, immigrated at a later date. The family of Thomas and Mary Oman, born in St. Stephen, are: Anton, born January 18, 1875, died on April 22, 1953, in Little Falls, Morrison County, Minnesota; Peter, born January 18, 1875, died on September 25, 1925, in St. Stephen; Mary, born August 10, 1876, died on October 21, 1956, in Little Falls, married Matt Kozel, born September 18, 1869, in Slovenia, died July 8, 1918, in St. Stephen; Anna, born July 18, 1878, died July 24, 1949, in St. Stephen, married James Justin on February 8, 1897, born April 15, 1875, in St. Stephen, died NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 February 23, 1962, in St. Stephen; Joseph, born February 22, 1880, died September 8, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, married Gertrude Jacklich on October 17, 1908, born 1884, died about 1964; John, born May 15, 1882, died 1882, in St. Stephen; Balbina, born March 31, 1884, died February 3, 1957, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, married John Bayuk on April 8, 1902, in Pueblo, Colorado, born August 15, 1875, in Podzemelj, Slovenia, died April 12, 1946, in Willard, Wisconsin (Balbina and John came to Willard in 1910 and for many years John served as the town assessor, beside farming); Gertrude, born March 18, 1887, died April 30, 1967, in St. Wendel, Stearns County, Minnesota, married William Huls, born December 27, 1875, in Minnesota, died October 27, 1917, in Benton County, Minnesota; Thomas C., born December 25, 1887, served in World War 1, died on May 16, 1922, in St. Stephen; Catherine, born December 2, 1887, died May 14, 1910, in St. Stephen, married Andrew Paul Blenkush about 1905, who remarried a cousin named Rose Oman after her death; Johanna, born January 31, 1891, died September 15, 1966, in St. Stephen, married Anton Justin on July 2, 1912, born March 3, 1883, and died September 2, 1952; Edward, born October 17, 1898, died about 1899 in St. Stephen; and Margaret Gertrude, born August 3, 1899, died December 19, 1989, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, married August C. Schuneman on August 23, 1918, in Washington, DC, born 1889 and died April 7, 1966, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There are many descendants of this family who are researching genealogy and active in Slovenian heritage. 1868 Peter Sprajcar arrived in America from the village of Crnomelj, Crnomelj Parish in Slovenia. He died on December 11, 1911. 1868-During this year, Jacob Locnikar arrived in Krain Township, Minnesota. Jacob, born June 8, 1852, in Bitnje, Slovenia, died February 15, 1925, in St. Joseph, Minnesota, married Theresa Meyer, born October 11, 1853, in Germany, died May 6, 189?, in Albany, Minnesota. Children born to Jacob and Theresa in Krain Township are: Mary, born March 5, 1875, died March 9, 1959; Joseph, born August 1876, died November 29, 1908, in Albany; Franciska (Sister Mary Claudine OSB), born January 27, 1878, died March 6, 1962, in St. Cloud, Minnesota; Sebastian, born February 22, 1881, died April 2, 1956, in Hennepin County, Minnesota; Bernard, born February 3, 1883, died July 1959, in Heisler, Alberta, Canada; Anna, born November 22, 1884, died December 16, 1973, in Big Sandy, Montana; Theresia, born October 6, 1886, died September 22, 1942, in St. Cloud; Mathias, born February 22, 1888, died January 10, 1944, in Collegeville, Minnesota; Regina (Sister Maria OSB), born on May 25, 1890, died February 11, 1977, in St. Joseph, Minnesota; Conrad, born April 24, 1892, married in 1920 to Otillia Kubicek, died February 8, 1979, in Albany. Jacob married Anna Strack Rakatz in 1893; she was born about 1850 and her children also live with the Locnikar children in Krain Township. They are: Mary born about 1873; Joseph, born about 1883; Richard, born about 1884, Peter born about 1889, Gertrude, born 1891. The surname in the 1895 state census is Rakoutz; in the 1900 US Census, Racotz is the name used. It appears that Anna Strack was German, while her former husband may have been from Slovenia. Jacob Locnikar had a brother, Francis, born September 29, 1848, in Bitinje, Slovenia, died November 7, 1894, in Stillwater, Minnesota. It is not known when he immigrated to America. 1868-Sometime prior to this year, Mathias Jerman immigrated to the United States, settling in Iowa. On November 1, 1871, he married Catherine Pershe, born August 27, 1834. Mathias was born on June 7, 1828, in Slovenia, and died on June 21, 1909, in Clinton County, Iowa. Catherine died on February 6, 1916 in Clinton County, Iowa. They were buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Clinton County, Iowa. He and Catherine had three children: Catherine (1872); Mary (1875); and Anna (1878). Mary Jerman married Peter Rosman and in the 1910 US Census they are living in Waterford, Clinton County, Iowa, with his mother and her mother. Peter was born August 4, 1875, in Slovenia. Apparently Peter Rossman (Roessman/Roseman) registered because of World War I. Peter and Mary live in Waterford, Iowa, for the US Censuses up to 1940; they apparently did not have any children. Matt is recorded in one of the censuses next to Peter and Mary Rosman. A granddaughter, Mary Movrin, is listed, and next to them is the Skalla family. I believe Anna Skalla is the sister of Matt Jerman. In the 1880 US Census for Iowa, Matt Jerman is listed as father along with a niece, Maggie Jerman. Anna was born about 1836. The surname of German is used early on, but Jerman is used later on. To contact me by mail: George Plautz, 1307 Dragon Head Drive, Valrico, FL 33594 or doblice@gmail.com. 13 A Piece of Slovenian History St. Anthony de Padua Church, Ely, Minnesota In Memory of Albert Smuk, 1926-2010, Ely, Minnesota by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk © T his story is an account of Albert (Abbie) Smuk, and his creation, an artistic likeness of the old St. Anthony de Padua Church, Ely, Minnesota, 1900-1958. Today, this ingenious piece of folk art is on display on the lower level of St. Anthony Church. On the wall above the model is a portrait of Slovenian missionary, Monsignor Joseph Buh, the founder of St. Anthony Church, a church he planned and assisted with during its construction. This church held a prominent place in the lives of those first Slovene immigrants, and of future first and second generations, when the Slovene population of Ely was at its peak. The visible rites of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and Matrimony were faith-rich celebrations for parish families. This was the church where Albert (Abbie) Smuk, received his visible rites, and where he attended Mass each Sunday. It was the church his mother loved. It holds an immense piece of Slovenian history in America. Monsignor Joseph F. Buh: Slovenian Missionary in America, 1864-1922 As a seminarian, Joseph Buh had heard glowing reports of Bishop Frederic Baraga and Father Francis Pirc in America. Aspiring to do missionary work, Buh left Slovenija in 1864, and for the next 20 years served the native Indian population and the newly arriving immigrants in central Minnesota. With the start up of iron ore mines, Buh was asked to put his efforts towards the Iron Range. He came to Tower in January, 1887, as pastor of St. Martin Church and as a visiting priest to nine other missions, one of which was Ely. Once a month, over a two-year period, Buh traveled to Ely to conduct services. Most of the services were held in the Frank Lozar home on Camp Street until the first church was built. Buh arranged the building of the first church in Ely. The 30 ft. x 50 ft. structure was built on the site of the present day rectory. It was dedicated and blessed in honor of St. Anthony de Padua on November 27, 1890. A 685 pound bell was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Buh could only attend once a month, in 1893 he brought Father Bilban to Ely, who cared for the parish until 1897. In that year, newly ordained Andrew Smrekar was appointed resident pastor. With the community continuing to grow, the original church was deemed inadequate. The congregation had grown to 1,900 members. In the summer of 1900, the old church as replaced with a 50 ft. x 90 ft. structure at a cost of $20,200. Seating capacity was 500. Throughout construction, Buh 14 was there to plan, assist, and closely follow its progress. The church was dedicated on November 30, 1900. A 125 foot steeple in the front entrance held the 685 pound bell from the old church, along with two larger bells weighing 2,500 pounds and 1,400 pounds. The church is considered the handsomest in the northwest outside of Duluth and the Twin Cities. Shortly after the dedication, Buh took over as pastor of St. Anthony Church. Father Smrekar replaced Buh in Tower. ZARJA THE DAWN Buh was able to pay off the parish debt and purchase additional equipment, including a new organ. In 1902 he ordered a hand-made clock from Jugoslavia for the church steeple. He was the lone priest until 1917 when Father Frank Mihelcic was appointed assistant to the 85-year old pastor. With the sudden death of the bishop in January 1918, Buh became the administrator - the acting bishop of the diocese. Monsignor Joseph F. Buh is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Duluth, Minnesota. My Brother Abbie An Interview with Edward “Cookie” Smuk Frank Smuk emigrated from Czechoslovakia, and Julia Horvath Smuk emigrated from Slovenia. They were married on October 25, 1911, in Cleveland, Ohio. Job opportunities in the iron ore mines brought them to Ely. Pa spoke English well, but Ma never did learn; she spoke Slovenian. Today, I realize that was a lucky break for us. There were seven living children: Stanley, Vicky, William, Frank, Olga, Albert (Abbie), and me, Edward (Cookie). Our family was always celebrating! There were holidays, and with so many kids, there was “always” a birthday. There was another “always” - a 1776 silver dollar was “always” with Ma, either hidden in her ruta (head/glava - scarf/ruta - headscarf/naglavna ruta) or in her apron. We never knew what happened to the coin, but we do have suspicions! Cookie’s description for this dish was e-mailed to Dr. Janez Bogataj in Slovenia, renowned author, ethnologist, historian, and explorer of Slovenian cultural heritage. Because it was not koline (the killing of the pig) season, could it be that teta substituted a chicken for a pig? This is his reply: “I never heard of chicken blood dish. In Slovenian culinary tradition it does not exist. Very popular in Slovenia is roasted pig’s blood in the time of koline. People put fresh blood, eggs, herbs, and pork fat in the fryer and roasted like an omelet. The name of this dish is pe ~ ena kri. Regards from Ljubljana, Janez.” Dandelion salad with hard-boiled eggs was a yearly spring delight. There was always a large garden with every vegetable that grew in northern Minnesota. Basement shelves were filled with hundreds of quarts for winter eating. The potato bins were filled. Wild blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries were made into jam and pie filling. There was always the homemade wine. Pa would pick me up and plop me in the barrel, where I would stomp on the fruit to start the process. From wild stinkweed, a favorite snaps was brewed. Koline - the slaughtering of the pig and sausage making, was an annual event taking place during the days between Christmas and the New Year. Abbie and I were of elementary school age, but this is what I remember. Koline occurred in an area across the road from Gradisher’s, in an area above the Open Pit, now Miner’s Lake. Tables, Our family home was located in Chandler Location. It was a log building, a former weigh station for cars hauling ore from the mine. One could tell the time of day or night by the roar of the train. In our yard was a pigpen that always housed two big pigs, a chicken coup, and a barn with a cow and calf. Food! There is one mighty fine breakfast recipe that I remember. It had a taste of freshly butchered liver - and so good! When teta visited us from Cleveland, she would go to the chicken coup in the morning, slit the throat of a chicken and come in with a container of blood. The blood was mixed with unknown ingredients and fried. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 Frank and Julia Smuk 15 with tops of thick wood slabs, were strung along, 4-5 blocks long. Where the tables came from is a mystery, but each family had a table - Boitz, Rayer, Baudek, Smuk, Takavec, Puzel, Loushin, etc. Today I can see the rational for this set up. Koline is labor intensive. The butchering and lifting of the immense animals took 6-8 males. Family yards were inappropriate places to butcher and the slaughter area had plenty of snow, in which to place the vats of fresh blood that needed to be cooled. Also, sausage-making equipment could be shared. My job was to break off the speena (wooden sticks that seal the sausage) as each sausage came off the assembly line. Abbie’s job was to stand with his arms outstretched and await each ring of sausage. I can still hear him yelling, “Cookie, come and help me,” as his arms began drooping with the weight of the sausages. When the work was done, women washed down the tables. Could it be that snow was used to wash down the tables? In our time, having a shack was important. Abbie and I would scrounge the alleys of Ely, looking for cardboard boxes. Extra special were the casket boxes found behind the funeral home. As budding architects, we could fashion a second story, and even a balcony! On another occasion, we hit pay dirt. The carnival was in town and we desperately wanted to attend. We found two $20 bills under an oil drum behind the Pure Oil station. Abbie and I made a pact. We would tell our oldest brother, Stanley, that we found $20, and ask him to take us to the carnival. The other $20 would be our secret. Seeing that $20 bill was all Stanley needed. He drove us to the carnival and bought us tickets for the ferris wheel. While we were up in the air whirling around, Stanley took off with the rest of the money! Needless to say, Abbie and I had a great time at the carnival with that secret $20. There are also many shenanigans that need not be revealed lest the people of Ely begin shaming me. Confirmation Day: Albert Smuk and Fr. Sustercic It was said that one could always hear music coming from the Smuk house. Frankie Kromer would join Pa at our house for some great “at home entertainment.” Abbie played the organ and accordion, but his great love was the accordion. They were called the “Three Y’s” - Bill Zupec 16 Abbie Smuk and Abbie Smuk on the accordion, and Charlie Novak on guitar - at Yakich’s Bar. For over 10 years the trio played for wedding celebrations at the Moose Club and Kat’s Bar. George Barich took up the accordion after the death of Bill Zupec. Several favorite requests were “Blue Skirt Waltz,” “You Can’t Be True Dear,” and “My Little Girl, You Know I Love You.” Church was a place of worship and also a gathering place. These were the days of a Sunday Children’s Mass and catechism books. It was all uphill; up the Chandler Stretch, up Camp Street to the top of Church Hill, so appropriately named - First Lutheran, Swedish Lutheran, United Methodist, and St. Anthony Church were located at this point. The Suomi Synod met at the Swedish Lutheran while their church was being built. Their spires could be seen Church Hill, left to right: Swedish Lutheran, St. Anthony Church, First Lutheran Church. United Methodist is across the street. ZARJA THE DAWN documenting fine details. A razor blade, ruler, pencil, glue, and paint were his tools. The ordinary common pin was used to hold pieces together prior to the gluing process. At each turn, his imagination would come into play. The exterior clapboard siding and rooftop were made of individually measured and carved pieces of balsa wood. All exterior walls were constructed before doors and windows were cut out. Glass paint transformed clear Gothic shaped plastic into stained glass. Painted, cardboard window frames set off the stained glass. One project Abbie and I worked on together was a paintby-number picture of The Last Supper. That was almost 60 years ago! Today this painting hangs in Faye’s and my home. Old St. Anthony Church throughout Chandler Location. However, the skyline was about to be changed. The 50+ year old St. Anthony Church, built in 1900, would be razed and the site made into a muchneeded parking lot. The parish house across the street would also be razed and a new St. Anthony Church built in its place. The empty lot, where the original church built in 1890 once stood, would become the new rectory. As kids, it all seemed like a checker game. Ma loved this old Catholic Church. Each evening, we would find Ma in the kitchen gazing out the window at the spire of St. Anthony, praying the rosary. Abbie decided he would build his own version of the church. It was as much for our mother as for him. Up until this time, the extent of Abbie’s building had been model planes and a few birdhouses. He was about to embark on a project that would take nine years, from 1949-1958. He finished just prior to the church being torn down. I had assured Abbie, before he began the project, that I was with him all the way. Each time I visited him, we were either discussing some dimension of the project or we were “hands on.” The sheer nature of this intricate project meant limited time at each work session. Everything had to be right. It also meant spending time in the church, taking dimensions, sizing the floor layout, the design, and NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 The paint-by-number picture of The Last Supper Pews were constructed from wooden curtain blinds, with end pieces made of varnished popsicle sticks. An Ivory Soap bar formed the base of the front altar and a balsa frame and tabletop formed the altar. A miniature Bible rested on the front altar. Candles on the side altars were made of painted toothpicks. Tiny sculptured pieces of balsa were transformed into the Stations of the Cross. Images and flowers were properly placed. Tiny, toy railroad lights connected to an electrical transformer lit up the church. From a small speaker in the balcony came the sounds of organ music and pealing bells. The six-sided steeple, with clock and towering gold cross, were made and remade six times before Abbie was satisfied. The large and four smaller crucifixes were made of balsa and painted gold. The four clocks were painted on paper. Originally, the outdoor grounds were alive with miniature figures, a priest, altar boys, people, and cars. Sadly, they have been lost to history. Ma saw the nearly completed church before she died. When it was finished, Abbie housed the church in his living 17 room until it was suggested he share it with others. During one Christmas season, it was placed in the window of Kerntz TV Store. Eventually, it was brought home and stored in my garage where it remained for over 40 years. My brother, Albert Smuk, passed away on April 23, 2010. St. Anthony Church Archival Project In April, 2010, Pat Sayovitz Koski, St. Anthony archivist and Branch 23 member, revitalized the church project. In September 2010, Abbie’s church was delivered to the workshop of Willard Carlson, who agreed to repair the structure. At the suggestion of Koski, he also designed a removable section of roof to allow people to clearly view the interior of the church. Previously, the church interior was only visible through the front entrance to the church. Carlson spent over 60 hours on the project. Though the model had been wired, the electricity was not working. Richard Pucel, retired electrician, purchased new miniature lighting, electrical outlets, and transformer, and rewired the entire church. Pucel spent 44 hours on the project. Steve Smrekar, retired industrial arts teacher, donated 80 hours constructing a mobile oak stand. The church is now covered with a protective clearglass case to protect the fragile creation. Replica of St. Anthony Church Photo: Mary Carmody The model was brought back to St. Anthony Church and displayed at the Epiphany Party on January 9, 2011. Still under consideration is a new music box, which will feature music of the famous St. Anthony High Mass Choir, under the direction of Mary Hutar. Today, this artistic likeness finally has a home. It memorializes the passion of a man, named Abbie Smuk, who bequeathed to us a visible replica of Slovenian history in Ely, and in America. Acknowledgements: Edward “Cookie” and Faye Smuk Masinaigans: The Little Book; a biography of Monsignor Joseph F. Buh; Sister Bernard Coleman O.S.B., Sister Verona LaBud, O.S.B., Duluth, MN 1972 Pat Sayovitz Koski, Branch 23, St. Anthony Archivist Margaret Sweet, Ely-Winton Historical Society Willard Carlson Richard Pucel Steve Smrekar Rich Kovall Shawn Hill Ely Echo Archives Replica of inside St. Anthony Church Photo: Mary Carmody 18 Timberjay Archives Edward “Cookie” Smuk ZARJA THE DAWN Membership Application and Renewal Slovenian Union of America (Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America) slovenianunion.org swuhome@sbcglobal.net 815.727.1926 For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page Adult Dues $25.00 Adult Dues (International Address) $35.00 Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00 If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dues are for January through December If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year Invoices are sent annually in January Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name________________________________ First Name_______________________ M___ F_____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_________________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES ___________________________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about us? 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Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 19 “Holding On To the Hope Chest” Mom’s Notes Connected Me to My Slovenian Relatives By David Sodac, Branch 89 The once cozily furnished house is now completely empty. It was the only home my family ever owned. All the familiar, cherished contents have been sorted, collected, scattered, or donated. The purchase bid on the house was negotiated and accepted, their loan David and his wife, Barbara approved, the house is officially sold. The emptied four walls will soon embark on another new chapter of family life on 1210 35th Street. Before turning to walk out the front door, for that very last time, I take one final glance around what was once my childhood home. Everything I gaze at floods me with memories, from my mom’s calling out that she’s cooking my favorite meal, to dad’s dragging himself home from his arduous day’s work, and to constant arguments about what I can and can’t do when I was in my teens. The sights, the sounds, and even the aromas of growing into adulthood in these familiar walls, flash through my senses. My emotions rush me unexpectedly, it’s beyond any control to hold them at bay; the tears just flow freely like a rapid stream after a sudden, surprise downpour. I focus on getting composed. I whisper my goodbyes to this empty shell of a house, now devoid of any familiar physical furnishings and belongings. It’s no longer a home to anyone but my memories. Memories of growing up and family life become so implanted in my head. Both of my parents are now gone. Dad died over 20 years ago. My brain-injured, older brother that was so lovingly cared for by our devoted mother, wasted away about 10 years after dad’s death. Mom’s exhausted body gave out in July of 1997. I’ve become the last holdout from my immediate family - the only one. The once large, extended family of grandparents, aunts, and uncles has also dwindled down to just one hold out, now living out her days in a care facility. 20 Family was always such an integral part of our life. Birthdays, holiday gatherings, weddings, life’s events, and endless weekends traveling by car to go “back home” to see the relatives were all routine life’s activities. Our family of four lived only 90 minutes away from the heart of what my parents called “home.” To my parents, “home” meant their parents, sisters, brothers, and their families - their support system. My parents’ “home” was the Tri-Cities community of LaSalle, Peru, and Oglesby, Illinois, nestled along the valley of the Vermillion and Illinois rivers. All of my relatives seemed to remain in that hometown community, except for a few of us. My mother was from a family of 10 children. Her mother was Antonia (Pape`) Popish, who arrived in America, from her small village of Neulag, Slovenia, at the age of 16, in the spring of 1900. Within six months of her arrival, she married a LaSalle coal miner, Matt Banko, a Slovenian immigrant from the village of Hinje, Slovenia. My maternal grandfather, Matt Banko, died early leaving my grandmother as a widow to raise eight young children. Two years later, she accepted a marriage proposal from another young coal miner, Matthew (Muhi~) Muhich. They eventually added two additional children to their already large family, and remained in what is today, Oglesby, Illinois. David with his Grandmother, Antonia BankoMuhich, in her native village dress ZARJA THE DAWN My father was from a family of five children. His father was Matt (Matiya Sodec) Sodac, who had immigrated to Chicago in 1909, from the Slovenian village of Sobenja vas. While accompanying a friend for a weekend visit to LaSalle, Illinois, he met a new immigrant, my grandmother, Maria Grandmother Sodac with David’s Piltaver. She had parents, Matthew and Marie Sodac recently immigrated from the Slovenian village of Kr{ka vas, and was living with her newlymarried sister, Terezija (Piltaver) Terselic, residing in LaSalle. The community, in which both sets of grandparents and their families all lived, was heavily influenced by Slovenian immigrants who maintained old world customs and traditions. My dad eventually left to find work in downstate Illinois when the U.S. Government’s Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island was opening up employment opportunities. The long-distance courtship with my mother became increasingly difficult as he was traveling back to LaSalle every weekend by train so they could be together. They decided to become engaged. My mother had been working at the Peru Westclox factory as a dialer, however, to continue this employment, she needed to remain single. They finally decided to get “secretly” married and boarded the train to Iowa City, Iowa. They were married in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on a Labor The Hope Chest Day weekend. By NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 not publically announcing her new married status, my mother was able to continue work. Their marriage remained a secret to all their friends and family. While still working at the clock factory, she remained living with her sister and brother-in-law, Nellie and Arthur Hancock, in Oglesby, Illinois. The couple undoubtedly raised a few “eyebrows” when my mother began to take the train to Rock Island to stay with her husband on alternating weekends. Single girls from good, Christian families typically would never spend weekends with their boyfriends! The rumors must have been worth keeping her employment, as she was able to stretch her job for an additional year. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Sodac finally announced their actual year-long marriage at what was supposed to be a surprise engagement party held by her friends out at Starved Rock State Park. My mother then moved away from her close-knit family to begin her new married life downstate. My mother was always homesick and seemed to surround herself with reminders of “hometown” family life. She became a collector and a hoarder of any family hand-me-down “relics” that became available, such as quilts, crocheted doilies, and the art-craft- knick-knacks any of her sisters would discard or be willing to share. She maintained albums of every niece’s and nephew’s weddings, birth announcements, and funeral obituaries. She continued to subscribe to the hometown newspaper and avidly clipped out any news articles and pictures of friends and family that she hadn’t already received in the mail from her sisters. As her sisters and brothers aged and passed on, so did many of their cherished items get passed on to her. Generally, she lovingly wrapped items and older photos in tissue paper and stored them away in her cedarlined “Hope Chest” of memories. This “Hope Chest” became her homeaway-from-home, a place to visit and rummage through items and reminisce. Growing up, I could pretty much tell you every item that was stored in that chest, as my mother would, at least once a year, 21 suggest that we visit the “Hope Chest” and see what was in it. Actually, I didn’t mind spending that time rummaging through the cherished contents with my mother, as she was so animated and happy during those moments. After mom died, her “Hope Chest” took on a special physical remembrance and an affirmation of her life. My wife and I decided that we would take home her hope chest and continue the tradition of storing away our own memories. The familiar contents were emptied and the chest was delivered to a furniture restorer to be stripped and refinished. During the time the chest was at the refinisher, it gave me a chance to sort through which treasures needed to be kept and which items needed to be packed and sent to cousins. determinate to learn more about the names and of my family genealogy. The frustration was that those family members who would know the names and the history, had all lived their lives and had passed on. My generation of cousins and their families were all that remained. As I found out, they were as clueless and unaware of our family’s roots, as I was. First generation immigrants focus on being Americans, so the next generation never heard much about life in the old-country. It seems the third generation knows absolutely nothing! Surfing the internet for ancestry and genealogy sites, and then entering the surname spellings that I found on that notebook page, was futile. How was I to know or verify who I found after lists of names would surface? I didn’t have dates of entry into America for any of my ancestors, or of marriages, maiden names, or descendants living elsewhere in the world. I wanted to be absolutely positive on the information that I was collecting. I found myself becoming the family historian and I had to be accurate. There was one item I didn’t recall seeing previously, a red, spiral-bound, 90 sheet, college-ruled notebook. The pages were filled with handwritten, dated notes detailing medical and living expenditures over a period of years. Near the back of the notebook was one page with a few names and dates written. The spelling of the names After several years of these occasional forays into intrigued me, some were genealogy searches, I totally unfamiliar, but some finally received an e-mail had a spelling variation on from a man living in my father’s surname. The Metlika, Slovenia! He was flip side of the page responding to an inquiry that appeared to be names I had posted online, a few associated with my years earlier. There was a mother’s side of the family, website that focused on as I recognized the connecting Slovenian surname. Most of the ancestors and I had left a names I had never seen or post to anybody who might heard of before. It have information on my eventually dawned on me family surname. This man that my mother was was searching for documenting what she information on a family knew of family members member, Bara Sodec, who with their ages or dates of had immigrated back in birth and death. This one 1899 to Joliet, Illinois. That handwritten sheet of paper was a similar surname as David’s mom’s notes on the Sodec side became the motivating mine but spelled with an “e” instead of an “a.” As we corresponded, it became apparent that we weren’t related. However, he was familiar with the surname and in what parts of Slovenia they lived. He suggested that my surname might have been changed in the process of immigration into America. In Slovenia, there were no spellings of the name the way we spelled it. He attached a listing from a phonebook of about twelve names, along with their addresses. I composed a letter, written in English, that introduced myself and my intent to locate family, and mailed them off to each address. David’s mom’s notes on Banko side on the flipside of the notebook page 22 ZARJA THE DAWN Eventually, I received an envelope postmarked from Slovenia. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting in a response, but it was a start. The envelope contained a religious Easter card with a handwritten greeting in Slovenian. I knew of no one who spoke Slovenian, let alone able to read it. So, I attempted to write back and explain that I don’t read or write the Slovenian language. I never received a response back. One year later, I received an e-mail from a high school girl, named Nina Sodec, with the same surname but again spelled with the “e.” She was 17 years old and wrote, “I can say for sure that we are relatives; we are so excited to hear from you.” She was the oldest daughter of Miha and Slavi Sodec from Ilg, Slovenia. We continued almost Nina Sodec, the young girl who first responded to David’s mass mailings of introductory letters to Slovenia. Nina has since graduated from college in Ljubljana, is married to Jure Kozjek, and they just had their first princess, Eli. Nina’s original e-mail to David weekly communication through e-mail and snail mail for the past 10 years; she’s family now. We’ve both been able to unequivocally prove we are related. The one piece of information that I hesitated to offer was the date and the name of the church where my paternal grandfather was christened. In my search I had found this information on my grandparent’s wedding registration in Chicago. I held that information back. One day she felt that I should see the cemetery and church where “our” family has always been baptized, married, and buried; so she sent pictures. The name and location of the church and dates matched; we definitely seemed to be related. Her father was my generation; the grandson from one of my grandfather’s brothers. Since our e-mail and letter relationship began, I’ve been connected to other “cousins” residing in our homeland. I had never heard from anybody within our American family that our grandfather was from a family of 14 brothers and sisters. I was just amazed as this story unfolded through the years. The Slovenian relatives NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 weren’t as quick to accept us into their family as Nina was at the age of 17. Their family records had never showed a “Matija Sodec” recorded as a member of that generation’s family. No one’s records had ever indicated a family member had immigrated to America. Then, one day, I received a signed and officially sealed copy of a birth document of my grandfather that one of my newfound cousins had located in a government office. His date of birth fit in, between two of his siblings, perfectly. He was born in the same numbered house in the same small village as all of his other 13 brothers and sisters. It was speculated that when he left the family for America, he abandoned his roots. Nobody talked about him anymore; he was forgotten until now. The “prodigal son” had now returned to the family-fold. Interestingly, I had always labeled my mother as the “collector and hoarder of family relics.” Well, guess who has assumed that role! Her love of family and their history has enriched and shaped my life tremendously. It had enabled me to claim those unfamiliar names that she had written on that piece of her notebook paper and stored so carefully away in her Hope Chest, as my family. Maybe she had “hoped” that someday I’d find that notebook page and pursue the names further. Well, I did. Thanks, Mom! Now I hope that one day soon, my family will re-unite and meet those Slovenian cousins, face-to-face. 23 Josephine Arko Tribute to Long Time Members Josephine “Josie” Arko is a remarkable lady who has been active in the SUA for many years. Her mother had enrolled her in Branch 25 when she was a child, and Josie later joined Branch 50 - Euclid, OH, when she was so impressed by how the members honored her deceased sister at her wake. Two ladies stood at the foot of the casket and two stood at the head, all dressed in their Branch uniforms while a rosary and other prayers were said. The day of a member’s funeral, if the church was close enough, they would go in procession to the church for a final farewell. This ceremony continued into the 1970s. Branch members had uniforms which everyone sewed themselves, including Josie, an excellent seamstress. The uniforms consisted of a royal blue, princess-style dress with a white cape, white hat, white gloves, and walking shoes, complemented by a SWUA pin* on both the hat and the dress collar. Josie still has her uniform, which is in excellent condition! She had worn it many times, including when the Branch marched in parades, where she carried the SWUA banner, often for distances approaching half a mile; a very demanding walk while carrying the heavy banner. *All branch members who achieved 50 years of membership were awarded a pin which they looked forward to receiving and treasured. Sadly, the pins are no longer available. 24 Josie attended three SWUA conventions: Lemont and Utica, in Illinois, and the 14th convention in 1967 in Washington, D.C. There, she was fortunate enough to meet then Slovenian Senator, Frank Lausche, from Ohio. Branch 50 had sponsored many activities, including a junior chorus and other singing groups, and always had a beautiful food service at their events. Drill teams, which Josie helped train, practiced at the Recher Hall parking lot in Euclid. They marched, did baton twirling, and performed when requested. Yearly trips were scheduled, including trips to the Slovenian Shrine in Lemont in the 1940s. As late as the 1980’s, more than 100 members attended monthly meetings. Josie was born on Carry Avenue in Cleveland, OH, on November 28, 1919, the youngest of five children of John and Jennie Rutar. When she was two years old, her mother moved the family to Sodra`ica, Slovenia, while her father stayed in America and worked. The family returned to Cleveland when Josie was 8½ years old, after she had been promoted to third grade. But, when she enrolled in elementary school in Cleveland, she was placed in the first grade because she did not know English. This was most embarrassing for Josie, as she was much older and bigger than her classmates. Due to her discomfort, Josie quit school ZARJA THE DAWN at the age of 16. Josie is very active in Her first job was the Slovenian as a caretaker for community, always an attorney’s three volunteering where children, to whose needed. She is a home she went member of SUA, right after school, Euclid Pensioners, even sleeping Holmes Pensioners, there, and doing SNPJ #576, and some housework. AMLA St. Ann #4. All this for $2.50 She has helped out at per week, which Recher Hall for many she gave to her years. For seven of mother, as she did those years she was with all her getting up at 5 a.m. to earnings! She then help prepare the The Home of Josie’s Family in Slovenia got a job as a Friday fish fries, and saleslady at helping at fundraisers Anzlovar’s Department Store, and later did factory work by rolling out potica dough for over 10 hours when she at Lamson and Sessions’. After Josie’s children were was over 80 years old! grown, she worked for 10 years at St. Joseph’s High School Cafeteria in Cleveland. Josie still drives and takes care of the home she has lived in for over 60 years. She is a beautiful lady who Following her parents’ dictates, she was not allowed to looks and acts much younger than her age; always very get married until her older sister got married. Finally, at well dressed. Josie is truly a remarkable Slovenian lady the age of 21, she married Frank Urbancic in 1941, and and we wish her many more healthy and happy years. had four children: Arlene, a registered nurse; Geraldine, a lab technician; Dr. Frank, a professor of accounting Tribute to Long Time Members at Southern Alabama University; and Joann, who works in medical management. Josie has six grandchildren, Note: Please notify me if you would like to two step-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. suggest a SUA/SWUA member to be profiled In 1966, when her daughter, Geraldine, was singing with “Glasbena Matica” in Slovenia, Josie and family accompanied her there. While there, Josie’s husband, Frank, was diagnosed with cancer, returned home, and sadly, died two months later. Josie remarried in 1970, to Tom Arko, who died in 1983. in this feature. Remember - they must have been active for many years, and are probably in their 80s. My e-mail is pbudzilek@oh.rr.com My grandmother was SWUA Founder, Marie Prisland. In tribute to her, I would very much like to compile memories of her to share with Zarja readers. Your thoughts, anecdotes, photographs, or experiences with Mrs. Prisland will be appreciated. This will be a fun project. Please send or phone your ideas to me: Mary Prisland 1834 Sheridan Street Madison, WI 53704-3443 608.355.9898 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 25 Slovenian Strudel Sisters By Rose Anttila, Branch 35 - Aurora, Minnesota In May 2012, two of my sisters, Paula Mavec (Branch 99 - Lemont, Illinois) and Nadi Bajda (Branch 109 - Minneapolis, Minnesota), and I, Rose Anttila, traveled to the Slovenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for an apple strudel-making demonstration. The Slovenian Embassy would be opening their door to visitors during the European Union Open House. We thought this was a great way to spend time together and share our Slovenian heritage. Could this be a recipe for a great adventure? The Embassy would never be the same, as we three sisters took over the kitchen and did our baking magic. On Friday, Paula and I arrived at Dulles Airport about a half-hour apart. Our hotel was in Gaithersburg, MD, about an hour drive from the airport. You may not believe this, but Paula and I did not stop talking that whole hour to the hotel. When we arrived at the hotel, we noticed a large gathering of African-Americans. It was the annual convention of the Masons and their counterpart, the Daughters of Isis. The women were dressed in beautiful, long, white gowns. With a few smiles and questions, we were welcomed into their conversation. The women were friendly, and we probably could have joined in their convention activities as well. Later that evening, our sister, Nadi, arrived, and our trio was complete. The strudel demonstration was the following morning, so we needed to shop for supplies. It was not convenient to bring a lot of supplies on the airplane, but I did bring a 10-pound bag of Granny Smith apples in my suitcase, just in case they would not have them in D.C. Luckily for us, Nadi’s stepson, Mark Drewiske, and wife, Lindsay, lived only 20 minutes from the hotel. Lindsay picked us up and took us to the grocery store to purchase the necessary supplies. What we didn’t buy, Lindsay let us borrow; things such as aprons, jellyroll pans, a sheet (pastry cloth), and a rolling pin. Mark is in the Navy and was training at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. He shared many stories of injured soldiers he was involved with at the hospital. We had a great evening with Lindsay, Mark, and their one year old daughter, Estelle. Our first morning was an adventure in itself. Purchasing subway tickets from a machine was just a bit too complicated for midwestern gals. We thought it quite comical when it came to buying the tickets, but I don’t think the subway workers were too amused. They would attempt to assist us, but of course we still didn’t get it right away. Once 26 Rose Anttila at our stop, it was another mile-long walk to the Slovenian Embassy. We carried our strudel supplies in bags, and pulled along a small suitcase which contained Paula’s Narodna no{a (Slovenian costume). Thank goodness the two 25-pound bags of Cerosota flour had been generously donated and shipped to the Embassy prior to our arrival. Once we arrived at the Embassy, we were welcomed by Raja, who was in charge of the kitchen crew, and volunteer, Christy Sedey. The Embassy kitchen was small, but as you know there is “love” in every Slovenian, so close quarters worked for us. We also met Nick and Mary Carmody from Rocky Mountain Potica. They arrived earlier and had already started their first potica demonstration. Nick and Mary couldn’t keep up with the demand for their potica samples. We helped them get their trays out as fast as possible. Ambassador Roman Kirn, Rose Anttila, and Mrs. Jovana Kirn It was time to get ready for our first demonstration. We mixed the dough and peeled the apples. The Embassy kitchen did not have an oven, but we were allowed to use the oven in the upstairs apartment of the ZARJA THE DAWN Left to Right, Rolling Strudel: Paula Mavec and Nadi Bajda Slovenian Ambassador, Roman Kirn, and his wife, Jovana Kirn. Keeping the dough warm in the Embassy kitchen proved to be a challenge. All strudel bakers know how important it is to keep the dough warm for proper stretching. Ingeniously, Paula put the dough in a bowl over a pot of hot water and that did the trick. When we went upstairs to bake the strudel, we received a wonderful welcome from Jovana Kirn. She gave us a tour of the residence and said she would watch the baking of our strudel and we should not worry about it burning. She preferred speaking in Slovenian, so we did our best, which she and the Ambassador seemed to enjoy. Nadi and I really tried hard to speak proper Slovenian, but it never came out right; but it was funny. Thankfully, Paula did an outstanding job translating for us. For the demonstrations, Paula elected me to wear the Narodna noša and be the speaker explaining the making of apple strudel. She and Nadi would do the strudel-making. My sisters helped me change into the costume in the upstairs apartment. When we returned to the Embassy, I was transformed into an instant celebrity. Who knew what a costume could do? I had the privilege of having a number of photos taken with visiting tourists. One person even wanted to take my picture while I was texting my family on my cell phone. When I started to put my phone away, she stopped me and insisted she wanted the look of the old with the new. We made two strudels for our demonstration and one more for tasting, but we could have made 50 more. The response was incredible. We had a difficult time getting our samples out of the kitchen; the Embassy staff and volunteers couldn’t get enough of the great taste. Left to Right, Stretching Dough: Paula Mavec and Nadi Bajda NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 The first demonstration went well, except for one little glitch. When Paula went to shake the cinnamon, almost the whole bottle emptied on a section of the apples. Never underestimate Paula’s ability to improvise. She just mixed all the apples into the glob of cinnamon and no one knew the difference. We answered many questions about strudelmaking from the visitors and then went back to the Ambassador’s residence for the baking. 27 Our second demonstration went even better than the first. We were careful with the cinnamon, said our prayers that the dough would stretch, and hoped that we had enough samples for all to try. The tray of strudel was gone in about 30 seconds. We were surprised at the number of people watching the demonstration. After the strudel demonstration, Ambassador and Mrs. Kirn welcomed all guests to the Embassy for socialization. When the event was over, we were delighted to be invited to have coffee in their residence. We were also joined by the Slovenian sculptor, Luska Koscak, who had several of her works on display at the Embassy. We felt honored to be invited to this private gathering. Perhaps they enjoyed our humor, our relaxed attitude, or just us being ourselves. We then joined the entire group of volunteers for a pizza party to celebrate the day’s events. The Ambassador thanked us all for doing such a great job in promoting the wonderful culture of Slovenia. Since we did not use all the flour that Ceresota had shipped, Nadi and I wanted to take it home. We consider Ceresota flour to be like gold. It is the best for making strudel dough and we are not able to buy it in Minnesota. A bag of flour is quite heavy. Nadi took about 10 pounds, and I took 25 pounds. We put the heavier bag on the suitcase, and took turns pulling it for the mile walk to the subway, on the subway, and back to the hotel. We arrived back at our hotel, tired from a long day of being on our feet and doing a lot of walking. We had dinner at the hotel, and as we walked through the lobby, we heard music coming from one of the convention rooms. It was the Masons and Daughters of Isis that we had met upon our arrival. They were having their banquet. Several of them waved us in to join them in line-dancing. I am sure many didn’t know why we were crashing their party. It was obvious we didn’t belong. The next morning we were telling our shuttle driver, a young African-American woman, about our experience. She just laughed. We told her we just couldn’t get into the same rhythm and moves that we see in their culture. When we got to our subway station, she gave us a quick lesson on how to move our shoulders and hips into the dancing. It must have been a funny sight, seeing three, middle-aged women dancing with this young shuttle driver in the parking lot. We spent the next day sight-seeing on the Washington, D.C. mall. It was Mother’s Day. On our way to Sunday Mass, we found a white carnation on the road. Paula thought this was a sign from our Mama that she was with us in spirit this Mother’s Day. We also visited the Holocaust Museum. I had never been there, but Nadi and Paula had. Our family had to escape Slovenia many years ago, and we could relate to the holocaust stories. Touring the museum was a moving and emotional experience for the three of us, as well as the World War II and Vietnam Memorials. Nadi had to catch her flight that evening, so we said our farewells and Paula and I returned to the hotel. We both would be leaving the next day. The next morning Paula and I got on the shuttle for the airport. We soon had to separate to go to our different gates. The flour made my suitcase extremely heavy. I had the gate attendant weigh it, and sure enough it was overweight. Since it would cost me an extra $90, I opened the suitcase and took out some sandals and books and put them in my carryon bag. He weighed it again and it was exactly 50 pounds. I was good to go. I am sure he thought I was crazy. Who would haul 25 pounds of flour in a suitcase? If you are a strudel maker, you would understand. While waiting for my flight, I decided to have some breakfast at a café. Guess who happened to be at the same café? Paula. I guess we just needed more time to visit. Paula had just met a gal who was going to Kenya. The three of us had such a wonderful visit. They enjoyed my flour story. When I got home, my daughter picked me up at the airport. When she lifted my suitcase, she just rolled her eyes when I told her why it was so heavy. The Slovenian Strudel Sisters will be revisiting Washington, D.C. again next year. We three sisters have been asked to return for the 2013 Euro Nation Open House! 28 ZARJA THE DAWN A Salute to Slovenian Americans In Ely, Minnesota, on July 13, 2012, they came to celebrate their cultural roots. They left rekindled in spirit. Dr. Mirjam Hladnik and Joseph Valencic, our guests of honor, imparted the tenacity of Slovenian Americans, and the role they have played in our society. The film festival included the following presentations: Slovenian Achievers in America: Joseph Valencic Remarkable individuals of Slovenian ancestry who helped build North America. Many Voices, One Heart: Written and directed by Joseph Valencic A film about faith, music, and traditions in a SlovenianAmerican neighborhood. 100% Slovenian: The Stories of Slovenian Women in America: Written and produced by Dr. Mirjam Milharcic Hladnik Four generations of women share colorful insights into the traditions and memories that keep them Slovenian. The event was followed by a Slovenska Miza (Slovenian Table) at Creek Ridge Lodge. Menu included Slovenian salad, buttered carrots, green beans with cracklings, Slovenian fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, soured beef, roast beef, pork, blood sausage, smoked polish sausage, potica, and strudel. And then the dancing began to the beat of the Barich Brothers (Bernie and John Barich), John Stark, Rudy Jandrey, and Adolph Levar. Loved the polka story! Slovenians in American Music: Joseph Valencic From jazz and rock to opera and polkas, Slovenians have contributed to the sounds of America. Polka! The Movie: Written and narrated by Joseph Valencic A film that celebrates why Americans love Slovenian polka music and sausages. Featuring Chisholm’s own Fr. Frank Perkovich and his Polka Mass. The Legacy of Slovenian Women Migrants in the U.S.: Dr. Mirjam Milharcic Hladnik How Slovenian women enriched their communities, their families, and themselves across the country. Wish there was a video to purchase. Venue at the college was wonderful and the Historical Museum was super. Enjoyed the story of Slovenian Women. Mirjam and Joze were wonderful! I love the people who gathered. The gathering at the lodge was the icing on the cake. Yup; more, more, more events to keep our heritage alive! Just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed the Slovenian programs, movies and also the dinner last Friday. It was really an enjoyable day and I am so glad we were able to be there. Wish it could be an annual event. Loved the two movies I saw. The band was excellent and created much excitement throughout! Photos by Mary Carmody NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 29 From the Kitchen of Creek Ridge Lodge Slovenska Miza “Take a step back in time in this 4-story chalet with authentic Austrian carvings. Creek Ridge is open year round with lodging, a full restaurant and bar, and wedding/special event facilities. A golf course is currently under construction. Creek Ridge Lodge is located on beautiful White Iron Lake, 4 miles out of Ely, MN. The property includes 96 acres with 4,000 feet of shoreline.” From the website www.creekridgelodge.com. Slovenian Fried Potatoes 6 medium russet potatoes ¼ cup canola oil 1 large white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt and fresh ground pepper Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add onion. Cook until onions are golden, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and fry another minute. Add potatoes and salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally until potatoes are lightly brown. Serve with beef gravy if desired. Cover potatoes with water in an ample cooking pot. Cook until almost tender. Drain immediately and rinse with several pots of cold water to speed up cooling. You do not want mushy potatoes. Peel and slice potatoes. 30 ZARJA THE DAWN Soured Beef for Beef Noodle Soup 2 pounds beef shank (or any beef available) 1 large white onion, thinly sliced Cider vinegar Olive oil Salt and pepper *Creek Ridge Lodge uses: All-Purpose PLEASONING www.pleasoning.com Cook beef for 2-3 hours or until tender. (Note: Cook beef as for soup, adding your favorite vegetables the last hour.) Remove meat and cool, slice and/or dice meat, add sliced onions, add cider vinegar and oil to taste, and season with salt and pepper. (If using A l l - P u r p o s e PLEASONING, taste before adding salt.) Add prepared meat back into the broth. Cook noodles and add to broth for a great pot of soup. Slovenian Cucumber and Potato Salad 4 large cucumbers 1 large white onion 3 teaspoons kosher salt 5-6 medium sized potatoes Cider vinegar Olive oil Freshly ground black pepper Salt to taste Thinly slice cucumbers in a large bowl, add onions, and mix. Add water to cover cucumbers. Add kosher salt, and mix well. Refrigerate for several hours. Cook potatoes, preferable to just tender, drain and rinse with cold water to cool quickly. Peel and slice potatoes. Squeeze handfuls of cucumber/onion, removing as much liquid as possible. Add sliced potatoes. Season with cider vinegar and oil to taste. Add ground pepper. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 31 Branch Reports Poro~~ila Podru``nic BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Contact Information: 719.696.8583 amtcharron@yahoo.com Branch 3 has suspended business meetings over the summer. However, some Branch members have been busy with Slovenian activities at St. Mary Help of Christians Church and in the Pueblo community. The patroness of St. Mary’s Parish is Our Lady of Brezje, Patroness and Protector of Slovenian Heritage. Our Lady of Brezje’s feast day is May 24, and Mass for the feast day was celebrated on Saturday, May 19. The Preseren Glee Club, which includes some Branch 3 members, provided liturgical music, including traditional Slovenian melodies at the Mass. On July 14, the Steelworks Museum in Pueblo celebrated Slovenian and Croatian Heritage Day. Slovenian costumes and artifacts from the Gornick Slovenian Library and Museum at St. Mary’s were on display. The Preseren Glee Club performed at the museum to celebrate the Slovenian culture in Pueblo. The musical program included Terezinka, Kukavica, Daj, daj srcek Nazaj, Bod moja, and other traditional Slovenian songs. ANNETTE SABO CHARRON & BARBARA KARLINGER BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Holiday Greetings to all! I love everything about the holidays, the food, the decorations, and the family gatherings. Yep, the more hoopla, the better I like it! I love the smell of chicken cooking in a pot full of herbs, and toasting bread for Grandma Polly’s secret family recipe at Thanksgiving! St. Nicholas and I have a standing date on December 5th to see who gets goodies and who gets sticks and coal in their shoes that night! Christmas is Secret Santas, hidden gifts, baked goodness of potica and strudels, pine tree scents mixed with cinnamon candles, twinkling lights, and shiny garland. Holidays are memory-making days! This Christmas, the family crèche is joining our household. Great-Grandma Vertacnik’s handmade crèche will be set up in a prominent place. A gift from her daughter, Ann, and was always set on a low table to the delight of all the children who saw it. Even though there was a “look, but do not touch” rule, the animals mysteriously moved about the manger and stable... must have been Christmas magic! Once again, our Holiday dinner will be at Iron Skillet. Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 11, at 2 p.m. For reservations contact or leave a message for Karen Zarich at 852.3212 or Phyllis at 852.9850. 32 Please update your burial insurance policies if you hold one! Make sure that your beneficiaries are up to date and that your family is aware that you have a policy, and that the SUA office needs to be contacted with any changes. These ladies work very hard on trying to keep death records updated, and a copy of the death certificate is required to cash in a policy. Please update your policy today. As always, we wish you good health, safe travel, and lots of prayers this holiday season! Merry Christmas! KAREN, MARY & PHYLLIS BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Alex Simenc celebrated his 90th birthday on July 14 at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at the Church of the Nativity. A reception with his relatives and friends followed in the church hall. All had a good time. Alex was the organist and choirmaster at the Church of the Nativity for 55 years. He retired a few years ago due to health problems. He was a dedicated organist who played at every Sunday Mass, with special selections at Easter and Christmas. Alex and the choir made the Slovenian Mass each Sunday and holidays more spiritual and heavenly. Alex married Dora (Sustarich) Simenc 60 years ago. They have two daughters, Dorothy and Margie, three sons, Victor, Thomas, and Martin, 16 grandchildren and an expectant great-grandchild. Best wishes, Alex. VIRGINIA SUSTARICH BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois Contact: Marjorie Mitchell: 773.646.4392 Dolores60617@yahoo.com We had no meetings over the summer months and our scheduled September meeting had to be canceled, as our president, Marjorie Mitchell, was in the middle of her daughter’s work-related move to Texas. Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th, at 1:00 p.m. in St. George Church’s basement. The slide presentation by Bob Kuhel on Slovenian Carnelian bees is now set for the November meeting. Sadly, Anna Ksiazek, longtime member, died on July 20, 2012. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! DOLORES KRAL FRANKO BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: patricia.schager@att.net Branch 20 welcomed twelve new members. A big welcome – especially to our monthly meetings. Meetings began in September and are normally the third Tuesday of the month until our final meeting/banquet in May, when we honor our Member of the Year and Branch scholarships are awarded. ZARJA THE DAWN Member, Jean Herbst, has been busy compiling the yearly Calendar of Activities for upcoming events that is sent to each member. The Calendar lists meeting dates and times, names of hostesses for each meeting, special events of interest to members, current Branch officers, and bits of wisdom interspersed among the dates. This year we opened with our traditional Slovenian Grape Harvest Fest, always a big event for the Branch. Members worked hard all summer to get ready for the Fest, none harder than member, Jonita Ruth, who has spearheaded the event for untold years. Jonita is also the Sunshine Girl, busy sending cards to members on special occasions. One of the biggest and most appreciated roles at each meeting is being a hostess. Members always come up with special treats and beverages that we have come to look forward to and enjoy. This year we have President Char Kobe and Cheree Irwin in September; Vice President Jeanne Warsaw and Judy Hann in October; Corresponding Secretary Robyn Coyne and Cindy Welsh in November; buffet dinner provided by the officers in January; Jackie Plankar and Joyce Vicich in February; Nicki Blowers and Nancy Ferencik in March; Theresa Burns and Eileen Plese in April. A really big thank you to you all! Auditors Jo Lustik and Bernice Nemanich have graciously agreed to chair the Branch’s annual Bakery Sale. Proceeds benefit the Branch’s scholarship programs for students going into or already enrolled in a Catholic high school, and for a member wishing to continue with an adult education program. Eligibility details are available from the Branch. PATRICIA SCHAGER BRANCH 23 - Ely, Minnesota Thirteen Branch 23 members met on August 20 at the Grand Ely Lodge for a meeting. Dolly Shober and Gloria Smuk advised the Branch members that they are unable to continue as Secretary and Vice President. Mary Jo Pouchnik will be the new Secretary and Bonnie Nissen will be the new Vice President. A special “Thank You” goes out to Dolly Shober and Gloria Smuk for their past service as Secretary and Vice President. Gerry Petrich read a letter from the Cemetery Committee, asking SUA to adopt one of the memorial gardens. Members can weed as necessary. Pat Lammi made a motion to donate $100 to the Cemetery Committee. Jo Pouchnik seconded the motion and the motion was carried. New members are needed. Jo Pouchnik will make an effort to get more people involved. Thank you to Bonnie and Paulette for putting together the nut cups. Gerry Petrich has cloths available and will be selling them at Zup’s Market. JO POUCHNIK NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Contact Information: 815.223.9596 wprokup@aol.com Members from Branches 24 and 89 met in August at Starved Rock Family Fun, a new mini golf and driving range owned by Branch 24 members, Debbie Pohar and Don Baldin. A wonderful time was held by all. Prizes were given to the hole-in-one winners, lowest and highest scores, as well as door prizes. This was a fun event with “kids of all ages.” We had a successful first fall meeting. Paula Illman and Barb Krogulski did a wonderful job as hostesses. The beautiful mum was won by Josephine Grabowski. BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413 twogames@wi.rr.com With a lull in many activities and, I hope, a restful summer, it’s time to start planning fall and winter events. Our officers met and discussed many events that could materialize for our Branch and they will be discussed at our next meeting. 33 Sincere condolences are extended to the families of Nell Zeitlow, Josef Janezic, Justine Androjna, and Vera Ornik. These faithful members passed away since our last edition of the Zarja. Please remember them in your prayers. May they rest in peace. Congratulations are extended to Kristi Luzar and Jonathan Engelkin who were married on August 8, 2012. It is the wish of all Branch 43 members that you enjoy a long and happy life together. Many members of Branch 43 belong to the Slovenian Uspeh Chorus and on December 5, 2012, is their Christmas Sing-Along. Come and get in the Christmas Spirit by singing your favorite Slovenian and English Carols with the Chorus. This will take place at the Todd American Legion Post, 9159 W. Beloit Rd., at 7 p.m. Holiday refreshments will be provided; cash bar available. MICI BREGANT BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio Contact Information: Olga Dorchak 330.468.7989 webblekatt@hotmail.com Branch 47 members were saddened by the death of longtime member Elsie Spellacy on April 18, 2012, at the age of 86. Elsie served our Branch for many years as our Secretary-Treasurer and was a very active member. She attended many conventions nationally and events locally. Many will miss her loving smile and fun attitude. In contrast, the Joe Spellacy family (Elsie’s son) is celebrating the birth of his newest granddaughter, Emily May Groose, born June 12, 2012. Parents, Samantha and Guido, are over the moon with their new addition. They are also very proud of their daughter Stephanie’s accomplishments. Stephanie graduated from Garfield Heights High School as salutatorian with a 4.207 GPA. This fall she will attend Notre Dame College in Cleveland, majoring in business management and accounting. We wish Olga Dorchak and Ginger Kimmerling speedy recoveries from their recent surgeries. KATHLEEN FERRANTE BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio Greetings from Girard, Ohio. As another year comes to a close, we welcome the winter and holiday seasons. What a wonderful time of the year for reflection and celebration with our loved ones. In Branch news, we welcome William Patrick Selak, born May 15 to Molly and Mark Selak of San Diego, as our newest member. Congratulations, Molly, Mark, and big brother Rogan on your latest addition! Our annual Holiday Party will be held on December 5, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. at Amen Corner in Girard. As in past years, the party will be co-hosted by AMLA Lodge 42. Reservations are due to Maria Selak by November 26. Please call her at 330.539.5893 if you are planning to attend. All are invited! That’s all the news for now. Veseli Bozic! Merry Christmas! MONICA SELAK BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: 815.883.3268 deadendbluff@yahoo.com Eleven members of our Branch 89 enjoyed the hospitality of Branch 24 of LaSalle on August 16, 2012, at Starved Rock Family Fun. We enjoyed rounds of miniature golf, followed by pizza, desserts, polka music, and social time. Thank you, Branch 24! Twenty-three members and four guests kicked off our new “Slovenian Year” with a delicious potluck meal on Sunday, September 9, at The Dickinson House. Oh, what a spread of homemade food items! And background polka music, too! Before the meal, Branch President, Mary Jane Gunderson, announced that our Annual Bakeless Bake Sale is in process. Donations are now being accepted. Payments may be mailed to: Treasurer Terry Kamnikar, 533 N. Kenosha, Oglesby, IL, 61348. Mitzi Banich, who generously donated her winnings back to our Branch, won the 50/50 Raffle. Thank you, Mitzi! Alice Ebner and JoAnn Cole won door prizes. A special “hello” to our out-of-state members! We think of you often! JIM EBNER BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: 718.335.8459 lgross@tstnyc.org Election of 2013 officers on November 10, 2012, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 62 St. Mark’s Place, New York, NY. Please join us for St. Martin’s Coat Drive - bring a coat and bring your vote, as we celebrate St. Martin’s day (martinovanje, changing of must into wine, November 11). ELIZABETH GROSS 34 ZARJA THE DAWN BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Contact Information: jmhlade@hotmail.com Just a recap of past events. In August, our branch held our annual Bocce Tournament at VP Paula Mavec’s home. Everyone had a great time even though the tournament was cut short from a much-needed downpour of rain. But because of the summer heat, this event will be scheduled in the fall next year. Also in August, we held an apple strudel class, which seems to be a favorite. Thank you, Mary Mavec, for your time in teaching your strudel skills. In September we held our first Soups culinary class led by Fanika Fritz. And in October was our annual Bunco fundraiser. Thanks to all who attended and volunteered their time. Details of these events will be in the next issue. Congratulations to Kristine Cepon Collins and her husband on the birth of their third daughter, Lilia Ann Collins, born on March 23. Lilia was baptized on board the USS Princeton, a navy destroyer ship. Also, congrats to Kris’s husband, Commander Pete Collins, on being assigned as commander of helicopter squadron HSM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 75. This squadron is scheduled to deploy with the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in 2013. Kris is the daughter of Frank and Lillian Cepon. Also, congratulations to Emily Blase on being named Gospodi~na (Miss Slovenia) of the Slovenian Catholic Center. See her article in the inside cover of this issue. And congratulations to Paula Mavec and her husband, Albert, on celebrating their 50th anniversary in September. Coming up is our meeting on November 25th at 2 p.m. in the library of the SCC. We will be discussing next year’s calendar and electing officers for 2013. Calling all bakers! Our annual Cookie Sale will be on December 9th from 12-1:30 p.m. at the SCC. Please drop off all bakery at the SCC by 11 a.m. Contact Paula Mavec at 815.729.9787 or Mary Mavec at 815.723.9003 if you have questions. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year! JANA HLADE BRANCH 100 - Southern California Contact Information: ajkoci@cox.net SUA Scholarship recipient, Garret Jancich, traveled to the U.K. for a 10-day concert tour with the Cornell University Glee Club. They participated in the “Choir of the World” competition in Llangollen, Wales, coming in second place overall. Garret was thrilled to meet and communicate with other participants and many people at churches and places of interest along the way. The Ken and Teresa Koci family traveled across country for volleyball tournaments, visiting with family members, touring New York and Washington D.C. and various college campuses in anticipation of James’ admission to a university a year from now. Ellen was looking to the future, as well. All four are members of Branch 100. When talking with other members that we’ve met during the past months, several mentioned having another cooking/ baking class sometime soon. Everyone seems to enjoy those gatherings, as well as our usual Christmas and Member of the Year Luncheons. Please watch for an invitation to this year’s Christmas gathering, as it is still being planned at this time. We sadly announce the death of a dear and long time member, Pat Vidergar, who passed away recently after a long illness. It was good to see members of the Branch 35 attending the services and meeting with some of her family. Pauline Buzan is in a small, care home and her daughters and son are informing us on her condition from time to time. We visit when it is advisable to do so. Thoughts and prayers would be appreciated for this great lady who contributed so much for so many years, bringing Slovenian culture and language to us. May Thanksgiving and Christmas be joyous times for you and your families. JEAN KOCI BRANCH 103 - Washington, D.C. Branch 103 and 108 members continue a tradition dating back more than 40 years, attendance at the Slovenian Mass held on the first Sunday of each month at the Slovenian Chapel, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Several members have done so for the entire period. Following the Mass, attendees join for socializing in the Basilica cafeteria dining area. Father Peter Ro`i~, primary celebrant of the September 2nd Mass, returned after a three-month absence. He was injured in an accident while riding his bicycle, suffering a broken hip. He has been studying at Georgetown University and may receive his Ph.D. before the end of 2012, after which he will likely return to Slovenia. Fr. Peter Ro``i~~ presided at the September Mass at the Slovenian Chapel, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. 36 Attendees at the Slovenian Mass congregate in the Basilica cafeteria dining room. In May 2012, Father Wadas celebrated the 40 th anniversary of his ordination. Branch 103 has been blessed to have had him as its Spiritual Director for 35 of those 40 years, and hopes that he will continue for many more years. Branch 103’s SUA scholarship awardees, Tabitha Eckert and Veronika Stare, have recently been involved with noteworthy activities. Tabitha graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, in December, 2011 and works at Reston Hospital in Reston, Virginia. Veronika studied in Denmark during the second semester of the past academic year. She toured Europe afterwards. In September, Veronika began her senior year at Gettysburg College. BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bettekfitz@verizon.net Branch 108 members have been busy at work, school, and leisure activities in recent months. In this end-of-theyear issue we are happy to report a few news flashes about our members. Father Peter Ro`i~, our spiritual advisor, is back at Georgetown University, following a short visit to Slovenia during the summer, and completing his dissertation. He will be graduating with a Ph.D. in Political Science in coming months. His plans following graduation are uncertain, but in today’s digital world we hope he will stay in touch with us, wherever he is called to serve in his ministry. Tereza Bevec’s sons, Toma` and Andrej Bevec of Aberdeen, MD, just launched an Android App entitled, “Professor Cramwell’s history” on Google Play. The company’s name is KBIIO. Congratulations to two young men who have worked very hard at making an idea become a reality! Charlie Koiner and his daughter, Lynn Koiner, have a big garden in Silver Spring, MD, growing numerous fruits and vegetables. They are well known at the Silver Spring Farmer’s Market and the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Congratulations to both of them; they were happy to report that at this year’s fair they won a total of 119 ribbons, including six Champions, one Grand Champion and Best ZARJA THE DAWN of Show for fruit display. BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities, MN Lynn will be going to Slovenia Branch 109, along with Slovenians from Matthew in October and we look northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and upper Fitzsimmons forward to hearing about her Michigan, traveled on September 15th to the adventures upon her return. North Shores of Lake Superior for a Hedy Glenn visited her “Baraga Day Rendezvous.” Featured cousins in Slovenia late this speakers were Lenora McKeen, Assistant past summer and sent a note Director of the Bishop Baraga Association, about her adventures. She Marquette, MI; former U.S. Congressman, hopes to join us for a Branch James Oberstar; and Fr. Michael Tegeder meeting soon to tell us all in who spoke about Baraga’s ties to the person about her Slovenian Natives. cultural experience. Yul Yost, who has done extensive research Mark Oven’s daughter, of the “snowshoe priest,” wanted to Amalia Oven, our long time organize this event so that more people will junior member, is a freshman know the story of Father Baraga. “The at the University of Father Baraga Cross is a magnificent Maryland in Baltimore structure on a most picturesque spot. It is a County. She is in the prehistoric landmark in Gitche Gumee. We can med program with a major in Biology and a minor in make it a destination and not merely a roadside curiosity.” Spanish. On behalf of our entire Branch we wish her much It is hoped that the Baraga Cross will eventually become success and happiness in her future endeavors in the a destination, or moreover, a pilgrimage. Attendees medical profession. (approximately 70) were given Bishop Baraga souvenir My son, Matthew, is in his senior year in high school and postcards that were designed by Yul Yost in 2010 and 2012. working to complete his Eagle Scout project. He also Prior to the ceremony, John Stark, from the Singing continues to enjoy playing trumpet in the DeMatha Catholic Slovenes, and Karen Medved provided some traditional High School Wind Ensemble. This year he won the Slovenian songs on their “button box” accordions. Outstanding Trumpet soloist trophy at the 2012 Virginia The Baraga Rendezvous replaced our regular September Music Festival Competition, the DeMatha Bands Junior membership meeting. Our October membership meeting Award, and the Maurice Bugnosen Memorial Scholarship featured Elenor Ostman, food editor from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, who has traveled extensively throughout Award at DeMatha. At this time of Advent we remember Sveti Miklav` who the world and has documented a myriad of cooking recipes will come again to visit children, young and old, and bring and experiences. Her talk focused on Slovenian cuisine them gifts. One of the greatest gifts is that “Christmas is as practiced on Minnesota’s Iron Range area. nigh and soon the Christ Child will come.” The earth is St. Martin’s Day, as practiced in Slovenia, was the theme wide and great. There, where St. Nicholas cannot go for our November meeting. The program featured the wine himself, he asked a good and pious person to go to the growing regions of Slovenia, especially the Primorje region children and take them apples and nuts, and tell the children near Koper and the village of Smarje located just southeast of the coming of the Christ Child. of Trieste, Italy. This area is home to the Santomas At this time of the year I always remember an excerpt vineyard. Today, Ludvik and Andreja Glavine, descendents from a poem my father wrote for me as a child to recite of the ninth-century owners of this land, own and run the Santomas winery. To honor the spirit of St. Martin’s Day, for Sveti Miklav`: Prav po stari {e navadi Branch 109 started a tradition of raffling a bottle of By an old custom, each year “SANTOMAS BIG RED” at each monthly meeting. vsako leto pride{ v vas The TC Slovenians wish to acknowledge Sue Rademacher for finding a storage facility for our Festival you visit our village of Nations materials and sets, and Al Siftar who donated vsi te {e imamo radi, some twenty books dealing with Yugoslavia and Slovenia, we all still like you very much, along with a collection of teaching materials especially on Ni pregnal te dedek mraz. Slovenian geography. Banished not by Grandfather Frost! With the holiday season upon us, the Twin Cities On behalf of Branch 108, Olney, MD, blagoslovljene bo`i~ne praznike in sre~no novo leto 2013 to all our Slovenians (Branch 109) wish all our Slovenian brothers members and friends near and far! and sisters: “Vesele bo`i~ne praznike”- “Sre~no novo leto.” BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS NORMAN SETNICKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 37 The Spirit Lives On By Angela Zaida, Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Saint Joseph Parish Museum, The Ancel Center, in Joliet, Illinois, was blessed and dedicated on Sunday, July 1, 2012, by Pastor Rev. Timothy Andres, O. Carm. It is housed in the former St. Joseph Grade School building and occupies a once-vacant computer lab. The museum is dedicated to Edward and Olga Ancel, whose love for, and dedication to, St. Joseph Parish and its rich heritage inspired its creation. With a keen sense of history and with great care, they collected and preserved many important artifacts to be shared and to continue the great story of the parish. After months of gathering and organizing more memorabilia contributed by generous parishioners, the ad hoc committee held the first open house, inviting all to tour the facility after the Sunday Masses. An official Guest Book will be a record of visitors’ names and remarks. 38 ZARJA THE DAWN The museum is equipped with a computer, printer/copier/ scanner, laminating machine, Bose sound system, and a 42" flat screen television. Over 100 years of parish life are represented in exhibit cases, wall displays, videotapes, slideshows, and DVDs. A reading area with table and chairs offers a comfortable space to peruse Slovenian books and magazines, anniversary booklets, photo albums, and dedication programs. The museum honors those who make our parish great. The founding Slovenian pioneers built the present magnificent church in only one year, 1904-1905, under the able guidance of the first pastor, Rev. Francis S. Sustersic. A rectory, school, convent, and cemetery soon followed. Under successive pastors, the parish grew to 1,103 families (1943 parish census), and in 1929 school enrollment reached a record 873 students taught by the Joliet Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. How fitting Slovenia’s patroness is Marija Pomagaj. Under the amazing leadership of Msgr. M. J. Butala (a son of the parish), St. Joseph’s flourished. Property was purchased to build a park complex and baseball diamonds. The facilities continue to be used year-round for athletic events and picnics - our own and those of other parishes and civic groups. Although the 115 year old beloved school was closed in 2010 due to financial difficulty, parishioners are determined to keep the spirit alive. Classrooms are used for CCD classes, youth group meetings, Bible study, and neocatechumenal meetings. Now, a brand-new achievement: Saint Joseph Parish Museum, The Ancel Center. May God continue to bless our efforts as we live our motto: “All for the greater honor and glory of God.” To interact with The Ancel Center, contact the rectory: 815.727.9378 or go to www.stjosephjoliet.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 39 Calendar of Events THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012 Branch 24 of LaSalle, Illinios to remember All Soul’s Day at St. Vincent’s Cemetery followed by a dinner at Four Star Family Restaurant. Meet at 5:00 p.m at south entrance of cemetery. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012 SUA Presents…. Taste of Slovenia. Celebrate St. Martin’s Day at the Heritage Museum in Joliet. RSVP to wprokup@aol.com. Space is limited! Cost to attend is $25.00. Branch 16 of South Chicago, Illinois to host meeting and slide presentation by Bob Kuhel on Slovenian Carnolian Bees at the St. George Church Basement at 1:00 p.m. Branch 93 of New York, New York to hold Election of 2013 Officers from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 62 St. Mark’s Place, New York, NY please join us for St. Martin’s Coat Drive, bring a coat and bring your vote, as we celebrate St. Martin’s Day (Martinovanje, changing of must into wine - November 11). Slovenian Language Class by Frances Chilcoat, Branch 13 - San Francisco, CA In the beautiful library of the Slovenian Hall in San Francisco, 12 American-born Slovenians meet on Monday evenings to learn the Slovenian language. Some students drive a long distance to attend this class. The teacher, Mia Rode, Stanford University Senior Librarian Emerita, born in Skofja Loka, Slovenia, teaches her dedicated students to read, speak, and sing in Slovenian. Through her extended efforts, the language program received a grant from the Slovenian government. Instructor Rode also teaches her students Slovenian history, poetry, and music. In remembrance of France Prešeren Day (National Day of Culture on February 8th in Slovenia), named for the famous Slovenian poet, a group of choir members from our San Francisco Slovenian church of the Nativity paid a visit to the class and sang Slovene folk songs along with the students. About 1935, Frances Yenko Chilcoat’s father, Cyril Yenko, ordered a Slovenian children’s reading book and a children’s songbook from Skofja Loka so she could learn to read Slovenian as a toddler. Frances donated these books to the language class at the library. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2012 Branch 5 of Indianapolis, Indiana to host annual Holiday Dinner at the Iron Skillet at 2 p.m. For reservations contact Karen Zarich at 852.3212 or Phyllis at 852.9850. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2012 Slovenian Uspeh Chorus (many Branch 43 members) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin to host a Christmas Sing-Along at the Todd American Legion Post, 9159 W. Beloit Rd., at 7 p.m. Holiday refreshments will be provided; cash bar. Contact Jeff Martinka at 414.477.1156 for more information. Branch 5 of Girard, Ohio to host annual Holiday Party at 5:30 p.m. at Amen Corner in Girard. As in past years, the party will be co-hosted by AMLA Lodge 42. Reservations are due to Maria Selak by November 26. Please call her at 330.539.5893 to RSVP. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012 Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois to host a Cookie Sale from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Slovenian Catholic Center. Contact Paula Mavec at 815.729.9787 or Mary Mavec at 815.723.9003 if you have questions. 40 Mia Rode with 12 students surrounding her ZARJA THE DAWN Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia October 29, 2009 Dear Slovenian Women’s Union, I am Antonia Legan’s great-granddaughter from Cleveland, Ohio. One day while in Whole Foods in Madison, New Jersey, I encountered a woman who was married to a Slovene. She gave me this soup recipe from her mother-in-law. It is so delicious and a good comfort food. I encouraged my parents to try it out. – Sally Twill Editors Note: We are sorry, Sally, that it took us three years to finally put your wonderful recipe in Zarja. We made a pot of this soup and it was devoured in one afternoon in our test kitchen. You are correct, it is so delicious. I would also like to add this recipe is very healthy and low in calories. 4 cups chicken broth 2 cups water 1 head cauliflower, cut up 1 cup green beans 3 plum tomatoes 1 carrot, cut up 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon flour Boil liquids, add cauliflower, simmer, add carrots, beans, and tomatoes, let simmer until vegetables are tender. Make a roux with garlic, olive oil, and flour. Add roux to soup, season, if desired, with salt and pepper and serve. SUA “End of the Year Resolution”: Try to bring a little bit of Slovenian culture into your holiday season. I am confident that you will bring a smile even if you try something very easy. It could be leaving a little St. Nicholas Day treat for someone special, placing your favorite souvenirs from Slovenia on a Christmas tree, setting up a crèche, or using frozen bread dough and rolling your favorite potica filling into the dough and baking. Remember this holiday season, enjoy time with your family, and if even in a small way, try to instill that pride of their heritage that our Slovenian ancestors brought with them to their new world. Vesele bo`i~ne praznike - Jenka Slovenian PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID LASALLE, IL Music - Food - Drink SUA Presents... “Taste of Slovenia” Celebrate St. Martin’s Day Saturday, November 10, 2012 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. SUA Heritage Museum, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois $25.00 per person - All proceeds benefit SUA’s cultural programs. Sausage - Cheese - Poga~~a - @linkrofi - Potica - [trudel - Flancati - Chestnuts Wine Tasting - Pivo Tasting - Slivovitz - Blueberry Schnapps - Coffee - Iced Tea Plus Slovenian Culinary Demonstrations Space is Limited To RSVP or for more information contact: Bonnie Prokup at wprokup@aol.com or 815.223.9596