naj bi dolgo se krasila nas rodni krog, Slovenka mila, in nasa srca dvigala, ljubav do roda vžigala!
may you adorn our kuman race, sweet lady and lift our kearts to fire a nation’s love!
I van Zorman: "Narodnjakinja”
VOLUME 59
ZARJA - THE DA WN
DATES TO REMEMBER Mothers of the Year Parties:
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to : ZARJA — THE DAWN, 2032 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60608
NO. 5	MAY, 1987	VOL.	59
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $10.00 — naročnina $10.00 letno za ne-članice.
Pu biishenSL O V EM A N WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, 1L All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do 1. v mesecu.
Editor, COR1NNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office, 2032 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60608 Telephone (312) 847-6679
ON THE COVER...
Atop the Slovenian Float, Mary and George Ferlic wave to the crowds at the Lorain International Festival Parade. They participate in many community events proudly wearing their national costumes. Mary is Mother of the Year from Branch 40.
In this issue, we honor our Mothers and Women of the Year of the Branches, welcome you to the 20th National Convention and report on the recent Board of Directors’ Meeting. It is again, one of our historic issues of ZARJA-THE DAWN.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN MAY
May 10 -Mary Tomsic, Honorary State President of Pennsylvania, Strabane, PA
National Officers:
May 27 -Anna Hodnik, Director of Youth, Aurora, MN
Presidents
May 5 - Bernetta Mische, Br. 84, New York, NY May 11 - Christine Konte, Br. 66, Canon City, CO May 25 - Frances Yerman, Br. 57, Niles, OH May 30 - Rose Kosko, Br. 21, Cleveland, OH
Secretaries
May 3 - Anna Anderson, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA May 6 - Gladys Buck, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL May 13 - Helen McFarland, Br. 66, Canon City, CO May 13 - Mary Mejac, Br. 103, Washington, D.C.
May 14 - Mary Pabijan, Br. 15, Cleveland, OH May 27 - Anka Kregar, Br. 55, Girard, OH
May 3 - Br. 35, Aurora, MN, 2 p.m. Meeting followed by party
May 3 - Br. 38, Chisholm, MN, Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Dinner and Program follow May 3 - Br. 47, Garfield Hgts., OH, Dinner May 3 - Br. 92, Gunnison, CO, Luncheon at Tomichi Village, 1 p.m.
May 5 - Br. 17, West Allis, WI, Kegel’s Inn at noon, contact Joan Yaklich, 281-8983 or Marion Marolt, 327-3871 May 5 - Br. 22, Bradley, IL, Annual Mass for Deceased Members May 6 - Br. 3, Pueblo, CO, Covered Dish Party at King’s Table, 2 p.m.
May 11 - Br. 89, Oglesby, IL Banquet at Starved Rock Lodge, 6:30 p.m.
May 13 - Br. 43, Milwaukee, WI, call Rose Kramer for reservations
May 14 - Br. 71, Strabane, PA, Covered Dish Dinner, 7:30 p.m.
May 17 - Br. 13, San Francisco, CA, Luncheon, 11 a.m.
at Lehr’s Restaurant, contact Jo Aiuto for reservations May 19	- Br.	20,	Joliet, IL, 6:30 p.m.
May 19	- Br.	21,	Cleveland, OH, Luncheon,	West Park
Slovene Nat’l Home, 12:30 p.m.
May 19 - Br. 54, Warren, OH, Luncheon at Elks Club, Rt. 422, 12:30 p.m.
May 20	- Br.	10,	Cleveland, OH
May 20	- Br.	32,	Euclid, OH, Dinner, $7.50 per	person,
BYOB
May 21 - Br. 2, Chicago, IL, Mass and Refreshments, 7 p.m.
May 21 - Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL, Complimentary Dinner
May 21 - Br. 50, Cleveland, OH, Luncheon May 31 - Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA, Pot Luck Dinner June 10 - Br. 95, So. Chicago, IL, Luncheon 1 p.m.
June 14 - Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI, Mass, meeting and luncheon
June 16 - Br. 41, Cleveland, OH, Luncheon, Fanny’s Restaurant, noon
OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER
May 7 - Br. 2, Chicago, IL, Mass for Ailing Members, St. Stephen’s Church, 8 a.m.
May 9 - Br. 21, Cleveland, OH, Mass for Living and Deceased Members, Annunciation Church May 14 - 16 - NATIONAL CONVENTION, Joliet, IL hosted by Br. 20 June 12 - Br. 33, Duluth, MN, “House on the Rock” trip
June 25 - Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI, Junior Picnic, Jackson Park
Aug. 18 - Br. 50, Cleveland, OH, Pot-Luck Picnic at Briardale Community Center off Babbitt Rd.,
6 p.m.
Sep. 13 - MINNESOTA STATE CONVENTION, Br.
39, Biwabik, MN hostesses Sep. 30 - Br. 33, Duluth, MN, Trip to Slovenia Oct. 11 - WISCONSIN STATE CONVENTION & 60TH ANNIVERSARY, Br. 12, Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 1 - Br. 43, Milwaukee, WI, Card Party, John’s Hall
FROM THE EDITOR
5 4 7 88
To my daughter, Miriam
The picture that illuded me
I’m not an artist, not a composer, although I’d like to be both. I’ve never written a book, but in the course of the day I do some writing, in between those fleeting hours that are never enough.
Sometimes I reach out trying to find a special, wonderful image to write about and even try to encompass this thought in my dreams, so that I might find it in some kind of fantasy. But, alas, when 1 awake, the dream is gone and with it, those illusive, illusive visions.
I search to find that certain something that would bring to mind a special moment in life, to remind me of what is beautiful and good ... as if I were picking my way through flowers in a garden. The blooms are so varied and one more beautiful than the next. The fragrances are all wispy and indistinctive and all too fragile — they just waft away in the air. Every picture I conjure up lacks something, that certain something that would capture a lost feeling. They are all too pale and unsubstantive.
I begin then to search thru my memory, those times in life that spark and flash out of nowhere, and in a brightening light become real again and a part of me.
In memory I re-live the sight of a majestic mountain, appearing before me, too huge and untouchable, and it gives me a sense of both fear and awe —
the sight of a wide, wide horizon, before which lies an expanse of water so blue, so silvery, shimmering ... under a dazzling, sinking sun.
I am captivated by these memories.
But, out of the dreamy visions, I hear a soft sound...a child’s call to his mother...
and I see that I have found the picture. It’s on my desk. The picture I have been seeking. I have found the answer to my search. The image that even in my dreams 1 could not compose so perfectly, the picture of an embrace.
My eyes go over and over this picture, stroking it lovingly and slowly, to let it collect in me all the feelings I have almost forgotten. 1 wish, once again, to know that love, that hidden love that is in every mother in this world, no matter the age, the color, the culture, the language. What is in each of us, the feeling of holding your whole world in your arms, knowing the sound of an unsung melody!
On this special day that is for you, and all the mothers of the world, I send my wishes, as simple as they are, and with them, the only fitting gift, my heart.
Iskala sem najlepšo podobo
Nisem slikarka, nisem glasbenica, čeprav imam rada oboje, nisem napisala še nobene knjige, čeprav snujem in mislim, ustvarjam vsak dan. Čas me vedno znova prehiteva. Kolikokrat sem že sanjala, da so moje lastne sanje postale resničnost, pa sem se vedno zbudila kar malo razočarana, da so vse to le sanje.
Nekega dne pa sem se le ustavila za trenutek, ki je postal neskončno dolg — v svojih mislih sem začela iskati podobo, ki bi bila najlepša, ki bi odsevala vse tisto kar si v najsvetlejših trenutkih življenja zaželi hrepeneče srce. Dolgo, predolgo sem jo siakala. Pobrskala sem po vseh svojih spominih, se sprehodila po vseh mogočnih nasadih dišeče opojnih cvetlic. Duhala sem vonj za vonjem in na koncu žalostna ugotavljala, da to ni tisto kar bi vsaj bledo naslikalo najlepšo podobo, ki sem jo slutila.
Potem sem brskala po doživljajih, o kaj vse mi je prineslo življenje, koliko nepozabnih trenutkov se je zalesketalo v mojih mislih, s kako veličanst-veno govorico je izgovarjalo srce prelepe besede dobrote, ljubezni, plemenitosti, odpuščanja...
Da, tudi sanj sem se dotaknila, sanj, ki so mi budili slike iz mladosti, sanj, ki so mi slikale prelepo nevesto, ki stopa pred oltar, pa vsi mogoči princi so
vstajali in zapolnjevali mojo zasanjano dušo. Z njimi sem prepotovala najlepše livade, pogled se mi je ustavljal ob mogočnih gorah, ki so me navdajale z občudovanjem, grozo in slastjo, pa bistri potoki, prostranstva jezer, jezne morske gladine... tedaj pa me je kar malo preveč zasanjano prebudil otroški klic, ki je izgovarjal nasvetejše besede naše govorice — klical je svojo mamo...
Na mizi sem opazila podobo, ki sem jo iskala, našla sem jo, našla sem uresničene sanje, ki ne bodo nikoli izumetničene — našla sem podobo matere, ki v svoje naročje stiska dragoceni zaklad
—	svojega otroka. S pogledom sem v skrivnostni tišini pobožala to čudovito podobo mojih sanj, to najlepšo podobo, ki jo premore svet, ki jo poklanjajo nebesa. Podobo, ki je tako globoko utisnjena v srce in dušo vsakega izmed nas, podobo, ki ji naša najžlahtnejša čustva le bledo odgovarjajo, podobo, ki velja vsem materem sveta ne glede na raso, jezik, kulturo. Podobo, ki je skrita v vsakem človeškem srcu, ki ohranja svet na tečajih zgodovine, nikoli izpete melodije!
Matere, naj vam ob prazniku želim srečo — oh, to bi bilo vse preskromno... Poklanjam vam svoje srce, ki edino dostojno odgovarja največjemu zakladu.
20/20 NATIONAL CONVENTION
Joliet, Illinois - May 14-17, 1987
Helen M. Horwath Convention Chairperson
20th NATIONAL CONVENTION May 14-17, 1987 HOLIDA Y INN, Joliet, IL PROGRAM
Thursday, May 14
2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Registration at Holiday Inn	
3:00 p.m.	State Presidents’ Meeting, Home Office
4:30 p.m.	Happy Hour - Cocktails, hors d’ouevres, Home Office
6:00 p.m.	Heritage Museum Tour - Slide Show, “Golden Years”
7:30 p.m.	Tour of Rialto Theatre
Friday, May 15	
7:30 a.m.	Continental Breakfast Late Registration
8:30 a.m.	Opening Session of Convention
Noon	Lunch Break
1:30 to 5 p.m.	
	Business Sessions
5:00 p.m.	Dinner on own
7:15 p.m.	Business Sessions
Saturday, May 1	16
7:30 a.m.	Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m.	Picture taking at Holiday Inn
9:00 a.m.	Business Sessions
12:30 p.m.	Lunch Break
1:30 p.m.	Business Sessions
6:00 p.m.	Dinner Dance at St. Joseph Park Hall
Sunday, May 17	
10:00 a.m.	Meet at Museum and Headquarters
11:30 a.m.	Concelebrated Mass at St. Joseph Church
1:00 p.m.	Brunch at Louis Joliet Renaissance Center Installation of Officers Social Hour
VISITORS’ TOURS INFORMATION
There will be a Tours-Information Desk at the Holiday Inn, Mrs. Joyce Vicich and staff.
Visitors to the 20th National Convention will have a fun-packed schedule of activities:
Friday-May 15 - 9:30 a.m. Leave Holiday Inn to Lemont, Illinois to visit St. Mary’s Seminary - Franciscan Father’s Shrine of Marija Pomagaj, and Grotto of Blessed Virgin, followed by tour of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Escorted by ladies of Branch 2.
Evening: Leave Holiday Inn 7:30 p.m. for 8 p.m. curtain at Rialto Theatre performance of “A Little Like Magic”.
Saturday - May 16 - 9:30 a.m. Leave Holiday Inn for Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and Water Tower Place. Circle tour of Joliet on return.
Evening: 6 p.m. Dinner-Dance at St. Joseph Park Hall.
Sunday, May 17 - 9:30 a.m. Leave Holiday Inn for gathering at SWU Home Office, Procession and Con-celebrated 60th Anniversary Mass at St. Joseph Church (11:30 a.m.) followed by Brunch at the Renaissance Center at 1:30 p.m.
Costs: Tour price includes lunch and will be determined at time of departure. (Pay on bus.) Oncoming tour buses will be used wherever possible.
Tickets: For theatre performance, $12.20. Reservations may be made at Tour Desk at Holiday Inn on Friday. Or, advance reservations may be made direct with Rialto Theatre, P.O. Box 792, Joliet, IL 60434. Tickets will be mailed to you.
Dinner-Dance $12.50 and Brunch $12.00 tickets may be reserved by sending check to: SWU Convention, c/o Mrs. Joseph Ambrozich, 305 Marble St., Joliet, IL 60435. Tickets will be mailed to you in advance.
TRANSPORTATION: Buses will be available to and from all activities. Pick up at Holiday Inn.
MOTEL INFORMATION
HOLIDAY INN ($55 double)
1-80 and Larkin (815)729-2000
RED ROOF INN ($37/approx double)
1750 McDonough St.
(815)741-2305
Two blocks from Holiday Inn
HOWARD JOHNSON now called EXECUTIVE PLAZA 4200 W. Jefferson (815) 725-0111 ($51 double)
Approx 4 miles from Holiday Inn
SHOREWOOD INN ($40 double)
19747 Frontage Road Plaza (815) 725-2180 (approx 5 miles)
CONVENTION KEYNOTE SPEAKER
FRA NCES BA BIC, M. A.
Singer of Slavic songs, folk artist, teacher, lecturer and consultant, Frances Babic’s areas of study are East European and Russian history, Slavic ethnography and the “New Immigration.”
She has served on the faculties of Ursuline College, Notre Dame College, and John Carroll University, and has been Director of the Lifelong Learning Center at Notre Dame College of Ohio. She is currently engaged in research for projected projects concerning Slovenian heritage.
Mrs. Babic lives in a Cleveland suburb and is associated with the Slovenian National Art Guild. We are very pleased that she will be with us and share her special knowledge and expertise. We know it will be an uplifting experience for our convention assembly.
She will deliver the Keynote Address on Friday morning at the opening of the Convention.
President ’s Message
Greetings. This month we honor our Blessed Mother, remembering our own, whether living or deceased. My own mother inspired me with devotions to Mary early in life.
1 was fortunate to be able to attend the Annual Board Meeting in Joliet. Many ideas were discussed, especially plans for our 20th Convention being hostessed by Branch 20. At the close of our sessions, we were invited by Branch 2, in Chicago, to attend their St. Joseph’s table. It was a treat for me to visit with my old neighbors and friends, all of whom I miss very much. Your warm welcome made my trip complete. Also, during this time, I was able to visit my son, Marty, his wife Grace, their daughters Jennifer and Jessica; they made it all worthwhile. If God wills that all goes well, I shall see you all in May, at the convention.
My best wishes to members chosen to be honored at special events this month at most branches.
Our new cookbooks have sections with recipes for Microwave meals; you will enjoy them.
There have been some changes in the Heritage
Museum; if you attend the convention, make a stop there.
To our young people graduating, our best wishes for a brilliant future.
For our brides, I wish a happy future and abundant love and understanding in their new life.
This month, also, our birthday and anniversary celebrants are remembered in special prayers, good wishes, health and happiness.
Many of our members and friends are ailing and housebound, please remember them with a card or visit. Thank you for the many cards and prayers for my Wally.
We have lost another past National officer in the passing of Elizabeth Zefran of Branch 2, who for many years, before her illness was a dedicated and tireless worker for SWU. We were close friends for most of our lives.
Let us ask God’s blessing on Elizabeth, our mothers, members and friends. May He keep them secure in His heavenly abode.
May God Walk With You.
Mary Muller
YOU ARE ESPECIALLY INVITED!
The National Home Office of Slovenian Women’s Union and the Heritage Museum will be open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Viewing of the museum artifacts, color slide show of “Golden Times”, hospitality coffee will be available. Mrs. Jonith Ruth will have sales items also available.
Selected art works by Lillian Brule and Lucille Dragovan will be on display during the Convention at the Museum and Home Office.
ADDITIONAL DONORS
Toward the end of 1986 we received the following donations:
For the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation Inc. $20.00 was given by Sophie Passinault of Munising, MI and $5.00 from Sister M. Consolata of Mt. Assisi Convent, Lemont, IL.
Also a donation was given to the Slovenian Miner and Laborers Tribute by Angela Zaida of Manhatan, IL in memory of her parents Paul and Louis Lukančič, Joliet, IL.
SINCERE SYMPATHY
Rev. Athanasius Lovrenčič, O.F.M.
TO MARY MULLER
After a long illness, God called Walter Muller to his	{
eternal rest on April 1, 1987.	1
His widow, Mary, our National President, grieves after him as do his three children, daughter, Mary A nn, sons Michael and Martin and eight grandchildren.
He was a loving husband, father and especially fond of his grandchildren who loved him very much, too. A memorial Mass was offered at his home parish in Scottsdale,
Arizona where Mary and Walter retired several years ago.
To Mary and the family, our deepest sympathies and prayers for his everlasting peace in the Lord.
i ELIZABETH ZEFRAN \ |	MOURNED	S
•	All	of us who knew “I.iz” will miss her.	;
:	Even tho we hadn't seen her loo much in the past	3
3	year, (due to her painful arthritic condition, she	$
\	was unable to do much walking), we could count	{
j	on her to be supportive and with us in spirit. But	[
•	when she could come out, she did and it was just	•
:	two weeks before her death that we saw her at St.	3
)	Stephen’s Hall. She and her family were there,	(
\	enjoying the company of friends and neighbors.	t
i	Liz	and her family welcomed us when we	j
;	came to Chicago and moved next door to	3
|	establish the SWU Home Office in 1952. There	j
;	was nothing that Liz wouldn't do for us. She and	(
|	her late husband, Louie, prominent business	j
[	people in the community and parish, were able to	j
:	find just about anything we needed for our office	J
3	and apartment; they gave us guidance, their time	\
\	and most of all a very sincere friendship. They	i
t	were like that with everyone.
r	So,	I think the thing that we, Liz’s friends	!
•	will miss most is having a friend that gave all she	j
S	could to each of us. Such friendship is hard to	j
|	find. Time and modern living styles seem to pull	r
j	us apart. We will miss Liz and her generous spirit	:
;	and I know we all learned a lesson from her, of	!
1	what it is to be a true friend.	Š
Liz was a member of SWU for 55 years, an	[
officer of Br. 2, State President of Illinois-	•
Indiana, National Director of Sports and	•
National Treasurer. She was exact in her duties	)
and a fighter for what she believed. i	Her	funeral was one of the largest I have
ever seen and beautiful flowers surrounded her. I :	came away feeling a part of something very
J	special - as if all the hundreds of people came to
i	try to say thank you to her and in our thoughts,
^	we formed a huge wreaths of friendship around
j	her.
May she rest in peace and her soul find J	eternal happiness.
(	C.L.
Mother
It seems that Spring is the nicest season of the year, especially when sunrays bring new life out of the earth. Miracle of life is repeated again. In this month of May we have a day when we honor) our mothers. With every mother we can say: a miracle of life is repeated. God chose our mothers to be an instrument in His divine hand to bring us to life. But not only that; we are grateful to them because they love us. There is nothing too hard or too difficult when it comes to our well being. O, yes, she cares that we are physically well. Remember, when there was serious sickness, she would not move from our bed, watching and praying that the fever would come down. Nowadays, when we hear so many stories about how mothers neglect their own children, we appreciate our good mothers more, mothers who considered their children as a gift of God. As we are grateful for our mothers, we pray that God will call many young girls who will consider motherhood as a special vocation from God; mothers who will consider not only the physical but spiritual well being of their children as the prime duty of their lives.
They tell us we should pray for our mothers, and we should. If you don’t pray for your mother, who will? When you were growing up, there was many a prayer on the lips of your mother, hoping you would “turn out alright” in life. Let us imitate our mothers and pray that God will send us many good mothers. And may God bless all of you who carry the noble title: Mother!
WE HONOR 23 CHARTER 60 YEAR MEMBERS!
One of* our honored members is Mary Godec, a charter member of the first National Board of S.W.U. and a charter member of Br. 1, Sheboygan. Two additional members join her as founding members of Br. 1, Margaret Fischer and Frances Ribich.
Br. 2, Chicago has three charter 60 year members, namely, Anna Ahacich (who will be 100 years old this year), Antoinette Glavach and Minnie Roschay.
From Br. 3, Pueblo there is one charter member, Mary Bozaich, and Br. 5, Indianapolis can boast having Julia Chesnik, Mary Kranrovsek and Victoria Lambert!
Sharing the honor from Br. 6, Barberton is Frances Verhotz.
There are six charter members at Br. 10, Cleveland (Collinwood) and they are: Kristina Cebron, Bertha Colagross, Stefania Koncilija, Jennie Russ, Alice Struna and Mary Zaller.
And, from Br. 12, Milwaukee, five are to be honored: Mary Agnes Bucovnik (Burdick), Veronica Visek, Frances Mochnik, Mary A. Novinc and Anna Rossman.
Frances Blatnik represents Br. 15 in our roll of honor.
God bless them! We are very proud of their youthful and inspirational spirit!
CAFtnt’
Cutting the ribbon to open the new Home Office in March, 1977 - at right, is Fr. Claude Okorn who presided at the dedication.
The presentation of symbolic wine and bread by Julie and Tony Kaluza begins the annual Grape Harvest dance.
/l-55
1 6
Convention Hostess Branch 20 is comprised of various nationalities, members of all ages and interests, all working together with a common goal.
In seven Grape Harvest Dances, there have been memorable times. Even the Mayor and First Lady of Joliet took part. Rudy Pucel, left, and Steve Malnarick, right, escort them.
Bus trips have been enjoyable for members. They’ve visited National Slovenian Heritage Day in Hibbing, Nashville, Ironworld, USA and Baraga Days. The branch has participated generously in fund drives for the Slovenian Miners and Laborer’s Memorial in Minnesota, Hands Across America and the Statue of Liberty Restoration.
/
x-eo j
ALL ROADS LEAD TO JOLIET THIS MONTH
Some of the high-points are:
1) HOLIDAY INN
2) ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH
3) S.W.U. HOME OFFICE
4) ST. JOSEPH’S PARK
5) LOUIS JOLIET RENAISSANCE CENTER
6) RED ROOF INN
7) MERICHKA'S RESTAURANT
8) STEFANICH'S
9) SYL’S
RTS.
I - 55
RT. 7
THEODORE ST.
JOLIET
S.W.U. HOME OFFICE
JEFFE^QV R T. 5 2
CONVENTION HOST BRANCH OFFICERS
Seated: Treasurer Diane Kalcic, Secretary Ardis Gregorash, President Mildred Pucel, Vice-President Kathleen Harvey, Recording Secretary-Reporter, Helen Plut.
Standing: Auditor Marie Scheidt, Sergeant-at-arms Marie Malnerick, Spiritual Advisor Rev. David Stalzer, Auditor Mary Anzelc, Auditor Joyce Vicich.
JOSEPHINE SUMIC
Director of Sports	1939 - 1950
National Auditor	1955	-	1958
JENNIE BENEDICT
Midwest Sports Director 1936 - 1939
PAST NATIONAL OFFICERS DEDICATED THEIR LIFETIMES
JOSEPHINE ERJAVEC National Secretary	1939 - 1952
National Auditor	1930	-	1938
MARY TERLEP, SWU Convention Queen three times, was one of the top membership workers in the history of Zveza.
FRANCES GASPICH
National Auditor 1961 - 1967
ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH SPIRITUAL CENTER
St. Joseph ’s Church Joliet, Illinois
The SWU National Convention will observe an appropriate service there on Sunday, May 17, 1987 at 11:30 a.m. to be celebrated by Aux. Bishop of Joliet, Most Rev. Raymond Vonesh, with con-celebrants, Fr. Athanasius Lovrenčič, Pastor and Fr. David Stalzer. In its lofty gothic interior, there is always a feeling of majesty and spiritual uplift.
What St. Joseph’s Church means to the community!
Just four years short of its 100th Anniversary, St. Joseph’s Church in Joliet, Illinois is still the vital center of activity for the Slovenian comiminily and its inix of parishioners from many other nationalities. Lodges and clubs meet regularly at Ferdinand Hall on the church grounds or at St. Joseph's Park Hall located a short distance away where St. Joseph’s parish has its own cemetery and adjacent, a beautiful park and sports area for picnics, etc. All the buildings within the parish jurisdiction are fully used and beautifully maintained.
The church has been operated under the administration of the Slovenian Franciscan Fathers of I.emoiH, Illinois since 1978 when Fr. Tliaddcus Trpin,
O.F.M. became pastor. Then it underwent a major redecoration making it one of the most magnificent churches in the city. Fr. Athanasius Lovrenčič,
O.F.M. Spiritual Director of SWU, is the pastor since July 1, 1986 and is a very able administrator. Living at the parish house since his retirement is Pastor Emeritus, Rt. Rev. Msgr. M. J. Butala, who served as pastor for 35 years.
There are over 1,300 families belonging to St. Joseph’s and the parish school has an enrollment of 240 children in grades K thru 8th. There, too, the school is operated very ably by a staff of Sisters and lay teachers. The Slovenian choir sings at Mass every Sunday at 8 a.m. and twice a month one	Fr.	Athanasius
of the six weekend masses is conducted in Slovenian.	—
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS March 10,11,12,1987
Home Office, Joliet, Illinois
FINANCIAL REPORT January 1 to December 31, 1986 Finančno poročilo 1. januarja do 31. decembra 1986
Income - Dohodki:
Assessments..................................$65,134.65
Interest from bonds...........................54,620.63
Interest bank certificates,
savings, checking..........................9,610.97
Rental........................................ 2,425.00
Bond sale profit.............................. 2,686.56
$134,477.81
Disbursements - Stroški:
Death Claims -183............................$23,350.00
Salaries..................................... 20,574.85
Administrative, travel,
perdiems officers..........................7,416.80
Unemployment tax................................ 473.60
FICA - Social security.........................1,471.10
Officers bonding insurance...................... 330.00
Illinois Insurance
Department filing fee.........................25.00
Real estate tax................................1,639.04
ZARJA-THE DAWN
Printing........................$35,022.00
Postage.......................... 4,517.46	39,539.46
Electricity, gas and water.....................3,186.97
Advertising, printing
and stationery................................2,661.54
Postage and telephone..........................2,229.27
Insurance......................................1,912.00
Bowling, Junior, Campaign,
Secretary awards............................. 1,864.23
Depreciation - rent........................... 3,900.00
Investment charges............................ 3,840.00
Computer service.................................193.25
Bishop Baraga Association........................100.00
Illinois Fraternal dues...........................35.00
Maintenance..................................... 469.78
Toward Ohio twirlettes showcase..................100.00
Miscellaneous.....................................77.27
115,389.16
Gain for year................................$	19,088.65
Balance December 31, 1985 ..................... 777,815.80
Balance December 31, 1986 ....................$796,904.45
Olj>a Ancel, National Secretary
REPORT OF THE AUDITING COMMITTEE
We, Irene Jagodnik and Victoria Bobence, 2nd and 3rd Auditors respectively, have examined the financial records of the National Secretary, Olga Ancel, National Treasurer, Sylvia Vukodinovich, the Zarja Publisher’s Fund managed by Corinne Leskovar, Editor, and S.W.U. Scholarship Fund managed by Hermine Dicke and “Pots and Pans” cookbook funds. The audit for
1986	has been completed and all accounts were found to be in excellent order.
Due to the absence of 1st Auditor, Marion Marolt, excused because of illness, the audit was made by the 2nd and 3rd Auditors.
The Board of Directors of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America met at the First Midwest Bank and Trust of Joliet on Tuesday, March 10, 1987 at 11:00 a.m. Records of SWU investments were examined and verified and found to be in good order. The fund is well-maintained. Trust officers of the bank, Paul Ganzert and Ronald Erjavec, were informative and helpful in answering all questions and recommendations.
The Board assembled at the Home Office at 1:40 p.m. for the meeting which was called to order by the president, Mary Muller, and opened with prayer in Slovenian by Vice-President, Cirila Kermavner. Roll call of officers resulted in all members of the National Board present except First Auditor, Marion Marolt, absent due to hospital tests. National Officers present were: President, Mary Muller, Vice-President, Cirila Kermavner, Secretary, Olga Ancel, Treasurer, Sylvia Vukodinovich, Second Auditor, Irene Jagodnik, Third Auditor, Victoria Bobence, Editor, Corinne Leskovar, President of Scholarship Fund, Hermine Dicke, Youth Director, Anna Hodnik and Cultural and Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi.
The president welcomed all members warmly. The Board extended to her wishes for her husband’s better health. The president called for Reports of the Officers which were given by all present. Reports were received by mail from Regional Presidents: Angela Nico, Stavia Dobersek, Frances Simonich, Ann Tercek and Rose Maras. All read and filed.
Reports following in July issue.
All Reports were accepted as read on a motion by Secretary Ancel, seconded by Treasurer, Vukodinovich. Some of the points brought out in discussion of the Reports are as follows:
* Commendation was expressed to Cultural and Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi for the good work of the committee which resulted in a new room completed in the Home Office Building to be used for gatherings and meetings. The work was done at minimum cost. On a motion by Mrs. Vukodinovich and seconded by Second Auditor Jagodnik, the Board approved the purchase of furniture as needed for the room, such as chairs and tables. Mrs. Odorizzi thanked the Board and added that plans will be in the making for utilization of the third floor of the building.
* The Board also discussed the importance of adding a Heritage Chairman to the list of officers of the subordinate branches and this proposal will be given to the By-Laws committee of the Convention.
* The Heritage Committee headed by Mrs. Odorizzi will also take part in the National Convention by holding a series of showings of the slide presentation and by having committee members present tours, etc. for visitors, delegates, etc. Mrs. Odorizzi is working on several projects that will be announced later in the year.
* From her report, Mrs. Jagodnik emphasized that she has a better understanding of problems incurred by
secretaries and suggests that the Board take into account some of these problems at the Convention.
* Secretary Ancel recommended direct billing of members in branches where there is some delinquence due to vacancies in secretarial position. She will restructure the secretaries’ duties and schedules for presentation at the convention. A computerized form for collection of dues was suggested by board members for better record keeping and to aid branch secretaries in this work.
* For her 15 years work as secretary of one of our largest branches, the Board commends Irene Jagodnik as one of our best secretaries. She was aksed to share some of her techniques with others as to what a secretary must do and should do to be successful.
* The Treasurer reported that the SWU enjoyed a very good year financially with sound investments and good use of funds.
* Changes in the By-laws will be needed to emphasize how the organization functions; duties of the officers, and purposes may be to be up-dated.
* On the Convention Agenda will be a presentation by Youth Committee Director, Anna Hodnik.
* The Poem book published by SWU in honor of the 60th Anniversary in 1986 is now on sale and promotional ads placed in several papers. The Board hopes for continued success in selling the book. The author, Mary Mum, of West Allis, Wisconsin is commended for her good spirit and talent in compiling so many delightful poems and editor Corinne Leskovar is thanked for editing and completing the formation of the book.
* The newly revised cookbook, “Pots and Pans” doing well on the sales market. With its new additions and changes it is a really fine help to homemakers. The favorable comments received with orders attest to its popularity and the editor, Hermine Dicke is congratulated for her conscientious work.
On a motion by 2nd Auditor Bobence and seconded by Mrs. Vukodinovich, the Pots and Pans financial report is accepted and proceeds from the second printing of the cookbook will be put into the Convention Expense Fund. Carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11, 1987, the meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by the president. Prayer was led by Irene Jagodnik. The Auditing Committee met at 9 a.m. and checked the National Secretary’s and Treasurer’s ledgers.
A discussion on the activities of the Youth Department revealed that there is need for more unity among the branches in this field. There are many groups that do not have any youth activities whatsoever. The Youth Director is hoping that through her articles in ZARJA, more of the junior members would respond. She commented that where there is interest by the officers, there is usually good youth spirit and activity. In Cleveland, the Twirlettes, members of Branch 32, are busy and have a full schedule of parades, and performances every year. They will be invited to perform at the National Convention and the Board hopes they will attend. Br. 20 Juniors will be asked to host the group from Cleveland.
The Youth Director, Mrs. Hodnik, recommends that a monthly award of $50 be given to the Twirlettes in order to help them meet their expenses. At the present time their award is $20 per month. On a motion by Mrs. Bobence and seconded by Mrs. Jagodnik, it is carried.
The Marie Prisland Cadets of Cleveland are commended for their many years of service and loyalty to the organization. They are an inspiration to all members and bring a sense of beauty and festival to every event. They will also be invited to attend the National Convention as
Honor Guards at the Banquet and church services.
The dedication of the Cookbook to the anniversary of SWU involved an emblem designed by Ted Prisland which will be used in all correspondence and at the Convention. The revised, third printing of the cookbook includes 75 new recipes selected by the editor, Hermine Dicke, whose family helped her greatly in this selection -as tasters. Hats off to the Dicke family!
Correspondence was read. A letter of appeal from the Society of Slovene Studies was read by the Editor. A donation of $100 was approved from the Editor’s Publisher’s Fund for this worthy cause and the SWU will become a member paying the yearly dues. Moved by Olga Ancel, seconded by Irene Jagodnik, and carried.
Wednesday’s meeting continued after a luncheon recess. The National Convention schedule was outlined. Delegate’s accommodations will be at the Holiday Inn, the site of the Convention Sessions, May 14-17, 1987.
Convention delegates names have been submitted by the branches, however, several have not yet been received. The President and Secretary will form the Convention Committees and the list will be forwrded to each delegate at the earliest time. This will give them sufficient time to be appraised of their duties in advance.
A discussion was held on Regulations - By-Law changes.
State Convention. By-Laws now call for yearly meetings. Some branches are reporting their wishes to have biennial meetings. This point will be given to the Convention Committee for resolution.
The By-Laws committee will also present, as an addition to the printed Regulations of the organization, an “Operational Guide” including a description of each office. Moved by Irene Jagodnik and seconded by Tory Bobence, the motion carried. The Operational Gudie will include also the rules of parliamentary procedure, reporters’ guidelines and deadlines, secretarial instructions for dues collections, etc. This should be a very helpful guide for every officer and every member. In this way, the Board hopes to secure better relations between branches and their members and the Home Office. Each officer present at this meeting was asked to submit her own job description to aid in the editing of the Operational Guide.
The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m. with prayer by Hermine Dicke.
Thursday, March 12, 1987, the meeting opened with prayer led by C. Leskovar. Mrs. Vukodinovich reported on her trip to the Minnesota State Convention and hers was a very enthusiastic report, full of praise for the Minnesota officers and members whom she enjoyed meeting very much.
Continuation of By-Law changes proposed at the meeting:
Social Membership. Altho there have been some requests for it, the Board recommends no changes in the status of social members and reaffirms the need to abide by the present regulation.
Regional Presidents. They are to be invited to attend a Board meeting after their election to office by the home state members.
Board Meeting. There is a need to extend the Board Meeting each year by one day.
Officers’ expenses. Non-salaried officers will be reimbursed for expenses incurred on Zveza business.
Per Diem. The Board recommends an increase of per diem to $50.
These recommendations moved by Olga Ancel, seconded by Tory Bobence. Secretary Ancel will ask for advice from the Illinois Insurance Dept, on all recommendations.
Lunch recess and reconvening at 1 p.m.
Fr. Athanasius Lovrenčič, Spiritual Director of SWU and pastor of St. Joseph’s Church visited the meeting and extended sincere greetings and another prayer for a successful convention. He will take part as his schedule allows.
The Directors thanked Fr. Athanasius for his wholehearted interest in the organization and his various visits around the country in the past year where he met with members on behalf of the Board.
ZARJA came under discussion, especially the fine quality of the magazine in its present state. Reporters’ articles are interesting and they are asked to keep to news of activities and members...and to remember that ZARJA is not for publication of the branch minutes but only synopses of meetings. A letter is presented by Irene Jagodnik which the Editor accepts as the first contribution for a new column to be called “Dear Mitzi”, for letters from members who have questions, etc. Other Board Members are asked to promote the new column. Mrs. Jagodnik also shared with the Board a short story she called “Sharing Memories” which could be the basis for another ZARJA feature. The Editor hopes for more of the same kind of interesting material. All contributions will be welcome.
In the past four years, since the last Convention, there has been a saving in ZARJA expenses by the cutback to 9 issues a year. The Board will propose that this continues in the future.
Cards were addressed to missing and ill officers of Zveza extending the best wishes of the members. Telephone greetings were received from Liz Spolar, secretary of Br. 56, Hibbing, MN.
Scholarship - the workings of the committee and expense stipend for the chairman were discussed. An increase from $50 to $100 was moved by Tory Bobence and seconded by Irene Jagodnik, carried. Recommendations will be given to the Scholarship Convention Committee.
The following Convention Committee chairmen were appointed:
Credentials, Angela Nico, Resolutions (also encompassing greetings and a “statement of ideology”) Cirila Kermavner; By-Laws, Sylvia Vukodinovich and Victoria Bobence, co-chairmen; Salaries, Irene Jagodnik; Nominations, Marion Marolt; Scholarship, Hermine Dicke. By-Law committee co-chairman will begin work immediately to prepare for the Convention report and are authorized to meet before the convention to accomplish this task. Motion by C. Leskovar, seconded by Irene Jagodnik. Carried.
Four presentations will be made as follows: on “youth,” by Anna Hodnik, Director of Youth; “secretarial computer-kit for dues and membership records”; by Olga Ancel, Secretary; “effective leadership” by Corinne Leskovar, Editor and “heritage” by Irene Odorizzi, Culture and Heritage Director. These will be arranged during the two full days of Convention meetings.
Since there are several vacancies to be filled at the Convention, the Board spent a good deal of time analyzing each position. The Board will recommend that the Women’s and Youth Activities Diretors be consolidated into one office with one chairman assisted by co-chairmen for youth and for sports.
Recognition to members with 60 years of consistent membership will be made at the Convention. Twenty-three 60 year members are on the membership roles, from branches, 1, Sheboygan, 2, Chicago, 3, Pueblo, 5, Indianapolis, 6, Barberton, 10, Collinwood, 12, Milwaukee and 15, Newburgh.
Pioneer member, Anna Pachak, of Pueblo, Colorado who is 92 years young, will be invited to the
Anna Skok, celebrant of her 90th birthday, is a dear member of Br. 41, Cleveland, Ohio. “Happy Birthday” to this lovely member!
Justine
convention as a special guest in recognition of her 52 year membership, her long service as officer and writer in ZARJA and coworker. Another guest to be invited to the Convention is Mary Godec charter member of Br, 1 and only remaining charter member of the first National Board of SWU.
Funds collected for the Slovenian Miners and Laborers Memorial at Ironworld, USA in Chisholm, Minnesota have been disbursed. Any excess monies remaining will be transferred into the Heritage Fund. Moved by O. Ancel, seconded by C. Leskovar. Carried.
The complete Convention Program was outlined, for all three days of activities. The schedule will be sent to each delegate in advance of the convention.
Convention awards will be limited to participants. 60 year members will be presented copies of the Poem book, Flowers from my Gardens by Mary Mum, inscribed to each. Mrs. Pachak will be installed in the Hall of Fame gallery of photoraphs in the Home Office. Junior participants will be presented patches and Cadets with emblem pins for their attendance at the Convention.
New badges for funeral guards will be on display at the convention for branches to order. Memorial “trophies” will also be re-ordered with inscription “In Loving Memory” for placement at bier of deceased members.
Delegates packets will include one copy each of “From Slovenia to America” book by Marie Prisland and “Footsteps Thru Time” by Irene Odorizzi as a special remembrance.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. with prayer and singing of “Češčena si, Marija” by all the members, and a fond wish for safe journey home to all.
Mary Muller, National President Corinne Leskovar, Recording Secretary
FRANK A. MURN DONALD J. MURN
Attorneys-at-Law
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (414)476 4446
10
ZARJA—THKDAWN
GREETINGS FROM YOUR YOUTH DIRECTOR
I want to wish God’s blessings and a Happy Mothers’ Day to all mothers and especially to those who are being honored as Mothers of the Year by their branches. Let us also remember our deceased mothers with a special prayer.
In March, I attended the National Board meeting in Joliet. It was good to see our president, Mary Muller, and the other board members. It was a bury and exhausting week as we shared ideas and made plans for the business to be brought up at the national convention. But we also had a fun time. Our Vice-President, Cirila Kermavner and 2nd Auditor Irene Jagodnik brought along some Krajnske klobase and other goodies and we enjoyed a delicious Slovenian meal at the home of Ed and Olga Ancel. Cirila took charge as head cook and she had many assistants. Hermine Dicke, our “Pots and Pans” lady was busy with pen in hand taking down all the recipes.
On Friday afternoon. Pres. Mary Muller and No. 20 members, Mary Anzelc, Helen Plut and Millie Pucel watched as I made apple and cottage cheese strudel. While I was stretching out the dough, Mary Anzelc asked me what the Slovenian translation was for “hanky-
panky”. I didn’t know so Olga got out the dictionary and we looked it up. Mary proceeded to look up other words that came to mind and in doing so put together a Learn Slovenian column for the July-August issue of ZARJA.
On Thursday evening, we were invited to Br. No. 2, Chicago’s meeting and St. Joseph’s Table celebration. Fran Morison (a former Minnesotan) is their president and she is doing a terrific job. The members were all so friendly. The tables were beautifully decorated and the food table was laden with so many different and delicious foods. As I was walking up to the food table, a lady beckoned me and asked if I was from Aurora, MN. She told me she had lived in Aurora many years ago. Her name was Toni Nahtigal Brant. She was a good friend of Helen Goryance and Rose Hultgren who are also my good friends here in Aurora. It was a nice surprise meeting Toni and talking with her. I want to thank Br. No. 2 for the delightful evening.
I am looking forward to meeting many of you at our national convention. I hope you all come full of enthusiasm and with many good ideas. We need your help and cooperation for the betterment of our organization.
Anna L. Hodnik
OUR TRIP OUT WEST
On the cloudy day February 19th, Charlie and I left for a three week winter vacation out west. Our first stop was in Phoenix, Arizona. Our stay was at the home of our good friends, Emma and Albert Mikenas. Emma is our SWU Br. 50 member, as was her mother, Agnes Setina. It was interesting and enjoyable being there for the first time. The weather was beautiful, warm and sunshiny, with the flowers blooming and cactus plants everywhere, some very huge. We did not know there were so many varieties, plus the many kinds of palm trees which reminded us a lot of Florida.
After a couple of days threre, we had a pleasant visit with our dear National President, Mary Muller, who lives in Scottsdale. Naturally, we talked about Zveza and our National Convention coming up in May.
In Sun City, Arizona, we visited another member, Christine Mishaga, and husband, Albert, who have a beautiful home right on the golf course. Old time friends, former Clevelanders. Mary and Henry Opalik of Sun City West have a gorgeous home, and wonderful hospitality.
It was surprising for us to see so many orange and grapefruit trees and were they ever good, so sweet and juicy.
Other former friends living in Phoenix are brothers Ed and A1
Skully who with their wives, Mary and Edith, respectively, invited us to help them pick four bushels of oranges in Al’s back yard. They have eleven orange trees! We also had a bus tour of the fast growing city of Phoenix, visiting the State Capital and other interesting sights. Everywhere we went there was much construction going on, building homes, businesses and especially mobile home parks for the senior citizens.
While there, we went on a one day shopping tour to Nogales, Mexico, and while there, our bus driver told us we should barter with the salesmen to get a good bargain as everyone there is anxious to get the American dollar.
On the way there, our bus stopped to see the San Xavier Mission near Tucson which is over 200 years old and situated in an Indian settlement, quite different and impressive!
Leaving Phoenix, we went to Las Vegas, Nevada and this is another kind of world. We were there three days and stopped in fourteen casinos and each one had a different decor, but the machines were all alike to take your money. We won some and lost some, but it was fun! While there we also had a nice conversation with Eddie Sims, former Clevelander, baker and musician.
Lastly, we flew to San Francisco and there we enjoyed ourselves with relatives. We visited the loving,
energetic. Rose Scoff of Br. 13 and she treated us with such wonderful hospitality, then wanted us to meet other San Franciscans, members of the Board of Directors of their Slovenian Home at their meeting. A tour was given of the upper and lower halls and their huge library. The building is very well kept and the members are proud of it and work hard to maintain it. Thanks for the tour, Tillie Kurnick. They were happy to tell us about the recent very successful annual Rice and Blood Sausage Dinner with about 275 people in attendance.
Before leaving, we thanked them for their kindness and were served a choice drink, potica, flancete and coffee and for our farewell, we all sang the popular Slovene song,” O zdaj gremo, nazaj še pridemo!”
It was fun being with everyone and our special thanks go to Rose Scoff. Stay well and as energetic as you are, Rose! and keep up your weekly Square Dancing! What a young 87 year gal she is!
As for San Francisco, it is a fascinating city with much to see and do and with a very fast pace of living.
Thus ended our wonderful trip. With spring here we will be getting out to work in the yard and garden, to plant and produce some vegetables and beautiful flowers. Pretty soon our weather will be beautiful, too.
Until our next trip, God bless you all.
Ann Tercek, Br. 50
Mothers
Women of the Year 1987!
Br. 2 Women of the Year, from left to right, Mary Foys Laurelig, Dolores Puhek, Mildred Paisoli, Mary Reich and in center front, Irene Carter.
Ann Bunetta, Irene Carter, Mary Laure tig, Mildred Paisoli, Dolores Puhek, Mary Reich
Br. 2, Chicago
This year Br. No. 2 wanted to celebrate its 60th Anniversary in a very special way. We are therefore honoring six women, one to represent and honor each of the six decades of service offered by our branch. Their contributions to Br. 2 over the years reflects the love and devotion of each member of our branch as we have passed our Slovenian heritage along from one generation to the next. The six women chosen have generously given much service, time and love to Br. 2, and it is with great pleasure that we honor the following members as our Women of the Year.
Ann Ulepich Bunetta is a quiet and unpretentious person who is always into the spirit of the day. Like a ‘favorite aunt’ she always stands ready and willing to help. She sees to it that the small and meaningful tasks always get done with a touch of love. Adept at crafts, you will find many of her treasures adoring the raffle tables.
Irene Bartola Carter is the
‘Godmother’ to our branch. Not only is she dedicated to her children and grandchildren, but that same motherly dedication extends to the branch as well. She is always ready to
support a branch activity. Irene has also honored the branch by donating a beautiful banner to the branch which is used at all our activities. Like a true Godmother she tends to the little things that bring us together.
Mary Foys Lauretig has been an outstanding branch Vice-President for the past 7 years, providing the important leadership needed by any branch to make it successful. Mary is our American-Slovenian counterpart to ‘Norman Rockwell’ as she captures our heritage in a variety of art forms. Her artistic talents are boundless. Each month she provides beautiful centerpieces to co-ordinate with the theme of our monthly meeting.
Mildred Skerbinc Paisoli is the
female ‘galloping gourmet’ of Branch No. 2. It seems as if you can always find her in the kitchen preparing gourmet delights for a special event. She loves to cook and bake; and, this finds its creative expression in our kitchens. Millie
just loves to see that contented smile on the face of a member after enjoying a lucious snack or a fine meal.
Dolores Puhek is the ‘Cinderella’ of Branch No. 2. A few years ago she became our branch secretary and has become a dynamic force for S.W.U. Always ready to lend a hand, run an errand, and speak to a prospective member. Dolores has helped to infuse a new sense of enthusasm into the branch. There is no doubt that S.W.U. and her branch are important to her.
Mary Reich is our ‘Angel of Mercy’ as she always is there to help when help is needed most. There is no doubt that you can count on seeing her at S.W.U. activities ready to do literally anything to make the program a success. We don’t believe that there is anything that she cannot do, or anyone she wouldn’t help. What do you say about a person who is heaven sent?
These women represent the best that our branch and organization
stand for; sisterly concern, family commitment, and a love for our cultural heritage as Slovenians. There is no contribution of time, effort, and care that is inconsequential. Six decades of service are exemplified by the various contributions of these ladies. And, without anyone of them our branch and our organization would be the poorer.
Anne Spelich
Br. 3, Pueblo
Anne Spelich, newly elected president of Br. 3 has a long history of membership with Zveza, 44 years! She has been active in all events, was vice-president, recording secretary and has never turned down a job that needed to be done!
Anne is the mother of two sons, Edward and Martin, and has 6 grandchildren. She and her husband, Edward, were married 44 years before his passing 5 years ago. They have lived in Pueblo all their lives.
Anne completed high school and spent five years working at Nuckolls Packing and 12 years at Colorado Laundry. For 13 years following, she ran the concession at Runyon Baseball Field.
She anjoys crafts and is an expert at crocheting and sewing. She likes to do crossword puzzles, too, and always has a delicious baked item for us at meetings.
We look forward to our meetings with Anne who is a true sister to all!
Stephanie Cress
Br. 5, Indianapolis
Stephanie (Faletič) Cress was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dec. 17, 1909. Her mother died when she was eight years old, in childbirth. There were seven children in the family of which two had died in infancy. The children were placed, temporarily, in homes of each ones Godmother. Her eight years of schooling were spent at Holy Trinity.	When she was
eighteen, she started to work at National Malleable and stayed for eighteen years.
Three sisters	and two cousins
decided to live together, and remained together for five years. At Malleable she	met her future
husband, Dirrell	Cress. They were
married for 31 years and had two daughters, Georgianna Coles and Diana McDonald.
A widow for nineteen years, her time is well spent in caring for her
beautiful home, small garden and traveling.
Happy “Mother of the Year” day to “Steffi”!
Reporter
Caroline Stefančič
Br. 10, Cleveland
Collinwood Branch 10 salutes their hard working member, Caroline Stefančič as Mother of the Year! She is the widow of Anthony to whom she was married 46 years before his death almost 4 years ago. They reared three children, Bonita Quagliata, Angelo and Antoinette and have two grandchildren.
She is a Cleveland native and just celebrated her birthday April 27th.
At Br. 10, Caroline is scholarship fund chairman and enjoys doing whatever she can at meetings. She has been a member for 23 years. God love her and give her a long, happy and healthy life!
Br. 12, Milwaukee
Branch 12’s Mother of the Year is Josephine “Sophie” Rozman whose maiden name was Pucel. She has been a member of Branch 12 for over 50 years.
Sophie is a very congenial and caring person who is well-liked by her many friends. She is a life-long resident of Milwaukee.
Sophie was married to Frank Rozman but has been a widow for the last 3 years. Sophie and her husband, Frank were in the tavern business for over 38 years. Their tavern was a very popular place for Slovenians to meet and socialize.
Sophie has one son, Robert, who is Vice President of Sales and Engineering for Yates American Co. of beloit, Wisconsin. She has two lovely granddaughters, Elizabeth who is 3 years old and Mary who is 1 1/2. Her son and his wife, Ann reside in Rockford, Illinois.
Sophie has two sisters, Mary Fimiano and Rose Luebke, a long time member of Branch 12; and
Mary Lesser
Br. 13, San Francisco
Our loyal member of Br. 13, Mary Lesser, is a resident of San Francisco all her life and recently was awarded a certificate of merit for having lived on Potrero Hill for 50 years! She belongs to St. John’s Club, likes to play Bingo and help sick people. She has always worked hard as wife and mother.
Mary’s maiden name was Starika and she married Frank Lesser in 1931. It’s not yet a year since she became a widow. They have two sons and a daughter, Louis, Frank, Jr. and Mary, and 7 grandchildren.
She is a member of the Branch for
52	years and can remember many of the historic events of her city, church and SWU. And, the members all love her!
Josephine Rožman
recently her sister-in-law Ann Sachen has joined our branch.
Sophie was a very good bowler in her younger days. Her main interests now are her granddaughters and traveling. She also enjoys our Branch 12 meetings and is always willing to help with bakery or various donations.
We are glad to have her as a member of S.W.U. Branch 12 and wish her good health and God’s blessing.
Ann Grambow
Martha Koren
Br. 14, Euclid
Martha Koren is a woman who throws herself into any job she is appointed to with dedication and zeal. Marty has been president of our branch these past three years and is striving to keep our women actively involved in preserving our circle of friendship and comraderie.
Born and raised in Jeannette, Pa. along with a large family consisting of six brothers, two sisters, a half brother and two half sisters, she made her way to Ohio and settled in Cleveland.
In 1981 Martha married Edward Koren and has become involved in many areas of Slovenian and community activity along with her husband.
Martha is a member of the Ladies Auxilliary of Euclid Slovenian Society Home, where her husband is a member of the Board of Directors, and is always in their Club Room on Fridays cooking up the delicious fish dinners. She is Treasurer of “Club Društev”, member of Progressive Slovene Women No. 3, member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Wickliffe and has been active in the Mt. Carmel Players.
Marty is proud of her family consisting of her son, Bud Purcell and wife, Linda along with three grandchildren, Missy, Joe and Mike plus six step children and grand children.
In their leisure moments, Martha and Ed can be seen on the dance floor enjoying some fancy footwork. Bowling is another of her favorite sports and playing balinca on the courts.
We all join in ' congratulating Martha Koren on the occasion of being chosen Mother of the Year!
Alice Kuhar
Martha
Mary Ann Starcevich
Br. 16, South Chicago
For the first time it was necessary for Branch No. 16 to nominate a second Mother-of-the-Year for 1987. At the February 12 meeting the members nominated Mrs. Catherine Cerny even though she was not present at the meeting. Upon being notified of having been selected for this honor, she asked that her name be withdrawn as she was not feeling well -she is 86 years of age. She suggested that this honor be presented to her daughter, Mary Ann Starcevich; and so it was agreed that this was an excellent choice.
Mary Ann was born in Chicago on October 11, 1935. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Chicago and then held various office jobs in downtown Chicago. On September 1, 1956, she married John Starcevich, the son of our very good member, Elsie Starcevich and they were blessed with four daughters, Catherine Howe, Barbara Roberts, Mary Ann Blake and Joanne Maslikowski. Six grandchildren, Jennifer, Annie, Anthony, Patrick, Cayleigh and Benjamin bring much happiness into her life. Her sister,
Ed Koren
Sister Mary Barbara Cerny, B.V.M. teaches the 8th grade at Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School. She has also taught art and several of her beautiful paintings are proudly displayed in Mary Ann’s home. Her brother, Lawrence is a C.P.A. and her brother, John, Jr. is deceased. Her mother’s father and mother, maiden name Simonich, immigrated to America from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Calumet, Michigan. Her father, John, Sr. is deceased.
Mary Ann was not employed after her marriage, but devoted full time to her family getting involved in all organizations that her family participated in. She spent 10 years in the Girl Scouts holding various positions at the neighborhood level, worked with the Marian Awards, was a Leader Trainer and was very active in the P.T.A. during the years her daughters attended school. She is a member of the choir at Mother of God Church in Burnham, Illinois where she resides. She is active in the Altar and Rosary Society and has held chairmanships in the Craft Club at her church. After her family was grown and on their own Mary Ann did extensive travelling including several cruises and toured the European countries as well as the United States.
Mary Ann has been a member of Branch No. 16 for 10 years and presently is our Vice President. Mary Ann and her Mother attend meetings and all branch sponsored events very faithfully. She has been Chairman of the last 3 Christmas Parties and for the December 1986 Christmas Party, Mary Ann and her Mother made over 70 authentic Slovenian dolls for each member in attendance - this project entailed many hours of tedious work and are truly a treasure. She conducted the 1986 Card & Bunco Party in the absence of Marge Prebil, served as pallbearer and is always ready and willing to help whenever the need arises. Her Mother in Law, Elsie Starcevich was our Mother-of-the-Year in 1979 and
lo- -c
Mary and Arthur Isaacson
her aunt, Emma Kralj was Mother-of-the-Year in 1980.
As you can see from reading this story so far, Mary Ann and her Mother enjoy a very close working relationship and I’m sure the honor to be bestowed on Mary Ann on Thursday evening, May 21 in St. George Church Hall with all of her family present will be a pleasure for her dear Mother.
On behalf of the members of Branch No. 16, I extend congratulations to you, Mary Ann, and may both you and your Mom be blessed with good health so that you can continue with your good work. We love both of you.
Gladys K. Buck
Fraternal organizations have been a part of Angela Starich’s life for a long time. She belongs to Slovenian Women’s Union for over 20 years and has worked hard for the branch because she loves it. She was named “Fraternalist of the Year in 1984” by Sloga Fraternal Life Insurance Society in honor of her great work with them.
Angeline was born in West Allis to the Kastelic family. She and Edward Starich were married in 1947 and they have two sons, Edward and David. Angeline lost her husband 15 years ago. Both sons are married now and each has three children.
Angeline completed her high school education and graduated as a bookkeeper which was her employment for 16 years. She loves to do baking, sewing and crafts when time allows.
“Angie has been a faithful and loyal member for many years and gives of her time willingly to help others and helping out at all affairs, participating in the activities of various fraternal organizations. She is the ‘one you can count on’. Angie is also well known for her baking skills — no one can resist her ‘puff pastry’.
“We wish her happiness and may the good Lord bless her with good health for many years.”
Marion Marolt
Mary Isaacson
Br. 19, Eveleth
Another of our energetic and active presidents is Mary Isaacson. Since 1984, Mary has been at the helm of Br. 19, a place she enjoys as it gives her many outlets for her talents. Mary was the organizer of the Minnesota State Day in 1985 and attends these functions with her members no matter in what city they take place. She was Vice-President for three years and is a 40 year member.
Mary is a native of Eveleth where she married her husband, Arthur, in 1943. That have a daughter, Marie Peterson and three grandchildren. Arthur is on the accompanying photo with her.
Mary completed the 11th grade in school and went to work at the US Forest Service and then the Arrow factory. She belongs to the Catholic Daughters of America, the Order of
Foresters, VFW Auxiliary, the Range Polka Club and Senior Citizens where she meets with her friends frequently.
A very hearty wish for health and happiness.
May me Drassler
Br. 22, Bradley
From the small town of Bradley, where we have generous-hearted members who support each other magnificently, the Woman of the Year selected is Mayme Drassler. Mayme is a Bradley native and
completed her schooling there, is a graduate of Notre Dame High School. She worked for 42 years in the payroll dept, of the Kroehler Mfgr. Co.
She belongs to the St. Mary’s Auxiliary and Senior Citizens organization besides having an active membership with the SWU. In all these organizations, the members love having her with them because she is a pleasant, fun-loving person, enjoying her association with others and always there to help those in need.
Mayme has traveled to Slovenia and visited her cousins there; she is an avid reader, likes to bowl and has a lovely garden. She plays the piano for St. Joseph Church Circle.
She is a very special person, indeed!
Mary Petritz
Br. 23, Ely
The Slovenian Women’s Union, Branch No. 23 has chosen Mary Petritz as the 1987 “Mother-Woman of the Year.”
Mary was born in Austria, now
Angela Starich
Br. 17, West Allis
Slovenia, Jugoslavia and arrived in America at 1-1/2 years of age. She lived in Elcor, MN until 16 years of age when she was married to Marko Junke. In her 35 years of marriage she raised four children; Mary Mavetz, Ely, Edward Junke, Ely (deceased) 1985, Robert Junke, New York, and Jean Johnson, California.
In 1960, after a long illness, her husband passed away. She had to find work at age 42. She started at Klun’s Dry Cleaning, then managed the Ely Surplus Store until it was sold to a new owner. For one year she managed the Kawishawi Lodge on Snowbank Lake, then clerked at Palcher’s Town and Country Shop and finally, at the Ely Public Library.
She married again in 1965 to Jack Petritz and they lived together for only 5 years when he passed away. She has 9 wonderful grandchildren and 13 Great grandchildren which she adores and loves.
Mary is very talented. In her home you will see many of her oil paintings. She spends most of her time knitting and crocheting, takes care of a beautiful garden every summer and does a lot of traveling. She has donated afghans, pillows, doilies, and booties to several clubs for many making projects. She is very active in local organizations.
May is a past president of the Slovenian Women’s Union No. 23 which she held for 3 years, a past Senior Regent of the Women of the Moose, a member of the V.F.W., Ely Catholic Council, and the Senior Citizesns. She is still active in the Dawn Club, Catholic Council, and Women of the Moose.
We are very proud to have her as the 1987 “Mother-Woman of the Year.”
Reporter
Fannie Piletič
Br. 24, La Salle
The first response of our 1987 Mother of the Year, upon her selection was, “Why me? I don’t deserve to be the Mother-of-the-Year!” We convinced Fannie Piletič that she is a perfect choice.
Fannie Videgar was born on December 23, 1904 in Marquette, IL. She was educated in the La Salle Public Schools for eight grades. The only employment she has had was at Westclox. On August 31, 1929 she married Tony Piletič. They became the parents of two sons; Robert, who with his wife Sharon, lives in Depue, IL. They have a son and daughter, and James who lives in Dunlap, IL with his wife Rochelle (Rocky). They have four daughters, three of whom are married. There are six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
One of the most memorable events in Fannie’s life was the celebration of their golden wedding anniversary in 1979. She and Tony are looking forward to their grandson, Kevin’s wedding in California in June.
Fannie has not held any of the offices in our Branch but she is one of the most faithful, loyal members, always supportive of our projects and activities. She has such a pleasant disposition, our meetings are always more fun when she is present. She is a member of Resurrection Parish and is active in the Sanctuary and Rosary Society. She also belongs to AARP.
She knits and crochets for relaxation. Her family is her pride and joy and as with all grandmas, she has a display of pictures to show and enjoy.
She has been a member of branch 24 for 52 years, having received her
Frances Kotnik
Br. 25, Cleveland
If you meet her for the first time or hundred, you get always that warm feeling. Working with her at the meetings is always a pleasure. With calm, thoughtful ways she gives you strength and confidence and helping hand anywhere and everywhere.
Who is this wonderful lady?
Frances Kotnik woman — mother of the year!
She was born in St. Vitus area. Her maiden name was Petkovšek.
She resides at her present address 62 years plus.
Early in the year of 1939 a handsome guy, named Adolph, was coming to the house quite often, to date Frances. Love bloomed out of this dates and reached its peak on Sept. 16, 1939 as they walked down aisle in the St. Vitus church.
This year is their 48th wedding anniversary.
Frances and Adolph have two children and five grandchildren. A
pin at the last convention we hosted in 1985. Four sister-in-laws and a niece are other family members who are also members of our branch.
Branch 24 is planning a dinner in her honor in May, the date and place to be announced at our April meeting.
Fannie, you certainly do deserve this honor. Good, calm, patient, loving members are invaluable to an organization and its officers. As the TV commercials say, “Nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee”. We at Branch 24 say “Nobody doesn’t like Fannie Piletič. We love you and we wish you and Tony good health and many more years together.”
Anne Marie Wangler
Rose Barrons
wonderful family, as Frances says it.
Son Edward is married to Sheila> They live in Parma with their three children — Kristen, Susan and Craig. Susan is in the second year at Bowling State University. Craig will graduate in June from the University of Cininnati.
Son Franklin is married to Charlene, they live with their children Joyce and Kevin in Eastlake.
Kristen, Susan and Joyce are all members of SWU branch No. 25.
Frances is a very active member of branch No. 25 and is also its auditor. She never misses a meeting. Well, she is also the lady who calls the numbers, for you know what.
Frances also belongs to this club and is active there too: St. Vitus altar society, mothers club, volunteer worker at the school cafeteria, member of St. Clair Avenue Slovene Home (Friends of), St. Ann No. 4 AMLA where she is an auditor and at the St. Clair Pensioners Club she serves as Vice president.
Nice weather finds her among her flowers and vegetables in her garden. This is one of her hobbies.
Then she is also an avid camper and walker.
Another interest is sewing and participating in Slovene Cultural activities.
Congratulations to you Frances! We are all proud to call you our friend.
God bless you!
Johanna Weglarz
Br. 32, Euclid
“The distinguishing factor about our chosen Mother of Br. 32 Johanna Weglarz is that she is always willing to help us out and is a great asset to our branch. She has a
Br. 28, Calumet
Rose Barrons is one of the staunch members of our Upper Peninsula branch of S.W.U. in Calumet. She is a member since the “Cadet years!” and served as vice-president one year, too. She is the mother of five, Rose Marie, Stewart, Jr., Margaret, Robert and Marilyn and grandmother of 8. She and her husband, Stewart were married in 1947.
pleasant personality and is present at every meeting.
“She is the recording secretary since 1983 and is ZARJA reporter now, too. We enjoy her company among us.”
These are the words spoken by her sisters at Br. 32 and sent to us by Jo Comenshek, secretary. We know that Johanna must be a wonderful lady because in her ZARJA writing we can see her warmth and generosity showing through. We hope she will continue for many years to come.
Johanna was born in Cleveland and was married there to Frank Baron in 1945. She became a widow in 1965 and seven years later, married Joseph Weglarz who passed away in 1980. She has three sons, Larry, Thomas and Kenneth Baron and a step-daughter, Barbara Toth, who lives in Traverse City, Michigan. 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren complete the family now.
Johanna has a sister, Margaret Sebrack, with whom she keeps in close touch. She is a member of the Waterloo Pensioners, the Slovenian Art Guild and Progressive Slovene Women of America. And, of course, is a member of SWU for the past 17 years.
All of us extend best wishes and many happy returns of Mother’s Day to her!
Ann Marie Menart
Br. 33, Duluth
Ann Marie (Strukel) Menart was chosen as “Woman of the Year” for Branch 33, Duluth, MN. Her mother, Anna Strukel, was our “Mother of the Year” in 1976.
Ann was born Sept. 4, 1931, in Manistique, Ml and now lives at 1119-103rd Ave. West. She is an active member of St. Elizabeth’s parish where she has been involved in the Parish Religious Education Program for 17 years. She is
Rose is a graduate of Calumet High School and is past president of the Sacred Heart Church Ladies Altar Society.
Her late mother, Mary Stariha, was a member of Br. 28 and a sister, Mary Autio of Detroit is also a member.
Rose enjoys visiting shut-ins and volunteers her services whenever she can. All God’s blessings on her and her family.
currently Religious Coordinator for Grades 1-6 (for 8 years) as well as coordinating the Vacation Bible School each summer. Was president of Parish Women’s Council one year and is a member of the Church choir. She assists in the work of the “Soup Kitchen”.
Her love, reverence and deep devotion to the church and especially to the Blessed Virgin seems to really “shine through” as she leads her “Zveza” sisters in the Rosary at Wake Services for our deceased members so prayers seem much more “special”. She has served on lunch committees as well as helped to serve at funerals of members. She is always willing to assist whenever called upon. Is a member of the Blue Army and the K.S.K.J. Lodge.
Ann’s family is very important to her. Her husband, John, (54) died of a stroke four years ago. They have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Their children include: John, Jr., wife Susan, grandaughter, Jacqueline, Duluth; Marie Mascarenas, husband, David, grandsons, David, Stephen and John, Pueblo, CO;Sister Rita (Order of Presentation Sisters), Storm Lake, 1A; Thomas, St. Paul; and James, Champagne, 1L.
Ann added a bedroom on to her
home to make room for her parents to live with her following their retirement several years ago. Her hobbies include: making candles, sewing, accordion and puppets. She has done puppet shows for children and nursing homes for 18 years. Also plays accordion duets with her sister at nursing homes. Visits to her children throughout the country take care of her “traveling”.
Ann’s mother and sister are also members of our branch.
We all benefit from Ann’s kind and loving ways and am sure are all a little better persons from our asociation with her.
God Love You.
Lois M. Pela rider
Frances Tanko
Br. 34, Soudan
Three generations of the Slovenian Women’s Union are represented with our Mother of the Year for 1987 from Branch No. 34, Soudan, Minnesota, Frances Tanko. Frances joined the SWU in September 1953, at the invitation from Mrs. Mary Erchul, mother of our auditor, Tory Bobence. Now, Frances’ daughter, Rosemary Tanko, of Branch No. 38, Chisholm, and Rosemary’s son, Stephen Tanko, also belong!
Frances was born on July 2, 1916, in Tower, her parents were Frank and Agnes (Cebin) Morin, of Ljubljana, Slovenia. She had four brothers, who are all deceased, Joe, Tony, John, and Ralph. She has two sisters living in California, Agnes Williams of Garden Grove and Julie Burns of Pasorobels. Deceased sisters include Katherine, who was a twin of Julie; Mary Ring of Two Harbors, who worked at the Hospital there; and Ann Nemanich of Soudan, who was a registered nurse and worked at the Soudan Hospital in later years as a surgical nurse there.
The marriage of Frances and her husband, Victor, took place in St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower on October 27, 1934, just as we were coming out of the Depression and men started to go back to work in the mine. Four children were born to Frances and Victor:	Victor Jr.,
Apple Valley, who now owns an automotive body shop in Bloomington; Rosemary Tanko, who lives in Chisholm and is talented and offered aprons for sale at our last national convention; Agnes Venaas who lives in Westminster, California. Then there was Joan, who died at the young age of 13, in 1953, and only those who have lost children of their own will know the
sorrow they endured at that time. They have three granddaughters and two grandsons--Nancy and Stephanie Tanko, Stephen Tanko, and Jennifer and Jeff Venaas.
It was interesting to hear where Frances and Victor lived after they were first married-for two years they lived in the Tekautz family home in Soudan on Fourth Street, then moved to Tower and lived in two other homes there until they settled in the home they have now.
Victor worked at the Soudan Mine until it closed in 1962 and worked as a driller and machine runner. Frances loves to make noodles and enjoys the lake place of their son, Victor, on Puncher Point on Lake Vermilion, she joins her husband in fishing. 1 also know she loves to play bingo!
In 1984, Frances and Victor celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a surprise get-together of their family at their son’s Lake Vermilion place. In the winter of that year, they went to California, to visit their daughter, Agnes and Frances’ two sisters. As a gift to them from her sister, Agnes, they went to Las Vegas and Mexico and had a grand time.
We are happy to name Frances Tanko our Mother of the Year for 1987. May she have many more years with us in the Slovenian Women’s Union.
A deline Mustonen
Marion Potočnik
Br. 35, Aurora
This year’s “Mother of the Year” for Branch 35 in Aurora, MN, is Marion Potočnik, a S.W.U. member for 34 years and an Aurora resident most of her life. Her parents, George and Mary Simonich, had emigrated from Slovenia, as did her husband, Michael Potočnik. Mike owned first a grocery store, then a supermarket, in Aurora for many years.
Prior to marriage, Marion was employed by Bell Telephone Co. and the Aurora Public Library (as
Frances and Victor Tanko
Marion Potočnik with her newest great grandchild
librarian). She then devoted her time to being a wife and mother, while still finding time to help at the store when she was needed.
Marion is the mother of seven: Joan Domanoski, Steven Rabb, Theresa McGauley, Larry Potočnik, Barbara Kalar, Bob Potočnik, and Dr. Jim Potočnik. She also has thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In the accompanying photo, she is admiring her newest great-grandchild Shelana Planner, born in Nov. 1986.
Besides belonging to S.W.U. for 34 years, Marion is a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Parish, where she was a catechism teacher for a number of years, the American Yugoslav Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Aurora Senior Citizens’ Club.
Marion has always made her home a place of love for her husband, children, and their families, a place where God, Church, and Slovenian heritage were revered. The kitchen has always been full of the wonderful aroma of her great cooking and baking. She often makes Mike’s favorite Slovenian dishes, and no holiday is ever celebrated without potica and krofe, even such an
Mary and George Ferlic
American holiday as the Fourth of July!
To Marion from all her family and S.W.U. sisters-congratulations on this well-deserved honor, much happiness and love!
Reporter
Annie Purkat
This lovely mother of five, Annie Purkat, has 28 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren! She’s a sprightly 85 and is one of the originators of Branch in McKinley, Minnesota. She remembers receiving a pin from Mrs. Prisland in honor of her work. Annie’s mother, Anna Grahek, belonged to the branch in West Allis and also earned a pin for her long years of service.
Annie has enrolled her daughter, Jean Korsman, granddaughter, Kathy Riordan and daughter-in-law, Jane Purkat and two great granddaughters, so four generations are represented!
She was born at Črnomelj, Belokrajina, Slovenia in 1902 and came to America as a small child. She was married to Anton in 1924 and is a widow 13 years. She worked for 20 years at the Arrow Shirt Factory and has been retired for 20 years.
Annie is a member of the Genis Club for retired workers of Arrow, the local SNPJ lodge and in the 30's was secretary of the McKinley Branch of Zveza. She loves to do her gardening at her home in Gilbert and is frequently called upon to baby-sit for her great grandchildren.
Bless you, Annie, and thank you for your loyalty and goodwill!
Mary Ferlic
Br. 40, Lorain
The “Mother of the Year” for 1987 from Lorain, Ohio is truly a deserving choice -- Mary Ferlic.
Mary serves as a constant source of encouragement to not only her children, but to the many others who lovingly refer to her as “Mom” and “Grandma Ferlic”. She has exemplified dedicated motherhood in her home, at Church, and in the community.
Mary is the devoted Mother to George, Jr., Joyce and Mary Ann. She has continually encouraged her children to do their best, in whatever field they pursued--be it in academics, government, sports, Mary has been their strongest supporter and “cheerleader”.
Mary and her husband, George celebrated their 40th. Wedding Anniversary on September 14th with a beautiful Mass celebration. Friends and relatives continued to celebrate at a wonderful “Surprise Brunch” given by their children.
Mary and George have five delightful grandchildren. They are unselfish in their care and concern for them and continue to be the best babysitters for their working children. The grandchildren range in age from 12 years to 3 months namely, Manny and Anny Teitelbaum, Marin and Meredith Ferlic, and Andy Arredondo.
The only child born to Mary and Frank Mlach, Mary taught her children the meaning of dedication, loyalty and patience through her own exemple as a daughter. Caring for her aging Mother and often sacrificing her own interests, Mary provided her children an understanding of family love.
One of Mary’s greatest adventures was visiting her parents’ homeland, Slovenia in 1975, especially the small village of Gorenje from which both her parents immigrated.
Mary has resided in the family home all her life at 1925 East 34th Street. She attended SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish School and the Lorain City Schools, graduating
from Lorain High School in 1943. After graduation, she attended Lorain Business College, and worked at the Lorain Thew Shovel in the Planning Department, terminating employment there to begin raising a family.
Together with her husband, George she continues to run a family printing business. This year, the business celebrates its 35th Anniversary.
Mary finds time to serve her Church and the Slovenian community.
For several years she led the Ladies Guild and Altar Society of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church as president at three different times. For 37 years she is serving as Treasurer of K.S.K.J. Immaculate Conception Lodge No. 85; a member of S.W.U. for 26 years and at present is an auditor; member of St. Aloysius and S.D.Z. Lodges, National Council of Catholic Women and Democratic Women’s Club and Slovenian Home Auxiliary. She enjoys singing with the “Morning Glories” at daily Mass.
Her past times include playing pinochle and baking.
Written by her daughters
Mary Stimetz
Br. 42, Maple Heights
Mary Stimetz, a SWU member for 48 years, became active in our group in 1980 when she retired from Gibson-Homans (Cleveland) after 26 years of employment. She finally had time to share her spirit, zest and enthusiasm with us in our fund raising and social activities. Whenever an occasion arose needing assistance, Mary made herself available to enjoyone who requested help and often times jumped into assist when she saw
things needed to be done.
Mary (Susteric) married Tony Stimetz on August 5, 1939 and they loved and enjoyed one another in their marriage for 45 years. Tony passed away three years ago and it was a tremendous loss for Mary and her family. Mary and Tony have three children, Kenneth, Diane Sonkoy, Mary Szabo; and six grandchildren, Jill Obenauer, Todd Stimetz, Jackie, Gary and Greg Sonkoy, and Katie Szabo. Mary’s life’s pleasure is in her children and grandchildren and lately, in travel and volunteer work.
On May 12, 1987, we will honor our “Mother” with a 7:15 p.m. evening Mass at St. Wenceslas Church in Maple Heights, followed by a light buffet and celebration. (All members are invited). This is a special occasion as Mary will turn 70 on the same date...a double header!
Selecting Mary Stimetz as our “Mother of the Year” was an easy task as her friends will attest, but more importantly, her daughter, Mary Szabo, shared some insight of her mom with these reflective thoughts: “My mother’s life has been filled with concern and compassion for others. She has often been more concerned with the needs of others rather than herself. As a youngster, I can remember how hard it was for my mother to take care of my bed-ridden (paternal) grandmother while still taking care of the needs of her family and working. Also, she is always willing to help a neighbor. A long time ago, a young couple in our old neighborhood had their first child. Since the woman’s mother was deceased, my mother took it upon herself to help the couple by doing their laundry until the young mother was back on her feet again. Whenever there was a death of a friend or neighbor, Mom often had prepared dinner for the family members of the deceased. My
mother enjoys baking in her spare time and often gives her bakery away. Christmas and Easter are still the special times of the year when we enjoy her potica, poppy seed rolls, krofe and, in the fall, delicious apple strudel, her specialty.” ... “On this, her 70th birthday, my mother is truly honored to be your 1987 Mother of the Year.”
M.C.
Theresa Kotar
Br. 43, Milwaukee
Theresa Kotar is genteel person of remarkable character, wisdom and insight whose smiling countenance always greets you. She has a cheerful disposition and positive attitude on life which make it easy to see why she was chosen “Mother of the Year” of branch No. 43, where she has been a member for nineteen years. She enjoys helping with social activities especially with her excellent Slovenian baking.
God bestowed special blessings on Theresa and her husband, Rudy. They will, on March 29th of this year, celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They have five children (two sons and three daughters) - all married; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Their life interest is in visiting them all around the United States.
Because of conditions in World War II Theresa and Rudy were separated for thirteen years. After a long wait, in 1958 Theresa with their children left Slovenia to join her husband in the United States where he had resided in Milwaukee for nine years.
They both belong to St. John Evangelist Parish, where Rudy has been a choir member all these years. They belong to Triglav society and Mission society. Theresa also is a member of Christian Mothers. Both
are great helpers not only in societies but helping people in general.
It is easy to see why such honor would go to Theresa. My warmest congratulations to a most deserving “Mother of the Year.” May God grant her and her family health and happiness in the future.
Reporter
Julia Mezgec
Br. 47, Garfield Heights
As our Mother of the Year we are honoring a most deserving loyal member, Julia Mezgec. Julia has been a member of Br. 47 since 1971. Born July 15, 1922 in Phillipi, West Virginia, she came to Cleveland as a small child. Her parents were Joseph and Jennie Bartol. She has two lovely children, Jeanie 38 years old and Gary 33 years old. Grandson Anthony is 4-1/2 years old.
Julie attended Paul Revere grade school, Nathan Hale and John Adams High School, also attended Cleveland Academy of Cosmetology and was beautician at Wade park Manor and Mary’s Beauty Shop for many years. Presently employed with L.T.V. Steel. She was working in the canteen and now is in the Mill (just one of the boys! In a hard hat and. steel-toed shoes!... not saying how many pairs of Long Johns /underwear/ she wears to keep warm!) Counting her days before she retires, which won’t be long.
Julia belongs and is active in the scouts, Mothers Auxiliary served both as President, Vice-President and Chaplain. Julie’s hobbies are singing and dancing. She first sang with Kanarčki (canaries), a junior group, then with Cvet, a senior singing choir under the direction of Mr. Louis Seme. Presently active with St. Lawrence Church Choir.
Daughter Jeanne was a girl scout all through her school years then attended the National Round Up
Jamboreeiin Idaho. Jeanne presently is employed by Dr. Conrad Javiar, a cardiologist, and works at St. Alex’s Hospital emergency room.
Son, Gary was also active in Scouting, presently is self-employed as a sand blaster.
We all congratulate Julie as she is a most-liked, lovable person, tries to attend all meetings, participates in all functions when called upon, is willing to help when and and where needed be it in the kitchen, selling tickets helping at the .“Vinska Trgatev” wine festival. Julie is there, with her lovely personality and big smile.
Julie, we all love you. God bless you and your family with many years of good health and happiness. Happy Mothers Day!
Mary Taucher
Mary Petrovič
Br. 50, Cleveland
Our chosen Mother of the Year 1987 is Mary Petrovič. Her maiden name was Zagorc, and she was born in Thomas, West Virginia. Her parents were Jennie and John who had a family of 3 daughters and one son. Mary and family lived on E. 39th St. and later moved to a farm in Mantua, Ohio and worked in Ravenna. Mary and her husband'-to-be were neighbors on E. 39th St., but it was love at first sight as they kept in touch, even though she lived out of town. On June 19th, 1937 Mary and Louis were married at St. Vitus Church by Rev. Father Andrey. The wedding reception took place in her parents home on the farm, the well known 4 Kristoff brothers were the musicians and the wedding went on for three days, according to her sister Albina. Boy, did everyone have a good time!
In June, Mary and Louis will be observing their Golden 50th Wed-
Shirley Spinelli, her grandsons, Micah, 5 mos. and Jacob, 4
Shirley Rose Spinelli
Br. 52, Kitzville
It is that time of the year we select a Mother of the Year. This year we have choosen sister Shirley Rose Spinelli. We all know that she is well-deserving of the honor. She became a widow about 6 months leaving her with 3 children and two grand children. Her boys, Tony and James, are married and her daughter, Donna, is attending College. Shirley also is a licensed Practical nurse at the Mesabe
Medical Center. They observed their 25th Anniversary in 1978. She is very active in our branch. She does a lot of baking, sewing, bowling, ceramics, hiking. When she is called upon for a helping hand she is willing.
Shirley has been a member for 25 years. We all wish to congratulate her and hope and pray that her reign will be a blessed one. We all do take this time to wish all our mothers a happy and blessed Mother’s Day. It’s hard to pick just one for all are deserving. But we all know Shirley Rose Spinelli will do us proud and hold her own. God Bless You all.
ding Anniversary with a Holy Mass in Thanksgiving for a good married life. Of their marriage they have one son, Louis Jr. who is twice Doctorate as a Chemical Engineer.and operates a very successful business. With his wife Judy and 2 daughters Laura and Judy, ages 17 and 15 respectively, they reside in Boston, Mass.
Through the years Mary and Louis operated a store on E. 51st St. and St. Clair Avenue, known as “Pats Delicatessen”. After a few years, Louis and two brothers operated another Deli in Euclid but that was hard work being open day and night. Later Mary and Louis and his brother Victor operated an electrical and gift shop called ‘Beacon Electric” formerly located on E. 185th St. Now they are both retired, Mary enjoys her plants and flowers and garden, she loves to sew and is an excellent seamstress. She’s also a wonderful cook and baker of strudels, flancate, and potica’s. Mary is very talented as she also plays a button box accordion since a young girl and just 2 years ago her
Louis surprised her with a beautiful new accordion. Mary entertained us last year at our Mother of the Year Dinner (At Teddie’s Restaurant) accompanying us while we sang many, many, beautiful and memorable Slovenian songs.
Mary is a Br. 50 member for 14 years and never misses a meeting, is generous and does a lot of sewing for our Br. 50 Boutique table which is our fund raiser and she speaks highly of our branch wherever she goes. She is also on the sunshine committee visiting the sick and the shut-ins, and did volunteer work at the Slovene Home for the Aged.
She is a mild mannered person with a beautiful personality. Being Mother of the Year she does a beautiful job in the kitchen taking care of the refreshments and all the goodies at every meeting.
We are proud of our Mary and wish her and her husband, Louis a “Healthy, Happy 50th” and “God’s Blessings” for many more years together. “God Bless You!”
AnnJ. Tercek
In the picture are her 2 grand sons, Jacob 4 and Micah 5 months of whom she is very proud. She also has a puppy which she takes walking every day. With all the activities she always has a kind word for every one. She is always helping someone in need. We just cannot say enough about her. But works and deeds will always be appreciated. Love you all.
Gertrude Kochevar
Mary loves to read, to tend her garden and crochet during her leisure. She is a member of Br. 57 for 29 years and contributes to their events. Her willingness to work is very admirable, and everyone sends their best wishes to Mary and much love!
Anna Kalan
Br. 55, Girard
Anna Kalan is a native of Slovenia
-	she was born at Breznica in 1921 and was there during the time of World War II. She met on Oct. 25, 1947 and married her husband, Frank at Spital in Carinthia (Austria), have five sons, Frank, Louis, John, George and Joseph. In 1977, Mr. Kalan passed away. She enjoys her three grandchildren, sewing, cooking, baking, knitting and is very adept at embroidery.
She is a member of the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Rose Church and is a member of the Senior Citizens. She and her family were cited by the Knights of Columbus as Family of the Year some time back! Congratulations!
She has a high school education and was employed at St. Rose’s church and has been a member of SWU since her arrival in America! Our heartfelt wishes and love!
Mary De Capua
Br. 57, Niles
Birthdays, holidays, family gatherings - these are the times mother Mary De Capua loves the most! She has four children, 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren who make all this possible. Her second husband, Sam, and she were married in 1974.
Frances Vile
Br. 68, Fairport Harbor
Frances Ulle was born in Fairport Harbor, Ohio.
She presently resides in Painesville now for 37 years.
She worked for the Diamond Alkalai Company in Painesville.
France’s maiden name was ,Schrabec. She and husband Edward were married at St. Anthony’s Church in Fairport in July 1946.
Of their marriage there are 3 sons, one daughter and 7 grandchildren. Her hobbies are crossword puzzles, playing cards, and balinca. She is a good cook and enjoys making delicious poticas like her mother used to make.
Frances belongs to A.M.L.A. lodge and the American Slovene Club in Fairport. She has been a Br. 68 member from the very beginning and is their capable Secretary Treasurer for many many years.
Our salute to you Frances for being such a dedicated Br. 68 member!
Respectfully submitted,
AnnJ. Tercek
Helen Hervol
Br. 71, Strabane
Our Mother of the Year, Helen Marie Hervol, has many fine attributes. She is an exceptional mother to 8 children, Henry, Jr., Theodore, Carol, Michelle, Dennis, Joanne, Richard and Diane, and has 17 wonderful grandchildren. She and her husband of 47 years, Henry J. Hervol, were married in 1940 and live in Canonsburg. They enjoy
doing many things together, such as traveling and keeping in touch with friends and relatives.
Helen has been a member for 35 years and is Vice-President. She has been more active now than in the past when her children took up all her time. She is involved in church and community and is a family-oriented person.
She is also a member of the Canonsburg St. Patrick’s Adult Choir for the past 17 years, and is president of the Northern Strabane Township Democrat Women’s Club, the KSKJ and many other clubs. Her education continued into high school for two years and then worked for 13 years for the school district as a cook in the cafeteria. She retired last June.
Helen was chosen by her sister members who thank her very much for all her goodness and loyalty. And, Helen, bring more of those delicious nut rolls with chocolate filling that we all love! God bless you!
Helen Dusek
Br. 73, Warrensville Hgts.
As Woman of the Year, Br. 73 has chosen Helen Dusek, their longstanding and wonderful member who has been with them for 35 years and now serves as Vice-President. Helen is a very pleasant person and helpful in any way. She also volunteers at Sunny Acres and is a member of the Red Cross in Solon, and president of the Church of the Resurrection, Old Timers’ Club.
In 1980 she retired as asst, manager at Ameritrust Bank in Solon after working their 37 years. She doesn’t miss working tho, as she loves to travel extensively.
Helen was born in Cleveland and has her whole family in the vicinity. Her husband, Steve passed away three years ago. Nieces Leslie and Melanie Dusek on the photo with her, are also members of Br. 73. s\A very happy wish accompanied by love and kisses, to Helen, chosen as a very special Woman of the Year!
Mary Cooks	water	colors,	Sumi	painting,	acrylic
and oils.
When asked about her special traits, we learned that “she listens when she hears, feels when she touches, speaks from the heart and is always there when you need her!” Isn’t she a wonderful mother and person?
Congratulations and all our wishes for continued fulfillment!
Helen Dusck with her nieces, Leslie and Melanie
She was educated in Oglesby’s Washington Public School and La Salle Peru Township High School. Eunice worked in the local factories after leaving school and spent many happy hours singing in the church choir at St. Constantine Church. In 1951 St. Constantine merged with Sacred Heart Church to become Holy Family Catholic Church, where she now worships.
Eunice retired from Hobb’s Factory in Spring Valley on October 13, 1980 and is enjoying herself doing the things that were put aside to be enjoyed now.
Her hobbies are sewing, reading and collecting letter openers. She enjoys being secretary of Branch No. 89 which she now holds since 1985.
We at Branch No. 89 are very happy and proud to have her as our Woman of the Year.
Reporter
Br. 79, Enuinclaw
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Can you imagine that we have a prize-winning artist as Mother of the Year? She is Mary Cooks from Renton, Washington, a 30-year member of SWU.
First, we must tell you that Mary is the mother of four children, Doris Jean, Robert Carl, James Victor and Carolyn Marie. Doris is also a member and has written a lovely tribute to her mother in the words that follows:
“We love our mother very much and are extremely proud of her, not only for her accomplishments but also for her steadfastness in all her values and pride in her heritage.
“It wasn’t until her children had grown up and left that she had time to actively pursue her lifetime interest in the fine arts. Our father, Carl, greatly encouraged her to take art lessons and persevere in her interests. She became so proficient that she has even won an award for her painting and has numerous requests to paint for others. Particularly of note is her ability to remember scenes from her childhood in Slovenia. (Mary was born at Vas Potok). She has painted several of these landscapes illustrating different seasons of the year.”
So, just imagine, a lady with just an 8th grade education in Europe with a large family, helping her husband in his business, and now, also an artist of renown. We are indeed proud of Mary!
The award she received was at an Art Show in Kent, Washington in 1971. She has received other honors and awards at showings in western Washington, too. She does charcoal,
Eunice Komater
Br. 89, Oglesby
Born in Oglesby, 1L to John and Frances (Bukovic) Komater on October 13, 1915. There were four sisters and three brothers in the family. Her parents have passed away as did one sister and two brothers.
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Eunice koinater
Mary Cooks and an original still-life painting
c/HotherJ'
Day
WHY GOD WORKED LATE CREATING MOTHERS
When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into his sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said, ‘‘You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”
And the Lord said," Have you read the spec on this order?"
She has to be compltely washable, but not plastic.
Have 180 movable parts, all replaceable.
Run on black coffee and leftovers.
Have a lap that disappears when she stands up.
A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair.
And six pairs of hands.
The angel shook her head slowly and said. “Six pairs of hands — noway.”
“It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” said the Lord. “It’s the three pairs of eyes that Mothers have to have.”
“That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel.
The Lord nooded. “One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, “What are you kids doing in there?” when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say, ‘I understand and I love you' without so much as uttering a word.”
“Lord,” said the angel touching His sleeve gently, “Come to bed. Tomorrow...”
“I can’t," said the Lord. "I’m so close to creating something so close to Myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick, can feed a family of six on one proud of hamburger, and can get a 9-year-old to stand under a shower.”
The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she signed.
“But tough!” said the Lord excitedly.
“You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure."
“Can it think?"
"Not only think, but it can reason and compromise.” said the Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told You You were trying to put too much into this model."
"It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.” “What’s it for?"
“It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride.”
“You are a genius,” said the angel.
The Lord looked somber. “I didn't put it there.”
Julia Trowbridge
Br. 100, Fontana
Julia Trowbridge transferred into our Branch a few years ago and was immediately willing to accept the position as our Branch’s Secretary-Treasurer despite living quite a distance away from our center of activity. She has done an outstanding job in this position and always conducts herself in a very professional manner. She exudes warmth and caring for her fellow members and is indeed an asset to our Branch.
Congratulations, Julie! S.W.U. Branch No. 100 is proud to salute you as our 1987 Mother of the Year!
Br. 101, Bedford Heights
Our branch chooses a Mother of the Year through secret ballot at our January meeting. We do this and then honor her at our Mother’s Day Dinner, where she is completely surprised, this adds to the excitement
Beverly Baber
Loretta Spritzer Szaller
Br. 92, Gunnison
Loretta Szaller has been a member of Br. 92 for years and she is our chosen Mother of the Year.
Born in Gunnison to Emil and Verl Spritzer, she is the youngest of 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls.
Her grandparents, Spitzer, were immigrants from Yugoslavia. They met in the U.S., married and settled in Crested Butte, Colo, where he mined and they raised their family of 11.
Loretta takes great pride in her heritage, and the annual Family Reunion every July 4th near Crested Butte for which there is always a very good turnout.
After attending Western State Loretta entered the workfield where she met Ray Szaller. They married in Sept. of 1980, built their home in Gunnison and now have two handsome sons, Bradley 2 1/ 2 and Steven 1.
She enjoys golf, cross country skiing and music of the 60’s, and with a committment to her family, the loving and caring she shows, reminds us of what motherhood is all about.
Everyone wishes her all the good that motherhood can be
God Bless you Mother of the Year, Loretta!
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class ’25th year reunion.
1 personally have had the pleasure of sharing a friendship with Beverly for almost 30 years, and know her as a loving, caring, sharing, terrific person. My great honor is to pass along the title “Woman of the Year” to our dear friend and sister with my sincerest congratulations and best wishes.
Ritamarie Mertle
Woman of the Year ’86
of the honor bestowed upon her for the year.
This year we have chosen Beverly Baker to be our 1987 Women of the Year. Beverly has newly joined our club just two years ago. She is quiet individual, a very cooperative, willing contributor to our functions. If there is a need for something to be done Bev will be there to lend a hand and give her support.
Beverly has been married to David since August of 1964. They have two lovely daughters, Laura, 19 and Lynne, 14. Bev works full time as a Field Service Secretary and is a part time domestic engineer (homemaker). She enjoys crocheting and knitting when she has time. The Summer is her time with her other much-loved hobby of boating with hubby, David...nice afternoon on the lake with a picnic basket, wine, cheese and warm sun. She enjoys everything she does, keeps up with her daughters, is “with it” so to say.
In the past she has been an officer for her High School Alumni, serving as Treasurer for 6 years, successfully contributing to alumni functions as a chairperson. Recently she helped with the organization of her own
Bernadette Kovacic
Br. 103, Washington
It’s not often that we have the opportunity to write about a “writer” and this time we are happy to present, Woman of the Year of our Washington D.C. branch, Ms. Bernadette Kovacic, who is our special ZARJA columnist writing monthly for the “Strategic Consumer.”
Bernadette is the young lady we read about in Br. 103 articles who
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supervises and directs many of their nicest programs, such as for Mother’s Day, Christmas, special occasions. She presents herself beautifully and has many talents in organizing.
She lives with her mother and father, Nika and Eric Kovacic in a suburb of our capital city and has been employed in the field of Health Administration at a nation-wide health maintenance organization since her graduation from Catholic University. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Masters in Consumer Economics with specialization in Public Policy and Consumer Law. She earned a scholarship for her graduate studies.
She is a professional member of the American Council on Science and Health and publicity chairperson for the Catholic Alumni Club of Washington, D.C., an organization of close to 500 single Catholics living in the metropolitan Washington area. She is a member of the KSKJ, a lector at the National Shrine in Washington and belongs to the St. Bernadette Hand Bell Choir.
She and her mother are charter members of the Branch, 21 years, and both are very active with branch functions. They have traveled together and under her parents tutalage, Bernadette speaks, reads and writes Slovenian fluently.
Bernadette also enjoys reading, playing the piano, swimming, volleyball, cycling, running and dancing!
We are very proud of her and know that the members of Br. 103 have chosen her for many reasons, the most important of which is that she is a perfect example of youthful womanhood at its best!
Loretta Szaller and baby, Steven
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, WI
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for making our bake sale a big success.
We helped Mary Turk celebrate her 85th birthday at our last meeting. Mary treated us with apple strudel. Ruth Sheck’s husband and family surprised her with a birthday party for friends.
She was really surprised! Happy birthday to Ruth and Mary.
Our sympathy was extended to Ruth Sheck and her family on the death of her mother, Christine Panko. Christine was a member of Br. 1 for forty-nine years. Christine is at peace with her Creator and we pray that the Lord blesses the survivors with strength to endure the future.
Mother of the Year will be celebrated June 14. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. for the living and deceased members.
A short business meeting will follow. A luncheon will be served and a special program to honor our Mother of the Year. We hope to see all our members on June 14.
Your reporter,
AGGIE GRUENKE
NO. 2, CHICAGO.IL
The March meeting was well-attended with a surprise visit from our National President and Br. 2 member, Mary Muller, along with the Board of Directors of SWU. It was great to see the ladies and have them at our St. Joseph-St. Pat’s affair. The hall was beautifully decorated by Terry Morison and our president, Fran. Fran was presented with a birthday gift of a bunch of balloons from Jean Hrastar which really made Fran’s day great!
We have five new members added to our membership which to date is 489 members. They are as follows, Rev. Thaddeus Trpin, our spiritual director, Diana Leskovar, Daniel Leskovar, Emily Zielinski and Mary Gora. Congratulations to all.
Fran read a letter from Fr. Vendelin thanking us for our help in the past. There is a big renovation to be done in Lemont this year and he asked for our generosity in the form of a donation. The membership
agreed to a $ 1,000 donation.
The bowling tournament was cancelled for this year but will be held next year.
We have one member who responded for a scholarship this year. She is Rosemarie Mikec. Our best wishes go her way.
Our Mass for the sick and ailing members is on May 7th at 8 a.m. On the sick list are: Agnes Wroblewski, Mary Slabe, Angeline Vucko, Mary Poppish, Julia Ericson, Antonia Glavach and Jean Grzetič.Remember to pray for them.
We are saddened by the deaths of three members: Alvie Jerin, a 50 year member who lived in Oglesby; our condolences to her family. Also Katherine (Gyura) Gora, our sympathy to her family; and Elizabeth Zefran, our past National Officer and treasurer of Br. 2, also in charge of the bowling league. Our sympathy to the family. She will be missed.
Our prayers also to Mamie Muller, our National President, on the death of her beloved husband, Walter. Our prayers also to the family of Joseph Marmozewicz, father-in-law of Phyllis Marmozewicz, Frances Jasbec’s granddaughter; to Barbara Kosi and family on the death of her father and to Mary Raunikar and family on the death of her husband. May they rest in peace. Our prayers for these departed and all our members who have gone to rest.
May I remind you of our cheer basket which is at the entry of the hall each month. Monetary donations also accepted for medication for our elderly.
May is the month of our Blessed Mother. We have chosen six members for our annual celebration for the crowning of our Heavenly Mother. The mass will be on May 21st at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will follow after the mass.
A group of members attended the Baraga Symposium in March which was held in Lemont. All who attended found it to be very educational and interesting. See you all at the meeting.
ANN SCIESZKA
NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO
After a restful six weeks in Florida, yours truly is back in the groove.
Wednesday, April 1, was soup day at St. Mary’s Church. Some of our
members, along with other parishioners, attended mass at noon followed by a delicious soup lunch in the church hall. S.W.U. members were among the women who prepared the soup.
Following lunch, we had our meeting which was opened with prayers by our Pres., Anne Spelich. There were 14 members present.
Reports were given and approved. We have a new member, Derrick J. Karlinger.
A letter to Mrs. Anna Pachak, Hon. Pres, and one of our oldest members, from Mary Muller, President, was read. Mrs. Muller personally invited Mrs. Pachak to the National Convention because of her inspirational dedication to the SWU. Mrs. Pachak hasn’t felt well, so will not be able to attend.
Installation of the new officers for
1987	was done and, as reported previously, the new officers are: Anne Spelich, Pres., Frances Simonich, Secy-Treas., Angela Krall, Recording Secy., Retha Minton, Vice-Pres. Pauline Pauchick will continue as reporter.
A discussion was held on our May party. Instead of a covered dish party, it was decided to have the party at the King’s Table Restaurant on May 6 at 2:00 p.m. Each member will pay for her own meal.
Once again we have lost another loyal member. Prayers were said for Pauline Mramor, who passed away in March. Our sincere condolences are extended to her family.
Meeting was adjourned and “B” played.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH
The meeting was called to order on Wed. March 19th at 1:30 p.m. by Ohio-Michigan State Presdient, Ann Tercek, due to not having a president at this time. 36 members were present. We were very happy to have such a good attendance. Minutes and treasurer’s reports were given and approved. Correspondence was read and a note from our member, Jennie Fonda, thanking us for her dinner and 50th anniversary gifts. A card of thanks from Josephine Sustarsic for her gift and visit from our sunshine ladies, Faye Moro and Joyce LeNassi. One of our members who was ill for some time and lived in Postojna, Slovenia, died on Feb.
15th. We received the death benefit for our treasury. We are grateful to her. In death she remembered Br. 10.
Ann Tercek informed us that the Slovenian Women’s Union Heritage Museum is always looking for items of value, books, literature, laces, etc. Birthday greetings were sung for Elsie Wassou, Caroline Stefančič, Mary Podlogar; anniversaries for May: Mary Prelevsek and husband,
53	years, Angie and Fred Tobenter, 47 years, Faye and Albert Moro, 47 years, Joyce and Matthew LeNassi, 47 years. Congratulations from all of us.
Two of our members are now residing at the Slovene Home for the Aged, Antonia Novak and Mary Kobal. Our sunshine ladies will visit all our members who are in residence for the holidays. They are very gratefully received on those visits.
Rosemary Susel and Danielle Susel, are our delegates selected to attend the National Convention in Joliet May 14-17, 1987.
Caroline Stefančič gave her report on the Sophie Magayna Scholarship Fund. This is the final scholarship. We thank everyone who gave so generously thru the years (5 years) towards this fund, also the following who gave at the meeting: Antonia Alick, Rose Marolt, Mary Marolt, Mary Prelevsek, Jennie Batich, Rose Micklich, Lucy Kolodosky, Mary Podlogar, Mary Tomsic, Jean Labered, Vera Gerich, Mary Casar, Caroline Stefančič, Theresa Ferroccioli. A donation from Br. 10 will be sent to the Scholarship Fund for Antonia Turek Scholarship.
Elected as the new president for Br. 10 is Mary Kokal. She graciously accepted. Please help her in any way to make the job a bit easier.
We have five meetings a year and it is a pleasure to have such faithful ladies who attend.
Our new badges were given to members present who as yet had not received them. Rosemary Susel, we thank you for the work on this.
Meeting was adjourned with prayers for our sick and deceased members.
Our Mother of the Year is Caroline Stefančič who will be honored in May. She is worthy of this honor and always ready to help in any way. Congratulations!
We thank Alice Struna who was our Woman of the Year for 1986 for all the help thru the years. Thanks again to Faye Moro for substituting for me at the meeting while 1 was in Florida to visit with my brother.
After the meeting, the ladies were surprised with a special treat and refreshments. Thanks to the bakers and donors.
Next meeting will be May 20th in honor of our Mother of the Year. Arrangements are being made.
CAROLINE STEFANČIČ
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI
Our meeting was very well-attended as usual with all officers present with the exception of Sophie Stampfel who was still out from her fall after the last meeting. She is now back to her usual self again as of this writing.
Prayers were also said for the repose of Mitzi Anzur who passed away shortly after the last meeting in February and our sympathy to all her family and friends.
All reports were read and accepted including the card party. We wish to thank all the good helpers we had who helped to make it a success as well as all who attended.
A tour to the Amish Acres was discussed for June. More on that later.
Our coming State Convention in October, on the 11th, was discussed with plans to meet with officers and a few members with ideas and help to get the final program and get started on the printing materials.
We were also reminded of the Junior Picnic on June 25th, 1987 at the usual spot in Jackson Park. More on that later, also.
Sympathy was also extended to Lucy Cummings and Mary Ann Stima whose grandson and son were buried earlier.
The meeting ended with prayer by Stavia in English. Happy Birthday was sung to our birthday girls for the month and a good lunch and treats were enjoyed by all. Leona Zigman was back from her visits and Phyllis Prushilk were most responsible for the lunch. Thanks for the coffee girls, and kitchen help as well.
There were numerous prizes to be won before we played our favorite game which we all enjoyed.
Remember, we do have the latest editions of Pots and Pans as well as the book of poems by Mrs. Murn for sale at all times.
MARY DEZMAN
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Our March Meeting was one to be remembered. We had a Pot Luck Dinner at the Slovenian Hall with 50 people present. Our members provided delicious food and absolutely wonderful desserts. There was plenty of food for everyone. After dinner, we played “B” and had prizes. 1 (Bev Jackson) crocheted
our “Annual Afghan” and it was won by our President’s husband, Vince. Needless to say, our President, Jo Aiuto is thrilled. Last year, it was won by her sister, Virginia Sustarich. This truly a family branch with both ladies being cousins to me.
I am truly sorry to report our dear member, Margaret Radosevich passed away. She was a member for over 50 years and was our Mother of the Year a couple years ago. It was a beautiful day and we have many memories of this generous and loving lady. Our prayers go out to her family and May she rest in peace.
Another reminder to notify Jo Aiuto at 863-8632 for reservations for the Mother of the Year Brunch on May 17, 1987. Hope to see many members as it is always a delicious brunch and a lovely day.
Wishing all our members a very Happy Mother’s Day. Love is a power that transforms the soul, fills hearts with heaven and gives life its goal...
BEVERLY JACKSON, Reporter
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
Our greater Cleveland area has had one of the mildest winters as yet, for which we can be truly grateful. The tulips, hyacinths and daffodils are showing their greenery and before long we can enjoy God’s spring!
Plans are underway to make the Mothers’ Day tribute a big success once again. Millie Krulc will again prepare her usual mouth-watering meal for us as we honor 50-year members and Mother of the Year, Martha Koren. An enjoyable evening is ahead for all who attend on Tuesday, May 5. Be sure to have your reservations in ahead of time to Donna Tome 481-9374 or Vera Bajec 481-7473.
The March meeting was highlighted with cake and coffee as we celebrated three months of birthdays of our members. Delegates for the upcoming convention were selected, Vera Bajec, Jennie Fitz-thum and alternate Rose Rogers.
A sun-tanned Eleanore Kaporc was welcomed back from her trip to the Caribbean. Speaking of vacations...stalwart member, Faye Starman, and her husband went on a bus trip to Epcot Center, Florida recently. Unfortunately, Faye fell during the first day and fractured her leg. Not undone by this accident, bubbling Faye didn’t miss a thing during the tour since she was handsomely wheeled around in style in a
wheel chair during the rest of the tour. Faye has had the cast removed and is recuperating nicely at home...I’m sure she’s dancing around on her crutches.
Other members on the sick list are Olga Klancher and Frances Erzen (Chickasaw) who are recovering after surgery. Mary Ivec has broken her wrist. Josephine Kastigar is recuperating after being hospitalized, and long-time member Mary Simončič is now residing at a nursing home. Best wishes to our ailing members. May Our Ever-Loving Mother give you strength and her health once again.
Condolences to Lucille Korencic and her family on the loss of her brother Ed Sustarsic, well known Euclid resident. May our merciful Lord grant him and our faithful departed everlasting rest.
Sunshine ladies, Frances Erzen, Rose Rogers and lleen Collins wish to thank all the ladies who have been donating generously toward our Sunshine fund. Many thanks to all!
We were delighted to hear from Mary Sadar, residing now in Columbus, who sends greetings to all her friends.
Another reminder ... get those dues paid up as quickly as possible to Donna Tome, 2100 Apple Dr., Euclid 44143.
Happy Mothers Day to all mothers and grandmothers!!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Our March 29th “B” party was a huge success. Marge Prebil, our president, says “thank you, donators, members and friends for your generosity which exceeded all anticipation. Thank you and God bless all of you.
Mary Brozovich pulled Mary Rago’s name for one year’s free dues at our last meeting.
Catherine Anderson and Edna Winters won door prizes which they returned for our Sunshine Club.
Helen Milanovich, Dolores O’Brien, Mary Puterko, and Julie Vrlich furnished goodies for our meeting.
Romaine O’Brien has been nominated for membership in the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Sigma is an International National Honor Society for Nursing. Members are selected because of their committment to high professional standards, scholastic achievement, and leadership ability. The Induction Ceremony will take place on April 25, 1987.
Romaine has also learned that she has been voted by her Associates in Nursing for a reappointment to the faculty of St. Xavier’s College for next year. (1987-1988)
On February 17th, 1987 Dolores O’Brien, a Second Grade teacher in District No. 148, Dolton was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Washington-Jefferson P.T.A. It was presented to her by the Principal at a special Founders’ Day Program.
Sympathies are extended to the family of Frances Witkowski who passed away February 22, 1987 at Salem Towers. A candle was lit and prayers were said for her eternal rest.
Congratulations to Kay Jurincic on the birth of her first grandson, Timothy and to Gladys Buck on the birth of her great niece, Kelly Anna, born in Minnesota this March.
Marie Vidovich has proven that we are never too old to learn and has gotten a new car and Drivers License at the beautiful age of 79 years young.
Congratulations to all.
Remember our “Mother of the Year” dinner on May 21st. Until then be happy.
FRAN B. ZUPANČIČ
NO. 17, WEST ALLIS, WI
Spring is here! and with it, it brings us new life. The robins, cardinals and many birds sing their familiar songs and flowers abloom! A most wonderful time of the year! As we welcome the beautiful month of May, we honor our mothers and rightly so. They deserve all the love and gratitude we can give them. This brings a reminder. We will honor our chosen Mother of the Year, Angie Starich, with a luncheon at Kegel’s Inn on 59th and National Ave. on Tuesday, May 5th at 12 noon. Please notify president, Marion Marolt or secretary, Joan Yaklich, of your intention to attend so reservations can be made. Let’s make this a grand and memorable day for Angie, one she will long remember.
We have quite a few members on the sick list, namely, Julia Omahne, Frances Potochar, Julia Tael and our honorary president, Josephine Schlosar. They are all recovering slowly but surely. Oh, yes, must mention my co-writer, Mary Murn, who writes in Slovenian. While on a short vacation in Florida she became ill but is now at home and recovering from her illness. She says there’ll be some hospital stays for her in the future. Wish her well. Please mention these lovely ladies in your prayers for a speedy recovery and the return of good health real soon. A
card or short visit would, I’m sure, be greatly appreciated.
Teddy Zebrowski, son of Diane and Clem Zebrowski of Belvidere, Illinois and grandson of our vice-president, Vickie Kastelic, received honorable mention and recognition in Basketball at Belvidere High School from which he will graduate in June.
Members, please note:	No
meetings will be held in June, July or August, a time for a bit of vacation. We will resume our business meetings on Sunday, Sept. 20th at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Baraga Hall, members, please notify our secretary, Joan Yaklich, if you have a change of address or zipcode, so she can mail the necessary information to the Home Office. Also, check your policy to correct beneficiary as this can be confusing and can delay the payment of death claims.
An afterthought! Hve you thought about a Mother’s Day gift yet? How about the lovely book of poetry, “Flowers from my gardens” or the cookbook, “Pots and Pans?” A wish for a good successful and fruitful convention. Have a safe and enjoyable spring and summer season.
FRAN PIWONI
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
May, month of celebrations, is going to be a busy one again this year. Beginning with Mother’s Day, Woman of the Year Celebrations, Communions, National Convention and even some graduations and weddings. Congratulations to all celebrants.
Sharon Just, daughter of Jeanette and John Just, was elected president of the Student Government Association at the University of Georgia. Her very proud grandma, Anna Krause, shared the information with us. Sharon received 69.1 percent of the votes. Her platform focused mainly on academics, campus-crime and informing students. Three of her campaign planks concerning academics were to provide a 24 hour study environment for all students, expand academic	advisement	and
promote hands-on opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in fields relating to their area of academic interest. The editor of “Technique,” the school paper, congratulated her for the commanding win in	the race.	An
editorial in the	paper by	the
managing editor	emphasized	her
ability and willingness to accomplish
student goals. Sharon’s SGA experience includes; Academic Services Chairman, Junior class president, Sophomore class president, student center governing board, advisory cabinet, finance committee, academic priorities committee and centennial committee. Her campus involvement encompassed Panhellenic treasurer, Lambda Sigma secretary, Fitten Hall Secretary, GT Student foundation trustee, alpha gamma delta assistant treasurer and omicron delta kappa. Sharon is majoring in electronic engineering. Congratulations to Sharon and the best that life can bring for her future.
The Rialto Theatre was the setting for the appearance of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans which Jolietans enjoyed immensely. Their costumes, traditional dances, folk songs and special Americana Finale were a treat. A member of the ensemble, Anne Marie Noncarich, is a cousin to Rose Tabler, one of our members. The troop will be travelling to Europe. National officers in town at the time of the performance also enjoyed the show.
Frances Stonich, Mae Rief and Mary Spelich are on our get well list. We hope they are on the mend.
We extend sympathy to Mary Vicich on the death of her brother, Eli Grahovich; to the family of Mary Hochevar on her death. She was a 48-year member and was featured in the Immigrant Series in 1985. Members of Branch 20, Olga Ancel, . Ann Kobe and Jo Muster travelled to Chicago to attend the funeral of Liz Zefran, former National Officer, Sports activities.
Branch 2’s St. Joseph’s Table was a very enjoyable experience. These ladies are very talented cooks; everyone in Chicago must think so too, they always have a tremendous turnout. Helen Horwath, Mary Anzelc, Olga Ancel and myself were guests along with National officers Mary Muller, Sylvia Vukodonovich and her husband George, Tory Bobence and Ann Hodnik. We salute Fran Morrison and her group for their dedication.
The National Convention is upon us-we’re ready!!! Just come and enjoy what we have planned.
Our next meeting takes place on May 19, Tuesday night at 6:30 when we have our Woman of the Year Celebration. We will begin with our usual array of tempting foods. Come join us.
HELEN PLUT
T
I
NO. 21, CLEVELAND, OH
It is St. Joseph’s Day today, March 19th. I remember well how our folks celebrated feast days of family and friends. Dad would get his jug of wine after dinner and then he and Mom would walk down the street to fete the celebrant, Joseph, Mary, Stephan, etc. whomever. It was all very casual. I also recall how neighboring Slovenes of the southwest side on W. 130th gathering for my holiday, birthday, namesday. They enjoyed many occasions at each other’s homes, some long week-ends, as well. God bless them for the memories we all enjoy in the later years. I heard many a humorous tale. How many of you remember the Brodniks, Tomazics, Komocars, Kovachs, Mismas’, Hostas, Lachs, Flis’, Pelcics, Zakrajseks, Kosaks, Gabriels, Kavc’, Kotars and many more. Some of these families were related in their circle. Celia Brodnik was SWU organizer and a civic leader. Mrs. Hosta held office of the president for many years as did Anna Pelcic, secretary and president. Josephine Weis was a legend as treasurer. These were loyal, dedicated, women, to name a few.
The annual Mother’s Day luncheon is set for Tuesday, May 19th, not Wednesday! Please note the day, at 12:30 p.m. at West Park'Slovene Home. The usual fund-raiser is your gift to the Branch and pastries will also be welcome.
A mass in memory of deceased members and living as well will be on Saturday, May 9th at Annunciation Church. See you there?
Sincere condolences in behalf of all our members to the following:
Our community is one less a neighbor having lost a staunch supporter, Theresa Lach, whose loyalty to AMLA, KSKJ, SWU, Ladies Auxiliary and the Home and Church was superior. Mary Estanek, originally of Dennison Branch never failed in her support of it. A gracious lady.
Alice Vidmar, a former SWU Cadet misses her husband, Ed, married 46 years. The Hosta family and widow, LaVerne, suddenly lost John, past president of our Home. How well we remember a generous favor they obliged the Home. Pauline Stepic who has survived so much loss, for her daughter-in-law. To Frances Cimperman who recently lost Mary, wife of John C. to cancer.
Can you believe 14 great grandsons!?! Two, Nicholas and Jerry, Congratulations to Antonia Lozar.
May she also gain her strength and healthfullness.
To the recently sick and hospitalized Mary Stevens, Ella Prisel, we pray for their comfort and improved health.
Six junior members have transferred to adult class B status. The following are entitled to two years complimentary dues, at 18 if enrolled at birth: Cynthia Blum, Debra Blum, Denise Blum, Shellee Chesnik, Kathleen Dancull and Lisa Chesnik.
Please call Stella, 676-9216 for luncheon reservations and/or a pickup to and from Home. We do anxiously want to see and hear from you. Remember, Tuesday, May 19th. Until then, be well, remember our shut-in friends.
HELEN KONKOY
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL
I’m writing this on a chilly spring day, and we thought spring was here when the temperatures were in the 60’s and 70’s early in the month. Time sure passes quickly-Lent is almost over and Easter Sunday is just around the corner. This season at Resurrection Parish is a busy one; Confirmation, First Communion, Slovenian Litany of the Blessed Virgin with Fr. Horzen, weddings and graduations. Everyone is involved in one or more of the activities.
I	do appreciate the faithful attendance of the same members and Father Swaner at our meetings but we certainly would like to have more of you with us. We are experiencing a trying time now with our Recording Secretary Emma Shimkus ill and her daughter, our Financial Secretary Wanita Helmer, busy taking care of her mother. Wanita requests that members wishing to pay dues call her at phone number 223-0157-leave your name and number and she will get back to you. The date and time of our Mother of the Year Dinner will be announced in our Parish Bulletin and the local newspaper. A donation was made to the Easter Seal Center as part of our charitable work. We should plan our fall fund-raising project before we take our summer vacation. So you see there is much to be done and we need you.
Father Swaner leads us in prayer for our sick and shut-in members before each meeting. Our prayers are with you Emma, at this time, that with God’s help and your therapy sessions you will continue to make progress.
We were unable to elect a delegate to the National Convention. We hope the Convention will be a great
The Strategic Consumer:
By Bernadette J. Kovačič
Physician Drug Dispensing
MD’s in rural areas have long been known to dispense prescription drugs to patients as a convenience. Urban and suburban physicians also sell prescription drugs directly to their patients, sometimes as a convenience to their patients and in some instances to make a profit. Patient exploitation may occur if disclosure of the physician’s interest in drug dispensing is not made clear.
Drug repackaging companies buy brand name and generic drugs in bulk to be repackaged in smaller units. The smaller quantity units are sold to doctors, they label them with indications for usage, attach their name and address and sell them to patients. Federal and state regulations allow physicians to dispense drugs to patients; however, controversy remains if physicians should be allowed to profit through this method.
For example, a patient in Indiana reported seeing her doctor for treatment of hypertension. The office visit cost $30; in addition she was billed S30 for 60 tabs of a generic anti-hypertensive drug prescribed and dispensed by her physician. This patient found that if she had the identical prescription filled at her local pharmacy she would have saved $10.13. She filed a complaint to her home state Pharmacy Association.
The American Pharmaceutical Association opposes
MD’s to routinely profit from drug dispensing. Stephen Crawford, Board of Trustees Chairman and practicing pharmacist states, “We have a good drug distribution system in this country. The wholesaling system is very efficient and very cost-conscious. It doesn’t make sense to have a repackager outside the normal channels of distribution. Obviously, a new player is going to get a cut of the profits and the doctor may then charge more to the patient.”
Physician drug dispensing does carry advantages, such as obtaining medicine directly from the doctor late at night for a sick child with tonsillitis or an earache and having the opportunity to begin drug therapy off-hours or on weekends if a pharmacy is not open or located nearby. In such cases physician drug dispensing helps the patient. The crucial issue is if the physician fails to consider what is in the patient’s best interest.
You must be able to have freedom of choice and have full disclosure if your physician has ownership in such a drug delivery system as described above. Be alert to being exploited by higher prices or services than you would normally pay in your community for pharmaceuticals.
success and much will be accomplished. Our sisters in Joliet are great hostesses and all will have a grand time.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. in Resurrection School.
Happy Mother’s Day to all our Mothers and especially to Fannie Piletič, our Mother of the Year.
ANNE M. WANGLER, Reporter
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH
Our March meeting had a nice attendance, even four men, because Rudy Krall entertained us after the meeting with slides of Australia and New Zealand and a bit of Hawaii. Andy Florida, husband of Mary, sang three songs for us, one was Irish for St. Patrick’s Day. It was a joy to hear him!
We got five new members: Ann Adams, Katherine Belay, Betty Karich, Fran Kozar and Louise Hrovat, a transfer from Br. 50.
Ceal Znidar became a grandmother again on March 17th. Her son, Frank and wife, Marielena had a boy they named Christopher Frank.
A surprise Birthday Party on Feb. 1st was held at Rechar Hall for Julia Zak. It was given by her two daughters, Julia Kubal and Marilyn Vidmar. The hall was decorated and the food catered by Mary Blatnik. It was a beautiful party and all the guests wished her many more happy and health years as do all the members of Br. 32.
Congratulations to Elsie and Nick Sudar on becoming grandparents for the first time. Their son, Marty, and wife, Donna had a girl on March 15th they named Ann Marie. Elsie celebrated hej birthday on March
11	th and a big party was held at their tavern on E' 185th St. They are retiring after being in business for 24 years. They will travel and just relax. Their daughter, Susan, is getting married in Indiana on May 20th and the reception will be here on May 23rd. Susan attends Purdue
University and will graduate this summer with a Masters degree.
Ron Suster, representative to the Ohio House, was honored on April 27th as Man of the Year for the Knights of Columbus. He is the husband of our member, Pat Suster.
Speaking of honors, I was chosen our branch’s Mother of the Year and the dinner will be at the Slovenian Society Home on Recher Ave. on May 20th at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 and the menu is excellent. It is BYOB and anyone wishing to come may get tickets from members. Dorothy Lamm, Cela Znidar, Ann Cook or myself. The deadline is May 15th.
I he board wishes all members a very happy Mother’s Day and a beautiful spring.
JOHANNA WEGLARZ
t
§
Passing on their heritage...
David Wheeler, grandson of Anne Orazem, our reporter of Br. 35, Aurora, Minnesota.
Junior member of Br. 35, Aurora, Minnesota, David Wheeler, was baptized Mar. 22 in a gown that is
88	years old! His great grandmother, Frances Orazem, had this gown made for her first child’s baptism. It was worn by all her 12 children including David’s grandfather, Anthony. It has been passed down to the present 4th generation of the Orazem family!
David, his brother, James, mother, Kathleen and grandmother, Anne, are all members of Br. 35. Grandmother Orazem was a member for many years, too; she is no longer with us but we know how happy she would be to know the gown is still being worn and treasured by her family.
Anne Orazem
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN
March 4 meeting had Shirley Hoppenyan as “Queen of the Month.” Attendance prize missed by Ruth Boben $25.00 and Elizabeth Smolnikar $5.00.
There was a good attendance at the swim party.
House on the Rock trip will be June 12-14. Yugoslavia trip Sept. 30. Contact Emily.
Sandy Malmquist will be April “Queen”.
Mary Chepelnik will teach members “palm weaving.”
Fred Chermock was the speaker on wills, estates, gifts, etc. at April meeting.
Prayers for all sick members including Helen Mosack and Harriet Ostazeski.
Received notes from Mary Aunan and Margaret Radosevich.
Todd, Margaret’s son, our member, transferred from Juvenile group will spend a year under AFS program in Coimbra, Portugal. In August he will attend Drake University, Des Moines, IA, where he was awarded a Presidential Freshman Scholarhip and a Drake Founders Scholarship based on his academic record.
Don’t forget: New members, and transfers pay $ 1.00 to join in Funeral Fund. Also $1.00 per each member now to build up the fund.
LOIS PELANDER, Reporter
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN
What 1 thought would be a short meeting during Lent with no hostesses, etc., turned out to be an interesting meeting with good in-put, with cards and Pokeno being played afterward-which shows what a great group of ladies we have in our branch!
We approved a donation to the Bishop Baraga Association, in the hope that we will see him canonized during our lifetime.
A letter was received from Fr. Blase Chemazar concerning shrines of our Lady of Brezje. Although we could not come up with anyone who has a shrine, our branch participated in honoring Marija Pomagaj last year at an Ethnic Mass. Sophie Spollar mentioned that her aunt, Mary Spollar, had a Maria Pomagaj medal, which she treasures very much and would be very old. Our parish is reminded at almost every mass of devotion to the Blessed Mother by our pastor, Fr. LaPatka, who has made a visit to Medjugorje and sincerely believes that Mary is appearing to the children there.
Tory Bobence gave us a report on her trip to Joliet for a meeting of the National Board, which was informative and interesting. This coming National Convention should prove to be very profitable for all of us.
It was decided at our meeting to
honor our 80 year old members at our meeting on September 16-those honored will be Helen Chiabotti, who will be 80 years old on December 13; Angela Planton, who will be 80 on May 31; and Angeline Morin, who was 80 on September 15,
1986.	We hope we will get an outstanding turnout for that meeting.
Our meeting date for April was changed to the 29th; hostesses were Angela Planton and Sophie Zavodnick, with Mary Vollendorf bringing the door prize.
For the March meeting, winners during the social hour were Agnes Tekautz, Frances Tanko, Angela Tekautz, and Ann Stefanich. The door prize was brought by Angela Planton and won by Angela Tekautz.
Our parish was saddened by four deaths in two weeks-Veronica Jankowski, Mary Oblak, Katherine Poderzay and Mary Tekautz. Mary Oblak was the mother of our member, Julie Vogt-Mary was 91 years old. Katherine was a relative of Eileen Poderzay and Julie Vogt. Mary Tekautz was an aunt of mine, and a sister-in-law to Angela Tekautz and Mary Gornick. To the families of the deceased we offer our sympathy and prayers.
Branch 34 would like to wish all those who will participate in the national convention our best and hope that it will be the best convention ever in our history—wish we could be with you. God bless all!
ADELINE MUSTONEN
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
One of our members, Martin Urick, who received an SWU Scholarship in 1985, has been given an award and I’d like to share it with all of you. This is as it was reported in our local paper.
Martin Urick, a sophomore middle distance runner for the College of St. Thomas (Minnesota) men’s track and field team, recently received the Minnesota Inter-collegiate Athletic Conference Academic All - Conference honors.
Urick, a former track and cross country standout from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School was one of only four indoor track athletes named to the winter sports list. He currently carries a 3.80 cumulative grade point average and is considering a major in psychology.
Urick helped lead the St. Thomas track team to its third consecutive MIAC indoor title. He competed in the 1000 meter run and later ran on the “Tommie’s” winning 4 X 800 m relay. Last season he won the 1000 indoor and took third in the 1500 indoor.
To be eligible for the MIAC academic All - Conference Award, an individual must carry a minimum of 3.20 grade point average and must have established himself as an outstanding athlete in his respective sport.
Marty is the son of Barbara Urick who is Br. 35’s historian.
Congratulations to the Urick family and all our hopes go with Marty as he conquors life’s many challenges.
Happy Mother’s Day to all our members.
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN
Our regular meeting was held on Wed., April 1st, at the Slovenian Home.
Three High School sophomores, Wendy Marko, Sally Hultman, and Tracey Garver presented an interesting report on their trip to Washington D.C. the week of March 1-6 with the “Close-up” program which is sponsored annually by the Chisholm Schools. Three boys and three girls were selected by participation in an essay contest. The three girls described their experiences as the thrill of a lifetime. Besides all the workshops, and seminars, they were escorted to the Library of Congress, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, an open Senate meeting and many, many historical sites, too numerous to list in this
article. As the girls stated: “It is a privilege to go to the nation’s Capitol with Close-Up”. Incidentally, Wendy and Tracey have Slovenian grandparents! Thank you, young ladies, for your very informative evening.
After the program the business session proceeded and final preparations were made for the bake sale and beef stew luncheon which was held on April 9. It was gratifying to all who worked to behold all the homebaked goodies! — strudels, poticas, noodles, breads, krofe, pies, donuts, etc. etc. I wish we could print all names of the donors and their culinary delights! For those who forgot, you may still make a cash contribution to this fund-raiser.
May 3rd is the date for our Mothers Day Brunch - something new for our Branch. We will attend Mass at 8:00 a.m. and then go to the brunch at the Slovenian Home at 11:30. Rosemary Tanko will be in charge.
Fran Zalec will once again bring a red carnation to shut-ins of Branch
38	on Mothers’ Day. This small remembrance indeed brings cheer to our sisters, as we wish them a Happy Mothers Day.
Mary Wilkens won the travelling prize - Door prizes: Jo Zupancich, Mildred Bashel, Fran Zalec. Birthdays in April: Rose Briski, Kathy Knuth, Charlotte Laurich, Jennie Samsa. The lunch committee for May 6th are: Rosemary Tanko, Mary Sinko and Olga Sartori. Thanks a million to all you wonderful ladies who volunteer to provide the lunch at our meetings.
And last, a special word of appreciation to the following who worked so hard for the bake sale and luncheon: A-l Chef, Jennie Samsa, Jo Zupancich, Fran Zalec, Rosemary Tanko, Rose Niemi, Edith Dolinar, Norma Salvini, Jen Briski, Charlotte Laurich, Kathy Knuth, Ann McAlpine.
ANN NUSICH, Rec. Secretary
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
I’m glad to report that Mary Ploszaj is recuperating at Home after a long stay in the hospital. We hope that she will be able to attend our meetings and writing her column again soon. We miss you, Mary, and things haven’t been the same without you.
We would like to convey Mary’s thanks for all your cards and prayers. It made her feel good to know that so many people cared.
It seems that only yesterday we
celebrated New Year’s and already it is May. Time surely does fly.
Happy	Mother’s Day	and
especially, good wishes to our Mother of the Year, Mary Ferlic, a faithful member. Very seldom does she miss a meeting and is our Auditor. I think we made a good choice.
We hope you enjoy good health and happiness throughout the year, Mary!
Our meeting in March as usual commenced with prayer. There were 17 members present. The attendance award was given to Sue Tomazic. After dispensing with our reports, we made plans for the Mother of the Year dinner. The date set is May 12th. Watch for further details in the “You’re Invited” column in the Lorain Journal.
Our birthday girls are as follows: Agnes Mroske, Angie Voytko, Frances Tilosanec and Aggie Zgonc. Thanks for the delicious refreshments and prizes. Agatha Dongas, Genevieve Wenzel and Mary Matos also brought donations. Helen Seckular, Mayme Erjavec and Agnes Bucher donated to our treasury. Thanks again, to all.
Travelling news: Milo and Elaine Uehlein are flying to Slovenia to visit relatives in and around Ljubljana. They are leaving May 13th. Elaine is expecting to do some shopping at Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast.
Our newest member, Lauren Fuqua, and family spent one week in Florida. It was kind of disappointing to them because they didn’t have too many sunny days.
Sue Tomazin just returned from Chicago where she saw an Icon of the Blessed Mother weeping. She has been weeping since Dec. 6, 1986. This sounds so interesting that we hope Sue will come to our meeting in the near future to give us more details.
Last but not least, Angie Voytko is our delegate to the Convention and will travel to Joliet on May 13th to represent us at the National Convention May 14-16. We will be looking forward to her return and our next meeting on June 10th for all the news of the convention.
Hope you have a safe trip.
Want to know what the good cooks are cooking these days? Look on page 16 of the March issue of ZARJA and see what Francine cooked up for us. Thanks, Francine.
Hope you have good weather for your Memorial Day celebrations. Don’t forget to pray for our deceased service men who died in our wars.
Next meeting is on May 13th. Love to all.
MARY MATOS
Irene M. Odoriz/i 2362 Paddock Lane Reston, Va. 22091
THE IMMIGRANT
ARTHUR FROM AUSTRIA
PART III “THE RETURN TO AMERICA"
My son Arthur Jr. and my wife left Europe on Jan.
26,	1927 and I remained in Europe for ten years after that.
In 1933, 1 began to notice a change in my physical condition. The doctor had diagnosed that the condition resulted from a heavy diet of cigars and steak, a businessmen’s sickness. My doctor in Vienna said, “Stop smoking; cut down on drinking and eliminate meat from your diet or you will be dead in six months.”
This was a shocking prognosis and for seventeen years, I cut down on my smoking and alcohol, and didn’t touch meat. The doctor was current with modern thinking and new methods; he also suggested taking vitamins. The renewed interest in my health and how to keep alive awakened my curiosity and I traveled to Switzerland where much research was in process to study about vitamins. I became very knowledgeable and years later specialized in vitamins starting my own business in the United States.
My next venture developed from my sister, a nurse, and her Bohemian husband, Dr. Kribich, who was a doctor. My brother-in-law sponsored his son, Franz, in a hotel business and he went into partnership with another man in a hotel they had purchased in Prague, Czech. After a time, my brother-in-law asked me to manage the hotel for his son, since it had been losing money. I took the challenge and began to check the accounts receivable and payable. My first question arose over the cost of washing linen. 1 accosted the driver of the linen truck and demanded to know why the charges were so high. His guilt overcame him and he confessed that there was a payoff by the partner. After being threatened by me the driver signed a statement admitting that he padded the bill and gave a kick-back to the partner.
Next I stopped the butcher who also admitted the kick-back and he signed a statement. This went on until 1 had a stack of written statements and confronted the partner in his office on the second floor. I threatened to throw him out of the window after showing him the confessions wherein the merchants had been overpricing. Thereafter, I managed the hotel for two years and then turned it over to my nephew.
There was a lovely restaurant and private rooms in the hotel where businessmen and politicians of the Czech Govt, gathered. It was at this time that 1 became acquainted with Dr. Benes, Minister of Propaganda who later became President of Czechoslovakia.
The lounge of this hotel was a popular meeting place and on the wall was a picture of the first president of Czechoslovakia, President Tomas Masaryk, who did not imbibe in alcohol. Whenever his son, who enjoyed his glass of wine, drank in the establishment, he would ask the waiter to turn around the picture of his father to minimize his guilty feelings.
During the next fifteen years, I moved extensively through Europe and was opposed to the extremely forceful Nazi government. Hitler had such radical ideas. When Benes became the Czech President, I met with him © Irene Planinšek Odorizzi 1987
in his Prague office and he told me, “We have a spy in the German War Office and he has been photographing the war plans of the Nazi’s with a diamond stick pin. Hitler wants all of Austria to belong to Germany as one big nation. Inside of three months, Hitler will take the Austrian government and the French and English will not object. In six months, Hitler will move into Czechoslovakia. My friend,” the President continued, “We don’t have the power to stop him and England and France will not declare war on Germany. Hitler is out to conquer all of Central Europe.” Then he continued with some evidence, “Get the hell out of Europe while you can. Renew your citizenship papers and go back to the United States.”
I had one exceptionally harrowing experience that made me think I’d never return to Germany again. With the arrival of Hitler and his Nazi ideology, many people were put into prison for small infractions, others were told to get out of the country and by the 35’s and 36’s the Nazi regime was already murdering people and confiscating property. The prison camps in the valley of the prisoners and the shooting could be seen from the mountain tops.
My life became tied with people who wished to escape over the Czech-German border. For a commission 1 would risk my own safety by smuggling money to Switzerland and by helping the people pass the border secretly. Finally, the S.S. agents caught up with me at a guest house, which is much like an inn and which serves food and beverages. The guest house was situated below the mountains on the German side of the border. It was a lovely evening; the Hungarian Gypsy music was being played by the musicians in the far end of the room and my dog was at my feet. The back pack and hunting gun were at my side. I was dining on a plate of Hungarian goulash, two S.S. men approached me. “Mr. Kraus, you are under arrest.”
I responded, “Look I’m having my goulash here and I’m ready to eat it. You boys are allowed to have beer while on duty. Well, sit down and have a stein of beer and then I’ll cooperate with you.”
The S.S. men sat down, had a beer and waited for me to finish my goulash. During this time, I stalled them long enough to figure out a way to get myself out of the mess. I knew that I’d be jailed for helping people escape out of Germany; I finished the goulash and the three of us walked out of the guest house like gentlemen to the “whose gaw” which was two blocks away. Half of the way one of the Nazi’s was ahead of me and the other along side. It was now or never. I grabbed the man next to me by his collar and hit him on the back of his neck. The man went down. I took his luger and pointed it at the S.S. man who had turned around to see what had happened. After seeing his partner lying on the ground he shouted, “No. No. Don’t shoot.” I told him, “You go
Traveling back to the U.S. (Joliel) in February, 1927, Arthur’s son, Arthur Krause, Jr. al 13 years of age (center) with his mother, at extreme right.
dog turned toward the mountains and began running in the other direction.
About half way up the mountain I heard the German army truck and the military men searching the woods for me. I hid down in the brush; the men came closer and my dog softly began to murmur “mmmm mmmm mmmm.” I put my hand over the dog’s nose and squeezed him to keep him quiet. I nearly choked the poor dog to death, but he would have given me away. Finally, the soldiers disappeared. At 4 a.m. the next morning, I continued up the mountain to the German-Czech line. I reached the top which was an open area with no trees. — a no man’s land.
On each side of the line, each country had posted concrete pill boxes. I saw a man coming through the fog; if it is a German custom guard, I’ll have to shoot him. 1 placed my hand close to the gun in my pocket. As the Czech guard appeared 1 recognized him, “Hello Franz.” That was the last time I went back to Germany.
In December of 1937, I returned to the United States, landing in New York Harbor. My son Art who was in the United States met me in New York, “How do you stand?” he asked.
“Well, I’ve gOi a diplomatic passport after restoring my citizenship. I’m under diplomatic status.”
My cabin partner and traveling companion on the return voyage happened to be the son of the famous physicist and professor of physics at Princeton University, Albert Einstein. During the voyage on the liner, “Queen Mary” we became very friendly and upon our return to the States, his father, a typical looking professor, was waiting for him. The young man introduced me to his father and I was invited to dinner the next week. It was a thrilling experience to share those few hours with the famous Albert Einstein. We got along extremely well.
My next home would be in San Diego, California. I wouldn’t return to Joliet because I wanted a warmer climate by which to work. Shortly after arriving in San Diego on the West coast, I began a new business called Organic Diatetics or the vitamin business.
It was now 1938, and I wished to continue my favorite sport of hunting so I went to the local Sheriff and requested a gun permit. In broken English the girl in the office said, “Why Mr. Kraus they are hard to get.”
“Don’t you know my dear, that the Sheriff cannot refuse me a license or gun permit. Don’t you know the Second Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution? It gives the citizens the right to bear arms.” Then I jokingly said, “Do you know the reason for that ammendment? They added it to the constitution so that if you didn’t like the polititians in office, you could eliminate them.” I didn’t seem to move her to any action and so I continued, “Let me see the Sheriff.” Twenty minutes later I had my gun permit.
I was adamant about the ammendment to the Constitution because I had witnessed countries in Europe where the citizenry lost this right. The government became a dictator as in Hitler’s Germany. The British took guns away from the colonists and that is why George Washington had the ammendment put in the constitution — the right to bear arms against the government.
Even though I used guns, I was never in trouble with the law. My use of the gun was for sport. I grew up with hunting and continued until I couldn’t hunt anymore. Besides the considerable amount of hunting in Europe, and Africa, I hunted a good deal in the Western states of America. One excursion there were two guides, one cook, one horse wrangler and twelve horses and four tents on our trip to northern Wyoming close to Yellowstone
Frances Nemanich married Arthur J. Krause on Oct. 27, 1912 at St. Joseph Church in Joliet, Illinois.
National Park. My trophies included about four hundred deer, eight bear including grizzly, elk and other game during my hunting career.
Having been raised with the sport of hunting, I wrote letters to Congressmen about game management and conservation. Hunting would have to be regulated in order that animals would be preserved for the future. Hunting is really a sport that eliminates the surplus of animals that would otherwise starve in the wilderness. I suggested that the proceeds from hunting licenses be used for the support of the animal preserves.
Not only did I possess strong feelings about hunting regulations in the U.S. but I also had strong political ideas which were developed because of what I had seen in other parts of the world. We have many freedoms here in America and there are tremendous advantages in having these freedoms.
Voting for one is a very serious concern. Some individuals go to the polls and vote for any person — they don't care one way or another. In fact they don’t know much or anything about the person they have chosen. I feel that you should know the person you’re voting for before you enter the polling both.
Shortly after I started the Vitamin Business, World War II started and I became affiliated as a civilian with the Navy Hospital in San Diego. Many G.I.s were brought in to the Navy Hospital there as they had developed jungle rot in which flesh would turn black. Well, vitamins were used to help clear up the condition.
I	remined in San Diego for the next ten years and then sold the business to a doctor and his son. My retirement which consisted of fishing, hunting, and traveling lasted only one year. The lure of business called to me again and this time in Oakland, California. I opened up another business in Oakland and bought property near Cottage Grove, Oregon living there with
NO. 41, CLEVELAND, OH
Since our last meeting was in November and although only nine members were present it was a pleasure to greet the ladies at our first quarterly meeting. A special welcome to our dear “Teta” Bohnic. She had great difficulty in walking, but with the help of Faye Aleks she was there with a sweet smile for everyone. Mary Jenovec and Anna Skok both looked so well. Sometimes it is difficult to believe they have so many years behind them! May God grant them happiness and good health! In December the books were audited. Rose Puzdar and Justine Girod reported that Sec’y Prhne did an admirable job and everything was in perfect order. Greetings to all came from Mary Popovič from Margate, Florida. Rosalie Vicic from Chardon Rd. extended greetings, as did Mary Debevec, a past president who resides with her daughter and sends warmest regards. How nice that members from far and those who cannot attend meetings think of us. A prayer of good health to you all! Mary Habat is at home recuperating from a broken hip. A speedy recovery to her and may she soon be up and around. Fifty year member Frances Jamnik passed away in Feb. Her son lives in Macedonia, Ohio. Although there was no visitation her funeral was attended by many. Rose Puzdar and Justine Girod represented Br. 41 with the members of the Altar and Rosary Society and many, many friends... it showed that she was a person who helped others and was remembered for her many kindnesses. May she rest in peace.
Anna Skok, a dear lady who always looks so neat and fashionable, who has a most wonderful memory and can tell so many enjoyable incidents of the past celebrated her birthday--90 years! She is still so active, keeps a spotless house and loves to bake. She is learning to listen to her heart which says she must slow down, but she still attends every meeting; as she has for many years. Agnes Perc and Barbara Gundic brought a lovely bouquet of handmade flowers in a lovely holder. How very thoughtful of them! We had a birthday cake for
Mrs. Skok with green frosting as it was St. Patrick’s day and sang Happy Birthday to her good health and may the happiness she has given to her family and others be returned to her hundredfold! She donated $5.00 to our treasury. Julia Tavzel is recuperating at her home. May each day be better than yesterday, Julia. Our prayers are with you. Julia, like Anna Skok were the ladies who built up the Slovenian Women’s Union. They were always willing to help and have given us many wonderful memories and could be depended upon to help. We informed members of the campaign to have the shrine at Brezje in Slovenia for Marija Pomagaj to be designated as a “Mini” Basilica. Help is asked from those who have shrines or statues to Marija Pomagaj in their homes to take pictures and write and tell how and when your shrine was started. Steffie Zorman had a heart attack and was in Euclid General Hospital. She is now recuperating at home where she lives with her sister Cecelia Wolf. Bolh her sisters, Cecilia and Justine Prhne are happy to have her home. Our prayers ask the Lord’s blessings to you Steffie and may He grant you good health.
We have been unable to select a Mother of the Year. To honor all ladies our next meeting will be held Tuesday June 16th. The time will be 12:00 p.m. After the meeting all members will be treated at a luncheon at Fanny’s Restaurant. Please call Justine Prhne is you can attend. We would be most happy to have you! Please remember to send in your dues. Secretary Prhne would appreciate your promptness as it makes a difficult task much easier. Her address:	1833 Kapel Drive,
Euclid, Ohio. Phone 261-8914.
Remembers--happiness like sunshine is not to hold, our scattered deeds of love bring bliss untold!
Reporter,
JUSTINE GIROD
\Mom
60
YEAR
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH
As I write this article, the temperature is 70 degrees! the sun is shining, the sky is a beautiful blue. The birds are singing and busy making their nests. The flowers are coming up. You know that God is here.
Greetings to the May birthdays, Kathleen Hrovat, Dorothy Ponikvar, Mary Stimetz, Donna Silk, Mary Filips, Angie Zupanc, Vida Shega, Melinda Prhne, Gretchen Wilk and Mitzi Champa.
Betty Kosak is at home convalescing. Lillian Sadowski’s husband Ed, is improving. He will soon be coming home from the hospital. To all of our sick and shut-in members we wish you well. Our prayers are with you. Thanks from Frances Tomsic for all the prayers offered.
The charier members of the Planina singing society were honored at the 50th Anniversary concert. They are Nicky Lerchbacher, Mary Fink, Mary Yemec and Millie Lipnos. They are members of our Zveza. Congratulations ladies.
Congratulations to all mothers and all women who were Mothers of the Year.
Mary Prhne and Margaret Lipnos paid a visit to their brother, Lou and Mary Lou in Englewood, Florida. Ann Keglovic and her husband visited their daughter, Debbie and husband, Tom in Columbus, Ohio. Needless to say how much they love and enjoy seeing that dear little grandson.
Jean Offutt and son, Danny are traveling to Washington D.C. to see the cherry blossom festival. Jean’s husband, Joe, had to fly to New York. Jean and son, Christopher will travel to the Bahamas Islands with the Trinity High School Band. They will first fly to Miami, then on a cruise where the band will participate in a music festival.
Diane Balach and husband, Mike and nephew, Danny traveled to Dayton, Ohio, to see the Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum.
The Tupperware Party we had on our February meeting night was a success. Congratulations to Mary Stimetz, Br. 42 Mother of the Year
my second wife for the next nineteen years. The property consisted of twenty-two acres, two houses and stables.
Retirement the second time around was enjoyable because 1 could spend it doing the things 1 loved. If 1 hadn’t followed the advice of my doctor in the 1930s my life would never have been extended to the latter 80s. Even at this advanced age, I still am in good physical condition and jog each day.
The Krause family line still continues with my son
Arthur “Art” Krause III in Joliet and his son, Arthur “Skip” Krause IV also in Joliet.
The business acumen also continues as my son started Krause Radio and TV and his son has taken over the business since his retirement. Looking back over these nearly nine decades, I can honestly say the years were filled with much living, adventure and love of this wonderful life that has been given to us.
THE END
and to Mary Fink, Maple Hts., Slovenian Home Woman of the Year.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
DONNA STUBLJER
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI
The March meeting was very well attended. Let’s keep it up. The weather will be getting warmer now, so come and spend the 4th Wednesday afternoon with us. We welcomed Penny Tratnik who was initiated into our branch. The old business of Mass for living and deceased members was finalized, and also our Mother of the Year noon luncheon, which will be held at the Patio Club on 3710 W. Lincoln Ave. Wednesday, May 13th was discussed. If you haven’t yet made your reservations call me immediately, 481-7367. The Mother of the Year and one who is worthy of the title is Theresa Kotar.
We will have a meeting on May 27th Wednesday, then no meetings in June, July or August. On Wednesday, September 23rd at 1 p.m. we will start our fall meetings.
Our Card Party will be held on Sunday November 1st at John’s Hall. We will need donations of door prizes, bigger prizes for one special, and bakery.
To all our sick and shut-ins a speedy recovery. If you are in arrears with your dues please remit as soon as possible.
We need to grow, we need new members, if you have a daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt or any other relative or friend please let me know. The attendance award was won by Olga Yapel. A delicious lunch was served by Mary Martino, Josephine Verbick, Mary Strazisher. Mary Leskosek and wine by Elsie Gallun.
Mothers Day Luncheon is Wednesday, May 13th. Meeting, Wednesday, May 27th. Happy Mothers Day and God Bless them all.
R.K.
NO. 50, CLEVELAND, OH
When you read this column I hope you are enjoying good, warm weather as I am having “cabin fever”. Two months away from our meetings and activities in the vicinity seem like two years to me. Again, I must thank the board and members for their help in compiling news to write this column.
Also ailing and under the weather are the following: Jo Smith, our
historian, Josephine Arko, disclocated shoulder, Carol Budan, our songbird, Katherine Disauer, who is still in the hospital at this writing and Frances Drenik of Florida (saw this news in the Prosveta). Hopefully, you can all recover and again attend meetings soon. No fun being sick.
Mary Champa, our accordian player who has been in the SHA Home, has died after a long illness. Two sisters, Hattie Jenko and Velma Gricar, lost their sister, Olga Champa, while Anna Zalar lost her brother, Joseph Glavan. A deserved rest for all and our prayers.
So sorry I missed the wonderful and unique collection of 100 or more music boxes owned by Vicky Holney of Br. 32 displayed at our March meeting. I hear you have more of them, Vicky, so please come again whenever you can and show them. I think that is a beautiful and really nice hobby and collection.
Delegates to the convention in Joliet, Illinois in May are Ann Ryavec and Mary Jo Rom. Irene Jagodnik and Ann Tercek will be there, too. If you have any good ideas please express them to the delegates or at the meeting.
Donations to the Toni Turek Scholarship Fund is still open and monies gladly accepted. You are encouraged to pay your dues by June at the latest, so that your name will be in the fish bowl and you just might receive free, one year’s dues.
Mother of the Year Dinner which will be a luncheon, is on Thursday, May 21st, and a day trip is planned for June.
A sincere welcome to our new members, Alice Somrack and Evelyn Pipoly who is soon to leave for a visit to Florida. Also, Jean Križman was in Florida after a trip to South America. Stella Baum, Rose Marie Sterbick, Frances Kajfez and Mary Blatnik are traveling to Atlantic City. Careful! The one-armed bandits have no mercy! Then Mary Blatnick will go on to New Orleans with Lillian Homar which will be a different kind of vacation. For ten years, yours truly and husband have been going there to visit our son and never have we tired of the city. So much to see and such good restaurants! Enjoy! And, across the Pacific to Hawaii were the choices for Jane Novak and Mary Vukčevič. Don’t eat the poi! (paste) but enjoy the flowers, scenery and the ocean and return safely to your new condo, Mary, which I know you enjoy. And, Albina Mrsnik, to visit California to see what she missed last time. Can’t run out of things to see, Albina, with your friends there. For Easter celebration, the Skodas, Ella and
Frank visited their daughter Charlotte and husband, Wayne Clevenger and grandchildren, Lisa and Patrick in Westfield, New Jersey. Hope the bunny was good to you and yours. Traveling is a lot of fun and time to make memories, so do while you may and come back safely to relate your experiences to us, so we can reminesce too.
Heard Jean Tomsic has another great grandson. She’ll have to tell us all about him at the next meeting. Molly Mauer reported she has an uncle, Anton Siska, in De Pue, Illinois who just turned only 104 years young, direct competition with Ohio’s Frank Rovere, 103, father of Mary Petrie and sisters Vickie Pianecki and Ann Kristoff. Happy birthday.
Sylvia Vegney moved to Las Vegas after retiring. Write to us sometime and let us know how you like it and don’t forget us.
Ann Tercek will be missing her great grandson Jeffrey Mramor as her grandson, Robert and wife will be going to Long Island, New York to accept new position in Horticulture and Floraculture. It will be just another part of the country for you to visit, Charlie and Ann! Josephine Seeley, charter and 50 year member of our branches, donated monies to be used for helping pay dues for indigent members. Also, Caroline Budan gave a generous donation in lieu of baking. We commend them for their thought-fullness.
Congratulations are in order for ex-vice president, Dorothyann Winter in her new responsibilities with the Insurance Company. And we want to thank her for her good ideas and help in the 12 years of service to our branch. Do visit us when the initial heat is off, Dorothyann, and sit on the other side for a change, facing your mom! and rest assured, your job of V-P was left in the good hands of Anne Ryavec.
Also, a bouquet of congratulations to Cilka Dolgan on her annual children’s concert and button box bash. It is always a huge success.
Congratulations to our good friends, Bob and Dorothy Lamm, president of Br. 32 who became grandparents again when Robin, their second daughter,' became a mama to Ashley S. Hegeduš. Dorothy, grandparents are God’s favorite people. He gives them children to love and grandchildren to love them back. We grandmothers know it, don’t we?
No June ZARJA. Enjoy Memorial Day festivities and parades and hope to see you at the meetings again.
VERA ŠEBENIK
Anita Vovk
Slovene head-dress: an important part of our national Costume
For a long time our emigrants living in all parts of the world have wanted to obtain Slovenian national costumes of all the different parts of the country, from Gorenjsko, Styria, Prekmurje, Dolenjsko, Notranjsko, Primorsko, and Kočevsko. At the folklore events it is nearly always the Gorenjsko (upper Carniolan) national costume which predominates. This, however, does not conjure up for emigrants from other parts of Slovenia the feeling of their old village, the place where they were born. The idea of establishing some kind of service-center for the production of national costumes did not succeed, either. Nevertheless, among us there are still a number of people whose love and talent for hand-skills lives on from generation to generation. One such person is Minka Burja of Domžale, with whom we talked about the hidden secrets of making the Gorenjsko head-pieces (avbe). This is what she told us:
“Making Slovene head-pieces is certainly not an easy job; you have to know a lot in order to be able to do it successfully. Apart from a love of Slovenehood, and the feelings which inspire one when thinking of the girls who are going to wear them in all parts of the world, one must also possess a lot of different handskills. Quite a number of my woman friends have tried their hands at it, but soon given up. I use such fine needles that the threat hardly goes through the needle’s eye.
“This is how I make a Slovene head-piece from the Gorenjsko region: First I make the frontal piece and outer band. This is made of waxed cardboard, which does not absorb moisture. This piece of cardboard is first covered with linen, and then in velvet. It is onto this velvet that the “vercirung” is then fixed. This consists of gilded decorations of all kinds, which I get from Italy and West Germany. I have to arrange the decorations nicely, aesthetically, so that the pattern has a meaning and the inspiration of a national decoration, such as, wheat, grapes, hearts, etc., that’s not easy, either. Then I cut out pattern-pieces from waxed cardboard. Now comes the upper part which covers the head. It consists of three pieces. I sew these three pieces together. Now comes the pink silk, which covers the linen part. This has to be done carefully, without wrinkles, with a lot of patience. All the material has to be stretched out equally. Now comes the transparent, netted material which comes over the top part (peča).
This has to be pleated and stitched at equal intervals.
I	use 60 cm. wide pieces from a 3 metre roll of special material. Some years ago we got this material from Italy. Now, however, it is no longer available, so I buy this material at Velana in Ljubljana; it’s the sort used for curtains. I then stretch the stitched and pleated material over the pink part underneath, finish the head-piece and sew these two pieces together. Between the two pieces I fix a strip of lace, which I get from Mengeš. I then attach an elastic band which keeps the “avba” nicely fixed to the head, and then comes the “mašnica” (bow), usually made out of silk ribbon, with two strips, one hanging
Minka Burja loves to parade wearing her beautiful “narodna noša” and avba.
down on each side. These bows, too, should still today be like the ones my teacher, Marija Pavlin, used to make; they are patterned with little flowers, or with decorations of all kinds that have a Slovene motive. One can, of course, use factory-made decorations, although these used to be hand-stitched.”
Minka Burja’s hands rest in her lap like tired birds which only fly from time to time. Life has brought them down to the ground. As she tells us about her love for her work, she doesn’t forget to mention the flowers growing everywhere around the house, in memory of her late husband.
“I’ve got a small garden, but a lot of patience. I like to do most of my sewing during the winter, on rainy days. Over the last 16 years I’ve made a total of 60 Slovene head-pieces. Not everyone can do that, by no means!” she laughs, quite aware of her seamstress’s skill. We saw her making an “avba” which was so skillfully made that we had never seen its like, even at big folklore events.
She doesn’t use any book or pattern, since she’s got it all in her head. But her heart doesn’t give her peace.
GRANDMOTHER TURNS 100
by ANGELA COHEN
As the only writer on the North Bend News staff without a column or editorial privileges, I hold a unique position...never being able to indulge in first person writing. This week, however, the Mayor of Websterville made his space available for a tribute to my Grandmother, Angela Pasler, in honor of her 100th birthday.
Grandma, the sixth of eight children, was born May
27,	1886 in Trieste, Austria. As a young woman, she was trained as a cook and lady’s attendant which may explain her skill in preparing fine foods and her appreciation of the arts.
Her strudels, breads and delicately flavored gravies will never be forgotten. The love of good food has followed us grandchildren (and our figures) throughout our lives. But more important than a taste for quality, she taught us the importance of a good, well-balanced diet of fresh whole foods, which may be a factor in our family's general good health. Still health conscious, Grandma bakes her own rolls every week. “I’m not supposed to have salt, so I bake my own unsalted bread,” she said.
Grandma's birthplace, now part of Italy and Yugoslavia, was changed by two World Wars. She traveled extensively around Europe before a trip to the United States in 1913. Sailing from France in 11 days, Angela Ivancic arrived, in Milwaukee, Wis. on Oct. 1, 1913, just missing the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty on Oct. 28.
Grandma remembers purchasing the “Milwaukee Journal’’ for one cent per copy.
According to Aunt Julie, Grandma never intended to stay, but the outbreak of World War I in 1914 changed her plans. She married another Austrian immigrant, Anton Pasler on April 17, 1915. Their four children, Aunt Angeline, my mother Elizabeth, Aunt Julie, and Uncle Tony, attended her 100th birthday celebration at Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel on May 25, 1986.
She has a strong wish to make something from the past, something which indicates one’s place and region of birth, and one’s nation, something which bears, in its essence, something noble, which can’t be bought.
It’s difficult for her to part with every newly-made “avba”, for each is like a new-born baby, into which she has breathed part of her own soul.
If you would like to visit Minka Burja, then you must go on a 15-minute bus ride from Ljubljana to Domžale, where you will find her at Ljubljanska ulica (street) No. 45 (house number). She will be glad to give you advice and help, and a Slovene head-piece made by Minka will be the pride of every Slovene woman.
by I.C.
“Rodna Gruda”, December, 1985
You may write and send orders to Minka at her address: (or if you are in Slovenija stop in and see her; she welcomes that also)
Gospa Minka Burja Ljubljanska ul. No. 45 Domžale - 61230 Jugoslavija, Europe
P. S. — At this time 1 cannot find where I wrote the cost of an Avba, but I think it was around $90.00 (American dollars); but whoever is interested can write and enquire of the price.
Besides her children, the dinner party hosted 90 people including a cousin who came from Yugoslavia just for the occasion.
After Grandpa’s nearly fatal industrial accident in 1929, Grandma was forced to support her family by taking in laundry and boarders. She also made a little extra money selling bootleg wine and whiskey. According to my mother, Grandma’s whiskey, the best in the neighborhood, sold for 25 cents a shot to the local bachelors. Mom occasionally delivered whole bottles of “medicine” to private homes...on Sundays “one of the neighbors got caught,” and Mom remembers “beautiful, red wine being dumped in the street.”
When I was 10, Grandma and Grandpa moved to Grass Valley, Calif., where they lived until his death in 1958.
Since then Grandma has lived with her eldest daughter, Angie, occasionally spending time with her son, Tony’s family in Florida.
Fourteen years ago Grandma had her first cancer operation and since then she’s had gall bladder and cataract surgery. In 1981 one of her doctor’s said, “If she stays out of the street and doesn’t get hit by a truck she’ll live to be 100.” He was right.
Grandma's intense interest in life may be one reason for her longevity. She still keeps up with cultural, medical and political events. Once a member of the Socialist Party, a common affiliation in Milwaukee, she is now a staunch Democrat with opinions on everything from nuclear energy to birth control pills.
She spreads her humor and vitality wherever she goes, even at the hospital. “Last time I was there a male nurse invited me for a walk...I told him he was too young to be taking out an old lady. Next time he (jokingly) invited me to a prom and brought me a corsage. I have so much fun when I’m there that they want to keep me to help talk to the other patients,” she said in a May 21 interview.
Being Grandma’s namesake hasn’t always been easy...it's a lot to live up to, but I seem to have inherited some of her spunk along with the name. In any case, I’m immensely proud and grateful to be the first granddaughter of this shining example of humanity.
When I asked Grandma how she managed to live so long she said, “I don’t know, I think maybe God forgot about me.”
Angela Pasler is a long-time member of Hr. 43, Milwaukee and you can imagine how proud the officers and members are of their dear member. Wishes to her from all of us on her IOlst birthday this month!
This is a special tribute Angela’s doctor has written. We feel it is much like tributes thought but unwritten about our dear, elderly mothers and grandmothers whom we honor in this issue of ZARJA.
“THOUGHTS ON A SPECIAL DAY”
Angela Pasler is a dear and special lady who is fondly remembered by all of the physicians and nurses who were privileged to care for her over the past fifteen years at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Angela has had recurring, overwhelming health problems-yet her primary concern has always been for the staff that cared for her, and not herself.
Her mental acuity-basic, thorough kindness-wit and “bubbling” personality have carried her through her frightening medical problems and surgeries as though she had no problems at all.
The world has been a better place because of Angela, and the staff is both humbled and uplifted by caring for her.
William C. Fetherston, M.I).
Hermine Dicke 3717 Council Crest Madison, WI 53711
Pots and
Dear Delegates: Will you please bring your favorite recipes to the National Convention in May for our column POTS AND PANS? The readers enjoy them most and I love to use them. See you in Joliet!
Have you ever made MIŠKE? Iča Žebot of Branch No. 103, Washington, D.C., shares her recipe for these little, delightful and tasty ‘fried cakes”. GREEN PEA SOUP, submitted by Mary Taucher of Branch No. 47, Cleveland, OH “has been in our family for many years -delicious”. Rose Kraemer, of Branch No. 43, Milwaukee, Wl thoughtfully sent Josephine Zahn’s CREAM CHEESE DESSERT because “it is very good”. STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB PIE is added for its seasonal appeal.
Affectionately,
Hermine
CREAM CHEESE DESSERT
2	lubes (8 ounces each) Crescent Dinner Rolls mix
2	packages (8 ounces each)
cream cheese,	roi
temperature
1	cup sugar
1	egg, separated
1	teaspoon vanilla
*/2 cup crushed drained pineapple, optional
Heat oven to 350°. In greased 9 x 13-inch pan spread 1 package of roll mix to cover bottom and up the sides ■ /4 inch. Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pineapple, optional (does add flavor); Spread on dough. Lay next package of crescent roll over cheese mixture. Beat egg white until stiff and spread over top of dough. Bake 350° for 30 lo 35 minutes.
MISKE
3	cups milk	2	packages dry yeast
4	tablespoons butter	1	cup currants (small raisins)
4	tablespoons rum (*/4 cup)	3	eggs
6	cups sifted flour	margarine, Crisco or
4	tablespoons sugar	oil for frying
Granulated sugar Combine milk, butter and rum in sauce pan. Heat to 120-130°. Meanwhile in large bowl, combine ONE cup flour, sugar and yeast. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and beat at medium speed for 3 minutes; add eggs and beat an additional 3 minutes. Add 4 cups of the flour; continue beating until all flour is absorbed. With a wooden spoon gradually stir in the remaining flour until a soft dough is formed (depending on texture of flour you may have to add an additional 1 /2 cup flour - 6'/2 cups, total, is maximum). Stir in currants. Transfer dough to a well greased bowl, cover and let rise until double in bulk. Heat the margarine, Crisco or oil to 375°, Begin frying by dropping 1 tablespoon of the batter into the deep fat and brown on both sides, 2 to
3	minutes per side. With slotted spoon remove miške and drain on brown paper bag or paper towel laid on a tray or cookie sheet. While warm roll in granulated sugar. Makes 72 to 80 miške. Will freeze if necessary.
GREEN SPLIT PEA SOUP
pound green split dried peas meaty ham bone quarts water tablespoons butter large onion, diced cups sliced celery
1 pound green split	4	carrots, put through
medium blade of food chopper
1	large potato, put through medium blade of food chopper
2	cups diced ham, approximately
Salt and pepper, to taste Rinse peas in cold water. Drain. Cover with cold water and soak for about 2 hours. Drain again. Remove meat from ham bone. Put bone, peas and 4 quarts water in large soup pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for four hours, stirring occasionally. Saute onion in butter until golden; add to soup. Add celery, carrots, potatoe and diced ham. Cook 45 minutes longer. Season. Serves 8. Stir before serving.
STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB PIE
l*/2	pints fresh strawberries,	Unbaked pastry
for double
halved	crust 9-inch pie
2	cups sliced fresh	rhubarb	Milk, as needed
1 */2	cups sugar	Sugar, as needed
6 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
Mix strawberries and rhubarb-with sugar and tapioca; let stand while making pastry. Divide pastry in half. On lightly floured surface, roll out one portion 11 / 2 inches larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Fit into plate; trim crust even with edge. Fill with fruit mixture. Roll out remaining pastry; lift onto pie. Trim crust '/2 inch beyond edge. Fold top crust under bottom crust; seal together and flute edge. Cut vents in top crust. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° and bake about 40 to 45 minutes longer, until filling bubbles in center. After 30 minutes cover edges with foil, if necessary, to prevent browning. Cool thoroughly before cutting.
NO. 52, KITZVILLE, MN
Dear sisters: The months roll around so fast. We will soon be on summer vacations and there is just one more meeting, in May, which will be the last till fall. We start up again in September just before the State Convention. So, if you haven’t gotten in touch with anyone by then, please come to the meeting, the first Wednesday of the month. The State Convention will be on the second Sunday in September.
1 wish to take this time to wish our sick members, Angeline Russ and Rose Chiodi who have been in the hospital, godspeed to a rapid recovery. And to all our sick members, we hope and pray that they will all be on the rapid recovery list.
All our members returned from their vacations this winter. Mildred Barbatto took off for California - we wish her a safe trip.
We have a new member, Stella Calliguri. We hope and pray that she will remain with us for a long time. We need a lot of new faces. The more the merrier. We then concluded our meeting with prayer by our president, Rose Trombley. We had a delicious lunch served by hostesses, sisters Muriel Sabbatini, Phillis Pavitich, Dorothy Ban and Alice Baratto. Cards were also played with honors going to Celia Palitano, Alice Baratto, Rose Trombley, Gertrude Kochevar, Margaret Kochevar. A delightful time was had by all.
May God bless you and keep you all in the best of health. Please drive safely and buckle up!
Yours truly,
GERTUDE KOCHEVAR
NO. 54, WARRKN, OH
Annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon will be on Tuesday, May 19th at 12:30 at the Elks Club on Rt. 422. You will be called for reservations. We are hoping to have Delores De Pietro and her button box accordian for entertainment. You can bring a guest and all members will be honored at this time instead of one individual. Please make an effort to come. We always have a lovely time and it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Aunt Margaret Racher has another great grandchild. Her granddaughter, Patricia Miller had her fifth baby. This time it’s a beautiful baby girl. Aunt Margaret has been helping with the baby sitting chores. She does it so well,
drives, etc. and is 82 years young. God bless you, Teta!
In Florence, South Carolina, our president Jo Kassan visited her son, Jim in his new home. Jo says all is very nice and she approves of the house and loves it down there.
My daughter, Pat from Columbia, S.C. will be in Cleveland next month for a Cardiology symposium. She is an R.N. in Intensive Coronary and is coming up to learn more about heart transplants which her hospital will begin doing in May. We are hoping to go and meet her and have dinner since her schedule doesn’t allow any time home.
Get well to those ailing and Happy Mothers’ Day to all. May God’s blessings be upon you.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 55, GIRARI), OH
At our March meeting, I’m sorry to say, we had a very small turn out. How do you expect to keep a club together if no one comes to the meetings? Do you expect only 7 or 8 people to run everything? We are very disappointed that the ladies won’t take more interest in their club. I’ve practically begged for you ladies to come to club. I’ve even offered to drive the ladies that don’t like to drive at night. It seems that you just don’t care what happens to your club. We hope to see a few more of you at our next meeting. We really do have a good time.
We were very sorry to hear about Nancy Dombrosky’s husband. Stanley had a stroke. We are all praying for him to get well.
Mary Ann Bestic has been named a Senior Instructor in the Respiratory Therapy Program at Shawanee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Carol and Michael Boening arc-announcing the birth of a baby boy, Michael Patrick. He was born Nov. 13, 1986. Carol and Michael live in Indianapolis, Ind. Both girls are the daughters of Virginia and Frank Bestic. Virginia and Frank spent the Christmas holidays in Yugoslavia visiting Frank’s relatives. Except in the villages, Christmas is not celebrated, it’s a working day. New Years Day is the day that they exchange gifts and have a holiday from work. Virginia said that it was a very interesting and enjoyable trip.
Frances Luks will be 80 years old on May 28th. She has, as of now, 7 Grand Children, 4 Step Children and
5	Great Grand Children. Frances lives all alone, she still drives her own car and does all of her own house work. God Bless you, Frances,
and I hope you can keep it up for many more years.
We were sorry to hear that Dorothy Magill is in Omni Nursing Home. I’m sure that she should like to hear from some of the members. She is doing well. Her daughter, Claudia Compliti, let us know that she was there. If you would like to send her a card the address is 3245 Vestal Rd., Youngstown, Ohio 44509.
Also, Olga Rogal is in a Nursing Home in Painsville, Ohio she has Diabetes and Alzheimers Disease. We had a letter from her daughter, Trudy Dragen. I think that we should remember Olga in our prayers also; she is a very lovely lady.
At this time we would like to honor some of our ladies that are 50 years or more with S.W.U. They are Beatrice Brayer, Matilda Cigolle, Theresa Lozier, Frances Lukz, Anna Umech and our newest is Sophie Kren.
Matilda, Beatrice and Sophie are still active members.
Ladies having birthdays in May are Mary Maček, Dori Kregar, Virginia Rosten, Dorothy Magil, Mary Salajko, Anka Kregar, our Sec.-Treasurer and Frances Lukz. Our junior member, Andrea Selak has her birthday May 17. We wish everyone a very happy birthday, and to all of our Mothers, a very enjoyable and Blessed Mother’s Day. Love,
Rosemary
P.S. Beatrice Brayer was our Hostess for the March meeting, we had a very nice dessert of cake, ice cream and tea.
Our Mother’s Day Party is May 17 at Alberini’s Rest; the time is 1 P.M.
NO. 56, HIBB1NG, MN
Our March meeting was well-attended and a very interesting program on Center for Independent Living of Northwestern Minn. Inc. was given on persons with disabilities; the highest degree of independence possible through promotion, improvement and development of major life and support services. We heard from Tom Gaige, Executive Director, Peg Nelson assistant and accountant, Larry Lajoie, counselor and program coordinator. They are only glad and willing to go to any town and give their important information. We are anxious to have them come again with more information. By the way, Tom is the son of our Financial Secretaty, Liz Spolar, how proud she must be.
We sang happy birthday to our ladies; thanks Liz for leading our singing. Our door prize was won by Sylvia Latick. To our sick members, Barbara Dosen who had surgery and Mary Marinich, we wish you well.
Any questions on by-laws or rules should be presented to our Regional President to be brought up at our National Convention. The bus trip to Joliet was brought up and discussed; anyone is invited to attend.
Prizes won by Veronica Marter, Mary Magajna and Mary Sikich.
Lunch was served by Liz Spolar, Sophie Garmaker and Rose Maras.
Thanks Ann Selvo for the wonderful program.
R. M.
NO. 57, NILES, OH
Our first meeting of the year was held March 10th at the home of our president with 9 members present. The meeting was opened with a prayer. We did meet at 2 o’clock but decided to have our future meetings start at 1 p.m. instead of at 2.
We issued plans for our Mother’s Day Party time, place and menu will be decided at the April meeting. We will be honoring our Mother of the Year, Mary De Capua.
We decided to give $5 to St. Stephen’s Church for the Lily fund for our deceased members. It was donated by Frances Yerman. Thank you, Frances.
Later we played our favorite game and it brought in money to help our treasury.
A lovely lunch was served by Mary Visnosky and Frances Stanec.
Our get-well wishes go out to all sick members. Now that warm weather is upon us, we hope all our colds and pains will be gone, so come out and enjoy an afternoon with us.
Our lunch committee for April were Mary Opalka and Julia Yakop. Please come out and pay your dues.
The winter winds have blown away The sun shines warmer every day The birds return, their song to sing Proclaiming it is really Spring We breathe again released from care The cold has gone we know not where
Released, we spend our time in song The summer days are always long!
FRANCES STANEC
NO. 73, WARRENSV1LLE, OH
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all
of you.
We covered so much in our last MAY, 1987
article, there will not be a lot to report this month; we will try to put the space to good use.
Katherine Papez has returned home after a vacation in Acapulco—a corner of the world not many of us travel to. Hope you had a fun time.
Our trip to Florida was more like old home week this year. It was so nice to visit with the Yuratovacs and the Verceks as they passed thru the area. Steve and I were also surprised by visits from two of our (Bedford) neighbors. It is a small world and getting smaller all the time. While the weather could have been better-everyone did enjoy themselves. Dad (Tony Walters) was able to greet everyone on the tour, and when they left, he assured him he would be waiting for their return for his 96th birthday. God love him!!
While in Florida I happened to read a local paper and it seems that congratulations are in order for Gloria and Tim Dusek who will gain a daughter-in-law in the near future— with their son (Tim) announcing an engagement. Our families are growing up.
Glad to report that my grandson (Stevie Lax) has recovered from the chickenpox, he is our junior member. Unfortunately, his dad picked up the virus from him. Mom had her hands full!
Because this is such a special month for mothers, we want you to know that each of you deserve all the blessings and rewards that come to you in life. The young expectant mothers, the mothers with grown children, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, godmothers, and even those of you who never had children of your own—but who loved all the children you came in contact with during your lifetime. And, a special remembrance for those mothers who have already gained their rewards in heaven, and to the women who took their places (as mothers). A little plaque hangs in my hallway, it reads simply, “God could not be everywhere, so he created Mothers”. We send all of you our best wishes and prayers. And to the beautiful lady who has been chosen as our special person for May- (you’ll find out who she is at the meeting) — may every day be a special day for you!
See you in July, stay well until then. Enjoy the warm weather. Keep in touch, especially you travelers. It’s always nice to know where your wanderings have taken you.
Respectfuly submitted:
EVELYN MAJERCIK
NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WA
A very nice number of members enjoyed the serene country setting of Lynette Ellertson’s beautiful home for our April meeting while spouses enjoyed the hospitality of our host.
Our Mother’s Day potluck dinner is to be held on May 31st. Our secretary will mail out informational flyers. Our Mother of the Year, Mary Cooks, will be our honoree. We’re sure to have a good time, so members plan on that date. Dorothy Sleigh, our ever-active member, is grandma again; daughter Stacy, also a member presented her family with a son on the date of our meeting. Great-grandma is Anna Faulk, one of our dear senior members.
Annette Johnson, the delegate to the convention in Joliet, is looking forward to meeting her counterparts from different areas of the Country. This reporter and my husband will be traveling with Annette and hope to meet many of you.
Circle May 31st, members. See you then.
MARY BRATOVICH, Reporter
NO. 85, DEPUE, IL
We have had a beautiful winter and spring has finally arrived although to see the cold and rainy day it is today, you wouldn’t think so!
We have several members who became “Grandmas” in the last few months. First, Mark Jacob Planton was born to his proud parents, Mark and Monica on Dec. 12th, 1986. His grandmother is one of our members, Mary Planton, and her husband is the great sausage maker, A1 Planton. His sausage is always so good. (We are proud to carry his advertisement in ZARJA every once in a while! ED.) This is their first grandchild so of course, they are all on “cloud 9”. His great grandmother, Mrs. Anna Planton, is a member of Br. 24 and his great grandmother Zukar had been a member of Br. 85.
Then, on Feb. 15th, 1987, Jennifer Lynn Barto was born to her proud parents, Jackie and Joe Parto. She also has two brothers and a sister at home. Jackie has been a member of our branch since she was a little girl and her mother is also one of our members of long-standing. Her great grandmother was also a member.
On Feb. 28, 1987, our president. Gen Grilc, became a proud grandma for the fourth time. Jacob John Grilc was born to his proud parents Robin and Mark Grilc. He also has a little
sister, Hillary, who is helping her mother take care of little Jacob John. Both of his grandmothers were members of Br. 85.
We extend our sincere con-tratulations to all of them and wish them many years of happiness.
Our member, Frances Machek, is feeling better and it is so good to see her able to be out.
On a sad note, we lost one of our members, Virginia Grilc, who passed away in January. She is survived by one son, Michael, his wife Betty, and a little granddaughter. Virginia had been ill for some time but was always so cheerful. Our deepest sympathy to all the family and may she rest in peace. To her two sisters-in-law, president, Gen Grilc and Rose Lopez, one of our Auditors, we also extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Our president, Gen, and 1 have just retired from working as Lab Analysts for Mobil in DePue. I hope we will both enjoy a long and happy and healthy retirement.
I was sorry to hear that Mrs. Shimkus from Br. 24 and Mary Kernz from Br. 89 have not been feeling too well. We hope they have speedy recoveries and we wish them the best. Also, to our members or members of other branches not feeling well - God bless you all.
MARY JERMENC
NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL
This is our first meeting report for
1987.	We met at the Dickinson House with thirteen members in attendance. The installation of officers was by Angie Nico; the following are on the 1987 roster:
President, Rose Ann Prey, Vice-President, Mitzi Banich, Secretary and Reporter, Eunice Komater, Treasurer, Emma Folly, Financial Secretary, Josephine Argubright, Scrapbook chairman, Josie Argubright, Sunchine Committee, Helen Komater, Chaplain. Frances Gorišek, Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Denis Mackessy, Jo Morrison, Helen Komater, Ann Batty.
Terri Essl, past president, 1983-85, is the proud mom of a son, James Steven. Irene Peterlin is his great grandmother. Congratulations to all.
The charter was draped for our deceased member, Alvie Jerin, who passed away Jan. 20th. Prayers were recited and Frances Gorišek sang, “O, What Could My Jesus Do More.”
Get well cards were signed for Betty Hamilton who underwent heart surgery and had a pace maker installed. Get well wishes were also extended to Mrs. Emma Shimkus of Br. 24. Emma is the recording
IN MEMORY OF ANN MALENŠEK
In loving memory of a charter member of Branch No. 92 of Gunnison, Colorado, we who had our lives touched by this gnetle, kind woman, wish to express our sadness in her death. “The “Ann” in our hearts will always remind us of how important family life is and how quickly it can slip away.
Ann celebrated her Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary last October, and it was wonderful to see the happiness and contentment a marriage can have. The companionship shared by Ann and her husband, Matt, was also shared by her sister, Margaret and her husband, Rudy, and her two nephews, Anthony and John. It has left us with feelings of how special she was. The smile, the sweet, quiet and shy qualities of a very special person will linger in our memories.
We wish her family to know our prayers are with them in their time of sorrow. May God bless them.
Barbara "Bunny”Spritzer, Secretary
sooococoooooooeooQoseoo
secretary and a long-time officer. We were sorry to hear that she had a stroke and we hope that by this writing she will be on the way back to being her old self.
Frances Rolando had snapshots taken of her twin grandsons, David and Douglas, one year old twins of Sharon and Ronald Rolando. Ronald is a chemist at a refinery in Louisiana. They are so far away but she has lovely pictures of her devoted family. What nice boys, Frances!
Mary Kernz was honored with a lovely bouquet of green carnations by Rose Ann Prey for her devoted, dedicated and faithful years of service as financial secretary of Br. 89. Everyone present was given a green carnation for a job well done in 1986 and all of their past endeavors. The closing prayers were led by Frances Gorišek.
The executive committee were on the refreshment committee. The table was set with green shamrocks as place mats, and luncheon was served. Numbers for prizes resulted in some happy, lucky ladies! Rose Ann Prey did a lovely job on the decorations.
The April meeting opened with prayers led by Rose Ann Prey, President, The ladies also gave a pledge of allegiance. Plans for the Mother’s Day Banquet were completed with Angie Nico as chairperson, ably assisted by Mary Stubler and Fran Kirbach. The
banquet will be held May 11th at Starved Rock Lodge at 6:30 p.m. and Angie is asking all reservations to be in by May 4th. Birthday cards were signed and sent to Anna Krancic, 92 years young, and Helen Komater, our Sunshine Committee. Happy Birthday to both of you and many more. Helen is recuperating from implant surgery and was also sent a get-well message. Hope you’ll be with us before long.
All members were encouraged to attend the special services at Resurrection church in La Salle on May 3rd for the Slovenian Litany.
Br. 89 extends heartfelt sympathy to the Liz Zefran Family in Chicago.
Our branch will celebrate our 50th year in 1988 and Mitzi Banich will be chairperson for the event. Mitzi will pick her committee at a later date.
The committee for refreshments included Josie Argubright, chairperson, with Mary Kernz and Mary Ann Samuelson assisting.
An Easter theme was carried out in the decorations and numbers were picked for prizes.
EUNICE KOMATER Secretary
NO. 92, GUNNISON, CO
Fran Austin presided at the monthly meeting at the home of Frances Somrak. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Fern White. Twelve members were present. The minutes and Treasurer’s reports were read and approved. Correspondence included a thank you card from Matt Malenšek and a letter from Margaret Malenšek who is still in Montrose with her husband Rudy who is in the Montrose Memorial Hospital. A letter from Slovenia concerning pictures of Marija Pomogaj was also read and discussed.
Audrey McKnight and Beth Weaver reported on places to hold our Mother’s Day luncheon. The final result was Tomichi Village, May 3,	1:00 p.m. Guests are
welcome and each person attending should bring a small gift to use for door prizes.
Fran Austin reviewed our old bylaws. It was interesting to see the changes from the way we do things at present. Fran will see that the bylaws with the changes be written up correctly and they should serve us for some time.
Linda Mikus will be our next hostess in her home in April. Fran gave us a gentle reminder on being good members by reading a poem from one of our old books of minutes, entitled “How to Kill An
Organization.” Funny but meaningful.
The meeting was adjourned with a prayer. Rose Carricato won the mystery gift donated by Linda Mikus. “Door prizes” were won by Elsie Massaro, Bunny Spritzer, Beth Weaver, and Rita Bartelli.
I	would like to add my own sentiments concerning the death of Ann Malenšek who died February 21, 1987, at the age of 80. She became a charter member of the Slovenian Women’s Union in 1983. Ann grew up in Crested Butte, the daughter of Mary and John Mihelich. She was an active member in the St. Mary’s Lodge (CFU) as well as this one. She is survived by her husband Matt, her sisters Margaret Malenšek, Gunnison, Co.; Katie Thomas, Citrus Heights, California; and a brother Anton J. Mihelich of Crested Butte, Colorado. Two nephews are Anthony and John Malenšek.
Father James Vandenburg officiated at the Mass of the Resurrection February 26, 1987, in the Queen of All Saint’s Church in Crested Butte. Anthony Malenšek gave a touching speech recounting the many good things his aunt had done.
Ann was buried in the Crested Butte cemetery. I shall miss her. How happy she was at Christmas when she bought Margaret a tape recorder and had me tape some of my favorite polkas, Croatian and Slovenian music for her. 1 pray for Margaret, who will miss her sister. As Anthony said in his talk: “She was not only a sister to his mother, but also her best friend.” May God keep her in peace.
FRANCES SOMRAK, Reporter
NO. 95, SO.CHICAGO.IL
Goodby Winter - Hello Spring! Branch 95 is all agog with plans for the October 4th Midwest Convention and the June 10th Luncheon honoring all members.
All are urged to make their reservations at the regular May 13th meeting for the June affair. The 1 p.m. luncheon will be one of the Branch’s social highlights, during which we’ll all have great fun visiting with old friends who don’t always make the meetings at the Sacred Heart school hall.
The March meeting was opened with prayer led by president, Mary Brozynski. The installation of officers, conducted by Amelia Cuzella, was held. Secretary Frances Benkovich read the minutes, followed by Treasurer Helen
Anna L. Hodnik
Learn Slovenian!
When 1 got home from attending the National Board meeting in Joliet, there was a letter from my dear friend, Anita Vovk. She had prepared a lesson for the Mother’s Day issue. I’m so thankful that I have such a dear friend who is so thoughtful. Anita also told me that a friend of hers from Domžale, Slovenia told her that Mother’s Day (Dan Žena) is celebrated on March 8th in Slovenia.
Mamici za njen dan
by Neža Maurer
Majhen sem jaz,	1 am small
majhno srce.	my heart is small.
malo besed	My little head
mi glavica ve:	knows little words:
Zvončki so zate,	The zvončki are for you,
tudi marjetke,	also the daisies,
pa se jaz sam	and still 1 will go
šel bom med cvetke;	(alone among the flowers;
primi za lička me	Grab my cheeks
pa me poljubi,	and kiss me,
jaz bom pa tebe	and 1 will do the same for you
,ne boš ti na zgubi.	.so you would not lose out.
Petkrat in seškrat,	Five times and six times,
kakor želiš	whatever you wish,
Mamica moja	Mother of mine,
zakaj se smejiš?	Why are you laughing?
majhen—small, short srce—heart besed—word glavica—head ve—it knows
Zvončki—bell shaped flowers
marjetke—daisies
še—still, yet, again
sam—alone
šel bom—I w ill go
Golich’s report. Both were approved as read.
Birthday greetings were extended to all celebrees. Hostesses for the March meeting were Manda Dosen, Mary “Matt” Perkovich, Helen Golich, Rose Smoljan, Mary Jurko, Harriet Isek and AnneGranich.
April hostesses will be Julie Hansen, Bernice Bubel, Emma Yergovich, Helen Santy and Marie Maras.
Tillie Martin nominated president, Mary Brozynski, as delegate for the Joliet Convention, seconded by Helen Santy. A spirited meeting by the enthusiastic members followed.
cvetke—flowers primi—grab, pinch lička—cheeks poljubi—kiss ne-boš—you will not zgubi—lose petkrat-5 times šeskrat-6 times kakor—whatever želiš—you wish sesmejiš—are you laughing?
Another 50th Wedding Anniversary was celebrated in the Svalina family! Lucille and Steve Svalina were feted with a family dinner. We also extend our congratulations.
Members, please advise me of your family news.
The latest in the Maras family is that the oldest son, Stephen and his wife Mitzie, adopted little Zachery to the joy of everybody in the family, especially greatgrandma, Catherine Musa. He joins Stephanie and Samantha, daughters of son, Ed and wife Michelle. Come on grandma...mommies blow your horns!
GRANDMA MARIE MARAS
Departed Members
1 - Christina Panko (88)
50-yr member
2 - Ursula Kerzisnik (87)
Mary Salay (83)
6	- Pauline Osolin (100-yrs old) Charter member-mei 60-yr member
10 - Mary Rakovetz (90) Caroline Urbančič (91)
12	- Fanny Herold (98)
14 - Mary Setina (85)
58-yr member
16 - Frances Grotkowski (79) Mary Agnes Stepien
20 - Mary Hochevar (92)
Katarina Sporar (96)
21 - Mary Estanek (85)
52-yr member
23 - Mary Vidmar (75)
58-yr member
25 - Josephine Alich (93)
57-yr member
Anne Crtalic Anna Fortune (85)
54-yr member
Jennie Macarol (76) Josephine Stanic (83)
56-yr member
Jennie Zelko (88)
52-yr member
32 - Angela Sajovic
38 - Theresa Udovich (98)
39 - Julia Croteau (79)
41 - Frances Jamnik (83)
56-yr member
45 - Matilda Leovich
52-yr member
46 - Helen Skoff (80)
46-yr member
65 - Ruby Pavletič (96)
56-yr member
66 - Sophie Starika 73 - Antonia Vorisek
85 - Virginia Mae Grilc
86 - Catherine Stimac (87)
Charter member-50-yr member
89	- Alva Jerine (84)
60-yr member-Charter member Br. 2
91 - Ernestine Curti (85)
Helen Mihelich(89)
92 - Ann Malenšek (81)
Charter Member
96 - Mary Likar (79)
100 - Netti Hren (88)
106 - Esther Altieri
NO. 105, DETROIT, MI
Since I was absent from our meeting in February, I want to thank Jenny Bole for sending me the notes.
The membership drive for our branch is in full swing. Vicki Doherty has many good ideas and is working very diligently towards this.
Our March meeting was held at the home of Vicki Doherty. It was a shame that so few attended. I have stressed this before. If you are unable to attend, please call the hostess to let her know. We enjoyed a nice lunch and her lovely daughter, Elise McGibbons, was our guest.
Our Mother’s Day luncheon will be at the Chicago Road House on May 2nd at 1 p.m. I hope we will have a good turnout for this.
We are planning on getting a van for the members that are interested
in attending the National Convention in Joliet, Illinois on the 14th, 15th and 16th of May. Please call Kathleen Emerson at 581-5378 if you are interested in going. It will be a fun-filled weekend.
We were saddened by the news of the passing of our eldest member, Frances Ukovich. She as the aunt of our member, Pauline Adamic. We send our prayers and sympathy to the family.
Sorry our March and April members who had birthdays weren’t mentioned before. You aren’t getting older, you’re just getting better! Hope you’ll have a good year.
May I wish all of our mothers everywhere a Happy, Blessed Mother’s Day. God loves you all.
ANN POBANZ
DEAR “MITZI”!
Dear Mitzi:
Would you please send me a good potica recipe? I had a good one that was my favorite from Mary Vogrin, but I spilled water on it and when I couldn’t read it anymore I threw it away. I am sending you Mary’s picture as it was in ZARJA, maybe it’ll help. She lives in Florida. I also like Mary Baznik’s recipe, from Aug. 1976. Also, do you have Mrs. Pauline Rupar’s potica recipe? Can I freeze ice box potica before I bake it?
Antoinette Susman Cleveland, Ohio
Dear Antoinette, Mitzi thought this answer from Hermine Dicke, our expert cook, would be best:
Greetings, Antoinette! I don’t have Mary Vogrin’s recipe. In 1984 I only used a Party Potica from Faye Starman in ZARJA - records show. I do have 16 potica recipes but none from Mary. I am sending you Pauline Rupar’s recipe and also Mary Baznik’s which are both excellent. I’m sure you will find freezing potica, if wrapped well, will be very successful.
Hermine
Dear “Mitzi”:
I decided to write this letter after reading the article on page 19 of the March Zarja about the Mervar fire in Cleveland’s “Little Slovenia.”
What I wonder is how many other American cities have a Slovene neighborhood? If one was to travel through Cleveland, where is this area located? What shops, restaurants, bakeries, churches, could a person expect to find?
Would it be possible for someone from each of your branches to write a resume of what their city or area has to offer to someone of Slovene heritage? When could you publish these resumes in your magazine?
I am also enclosing a recent newsletter from the newly organized Yugoslav-American Society which has been formed in the twin city area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. As you can see, this is a cultural organization dedicated to preserving our heritage. There are activities for Yugoslavs as a whole group as well as activities for the individual cultures of Yugoslavia. Regards,
Jean Stueland
Minneapolis, MN
p. Atanazij Lovrenčič, of m
Mamica moja
Mamica moja je strašno bogata nima zlata—in je vendar vsa zlata!
Zlate no njene oči zlati so njeni lasje, zlate so njene besede in zlato je njeno srce.
Materina ljubezen
Kdo ti je dal ljubezen? Mati Kdo te je hranil in negoval? Tvoja zlata mati.
Kdo te je vzgajal in dajal nauke in nasvete? Tvoja mati. Kdo te najbolj ljubi na tem svetu? Tvoja mati.
Kdo je zate najlepši na tem svetu? Vedno naša zlata, nepozabna mati.
Slavospev materam
Mati varuje in pestuje svoje dete v naročju, ga boža in ljubkuje. Njen smehljaj je milejši in lepši kot je spomladanska roža. Ljubezen njena je brezmejna in globoka in skrbno varuje svojega otroka. Nimamo zlata, ne srebra, da bi poplačali materino ljubezen. Dobra mati je dragocen biser svojim otrokom in družini. Ali se v življenju sploh zavedamo, kaj imamo, dokler je živa? Mati ostane zvesta v ljubezni do svojega otroka, čeprav ga svet zaničuje. Ljubi in trpi. Ko materi ugasne življenje in jo pokrije hladna zemlja, ni nikoli pozabljena. Ostaja v spominu otrok, njen žarek sije na nje do konca.
Materinski dan.
Bilo je proti koncu zadnje svetovne vojne. Bežali smo pred sovražnim napadom. Da pridemo iz mesta, smo morali preko trga, na katerega so padale bombe. Blizu mene je bila mati s tremi otroki; Enega je imela v naročju, drugega je držala za roko in tretji se je držal za njeno krilo. Njeno oko je iskalo varnega zavetje za otroke. Videl sem, kako je s svojim telesom krila svoje otroke, da bi ne bili ranjeni. To je živa slika matere, ki je pripravljena dati svoje življenje za otroke. Prav ta mesec ko praznujemo materinski dan, naše misli gredo nazaj na našo mater. Takrat ko smo bili še otroci, nismo cenili kaj smo imeli v svoji materi; a danes ko vidimo koliko otrok je zapuščenih, šele sedaj vidimo kakšen zaklad smo imeli v svoji materi. Bogu moramo biti hvaležni za dobro mater. A ne samo da smo hvaležni, v življenju bi naj pokazali, kaj nas je ona učila, da bo tako naša mati ponosna na svoje otroke vso večnost. Ko se z veseljem in ponosom spominjamo svojih mater, bi naj istočasno molili, da bo Bog poklical veliko mater, katerih glavna naloga bo vzgoja svojih otrok. Kajti le po dobrih materah bomo imeli dobre družine in le dobre družine so upanje za boljšo bodočnost. Naša družba išče veliko nadomestkov za pristno, naravno hrano. A Bog nam kaže, da ni nadomestkov za dobro mater.
NOSILKE SPRAVE IN MIRU — SO MATERE
Bilo je po enem najhujših nemških letalskih napadov na angleško mesto Coventry, ki je med II. svetovno vojno največ trpelo pod bombami. Plameni so švigali iz gorečih poslopij, črn dim se je valil nad mestom. Iz zaklonišč so prihajali meščani, bledi, z upadlimi obrazi, ki so izražali smrtni strah. Jeza, sovraštvo in maščevanje je govorilo za njih. Kar zagledajo ob cesti pretresljivo sliko. Tam leži nemški letalec, ki se je s padalom rešil iz gorečega letala, a se pri padcu smrtno ponesrečil.
Ob njem sedi na cestnem kamenu starješa gospa. Glavo ranjenega ima v naročjo. Ljubeče se sklanja nadenj in z umirajočim moli očenaš. Ko vojak izdihne, mu ljubeznivo zatisne mlade oči.
Ne vemo imena matere in ne mladega letalca. Slika te matere, ki je znala nesebično ljubiti, se je vsem vtisnila v spomin. Nosilke sprave in miru so
—	m a t e r e. Če bi bile matere tudi po pesteh tako močne kot so po srcu, ne bi bilo nikoli nobene vojne.
dr. Jane/ Jenko SDB
T. Ferraccioli
Mary Štangelj — Murn
MATERINA LJUBEZEN
Sveti se lučka, vedno gori, za sina, za hčerko mati skrbi. Zapustili otroci so davno ta kraj, kdaj, oj le kdaj, kateri še pride nazaj?
Mame ljubezen jih spremlja povsod, za vroče molitve ve le sam Bog.
Iz srca se dviga v nebo, ti jim ohrani dušo, telo.
Izmerjena že je globina morja, izmerjena je visočina neba; je večja kot morje, neskončno nebo, ljubezen je mame večje kot to.
OTROK — SEDAJ SI NAŠ Zgodba o posvojeni deklici
Erna Starovasnik
Po desetih letih zakona sta Anica in Tone vedela, da nikoli ne bosta imela otrok. Res so jima pred petimi leti, po neskončnih pregledih dali zdravniki rahlo upanje, da se včasih le še zgodijo čudeži.
Toda čudež se ni zgodil.
Tako tih je bil njun dom. Vse preveč tišine je bilo v njem. Tone je odhajal na žago, kjer je bil mizar, Anica pa je opravljala dela na majhni domačiji.
O, kar dovolj dela sta imela. A njuni večeri so bili samotni. Tiho sta se pogrezala vsak v svoje misli. Včasih, ko sta se sredi tišine njuna pogleda srečala, so oči nemo vpraševale:
— Zakaj? —
Prav takšnega večera je bilo nekoč izgovorjeno: — Kaj, ko bi vzela kakšnega otroka za svojega? —
Povprašala sta na običini. Zvedela sta, da imata vse pogoje in bi otroka lahko posvojila. Ko bodo našli zanju kaj primernega, ju bodo obvesvestili.
— Rad bi imel fantka, — je rekel Tone.
— Dobro, pa fantka, — se mu je nasmehnila žena. Potihoma si je seveda želela deklico. A kaj to? Kar po njegovem naj bo, da bo imel veselje.
Nato sta čakala. Tedne in mesece dolgo. Vpraševala sta na občini, toda prav takšnega otročka kot sta si ga želela, prav tedaj ni bilo.
Rada bi bila namreč dobila otročička, ki bi imel vsaj že leto dni. Ne dosti več, ker sta menila, da bi se jima pozneje težko privadil.
— Ne vem, če bi znala ravnati s čisto majhnim detetom. —
Nekega dne, ko se je mož vrnil, je Anica takoj opazila, da je nenavadno vznemirjen; radovedno ga je opazovala med kosilom. Res je kaj kmalu prišel z besedo na dan.
— Zvedel sem za otroka, — je dejal.
— Za otroka res? — je presenečeno vzkliknila ona.
Ana Gaber, St. 2:
— Da, Anica, ni daleč od nas, pol ure z avtobusom. Tovariš na žagi mi je povedal zanj. Malo nerodno je, ker je otrok še prav majhen. Komaj šest tednov ima. Deklica je. —
Anica je priprla oči. — Komaj šest tednov ima in deklica je. —
Medtem pa je mož že govoril o nenavadni otrokovi usodi.
Pripovedoval je, da je mož te žene, ki je postala mati tega otroka, pred dvema letoma izginil v svet. Mlada žena je doma ostala sama s triletnim sinkom. Težko se je na skopi zemlji ob Jadranskem morju sama prebijala skozi življenje. Mož ji je le poredkoma pisal, domov pa sploh ni hotel priti.
V	tretjem letu njenega samevanja je prišel v ta kraj služit vojake mlad fant iz Slovenije. Na obhodih po mestu ob morju je opazil lepo in mlado in vročekrvno Dalmatinko in začel zahajati k njej. Vse proste ure in dneve je prebil pri njej. Ko je odslužil svoj vojaški rok, je fant odšel domov. Zvedel pa je od žene, da je že tri mesece noseča.
Domačim seveda ni povedal, kaj je storil. A iz njenega mesta Zadra so prihajala pisma na njegov dom. Ko mu starejša sestra ni dala miru zakaj ta pisma, je zamahnil z roko in rekal: — Kaj meni mar! Neka prismojena ženska se je zagledala vame. Menda sedaj pričakuje otroka. Prava reč. —
— Kar si si skuhal, boš tudi snedel, — ga je očitajoče zavrnila sestra. Fant se je samo posmehnil in rekel: — Zginil bom. —
Tri mesece zatem je res odšel. Od domačih se ni poslovil, je izginil. V začetku meseca novembra je prišla v ta dom tuja ženska. V naročju je nosila povito dete. — Prinesla sem vašemu fantu otroka. Deklica je njegova, jaz je ne morem imeti. Mož mi je pisal, da se za božič vrne domov; ubil bi me, če bi to dete našel pri meni. —
Fantova družina se je otepala tega otroka na vse pretege. Končno je ženska položila sveženj na klop in izginila v noč. Od tedaj je deklica v tej hiši in nihče je ne mara. Radi bi se znebili tega otroka. Mati ga je zavrgla, pravtako njegov oče. Kaj misliš Anica, ali bi ga midva vzela?
Ona je sklonila glavo in nato tiho rekla: — Vzemiva deklico. — Tisto noč nobeden od njiju ni dobro spal. Bitje ure ju je opominjalo, kako silno počasi se pomika čas naprej. Jutri bo nedelja. Zelo pravi čas, da gresta iskat ubogega otroka. Anico je le skrbelo, če bo zmogla biti kakor prava mati. Pri zgodnji maši je z velikim upanjem zrla v Marijin obraz na glavnem oltarju in prosila božje pomoči.
Pogumno je potem stopala ob možu po tuji vasi. Lepa kmečka hiša ob široki cesti je pričala, da ljudem v njej ni slabo. A v očeh teh ljudi ni našla dobrote, ko je s Tonetom prestopila prag te imovite hiše. Če ni dobrote v očeh, je tudi ni v srcu. — A, po otroka sta prišla, — je rekla zajetna ženska.
— Kar odnesita ga, ne bo nam žal za njim, — se je oglasil krepak možak, gospodar. Dovolj ljudi da je v tej hiši in tujih otrok ne marajo.
Toneta in Anico so peljali v ozko in hladno izbo poleg veže.
— Otrok spi tukaj pri dekli, drugod nimamo prostora, — je rekla gospodinja. Obstali so pri otrokovem ležišču. Dete je ležalo povito v plenice. Le v kakšne plenice? V umazanih cunjah je ležalo malo in
nebogljeno bitje in pokrito s starim izpranim predpasnikom. Tai;a dogiačija, otrok pa v taki revščini.
— Da, midva bova vzela deklico, — je rekla milo Anica, ko je otrok odprl lepe očke, sinje kakor nebo. Rahlo je potegnila z roko po nežnem obrazku.
— Kako je otroku ime, — je vprašala Anica.
— Eh, neko tuje ime ima. Kako že? — se je obrnila ženska k hčeri.
— Renata. Kakšno čudno ime, tako ni za nas. —
Anico je zazeblo pri srcu. Pogledala je debelušno
žensko. Za vse pri hiši ve, kako jim je ime, za otroka, k,i je vendarle kri njene krvi, pa ne. Nato je mlada pri hiši razvila otroka. Zadovoljno se je pretegovalo drobno bitje, ko mu je premenjala zaprane plenice. Res je bilo drobceno in nebogleno, toda čvrsto. — Malo se joka. Da je le sita, je pridna, — je kakor za tolažbo rekla. Zavila je otroka v flanelasto rjuho; položila ga v Aničino naročje.
— Kaj pa papirji? Ali ničesar nimate? — je vprašal Tone.
— O, imamo. Ne vemo pa, ali je krščena, ali ne. —
— Se bova že pozanimala. No, pa zbogom — In odšla sta.
Stala sta in čakala na avtobusni postaji in Anica je stiskala k sebi mali svežanj, da bi mu bilo toplo. Čez dobro uro so bili doma in otrok je dobil prvi obrok hrane v novem domu, ki ga je sprejal z vso ljubeznijo.
Joj, koliko potov, koliko pisanja je bilo, preden je mala punčka postala posvojeni Tonetov in Aničin otrok. Ni bila še krščena in ko jo je sivolasi župnik oblil z blagoslovljeno vodo ob krstnem kamenu, je vprašal:
— Ranata Darinka, ali hočeš bit krščena? —
Da, Darinka sta ji dala nova starša ime, ker zanju je bil otrok božji dar; že v prvih dneh jima je naklonil mnogo veselja in sreče.
Vsak dan je deklica s čim novim razveselila starše. Ob letu je shodila, v drugemu ju je že poklicala z mamo in atekom. V hiši ni bilo več samote in tihote, ampak žvrgolenje in prav malo joka.
— Kakšna bo? Kako nama bo rasla? —
Rasla jima je v srečo. Dorasla je šolo, obhajilo in birmo. Dobro se je učila in Tone in Anica sta bila nanjo kar ponosna. Bila je samo njuna. Po njej ni nikoli vprašala prava mati in ni vedela, kje je in kako se ji godi. Moški, ki jo je spravil na svet, se je zgubil nekje v Nemčiji, se poročil in nikomur se ni oglasil niti s pismom.
Okoli petnast let je bilo Darinki, ko je postala zamišljena in se zresnila. Starša sta se ustrašila; morda je zvedela, da nista onadva “ta prava”, pa tega povedati si nista upala. Počasi se je zopet zveselila.
Želela je postati medicinska sestra.
Dneve med tednom je preživela v mestu in v šoli, ob nedeljah se pa vračala domov. Darinka, ki je doštudirala, je zrasla v lepo dekle. Imela je kot morje sinje oči in bogati črni lasje so pritegnili marsikateri pogled.
— Omožila se nama bo in izgubila jo bova, — je potožila Anica.
— Seveda. Dekleta naj se poroče, ko pride njihov čas. —
Končno jima je sporočila, da se želi poročiti z zdravstvenikom, s katerem skupaj delata v isti bolnici. Rada bi ga pripeljala domov. Razkrila jima je, da že dolgo ve, da nista njena prava starša in kako jima je za vse hvaležna.
V	veliki ljubezni so se nato poljubili.
DOPISI
ŠT. 3, PUEBLO, CO
Prelep poletni čas je pred nami. Zima in pomlad se bosta poslovili od nas; zima se je že.
Vsem našim materam • mladim in osivelim-kot sem sedaj jaz sama - izražam svojo vdanost in spoštovanje. Materinstvo zahteva od vseh veliko žrtev. Sredi te pomladi ni čas, da bi pozabile svoje matere, katerih spomin teče z nami kot topel dih lepe pomladi. Bog naj blagoslovi vse naše matere - žive in pokojne, tukaj in v večnosti. Vsem sosetram članicam S.Ž.Z. naj se vaša ljubezen do mater razkošno razcvete kot najlepšim rožam, tukaj in potem v večnosti. Takšno je moje voščilo za Materinski dan!
Koncem maja v Ameriki praznujemo Spominski dan na svoje pokojne, v angleščini rečemo “Memorial Day”. Naši spomini nanje so nepozabni in hvaležni; oni počivajo in uživajo večni mir. Po vsej prostrani deželi so posejani slovenski grobovi. Gruda druge naše domovine jih pokriva, in je nad njimi. Vsako leto se ponovno na tuji zemlji razcveta nad njimi vrt cvetlic, ki je živim v tolažbo in spomin.
V	mesecu aprilu imamo smrtne obletnice mnogih: moje hčerke Anne, č.g. Daniela Gnidica, Albine Novak, Marie Prisland, Josephine Erjavec. Vsem zaklad nepozabnega spomina! Težko je meni ob bridki smrtni izgubi predsednice Frances Skul. Odšla je v nebeški dom. Kot predsednica naše podružnice je bila vedno nadvse prijazna do vseh članic. Še sedaj mi je pred očmi, kakšna je bila na naših sejah; za vedno se je poslovila od nas 29. septembra 1986. Draga Frances mi bo ostala v vednem spominu.
Umrle so naslednje:	Mary
Horvat, ki je že prej izgubila moža in dva sinova, ki so jo sprejeli v svoj dom. Pokojna Mary je bila sorodnica Milke Henigsman. Imela je sorodstvo v Jolietu IL. Josephine Curtsinger - Hermes je še mlado sprejela hladna
zemlja. Umrla je Rose Tratter, ki je zapustila sorodnike doma in v Clevelandu, Ohio. Odšla je naša članica Pauline Mramor. Blagor tistim, ki se spočijejo v nebeškim domu.
Nepozaben spomin bo ohranil zelo priljubljen č.g. Blane Bebble. Bil je naš član in farani so ga zelo cenili. Bodi mu časten spomin; umrl je 26. septembra 1986. Naša Jenie Lukanik je bila pred nekaj meseci že blizu smrti
—	slabo srce. Je še vedno v zdravniški oskrbi. Ona se mene večkrat spomni s klicem. Rada ima prijazen pogovor, da ji je čas krajši. Pauline Jamnik zelo trpi v svoji bolezni.
Konvencija S.Ž.Z. bo v Jolietu v mesecu maju. Gotovo bo to zborovanje vsem članicam v zadovoljstvo. Dobra priložnost za vstop novih članic. Naša glavna predsednica Mary Muller je kakor svetla luč v naši Zvezi. Res je zelo sposobna; dela v dobro naši Zvezi. Njena poročila v Zarji so zanimiva in poučna. Izražam ji globoko sožalje ob smrti njenega moža. Mary, hvaležna sem ti, ker mene tudi ne pozabiš v ZARJI in tako veš, da sem še živa.
Zaslužna žena in mati je naša predsednica Anne Spelic. Anna Gradišer si je pred časom na vrtu zlomila kost v kolku in zdravje se ji počasi boljša. Vsem bolnim želim zdravje. Priporočam pa vsem članicam, da bi rade obiskovale bolnice ker so obiski zelo tolažljivi in dobrodošli.
Lepe pozdrave vsem članicam naše Zveze in toplo priporočam: delajte rade za napredek na£e ženske organizacije. Pošiljam tople podrave vsem udeleženkam glavne seje leta! Blagoslovljen Mother’s day!
ANNA PACHAK Draga Mrs. Pachak,
Z veseljem objavljamo vaš dopis v ZARJI. Kijub visokim letom se tako zelo potrudite, da napišete dolgo poročilo. Res ste dober zgled našim slovenskim članicam. Skrbelo nas je že, kaj je z Vami! Še naprej krepko nosite leta in bodite zdravi! Sprejmite pozdrave iz	uredništva.
ŠT. 10, CLEVELAND, OH
Pri naši podružnici smo imele sejo v marcu kakor ponavadi na tretjo sredo. Zbralo se je veliko članic, kar 36. Ko sem stopila skozi vrata, sem se začudila tolikšnemu številu. Nekaj novih članic je tudi prišlo, katerih imena še ne vem. Na seji smo izbrale novo predsednico in sicer Mary Kobal in tudi Mater leta. Tedaj je manjkala na seji zapisnikarica Ani Stefančič, nadomestila jo je Joyce Lenasi, ena izmed sester dvojčic. Ti dve sta si tako podobni, da ju jaz komaj ločim. Obe sta vedno enako oblečeni — lepo in okusno — in prijetno ju je pogledati. Katere že prej niso prejele članskih značak naše podružnice, so jih prejele sedaj. S sejo je pričela naša glavna predsednica Ani Trček. Zaključile smo jo z dobrim prigrizkom in s pecivom, ki sta ga prinesli naši dvojčici. Orehova torta je vsem zelo teknila.
Tedaj smo imele lep sončni popoldan - pravi pomladanski dan. Danes pa - 31. Marca se nam je vreme zopet “skisalo”; že nekaj dni imamo dež, sedajle pa sneg. V letošnjem marcu smo imeli v Clevelandu snega 12 - 17 inčev. Dopoldne smo kidali sneg, da je kar teklo z obraza. Ves čas snežni vihar ni ponihal, šle popoldne se je pomirilo. Sinoči je bil pa tak metež, da nismo videli od hiše do hiše. “Preje nam je zima prizanesla, sedaj pa z repom pometa.” Stari pregovor pravi: “Zelen Božič, Velika noč pa bela.” Večkrat se je to že uresničilo. "Kadar slišim kričat vrane, se vreme v 24 urah spremeni”, to vem jaz - pa če komu povem, se mi vsak smeje. Ker pa je sedaj na koncu marca konec zime, naj bo še konec mojega zimskega pisanja. Drugo leto pa še napišem o ptičicah.
Oprostite! Nič nisem napisala voščila za Veliko noč - je pred nami ta veliki praznik. Namesto tega voščila vsem članicam izražam željo sreče in zadovoljstva; ge. Leskovar pa zahvalo za njeno neutrudljivo delo.
Lepe pozdrave pošilja
T. FERRACCIOLI
ŠT. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Doneli sladki glasi so nekoč, glasi moje matere, ko pela iz srca je naše mile pesmice.
Le tisti, ki spomin mu še živi	Spomin	na	mater
na naše lepe kra/e;	'
le tisti, ki mladost mu tekla je le-ta slovensko pesem s srcem poje.
Moja mamica je v pesmi bila kot skrjanček, ki k nebu dviga se v višave; a zgodaj je zamrla pesem ji, ko mlada še-je morala umreti
Poldka Podgornik
Prelepa pomlad je prispela k nam na zapad. Drevesa so krasna v svojem belem cvetju pomladi. Zelena livada se preliva v zeleno-modro barvo te idilične vesne.
V Slovenskem domu so imele sosestre okusno večerjo vseh raznih dobrot in peciva. Hvala vsem, ki ste pripravile in pomagale streči; posebna hvala predsednici Josephini Aiuto za njeno skrbno nadzorstvo.
Gospod dr. Ivan Ravnik se počuti boljše; želimo mu še veliko let. Pozdrav njegovi cenjeni družini. Gospa Štefka Ravnik s svojim lepim glasom poživlja naš slovenski zbor. Njena očarljiva osebnost izraža plemenitost slovenske žene. Gospa je bila v domovini učiteljica.
Umrla je sosestra Margaret Radosevich stara 89 let. Zapušča veliko družino: sedem hčera, sina Rudija, deset vnukov, devet pravnukov in veliko sorodstvo. Margaret je bila Mother of the year 1.	1981.	v naši Zvezi.
Mama Margaret zasluži vse spoštovanje kot mati in žena v našem slovenskem in hrvatsem narodu.	Njena	nečakinja dr.
Linda Angin se uveljavlja kot izvrstna pevka - mezo-soprano - in kot godbenica - igralka na orgije.
V	cerkvi Corpus Christi v San Franciscu igra na orgule in tudi poje. Imela je že svoj koncert in tudi pela je s svojim lepim glasom v slovenskem zboru.
Pred	kratkim	smo imeli v
bližnjem Oaklandu koncert naših "master-singer” iz Ljubljane pod vodstvom najboljšega cjjrektorja (dirigenta) Antona Nanuta. Petje je bilo prekrasno; pesmi so bile izbrane iz različnih narodov, največ pa slovenskih. “Ave Verum" je za ta koncert aranžiral Valens Vodušek, brat našega Vitala Vodušek, sedaj pokojnega. Zbor “Master-singers” je bil ustanovljen 1. 1951 in poje od takrat dalje in nastopa kar po vsem sveyu. Bil je na Kitajskem, v	Rusiji, Nemčiji,
Angliji;	povsod	je žel velike
uspehe. Kritiki so v Avstraliji izjavili, da so slovenski pevci -nepoznani • prinesli novo glasbeno kulturo. V Ljubljani imajo tri sinfonične orkestre,
čudovito opero, več ansamblov ter zborov! Anton Nanut je eden __ najboljših direktorjev v Jugoslaviji.
Vesel in zdrav Materinski dan ih božji blagoslov,
POLDICA PODGORNIK
ŠT. 100, FONTANA, CA
Prev lepe čestitke materam za Materinski dan!
Tukaj v Fontani smo izvolile za mater leta Julio Trowbridge; upam, da bodo članice prišle na proslavo in da se bomo lepo in dobro zabavale skupaj. Prav lepa hvala ge. Henriet Bledsko, ki je prevzela pisanje v angleščini in moram priznati, da je bil njen prvi dopis zelo zanimiv. Seveda imamo več mladih članic, ki v angleščini prav rade berejo.
V	februarju je pri nas umrl dobro poznani po vsej Ameriki Mr. Steve Mohorko. V cerkvi smo tudi videli, kako je bil priljubljen, ko smo imeli pobožnost rožnega venca. Naj počiva v miru! Njegova žena je umrla pred 3 leti. Naša Rose Krajnik se je preselila nazaj v Fontano in živi v Slovenskem domu. Vem, da si bodo žene delale kratek čas, druga drugi - ker so tam tudi še nekatere naše članice in sicer Mrs. Novak, Mrs. Kovačič. Vsem našim bolehnim želim zdravja posebno Mary Omaits in Mary Vidergar.
Vse članice prosim, da bi redno prihajale na naše seje.
Pozdrav vsem
JEAN KURILICH
Prijazno pismo
Draga gospa Irene!
Priloženo pošiljam ček za $10.00 za “Zarjo”. Tako težko pričakujem vsako številko. V tem koncu Floride se čutim tako sama. V telefonskem vodiču od Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach, ne najdem niti enega domačega imena, da bi se včasih vsaj po telefonu pogovorila po slovensko, tako sem pa vezana samo na mojo najožjo družino. Saj je med nami odlična družinska vez, vendar kakšna bližnja prijateljica, bi bila tudi včasih prav dobrodošla. Lanskega Augusta sva z možem obiskala vrsto prijateljev tam v okolici Clevelanda, — skoraj jim zavidam njihovo srečo. Imajo na izbiro sestanke in razne prireditev, da včasih ne vedo kam bi se odločili.
Od vse bogate vsebine v Zarji imam skoraj najrajši zanimive opise od življenja prvih emigrantov. Le škoda da je teh tako malo. Gotovo jih je tam še na stotine živih, ki bi še mogli prispevati marsikaj zanimivega poznejšim prišlecem, zakaj se ne oglasijo, ali zakaj jih kdo ne poišče, da bi se zapisali dokler je še čas, njihovi spomini o prvih težkih začetkih tistih korajžnih emigrantov.
Prejmite moje iskrene pozdrave.
Barbara Tomc
409 Cypress Dr. Apt. 6-B
Tequesta, Florida 33469
JOSIP JURIČIČ:
ILUSTRIRAL MAXIM GASPARI
DESETI BRAT
Saj polje več cvetic rod(, Devic dežela več goji.
Fr. L e v j t i k
DVANAJSTO POGLAVJE
ospodar na gradu slemeniškem je imel navado, svoj rojstni dan z večjo pojedino obhajati, na katero je povabil vse svoje prijatelje in znance iz obližja. Če pa pravimo vse, ne sme se misliti veliko krdelo družin z materami in hčerami, starimi in mladimi sinovi, zakaj Bog je posadil ta grad tako na samijo, da je gospod Benjamin vse svoje izobražene in pol izobražene povabljence, celo prifarnega dolgopetega šolmaštra vštevši; lehko na prstih obeh rok zračunil, kedar se je reč najbolje obnesla.
Tega leta pa je nesreča hotela, da mož še tega malega števila ni mogel popolnoma zbrati na praznovanje svojega godu. Eden sosednih graščakov je bil zadnji božič preselil se tjakaj, kjer vedno godove obhajajo; njegova vdova in njena hči,
o	kateri so jeziki hteli vedeti, da niso lepe, nosile so črno obleko in zdelo se jim je nespodobno ta znamenja neveselega srca razkazovati po veselicah. Družina bližnjega gospoda sodnika se je bila napotila nekam v mesto na svatovščino starega strica po drugem kolenu, ki so ga muhe v tretje v zakon gnale. Tako so se možu gostje odpovedali kakor tistemu bogatemu revežu v svetem evangeliju. Gospod Vencelj s svojo hčerjo, fajmošter, star oficir v penziji in šolmašter, ti so obljubili. Marijana in njegovega očeta so sicer tudi vabili, a ni se vedelo, ali prideta ali ne, ker sina že dalje časa ni bilo blizu, stari pa je imel svoje udurne navade.
Sosebno stari hišni Urši je bilo tolikanj čez glavo, da letos najboljših gostov ne bo. Dva večera ji je ta huda preglavica spanec jemala. Seštela je namreč umna žena, da ji to nič manj škode ne prizadene ko cele tri šmarne petice. Vse božje leto se je veselila na gospodov god, da ji bo ta ali ta kaj okroglega v pest stisnil, za kar ne bo drugega treba delati ko malo postreči. Samo to je še varčno ženico tolažilo, da iz njene škode izhaja gospe korist. Koliko se bo namreč prihranilo mesa, zabele, vina in druge take ropotije.
Lepo, jasno jutro je bilo na Benjaminovega godu dan.
Marijan je bil zgodaj vstal, poklical psa s seboj in šel čez travnik. Zapalil si je bil pipo tobaka in je ravno preudarjal, ali bi šel na Slemenice ali ne. Veliko vzrokov je menda govorilo za pojdi, še več menda pa za vrni se, kajti večkrat je postal, pogled v tla obrnil, debelo dima potegnil in zopet nekaj počasnih stopinj storil. Nazadnje pa ni bilo dvomiti, kako se je odločil, kajti pot, ki ga je ubral, držal je proti hosti, tedaj je Slemenice imel za hrbtom.
Tam na robu gozda se uleže vznak v senco, natlači v drugo tobaka, in kdor bi ga bil videl tako brez vsega opravka na tak lep dan in še dopoldanšnjo uro zreti samo za sivimi oblački, katere je malomarno iz ust izpuščal, dejal bi bil: to je živo pisana podoba takih ljudi, ki ne delajo nič, ne mislijo nič.
Ne moremo trditi, da bi naš gospodič ne bil zares nič mislil. Nasproti se pa tudi današnji dan ne da več dognati, kaj bi mu bilo po glavi rojilo, ali je morda preudarjal, kako bi se kadilo, ko bi pipi dal novo srebrno okovanje napraviti, ali je pa premišljal, kar poje narodna pesem:
Snoči je pa slan’ca padla po zelenem travnike, je vse cvetje pomorila in vse mlade rožice;
meni pa nič ni za rož’ce, če jih slan’ca pomori, meni je za dekle moje, če me ona zapusti.
Naj bo že tako ali tako; upam, da ne bomo sami pri eni misli ostali, če rečemo, da je vrlo malo romantičnega pri mladeniču in da ga vsaj malo po slabejši strani obseva ta resnica, da je konci negotove meditacije — trdo zaspal, tako da mu je njegova najzvestejša ljubica, pipa, iz ust padla.
Zbudi se šele, ko ga nekdo s palico podreza. Odpre oči in vidi svojega očeta pred seboj.
»Ali se nisi ponoči naspal?« vpraša ga stari malo osorno.
Sin vstane, pobere pipo in klobuk, pa ne
odgovori nič. Oče se obrne proč in hoče zopet svojo pot iti, ker velko s sinom navadno ni govoril. Pa kakor bi se nekaj domislil, vrne se, nekako ostro pogleda sina in vpraša: »Kaj, da ne greš danes med ljudi? Ali te niso vabili?«
»Ne grem!«
Stari malo molč6 postoji, potem pa pravi: »Sin! Vidim nekaj dni sem, da si več doma, ko si imel navado biti. Vem tudi, da se ti je nekaj zgodilo, naj bo že, kar hoče, da si se tako spremenil. Povedi mi, kaj ti je?«
Marijan takega vprašanja od svojega vedno tihega očeta ni pričakoval. Dasi je bil tudi glas nekako nenavadno mehek in očetovski, mladenič ni bil vajen razkrivati srca očetu, ki se vsaj na videz ni pečal za njegovo dejanje in nehanje, zato je tudi zdaj odgovoril: »Nič mi ni, motite se, če menite, da sem se spremenil. Ne Slemenice zdaj ene dni nisem šel, ker se mi ravno ne ljubi. Danes pa bo dovolj ljudi gori, mene lehko pogrešajo.«
»Od kdaj te lehko pogrešajo?«
»Jaz le tako mislim, da grem lehko drugo pot gori, ne ravno danes.«
»Fant! Ti nisi odkritosrčen! Praviš, da ti ni nič. To lehko rečeš kmetu, ki zna pet šteti in ne dosti več. Tvoj oče pa je videl svet in pozna človeka, kakor ne želi tebi, da bi ga poznal. Mene ne boš preslepil z besedo; ne motim se tako brž kakor meniš. Ker ti meni nečeš povedati, povedal bom jaz tebi, kaj ti je. Vsa ta otožnost izvira iz tega, ker ti ena ženska — imena nečem imenovati — ni po volji. Ali ni res?«
Marijan je očeta debelo gledal. V tem trenutku bi bil skoro sam sin verjel, kar so ljudje ugibali,'da v starem čmerikavcu tiči nekaj vražjega, kajti živi duši ni sam ničesar o tej reči govoril. Kako je oče zvedel?
»Odgovori, če te vprašam!« pravi stari in nevoljen neberečelo.
»Res je, res,« pravi Marijan poltiho. »Manico sem ljubil, pa zdi se mi —«
»Že vem, kaj se ti zdi; pa pameten bodi. Kedar boš starši, hvalo mi boš vedel, da sem te prav učil. če te ženska neče, pusti jo, še bolj je prav. Tako ne boš imel prilike, pustiti je sam. Svet je velik, na ta k6t pa nisi navezan. — Zdaj pa pojdi v grad med ljudi!«
»Danes ne grem rad.«
»Jaz pravim: pojdi! Dokler si mlad, bodi vesel in uživaj! Kedar boš star, tedaj se boš plazil okrog.«
Marijan se takemu povelju ni mogel ustavljati. Komaj pak je dvakrat prestopil, pokliče ga oče nazaj in pravi: »Ker že ravno govoriva, naj ti še to povem.
Če imaš kaj hvaležnosti v sebi, šel boš po moji smrti od tod. Sel boš kam, kjer tvojega očeta niso poznali. Zato se ne zmeni veliko, naj te imajo ženske tu rade ali ne. Zdaj pa le pojdi!«
Kakor da bi bil več izgovoril, kot je mislil, korači starec naglo ob robu hoste proti domu. Marijan pa prek polja proti Slemenicam. Kaj bi bil mladenič dal, ko bi bil mogel v tem hipu razjasniti si očeteve besede! Bil je ta razgovor z očetom najdaljši; nikdar mu ni več povedal. Zakaj ne bi tukaj smel ostati? Nehot6 mu je prišla misel, da morda oče ni popolnoma zdrave pameti; ali greh se mu je zdelo, kaj takega misliti, in našel je več reči, ki so mu naravnost kazala, da so vse besede očetove premišljene. Dasi si je stari nekako prizadeval ostro govoriti, bilo je vendar zlasti v poslednjih besedah nekaj srčnega, prosečega in očetovskega in ravno zato, ker sin tega ni bil vajen videti pri očetu, ganilo ga je tolikanj bolj. Čeravno ni mogel razumeti razlogov, zakaj mu oče veli, malo meniti se za ljubezen tukajšnjih ljudi, namenil si je vendar že iz hvaležnosti ravnati se po njegovem svetu in celč — ta namen je bil malo težek — Manico pozabiti.
Ko pride na kolovozno pot, ki drži do Slemenic, zasliši voz za seboj.
»Počasi, počasi, prijatelj! Saj vas komaj s konjičem dohajam po tem kamenitem potu. Boste se malo obesili in pogovorila se bova kaj!« Tako je klical zdravnik Vencelj, ki se je peljal na svojem malem vozičku in zdaj pa zdaj zarentačil, da Slemeničan ne da potov popraviti. Marijan se usede tik njega.
»Kam ste pa Maričko deli, da je ni z vami, gospod Venecelj?« vpraša Marijan.
»Saj je že dva dni tu gori pri Manici! In vi ne veste tega? Včasi so mi ljudje pravili, da ste vedno pri sosedovih — več ko doma,« pravi zdravnik.
»Zdaj že več dni nisem bil in tudi danes nisem bil namenjem tja.«
»Ne? Tako je ta reč! A že vidim, že vidim, kje je rana. Malo ste se z Manico — svojo nevesto, le dovolite da tako rečem, — razprli in to vam je nekaj muh v glavo dalo. Pa to nič ne d6, malo prepira med dvema, ki se ne vidita težko, to je ravno tako kakor majhna bolezen. Človek ne ve, kaj je zdravje, dokler ni bolan. Solnce zvečer zato zaide, da se ga človek ne naveliča; vsako jutro se mu še lepše zdi. Tako je tudi prepir v ljubezni, ha, ha! Jaz vem, sam sem bil ravno tak v svojih lepših letih. Kaj ne, da sem ugenil?«
»Ne, razprtja ni bilo nobenega,« odgovori Marijan.
»Tedaj vas pa že ne presodim, zakaj bi bili tako
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samotarski postali. Dvomim, da bi vam bilo doma tako kratek čas. Pa le majhno počakajte, ko prideva v Slemenice, potlej sva že vkup, precej bom vedel, ali sem prav mislil ali ne. Kaj pa kaj počenja gospod Kvas?«
Pri tem imenu je Marijan zardel. Zdravnik je to opazil.
»Ne vem nič,« pravi mladenič.
»Zdaj vas imam šele, prijatelj!« Smeje se Vencelj. »Tako, s Kvasom sta si navzkriž! Le tiho, le tiho! To pa že ni prav. S poštenim prijateljem pa ne sme prepira biti. Le čakajte, jaz bom vaju spravil, če le zlomek ni. Dolgo me že ni bilo tukaj gori. Glejte no, da se še taka mirna duša, kakor je ta Kvas, more skregati s kom, ki je zopet tako neškodljiv ko vi, tega bi ne bil verjel.«
Marijan je 'sprevidel, da bi ga gospod zdravnik v gradu lehko v zadrego pripravil, ko bi govorico napeljal na reč, o kateri še mislil ni rad, nikar da bi moral še govoriti. Zato je menil, da je najboljše, če mu vse pove.
Gospod Vencelj je čudeč se poslušal Marijanovo pripovedovanje.
»Ali pa dobro veste, da je to vse res? Ali se niste motili?« vpraša mladeniča.
»Slišal sem nekaj besedi v njunem pogovoru, pač težko bi bilo, da bi se motil,« odgovori Marijan.
»Verjetno je, verjetno! Mladost je mladost, ne premisli, je li mogoče to ali to, ali se da izpeljati ali ne. Sicer je prav pameten mlad mož, jaz sem ga precej rad imel, ko sem ga spoznal; ali če je taka, zdi se tudi meni, daje previsoko pogledal. Svet je že tak. Človek v vaših letih meni, da se od ljubezni živi, da za življenje ni drugega treba ko malo srca! Pa tiho zdaj, tukaj sva, naproti nama gre celo krdelo; le pamet, le veseli bodite, vse se bo dobro napravilo.«
Ko se je vozič ustavil pred veliko grajsko lopo, bližali so se z vrta sem gospodar Benjamin s fajmoštrom, Manica s starim, dosluženim vojakom, gospodom Grašičem, in Lovre z zdravnikovo hčerjo. Za vso družbo pak je repil dolgi učitelj Zmuzne, kateri je sam sebi tovariševal, ker je iz žalostne skušnje vedel, da se ne more nikjer v pogovor mešati.
Po navadnih pozdravih prime gospodar svojega prijatelja zdravnika za pod pazduho in ga pelje proti hiši.
Marijan si je sicer prej za trdno namenil, da se bo Manice in Kvasa kolikor moči ogibal in z drugimi govoril. Ali ko je videl deklico pred seboj, s katero je prve mladostne igre igral, pri kateri je kakor deček sedeval neskrben in vesel, za katero se je nevedč
kdaj kakor mladenič vnel in srečen bil v tihi ljubezni, ki si je še skoro sam v svesti ni bil: ko jo je videl pred seboj, pozabil je očetove besede in nekako milo se mu je storilo. Zdaj šele je videl, daje Manica lepa, da on lepše ne najde.
Lovreta tedaj še pogledal ni, ko ga je pozdravil.
»No, Marijan, kaj pa je tebi,« ogovori ga domača hči, »ali smo se ti kaj zamerili, da te ni več videti? Bala sem se celo, da nas še danes ne boš razveselil, vendar smo tako srečni, da te še enkrat vidimo. Mislili smo, da si zbolel, pa ljudje so te povsodi videli, samo naSlemenicah ne.«
»Tudi na Slemenicah bi me bili videli, ko bi bil vedel, da ni nikomur neprijetno, če pridem, da najdem...«
»Veš, da si veliko izgovoril,« pravi Manica resnobno. »Mene sicer ne moreš tako naglo razžaliti, vendar opomniti moram na tvoje besede, da si bil v naši hiši zmerom dobro sprejet. Zatorej ne razumem, zakaj tako govoriš.«
»Nič bolj vesel bi ne mogel biti, kakor ko bi vedel, da me res ne razumeš. Pa ti bom že še izpovedal se naravnost, tako da se ne boš mogla izgovarjati z nevednostjo. Lej! ta v ... je nama že za petami, rad bi poslušal menda. Tega imam jaz v želodcu. Pa se bova že zmenila, jaz ti bom govoril naravnost in menim, da bom tudi od tebe resnico zvedel.«
Predzadnje besede so zadevale Kvasa, ki je, kakor se je videlo, bi v živem razgovoru z Maričko.
Zdaj šele je Manica sprevidela, da je tudi Marijanu znano, kar bi bila rada vsaj nekaj časa še prikrivala pred svetom. Pomislila je, da bi se prav lehko zgodilo, da bi Marijan ali očetu reč razkril ali pa z Lovretom kaj opraviti imel, in barva po lepem licu se ji spremeni in oči povesi v tla. Sklene pri prvi priliki z Marijanom govoriti.
Prav sreča je bila, da je bil ravno stotnik Grašič k Marijanu pristopil in ga s celo vrsto vprašanj zamotil, da ni zapazil spremembe na dekličinem obrazu. Rad ali nerad, zapleten je bil Marijan kmalu v pogovor o zajcih in lisjakih in celo šolmošter Zmuzne je katero vmes zinil, dopovedovaje gospodu stotniku, ki je marsikaj po svetu skusil, da boljšega lovca ni, kakor je Marijan. In kakor je bil ta naš mladi znanec vajen resnobnejše reči hito obdelati, bil je tudi zdaj kmalu ves v govoru, pozabivši »deklice nezveste« in tekmeca in vseh očetov na svetu, razen starih zajcev, o katerih je veliko pravil, kako mu jo je tukaj pa tukaj kateri upeljal kožo in življenje.
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( “FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART” )
An Outing
It is Sunday. Mother and father are asking, where we shall go today on a trip (excusion, outing). They have decided for Dolensko-Spodnja Slivnica near Grosuplje. We are getting ready to go. It is a very nice morning. We are riding on the Dolenski road. The landscape is flashing by. Soon we are on a hill, on which is the small village of Spodnja Slivnica. Here lives my great grandmother. We visit her. The vilage is nice. It is all together different from the city. I see chickens pecking at the corn grain. A puppy named Runo is tied up behind the fence. He greets us nicely. We step into the house and I see a kitty as it is purring in the corner. This wonderful day ends quickly. We ride back towards home. Behind me is. aeain. a dav of nice memories.
Izlet
Celebrating a Birthday!
Nedelja je. Mamica in očka se sprašujeta, kam bomo šli danes na izlet? Odločita se za Dolensko-Spodnjo Slivnico pri Grosupljem. Odpravimo se. Jutro je zelo lepo. Peljemo se po Dolenski cesti. Pokrajina bliskovito beži mimo nas. Kaj kmalu sino na gričku, na katerem je majhna vasica. Sp. Slivnica. Tukaj živi moja prav-babica. Obiščemo jo. Na vasi je lepo, čisto drugače kot v mestu. Vidim kokoši, ki zobajo koruzna zrna. Kuža Runo je pripet za ograjo. Pridno nas pozdravlja. Stopimo v hišo ih zagledam se muco, ki prede v kotu. Tega čudovitega dne pa je hitro konec. Odpeljemo se proti domu. Za mano je spet en dan lepih spominov.
Sandra Pehan, (8 let stara)
FRIENDS & DRUGS
If you have a friend who offers you drugs or “crack” he isn’t really a friend. A friend is someone who offers you a candy bar or something that won't hurt you. Drugs can kill you if you take an overdose or just a little bit if it’s powerful enough. So, if you don’t want to risk it, then don't take it. Take the good side and don't take it.
Gary Maiano age 10 years 2595 Elm St. Girard, OH 44420
What is a Mother?
A mother is a smile on a cold gloomy day,
a kiss a hug, in her own special way.
A mother is encouraging even when you are in doubt. She is always there when you feel down and out.
A mother cares for you, loves you too, she’ll always stand by you in whatever you do.
I	wrote this poem with the image of my mother, because 1 want her to know I will always love her.
By Cindy Kalar Age 14
Branch No. 35, Youth Member
Sonja, near her mother, Vera Pehan and Sandra in forefront. Father is Peter. Sonja and Sandra, who is 8 years old, have relatives in Minnesota, but they live in Ljubljana,
DAVY’S COLUMN
Spring
Spring means different things to different people. To some it means warmer breezes and the end of another winter. With the warmth of the sun come the birds and the flowers. (Personally, my favorite flowers are the springtime flowers, like tulips and daffodils.)
To school children it means the drawing to the end of another school year, and summer vacation just around the corner.
Around our house, one of the signs of spring is my dad. While the rest of the country watches the Ground Hog and his shadow, we eagerly watch my father between the months of February and May. Then one day it happens, after supper instead of retiring to his lazy boy, he throws on his jacket, and goes out to his asparagus patch. From that moment on, he takes inventory twice a day until the end of Fall. Spring is officially here.
To my three year old daughter Spring has more meaning than simply as the asparagus season. It means the swing set grandpa promised last summer. She has been saving her pennies all winter. She discovered that when grandpa retires to his lazy boy, any change in his pocket is able to fall out, and end up under the chair. So, every now and then she makes her way behind the lazy boy to search for “pennies”. (Pennies in this case is any coin equalling anything from 1C to 50C.) Any pennies found go in the whiskey bottle in grandpa’s bedroom for her swing set.
‘Til next month.
DAVY
2ND CLASS
POSTAGE
PAID
CHICAGO
ILLINOIS
Ermenc Funeral Home
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ZEFRAN FUNERAL HOME
1941-43 WEST CERMAK ROAD
LOUIS J. ZEFRAN (1907-1981) ELIZABETH L. ZEFRAN LOUIS R. ZEFRAN	MARILYN	E.	ZEFRAN
Funeral Directors and Embahners
CHICAGO, IL. 60608	847-6688
GEREND HABERMANN Funeral Home
SHEBOYGAN, WI 53081
FREDC. DAMES FUNERAL HOME
Joel L. Dames	Mark	L.	Dames
Jon P. Dames
251 N. CENTER AT CAMPBELL JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435 PHONE AREA CODE 815/726-5211 A Name to Remember
TEZAK	
FUNERAL	459 Norlh Ottawa Streel
HOME	Joliet, IL 60435
First in service since 1908 Phone 772-0534	
New edition available October, 1986!
Revised, enlarged! Slovenian-International Cookbook POTS & PANS
$9.00
Books on Slovenian Immigrants and Pioneers
FROM SLOVENIA TO AMERICA $5.00 hardbound — $3.50 softbound
FOOTSTEPS THROUGH TIME $6.00
For orders, send remittance plus $1 postage per book to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION 431 NO. CHICAGO ST.,
JOLIET, ILL. 60432
j||lk_ First “““' ■ Midwest Bank Joliet
National Association
50 W. Jefferson Street	Member	F.D.I.C.
Joliet, Illinois60431	815*727-5222
GRDINA FUNERAL HOMES
CLEVELAND, OHIO
17010 Lake Shore Blvd.	531-6300
1053 East 62nd St.	431-2088
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|	Poems	of laughter, love and tears!	|
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ROŽE Z MOJIH VRTOV FLOWERS FROM MY GARDENS
j	by	Mary	Štangelj Murn	j
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Please send me_____________copies at $8.50 each
plus $1.00 for postage and handling per book.
NAME  L___________________________________________
j Address ___________________________________________ —	j
City ___________State__________Zipcode ___________
I Make checks payable to and send order to:	|
Slovenian Women’s Union, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432.
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