ZARJA - THE DAWN
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URADNO GLASILO SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA
NUMBER 9-10
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1996
VOLUME 68
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ATLANTA WELCOMED SLOVENIANS FROM THE USA AND ABROAD!
Two Silver Medals were won by the Slovenian athletes who came to Atlanta for the Summer Games. On July 28th we were thrilled to hear that ANDRAŽ VEHOVAR, was a SILVER MEDALIST in the Kayak “K-l” Slalom. His winning time was a scarce tenth of a second too short for the gold! A few days later, BRIGITA BUKOVEC was the winner in the 100m hurdles race, again, just losing the gold by a split second, but taking home the SILVER!
And, those watching the Opening Ceremony enjoyed the spry Leon Štukelj, 98 year old Slovenian Gold Medalist in gymnastics (1924) who was received with thunderous applause by the Olympic crowd as the oldest Olympian in the world!
Slovenian-American fraternal associations joined to advertise their spirit of Friendship, Commitment, Pride, Peace of Mind, Service to Humanity, Loyalty and Fratemalism in a large sign that welcomed many visitors to the “Slovenska hiša” in Atlanta’s Olympic Village, where visitors learned about beautiful Slovenia, its history, geographic features and its people. SWU members attending the Games were very impressed with the way Slovenia was presented to the American public.
Slovenia in Atlanta
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ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615
NO. 9-10 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1996 VOL. 68
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published eight times per year - osemkrat na leto.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, IL
All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I. v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (312) 548-8878
Please Note!
SWU NATIONAL SECRETARY’S MAILING ADDRESS: EVELYN MAJERCIK, National Secretary P.O. Box 46539 BEDFORD, OH 44146
DATES TO REMEMBER
Sept. 8	MINNESOTA STATE CONVENTION -
ZVEZA DAY, Br. 35, Aurora, MN hosts Sept. 8	WISCONSIN STATE CONVENTION, Br. 1,
Sheboygan, WI hosts at SS Cyril & Methodius Church, Mass at 8:30 a.m. - Dinner at Rupp’s in Riverdale. Call Aggie 452-8808 or Ruth 452-8251 for info-reservations Sept. 25	PICNIC, Br. 50, Euclid, OH at Euclid
Clubhouse
Oct. 4	DINNER honoring 50 Year Members, Br. 43,
Milwaukee, WI at Klemmer’s Banquet Center, 6 p.m.
Oct. 6	ILLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVEN-
TION and 70th Anniversary of Br. 2, Chicago, IL at Chicago
Oct. 12	70th ANNIVERSARY OF SWU Celebration,
Br. 105, Detroit, MI Oct. 13	COMMUNION-BREAKFAST, Br. 5, In-
dianapolis, IN, Holy Trinity Church, 9 a.m. Oct. 13	OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION,
Br. 14, Euclid, OH hosts at St. Christine’s Church in Euclid Oct. 16	COMMEMORATIVE MASS, Br. 32, Euclid,
OH at St. Christine’s Church, 7 o’clock Oct 17	FALLLUNCHEON, Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI
Nov 14	PENNY SOCIAL, Br. 2, Chicago, IL at St.
Stephen’s Hall
Dec 8	65TH ANNIVERSARY and Christmas Din-
ner, Br. 50, Euclid, OH at Rechar Hall.
ON THE COVER...
SLOVENIAN SOCIETIES PLAY ROLE IN SUMMER OLYMPICS
ATLANTA, Georgia - Olympic News - Seven Slove-nian-based fraternal and cultural organizations have joined together for a display at the Slovenian House in Atlanta, offering the thousands who visit the nationality house the opportunity to learn more about the societies’ cultural activities in America.
The sign was the brainchild of SNPI Communications Coordinator, Anthony E. Snyder, who was looking for a way to showcase organizations which may be unknown by many.
The sign measures three feet by five feet and is displayed inside the house next to exhibits of Rogaška Crystal, Slovenian wines and other items.
With the Slovenian Women’s Union other fratemals showcased were: AFU (American Fraternal Union) of Ely, Minnesota; AMLA (American Mutual Life Association) Cleveland; KSKJ (American Slovenian Catholic Union) Joliet, 111.; PSWA (Progressive Slovene Women of America) Cleveland; SNPJ (Slovene National Benefit Society), Imperial; and WSA Fraternal Life (formerly the Western Slavonic Association) Denver, Colo.
Each organization had a brief write-up describing their programs, a full-color photo, their official logo and their name and address. The brightly-colored sign attracted the attention of people from all over the world who were visiting the Slovenian House.
According to Snyder, a leader of another fraternal or-ganziation commented on how nice it was to see the Slovenian groups working together toward one goal and added, “I can’t remember ever seeing a project that involved everyone,” and Snyder said, “This Olympic sign is a great first step that will, hopefully, lead to more joint projects.”
Start With Us!
That’s the name and that’s the message for the current SWU Membership Campaign, now going on!
Sign up a new member today! Use the SWU Brochures that tell the story of our “Zveza” - get your friends interested in the heritage work and women’s activities promoted these many years by the Slovenian Women’s Union.
Membership Applications are available through the branch secretaries or write to the Home Office, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432.
HABERMANN Funeral Home
805 N. 6th Street Sheboygan, WI 53081
JEAN KORSMAN, NATIONAL PRESIDENT
I have enjoyed calls and letters from many of my S.W.U. “connections” in the past few weeks; What a delight and inspiration these brief phone visits are!
I also received, by priority mail, a beautiful engraved invitation from the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Milan Kucan, to a reception at the “Slovenian Nationality House” in Atlanta, Georgia, in honor of the Slovene Olympic Delegation! I’m sure this was a result of our S.W.U. ad sign which seven “Slovenian Societies” collaborated on. My invitation was addressed, “Madam President and Mr. Korsman,” so I told my husband he was allowed to come along... Of course, as it arrived only two days before the event so there was no possibility of attending; but it most certainly would have been a marvelous occasion to meet many of the people from the six other Slovene Societies and the special athletes from Slovenia.
I congratulate Lucija Dragavan and Lillian Brule on the “Superior” Award for their mural in Joliet. I took pictures of the wall when I was there last July, and these will remain in my S.W.U. album as an impressive reminder of our talented Slovenian artists.
It sounds as though the Michigan Polka Fest will be a great weekend. I’m proud of our own Kathleen Emerson who has involved the S. W. U. in this event.
It was difficult to decline the invitation to Wisconsin’s (Br. 1) 70th Anniversary celebration on September 8th (the same day as Minnesota’s State Convention). The National President has an obligation to
STATE CONVENTIONS SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
Sept. 8 M1NNESTOTA STATE DAY at Br. 35, Aurora
Sept. 8 WISCONSIN STATE CONVENTION and 70th Anniversary, Br. 1, Sheboygan
Oct. 6 ILLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVENTION and 70th ANNIVERSARY, Br. 2, Chicago
Oct. 13 OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION, Br. 14, Euclid
visit these Regional Conventions in person to encourage and and bond the membership; (especially since this is such a memorable year, and Sheboygan was Mrs. Prisland’s hometown). Perhaps soon each region can be visited yearly as was done in the past.
Minnesota celebrated our S.W.U. 70th Anniversary at the Ironworld Discovery Center in Chisholm on Sunday, August 12th in conjunction with “All Slav Day.” President Charlotte Laurich has made plans for us to have lunch, visit, and then enjoy the Duquesne University Tamburitzans followed by a short program when S.W.U. dignitaries will be introduced. We are hoping for a great turn-out.
I was blessed with a new granddaughter, Madeline Jean Schoonover, (born to Barb and Hank) on June 18th. She said, “Grandma, I would like to be a junior member of S.W.U!" So, of course, I will enroll her! That makes six grandchildren for me, and number 38 for Great Grandma, Annie Purkat.
The wild blueberries are so abundant this year;
I	will indulge my berry-picking craze next week while my husband is on his annual fishing trip to Canada. Then our trip to Finland on August 20th and “back down to earth” when our busy harvest starts around the middle of September.
Happy Anniversaries!
Congratulations to our founding branches of SWU who celebrate their 70th Anniversaries soon!
Br. 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin on Sept. 8, 1996
Br. 2, Chicago, Illinois on Oct. 13, 1996
They were formed on the same day, December 19, 1996, through the effort of our late Founder, Marie Prisland and a group of dedicated, commu-nity-minded women. We salute their hard work and foresight.
Celebrations of the 70th Anniversary will be held in conjunction with the State-Regional Conventions for Wisconsin and Illinois-Indiana, respectively.
NATIONAL SECRETARY - - KEEPING UP-TO-DATE
The billing has been completed! If you, or a member you are paying for, has not received an invoice it is time for you to call it to our attention. The next process will be to start sending out the “Overdue” notices. You can save us time and postage if you respond to the invoice you received. As a reminder, please remember, you hold a certificate that is payable upon your demise. If, when that time comes, you were not on the Nat’l Secretary’s invoice list, it would mean that no dues were paid and the certificate would be considered null and void. Receiving ZARJA indicates that you are a member — not that your dues are paid. We thank you for your attention to this request.
What happens to your check when it arrives here? It is received and posted within 1-2 days, and then deposited within another day. For members who have called to see if they are paid, officers checking to see if dues have been paid — it is so nice to be able to pull up the information from the computer and tell them the date they paid and the check number to cover. On invoices that carry more than one member’s name (We call these “Grandmother Accounts”), we can filter out the hames that Grandma pays for. It has really proven to be a very successful system.
Someone may wonder why your name carries a number
2	after it. This indicates to us that someone else belongs to S.W.U. with the same name. The computer will not accept two people with the same name, so we label them with numbers. So far we have not had to use the number 3.
It is still of concern to us that members question the increase in dues, and they ask why they were never notified. This again tells us that our messages in ZARJA are not heeded. So, in case you did not know, at the National Convention in San Francisco, Calif, in May, 1995, dues were increased across the board. These increases were put into effect in January, 1996.
We again ask that you DO NOT SEND CASH. Beside the fact that you are taking a risk, we also do not want to send it through the mail for deposit. A check is then written to cover your payment.
The stamp you use on your return envelope is put to good use. Each and every stamp is removed from the envelope and these are turned over to the Ursuline Nuns who are very grateful for “your” donation. Stamps that miss going through the cancellation machine at the postoffice are set aside and reused!
One matter of concern has come to our attention. Calls have been received here from members wanting to file benefit claims, change beneficiaries, enroll new members, etc. They tell us that when they contacted the Branch Secretary they were told that since the concept of Direct Billing was begun, they no longer handle such details, that it is all to be handled by the National Secretary. Please, Secretaries, your job remains. There is still much to be done on your end of the organization. I ask that you receive and answer all the calls directed to you. Remember the old saying, “a chain is only as strong as its’ weakest link.” We thank you for your cooperation, you have truly made this venture a success!
Respectfully,
Evelyn A. Majercik
LOST - Please help us find...
Margaret Yurjevsic (address unknown)
Please let us hear from you, regarding correspondence received from you with no return address.
If you know the family of the following members, please have them contact our office, or forward their information to us so we may contact them:
Mary M. Bedenko, Branch 105, of Hazel Park, MI (Deceased 1994)
Pauline Stajduhar, Branch 92, of Crested Butte, CO (Deceased, 1994)
Regina A. Buchanan, Branch 95, of Chicago, IL (Deceased 1994/1995)
Frances Sterle LaDu, Branch 19, of Minneapolis, MN (Deceased 1994)
Mary Murn, Branch 17, of New Berlin, WI (Deceased date unknown)
Insurance claims are pending on these certificates.
Slovenian Women’s Union
P.O. Box 46539 Bedford, Ohio 44146
70th ANNIVERSARY-1996
A
CONGRATULATIONS ON OUR 70TH ANNIVERSARY!
Historic 1928Photos of our two Founding BranchesI
Branch 1
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
First row: Johana Suscha,
Fanie Ribich, Meta Erzen,
Margaret Prisland Fischer,
Mary Repensek, Founder Marie Prisland, Mary Gorenz, Jenie Gorenz, Mary Falle, Tereza Simonich; second row: Mary Zore, Ana Vertacic, Mary Kerzisnik,
Ana Strupek, Luisa Mesnig,
Frances Suscha, Frances Zorko, Mary Brezovnik; third
row: Angela Falle, Paula Turk, Ana Modic, Ana Zavrl, Mary Godec, Mary Ribich, Frances Bencic; fourth row: Jean Gorenz, Ana Falle, Mary Falle, Josephina Kotnik, Veronika Zavrl, Mary Jerman, Ana Bertacic, Josephine Cerpich, Mary Kovacic, Mary Govek.
Branch 2 Chicago, Illinois
First row:	Elizabeth
Kordes, Alva Jerin, Jennie Stayer, Mary Jorga, Theresa Chemich, Katy Triller, Agnes Augustin, Helen Zakrajšek,
Katarina Shonta; second row:
Theresa Kremesec, Ursula Veber, Antonia Vogrich,
First Editor of ZARJA Fany Jazbec, First Nat’l Secretary Julia Gottlieb,
First Nat’l Treasurer
Matilda Duller, Matilda Miroslavic, Theresa Medic, Anna Zugel; third row: Albina Jazbec, Frances Mikus, Mimie Starman, Angela Schwab, Magda Brisar, Antonia Glavach, Gertrude Volkar, Mary Stimec, Julia Kukman, fourth row: Millie Kusar, Emma Gottlieb, Betty Besoshek, Mildred Schiller, Anna Swazich, Anna Prah, Ida Mikus, Julia Gottlieb.
6t
My Heritage and Culture
1996 SWU Scholarship Winners write their impressions
I am Slovenian - there is no way to deny it. No, I’m not fluent in the language, I do not have any traditional Slovenian dress in my wardrobe, and I’ve never actually been to Slovenia to visit my relatives.
Still, being Slovenian is important to me. Many of the little things in my life are influenced by my heritage. The wonderful sense of family and church instilled in me is a direct result of my mother’s and grandparents’ Slovenian upbringing. And each year I look forward to Holy Saturday so that I can help my mother prepare the žegen basket filled with common Slovenian foods: Slovenian sausage, potica, and želodec.
That’s not much, you might think, but I must disagree. It’s everything. These small details are my life - they’re me. I wouldn’t trade my Slovenian heritage for any other. Heck, I can polka with the best of them and I certainly would not give up my grandma’s homemade potica either!
Angela Miklavčič
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My Slovenian heritage and culture are very important to me and I believe that they are largely responsible for the way I live my life. When I think of my heritage and culture I can find no better manner in which they are exemplified than in my family.
Our Slovenian heritage is an important bond that my family and I share. Both sides of my family are very close, as previous generations of the Hrovat and Maxin families have been. When I think of Christmas, I envision not only decorated trees and brightly wrapped gifts, but also my family seated together at the dinner table, beginning our Christmas Eve meal with a Slovenian prayer. I also have vivid memories of attending Slovenian masses with my grandmother years ago. All of these traditions are not only Slovenian but family-oriented as well.
My Slovenian heritage and culture create an important bond in my family. We not only have the European traditions of our ancestors, but also a tradition of togetherness that we have made ourselves.
Jennifer Hrovat
My Slovenian heritage and culture has played a very important part in my life. I have grown up in Pueblo, Colorado, which has many residents of Slovenian descent.
Because of this, I have had the opportunity to participate in the American Slovenian Women’s Union as well as the local KSKJ Lodge 7 as an active member.
Both of these organizations work to preserve the Slovenian heritage in my community. Through various activities, I have been able to offer my time and talent in order to do my part in the preservation of the Slovenian culture. I am also a member of St. Mary’s Help of Christians Church, which also has a large Slovenian population. At one time, they were one of the 4 ethnic parishes in Pueblo. They have various events which help us remember our heritage and culture.
My Slovenian heritage is very important to me and I am proud to say that I am Slovenian.
Heather M. Walsh
People are generally influenced by key events or experiences in their lives. Being a reflective person by nature, I find that every experience influences me in some way, although some affect me more than others. My cultural background has immensely influenced my development and growth. I am of 100% Slovenian descent; both sets of my grandparents immigrated to the United States in the 1940’s from Slovenia. They taught their children the Slovenian language and customs, and their children, my parents, in turn taught them to their children. Although I was bom and raised in the United States, my first words were Slovenian. As a toddler, I watched all the usual children’s television shows such as Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers and played with the neighborhood children, but at home, we always spoke Slovenian. Under my mother’s instruction, I learned to read and write in both English and Slovenian, becoming fluent in both languages by age four. From as far back into my childhood as I remember, my family has participated in
Slovenian-related activities. We have attended Slovenian concerts, dancing and theatrical performances, and religious services. Many family members are active in Slovenian clubs such as the Slovenian Women’s Union and AMLA. We practice Slovenian customs and traditions as well, especially during the Christmas and Easter Holidays. The Christmas customs include special prayers and blessings on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, ethnic foods, and Slovenian songs. At Eastertime, we practice the custom of blessing certain foods. My Slovenian heritage has influenced my growth and development in innumerable ways. Most importantly, it has instilled in me high values for tradition and for family. It has provided me with an appreciation and respect for ethnic diversity and a sense of pride in my own heritage. More generally, my exposure to the Slovenian language and customs has contributed to my becoming a well-rounded person with diverse experiences. As a result of both my family and my cultural background. 1 have developed a strong work ethic; one which emphasizes hard work, dedication, and responsibility, and I have also realized that service to others is an essential part of life. In addition, my culture has provided me with a true respect for freedom, courage to stand up for my values, and the motivation to fight for what is right. I am indebted to those who have taught me about my heritage and culture, for they have truly helped me to become the person I am today.
Andrea Selak
Let's Keep the Dream Alive!
Scholars and Donors Commended
As the new director of the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program, I am beginning to appreciate more fully how dedicated members have been in supporting this fund over the past 47 years. To date 179 students have received a total of $99,850 to achieve their educational goals. Past directors, Hermine Dicke, Carita Gir-man, and Marge Church through their excellent book keeping and records, have managed and guided this program well. Our S.W.U. members are to be commended for their generosity.
I will be happy to receive correspondence and donations at my home address:
Mary Turvey,
52 Oakridge Drive, Marquette, Michigan 49855
Scholarship Fund Donations
ending June 30, 1996
Donor:
Br. 103, Washington, D.C. $20.00
Donor:
Mary P. Ryan $10.00 Br. 40, Lorain, OH
In Honor of:
Scholarship Candidates
In Memory of:
Stephanie Ryan
Steve Majercik
athleen’s
onnection
As you are aware the 70th Anniversary Tour of Slovenia was canceled because, while there appeared to be a lot of initial interest, we were unable to secure the required 30 passengers needed for the tour. Frankly I was disappointed that an organziation our size could not come up with the minimum required. A lot of time and effort was put into organizing this trip including the travel agent, our editor, and myself. I would like to thank Terry Stefl for all the work he put into planning the trip and Corinne Leskovar for all the information about the trip and Slovenia in general she published in our ZARJA. For myself I took the last two months reflecting on whether or not I wanted to be involved in planning any more trips on behalf of the Slovenian Women’s Union. When the decision was made to cancel the trip I was really hurt. To some that may seen silly but
you have to understand when I took the job of Women’s Activity Director I was lead to believe that we wanted to go to Slovenia. I hope that the people who really wanted to go were able to join other tours.
What’s next I asked myself. Since I am not a quitter and I truly believe in our Zveza, I am currently looking into some domestic trips. Watch your ZARJA for further details.
My faith in our Zveza was also given a boost at the first Michigan Slovene Polkafest.
I met a lot of nice people and some of our out of state members. It was a pleasure talking with all of them. We discussed so many of our concerns including lack of activity or a branch in their area. All it takes is a few members willing to get together make a difference. As I see it, it is not quantity but quality that makes a difference.
At our festival many people were asking about dolls. I know Beverly Jackson has made some beautiful ones and I’m sure other members have also. What I am looking for are some patterns for any of the regional costumes. I would like to get on early start for next year’s festival. Please help!
See you next issue...
Kathleen Emerson
Women’s Activity Director
ON THE COVER..
OLYMPIC SIGN REFLECTS “GOLDEN EFFORT” BY SLOVENIAN FRATERNALS
The Slovenian Women’s Union joined six other Slovenian fraternal organizations in erecting a sign that was displayed in the Slovenian House in Atlanta during the Olympics. The sign, measuring three feet by five feet, was a colorful representation of each organization, with name and address then an explanation of its programs, a full color photo, and the official logo.
The SWU chose “Pride” as one of the outstanding characteristics of our organization and Editor, Corinne Leskovar wrote the required copy working with Anthony Snyder of the SNPJ who initiated the project.
The Slovenian House attracted many Olympic visitors and the sign was instrumental in advertising the fraternal
organizations in the United States which for generations have played a prominent role in the cultural activities of the American-Slovenian communities.
Since each organization has its own agenda, it is rare that the fraternal groups co-operate in any activity, however, the Fraternal Olympic Sign may lead the way to more combined efforts in the future. This has been a cooperative effort worthy of a “gold medal” and should be repeated in the future. After all, every fraternal organization should have one primary goal at this juncture of fraternalism, and that is the preservation of the Slovenian ethnic culture in the United States for posterity’s sake.
Irene Odorizzi
Following is the text of the SWU sign at the Slovenian Olympic House:
Pride...
In the tradition of its founders, the Slovenian Women’s Union of America strives to maintain active programs for the preservation of ancestral heritage, the furthering of education and promotion of home and cultural life for its 6,000 members - women and their families - in the United States.
Whether it’s a college scholarship fund, publication of books tracing the lives of immigrant Slovenian women, two well-received ethnic cookbooks or the organization’s popular bi-monthly magazine, ZARJA - The Dawn, the SWU credits much of its success to the founding women of the society - women of strong Christian values and high principles.
They also operate a Slovenian Heritage Museum and gift shop at the SWU headquarters.
Since its founding in 1926, the pride and dedication demonstrated by SWU members has made it an important part of our nation’s Slovenian-American community.
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA EMBASSY HOSTS STUDENT GROUP
The 1996 graduating class of St. Joseph School, Joliet, Illinois selected Washington, D.C. as the site for their class trip. On their first day in the Nation’s Capital, the group of
graduates, principal, teacher, parents and friends visited the lovely Slovenian Embassy situated on New Hampshire Ave. N.W. and were warmly greeted by First Secretary, Miklavž Borštnik and the Embassy staff..
St. Joe’s, as the school is fondly called, was built over 100 years ago by the early Slovenian immigrants and has continued to maintain a high quality of instruction to its students. Most of the members of Branch 20 received their basic education at St. Joe’s, and this educational institution is truly the Slovenian immigrants’ monument to their vision and appreciation for the value of education.
The group was very happy being allowed to visit the Embassy and were welcomed with genuine Slovenian hospitality. The group admired the lovely paintings hanging throughout the Embassy one of which was the painting of Bishop Baraga preaching to the Indians.
Ambassador Ernest Petrič, a very busy diplomat, found time to briefly welcome the group before hurrying to his next appointment. The group was excited about visiting the Embassy, meeting Ambassador Petrič, First Secretary Borštnik and the other members of the staff and extended their appreciation to the busy diplomats for their time and hospitality.
(Arrangements were made by Washington Landmark Tours of Reston, Virginia 20191, known for arranging tours for the SWU and other Slovenian groups.)
The Slovenian flag is prominently displayed over the entrance to the Republic of Slovenia Embassy in Washington, D.C.
0 genealogy 1 notebook
1° Discovering My Lost Heritage
by
CYNTHIA GROOM JENSEN
PART III MIRACLES DO HAPPEN
I was as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs when Richard and his wife, Joyce, drove up to our house in Corpus Christi, Texas. Tho my heart was in my throat, happiness and joy replaced the tears when for the first time I was able to hug and kiss Richard, my beloved lost brother.
There were numerous hugs and kisses througout their visit. Of course, their Brooklyn accents were thick as pea soup, but I suppose our Texas accents were equally thick!
I had prepared finger foods and Richard’s two favorite pies from my mother’s scratch recipes: coconut cream and lemon. Now, at last, Richard had a second-hand version of his mother’s cooking.
It seemed that we had known each other for all our lives. Even Richard and Joyce, who were so warm and natural, commented about that fact. Although we talked quite a bit about our different lives, we spent most of the three days touring Texas.
Richard told us that his mother had left him with his maternal grandmother for seven years until she remarried and came for him, taking him to New York City. His name was changed to Richard David Nedwin and there he lived with his step-father and mother. Richard said that during this period he lived a very sheltered life with his grandmother and that his childhood was unhappy. He could not play with other children outside his grandmother’s yard because, “someone might take him.” He was never told anything, good or bad, about his biological father. It was a closed subject so he had no memory of his father. Richard confided that with his mother gone and no father, he felt alone and different from other children.
As Richard matured, his mother provided him with a good home and his step-father, who was Jewish, treated him well. Richard learned the dry-cleaning business from
We conclude a three-part story of the two children of John and Angie Groom, namely, Cynthia Groom Jensen and her brother, John N. Groom, who were united with their missing brother, Richard Nedwin, on April 4, 1996.
This meeting would never have occurred if it were not for the Cynthia’s persistent efforts. Through her genealogical research she successfully located the first son born to her father during a short-lived three-year marriage. After his divorce, despite repeated efforts, he was never to see his son, Richard. His former wife had moved from Barberton, Ohio to New York City and had remarried, changing Richard’s surname, and making the ability to locate him very difficult.
Cynthia circulated 250 bulletins within Slovenian and Croatian communities throughout north and eastern states and specifically in her father’s hometown of Forest City, PA. This last aggressive effort finally produced positive results in January of 1995, at which time a friend of Richard’s aunt saw the plea and sent the newspaper clipping to Richard in Brooklyn, NY.
Richard’spaternal aunt, aged 94, resides in Barberton, Ohio. She and other Groom family members are thrilled that, at last, the three children were finally united.
The final part of Cynthia’s story relates the actual meeting of the three siblings.
Cynthia Groom Jensen and her brother, John N. Groom reunited with their brother Richard Nedwin (center) on April 4, 1996 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
the late Mr. Nedwin and continues to operate the dry-cleaning plant today. He and his wife have been married for 45 years and they have a daughter, Robin, a son, Glenn, and six grandchildren. Three granddaughters are triplets. Richard’s children are my only blood related niece and nephew, so that makes me very proud, along with the knowledge that I’m a great auntie as well.
As a remembrance of Texas and their meeting, John bought his brother Richard a leather belt and buckle from the famous Flying W Saddle Shop in Kingsville. The Flying W is the cattle brand of the famous King Ranch which is headquartered in Kingsville, Texas. Southern portions of the one million acre ranch borders the southwest side of the town’s city limits.
My gifts to Richard were personal momentoes of his father, especially a leather-tooled wallet which his father
cJ-fszitacjE dVzLus, and ^
Irene Planinšek Odorizzi
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANN SAVOR!
Once you’ve traveled to Slovenia for a visit on a tour, there are many stories of your numerous and beautiful experiences that you can tell upon returning to America.
The people you chance to meet when abroad can sometimes broaden to a long-lasting friendship or a correspondence that continues through the years.
When my mother and I visited Slovenia in 1969, we met a very friendly couple, Ann and Martin Savor of Warren, Ohio. It was a chance meeting when we became seated at the same outdoor table enjoying beverages and entertainment provided by the Avsenik Quintet. We certainly enjoyed their company and through the years, Ann has been a great correspondent, as we have exchanged cards and letters for 27 years.
On the occasion of her 90th year, I’d like to wish Ann Savor many more healthy and happy years ahead in the company of her husband, Martin, and son, John.
Dear ZARJA readers and SWU Members-
The Heritage Fund welcomes donations in honor of, or in memory of, your dear friends and relatives. A special card is sent in your name if you so wish. Please remember the SWU Heritage Fund is truly a worthy cause and should be remembered by all who value their Slovenian heritage. Thank you in advance.
Zip Code Change as of July 1, 1996: Irene Odorizzi, 20191
DISCOVERING MY LOST HERITAGE (Continued)
carried everyday. Richard was very touched and pleased to receive these gifts but especially excited to hear more about his father’s life. He finally became aware that his father dedicated his adult life to Scouting in behalf of his lost son, feeling that in this way he could help other young boys, like Richard, who were without benefit of their biological father. We were all pleasantly surprised when Ricahrd announced, “You know I was a Senior Scout in Brooklyn!” It seemed coincidental until Richard expressed enjoying the same outdoor activities as his father.
Physical resemblance became apparent as well. I was amazed that Richard and I favor our Slovenian father quite a bit whereas, John is the image of his dear Croatian mother.
We continued comparing father and son, and realized that Richard also had his father’s ability of improvising something workable out of nothing. The list was almost endless of the things our father and we three siblings had in common. One of the oddest similarities was that Richard, lohn and I can’t sleep, year round, without a fan blowing across our feet. Yes, and Daddy, too!
John, who is 60 years old, was no longer the oldest in
HERITAGE HEROES
A $100.00 plaque donation for the Heritage Museum was sent in by Maria Ferkul, Treasurer of Branch 19, Eveleth, MN. This donation from the branch will be recognized on the plaque which hangs in the museum. Many, many thanks ladies for this very generous donation. It is because of generous donors as your branch, that the heritage work continues. Hvala lepa.
A donation of $24.30 was sent by Rosemary Donald, Sec./Treas. of Branch 33 in Duluth, MN. Every year at the May meeting and Mothers Day Party, the ladies collect for the heritage fund. I think these members have chosen an interesting project for the month of May, since the Heritage Fund is used to promote the preservation of Slovenian immigrant life in America which also honors all the Slovenian immigrant mothers who were the heart of the Slovenian family. Many thanks for the great idea and for your contribution, Branch 33.
Mary Mejac, Secretary of Branch 103, sent a $20 donation to the Heritage Fund in the name of its members. It is one of the many donations that the branch makes to numerous individuals and groups during the year. Thank you for continuing to place Heritage on your list of worthy causes, ladies!
Jonita Ruth remembered Fred Hofer of Shorewood, Illinois, with a $10.00 Heritage donation in his memory. Fred, who passed away on June 24th was the husband of Bertha Hofer, Branch 20, and son-in-law of Emma Planinšek, 47 year President of Branch 20. We thank Jonita and all the other members who continue to remember the Heritage Fund with their memoriams.
the family, and jokingly called his brother, Richard, who was 66 years old, “Bubba,” a Texas word of endearment. At 58 years, I still remain the “baby,” of the family. This sibling rivalry was conducted in fun and jest. There was so much love among us all that every moment together was like riding on cloud nine.
Although, Daddy didn’t live to once again see Richard, his son, at least the mystery of the hurtful past is removed. Our father’s love for all three of his off-spring brought us together and we in turn were blessed with love for one another, as Daddy would have wished.
THE END
Many thanks to Cynthia Jensen for sharing her genealogical adventure with our readers. Isn't it wonderful to hear that she found her long lost brother through genealogical research? Hopefully, Cynthia’s success will stimulate others to “seek and find. ”
Another thank-you to Cynthia for allowing me to edit her story.
1.0.
SLOVENIAN CHAPEL CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY, SEPT. 7,1996!
Holy Mass in the Basilica, 3 p.m. followed by a Dinner and Cultural Program at Little Flower Church Hall.
For tickets, please call Conrad Mejac, (202) 966-0296 ($20 at the door or $18 in advance). The Holiday Inn at 5520 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, tel. (301) 656-1500, fax, (301) 656-5045 is recommended.
AVho can forget that beautiful day, August 15, 1971 when we gathered Washington, D.C. to witness the blessing of our own Slovenian Chapel, representative of the faith of so many Slovenians living in the United States. The Slovenian Women’s Union had a great part in its happening. At the National Convention of SWU held in May, 1968, a resolve was made to spearhead the fund drive for the Slovenian Chapel, proposed by a group Washingtonians, among them our members. Albina Novak and Antonia Turek, well-remembered leaders of SWU, had the belief that this great undertaking could be accomplished and went to work. Our ZARJA led the way with information and fund-raising promotions among our members.
On the day of the dedication, one of the largest crowds ever to assemble came to Washington, many dressed in national costume, with flags and banners waving. Bishop Maximilian Držečnik of Maribor was the main celebrant. He blessed the altar and picture of Marija Pomagaj, - Our Lady of Brezje, a gift from the people of Slovenian descent in the U.S., a reproduction of the famed Leopold Layer painting that is revered at the Shrine in Brezje that has become historically the most visited Shrine in Slovenia. President Richard Nixon sent his congratulations. Since then, national leaders of the U.S. and Slovenian governments have visited the Shrine and again validated the deep faith of our people.
Now we have reached the 25th Anniversary of its existence and we are indeed proud - not only of the accomplishment, but also of the fact that we, Slovenians in the United States, who have a beautiful religious tradition, can proudly proclaim it in substance - the Slovenian Chapel - standing in its magnificence in the Nation’s Capital.	C.L.
SLOVENSKA KAPELA - SLOVENIAN CHAPEL -
Dedicate to the Patroness of Slovenia, Our Lady of Brezje, “Marija Pomagaj” is located in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. and 7th largest in the world.
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING HOME OFFICE, JOLIET, IL - February 17 & 18, 1996
The Annual Meeting of the Slovenian Women’s National Board was called to order at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 1996 at the Home Office of the Slovenian Women’s Union. The presiding officer was Jean Korsman. All voting members were present, including the following: Jean Korsman, National President Kathleen Dorchak, National Vice President Evelyn Majercik, National Secretary Beverly Menart, National Treasurer Cirila Kermavner, First Auditor Marge Church, Second Auditor Pat Figurowski, Third Auditor, also,
Corinne Leskovar, ZARJA Editor Irene Odorizzi, Heritage Director Kathleen Emerson, Women’s Activities Director Kathy Schroeder, Junior Activities Director
The National Secretary, Evelyn Majercik read the minutes of the July 15, 1995 reorganizational meeting and they were approved as read.
Ron Erjavec, officer of the First Midwest Trust Company was first on our agenda. He presented the financial report as of January 31, 1996. Our current financial status of $798,835 invested in stocks and bonds will allow us an estimated annual interest income of $45,873. It was moved that the board consider a reduction in our reserve requirement from $25,000 to $10,000 to obtain more benefit from our investments. The motion passed.
SECRETARY’S REPORT (Evelyn Majercik)
The financial status was reviewed from the period July 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995. Quick Books is the PC accounting package being used to prepare our statements and reports. Secretary Majercik read various letters received concerning the direct billing. Letters will be sent to these specific branches to try to collect their 1995 dues. The new billing will eliminate any delinquent members after a three (3) month waiver.
Delayed Direct Billing - To date approximately 1,900 bills have been sent out. Payments are coming in regularly on these statements. A member of Branch 73 is entering data to help speed up the direct billing. The Board agreed to compensate her for her work, paid out of Secretary Majer-cik’s salary (not to exceed $200 a month). All members will be billed and should pay promptly upon receipt of their bill.
Payments of Benefits - A motion was made and passed to contact the Insurance Commission in the State of Illinois to find out if it is necessary to issue a new policy when a junior becomes an adult or can we just attach a rider or an addendum. When there is a change in a Beneficiary, the Branch Secretary can accept this change and notify Secretary Majercik. Also, it may be that Branch Secretaries only need to send a copy of the death certificate to pay out the death
benefit. The Insurance Commission of Illinois will be asked if it is necessary to receive an official notice of the death certificate or can a copy be used. Because all members may have not received their bill, if it is necessary to pay a death benefit for 1996, the dues for those members will be prorated.
The Board agreed consideration should be given for a Bylaws change at the next convention. Article XI Junior Department 11.03 should be amended to discontinue the free annual dues for juniors transferring to adult membership. Consideration should be given to an amendment to help our older members by possibly offering one year or more free dues. This was tabled.
There are still some branches in arrears for payments for 1995. They will be notified that they must submit payment for their delinquent dues or they will be suspended.
ZARJA EDITOR (Corinne Leskovar)
Corinne was moved up on the agenda as she had to leave early. Corinne expresed various concerns about her position: when does the length of her term expire, is her salary to remain the same if we only have six issues, how will payment of her expenses be made, who will be her successor. The Board agreed to pay her monthly telephone bill along with an extra $32.00 a month for postage. Her salary will remain $670.00 a month, plus the $133.33 a month for travel and incidental office expenses. She has asked the Board to consider this her last term. The Board will need to develop a contract that identifies the duties and salary before hiring a new editor.
Ritual and Bylaws booklets are currently being updated. It was moved and seconded that Marge Church, a committee member, update the Bylaws with the changes that occurred at the National Convention. These will not be reproduced in booklet form (to save money). A quick print shop will be used to reproduce copies. Copies of the revised Bylaws will be sent to each branch president after the approval of President Korsman, Editor Leskovar (Convention Bylaw Committee Chairman), and other committee members.
Corinne also suggested the Board develop goals for the next four years to unite our membership. The Board agreed such a set of goals was needed. Corinne was excused from the meeting for personal reasons.
HERITAGE VOLUNTEERS (Branch 20)
Two heritage volunteers (Margaret Dusa and Millie Pucel) and their legal counsel (Bob Purchowski) asked to be on the agenda to clear up concerns regarding the Heritage Fund. After some discussion everyone agreed the funds for the heritage museum would be deposited into First Midwest Bank and recorded separately as originally stated by the National Secretary. Any items for reorder for the museum
would be ordered by the volunteers, reviewed by the Heritage Director and the bills sent directly to the National Secretary for payment from this fund. The Board acknowledged all of the work done by the volunteers from Branch 20. They hope we all can continue to work together for the continued advancement of our Slovenian Heritage and to carry out the work of the Cultural and Heritage Director, as set down in the bylaws of SWU.
CORRESPONDENCE (Jean Korsman)
President Korsman reviewed correspondence: A letter from the Illinois Fraternal Congress asking for our participation in their meeting; Thank you card from Jonita Ruth’s family; Illinois Department of Insurance - Secretary Majer-cik is completing this lengthy report to provide them with the necessary information; Letters from various SWU members who are unhappy with the decisions resulting from the last convention (responses will be sent by President Korsman). President Korsman highlighted areas on her annual report to the Board. Lengthy discussion followed on all these concerns. Valuable information was exchanged and the President was advised to address these problems when possible.
HOME OFFICE (Jean Korsman)
We have received a donation of a photo copier from a member of Br. 2, Chicago. President Korsman will send thank you notes on behalf of the Board for this wonderful contribution to the home office.
Compensation - Jonita Ruth, Secretary at the home office, will continue to receive compensation of $315.00 a month for working 20 hours a week. Any help needed to complete office duties will need to come out of her salary. Duties and job expectations will be outlined at another Board meeting.
Rental Property - It was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed that the renters in the 2nd floor apartment at the Home Office need to pay monthly rent in full and any repair bills should be submitted separately to Secretary Majercik for prompt payment. The building appears to need minor brick work repair. Jonita Ruth will obtain three estimates and submit these proposals to President Korsman for the Board’s review.
AUDITORS (Cirila Kermavner, Marge Church, Pat Figurowski)
According to the Bylaws an audit is needed for January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995. An audit has not been done since March 1995. All agreed that Pat Figurowski would fly to Cleveland, after April 15, but before the end of April, to meet with the other auditors and Secretary Majercik to audit the books. A CPA will also be present to help establish guidelines for the auditors to follow. Per diem s will be paid to the auditors and Pat will receive reimbursement for her flight.
SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTOR (Marge Church)
New Director - Marge has been serving as interim Scholarship Director. An application has been received for the vacated position of the Scholarship Director. After reviewing her application and discussing her qualifications, the board unanimously approved Mary H. Turvey for this position effective July 1, 1996. As was given in the past, she will receive a stipend payment of $600.00 a year. The Board expressed sincere thanks to Marge for doing such a good job and she will receive the yearly stipend.
Scholarship Account - The Scholarship account has $16,838.79 with $10,000.00 of the money held in a CD. The board reviewed payments made to scholarship recipients. Half the $1,000.00 is paid upon proof of registration. The second half is paid once grades have been received along with proof of registration for the second semester. The present Bylaws are interpreted to read that a separate bank account for the scholarship account will be held at First Midwest Bank. According to the present bylaws, the Scholarship Director, along with the National Secretary will draw checks from this account to pay the scholarship winners and any expenses of the director.
The Committee - Appointed to serve on Scholarship Committee for the selection of the 1996-97 winners are: Marge Church, Irene Odorizzi, Kathleen Emerson, Mary Turvey and Past National President Tory Bobence. In the event Tory declines the appointment on the committee Kathleen Dorchak will assume her position.
FOOD COLUMN
An application was received for a new food column Editor for the ZARJA. It was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed upon to select Marion Juricic Bowers as the new Food Editor. This position is effective July 1, 1996. She will be paid a monthly stipend of $50.00 as was given to the past editor. She will be responsible for writing the food and recipe column for each ZARJA publication, start work on the publication of a new cookbook that could tie into our 70th year celebration, and create a new name for her column. In the past, the profit from the sale of cookbooks has paid for the expenses incurred at the National Convention.
President Korsman adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 1996.
The Board meeting reconvened Sunday, February 18, 1996 at 9:55 a.m.
WOMEN’S ACTIVITIES (Kathleen Emerson)
Fall Trip to Slovenia - Kathleen was most excited to present to the Board plans for a two-week trip to Slovenia in September 1996 to celebrate our 70th year. The cost is $2,717 for members and $2,767 for non-members. We need a minimum of 30 people for the trip to take place. A down payment of $300.00 is due by May 1, 1996 to hold a seat,
full payment is due by July 1, 1996. It was moved and seconded along with unanimous approval for Kathleen to advertise in other Slovenian publications by writing articles that may not require additional costs.
Branch 105 is participating in Slovene Days in Detroit on July 26, 27 and 28. Kathleen would like other branches to join in the festivities. She plans to sell items from the Heritage Museum, which will benefit our Heritage Fund treasury.
Other activities that Kathleen is looking into are the following: A reunion trip of convention goers to Las Vegas for February 1997, a Polka cruise to the Caribbean Oct. or Nov. 1997, long week end trip to Minnesota (possibly with their state convention) to see the mines and other attractions, and a trip to Ellis Island. Kathleen will gladly accept quotes from travel agents.
It was moved, seconded and passed that Kathleen will mail to each branch president: information about the upcoming trip to Slovenia, Mother of the Year forms and a form to be completed listing the newly elected branch officers for 1996. Kathleen was excused from the meeting early for personal reasons.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR (Kathy Schroeder)
Kathy has accepted the responsibility to write the youth column in the ZARJA starting in July. This will replace the long existing Davy column. She will try to get our younger members involved by writing stories or poetry. She asked for the Board’s assistance to help her come up with ideas that will be appealing to the young readers. The Board agreed her position can and should be broadened to involve our youth in many ways. Kathy was excused from the meeting early for personal reasons.
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS (Jean Korsman)
Ohio-Michigan - Has a new President, Olga Dorchak (Branch 47) and new Vice President, Fran Gazvoda (Branch 25).
Illinois-Indiana - Has a new President Gerri Lynn Bima (Branch 24) and Vice President Bonnie Prokop (Branch 24). The Board is most excited to see these two younger members accept these challenging positions and plans to help them in any way possible. (In this situation, age should not be a discriminating factor.)
Minnesota - New President Charlotte Laurich (Branch 38), Vice President Anne Orazem (Branch 34), and Secretary Dorothy Jamnik (Branch 34)
Wisconsin - President Joan Yaklich (Branch 12) and Vice President Karen Janezich (Branch 43).
Western States - President Dorothy Sleigh (Branch 79)
Pennsylvania, New York Washington, D.C. - do not have a regional president and do not hold a regional convention.
Colorado, Kansas, Missouri - do not have a regional president or hold a regional convention.
Secretary Majercik was instructed to prepare a list of all regional, local and national officers with their mailing addresses for 1996.
OTHER BUSINESS
Disbanding Branches - After all dues have been paid, disbanding branch members can be combined with another branch or become members of the Home Office (Branch 30). After an audit is completed the bank accounts of both branches should be combined. The combined branch would agree on the use of the funds, possibly a one-time payment of elderly members dues or donations to the Heritage or Scholarship Funds.
National Convention in 1999 - Vice President Dorchak reported the next National Convention will be in Orlando, Florida at the Marriott Hotel on International Drive. The third week in May has been tentatively booked. Suggestions of times, tours (both pre and post convention) were discussed. Plans have not been completed.
Jonita Ruth asked for some time to address the board about her concerns.
The Board discussed the possibility of another board meeting this year. The short meeting of one and a half days doe not allow enough time to conduct all the necessary business that comes before the Board. The date for the 1997 board meeting will be decided later.
Goals - The Board discussed various ways to market Zveza, be more visible and give more exposure. Possibly consideration to allow for letters to the editor in the ZARJA or a question and answer column from members to the national board. Various avenues need to be explored, and all members are encouraged to take an active part.
A meeting was adjourned 6:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Kathleen Dorchak, SWU National Vice President.
Kathleen J. Dorchak
Vice President
REPORTS
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
National Officers of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America:
Since my election last May, I have come to realize the enormity of the office. If not for the help and encouragement of my dear friend and two-term President, Victoria Bobence,
I don’t believe I would have accepted such a time-consuming and stressful job, nor would I presume to be capable of handling such a responsibility.
Since being elected, I have tried conscientiously to respond to letters and return phone calls. I had some very pleasant contact with Branch 103, Washington, D.C. on the occasion of their 30th anniversary. I was able to correspond by letter and phone with the Regional Presidents from Wisconsin, Illinois-Indiana and Ohio-Michigan, concerning their Regional Conventions and the problems pertaining to their various Branches. I attended the Minnesota State Convention as the outgoing State President, and addressed the delegation as their new National President.
I have also been called on to answer questions from SWU members in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois and Washington, D.C. In most cases I believe the one-on-one conversations proved to be reassuring; regrettably, some questions remain unanswered.
I have not responded to critical or biased letters from disgruntled members who have only negative comments to address. I could think of no answer, and could find no reason to defend my elected position or that of the other officers.
At the reorganization meeting of the Board held in Joliet in July, I was able to become acquainted with the new and returning Board members and get a perspective on the management of the Home Office, the Heritage Museum and some of the problems confronting our organization. It was evident that our biggest task as new officers would be to facilitate as smooth a transition as possible from the previous administration to the next four-year period, and try to solve some of the problems that have been on-going for many years; that is, late and unpaid dues, incomplete and inaccurate record-keeping, and the diverse and adversarial personalities, from the local Branches up to the National level.
I continue to hope that my letters to ZARJA will convince all members of SWU of my sincere devotion to Zveza, and will alleviate any concerns of those devoted members.
I wish to thank all the Board for their contributions of time and support. I know you are all dedicated to resolving these divisive issues, and together, with God’s help, we will accomplish our tasks as set down in the Bylaws of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America.
Jean Korsman
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
As your new National Vice President I am finding this position to contain many exciting challenges. I am truly amazed on how much the National Board is responsible for, and how much there is to learn. Learning more about our organization and heritage is both an honor and a privilege for me and I am very anxious to contribute my part, meet new friends and serve our organization.
The National Board is facing many challenges and obstacles, such as:
• declining membership
• increased expenses
• decrease in membership participation
We must find solutions to these problems to move our association positively into the 21st century. Collectively, we have many innovative suggestions and ideas that will help us to succeed. I am sure the rewards obtained from our hard work will be worth our efforts.
I am excited about my position and look forward to the next three years of my term.
Kathleen J. Dorchak
FIRST AUDITOR
I’ll start with an old Slovenian greeting to you, Madam President and Officers of the SWU National Board!
“Wishing hopefully, that we’ll reach at our meetings, as a new board, a fulfilled and reachable media, as we can stay loyal to our heritage and also step into the next century. Potentials are there, only we, as a united board, can lead the members into a strong union - SWU.”
Sincerely,
Cirila Kermavner
SECRETARY’S REPORT
In preparing the secretary’s financial report, items of most concern were taken into consideration. These items should spell out the reason it was necessary to increase the dues beginning in 1996.
Our three major sources of income, assessments, interest and our rental (upstairs apartment at 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet) have been our mainstay. A major repair will have to be made at the Home Office in Joliet before the onset of winter, that being the replacement of the boiler system that is beyond repair. Estimates are being sought for this project.
During the period of time from July, 1995 to June, 1996, we did find need to utilize $15,000.00 from our cash reserve. This enabled us to cover costs that were unexpected or anticipated to be beyond our funds available (in our checking account).
Two main transitions have taken place in that same period of time. First, the Heritage Fund is included in the general Fund. The account was being carried independently which was no longer feasible under good bookkeeping rules. Records for the Heritage Museum/Fund, although included in the overall figures, are separately accounted for in the computer. Second, a separate checking account has been opened for the Scholarship Fund. However, this fund is held at the First Midwest Bank in Joliet, and is controlled by the Slovenian Women’s Union. It should be noted that the account was opened with a deposit of $7,204.71 which still reflects in the checking account balanced presented, since the account was not activated until July, 1996.
We ask that you pay particular attention to the costs related to ZARJA. This is by far our greatest expense, and the amount of ad monies, donations (Keep the Connection, Crafts, etc.) is minute when the overall cost is examined. Again, sufficient reason for an increase in dues.
The computer system has proven to be a real benefit to our organization, but we still have a long way to go to to make our records current.
Death benefits are received regularly as our membership reaches ages to be admired and respected. Applications for new members do not balance out those we lose to demise.
Many extras have been cut from our budget, i.e., we no longer award secretaries for their membership, awards are no longer given for obtaining new memberships, branches are not reimbursed for Christmas parties given for Juniors, and although these may seem like small items, in the overall budget, approximately $2,000.00 was given out.
These records are always available for your review. If you are interested in any particular aspect of this report, it is your privilege to review it. Your request will be submitted for proper approval and should be requested by only one member from a branch and with the approval of the president and secretary, of that branch.
We thank you for bearing with us during this transition period. Each day finds us closer to our goal of serving you better in the offices you elected us to hold.
Respectfully submitted,
Evelyn A. Majercik
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION - Financial Statement January 1, 1996 - June 30, 1996
Income:
Assessments
Interest (Investments and (Checking Account)
Rent
Expenses:
Death Benefits Salaries
Administrative Stipends ZARJA:
Printing
Postage
Taxes
Utilities
Municipal Services Postage (Office,
Direct Billing, etc.) Bank Fees
Professional Services Travel Per Diems Miscellaneous
Checking account balance: Trust Fund (Investments) Convention Fund (Cookbooks) Scholarship Fund CD
$49,347.07
15,520.08
1800.00
$63,667.15
$ 6,250.00 9,807.38
950.00
17,600.00
3,125.00
2,638.20
2,246.16
387.06
1,954.55
287.70
600.00 1,555.70
950.00
1,077.32
$ 41,770.00 779,196.41 10,849.75 10,000.00
49,429.60
-$841,816.16
Evelyn Majercik,
National Secretary
HERITAGE REPORT 1995
Greetings to the National Board and to all SWU Members!
Let me take this opportunity to thank all the officers who served on the National Board from 1987-95, for supporting Heritage goals. President, Victoria Bobence and Vice President, Beverly Jackson, served at the helm of the Slovenian Women’s Union and never wavered from their belief that preserving our Heritage was the most important goal of the SWU and that this goal needed every member’s support. My sincere appreciation to these two ladies as well as to Corinne Leskovar who has throughout her career as ZARJA Editor, continually focused attention on this important aspect of the SWU. Appreciation as well to the remainder of the National Board for their support during challenging years. I look forward to the next four years under the leadership of President Jean Korsman, Vice President Kathleen Dorchak, Secretary Evelyn Majercik and Treasurer Beverly Menart. Hopefully, all the officers on the National Board will value similar Heritage dreams and goals for our organization during the remainder of the twentieth century.
The Heritage Director’s position each year is a busy one and 1995 continued in the same vein. I’d like to briefly mention the duties that have kept me busy and productive the past 12 months.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 1994 FINANCIAL REPORT
Income:
Donations ........................................ $1,642.20
Interest on Savings Account.......................... 397.11
TOTAL INCOME........................................... $2,039.31
Expenses:
Scholarship Winners ............................... 4,000.00
1993	Winners
Steve Fitzgerald	$500.00
Robin Green	500.00
Jennifer Grisham	500.00
Rebecca Lynn Volk	500.00
1994	Winners
Kimberly Bischof Katrina Nemeth Thomas Rzatkowski Amy Tezak
Scholarship Non-winners Frank Bucar Chris Falleta Erin Grambow Mandy LaZella Gordon Newbould Eric Pucel Melissa Somrack
500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
350.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
50.00
Operating Expenses ..............................................$732.31
Printing and reproduction	65.61
Postage	55.75
Bank Checks	10.95
Carita Girman, annual	stipend	600.00
TOTAL EXPENSES ............................................... $5,082.31
Net Loss for the year ...................................... ($3,043.00)
Balance January, 1994 ........................................ 18,297.33
Balance January, 1995 ........................................$15,254.33
ASSETS:
Merchants Savings Account ...............................$13,226.46
Merchants Checking Account ............................... 2,027.87
$15,254.33
Carita Girman
Scholarship Director
First of all, the GENEALOGY COLUMN in the ZARJA attracted many researchers and correspondence from across the U.S. requesting information, reached my desk. All the letters were answered and information which could lend assistance was sent in response to their requests. Looking for current information in the genealogical field and making it available to researchers, along with xeroxing and answering letters is a time consuming job.
In July, my husband and I flew to Cleveland, at our own expense, which included flight, hotel, meals and conference fee, to attend the 1995 European Family History Conference. Some of the information obtained at that conference was very current and was made available to our members through the GENEALOGY COLUMN and xeroxed “send-outs.”
The POETRY CORNER has continued for another year with readers sending their poems for publication ZARJA. This column appeals to the creative spirit in members. I encourage the poetically inclined members to continue sending me their poems for publication.
BACK TO THE FUTURE articles have appeared for the past five years and have featured the history of SWU branches. Many thanks to the branches for cooperating by supplying information and to Corinne Leskovar for supplementing the articles with additional photos and information. Hopefully, I will be able to continue this column in future issues. May I also suggest that each branch historian continue to record the history of her branch as in the past.
During the past year, THE IMMIGRANT was featured in three issues, THE NEXT GENERATION in one issue and THE FIRST LADY in two issues of ZARJA. All my articles are geared to various aspects of SWU history and Slovenian heritage. The HERITAGE NEWS AND VIEWS column draws correspondence and heritage donations from members and branches. Each month I try to report current information on a variety of subjects relating to Slovenian heritage and on occasion free information is sent upon request.
A highlight of this year was the Heritage Dolls Raffle in conjunction with the SWU convention held in San Francisco. We commend all members and branches who participated in the raffle by purchasing tickets and we send our appreciation to former Vice President, Beverly Jackson, for donating the lovely dolls and to Olga Ancel for handling the financial aspect of the raffle. Total proceeds from the raffle was $1,983. What a fantastic addition to the Heritage Fund.
In conjunction with the convention, two members of Branch #103, Nika Kovacic and Jill Augustine accepted donations to the Heritage Fund from delegates and members. $740.00 was collected through their efficient efforts and the donors received a small toiletry basket donated by me and wrapped with the help of Matilda Ausich, #103 delegate to the convention.
Ms. Ausich also completed three heritage projects which were available for viewing at the convention. As a commemorative project Tillie collected all the ZARJA articles about Branch #103 and combined them in a 30th Anniversary binder. The others featured the Immigrant articles and the Heritage News and Views articles. This was a gigantic project performed in Tillie’s customary “perfect” manner. Sabina Bartol, SWU #103, performed a commendable job as well, compiling the “Back to the Future" articles. Many thanks to both ladies.
The Slovenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. celebrated the Fifth Anniversary of Slovenian Independence on Dec. 13, 1995, and my husband, Ken, and I were privileged to attend this celebration, representing the SWU along with other members of Branch #103: Jill & Robert Augustine;
Nika Kovacic; Tim, Bernadette Fitzsimmons and baby, Matthew; Alenka Richardson (VOA) and long-time member, Ana Menapace.
Volunteers, Molly Gregorich, Mildred Pucel, Margaret Dusa, and Marie Scheidt have continued working on Tuesdays at the Slovenian Heritage Museum in Joliet. I send appreciation from the organization to these ladies for their efforts at the Museum, in setting up exhibits, arranging open houses and completing the many miscellaneous duties that are associated with the museum. Jonita Ruth has handled the sale of heritage items in the Museum Gift Store.
Lucija Dragovan and Lillian Brule, professional artists and members of Branch #20, completed a beautiful four-panel mural in the Slovenian Row area of Joliet. The murals centered around the Slovenian immigrant establishing a new home in America. Without mentioning specific names, Ms. Brule stated that many volunteers from the Slovenian community (and Branch 20) assisted them in completing this magnificent project. Kudos to all for a remarkable project.
The Heritage donations this year are itemized in the Heritage Financial Statement prepared by the National Secretary, Evelyn Majercik and submitted with this report. We are very appreciative to all donors who sent memoriams or monetary gifts and encourage them to continue supporting the Heritage Fund and Museum because without the backing of donors we cannot accomplish the heritage goals.
The SWU commends and sends appreciation to branches who continue to sponsor heritage activities which include projects from concerts and grape-festivals to Slovenian suppers and art exhibits. All branches are encouraged to continue their heritage activities so that not only will local communities be made aware of our nationality but most importantly that the third and fourth generation of American-Slovenians will be knowledgeable of their unique heritage. Encourage these young women to volunteer for heritage projects even if they haven't participated in the past. It is through their involvement and participation that we will continue to keep our Slovenian heritage alive in the twenty-first century. God Bless your future Heritage endeavors .
Respectfully submitted,
Irene M. Odorizzi
WOMEN’S ACTIVITY DIRECTOR REPORT
Since taking office I started an Activities column in the ZARJA called Kathleen’s Konnection. 1 have suggested that all Branches do something to celebrate our 70th anniversary. I asked the branches to let me know what they are doing so that I could highlight them in my column.
I also arranged for a Tour of Slovenia at the request of some of our members. This tour covers all 7 regions of Slovenia, Zagreb, Croatia, Trieste, Venice, and Austria. It is open to all members and the general public, however, if you are not a member there is a $50.00 surcharge. To date I have received 23 requests for information on the trip.
In Detroit we are having a Slovene Polka Festival on July 26, 27 and 28, 1996. It is our first venture of this kind. I did promote it in my column and even suggested that Ohio and Illinois may want to consider putting together a bus trip and come join us. I also offered to make arrangements for
some additional activities such as going to Windsor, Ontario or touring one of the Ford mansions. I also arranged for the SWU to have a booth at the festival. The organizers have graciously elected to let us have the booth rent-free. The only cost involved is the actual rental of the booth structure. I would like to sell the items we normally see in our Home Office.
I have received some nice notes and comments from our members. I hope that I hear from more and that activity is increasing at the Branch level.
Kathleen Emerson EDITOR’S REPORT
Dear Officers:
Since the last national convention we have been very busy, every officer having a full agenda of work to accomplish. ZARJA has had few changes, the main one being reduction in number from 9 issues per year to 8 issues this year. I am hopeful that the 8 issues per year will be feasible for the slim SWU budget and will be happy if we can manage that.
The contributions that go into making ZARJA are very many and all presented very well. Those who write are truly to be complimented, from the reporter who seldom writes to our most prolific Irene Odorizzi, whose various cultural ande heritage interests have given ZARJA and this organization a direction toward achieving our goal, to preserve the Slovenian heritage. The Board will undoubtedly join me in thanking her for giving very generous time and effort.
Everyone connected with ZARJA has been working hard with the intention of presenting the members of SWU a current, month by month instruction and accounting of what is happening. The 22nd National Covention in San Francisco was covered in print and photos to signify how important it was for the future of this organization. Other traditional features, such as Mother of the Year tribute in May, Cooking and homemaking information, Scholarship news, the Histories of our branches and Heritage news continue to be plentiful, but the core content of ZARJA is always the reports of our branches. There are many times the members receive good ideas, inspiration and help from reading these reports and of course, we cannot forget how important a unifying medium ZARJA is. Undoubtedly much of the prestige of the SWU in the fraternal world rests in ZARJA and its popularity. Once again, I believe the Board will agree in thanking all our participants in this work.
As Editor, I ask that all Board members would become partners in ZARJA and 1 encourage your contributions. If there is anything I can do to help you bring your message to the members, I am happy to do it.
Again, thank you for your confidence in my work as Editor of ZARJA.
There is only one message that I have to share with you at this meeting. I know we have come far in the accomplishment of some of the goals set for us at the recent National Convention, and I know that these goals still will be our major focus in the year to come. I also know that the energy and expectation of this new Board of Directors will begin to show itself in many ways, by the fact that each one has set for herself a plan of action that should reap results in 1) an increased membership and, 2) a more active membership. I wish you all well and good luck.
I would like to bring out one further point - that maybe we have forgotten to put an emphasis on who our members are, in our haste to restructure the organization and make it more progressive. In the past we have asked, Who are our members? whenever we faced the astounding statistics, such as members’ ages, being as they are very high, and the sizes of our branches, being that there are fewer and fewer of them. Yes, although we really know WHO they are, and WHERE they are, we must put the members in front of our eyes and find out what it is that makes them continue to be loyal and what it is that we can do for them to make them happy, proud, loyal, with a sense of belonging to a great sisterhood.
We need to be more generous and more attentive to our elderly members - the branches can do so much - and we need to find out what the young members want and need. We need to recruit among the middle-age members some resources to be of service to others. We need to make a plan to find out what our membership likes and what it feels lacking in this organization - and then, do something about it.
We have an army of social members. Those are the mainstay of some branches - they provide solidity and numbers. They are precious and generous. They come to us later in life, and become fine, strong members. We have not done enough for them or with them, in fact, sometimes I think we have ignored them. What a waste. Instead we should be urging them to recruit new members and share the things they like about SWU with their friends. It’s time to stop re-classifying them and to consider them as our honored group.
The youngsters in our SWU are not to be ignored any longer. They need to feel what we felt as youngsters - when we participated in Zveza events with our moms and got to be “family.”
The young women who are into so many great activities connected with their educations and their home-life are waiting to read about the things that interest them and to find out what there is for them in the SWU.
Our branches now have a new mandate, given to them at the Convention in May. They can begin re-organizing their activities and setting goals for their members. Now, they don’t have to worry about accounting for assessments, and paying the “Home Office.” Now they can begin a program of activities for THEIR branches - to bring in more spirit and good will. And, we must help them. We must give them the pat on the back and say: Go To It! Be of service! Be a part of your church and your community! Find the places where your members can do some good - for themselves and their neighbors! Let’s begin a campaign of respect for the elderly, appreciation of the young and service to all who need help.
This is what I believe our publication, ZARJA, is for and what I wish ZARJA should concentrate on in the future. Our members are people - wonderful, precious people. They belong to us and we to them. I know we have the capability and strength to spread the good will of the Slovenian Women’s Union through our membership and beyond.
Then, we will indeed approach the new Century strong and with worthwhile goals that we are able to realize and formulate for the good of all those who belong to our SWU family.
Corinne Leskovar
sLOVEnians
Welcome again, Slovenians who love to cook! - which includes all “adopted” Slovenians like Ed Susterich’s wife, Pat, of Irish-German descent from Middle Village, Queens, New York who has wholeheartedly embraced Slovenian customs and cooking. Thanks, Pat! Since I don’t live near a.branch, I must rely on mailed-in recipes instead of being able to obtain them from food served at your fun get-togethers. Last month I thought I had a lot of recipes, but there is a shortage of Slovenian foods. So, please, please send some of your favorite Slovenian recipes (things your mother used to make) to the address below. Besides saving them for our descendants, they evoke memories of family times when we were very young. Looking forward to hearing from you!
God bless you,
From the heart,
Marion
Marion Juricic Bowers 940 Galleron Road St. Helens, CA 94574 (707) 963-7795
Changes to the classic recipe to improve flavor: use pancake syrup instead of corn syrup, brown the butter, add brandy and buttered walnut halves. Regarding the pie crust, make your own or buy them.
WALNUT PIE
1
2 4
3'<
3'4
16
9” unbaked pie crust	1	tbsp. brandy (optional)
C. chopped walnuts	1	tsp. vanilla
eggs well beaten	3/s	tsp. salt
C. brown sugar	lU	C. butter, melted, lightly browned
C. maple flavored pancake syrup or maple syrup walnut halves + 2 tsp. melted butter (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°. Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly on crust. To eggs, add brown sugar, syrup, brandy, vanilla, salt and butter. Mix well. Pour over nuts in pan. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce to 325° and bake 30-35 minutes longer until done (center puffs up and does not jiggle). If using walnut halves, brush each half with butter and 15 minutes before pie is done open oven and place walnuts evenly around edge of pie. Continue baking until done.
Mom used to make this in the fall when we had lots of vegetables in the garden and the autumn air was nippy. If you are short on time, you may cook everything at once, but, since vegetable cooking times vary, adding them at different times saves vitamins, improves flavor and prevents mushiness. Amounts of vegetables can be increased or decreased or other things can be added (kohlrabi, parsnip, ham cubes, ham bone etc.) to suit taste. Total cooking time for each is listed in parentheses.
KLOBASA SOUP
3'«	cups barley (90 min.)	2	medium onions (15 min.)
6	cups water	3	ribs celery (15 min.)
I*'*	lbs. klobase (45 min.)	2	tomatoes, peeled, seeded (10 min.)
1	rutabaga (45 min.)	l1'.	cups cabbage (10 min.)
2	tsp. salt	1	clove garlic, minced (10 min.)
	Pepper to taste		Additional salt & pepper to taste
1	turnip (20 min.)	2	tbsp. minced parsley
2	carrots (20 min.)		
Wash and drain barley. Put into large pan with 6 cups water. Bring to boil, turn to simmer. Keep vegetables separate, cut into \ inch dice except cut cabbage leaves into 1 inch squares. After barley has simmered 45 minutes, add klobase, rutabaga, salt and pepper. In 25 minutes, add turnip and carrots. In 5 minutes add onions and celery. In 5 minutes, add tomatoes, cabbage and garlic. Cook 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Stir in parsley. Serve hot with fresh crusty bread, a fruit salad and coffee or red wine (for your heart V).
This procedure is good for any roast, stuffed or unstuffed, chicken, turkey, etc. It is also good when frying or cooking thigh pieces.
“DONE” ROAST CHICKEN
With your food, enjoy a nice beverage - a glass of fruit juice or white wine and a nice prayer.
Thank you, God, for this day, this food, family and friends. Bless us all and keep us safe and healthy so we can do your will to make a better world for everyone in it.
Cutting into uncooked meat of supposedly cooked chicken thigh is not only unappetizing, it can also be unhealthy. “Raw thigh bone syndrome” happens because the density of the thigh makes it the last part of the chicken to cook thoroughly. To eliminate it, proceed as follows. With a small knife, on the inside of each thigh (not the skin side), make slits the entire length of the bone on both sides, then with your finger, reach around and loosen the meat on the back part of the bone leaving just the joint ends attached. If you wish you may cut away from the joints, too, and remove the whole bone. Also, you can cut at the joint between the thigh and leg bone to make sure the leg gets cooked. When loosened, the heat can circulate around the bone and it will then cook evenly. The chicken will be more moist, especially the breast, because you won’t have to overcook it to get the thigh bone done.
flCTIUITIES
SWU Crest indicates the 65th Anniversary of Branch in 1996. Congratulations!
DIAMOND JUBILEE CONVENTION S.W.U. BRANCH 2 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS October 6, 1996
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
St. Stephen Church Basement Hall 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
St. Stephen Church Basement Hall 11:30 a.m.
St. Stephen’s Church
Dinner:	1:00 p.m.	$15.00
Archview Banquet Hall 3429 So. Archer Ave.
Chicago, IL Music by Billy Reich
RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY SEPTEMBER 25, 1996 Call Ann Bunetta, (312) 376-0770 1940 W. 22nd Place, Chicago, IL 60608
We are hoping that many of you will be wearing your Slovenian costumes ("Naroda Noša”), or if you do not have one, just a little bit of Slovenija will do!
Registration:
Convention:
Mass:
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL
Hi, Everyone! Summer has come and gone and now we will start thinking of all that we can do to increase the membership in S.W.U.
Our Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated a few months early, along with the State Convention. Please get your reservations in so that you can enjoy the day being with all our friends. Remember:
October 6, 1996 at St. Stephen’s
1850 W. 22nd Place, Chicago
The weather for our picnic was not very good, it rained off and on the whole day. We have been fortunate over the years as Mother Nature was always good to us with great weather. This year she surprised us and wanted to see just what we are made of, and how we could deal with what she threw our way. Frances Morison, with the help of Gen Puhek and Johnny Hozian, moved the games to the Retreat House. The Heritage Ensemble were there entertaining with beautiful Slovenian songs and the floor was crowded with people dancing, no one noticed that it was raining outside. We did, however, keep the kitchen open on the hill and we were happy that our members and guests came for their food. The crowd was smaller than most years, but those who did venture out did have a good time. We were very happy that we got to meet our members from Arizona -Elaine and Dan Bell. Delores Puhek has been corresponding with them all year and she reads their letters to us at our meetings. (We are hoping that they return for the Convention). More on the picnic in our next issue.
Please pray for our sick members: Mary Foys Lauretig, Mary Koziol, Johanna Oblak, Wilma Šinkovec and Katie Srabamek. Rosaries are said each month for our members who are ill.
Our condolences to the families of our beloved members: Mary Gyura, Mary Slabe, Kay Turner and Mary Raunicker. We lost these members over the summer. Please remember them in your prayers, that they will rest in peace.
Don’t forget our “Penny Social” -this will fund our children’s Christmas Party. Put this date on your calendar -November 14, 1996.
Please try to attend our September meeting, we will go over the particulars for the State Convention.
Good luck to Branch 1 on your anniversary. Much success in the future.
God bless you all and keep you healthy and happy.
Love,
DAISY
NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
ANOTHER PROUD MOMENT FOR THE CEFERINS!
The parents of Michael Ceferin are happy to announce that on May 10, Michael graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a five year professional bachelor’s degree in Architecture. His latest project, a 45 story hotel building model made of plexiglass, was on display the month of June at I.I.T. Along with a classmate, he spent many sleepless hours working on the design, blueprints, and the building of the hotel.
At present, he is working in an internship as a Corporate Architect in Oak Brook, 111.
Mike is a long time active member of the S.W.U. #2. He is also quite musically inclined. He plays a wide variety of musical instruments ranging from the Croatian Tambura to the Slovenian Button Box. He had been in the Sloboda Jr. Tammies for
12	years, and the Illini Mladi Hrvati for 6 years. He was an assistant director for the Illini Mladi Hrvati Tam-mie group until 1994. Mike played buttonbox to entertain S.W.U. members in Chicago and the Joliet area during his High School and early college years. Good Luck, Mike, in your future!
Rose and Vic Ceferin and their two sons, Michael and Ray and daughter, Rosemarie Bezich are in exemplary family - always giving support and love. We are proud of them! Grandparents, Mary and Vic Ceferin and the late Eva and Roman Possedi were good role models!
We are doubly proud because Rose is a 33 year member and her three adult children are life-long members. Thanks, Rose, for sending us this story about Michael!
NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO
Greetings to everyone! Hope you are enjoying your summer.
Cessation of meetings during the summer certainly didn’t end activities at St. Mary’s Church — many of our members belong to St. Mary’s Church and are active volunteers.
On June 9, the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament and their associates sponsored a city-wide observance in Pueblo on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ with a Corpus Christi procession beginning at Assumption Church ending at St. Mary’s Church with a homily by Father David Ricken, followed by Benediction after which refreshments were served in the church hall.
The Benedictine era ended with sadness at St. Mary’s Church having begun with Father Cyril Zupan, O.S.B. May 15, 1894 and ended June 30, 1996 with the departure of Father Louis Kirby, O.S.B. A Potluck Supper was held in
NEW ARCHITECT
Michael Ceferin, B.A.
the church hall in honor of the Benedictines and Father Louis Kirby.
We are in a cluster parish now with Assumption Church and St. Patrick’s Church with Father Ervin Schmidt as Pastor and Father Edward Pettit as Assistant Pastor. We welcome them and are very fortunate to have them.
Worthy of mention, too, is the celebration of Sister Leocadia Gnidica, O.S.B., marking sixty years of religious profession. Sister Leocadia is the sister of the late Father Daniel Gnidica and Mary Tezak. She taught primary grades at St. Mary’s and, after retiring, served in parish ministry as a visitor to shut-ins.
Present at the jubilee mass and dinner were Ray and Patty (Zember) Erjavec, longtime members of St. Mary’s, who were among the dozen family members and guests of Sister Mildred Zember, who celebrated her golden jubilee that day. She was one of the first sacristans at St. Mary’s (new) Church and taught at the school several years. Also celebrating was Sister Rosaria Ritter, the last principal at St. Mary’s. She also is a diamond jubilarian. Sister Teresita Pristaver, the senior of the jubilee group, celebrated her seventieth anniversary of vows. She also taught at St. Mary’s.
We are all proud that baptized on June 9 into our Parish family were Mitchell Raymond Eccher, son of Raymond and Dana (Drobnick) Eccher and Eric Paul Velasquez, son of Paul
and Glenda (Valdez) Velasquez on June 16.
Congratulations are in order for ReaAnna Krasovic and Sean William Tucker who were married June 22. ReaAnna is the daughter of Josephine and Raymond Krasovic.
Get well wishes are extended to all who are ill and remembered in our prayers are all who are homebound or in nursing homes.
On a sad note, we extend our condolences to the families of Pauline Klintz, Sally Montoya and Joseph Grahek.
A reminder - our meeting will be on September 3 at 1:00 p.m. in the church hall. Let’s have a good attendance.
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
The date has been set for the October Communion breakfast. Get up right now with a pen in hand, go over to yoru calendar and mark October 13 for this wonderful event. You cannot proceed to read here, if your calendar is not marked! Now, that your calendar is marked, let us give you some details. The Communion breakfast will begin with 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Coffee and donuts will be immediately following in the Parish Hall. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Many of our members were in attendance at the Slovenian National Home on June 25. The Triglav Folklorna Skupina (group) from Slovenia entertained the Slovenian community of Indianapolis. The group had been touring cities in the United States. We were fortunate to have them with us on the anniversary of the Independence of Slovenia. A special thanks to Steve Fon and the Slovenian Cultural Society for sponsoring such a great event!
Do not forget that we will be sponsoring a raffle again this year. The raffle tickets will be sent to each of you in the next month or so. If anyone has something to donate, please call Mary Frances Mohr (317) 852-8305.
For all of you who have been sick or shut-in we wish you a special “Hello.” We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love from Texas,
BARBARA MOHR
A MEMORABLE TRIP TO SLOVENIA
This year’s trip to Slovenia in May was filled with several special occasions. Most exciting was the eagerly awaited opportunity to attend one of the masses by Pope John Paul II in the outskirts of Ljubljana. After much coaxing this year I decided to stay with cousins and at the beginning of my stay I connected with the Kollander Travel group who were at the end of their trip and spending their last days in beautiful Bled. I spent a several pleasant days with them which included the Pope’s mass. It was like a pilgrimage for me. There were huge crowds of people, but the organization of the committee in Ljubljana was outstanding. Hundreds of choir members and a large orchestra provided music which can only be described as heavenly. Seeing the Pope arrive in his Pope-mobile sent chills up the spine with excitement. He still has his ruddy complexion but his past ailments were evident with his slow gait. But his love of Slovenia and its people was evident in each of his homilies at the three masses. I feel blessed that I was able to attend.
While staying on the farm in Komenda, near Kamnik, my cousin Janez and his wife Marija Kuhar were celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary, and the family was planning a surprise celebration for them.
Sunday morning was bright and sunny as their son, Miro drove them and me to mass at the Marian Shrine, Marija Pomagaj in Brezje. During this time, the rest of the family was to prepare for the party at home on the newly asphalted driveway and apron next to the two bams.
As we approached Brezje we were directed to the parking area where we paid 200 tolars ($1.50) to park. The lot was almost full and as we neared the church, huge crowds of people were either at the souvenir stands or were waiting for the 10:00 mass to end. The church was standing room only and crowds spilled outside the huge church doors.
We finally made it into the church which had been decorated for the visit of Pope John Paul II a few days before. The altar was a breathtaking sight of dazzling while branches of ‘bridal wreath,’ which were in full bloom at the end of May, cascading down on both sides from the top of the altar down to the floor. Huge bouquets of yellow mums were at the side altars since the Vatican colors are yellow and white.
During the mass people crowded the side altar Shrine of Our Lady of Brezje, many waiting their turn to make the pilgrimage around the altar on their knees. Surprisingly, many youngsters, teenagers and young adults were among the devoted.
Following the mass we made our way to a nearby gostilna for a bowl of hot soup and to spend some time before returning home. Finally, we slowly made our way home. From a distance we could spot the kozolec ‘hay rack’ alongside the driveway and as we approached we could see the white outdoor tables covered with dusty rose-colored tablecloths. White plastic chairs sported matching flowered cushions. The table was set for 45 people with china, silverware and crystal stemware. Three beautiful flower arrangements were set among the trays of potica, krofe, flancate and an unlimited variety of cookies.
As family members arrived each presented Janez and Marija with a bouquet of flowers, one more beautiful than
the next, since a request was made for no gifts.
An electric charcoal barbecue spit was already rotating with a fifty pound pig. I was told it would take about four to five hours until done and that it wasn’t necessary to do any basting as the fat under the skin made it self-basting. Toward the end of roasting time, a liter of Union pivo ‘beer’ was slowly poured over the pig about every 15 minutes. Just before removing, a small amount of cooking oil was carefully poured over the coals which produced a heavy smoke which would provide a smokey flavor.
As the pig roasted, a grill was placed over the coals and pieces of chicken, pleskavica, (a type of hamburger with lots of garlic), and čevapčiči were grilled and served with lots of ajvar, dijon mustard, slices of fresh yellow peppers, quartered tomatoes and chunks of sweet onions along with slabs of delicious homemade bread and bowls of Francoska solata, a French potato salad with peas and carrots.
Zdene Jurgec tends to the roasting of the succulent pig.
Finally all watched intently as the roasted pig was carefully removed from the heavy metal rod. The wire lacings were cut and the pig was expertly chopped into hot, steaming pieces served along with the crispy, crunchy skin for all to enjoy.
An accordion player, accompanied by another cousin playing the ancient instrument gudalo or “earthen or clay-pot bass”, entertained us throughout the afternoon with folk tunes interspersed with jokes and stories. Surprisingly, I had heard some of these jokes at home and here they were, making the rounds in Slovenia.
But for me there was a surprising reminder that we were on a farm when suddenly the cows in the bam began to “moo” loudly which brought on the grunts and stomping of the pigs, which roused the cackling of the chickens and set the dogs barking. Suddenly everyone jumped into action. The children helped to carry in the newly mown hay to feed the two cows and three young calves. A daughter ran into the bam with pails of food for the pigs and when all the animals were fed Janez changed clothes and went into the bam to milk the cows. When the work was done, the fun continued until dusk when everyone slowly made their way home to attend to their own chores.
Alice Kuhar
(Editor's note: They really know how to have fun in Slovenia, don’t they? Thank you, Alice, for this interesting and amusing report!)
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI
Our meeting was well-attended and, of course, we took care of tickets, etc. for our Sheboygan Convention, Sept. 8th. Thirty of our members paid; 17 tickets are going to Br. 43 members. Remember, the Badger Coach will leave from St. John the Evangelist Church, 8700 Cold Spring Rd., at 6:30 a.m. and return time is about 6:30 p.m. Park your cars on the lower parking lot near Cold Spring Rd. Looking forward to our day together in Sheboygan.
Also attending the meeting was Elizabeth Arthur from New Orleans, LA who was visiting her mother, Helen Pizar and aunt, Fran Piwoni. Beth is our branch member so it was nice of her to include us in her busy schedule.
We lost a member in May, Mary Wojnovich, sister of Victor Kouchick. Memorial Mass from our branch will be held Feb. 1, 1997 at St. John the Evangelist Church. We extend our sympathy to the family and friends.
October 17th is our Luncheon date and tickets are now available. Only 100 will be sold. This year we have added entertainment - a group that is fantastic . Call me at 481 -8586 to reserve your tickets and please pick them up at the Sept. 20th meeting.
A few people have not gotten their billing statement as of this writing. If you have not received it by the time you read this article, please call Secretary, Theresa Fedran and she will take care of notifying the Nat’l. Office. When you contact us for anything, please give us your complete zip code number. We suggest you get in the habit of using all 9 digits to get your mail faster. You can also call me and I will be glad to make this extra work easier for Theresa.
Hope you had a nice summer. Remember Sept. 20 meeting. We will need your help, too, on Oct. 17th. Stay healthy and a big HELLO to all in nursing homes.
MARY KIEL
IT’S IN
^n^NEVERY
s(mwrnian
OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE MEETING OCT. 13
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
Is it really true that time has passed so swiftly that we’re just a few weeks away from autumn and then the winter will be descending upon us? Before you know it, it’ll be 1997!
A reminder to all branches that No. 14 will be the sponsor hosts for this year’s Ohio-Michigan combined conference on Sunday, October 13. It will be held at Slovenian Society Home on Recher Avenue. Price for the lunch will be $12. Those wishing to attend are requested to let their President know and have their confirmation in to Martha Koren at 585-427? by September 25. We look forward to seeing our members and friends from other branches on October 13.
Members paid their last respects to long-time member Jennie Vidovich who passed away July 16 at the age of 97. Our deepest sympathy to her family. Bless our dear departed ones, Dear Lord, and give them eternal peace.
The city of Cleveland was highlighted nationally throughout the week of July 22 when they celebrated their Bicentennial with a weekend of exciting activity in the Flats area of downtown Cleveland. A million folks celebrated among the colorfully lighted bridges and fireworks and the unbeatable Cleveland Indians team. The Wall Street Journal has stated that Cleveland has become the Number Two choice of places to visit in this country!
It’s not too early to mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 3 when we’ll celebrate our annual Christmas party!
Relax and enjoy a Happy Labor Day!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Greetings dear members!
Here we are halfway thru summer and still surviving! Our gardens are thriving, the flowers are beautiful and the mosquitos are plentiful. Great crop!
We have to congratulate some beautiful people! Congratulations to Stephie and Joe Golob on the celebration of their 60th year of wedded bliss. Their family feted them at Villa de Bruno on
the 27th of June. Our best to you!
Congratulations to Olga and Joe Cas-tiglia of Belin, New Mexico. They renewed their marriage vows on Saturday, August 4th at St. George’s Church where they were married in 1946. Family and friends attended the Mass and later celebrated with them at a dinner at Mundo’s. Olga is a long time member of our branch. Her mom, Antonia Yaki was a delightful lady - a member for many years, always ready for a laugh; her sisters, Louise and Mary were also our members.
Congratulations to Bernice Jar-kovich on the birth of grandson, Andrew Max.
Adding another year! Manda Mag-gio, Tina Sertich, Dorothy Perak, Teenie Tomasik and me! All of us did some celebrating. A huge happy to a real special guy named Tim on his Big 50!
We had travelers: Mary and Bud Skibbee and their daughter, Susan enjoyed a cruise in Alaskan waters. Andy Bittner, Joan Krilich and two friends made a trip to Medjugorje.
We have a new member! Welcome to Lisa Zalokar, daughter of Marilyn Zalokar and sister of Lynn.
Thru the grapevine I also heard that our Helen Battista had some surgery. Get well, soon, Helen.
Saša (17) and Vesna Zadnik (14) from Uršna Sela, Slovenia were the guests of the Krai, Rago, Jurincie, Tomasik, Franco and Spretnjak families for a month. Their visit began in New York, NY with Stephen Spretnjak. Their next stop was in Chicago - the visit hosted by Fred Krai and his sisters, brothers and their families. They were taken on sightseeing tours of the city, visiting all of the attractions of our beautiful Chicago, also to Great America, White Sox Park, the Art Institute, etc. A huge family picnic in Fred’s yard climaxed the visit when all the family members plus other relatives and friends met the girls.
A side trip to South Bend for more with the Spretnjak family. Gail and her husband, Joe Hickner had visited the Zadniks in March - they met many relatives at that time.
Since we did not have a meeting during their visit we were unable to meet the young ladies this time. In 1974, I had the pleasure of meeting their mom, Sonja, when she was here. Their grand aunt, Karolina was here in 1975 - also met her.
Come to the
SLOVENIAN GRAPE HARVEST DANCE
sponsored by Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois Sunday, September 29, 1996
featuring the guest appearance of
AMERICA’S POLKA KING FRANKIE YANKOVIC
for your dancing pleasure:
BRUCE KOROSA ORCHESTRA
St. Joe’s Park Hall, Theodore & Raynor Sts., Joliet, IL 4 to 8 p.m., $5.00 admission
We lost three dear members! Our dear Polly Klobučar passed away on June 12 in Arlington, Texas at the home of her daughter, Polly. A nice group of our members prayed the Rosary for our dear member and also escorted her to her final resting place next to her beloved, Fred. Coincidentally, Polly was buried on their 70th wedding anniversary, June 18. Ferd was laid to rest on their 60th anniversary. Now they are together again. Rest well, dear friends. Our condolences to their son, Ferd and daughter, Polly Ann and their families.
On July 9th we gathered again to pray the Rosary for a dear lady and long time member, Lena Kafka. Her family was so grateful for our prayers. Our condolences to all of Lena’s family.
On July 29th our oldest member and dear friend, Alvina Sreboth went to her eternal rest. Once again our membership met at Oberman’s to bid farewell to our oldest member, Alvina was a member for sixty-four years! Her grandson, Rev. Michael Sreboth con-celebrated her Mass and delivered a touching eulogy to his Gram. Edna, Vida and I held candles along with the ladies from Annunciata Church. Our heartfelt sympathies to her son, James and daughters Marilyn Kwasny and Joan Sreboth. May she rest in peace.
Dear members please come to our next meeting on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. Make a notation on your calendar -thanks for bearing up with me!
MARGE PREBIL
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
My goodness where does the time go? We go from shoveling snow, to watering the lawn and pretty soon back to shoveling snow again! I hope you were all spared from the July 18th Flood. That is one day I’ll never forget. I really felt trapped in my own house. Even the building where I work was closed and flooded.
Well, getting back to business! We have Get-Well wishes for Frances Trautner, Frances Ostrem, John Konopek and Dotie Regis. I know John and Dotie are doing fine, I just saw them and they are doing wonderful.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Bertha Hofer and family. Bertha lost her husband, Fred on June 24th. Bertha
is also the Village President of Shorewood, IL and she really had her hands full with the big flood on the 18th of July. We really hope that things will start to look brighter for you.
Happy 40th anniversary to Ronald and Beverly DeJule. Also happy anniversary to Sr. Marlene Ambrose who is celebrating 46 years of religious service in education. Happy anniversary to Ed and Olga Ancel who celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss on August 23rd. They have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. Also happy 40th to Bob and Marilyn Goss. May you all celebrate many more years of continued happiness.
Branch 20 has a new member, Kinsey Cahil who came into this world on March 2. Mom is Jill Cahil and grandparents are Joe and June Muren. All are members of Branch 20. (P.S.: March 2 is a very good birthday).
Mary Ann (Hippy) Spelich retired on August 1st. Hippy owned and operated Stefanich’s Restaurant on Scott St. in Joliet. It was a business her mother and grandmother started in 1933. May you enjoy many years of happy retirement, Hippy!
Diane Kalcic also retired on June 11th, after 50 years of service as administrative secretary of the Joliet Diocese Catholic Cemeteries. Diane is also very active in the KSKJ and was treasurer of Branch 20 for many years. We bid you much happiness in your retirement.
Just to let you know that five years ago last June, Slovenia won her independence from the former Yugoslavia. See, where does the time go?
Don’t forget our Grape Dance which will be held the last Sunday in September, on the 29th. We will have music, food and refreshment from 4 in the afternoon until 8 that evening. Come out and join us, bring a friend, we always have alot of fun. The dance will be at St. Joseph’s Park Hall on Theodore St.
Our next meeting will be on the 16th of September at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Park. Hope to see you then. Take care and may God bless.
JOYCE VICICH
NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL
There’s no place like home, even for a meeting and social hour. You feel as free as a bird on the wing. Of course, luncheon-meetings at a restaurant are still an option. For our June session, Mary and Barbara Rittmanic chose to entertain at home. The Lord provided gorgeous weather and the hostesses with the warmth of their hearts. They even shared the pleasure of visiting with their house-guest, Helen Hoffmann of Wisconsin; Helena, of course, is a family member. Thank you for a delightful afternoon!
Fr. Rene Dionne, a Missioner of Africa and former Bradleyan, sent a friendly letter from his post in Spain, acknowledging the Mass request for our deceased members. He “feels close to the Slovenian people.”
Slovenian blood is running thinner in the great grandchildren arriving today but they are all dear to us. Our president, Mollie McIntyre welcomed Logan Metschuleit in May, her tenth. God’s blessings to the wee one and the whole family.
Ann Richards’ grandson Mark is now stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu. He likes it! Lonesome for home, of course, but receiving three or four letters a week from family should put the blues to flight. He’s a lucky man, I’d say!
When it rains, it pours! While Ann Richards is still nursing a sore wrist after removal of a cast, Rose Stefanich is suffering through a compound fracture of an arm and Josie Lustik, a fractured ankle. Yards and stair steps may be hazards to your health. Watch it!
This report goes off between raindrops. So what else is new this summer?
God love you all.
EMMA LUSTIG
Thank You for ZARJA donations
Our deepest thanks to Pauline Turnbull, member of Br. 19, Eveleth, MN for her generous donation of $100 to the ZARJA PUBLISHING FUND in memory of Mary Primozich.
We also acknowledge a donation of $100 from Br. 35, Aurora, MN given at the time of the National Convention in San Francisco and apologize to the delay in reporting it.
We regret the passing of the very First SWU Scholarship Winner, Marie Bombach Dye. She passed away on July 7, 1996 at her home near Detroit, Michigan. Branch 105 is remembering her with a donation to ZARJA - Marie was a frequent contributor. May she rest in peace!
*****
Br. 35, Aurora, MN	$100
Ted Prisland, Savoy, IL	$50
Br. 105, Detroit, MI tMarie Dye	$20
Pauline Turnbull (19)
tMary Primozich	$100
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL
There were 22 members and one guest present at our June meeting which was held at the home of Barb Pohar. We also enjoyed a potluck picnic supper which Barb and members of her family hosted. Picnic tables were attractively arranged under the trees in the back yard and every effort was made to keep the mosquitos away. It was successful and we were all comfortable. Cathy Lenkaitis took care of the grill and the hamburgers were delicious. We had a nice assortment of covered dishes. Debbie, Bonnie and Bekki passed dessert trays around after supper and made sure that every one had a sweet treat. A short business meeting was held after the meal and Betty Stack will arrange for a bus for members to attend the State Convention in October. Dinner reservations will have to be made and paid for at the September meeting. Cathy Lenkaitis has agreed to serve as our delegate.
Amy Schweickert was presented with a small check from the Branch to be used toward her college expenses. We were pleased to have Amy, her mom, Marianne and sister, Abby with us as they reside in Aurora. We were glad to have Anne Serri present also as Anne has not been able to attend many of our activities in the past year.
Our member, Anne Piletič passed away on July 27th at Heritage Manor Nursing Home where she had resided the past 11 years. She is survived by one brother, Anthony and his wife, Fannie and nieces and nephews. Anne received her 50 year pin in 1992 and Tony and Fannie brought her to our special dinner at that time. Thank you to the members who came to pray the S. W.U. Funeral Ritual at the Shimkus-Helmer Funeral Home before the Mass at Resurrection Church. Anne’s nephew, Rev. William Piletič, celebrated the Mass and his homily brought many happy memories of Anne to all of us. We extend our sympathy also to members Mary Hewitt and Helena Millman whose brother, John Knap passed away in July. He is also survived by two brothers and another sister. Our sympathy also to Vice-President Minnie Carter whose step-great granddaughter, 3-1/2 month old Nicole Ann Corsale died on June 20th in St. Francis Hospital in Peoria where she had been
a patient since May 2nd. We pray that God will grant Eternal Rest and Heavenly Peace to our departed members and family members.
Rose Furlan was a surgical patient at IVC Hospital in Peru in June and had her left leg amputated at that time. She is now a resident at Care Inn Nursing Home in La Salle. Betty Stack’s husband, LeRoy underwent surgery at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley and is now recuperating at home. Remember our sick and shut-in members in your prayers.
Happy Birthday wishes to our members who will have September birthdays: Justine Anglavar, Wanita Helmer and Minnie Carter, and to members who will celebrate October birthdays: Josephine Grabowski, Josephine Savnik, Frances Puetz, Theresa Gende, Shirley Miller, Anne Serri and Junior member, Kaycie Plowman.
We will meet on Thursday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the La Salle Catholic School Library. We will complete our plans for the State Convention which Br. 2 in Chicago will host this year and also discuss the Fall Project. Our Hospitality committee will be Mary Ann Pieczynski, Rosemary McLaughlin and Melissa at that time.
Our October meeting will take place on Thursday, October 17, at the school library at 7:00 p.m. at which time convention reports wil be given. Hostess committee will be Betty Stack and Doris Hallett. We hope to have a good attendance at our meetings. We provide up-to-date information on our SWU, news of our members and good fellowship. You will enjoy being with us!
ANNE WANGLER, Reporter
NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH
Our meeting was held June 9, 1996 in the Slovenian Room at St. Vitus Auditorium at 1:30 p.m.
The winners of our fund raaiser were: $100; Mary Ponikvar, Florida, $50: F. Kost, Fairview Park, Cleveland, $25: M. Gazvoda, Cleveland and $25: B. Zakrajšek, Fairview Park, Cleveland.
We had a moment of silence for our deceased, sick and shut-ins.
We topped the afternoon with cake and ice cream or ice cream floats donated by Cirila Kermavner and Albina Pozelnik. As usual, the tables were
very festive. We concluded the afternoon with BINGO. We adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
*****
Our indoor picnic took place at the Social Room of St. Vitus. We had a lovely time with plenty of good friends and the food was delicious. We enjoyed Bingo and many gifts were won.
The Ohio-Michigan President, Olga Dorchak honored us with her presence.
A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
ENJOY THE REST OF THE SUMMER!
BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!
Something to live by: “Never deprive someone of hope - it might be all they have.”
Till the next time... God Bless!
EMILEE JENKO, Reporter
NO. 26, PITTSBURGH, PA
Sorry I have not written any news since December, but there wasn’t much going on with our branch - due to nasty weather in the winter and spring.
First meeting in 1996 was April 15th - again, because of foul weather in March and it had to be postponed.
We now have a good bit of news about our members. Special prayers are said at the beginning of each meeting, led by our president, Agnes Widina. Our Vice President, Dorothy Pietro also conducts the meetings at times -when Agnes is vacationing in Michigan with her family.
We have had a couple of deaths in our branch. In July, 1996, John Hudak, husband of Mary, a long-time member, passed away after a lengthy illness. In June, 1996, Fred Kress died. He was the husband of Anna Kress, another member. He was very active in church and Slovenian organizations for many years. Mary Hudak Dekleva passed away on the 2nd of June. She was stewardess at the Slovenian Hall in Lawrenceville for 15 years. Mary had a beautiful voice and loved to sing all the beautiful Slovenian songs. She will be missed by all her friends. Br. 26 members met and paid our respects to all their families.
We wish speedy recoveries to those on the sick list, namely, Anne Bobel, past secretary for many years, also Mary Sprohar Zigon, presently in a nursing home and Anne Steckel, also
a retired officer of Zveza recuperating at home. Prayers and our wishes to you all.
Mrs. Rosalia Golob celebrated her 92nd birthday on the 9th of July. She is now one of our oldest members. All God’s blessings are sent to her from Br. 26!
We now have about 25 or 30 active members who attend our meetings and enjoy our Monday afternoon get to-gethers playing Bingo, raffling prizes and eating our delicious goodies, donated by the members.
The present Recording Secretary, Jane Lynch is retiring in September to be replaced by a younger and willing member with more modem ideas and plans. After 12 years, I think it is time to vacate as I am getting too old and stale! I will continue to come to the meetings and be with you all as I enjoy my old friends!
Have a wonderful fall and hope to see you in September.
JANE LYNCH
(Editor’s Note: Thank you Jane, for all your diligence and good reporting. We’ll miss you!)
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH
We hope that everyone had an enjoyable and safe summer. Now it is time to settle down and attend meetings and get active again in your branch activities.
We had a very good indoor picnic with our members and guests, as it was well attended. Thanks ot all the ladies that brought in the delicious food. We had chicken, potato salad, baked beans, bread pudding, salad, vegetables, and all kinds of desserts. Our ladies are really good cooks. We were happy to see some of our sick members attend the picnic who were not able to come to our meetings. They were Esther Gar-bincus, Mary Zifko, Rose Brancely, Thelma Lisching, and Lavonia Avitt who came with a broken toe. Hope that all is going well with all of our sick members.
Branch 32 will be sending two of our Twirletts Banners to the Heritage Museum in Joliet, Illinois.
Our next meeting will be September 18. Dates to remember are October 13, which is the Ohio-Michigan Conven-
tion. Mass will be at St. Christine’s Church. We hope to have a nice attendance with all of our members.
October 16, we will have mass at St. Christine’s Church for our living and deceased members at 7:00 p.m. and meeting to follow at the Slovene Society Home.
Happy 43rd Anniversary to Ceal and Howard McLean which was on June 13th. Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to all the members. Many more with good health and happiness.
FRANCES OGOREUC ADRIENNE JAGER
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
By the time this report is out, we will have had our last meeting to complete the plans for the Minnesota State Convention. Dorothy Jamnick’s daughter, Dottie, of Montrose, MI, made all the name tags before she came home to spend part of her summer vacation with her mom. She also helped Dorothy with the centerpieces.
Fourth of July was a fun time for many of our Jr. members who took part in the parade and won prizes. They also enjoyed the pie-eating contest sponsored by Dottie. Winners were awarded with gift certificates so they could “shop” for their own prize. Thanks for everything, Dottie.
Congratulations and thank-you to the
13	students, including Alysa and Carolyn Hodnik who took part in the Multiple Sclerosis Read-a-thon. They read 525 books and raised $733.95!!!
Congratulations and best wishes to our grandson, Mark and Sandra Williams who were married on June 22nd in Houghton, MI. Guests at Sandra’s wedding shower enjoyed a special ethnic treat of walnut potica.
Jr. member, Nicholas Martinetto enjoyed a week at Camp Courage and took part in his favorite activities, swimming, music and arts and crafts. He made many new friends. Nick, you are a very special person!
Get well wishes to all our members and families who are ill, especially Mary Smolich.
Our sympathy and prayers are with Betty Rokser and family who lost their infant granddaughter, Hannah. May the perpetual light shine upon her.
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
I was absent at the June meeting and I wish to thank Francine for taking the minutes. 15 attended. Dessert was served by birthday girls, Agnes Drstvensek, Angie Grayson and Olga Love. Meeting was brought to order by our Pres.
We were reminded that the Ohio-Mich. Convention will be held on Oct. 13, 1996. Mass is at St. Christine’s Church in Euclid, dinner at the Recher Hall. Dinner will cost $12.00. Deadline for reservations is Sept. 30th.
Our Jean and George Balogh had their 50th Wedding Anniversary on May 30th. They were honored at a Mass celebrated by Fr. Krajnik at the St. Cyril & Methodius Church. Jean made herself a beautiful brocade and satin suit from her wedding gown for the occasion. She also celebrated her birthday on the same day.
They had an Open House at their home in Amherst for friends and relatives. Jean was also winner of the door prize at our June meeting.
We wish them many more years of good health and happiness.
Twenty-one came to our July meeting and enjoyed a delicious dessert served by our Mary Gradišek, Alice Rutar and Mary Janezic.
Annette Septaric won the door prize.
Now that we are being billed once a year for our dues some of the members were wondering why they were paying more. Agatha, ourSec.-Treas., reminded them of the new dues amounts now in effect. All adult members pay the same.
Here’s some family news:
Angie Voytko just returned from Texas where she attended a family wedding.
My grandson, Major Douglas Yurovich has returned to Beaufort, S. Carolina after completing a 6 month overseas deployment to the Adriatic Sea near Bosnia and to the Persian Gulf near Iraq. He is also an astronaut candidate.
My grandson, Michael Mercurio was home on leave for 10 days from his air base in Louisiana.
Elsie Hoffman, Agatha’s granddaughter who is an airline flight attendant moved from New York to Chicago. She says she loves Chicago,
that the people are friendly and its a breeze getting to the airport because the bus picks her up at her doorstep.
Agnes and John Drstvensek celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 29th. Mary and George Ferlic will be celebrating on Sept. 14th, and Alice and Mike Rutar will celebrate on Sept. 28th. Hope to have more information about these celebrations in my next write-up.
While I’m writing, I got the sad news that we lost another member, Sophie Pogachar. She was stricken by an apparent heart attack. She was a faithful member and will be missed by all of us. We offer our condolences to her family.
Our Jean Balogh had a slight stroke and Genevieve Wenzel had a fall and was badly bruised. We wish them quick recoveries.
Hope you all enjoyed your summer. Try to come to our meeting on Wed. Sept. 11th. You won’t be sorry!
Love,
MARY MATOS
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI
We certainly had a wonderful July, not too hot and enough rain to keep the lawns green. The neighbors just north of us weren’t quite so lucky. One minute they had a home and the next minute it was gone.
Our June meeting was opened with a prayer, minutes were read and the financial report was given. We welcomed a new member, Matilda Weich.
Our very active member Mary Musich is now living in Arlington Heights, Illinois. We hope she will be able to attend some of our meetings. We were served a very good luncheon by our birthday girls, which was enjoyed by all of us.
A bus is available for the trip to the Sheboygan Convention on September 8th. A few seats are still available as I write. Call Josephine for reservations at 545-0691.
Don’t forget about our Big Harvest Banquet at Klemmer’s Banquet Center on October 4th. Tickets for the dinner and entertainment are $15.00. Tickets can be obtained from Mary Martino, 384-4042 or Josephine Janezic, 545-0691. This is going to be a very special occasion as we will be honoring our 50 year members.
We wish a very speedy recovery to Rose Dovnik, and hope that she will be able to attend one of our meetings soon.
We again lost another member who has gone to our heavenly Father, Josephine Verbick. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Our next meeting will be on September 25th, same place, same time.
Let us keep all of our sick and deceased members in our prayers.
ANNE E. KONCZAL, Reporter
NO. 47, GARFIELD HTS., OH
It came and went - late spring - cool and rainy summer. The children are back at school, leaves are falling. Autumn weather will be approaching us soon.
Congratulations are in order to Beth Marie Kociancic who has been awarded an AMLA Scholarship and was a guest at the scholarship banquet. Beth is a senior at Bowling Green University will receive her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education in December of this year. She will do her student teaching at Highland Drive Elementary School in Brecksville, Ohio and teach third grade. Her parents are Anthony and Gail Kociancic. Beth has two brothers, Todd and Joel. Todd will be a sophomore at Ohio Northern majoring in pharmacy. Joel will be a junior at Chanel High School. Beth’s great grandmother was a charter member of Branch 47 and grandma, Mary Kociancic is also a member and was chosen Mother of the Year in 1992. Best wishes for a great future from all.
Anthony and Helen Jerman celebrated their “Special Day”, 50th Golden Anniversary on August 31st with Mass at St. William’s Church in Euclid. May you both spend many more happy years together - most of all best of health.
Olga and Kathy Dorchak are grandma and great gramma to a bouncing baby girl called sky.
Happy birthday to members with September and October birthdays, namely September: Mary Culkar, Mary Korošec, Sophie Kandus, Elaine Pinter, Agnes Slak, Mary Turkovich, Albina Jordanek, Mary Kastelic and Bernice Novak.
President, Ann Terček has just placed the beautiful crown and robe on Br. 50 member, Caroline Lokar during their annual Valentine Day party. Caroline accepted her surprise honor with a gracious smile!
Another warm-hearted member is Carole Traven who made this outfit.
BR. 50 VALENTINE “QUEEN”
member Mamie Marin, sister of member Ernestine Jevec, passed away, and Toni Turek’s husband, Frank followed on July 28th. All our cadets and the members who attended the services are to be commended, and peace be with all those concerned.
Hear ye! Hear ye! As another reminder, our next meeting will be held on Sept. 18th at the Euclid Club House. A week later, Sept. 25th, will be the date of our picnic there at 1 p.m. for which you will need reservations because the picnic will be catered by Kenny King. Please call Dorothy Winter at 481-3472 or Rosemary Mam at 486-8238 for the cost and further details. See you there.
Nasvidenje!
VI MORAVCHEK
October: Dorothy Cabot, Olga Dor-chak, Mary Ann Drobnik, Jo Godec, Elsie Spellacy, Mary Taucher, Jo, Klun, Ann Zaletel and Helen Krofel. Best of health to all.
Travelers on the go: Dan and Judy Freeman vacationed in South America; Casey and Mary Mundson spent some time with daughter and son-in-law in Kansas City; Val Mervar going to San Francisco to her grandson’s wedding.
Sick list: Rose Kočevar and Midge Bizjak are both recuperating. Our prayers and get well wishes to all on the sick list.
Don’t forget the Ohio Michigan State Convention, Sunday, October 13, St. Christine’s Church. Sorry to inform you that we will not have a wine festival this year. (Vinska Trgatev).
Next meeting is Sept. 8th, 1 o’clock Slovenian National Home on Stanley Ave. See you there.
MARY TAUCHER
50, CLEVELAND, OH
Dober Dan! It is time to sing the “September Song.” As per usual the summer flew by, but not without madness. Several years ago “Pogo” stated in the funnies that “we have met the enemy, and it is us!” It could be the truest statement of the century. You can learn a lot from the “funny papers.” Let’s start once again with a recent new birth and member. Her name is
Amanda Sechniegenberg. She makes up a third generation membership since her mother was the former recipient of a SWU scholarship and her grandmother is Dorothy Tusek. Welcome little one!
Another great happening will be the 50th wedding anniversary of Alberta and Frank Jarc. Congratulations!
Guess who made the front page dancing? - Yes, it was Cecelia Dolgan. And who was her partner? - Non other than former Senator Bob Dole. They were celebrating, with many others, the 5th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence at the Slovenian National Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.
The great event of the summer is dedicated to all the Anns in our membership in honor of St. Ann. All the Anns had a great time. Details about the event are given in full within, in another article written by our President, Ann Tercek.
One of our Anns, Anne Zitel, had a knee replaced. Marie Milhelek experienced the same. Vera Nosan joins them with a slipped disc. Get well, gals, and best of luck with your new parts!
We have recently received a generous sum of donations toward the scholarship fund from our members. We wish to thank all who contributed so liberally to a just cause.
There are times when we must extend our sincere sympathy for members who have departed and/or a family member of one. On July 2nd our dear
NO. 54, WARREN, OH
Our next meeting will be Sept. 18th at noon at the Elks Lodge. Please try to attend. We want to make plans for our Christmas Luncheon. Our branch is dwindling and we have to make an effort to attract new members and show more interest.
Sad news to report. Our dear president, Jo Kassan had a mild stroke but is doing much better. She was hospitalized for a few days. Get well, Jo! We need you and want you at our meetings!
We attended a lovely birthday party for Anne Savor who is 90 years young! Her children did a wonderful job and she was so happy. The food was delicious and we really enjoyed ourselves. Anne looked lovely and had many relatives there, even from Canada. Everyone received an ivy plant as a favor. Again, Happy 90th, Anne!
By now you should have received your bill from the SWU Nat’l. Secretary. Please be prompt in sending your payment for 1996 dues. I won’t be collecting dues anymore and hopefully, this system will work out well.
We have some good news to report in our family. Our oldest son, Philip will be married next April to Lynn Derrick, a very lovely girl from Pittsburgh, PA. The wedding will take place at St. Margaret’s Church and we are all excited about the coming festivities.
Get well to all our shut-ins and God’s
blessing and good health to all.
Meetings: Remember them! Sept. 18th and Oct. 16, both at noon and December 18th, Christmas Party, time and place to be announced.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH
Although it is still July as I write this column, August is just around the comer. It will be September before your copy of ZARJA arrives. Don’t know about the rest of you, but for me time has flown by. The signs that summer is gradually ending are evident. My neighbor has already tilled soil that has yielded a small crop. Sales for “Back to School” items prevail, and tuition payments are due. It has been a full summer, and we will all soon adjust to our fall/winter routines.
We have added another great grandma to our list. Marge Kozelka’s granddaughter added the “great” to the title. We wish the new arrival good health, and we’ll give Marge a needle and thread to sew her buttons back on!!
Speaking of grandchildren, Bill Vor-isek (long-time friend of our S.W.U. Branch) spent part of his summer entertaining Brian and Brenda from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It is nice that they take time to visit with Grampa.
Olga and Victor Sray celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary this summer and were among the couples who attended the celebration held at St. John’s Cathedral for all fifty-year celebrants. Olga’s remarks in the Universe Bulletin rang true for so many, the fact that they had to use food stamps (rations) to provide for their reception, and that they begged/borrowed them from friends. Congratulations, Olga and Victor, may good health follow you.
It was decided at our last branch meeting that we would rearrange our meeting schedule, hopefully to get a few more of you to attend. Our August Cookout kept us together for the summer. There will be no meeting in September. Our next meeting will be October 7th. We will meet the first Monday of each month in November and December. No meetings in January and February; these are usually not well-attended because of bad weather. Meetings will be held in March, April, May
and June. Please take time to mark your calendar accordingly, and plan to join us at one or two of the meetings. You will find it enjoyable.
Our Ohio-Michigan State Convention will be held on October 13th, hosted by Branch 14 in Euclid. If you are interested in attending, please contact Kay Yuratovac (662-5493) or Alouise Epley (662-5310). The conventions are interesting and will keep you up-to-date on what is happening in the organization.
On a personal note, August 31st will mark what would have been a Golden Anniversary for Steve and I. As you know, fate had different plans for us. The family could not let the day merely pass by. We will attend a mass in Steve’s memory, and have a small family gathering at home afterward. At the time of Steve’s demise, the children and grandchildren gave a beautiful chalice and paten. They will be used at the mass and then will be given to the Dominican Sisters in Adrian, Michigan where his sister (Eileen Therese) is still very active after more than sixty years in the Order. His other nun-sister passed away in April, 1989, after almost sixty years of service to the Order. It will be a rather difficult day to face, but family and prayers will see us through.
Enjoy what remains of the summer. Will we see you at our October meeting?
Respectfully,
EVELYN A. MAJERCIK
NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WA
Branch No. 79 of Enumclaw lost its lone surviving charter member, Anna Lokovšek Faulk. Anna passed away on June 13th, her 89th birthday. She came to the United States from Laško, Slovenia. Over the years she had been a vital member of the SWU; a hard worker who, as a professional cook, helped out many times managing the kitchens as well as providing her famous sauerkraut and other delicacies at our functions. We will sorely miss her.
Anna’s daughters, Dorothy Sleigh, Mary Kell and AnnaMae Anderson are all very active in our lodge. AnnaMae has been Secretary-Treasurer for many years and Mary Kell was our delegate to the San Francisco convention.
Start With Us on the current membership drive!
Dorothy is our Western States Regional President. Also, grandchildren and great grandchildren are members. The legacy will continue.
Long-time member Fran Potočnik has moved from her home in Cumberland to Kent, Washington - we wish her well in her new home.
Carrie Pearson has graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Sports Medicine. Carrie’s mother, Georgene Pearson and grandmother, Annette Johnson are also members along with Carrie.
Our Northwest has been having a mixed-bag of weather, extremely rainy in May and extremely hot in the last part of July. We’re hoping to get back to our normal mild temperatures very soon.
Hope all members are enjoying their summer.
MARY BRATOVICH
NO. 85, DE PUE, IL
We held our meeting in June with 7 members present. All reported they had received their direct billing statements.
Two of our members have been on the sick list. Mildred Lavrin had cataract surgery on one eye in June and the other one done in August. Mary Kuhar is in the hospital having tests. Both of these members faithfully attend all of our meetings. We wish them speedy recoveries and we hope to see them at our next meeting.
Two of my nephews were recently married, both having beautiful weddings. Edward Jermene, son of Muriel Jermene and the late Edward Jermene was married on May 18 to Lisa Henry. Baely Crockett, granddaughter of Muriel was the flower girl. They are living in Mendota.
James De Bord, son of Ann and John De Bord was married to Mary Sue Meade on June 15. James’ sister, Cynthia and brother, Tom were in the wedding party. Jonathan Hultine, Cynthia’s son and Ann’s grandson was the ring bearer. They are living in Peoria. We wish both of these couples God’s blessing and many, many years of happiness.
Today started out as a beautiful
sunny day and now it is beginning to look like rain, again. I feel for all those people in our Illinois who had flooded basements. We were fortunate here that we did not have any.
God bless.
MARY JERMENC NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Ray and Judy Pasquale spent two weeks in Willard with Judy’s mother, Donnie Wolf. They all attended the 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of Msgr. Mainer.
On June 2nd we enjoy seeing the slides of Msgr. Malnar’s three trips to Medjugorje in Bosnia-Hercegovina. These slides proved to be most interesting and educational. Later in the day, a delicious lunch was served with some traditional Slovenian food, including strudel, potica and pohanje.
On June 8th, Tyna Maria Pozega and Troy John Zupanc were married at St. Anthony’s Church in Loyal, WI. JoAnn Backus and Jeffrey Lukes were married on July 5th. Heather Volovsek and John Rentaria exchanged their wedding vows on August 3rd. Parents of the bride are Barb and Rich Volovsek, formerly of the Willard-Green-wood area, now living in Farmington, MN. May they have many happy years together.
Birthday greetings to all SWU members of Br. 102 who celebrated them this past summer.
On June 29th, a retirement party was held at the Willard Athletic Club in honor of Walt Backus. It was well-attended with much good socializing. A delicious lunch was prepared by Walt’s wife, Edith.
Lee and Kristen Volovsek are parents of a son, Tyler Joseph Volovsek, bom in June. Congratulations to the family.
A baby girl was bom to Amy Klancher and Dave Furlong on July 2nd at the River Falls Hospital. She was named Hannah Diane Furlong. Hannah is my first great grandchild.
Holly Bolf, age 9, daughter of Jim and Cynthia, died unexpectedly on June 4th. It was a shock to the family and to the whole community.
Then on June 26th we were all saddened by the news of Bob Herrick’s death. He was a respected and well-liked man. His love and devotion to his family and friends were in inspiration to all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to all, especially to Marion who is a member of Br. 102 and to her family.
Sincere condolences go to the family of Albert Bayuk, Agnes Francel and Martin Kokaly. Naj počivajo v miru.
Remember the sick and shut-ins of our area and those in nursing homes. Pray for their health, especially Mrs. Tim (Joan) Bayuk, Joanne Trunkel, Molly Prebil and Gertie Bukovec.
Till next time.
FRIEDA KLANCHER
Happy First Birthday!
We are proud to introduce the newest and youngest member of Branch 103, Matthew (Matjaž) Erik Fitzsimmons, son of charter member, Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons and, grandson of Nika Kovacic. This charmer has already attended various Branch functions where he has no difficulty finding scores of doting admirers. Matthew will celebrate his first birthday on September 1st. Love you, Matthew!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEPTEMBER
Ann Kapel, Br. 100, Fontana, CA Agnes Widina, Br. 26, Pittsburgh, PA MildredLipnos, Br. 42, MapleHgts.,OH Florence Holland, Br. 35, Aurora, MN
Presidents:
Sep. 5	-
Sep. 10	-
Sep. 24	-
Sep. 27	-
Secretaries:
Sep. 2	-	Joanne Ponikvar, Br. 54, Warren, OH
Sep. 22	-	Rosemary Mlakar, Br. 100, Fontana, CA
Sep. 28	-	Patricia Adamic, Br. 105, Detroit, MI
* $200-$500 WEEKLY *
Mailing travel brochures. No experience necessary. For information send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Internet Travel, P.O. Box 680610, Miami, FL 33268
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN OCTOBER
National Officers:
Oct. 9 - Corinne Leskovar, Editor, Chicago, IL Oct. 13 - Olga Dorchak, Regional President, Ohio-Michi-gan, and President, Br. 47, Solon, OH Oct. 26 - Kathleen Dorchak, Nat’l Vice President, Silver Lake, OH
Presidents:
Oct. 5 - Rose Ann Prey, Br. 89, Oglesby, IL Oct. 10 - Mary E. Roso, Br. 45, Portland, OR Oct. 12 - Edna Winters, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL Oct. 15 - Rose Bradach, Br. 68, Fairport Harbor, OH Oct. 15 - Mildred James, Br. 95, So. Chicago, IL ^Oct. 17 - Charlene Kobe, Br. 20, Joliet, IL Oct. 23 - Nancy Satkovich, Br. 97, Caimbrook, PA Oct. 28 - Mary Bratovich, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA
Secretaries:
Oct. 11 - Mary Jermene, Br. 85, Depue, IL Oct. 22 - Mary F. Mohr, Br. 5, Indianapolis, IN Oct. 31 - Mary Taucher, Br. 47, Garfield Hgts., OH
Br. 103, Washington, D.C.
“Local Artist Attends Slovenian Workshop”
ESTELLE ZORMAN MCGUCKIN CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN SLOVENIAN ARTIST’S WORKSHOP
How proud we were to learn that our member, Estelle Zorman McGuckin was selected to participate in an international gathering of Slovenian artists who currently live outside the Republic of Slovenia. The workshop, which was held June 23 through July 5th, was sponsored by Ljubljana based Slovenska Izseljenska Matica. The goal of the organizers is to reunite artists of Slovenian heritage with their roots in Slovenia.
The gathering, called the Colony of Slovenia Artists from Around the World, was idyllically situated at Most na Soči. The beautiful aqua opaque of the Soča River, which has long been a powerful inspiration to Slovenians, worked its magic on the attending artists. Many masterful works of art were produced during the 12 day workshop which concluded with an art exhibit of their work. Slovenian president, Milan Kucan and other government dignitaries attended the opening as it was one of the premier events of the “Noč na jezeru ’96” (Night on the Lake ’96) Festival being held that week-
Estelle’s artistic medium is watercolor. She is well-known in the Washington metropolitan area Slovenian community through her exhibits and generous contributions to our organization. Primarily a self-taught artist, she is active in the Potomac Watercolor Society and the Rockville Art League. She was introduced to drawing at an early age by her aunt, Milka Pestar. Teta Milka, who was also her first baby sitter, would supply both the encouragement and the materials for young Estelle’s compositions. Imagine how pleased she was when Estelle visited her after the workshop’s conclusion. She is proud of Estelle’s many artistic accomplishments and happy to have played a role in their development.
“Promoting Slovenian Cultural Awareness”
When Mary Plantan Bodling of Branch 103 was approached by the librarian at the Columbia Pike (Arlington County, Va.) Public Library and asked to assemble an exhibit of Slovenian items for display, she was more than up to the challenge. Having been deeply involved in her own family history and having made several trips to Slovenia, she had a font of information and items to choose from. Other members of Branch 103 also contributed through the loan of various handicraft items. These, coupled with Mary’s Slovenian treasures, made for a truly lavish Slovenian display which filled two display cases at the library.
Artist Estelle was working in Slovenia this summer
end. University of Ljubljana art professor, Milan Butina, who directed the workshop, was overjoyed with the success and the fine art which it produced.
This year’s participants, 10 in all, were artists of Slovenian ancestry currently residing in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Germany, Sweden, the U.S.A., and Venezuela. In addition to Estelle, other artists from the United States were: muralist, Lillian Brule, and watercolorist, Lucija Dragovan both from Illinois, Cleveland area resident Vlasta Radišek, who works in oils, and sculptor David Vertačnik, an art professor at the University of Kansas.
Featured items included: decorative wooden utensils and carvings, a costumed doll, assorted prints depicting various authentic Slovenian costumes, informational data and statistics, maps of Slovenia and the United States highlighting areas of Slovenian settlement, etc. The display which was exhibited throughout the month of April was both a visual delight and a resounding success!
Thank you, Mary, for helping to foster a wider understanding and appreciation of Slovenia.
Jill Augustine,
President
Mary, with her Slovenian treasures on display
BRANCH 105 REPRESENTS S.W.U. AT MICHIGAN’S FIRST SLOVENE POLKAFEST!
Kathleen Emerson and Sharon Wysocky displaying items for sale in the SWU Br. 105 Booth.
Kathleen Emerson bagging purchases while Sharon Wysocky rings it up! Dorothy Bernick is the customer and Mary Filo looks on.
I am pleased to announce that the Slovenian Women’s Union was well represented at the Slovene Polkafest held July 26, 27 & 29, 1996 in Sterling Hts., MI. It was our first Slovene Polkafest and it was well attended. We had buses from Ohio and Pennsylvania come and support us and their favorite bands. We even had some guests from across the river in Canada!
Our involvement began earlier this year when we elected to have a booth to help promote the S.W.U. The polkafest committee approved our booth and also made arrangements to order it for us. Then came the bad news. The cost was $ 195.00 for the weekend. We decided to go forward and advertised for donations toward the cost of the booth in our newsletters. Once again our members came through. We received donations from Patricia Adamic, Fran Desmond, Mary Filo, Valeria Jacklich, and Anne Perhay. Anne’s donation is extra special because although she is a long standing member of our branch, she and her husband Frank have not lived in Michigan for a long long time. Thanks Anne for believing in us!
Next on the agenda was what do we sell? We chose items from the Heritage Museum catalog and I offered to drive to Joliet to pick them up. We also decided we wanted to make some magnets to sell and Kay Plackard made a pattern for one. Unfortunately we were unable to locate the pearler beads needed to complete the project. By accident, Yolanda Roel and I discovered a button maker and ordered 200 buttons, 100 of “Kiss me I’m Slovenian” in assorted colors and 100 “I Love S.W.U.!”
I arrived at the S.W.U. Heritage Museum on July 24th. Jonita and a friend were waiting for me. They had packed the goods and we loaded my car. Thank you Jonita for all your help and for arranging for some of sweatshirts to be delivered right before my arrival. That is the kind of team work that will keep our Zveze strong!
I have to thank my sister, Sharon Wysocky, and friend.
Yolanda Roel for helping with setting up and taking down our booth for the 3 day festival. Yolanda and I covered the booth all 3 days and had help from the following members, Fran Desmond, Patricia Hostnick, Dorothy Bernick, Liz Kiss, Maryanne Yemec, Kay Plackard, Mary Jane Smith, Chris Doyle, and Rita Hostnick. The beautiful signs displayed on our booth were made by our junior member, Laura Klančnik. Thanks Laura! A special thank you is extended to Samantha and Shawn Thompson, children of Amy Thompson, niece of National Auditor, Marge Church, and grandchildren of Maryanne Yemec. Their enthusiasm and with the help of Maryanne and Rita helped push sales to the maximum! A good job was done by ALL!
On Sunday we had a surprise visit to our booth by Ohio-Michigan president, Olga Dorchak. She came to the festival on one of the buses from Cleveland. It was a pleasure visiting with her and she did remind me that she was looking forward to having a delegation from Michigan at the State Convention in October.
Many people stopped at our booth to ask questions about Slovenia. It was surprising how many people really do not know where it is. I spoke with many people about Slovenia and also about our organization. I am pleased to announce I sold one ZARJA subscription, signed up 1 new social member, and passed out half a dozen applications and our beautiful brochures.
While I do not know if we made any money yet, I do know that once again my branch worked together to promote the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. Our branch involvement was even published in another Slovenian publication. It should also be noted that many more of our members were involved in working other booths at this festival. They also deserve a big round of thanks!
Let’s keep our spirit alive and continue celebrating the 70th anniversary of our Zveze!
Kathleen Emerson,
President, Branch 105
This interesting puzzle is the “brain-child” of Pat Figurowski, National Auditor of Joliet, IL. We thank Pat for the exercise! Use the NAMES below, then see the solution lower left.
Women who were influential in the growth of
Slovenian Women’s Union
K	S	O	L	T	V
A	D	E	B	U	J
P	C	K	L	R	D
C	R	C	M	E	H
A	K	I	P	K	G
Q	E	D	S	R	O
U	R	E	L	L	U
E	M	W	T	E	A
C	A	A	X	S	C
N	V	Y	B	K	N
E	N	D	Z	O	D
B	E	K	E	V	I
O	R	E	M	A	N
B	F	L	E	R	T
ANCEL
BOBENCE
BOSTIAN
DICKE
ERJAVEC
KERMAVNER
KRAMER
LESKOVAR
LIVEK
MAROLT
MULLER
NOVAK
ODORIZZI
PLANINŠEK
PRISLAND
TUREK
VUKODINOVICH
Women who were influential in the growth of
Slovenian Women’s Union
R	S	R	S	P	G
E	K	E	I	L	V
N	N	M	o	A	U
F	A	A	B	N	K
R	M	R	O	I	O
S	R	K	s	N	D
M	T	T	T	S	I
N	G	U	I	E	N
N	O	V	A	K	O
I	D	0	N	S	V
O	R	I	Z	z	I
L	G	J	H	D	c
C	E	L	Q	K	H
A	V	E	C	U	R
FROM
OUR
MAILBAG
Slovenian Women’s Union Dear Membership Organizer:
For years my mother was a member of your group while living in Aurora, Minnesota. She has since passed away and I have moved to Spokane, WA.
This weekend, while looking through the Pots and Pans Cookbook, I felt it was important for me to seek membership so I may pass this knowledge on to my children.
I checked the Spokane directory and found no listing - so this is my next step, to write to this address.
I’m hoping you can assist me in membership information. Thanks.
Mary D. Orazio Spokane, WA
The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.
Nothing shocks most of us as much as finding that we may be wrong.
HERITAGE PROMOTERS
by Fr. David J. Stalzer
I am sure you have heard of, or were possibly even involved with, Crime-Stoppers. This is a group found in local communities that helps identify crime, criminals, or potential situations that can be of a danger or hazard in local areas. They can be a great help and benefit to local law enforcement groups. What we are seeking on a more positive note are Heritage Promoters. So, once again I am writing on behalf of the Slovenian Genealogy Society with Albert Peterlin as coordinator. A1 has done a tremendous and invaluable job in recent years in obtaining and preserving various histories of local communities and also compiling listings of family names.
What we are looking for are any history books, or even program books, dealing with our Slovenian parishes or churches that had a sizable Slovenian population in local communities. We have already obtained a number of these books, but we are still certain that there are some we do not have. You may have some in your own libraries. If you do not want to part with it, a copy would be acceptable. These books may be written in either English or Slovene. We have translators. Or perhaps you could check with a local church that was a national parish, or perhaps you are a member of a group with a sizable Slovene population. We are also looking for the names of any fraternal organziations, clubs and/or national homes. Without your help, cooperation and support, the valuable work of the Genealogical Society is hampered.
As I’ve mentioned a number of times for a number of years, if we do not preserve our history, either in written or oral form, an accurate accounting of our past here in the United States will be lost. We have people willing to do the work. We need your help in obtaining the materials. Again, if you have any of these materials, or are willing to do a little footwork, please send them to: Albert Peterlin, 52 Old Farm Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011. Once again, thanks for your interest and cooperation in being a heritage promoter and preserver.
*•>00000 »0000000»ft00000»
MRSfl SLDUEHSKfl DEDIŠČmR
BARAGA
Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki
FRANC JAKLIČ
IX. BARAGA REDNI ŠKOF SAULTSKI LETO 1859
Z Zornom sta se peljala v Little Traverse poleg nekdanjega Krivega drevesa. Baraga, ki je tukaj z De-jeanom sejal prvo seme krščanske omike, je zdaj z veseljem gledal Indijancev, kako so že civilizirani. Po večini so tesarji in mizarji. Izdelujejo tudi trdne čolne iz lesa, ne več iz brezovega lubja.
V	Little Traversu se mu je pripetil dogodek, ki se mu v indijanskih misijonih še ni. V pismu z dne 23. junija 1859 piše na Dunaj: “Mlada, 18 ali 19-letna Indijanka, ki je po zatrjevanju misijonarjev že več let pobožno živela in šla vsako nedeljo k sv. obhajilu, je prišla k meni, in me prisrčno prosila, naj jo sprejmem v uršulinski samostan v Saultu Ste. Marie. Ob tej Indi-janskini prošnji sem osupnil, ker je pri tem narodu, podobno kakor pri Judih in drugih narodih v starih časih. Da bi varno postopal, sem poklical njene starše in jih povpraševal o njihovi hčeri. Povedali so, da je imela že več snubačev, a je vse zavrnila in vsem povedala, da hoče ostati samska. Večkrat sem jo vprašal, ali res želi vse zapustiti in vstopiti v samostan. Pa mi je zagotovila, da je to njena edina želja. Vzel sem jo torej s seboj in bila je sprejeta v naš uršulinski samostan. Če bo le vztrajala!"
Baragov dnevnik pa nam pove, da je to indijansko dekle, ki ji je bilo ime Marjeta Sagima, začutilo že po nekaj dnevih nepremagljivo domotožje in željo po svobodi. Redovnice so videle, da ta hči pragozda ne bo mogla vzdržati v samostanski samoti, in so jo po devetih dneh z ladjo Lady Elgin poslale domov. Baraga je v dnevniku pripisal: “Iz Indijanca ni mogoče vzgojiti duhovnika in iz Indijanke redovnice.”
Izjeme so se pa le dobile. Tako je n. pr. Lavtižar pisal 2. janunarja 1857: “Lansko leto je v Milwaukeeju umrla neka redovnica-učiteljica, ki je bila Indijanka iz rodu Otava. Rojena in vzrejena je bila od divjih Indijancev, tam nekje, kjer je zdaj mesto Chicago. Bila je nenavadno nadarjena in je govorila štiri jezike. Imela je tudi vse lastnosti, ki spadajo k redovništvu. Naš škof (Baraga) in Mrak sta govorila z njo, ko sta bila tam. Skoda, da je prezgodaj umrla; imela je komaj 26 let. Indijanci so mi pripovedovali, da živi v Cincinnatiju še ena redovnica iz njih (otavskega) rodu."
V Little Traversu je bil z "vestnim in pobožnim” (misijonarjem Sifferathom spet zadovoljen, - tudi zato, ker je že kar dobro znal otavsko. Dne 9. junija je pa v Grand Traversu občudoval cerkev, ki jo je Mrak zadnje leto temeljito popravil in znotraj in zunaj olepšal.
Na povratku je moral prenočiti na obali. Bilo je mrzlo in viharno. Odeje ni imel s seboj; v samem plašču je ležal na mrzlem pesku in drgetal od mraza. Hudo se je prehladil. Zjutraj je s težavo vstal in komaj mogel govoriti. - Dne 17. junija se je vrnil v svojoj sobo pri jezuitih v Saultu.
Ostal je pa samo 10 dni. Na svoj 62. rojstni dan 20. junija se je odpeljal z ladjo v zahodni del škofije. Dne 2. julija ga vidimo v L’Ansu. Spet se je razveselil cvetočega misijona. Cerkev že postaja premajhna in že zdaj prosi Leopoldinino ustanovo za podporo za novo. Tisto poletje je prišlo več poganov iz Lac Vieux Deserta, da prejmejo sv. krst.
Na Keweenawskem polotoku je v novem rudniku Clark’s Mine prosil vodstvo, da postavi cerkev. Rudnik je bil last francoske družbe iz Pariza. Vsi rudarji so bili katoličani. Thiele iz Eagle Harborja je prihajal k njim.
V slovečem rudniku Cliff Mine na severu polotoka so nakopali vsak mesec 150 do 180 ton najlepšega bakra. Ze nekaj let so imeli lepo, prostorno cerkev, posvečeno Materi božji. Zdaj bi radi postavili tudi hišo za 116 dolarjev; ravnatelj, čeprav ni bil katoličan, je prispeval 100 dolarjev. Tudi semkaj je hodil Thiele maševat vsako tretjo nedeljo. Rudarji in njihove družine so zelo pridno hodili k maši in sv. zakramentom.
23. julija je bil spet v svojem nekdanjem La Pointu. V nedeljo je imel očipvejsko, angleško in francosko pridigo in je birmal 17 oseb.
Od tam se je peljal z ladjo na severni del Keweenawskega polotoka. V Houghtonu so že postavili cerkev. Zadnjega julija, na dan sv. Ignacija Lojolskega, čigar duhovni sinovi jezuiti so bili prv: misijonarji v tistih pokrajinah, jo je Baraga blagoslovil temu svetniku v čast. Imel je škofovsko mašo, pri kateri so mu stregli Thiele, Jacker in mladi Irec O'Neil, ki ga je tam nastavil. Ker pa O’Neil še ni znal francoskega, je moral Jacker še vedno prihajati iz L'Ansa.
V Minnesota Mine je spet občudoval Prusa Martina Foxa, ki je delal za dva. Postavil je cerkev v čast Marijinemu imenu, ki jo Baraga imenuje "največjo in najlepšo v škofiji”. Dne 4. septembra je jo blagoslovil. Takrat so tudi prvič zapele v njej orgle, ki jih je bil šel Fox naročit v Buffalo. Bile so prve v škofiji. V drugih cerkvah so igrali na melodeon. - Iz Minnesote Mine je Fox po Dunnejevem odhodu upravljal tudi Ontonagon.
Dne 21. septembra 1859 je beležil v dnevnik: "36. obletnica mojega mašniškega posvečenja. Hvala Bogu! 18. obletnica mojega jutranjega premišljevanja. Bogu neskončna hvala!"	NADALJEVANJE
l
r
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA
We welcome you to join the Slovenian Women’s Union as a new member.
Our organization has 6,000 adult members throughout the United States in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and California.
There are 65 subordinate societies in the major Slovenian settlements in these states.
Every adult member receives free, a copy of the official organ, ZARJA-THE DAWN, a bi-ling-ual magazine carrying the news and items of interest to our membership. In ZARJA are also published official reports and articles submitted by the branches. Each group is encouraged to send in their news for publication in either or both languages.
Junior members are also very welcome, and for very little assessment. They are insured for $100 death benefit. They do not receive the ZARJA
Photo, Vitko Staut
publication, however. They may retain their junior classification until reaching the age of 18 years when they may transfer to adult class.
Since 1976 we have also opened membership to men in the families of our members. They pay the same as the ladies in monthly assessment and are considered members of our Associate Department. Boys until age of 18 are regular junior members of the organization and then may transfer to the Associate Department.
The following is the Classification Schedule and Assessment Schedule:
Dues per year $15.00
$ 4.00 $15.00
Adult Class B Adult Associate Class B Junior Class Social Class
14 to 66	$100 to $300 Benefit *
14	to 66	$100 to $300 Benefit *
Birth to 18 $100 benefit, no ZARJA-THE DAWN No age limit No benefits - ZARJA-THE DAWN
(*) SCHEDULE: For members joining Adult Classes ages to 31, $300, ages up to 41, $250, ages up to 46, $200, ages up to 56, $150, ages up to 66, $100.
Celebrating our 70th Year in 1996!
2ND CLASS
POSTAGE
PAID
CHICAGO
ILLINOIS
Moving?
Take your printed name and address label from the back page of this ZARJA and send it in with the new address and full zip code. If you do this before moving, it will save extra cost that is charged by the P.O.
ZARJA-THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd. Chicago, IL 60615
First Midwest Bank
National Association
50 W. Jefferson Street Joliet, Illinois 60431	<=>
(815 727-5222
TEZAK FUNERAL HOME “First in Service Since 1908”
1 Licensed Producer's; Richard K. Tezak	Lydia	Marquardl	LUTCF (741-0427)
(Forethought Trust) American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
Call for information and a free booklet "For Future Reference" (815) 722-0524
		
	Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes	
	Phone 741-5500	
	Mark L. Dames Jeffrey M. Dames	
	Brian L. Dames Fred J. Dames	
		
	■ A •flirHul .ULTnT, 251 North Centar Si. Jol*t. IL 60435 3200 Black Rd . Joltet IL 60435	
		
	
ZEFRAN	FUNERAL HOME
Louis Ron Zefran	Frank J. Zefran
Marilyn E. Zefran	Lois M. Zefran
1941 West Oermak Road	
Chicago, IL 60608	847-6688
.		
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“	 /kafri
25224 W. Eames Street,
Channahon, IL 60410	ROSANNE	RUTH
Office: (815) 467-3140	RFALTOR
Home: (815) 726-4129	MtALI
FAX: (815) 467-3146	Member	ol	Branch	20,	S.W.U.
iO'
AVSEC PRINTING	Union	Sh°P
“Over 60 Years of Service”
825 Plainfield Road
Joliet, Illinois 60435	(815)	722-2961
ZELE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
TWO COMPLETE FUNERAL HOMES Cleveland, Ohio
452 East 152nd St.	6502	St.	Clair	Ave.
481-3118	361-0583
SHELIGA DRUG INC.
6025 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 431-1035
Serving our neighborhoods' daily needs
AMERICAN
SLOVENIAN
CATHOLIC
UNION
Ask About "KSKJ ANNUITIES” A New Beginning
HOME OFFICE: 2439 GLENWOOD AVENUE • JOLIET, IL 60435 • (800) 843-5755