Zar
S	3.99 U.S. S 8.99 International
Official Publication Slovenian Women's Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze v Ameriki
Volume 81 Issue 5 September/October, 2009
The Dawn
Zarj 3 - The Dawn
EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup
EDITORIAL OFFICE: 16% Illinois St., LaSalle, II. 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074
WEB SITE: ww w.swua.org
PUBLISHER: Slovenian Women’s Union of America TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926
Vol. 81, No 5, SeptemberOctober 2009 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices.
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St.. Joliet. IL 60432
Communications for the next issue of publication:
Do you have something SWUA-rclated you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4'</ aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SWUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15"‘ day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the November December issue must be received by September I5'1’. Thank you.
IT’S IN EVERY SLOVENIAN
1	80 Years of Publishing Zarja
- John P. Vidmar, Deacon, Slovenian Catholic Mission
2	National President’s Message
4	Nationwide Membership Campaign Launched
5	Membership Application
6	Minutes of April, 2009 National Board of Directors Meeting
9	Financial Review for 2008
12	SWUA Scholarship Program
HERITAGE NEWS
16	Men in a SWUA World
17	Celebrate Zarja/Let s Feel Zarja by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk
23	Memories of Zarja Celebration by Jane M. Paley
24	Memories ofZarja Celebration byNickCarmody
26	Branch Reports
34	Bishop Baraga Days 2009
35	Calendar of Events
36	Our Secrets of Slovenia by Joan Kaczmarek
3 8	Potica Contest Winner - Debbie Stimaman
CULINARY
36	Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia
- Karen Taylor, Zarja Journalist
Zarjafest helpers: Abby Derix, Bar hi Prokup. Addison Sampson and Bekki Prokup
80 Years of Publishing Zarja
I am deeply appreciative of what Slovenian organizations have meant in my life and the life of my family.
I would like to add a couple of personal thoughts to today’s celebration. As a child I had a favorite place to read in my parent s home. I used to lay on the dining room floor between the table and the radiator. It was warm, there was a window on each side of the radiator that provided a lot of light. Each month Zarja was delivered to our home and I would open it up and read it. It was written in both Slovenian and English in those days and I enjoyed reading all the articles from people in far away places. I never realized until I was much older how much of an impact Zarja and organizations like SWUA had on my mother and other women like her. When my parents moved from their home on the east side of Cleveland, I was already living in Chicago. I went home to clean out my childhood closet. In the back of my closet was an old box and it had some letters in them. I opened them up and found these beautiful letters from my grandmother to my mother. Both my parents were immigrants and my mother like many other women were here in America without their mothers, grandmothers, aunts and older sisters to mentor them about being a Christian mother. I could read my grandmother s pain in between the lines of text. She could not be there to see her oldest daughter married.
Over the last 80 years, SWUA and Zarja have tried to fill that role. They tried to help these women be Christian wives and mothers. For those of you who will go to mass tomorrow morning, you will hear these words from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
Če je torej kdo v Kristusu, je nova stvaritev.
Staro je minilo. Glejte, nastalo je novo.
Which translates to:
So whomever is in Christ is a new creation.
The old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
I think that is true for SWUA today. The old has passed away and a new era is now upon us. As the organization
and its Zarja had something to tell women about Christian motherhood in the past, it now has the opportunity to say something about the values of Christian family in this era. Much needs to be said about Christian family today; it is a core value that is not attacked as much as it is often ignored. The belief in the Christian value of family is a key part of our Slovenian heritage.
Zarja and SWUA have something to say about this part of our heritage.
I wish it success as it transforms^
John Vidmar dancing with his wife at Zarja s 80th Anniversary Celebration
By John P. Vidmar, Deacon, Slovenian Catholic Mission Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia for Illinois
Lemont, Illinois 20 June 2009
Presentation of the proclamation by John Vidmar, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia for Illinois to Debbie Pohar, Editor Photo/Mary Carmody
National President’s Message
Fun Weekend Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Zarja
Another fun weekend celebrating Zarja was had by all who attended. For those of you who could not attend the 80,h Anniversary Celebration of Zarja, please take a look at the pictures in this issue, what a celebration! For those who did attend, what a great memory!
Everything was absolutely perfect. From the morning Slovenian mass, session on God’s Comer, learning about the beehive panels, painting a beehive front panel, the potica contest, the wine and food tasting at ZARJAFEST, the Let’s Feel Slovenia Camp and the gala with the Singing Slovenes - what a wonderful time! Thank you to all who participated, those of you who helped and those of you who purchased raffle items. We appreciate all of your support.
1 especially enjoyed the ZARJAFEST on Friday night. I’ve been to wine tastings all over the world but the one held in our museum in Joliet was the best! Debbie Pohar, Zarja Editor greeted our guests with a shot of slivovitz and a piece of Bela Krajina pogača bread (same recipe was used that appeared in the March/April 2009 issue of Zarja on page 37). They were then handed a commemorative Zarja wine glass for the tasting.
Manja Lilek, tour representative from Slovenia introduced each Slovenian wine, told us funny stories and talked about the food that accompanied each wine. The food was prepared upstairs by Zarja’s Jenka and my mother, Barbara Pohar. The food was amazing and was chosen specifically to go with each wine. It was served on lipa leaf boards hand carried back from Slovenia years ago. We had four teenage girls run upstairs to get the food and then serve to our guests. Not only did we have great wine and food but music too! We had Ray Koncar and his two sons play Slovenian songs for us. Many of times through out the night it turned into a sing-a-long. By the end of the night we had our guests taking pictures with Urban the man from Ribnica that came from Minnesota with Norm Setnicker. Did I mention the potica served by Nick Carmody? Yes, ZARJAFEST was a special night.
Actually every piece of the two-day celebration was special. We were lucky to have so much help that came forward to make it happen. But above and beyond recognition to Mary Lou Voelk, Debbie Pohar, Manja Lilek, Sonia Avguštin, Andreja Vidmar, The Koncar family, Jonita Ruth, Mary Carmody, Nick Carmody, Paula Mavec, Lillian
Zarjafest: Photo/Mary Carmody
Cepon, Slovenian Catholic Center, Karen Taylor, Valeria Taylor, Carol Ryba, Bob and Jean Ficek, Barb Pohar and my two daughters Bekki and Barbi Prokup and their friends Addison Sampson and Abby Derix.
What I found truly inspiring were all the members from the Secrets of Slovenia tour who came to the celebration to meet with tour members and tour guide, Manja. We had a great time reminiscing about the trip and everyone wanted to know when the next trip was. WELL... we are working on it now. The details should be in the next issue of Zarja. The tour is planned for fall of 2010. We will start on the eastern side of Slovenia in the Prekmurje region and make our way west ending up on the coast. We will hit villages and sites that will again show us the SECRETS OF SLOVENIA! From what we have planned so far I think it is going to be another super fantastic trip! If you are interested, let me know.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Zarja and all the pictures.
Bonnie Pohar Prokup National President, Zveza wprokup@aol.com
Welcome to Our New Members!
10, LindBittler
10, Taylor Bittler
20, John Kitz
20, Monica Ferrone
20, Mary Ann Hemmingson
24, Gina Baker
30, Lori Tan 38, Mary Baltich 43, Mary Bachmann 50, Jennifer Petrie 71, Frank Zalokar 71, Marie Smith
71, Mary Urbančič 93, Jennifer Potočnik 100, Peggy Argubright
102,	Kathleen Severson 108, Maryann DeMarco
Zarja The Dawn Donations
$100 Donation
Cynthia Carus, 89, Zarja
$80 Donation
Mary Ruth Cameron, 38, +aunt, Mary (Samsa) Chisholm, MN
$50 Donation
Ileene Collins, 14, Zarja
$30 Donation
MaryJo Bush, 26, +mom, Helena Zavere $25 Donation
Tory Bobence, 34, +Frances Bizal
Betty Hurst, 24, +Jim Hurst
Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas, 20, Zarja
Dr. Giles Gobetz, 50, Zarja
Josephine Svigel, 10, +mother, Antonia Svigel
$20 Donation
Jill Caldwell Augustine, 103, +Pauline Grum Caldwell and Ann C. Grum Helen Violet, 14, Zarja Nancy Gregorich, 20, Zarja Ann Podlesnik, 2, +brother, Andy Podlesnik Bemadine Medved, 109, Zarja Linda Luebke, 12, Zarja Helene Behrman, 16, +Anne C. Klobučar William Fidel, 71, Fidel and Eska families Slovenia
Loretta Anne, 50, +Albin Blatnik Dawn Vidmar, 99, Zarja
Joan Kaczmarek, 99, +mother, Ethel Krempach Latimer Anna Dries, 43, Zarja
$15 Donation
Lisa Vidergar Lucas, 100, Zarja Mary Lou Golf, 20, +Mary Barbie
$10 Donation
Sherri Duncan, 50, +Molly Mauer and PFC Fred Vidmar
Ashley Collins Kenner, 24, +Frances Cepon
Olga Sray, 47, +mother, Mary Jancar
Sylvia Mum, 12, +Marie Petershack
Rose Burger, 33, +Beloved mother, Angela Blatnik
Kristine Collins, 99, +Frances Cepon
$5 Donation
Frances Mary Andrews, 25, +Josie Sustarsic
Alice Azman, 14, Zarja
John Voelk, 23, Zarja
Antonia Panyan, 33, Zarja
Carol Webber, 20, Zarja
Mary Jane Vidmar Williamson, 103, Zarja
Rose Meyers, 20, Honor Nancy Meyers
Barbara Rittmanic, 22, Zarja
Karen Kugland, 12, +Margaret Sunich Peterson
Deborah Summers Hozzian, 2, Zarja
Frances Bradek, 50, Zarja
Thank you for your generous support of SWUA. During this tough economic time worldwide, it shows how important our heritage is to all of us. Your donations are truly appreciated.
Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.
“Keeping the Spirit Alive”
Nationwide Membership Campaign Launched
Each of Us is an Ambassador and Major Voice for SWUA
T J eaders and members of our organization are the most effective recruiters for our SWUA. You, the current members, are the key to initiating new contacts among your own friends, families and communities. There are going to be some months when no matter how hard members promote their branch and SWUA, there will be no new members, but it is distressing to see that a fair number of branches haven’t successfully recruited in half a year or more. To learn about how to get all our branches and members (our greatest resource) involved in at least doubling our new member numbers in 2010, read on.
Each of us is an ambassador and major voice of our branch/ organization; we members portray the strongest image of SWUA, more effective in recruiting than any advertising campaign could ever accomplish. Continue telling others about SWUA and your Slovenian heritage. Inspire your branch members to spread the word about their Slovenian ancestry, and keep in mind that each one of us represents the image of our organization. The world today is more global than ever before in the past, so our society is more open to building bridges with people from all over the world and learning about culinary specialties and cultural traditions of different countries. You are the expert on SWUA in the eyes of a prospective member.
Branch presidents and leaders of SWUA throughout the nation should be receiving copies of the new SWUA Membership Brochure, including a member application insert. This new brochure is designed to spark interest among prospective members - your own friends, families and the community you live in. Please distribute the brochures to your members and encourage them to reach out to prospective members with an invitation to join during our Nationwide Membership Campaign through the remainder of2009. Consider giving a gift membership for birthdays, special occasions and Christmas gifts. Adult membership dues are pro-rated at only $10 for the remainder of the year. Invoices are mailed each year in January to all members; the membership fee for 2010 will remain at only $20 for adults, and youth memberships for ages 17 and under remain at only $5.
If you need more SWUA Membership Brochures, please request them from the home office by calling 815.727.1926.
Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons Vice President of Marketing & Fundraising
The SWUA New Member report from January 1, 2009 -June 30, 2009 totals 91 new members, 13 of whom are junior members. CONGRATULATIONS to all the following branches that are recruiting:
Location	Adults	Jrs.	Total
Olney, MD 108	11	1	12
Joliet, IL 20	10	1	11
Milwaukee, WI 43	5	4	9
Pueblo, CO 3	2	5	7
New York, NY 93	6		6
Home Office 30	5		5
San Francisco, CA 13	4		4
Strabane, PA 71	4		4
Oglesby, IL 89	4		4
Sheboygan, WI 1	3		3
Lemont, IL 99	3		3
Fontana, CA 100	3		3
Cleveland, OH 10	1	1	2
Euclid, OH 14	1	1	2
Pittsburgh, PA 26	2		2
Biwabik, MN 39	2		2
Euclid, OH 50	2		2
Waukegan, IL 110	2		2
Indianapolis, IN 5	1		1
South Chicago, IL 16 Ely, MN 23 La Salle, IL 24 Aurora, MN 35 Chisholm, MN 38 Garfield Hgts., OH 47 Willard, WI 102
Consider giving a gift membership for birthdays, special occasions and Christmas gifts.
Membership Application
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki
www.swua.orgswuhome@sbcglobal.net	(815) 727-1926
Yes! I want to join the S.W.U.A. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication, ZARJA - The Dawn; I can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, I will come in contact with fellow Slovenians.
Choose type of membership:	_____
Junior (Birth to 18), Annual Dues $5.00	j	j	Adult, Annual Dues $20.00
(No prorated dues offered for junior memberships)	(includes returning members)
□
Adult, Prorated Dues $ 10.00	1______I Adult, International Address
(offered only to first time members	Annual Dues $30.00
joining June 30 - December 31)
Invoices are sent annually in January; dues notices in the amount of $20.00/adult or $5.00/junior will be mailed to the address of the member listed below in January of the next calendar year after joining.
Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to:
Slovenian Women’s Union of America	431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432
Name	Maiden Name__________________________________
Street Address______________________________________________City/State/Zip
Phone	E-Mail
Date of Birth________________________Branch	Affiliation Number (if known) Location:
Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES.
Do you speak Slovenian?____________________________________________________
How did you hear about us? S.W.U.A. member newspaper website other
I would like to volunteer for the S.W.U.A. My area of interest or expertise is:_____
Applicant’s signature:___________________________________________________________Date:
Tell a Friend! If you wish us to send information to a friend or relative just fill in name and address here: My friend’s name________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address	 City______________________________State________________Zip
Slovenian Women’s Union of America
National Board of Directors Annual Board Meeting April 02-05, 2009
Held at: Slovenian Women’s Union of America National Heritage Museum, 431 N. Chicago, Joliet, IL.
Prior to the initiation of the Board of Director’s Meeting, President Bonnie Prokup provided board members with a tour of the recently renovated apartment that is upstairs and over the museum.
04/02/09: Call to Order at 3:10 p.m. by President Bonnie Prokup. Roll call conducted and those present included: President; Bonnie Prokup, Vice President of Outreach; Debbie Pohar, Vice President of Marketing and Fund Raising; Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Culture and Heritage; Mary Lou Voelk, Treasurer; Denise Bartlett, Vice President of Home Office; Carol Ryba, Correspondence and Recording Secretary; Karen Taylor. Absent: No board members were absent.
Guest: Betty Ann Kolasari and Jonita Ruth
Minutes to the Meeting
• Opening prayer, Our Father, led by Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons in Slovenian and then repeated in English.
• Welcome and overview of the board meeting agenda and activities provided by President Bonnie Prokup. Changes to the agenda were made as needed.
o Lodging plans were confirmed, and with the availability of the upstairs apartment for both meeting space and overnight accommodation for four board members, an estimation of more than $2,000 was saved in expenses. In addition, another board member was successful in getting some of the additional hotel rooms needed for this meeting provided free of charge. President Prokup continued to stress the need for the board to remain fiscally responsible whenever we meet or work and thanked this board for the high degree of volunteerism and willingness to donate both time and money in order to best serve the SWUA.
o President Prokup reminds the board of their professional obligation to continue to work together to ensure the best interest of the all aspects of the SWUA and to that endeavor, to work closely and productively with the newly formed Museum and Heritage Board, o Official acknowledgement of Mary Lou Voelk as Vice President of Culture and Heritage following the resignation of George Plautz Jr. in December of2007. This is Mary Lou’s first attendance at a board meeting.
President Bonnie Prokup’s report
included the following updates:
• The third Camp Heritage was held last summer and another is being planned.
• Remodeled upstairs is near completion.
• Received the highest amount of donations to Zarja in years- over $ 13,000 was donated in the past year.
• Additional funding needed to meet our operating demands.
• Membership has continued to decrease.
• Encourages the board to remain focused on our vision and mission.
Vice President of Outreach, Debbie Pohar topics covered included:
• Goals for Zarja
• New Features
• Printing plans and improvements
• Communication Strategies
• Results of2008 Slovenia Trip:
• Budget:
o 2008 budget was $71,400 o Actual costs were $66,988.35 o Projected budget for 2009 $73,866
Jonita Ruth requested to speak to the NBOD regarding the following items:
• The protocol to observe at death of a SWUA member.
• Museum sales are down and she suggests that we need to advertise items for sale in the Zarja.
• Each branch should be responsible for coming up with at least one business who will take out an advertisement in the Zarja in order to generate more income to the Zaija.
• New membership campaign needed.
President Bonnie Prokup called the meeting to adjournment at 5:15 p.m. for a dinner hour.
Recall of the board meeting by President Prokup at 6:15 p.m.
Membership and Marketing Report from Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons; Vice President of Marketing and Fund Raising: Written report from January 08 -March 09 is available in the March/April Zaija. Her report provides information on the status of SWUA membership and ideas to increase membership. Other issues include:
• Reports that more Juniors are being added to the overall SWUA membership.
• Fees related to membership.
• Reported on her recently initiated survey Our costs for the service are as follows:
o $153/YEAR-need to pay by 4/17 to continue at discounted rate, o $130 for non-profit.
Denise Bartlett makes a motion that the SWUA continue to contract with Constant Contact at their discounted yearly rate in order to continue to survey our membership regarding the strength and needs of the organization and the individual services it provides to those members.
Debbie Pohar seconds the motion.
Vote: unanimous
Call for the close of business by President; Bonnie Prokup at 8:26 p.m.
April 03,2009 - Friday
President Bonnie: Call to Order at 9 a.m. All Board members present.
Vice President of Home Office: Carol Ryba’s Report:
We anticipate that we will have a shortage of $26,000 in 2009 and will again have to withdraw from our investments. Costs that we have budgeted for in 2009 are as follows:
• $7,600 building renovations.
• $4,130 building repairs and maintenance.
Expenses were discussed and Carol has determined ways to cut costs and save us additional monies whenever possible.
• Utilities.
• Phone service - reduced our phone service expenditures by $400 a year.
• Postage.
Denise Bartlett introduced a roundtable discussion regarding the Heritage Fund.
Carol Ryba reports that Investment losses over the last year are the biggest we have experienced, a $ 17,447 loss in investments.
Membership: Membership numbers are now fairly accurate at 3,963. Membership has decreased and continues to decline each year. We are losing more than we gain each quarter and we need to work on this. We have over $ 13,000 in unpaid adult membership dues. 2,125 members are insured and 110 juniors are insured.
• Denise Bartlett indicated that bylaw 3.09 states those members who fail to pay by the 3rd month of the year are to be cancelled but can be reinstated if they pay their dues in full within the same calendar year. If they fail to do so they can rejoin without getting their insurance.
• President Bonnie Prokup recommends that it would be good to have Bernadette have Access in order to gather information for membership campaigns.
• Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons indicates that many of our young adult (18 - college aged) or junior members don’t really have a way to be involved in SWUA and suggest one way to keep them more interested in membership would be to find a way to connect them to be social members at a reduced rate such as a $10 yearly membership fee.
Carol reports that the Home Office is in need of new filing cabinets to safely store all of the death records.
It is determined that a motion to approve the budget will be delayed until after we hear the report from Ronald J. Erjavec of the First Midwest Bank; Trust Division.
Fund Raising: ideas for fund raising was discussed.
Vice President of Home Office: Carol and Treasurer Denise Report on Burial Insurance:
• We have 2,235 current policy holders.
• We have 1,700 members without policies.
• Options regarding the maintenance of the policies were discussed.
Report by Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons:
Regarding the recent donation of a book for our collection: Anton Peterlin 1908-1993 Življenje in delo: His Life and Work. Anton Peterlin is a world known scientist. The book has been donated by his daughter, Dr. Tonja Peterlin Neumier. A
thank you card was signed and sent to Tonja and a picture of the presentation of the book donation to be printed in the Zaija.
President Prokup called the meeting for a recess for lunch from 12-1 p.m.
President Prokup called the meeting to resume for business at 1:00 p.m.
Report by Denise Bartlett regarding 2011 Convention:
• Betty Ann Kolasari and Denise are currently working to find site and hotel accommodations in Milwaukee.
oThe current budget is about $ 12,000-$ 14,000 plus the proceeds of any additional cookbook sales, o Registration fees may be needed, o Camp Heritage may not be held at this year’s convention.
President Bonnie Prokup requested that Denise Bartlett should research possible sites and determine which is the most appropriate.
Report from Ron Erjavec and Joy Gruber from First Midwest Bank-Trust Division
Ron reports that in the last year all stocks have declined and as a result we like almost all of Americans, have experienced a loss.
• While we only have 20% of our investments in stocks we still have lost money overall due to a declines across all of our investments.
• 78% of our account is in fixed income and it is doing well.
• He is recommending that SWUA get rid of a particular fund that continues to lose money. It is only about 3% of our investment but he intends to sell it.
• He has also sold most of the Goldman Sachs fund and intends to sell the rest of it as well.
• The total market value of our investment is now at $614,828.
• Our expenses over the last year have been significantly over our income.
o Income-$23,750.34 o Total loss-$41.545.78, this is in part due to costs related to the repairs required to the building this year.
• He believes that the coming year is looking like we may begin to see a turn upward in the market.
Jan King joined the National SWUA Board of Director’s meeting at 4:15 p.m.
Mary Lou Voelk and Jan King provide a report on the Museum’s 501c3 status:
o The newly formed organization incorporation is now complete, o They will need a registered agent from Illinois in order to be approved Dept, of Corporation, o They will need to be a complete a charitable registration, establish a budget, finalize their bylaws and establish their own board in order to be approved for 501c3 status, o Board members have been selected
o Copies of the draft bylaws were provided for review and recommendation are as follows:
• It needs to be clear that this board is under the SWUA board.
• It was the consensus of the entire SWUA NBODs that we would like to see our Vice President of Culture & Heritage be the Chair of the Slovenian Heritage Museum.
• Separation of funds was discussed. Mary Lou Voelk provided a report on the on-going Preservation Projects
o Ivana Project records scanning for preservation.
o	Preservation of information and stories related to World Conflicts,
o	Zarja Project.
o	Our third Camp heritage was held this summer. We started in 2003 and then held them again in 2007 and
2008.	We will plan to do another one.
o	Recommends an audio version of the Forget-me-not books,
o	Documenting our collection of Slovenian books so we have an account and are able to determine their value.
President Prokup called the meeting to adjourn for dinner at 5p.m. President Prokup called for the close of business at 7:40 p.m.
April 04,2009 - Saturday
President Bonnie Prokup called the board to order at 9 a.m.
All Board members present.
New attendees from the Heritage Board included; Joe Scala, Mary Carmody, John Vidmar, Robert Kuehl and Tony Izzi.
Report provided by Jan King and Tony Palumbo regarding the newsletter and website.
• Consideration given to establishing links to Cleveland newsletter, the US Embassy in Slovenia or the Slovenian Embassy in Washington DC.
• Jan is trying to keep the newsletter fresh and a bit different than what is in the Zaija and is providing links to other Slovenian events and groups.
• We recommend that she consider having vendors pay for advertising in newsletter.
• Tony works to make the website more user-friendly.
• He suggests that we add pay pal to the site to take donations for the various programs within SWUA. It would be easy to establish and the rate is only 2.53% of the total.
Mary Lou Voelk Report on the SWUA presentation:
She gave an overview of the presentation that was prepared for the Slovenia trip and given to the World Congress, the Department of Slovenians Abroad, the magazine Moja Slovenia, the newspaper; Delo, and television and radio interviews. It provides a brief history of the organization and an update on all of the projects in which we have been recently involved.
10 a.m.: Auditors; Rita Bottomley, Mitzi Banich and Genevieve A. Buol arrive. They convene in the upstairs apartment to conduct their audit.
Mary Lou Voelk gives a presentation of a potica for the Board meeting compliments of Rocky Mountain Potica
Scholarship Report was reviewed:
• Six applications were received for scholarships.
• All six applicants were awarded a $2,000 scholarship.
• Donations have decreased.
• Total assets as of 12/31/08 are $108,746.61.
• Bonnie Prokup concludes that the report indicates a drop in applications and wants to know how this is related to our junior membership. If our junior membership numbers are not dropping at the same proportion she would like to know what the decline can be attributed to. Total junior members: 419:
■34-age 19, "36-age 18, "33-age 17 ■25-age 16, "65-age 15, "36-age 14
Bonnie Prokup - review of Strategic Plan
We have really made tremendous progress and she thinks we are in line with where we should be at this point in our term.
Meeting with the Heritage Museum Board at 2:00 p.m.
• All SWUA NBODs present except Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons.
• The Heritage Board provided an update on their status.
• New bylaws were reviewed.
• Budget and the separation of accounts were discussed.
April 05,2009 - Sunday
President Bonnie Prokup call the meeting to order at 9 a.m.
Present: President; Bonnie Prokup, VP of Outreach; Debbie Pohar, Treasurer; Denise Bartlett and Secretary of Correspondence and Reporting; Karen Taylor
Denise Bartlett provide a summary of the auditor’s report:
• Records and documentation have improved and the auditors were impressed by the professionalism that is currently being exhibited by this board.
• The convention audit not complete and additional information is needed. Recommendations include:
• Donation options should be detailed with information provided regarding dues.
• Notation should be made on each deposit.
• A log of loans between accounts should be maintained.
• Eliminate Zarja proof reading expenses
-	that has been Corinne Leskovar’s job.
• Ensure that the price of each gift shop item is priced at a minimum to reflect the cost of the paid invoice.
Denise Bartlett Report on the Bylaws:
• Reviewed the bylaws for changes in wording to more accurately reflect current operating practice.
Denise Bartlett’s Treasure Report:
• 501c3 status.
• Each separate board under the SWUA should have a role in determining how the division of duties between the Treasurer position
and the VP of the Home Office will serve them.
• Recommend that check writing not be turned over to any employee other than one of the board members.
• Denise Bartlett would like her duties as treasurer to be more clearly defined.
Approval of the Minutes from the last SWUA National Board of Directors meeting: Carol Ryba made a motion to accept the minutes.
Debbie Pohar seconded the motion.
The motion is passed unanimously.
Discussion to include information about the budget decline, membership decline and the increase in operating costs in the Zarja. It is noted that the salaries have remained the same since the early to mid 1990’s.
President Bonnie Prokup asks the Board to review the budget for approval or recommendations. President Bonnie Prokup notes that Carol Ryba did an excellent comprehensive job of documenting the budget, analyzing it and making future projections.
Debbie Pohar makes a motion to approve the budget.
Karen Taylor seconded the motion. Unanimously accepted by all board members.
Discussion held on whether we need to have another meeting in June. A brief one may be necessary but may be difficult to accomplish with all the work that the celebration is going to require and the fact that we will have guests with us.
Motion made by Debbie Pohar to adjourn the SWUA National Board of Directors Meeting.
Denise Bartlett seconded the motion. Unanimously accepted by all Board members.
Meeting closed for business at 12:47 p.m.
Tezak’s
1908 - 2008
Home to Celebrate Life ®
1211 PLAINFIELD RD., JOLIET, IL 60435
www.tezakfuneraIhomc.com
815.741.2563 Fax 877.587.8460 815.722.0524
Celebrating our 100th Year!
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008
Financial Review for 2008
I	know that reading about finances is not very interesting for most us, but it is very important that members are apprised of our financial condition. I am sure everyone is tired of hearing about the economy, but unfortunately we too have lost money on our investments. To make matters worse, our 100-year-old building is still in need of major repairs. We have recently discovered that if we do not repair the outside brick walls, the building is at risk because there are many voids in the mortar. If the walls get out of plumb, the price to repair triples. Therefore, we have no choice but to withdraw more money from our investments this year.
In addition to the Profit and Loss Statement and a Balance Sheet, I am also including two charts because I think it is easier to understand pictures! The pie chart shows our operating costs for 2008. It does not include our monthly withdrawals, renovation/building repair costs or the fees we are charged by the bank for managing the investments. The reason I made up this pie chart is to show that we are not taking in enough money to operate. Our operating costs exceed the amount we collect. In 2008 we collected a total of $90,530.00 in dues, donations, miscellaneous and we disbursed $130,471.00. For the past seven years, the only way we were able to just pay our normal operating costs was to withdraw $3,000.00 a month from our Trust Fund. Another purpose for this chart is to alert you that at the next convention, we will have to vote to increase our annual dues. A dues increase is absolutely necessary if we are to survive. I also ask that you review the Excess Distribution over Earnings chart. In this chart you will see how we have withdrawn more than we have earned on the investments since 2003. Another problem which we have is that in accordance with the State of Illinois, we must have enough assets to cover our insurance obligation. We still have over 2,000 members who have small insurance policies. Therefore, we must be careful with our investment portfolio.
I	apologize for this bleak report, but it is my belief that the membership must be aware of our financial situation. We need to possibly think about some type of fund raising activity, i.e., a raffle. Any other suggestions from the membership are welcome.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Ryba
Vice President of Home Office
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
101 • First Midwest Checking
102 • First Midwest Convention
103 • First Midwest Checking Savings
104 • Petty Cash Total Checking/Savings
Accounts Receivable
11000 ■ Accounts Receivable Total Accounts Receivable
Other Current Assets
122 • Bonds & Stocks
123 ■ Accrued Interest on Bonds
124 • Stocks and Bonds Market Value Total Other Current Assets
Total Current Assets
682.73
557.39
6,524.99
200.00
7,965.11
7.461.00
7.461.00
608,394.06
6,434.27
26,286.88
641.115.21
656,541.32
Fixed Assets
215 ■ Building
215.01	• Building - Purchase Price	51,865.00
215.05 • Accumulated Depreciation, Bldg - 29.900.00 Total 215-Building	21,965.00
220 • Renovations
220.01	• Renovations-Cost Total 220 • Renovations
241 • Land Total Fixed Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities Credit Cards
301 • Credit Card Bank Card Services Total Credit Cards
Other Current Liabilities
331 ■ Payroll Taxes Payable 333 • SUTA Payable 391 ■ Death Claims Unpaid 393 ■ Real Estate Taxes Payable 399 • Temp Transfer Funds Heritage Total Other Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities
Long Term Liabilities
398 ■ Mortality Reserve Total Long Term Liabilities Total Liabilities
Equity
470 ■ Fund Balance 474 • Book Value Over Bonds Net Income Total Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY
23.285.20
23.285.20
4,700.00
49.950.20
706,491.52
559.40
559.40
I,138.78 60.48
17,910.00
2,500.00
II,876.52 33,485.78 34,045.18
204.196.60
204.196.60 238,241.78
520,370.77
5,979.78
-58,100.81
468,249.74
706,491.52
Profit and Loss Statement January - December 2008			
Ordinary Income/Expense		845 • Office Expense	
Income		Home Office Joliet	228.00
501 ■ Convention Fund	3,358.90	VP Home Office	1,200.00
502 • Donations - Zarja	12,624.00	Total 845 • Office Expense	1,428.00
504 • Dues Income - Other	71,950.00	846 ■ Printing	
506 ■ Miscellaneous Income	36.00	File Prep Invoices	404.37
509 ■ Ads Income	1,200.00	File Prep Zarja	1,026.27
510 • Zaija-Other	278.95	Invoice Printing	963.22
514 • Dues Income - Lifetime	500.00	Other	698.36
546 • Fund Raising Income	3,940.80	Zarja	30,394.35
596 • Interest Income-Saving/Checking	31.37	Total 846 • Printing	33,486.57
* * * 597 • Realized Gains/Losses	-44,146.35	848 • Postage	
598 • Dividend Income	5,790.97	Home Office Joliet	249.12
599 • Interest Income	20,848.80	Invoice Postage	1,582.09
600 • Accrued Income Interest Income	59.11	Other	317.29
Total Income	76,472.55	Return Postage Costs	19.00
		VP Home Office	1,022.31
Expense		Zaija	6,877.73
702 • Payroll Expense - Staff	43,536.28	Total 848 • Postage	10,067.54
740 • Advertising & Promotion	30.00	856 • Repairs & Maintenance	
746 • Fund Raising Expense		Building	3,217.78
Calendar	2,622.12	Total 856 • Repairs & Maintenance	3,217.78
Postage	204.56		
Total 746 • Fund Raising Expense	2,826.68	858 • Building 2nd Floor	
748 • Bank Charges	245.82	Supplies/Furniture Items	113.74
750 ■ Bookkeeping Services		Total 858 • Building 2nd Floor	113.74
QuickBooks Pro Advisor	521.95	871 • Taxes-Property	2,473.52
Total 750 • Bookkeeping Services	521.95	873 • Taxes-Unemployment	430.92
758 • Computer Expenses		874 ■ Travel	
Computer Online Storage	63.95	Other	1.778.35
Computer Repair	185.00	NBOD	1,481.04
Total 758 ■ Computer Expenses	248.95	Total 874 ■ Travel	3,259.39
760 • Misc. Labor	849.60	876 ■ Telephone & Internet	1,415.78
761 • Non Employee Compensation	2,600.00	878 • Zarja Travel & Promotional Exp	3,140.00
762 • Officer Stipends	1,550.00	880 • Utilities	
764 • Contributions	25.00	Electric	1,395.47
768 • Death Benefits		Electric-Apt	265.22
Death Benefits Current Year	11,100.00	Gas	3,907.32
Death Benefits Prev Yr Adjs	-650.00	Gas-Apt	250.10
Total 768 • Death Benefits	10,450.00	Water & Sewer	187.00
770 • Depreciation	3,600.00	Total 880 • Utilities	6,005.11
784 • Gifts	45.50	Total Expense 144,489.06	
785 • Entertainment & Meals	34.47	Net Ordinary Income	68,016.51
790 • Fees Paid Other	220.00	Other Income/Expense	
** 791 • Fees to Midwest	7,278.12	Other Expense	
806 • Insurance	2,578.00	891 • Death Claims Unpaid Adjustments	1,900.00
810 • Worker’s Compensation	283.00	898 • Mortality Reserve Adjustment	-11,815.70
817 • Interest-Late Fees	3.79	Total Other Expense	-9,915.70
818 • Website	141.00	Net Other Income	9,915.70
820 • Janitorial	105.00	Net Income	-58,100.81
841 • Miscellaneous Expense	367.95		
844 • Office Supplies		*** Investment Gains/Losses	
Supplies Home Office Joliet	1,166.64	** Fees for Managing Trust Fund	
Supplies Other	180.89		
Supplies VP Home Office	562.07		
Total 844 • Office Supplies	1,909.60		
SWUA Financial Charts
Excess Distribution over Earnings
20,000.00
10,000.00
0.00
-10,000.00
-20,000.00
00,000.00
-40,000.00
50,000.00
-60,000.00
-70,000.00
Income from Dues/Donations/Other 90,530.00 Operating Costs for 2008	130.471 00
-80,000.00
DEFICIT	-39,941.00	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	Total
This does not include Investment withdrawals or renovation expenses
19,877.13
■
22.W.Y8	z,*'
-21.028.24 .22,222.11
-77,916.14 p
Mark Your Calendar
2011 SWUA National Convention
June 16-19, 2011 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Watch for details in the coming issues of Zarja The Dawn
Ideas, suggestions, questions?
Contact Denise P. Bartlett denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com or at 414.327.4990
Salaries/Stipends j 8% Misc Labor / 19,796.00,15% / Death Claim / Benefits^
Supplies/Office
Exps/Utilities/Postage
Taxes/Ins
RuilHinn Maintairmnr*
67,038 00,52%
Zarja
(Payroll/Stipend/Printing/Postage)
SWUA Scholarship Program
CELEBRATING its 60™ ANNIVERSARY
60 years ago, June 1949, at the National Convention held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Marie Prisland proposed that the SWUA Scholarship Program be formed. The idea was enthusiastically approved and since that time over 250 students have received financial assistance through the SWUA Scholarship
Program, now a 501c3 tax exempt Foundation.
In April 2009, seven Slovenian college aged students received SWUA Scholarships.
They have written short essays indicating what Slovenian heritage means to each of them.
KATHERINE ANCEL, Branch 20 Daughter of Pam and Andrew Ancel
“My Slovenian heritage has always been a big part of my family but it wasn’t until my grandparents, Ed and Olga Ancel, passed that I understood its importance. As a kid, I believed that every family listened to Frankie Yankovic every time they got together. I thought everyone knew how to polka dance and I was sure that everyone ate potica for dessert. As I grew older, I realized that this was not the case and that the world’s knowledge of Slovenian heritage and culture is limited.
the language. It was incredible to see firsthand what a beautiful, peaceful country Slovenia is. We visited the birthplace of my great grandmother and the place where my great grandfather grew up as well as many beautiful churches and villages. This trip allowed me to have a better understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices my ancestors made when they immigrated to America. This experience was utterly amazing and caused me to realize the importance of keeping our Slovenian heritage alive so it can be passed on to future generations. I am especially thankful to my Aunt Vera for making our Memorial Tour possible. ”
This past June, all of my cousins, their families, and my great aunt and uncle took a two-week trip to Slovenia as a memorial tour in honor of my grandparents. While in Slovenia we were warmly welcomed by many distant relatives and became much more acquainted with Slovenian culture by eating traditional meals and becoming a bit more familiar with
Anccl cousins at Mt. Vogel (L to R): Gordon Muir, Max Benko, Katie Ancel (2009 SWUA Scholarship winner), Maria Cirnian (2009 SWUA Scholarship winner), Annie Benko, Hannah Girman (2004 SWUA Scholarship Winner), Elizabeth Ancel, Joe Ancel (across front)
MARIA AHYUNG GIRMAN, Branch 20 Daughter of Scott and Carita Girman
“I never realize the importance of my Slovenian ancestry until I traveled to the homeland of my great grandparents this June on a family trip in memory of my grandparents, Ed and Olga Ancel. During the weeks prior to the trip, I was more excited about spending quality time with my American cousins than meeting distant relatives with whom I had nothing in common. After meeting some of my Slovenian relatives, I warmed up to the idea of learning about their daily lives and quickly discovered just how much we actually have in common. In addition to the obvious similarities with young relatives such as our common taste in American fashion, music and movies. I also realized how much we shared in our efforts to hold on to Slovenian customs, religion, food and music where it was while adjusting to life in America or being controlled by communism in Yugoslavia. Above, all, I realized we all share a love of family and a love for the beauty of Slovenia. Slovenia is a county / fell in love with including its breathtaking landscapes, warm people and unique cultural traditions. This trip assured me that Slovenian culture will always be a part of my life. ”
JOHN KONČAR, Branch 20 Son of Raymond and Annette Koncar
“Throughout my life my Slovenian heritage and culture have affected nearly very aspect of my life. Growing up, I always enjoyed the many Slovenian customs associated with holidays, and the various Slovenian polka bands at Slovenian picnics and fairs. Also, I always used to dress in Slovenian costume for various Slovenian events and masses. I have always found my heritage and culture to be a very important part of my everyday life especially as I grow older. I continue to attend monthly Slovenian masses at St. Joseph s Parish in Joliet.
About four years ago I took a vacation to Slovenia with my family where we visited with relatives on both sides of my family. This trip was very special to me because I actually got to visit the homeland of my grandfather and great grandparents and I was privileged enough to experience the actual culture of Slovenia. I now drum in a polka band with my brothers and father and I really enjoy passing on a piece of my heritage to those who hear our music. ”
FRANCIS (FRANK) KONCAR, Branch 20 Son of Raymond and Annette Koncar
molded around the Slovenian culture, attending St. Joseph School, as well as Slovenian School classes as a child, teaching me about the language, culture and history. In addition, I find my Slovenian heritage an enjoyable source of recreation. As a long time member of both KSKJ and Slovenian Women’s Union of America, I enjoy attending their events, most recently the Zarjafest Slovenian Wine Tasting event. Finally, I absolutely love the music. My family started a polka band as a means to share our love of Slovenian music with the world.
In 2005, I traveled to Slovenia with my family, where I was fortunate enough to experience the culture first hand. We visited many sights, including Marija Pomagaj, Mt. Triglav, Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Kokrica, the birthplace of my Stariata. We experienced our heritage, as we visited with family and spent time with them at Kranj Fest.
My Slovenian Heritage does not simply exist in my world, but it is my world. The culture has provided me with so many gifts in every aspect of my life, and has shaped me into the man I have become. I am a proud Slovenian, and will celebrate my heritage at every possible moment. ”
“As I near the conclusion of my college career and the beginning of my life as a contributing adult member of society, I realize the importance of my Slovenian heritage in my formation. It has provided a moral and spiritual foundation on which I can build a productive future. My Slovenian heritage greatly impacts every aspect of my life, including faith, education and recreation. I have been and active parishioner of St. Joseph Parish, and find it’s Slovenian background to be a familiar comfort in my life. My education has been
DANIELLE DOVNIK, Branch 43 Daughter of Karl Dovnik
“Since I began college at the University of Wisconsin Waukesha in 2007, I have become more focused on my future. I have since achieved my lifelong goal to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison in fall of
2009.	Following college, I would like to find a career and start a family. My Slovenian heritage is important to me and I would like to pass on the traditions to my children someday. When I talk with others about
heritage, I am proud to say that
I	am Slovenian.
Konkar family playing at Zarjafest
Every summer I participate in picnics at the Slovenian park, Triglav. Around Christmas, I also partake in Sveti Miklavž. Because my heritage is unique and many people do not know much about it, I am always enthused to tell them about my background. The culture has been always been a major part of my life, and I hope to pass on the Slovenian traditions to others. ”
VERONIKA STARE, Branch 103 Daughter of Gojko and Angela Stare
Veronika Stare is the recipient of the 2009 Rose Marie Pince Award. She is an active member of SWUA Branch
103,	and volunteers at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington DC by wearing her Slovenian costume to events, including the opening of the Slovenian Embassy. She also represented Slovenia in a Parade of Nations in Washington DC. Veronika and her family visit Slovenia very often to see family and friends. Last summer she attended the University of Ljubljana for a summer course on the Slovene language. Throughout high school Veronika has participated in numerous clubs, such as the secretary of her school. She enjoys playing the piano, an instrument she has played for ten years. Veronika has performed piano entertainment at her branch’s dinner dances and St. Nicholas celebrations. She hopes to continue studying music in college and will be attending Gettysburg College in fall.
RACHEL VORA, Branch 23 Daughter of Robin and Irene Vora
“Growing up, I have been very involved in the Slovenian community in northern Minnesota, often attending Slovenian gatherings and festivals, and have always treasured my Slovenian heritage. I love listening to my grandparents, Vic and Sophi Palcher, talk about the “old country” and Slovenian traditions, and of course I enjoy the tastier elements of my Slovenian heritage, like potica, which my grandma taught me how to make! I learned to play the accordion as a five year old, and enjoyed going with my brother to play Slovenian tunes for residents in area nursing homes. I have also been fortunate enough to actually travel to Slovenia with my family twice and connect with my relatives there, and see firsthand the places that my grandparents talk about! Having been to Slovenia, I can truly say that I believe it is the most beautiful place in the world, and I am so proud that I am Slovenian!”
SWUA SCHOLARSHIP NEWS
The SWUA Scholarship Program/Foundation is pleased to announce and welcome our new secretary, Patricia Figurowski. Pat will be replacing Dr. Mary Prisland who will continue to serve in the capacity of a SWUA Scholarship trustee. Marge Church will continue to hold Vice President and Treasurer positions and Mary Turvey
will remain President of the scholarship organization.
Pat Figurowski has been a member of Branch 20 for 21 years. She was Branch 20’s financial secretary for 5 years, those being before computer billing. Pat was 1 of 3 delegates to the National Convention in San Francisco, at which time she was Pat Figurowski	elected	to	the
National Board as
3rd Auditor. Pat has been involved in many capacities such as in charge of calendar fundraiser sales, and presently
handling sales and inventory of the SWUA Museum in Joliet. Pat worked on the Illinois Indians Anniversary Convention celebration, served as a writer for Zarja and served on various fundraiser committees. Pat’s father was a member of the Kambic family of Slovenia. Pat attended St. Joseph’s Slovenian School and is a member of St. Joseph’s Church, an active parishioner. Pat is married to Robert, has two daughters, Vicki who lives in New York with her husband and daughter, and Barbara who lives in Crest Hills, Illinois with her husband. Barbara is a third generation of SWUA promoters and has been of great help, assisting with Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship promotional work.
DONATIONS $200 Donation
Robert Sever, 1970 SWUA Scholarship Winner (+Mark Squire Sever)
$80 Donation
Anthony Kambich
$50 Donation
Anonymous, Branch 1
$5 Donation
Branch 23, Ely, MN (+Angela “Gen” Erchott) (+Rose Starkovich)
A THOUGHT DEDICATED TO STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS For the New School Year, 2009-2010
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community as long as I live. It is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when
I	die, for the harder I work the more I live. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which
I	have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations” Anonymous.
As always, I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for supporting the S WUA Scholarship Program. Be proud of the many young students and their successes you have helped secure, during these past 60 years. Contributions are needed to keep this program alive.
Donations and correspondence can be mailed to: Mary Turvey, Director SWUA Scholarship Foundation
4	Lawrence Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855 mturvey@aol.com
Baraga Days
September 26 and 27,2009 Marquette, Michigan
Baraga Days will be held September 26 and 27, 2009 at Marquette, MI in honor of a great educator of the Native Americans, Frederic Baraga. In those early days of cold, damp, residences, poor lighting, Frederic wrote the Native American Dictionary, “Dictionary of the Ojibwa Language” which was of enormous help in communication and in developing respect and information of the Native American culture. On Saturday evening, 6:00 p.m. a Slovenian Mass will be held at St. Peters, Cathedral, followed by dinner and a program of the Singing Slovenes. There will be an English Mass held at St. Peters Cathedral on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. followed by a banquet and annual business meeting. Bishop Alexander Sample and Bishop Ermitus James Garland will preside. Rev. Igor Lutzar from Novo Mesto, Slovenia will be celebrating as a special guest and speaker. Contact the Baraga Office for tickets and reservation information at 906.227.9117 or Baraga Archives, 347 Rock Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855. Editors Note: See page 34 for more details on Baraga Days 2009.
SLOVENIAN EDUCATORS in the NEWS
Dr. Ed Gobetz, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Anthropology, Kent State has recently submitted a series of biographies on notable American Slovenes in recent editions of “Slovenian American Times”. Dr. Gobetz has spent his life recording Slovenian immigrant histories, creating easy to follow American Slovenian language manuals, among many other publications. “Slovenian Heritage I, II, and III” and his beautifully written book of early Slovenian immigrants entitled “Anthology of Slovenian American literature” are a MUST READ! Contact your local library to order these through interlibrary loan.
During late June, Upper Michigan was delighted to welcome a busload of 50 students, parents and teachers of St. Mary’s School, Collinwood, Ohio. At Traunik, Michigan, a small Slovenian early American settlement, they were hosted by Frank Bartol and had a great time trying out their accordions at the SNPJ Hall. Later that day they visited St. Peters Cathedral in Marquette visiting the crypts of the first three Slovenian Bishops of Upper Michigan. I was just thrilled to meet them at the local restaurant, after a long bus trip, such beautiful people! Slovenians all have a special manner that I can’t describe. They visited the Baraga statue at L’Anse as well as a restored Baraga Mission Church on Keweenaw Bay. Their final destination was Calumet, a city of 100,000 people during the turn of the century when immigrant miners filled Calumet, many from Slovenia. They saw vividly hued stained glass windows glow in the old Slovenian Church of Calumet.
Father Vendalin Spendov OFM, bom 1921 Slovenia, died on 1 July 2009 at Lemont, after decades spent teaching Slovenian liturgical music and sharing his talent at many Baraga Days Masses. He wrote a valuable history of Slovenian music and Slovenian organ music, published by the Ave Maria printers. Father traveled as a bus pilgrim even in his later years. Remembered well were the Baraga Day Masses held at old churches in Upper Michigan. Father Vendalin, playing those old pipe organs with gusto, dusting off keys that had not been touched in years. His music reflected the joy he felt as a devoted worker for our Lord and in honor of his hero, Frederic Baraga.
For more information on the SWUA Scholarship Foundation Program
please visit http://www.swua.org “scholarship”
Men in a SWUA World
Honoring the 80th Anniversary of Zarja
Those of you that had an opportunity to and chose not to attend Zarjafest honoring the 80th Anniversary of Zarja made a serious error in judgment, because those who did come were treated to an incredible weekend of that great Slovenian hospitality including of course fantastic food, drink, song, dance, great speakers and a wonderful presentation of awards. It was an honor for me to be a part in recognizing the accomplishment of a magazine lasting 80 years and most importantly to honor the key people that have done the hard work and guided it so well. It was great to see Corinne Leskovar honored with a bouquet of red carnations by current editor Debbie Pohar. As Debbie noted in her speech, Corinne is the “shining star” of Zarja. For over 50 years Corinne was editor of Zarja and was revolutionary in the transformation of Zarja to its current format.
entire back room was set up with tables featuring a Slovenian-American author, Slovenian travel, rosaries and Rocky Mountain Potica from Colorado. It was fun to chat with each of them and to spend a bit of cash before the actual festivities even began.
The Singing Slovenes sang away as the meal of fried chicken and pork and all the fixings was served. It was simply outstanding; with wine and great service, the meal was nothing short of perfect. I can guarantee you that everyone was amazed when the “Camp Heritage Campers” a group of adults from the Heritage Camp, earlier in the day, coordinated by Mary Lou Voelk, performed a play and sang in Slovenian. It was hilarious and actually very well done; Carol Ryba, Vice President of Home Office may have a future in Slovenian entertainment.
Debbie Pohar presenting Corinne Leskovar with flowers. Photo/Mary Carmody
The Saturday night’s festivities featured as the main entertainment, the Singing Slovenes of Minnesota and as usual Frank and company were right on key. Meanwhile the silent auction began with many items, all directly from Slovenia, including rare beer collections, Slovenian wines, candles and many other products related to our heritage. Additionally, baskets of goodies were displayed as raffle items. The gifts were worth coming for and the crew that put them together did an amazing job of selection and presentation. If perusing those tables wasn’t enough, the
Caro! Ryba and Wayne Krempach performing Photo/Mary Carmody
Then the Singing Slovenes took over for the main show and the dance floor was busy for the rest of the night. Finally it was time to announce the winners of the raffles and the silent auctions. Tensions filled the room and shouts of joy went up with every announcement. But for old Don it was disappointment as the article he treasured most, he did not get. It was a Crystal Award given to the Lasko Handball team when they won the National Championship. A treasured piece I had hoped to obtain for my sports memorabilia collection but it was not to be. Or was it, a few weeks later a saint by the name of Mary Carmody sent me a package and inside was a note of how she would like me to have it and I can not thank her enough. The crystal now sits prominently in my collection and a woman out there has a few pivos coming her way the next time our paths cross. Thanks again Mary.
Well it’s moving into autumn again and that means old Don’s favorite time of the year, football, cooler weather and most importantly mushroom hunting. I like to hunt mushrooms but I love to clean mushrooms and even more than that I really love to eat mushrooms. I know Jenka has some recipes in this issue but old Don has some ideas too, they are great on a steak or in spaghetti sauce! Well, that’s all for now and as always may good luck be yours.
-	Don Baldin
CELEBRATE ZARJA, 80 YEARS
Celebrate Zarja/Let s Feel Slovenia An Engagement in Heritage and Tradition
Featuring the Music, Language, Food and Dance of Slovenia. June 19-20,2009
“Remember, only he is worthy of his Ancestors whose customs he honors
This quote was found on the UWM (University of Wisconsin, Madison) Slovenian Arts Council web site.
It is certainly factual to say there was much “honor in the air” on June 19-20 at the Slovenian Heritage Museum and the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont. Celebrate Zarja/Lets Feel Slovenia became a 2 (dve) day engagement in heritage and tradition featuring the music, language, food and dance of Slovenia.
It began at St. Joseph Church with the magic flute of Margaret Koncar and the voices of Sonia Avuguštin and Andreja Vidmar of Slovenia performing a Slovenian hymn. Throughout the Mass, the musical trio answered to the call of Fr.
Roger Kutzner with melodic song in Slovenian. It was truly an hour of “ethereal melody”. Amy Koncar presented the mass intentions and a vase of red carnations at the Maria Pomagaj side altar. Annette Koncar was the reader and Sr. Ambrose and Amy Koncar presented the gifts.
Following the Mass, sessions were held at the	Slovenian
Heritage Museum. The opening session was by Yours Truly, a PPT on the tradition of God’s Corner in Slovenian homes. Intrigued by this custom in Slovenia, I had	been
photographing this
unique custom on each trip to Slovenia. Today our homes are havens from the toils of the outside world, so all the more to name a place in our homes a “reflective comer”. Jane Paley concluded this session with dialogue on her hobby that also has also become a time of private prayer and meditation. Jane constructs unique rosaries, using jewels of every size and color, and personalizes as to your desires!
Enter the sounds of the raglje, a wooden noisemaker, well known throughout Slovenia! Historically, church bells were silenced on the Feast of Corpus Christi and raglje from the church towers announced the beginning of Friday s fast. Today raglje have become popular at sport s events, especially ski jumping. Slovenians make as loud a noise as possible in support of their home country skiers! During the Celebrate Zarja, this same raglje was used as a call to order. When it was heard, there was silence!
Sonia and Andreja delighted the audience during the bee front and beekeeping session. “Today beekeeping is part of the fabric of Slovenian culture because it is one of the oldest and most traditional rural activities. In the days of no refined sugar, there was nary a farm in Slovenia that did not keep bees”. In the 18th Century a unique folk art surfaced in Slovenia. Little wooden houses with colonies of Camiolan bees stacked under one roof became outdoor art galleries. The smooth fronts were ideal for creating
A God’s Corner in a Slovenian home. Typical kiddy corner designed so that the elongated corpus leans into the room; an “altar cloth ” with embroidered carnation design, the bouquet of carnations and the statues of Mary and Joseph.
Manja Lilek of Slovenia - Photo/Mary Carmody
Author Jacqueline Widmar Stewart - Photo/Mary Carmody
Photo/Mary Carmody
Hosting the wine and cheese session was the gregarious and energetic Manja Lilek of Slovenia whose knowledge of grapes and wine began at a very young age. Seven (sedem) varieties of Slovenian wine were paired with the delicious foods prepared by none other than Zarja Food Editor, (Jenka) Jean Ficek; sausage, potica, cheese, shrimp, asparagus with prosciutto, smoked salmon, meatballs! A combination of Manja’s humor, the wine, the food, and the music of Ray Koncar and sons created vibrancy, a zing, a pizzazz, an oomph like no other! You guessed it; Manja twirled the raglje throughout the evening!
Andreja Vidmar - Photo/Mary Carmody colorful scenes of historical events, Bible stories and village life. These colorful fronts became the guide that led bees back to their hives. As the beekeepers were mainly men, the interpretation of the beehive paintings brought many a smile! Did you know that the goat was once considered the lowest of animals? Along with churches on hilltops and the hay racks, the bee fronts have also become one of Slovenia’s cultural icons.
On Friday evening, the museum was transferred into a gostilna-like atmosphere.	Author
Jacqueline Widmar Stewart was present to sign her new publication:	Finding
Slovenia: A Guide to Old Europe’s New Country.
Sonia Avguštin - Photo/Mary Carmody
On Saturday, the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont was the scene for the all day “Let’s Feel Slovenia” led by Sonia Avguštin and Andreja Vidmar where 31 adults and 4 teens attended the language-based sessions. The day began with a potica demonstration by Nick Carmody of Rocky Mountain Potica and a krofi history by Mary Mavec of Joliet. Just imagine having oven fresh potica and fried krofi as a snack on the same day!
Language was the “thing” of the day. The group practiced rolling the “r”, and pronouncing the, č, š, and ž sounds! Imagine learning to pronounce the words in the Slovenian national anthem, learning how to introduce one’ self, counting, or naming colors! Sessions were interspersed with DVD programs by Sonja, Andreja and Manja. Each
Nick Carmody - Photo/Mary Carmody participant received a 24 page Memory Book and Journal that recapped the lessons of the day. Again, it was the crackling sound of the raglje that periodically brought the exuberant group to attention!
The banquet room at the Slovenian Catholic Center was the scene for the finale of Celebrate Zarja. Jewelry maker Jane Paley, and author Jacqueline Widmar Stewart were both in attendance. Each table held an elegant vase of 5 red carnations, in recognition of 5 editors of Zarja. Dr. John Vidmar, newly appointed Honorary Consul of Slovenia, gave the opening keynote and then led us in grace. Lillian Cepon prepared the delicious meal. During the program segment, former editor Corinne Leskovar was presented a bouquet of beautiful carnations in recognition of her years of dedication to Zarja. President Bonnie Prokup called upon Poticia Contest Winner, Debbie Stirnaman to come forward to claim her prise. Sonia Avguštin, of Slovenian World Congress, presented editor
Mary Mavec - Photo/Mary Carmody
Debbie Pohar, with a plaque from the country of Slovenia in recognition of Zarja’s 80 years. Participants from Let’s Feel Slovenia amused the crowd with a language game, and surprised the crowd with their language skills by singing the Slovenian national anthem! Then the music began! Members of the Singing Slovenes of Duluth, MN under the direction of Frank Bucar filled the hall with Slovenian melodies. June 19-20,2009 were days of remembrance, a time to honor the efforts of Zarja editors, whose talents and dedication have kept the presses rolling for 80 years.
Andreja Vidmar - Photo/Mary Carmody
It was a time people celebrated in Slovenian fashion with music, food, dance and traditions. It is no wonder that those in attendance, left the Slovenian Catholic Center, their hearts filled with pride for our beautiful Slovenian heritage!
-	Mary Lou Deyak Voelk, V.P. Culture & Heritage
Author Jacqueline Widmar Stewart presenting her book to Bonnie Pohar Prokup - Photo/Mary Carmody
Photo/Mary Cat
Photo/Mar
Photo/Mary Carmody
Heritage Donation
$100 Donation
Jacquelyn Smith, 43 and Sharon Campbell, +their aunt Edith Kovac Garsteck, age 95 of Cleveland
Memories of Zarja Celebration
Experience the Warmth and Love That is Woven Into the Fabric of Slovenians
The more I am with people of Slovenian descent, the more I experience warmth, joy and prayefulness of a people with whom 1 closely associated with as a child and now again as an adult. As a child, I remember my aunt through marriage and her mother reading and telling stories to me and my cousins on the swing on her porch in LaSalle, IL.
As an adult, I am once again embraced and welcomed to join, to share stories, but most of all, to experience the warmth and love that is woven into the fabric of Slovenians.
And as Mary Lou pointed out to me, there is love in
sLOVEnians and I found that to be very true.	.
My experience at the 80th
anniversary of Zarja was one of
standing in awe and watching old
and young celebrating the
success and longevity of a
magazine that has been glue
throughout the 80 years that
continues to bring people together
to teach about the meaning of
heritage. A special memory of the
event was the presentation by
Mary Lou Voelk about God’s
Comer. It’s the place that seems
to me to be where one can think,
recommit, pray but most of all
thank God for all that we have
been gifted with.
Thank you my friends for your warm welcome and embrace. I am most grateful to you and I thank God for you everyday in my God’s Comer.
Sincerely, Jane M. Paley
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Helping people of the world learn more about one another
Memories of Zarja Celebration
Zarjafest Gave Me the Opportunity to See Slovenian Community and Culture at its Best
My Slovenian grandparents met in a refugee camp shortly after World War II. My grandfather was forced to leave because the communists were threatening to kill him because of certain involvements he had at that time. They eventually settled in a small Slovenian community about 45 minutes north of Chicago in a city that was actually called North Chicago. My mother was born shortly thereafter, followed by two brothers and a sister. Because of the circumstances described above, both of my grandparents were the only members of their family to migrate to the United States. This meant that despite the fact that they settled in a small Slovenian community, the family (especially my mom and her siblings) was limited in its exposure to Slovenian culture because they did not have any grandparents, aunts or uncles, or cousins in this country.
Then as typically happens when immigrants arrive to the U.S., whether it’s changing last names, attempting to conceal accents and language, or exchanging old customs and traditions for new American customs and traditions, the pressure and desire to assimilate is very strong.
For me, being another generation removed from Slovenia, meant even less exposure and familiarity with Slovenian culture. Other than some broken Slovenian language
(mostly words associated with food) that my grandmother would mix in when speaking English, and some Slovenian foods (potica, blood sausage, cucumber salads) there was very little familiarity with Slovenian culture. Unfortunately, once the ethnicity and culture is scrubbed from the family or the community, it is often difficult if not impossible to re-acquire or re-saturate back into the family or community. But attending the 80th Anniversary Zarjafest gave me the opportunity to see Slovenian community and culture at its best. I loved hearing the accents and the words of the Slovenian language. Although not always recognizable or understood, if I closed my eyes and listened I could see the faces of my deceased grandparents as if they were the ones actually speaking.
Photo/Mary Carmody
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Photo/Marf Carmody
I	also loved the distant familiarity of the smells and tastes of Zarjafest. Many of the delicious foods served were ones that I had not smelled or tasted since childhood when we would wait for my grandfather to arrive from Chicago with sausages or when I would watch my grandmother cook in the kitchen.
But most of all I enjoyed the warmth and sense of community that was on display by people of all generations. Children and teenagers were in attendance (and having fun) not because their parents made them come, but because they enjoyed being there. Great-grandparents were there dancing and reminiscing with fellow Slovenians about friendships that spanned many, many decades. And people of all ages celebrated the proud history and heritage of a beautiful country and culture.
Happy Birthday, Zarja. And many, many more!
Nick Carmody Rocky Mountain Potica, LLC P.O. Box 819 Evergreen, CO 80437 Rocky MountainP otica. com 720.58 7.9499
From Slovenia: Forget-me nots- Book Tour
Activities, Book Readings, Book Signing September, 14-21, 2009
Anton’s Circus
Winner of the “Most Beautiful Children’s Literature/Book in Slovenia for 2008"!
Meet the Author and Illustrator: Peter Svetina and Damijan Stepančič
Tentative Schedule:
September 14, 2009: New York City, Time and place to be announced
September 16-17 2009 Children’s Library of the Slovenska Narodna Čitalnica, Cleveland
September 18, 2009 Slovenian Heritage Museum, Joliet
September 19, 2009 Hosted by Branch 110, Lake County IL, time and place to be announced September 20. 2009 Time and place to be announced
Please log onto WWW.SWUA.ORG periodically for final arrangements and times.
Photo/Mary Carmody
Branch Reports Poročila Podružnic
BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Branch 1 sends its heartiest and deep felt congratulations to the Zarja\ We are so proud of this 80-year tradition. Thanks to the Novak and Leskovar families who dreamed of having a Slovenian magazine and worked so hard to make that dream a reality. Several generations have had the good fortune to know their work. Special thanks to the Pohar sisters who are keeping the dream alive as the current editors. We hope the Zarja has many more years of success!
BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois
ZVEZA PICNIC was another success with old friends and the music of Vince Rigler.
Our condolences to the families who lost loved ones, who were very active with Zveza throughout their lives: Sophie Bogolin (Železnikar) worked at the SWUA office, active with the choral group, bowling league, very fluent in Slovenian and translated the old copies of Zarja for Branch
2	history and a member for 68 years. Sympathy to her children: Josie, Laurie, Robby, Gary and their families.
Marie Ovnik a member for 66 years, traveled all over the world, but her favorite destination was Slovenia. She attended National Conventions, IL/IN Conventions, Baraga weekends, KSKJ Slovene Cultural Center affairs, worked at the picnic and was an auditor. Sympathy to her family: Elsie, Delores, Lorraine, Judy, Johnny and their families.
Frances Lah (Primozich) a member for 68 years lived quite a distance and was unable to attend meetings but supported SWUA and sent notes to keep in touch. Please
remember them in your prayers so they may rest in peace.
On May 17, we honored dedicated member	Debbie
Morris	(Tasic).
Debbie recalls her first vacation trip as a young girl with her grandfather to his home in Bogina Vas, Slovenia. She was happy to meet many cousins. Debbie and her husband Geoff look forward to future travels.
Congratulations to Debbie, she is a fine example of her Slovenian heritage and cultivates the Slovenian spirit with sincerity. For the celebration, Terry Morison decorated the dining room and Joe Worth provided floral arrangements. Before Mass, Debbie crowned the Blessed Mother while her mom, Mary Tasic held the pillow. Fr. Jim Gartland, S.J. officiated the Mass with readings by Toni Zolig and Dolores Puhek, petitions were read by Daisy. Vince Rigler played beautiful sacred songs during Mass and afterwards music. A delicious lunch was catered from Arry’s. Thanks to the members who contributed to the sweet table. Fran Morison read a pretty poem and Rose Litwin read the life of Debbie, we had a fun time.
DAISY
BRANCH 12 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We enjoyed a wonderful luncheon at the Steak House in West Allis in celebration of Member of the Year and many members were honored as reported in our May/June Zarja article. We had so many door prizes that some were kept for our June meeting and then awarded as attendance awards.
Our June meeting was an indoor picnic lunch prepared by our chief chef, Virginia Strukel, who does a marvelous job of luncheons for all of our meetings.
On July 18th the Triglav Society of Milwaukee held their annual Mission Picnic at Triglav Park, which most of our members attended. With great sadness, we said farewell to Dr. Zvone Žigon, who left his post as Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia. Dr. Žigon has been a familiar face at so many of our Slovenian events in Milwaukee and we are certainly sad to see him return to Slovenia. At this picnic the UWM-Slovenian Arts Council presented Dr. Žigon with a plaque for this many years of service to Slovenians Abroad. See you this Fall.
VIRGINIA STRUKEL and FRAN REMSHAK
BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California
We lost a very active member and former officer, Anna Fabian. She spent her last years in an assisted living facility. Her daughter Diane Brahney told me she always brought her the Zarja and she loved it so much. She always asked about our members and sent them best wishes. Our prayers and sympathy are with Diane and her sister Joann Curtis and their families.
Thank you for attending our annual Member of the Year Luncheon where I was the honoree. My son Joe, his wife Amy and my son David and his fiancee Katie attended, both girls are members of Branch 13. It was a beautiful day thanks to the hard work of the board members Great job ladies!!!
My son David and Katie McMahon were married in Murphys, California, at a beautiful winery owned by one of David’s friends. The scenery was just lovely. Acres
Debbie Morris
and acres of vineyards and trees. What a wonderful way to start a marriage!
Jack Spencer, the grandson of Moreen Spencer and grandnephew of Doreen Sustarich celebrated his first birthday. There were so many cousins there; (4 generations) it was a fight to hug that much-loved baby. And of course most of the women there are members of Branch 13, as were Jack’s great grandmother and great-great grandmother. He is one lucky little boy with so many people around to love him. What a beautiful family to be a part of!!!
Our monthly meetings are on the first Thursday of each month at noon at the Slovenian Hall on Vermont and Mariposa Streets in San Francisco. We have a Pot Luck Luncheon every month. Please think about joining us!!! You will be most welcome. And remember if you have news you would like to share in the Zarja, please send it to me.
BARBARA CHIODO bchiodo@comcast,net
BRANCH 14 - Euclid, Ohio
Our members were out and about and attended picnics, such as the ones at SNPJ Farm in Kirtland and at Slovenska Pristava in Harpersfield, at raffles held by our Slovenian Homes, and many other Slovenian events. The seasons pass and fall and winter are almost upon us again. The summer is only a lovely memory, but the Slovenian activities go on indoors.
Thinking back to summer and the picnics we cannot forget our delicious Slovenian food; the klobase, roast beef, krofe and more. Whenever I have a gathering at my home, I must serve klobase. 1 could offer filet mignon and caviar, but my guests would choose the Slovenian klobase, a real treat for them. There are not many places any more where one can purchase real Slovenian klobase and when people have the opportunity to eat the real thing, they are in heaven.
I get very upset when I attend a Slovenian event and there are no Slovenian delicacies offered and the music is rock or modem. I can get hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries on every street comer and can hear rock music at a hundred different venues, but when I go to a Slovenian event, 1 want SLOVENIAN! When one attends an ethnic event they go to immerse themselves in ethnic hospitality, sometimes a rare experience for them. Also, these activities are one of the few places where the young can learn about the customs of their ancestors. They may have heard Yankovic-type polkas, but how many are familiar with the music from Slovenia, Avsenik and Slak, or the traditional Slovenian folk songs? A Slovenian event should take one to Slovenia, should have the guests thinking they are in another world.
Don’t forget our annual Christmas party the first Tuesday of December. Stana Grill will be contacting you.
PATRICIA BUDZILEK
BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois
On Sunday, May 24th we honored Our Lady of Brezje at St. George Church at 9:00 Mass. Before the Mass we recited the Rosary; we want to thank Fr. Kiley for
Left to right: Rosemary Petrich, Glady Buck, Alberta Corey, Marjorie Mitchell, Dorothy Rossi
celebrating the Mass, singing the Litany and offering Benediction.
We were very pleased that so many people came to observe this celebration, many more than usual. After the service we served a continental breakfast in the Church Hall. The event was co-sponsored by the SWUA Branch 16 and KSKJ, St. Florian Lodge #44, the two Slovenian Lodges that are still active at St. George.
Last month we mentioned that Gladys Buck celebrated her 90th birthday. On August 19th Olga Kowalkowski will also celebrate her 90th birthday. At our June meeting we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed a cake decorated in their honor.
We have three new members, Fran Griffin, her sister Theresa Gladys Buck	Tranbargar	and
Bernice Morrison; we welcome all of you to our branch and hope you will enjoy yourselves.
We want to thank Julia Pastor for her work as treasurer of the branch. She resigned from her position as her eyes were giving her trouble. Good luck, Julia, take care of your eyes.
Our prayers are with all the sick members from our branch.
DOROTHY ROSSI
BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois
The place was packed! The wonderful Slovenian Heritage Museum in Joliet welcomed visitors from around the world during ZARJAFEST. So much music, singing, food and excellent wine tasting made the evening’s festivities a jewel for the rest of the “Let’s Feel Slovenia” celebration.
Char Kobe, Branch 20 president, called it “the best of the best” time ever. Mike Vidmar said he tasted every wine and beer and sampled every delicacy until he couldn’t hold another bite. Member Dorothy Koncar’s son Ray and grandsons Rob and Frank kept the party going with Slovenian tunes on accordion, button box and guitar. And did we mention singing and dancing? It was an enthusiastic crowd for the start of the Zarja’s weekend party.
Jan Quillman was reelected to the Joliet city council as member-at-large and Don Fisher was elected to the Board of Education for the Joliet township school district. Sixty year wedding anniversary congrats to Bernadine and Chester Rutkowski and Audrey and Richard Chumovic. And new beginnings to member Zachary Pucel and bride Sarah on their wedding. Zachary is the son of Judy Pucel and grandson of Mildred Pucel.
Mike Vidmar’s son, Nicholas, completed a report for his Eagle Scout project, a new bocce ball court at St. Joseph Park in Joliet. Nicholas not only developed the design, but also raised money for supplies, benches and table for players. With the help of 25 scouts of Troop 18, Grace Methodist church and their parents the court is ready for action.
Member Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas was recently named president of the Illinois Woman’s Press Association. She is the author of “Joliet” chronicling the immigrant experience in Joliet.
Mark your calendars. The 29th Annual Grape Fest is September 27. Don’t miss dining and dancing in the St. Joseph Park hall turned quaint Slovenian town square. Part of the fun is watching festival goers try to steal candy “grape bunches” suspended from the arbor. But if caught by the watchful sheriff, they can be fined or put in “jail”.
Branch 20 would like to honor recently deceased members Maria Scheidt and Claire Yaggy.
PAT SCHAGER patricia.schager@sbcglobal.net
BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois
Dober Dan! Our annual summer picnic was held on June 11th at the home of Hank and Martha Lushina with approximately 45 people in attendance. The skies cleared after an earlier rain and the weather was quite pleasant for the occasion. Hank and Martha have a beautiful, flower filled yard, the perfect setting for a gathering
of any sort. It was truly a Slovenian culinary delight and everyone enjoyed the wonderful food and the great company.
Our treasurer, Melissa Actis and her husband were unable to attend because she was bringing new life into the world, a son Braiden Jeremy. Congratulations to mom and dad! We wish them a world of happiness and love.
Congratulations also to Kenneth and Barbara Krogulski and to Bob and Jean Ficek on their 50th wedding anniversary. May God continue to bless them as they travel life’s journey.
We welcome new member Gina Baker, whose grandmother is Betty (Lushina) Hurst. Gina and her husband are expecting their first baby. New babies are future members!
Father Bernard Horzen, O.S.B. is now officially retired from active ministry and resides at St. Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois. I am sure he would be happy to hear from friends and to share memories and words of wisdom (and he has a lot of those).
We had the joy of having breakfast with Manja Lilek during her brief visit to the Illinois Valley. She was an exceptional tour guide during our “Hidden Highlights of Slovenia tour in 2007. It was wonderful to visit with her and relive some of the memories of that tour. Carol Ryba, Frank and Jackie Assalley, Carol Kolczaski and myself spent a great morning with her. It is our hope to return again to that beautiful country!
Summer is passing quickly and soon September will bring us all together again, a time I look forward to. We all have ideas, memories and gifts to share with one another. This brings me to a memory I have about recipes. My mother, rest her soul, always shared her recipes, sometimes reluctantly, but she would do it. Her thought was that if you keep something good only to yourself how can it grow? Give the good away and let it spread, there’s enough for everyone. The same thing goes for “hugs it makes a great gift, one size fits all and you can even exchange it.
Left to Right: Carol Ryba, Loretta Story, Jackie and Frank Assalley, Manja Lilek, Caro! Kolczaski
We continue to keep the ill and homebound in our thoughts and prayers as also the men and women of our military. May your hearts be filled with peace and love.
LORETTA STORY 91ives@comcast.net
BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota
Excitement was building in the month of June for our Branch 39. Together with the Aurora Branch 35, we were in anticipation of the arrival of Dr. Zvone Žigon. Minnesota Regional VP,
Anita Vovk, invited Dr. Žigon and his wife Irena to Aurora to celebrate on June 25, 2009, the Slovenian Proclamation Day and to show the attendees the slides of our beautiful motherland,
Slovenia. Marija Ferkul and Jean Korsman helped with the set up the night before the event. Branch 35, Aurora did a super job organizing the event, many thanks go to those members.
As luck would have it, I had my three (3) grandkids dressed in Narodna Noša and did not get a photo of them with Dr. Žigon. That was my whole purpose of having them there. I guess I’ll have to wait until he returns, or maybe an incentive to have them travel to Slovenia to visit him.
During the month of June, Joe MCue, from the Joliet Branch 20 was corresponding with me regarding some points of interest to visit on the Iron Range, specifically Eveleth. I was happy to help him and his wife by directing him to the Ironworld Discovery Center in Chisholm and
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Aubri Ribich with poster displayed at Dr. Žigon reception
the Iron Range Historical Society in Gilbert. He was able to locate gravesites of his family in Eveleth and was intrigued with his visit to our Iron Range cities. Come visit us, you may find family members here also.
We are looking forward to the MN Regional Convention in Duluth in September. Hope to see some of you there. Marija Pomagji prosi za nas.
ROSEMARY (SERTICH) RIBICH
BRANCH 40 - Lorain, Ohio
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce that our beautiful Slovenian Catholic Church, Sts. Cyril and Methodius, will be closing before the end of this year. This church has been the pillar of the Slovenian community here in Lorain. It was established in 1905 with 63 families, and grew to 250 families in the 1950’s. We celebrated our centennial just four years ago with fewer than 80 families.
During all those years, Sts. Cyril and Methodius was where we were married, where our children were baptized, attended school, received their sacraments grew up and were married. It was from there our parents, loved ones and friends received their final graces and were buried. We all have our special memories, some sad and some joyful of this still beautiful church. Corinne Leskovar featured it in her series on “Churches in Slovenian Communities. A picture of it appeared in the May-June, 2005 issue of Zarja.
Grandkids of Rosemary and Bob Ribich (Left to right): Jack Ribich, Aubri Ribich and Anna Ribich
Now it is official that Sts. Cyril and Methodius, St. Vitus Croatian church and St John’s will merge into one at St. John’s in South Lorain, but with a new name, as yet undecided. We will miss our beautiful Slovenian hymns, which have been sung by our choir every week, especially at Christmas and Easter. Hopefully the choir will also merge and still sing our hymns at the new church.
Father Paul Krajnik, our dear pastor and spiritual guide since October 1975 is going to reach his 87th birthday on September 29th this year, he is in failing health. Dear Father, we wish you well in your retirement. We will miss you very much. Thank you Father Krajnik for all you have done for us. Some day we shall all be together again, we hope in God’s Heaven.
When our branch was established in 1930, our meetings were held at the Slovenian Home, later we met at Sts. C and M Church Hall. Lately, with our membership dwindling, we meet monthly at lunch, which everyone seems to enjoy. Our luncheons are on the second Wednesday each month. Our president Agnes Serazin has been calling to let you know where. Thank you, Aggie.
At the month of June’s luncheon, we honored our Member of the Year, Martina Woelfl with a corsage and a gift. A good number of members came and offered their congratulations. Also in July, there were 12 members and guests. Lunch was at 1 p.m. and we stayed until 4 p.m. so you can see how much we all liked it!!! Congratulations to all June graduates. May all your dreams come true.
STEPHANIE POLUTNIK Step@ windstream.net
BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Our State Convention committee is working hard to make it an enjoyable day. The date is Sunday, September 27 at Klemmer’s Banquet Hall with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by the meeting and Mass at 11 a.m. The dinner and program will be at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $25.00 and tickets are available from any branch officer.
Our June meeting was very well attended and was preceded by a lunch prepared by the birthday members.
Due to illness, BettyAnn Kolesari, our Member of the Year, was unable to attend the festivities in her honor. With graciousness and gratitude her husband, Jack, represented her and accepted the title and gifts, he even wore the corsage and crown. Button box musicians Gary and Peter Kolesari entertained us. Congratulations, BettyAnn! Stay Well!
The National Convention dates have been set for June 16 through June 19,2011 in Milwaukee.
The Uspeh Chorus gave a short enjoyable program at Villa St. Francis where two of our members, Ann Konczal and Mary Martino, reside. We are looking for balina players for the Uspeh Tournament, on September 20, at Triglav Park. Please call Jan Gehm at 414.321.1413.
Our next meeting is on September 23, 2009, at noon at the West Allis Library. The meeting will be preceded by a luncheon served and prepared by birthday members.
Do you like to sing? How about joining the Uspeh Chorus! Please call me for more information, Mici Bregant 414.543.6695.
You are in for a special treat on Saturday, October 22, 2009. The Slovenian Arts Council of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will present “Fantje na Vasi” from Cleveland, Ohio, in concert at the Zelazo Center on the University Campus. Please call me for more information 414.543.6605.
Best Wishes and Greetings to all of our sick and shut-ins.
MICI BREGANT
BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio
Hi everyone. Our next meeting will be September 13, 2009 at the Maple Hts. Library. Our President Olga had knee surgery, hope she will be on the mend real soon.
We will be hosting the Ohio Convention on October 4, 2009. Mass will be at St Lawrence Church at 10:00 a.m. Please try to attend this meeting and mass. It will probably be one of the last Masses there for Branch 47. St. Lawrence will be closing sometime in June of 2010. Following the mass will be the meeting and luncheon, at the Slovenian National Home on 80th Street. We would really like a great turn out for this.
Our Christmas party will be December 5, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at the Valley View Community Center, further details will follow. Contact Olga Dorchak 1.330.468.7989, Elsie Spellacy 1.330.699.0031 or e-mail Katherine Wallace at webblekatt@hotmail.com.
BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio
Greetings from Girard, Ohio! The summer months have quickly come and gone and the autumn season is already upon us. Classrooms are once again full of students, the leaves are changing colors and the sights and smells of fall are all around. This time of the year reminds me of some of my favorite childhood memories like jumping into leaf piles and picking apples at the local orchard. For all the sports fans, September also marks the beginning of the football season. Excitement is certainly in the air!
In Branch news, Marine Corps Capt. Mark A. Selak was recently promoted to his current rank. Mark is a helicopter pilot stationed at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, San Diego, and is married to Molly Roberts Selak. Congratulations, Mark!
In other news, members are encouraged to contact Maria Selak for information on upcoming Branch 55 events. We are always looking for new ideas, so come join us at our branch meetings! In closing, I have included one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost.
Nature’s first green is gold Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.
MONICA SELAK
BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois
Friday” at the Hungarian House (international folk dancing with an emphasis on Balkan, website: www.nycfolkdance.org) and a book discussion on “Forbidden Bread” (the author, Erica Johnson Debeljak, has been in touch with Branch 93.)
The “Slovenian Heritage” weekend is November 6-8. See this issue of Zarja for more information. Branch member Annette Kirk (of Northport, Long Island) will be offering her expertise by leading the international folk dance workshop! Space is limited; register early if you plan to attend.
Please join our yahoo group for information on upcoming events/activities (if you are not on e-mail, please call the Branch 93 contact).
BRANCH 93 - New York City, New York
Our potica demonstration (led by Mia Branc of Saylorsburg, PA) in June was a success! Twenty-three members, friends and guests attended. Mia is originally from Ljubljana and caters all the events at St. Cyril’s church (including the NYC consulate events). More photos and the recipe are on the Branch 93 website. Thank you to Tanja Vajk for taking photographs and Ria (Polajner) Whitmire for helping with the refreshments and set-up/cleanup. We are planning more demonstrations for the fall or winter: gnocchi from the Primorska region and gibanica from the Prekmurje region.
A few members attended the Brooklyn International Film Festival in June to see a Slovenian film (sub-titled in English). “The story of post-WWII executions of Nazi collaborators ‘Pokrajina St. 2’ (Landscape No. 2), is a convincing and modern genre depiction of what continues to be a topical and painful issue from our (Slovenia’s) not entirely distant past. Google the film title to find reviews and more information online.
Tentative plans for the fall include a “Folk Dance
Greetings from Oglesby. The picture is from our dinner at Mario’s Maples where we honored our member of the year Marilyn Argubright. Hope everyone had a great summer and we look forward to seeing everyone at the meetings this fall.
BARBARA BRUCH 815.339.2714 barbarabruch@y ahoo .com
Branch 93 contact:	201.947.6336,
swuabranch93nyc@gmail.com;	website:
www.swuanyc.org; yahoo group, to subscribe e-mail: SWUABranch93NYC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; SWUA Branch 93 NYC facebook page: www.facebook.com (type in “SWUA”). The branch membership list is available upon request. Check the May/ June branch report for a brief list of ongoing events/ resources in NYC!
BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois
Our cheese strudel class on June 6th was great fun. We had 8 people total. Maria Petek demonstrated the procedure of making the dough and then stretching it. Everyone who came had to make their own strudel from beginning to the end. Each person took their strudel home to be baked. It was amazing how Maria took the dough and flipped it in the air like pizza dough and then stretched it so thin that one recipe covered an 8’ x 4’ table and still had dough hanging down on both sides of the table!
The weekend of the Zarja 80th Anniversary, Mary and Paula Mavec participated in the festivities for the celebration. Mary had the opportunity to house two guests from Slovenia who were part of the classes on Saturday, Sonja and Andreja. The sisters took these young ladies along with Manja, who was in charge of the wine tasting, also from Slovenia, to Chicago. Mary Lou Voelk, National VP of Heritage and Culture and journalist for Zarja and Carol Ryba, our National VP of the Home Office, also joined our excision to Chicago. We went on the architectural tour on the Chicago river, walked through Millennium Park and went to lunch in the Continental Hotel. It looks like there was quite the exchange of fun going on in June, and of course, there’s more to come! Call Barb Block 630.983.1793 for more information on upcoming events.
BRANCH 100 - Southern California
Our summer was filled with many weddings of Elvie Blasick’s son Chuck, Pauline Buzan’s grandson, Christopher, Rosemary Mlakar’s granddaughter Connie and my granddaughter and member Krista Lundgren.
Natalie Mlakar, member and scholarship recipient graduated from UCI with a degree in nursing. We wish all of these young people heartfelt congratulations!
Connie Swiderski was visiting her family in Illinois during the time of the Zarja celebration and attended the two-day event and met our National Officers. She was excited
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about taking part in the festivities and to bring her mother and sister. Connie has been involved since 2001 when the Slowind Quintet (part of the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra) performed. Connie was thrilled to find both the SNPJ and SWUA active in our area. She even traveled with us to Slovenia in 2003. By the way, Slowind will be performing once again at Timothy’s Church in Laguna Niguel on Saturday evening, November 7th. Call Jean for more information.
Jeff Potočnik from Cleveland read about our branch cooking session a couple of months ago and was interested in my recipe for cheese štrukelj. If anyone is interested I would be happy to email it to you. It is made with fillo dough, so it can be put together much quicker than the old fashioned way.
We are looking forward to Slovenia in September. Amie and I and a good friend and member Dorothy Jemeycic will go on our own mini tour and have the opportunity to visit with friends and family as well as many sights. Although we have all been to Slovenia several times, there is always more to see and more places to visit.
Wishing all of our friends the best.
JEAN KOCI 949.495.0097 ajkoci@cox.net
BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin
Greetings from Willard! Summer days went by fast. It is hard to believe autumn is upon us. Birthday greetings are sent to branch members with summer and early fall birthdays. Several branch members were spotted at Willard’s Polka Fest the weekend of June 26th. Frank Pakiz had a special 88lh birthday celebration with his family on July 2nd. Karen and Larry Spires along with their son Erik, spent the first two seeks of July at their place on County I. Dot Podboy has been spotted in the area after wintering at her Michigan home. Fourth of July festivities brought members together to watch fireworks at Greenwood. Wishes for a speedy recovery from recent surgeries are sent to Pat Sixel.
Our August meeting was held on the 15,h. There was a nice turnout of members and guests. We enjoyed our potluck lunch and visited into the afternoon. Plans are underway to attend the State Convention in Milwaukee in September.
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Congratulations to Rose and Frank Pakiz on the marriage of their daughter, Patrice, to Alton Accola on September 5th. The newlyweds are at home in Minneapolis.
Until next time......
KAREN SPIRES kleespires@comcast.net
BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland
An inspiration to the entire SWUA is member Anne Stratton for her generosity in enrolling eight family members from different parts of the U.S. in memory of her mother Louise Tamse Hagan, charter member of Branch 108. All our new members this year are simply friends/neighbors or family members, introduced to SWUA by a current member. In most cases, members are of Slovenian heritage; in a few instances, members have a genuine interest in learning about another culture and traditions that might be similar to their own ethnicity. Keep up the great work and continue telling others about SWUA and your Slovenian heritage.
The Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, DC celebrated National Day and Armed Forces Day on June 25. The new Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Roman Kim was introduced to over two hundred invited guests; gave a briefing on past accomplishments and continued challenges and plans for success ahead in international
tenderloin, štruklje, roast eggplant, zucchini and squash, variety of fruits and salads, breads, strudel and potica. Chef Jernej came to socialize among the guests; he was flattered by endless compliments about the variety of culinary specialties for the special occasion of Slovenian National Day.
BERNADETTE KOVACIC FITZSIMMONS
BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities, Minnesota
We have new faces on our Board: Norm Setnicker continues as president and Bob Grahek as vice president. Jean Rolstad is our corresponding secretary and Yvonne McComber continues as our treasurer. Mary Schwanke, in addition to being our webmaster and archivist will report the minutes of the Board meetings and regular monthly meetings.
One recent highlight was a farewell reception for Dr. Zvone Žigon on June 24th at the Nectary Restaurant (Andrew Percic, owner). The evening consisted of Dr.
Chef Jernej Podpečan politics concerning Slovenia. A spectacular catered Slovenian lunch (kosilo) presentation by Chef Jernej Podpečan from Celje, Slovenia included, beef and pork
Žigon’s presentation on modern day Slovenia “Feel Slovenia, a singing of the Slovenian national anthem by our local singing group directed and taught by Miro Medved (Slovenian National Day was June 25th), a social hour of hors d’oeuvres, wine and a culminating toast of Kol’kr kapljic,tol’ko let with some resounding ZIVIJO’S. The evening concluded with an exchange of gifts between the TC Slovenians and Dr. Žigon. Special thanks to Andrew Percic, Mary Percic Bernard, and son, Jim Bernard for all the preparations. And for the efforts of Karen and Miro Medved for hosting our Slovenian pesem (song) group not only with a variety of Slovenian folk songs but with a smorgasbord of Slovenian krompir, klobassa, solata and numerous desserts. Hvala lepa Miro and Karen.
On a more serious note, the TC Slovenians have launched the Zarja Indexing project for the years 1946-1959. Following the direction of project director, Mary Lou
Left to Right: John Zakelj, Cece and Dr. Žigon
Voelk, a core task force of: Don Palkovich, Jim and Kathy Smrekar, Liz Tratnik, Mary Schwanke and Norm Setnicker have agreed on the format which will dictate the direction of the project. The task force is working with Dr. Haven Hawley of the Immigration History Research Center. Our
John and Bonnie "Toast to Slovenia ”
goal is to train our members in order to complete our indexing goals and objectives.
This past June a new book entitled Slovenia Attracts was published. The book is 120 pages along with 140 colored photos which focus on 30 attractive less known areas of Slovenia presented in an order that encircles Slovenia and ends in the middle in Ljubljana. The text runs in parallel with Slovenian and English and would be a great gift for anyone looking for images of an unspoiled nature and rich history of Slovenia. The book was published in Slovenia and Marjan Bradeško, the author is a cousin to David and Norm Setnicker, both of whom helped in some of the translation. If interested in a copy email Norm Setnicker at: normasl88@msn.com.
NORM SETNICKER
Bishop Baraga Days 2009
St. Peter’s Cathedral, Marquette, MI September 26 - 27, 2009
Reception: Saturday night after mass Banquet: Sunday afternoon (Mass at 1:00 p.m.) Depart: Friday, September 25 Return: Monday, September 28
We will begin in Lemont, IL and pickup in Gurnee, IL and Milwaukee, WI
Prices according to the number of people per hotel room at Ramada Inn, Marquette, MI (Hotel does NOT have continental breakfast)
1 person/room $315 2 people/room $220 3 people/room $ 185 4 people/room $ 170
Price includes: bus, tip for driver,
3	nights hotel stay, reception, banquet Does NOT include meals on the road or at the hotel
For Reservations Call either:
John P. Vidmar (708.485.8412)
Anna Hozjan (630.257.8070)
Checks should be written to:
Chicago Bishop Baraga Association
Checks can be sent to the attention of the Slovenian Catholic Center 14252 Main Street P.O. Box 634 Lemont, IL 60439
POLKA CRUISE
February 21 - 28, 2010
All SWUA members and friends are invited to the Polka Party at Sea.
How does a 7 night cruise starting in New Orleans with ports of call to Costa Maya, Santo Thomas, De Castilla, Belize and Cozumel sound?
With entrance to five private polka parties, open bar cocktails, receptions and late jam sessions.
The All Star musical line up will include the Eddie Rodick Orchestra, Steve Meisner, and the Karousel with Bob Dozak.
If you are interested call Kollander World Travel at 1.800.800.5981 or 216.692.1000 and tell them you are with SWUA.
They will send you complete details.
Slovenian Heritage Weekend
Friday-Sunday, November 6-8,2009 Mohican Outdoor Center - Blairstown, NJ
Slovenian Heritage weekend at the Mohican Outdoor Center (MOC) in Blairstown, NJ. The MOC is an AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) facility that is 90 minutes west of New York City and 90 minutes north of Philadelphia.
Fri.-Sun., Nov. 6-8. Slovenian Heritage Weekend Getaway. International folk dance workshop, fun with proverbs, klobase (sausage) making demonstration, a Slovenian film (sub-titled in English) and more. Easier “Mount Triglav at Mohican” hike (a true Slovene has summited Slovenia’s highest mountain)! Fee $122/AMC members, $129/non-members includes activities, 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, Friday happy hour and Saturday Slovenian wine tasting/dinner. Hosts: Ria (Polajner) Whitmire and Lynn Zalokar. For questions call Lynn at 201.947.6336, lzalokar@yahoo.com and to register call Mohican Outdoor Center, 908.362.5670. Space is limited.
Annette Kirk will lead the international folk dancing workshop, which will include Eastern European, American and English historical dances. Program will include some circle dances and some partner dances (registrants do not need to come with a partner). Dances chosen will be basic enough so that those participating will have fun and keep moving, rather than dealing with complex footwork or patterns.
What to bring: sleeping bag, sheets, or sleep sack (mattress and pillow provided), towels and toiletries. The Mohican Outdoor Center has been undergoing some exciting renovations and improvements. The cabins reserved have bunkrooms with up to six beds each (and now a few have 2 or 3 beds each). Bunks are first come, first serve. Check the Mohican Center website to view a slide show: www.outdoors.org/ lodging/lodges/mohican/index.cfm
Calendar of Events
SEPTEMBER 13
Minnesota Convention hosted by Branch 33 of Duluth, Minnesota will begin at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 610 99th Avenue West. Coffee will be served at 9:00 a.m., meeting at 9:30 a.m., and Mass will be at noon with a banquet to follow.
SEPTEMBER 19
Culinary Class featuring Flancate (Angel Wings) sponsored by Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois.
SEPTEMBER 27
Wisconsin Convention hosted by Branch 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin starting at 9:00 a.m. at Klemmers Hall.
Grape Harvest Festival hosted by Branch 20 of Joliet, Illinois. All are invited to attend. Contact Jonita Ruth at 815.727.1926 for further information.
OCTOBER 3
80th Anniversary of Branch 33 of Duluth, Minnesota will start with Mass at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner and music by the Singing Slovenes.
OCTOBER 4
Ohio Convention hosted by Branch 47 of Garfield Heights, Ohio will begin with Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church followed by a luncheon at the Slovenian National Home.
NOVEMBER 6-8
“Slovenian Heritage” weekend hosted by Branch 93 of New York City, New York. Space is limited!
DECEMBER 5
Christmas Party hosted by Branch 47 of Garfield Heights, Ohio at 12:00 p.m. at the Valley View Community Center.
Our Secrets of Slovenia
By Joan Kaczmarek
Hearing the stories of the beauty of Slovenia from my grandmother, Magdalen Persa, I always dreamed of visiting there some day When I read the Zarja magazine was celebrating its 80th anniversary with a tour of Slovenia, I mentioned it to my brother Wayne Krempach and he said “Let’s go!”
Giving You The World Since 1923
Left to right; Ivan, Joan, Ana, Marta, Josef and Wayne.
We began making our travel arrangements. Coincidently, a cousin Frank Vouri, contacted me with names and addresses of relatives he met on an earlier visit to Slovenia. 1 took a chance, wrote a letter, and sent it to our cousin Ivan Krampač in Slovenia, not knowing if the letter would reach him. If it did would he be able to answer my letter in enough time.
After meeting our tour director Manja Lilek in Slovenia, we gave her all the information that we gathered about our family. Manja made calls on our behalf. One of the names on the list was Marta Cvetko. Manja spoke to Marta’s son Josef. He told Manja that the Krampač house had been sold, the family moved, and other relatives were deceased. Josef also mentioned that his mother was on a trip. Needless to say Wayne and I were disappointed. We thought this was the end of our search.
On Thursday, May 14,2009, we made several tour stops. At one of the stops Manja said she saw a touring bus from Prekmurje. She said that it was unusual for people from the Prekmurje area to travel this far. We spoke to the bus driver, giving him several family names and asked if any of them could be on the bus. The answer was no.
by some fellow travelers asking if cousins of theirs might be on our bus. We met, we cried, we hugged, and we kissed. Manja cried too. Manja interpreted Marta’s conversation for us saying Marta thought she could find some of our relatives. We would meet the next day in Jerusalem. Our trip Friday was exciting. Waiting for us at the meeting place was our cousin Marta, her son Jozef, Ivan Krampač and his wife Ana. I immediately understood every word they said. They spoke in a Prekmurje dialect. Everyone spoke at the same time and there were a lot of hugs and kisses. Manja interpreted for us again because we could not speak the language. Wayne and I were so thrilled. One of our objectives was to make contact with our family With the help of Manja we were able to fulfill a dream. We shared a whole life time in a two hour visit. Our dream trip came true.
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Manja mentioned that we will be having lunch at a restaurant that was not on the tour schedule, but she thought we would really enjoy it. After a few stops we arrived at our lunch destination. What a coincidence, we saw the same bus we had seen earlier. Manja had a feeling that she should talk to the tour bus driver again. She recalled that Jozef said his mother was on atrip. We asked the bus driver if Marta Cvetko was a tourist on the bus. He said yes that she was in the restaurant. He went in and told Marta that cousins from the U.S.A. were outside. Marta came out followed
The Zarja staff would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make Let’s Feel Slovenia, Celebrate Zarja a huge success.
It was a great weekend with fun and excitement
at every turn.
SleVenes
Congratulations
Zarja
on 80 years!
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Congratulations to Our Potica Contest Winner
Debbie Stirnaman, Dwight, Illinois
Debbie Stirnaman being presented her award by Bonnie Pohar Prokup
Editors Note: The winning potica will be featured in the next issue of Zarja, just in time for you to make for the Christmas holidays. Debbie s potica was very tasty and enjoyed by all that were present.
Debbie also generously donated her prize winnings back to Zarja The Dawn. Debbie, thank you very much.
The Slovenian Women’s Union of America would like to thank Dr. Zvone Zigon for his dedication to the Slovenian-American community.
He was a wonderful friend for many years and we will surely miss him.
All the best in the future and may our paths cross again.
Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia
Writen by Karen Taylor\ Zarja Journalist
Flor as long as I can remember growing up, from the time I was big enough to see out the window of our family sedan, my mother and father would take my younger brother, Mark, and I out on drives through the country each spring in search of the prized tender young asparagus that grew along the roadside. It was such a huge part of my childhood that I eventually found it to be an activity that I actually wanted to do rather than one that I was forced to do by parental requirement. Asparagus hunting was a skill that I honed over many of my young years by keeping my “eyes peeled” as my dad used to say. Being able to spot the shoots among the tall spring grasses brought both praise and pride from my mom and dad as the acquisition of the ever growing bundle of the beautiful green spears brought about their great delight. It was also a great source of competition between my brother and I as we raced to see who could find the most and the nicest of the spears. I got so good at it that I could spot it growing while we traveled down the road at 60 miles an hour. I can’t tell you how many times I made my dad back up down the road because I was sure that I had spotted asparagus that was worthy of our stopping. I was rarely, if ever, wrong. (This is something, which years later, amazed my husband, Tym, who thinks I have a great hidden talent and wanted to learn how to “hunt” himself.) Over time I actually even grew to like to eat the fresh green vegetable that my mother hurriedly prepared for dinner the minute we got home. I now make a mean roasted asparagus myself that we eat throughout the spring, as long as I can still find the time and places to hunt. Like many things that have changed with time, it is harder to find the wild stalks as country roads give way to paved highways and farmers move their fields out to the outer edges of their easements or, even sadder yet, the farms disappear altogether. Soon there will be no further places to search and 1 will have lost a time honored family tradition. One that gives me great peace of mind as I walk the quiet old country roads alone on a bright June morning looking for the lush green spring vegetable that will provide nourishment for my body and spirit. If I’m lucky on my hunt, I may even call my mom and dad to boast about my find-bringing a smile to each of us as we remember the joy of success and times spent together as a family.
When I was a child, my grandmother (Slovenian, of course) used to go mushrooming in the woods around her home and 1 always found this to be a kind of a mystical activity that I also wanted to learn to do. The thought of walking through the quiet, damp, plush green woodlands
where fairies and deer might appear seemed both ancient and magical somehow. My parents, however, were not mushroomers so I was limited in these experiences as well as the scope of my vegetable hunting abilities. Like many skills, they are best taught at an early age and require time and experience to perfect. So I never was taught the skills necessary to find and pluck the beautifully camouflaged little nuggets from the floors of the forest.
As an adult I was determined that I could and would learn how and where to find mushrooms. But like asparagus hunters, mushroom hunters take the secrets of their stealthy practices and coveted “spots” to the grave-so getting help is like trying to get blood from a turnip. (I’m sure the vegetable cliche is not lost on you here.) I tried going out on my own, but was rarely rewarded with a find and frequently shooed off some farmer’s property. With the help of a proficient and tolerant friend I had some limited success but really had to be led to the precise spot since I somehow lacked the kind of trained “eye” needed to scan the ground and spot them from a distance. Asparagus skills simply didn’t translate themselves to this kind of hunting and I didn’t have that innate sixth sense needed to lead me to the treasure. I was so disappointed but resolute that I would not give up.
Luckily, I didn’t have to. I was fortunate enough to travel to Slovenia last year, (as you well know by now) and, along with my fellow Zarja staffers, stayed with one of our author’s (Jana Bauer’s), mother, Marija Bauer. She lives in a very small village, Laze, which is nestled in the mountains that wind their way along the Croatian border. Laze is so small and tucked away that it only has four
Laze, Slovenia
people who continue to reside there throughout the year. In the summers its numbers swell to a bustling seven. Brown bear still clumber down the mountain to forage for food among the old homes that dot the countryside and we were visited by a bear on one quiet sunny morning after the rains gave way. He didn’t bother anyone and was on his way as soon as the early morning gave way to the activities of Marija and her fellow Lazeans. Marija’s life is simple and requires lots of hard work and age-old knowhow. She has a very large garden that she tends by herself, bees and fruit trees that she relies on for sweet treats and she supplements her pantry with the gifts bestowed upon her by the lands and woods that surround her home. One of our first evenings there was spent sitting around the outdoor table shelling different kinds of dried beans from the garden and cracking nuts that were gathered from the
would go and look for mushrooms along the rolling creek that wove through the land around us. She knew a couple of reliable spots and showed us what to look for and where to best find them. Unlike my previous teachers she was willing to share her knowledge and despite our limited ability to communicate (Marija doesn’t speak English and I don’t speak Slovenian- although she is much better at English than I am with Slovenian) she taught me more that morning than I had ever learned before. So together with Marija and my fellow Zarja sisters we set out to find ourselves enough mushrooms to feed us all. I think that long-ago competitiveness I had with my brother kicked in, and, along with my resolve to learn how to mushroom hunt, I was determined that I could find the ever elusive mushroom.
I separated from the group a bit and put all my new-found knowledge to work. After a few failed attempts I finally found the mother load of mushrooms. It was a large bunch-I’m not kidding- and so I excitedly called out to Marija, just like I used to yell out to my dad. When she finally came to confirm that they were indeed the kind we could eat I was beaming with pride. We took them home and had them for lunch with freshly scrambled eggs. Between what Marija found and my own batch, there were enough to feed all ten of us. Now, with a good score under my belt, I may not be able to call myself a competent mushroomer, but I still might be able to spend a day in the solitude of the woods and enjoy the peace and joy of finding enough to bring home for supper. If 1 do, I might even call home to mom and dad to tell them about it.
Left to right: Bonnie Pohar Prokup, Karen Taylor and Marija Bauer cracking walnuts
nearby woods. On one of the following days we went to the large and well-tended garden to harvest vegetables that we would prepare later that day for supper. When a speedy, dare-devil of a driver, Jana hit one of the neighbors chicken out in the road that led to Marija’s home, she purchased it for our evening meal and we all came down to watch the chicken being plucked and cleaned in the nearby stream. Much of the food that we ate while with Marija would be fresh, home grown or raised, foraged or found and hand prepared. This is something for which I have great respect and admiration and something we, in the United States are just beginning to embrace again in the “Slow Food Movement” that is becoming popular throughout the country. I love to cook and this way of life was one I enjoyed being a part of.
And then one day in Laze it happened!!! 1 finally got my chance...On a beautiful fall day Marija decided that we
Chicken being plucked and cleaned in the nearby stream
WILD MUSHROOMS AND EGGS
2 pounds wild mushrooms 3-4 tablespoons sunflower oil
3 cloves minced garlic
4 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 eggs
1/3 cup sweet cream
Salt
Pepper
Saute the mushrooms in the oil. After a few minutes add the garlic and continue sauteing until they are cooked through. Beat the eggs and cream together. Add the parsley to the mushrooms and saute for 1 minute more. Add the egg and cream mixture and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with parsley as a garnish.
Another option would be to saute the wild mushrooms in butter and onions which can then be used to put over steak or on a hamburger.
Dober tek!
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Jenka’; &
Top - Left to right: Marija Bauer and Karen Taylor finding a HUGE group of mushrooms.
Bottom - Bonnie Pohar Prokup cleaning the mushrooms.
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NARODNA IN UNIVERZITETNA KNJIŽNICA
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AIRMAIL „ „
Irena Sesek	. H 54 /002009
Tiiriadra 1 P n R^v 7<ro » . * *
Turjaška 1 P.O. Box 259 1000 Ljubljana 01000 Slovenia
920090834,5
COBISS S
Show us Your Creation of a Slovenian Beehive Front Panel
A contest for all SWUA members, no matter how well you can draw!
Sponsored by:
Zarja The Dawn -your bi-monthly magazine that is “Keeping the Spirit Alive ”
Grand Prize Winner $25.00
Create you own unique painting and story for a beehive front panel.
Send in a photo of your drawing/painting and in 200 words or less tell us the story behind your painting.
Since traditionally, these front boards are based on folk art, judging will be based on your story and how well you depict the theme in your painting rather than your artistic ability.
Pictures and stories will be featured in Zarja The Dawn and on our web site: www.swua.org
Send entries by September 20,2009
Email: wprokup@aol.com Mail: Debbie Pohar 1696 Illinois Street LaSalle, IL 61301
Be creative! We want to hear about it!