S& JOOMOOP"1 The Dawn Zarja URADNO GLASILO ■SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION NO. 3 MARCH. 1992 VOI . 64 ' ..................................... % B NEW SLOVENIA - NEW FLAG! HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN MARCH ZARJA - THE DAWN (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA -THE DAWN, 4851 S. Orexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 NO. 3 MARCH, 1992 VOL. 64 Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze. Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust. Annual Subscription for non-members, $10.00 — naročnina $10.00 letno za ne-članice. Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (81S) 727-1926 Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, IL AH communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I. v mesecu. Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (312) 548-8878 National Officers: Mar. I - Cirila Kermavner, National Vice-President, Cleveland, OH Mar. 3 - Jennie Flisek, Regional President of Penna-NY-DC, Oakmont, PA Mar. 9 - Victoria Bobence, National President, Soudan, MN Mar. 16 - Frances Morison, Director of Women’s Activities, Chicago, IL Presidents: Mar. 8 - Mary Zakrajšek, Br. 86, Nashwauk, MN Mar. I 1 - Anna Mae Melle, Br. 91, Oakmont, PA Mar. 13 - Martha Koren, Br. 14, Cleveland, OH Mar. 13 - Josephine Artac, Br. 102, Willard, WI Mar. 28 - Dorothy Lamm, Br. 32, Euclid, OH Mar. 31 - Adeline Mustonen, Br. 34, Soudan, MN Secretaries: Mar. 8 - Mary Podgornik, Br. 99, Elmhurst, IL Mar. 25 - Frances Kucic, Br. 27, N. Braddock, PA MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY! DATES TO REMEMBER Mar. 4 - Mar. 5 - Mar. 12 - Mar. 17 - Mar. 22 - Apr. 12 - Apr. 12 - Apr. 26 - May 3 - May 5 - May 6 - MASS FOR ALL MEMBERS - ASH WEDNESDAY, Br. 14, Euclid, OH at St. Christine's, 8:30 a.m. SPAGHETTI DINNER. Br. 13, San Francisco, CA MASS FOR AILING MEMBERS, Br. 2. Chicago. IL at St. Stephen’s Church, 8 a.m. ST. JOSEPH'S FEAST TABLE, Br. 20, Joliet, IL at St. Joe's Park, 7 p.m. SUNDAY DANCE, Br. 79. Enumclaw, WA CARD PARTY. Br. 12. Milwaukee, WI at John's Hall. “B" GAMES PARTY, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL at St. George’s Church Hall. ANNIVERSARY MASS, Br. 73, Warrensville Hts., OH at St. Jude’s Church, 10:30 a.m. MOTHER OF THE YEAR DINNER. Br. 19, Eveleth, MN, at Amanda’s Restaurant. MOTHERS DAY DINNER, Br. 14, Euclid. OH, 6 p.m. Call Vera Bajec 481-7473. MOTHER OFTHE YEAR DINNER. Br. 17. West Allis, WI at Kegel’s Inn at noon. EVERY “LOVE is in every Slovenian” CUPS and SWEATSHIRTS are now available from the SWU Home Office! Enjoy the next cup of coffee even more with a SLOVENIAN CUP! Order yours today for only $5 plus $1.50 postage and handling. Sweatshirts are available in adult sizes: S M L and XL, $15.00 plus $1.50 p & h. Order from: SWU Home Office, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 N DEPENDENT SAVINGS IS NOW METROPOLITAN SAVINGS BANK -1515 E. 260th, Euclid, Ohio 44132 731-8865- <^VationaL 'iPtzi.Lclznt\d\As.s.s.aqi If 5 4 7 B FASTING IS A LENTEN BONUS Though the Ides of March can be unpredictable, we welcome the arrival of spring. We're anxiously waiting warmer weather even though we might have another month or two of “poor sledding". With seed catalogs arriving daily, paging through them can be an enjoyable pastime. Visualizing our summer gardens in full bloom and reading about the new hybrid varieties available helps to alleviate the winter doldrums. The annual Board of Directors Meeting of the Slovenian Women's Union of America will be held on March 16. 17, & 18, 1992 at the Home Office in Joliet, Illinois. Please send your written reports well in advance of our meetings. Any business matters the local branches would like to have discussed and acted upon, should be sent to me as soon as possible. Your input and interest in the S.W.U. is important. From the correspondence we’ve been receiving, it is interesting to note that our younger people (third generation) are inquiring about their ethnic heritage and are eager to learn about their ancestry. These factors manifest an urgent and vital need to intensify our efforts in our Heritage Museum. We have an extensive and valuable collection of books and periodicals that could be used for research purposes. Continue to pressure the United States government to recognize the democratic republics of Slovenia and Croatia. We can't give up; call or write today! March 4th is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Usually we associate fasting with Lent, but is fasting for the sake of losing weight or to impress others our motive? Fasting can make a profound difference in our lives if we take time from our daily routine to write letters to Congress, visit the sick and lonely, go to a Food Shelf and help out, or volunteer to prepare the meal at a Homeless Shelter for a day. Fasting from some of our personal time can be pleasing to our Lord. It will help us to be ever mindful of Jesus' cross as we walk on our Lenten journey. May God Love You! Victoria “Tory ” Bobence ON THE COVER... New Slovenian flag presented to St. Joseph’s, Joliet Reprint from the Joliet Herald News By Kathy Hamon Branch 20 of Joliet recently donated the new flag of the Republic of Slovenia to St. Joseph Parish. Deanie Gudac, the organization's new president, and St. Joseph’s pastor, Franciscan Father Athanasius Lovrenčič, display the Hag as shown on the cover photo. The celebration to mark the new independence of Slovenia took place at an all-Slovenian Mass on Jan. 19. Slovenia became an independent republic by the European Community on Jan. 15. Fr. Lovrenčič was principal celebrant of the Mass, and Msgr. Matthias Butala, pastor emeritus, conceleb-rated. Auxiliary Bishop Roger L. Kaffer presided at the liturgy. The readings for the liturgy were read in Slovenian, and the Slovenian choir sang. MS. GUDAC said the presentation of the Hag symbolized "a rebirth of freedom, of a new country, of the victory of free choice over totalitarianism.” Although the United States has not acknowledged Slovenia as an independent nation, many in the Joliet area are supporters of Slovenian independence. There are some 20,000 Will County residents of Slovenian descent, Gudac said, “one of the largest concentrated U.S. Slovenian populations.” St. Joseph’s Parish was born out of this congregation of Slovenians; the church was founded in 1891 by Slovenian immigrants. The Joliet branch of the Slovenian Women’s Union boasts a membership of 640 women and men. The Home Office of the organization, which has 106 offices nationwide is located at Joliet since 1979. (Photo by Bob MacDonald, courtesy of the Herald-News, Joliet I NOTE FROM ANITA VOVK: Let us remember to pray also for the suffering people of Croatia. They have been brave and have put up a strong tight for their independence. We are truly proud of them. God, give them the strength and courage to continue to hold up until they obtain their freedom. Lord, turn the hearts of the Serbians and Yugoslav Federal Army and let them peacefully settle their differences. The Croatians have suffered enough, let there be peace. Carita Girman Scholarship Chairman: Attention High School Seniors! THIS IS OUR FINAL OFFER! This is absolutely, positively our final offer. Act now to take advantage of this SI ,000 scholarship offer before it is too late. If you can answer yes to the following four simple questions, you may be qualified to win $1,000.00 for the college of your choice. Have you been a member of Slovenian Women's Union for at least three years and have gone to any meetings, dances, or parties? Have you studied hard in school and have the grades to prove it? Have you been involved in clubs, sports or volunteer activities? Have you made plans to go to an accredited college but have no idea how you or your parents are going to pay that high tuition? IT'S NOT TOO LATE. YOU CAN APPLY FOR A SI,000 SWU SCHOLARSHIP! March 31, 1992 is the deadline for submitting your completed SWU Scholarship Application. What? You do not have an application? Send in the coupon below immediately and you may be well on your way to winning $1,000.00! (Sorry, this offer is limited to only one winner per family.) REQUEST FOR SWU SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION I am considering applying for one of the $1,000 SWU Scholarship which will be awarded to SWU members who will be 1992 high school graduates. Please send me the official application form which must be completed and returned by March 31, 1992. _________ I have been an SWU member for at least three years and am currently a member of SWU Br. #______ _________ I am a high school senior planning to attend an accredited college or university in the fall of 1992. Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street____________________________________________——--------------——_____________________________________ City_______________________________________________ State & Zip Cole_____________________________________ Mail this request to: Carita Girman, SWU Scholarship Director 7607 Blain Way, Indianapolis, IN 46254 To rush the application form, phone: (317) 298-9255. ‘SCHOLARLY INSPIRATION” During the National Convention, many events touched me. But most significantly, the pride which I felt as we sang the National Anthem of the United States was amplified as we sang the New Slovene National Antliem. Later, I was recognized for my recent• accomplishments. The applause that were shared only reinforced the fact that we are not islands. Each of us is interconnected in our strengths, our weakness will he overcome. Thank you all for slurring in my accomplishments. I hope they will stand not as a monument to one person hut as an inspiration for many to come. Stephen M. Majercik, Ph.D. St. Thomas A Summa Health System Hospital LETTER FROM DONOR "Dragi" Madames: Enclosed is check for $100.00 to the SWU Scholarship Fund. I enjoy reading about the comments and experiences academically and the extra-curricular activities of the selected recipients. Keep up the good work in helping young Slovenians in pursuing a higher education. Lep pozdrav! Max L. Schuster Corvallis, OR P.S. I am associated with Br. 35. Aurora, MN S.W.U. SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AUGUST 18 thru DECEMBER 31,1991 CONTRIBUTORS IN MEMORY OF: AMOINT: 16. Chicago. IL Deceased members $50.IX) Gloria Nusko 10.(K) Phy llis Perko 10.00 20. Joliet. IL Lottie Jevit/ 5.00 Amelia Malek 5.00 Marie Malnarick 5.1X1 Josephine Malone 5.1X1 23. Ely. MN John Feroni 5.IX) Josephine Ravnikar 5.00 Anthony Zaordnik 5.1X1 47. Maple Heights. OH Anna Jesenko lO.(X) Stella Mahnich 5.1X1 Frances Persin 5.00 50. Cleveland. OH 5.00 55.Girard. OH 25.00 Aneel. Olga and Ed« aid. Joliet. IL Robert Fischer 10.00 Bencin. Mary and Francis. Eastlake. OH Josephine Bencin 60.(X) Berkopec. Jane. Cleveland. OH 5.IX) Bittner. Sandra. Noblcsville. IN Ernest Pietras/ak 5.00 Bohence. Victoria and John. Ely. MN Frank Benson 5.IX) William Fra/ce 5(H) Frank Marn 5.(10 Maria Menart 5.00 Gloria Nusko 5.00 Way ne Passi 10.011 Donald Reiou\ 5.00 Leone Slogar 5.1X1 Ignatius Spollar 5.1X1 George Vukodinovich 10.00 Helen Vapel 5.1X1 Buck. Glad\ * k.. Chicago. IL Ernest Pietras/ak 5.00 John Zupančič 10.00 Budas. Mar). Eastlake. OH John Budas 5.00 Epley. Alouise. No. Randall. OH Louise Bemdtson 5.00 Girman. Carita. Indianapolis. IN Gloria Nusko 5.00 Gorence. Pat. Sheboygan. Wl 25.IX) Hester. Josephine. Chicago. IL Ernest Pietraszak 5.00 John Zupančič 5.00 Hodnik. Anna L.. Aurora. MN Theresa Beloy 5.00 Maria Menart 5.00 Jagodnik. Irene and Tony. East lake. OH Josephine Bencin 5.00 Jamnick. Dorothy. Aurora. MN Theresa Beloy 5.IX) Maria Menart 5.IX) Kolenc. Ruth. Eastlake. OH Joseph Kolenc I0.IX) Kregar. Anka M.. Girard. OH In honor of Milku kregar. a "Special MOM " ' 5.00 Kukar. Helena and John. Montrose. CO 4.30 Lokar. Caroline. Cleveland. OH 3.1X1 Malek. Joe. Joliet. IL Amelia Malek 15.00 Maxin. Mar> F . Cleveland. OH 5.00 Meglin. Angela. Pueblo. CO I0.(X) Miller. Man E..Cleveland.OH 7.00 CONTRIBUTORS IN MEMORY OK: AMOINT: Musil. Angela and Bob. Solon. OH Louise Bemdtson 5.00 Mustonen. Adeline. Soudan. MN Alphonse Dearueicllicr 5.00 Ora/em. Anne and Anthom. Aurora. MN Theresa Belov 5.00 Sauna J. Kostelac 3.1X1 Frank Mismash Kl.(X) Frank Yerich 3.00 Parker. Anne Cleveland. OH 15.00 Pavlovčič. Fran. Lorain. OH K).(X) Ruth. Jonila and Fred. Joliet. IL Gloria Nusko 20.1X1 Saari. Anne and Uno. Ely. MN Mar\ Landa 5.IX) Scoff. Rose. San Francisco. CA Rudolph Traya 30.00 Simcic. Matilda. Milwaukee. Wl Gloria Nusko 20.(X) Skufca. Mary. Ely. MN Mary Z. Palchar 5.00 Lee Slogar 5.00 Slogar. William. Ely. MN In honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Frances and Frank Shepel 5.1X1 Smolich. Anna Rose. Aurora. MN Theresa Beloy 5.1X1 Mary Menart 5.00 Smolich. Mary H.. Aurora. MN Theresa Beloy 5.00 Spretnjak. Sylvia. Chicago. IL Phyllis Perko 25.1X1 Staut. Mary and Vitko. Willard. Wl Gloria Nusko 1().(X) Mary Ruzic K).(X) Stnimbel. Josephine. Cleveland. OH 1().(X) Turk. Phyllis and Robert. Aurora. MN Theresa Beloy 3.1X1 Walsh. Marian. Cleveland. OH I0.(X) Winters. Corinne. Lakeland. FL Ernest Pietraszak 10.1X1 Winters. Edna. Chicago. IL Ernest Pietraszak 5.00 John Zupančič 5.00 Yuralovac. Ka\ and Peter. Clev eland. OH Louise Bemdtson 5.00 Zak. Helen. Cleveland. OH lO.(X) In Honor of Hermine Dicke. RclimI SWU Scholarship Director I.Shebovgan.Wl lOO.(X) 20. Joliet.IL 100.00 32. Euclid. OH 25.00 34. Soudan. MN 25.00 35. Aurora. MN 25.00 42. Maple Heights. OH 100.00 54. Warren. OH 10.00 73. Warrensville Heights. OH Louise Bemdtson 10.00 73. Warrensville Heights. OH 50.00 105. Detroit. MI 25.00 Ohio Debutante Cotillion Fund 330.00 Ancel. Olga and Edward. Joliet. IL 40.00 Bobence. Victoria and John. Ely. MN 25.00 Fischer. Margaret. Kohler. Wl Robert Fischer I0.(X) Girman. Carita. Indianapolis. IN 100.00 Lustik. Josephine. Joliet. IL 10.00 Odorizzi. Irene and Kenneth. Reston. VA 20.00 Dear Contributors, Not only are you generous but you work fast! An appeal for donations to the SWU Scholarship Fund in honor of Hermine Dicke upon her retirement as Director of the SWU Scholarship Program was published in the December, 1991 issue of ZARJA. It is with great gratitude and real surprise that 1 announce to you that by the end of December, enough donations were received in Her-mine’s honor that a $1,0(10.00 Hermine Dicke Scholarship already has been funded! For those of us who were not fast enough to get in on this Hermine Dicke Scholarship, we can always start a second Hermine Dicke Scholarship for the next year. Thank you so very much for your continued support of the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program. So far the SWU Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $80,850 to 160 winners. Our SWU Scholarship winners really do appreciate your help. As Michael J. Ceferin, a 1991 SWU Scholarship winner writes, “Tuition is expensive and the second payment of the $500.00 Scholarship award will help ease the burden a little. Thank you for helping me achieve my goal with the Scholarship.” And, on behalf of all our deserving, young members who hope that the SWU Scholarship Program survives long enough to benefit from it someday - thanks. Hvala lepa, Carita Girman, Director SWU Scholarship Program HISTORY OF S.W.U. BRANCHES Looking Back to the Future i Branch #38, Chisholm, Minnesota i m P no»o p0 lii ,iap>'ei- i«- a8. ,.i/nti. ",ei P ..in uodltel.,l( ih A°biteVl0u oniin '''' Podružnica št. 38, Chisholm, Minnesota Podružnico št. 38 je ustanovila Mrs. Anna Tr-dan. Pri tem delu ji je veliko pomagala Mrs. Mary Smoltz. Dne 12. januarja, 1930 je bila ustanovna seja na kateri se je takoj vpisalo 20 članic usta-novnic. Izbrale so si sledeči odbor: Predsednica Mary Smoltz, tajnica Anna Trdan, blagajničarka Genevieve Sterle, zapisnikarica Anna Trdan, nadzornice: Mary Pluth, Mary Geršič in Agnes Šega. V letu 1931 je biLa imenovana v urad druge glavne podpredsednice Mrs. Anna Trdan. Na četrti ken-venciji je bila izvoljena za tretjo glavno podpredsednico Mrs. Mary Smoltz. Meseca februarja, 1937 je štela podružnica. 209 članic. Site pr« ,tov OŠ® JO P ;ot ■ jo 0 ,o *' Da ■j« 1 omr hod' rlad inji ffi. ' iobe' mko' c z° »1)3» li i>t ■nK' ;,jO Št. 38, Chisholm, Minn. — Naj malo poročam o izidu naše glavne seje, ki se ie vršila 2. dec. V prvi vrsti lepa hvala članicam ki so se udeležile seje v tako obilnem številu. Ali, cenjene sosestre, prošene ste spet za prihodnjo sejo, ki se bo vršila dne 6. jan. zvečer v navadnih prostorih. Imele bomo nekaj novih kandidatinj za pristop; slišale boste tudi celotno poročilo o stanju naše podružnice. Nadzorni odbor bo tudi poročal svoje. Po seji bomo imele malo zabave samo za članice. Prosim, naj prinest vsaka 10c, da bomo pokrile stroške za malico. Še nekaj Vas prosim, drage sosestre. Delujmo roka v roki, potem nam je obstanek zagotovljen. Nagovorite svoie prijateljice za pristop k SŽZ. Res so slabi časi. pa druge boste mogoče imele več sreče kakor jaz. Odbor za leto 1932: Predsednica Ma-rv Smolatz, podpredsednica Marv Gor-sič. tninica Annie Trdan (215 W. Poplar St 1. zapisnikarica Tohanna Dolinar, bla-eainičarka Tennic Samsa. Nadzorni odbor: Marv Pluth, Johanna Marolt. Att-pustina Baraga. — Annie Trdan, tainica. ^ " ^ S.W.U. HISTORY ^ — Branch #38 in Chisholm, Minnesota was organized by Mary Smoltz and Anna Trdan. The first meeting was held on January 12. 1930 at the home of Mrs. Frank (Anna) Trdan. At the first meeting the following charter members were present: Frances Andolsek, Augustina Baraga, Johanna Bevka, Mary Briski, Mary Gersich. Mary Jerome, Mary Knaus. Anna Kotchevar, Jennie Marolt, Mary Oberstar, Mary Pahule, Mary Pluth, Palona Sajevic, Agnes Shega, Mary Smoltz Lenich, Mary Sterle, Anna Trdan, Mary Verant Arko, Mary Zurga. At the first meeting the following ladies were elected as officers: President: Mary Smoltz Treasurer: Mary Sterle Secretary: Anna Trdan Subsequent meetings were held at the Community Building, the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm. When the Slovenian National Home was built, the meetings were held upstairs, and at the present time meetings are still held there every first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm. Mrs. Maynie Pahule is the oldest living charter member of Branch #38. AN EARLY PHOTO OF BRANCH 38 1st row, left to right: Mrs. Storniek, Anna Trdan (Founder)*, Mary Smoltz (Co-founder)*, Genevieve Sterle, Mrs. Zamernick; 2nd row. Mrs. Marsich, Jennie Samsa, Mary Zurga*, Mrs. Polichnik, Mary Briski, Mrs. Gustin; 3rd row: Antonia Selesnik, Mary Pahule*, Mary Pluth*, Mrs. Klanchnik, Agnes Sega*, Frances Krhin; 4tli row: Mary Jerome*, Mrs. Matt Gersich*, Mary Korbar, Mrs. Drechnik. (*Charter Members) S.W.U. HISTORY 'k- —J CADETS By the year 1937. there were 280 members in Branch #38 and at this time a group of twenty young women formed a marching unit. Mrs. John (Mary) Spenko was their leader. The local Drum Corps drill master, Mr. Royal Huber, consented to be the SWU drillmaster. In a year's time he produced a polished, precise group of cadets who won First Place in the Drill Team competition which was held in Chisholm during the National SWU Convention in 1939. Cadets were: Helen Gornick, Ann Sinko, Lucy Rupar, Mary Jerome, Mollie Bizal, Frances Rupar, Stella Rupar, Ann Zgonc, Stephanie Mihelich, Mary Funtek, Frances Drechnik, Ann Kotchevar, Mary Udovich, Mary Baraga, Agnes Strukel, Mary Selesnik, Veronica Vessel, Clara Vessel, Mary Harnyak, Blondie Levstek. These girls marched in all community parades as well as performing at the SWU Convention. CHISHOLM TRIBUNE-HERALD, THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1939 Drill Teams Will Lend Color to National Convention Organized in 1937, the team won quick acclaim in numerous appearances in range towns and in Duluth. In preparation for the national convention new man-uevers were rehearsed under Roy C. Huber, drill master for the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. Pictured above: Front row — Helen Gornik, Ann Sinko, Lucy Rupar, Mary Spenko, Captain Mary Jerome, Mollie Bizal, Frances Rupar. Second row — Stella Rupar, Ann Zgonc, Stephanie Mihelich, Mary Funtek, Frances Drechnik, Ann Kochevar, Mary Udovich, Mary Baraga. Third row — Agnes Strukel, Mary Selesnik. Missing from photo — Veronica Vessel and Clara Vessel. I r" :• tit V \ § S.W.U. HISTORY 5th National Convention of S.W.U. was held in Chisholm in 1939 hosted by Br. 38. This photo was taken in front of the Public Library. In the forefront are National Officers and behind them, delegates from our earliest branches throughout the U.S. (Many of them are still recognizable to us old-timers. - C.) CONVENTIONS The first SWU Convention to be held in Minnesota was in 1939, on May 21-24. Mrs. Frank (Mary) Tekautz was general chairman of the convention with Frances Klune as secretary of Branch #38. Committee members for the convention were: Mrs. Matt (Ann) Ruper. Augustina Baraga, Mary Smoltz, Anna Trdan, Anna Mahne. Anna Kotchevar, Mary Cvar, Anna Brank, Mrs. Joseph Verant, Mrs. Frances Andolsek. One of the convention events was the planting of a balsam and an elm tree in Memorial Park in Chisholm. The oldest member. Mrs. Frank Fierst of Chisholm and the youngest delegate, Mrs. Michael Mollis of Niles, Ohio were honored as godmothers of the tree-planting ceremony. Youngest and oldest members of S.W.U. attending the 1939 Convention were Frances Mollis of Niles, Ohio and Mrs. Fierst of Chisholm. TREE PLANTING to COMMEMORATE the May, 1939 Convention in Chisholm HISTORY S.W.U. The tree planting was dedicated for the 150th anniversary of the Constitution of the United States. Marie Pris-land. Supreme President of the SWU, was in charge of the ceremony. Rev. John E. Schiffrer, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Chisholm, led the prayer service. Cab- legrams were read from the Mayor of Ljubljana and Bishop Rožman of Ljubljana. Mrs. Mary Smoltz, of Chisholm, was elected a Third-Vice President of the National SWU at this convention. Mary Smoltz Cadets of Br. 38, Chisholm, are seen at left in uniforms of brown skirts and gold blouses. They were winners of the 1st prize in drill competition at the Convention. On this photo, center and right are other teams from Ohio which were also competing. Group of Br. 38 members attending a Minnesota Day celebration in earlier years. In the forefront we recognize Mrs. Antonia Gornik, mother of our late National President, Antonia Turek. The second National Convention in Chisholm was held on May 20-23, 1983. Convention Chairperson was Veda Ponikvar and General Chairperson was Mrs. Albert (Jennie Adamic) Samsa. A memorial honoring the Slovenian Miners and Laborers was unveiled at the Iron World Interpretative Center in Chisholm on Sunday. May 22. Rev. David Stalzer delivered the dedicatory address. The sculpture was comissioned by the SWU of America and completed by Lillian Brule of Joliet, IL. Music during the dedication was by Frankie Smoltz, the son of Mary Smoltz, organizer of Branch #38. The Ely Octet, under the direction of Mary Hutar, performed along with Violet Ruparcich, renowned soloist and member of Branch #38. Following the dedication. Rev. Perkovich celebrated the Polka Mass at St. Joseph’s. Father Frank's mother is a long-standing member of the branch. Principal speaker at the Convention Banquet was Mrs. (C ■ ==^, S.W.U. HISTORY ^— —)) Walter (Joan) Mondale wife of U.S. Vice President Mon-dale. A memorial ceremony in honor of the Branch pioneers and all deceased members of the SWU took place at Val-entini's supper club. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS In June of 1983. a celebration honoring the 53rd anniversary of Branch 38 was held at the Chisholm Moose Club. The 60th Anniversary celebration took place in 1990. Chisholm hosted the National Convention in 1983. A warm welcome was shown to Mary Muller, Nat'l Pres, at the 1983 National Convention in Chisholm by Jennie Samsa, Br. 38 Pres. Veda Ponikvar, distinguished Chisholm newspaper woman, was the Convention Chairman. The Officers of Branch 38 were hostesses for the SWU Convention. Seated is Mrs. Albert (Jennie Samsa) President. Standing: Frances Zalec, Auditor; Rose Niemi, Recording Secretary; and Josephine Zupancich, Vice President. Missing from the picture: Kathy Knuth, Secretary-Treasurer; and Frances Schaefer, Treasurer. Joan Mondale, the Convention's special guest, looked pretty in a Slovenian “auba". Members of Branch 38 hand painted the program covers for the SWU Convention Banquet. Mrs. Rudy (Mayme) Gazvoda was the chairman of this project. Pictured left to right are Florence Tramontin, Mayme Gazvoda, Frances Techar, Amelia Sushnik, and Jennie Marinkovich. ... S.W.U. HISTORY i—.... A Memorial Service was held at the National Convention Banquet in 1983 in Chisholm. Pictured left to right: Angela Nico, Regional President III.—Ind.; Frances Simonich. Regional President, Colorado; Mary Jasina, Regional President California, Oregon and Washington; Mary Muller, National President; Ann Tercek, Regional President, Ohio; Victoria Bobence, Regional President, Minnesota. The annual Christmas party is held every year at the December meeting. The card party is a yearly money-making function and is usually held in spring and again in fall around Halloween. The card party is open to the public and the group gathers for an afternoon of playing cards after which a delicious lunch is served. Prizes are awarded to the winners at each table. Other fund raisers have included pie socials, bake sales and silent auctions. CHARITABLE DONATIONS One of the reasons for fund raisers is to support charitable works and some of the activities include the following: We send birthday cards with $2.00 to each of the insured shut-in members over 80 years of age. On Mother's Day we bring all of our shut-ins a carnation. When a member is ill in the hospital we send them a get-well card with S2.00. We pay the dues of all of our members over 85 years of age. We gather as a group to say funeral prayers for a deceased member. When a member dies, we send a check in the amount of $7.50 to the family in lieu of flowers. We also send $5.00 to the SWU Scholarship Fund in their memory. Besides being generous to our members we also donate to other organizations and charities in our community. Some of these include: Chisholm entertainers, Al Samsa and Joe Techar with Br. 38 officers, Rose Niemi, Jennie Samsa, Kathy Rnuth and (seated) Frances Zalec and Josephine Zupančič. St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Salvation Army. Local Food Shelf, School Functions, Cystic Fibrosis Association and many others. The branch is grateful to all the officers who organized activities and led the branch during many years of dedicated service. SWU was a welcome outlet for the immigrants who worked hard, raised large families and who had little opportunity to visit other Slovenian women. They loved to socialize, to sing their homeland songs and share bits of news from Slovenia. From this small beginning grew a root which was planted deep and sixty years later. Mrs. Lenich and Mrs. Trdan's efforts have not withered and dried. Times change and so has the branch but we shall nol lose the original purpose of the SWU. to keep our heritage alive, thanks to the founders of Br. #38 and the charter members who did not allow adversities to stop them. MOTHERS OF THE YEAR A Mother's Day Dinner has been held every year as far back as the branch records go. The first Mother of the Year selected by our branch was Founder, Ann Ter-dan, in 1951. Later, in 1957, Frances F. Andolsck was chosen. There were no individual mothers chosen after that until 1977. A delicious dinner is held a! the Slovenian National Home and a lovely program is prepared each year. Formerly Ann Bradach, now deceased, took care of the program. especially the music. After her death other members assumed the responsibility. These dinners honoring mothers were always an impressive event. The following names have been recorded as Mothers of the Year: 1977 Anna Trdan; '78 Frances Setina; '79 Mary Briski; '80 All 50 year members; '81 Frances Zalec; '82 Jennie Samsa; '84 Mary Sinko; '85 Katherine Knuth; '86- 89 All mothers are honored. fC — S.W.U. HISTORY v .. BRANCH OFFICERS Treas. Sylvia Russ Records are incomplete for officers prior to 1963. Sec. Ann Nusieh 1977-79 Pres. Jennie Samsa 1963-65 Pres. Frances Hren Vice Pres. JoZupaneich Vice Pres. Frances Jelenič Treas. FranZalec Treas. AnnaTrdan Sec. Ann Nusieh See. Sylvia Petrich- 19X0 Pres. Jennie Samsa Frances Andolsek Vice Pres. JoZupaneich 1966 Pres. Frances Hern Treas. FranZalec Vice Pres. Mary Brancich Sec. Fran Kelly Treas. Anna Trdan 1981-82 Pres. Jennie Samsa Sec. Frances Jelenič Vice Pres. Jo Zupancich 1967-70 Pres. Frances Hren Treas. Katherine Knuth Vice Pres. Sylvia Petrich See. Fran Kelly Treas. Frances Jelenič 1983-84 Pres. Jennie Samsa 1971 Pres. Sylvia Petrich Vice Pres. JoZupaneich Vice Pres. Jennie Adamic Treas. Katherine Knuth Treas. AnnaTrdan Sec. Rose Niemi Sec. Frances Jelenič 1985 Pres. Fran Zalcc 1972-73 Pres. Frances Hren Vice Pres. Charlotte Laurich Vice Pres. Jennie Adamic Treas. Katherine Knuth Treas. AnnaTrdan Sec. Rose Niemi Sec. '12 Frances Jelenič: 1986 Pres. Charlotte Laurich '73 Teresa Gr/in Vice Pres. Jenny Marinkovieh Brisk 1974-75 Pres. Frances Hren Treas. Katherine Knuth Vice Pres, Jennie Samsa See. Rose Niemi Treas. Anna Trdan 1987-89 Pres. Charlotte Laurich See. Frances Bizal Vice Pres. Jenny Briski 1976 Pres. Jennie Samsa Treas. Katherine Knuth Vice Pres Ann McAlnine Sec. Ann Nusieh (Top): Officers of Br. 38 in the earl) 1970's: (Lett top): Group of members in Chisholm’s main street on a celebration day! (Left bottom): They called them "Songbirds" in 1986 and truly they are: Mary Ruth Cameron, Jennie Marinkoviči). accordianist Mike Laurich. Charlotte Launch and Kran Techar. ■ =^. S.W.U. HISTORY ^ - — One of the 1983 Convention Com-mitees: (settled) Angela Krainik, Johanna Perkovich, Sylvia Pet rich, Jennie Adamic; (sitmtliiif>) Mrs. Ed Tekautz. Sylvia Russ, Mrs. Lester McAlpine, Mr. Bahich, Mrs. Joe Kochevar, Theresa Gerzin and Mildred Bashel. Br. 38 HAT PARADERS as seen in a May, 1988 issue or ZARJA: (settled). Jennie Samsa, Anna Mahne. Mildred Bashel, Theresa Gerzin and Kate Medved; (front row). Rose Niemi and Louis Puhek; (stundiiii•)■ Mary Sinko, Josephine Zupancich, Frances Zalec, Frances Enrico, Irene Sinko, Rose Faras, Norma Salhini, Charlotte Laurich, Frances Lucas and Ann Nusich. SPECIAL MEMBERS JENNIE SAMSA A present day member who continues to assist, encourage and inspire us is Jennie Adamic Samsa who was president of Branch #38 for nine years 1975-84. In 1939. she assisted in the tailoring of the marching uniforms w hich our cadets wore during the National Convention held in Chisholm and in the subsequent parades in which they marched. Jennie was the president when we hosted the very successful Minnesota Zveza Day in September of 1982. The following year, the branch hosted another SWU National Convention and Jennie, as President ol #38 took on the responsibilities of General Chairperson. She was assisted by a w onderful crew of workers that outdid themselves to make that convention a memorable one. Jennie is renown for her catering ability and although she is an octogenarian, she is still the same culinary artist. She has catered countless card parties, banquets and other functions. She also loans us her husband. Albert, whenever we need an accordionist! Jennie Samsa keeps us on our toes. Nothing seems to be impossible. She exclaims. "We can do it." and everything turns out all right, even if at first it all seems insur- mountable. We believe that Branch #38 has flourished because of members like Jennie Samsa and we salute her! MARY SMOLTZ LENICH AND ANNA TRDAN Mrs. Mary Smoltz was the energetic, hard worker who solicited membership from the beginning and kept the Branch going in spite of hard times. She held the ollice of President for 10 years, from 1930-40. Anna Trdan maintained an office of responsibility for thirty years, that of financial secretary and was president in 1941 and 42. The first meeting was held in her home. WE REMEMBER THE PIONEERS In Nov. 1991. Mrs. Frances Setina was 104 years old. She was the oldest living member of the branch until her death on Dec. 31. 1991 Mary Pahule, who is 90 yrs. old, is the only remaining charter member. She lives in her own home and does fairly well. Mrs. Ponikvar joined in the I930's shortly after the branch was organized and is in the 90s. Mrs. Joseph Hren was a President for many years. We thank all of these ladies for their contributions to the organization for many, many years. S.W.U. HISTORY Dedication of the Memorial to the Slovenian Miners' and Laborers at the Interpretative Center in Chisholm in 1983. Pictured left to right: Rev. David Stal/er, Victoria Hohence, Lillian Brule (sculptress) Mrs. Walter Mondale, Dr. J.F. Grahek of A.F.U., Robt. Verbiscer, National Secy. KSKJ, Mary Muller, Nat’l Pres. Guests at the Memorial Dedication were Fr. Lovrenčič, Lillian Brule, Fr. Perkovich, Joan Mondale, Fr. Stal/.er and Fr. kelleher. MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES Presently ihe branch meets the lirst Wednesday of every month except January. June and July, at the Slovenian National Home in Chisholm,. An important annual event is the annual Mass that is said for all living and deceased members of the branch. Everyone attends and following the service a brunch or luncheon is served. The information for this article was supplied by Ann Nusich and Charlote Laurich who researched the branch history by looking thru local newspapers which were available in the public library. They also looked through Branch #38 ledgers and record books. Records that were kept from 1930-60 are unavailable. They would be happy to know the whereabouts of these ledgers. Contributors were Mary (Mit/i) Westerlund and Jennie Samsa. Photos of the 1983 National Convention and Mrs. Setina with Officers of Br. 38 taken in 1988, were photographed by Veda Ponikvar. Editing is by Irene Odori/./i. Oldest Br. 38 member, Frances Setina enjoyed a polka with the then Governor of Minnesota, Rudy Per-pieh. Also on the photo are: Frances Gamachi and Rose Stonemark. Branch #38 celebrated the I (Kith birthday of Frances Setina, Nov. 6. 1988. Pictured left to right — Auditor, Fran Lucas; Auditor, Josephine Zupancich; Vice President Jennie Briski; President Charlotte Laurich: Recording Secretary Ann Nusich. The officer absent w hen the picture was taken was Sec.-Treas. Katherine Knuth. MINUTES OF ILLINOIS-INDIANA REGIONAL CONVENTION Bradley, Illinois - October 6, 1991 It was a stirring and colorful entry into St. Joseph's Church as the Slovenian women, several attired in native costume, processed down the main aisle to the choir's beautiful rendition of Češčena si Marija (the choir singing in English, the conventioneers in Slovenian). Fr. Joseph Butters, pastor, celebrating the 11 a.m. Mass on that October 6. 1991. welcomed the ladies warmly and before final dismissal, and much to the benefit of the entire congregation. gave a lesson in geography, a bit of past history, and present awareness of the Slov enian Croatian struggles for independence. Struck by the appearance of the 11 women in native attire, he was moved to say "Keep up your heritage”. Closer to home. Father spoke compliments to the Slovenians in Bradley as being the backbone of the parish since its early history (est. in 1904). From all indications. the women were deeply impressed with his remarks. as was the congregation with the unique display of "Old Country" costumes. When the Morisons were congratulated on their 40th wedding anniversary . Oct. 6 being the very date, the subsequent clapping caught them offguard. as applause in church w as unheard of in their experience. After Mass the group proceeded to Moose Lodge on Rt. 50 for dinner and meeting. Margaret Planton. president of host Branch 22. welcomed the national officers, delegates. and guests. Fr. Butters, introduced as "our beloved pastor", gave the blessing before the meal. Before handing over the gavel. Pres. Planton called on Mary Anne Barothy of Indianapolis. Mary Anne, member of Br. 22. is in the Educational Department of Eli-Lilly Pharmaceutical, and active in Baraga Association and Medjugorje conferences. Daughter of Rose Smole, originator of Br. 22. Mary Anne is "proud to be Slovenian". She confronted The Indianapolis Star in a letter to the editor voicing outrage at a political cartoon "degrading and demeaning the great people of Slovenia". War is never pretty, and the peoples of the two republics fighting for independence are suffering much. Mary Anne finds the quarterly magazine SLOVENIJA, published in Ljubljana, very helpful. At a recent Marian Conference in St. Louis in 1988 she was able to capture on camera many profiles of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the best of which she gave to Br. 22 as a prize (won by Marge Krmpotic. Br. 95). Armed with professional-appearing equipment, she joined the press corp undetected, to obtain the photo of a lifetime. Copies, large or small, can be had from Ms. Barothy. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stefanich showed interesting slides of a trip to Črnomelj, Slovenia, from where parents Mathew and Mary emigrated. Louie managed to visit 3 aunts, 3 uncles and 40 cousins in 5 days! At 3 p.m. the gavel was turned over to Regional Pres. Sharon Naudziunas and the meeting opened with a prayer for peace. All were welcomed, and the Bradley Branch thanked for hosting the event. The National Officers presented were Olga Ancel. Secretary: Sylvia Vukodinovich, Treasurer; Josephine Lustik. 3rd Auditor, and Frances Morison, Women's Activities Director. A letter from National President. Victoria Bobence was read, extending best wishes fora successful meeting: and. to celebrate Zveza's 65th Anniversary, she appealed for extra effort in enrolling new members. She also em- phasized a letter-writing campaign to Washington for recognition of the independent status of Slovenia and Croatia. In her talk. National Secretary. Olga Ancel pointed out what Zveza has brought since its beginning in 1926 --the Heritage Museum, the Laborers and Miners Memorial (in Minnesota), the popular cookbooks by Hermine Dicke and the equally popular ZARJA so ably edited by Corinne Leskovar. Contributions to the National Shrine at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Washington. D.C.. and to the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are not to go unnoticed. Again stressed was the need for more membership and more donations to the Scholarship Fund through memorial and special occasion gilts. Coming away from the Wisconsin Regional. Olga noted two young people actively engaged in the program, an idea to emulate, she affirms. Sylvia Vukodinovich. National Treasurer, thanked everyone for the kindnesses shown at the time of her husband's death. Zveza is in a financial bind, she said, with loss of members and the lower interest rates and the cookbook fund at present is very minimal. The $1.00 assessment per member voted at the 1991 National Convention w'ill recover some of the losses. "Greetings to all" from Frances Morison. Activities Director. Frances acknowledged with thanks the thoughtful remembrances of the Morisons" 40th anniversary both at church and at the convention, jesting that her husband considers himself Slovenian "because he ate enough Slovenian food." Her emphasis was the preservation of Slovenian heritage through strong families and the participation in activities that address family needs. She feels that Br. 2 meets that goal but adds that each branch should formulate its own plans to bring families together. Copies of Statement of ldealogy passed at the National Convention in Cleveland, with face sheet to address to a legislator, were available at this Regional. Next came reports of delegates from seven branches; that of Chciago No. 16 not yet prepared but would be mailed shortly. Common to all reports were Masses offered for deceased members and the remembering of sick and infirm members with cards, some including a monetary gift. Br. 2. Chicago, is singular in that a Mass is offered each month for the sick and Br. 24. LaSalle, gives two Masses upon the death of a member and recites the SWU Ritual at the funeral home. Christmas parties were special occasions for all branches and all except Bradley. Joliet and DePue mentioned May dinners or Mother-of-the-Year affairs. Specifically stating that they pay dues, whole or in part, for members aged 75 or 80 were Joliet. Bradley, Chicago No. 16 and DePue. Br. 2. Chicago, 487 members, Mary Oblak delegate, had a full calendar of activities from September through July, ranging from “theme" monthly meetings to various parties at which they honored members who had reached their golden years of membership or diamond years of age. They gave generously to St. Stephen’s Pastor's Cheer Basket for the less fortunate and to the Franciscan Fathers of Lemont. where they trek annually for pilgrimage and picnicking. Br. 20. Joliet. 600 + members. Joyce Vicich delegate: The branch held its I I th annual Grape Festival dance to raise funds for over 80 dues and a garage sale to help 8th grade graduates who will attend a Catholic High. Its bowling league is in its 46th year. They find guest speakers make for more interesting and enlightening meetings. A suggestion - encourage young members to take office to promote increased membership. Host Br. 22. Bradley. 18 members, four residing out-of-state. Elizabeth Kinder delegate, reports only 10 members physically able to help with the preparation of this convention. Credit given to Ann Richards for crocheting all the table favors and to donors Dorene Althaus for handcrafted afghan: Josephine Zaletal. the mantel clock, and Anne Kinder, the latch-hook wall hanging. (Mary Anne Barothv arrived from Indiana that morning and presented the branch with the framed photograph of Mother Teresa for another prize item.) Many thanks to all! The charities included St. Joseph Church, the Dominican Sisters of the school. United Developmental Services, and Baraga Association. The bimonthly mini-fundraiser is an old stand-by—the raffle. Adele Gensler. delegate from Br. 24. LaSalle (75 members), reported confidence in the Bakeless Bake Sale, conducted the last five years with almost 100Vr cooperation. The Baraga prayer for his canonization is said at each meeting. LaSalle Catholic School and the Lighted Way Center for the handicapped are favored each year with donations. Mary Jermene, representing Br. 85. DePue and its 20 members, reported participation in the Keep the Connection Fund for ZARJA with a $25 gift. Delegate Angela Nico, Br. 89, Oglesby, said of its 27 members "we have some very strong SWU supporters”. The branch features "You Are Special” members and in 1991 Barbara Sitar. 89. and Elsa Zabovnik, 91 were honored; both are still active in their homes. Angela herself was named to a newly created position, that of liaison officer, to keep members abreast of all happenings, state and national. Speaking for Br. 95, Chicago, and its 125 members, Mildred James said: "Our members feel that the Home Office should take on the responsibility of our State Convention and the branches be nothing but hostesses". They "oppose the $1.00 increase to help finance the ZARJA.” No state meetings "iust the National Convention." The branch relies on its Book of Chances for a fundraiser. Enrolling young members would improve membership say the 33-40 who attend the meetings. Gladys Buck, secretary of Br. 16, Chicago, mailed her report which was received within 10 days of the Convention. Its 156 members cooperated in a successful Card/ Bunco party in April. Some perks members enjoy for faith-fullness in attending meetings (6 at least) and early payment of dues (by April I) are a $3.00 allowance on dinners for special occasions and a chance to win one year's free dues. The branch assumes responsibility for one-half the fare on the bus hired to go to a Regional convention. Spiritual activities included attending devotions to Our Lady of Brezje at St. George Church and the ethnic Mass at the Church of the Annunciata. In lieu of the oral report at the State meeting, Vida Kumse was requested to describe her recent trip to Slovenia during the July unrest there. No difficulty at checkpoints, she noted, but everything was very expensive, and great anxiety and fear of bombs filled FROM THE HOME OFFICE: The May 1991 National Convention decree of Special Assessment was observed by the following branches during January: I. Sheboygan. WI $ I30.(X) 5. Indianapolis. IN 66.00 16. South Chicago. IL 125.00 19. Eveleth. MN 56.00 20. Joliet. IL 541.00 35. Aurora, MN 87.00 38. Chisholm. MN 72.00 39. Biwabik. MN 5.00 42. Maple Heights. OH 85.00 50. Cleveland. OH 403.00 68. Fairport. Harbor. OH 3.00 (Previously $37) 73, Warrensville Heights. OH 93.00 74. Ambridge, PA 18.00 79. Enumelaw. WA 48.00 86. Nashwauk. MN 4.00 91. Oakmont. PA 51.00 93. Brooklyn, NY 28.00 100, Fontana. CA 41.00 102. Willard, WI 43.00 106, Meadowlands, PA 15.00 Total for November and December 1,916.00 Success Membership With Campaign Unity is now on! the air. Every plane in the sky was viewed as a potential threat. All reports having been delivered. Regional Pres. Naudziunas asked Br. 24 if it would host the 1992 State Convention in LaSalle. The answer was a quick, yes! Sharon then requested nominations for office of Regional President, since her term was up. Two names were submitted but both declined. Romaine O'Brien. Br. 16. the third person mentioned accepted after being assured of assistance and cooperation, and was given a great round ot applause. To recall her first name, think of lettuce, was her advice. The entire meeting had the atmosphere of nostalgia and concern for Slovenia and Croatia, and the persistent urging was to make known to the politicians in Washington the need to embrace their cause. The closing prayers were for the living and deceased members and for peace. Upon mention by Mary Oblak and second by Adele Gensler, the meeting w'as declared adjourned shortly after 4 p.m. Door and other prizes were disposed ol in quick time, as visitors were anxious to be on their way homeward on that cloudy, cold, windy day! God bless all! Emma Lustig, Secretary NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, VVI Thank you to all the ladies who baked lor our Valentine Bake Sale. Dorothy Behnke. we thank you for being chairman again this year. Tony and Mary Udovich have been both hospitalized during January. Mary Germ. Jennie Babsieh and Mary Leon are recuperating at home and doing well. Please include them in your prayers. A long-time member. Antoinette Brulla passed away in January. She contributed a lot of love and service to Branch I throughout the years. We will miss visiting her at the nursing home. Dorothy Brezonik is spending the month with her sister in sunshiney Florida. Have a great time, Dorothy! Happy belated birthday to our President Ruth Sheck, Feb. 4. Happy Spring, AGGIE NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL If we could not be in Las Vegas, then we were lucky to be at St. Stephen's for the "Parade of Las Vegas Show Girl Dolls" at our January meeting. Ray Nusko had the hall twinkling with little sparkling lights and Mary Foys" parade of beautiful Vegas dolls were the center of attention as they danced down the middle of the long tables with their beautiful costumes. She also made a beautiful doll all dressed in red satin and feathers which was given to a lucky winner, Elsie Statkus! Our branch is certainly fortunate to have some very talented people! Our meeting began with a prayer by our President Fran, and special prayer for those members who have left us; the year 1991 was a very sad year for Br. 2 as we lost 11 members. We know that the Dear Lord is keeping them close to His heart. We will miss them all. Father Blase installed the officers for another year. He also kept us spellbound by taking us on a beautiful memorial trip back to the days when this was a Slovenian neighborhood. He told of visits to the little corner meat markets with the aroma of smoked klobase, events of the many lodges, things that happened at St. Stephen's School, and in Lemont. He told stories about families who no longer live here, but whom many of our members grew up with. We were delighted to hear the names of old friends, just as if it were a roll call and we were back in yester year with them. It is always a good feeling to go back to the times when you were young and did not have a care, and problems could be resolved with a good night's sleep. We all really enjoy Father's talks; they are always very interesting. We voted to purchase (5) books for the Altar Society's Bunco on March 29, and also (5) tickets were purchased for the Baraga dinner. On March 12 - we will have our St. Joseph Table - keep the date open. Our Woman of the Year will be selected next month. Dolores Puhek would like to hear from the members who live out of town. She will report of your activities. We have another Slovenian politician who has tossed the hat into the political ring! She is Anna Zorko's granddaughter. MaryAnn (Bogolin) Kozlik. We know' she will do a good job. Good luck to her. Happy birthday to our Pres. Fran. Our condolences to the Franciscan Fathers, to the people of St. John's in Milwaukee, and to the family of Father Lawrence Grom who passed away January 13. Also, to Julia Pet-rich and family on the loss of her sister, Frances Brencic. Please remember them in your prayers that they will rest in peace. Everyone waits for the annual Bishop Baraga Assoc, dinner which was held this year on his feast day Jan. 19th. As always we were not disappointed. The committee: Father Christian, Corinne Leskovar. Anna Sarn and Jean Zubek and their helpers did an'excellent job. The hall looked so pretty. Sister Cindy's school children sang those beautiful songs and everyone stood and sang the new' anthem of the new Republic of Slovenia. Mrs. Frances (Oblak) Fritz prepared the food, which was delicious. She is a great cook. Maybe this year will be Bishop Baraga's time for the Beatifi- cation along with the independence of his native country. We still have many of our members in the hospital or still on the sick list: Anna Gaber, Anna Mladic. Anna Sarn. Anna Scieszka. Irma Pasderetz. Glenn Schwerin. Jennie Puhek. Frances Kozel. Stella Gorka. Percy Morison. Remember them in your prayers. We have lost another friend. William "Bo" Zubek. husband of Jean, father of Patty Zeleznak. For many years he worked constantly for all the events of St. Stephen's. He will be missed. May he rest in peace. Our condolences to Phyllis Mar-mozewiez on the loss of her father. Dates to remember: March 22 - Fashion Show' - St. Stephen School April 9 - S.W.U. Meeting 7:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. Mass for the Ailing members April 19-HAPPY EASTER-Vesela Velikanoč May 3 - First Holy Communion May 10- Mother Daughter Breakfast May 14 - S.W.U. — "Woman of the Year" Party. Mass 6:30 p.m. Be good to one another. Remember - "Our deeds still uave! u itli us from afar. Aiul what ur have been, makes its what we are. " G. Eliot. Love. DAISY NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO Old man winter was very kind to us in January and. as a result, our attendance at the meeting on January 8 was good w ith 17 present. Refreshments were served prior to the meeting and were enjoyed by all. Our hostesses were Stcffie Barnett and Eileen Boitz. Anne Spelich. President, was not able to come to the meeting. Mary (Mitzi) Drobnick. Vice President, filled in for Anne and opened the meeting with prayers. Reports were given and approved. A report was given about those who are ill. Retha Minton asked us to pray for her mother. Thepis Ryan, who was seriously ill in the hospital but is now at home with Retha. which we did. and we wish her a speedy recovery. The mystery prize was donated by Retha Minton and won by Helen Skull. Election of officers was held and our new officers for 1992 are: Mary Tekavec, pres., Josephine Poder. Vice pres.. Frances Simonich, Sec'y-Treas., and Angela Meglen. Recording Sec'y. Our Mother of the Year for 1992 is Mary (Mitzi) Drobnick. She has contributed greatly to our organization and is very worthy of this honor. Congratulations. Mitzi! With the Flu so prevalent, we have had many down with it. Mrs. Lukanic was seriously ill in the hospital but is now at home. Mary Gorshe was in the hospital but is at home now. Helen Skull had hip surgery and is doing great. It was such a joy to see her at our meeting. Frances Kolbezen was in the hospital but is now recuperating at home. Frances Raspet is in the hospital. We wish all a speedy recovery. Mary and Mike Hiza are to be congratulated on their 65th wedding anniversary. After the Mass. January 25. celebrating this beautiful occasion, family and friends helped them celebrate in the Parish Hall. We extend our sympathy to the family of Catherine Tezak Patrick, w'ho went to her rest January 17. Among our travelers were: Elsie Zupančič just returned home after visiting with her daughter and family in Downey, CA. Josephine Poder went to Bloomington and Joliet, Illinois to visit with her daughter and family in Bloomington and the Pucel family in Joliet. Anne Spelich, our outgoing Pres., went to Denver to help her sister Rose and husband celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Henry and Nadine Pritekel and daughter Donna and family vacationed in Florida during the Christmas season. Disney World and Epcot Center were some of the points of interest they went to. Our next meeting was planned for February 5. Let’s make an effort to attend meetings! PAULINE PAUCHICK NO. 6, BARBERTON, OH Mary Hahe, a member of our branch, recently passed away. She was born Nov. 8, 1897 in Slovenia and came to the U.S. in 1914. Her maiden name was Maria Metelie. She lived in Elizabeth, Minnesota before coming to Barberton in 1929. Her first husband was named Grudia and she married Joseph Hahe in 1931. She became a member of our branch in 1945 and in the last 2-1/2 years lived at the Pleasant View' Health Care Center. She leaves a daughter. Mary Dougherty and several more relatives plus many friends. She will be sadly missed. Deepest sympathy. LINDA LAMBR1GHT NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH The weather was cold, snowy, but we still held our belated Christmas party on Jan. 15th at the Slov. Home on Holmes Ave. 48 members and guests attended. A delicious meal was served. Fr. John Kumse attended, said prayers before the meal was served. Afterward, a short business meeting was held and election of officers for 1992. They are: President. Dorothy Zagar. Vice-President, Steffie Segu-lin. Treasurer. Theresa Dagg, Recording Secretary, Ann Stefančič. Sunshine chairladies are Faye Moro and Joyce LeNassi and Sgt. at Arms is Lucy Romik. Auditors, Helen Suhy, Dorothy Zagar. A few prizes were given out after the meeting. We thank all members and guests for attending. A happy and prosperous New Year. The next meeting will be on March 18th at I p.m. Until further notice, dues are to be sent to President. Dorothy Zagar at 17816 Brian Ave., Cleveland, OH 44119. ANN STEFANČIČ The Jan. meeting and Christmas party was well attended. We had an election of officers which will be reported by our recording secretary. Wishes to one and all for a Happy and Healthy New Year. Our next meeting will be March 18th at 1 o’clock at the Slovenian Holmes Hall in Collinwood. STEPHANIE SEGULIN Vice President NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Our meeting day, Jan. 16, was a little cold, below zero, which held our attendance down. But 25 hardy members showed up. We sang happy birthday and had a delicious lunch prepared by Phyllis. For dessert we brought our Christmas cookies and there was a nice assortment. We lost a member. Antonia Urankar. Remember her in your prayers. She attended our meetings faithfully until she went into a nursing home. She looked forward to visits by our members who made the rounds of shut-ins at Easter with some goodies. Everyone has had a share of colds or Hu. so to all, please get well and stay well. Our card party will be April 12 at John's Hall so we will be discussing this at our next meeting. And also, we will be discussing plans for the state convention in October. So. members, bring your ideas and we will make plans. It's not to early to make our decisions. Let's hope the weather will cooperate w ith us and see you all at our meetings at St. Peter's Church. So. 80th and Lincoln Ave., 12:00 noon for lunch before our meetings and playing our famous game. Stay well and stay warm. MARY KIEL NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA We started our New Year off with much enthusiasm. There were 12 members present and we planned our yearly calendar. I know we will have another productive and fun year. February will be our Valentine luncheon. March, we will have a spaghetti dinner. This will be a new change from our Pot Luck dinner. Our Woman of the Year will be Ann Sustarich. We couldn't have picked a more deserving and delightful young woman. Ann and I went to the national convention together and everyone immediately liked this gal. Congratulations, Ann! Our brunch to honor her will be at the beautiful Mariott in downtown S.F. More details later... I am so happy to announce we have same marvelous new members in our branch. A big welcome to: Jožica Jaksa, who was born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. She is a student and bank teller. Albin Madronich, brother-in-law of our member, Bernadine Madronich, said we have to keep our Slovenian Heritage going, so his wife, Shirley and their three daughters have joined S.W.U. No. 13. Daughter, Linda Phaby and her husband, Joseph have two lovely daughters, Kristine and Laura and live in Santa Rosa. Kathleen Trombetta lives in Petaluma with her husband. Grant. They have two sons, Joseph and Paul and are expecting Baby Trombetta. #3 any time now. Our blessings to baby-to-be! Mary Madronich Goodman and husband. Michael, live in Sebastopol. They have two sons. Michael Jr. and Matthew. Shirley and Albin’s son, Don is involved in Heritage also. He is taking Slovenian lessons at our Church of the Nativity. He drives quite a distance to come to our church each Sunday. I met this delightful family at the Grape Festival and it is an honor to have them join our lodge. Get well wishes to all our members "under the weather.” I hope to see many of you at our Valentine Luncheon. BEVERLY JACKSON Reporter NO. 14, EUCLID, OH Now that we've survived another winter of colds, flu and the dreaded Alberta Clippers, we can look forward to the first signs of welcome spring. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Mother's Day Dinner to be held Tuesday. May 5 at 6:00 p.m. We will all join in to honor Secretary Diane Varney, this year's Mother of the Year. Call in your reservations to Vera Bajec at 481-7473. Congratulations to Slovene Home for Aged resident Josephine Lustig who recently celebrated her 90th birthday on December 27th. Daughter Ileene Collins came up from Florida to host a surprise party for Jo along with her friends. Pres. Martha Koren and husband Ed took off for a week in Las Vegas. Sure hope it was a winner, Marty! Vera Bajec was delighted to celebrate the Christmas holidays with her daughter and son-in-law who arrived from Colorado. Condolences to the family of member Irene Mersek who passed away in January. May our beloved departed find eternal peace in the arms of our dear Lord. For many years our Sunshine Lady. Rose Rodgers, has brought sunshine to our ailing members. It's now our turn to send get well wishes to Rose who had back surgery and is now recuperating at home. Wishing you a speedy recovery Rose. We're looking forward to seeing your smiling face at our meetings. Speaking of meetings...reminder that our meetings now start at 6:00 p.m. and as usual at Slovenian Society Home on Recher Ave. Hope to see you all there! Bring your dues payments up to date either at our next meeting or you can send payment to Sect. Diane Varney at I 155 Easton Dr., Akron, OH 44310. A Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! ALICE KUHAR NO. 17, WEST ALLIS, WI After we experienced a somewhat odd winter, which was not our typical Wisconsin weather, it was mild, with some cold and snowy days and very easy on the heating bills. But, we're not complaining! The 20th of March is the Spring Equinox which means spring will arrive according to the calendar. As we look forward to some signs of spring we fican our flower beds for the first colorful yellow crocuses and daffodils and try to see some patches of green grass here and there. We also celebrate St. Patrick's day as we become “Irish Slovenes” for a day on March 17th. We then look forward to the celebration of Easter on April 19th. Certainly the warmer weather will become a reality by then! Note It was voted and passed at the national covention in May 1991 to assess all members $1.00 per year. These monies are to be sent to headquarters for their general fund to defray the increase in operating costs. So, members. be aware when paying your dues to add SI .00 for this purpose. Katie Matzelle is our chosen Mother of the Year. We will honor her at a 12 o’clock luncheon at Kegel's Inn on 59th at National on Wednesday, May 6th. Please plan to attend and make this a memorable day for Katie. On our sick list we have Molly Mathea and Katie Matzelle. We wish them a speedy recovery and best wishes to all our shut-ins. Happy St. Patrick's day to all. FRAN PIWONI NO. 19, EVELETH, MN Highlights tor the second half of 1991 for branch 19 included a November meeting held at Richleau Building. President, Olga Klusergave us the highlights of the National Convention and plans were made for the December meeting. Our Christmas celebration was held at the Rustic Rock, which included lunch and meeting. It was nice visiting with other members and to wish them happy holidays. Instead of exchanging gifts among those attending, a collection was taken for gifts distributed to our members in nursing homes and shut-ins. The slate of officers will remain the same for 1992. Fran Mohar was selected the Mother of the Year. She will be honored at a dinner on May 3. 1992 at Amanda's Restaurant. The door prize was won by Julia Eller-sich. We send our condolences to the families of two members who passed away. Mary Menart and Theresa Krall. We welcome Ann Stupca, Angeline Korochec, and Mary Ann Korochec who are transferring to our branch in 1992. Anyone wishing to pay their dues by mail can send it to Treasurer Maria Ferkul. Box 327. Biwabik. MN 55708. Remember the dues have increased one dollar per year starting with this year. Submitted by, VIDA LANARI. Secretary NO. 2«, JOLIET, IL The March winds are blowing -let's hope they bring warm weather and not the usual cold, blistering snow storms. March is going to be a busy month. Starting w ith Ash Wednesday on the 4th. then the 17th. St. Patrick's Day, when everyone is Irish and celebrating the occasion. This day is the day we will also be celebrating our St. Joseph's Table Feast - and sharing our food with our National Officers. Yes, St. Joseph's Day and spring are just around the corner. The 20th. is the first day of spring, and the arrival of the robins. Robert Holmes, the former museum director, was instrumental in having the museum recognized by the Illinois Heritage Association. A certificate of recognition was received from President Willis C. Baker and the Board of Governors. The certificate is displayed in the museum. Lucille Dragovan, SWU artist, was invited to a showing of her watercolors painting at Park Forest Art Center, Park Forest, IL. Congratulations to you. Lucille. Congratulations to Rose Valek. SLOVENIA’S FLAG DISPLAY NOW AT ST. JOSEPH’S-JOLIET At St. Joseph’s Church, one of the most beautiful in the midwest, the new Slovenian flag was presented for display by Br. 20 members on January 19th. They are here at the altar in Slovenian national dress, Barbara Kalu/.a, Olga Ancel, Bernadine Gudac and Kris Cepon. The two little ones are Rohby and Frank Koncar. See Br. 20 report for more on this occasion. who recently graduated from the pastoral leadership program at St. Charles Pastoral Center. Rose also teaches religious classes at the Collins St. Prison. Congratulations to Joann Morrison on her first grandchild, a baby girl. Rebecca Erin Bartel. Get well wishes for a spedy recovery to: Richard Tezak, husband of Jo Te/.ak. Vice President of Br. 20; Carol Hulbert, Mae Rief and Marla Lustic who recently had foot surgery. Condolences to the families and friends of: Mary Gasparich on the loss of her husband. Frank: and Carol Kozar on the loss of her mother, Mary, a 47 year member. A notice to all members: Dues are to be paid before the end of the year. Example: 1992 dues were to be paid before Dec. 31, 1991. You now have 90 days to pay dues after Dec. 31. If not paid by this time, your name will be dropped from the membership list. Sunday, January 19. the S.W.U.. President-elect, Bernadine Gudac and Nat'l Sec'y., Olga Ancel presented the New Republic of Slovenia flag to Rev. Athanasius Lovrenčič. Pastor of St. Joseph Church at the 8:30 a.m. Mass in celebration of the recognition of Slovenia's Independence by the European Community. Guests were Bishop Roger Kaffer and Msgr. M. Butala. There are more than 20.000 people of Slovenian descent here. The elected officers for 1992 are: President, Bernadine Gudac; Vice President, Agnes Dobczyk; Financial Secretary. Pat Figurowski; Treasurer, Jo Lustik; Recording Secretary, Ann Dragovan and Auditors: Lorraine Lange, Ann Mulvy and Helen Plut. Sargeant at Arms is Marie Schiedt and Spiritual Director, Rev. David Stalzer. Bernadine Gudac, new President, sent a thank you note to our congressman, George Sangmeister for cosponsoring HR224 and HR3518 in support of the new Republics of Slovenia and Croatia. Please write and thank him also; his address: The Honorable George Sangmeister, U.S. Congressman, 101 N. Joliet St., Joliet. IL 60431. Bernadine also asks the support of the officers and membership in the new term. She offers to be open to suggestions, sensitive to concerns of the membership, aggressive on behalf of Joliet’s S.W.U. members. Fr. David Stalzer, our spritual director. gave his inspirational thoughts of the future. He sees the Heritage Museum as greatly needed for the future. The artifacts, traditions and language needs to be preserved. He predicted that Slovenia will be a "new Switzerland" because of it's resources. location and the industriousness of it's people. We are not to lose {M r * ^ Bernadine Gudac was recently installed as the new president of Br. 20, Joliet, IL and here she is, right, with Joyce Vicich who served the last four years in that capacity. Good luck to Dcanie, an active community leader and enthusiastic SWU member! our precious customs and communication. We cannot lose the music. We should not let the word, language and music die. If you lose the language and customs you've lost everything. Fr. David proposed for the future -participation by everyone in the annual Grape Dance and Festival: and to have a Slovenian singing group. We should recruit now, practice in the summer months and be ready for the Festival. Dates to Remember: March 14-15. from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the Doll Show presented by Mary Foys Lauretig of Br. 2. Chicago. It will take place at the Slovenian Heritage Museum at the Home Office. Admission is $1 for adults, children free. March 17, Tuesday, meeting at St. Joseph's Park 7 p.m. All "Josephines" will be honored. This is our St. Joseph Table Feast evening. Everyone who plans to attend should please bring a dish of food to share with, the members. If you want to share information for publication in ZARJA please contact me, Ann Dragovan, 726-1345 or call Jonita at the SWU office. 727-1926. ANN DRAGOVAN NO. 23, ELY, MN "Happy New Year to all"! Seemed like the first week in spring rather than the first week in January as members attended the first meeting of 1992. Formal installation of the new officers was postponed until next month as Pres. Saari was not feeling well. New officers are as follows: Pres. Marcella Zupec: Vice Pres. Rosemarie Buchner: Secretary and Reporter. Jane Yadlosky: Treasurer. Mary Folio: Auditing Committee. Margaret Deyak. Olga Feroni and Rose Novak. Thank you notes were received from the Ravnikar family. Zavodnick family. Feroni family. Louise Petrich and Mary Preshiren. Some of the newer members said they have not been receiving the ZARJA yet. so they were told to contact Mary Folio or Jane Yadlosky so they can check it out. Members were told that in the absence of both President and Vice Pres, anv of the past presidents may conduct the meeting — "Yes. the meeting will go on." There were 46 members present and Margie Skubic won the door prize. A lovely lunch of sandwiches (which were so good after the rich foods during the holidays) was appreciated by all and socializing was a "blast". Members of the lunch committee for the evening were: Chris Cadari. Molly Marolt. Fran Zupan-cich and Pauline Polyner who filled in for Ann Miklaucic. An apology to Angie Godec whose name was left off the lunch committee for our Christmas Party - "Sorry. Angie, thanks for telling me! You all did a great job!” JANE YADLOSKY, Reporter Dawn Club A reading. “Who lives alone was read by Dorothy Popesh, and all present were really "touched" by it. A unanimous vote for 1992 officers being the same at last year was applauded and accepted. They are as follows: Pres., Angie Mobilia, Vice Pres.. Molly Grahek; Secretary. Dorothy Popesh and Treasurer. Sally Davidson. Auditors: Mary Petritz and Angie Godec. Our meeting in February was to be a Valentine Party (February 10), at St. Anthony's Church Hall, with a ca- tered meal. On the February Committee were: Gen Erchul. Margaret Tom-lyonovich. Florence Markovich, Ann Levar. Mary Smuk. Frances Strukel, Ange Golobich. Dorothy Popesh. Vir-gie Ivancich, May me Kotchevar. Marge Thoren and Mary Folio. There were 46 members present and the door prize was won by Marcy Zupec. A lovely lunch with a variety of salads and Swedish Toast was served and while "socializing" we had candy made in Slovenia to munch on — very ethnic — Thanks, gals! Mary Gotch-nik. Katherine Klabe. Mary Mavetz. Julie Hegfors and Evie Prijatel were the lunch persons this evening. JANE Y. NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL All officers were re-elected at our November meeting and all agreed to serve for another year. There was no special Mother of the Year elected but instead we will honor all members at our May meeting. Ann Serri, Treasurer, gave a report on the Bakeless Bake Sale Project and it appears to be quite successful. 62 letters w-ere sent out and 43 of you responded. It is not too late to make a donation to our project—you may have misplaced your letter. Our financial secretary Betty Stack is working hard to collect all of our dues for the year. We thank you for your promptness and help in these matters. The generosity of so many members with our project will enable us to pay the additional SI .00 assessment per member (excluding juniors) from our Treasury instead of having to collect an extra dollar from each member. Frances Puetz, Jo Foley. Minnie Carter and Adele Gensler planned our Christmas party which was held on December 5th at the Maples in Peru. They did an excellent job and the favors and table decorations were lovely. Each of the 16 members present received a Christmas gift from the grab bag and special prizes were awarded to Terese Kinczewski and Theresa Savnik. Ann Serri and Minnie Carter prepared and delivered Christmas fruit baskets to our Nursing Home members. Ann Cassidy and husband Robert celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on November 20th. They are spending the winter in Florida near their son. Bob and family so their anniversary Mass and dinner were celebrated there. We would like to add our congratulations and best wishes for many more happy years to you both. We congratulate, too, new grandmas. Irene Mauser and Audrey Pro-kuski on birth of a grandson to Irene's daughter and son-in-law and a granddaughter to Audrey's daughter and son-in-law; and also to Fannie Piletič whose grandson and wife in California presented her with a great-grand-daughter! We ask for your continued prayers for our sick and shut-in members and also for the recognition of independence of Slovenia and Croatia by the United States government. Branch 24 will host the SWU state convention in La Salle in October of this year. We have much planning and work to do to make a successful and rewarding day for those who will attend. Please come to our meeting March 19 at 7:00 p.m. at La Salle Catholic School and volunteer to help us in some way—any help will be appreciated. ANNE WANGLER, Reporter NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH Snowdrops are blooming in my garden! Yes, they are here and there in the grass. It just looks splendid! Last month, the meeting was cancelled. Snow was coming down as if there was no tomorrow. We are not spring chickens anymore, so we have to watch out for those treacherous ice spots... hence, no one couldcomeout. Congratulations to our Woman of the Year, tra, tra, Francka, Frances Hočevar! Linda Plečnik looks better every week. She really came a long way. It is a pleasure to see mother and father with their children together again, and happy again. Last year Mary Novak from Berea thought she'll just visit a couple of times the hospital. Well, it did not turn out that way. She did visit them, but she had to stay there, too. We are happy to hear she is better now. From snowy and cold Cleveland, a nice hello to our Florida ladies: Evelyn Majercik Ohio-Michigan State President, Frances Kosch, Mary Ponikvar, Susan Rae Zak, Mamie Willis ... and if there are more, hello to you too, and of course also to your hubbies! Sincere sympathy to the families of Anna Pischel, Mary Schneider, Anna Cirnski and Alojzija Jamnik. Please keep in mind that your loss is their SIX MONTHS’ OF BRANCH ASSESSMENTS 47. Garfield Hts., OH 404.30 75 15 0 50. Cleveland, OH 2,104.35 340 34 64 July 1 to December 31,1991 52. Kitzville, MN 137.40 30 0 2 54. Warren, OH 130.45 27 0 I 55. Girard, OH 156.30 29 10 1 Branch Amount Adult Junior Social 56. Hibbing, MN 188.90 43 1 I 57. Niles, OH 154.80 36 2 0 1. Sheboygan, WI $ 660.00 122 12 8 59. Burgettstown, PA 120.90 26 0 1 2. Chicago, IL 901.90 277 166 43 3. Pueblo, CO 1.005.00 189 25 11 63. Denver, CO 45.60 25 0 1 5. Indianapolis, IN 387.60 62 9 4 64. Kansas City, KS 45.60 14 0 0 6. Barberton, OH 109.35 28 1 3 66. Canon City, CO 181.80 35 0 0 7. Forest City, PA 29.55 22 0 1 67. Bessemer, PA 183.30 36 0 1 8. Steelton, PA 27.30 12 0 0 68. Fairport Harbor, OH 230.40 40 3 0 10. Cleveland, OH 1,020.00 167 6 28 71.Strabane, PA 317.60 75 6 1 12. Milwaukee, WI 396.15 73 11 22 73. Warrensville Hts., OH 453.95 89 29 3 13. San Francisco, CA 474.75 82 9 10 74. Ambridge, PA 21 0 0 14. Euclid, OH 997.10 197 9 14 79. Enumclaw, WA 228.90 41 3 5 15. Cleveland, OH 572.00 70 0 0 16. South Chicago, IL 708.25 113 28 16 81. Keewatin, MN 18 1 3 17. West Allis, WI 663.75 118 37 0 83. Crosby, MN 4 0 0 19. Eveleth, MN 232.65 50 0 3 85. DePue, IL 65.40 19 0 1 20. Joliet, IL 2,936.75 504 96 38 86. Nashwauk, MN 5 0 0 88. Johnstown, PA 35.20 13 0 0 22. Bradley, IL 72.60 15 0 3 89. Oglesby, IL 119.10 30 0 0 23. Ely, MN 957.05 160 12 15 90. Bridgeville, PA 10.80 10 0 0 24. LaSalle, IL 316.20 70 4 1 25. Cleveland, OH 222.70 266 13 17 91. Oakmont, PA 225.90 51 0 0 26. Pittsburgh, PA 597.30 86 2 0 92. Gunnison, CO 107.40 19 2 1 27. North Braddock, PA 11 0 0 93. Brooklyn, NY 103.35 29 0 0 28. Calumet, Ml 247.20 39 2 0 95. South Chicago, IL 666.15 112 2 10 30. Home Office 279.50 72 0 26 97. Cairnbrook, PA 6 0 0 99. Elmhurst, IL 8.55 2 0 0 31. Gilbert, MN 163.50 33 3 0 100. Fontana, CA 330.00 49 4 17 32. Euclid, OH 942.30 146 6 18 33. Duluth, MN 1,012.50 166 26 15 101. Bedford Hts., OH 169.20 19 6 2 34. Soudan, MN 339.95 55 21 8 102. Willard, WI 183.45 36 1 4 35. Aurora, MN 529.05 68 37 19 103. Washington, DC 275.10 44 0 8 37. Greaney, MN 16.50 5 0 0 105. Detroit, Ml 619.60 54 7 5 38. Chisholm, MN 471.50 66 9 6 106. Meadowlands, PA 15 0 0 39. Biwabik, MN 212.40 41 3 3 40. Lorain, OH 420.90 66 3 5 TOTALS $27,721.35 5255 712 490 42. Maple Heights, OH 512.40 78 14 7 43. Milwaukee, WI 996.00 170 20 11 45. Portland, OR 268.95 26 2 3 46. St. Louis, MO 50.00 13 0 0 Olga Ancel, Nat'l Secretary gain into eternal glory. May they rest in peace. Please, when you are paying your dues - DON'T FORGET TO ADD $1.00 per year. THANK YOU. Another PLEASE, call the White House and ask the President to recognize Slovenia. 1-202-456-1111 Thank You. Slovenia is a cradle of a lot of your grandparents, parents, and of course, of a lot of us who were born there. We are proud Americans, and proud Slovenians. We still call her our loving Motherland, even though she abandoned us, but finally the chains have broken, and the wind of love and freedom is finally blowing gently across her beautiful meadows, mountains lakes and rivers. Slovenia, we love you, we wish you luck and happiness! There were some birthdays, more are coming... wishes to every celebrant! “A bushel and a peck” of happiness, joy and hugs and ... to Mary J. Turk, Dr. M. J., Jared and Kathryn Chr7.an0w.sk i. Think positive; the days are much brighter that way. Look around, thank God you can hear the bubbling brook, see it winding thru the meadows, see the forget-me-nots leaning over on it’s banks, sunrays playing on the window panes, birdies singing in the trees around your house. So long, have a nice month! CIRILA KERMAVNER NO. 32, EUCLID, OH We had no meeting in Jan. We sure did get the snow and cold weather by the middle of the month. It is better to get the cold weather now and when spring comes, we hope to have nice weather. Molly Sodja had a nice visit from her granddaughter. Cheryl Lynn, from Chicago during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We have a few members on the sick list. Mary Drobnick is in the hospital having tests taken and waiting for surgery. Faye Starman had eye surgery. Mary Ster. at her daughter's home recuperating after a stay in the hospital. Ceal Znidar, husband Frank, recuperating at home after surgery. We wish everyone a speedy recovery. Hope that they will be up and about soon. Thanks to all members who took the time to pay their last respects on New Year's Day for a long, devoted member. Josephine Skabar. A special thanks to the "Guards", Christine Verch. Valeria Trasha and Fran Ogoreuc. Josephine will be sadly missed by her family and her many friends. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Members, please check your dues books to see if your dues are paid up to date. Try to attend the meetings, the third Wed. of every month at 7 p.m. at the Slovene Society Home on Recher Ave. Wear green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in March. We will make plans to honor our Mother of the Year. Christine Verch. on May 20th. Plan to attend this affair to make it successful. Happy birthday to all our members who have birthdays in March. Special birthday greetings to our president, Dorothy Lamm, who has a birthday on the 28th. Good health and happiness to all. FRANCES OGOREUC NO. 33, DULUTH, MN Rose Borland sent $5.00 to our shut-in members as a Christmas remembrance. Florence Burger installed officers for 1992. Money-making ideas were discussed to build up our treasurer. Mary Chepelnik won the attendance prize. Prayers were said for all members on sick list as well as family members who are ill. Congratulations to Mary and Walter Misciewicz on their 50th anniversary. Prayers of sympathy to Betty Pic-conatto on the death of her husband. Please pay yearly dues promptly. Be sure to add SI .00 for funeral fund. LOIS PELANDER. Reporter NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN Our branch took part in the rosary at the wake of a parishioner, Edward Micklich, before we had our meeting on January 15, there were nineteen of us present. At our parish, our wakes are held in our church because we do not have a mortuary. I thank all the ladies who responded so well. Angela Tekautz and Mary Gornick. Auditors, reported that the books had been audited and found in excellent order. Tory Bobence, National President, took over our books when our Treasurer. Mary Vollendorf, died this past year. Eileen Poderzay was elected to be our new Secretary-Treasurer. Thank you, Tory, for all your work— again! We named our member. Rose Plan-ton. to be our Mother of the Year. She w ill be honored at our May meeting. Any new suggestions to celebrate would be welcome. Happy birthday was sung to Mary Gornick, our charter member, who was 86 on January 17. She comes to our meetings when she can and doing great for her age—may you have many more, Mary. We are collecting used Christmas cards to be sent to St. Jude’s Ranch, we have done this for a number of years and they are appreciative—a good way to recycle, too! Hostesses for our February 19 meeting were to be Tory Bobence and Agnes Mesojedec, with the door prize brought by Lorraine Berg. For our January meeting. Marge Skala won the door pri/e. a gift certificate for two breakfasts at the Tower Cafe, given by Helen Adkisson. Ann Stefanich and Frances Tanko were the hostesses—Ann "Inky" made homemade noodles which were given as prizes in a drawing since we did not play cards, etc. because of the bitter cold weather. Those winning were Angela Tekautz, Agnes Tekautz, Angela Jamnick, and Marge Skala. Easter will be later this year, but right now we are having mild weather--spring can't be too far away! ADELINE MUSTONEN. Reporter NO. 35, AURORA, MN We had a short meeting before our Christmas party at the Holy Rosary church hall on Dec. 8th with 32 adults present. Our charter member. Mrs. Eli Smolich, who is in our local nursing home, was presented a Christmas rose. Special Christmas greetings were sent to all our over 80 members. We were very happy to have Mary Ann Krall, a new member, at this meeting. Welcome, Mary Ann. We'll look forward to seeing you at future meetings. Congratulations to Helen Zuponcic, our Mother of the Year for 1992. - a well-deserved honor for her. Also, to Heather Orazem who played the lead in "A Midsummer's Night Dream" at East Central HS in Sandstone on Nov. 22nd. Heather and her sister, Katy, were in a piano recital also on Dec. 8th. These are our busy junior members including their brother, Robert and all are on the honor roll. Betty Orazem is their proud grandmother. Wishes also to David Wheeler who played Joseph in the Christmas play at his Happy Hearts Day Care and to James Wheeler whose baseball book was viewed and enjoyed and read aloud by Anna Hodnik to all of us. We were saddened by the loss of Ann Mismash's husband, Frank and Dorothy Jamnik's uncle, Lud Lipovetz, early in December. Our sympathy and prayers are with them and their families. The PBS program on Dec. 11th was very interesting showing the ways we are preserving our heritage and culture. Many interesting comments were made by local residents. Thank you, ladies, for paying up your 1992 dues; this makes our treasurer’s task much easier. Hostesses were Ann and Helen Zuponcic, Anita Vovk and Nancy Martinetto. The Christmas party was held with guests, Fr. John Sustersic and Fr. John Vovk and our junior members, Katie and Nicholas Martinetto,Lindsay and Janette Antilla, Alysa and Carolyn Hodnik, Courtney Kalar and Jenna Korpela. Our thanks to the juniors who entertained us with their singing and dancing. The tables were decorated so pretty with angels for centerpieces and colorful nut cups made from Christmas wrapping paper by Katie Martinetto, age 9. Thank you. Katie! The dessert table had a very special centerpiece, a “manger" made by Phyllis Turk's children. Bobby, Mary and Nancy and their friends over 30 years ago! it was a shoe box covered with aluminum foil and the figures of Mary, Joseph and the Angels were made from cardboard and colored so beautifully. Baby Jesus was a small doll, but he didn't have a "crib". So, the Turk children’s grandpa was a butcher and he provided a small meat tray for the crib. This was then filled with cut-up paper as the straw for the Baby Jesus to lie on. Bobby made holders for two candles which were placed on each side to provide light. Can’t you picture these busy youngsters creating this special Christmas scene for their own Christmas party? Thanks for sharing this delightful part of your children’s memories. Phyllis, and for keeping this treasure all these years! SHOWCASE FOR BR. 35’S CHILDREN Christmas party of Br. 35 was enjoyed very much by: Pauline Korpela, Katie Martinetto, Janelle Antilla, Courtney Kalar, Alvssa Hodnik, Lindsey Antilla, Rose Antilla (Janelle and Lindsey’s mom), Jenna Korpela (Pauline’s granddaughter) and Krika Hodnik (Alyssa’s and Carolyn's mom) and seated, Carolyn Hodnik. Below we see Jenna Korpela, Nicholas Martinetto and his mom, Nancy, at the Br. 35 Christmas party. Child's Manger was made 30 years ago and was seen again at the 1991 party. Wine and apple cider were served before we enjoyed a delicious dinner. Bags of treats were given to the children and lucky door prize winners were Phyllis Turk, Anna Hodnik, Julie Turk, Barbara Urick. Pauline Korpela, Ann Mismash and Betty Rokser. Thank you ladies, for your generous monetary gifts which totalled $85 for the Activities Dept, of our White Community Hospital. To our hostesses, thank you for a lovely Christmas party! * * * We were honored to have our MN State President, Jean Korsman. as our guest at the Feb. 2nd meeting. Jean suggested that our branches should think about a theme and goal to carry us through the next four years. Bring your ideas to the branch officers’ meeting after Easter. Thanks to Jean's mom, Annie Purkat, who inspired her with so much enthusiasm for the SWU! Since the butterfly signifies "new life”, Phyllis Turk presented Jean with a lovely butterfly pin to send her on her way as the new State President. Thank you for coming, Jean. Everyone was happy to meet and visit with you! Plans were made to honor Helen Zuponcic as our Mother of the Year on Sunday, May 3rd. We will attend 9 a.m. mass with Helen and her family and then on to the Community Seniors Bldg. fora Program and Brunch. Paid reservations are due by April 20th. We had another successful Dime Social. Your beautiful gifts brought in a total of $59.20 for our "over 80” members' dues. Thank you! Special thanks to Junior member. Katie Martinetto. who helped with the prizes. Tona Soukup. it was good to have you at the meeting and back with the Happy Quilters. too. Betty Orazcm is recuperating at her son's home in Sandstone. She's been in the hospital for the past two weeks and will now enjoy the TLC of her family. Our prayers are with you and all our other members who are ill and with our members in the nursing home. Sympathy to the family of Mary Hudy: and Vida Marinšek who lost her brother. Joe. May they rest in peace. The clothing Drive for Croatia totaled 60.000 lbs. in December. Thanks to everyone who donated and worked on this project. Thank you to the hostesses of the Feb. meeting. Betty Turk won the door prize, a peck of potatoes, donated by the Korsman Potato Farm - thanks. Jean! Next meeting will be Sunday. April 3rd at the Community Seniors' Bldg. at 2 p.m. Hostesses are Florence Holland. Alice Wilson and Dorothy Jam-nick. Hostesses for the May 3rd Mother of the Year celebration will be Joyce Železnikar. Joanne Pleveli. Mae Kebrovich. Julia Pirnat and Betty Carlson. May you all enjoy a Blessed and Happy Easter! ANNE M. ORAZEM Departed Members 1 - Antonia Brulla (87) 50-yr member 42 - Mary Filips (89) 58-yr member 2 - Frances Brencic (62) 29-yr member 43 - Celia Groth (85) 52-yr member 6 - Mary Hahe (95) 47-yr member Angeline Pasler (104) 59-yr member 10 - Marian Rolih (91) 56-yr member 47 - Mary Vidakovich (87) 55-yr member 14 - Irene Mersek (70) 36-yr member 67 - Annie Mary Peterson (74) 37-yr member 20 - Mary Kozar (86) 47-yr member 71 - Pauline Klinger (89) 43-yr member 25 - Anna Cirnski (91) 53-yr member 88 - Mary Kuzma (85) 45-yr member Alojzija Jamnik (86) 38-yr member 89 - Mary Kernz (79) 53-yr member 28 - Agnes Utzman (53) 34-yr member 102 - Anne Collier (79) 13-yr member 33 - Doris Pikus (70) 31-yr member 105 - Jennie Vidmar (88) 50-yr member 38 - Frances Setina (104) 58-yr member NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN We held our first meeting of 1992 on Feb. 5. with 24 women in attendance. What a heartening beginning for the new officers who were installed at this meeting. Installing officer for the ceremony was Gert Zakrajšek who recently joined our branch. Members welcomed a new social member, Dolly Brusacoram. Happy to have you. Dolly! Plans were completed for the Bake Sale/Luncheon which will take place on Thursday, March 5th. Hopefully, this will be a success as this is a money-raiser to help cover expenses of the Minnesota State Convention to be held in Chisholm on Sept. 13, 1992. It was nice to have such enthusiastic members volunteering for committees for this great event. It makes everything so easy. But. then, we know what willing, talented, workers belong to Branch 38! For our April 1st meeting. Father Gerry LaPatka will take us on a trip to Medjugorje via slides/videos. Because our regular meeting room is not equipped with modern technology, this meeting will take place at St. Joseph's Social Hall. Remember ... April first at 7:00 p.m. for an inspiring evening. And in May we'll have our annual Mother’s Day get-together. Final plans will be made at the April 1st business meeting. We wish to extend condolences to Sylvia Lipovetz and to Frances Enrico whose husbands died recently. Also, our branch lost our oldest member. Frances Setina. age 103, who passed away on Dec. 31, 1991. She became a member over 60 years ago and remained active until she reached the age of 100. She attended all of the meetings and the social events she possibly could, and her presence was missed when she could no longer join us. Condolences are offered to her family of five daughters, 21 grandchildren. 29 great grandchildren, and 9 great, great grandchildren. May the souls of all the departed rest in peace. Members attending this meeting who had January birthdays are: Josephine Zupancich. and Rose Sterle, and in February are: Helen Koshevar, Jessie Pustovar. and Frances Zalec. The travelling prize was awarded to Marie Newman: door prizes won by Jennie Samsa and Rose Faras. Lunch was served by Charlotte Laurich and Jennie Briski. and prizes were given by Ann Nusich. There will be no lunch committee for the March 4th meeting as it is Ash Wednesday. During this Holy Season of Easter may all your intentions be blessed with joy. peace, and holiness. This is the wish of Branch 38 to all of you. ANN NUSICH. Reporter NO. 40, LORAIN, OH Two months of 1992 are already behind us. Time sure does fly! Our weather has been so mild these past few months, we were hoping that winter will by pass us this year. But all that changed a couple of weeks, ago. when we were surprised with a snow storm. I transplanted Hyacinth Bulbs in the fall. I noticed they were peeping as if getting ready to bloom. They must be confused, also. 18 members came to our Jan. 8th meeting and ate a delicious lunch prepared by our birthday girls. Agnes Serazin. Sophie Pogachar, Sue Tomažič and Kathy Russ who entertained for daughter Annette. There were so many prizes on the table for our money-making project that it looked like we were celebrating Christmas again. Thanks to all for your donations. Door prize went to Angie Kozjan. After our meeting. Sue Tomazic showed us tapes of various shrines, some of which she has v isited thru the years. We wish to express our sympathy to our Agatha Donges on the recent passing away of her sister. 91 year old Ann Bock and our Sophie and Andrew Pogachar on the recent loss of their son. Ronald. May God grant them eternal rest. We wish to congratulate Francine and Frank Pavlovčič on their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They celebrated with a Mass at St. Cyril & Methodius Church. Angeline Tomsic. who sang at their Wedding Mass. sang again at the Anniversary Mass. The celebration included a Brunch at the Lorain Renaissance for family members and a reception in the afternoon for family and friends in the school hall.Their maid-of-honor. Irene Tombo Lupinski of Las Vegas also attended. Best wishes also to Annette and Sam Scptaric on their 57th. We wish our Ann Ro/.anc who had THE STORY OF FRANCES SETINA Three members of Br. 38 at the Heritage Manor on Frances' birthday Nov. 6, 1991: (left to right) Jennie Briski. Ann Nusieh. and Fran Zalec. Charlotte Laurich took the photo. The other picture was taken by her daughter. Rose Stonemark. on the same day. Frances Bach was born in Veliki Vrh, Slovenia on November 6. 1888, the child of Joseph Bach and Marija Pečnik. After an earthquake on Faster Sunday, 1895. the family moved to Sevnica, which was Frances’ home until she left Slovenia at the age of 17. At that time she left her homeland to join her older brother in America, never to return or see her parents again. She married Frank Setina at St. Joseph's Church in Chisholm, Minnesota on Feb. 26, 1906. She often told the story of how they rode to Church in a horse and buggy, and the wedding feast lasted for three days! Frank and Frances had 5 daughters. Frances. Rose, Olga. Helen and Lillian, all of w hom are still living; only Rose has stayed in Chisholm. Mr. Setina passed away at the age of 64. Frances was blessed with good health. She loved gardening and raised her own vegetables until she was well into the nineties. She was an active member of Br. 38 for over 60 years, rarely missing a meeting. On her 100th birthday. Br. 38 honored her with a party and we all marvelled when she walked up a long flight of stairs to attend. Frances was Mother of the Year in 1978 at the age of 90. On the cover of ZARJA was a picture of our then Governor Rudy Perpich dancing the polka with her at our party. Mrs. Setina died on December 31. 1991 and was buried on Jan. 3, 1992. She is survived by her 5 daughters, 21 grandchildren, 29 great grand children and 9 great great grandchildren! “Franca, naj ti bo lahka ameriška zemlja.” from Branch 3ti Chisholm, Minnesota hip surgery and Molly Glavan who was hospitalized recently quick recoveries. Please try to attend the March I Ith meeting at 12:30 p.m. Dues will be collected or call Agatha at 988-7768 if you have any questions about paying your dues. Please remember to pay your extra dollar to help defray the cost of the ZARJA. God bless you all. MARY MATOS NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Here we are. already in March. The time sure flies as you get older. In January we had a social meeting as two of our officers were absent. Our Vice President. Mary Martino, was in California visiting her daughter and husband. Our treasurer. Chris Kokalj, was ill. Our secretary, recording secretary and newly-elected president. Matilda Simcic were present. The installation of officers was planned for February. We had a large group of members and discussed our future events. Mother's Day Luncheon and Card Party (in November). Arline Fritz is seriously ill at St. Luke's Hospital. Josephine Verbick is at Mt. Carmel Nursing Home, Antonia Velkovrh at Franciscan Villa in South Milwaukee, Esther Schmitz at Summit Nursing Home in Oconomowoc and Tillie Slatinsek at Kappes Nursing Home in Milwaukee. Please remember the above and other shut-ins with a prayer, card, and better yet. visit them. We were very fortunate last year, no deceased members, but in January, we lost 3 members plus our spiritual advisor, Fr. Lawrence Grom, O.F.M. Just received word at the meeting that John Lesatz passed. Our members were: Ceil Groth. 84 years of age, who attended most every meeting as she was able, passed away on Wednesday. January 8. Angela Pasler. who w as 105 years old. passed away the same day. Josephine Turk. 81. passed away on January 2nd. Fr. Lawrence. 63 years of age. was the pastor of St. John the Evangelist since 1980 and was our spiritual director. He passed awav on Sunday January 12th. Father had his pains and aches, but never complained. He was hospitalized for several weekruntil his death. The wake was at St. John's Church on Tuesday and on Wednesday the Memorial Mass was at I 1:00 a.m. After the services he was taken to Waukegan, his birthplace, and on Thursday to Lemont. Illinois where he was laid to rest in the Franciscan cemetery. To the Schulta. Plamenig, Turk. Freiberg, Christensen and Grom families and to the brothers and sisters and their families, our sincere sympathies. May God bless them all. Now some good news. The Wisler's mom. dad and son spent 2 weeks in Hawaii. Their son. Bob. presented them with the trip as a Christmas gilt. Chris was all excited and who wouldn't be. To all our sick and shut-ins a speedy recovery. Congratulations to all birthdays and anniversaries. Did you get a new member? Children pay only S2.40 per year. Moms and grandmas, enroll your children and grandchildren! The scholarships are fabulous. Of course we need adult members, too. Next meeting is March 25. 1992. Happy St. Patrick's Day. R.K. NO. 47, GARFIELD UTS.. OH After a busy holiday season we are all just about back into the swing of things. The days are getting longer and we know the spring w ill soon be here. After being at rest all winter long, the crocus, tulips and daffodils will be peeking through the ground -robins will be chirping in the trees. "Spring is here at last", we will all say happily. Our first meeting for 1992 will be on Sunday. March 8th at the usual time and place, promptly at I o'clock at the SNH. Maple Hts. Newly elected officers are as follows: President, Olga Dorchak. Vice President, Mary Mundson, Sec.-Treas., Mary Taucher. Recording Sec., Jennie Praznik, Auditors. Lisic Lavrenčič and Marge Bizjak. Reporter, Mary Taucher. The Christmas Pot Luck was well-attended. Happy birthday to all our Jan. Feb. and March ladies; Antonia Davies, Diane Dorchak, Jo Lea, Mary Mundson. Helen Jerman, Darlene Zagar. Jessie Pigot. Cheryl Pinter. Mary Sholar, Pauline Mocnik, Mary Vlcek. Special belated birthday to charter member, Antonia Dolinar who was 96 years young on Jan. 16th and to Jennie Gerk. past president, who was 91 years young on Dec. 30th. Circle the calendar for our Mother of the Year honors on Sat. May 2nd at Quinn's Restaurant in Solon, I o'clock. Honored will be Mary Kociancic. All members are invited. Congratulations are in order to our 50 year members, namely. Dorothy Cabot, Sophie Kandus. Mary Tur-kovich. Mary Vlcek. To John Kočevar, newly elected Mayor of Lynhurst in So. Euclid, son of the late John and Rose Kočevar, to Don and Diane Morgan, granddaughter and son-in-law of Ben and Jo Godec of Carson City. Nevada, who w'ere united in marriage on Sept. 14. 1991 in Napa, CA. May you enjoy each other's company and good health for many years. On the mend is Rose Ban, home now after spending some time con-valascing at Western Reserve Nursing Home after her tall several months ago. We have lost a member and gained a member. Welcome Jane Spellacy. Our sincere sympathy to Mary Vidakovich family on the loss of their mother. She was a faithful member for 54 years. May she rest in peace. Winner was Josephine Menart, hope you enjoy your prize. Travelers on the go are Tony and Eleanor Stražišar who visited Scandinavia for 5 weeks, to Yellowstone Park, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, a two week cruise from Singapore to Bali and back to Singapore for a week. Andy and Ann Harsh from Ashville. N. Carolina, while visiting her family for the holidays stopped in to say hello and wish the best of health to all members of Br. 47. as does Antonia Brne from Buffalo, New York. Notice to ladies that don't have their dues paid, please do so. When mailing in your dues, don't forget to add that extra dollar as of this year. Happy St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Day and Blessed Easter to all Will see you March 8th at I o'clock at SNH Maple Hts. Respectfully submitted, MARY TAUCHER NO. 50, EUCLID, OH Winter was slow' in coming but in January it came with a vengeance. Snow and more snow, accompanied by the Alberta Clipper (Canadian Winds)! At least our skiers are happy. Even our meeting day had only the brave ones attending as the "Clipper” was on its way again. But April Fools Day and Easter are on their way and surely the Clipper will stay in Alberta then. With St. Patrick's Day (17) just around the corner - be sure to wear green for our.meeting or feed the "kitty.” Our last year's "Queen" (Valentine) just passed away today. Anne Ryavec. our former Vice President and tour director, was selected queen and then couldn’t attend our meeting because of her illness. But, our president saw that she received her gifts and crown at home the next day, and I’m so glad. She had a long and debilitating illness. She will be missed! She was a potential president for #50. It was a beautiful Mass at Holy Cross Church. Our dedicated Cadets, in formation, and Court of Mary Honor Guards in line. Father McNulty's perfect eulogy and attendance of Bishop Pevec indicated that our Anne was sent to her reward w ith a lot of friends and members praying for her. Also, our prayers are for Tony Zupančič - brother of Albina Kocisko and Josephine Simenc. Josephine also lost a grandson in the same month. Our sympathy to all of you. After a long life Mary Alice Primuth. mother-in-law of Agnes Bradek died at the age of 101 years. With the bad news came good news for Agnes turned 75 and her children and relations celebrated at the Brown Derby with dinner. For spending a good deal of the day in a wheelchair you're an active lady, Agnes, and let's hope, for many more years. We enjoyed our visit to your home with Anne Ryavec, Ann Tercek and yours truly Vera Šebenik sometime ago. We're sorry you can't join us at our meetings. Ann Tercek will have a speaker lor us in March and in April, hopefully, a hat parade. Some years ago we had one and it was hilarious - tun and laughter - so look in the attic lor "chapeaus." Enjoy memories ol when we wore hats instead ol babuskas. May meeting, a bake sale. June, a picnic, or a gathering ol Iriends is on the agenda so you see we are active ANNA HODNIK/ANITA VOVK:__ Learn Slovenian We are beginning the season of Lent. For the past three years, I have used some material I received at a Day of Recollection. These articles give us something to think about in the way we use God's gifts of hands, tongue, feet and in this issue, eyes. All of these, if used properly, can make the world around us a lighter, brighter, kinder and happier place. There is a lot being said in the media about pollution. I found this little item—The worst air pollution is not smog— it is our sour dispositions. Let's all put on a nice SMILE and eliminate this problem! enough to read it. This is not meant to be any accusation of 'bad thoughts'. rather, that we should reproach ourselves for poor taste, and sloth, and waste of time and talents. All around us are traces of the divine to see — in an aged face, an infant, a wave or stone or seagull. It is everywhere — a man or woman, an athlete, an art gallery, in anything that grows and lives. "In him we live and move and have our being." “When we look at the heavens, the work of your hands, at the sun, moon and stars that you have made!" cries out the singer of Israel. Look up at them. And look at each other. Some people hide their eyes under those big sunglasses — even indoors. Even without them, many often look away: we do not mean “eyeball to eyeball" — that sounds harsh. We mean we should look at each other, see each other, in a new light — as people to be respected and cherished. Children should look at their parents that w'ay, even in the adolescent years. And parents should cherish and respect their teenage children! The eye is the window of the soul. Let there be light. WE HAVE EYES We have eye sight and vision. The scripture calls the eye the window of the soul, and Jesus warns that eyes can bring darkness, not light, into the core of our being. With our eyes we read. Most of our fellow humans across all the centuries of time could not do that marvelous thing. We can do it - it is a gift of our civilization. And what do we read? Don't we sometimes say to ourselves after we finish reading, "That was trash!" Look at those sleazy, pitiful magazines. Somebody cuts down trees to make paper to print these things. They mock our lovely gift of sex, the delightful way we relate to each other in loving and in having children, the way w'e give pleasure to a life-long companion. They smear all this and we are fools We Have Eyes-Mi Imamo Oči eyesight, vision—vid window-okno warns—opozori darkness-tema core-jedro humans—človek marvelous-čudovit civilization—omika trash-bedarija magazine—revija print-tisk mock-rogati se sex-spol relate-poročati accusation-obtožba companion—družabnik fools—norce reproach-očitek sloth—lenoba divine—božanski wave—val stone—kamen seagull—galeb art--umetnost athlete-atlet, športnik eyeball-zrklo adolescent-mladoletni respect—spoštovati and having fun - so join us monthly on the third Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Library and will be glad to see you. Our ailing members: Jean Miller hurt her bad knee, Anne Parker fell on the side walk, Sophie Zagorc, Molly Mauer, Gertie Laurich, Mary Chesnik and Fanny Kaltenbach. We wish you well and do take care. On Mary Jo Rom’s invitation to attend the Mother’s Club of St. Vitus card party, we accepted and many of our members had a good time at a successful moneymaker for the school. A group of #50 are also alumni mothers of St. Joseph High School (now co-ed) (with Villa Angela). Our sons graduated in 1958 to 1964. We mothers made card parties, pancake breakfasts and dinners, etc., to help defray expenses and we still meet at luncheons whenever we can. When you work together for a good cause you make lifetime friends just as we do at #50. Dorothyann and Ann Winters on the go again, to Panama this time. Let's hear about it when you come back. Should be warm anyhow. Have a ball. Stella Kostick and husband are enjoying warm weather, too, in Florida. Let’s get some reports, Stella, and enjoy. Please pay your dues and add a "buck" to Evelyn Pipoly and make it 100% again this year. Her address is 23330 Williams Ave., Euclid, Ohio 44123 and get your name in the bowl and win free dues. It can be you! So smile! It makes the wrinkles go away. Z Bogom! VERA ŠEBENIK. Reporter Vera Šebenik: A little kindness from person to person is better than a vast love for all humankind. NO. 54, WARREN, OH Our branch will have the next meeting on April 15th at noon at the Elks, Rt. 422. Please try to attend and help us complete our plans for the Mother-Daughter Luncheon on May 20th. We have opted to honor all our mothers this year and not select one individual. Margaret Racher is doing well after her eye surgery. She is quite a gal! 86 years young and doing so well! Get well wishes to Angela Kaferle’s husband. Frank who has been hospitalized. We have had a wintery last few weeks and it will be nice to see spring come. A holy and meaningful Lent to all. JOANNE PONIKVAR MARCH CELEBRATED NATIONALLY AS RED CROSS MONTH X American Red Cross Red Cross Executive, Jean Križman of Cleveland, OH and our diligent member of Br. 50 just completed a tour of duty as head of Red Cross volunteers for Greater Cleveland. Besides her great volunteer work, Jean is active with the Slovenian societies and her heart belongs to those who take care of the elderly at the Slovene Home for the Aged. We are grateful to her for the article that follows, outlining the work of the American Red Cross at this time. The Red Cross mission is the same no matter what part of the country one lives in: to improve the quality of human life; to enhance self-reliance and concern for others, and to help people avoid, prepare for, and cope with emergencies. This is accomplished by providing services that are governed and directed by volunteers and are consistent with the Red Cross’s Congressional Charter and the values of the American Red Cross: Humanitarianism, Impartiality, Volunteerism, Service Excellence and Internationalism. As the recently retired chairman of volunteers for the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross. I wish to congratulate all S.W.U. members who are Red Cross volunteers, blood donors or financial supporters in their respective communities. I appeal to you for support of your local Red Cross chapter. March Red Cross Month gives tribute to the many services provided by the American Red Cross through its vast network of volunteer and paid staff who work together as team members. Here are some of the many important services provided through the Red Cross organization in the United States: BLOOD SERVICES - More than half of the blood and blood products used to treat patients in hospitals is provided by volunteer donors through their local Red Cross collection centers. In recent years, donors who are in good health, who have passed their 65th birthday have become strong supporters of the Red Cross donor program. Some cities have formed “65 plus” donor clubs. DISASTER SERVICES - When disasters strike, Red Cross is mandated by its Congressional Charter to provide assistance to victims, generally in food, clothing, shelter and medical assistance. HEALTH EDUCATION - Health courses and workshops are scheduled through various community organizations and businesses. Red Cross provides a wide range of information and instructional resources on AIDS to the community. CPR AND FIRST AID -Certified staff and volunteers teach first aid and CPR classes to communities and to businesses. Many Red Cross chapters provide wellness programs to industry. AQUATIC/BOATING PROGRAMS - Courses range from swimming classes to lifeguard training and, for out-doorsmen, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. HOUSING RELOCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES - These services provide emergency assistance to persons who are experiencing very real emergencies, such as losing a home due to personal, financial or domestic problems, or who have been cut off from family members. INTERNATIONAL SERVICES - Services include tracing of missing family members due to political problems or natural disasters. The International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland acted quickly to send food, clothing, medical supplies, doctors and nurses, and more, to care for those who suffered losses in the devastating war in Yugoslavia, particularly Slovenia and Croatia. SERVICES TO MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS - Under mandate of Congressional Charter, the American Red Cross must provide help to members of our armed forces and to their families back on the homefront. Operation Desert Storm taxed the resources of Red Cross social workers, but vital communiques got through from the military to the families back home via Red Cross workers. Many support groups, comprising family members who had someone in service, sprang up. They often met at Red Cross chapters in their home towns and received counseling from professional social workers at the Red Cross. The quality of Red Cross services in the local community is determined in part by the level of financial support given by Red Cross supporters in that community. Deepest Sympathy Mary Tegg of Hibbing, MN. died on Feb. 7 and was buried on Monday, Feb. 10. She was a long-time member of Br. 38. We extend our sympathy to the survivors, and especially to her sister, Fran Techar who is an active member of our branch. Reporter NO. 57, NILES, OH Jan. 14th was our 1st meeting of the New Year and despite the cold weather, we had a nice turn out of 14 members. A very nice lunch was served to us by our members, Mary Opalka and Julia Yakop. We really enjoy these lunches and later we have our meeting. Prayer and the minutes were read as were the Secretary's and Treasurer's reports and all were approved. It was a little early to start our Mother’s Day plans but we thought we would get different opinions as to where to have it. We all really enjoyed our Christmas party and are looking forward to the one for Mother’s Day. Feb. 11th meeting had Ann Gunther and Mary Young as hostesses. Happy Birthday was sung to member Julia Sherlock - the only one celebrating with us in January. We all want to extend our sympathy to "Mimi” Shirkman on the loss of her son-in-law. May his soul rest in peace. We have a few members on the sick list and Esther Gaydos was in the hospital. We are wishing you all a speedy recovery and hope to see you all the next meeting. Until then, God bless you! “Friends, like (lowers, give pleasure by just being there!” FRANCES STANEC NO. 59, BURGETTSTOWN, PA We lost our dear member, Virginia Montequin on January 12th. She was a resident of Slovan, PA. She was born May 28, 1918 in Burgettstown and was the daughter of Joseph and Rose FrenderGrubor. Until her retirement she was the owner and operator of the Pepsi Bottling Co. here. Surviving Virginia are daughter. Rose Ann Massengill, a brother, and five sisters, also three grandchildren. She was a member of several societies and our church. Our Lady of Lourdes, from where she was buried. Our sympathy to the family. ROSEMARY NO. 73, WARKENSVILLE, OH Amid the cold winter temperatures that most of you have witnessed we are enjoying Florida sunshine. However, it has not been as warm here thus far as one would think. It has been necessary to have the furnace on early in the evening (yes they do use furnaces in Florida), the electric blankets have come in handy on slightly warmer nights, and my new flannel nightgown fits perfectly! They assure us things will get better. Have to share a story with you. We had a long delay in Charlotte, N.C. while repairs were being made on our plane (added interest to the flight!) I noticed a young woman across the aisle from me in the terminal showing some counted-cross-stitch to a friend of hers, explaining that she had brought it along on the trip (they had attended a convention) but she had not even taken it out of the package. She laughed about how long ago she had bought the kits and still had not finished them. Later, she moved directly across from me and watched as I crocheted. She remarked about the piece I was working on, I told her I envied the cross-stitch she had tucked in her bag and the conversation continued. When she asked where we were from, the conversation really took off. Upon hearing Cleveland, she told me she had a sister in Solon (nearby suburb). I explained to her that we were really from southeast Cleveland (Beford) to which she answered, “I was born and raised in Maple Hts." Maple Hts. borders Bedford. Having lived in the immediate area all my life. I asked what her maiden name was, when she answered "Resnik", I said "You’re Slovenian! Sit over here!" There was not enough time to share all we knew about people and the area. Ginny Hoblick resides in DeLeon Springs where she and her family own a fern farm. She is the daughter of Cy and Helen (Sterzoy). Her brother, Gerry resides in Michigan and her sister, Nancy Kacmarcik lives in Solon. Perhaps the funniest part of our conversation was when she said. "I have an uncle Beanie" and 1 said. "He made sausages”. She was amazed that he had made such a name for himself. I share this with you for one reason. Don’t ever hide your Slovenian heritage. I never would have met this delightful young lady had I not asked a few simple questions. I hope that someone who reads this column, if they know Ginny’s address, will send it to her and let her know I truly appreciated the time spent with her. Our January meeting was well-at-tended, even though the weather that night was on the cold side. Election of officers took place. Instead of congratulations, we say THANK YOU to the 1991 officers who again accepted the job for 1992. What a group! Don't forget our anniversary mass, Sunday, April 26th. 10:30 a.m. St. Jude's Church. Also, as it is a new year, a gentle reminder that dues should be paid. Alouise will appreciate your promptness. Respectfully submitted, EVELYN A. MAJERCIK NO. 85, DEPUE, IL What beautiful weather for January. Let’s hope that little ground hog doesn't see his shadow. We sure can't complain as we haven't really had that much bad weather. (He did. I guess, so we have more winter! C.) I enjoyed the article about Mary Kemz in the ZARJA and was very sorry to hear she had passed away a short time later. Our deepest sympathy to her sister, Caroline and her family, her 3 sister, and 2 brothers, and also to Branch 89 members. Mary was a very good worker for S.W.U. until her illness and had been secretary for many years. Not only was Mary the first girl from Oglesby to go into the army but her sister, Caroline, who is a member of our branch, was the second girl from Oglesby to go into the army. Caroline was in the service of her country for 3-1/2 years and was a First Sargeant in charge of 150 to 200 girls. We are very proud of these gals who served their country in WW II. Mary and Al Planton are spending several months in Arizona. Mary reports beautiful weather and enjoying their grandson. Mark Jacob. I was glad to hear that Europe has recognized Slovenia and Croatia. Now if only we can get the U.S. to do so! I had a letter from my cousin and she said that there isn't much work and workers are laid off a month at a time and with the small pay and infla- HERMINE PRISLAND DICKE 3717 COUNCIL CREST MADISON, Wl 53711 Pots and J^Rans Two meatless dishes suggested especially for this Lenten Season is BAKED FLOUNDER FILLETS WITH MUSTARD, a favorite recipe from Ann Sustarich of San Francisco. CA. Br. 13. and WHITE FISH FILLETS (microwave) from Jean Pucel, Br. 20. of Merrimac. Wl. Agnes Drstvensek of Lorain. OH. Br. 40. would like you to enjoy her RICE AND MUSHROOM CASSEROLE. REGINA S CHICKEN SALAD is from Regina Raspet of Washington. DC.. Br. 103. The FLUFFY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PIE was submitted by Anna Hodnik of Aurora. MN who wrote: "Frances Cazine of Warrensville. OH. Br. 73 invited the Aurora delegation to the National Convention last May for lunch at her home. Her husband. Frank, is a former Aurorean. She gave us the recipe which is a favorite of her grandchildren." Household Hint: For cakes, grease the pan bottoms only, unless otherwise noted, as cakes will rise more evenly if they can “cling" to the ungreased sides of pan. To chop or snip parsley use scissors. Affectionately. Hermine NOODLE STRUDEL MUDDLE! Fran Dragan, (he originator of last month's Noodle Strudel recipe suggests that the amount of mixture is best put into a pun 9-1/2 x 15 inches and that if a purex glass dish is used, the temperature should be 325 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. Hope this is helpful! BAKED FLOUNDER FILLETS WITH MUSTARD I pound of flounder fillets 2 teaspoons chopped parsley 1 tablespoon olive oil Pinch of dill 2 tablespoons mayonnaise Dash of pepper I tablespoon Dijon mustard Place tilleis on an oiled baking sheet. Blend oil. mayonnaise, mustard, herbs and pepper. Brush evenly over the fillets. Bake in 350° oven until fish flakes. WHITE FISH FILLETS l!/j pounds white fish fillets Pepper 2 tablespoons butter, melted Paprika or seasoned salt. Salt Place fish in 11 _■ quart oblong dish (10"x6"x13/j-). Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika. Cover. Cook in microwave oven 21 ~3* : minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. NOTE: Halibut, haddock, flounder, etc.. can all be cooked using these directions. Cooking time: about 3 minutes. 3-4 servings. RICE AND MUSHROOM CASSEROLE cup rice 1 '2 cups sliced mushrooms ! cups chicken or beef broth (or canned) stick margarine 1 small onion, chopped Combine all ingredients in baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 1 REGINA’S CHICKEN SALAD ! cups cooked chicken breasts. I can (11 ounces) cooled and cubed Mandarin orange slices. cup Hellmann's Mayonnaise very well drained l‘i cup diced celery !/j cup chopped walnuts. l;4 teaspoon dried tarragon optional Pepper to taste Combine all ingredients. "Delicious served by itself on a bed of lettuce or alfalfa sprouts garnished with carrot slices or used as a sandwich spread." FLUFFY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PIE 2 envelopes DREAM WHIP I baked 9-inch pie shell. Whipped Topping cooled i cups cold milk I package (4-serving size) 1 package (4 serving size) JELL-0 Vanilla Flavor JELL-0 Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding and Pie Instant Pudding and Pie Filling Filling l/2 cup creamy peanut butter Prepare the 2 envelopes of whipped topping mix with I cup of the milk as ■directed on package in small mixer bowl. Measure 2 cups of the prepared whipped topping and set aside. Add I cup of the milk and chocolate pie filling mix to remaining topping in bowl. Blend; then beat at high speed for 2 minutes. Spoon into pie shell. Clean bowl and beaters. Return measured whipped topping to bowl: add remaining milk, vanilla pie filling mix and peanut butler. Blend; then beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Spoon into shell over chocolate filling. Chill at least 4 hours or freeze several hours or overnight. Garnish with chopped or whole peanuts, if desired. tion, it makes it pretty rough. We have so much unemployment here that you wonder where things are going. God bless. MARY JERMENC NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL A "homey” meeting is how Mar^e Krmpotic, our treasurer, described the February gathering. For the most part, at least three fourths of theladies have known each other all their lives having grown up in the Sacred Fleart Parish and shared each other's lives. President Millie James had officers Frances Benkovič. Marge and Dolores Hennelly read their reports. New member. Stella Knazur was introduced. Member Helen Nowicki recruited her - needed company on her ride from the "boonies"! Smart move, Helen! A letter of thanks was read from the Croatian Catholic Union for our donation to the Croatian Caritas helping the refugees in Croatia. Nonagenarian Frank Cacich died recently at the age of 99. His wife, Katarina, was one of the founders of our branch. Daughters, Sylvia Mitchell, Josephine Stengel, Mary Hecimovich, Catherine Placzkowski and daughter-in-law. Rose Marie, are members. Our “Puppa" would have been 100 years old in April. Sick members are still gallant Mary Possedi. Ann Granich, Marge O'Connor, Manda Dosen, Helen Price, Lu Goldina. Marge Simunich and Emma Yergovich. Split the Pot winners were Helen Santy and Mary Brozynski. Valentine Candy was won by Anne Starcevich, Betty Markusic, Millie Cuzella and Stella Knazur. Other lucky people were Helen Jerbic. Bernice Morrison. Kate Musa, Marge Krmpotic. Emma Yergovich. Mercy Kress, Helen Santy, Millie Cuzella. Ann Cav-lovich. Ann Starcevich. Dolores Hen- nelly, Olga Krmpotic and Mary Per-kovich. 50 years of wedding bliss are celebrated by Mary and Joe Jurko. Ann and William Starcevich are also celebrating their Golden Years. Our hostesses, Lois Chereso, Betty Markusic, Mary Toporis, Eleanor Bandera, Julia Hansen, Millie Cuzella and Mary Nuzda did a great job. Thanks girls. MARIE MARAS LAST MONTH OF CAMPAIGN! Sign up a new member now! NO. 100, FONTANA, CA It’s been a few months since my last article, so I will bring us up to date with our events of last year. We have had good turnouts at our meetings, which are at different member’s homes. On September I, 1991, Branch 100 hosted the Western Regional Convention. The minutes of the meeting were in a previous ZARJA, so I won't repeat the meeting information. Members and delegates attend Mass at Resurrection Church in Fontana. Polly Petrie sang Slovenian songs accompanied by Florence Strnad. After Mass, breakfast was enjoyed at Resurrection Hall, prepared by the Altar & Rosary Society, followed by desserts prepared by SWU members. Father Snoj gave a talk about Slovenia. Later a sing-along was held with Fred Mlakar and Frank Kapel on accor-dians, with Polly Petrie leading. The queen sized quilt prize was won by Jan Eckert; the miniature grandfather clock won by Tillie Kurnick was donated to Father Snoj. Pots & Pans cookbook was won by Father Russell and flower arrangements were won by Mary Lou Height and Henrietta Bledsoe. Other winners were Carol Harley and Jerri Papenfuse. Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to those who donated prizes. Thanks also to all those who helped with the convention; I am sorry I was unable to attend. Thanks to Rosemary Mlakar for her notes. At our November meeting, we held elections for 1992. Ann Kapel is President. Mary Lou Vidergar is Vice President, Ann Arledge is Treasurer, Chris Costell is Recording Secretary, Linda Costell. Reporter, Jan Eckert is Sunshine, and Henrietta Bledsoe and Nell Phillips are auditors. Good luck to the officers for 1992, and a big thank you to the officers for 1991. Our Christmas dinner was held at the Lotus Garden Restaurant in San Bernardino followed by a get together with Desserts at the home of Carol and Jim Harley. Thanks to the Harleys for their hospitality again. Thanks also to the musicians, Frank Vidergar and Frank Kapel. At our November meeting Branch 100 voted to “adopt" the Slovene Retirement Home. Christmas tablecloths were purchased for the dining room there. Once or twice a year we like to do something special for the home or resident. Thanks to Carol Harley and Dorothy Petrich, the committee, who purchased the tablecloths. Our January meeting was at Rosemary Mlakar's home. Jean Kocik showed us how ot make apple strudel with Fillo dough. Rosemary made meat pasties with the fillo dough, so we had a great lunch with the pasties and strudel. Elvie Blasich made lemon strudel, so we had a great time. Jan Eckert was selected as our Mother of the Year. We selected April 26 for our Corporate Communion, followed by brunch at Marie Callendar’s. More details will be announced later, when they are confirmed. Also the club would like to have another Palačinke breakfast in April, but no AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC UNION ± LIFE INSURANCE FOR THE FAMILY HOME OFFICE: 243 )GLENWOOD AVENUE • JOLIET, 1L 60435 (815)741-2001 FOUR GENERATIONS IN BR. 102 Our loyal and diligent reporter from Willard, Wisconsin, Mary Staut sent us this photo of her distinguished 99 year old mother, Anna Volovsek, the only remaining charter member of Br. 102 and the beloved mother of a large family. We see Anna, center, with Mary, her daughter, Mary Anne Friedman of Ft. Worth, Texas and granddaughter, Julie Friedman, a student at Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff. All are members of SWU. Great grandma Anna enjoys the family and they think she’s “super"! So do we! firm date has been set yet. Come to the meetings or contact one of the officers for further information on upcoming events and meeting dales. By the time this article appears. Spring will be almost here, although we have not had much winter in California yet. We sure need the rain. I read where Slovenia was invited to participate in the Winter Olympics this year, so I wish them well as well as to our American athletes who are participating. LINDA COSTELL NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Greetings to all! How times does fly! Seed catalogues are coming in from all over! Spring? Well, not quite, but I'm sure there will be a few more snowstorms before that, although January has been unusually nice this year. To begin on a sad note, our faithful member. Anne Collier, has gone to her eternal regard after fighting a tough battle with cancer for over 3 years. She passed away on Jan. 8th and was laid to rest in Holy Family Cemetery after services at our parish church where she was baptised. Six members served as honorary pallbearers. each laying a red carnation on her casket at the cemetery. They were Rose Pakiz, Frieda Klancher, Mary Koschak. Sophie Trunkel. Mary Staut and Joan Trunkel. She will be sadly missed by all. LaVerne Laib is undergoing serious surgery this week. Has had several serious situations this past year. Let's pray she will recover successfully from this one. On a happier tone, Val and Helen Krainz. lifelong members of this community and parish, have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 21st. They have 5 children. Helen keeps the church spotless, doing the weekly cleaning, w hile Val is our very capable custodian of the church and cemetery grounds. Our congratulations to them. Since all of our daughter's family were with us for a few days at Christmas from all parts of the U.S.. we had a lovely visit with my mother. Anna Volovsek, at the Neillesville Nursing Home. We took a "4 Generations" picture, all of us members of Br. 102. There's quite an age gap. mom w ill be 99 on Easter and great granddaughter. Julie Friedman is 23! Mom enjoyed seeing them all! So. now, back to our unfinished projects to complete before spring and the many summer activities ahead. Easter will be here in no time! What a super, wonderful idea, Carita, to form a Hermine Dicke Scholarship! I am 100% in favor! She certainly deserves appreciation for all the hard work and constructive ideas she has contributed to the Slovenian Women’s Union. Let's get the project rolling! 1 am sending in my contribution today! MARY STAUT NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C. Our first meeting of 1992 was held on January 5. The attendance was exceptionally good, which seems to indicate the enthusiasm of the members to begin planning great things for the rest of the year. We are very pleased with the addition of several new members, and would like to formally welcome them to Branch 103. We were also pleased to welcome an honored guest at this meeting-Sil-vestra Petrie, the wife of Ernest Petrie, Head of the Office of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. She is a delightful person, and we hope we will see her often at our future meeting and functions. We had a very productive meeting, beginning with the installation of officers, officiated by Father Raymond Wadas, Spiritual Advisor. After some socializing and partaking of refreshments. we resumed the meeting. Much discussion revolved around the various activities planned for 1992. Details of each event will, of course, be discussed as they evolve. As most of you know, in November of 1991, Branch No. 103 member, Irene Odorizzi, fell and severely injured her left leg. After much pain, suffering, and inconvenience, we are pleased to say she is improving greatly. I’m sure you will all pray for her complete and speedy recovery. Yours truly also managed to break a bone above her right wrist in December. It's much improved, and we surely hope 1992 will be a much safer and better year for all. Once again, best wishes to members of all Branches for a very good year in 1992. MATILDA AUSICH Recording Secretary Europe’s best travel bargain By KEN DANFORTH Special to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, February 2, 1992 I just got back from Slovenia. Even in Germany, which isn't far away and where people ought to know better, they gasped when I told them I was going to Slovenia. They associate the country with Yugoslavia, as well they might, for it was a part of that doomed assemblage of republics until only .last June. But the Slovenes are independent now. Most European Community countries recognized both Slovenia and Croatia on Jan. 15. Germany has taken the lead in setting up embassies in Ljubljana and Zagreb. While much of Croatia remains threatened by Serb-Yugoslav irregulars who refuse to accept EC and U.N. peacekeeping forces. Slovenia is secure, independent and safe. Yugoslavia’s loss is the traveler’s gain, for Slovenia is a microcosm of the best in Europe and undoubtedly the best bargain on the continent these days. Tucked into a mountainous corner between Austria, Hungary, Italy and Croatia, it is an easy drive from cities as different as Venice and Vienna. There's good train service, and air service via Adria Airways will resume once Adria recovers from last year's attacks by Yugoslav jets. Having traveled there repeatedly since 1984, I would be hard-pressed to think of an area of wholesome outdoor activity that doesn't beckon from the green - and sometimes white - landscape of Slovenia. Every fourth Slovene is an active skier, a statistic probably unmatched in the world. Hiking, canoeing, hand-gliding, farm holidays, exploring in one of 10.000 karstic caverns, and scuba-diving in the salt-buoyant Adriatic are only a few of the activities that come to mind. It is easy to go skiing at 6.000 feet in the morning, then take off your boots and be among palms on the Adriatic Coast by early afternoon. Reckoned in driving time, the country is two hours wide and three hours long. More than half of it is forested, and the air is clear and crisp even in the summer. Mustn't forget cafe-sitting. I've done a lot of that, particularly in the baroque capital of Ljubljana. The turbulent little Ljubljanica River rushes through the center of town, with no industry whatsoever along its banks. In good weather the tables come out, and with them the philosophers and dreamers. Most Americans have a negative image of the Balkans that is not entirely inaccurate. The term suggests an ethnic tinderbox, the sort of place and people that start conflagrations - World War I, for example. Well, Slovenia is definitely not Balkan. It is an Alpine, Central European nation that has. while serving as a bridge between East and West, based its culture firmly in the West. As a result of widespread confusion about the tragic situation among the blazing shards of Yugoslavia, tourists simply aren't going to Slovenia these days. That's a shame, both for the tourists and for the hospitable Slovenes. A nice double room in Ljubljana can be rented for between $40 and $50 a night, with 10 percent discounts Our ever enthusiastic and wonderful new State President of Ohio-Michigan, Evelyn Majercik met one of the most distinguished Slovenians who attended Baraga Days in Washington last fall. He was none other than Lojze Peterle, the Prime Minister of Slovenia. This picture was taken at the Basilica of the Shrine of Immaculate Conception. Earlier, Mr. Peterle was invited to the altar by Cardinal Hickey during the celebrated mass. The Prime Minister impressed everyone with his eloquence and gentle mannerisms. if you're willing to pay cash. A glass of good Slovenian wine costs about $1.10. In the subtropical Adriatic resort of Portorož, I enjoyed a very good lunch with a half liter of wine for $3.85. That was without tipping, for a reason. I lacked about 20 cents having the correct change for the bill. and the waitress couldn't change the large note (worth about $10) I offered her. She said not to worry about it. I said, but I'd like to leave a tip. She said, "oh, that’s all right, remember me next time.” Yugoslav dinars are no longer legal tender in Slovenia. The Slovenian currency unit is the tolar (rhymes with dollar). The regular banks and hotels have rates that are far out of step with the value of the tolar. But there’s a way around that: Slovenia is the only country I know of where a traveler can get black market exchange rates at a legal bank. Black marketeers (not pushy, but there) offer better than the official rates, but dealing with them carries a good chance of getting cheated. The Slovenian Credit Bank changes money at realistic rates. The bank is easy to find, with a bright green and white steel front one block from the railway station on a busy street leading to the major hotels. The tellers give you a computerized printout. I crossed the border from Austria on a fast train from Munich. Dr. Ernest Petrie, head of the new Office of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, had assured me I’d need no visa. He was right. An official on the train stamped FOR US RECOGNITION OF SLOVENIA AND CROATIA: CALL: White House State Department TO SEND LETTERS BY FAX: White House State Department (202) 456-1111 (202) 547-4000 (202) 429-5545 (202) 647-7120 my passport with "Jesenice," the Slovenian border post, with no questions. No customs inspector ever appeared. Slovenia was the most prosperous, Westernized, and democratic republic in former Yugoslavia even when it had to pay lip service and an awful lot of money to Yugoslav communism. It was so different trom the rest ot Yugos-lavia that, traveling elsewhere in the country, I found myself thinking that some conversation I'd had in Bohinj or Rogaška Slatina had occurred before I got to Yugoslavia. To say that Slovenia mirrors Austria has become a cliche of travel writers, but the comparison is valid, nevertheless. It isn't just the snow-covered peaks and high meadows, the ocher and pastel green of the buildings, the hay drying neatly on racks called kozovc, (kozolec, pronounced kozovc), or even the yodeling folk dancers in knickers and dirndls. It's the instinctive need to reason things out and to speak freely. I knew I was going to like Ljubljana as soon as I learned that the most popular square was named for a poet, and rather a bawdy one. A statue of France Prešeren looks benevolently across Prešeren Square, hard by a tripartite marble bridge that spans the willow-shaded Ljubljanica River. In the not-so-long ago days of democratic opposition, this is where people came to promote the cause. The streets of Ljubljana poke into the square like spokes, and rustic outdoor stalls and pretty cafes radiate in all directions, including along the riverbanks, over which loom grand five-story mansions from Austro-Hungarian Empire days. Crowning a steep hill across the river is the great city castle, from whose ramparts one can see the three-headed peak of mount Triglav, highest in what used to be Yugoslavia. Oddly enough, a city that honors its poets and a republic that spawns brave dissidents looks back with nostalgia on the rule of a foreign emperor. Napo-len Bonaparte was not generally loved in the other lands that his army occupied, bul the Slovenes greatly preferred him to the Austrians. who oppressed them before the French came and again after they departed. The Austrians would not let the Slovenes build anything higher than four stories; imposing heights were reserved for Vienna. When the French came, they made Ljubljana the capital of their Ilyrian Provinces and allowed Slovenia's language and culture to bloom. A column engraved with turgid French commemorates his reign: “Under this stone we have placed your ashes, nameless soldier of the Napoleonic Army, for you to rest amidst us, you who went to battle for the glory of your emperor and died for our liberty.” I can think of no comparable tribute to an occupying army anywhere. Slovenia is far more than beautiful mountains and a charming little capital. Only a couple of hours away from the highest peaks are the subtropical resorts of Slovenian Istria. There’s a distinct Italian flavor on the Adriatic Coast, for it hasn’t been long since Istria belonged to Italy. When Hemingway’s hero joined the famous retreat from Caporetto in “A Farewell to Arms,” he was in Slovenia’s Julian Alps. I have seen most of Slovenia on recent trips, but this time, in the winter, when my time was restricted, I concentrated on the highlights. I don't say “high points,” such as the high alpine passes, for they were closed by the same snow that makes skiing and other winter sports so available. After a couple of days in Ljubljana, I drove down to the Adriatic Coast. The hotels in Portorož stand mostly empty, but management seems determined to keep them buzzing. At the luxurious Metropole Hotel, a short walk from the sea, the Casino was going full tilt. Traditionally, most of the gamblers have been Italians, so risks, wins, and losses are in lire. At the tiny and ancient port of Piran (the road signs are also in Italian, i.e., "Prano”), I climbed up a steep hill to the old church and looked down on the red-tile roofs of a city that could illustrate a book on the history of Venice. In fact, on a clear day I could have seen Venice’s Lido. Trieste was easy to see, as was a peninsula of northern Croatia just across the bay. In less than three hours I drove from Portorož to Lake Bled in the Alps, a sparkling gem with an island-set church in the middle and a cliff-stuck castle hanging over one shore. Lake Bled is beautiful in all seasons; I prefer rowing to swimming because even in summer the water is frigid. I would never go to Bled without visiting the charming Okarina Restaurant, one of the best in all this part of the world. Borut Sraj, one of two owners, has imported his chefs from India, and the magical combinations of Continental and Indian cuisines are a delight to the taste buds. (The Okarina is also one of the rare restaurants in Central Europe that has a no-smoking section.) Lake Bled seems remote, but farther up into the Alps there's an even remoter lake. I drove up a chalky green glacial river to Lake Bohinj, which seems to be scooped right out of the primeval forest. A small village at one end offers places to stay, and there’s a hotel and rustic tavern at the far end, but mostly the lake and its spruce-crowded shores are just as nature made them. There’s a roundabout way to drive from Bohinj back to Bled. It passes through the most charming and unpretentious villages I have ever seen. A small tourist office in the village of Bohinj has a local map, and someone in there can give directions and advice. Cross a bridge over the river that flows out of the lake and the first village you come to is Studor. In little Studor I visited a 200-year-old farmhouse with no chimney. The smoke hovered just above my head as it worked its way through tiny openings in the roof and eaves. It seemed an unhealthy atmosphere, but the next door neighbor who let me in said the last resident had died only a few years ago - at the age of 90. Her smoked pears were still hanging from the low rafters, and I was allowed to pluck one. It tasted pungent, strange, and delicious. Slovenia is not at all strange, but it is piquant and delicious, and it’s the kind of place adventurous travelers dream about. KEEP THE CONNECTION... Thank You, Jo! I just received my July-August 1991 issue of ZARJA and read it entirely the same evening. I was most impressed with the keynote address of dr. Edward Gobetz given at the National Convention. 1 had not realized the background of Zenska Zveza or the dedication of our founder, Mrs. Marie Prisland. I am truly proud to be a member of such a fine organization as Slovenian Women of America. 1 believe one of the most important lessons taught me by my parents, Joseph and Gertrude Leksan, was to be proud to be Americans! Love of God and Country was their theme. When I lived in Barberton, Ohio, Jeanette Killoran had asked me several times to join SWU. But it was not until I moved to Palm Beach, Florida that I missed all contact with my Slovenian Heritage. I visited a former Barberto-nian, Julie Muren who saved me her ZARJA publications and then I decided to join to get this excellent monthly. I would not have known about Baraga Days in Washington, D.C. had 1 not read it in ZARJA. My congratulations to our President, Victoria Bobence and her slate of officers, and to you, Corinne for the fine job you have done with ZARJA. Sincerely, Jo Gosline Palm Beacli Shores. FL 33404 P. S. Enclosed please find check towards support of ZARJA. Evelyn Majercik: A CRAFTY IDEA! ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS GRATITUDE................... Enclosed is a donation for “Keep the Connection". 1 enjoy reading the ZARJA very much and certainly want to have it continue. Best wishes always. Josephine Lustik Joliet, IL Am enclosing $5 towards the printing fund of ZARJA its I always look forward to reading it as it keeps me in touch with a lot of people from the Iron Range in Minnesota, plus all the beautiful recipes I've tried and enjoyed! Marge Price So. Chicago, IL Enclosed check of $330 is for the Printing Fund from the Combined Branches of Cleveland which sponsored the Debutante Balls. This account has been inactive for 10 years since the last Deb Ball in 1981. The SWU Heritage and Scholarship Funds also benefitted from the accumulated monies in the now closed account. Best wishes. Ann Tercek, Br. 50. Euclid. OH I don’t know how many of you are as "addicted" to crafts as 1 am, but I am grateful for the response to this new idea for ZARJA. It has to be a sharing project, or. as with so many other ideas, it will fall by the wayside. THANK YOU: To Anne Stupca for her patterns, one for Lady's Slipper (Socks) and another for Double Knit Mittens. To Maxine Michlich (Chatsworth, Calif.) for the patterns and photos of her Broomstick Lace afghan and curtains. To all of you who included notes with your requests. I do try to respond as time permits. If you are interested in a crocheted "Centerpiece" doily pattern, 1 just finished this project (kept it for myself, this time). It is easy, measures about 20-inches, or if you would like to try one of the patterns mentioned above (Anne Stupca. Maxine Michlich). please send SI.00 and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Evelyn A. Majercik 49 Beverly Port Orange, Florida 32127 Again, all monies go to ZARJA Publishing Fund. FUTURE PROJECT: Counted cross-stitch fans: A friend is graphing two patterns for me, "It's In Every Slovenian" and “Dom, Lubji Dom". Details in a coming issue. CALL US FOR YOUR NEW COOKBOOK! Hot ofT the presses at the end of March, the new SWU Cookbook, POTS & PANS, is super! We are excited to have you try it! Write or call for your orders to the Home Office! DISCOVER Mural Art Gallery • Expert Rtstoraton of Antiques & Sculptured Interiors (on location) • Custom Hand-painted Murals (any size or subject) • Original Paintings • Custom Framing • Mexican Arts