ZARJA - THE DAWN
URADNO GLASILO SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA
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ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Ssnd all changaa of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Draxsl Blvd., Chicago, IL 6061^-1703
No. 4	JULY-AUGUST, 2000
VOL. 72
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published six times per year - šestkrat na leto.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Periodicals Postage Paid at Joliet, IL and at additional mailing offices 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, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703 Telephone: (773) 548-8878 Facsimile: (773) 268-4899
ON THE COVER...
Topping the news in this issue is the successful completion of the school year of our students, the awarding of SWU scholarships and great announcement of a $100,000 donation to the SWU Scholarship Foundation! In the 50 years of its existence, the Scholarship Fund has awarded 289 students!
Birthdays on page 45.
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Serving our neighborhoods’ daily needs
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M
ission
Statement
We, the National Officers of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, will be guided by our Constitution, Bylaws, and Regulations, and with God’s help, pledge to:
* Unite American-Slovenian women and their families
* Enhance the presence of the Slovenian community in America
* Inspire our youth in spiritual and moral values
* Promote the legacy of our heritage
We ask the members to join us in the success of our mission.
SPECIAL EVENTS IN Y 2000
			JULY
16	Br.	2	Chicago, IL-ZVEZA DAY INLEMONT, IL
			AUGUST
16	Br.	35	Aurora, MN - LUNCHEON - MEETING
			SEPTEMBER
10	Br.	43	Milwaukee, WI - 70th ANNIVERSARY
20	Br.	50	Euclid, OH-PICNIC, Euclid Park
23-24			BARAGA DAYS PILGRIMAGE, Marquette, MI
			OCTOBER
1			OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE DAY
OCT. 1, 2000 - OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION
11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Christine Church Brunch at Alexander Restaurant (East 222nd and Lakeshore) Price: $13.00- Deadline: September 15, 2000 Contact Persons:
Ann Cook (216) 481-4194, Fran Gazvoda (216) 431-2043
Heritage Easy Life Simplified issue Life insurance plan
For those with Health Problems
For ages 30 to 80 Call For Details
A Financial Family That Feels Like Home Home Office: 2439 glenwood avenue ♦ joliet, il 60435 ♦ (800) 843-5755
E-mail: KSKJLife @ AOL.COM
American
Slovenian
Catholic
Union
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Kathleen Dorchak
Time”
I recently found a poem that I want to share with all of you. It is quite popular even though the author is unknown. I am sure that many of you are familiar with it:
TAKE TIME
Take time to think; it is the source of power.
Take time to read; it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to play; it is the secret of staying young.
Take time to be quiet; it is	the opportunity to seek God.
Take time to be aware; it is	the opportunity to help others.
Take time to love and be loved; it is God’s greatest gift.
Take time to laugh; it is the music of the soul.
Take time to be friendly; it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream; it is what the future is made of.
Take time to pray; it is the greatest power on earth.
Many of us lead very hectic and chaotic lifestyles. We have many commitments, appointments to keep, a variety of responsibilities at home and work, and various social obligations. We should never forget what is really important - ourselves. By taking time from our daily routines to remember the message of this poem, we can focus on revitalizing ourselves to make our days easier for what we need to accomplish.
As members of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, each of us can reflect upon this poem and use it	as	impetus	to	make us a stronger and a more	committed member. I believe,	as	Slovenian-American
women,	we have	a	special bond. This bond is strong.	However, the bond can always	be made	stronger. Every
member’s active participation in this association strengthens the bond between us. I’d like to add this line to the poem “Take time to be committed, it is the tie that binds us.” We are bound by the love we share for our heritage and our desire to preserve it.
It is never easy to say goodbye to a friend and it is with heavy heart that I share the sad news that Father David Stalzer went to be with our Lord on Sunday, June 18, 2000 at approximately 4:15 p.m. All of our prayers have been with him during his illness. Now that his suffering has come to an end, we must refleci that this is his beginning. He has now found the happiness he always talked about, as he walks with God. We should remember Father as a man dedicated to preserving the heritage and culture of all Slovenians.
The National Board of Directors is planning to meet in late July at the Home Office for a Board Meeting. We	think	it is	important	to meet again this year to finalize some plans and put some	new	programs into place.
If you	have	any suggestinos or ideas for the Board to discuss, please send them to	me,	as soon	as	possible.
You can call, fax, or e-mail your suggestions. I will include your suggestion on the agenda.
Take time to enjoy the sun and have fun! Summer is here, but it will be gone before we even know it!
Peace, Love and Joy!
Kathleen
Silver Like, Ohio 44224 (330) 686-1336
Fax: (39) 688-6203
^^^^^■orchak@ neo. rr. com
BONNIE PROKUP, National Secretary
Greetings!
I hope everyone is enjoying your summer. Although ours is very busy are having a reat time. Both Bekki and Barbi are playing baseball this year. I ar the coach of Bekki’s team called Pohar’s Excavating. This happens to be the same team I played on as a child! In addition, Bekki will be in the local play this year called “Music Man.” Anyone who lives locally see her performance July 13 -July 16.
To all the branch secretaries out there - you will be receiving an updated membership list shortly. This list will also show you who has not paid their dues. I was hoping to get this out sooner, however, I ran into a few problems. The major one is TIME. I need extra time to make all the corrections that were sent to me. I have a stack of over 400 members whose names, spelling, birthdates, policy numbers, addresses, etc. need to be updated. In addition, I am giving a couple more weeks for the deadline of dues. I am still waiting for over 500 members to pay. I also have over 200 invoices sitting on my desk that were returned for the wrong address. So bear with me and hopefully this will be cleared up in the near future. Also, one of my next articles will	be	on	what	is	exactly	necessary	for
the death benefit insurance checks. We are receiving many without all the information	required.	I will be	meeting	with	the
Department of Insurance in the next month to review this - so please stay tuned!
Thank you to everyone who has paid her/his dues! We really appreciate it!
Bonnie
M. MARGE CHURCH
SWZJ MEMBERSHIP AND YOU!
The years have passed and we have lost so many staunch and inspired women. This group of Slovenian ladies, in the days gone by, strove to perpetuate the meaning of being a Slovenian; and now the time has come for you to rebuild this group with men, women and our young. Only you can make it so. Belonging to the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, through your local branch, is a very prideful position to enjoy and verbalize. We need more and more men and women who are interested in bringing about a stronger group or “union.” It’s up to you, the current membership, to motivate the younger generation to “come alive” and be a part of a wonderful sister/brotherhood. As you know, we are no longer a “death benefit society.” In recent years, S.W.U. has come to mean more than that. We wish to let our offspring, relatives and friends know about our heritage.
To begin with, where did our families originate? They came from the beautiful country of Slovenia, which in 1991 separated from Yugoslavia and became a nation on its own. Slovenia has become an independent country both in worldwide economy and trade. The humble beginnings of Slovenia are very much unknown to us, the melting pot made of the intertwining by marriage of Slovenes with other cultures here in the U.S. But the heritage still exists. What do we all know of it? We need a connection, and through a membership in the Slovenian Women’s Union, there is an opportunity to learn of one’s heritage. But it goes beyond that.
In this day of computers, so many members have the opportunity to communicate with one another through the computer form of E-mail. This wonderful tool can put you in touch with other members who want to share their daily lives, not only within the unity of being a Slovenian or of Slovenian descent and discussing same, but through the trials of daily living and sharing ideas, daily activities, helpful resolutions to problems or letting another know of a cultural, Slovenian event happening somewhere within your vicinity. Perhaps, it would be fun to attend one of those events.
Bringing this to a local level, there are branches dotted throughout the U.S. where one can participate in a branch meeting. Branch meetings may be held in someone’s home, a restaurant, a church hall or at a local “Slovenian National Home.” The “Slovenian Homes” were built to house all sorts of activities such as musical programs, plays, dances, dinners, concerts of both young and adults. The annual “Vinska Trgatev” (Grape Festival) was held at harvest time. Generally there was an outdoor bowling alley to play “Balinca”, or a game room, and most of all, it allowed members of various Slovenian groups to hold their regularly scheduled meetings.
This still exists today in some cities. They are becoming fewer, but there are still many in existence. In all cases wherever meetings were held, it was always in a familiar, comforting place. You are invited to have someone join you at one of these meetings, let them see the friendships that we share and what can be brought to the membership with the suggestions of the newcomer. As everywhere in life, we need each other.
Branch meetings host various activities, fund raisers (for a branch or national purpose), luncheons, picnics, trips, theaters, etc. Many things can be accomplished at a branch meeting. However, the long-time membership needs relief from all their work and the younger folks need to put forth effort to continue its community of Slovenes.
We need you to talk to potential members, of all ages, to join. There are so many possible memberships out there although SWU understands that everyone has so many daily commitments that keep us extremely busy and that it is sometimes difficult to take on another membership. However, this perpetuation of our Slovenian heritage is critical to keep our organization going and to sustain the reason for its existence, alive and intact. The meetings are held a minimum of six times a year, dates known in advance, and run for at least an hour. Six hours out of a year is not much and just think what that new member’s participation can bring to a meeting.
On a national level, we are all bound together through the SWU “ZARJA” magazine. In this magazine, branch news and happenings are included along with national information, updates, stories of the backgrounds of our Slovenes, Slovenian and American recipes, a young adult section, and a section written in Slovenian on some religious or family history.
This is what the Slovenian Women’s Union is all about. It’s truly a social, cultural and learning experience. SWU would like to see it develop into a historical information source joined with the sharing of backgrounds with the newly acquired membership. This can be enjoyed and at the same time a way to learn about their heritage. What day has not passed for you that you did not learn something? So, take time to learn about your heritage through membership in S.W.U.
Annual membership is only $15.00 a year. This stipend covers the cost of sending the members a copy of the “ZARJA” magazine which is published six times a year. The magazine is very special in each issue, and saving them becomes a source of good information for future reference on the local, national and international levels.
Junior members are also invited to join. These are the youth of the future, from age 0 to 18. Their annual membership is only $5.00. They are the ones who will guide the rest of us into our later years. Their direction is critical, especially if you want them to lead us into the future. Their active participation in meetings is extremely important. The SWU actively supports the younger generation with assisting in educational growth through the SWU Scholarship Programs. The Scholarship Programs can give a financial boost to a high school student who is desirous of going on to college; or to a person who has left the educational environment to maintain a household’s income but needs further “continuing education” or a “step up” to change or improve careers. Support of this educational development comes from the members’ donations. It is wonderful that the “sharing” comes from within the SWU. This is all part of the organization, i.e., to support one another.
SWU needs to grow. Your participation is SO important. If you have gone this far in reading the words, that means you are interested in “Keeping the Membership Alive.”
Recruit! There is unity in strength! And numbers! This writer invites your response.
Zbogom.
Marjorie Church SWU National Vice President
1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, OH 44056 E-mail: mmchurchl@msn.com
SWU New Member Report
Branch Member ID Name			Date
			Joined
105	68088	Barkovich, Cheryl D.	06/11/00
105	68096	Celebeigil, Patricia	06/11/00
13	68099	Yager, Jennifer L.	06/11/00
13	68098	Yager, Lynn Kurnick	06/11/00
20	68068	Ancel, Joseph A.	06/11/00
23	68094	Phelps, Jodi Pucel	06/11/00
23	68095	Phelps, McKenzie	06/11/00
30	68089	Cashin, Ann Dolinar	06/11/00
30	68092	Edgington, George	06/11/00
30	68090	Jereb, Violet Zalar	06/11/00
30	68100	Lemire, Marie	06/11/00
30	68087	Levan, Holly	06/11/00
30	68091	Neubauer, Marija	06/11/00
35	68102	Lee, Adrienne J.	06/11/00
35	68101	Lee, Connie	06/11/00
50	68097	Duncan, Molly E.	06/11/00
Welcome to SWU!
We Mourn a friend of Slovenians t Fr. David Stalzer
We have lost another soldier who fought his battle bravely. We were not ready to lose him and we prayed fervently that God would spare him so we could know him better. How selfish of us! God’s plans are not for us to question. His will be done.
But, we are sad and wish that his young life would have been the beginning of much more. Father David loved to serve others. He delighted in a successful project and did all he could to make it happen. He thought of things that no one else ever did and, with his words and writings, was able to do marvelous things for us. His parishes flourished and will continue to flourish because he was able to show how it should be done. At St. Mary Nativity church he crowned his special devotion to the Blessed Mother with beauty and substance.
And, anything he could do for his American heritage gratified him, especially if it honored the Slovenian immigrant spirit he kept in his heart. We felt so confident that he could do miracles, it was already expected of him. He did more than support our Slovenian Women’s Union projects, he went into the front lines and made sure they succeeded. As a result, the S.W.U. has been in the forefront of Museum exhibits from Ellis Island to Ironworld, and Slovenians have their place in American history.
He will be especially missed by the members of Br. 20 in Joliet where he was their Spiritual Director and more than that, a good friend, for many, many years. Most of the members remember watching him grow from his school days at St. Joseph’s parish, through seminary studies and ordination. For many he was as their own son and they were very proud of his accomplishments and the way he made them feel he cared.
No one could imagine him dying in his middle years - years that he planned to be productive and fulfilling. We were excited in naming him our Slovenian Heritage Museum Director, knowing full well that he would put his whole heart and soul into every project. We thought he was the answer to our prayer. No one else loved to show his Slovenian roots as much as Fr. David. He ended his articles in ZARJA and other publications with Bog živi Slovenci. It was always his last thought as he left his readers.
In remembrance, we ask that our members offer a Holy Mass in your own church sometime soon where you can all attend and pray forthe repose of his soul.
Bog mu daj večni mir in pokoj — God grant him eternal peace.
Father David
Father David was born in Joliet on June 28, 1947, the son of John and Margaret (Terlep) Stalzer. He has two sisters and a brother. His mom is a member of Br. 20 over 60 years and his membership is 24 years! He became a priest on November 9, 1974.
Father David was named as the Director of the Slovenian Heritage Museum a year ago and had put into action some well-thought out funding ideas. His writings in the Slovenian newspapers were always to the point and enthusiastic, striving for cooperation from all of us to attain a greater Slovenian awareness of our culture and heritage.
MEMORIALS to the SWU
Slovenian Heritage Museum
O ne//?
Remarks given at the Memorial Prayer Hour for Father David
By Jonita Ruth On behalf of Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois
Father David Stalzer was an exceptional priest who was one of the best organizers in the Slovenian Community of Joliet. He had always been devoted to his Slovenian heritage and acted accordingly. The members of Branch No. 20 have a special appreciation for his ability as our Spiritual Director of the Branch since 1979. He was also named as the Director of the Slovenian Heritage Museum by the National Board of SWU.
Father Dave committed himself to perpetuating his Slovenian heritage whenever and wherever he could. He remained interested in the progress of the Museum and for the past 20 years encouraged and assisted in its growth. In 1983 he received the Slovenian Man of the Year award. His tremendous energy, interest, vibrant personality and friendly attitude sparked many events and encouraged members to participate, such as Slovenian Festivals and Grape Harvest Festivals. In 1998 the Branch celebrated its 70th Anniversary which Father co-chaired. The Branch was truly fortunate to have Father. He was an asset to the Slovenian community of Joliet and Branch 20. He wore his Slovenian	Heritage on his sleeve and	in	his heart.
He loved singing Slovenian songs which we all enjoyed listening to.
Thank you, Father Dave for everything you did for us and the happy	times you shared with us.
On behalf of the entire organization of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America and Branch 20, we	express	our
deepest sympathy to his mother and family
PHOTOS THRU THE YEARS
Left: At a parade down Chicago Street; middle: The signing of the contract for the Slovenian Miners and Laborer’s Memorial in Chisholm, MN, January 21, 1982 -seated: Lillian Brule (2) the artist and SWU Nat’l. President, Mary Muller; standing: Co-ordinating Chairman, Fr. David, Members of Board of Directors, Robert Kosmerl (KSKJ) and Marian Jakovich (AFU).
Lower photo was taken at the Installation of Br. 20 Officers earlier this year: Top row: Mary Kay De-mick, Jo Lustik, Auditors: Agnes Dobczyk, Vice Pres.; Marsha Jud-nik, Financial Secretary-Treasurer; Ann Dragavon, Sgt. of Arms; Bernice Nemanich, Auditor. First row: Fr. David Stalzer, Spiritual Advisor and Char Kobe, President.
EXCITING NEWS!!!!
Slovenian Women’s Union Foundation is the recipient of $100,000.00!
The Slovene Rest Home Association of Fontana, California has dispersed it’s holdings from the sale of the Slovene Rest Home. Among a number of tax exempt organizations which they felt worthy of an investment, our SWU Foundation was chosen to receive a gift of $100,00.00. The officers of our foundation have placed this money into an investment portfolio with plans to disperse the interest each year into scholarships, which means the base of the investment will continue to grow and as years go by more money can be dispersed. Our Scholarship Program, through the Scholarship Foundation will continue to grow as years go by and we will continue to invest in the education of our young people who are our future.
SLOVENE REST HOME ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In the back row: Elvie Blasick, Norm Spletter, Frank Vidergar, Mary Lou Vidergar. Fred Mlakar and Arnold Koci; front: Rosemary Mlakar, Marge Ostrowski,
Anne Kapel, Jean Koci. Missing from the photo are Virginia Zajc and Jake Chesnic.
Rosemary Mlakar, Branch 100 Fontana, California must be thanked many, MANY times for her pursuit of this gift. Rosemary attended the 1999 SWU Convention as a delegate from Branch 100 and at that time informed those in attendance that formation of our SWU tax exempt Foundation was a very good decision and that there are organizations looking for tax exempt programs in which to invest. Rosemary is a member of the Slovene Rest Home Board of Fontana, California. Ann Kapel, President of branch 100, and Rosemary’s son, Fred convinced Rosemary that our SWU Foundation should request a benefit of $100,000.00. The Slovene Rest Home Association granted their wish! This is the reason why this wonderful affirmation of our SWU Foundation has occurred. With unending thanks to each of them, we have been the grateful recipients of this wonderful opportunity to financially promote the education of our Slovene students for many years to come.
The notification letter of April 7, 2000 was written by Frank J. Vidergar, President of the Slovene Rest Home Association. It reads:
Dear Mrs. Turvey and Offices of S.W.U.:
The Slovene Rest Home Association Board of Directors of Fontana, California is proud to contribute the amount of$100,000 to your scholarship fund. These monies are to be used for undergraduate-col-lege, post-graduate, vocational and trade school scholarships in your scholarship program.
We congratulate you on your tremendous scholarship program which assists young people in the furtherance of their education.
Very truly yours,
Frank J. Vidergar, President
Accepting the donation for SWU is Rosemary Mlakar, here with Slovene Rest Home President, Frank Vidergar.
Slovene Rest Home, the first Slovenian home for the aged in the USA
This postcard photo was taken in the early years and sent to me in 1975. Commenting on her stay there, Marie Prisland, Founder of SWU wrote, “Am staying here for a few days to see how such a Home operates. It’s really nice. The good managers are Mary and Frank Kebe. ” As we can see the Home was surrounded by flower gardens.	Editor
Jean Koci:
SLOVENE REST HOME ASSOCIATION
HISTORICAL SKETCH
During the early to mid-1950’s the Slovenians of Southern California saw a need for a retirement home in the area to aid seniors who no longer wanted to maintain a home of their own. They wanted a place where they could live trouble-free with others like themselves in a warm, clean atmosphere. After several intense years of making plans and collecting money, the founders of this idea opened, the Slovene Rest Home in the city of Fontana, California. The corporation was established on June 25, 1959.
Much support was given to the Rest Home through the years by SNPJ Lodges, the Slovenian Women’s Club of Fontana and Los Angeles, and many individuals and organizations. The annual Rest Home Dinner and Bazaar was enjoyed by hundreds every February.
By the mid-80's problems started developing. State laws became more strict. The building was aging and needed major repairs. Residents were scarce and good employees hard to find. The Home was in trouble financially. By the early 1900’s the Slovene Rest Home no longer had a purpose in Fontana. The original nine member Board was supplemented with additional new members in order to put the Home back into an equitable condition. Shortly thereafter, the Slovene Rest Home was sold to a private company with the Association holding the mortgage. Finally, the note was paid off in November, 1996.
With cash in hand, it was now the job of the Board of Directors to handle the dissolution of the corporation. According to the California State Laws and the Internal Revenue Service Tax status as a 501 (c)3 charitable organization it would be necessary to disburse proceeds only to other 501(c)3 charitable organizations. The Board met for several years mainly discussing who the donees should be. The SNPJ Scholarship Fund was first on the list, but hearing that it did not qualify by its tax status, other charities had to be considered. The Board cotinued to bring together their ideas, trying to center on Slovenian connected organizations, when possible, to satisfy the hopes of the founders.
Through intense negotiations with the Attorney General’s Office in Sacramento, the attorneys for the Association finally obtained approval in December, 1999 for dissolution with proceeds going to our master list of donees. Eleven very worthy charities were approved as follows: 1) The Steelworkers Oldtimers Foundation of Fontana 2) Children’s Hospital of Orange Country (Dr. Derzic’s research) 3) The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation 4) U.C.L.A. Gerontological Research (Dr. Natasha Petrac) 5) Slovene Home for the Aged, Cleveland 6) City of Rialto Senior Center 7) Habitat for Humanity 8) Good Shephard Home for the Handicapped 9) The Slovenian Cultural Center in Lemont, 1L 10) American-Slovenian Polka Foundation 11) Laura’s House for Abused Women.
A heartwarming dinner and presentation evening took place on April 7, 2000. Most of the charitable organizations were represented and received their donations from the Slovene Rest Home Association. It was a beautiful conclusion to many years of toil. And now many more years of benefits to young and old alike will take place through these educational, health, social, and cultural organizations.
On the Slovene Rest Home Board are also our loyal officers:
An Kapel is Pres, of Br. 100, Fontana.
Rosemary Mlakar is Secretary of the Branch, and was State President for Western States for a long time. She was also a delegate at the last convention in Orlando, and spoke in favor of the Foundation. Elvie Blasick came to the convention with Rosemary.
Jean Koci was Mother of the Year of Br. 100 last year and is the current reporter for Br. 100. Mary Lou Vidergar is Vice-Pres. of our Branch in Fontana; and Virginia Zajc is a member.
We owe a GREAT THANKS to these members and all on the Board of the Slovene Rest Home for their confidence in our organization and the Scholarship Foundation!
Thus, 50 years later, the Fontana Rest Home’s legacy is still alive in its philanthropy, benevolence, to a greater number of people than it ever dreamed possible!
A Brief History
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Scholarship Program
Fifty years ago, the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Fund was established and since that time $114,725.00 has been awarded to 289 students. The Slovenian Women’s Union must take pride in it’s aid in the educational development of young women and men as leaders of our American and Slovenian society.
Marie Prisland, Founder of the Slovenian Women’s Union in 1926 and Founder of the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Fund in 1949 gave the following account of it’s inception.
“At the 1943 National Convention in Pittsburgh I was delighted when the delegates enthusiastically adopted my proposal that a fund be established to financially aid needy, young, qualified students. To this fund was later added a benefit fund to extend help to our war-torn people in native Slovenia. At the January 1944 Supreme Board Meeting the bylaws governing this fund were finalized, setting a goal of $10,000.00 to be divided: $5,000.00 for scholarships and $5,000.00for Slovenian Relief. Through the sale of greeting cards, contributions from the branches and individual members and the formation of a Friendship Circle with $20.00 memberships, the goal was attained five years later with Zveza contributing the first $200.00. Consequently at the 1949 National Convention held in Pueblo, Colorado, the Scholarship Fund started to operate. It was the first of its kind among the Slovenian organizations in America. Through the Benefit Fund, flour, sugar, coffee, lard, household articles, school supplies, medicine, hospital instruments, sewing machines, etc. were sent to various supplies, medicine, hospital instruments, sewing machines, etc. were sent to various critical areas in Slovenia; actually with additional relief sent by the individual branches a total of $34,000.00 in financial value in food and goods was sent to Slovenia in the post-war period.
When in 1949 the announcement of scholarships was published in ZARJA, five boys and one girl applied. Three were selected for the 1949-1950 year on the basis of their high scholastic records and need of financial aid. The first awards were given to: Donald Carek, Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (see the May-June 1999 issue of ZARJA for his updated biography), Marie Bombach Dye, Branch 105, Detroit, Michigan, and Frederick Pahula, Branch 34, Soudan, Minnesota. Pictures and biographies of all of our winners these past 50 years, along with early financial records and news articles of present and past directors are featured in a newly compiled book of the 50th Anniversary of SWU Scholarship Program, an archive of SWU at the Home Office in Joliet, Illinois.
Directors who served were Founder Marie Prisland from 1949 to 1965, Hermine Prisland Dicke 1965-1991, Carita Ancel Girmen 1991-1995, Interim Director Marjorie Yemec Church 1995-1996, and current Director Mary Fischer Turvey.
The vision of a long-time member, a woman who devoted her life to education, Miss Anna Rose Smolich, has brought the Scholarship program on a new and exciting path, the formation of the SWU Scholarship Foundation. A member of Branch 35, Aurora, Minnesota, Miss Smolich died in 1997 and at that time named the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program as a beneficiary with a $5,000.00 gift on condition that the Scholarship Program was tax exempt. During a very difficult process with objection by some, the Slovenian Women’s Union Foundation was finally formed as a corporation in December, 1998 and was federally approved as a tax exempt organization in April, 1999. Today we are truly appreciating Anna Rose Smolich’s perspective of our needs in order to survive for many years to come.
The SWU Foundation is currently staffed by the following officers as required by the rules of incorporation and federal law: President: Mary Turvey - Director of the Scholarship Program beginning July, 1996.
Vice President: Marjorie Church - Marge is also the National Vice President of the Slovenian Women’s Union. Her business degree and professional background, and unending dedication to all SWU functions have served as major contribution to the development of the SWU Foundation.
Secretary: Dr. Mary Prisland - Mary is a child psychologist living and practicing in Sebastopol, California. Being the daughter of Hermine Dicke, former Scholarship Fund Director, makes Mary very familiar with the operation of our organization.
Treasurer: Dr. Margaret Francel - Margaret is a professor of computer science and mathematics at The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina. Her maternal and paternal grandparents were Slovene immigrants to this country.
SWU Liaison Officer: The current National Vice President of the Slovenian Women’s Union at any given time serves in this capacity. Marjorie Church is currently the National Vice President and holds this office.
The Scholarship Fund Program continues to thrive today due to the generous support and continued interest of our members and friends. It is the hard work of our donors and dedicated Scholarship Fund directors that have “kept our dream alive”; the wish of all who have inherited a rich, treasured culture, that our young people will preserve and promote our precious Slovene traditions and history for generations to come.
Anna Rose Smolich
SWU ANNOUNCES SIX SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS FOR 2000!
The SWU Scholarship Committee is pleased to present six scholarship winners with total awards of $5,000.00 granted this year of 2000. The nonwinners were also all very deserving so again this year the evaluations were a difficult, time consuming task. We thank our committee members most sincerely for their work.
The Committee:
Dr. Margaret Francel, Gail Milton Dr. Mary Prisland, Mildred Pucel Dr. Lisa Vidergar Lucas, Theresa Mlakar Koci Mary Turvey, Director
THE ANNA ROSE SMOLICH AWARD
Gina Pustovar, 412 Marshall Street, Duluth, Minnesota, daughter of Tom and Monica Pustovar, and a member of Branch 34, Soudan, Minnesota is the recipient of the Anna Rose Smolich Award this year. She is the fourth generation of her family active in SWU. Great grandmother Angela Pavlich was the first president of Branch 34, followed by grandmother Adeline Pavlich Mustonen who served as president of Branch 34 for 20 years, and Gina’s mother, Monica Mustonen Pustovar and her sister, Leah who have both been members since birth.
Gina plans to attend the College of St. Benedict and major in Biology-Pre-medicine. Gina has received special departmental awards at Marshall High School for achievements in Religion courses, German classes, and also received a score of 32 on the ACT test. Volleyball, basketball and softball along with school organizations including being a member of the Yearbook staff, a clarinetist in the high school band, a member of the Math league, a member of the Operation Smile Organization and a past member of the International Club round out her school activities. Recently Gina has been volunteering at the local Benedictine Health Center, a resident home for senior citizens, along with time spent at local church events.
Sincere wishes for Gina’s success in all of her endeavors.
THE FRANCES BARMAN AWARD
Kelsey Singletary, 613 N.W. Wagner Ridge Court, Ankeny, Iowa, member of Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois and daughter of George and Janice Singletary has received the Frances Barman Award. Janice is the great granddaughter of Josephine Erjavec, past Supreme Secretary of the Slovenian Women’s Union. Her grandmother, Jonita Ruth is currently National Treasurer and has worked for many years at the SWU Home Office in Joliet. Janice plans to attend Iowa State University in fall, pursuing a degree in Journalism and Communication, eventually hoping to become a writer for a national magazine company. Janice has been active in organizations such as Students Against Destructive Decisions, the French Club and served as vice president of Circle of Friends. The later organization is a peer group that does various activities with students having special needs. She was chosen to represent her high school at the National Council on Youth Leadership and has been also selected to be a member of the National Honor Society for the past two years. Sports achievements have also been a big part of Janice’s high school years. At the end of her senior cross country season she received the Most Valuable Runner Award. She has completed in state cross country and track meets seven times. At one of the meets she broke her school record and placed 17th of the entire state. She received the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award along with being a basketball cheerleader for four years. A member of the National Honor Society for the past two years and National Council on Youth Leadership activities demonstrates her ability to maintain high grades and at the same time be involved in extra curricular activities. Janice does volunteer for her church and has taught religious education classes for preschoolers. She works part time at a grocery store.
Congratulations, Janice, on your fine scholastic and community work!
Kelsey
Charlene
Janelle
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION AWARD
Charlene Herrick, W8126 Twenty-Six Road, Willard, Wisconsin, member of Branch 102, Willard, Wisconsin, and daughter of Gregory and Sandra Herrick has been selected to receive a Slovenian Women’s Union Award. Grandmother, Marion Herrick has been an active member of Branch 102 and encouraed Charlene to participate in their local Grape Harvest Festival and learn Slovene music, in the form of songs and dance. Charlene will attend La Crosse University, majoring in Computer Science. As computers become more involved in every aspect of our lives, she hopes to help make them more user friendly and less time consuming.
School activities include being a member of the Student Council since 1998 of which she is currently president, and also being elected to become a member of the National Honor Society in 1998. Charlene has written grants, helped with blood drives, volunteered with a preschool program and helped in numerous fund-raisers, food drives and attended a leadership lab at University of Wiconsin-Stevens Point. She has been a member of the Future Homemakers of America since 1996 and attended a Laird Youth Leadership conference in Stevens Point in 1999.
Music brings much joy to Charlene as she plays the organ and sings in her church’s choir. She participates in Slovenian Masses during which time she and others dress in costume and sing Slovene music. Charlene also is a member of the high school chorus. Many good wishes to Charlene in her bright future.
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION AWARD
Janelle Marie Antilla, 406 South 3rd Street West, Aurora, Minnesota, member of Branch 35 and daughter of Curtiss and Rose (Bajda) Antilla has received a Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Award. Janelle will attend Bemidji State or the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Wisconsin, majoring in Business in September. Janelle’s Mother was the tenth of twelve children bom to Janelle’s grandparents who fled Slovenia in November 1949 as a result of the war. Grandmother Bajda gave Janelle the name “Punci” when she was bom, a name that has stayed with her all of these years among family and friends.
School activities have included being captain of the volleyball team which took third place in the state, and being chosen Fall Homecoming Queen. She is also a member of the yearbook and school newspaper staff and a small group leader. Janelle has been an altar server for seven years and enjoys her frequent visits to the nursing home. Best wishes to Janelle as she pursues her lifetime goals.
SWU CONTINUING EDUCATION AWARD
Janice Singletary, 613 N.W. Wagner Ridge Court, Ankeny, Iowa is a lifelong member of Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois. Janice is a graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelors Degree in teaching of the deaf and hard of hearing - kindergarten through 12th grade for the past eleven years. She also taught fifth grade for three years and was a substitute teacher in a variety of classrooms. She will begin studying for her masters degree at Drake Universty in the fall to obtain a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and a license to teach pre-school through 3rd grade, regular and special education. Jonita Ruth, current National Secretary and Office Manager of the Slovenian Women’s Union Home Office is her mother.
Janice has served on the Parents Advisory Committee at the local high school and co-chaired the entertainment committee for the high school’s after prom celebration. She has been a booster cub representative and a religious education teacher. Community activities are of prime interest to Janice. She attends city council meetings and helped developed a sports complex in the city of Ankeny.
Janice states “I have chosen to obtain my degree in early childhood education
Janice
as research has increasingly shown how important it is for children to have a good education and foundation as early in their lives as possible. This license to work in pre-school through 3rd grade in regular and special education classrooms is very important as most special needs children are being mainstreamed into regular classrooms.”
There are many young children with learning disabilities and they, along with their families, will benefit greatly from Janice’s decision to advance in her most significant profession.
SWU CONTINUING EDUCATION AWARD
Jeanne Mirtel, 8156 Fairmount Road, Russell, Ohio is a 20 year member of Branch 101, Bedford Heights, Ohio. She is returning to school to get a teaching certificate. Jeanne’s maternal grandmother was a charter member of Branch 47 and her paternal great grandmother Rose Merchar was a charter member of Branch 15. Florence Mirtel, Branch 101, is Jeanne’s grandmother.
Civic and community work that Jeanne has participated in are four years of teaching “Safety Town” for the city of Shaker Heights. This is a program for children ages four to six to teach them about the dangers of fire, crossing the street, guns, poisons and how to use 911. She also volunteered to baby sit at her church and was a SWU Ohio-Michigan SWU Convention hostess. During the past eight years Jeanne has helped with the “Bedford Heights Homedays,” a money making project for Branch 101.
Jeanne will complete her final year to receive an associate degree at Lakeland Community college and then will transfer to a four year college to begin work on her bachelor’s degree in teaching. Jeanne states “I hope to be the hero I pictured of my own teachers to a new generation of achievers.”
Wishing Jeanne every success with her goals.
Jeanne
UPDATE On a Past Scholarship Winner!
To All the Members of the Slovenian Women’s Union!
I am writing to again say thank you for the generous scholarship that I was awarded four years ago. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was a senior in high school, nervously preparing for my first year of college. Now, four years later, I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Denison University. I simply want to say thank you for the many opportunities I was able to enjoy in college.
My freshman year of college was truly an experience. I learned how to be creative when sharing a room the size of a closet with another girl. I got to know students from all over the U.S., and I decided on a major in English literature (my minor, however, would change twice before I settled on Political Science in my sophomore year).
Sophomore year I became involved in some activities on campus. I was a DJ for the school radio station, WDUB, and I worked as the office manager for the women’s tennis team. 1 also began volunteering at an after-school program for elementary students in nearby Newark, OH.
Junior year was the highlight of my college life, because it was that fall that I was able to spend a semester in Cambridge, England. I took classes from some of Cambridge University's most esteemed professors at the Institute of
Economic and Political Studies. I lived in a house with other American students, and traveled extensively. In less than four months I was able to see much of England, as well as Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Fourteen rolls of film and thousands of memories later, I resumed studies at Denison in the winter.
My senior year was a bittersweet one. I completed my major in English and my minor in Political Science, and also took over as chairperson of an after-school tutoring program . I recruited volunteers to spend two hours a week helping underprivileged elementary school students with their homework. I also studied for and took the Graduate Record Exam (in preparation for graduate school), and applied to a few volunteer programs. Then, suddenly, it was May, and I found myself saying goodbye to all of the friends that I had made while at Denison.
Currently, I am at home for the summer and working at the PRS Insurance Group, I found out not long ago that I was accepted into the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. The JVC is an organization that sends volunteers to sites all over the U.S. I’ve recently taken a position in Fresno, CA, where I will be working with the Youth Programs division of Catholic Charities. The commitment is for one year, and during that time I will not only volunteer at a full-time job, but I will also meet and live with other volunteers and participate
DONATIONS FOR ZARJA-HERITAGE-SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Our generous members have contributed to the three above-named SWU Funds, included with their dues payments. The following list of additional donations continues from the list published in May-June, 2000 ZARJA.
Your free-will donations are a true reflection of your loyalty and love for Slovenian Women’s Union! Thank you!
Donor
Blatnik, Holly (50)
Hofer, Bertha (20)
Kamensek, Darinka (2)
Ursick, Rose L. (3)
Urbančič, Mary (25)
Kociancic, David (50)
Church, Marjorie (42)
Novince, Anne (14)
Somrack, Melissa (memory of Jane Somrack) (50) Radosevich, Margaret (33)
Foley, Ruth (33)
Richardson, Alenka (103)
Kalac, Josephine M (68)
Buric, George (20)
Menapace, Ana Rojinna (103)
Wheeler, David & James (35)
(honor of “nan" Anne Orazem)
Gorensek, Julianna (50)
Martin, Matilda (95)
Kociancic, Mary Rose (47)
Icenhour, Mary Louise (30)
Pieman, Justine (50)
Duncan, Molly (50)
(memory of Molly Mauer)
Zarja	Heri-	Scholar-
	tage	ship
($)	(*)	($)
		10
10	10	5
5		
5		
10		
10		
10	10	10
5		
10
2
10
10
5
10
10
5
20
10
2
5
20
Thank You ZARJA Donations
“The members and officers of Br. 50, Euclid, Ohio are pleased to be able to contribute to continuing the work of our organization. Please accept the enclosed contribution of $25.00. It is part of our annual contribution for this worthy cause. Mary E. Miller."
What a nice letter!
“The enclosed donation is being made by the members of Br. 105, Detroit, MI in memory of Edward Klančnik, husband of social member, Betty Klančnik and father-in-law of member, Anna Klančnik. Patricia Adamic."
Their check is indeed appreciated!
$25 - Br. 50, Cleveland, OH $20 - Br. 105, Detroit, MI $10 - Mary Muller, Oakbrook, IL Thanks also to the generous members for their individual contributions, totalling $87 that were included with dues payments, May-June, 2000.
TOTAL
$92.00
45
87
HERITAGE DONATIONS
$250 American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ);
$25 Br. 50, Euclid, OH;
$10 Elaine Weber, Br. 20, Joliet, IL in memory of her mother Ann Judnick Volkl; Louise Petrusich, Br. 13, San Francisco, CA;
$8 Helen Horwath, Br. 20, Joliet, IL;
$5 Carol Maticic, Br. 50, Euclid, OH
These donations were sent directly to the Home Office. Other donations from members appear on this page, totaling an additional $45 for the Heritage Fund.
in a number of workshops and spiritual retreats. When I return home in August of 2001, I will most likely spend a few months applying for and interviewing with graduate schools. I plan on pursuing a Master’s degree in English, and eventually a Ph.D... but those plans are always subject to change!
I simply want to thank you again for the scholarship, and let you know that it was put to good use!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hrovat,
Br. 50, Cleveland, Ohio
SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATIONS April 2000 and May 2000
$5.00 donations: Bill Slogar (tRalph “Rakey” Grahek), Frank & Fran Shepel (tSister Antonia Erchul), Frank & Fran Shepel (tFrances Hutar Blatnik)
$10.00 donation: Mary Okicki (tStanley Zupančič) $25.00 donations: Mary Petrie (thusband Joseph Petrie), SWU Branch 55, Girard, Ohio (tCharter Member, Matilda Cigolle), SWU Branch 50, Cleveland, Ohio - gift to Scholarship Fund.
$3,700.00 donations: total of donations received by Bonnie Prokup, National Secretary, for the SWU Scholarship Fund.
Each and every gift to our Scholarship Program, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. If only it were possible to thank individually each of the over 200 members who sent in money specifically for our fund. This large number of gifts affirms and also is a great support to the workers of our Scholarship Program. Your kindness will be reflected in the future through a greater number of financial awards that will be given to our scholars in all walks of life.
Mary Turvey
For donations and correspondence write to:
52 Oakridge Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Annual Board of Directors’ Meeting March 23, 24, 25, 2000, Joliet, Illinois
In attendance: Kathleen Dorchak, President; Maijorie Church, Vice President; Bonnie Prokup, Secretary; Jonita Ruth, Treasurer; Beverly Menart, Auditor; Beverly Jackson, Auditor; Fran Morison, Auditor; Agnes Dobczyk, Women’s Director; Corinne Leskovar, ZARJA Editor. Absent: Mary Turvey, Scholarship Director; Fr. David Stalzer, Museum Director; and Angela Stare, Youth Director.
Meeting opened with prayer led by Fr. George Klepec, Pastor, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Joliet, IL.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. A permanent copy will be placed of record in the Minute Book at the home office.
Written reports by each Board Member were submitted to the attendees for reading and discussion. Each Board Member was given time to review and discuss her report. All written reports will be included in the Minute Book.
National Secretary’s Report: Discussed and decided was the placement of procedures to be prepared, delivered and explained to any newly elected, incoming officers.
As of this date in March 2000, meeting, generous donations have made by the membership that were included with their annual aseessments payments as folows: ZARJA $1,738, heritage $665, Scholarship $2,803 for a total of $5,206. The appreciation was expressed by the Board to members for their tremendous support which acknowledged the fact that our members care and share.
Bonnie Prokup, National Secretary, presented statistics in form of graphs regarding the average age of membership, membership by region, membership count, and average age.
The Secretary’s financial report was submitted to the Board for review and audit by Board Auditors. Concern was expressed that not all branches are updating their records. A report was submitted to each branch in January, and the secretary is still waiting for updates. A reminder will be placed in ZARJA that updating and late payers be given time before any cancellations are made. We do not want to lose members because of an oversight.
Regarding book audits, the Secretary thought it prudent to have all bank statements reviewed by the Board of Auditors and will request that Auditors review the monthly SWU bank statements for acceptance or correction. This information will be supplied to the Auditors.
Monthly overhead expenses of SWU was reviewed and it was decided that proceeds from interest on investments he increased by $500 per month to be put into the operating checking account to help defray the normal cost of operations. This request was made based on the normal increased overhead and income remaining the same or lowered.
For the future, it may be wise to hire an outside firm to print up the dues invoices or procure a new printer to prepare all these statements.
Museum Director Report: Fr. David Stalzer (not in attendance due to illness) submitted a written report of the needs of the Museum/Heritage Room. Fr. Stalzer reiterated his views (from his hospital room) regarding the need for
better archival storage and building repair and maintenance.
Financial Report: Midwest Bank representatives Ron Eijavec and Theodore Flint submitted the financial standing of monies held in reserve by First Midwest Trust company for coverage of insurance payouts to the members’ beneficiaries. This is a requirement by the State of Illinois Insurance Commission to keep on hand finances required to take care of all death benefit payments. We are in good standing and are maintaining a reserve as required by the regulations of the Illinois State Insurance Commission.
Scholarship Report: Mary Turvey, Scholarship Director, submitted, along with her annual report and financial statements, an archival book to be placed in the Museum relating to all recipients of the Scholarship Funds since its inception, including history, past directors and biographies. In Mary’s absence, Marjorie Church (also Vice President of the Scholarship Foundation) reported that a major contribution was made to the Scholarship Foundation (a nonprofit corporation) in the amount of $100,000 donated by the Slovene Rest Home in Fontana, California. It was gifted to the Scholarship Foundation (established in 1999) through the efforts of Rosemary Mlaker, Secretary of Branch 100 in Fontana and also former Director of the now defunct Slovene Rest Home in Fontana. The Board expressed the most sincere appreciation of such of grand “windfall” to be used for the purposes of promoting higher education, vocational education and continuing education. Thanks to Rosemary, Branch 100 and to the Vidergar family who were so instrumental in giving the Foundation this opportunity to expand the Foundation’s assistance to persons who qualify within the Foundation’s guidelines.
ZARJA Editor Report: The focus of the ZARJA is to assist and inform the membership. Input from membership would provide the knowledge of where the SIovene-Amer-ican Woman stands today and ultimately focus the magazine toward the interest of all readers.
Since the last Board meeting, Corinne attended an archival seminar in Slovenia and in learning of the care and pride which the Slovenia preserves its heritage, she suggested that it would be necessary for all branches to create their own archives with the assistance of the Officers guidance. A plan to create procedures to assist the branches with saving their documents (was) is to be implemented. Hopefully, this information can be given to the members attending the State Conventions.
It was noted that as of July 1, 2002, Corinne Leskovar will have served as ZARJA Editor for 50 years.
Auditors’ Report: Financial statements for the one year period ending December 31, 1999 were submitted to the Board. The Auditors sat in review with the National Secretary of items expended and income derived during the year. The National Secretary requested that the Auditors review the monthly bank statements which will be sent to them every 3 to 4 months. The financial report was in order and was filed.
Women’s Activities Report: Agnes Dobczyk suggested that since it is difficult to get all branches to participate in a single activity, to make contact with Regional Officers and Branch Officers to create activities within their regional areas. A survey will be submitted to branch officers requesting their ideas.
Items discussed:
1) Web site is near completion. Marc Judnick is the SWU of America Webmaster. Further developments will be submitted to the Board for approval.
2) Membership Roster in process of being prepared once all branches have submitted list of current officers. Also listed will be National Officers, Regional Officers and Branch Officers. Included will be all forms to be used by Branch Secretaries to assist in the record keeping of their members. Other miscellaneous forms will be included as relates to SWU.
3) Fundraiser for museum restoration/refurbishing was discussed. Marge Church suggested selling, for a $10.00 donation, a one month calendar for the month of January 2001 whereby a recipient can receive a prize if selected as a winner from daily drawings. The idea was accepted by the Board and to be implemented in the near future.
4) An invitation was extended to the Board to attend the Wisconsin Convention on September 10,2000. President Kathleen to respond that some one will be the official guest.
5) Bonnie Prokup, National Secretary, wished to comment and make known that her sister Debbie Pohar (computer programmer) was extremely instrumental in setting up, organizing, and re-inputing the data into the computer system. This was a major undertaking and Debbie’s assistance was formidable. The Board expressed sincere appreciation and would make recognition of her assistance.
6) Cookbook Update: SWU has an outstanding cookbook to sell and the means of marketing these books was reviewed with hopes to contact someone in the field of marketing to suggest ideas in promotion and advertising. President (Kathleen) Dorchak will pursue procuring a person to focus on our marketing efforts.
7) The Eastern and Western Regions of the United States are without regional president representation. The Board Officers were designated to contact and have someone appointed to spearhead those parts of the country.
8) Heritage gift items are available for sale at the Museum. It was decided to add more gift items of interest for the membership, and in order to do so, the items currently in inventory are to be reduced in price for last sales return.
9) With the Internet in wide use today, it was thought that getting our junior members involved in a possible “penpal” program would bring the junior membership together. At the 2003 National Convention, it would be a good forum to have the pen pals meet. The Board hopes to make the next National Convention a family affair. In order to do so, the National Convention (Duluth, MN) has been moved from May to June 2003 so families can attend.
10) It was suggested that the Regional Presidents be invited to the next scheduled Board meeting. It would be a means of making the Regional Presidents more informed and knowledgeable in the interworkings of SWU and in that way they are able to advise the branches in the regions of National activities and concerns. Through this method, more support can be achieved from branches throughout the country and create a closer tie.
11) The Heritage Fund report was not complete as of this meeting. The report will be prepared and forwarded to the Auditors and President for their review.
12) Advertisements for cookbooks will be placed in the KSKJ Glasilo, Prosveta and Ameriška Domovina. Marjorie Church will undertake the placement of the ads.
13) A patch work quilt consisting of all branches is to be created by Beverly Menart to put on display at the next National Convention, and later it will be sent to the Heritage room for permanent display. More details will follow in the ZARJA and correspondence sent to all branches with further details. Each branch will be requested to send in their patch design.
14) Pro-rating memberships was discussed. Due to billing being only once a year in January, it would be extremely difficult to continue sending out billings randomly throughout the year.
15) All Board members were asked to submit a list of questions they would like answered by the membership so a survey sheet can be prepared to submit to the membership. This list is to be presented at the next Board Meeting scheduled for July 27-29, 2000.
16) Per diem for Board Members who attend Board meetings was discussed and it was decided to remain the same as in previous years, $50.00 per day for lodging and meals, and covered for the actual expense of travel to and from the meeting from Board Member’s home. Travelers by car to be reimbursed at 0.33 cents per mile. (Standard IRS rate at 1/1/00).
17) Jonita Ruth, as Office Manager of the SWU home office submitted a list of projects completed and to be completed. All internal operational questions were discussed and either acted upon or tabled for future planning.
The meeting closed with a prayer by Maijorie Church and a ‘thought for th day’ was given by Beverly Jackson.
President Dorchak adjourned the meeting on the third day, Saturday, March 25, 2000 at 3:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Nicki Blowers,
Recorder of Minutes. Condensed by Marjorie Church, National Vice President
National President’s Report
What an exciting time we are in - the dawn of a new century! The National Board of Directors of Slovenian Women’s Union is facing many challenges, as well as opportunities. I am encouraged with all of the enthusiasm of the board members. Each board member has ideas and suggestions to make our organization stronger. Each Board Member is committed to working hard to make our organ-ziation successful. I am thankful to be working with such a great group of dedicated and enthusiastic members.
I have heard from many of the members who have called me to provide me with suggestions and ideas for the National Board Meeting. I really enjoy the personal contact and wish I could hear from many more of our members.
As the national board meets for the second time, I would like to encourage the board to keep their enthusiasm and belief that we can make a difference. We must always believe in this quote by Michael Korda, “In order to succeed we must first believe that we can.” I know that together we can do anything we put our minds to. We love this organization and want its continued growth.
Remember that everyday God gives each of us the opportunity to make a difference. Let’s take advantage of that opportunity and do just that for our beloved Slovenska Ženska Zveza.
Kathleen Dorchak
National Vice President’s Report
During the past 8 months, the Board has been busy with each of their tasks resulting with improvements in many areas. Each Board Member is striving to keep the SWU viable and looking to new younger members for their input. There is much talent out there in our younger membership!
As Vice President, the job is to assist the President and act in her behalf if for some reason she is not able. Our President is available and active, and following up on all projects in various matters.
Since there is not always a job covered, allocated or assigned to a Board Member, the opportunity arose for me to assist in other ways. The first action was to get a computer installed, with as little cost as possible, in the home office which was done in August, 1999. The home office is now “online” at swuhome@msn.com. In March, 2000, a color ink jet printer was added to the computer at no cost to SWU. Since that time, our National Secretary has discovered that some of our branch secretaries and members are “online.” Welcome to the computer world!
Last October, 1 had the opportunity to speak to the delegates of the Ohio-Michigan State Convention on the importance of membership. Another activity was to attend a heritage archival meeting held at the Slovenian National Home, Collinwood, Cleveland to learn of some facts of storing documents, etc.
An additional item needing attention is securing funds through donations for the improvement of the Heritage Museum and updating of the home office building which is 90 years old. 1 have contacted a foundation in Cleveland with an appeal of receiving funds to start a renovation fund. It is hoped that help will come from inside or outside the membership to develop the museum to a more significant status. Any developments will be reported later.
Am currently working on a branch officer membership roster to be distributed to branch Presidents/Secretaries but all branches need to respond before the booklet can be completed. If branch officers have not sent in their list of current officers, it is important to do this as soon as possible.
In the meantime, best wishes to you for good health and happiness.
Zbogom,
Marjorie Church
National Secretary’s Report
The transition has been a very challenging experience. After a somewhat slow beginning, I would like to summarize some of the major activities that have taken place:
• Along with the help from Jonita Ruth and other members of Branch 20, we merged 6 membership lists into 1. This process started in August and ended in January. This enabled us to simplify the filling process and combine billing and Dept, of Insurance reporting requirements. This is an ongoing process and continued efforts need to be made to ensure the list is current and all pertinent information is correct. In addition, I hope to work with the Editor of ZARJA to combine this mailing list with hers.
• Designed and implemented a new Access database for membership information.
• Due to that large amount of matching policy numbers an ID number was created for each member. This number is used to input dues paid.
• Sent membership lists to all branch presidents.
• Sent a questionnaire to all branch presidents. This form will complete the history of each branch as requested by the Editor. It will also have all of the information for Marge Church to create a Branch Officer Directory.
• A new invoice was designed for billing.
• Took the suggestion from National Board Meeting in July and added an area on Invoices for Donations.
• With the help of Marge Church - created a letter to send to all new members, welcoming them to SWU.
• Suggested and handled sales of American Airlines raffle tickets benefiting ZARJA resulting in donations before expenses of approximately $2,300.
• Completed billing by February 22, 2000.
• Deceased and New Member reports are forwarded to Corinne for each ZARJA listing.
As you can see, there was a lot of work done to redefine the way we communicate with our branches and membership, confirming our membership, and improving work processes as it relates to billing.
FINANCIAL REVIEWS
Income:
Since taking office July 1, 1999, there was very little additional cash flow outside of the income from the trust that is used to pay benefits and cover some of the administrative expenses of our organization to cover normal operating expenses. Dues billed were approximately $58,000 but actual amounts received were less. Although a reserve for uncollectible funds has not been established. I recommend we do so but will wait until the board reviews and discusses these statements. As discussed with the board, no members have been cancelled due to lack of payment prior to the change in officers. Per Article 3.11 of the bylaws, any member not paying their annual payments by the third month of every year is subject to policy cancellation. I feel a discussion with members of the board should take place regarding this topic and an action plan established.
Lastly, cookbook sales in the latter part of the year increased. These funds are earmarked for the convention and are not intended for use in daily operations.
Expenses:
As you have heard in the past, the highest expense of this organization is related to printing of the ZARJA magazine. This amounted to $42,000 for 7 printings paid this fiscal year. We need to continue to work towards validating our membership to ensure we receive the amount of dues we are expecting and do not incur additional printing expenses for »hose who are no longer members. In addition, we need to continue to look for new ways to generate interest and donations to help support not only ZARJA, but also all activities of our organization. Other significant expenses included death benefit payments, officers’ salaries, and postage. I submit the following unaudited Profit and Loss Statement for the Board’s review and discussion.
Balance Sheet:
I submit the following balance sheet for review. Adjustments have been made to the balance of the Trust Fund account to reflect current cost and mark,., valuation. I have attached a copy of the financial statements of the administrator and pre-election financial transferred to me by my
predecessor to justify the adjustments. In addition, I recommend a reserve be established for the valuation liability of this organization. Changes to reflect accepted account principles need to be discussed and adopted during year 2000. Filings with the Dept, of Insurance will reflect the calculated valuation amount for year 1999.
Slovenian Women’s Union Profit and Loss For Year Ended December, 1999
Income:
Convention Fund (includes Transfer)
Dues Income
Heritage Fund (Net Transfer)
Interest Income
Unrealized Gain on Trust Value ZARJA Income Miscellaneous Income
Total Income Expenses:
Administrative Stipend Advertising
Convention Fund/Cookbooks
Death Benefits Paid
Insurance
Office Expense
Payroll
Postage
Printing
Professional Fees Taxes
Travel (includes Convention/Bd. Meetings) Utilities (includes Telephone) Miscellaneous Expense
Total Expenses Net Income Assets:
Checking/Savings Fair Market Value of Trust -Valuation at Year End Certificate of Deposit
Liabilities:
Death Benefit Liability - Estimated ZARJA Printing
$51,150.00
58.316.00 (5,587.00)
40.761.00
18.544.00
2.137.00
4.962.00
170,292.00
$2,956.00
350.00
26.192.00
16.934.00
886.00
3.602.00
24.242.00
9.187.00
43.389.00 778.00
2.362.00
13.809.00
6.102.00 7,844.00
$158,535.00
$11,757.00
$26,225.00
$793,993.00
11,065.00
$400,000.00
15,820.00
Bonnie Prokup, National Secretary
National Treasurer’s Report
In the past half year I have continued to operate as the Office Manager of the SWU Home Office in Joliet. I have listed the most evident duties that have been accomplished and would like to discuss many of the ideas that have come to me during the course of the recent half year.
My first concern is to increase the membership. What are we doing to encourage youth enrollment and what are we doing for the young members we have already enrolled? It is my hope that we communicate more with the Regional Presidents and Branch officers to set up an effective program.
As an example of how we get new members, we did sign up two in Br. 89 as a result of the services held at our St. Joseph’s Church for the Beatification of the first Slovenian Saint, Bishop Slomšek. As we took part in the procession, mass, and the social reception held in our Home Office, we had a capacity crowd. Thanks to all those members who participated. The SWU made a good showing and we welcome our new members, signed up that day.
Cookbook sales are going well and I am in charge of the records and direct deposits. Also, I do the heavy lifting of boxes to the post office. The advertisements in the Slovenian papers ordered by Marjorie Church have been very successful. Branch 20 has been selling cookbooks at various affairs in this area and we thank those who have arranged for publicity in neighboring regions.
The building is being maintained by hard work and hours of personal attention. Not only is it necessary to decorate the windows appropriately, there is also the fixing and solving of problems such as repair of weather damage. At my urging the Joliet Sewer Dept, explored the problem and found the reason for water damage in our basement. The city has now repaired it.
There is constant activity in the Home Office. I try to welcome everyone who comes in the door, answer all calls and attend to every request. It is a very time-consuming job and often I wonder how it can all get done. But, with the help of members of Br. 20 and the Heritage Committee, I am able to manage.
Fund-raisers are continuously needed and with the costs increasing everywhere, I hope that all our ideas will be successful. Thanks to Secretary Bonnie Prokup for her American Airlines Raffle which brought in several thousand dollars. Everyone has ideas, but it is necessary to put them in action with successful results and that is not always possible. We must continue to involve our members in everything we do.
I	hope we will have time to consider some of the proposals I have listed.
Jonita Ruth
Statement of Auditing committee
An audit of the financial statements presented by the National Secretary, National Scholarship Fund Director and Heritage Museum Director were checked and verified at the meeting on March 24, 2000 and were found in complete order.
Beverly Menart, Chairman Beverly Jackson Fran Morison
First National Auditor’s Report
Since being elected First National Auditor at the Convention in May 1999, I attended the July 1999 Board of Directors meeting in Joliet, and at that time, we reviewed the account books of Mary Turvey, Scholarship Director and found them in good order.
At that time I attended the annual picnic hosted by Branch 2, Chicago, held at Lemont. It was a beautiful day and it was so nice to renew friendships with past officers and friends.
Back in Minnesota I attended Minnesota Day, our Regional Convention which was hosted by Branch 34, Soudan in conjunction with their 70th Anniversary. We at Branch 33 in Duluth also celebrated our 70th Anniversary in October. Many other Branches have or are celebrating anniversaries and I commend and congratulate each and every one.
We are beginning to make some inquiries and plans for the 2003 National Convention in Duluth, MN. It seems like a long way off, but before we know it, it will be here.
I	am looking forward to another successful board meeting.
Beverly A. Menart
Editor’s Report
Do we remember where we were a year ago and what we were doing? It seems like this new millennium energized us to set out full force in our efforts to succeed in the many tasks that the convention presented, before and after that week in Orlando. Again, thanks to all who have supported the work of our ZARJA and made the editor’s job easier.
Congratulations to Kathleen and Bonnie who had the most difficult schedules and plans to follow. With your good will and understanding, we seem to be presenting the message in our Mission Statement successfully to the membership.
Because of the decision of the delegate body to change the bylaws of SWU that offers new non-insurance membership, it is now even more necessary to give our members a good return on their assessment. First and foremost is ZARJA, which we all must support with our best ideas and best writing so that many new members will join in order to receive it. What your ideas are and your suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I believe our focus should be, more than ever, THE AMERICAN-SLOVENIAN WOMAN, who she is, what she is interested in, how to support her needs, and education and instruction. I hereby sincerely ask for your contributions so we can make ZARJA the strongest means for our unification.
If you will each give me your ideas on how this can be accomplished I will make every effort to succeed. We do, indeed, have a formidable task, but one that we can attain, with the blessings of our foremothers who left us a legacy that is do-able. They succeeded in doing the impossible and we can, too.
The Gathering of our Archives
As members of Slovenian Women’s Union of America we know we have been in existence for over 70 years - in fact, it’s 73 years now. That is two full generations of members with a third generation among our youngest. What was it like when the SWU was formed over 70 years ago? How did it happen? Who made it happen? What are the remainders of the 70 years?
We need the documents, photographs and correspondence that will tell us about the Slovenian Women’s Union in detail, from the beginning to the present time. This will comprise our Archive, our proof of the past - and the resource for the future.
We are fortunate in having the chronicle of the past printed in our publication ZARJA - THE DAWN, in exis-
tence since 1929. ZARJA gives us our greatest amount of information. We can use ZARJA for deeper documentation. But, among the most important items to save as archives are the actual papers, documents, photos, and things which answer all the questions and fill in our historical review.
Every branch should know its founding members, have a listing of all officers that ever served, and the years they were active. Dated photographs of events, and people, show the life of the organization. All the ledgers from the secretaries and treasurers that were kept so conscientiously should be found, and then put into the archives. The branches which have already started keeping these items safely in their care are very fortunate. There is no question about the value of searching for these items by all the rest of the branches who may not have them now. It is important that we know about the past workings of the organization in order to show those to come in the future who will carry on this work. In any case, it is important for the American-Slovenian community that there is a good recording of the Slovenian Women’s Union, its life and its activities.
Our sincere commendation to the branches and diligent officers who have already been doing this work, keeping photo albums, reports, write-ups, etc. They enjoy displaying their history and the members enjoy learning about it. However, there is still more that should be done and it can be done with the efforts of this National Committee and Branch Officers.
My proposal is that the National Officers take leadership in their localities, contacting all the branches they have in their neighboring communities. State Presidents should be requested to help instruct the branches and distribute the materials needed. Every branch needs to have liaison with the National Office where, eventually, these documents will be safe-guarded.
My further recommendation is that at this meeting we select a formula to begin the work that will include,
1: Interviewing older members or their families for any information they may have;
2. Search out the past officers or their families to obtain any paper records they may still have;
3. Ask present members to search for photos, etc. they will be willing to give up for the branch archive;
4. Arrange for a system of documentation which will be standard for the entire organization. For this you will use the materials provided such as boxes, folders, envelopes, etc.
Lastly, we will need to make library reference systems for all the printed material that can be found in ZARJA. Some members still have old ZARJA copies and will be willing to give them up. In any case: DON’T THROW ANYTHING AWAY without examining it!
And, lastly, let us appropriate a little fund for the purchase of the materials we need, find a space at the Home Office where the Archives can be kept safely, and give ourselves a goal by which time the work can be accomplished.
Long live the Slovenian Women’s Union!
Corinne Leskovar
Heritage Museum Director’s Report
Dear Board Members of S.W.U.
Since my appointment as Heritage Director, I have done the following:
Wrote articles for ZARJA Magazine. Correspondence in regards to funding for the museum. Made numerous phone calls. Personally met with city and contractors for renovation bids. Written letters of appeal for funds to K.S.K.J.,
S.N.P.J. and the Frank Lausche Foundation I suggest the possibility of a letter of appeal to each adult member and that local branches to do a fund-raiser for our project. A way to unite in this effort.
We should set some target dates and hopefully see some results by the Fall of this year.
With prayers for the future of S. W. U. and the advancement of the Slovenian Heritage Museum.
Fr. David J. Stalzer
Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program Report for year of 1999
Scholarship Recipients for 1999:
Nathan Lee, Br. 35 - Anna Rose Smolich Award Constance Mlakar, Br. 100 - SWU Award Julie Wadycki, Br. 2 - Frances Barman Award
The 50th Anniversary of the Scholarship Fund, 1949—
1999,	was successfully celebrated with updates of a number of past scholarship winner’s biographies appearing in ZARJA during this past year. Letters were written to approximately 70 past winners from seven branches. A historical collection of articles from ZARJA containing information on the past winners, directors, and old financial statements is being prepared to be placed on one of the shelves of our Museum. A second identical book will be kept with the current director at any given time. Special thanks to Jonita Ruth and Jean Železnikar for their help.
Letters were mailed September 24, 1999 to each of the branches requesting volunteers to serve on a four year term as members of the scholarship committee. Four new members were the result. They are: Gail Milton, Branch 38, Mildred Pucel, Branch 23, Lisa Vidergar Lucas, Branch 100 and Teresa Koci, Branch 100. Two other members continue to serve: Dr. Margaret Francel, Branch 35, and Dr. Mary Prisland, Branch 1.
The Slovenian Women’s Union Foundation which was established in April 1999 has the following officers as required by the Federal Government.
President: Mary Turvey, Vice President: Marge Church, Secretary: Dr. Mary Prisland, Treasurer: Dr. Margaret Francel.
At this time the Foundation has a balance of $2,126.16. Only two awards will be given in Anna Rose Smolich’s name due to the huge legal cost of establishing this non tax exempt corporation. Hopefully members will see the benefit of this account and will begin donating to it.
Three Continuing Education Awards are being offered for the year 2000-2001. They are new awards: they may need more publicity, but should be well received.
Serving as the director of the Scholarship Fund Program has been a great deal of work but I am honored to be associated with a very fine organization: The Slovenian Women’s Union.
Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Fund Year ended December 31, 1999 Income and Expense Report
Check Book Balance at 12/3111998 CD Balance at 12/31/1998
Total Assets at 12/31/1998
INCOME 1999
Interest Earned-Checking
Interest Earned-Certificate of Deposit (CD)
Transfer CD Acc. Interest to Checking Acct.
Donations
Reimbursement from Foundation Scholarship Fund Total Income-1999
Total assets-1999
EXPENSES 1999
Scholarship Pymts. 2nd 1/21998 Scholarship Pymts. 1st 1/21999 Scholarship Pymts Non-Winners Office Supplies Postage
Reimbursement to SWU National 1999 Convention Ad Printing
Transfer Donation to Foundation Scholarship Fund Operating Expenses-Telephone, pohto-copying, etc. Administration Stipend Withdraw from Assets - CD Account Total Expenses-1999
Total Assets-1999
Checking Account Balance at 12/31/1999 Certificate of Deposit at 12/31/1999
$ 4,443.64 11,857.64
$ 16,301.28
85.95
414.78
2,100.46
3,638.00
180.00
$ 6,419.19
$ 22,720.47
1,000.00
1,000.00
50.00 108.42 139.60
8.00
20.00 11.58 100.00 108.99 600.00
2,100.46
($ 5,278.56)
$ 17,441.91
$ 7,269.95 $ 10,171.96
Total Assets-1999	$	17,441.91
Slovenian Women’s Union Foundation
For the period beginning April 23, 1999 -ending December 31, 1999
$5,000.00
100.00
5,100.00
Income
Anna Rose Smolich gift Donation
Total Income
Expenses
Attorney fees for Corporation1	$2,435.24
State of Michigan Corporation fee	10.00
U.S. Postmaster	28.60
Scholarship - first payment Creighton Univ.	500.00
Total Expenditures	2,973.84
Balance	$2,126.16
1 one time only fee to establish a non-profit corp. in the State of Michigan
Mary Turvey, Director
(From OurHeritaae ‘Kitchens
Veda Tordfcvar :
From all of us in Minnesota, warmest wishes to all our SWU Sisters for a fulfilling summer. The weather in Minnesota has been nothing short of splendid. A mild March and April gave way to early garden planting and a glorious spring. In April, Club 9 of Chisholm, a chapter of the Minnesota All Slav Association, hosted an overwhelmingly successful dinner dance attended by many SWU members from across the Iron Range. The proceeds are earmarked for scholarships to students of Slovene heritage.
On May 12-13 and 14, The Slovenian National Home of Chisholm celebrated its 55th Anniversary. At the Grand Banquet on May 13th, the keynote address was given by Michaela Logar, Secretary to the Foreign Ministry of Slovenia for Slovenian Abroad. She was accompanied by Slovenian Consul Anton Gogala who is headquartered in Cleveland and has 12 states under his jurisdiction, among them Minnesota. A third member of the Foreign Ministry who honored the event, was Counsellor Joseph Polichar.
As summer approaches, coupled with hot and humid days, we hope that the recipes will ease the anxieties and responsibilities of cooking. The recipes are easy, not too time consuming, and deliciously good.
Chicken Caesar Salad
6 cups torn Romaine
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into strips
2 cups seasoned salad croutons
3/< cups shredded Parmesan cheese l/i tsp. sale 6 tbsp. olive or vegetable oil 1;3 cup lemon juice
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1;4 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
In a salad bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the oil, lemon juice, garlic and pepper; shake well. Drizzle over salad greens; toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Best Green Bean Bake
1 can(103/4 oz.) Campbell’s condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup I;2 cup milk 1 tsp. soy sauce dash of pepper
4	cups cooked cut green beans 1 can (2.8 oz.) French’s French Fried Onions (1!/j cups)
In 1 l/i qt. casserole mix soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, beans and *'2 can onions.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until hot. Stir. Sprinkle remaining onions over bean mixture. Bake 5 minutes or until onions are golden.
TIP: Frozen, canned or fresh, the green bean choice is yours. Use 1 bag (16-20 oz.); 2 packages (9 oz. each) frozen green beans; 2 cans (about 16 oz. each) green beans or about 1 '2 pounds fresh green beans for this classic recipe.
*********** Shrimp Rice Salad
1 lb. cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 package (10 ozs.) frozen peas thawed
3 cups cooked rice ll/2 cups chopped celery XU cup chopped onion l'i cup vegetable oil
3	tbsp. cider vinegar
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. curry powder 1;i tsp. celery seed 1;2 tsp. salt
leaf lettuce
cherry tomatoes, optional
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients; toss gently. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce and seasonings. Shake well. Add to shrimp mixture and toss. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Serve on lettuce. Garnish with tomatoes if desired.
Awesome Apple Cake with Miracle Sauce
2 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon f/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 cup solid vegetable shortening 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs lightly beaten
4 cups diced, peeled Granny Smith apples (2 pounds)
1 cup walnuts chopped
Miracle Sauce:
1 cup white sugar or dark brown sugar if preferred 1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1;4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Heat oven to 350 degres. Coat 13x9” baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg into medium-sized bowl.
With electric mixer on high speed, beat together shotening, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and beat well.
On medium speed, beat in flour mixture, and beat two minutes. Stir in the diced apples. Pour batter into prepared dish. Top with chopped nuts.
Bake in 350° oven 35 minutes or until brown around edges. Cool in pan on wire rack.
Miracle Sauce:	Mix	sugar,
cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 cups cold water in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thick. Stir in lemon juice and when just warm, spread over cake.
MORE POTS AND PANS IS FOR EVERYONE!
The SWU pays tribute to the work and dedication of Hermine Prisland Dicke, in the new cookbook, MORE POTS AND PANS. Hermine’s favorite recipes are also included. We are proud of the great history of our organization and the people who have made it great!
************
**************
ACTIVITIES
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Thurs. St. Stephen’s lower hall
You can start your summer by celebrating with the Chinese - this is their year of the “Dragon.” Find a good Chinese restaurant and enjoy a fun time exploring some of their great cooking. You can tell your waiter it is your first time “eating Chinese” and they will be glad to tell more about the food that you ordered. Enjoy!
We are happy we had three members who were honored as Mothers/Women of the Year 2000.
Elsie Krochel Wojdula was Woman of the Year for Br. 2. We had a nice time - Father Vendelin came from Lemont and officiated at the Mass. Elsie crowned our Blessed Mother, assisted by Marija Rigler, last year’s hon-oree. Several Slovenian songs were sung to Our Lady. Afterwards, a lunch was served. Her family was present, as well as a few old friends. This was a surprise to her. A skit was performed of her life. It was a fun evening.
Mary Puhek Podder was honored by the Holy Name Society as Mother of the Year, she was given a beautiful flower bouquet. Thanks to these men who always have a Mother/Daughter breakfast after the 8:00 o’clock Mass on Mother’s Day.
Elsie Reich Ciszek was honored by the Senior Women of St. Stephen’s as Mother of Year. A Rosary was said and she crowned the Blessed Mother. A light lunch was served afterwards.
Congratulations to Glenn Latronico! He received 3 of the highest musical awards given at St. Rene Graupel Grade School - he also is very active with a city marching band. Such talents! It must come from his Grandpa, Bill Reich. As a great follow-up, he will be going on a trip with his mother, Barbara Reich, his aunt, Mary Reich, his sister, Sherri and friend, Kevin to DisneyLand/California and then on to Hawaii. What a thrill that will be!
At our June meeting, we were sur-
prised to have with us Mike Morison, from New Hampshire and Gen Puhek Buol made an official visit as State Pres.
ZVEZA PICNIC will be held in Lemont-July 16. Mass will be at 10:00 o’clock at the Marija Pomagaj Chapel. Try to attend - it is not only a picnic but it is a great place to get re-ac-quainted with old friends - to keep the heritage of Zveza going - the spirit of our Founders is always among us. How hard those ladies had to work to keep this tradition, year after year; many of the members came in buses and cars and spent the whole week-end in Lemont so they could participate in the Mass and in the early afternoon devotions at the Chapel. (If you listen real hard you can hear their beautiful voices singing the songs they learned and brought with them from their native country.) Bring your families and children; it is a beautiful place... much room for them to run about. Rain or shine, it should be fun.
Remember to send a card to those who are home-bound; it will make them feel a lot better and keep our sick in your prayers.
Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and fun summer.
Remember to fly Old Glory so the whole world will know that we love our country and are thankful to all the Servicemen, many of whom gave up their lives so we can continue to enjoy this great land. God Bless them all!
Take care of each other.
Love,
DAISY
NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO Meeting: 1st Tues.
St. Mary’s Church Hall
Our party May 2 was the conclusion of our meetings until they are resumed again in October.
It was at the Rendezvous Restaurant at which time we honored our Women
70th Anniversary in this year, 2000!
Br. 38, Chisholm, MN Br. 39, Biwabik, MN Br. 40, Lorain, OH Br. 42, Maple Hts., OH
of the Year - Margaret Cullen and Eileen Kaplan. It was good to see some new faces at our party and we hope they will join us in the fall.
Congratulations are in order for all of our graduates. Also, congratulations and worthy of mention is Dave Zupančič, son of Rose and Louis Zupančič, who after twenty years with the Sangre de Cristo Art Center as associate director has left his position to become associate director of development at the much larger and prestigious Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Hope everyone is having a good summer. Remember, our meetings as stated above will resume October 3,
2000.
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN Meeting: 1st Thurs. SND, from May to Dec.
We held our semi-annual meeting and luncheon on May 11th and had a nice turnout. One of the main purposes of the meeting was to honor our Member-of-the-Year, Lavena Weigand. It was decided to again have a raffle with the winners being drawn at our December meeting.
Our December meeting and luncheon will be on the 7th. Phyllis Fon and Mary Frances Mohr are accepting donations. If you prefer to bring a donation to the meeting just let Phyllis or Mary Frances know ahead of time. We already have a donation of a Christmas table centerpiece and grocery gift certificates.
Once again, we will be having our October Mass followed by Coffee and Krofi. The date has not been set, since
The Fon family poses in their back yard before heading for the “500” parade.
t
we have to check the church calendar.
Branch 5 offers its sincerest sympathy to the Clara and Bemie Trauner Family. Their granddaughter, Katherine Bell, was killed in a tragic accident on May 7th. Katherine was 11 years old. She was helping her dad and siblings clean a lake cottage, when the fireplace collapsed upon her.
C ongratulations...
Congratulations to Junior Member, Anna Fon on her First communion. She is the daughter of Phyllis and granddaughter of Mary. This special event was at St. Malachy in Brownsburg on May 6th.
Congratulations to Junior Member, Molly Mohr, granddaughter of Mary Frances, on her First Communion. Molly received this sacrament on May 6th at Christ the King Church in Dallas, Texas.
Congratulations to Matthew Cesnik, grandson of Phyllis Cesnik, who received his First Communion on May 13 th at St. Charles Church in Bloomington.
Congratulations to Junior Member Kim Thompson on her graduation from Mercy High School in Lavonia, Michigan. Kim will be attending the University of Notre Dame in the fall. She is the daughter of Josephine Dragan Thompson and the granddaughter of Angie Dragan.
Congratulations to Junior Member Sara Fon on her graduation from Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis. Sara is the daughter of Phyllis and the granddaughter of Mary.
Congratulations to Frances Yova-novich on her first great grandchild. Frances’ grandson, Alex and his wife, Andrea are the proud parents of Alexander George bom on April 24th.
Member News:
At the recent “ 100 Year KSKJ Celebration”, Joseph “Duck” Turk was awarded a gold watch for many years of service as an officer. Mihaela Logar, State Secretary for Slovenes Abroad, presented the award. Duck was the husband of our long time officer, Sophie Turk and Maggie McClain’s father.
Member Maggie McClain has just returned from Washington, D.C. She took 54 Junior High students on a five-day tour of the Capital.
Did you see the Indianapolis 500
The whole group: Steve, Betsy, Sara, Anna, Stevie Fon, Joe, Paul and Luke Barbarich, Larry Fon and Allison Rusie.
Anna in front of the rose bush in our yard that my grandmother Konecnik dug up from her garden when mom and dad built the house I grew up in, in So. Indiana. By all accounts the bush is 90 years old and very special to the Fon Family. We call it “Grandma Polly”.
Parade? The Fon Family, Steve, Phyllis, Katie, Betsy, Sara, Anna, and Stevie all marched in the Parade as part of the Slovenian Cultural Society group. They were dressed in authentic Slovenian dress!
Love from Texas,
BARBARA MOHR FRIESENHAHN
* * *
The Slovenian Cultural Society of Indianapolis was asked to march with a group of nations in the 500 Festival Parade in May. It was a nationally televised parade. Stan and Ivanka Markun of Joliet, IL were here in Indy recently and when asked if they could help us out with some Slovenian costumes, they responded and before we know it, we were in Champaign picking up a dozen costumes! Steve, Katie, Betsy, Sara, Anna and Stevie all looked so good! We had so much fun and the announcers said our name loud and clear twice on the air! The camera zoomed right in on our group, so it was really exciting! When they made a close-up of Katie and Larry, he said “Dober Dan” right into the camera! It was great! Who knows, maybe the Rose Bowl or Macy’s parade next!
PHYLLIS FON President
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 3rd Thurs.
St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & Aug.
Our April meeting was well-attended and we turned the officers in another side so we could hear what is going on. Thanks, officers, a good move.
Sylvia Kotze spent time in Florida along with her son and family. Dorothy Detost came thru her surgery and hope to see her soon at the meetings. Theresa Fedran’s husband, Tony had brain surgery and I hear he is coming along fine.
Loni Limoni’s husband passed away on April 27th after a few months of tender, loving care by the family at home. John was a wonderful person, sang in the church choir at St. Mary’s Help of Christians Church every Sat. night, then on Sunday morning he came to St. John the Evangelist to help out in the Slovenian choir. He and Loni took care of the chapel out at Triglav Park and prepared it for the masses held there. To the family, our deepest sym-
pathy and may John rest in peace. I’m sure he joined the angels in the heavenly choir!
Our May meeting was well-attended despite the hail and rain all morning. We honored all our members. The lunch was prepared by Rupena’s and served by our kitchen elves. When I left the house it was hailing - so I faced the question: do I go or stay home? Then, when I got to the hall, it hailed again! Even with such bad weather 40 hearty souls ventured out. Glad you all came. Dorothy Detost came to the meeting after her heart surgery saying she was tired of looking at the same four walls! Mary Evanish came too, even in the bad weather and Sophie Rozman came with her walker. They all said they missed coming to meetings. A motion was made to donate $25 to the ZARJA Fund to help with increasing expenses - we know postage is going up again.
Rebeka Kodrich, granddaughter of Dolores Kodrich graduated from Marquette University with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Doctor of Pharmacy in Biology and Chemistry. Congratulations and may your future be bright as your enthusiasm.
On May 20th our lovable Jackie Nimmer was honored on her 90th birthday. It was put on by her family. Her daughter, Joan Olles lives in Palatine, IL and her other daughter, Nancy Behl-ing lives in Scottsdale, AZ. It was nice to see all of Jackie’s family. We will be seeing some of them again at the Mission Picnic at Triglav Park July 23rd. Jackie’s grandson, Jimmy is bringing her to the picnic and they are great supporters of this affair. This is the 30th year that Mici Coffelt has put her heart and soul into raising money for the Slovenian missions. It takes a lot of people to make the picnic a success, people buying tickets, donating articles and being present at the event. Mici is very thankful for all of this. She is a member of SWU Br. 43.
Also, Br. 43 is celebrating their 70th Anniversary Sept. 10th with a gala banquet at Klemmer’s. If you haven’t picked up your ticket, call Fran Remshak at 541-5116. Let’s have a good turnout from our branch!
Stay healthy and say an extra prayer for our sick. Have a good summer!
MARY KIEL
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Meeting: 1st Thurs. Slovenian Hall on Mariposa St.
Our “Woman of the Year” Brunch was a beautiful day. It was delightful to see Agnes Kumick and her daughters, Sandra Farrell and Lynn Yager, also Edythe Ansel. Agnes and Edythe are the daughters of one of our long-ago members, the late Mary Ansel, deceased. Big smiles from Betty Doherty and her daughter, Anne Marie.
I was so happy to see Marie Fir and her daughter, Diana, and husband, Joe. Diana Fir is the beautiful girl who sang at our Banquet at the 1995 Nat’l. Convention in S.F. We had 24 guests and it was truly a family day!
Our June meeting was the “Hello to Summer” Luncheon. We had delicious food and a great meeting.
In June, on the 25th, Moreen and Don Spencer celebrated their 25th anniversary. A beautiful day was planned by sister, Doreen Sustarich and sons, Kevin and Kenneth. Don has had a very difficult year but with such a supportive family he can only improve. God bless you, Moreen and Don and may you have much more love and happiness in the years ahead.
Ceta Zagar and his reporter will be going to Joliet for the SWU Board meeting the end of July. Ceta has been named the new Western States President. She is enthusiastic and full of new ideas and hopes for the future of SWU. I am thrilled to have a traveling companion, too. Needless to say, Br. 13 is proud that Ceta is their member.
We won’t have meetings in July and August but hope to see you in September. Until then, keep a Smile on your faces and Optimism in our hearts.
Some people can adapt to any situation. If they fall into a lake, they check their pockets for fish...
Have a safe summer and know you are remembered.
BEVERLY JACKSON
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 1st Tues., 6 p.m. Slov. Society Home
A spring season of cool and almost daily rain has delayed much of our garden getting started. But we’ve managed
to get most of our plot planted and already I’ve been enjoying my lettuce and spinach and all is doing quite well. It’s Memorial Day weekend and everyone is getting ready for the many parades in Cleveland’s surrounding areas which will be followed by cook-outs and picnics. Hope you’ve all enjoyed your holiday!
Our members and friends always look forward to the dinner parties which are held several times a year. And once again we honored all of our members as Mothers and Ladies of the Year at our Mother’s Day Dinner. Members and friends were greeted by the smiling faces of Jennie Fitzthum and Stana Grill who checked us in. The dining room was decorated in bright spring pastels with a pot of flowers on each table, thanks to the work of Diane Varney and Jennie Fitzthum. The Stupica family was well represented with two tables of their sons and daughters and spouses. The daughters, daughter-in-law and grandchildren of Fran Prijatel were also well-represented with a full table.
As always, Sophie Mazi along with her very capable crew provided us with a luscious home-cooked dinner starting with excellent steaming hot soup with liver dumplings, tender breaded pork chops, succulent roast chicken with all the trimmings followed up by mouthwatering cheese and apple strudel. Super!
Our evening continued with door prizes being distributed by Pat Habat, Jackie Ulle, Ethel Yancher, Diane Varney, Stave Valenčič, and number caller and ticket seller Larry Varney. Thanks to everyone for their donations of door prizes. And thanks to Ed Koren for once again filling in as bartender.
In a very brief meeting, members were reminded to please make an effort to attend monthly meetings in order for us to have a quorum to make any decisions. It was suggested we have fewer meetings through the year, but of course, we’ll keep you informed of any decisions.
Mary Stražišar is doing nicely after having surgery and Vera Bajec is recuperating after surgery and is once again at Gateway in Euclid. Mary Grill is now a resident of the Slovene Home for the Aged.
Congratulations and best wishes to member, Laurie and Lazaro Trevino on
16 HAPPY MEMBERS OF BR. 16!
(The 17th is the photographer, Dotsi Rossi.)
Seated, Sylvia Spretnjak, Julie Vrlich, Edna Winters, Mary Gorenz and Marge Prebil; standing, Elaine Strubel, Mary Puterko, Frances Novak, Antonia Krese, Vida Kumse, Clara Saviano, Helen Pastirik, Gladys Buck, Vicky Putzell, Tina Sertich and Mary Jane Strus.
MAY CELEBRATION OF MARIJA POMAGAJ
On the feastday of Marija Pomagaj, Mary Help of Christians, May 24th, members of Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL gathered at St. George Church. Here we see, back row, Ed Klobucher, John Krcmaric, Father David and Jimmy Rossi; Second row, Vida Kumse, Gladys Buck and Mitzi Klobucher; front, Sylvia Spretnjak, Edna Winters, Dotsi Rossi and Mary Michalak.
the birth of baby daughter, Alejandra, making Diane and Larry Varney grandparents and Jennie Fitzthum another great-grandmother. Diane and Larry also celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary with us. Best wishes!
Annette Zabukovic’s niece, our member, Dr. Joan McDonough-Ripepi and her husband have welcomed a baby boy named Charles Joseph, already being called CJ. Congratulations to all!
Our sympathy to the family of Fay G. Aleks who passed away recently. Our ladies met at the funeral home to extend our sympathy and say farewell to Fay with prayers. Our condolences to son, Richard and wife, Holly and grandchildren.
Remember ladies, no meetings will be held in the months of July and August. Hope you have a joyful and peaceful summer!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Saturday, I- p.m. monthly except Jan.-July-Aug. St. George’s Hall
Greetings! Happy Fourth of July!
I hope that the weather has improved by the time you receive the ZARJA. It’s just been too cool till now. Even with the cool and rainy weather our gardens are coming along fine and everything is beautiful.
Please make an effort to attend our next meeting - which will be on Sept. 9th at 12:30 p.m. at St. George Hall. Come on down for a nice social afternoon. We have such a good time, no one wants to leave.
Congratulations to Father Paul Novak, son of our member, Frances and Rudy Novak. Rev. Paul was inducted into the St. Francis De Sales Hall of Fame on April 8th. He is an alumnus of the school and teaches at De LaSalle High School.
Congratulations to Michael Strus, also an alumnus of St. Francis de Sales high school. Mike was appointed to be the girls’ varsity coach. His mom, Mary Jane is our Vice President. She and her mate, John are very active at St. George’s Church.
Congratulations to our Manda Mag-gio who was selected by the Christian Mothers of St. George Church to crown the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tina Sertich, Mother of 1999, first crowned Manda as Mother of the Year 2(KX). Manda
did a yeoman job; she came to the doings from a sick bed. That’s our Manda!
Congratulations to Lena Amicarelli on the birth of her granddaughter, Audrey Marie. The little sweetheart was bom on February 29, a leap year baby! She will have fun with her birthday!
Congratulations to Heather Puterko on her graduation from Purdue University; also to her sister, Elizabeth on her completion of grammar school. She was confirmed in April at St. Thomas More in Munster. Grandma Mary Puterko is so proud of her granddaughter.
My family has also done some celebrating. Daniel, my No. 3 grandson, re-
ceived his B.A. degree in history from Holy Cross University, Worcester, MA on May 26th. Anthony Nishimura, No. 9 grandchild, graduated from St. Thomas More Grammar School on June 2nd. He was confirmed on April 15th. Richard Prebil, N. lOgrandchild, received Jesus for the first time on May 6th. What a joyous occasion! Grandson No. 11, Christopher Prebil did the big one, on June 6, as he graduated from kindergarten. These boys made “candy gram” very happy. I love you guys!
Congratulations to our Bess Ivan-covich! Bess became a great grandmother for the second time. She is so proud of Zachery Steve. Our best to
you and all of the family.
Gladys received a letter from Mary Ann Sambol which she read at our meeting. The Sambols have made their home in Florida for some time now. Mary Ann sent a monetary donation to our branch. Thanks, Mary Ann, that was so thoughtful of you.
Gloria Serafin is recuperating at home. We remember her in our prayers. Hope to see you soon, Gloria. Fran Novak recovered enough after her knee surgery to attend our last meeting. Welcome back, Fran. Clara Saviano is back in the swing again - all recuperated after her fall in Calumet Park. For an 89 year old she is doing A okay. She still bakes a delicious apple strudel and pizza bread.
Just a word or two about our dear congenial, even cheerful, 91 year-old, Helen Pastirik. She really enjoys all of us, our meetings and the bunco games. We love you.
Happy birthday to all the July and August celebrants! Remember that there are no meetings in July or August.
Enjoy the summer!
Love,
MARGE PREBIL
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL Meeting: 3rd Tues. except June to Sept. St. Joe’s Parish Hall
Dear members! Recently,. I joined many other Joliet people who were treated to the unveiling of the “Communion of Saints” mural painted by our most talented artist, Lillian Brule. Lillian explained the murals which were spread over 6 wall panels at the entrance of St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Naperville, IL. It was a wonderful event to behold.
I wish to congratulate our Woman of the Year, Marcia Judnik from Br. 20, whom we honored at the event at St. Joseph Park Hall on May 16 with a banquet and party. Button box music was provided by the Wolf Bros, and Geo Burich. We also enjoyed the “Magical Moments” by magician, Dave Bogden. As usual the food provided by Lillian Cepon was delicious and we had a very good time.
At this event we presented three young students with Scholarships Irom our Branch, in the amount of $500
each. They were three young boys who just graduated from grammar school and are now on their way to Catholic high schools. The first is Gordon Muir, son of Vera Muir. He will attend St. Viator High School in Arlington Hts. Christopher Tezak, son of Jack and Sue Tezak is the second award winner and he will be going to Joliet Catholic Academy, as will the third winner, Kyle Tezak, son of Dick and Ellen Tezak. Our best wishes to them and all graduates this year!
Also, congratulations to Gen Klain-sek, naimed Woman of the Year by the Senior Club of St. Joseph Church. Another Woman of the Year, chosen by the members of the Rosarian Club, was Marie Gulas. (Question - How come we don’t have “Man of the Year”?) Also, congratulations to August and Angela Hotuyec who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. And congratulations to Grandma Ivana Markun on the birth of triplet girls. And, not to be outdone, grandparents, Mary and Tony Mihelich have triplet boys! Tom and Lori Tezak are parents of a lone baby girl! Well, I’m sure
they’re all happy with what the miracles the Lord gave them.
Get well wishes to Dorothy Zupančič, Mary Gregorash, Bob Kostelc and Jennie Gore.
Sympathy to all the families and friends of our departed members who are: Robert Plut, Mary Smrekar, Laurence Pershey, Frances L. Babicki, Leroy Rungaitis and Dick Tezak, our honorary Br. 20 Mayor of 1989. And a belated sympathy to Corinne Shields on the death of her mother, Loretta Joutras. Please remember these departed souls in your prayers. Our attendance drawing of $70.00 was called for Michalene Ferguson who was not present. Our next drawing of $10.00 will be at the September meeting.
Please remember if you have an article you wish to have in the ZARJA, you can call me at (815) 727-3177 any time or drop me a line at 1120 Ingalls Ave. No. 1, Joliet, IL 60435.
P.S. I wish to thank everyone who remembered to send me Birthday cards in May.
KATHY STONICH
JOLIET
SLOVENIAN
WOMENS
UNION
“DAMES” WALK FOR DIMES
All it takes is spirit and attitude! That was the feeling of these Br. 20, Joliet, IL members who participated in the March of Dimes walk for funds on April 30, 2000. Back row, from left: Ron Erjavec, Jeanne Warsaw, Terri Klover, Eileen Plese; 2nd row: Sue Bartholme, Char Kobe, Judy Derlinga, Marlene Ancel, Pat Butterbach, Jonita Ruth; front: Donna Chesko, Theresa Rousonelos, Sherrie Lewis, Captain. A big thank you to these members who took part, including Pat Figurowski, Jo Lustig and Agnes Dobczyk who were on the sidelines. These eleven walkers brought in $1,100 for the March of Dimes! Congratulations!
ARTIST LILLIAN BRULC CREATES A MASTERPIECE MURAL
An artistic achievement worthy of praise was unveiled on April 30,2000 at the Church of St. Elizabeth Seton in Naperville, Illinois - a six panel Mural by our well-known artist, Lillian Brule of Joliet. This is the newest of Lillian’s many beautiful art works in chapels and churches of the Archdiocese of Chicago and many, many other places in the world that includes sculptures, altars, appointments and interior architecture. This latest work is another magnificent artistic concept by Lillian who is deeply spiritual and creative.
Commissioned by the parish of St. Elizabeth she worked in accordance with a theme, “Communion of Saints” and constructed the Mural on six interior wall panels facing the altar at the entrance of this most modem church. Each panel has a specific composition and they are entitled: Healing, Resurrection, Cross of Light, New Life, Shadow of Night and Shadow of Cloud. Within these parameters she depicts over 50 figures who have impacted our faith by their lives of inspiration and service to God. Now, Lillian brings them out of their remoteness into a new present. One gets the feeling when viewing the Mural that the figures are all relevant to each other, not separated, and with no distraction from the message of their faith.
In each of the six panels a focus figure is central to the grouping by its singular power. For instance, Healing shows seven figures with Archangel Raphael, Mother Cabrini, St. Peter, St. John, St. Peregrine, St. John Newman and the figure of Fabiola. They provide the connection of healing of the body to the spirit, and grouped as they are make a powerful statement.
The Mural also encompasses the figures of saints and people from every part of the world, making us feel that there is really no distinction between continents, or time-spans, among people of common faith. The predominent use of the color of the sky, Lillian calls the most spiritual of colors, and use of the elements of Creation, e.i., clouds, water, flora and fauna are subtle reminders of how familiar is this earth we inhabit.
Lillian has awesome talent and she uses it masterfully, combining her thoughtful inspiration with the most beautiful colors and creating a spectacle of beauty in vast spaces. Viewing this work of art helps each of us find a way to deepening our own spirituality. We thank her for her gift and we know the parishioners of St. Elizabeth Seton church feel fulfilled that Lillian did, indeed, enhance their house of worship.
Corinne Leskovar
In further explaining her work, Lillian cites words glorifying God in the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament:
Angels, heavens, sun and moon -Stars of heaven, nights and days -Light and darkness, lightening and clouds -Water creatures, birds of the air, beasts -All living people -
Mural panel 2 focuses on the Angel of Resurrection with saints who are the preachers of the Resurrection, Elizabeth Seton, Margaret Mary Alacoque, Thomas the Apostle, Gabrielle Bossis, Martha, and John Damascene.
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL Meeting: 3rd Thurs. Catholic School Library Mar.-Apr.-May-June Sept.-Oct.-Nov.
There were ten members present at the April meeting. A donation was made to the Lighted Way Developmental Center and also to Resurrection Parish for the use of the school meeting room.
Those present decided to have our May dinner on our regular meeting date, May 18th, at Mario’s Maples. Mary Mecum and Linda Struna accepted the job of co-chairmen. There were 19 members in attendance and one guest. The tables were attractively decorated with favors for all. After the delicious buffet names were drawn for our centerpieces which were china cups and saucers filled with fresh flowers-Mary’s specialty. Each one of us hoped to take one home and the lucky ladies
were Betty Stack, Evelyn Kastigar, Florence Smorkol and Sally Strohmaeir, guest of Barb Pohar. Thanks to Mary and Linda for a great job; everyone had a good time.
Barb Pohar announced that she and Helen Swietek would host the Branch’s June picnic on the 15th once again, in their beautiful, adjoining back yards. We always have a nice attendance with lots of good food and fun and this year should be especially interesting.
Our Financial Secretary, Betty Stack, was ill at the time of our April meeting and had pneumonia. She spent several days in the hospital and has been recuperating at home. We hope she will be totally well soon as she and her husband, Leroy will be observing their 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 16th with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church in Peru. They were married on July 16th, 1960 at St. Roch’s Church in La Salle by Rev. Richard Fitzsimmons, now Mon-signor Fitzsimmons. He is retiring and will be Pastor Emeritus of Holy Cross Church, Mendota. The members congratulate Betty and Leroy and wish them many more years of good health and happiness together.
Josephine Foley was hospitalized at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria for three weeks and was transferred to St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley last week. Audrey Prokuski’s husband, Jerry is ill with viral menengitis. We understand he will have a long recuperation. He is the owner of Jerry’s Flower Bam in Mendota and also serves as organist and choir director at St. Hyacinth’s Church in La Salle. We pray for our sick members and ask God for healing for all of our sick.
Our July birthday celebrants will be: Amy Schweickert, Julie Ann DeAngelo, Jr. member, Barbara Jean Prokup, Mary Mecum, Anne Dressen, Deborah Dobryndia, Bonnie Prokup, Alvina Ann Strukel, Jr. member, Melissa McLaughlin, Barbara Krogulski and Audrey Prokuski. In August, Julie Ann Wangler, Jane Sherman, Brenda Weber, Evelyn Kastigar, Susan Collins, Dorothy Parola, and Barbara Pohar will blow out the candles. We wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Birthday and hope you have many more good years.
Our sister Branch 89 of Oglesby and all Slovenians there, deserve a big hand for the wonderful Slovenian Day with Mass and Dinner held there and enjoyed by so many of our people on May
7	th.
We know that the price of gasoline will be quite high this summer but it won’t stop us from traveling. Enjoy your vacation time travels, come back to us and when we meet again in September we’ll be anxious to hear of your adventures.
ANNE M. WANGLER, Reporter
Betty and Leroy Stack with son, Tom
NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH 2nd Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
St. Vitus Social Room
Hi... well the warm weather is finally here... and all the flowers have sprouted up and the gardens look lovely.
Our April meeting opened with prayer. It was held at the Social Room at St. Vitus.
Congratulations to Josie Mauric... a new member. Welcome!! Danica Chemas was elected by unanimous vote as our Woman of the year 2000. The affair was planned for June 11th at Sterle’s Country House... E. 55th and St. Clair Ave. A short meeting preceded the festivities. Živijo!! More later!!
Get well wishes to Albina Pozelnik who is now home... A card would be nice; Helen March (a resident at St. Augustine) Josie Hočevar; Mary Ur-banicic; Helen Pisek (who is up and around); Jo Mohorčič (a resident of Slovene Home for the Aged) and Gene Drobnič who had surgery at St. Vincent Charity Hospital but is now resting at home.
We need a date for our annual picnic. All branches will be invited. We will vote on a date at our next meeting.
;ep in touch. We will have a Pot ick... bring an item... if not, there is „ $2.00 donation.
Our raffle will be sponsored by Sheliga Drug, Inc. @ $5.00 per book. Cash prizes will be $100.00; $50.00; $25.00 and $25.00.
Congratulations to Fran Gazvoda and Peggy Moore. Besides Ohio-Michigan they have been appointed President and Vice President of the Penna, New York and Wash. D.C. area. Čestitke!!
EMILEE JENKO
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH Meetings: Every 3rd Wed. March to June September to December Euclid Public Library, 6:30 p.m.
Our Mother’s Day dinner was well-attended by our members and guests; Anna Rossman and daughter, Mary Ann Foster came the longest distance to attend.
Our sympathy to Jean Krajewski and family on the loss of her husband, Edward who passed away on April 23rd. He surely is missed by his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Agnes and Don Hamilton were in Arizona for five weeks visiting daughter and family. Temperature was a very hot 100 degrees! They also visited a few Indian Casinos, but had no luck!
We have many sick members. Mary Floria has been in the hospital but is now at home recuperating. Mary Tusher, Mary Zakrajšek and Josephine Comenshek are also ill. It was very nice to see Lavonia Avitt attend our dinner, even though she is not fully recovered from her illness. We wish all our sick members speedy recoveries to good health.
Plans are being made for our Ohio-Michigan conference on Oct. 1st. We hope it will be a well-attended event, bringing all the branches of this area together.
Have a nice summer. Enjoy the warm weather. Hope to see you all in September.
FRANCES OGOREUC
NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
President Kathy came to say hi to members gathering at the Slovenian Art Guild art exhibit in Euclid, Ohio. There she met president of Br. 32, Anne Cooke (left), Pres, of Br. 50, Ann Tercek, (center) and Jean Križman, member of Br. 50 (right). Forefront shows granddaughter Sky, and mom, Olga Dorchak, Pres, of Br. 47. Editor Corinne Leskovar with Ann Cooke (32) and members of Br. 14, Sylvia Mocnik and (seated) Patricia Habat. Thanks to Doris Sadar for the photos.
Master lace-maker, Sylvia Mocnik
DID YOU KNOW? ...
That we have a member who is an expert at making Bobbin-Lace, an almost-lost Slovenian art?
In 1999, our member Sylvia Močnik was named as one of the top craftspeople in Ohio and featured in the Ohio Craft Masters exhibit held in Dayton, Ohio. Sylvia has been a willing exhibitor and demonstrator at many other events in the Slovenian community of Cleveland, too. In fact, we saw her at the Slovenian Art Guild Annual exhibit held in Euclid last fall when this picture was taken.
Sylvia is unique because there are not many of our ladies in the U.S. who still know this craft which is done with bobbins following a pattern that is pinned to a “pillow.” On this photo she is shown while at work. The beautiful laces made this way are heirlooms and many are used as decorations, framed for the wall.
Sylvia tells us that as a child in Slovenia she watched her mother and father make the intricate “čipke.” She learned the craft later after immigrating to the U.S. in 1928 when easier patterns were made available to her and others who wanted to keep up with bobbin-lace making.
She recalls her long association with Ann Jesenko, a famous Cleveland lace-maker (we featured her in ZARJA many years ago) who was her mentor and together they kept up with this traditional master art form.
Sylvia has traveled to Slovenia to learn more patterns and keeps in touch with other artists - which assures us that fora while longer this beautiful Slovenian art will not be lost!
Anyone who has been able to obtain a piece of Sylvia’s bobbin lace considers it a treasure. She’s an amazing artist!
CLEVELAND’S BISHOP, A. EDWARD PEVEC
celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his priesthood
on Sunday, May 28, 2000 at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland, Ohio. A large crowd gathered at church and later at a special reception in his honor and warmly received his words spoken in reflection of his life.
During the homily, Bishop Pevec shared this poem that has the message he believes we should all live.
And God Said “No”
I asked God to take away my pride and God said, “No."
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole, and God said, “No."
He said, “Her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary."
I asked God to grant me patience, and God said, “No."
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation. It isn’t granted, it’s earned.
/ asked God to give me happiness, and God said, “No."
He said He gives blessings, happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare my pain, and God said, “No."
He said, “Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."
I asked God to make my spirit grow, and God said, "No."
He said I must grow on my own, but He will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked God if He loved me, and God said, “Yes.”
He gave His only Son who died for me, and I will be in heaven someday because I believe.
I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me, and God said,
“Ah, finally you have the idea.”
THE SIGNS OF HOLINESS AMONG SLOVENIAN PEOPLE
Excerpted from “Worship of God - Bogoslužni Vodnik", published for the Beatification ceremony of Anton Marlin Slomšek, Maribor, September 19, 1999.
In the history of humankind there have been many who followed the call to be “like God” in loving their human counterparts and doing God’s work on earth. The bible tells of the masses of those, from all nations, all languages, and all races who are living examples of God’s love for us.
Among the nations of the world, Slovenia can be counted as having many men and women who have become examples of noble, self-sacrificing holiness. Some of them lived on their own home soil and others were sent by God to work in other lands. When we read of them we are inspired to be like them, to find in our own lives the strength and perseverance to live a life like theirs. Those we know in Slovenian history are St. Maximilian of Celje, St. Victorin of Ptuj, St. Nazar, SS. Mohor and Fortunat, SS. Cyril and Method, St. Modestus and St. Ema of Krška.
The saints of Slovenia in the ancient past may not seem relevant any more, with little known about them from the standpoint of our more recent Christian literature. But just as our recently beatified Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek, there are a number of modern-day saintly people who are being considered by the Holy See in Rome to be worthy of veneration. Since many of them may not be known to us sufficiently, we wish to present them here:
First is FREDERIC IRENEAS BARAGA, Bishop of Marquette, Michigan who would be the first American-Slovenian saint. Bom in Mala vas in Slovenia on June 29, 1797, he became a priest on September 21, 1823. Seven years later he came to America as a missionary among the Native American Indians of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He became the first Bishop of the newly-formed Marquette diocese in 1853. In missionary life he became known as the Apostle of the Lakelands and the Snowshoe Priest, earning great admiration and love for his all-consuming care for the beleaguered Indian population of the area. He wrote their Ottawa and Chippewas languages into books of spiritual content, he compiled the first Indian language dictionary for these people and served his calling under tremendously difficult circumstances. He died on January 19, 1868, impoverished but enriched by a life of dedication and self-sacrifice.
The Baraga Association was founded in 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio and has many members throughout the United States who are praying for Baraga’s sainthood and supporting the efforts being made on this behalf, central office being the Diocese of Marquette, Michigan.
The second candidate for sainthood is JANEZ FRANCIS GNIDOVEC, bom September 29, 1873 at Veliki Lipovec in the parish of Ajdovec. He became a priest on July 23, 1896 and on August 22, 1905 was named as the first principal of the diocesan high school. He joined the Lazarist Order on December 6, 1919 and made his final
Continued
vows on December 8, 1921. Named Bishop of the diocese of Skopje in Albania, he was the spiritual father to Albanians and Croatians, working to unite the Christians of the area. He was known to be extremely austere in his lifestyle but very caring to his flock. Recently beatified Croatian Cardinal Alojze Stepinac said of him, “Gnidovec seems to me so great that I would not even reach his ankle.”
Third candidate is LOJZE GROZDE, a martyr. He was bom on May 27, 1923 in the village of Gorenji Vodala near Mokronog. He was a conscientious objector, refusing to carrying weapons of war and deeply believed in peaceful solution to all disputes. In his twentieth year of life he was tortured and killed by Yugoslav partisans in the vicinity of Mima. His example of faithfully following the path of Christ is worthy of sainthood.
Number four on the list of saintly candidates is VEN-DELIN VOŠNJAK, a Franciscan priest. He was bom September 14, 1861 and joined the Franciscan Order in 1882, to be followed by holy orders in 1884. His work was centered around his administration and improvement of Franciscan life and was an example of simplicity, humility and caring. He was devoted to the idea of St. Paul: let your life be centered in Christ and hidden in God. He was a staunch advocate of prayer and faith.
The fifth is ANTON VOVK, a bishop of Ljubljana and martyr. Vovk was a distant relative of Slovenia’s poet laureate, France Prešeren, bom one hundred years after Prešeren in the same house at Vrba in the Gorenjska region of Slovenia. From a poor farm life, Vovk was able to formulate a life of spirituality. He became a priest in 1923 and a bishop in 1946. During his pastoral years he was the object of several assassination attempts including one time when gasoline was poured on him and ignited. Despite psychological stress he was able to overcome these forms of physical abuse and become an example of strength in the face of oppression. His life is considered by many to be an example of utmost sacrifice.
Numbers six and seven on the listing of candiadates for sainthood are two women, both members of the Order Daughters of God’s Love based in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Her-cegovina. They are: MARIJA KRIZINA BOJANC and MARIJA ANTONIA FABJAN. Sister Jožefa (Bojane) was bom May 4, 1885 at Šmarjeta. At the age of 36 she entered the convent and, filled with sisterly love, she was an exemplary woman and known as the “praying nun,” dedicating her life to continuous prayer, sacrifice and penance. Faced with a life-death sentence, she refused to deny her vows, demonstrating the most superb love of God and thereby losing her own life.
Sister Jožefa (Fabjan) was bom at Mala Lipnja near Žužemberk on January 23, 1907. At the age of 22 she joined the Sisters in Sarajevo and in 1932 made her final vows. Her life is distinguished by simplicity, piety and dedication. She was one of the four Sisters tortured and killed on December 15, 1941. She accepted her fate in remembrance of Christ who gave His life for the salvation of the world.
Our prayers and good deeds are needed, dear Slovenians, for us to be able to celebrate the lives of the virtuous candidates here described on the altar of the Catholic Church. They are all saints in our minds.
-Editor-
tV'-h ' :;<
BAR AG ALAND
Plan to Celebrate Baraga Days with us in Marquette September 23 & 24, 2000
Slovenian Mass
Celebrated on Saturday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m.
St. Louis the King Church 264 Silver Creek Rd.
Harvey, MI (approximately five miles from the city of Marquette.)
A Social gathering/reception will follow the Mass in the parish hall.
Solemn Mass
Celebrated on Sunday, September 24 at 4:00 p.m.
St. Peter Cathedral 331 Baraga Ave.
Marquette, MI
Banquet and Annual Meeting
Northern Michigan Univesity Don H. Bottom University Center Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI
Social time with Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. followed by Annual Meeting of the BBA.
Extend your greetings on Baraga Days
Enclosed is my gift to the Bishop Baraga Association
of $________________________________________________________
Please word the acknowledgement in the Baraga Bulletin as follows:
I would like to purchase #_____________________________
Banquet tickets. Enclosed is a check for $___________________
($15.00 per person). Make check payable to BBA, P.O. Box 550, 615 So. 4th St., Marquette, MI 49855-0550.
Seating will be arranged on a first-come, first-served basis, with our members coming first. If possible we will meet your needs or your request to sit with a particular group.
Travel information is available for the asking.
BARAGA PROCESS FOR SAINTHOOD REACHES APPROVAL STAGE
In March of this year, the Canadian priest, Father Ivo Beaudoin, member of the Congregation Oblates of the Immaculate Conception and the former Referent of the Vatican Congregation for Saints in Rome issued to the Protocol Office 50 printed copies of the entire manuscript for the beatification of Bishop Frederic Baraga, the Slovenian-American Missionary of the last century.
The manuscript consists of 1,300 pages in computer format formulated in two parts: first the official and non-of-ficial papers referring to Baraga’s virtuous life; and the second consists of the statements of continuous after-death glorious life and statements by Marquette diocese historians and theological censors. All statements made to date were verified. Sixty-five exceptional graces which were known on all continents of the earth that believers have described and lastly, a very large discussion on Baraga’s exceptional virtues witnessed by his contemporaries and from scientific experts in the theological, historical aspects were included in the second part.
This entire work, entitled POSITIO, will now be verified in Rome in a carefully defined sequence. From the description of so-called miracles they will, in the near future, select the four most verifiable and one miracle will be selected for scrupulous examination.
The Postulator who represents the followers of Baraga will then present to the Supreme Court of the Vatican Congregation of Saints the concluding 500 pages of discussion on the miracle for final confirmation and approval.
The undersigned appeals to all Baraga followers to support the Beatification Process for Bishop Baraga with their prayers.
Bruno Korošak,
Postular, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
*****
f J	God bless and reward
our beloved departed sisters!
Name	Branch	Age
Ann Ukleja	2	82
Julia Eilersich	19	93
Frances Kompare	25	83
Anna Pozar	32	94
Angela Jhoss	55	90
Katherina Osep	43	92
Martha Koren	14	76
Mildred Slavish	67	84
Josephine Peterson	43	92
Mary Stevens	25	88
Frances Laurich	25	87
Caroline Hoelle	14	87
Delores Franco	16	62
Stephanie Vatovetz	1	94
Theresa Ferfolia	42	93
Helen Purevich	16	79
Matilda Gigolle	55	90
Veronica Senfner	26	96
EmmaTozser	71	82
Rose Krall	71	90
v_________________________y
Deepest Sympathy
This spring we lost two of our loyal ZARJA reporters, and we sadly acknowledge their loyalty and diligence for our SWU.
Julia Klammer died on May 6th. She was bom in Slovenia and lived in Painesville, OH. She was the reporter for Br. 68 and always wrote in Slovenian. We enjoyed her commentary and interesting articles.
Helen (Kozely) Konkoy was a good member of Br. 21, West Park, OH and later of Br. 25, Cleveland and died on April 6th. She contributed for many years to ZARJA and had a special interest in the Drill Team Cadets. She was the Captain of the West park Cadets in 1941.
Our condolences to the families and friends of our beloved members.
Editor
YEAR 2000 MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
All adult members, at any age, admitted after January 1,2000 'will be accepted as active members with no burial stipend and will be assessed $15.00 per year.
APPLICATION ON PAGE 48.
Every adult member receives a copy of our bi-monthly publication ZARJA-THE DAWN!
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN Meeting: 1st Wed.
St. Elizabeth’s Church
May 3rd Father Patrick Moran had a Mass for deceased members of our Branch; a special tribute was given to Margaret “Peggy” Collard, our Mother of the Year.
After a marvelous lunch, Beverly Menart, President, said no business meeting would be held. She read the tribute to Peggy that had been sent in to ZARJA.
The children and grandchildren of Peggy each told of their mother’s and grandmother’s special qualities: reading to them, helping with homework, hugs and kisses, they presented Peggy with a beautiful bouquet.
We send prayers of sympathy to Dorothy Jacobson on the death of her brother. Also prayers to any sick members.
Congratulations to Mary and Jim Bartl on their 50th wedding anniversary.
Hope all enjoy the summer with all the lovely flowers. Am sure Peggy will be on the River Pier fishing as much as she can.
LOIS M. PELANDER
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN Meeting: 3rd Wed. 1 p.m.
St. Martin’s Church Hall Jan. to May; Sept., Oct. & Nov.
We met at Fortune Bay Casino for a delicious lunch, compliments of the Branch, in recognition and appreciation of the beautiful job everyone did on Minnesota Day. Seventeen members were present. Special welcomes went out to Julie Vogt, Frances Tanko and Annie Myre. Also warmly welcomed was Ag Tekautz as she has nicely recovered from a recent illness.
At our brief meeting, the minutes were read and approved. The Treasurer’s report was complete.
Emma Betoume and Theresa Berg attended the District Meeting and Emma gave a complete report. We are looking forward to copies of S.W.U. Workbooks Beverly has promised in her excellent presentation, so we can
share when we convene next fall. We will then form a committee to study merchandizing our cookbooks. We thanked Lorraine for her publicity and Adrienne for her Sunshine cards. We reminded all again of proper beneficiaries. We will work with anyone who did not get their billing. We were delighted to report Gina Pustovar won the scholarship we applied for her. Projecting next fall, we appreciated a letter of ideas by Agnes Dobczyk. We plan presentations by a funeral director and one on driving safety, especially in winter. Of course, we are also projecting the National Convention in 2003 in Duluth, as it is so close to home.
THERESA BERG, President
NO. 35, AURORA, MN Meeting: 6 per year Community Sr. Center
Plans were completed for the Woman of the Year celebration at the April 7th meeting. We welcome two new members, Connie Lee and her daughter, Adrienne of Hibbing. We will look forward to seeing you at the future meetings, Connie.
Congratulations to Jannelle Antilla who won one of our SWU scholarships. It was presented to her along with a bouquet of red carnations by Pres. Orazem on behalf of the SWU on May 25th at the Awards program at Mesabi East High School. Jannelle will major in Business and play volleyball at the U. of Wisconsin in Eau Claire. The Anna Rose Smolich Scholarship of the SWU was won by Gina Pustovar, granddaughter of Adeline Mustonen. Gina lives in Duluth but is a member of Br. 34, Tower. Congratulations to our two scholars. And, thank you to Prof. Max Shuster for his generous and faithful support of our SWU Scholarship Fund.
Get-well wishes to Martha Gunderson and Ann Zuponcic. Good to see you both recovering so well.
I am sorry to report that our recording Sec’y. Alice Wilson resigned at this meeting. Thank you, Alice, for your 9 years of service. We will miss you. Best wishes to her and husband, George in their new home in Rochester, MN.
Thank you to Vida Marinšek and
Anita Vovk for the delicious lunch and to Anita for the prizes; they were won by Mary Noson, Marlys Rabb, Betty Turk and Alice Wilson.
On May 6th Dorothy Jamnick and I attended a luncheon meeting at Brantz conducted by State Vice President, Jean Korsman in the absence of State President, Charlotte Laurich. Reports and exchange of ideas to encourage members to attend meetings and get new members were discussed. Beverly Menart gave an interesting report on the National Board meeting in March. We will all be asked to help with the next National Convention, in the year 2003 in Duluth.
On May 13th several SWU members attended the 55th anniversary Dinner-Dance at the Chisholm Slovenian National Home. Special guests were the Slovenian Minister for Slovenians Abroad, Mme. Michaela Logar, Consul Anton Gogola, Counsellor John Policvar and U.S. Congressman James Oberstar. We enjoyed the evening of ethnic food, music, singing and memories of the Slovenski Dom.
Martha Gudnerson was honored as our Woman of the Year on May 21st. She was presented with a bouquet of red carnations and the book “Footsteps Through Time” by Irene Odorizzi. Punch and wine were served before dinner that was catered by the American Legion Auxiliary with cake and ice cream for dessert. Her sisters, nieces and friends shared special times and memories which brought tears and laughter to everyone. We were entertained by Helen Zuponcic’s piano students, Bryanna Moats from Gilbert, Heather Helland from Aurora and Laura Doty from Eveleth who chose selections from their recital program, “Music Touches Feelings That Words Cannot.” They played very well. Thank you, girls, for taking the time to share your beautiful music with us. Thanks to Helen for this wonderful treat. It made for a very happy day and appropriately we concluded with several Slovenian songs sung by our Festival Singers. Thank you, ladies!
Frank and Anita Vovk left for Slovenia in May and we sent along a prayer and good wishes with them for a safe and happy time with their family in Slovenia.
Happy summer everyone!
ANNE M. ORAZEM
FRANCES BRESAK CADETS, NO. 40, LORAIN, OHIO
First row, left to right: Agatha Kerhin, first lieutenant; Agnes Tomazin; Mr. William Esser, instructor; Angeline Mahnič, captain; Mary Baraga and Madeline Urbas.
Second row: Olga Škapin, Olga Obreza, Helen Ribarič, Rose Škerjanc, Sylvia Žiberna, Helen Tomazic, Anne Mahnic.
Third row: Mary Simonič, Bertha Anzelc, Caroline Dougan, Mary Pogachar, Jennie Tomazic, Albina Jančar, Angeline Kozjan, Elsie Tomazic.
Top row: Mary Skapin, second lieutenant; Lillian Tomazin, Angeline Tomazin, Dorothy Konyar, Agnes Ribarič, Emma Simonič, Matilda Muc.
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH Meeting: 2nd Wed.
SS Cyril & Method Hall
Our branch has been lax in sending in regular reports for ZARJA. Mary Matos, our Recording Sec’y. had to resign because of ill health. We sure do miss you, Mary. Your devotion to our Branch is very much appreciated. There will never be another like Mary! May God bless her.
Now for some belated news. Rose Jancar went to California to visit her son for Christmas. She prayed for all of us at a Mission there.
Mary Ferlic’s granddaughter received a KSKJ scholarship. She is studying medicine.
We had meetings in January, February and March with about 15 to 20 ladies present most of the time - occasionally only 8-10 come. But, we are going to keep going on and hope more members will be able to attend.
Frances Bresak
Our 70th anniversary is this year and we celebrated on May 24th with a Mass honoring the members, living and departed. Fr. Paul Krajnik offered the mass at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church. A luncheon followed at Alize’s restaurant in Vermilion.
Exactly 70 years ago, Albina Novak and other ladies from Cleveland came to Lorain and helped start our branch. Just a few years before, in 1926, Marie Prisland founded the S. W.U. as an educational, cultural and benefit organization.
Lorain’s own organizer was Frances Bresak, a very beautiful lady who served a long time as president. Also very prominent in the lodge were Angeline Kozjan and Agnes Jancar. Mrs. Jancar’s daugthter, Albina was Nat’l. Youth Director and a columnist in ZARJA (1939-40) - also was named
Pageant Queen at the 1939 Convention in Chisholm, MN.
At this anniversary, the branch remembered the activities of the late 30’s, namely the Drill Team of 1938 with 28 members. William Esser was drillmas-ter and also the head judge of the Drill Team Competition (1939) held in Cleveland among all the SWU teams. Angeline Mahnic Selack was the captain of the Frances Bresak No. 40 Cadets. Even tho there aren’t too many
Albina Jancar Uehlein
of the Cadets around any more, they do meet often to talk over old times.
We are happy to have as present officers Agnes Tomazin, Pres., and Agatha Donges, Sec’y.-Treas.
We have a number of members in nursing homes, among them are social members, Irene Kokinda and Gen Wenzel - they are at Abbewood in Elyria. Irene is our favorite singer who had a stroke after a heart by-pass operation. We sure do miss her singing in church. Annette Septaric, Rose Kneze-tic and Mary Matos are in an assisted living complex, Anchor Lodge, and Ann Bobrowski is in Amhurst Manor. Mary Ferlic, our faithful member is having therapy for her health problems. May God watch over all our members.
We presented carnation vases to our shut-ins at the nursing homes - so they will know we haven’t forgotten them.
In June our hostesses were Jean Balogh and Agnes Tomazin.
Have a happy summer!
FRAN PAVLOVČIČ
Photos from ZARJA, September, 1939
MEMORIES OF 70 YEARS!
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH Meetings: Quarterly, 2nd month of the quarter, 2nd Saturday Maple Hts., Library
I am writing this article while still in California recovering from my accident in February. The fact that I am able to write with my right hand again is a blessing. We take so many things for granted in life and it isn’t until something is taken away from us that we realize what a privilege it is. 1 should be back home in Ohio by the time you read this.
During my stay here I had the opportunity to speak to Jean Koci of Br. 100 in Fontana. Lynn and I were looking for a place to buy Slovenian sausage for Easter and I noticed that in Br. 100’s article in March the reporter, Jean Koci listed a phone number. I called her and found out that many people were looking for the same thing! She said that the majority of Slovenes out here have their Slovenian meats sent to them from the East. Since Lynn and I are SWU members she invited us to attend their Mother of the Year Luncheon in San Bernardino on Apr. 30th. We had full intentions of attending but fate deemed otherwise. I was back in the hospital with a complication and unable to travel. It would have been so nice to break bread with our sister members across the miles. If you read this, Jean, thanks again for the invitation.
Josie Perko Gruden’s granddaughter, Katie, was spending a few weeks in Spain with a group from her school.
Congratulations to Mary Taucher, former Br. 47 (Garfield Hts.), Secretary for many years on being honored as their Mother of the Year.
Our Branch is very fortunate to now have Sr. Joan of Arc, SSJ, TOSF, as a member. She is the first female Spiritual Director any Branch has ever had.
The “Bakeless Bake Sale” was a huge success, thanks to the generosity of our supportive membership.
Long time SWU member, Theresa Ferfolia, age 93, passed away in April. Our deepest sympathy is extended to her son, Don and his family.
I would like to extend get-well wishes to Mary Prhne and Camille Lao. Mary is the daughter of one of our founding members, “Mama Prhne.” Camille, though not a relative, resided with the Prhne’s throughout her life
time. I can never remember a time hearing either Mary or Camille’s name singularly - it was always in tandem like “Myrt and Marge” or “Laveme and Shirley.” So, to both of you great gals, “Mary and Camille,” our heartfelt greetings.
Happy July birthdays to: Josie Gruden, Ellen Bodziony, Mary Catherine Gruden, Mae Danicic and Ludmilla Tacsar.
Happy August birthdays to: Betty Ann Harr, Emily Gruden, Suzanne Harris, Mary Lou Prhne, Frances Hočevar, Jane Szymkowski, Mary Fink, Eleanor Charvat, Gabrielle Gruden and Marge Zupančič.
In closing, members, I want to thank you all for supportive correspondences and concerns during my recovery. It was most appreciated. To my wonderful daughter, Lynn, I can only offer a most humble “thank you” for a job well done. You are a genuine “Slovensko Dekle.”
Have a great summer, everyone.
Z Bogom.
LIL SADOWSKI
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 4th Wed.
St. John Evangelist Rectory
On Saturday, May 20th Lorraine Johnson was honored as “Woman of the Year” and the crowning was done by Helen Hajicek, “Mother of the Year” for 1999. Lorraine was also given a plaque in memory of this special day. She thanked the members for selecting her for this honor, an honor that she really deserves. She is a very warm and caring person, and we are all happy that she is our member.
On May 28th a Memorial Mass was said at 8:45 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church for all of our sick and deceased members. It was a beautiful Mass with songs by our Slovenian Choir under the direction of Mici Bregant.
We had a meeting on Wednesday, June 28th. This meeting was very important to discuss the work and ideas necessary to make our 70th anniversary and state convention a success.
I wish all of you a safe and happy summer.
ANNE E. KONCZAL, Reporter
NO. 47, GARFIELD HGTS., OH Meeting: 2nd Sunday, 1:00 p.m. Maple Heights Library
We had 33 members and family attend our Mother’s Day Luncheon on May 6th 2000. Much to Mary Taucher’s surprise, we honored her for many years of service as Secretary-Treasurer of Branch 47 and 50 years of membership in the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. Mary was quite taken aback as most of her family were in attendance. Thank you all for joining us on this happy occasion.
The dinner was excellent, especially the two desserts we enjoyed. The second dessert was a delicious and beautiful cake in recognition of Mary’s years of hard work and devotion to our organization. As was written on the cake, once again Mary, “Hvala Lepa”!
Door prizes of spring bouquets were made and donated by Kathleen Dor-chak’s mother-in-law, Nancy Hawkins. Our national Vice President, Marge Church was present, thank you for joining us, Marge.
We also welcomed a new member to Branch 47. Her name is Linda Ford, a former classmate of our national President, Kathy Dorchak. We are delighted to have you as a member, Linda, and hope to see you at all future meetings.
Congratulations to Kathy Dorchak who was installed as President of Ohio Division of Internal Association of Administrative Professionals on May 20, 2000 in Columbus, Ohio.
A Mass will be held on July 26,2000 at 11:00 a.m. at the Vincention Sisters, 1160 Broadway Ave., Bedford, Ohio. The event is sponsored by the Slovak Women’s Union. Mass will be held outdoors. Luncheon on the premises to follow. For further information please contact Olga at (440) 248- 0585.
Sisters Elsie Kohun and Elsie Spel-lacy are on their way to recovery from their recent health problems; our prayers are with you.
During Holy Week my grandson, Mike Atanasiu and I visited my daughter, Paula Erickson at her new home in Phoenix, AZ. The daily temperatures were in the 102 and 107 degree range, which made swimming in her pool wonderful! We were able to see quite a few sights in the area, and look forward to a return visit.
DOROTHY SQUIRE
SREČANJE MED POETOM IN SVETNIKOM
Pin
REŠEREN
— Frank Žebot —
Pogledi
Odnosi
Srečanja
Slomšek
UVOD
Literatura o Prešernu in Slomšku: antologije, biografije, monografije, razprave in članki - poleg v slovenščini tudi v tujih jezikih - je tako obsežna, da bi knjige napisane o življenju in delovanju teh dveh slovenskih velikanov napolnile predale večje domače knjižnice. Prešernoslovje in Slomškoslovje prestavljata danes dve posebni veji slovenske literarne zgodovine. Čudno, naravnost nerazumljivo je, da v vsej tej knjižni obilici ni najti niti enega pomembnejšega dela o vzajemnem sodelovanju obeh mož v obravnavanju in reševanju perečih slovenskih problemov njune dobe.
Slovenstvo je pred nastopom Prešerna in Slomška bilo v stanju nezavestne latentnosti. Slovensko ljudstvo je v dobi pred zlomom fevdalizma predstavljalo amorfno gmoto brezpravnih tlačanov, brez lastne identitete, brez zavesti pripadnosti etnični skupnosti. Tavalo je skozi stoletja v globoki amneziji. Ni se zavedalo svoje preteklosti, niti imena ni imelo, ne ciljev za svojo bodočnost. Razumništvo in meščanstvo, katerih naloga bi bila ljudstvo vzdramiti in ga popeljati v življenje in rast, mu je bilo odtujeno in potujčeno. Germanizacija, ki je v svoji srednjeveški fazi do 15. stoletja zmanjšala slovensko geografsko telo na eno tretjino njegovega prvotnega obsega, je v dobi prosvetljenstva v drugi polovici 18. stoletja privzela zavestne načrtne oblike. Nadaljnja eksistenca slovenskega naroda je visela na tehtnici.
Ob takih razmerah sta nastopila Prešeren in Slomšek. Prežeta globoke ljubezni do odmirajočega ljudstva, iz katerega sta izšla, sta osredotočila vse svojo duhovno sile k onomu cilju: rešiti slovenstvo grozečega propada.
Prešeren in Slomšek sta bila sodobnika, rojena le teden dni vsaksebi. Njuna rana vzrast je bila tako podobna druga drugi, da je težko najti bližje paralele v odgoji med rodnimi brati. Oba sta bila prvorojenca iz trdnih kmečkih domov. Obema sta njuna očeta že rano namenila kmečki stan. Vroča želja mater pa je bila, da postaneta duhovnika. Materine prošnje in posredovanje duhovnikov je omehčalo nasprotovanje očetov. Fanta sta bila poslana v latinske šole. Ena vzporednica iz njune mladosti pa mora biti posebej povdarjena. Oba sta postala radi sprememb v rodnih hišah dokončno odtujena od doma. Prešernovi starši so predali dom in posest sestri Mini in svaku Jožetu Vovku. V ženitovanjskem pismu so namenili majhno dediščino samskim sestram in bratu Juriju, njega samega pa so docela prezrli. Ta odločba ga je užalila v dno duše. Sprejel jo je kot izključitev iz družinske skupnosti. Slomškov oče pa se je po rani materini smrti znova poročil. Mačeha ni prikrivala svoje animoznosti do pastorka Tončka. Odtrgala mu je še tisto skromno denarno pomoč, ki jo je dotlej kot študent dobival od doma.
Vkljub tem vzporednostim ranega življenskega okolja pa sta bila po naravi in značaju povsem različna. Prešeren je bil kot študent vesel, razborit in izredno ponosen. Ta slednja lastnost je bila vzrok, da je večkrat prišel navzkriž z nekaterimi profesorji, posebno z janzenistovsko usmerjenim katehetom Jožefom Dagarinom. Slomška pa se odlikovale baš nasprotne čednosti. Bil je resen, skromen in ponižen. Na osnovi teh naravnih lastnosti sta razvila že v študentovskih letih dokaj divergenten pogled na življenje.
Trikrat v življenju so se sešle njune poti. Spoznala sta se v jeseni leta 1819, ko sta bila en semester
sošolca na ljubljanskem liceju. Drugič sta se srečala trinajst let pozneje v Celovcu, retje svidenje septembra 1837 v Ljubljani pa je bilo le bežno in sločajno.
Najpomembnejše je njuno drugo srečanje leta 1832 v Celovcu. Slomšek je bil takrat spiritual na skupni bogoslovnici krške in lavantinske škofije. Prešeren je prišel v Celovec koncem januarja. Tam se je štiri mesece pripravljal na odvetniški in sodnijski izpit. Tiste mesece sta se redno sestajala. Razpravljala sta o usodnih sodobnih slovenskih vprašanjih in jim skušala najti rešitev.
O mesecih, ko sta bila sošolca na ljubljanskem liceju vemo prav malo. Viri za celovške razgovore, njih vsebino, potek in zaključke so pičli in skopi. Nekateri Prešernovi in Slomškovi življenjepisi jih sploh ne registrirajo, drugi jih samo mimogrede omenjajo. Delni vpogled v nje nam dajejo ohranjena Prešernova poročila, ki jih je za časa bivanja v Celovcu pošiljal Čopu v Ljubljano, dalje Slomškovo dopisovanje s Čopom po Prešernovem odhodu. Z razgovori v neposredni zvezi je Slomškov članek v celovški "Carinthiji” dne 10. marca 1832, torej v času, ko je bil Prešeren še v Celovcu. Žal je Slomškov dnevnik za dobo po 2. januarju 1831, ki bi nam mogel dati popolnejši vpogled v dogodke ob Prešernovem bivanju v koroški prestolnici, bil v preteklosti izgubljen. Vendar je možno vsaj delno razbliniti meglo, ki zakriva celovške razgovore, če ohranjene fragmentarne vire analiziramo v zvezi s Prešernovim in Slomškovim delovanjem pred letom 1832.
Celovški razgovori, ki so povezali Prešerna in Slomška v iskreno prijateljstvo, so v svojih zaključkih važen mejnik v slovenski literarni in splošni zgodovini. Imeli so blagodejno-usodne posledice za bodočnost slovenstva.
Na liceju v Ljubljani
Po končanih gimnazijskih študijah v Celju je Slomšek v jeseni leta 1819 odšel v Ljubljano, kjer se je vpisal v prvi letnik liceja. Ker se je tedaj že trdno odločil za duhovski stan, bi bilo naravneje, da bi opravil licejske študije v Celovcu, ker je tam bila skupna bogoslovnica za krško in lavantinsko škofijo, v katero je vstopil dve leti pozneje. Razloge, ki so ga privedli, da se je odločil za Ljubljano, moremo le slutiti. Verjetno je to storil po nasvetu dveh mož, ki sta eminentno vplivala na njegovo duhovno in duševno rast. Prvi, domači Iponikovski kaplan Jakob Prašnikar, je po materini smrti in očetovi ponovni ženitvi, Slomšku nadomestil starše in mu bil odslej mentor in mecen. Drugi pa je bil profesor retorike na celjski gimnaziji Anton Zupančič. Ta moža sta v mladem Slomšku vzbudila zanimanje in vcepila ljubezen do rodnega jezika. Oba po rodu Kranjca, prvi iz Kolovrata v litijskem okraju, drugi pa Ljubljančan. Glavni vzrok izbire Ljubljane je bilo bržkone dejstvo, da je ljubljanski licej bil edini na Slovenskem, kjer je bil uveden pouk Slovenščine. Leta 1815 je cesar Franc podpisal odlok o ustanovitvi stolice slovenskega jezika na ljubljanskem liceju. Ob ustanovitvi se je za razpisano mesto lektorja
Dr. Franček (Frank) Žebot)
Rojen je bil 6. februarja 1911 v Mariboru. Po končani klasični gimnaziji v Mariboru se je vpisal na pravno fakulteto univerze v Ljubljani in je tam leta 1937 doktoriral. Dobil je zaposlitev pri Okrožnem uradu za socialno zavarovanje. V Ljubljani se je 4. decembra 1942 poročil z diplomirano filozofinjo Lijo Pogačnik. Na Koroškem ga je pot vodila skozi Vetrinje in Spittal v vzhodno tirolske hribe. Ko se je od tam vrnil v taborišče Spittal, je začel sodelovati pri listu TABORIŠČNIK. List je izhajal od 14. avgusta 1946 do 11. maja 1947, ko je moral prenehati s štev. 129. Tedaj je prišel hud pritisk za repatriacijo v Jugoslavijo. Jugoslovanski agentje so pritiskali na Angleže in Angleži na taboriščnike, naj se vrnejo v Jugoslavijo. V zvezi s tem pritiskom so Angleži koncem novembra vrgli iz taborišča 110 slovenskih družin, ki so se potem odselile v ameriški zasedbeni del Avstrije. “Dan pred odhodom v ameriško cono sem srečala v mestu 3 jugoslovanske oficirje (en dober znanec iz gimnazijskih let), ki so se obračali za menoj. To nam je dalo poguma podati se na nevarno ilegalno pot”, piše gospa Žebot. Žebotovi so se zatekli v taborišče Asten, Zg. Avstrija. Dr. Žebot je dobil zaposlitev v bližnjem mestecu Ems, kjer je bil tolmač pri Amerikancih. Kmalu se je Žebotova družina preselila v ZDA in se naselila v južni Kaliforniji.
V	družini se je rodilo pet otrok, trije fantje in dve dekleti. Vsi imajouniverzitetno izobrazbo.
Dr. Žebot je pripravil tudi nekaj zelo zanimivih spisov, ki se tičejo slovenske zgodovine. Požrtvovalno je zbiral gradivo, kar ni bilo prav lahko delo v tujini, kjer je knjižnih del s področja slovenske zgodovine zelo malo dosegljivih.
potegoval Valentin Vodnik, bil pa je zaradi svojega frankofilskega zadržanja za časa francoske okupacije odklonjen. Mesto je potem dobil Franc Metelko, ki je začel s predavanji aprila 1817.
Prešernu je bil vstop v licej bolj enostaven. Dva razreda glavne šole (normalke) je opravil v Ribnici, kamor ga je poslal njegov stari ujec Jožef Prešeren, kaplan na Kopanju pri Grosupljem. Ta ga je podpiral vsa leta njegovih študij, tudi pozneje na dunajski univerzi. Tretji razred normalke je Prešeren končal v Ljubljani. Leta 1813, zadnje leto francoske okupacije, je vstopil v gimnazijo, katere ravnatelj je takrat bil Valentin Vodnik. Po končanem šestem razredu gimnazije se je vpisal v licej.
Tu v središču takratne ljubljane-licejsko poslopje je stalo nedaleč od stolnice na današnjem Vodnikovem trgu - sta se Prešeren in Slomšek prvič srečala. Vsiljuje se vprašanje, kaki so bili odnosi med njima, kako daleč je seglo njuno prvo poznanstvo. Skopi viri ne dajejo odgovora na to vprašanje. Dr. Franc Kovačič, avtor doslej najzajetnejšega Slomškovega življenjepisa pravi: "Na ljubljanskem liceju mu (Slomšku) je bil sošolec France Prešeren, naš slovenski pesnik, s
NEKAJ SLOMŠKOVIH ZLATIH RESNIC
ZDRAVLJICA
PREŠEREN
Bog otroku srečo da, ki starše rad ima.
Najsrečnejše ljudi poštenje stori.
Kjer je največja sila, tam je božja roka mila.
Kdor si z igro čas svoj trati, prazno slamo mlati.
"Sveta vera bodi vam luč Materni jezik bodi vam ključ Do zveličanske narodne omike. ”
Kadar otrok golost kaže, angel varh beži.
Hitro, dete, se oblači, da te hudo ne dobi!
PrijatH obrodile so trte vince nam sladko ki nam oživlja žile, srce rzjasni in okč ki utopi
v potrtih prsih up budi.
Žive naj vsi narodi, ki hrepene dočakat’ dan. da, koder sonce hodi, prepir iz sveta bo pregnan, da rojak prost bo vsak,
na vrag, le sosed bo mejak!
katerim sta postala dobra prijatelja.” To mnenje je spričo znanih okolnosti skoraj gotovo časovno preuranjeno. Pravo prijateljstvo je vzklilo šele ob času celovških razgovorov, trinajst let pozneje. Kot licejska študenta še pač nista bila zrela za spoznanja, ki so ju tako intimno povezala leta 1832. Tudi nasprotje v značaju in različnost v pogledu na življenje ni moglo roditi ugodnega vzdušja za razvoj prijateljstva. Živela sta tudi v dokaj različnem družabnem okolju. Slomšek se je moral sam preživljati s instrukcijami. Od doma ni dobival nobene pomoči. Stanoval je v Študentovski ulici št. 292, v okolju v katerem so živeli ubožni študentje iz podeželja. Prešeren pa študentovskega pomanjkanja ni poznal. Poleg podpore staršev in stricev duhovnikov je dobival še štipendijo in za dodatek še služil z zasebnim poučevanjem, ne iz potrebe, ampak zato, da se družabno uveljavi. Stanoval je na Mestnem trgu pri meščanski družini Jakoba Lavrina, svetnika deželnega sodišča.
Tem za razvoj prijateljstva ovirajočim okoliščinam je treba prišteti še dejstvo, da je Slomšek ostal v Ljubljani le kratek čas. Rano spomladi 1820 se je odpravil v Senj v Hrvatskom Primorju, ker je zvedel, da lahko tam opravi vse štiri semestre modroslovnega študija v enem letu.
Slomška je zvabila v Ljubljano želja, da se izpopolni v slovenščini. Že v zadnjih razredih gimnacije je z vstrajnim čitanjem in vežbanjem v spisoslovju toliko napredoval, da ga skromna napotila, ki sta mu jih mogla nuditi Prašnikar in Zupančič, niso več zadovoljevala. V Metelku je našel učitelja, ki ga je uvedel v kompleksnosti slovenske slovnice in sintakse. Prešerna pa je pri slovenskih urah posebej zanimala metrika, ki jo je Metelko razlagal poslužujoč se starega rokopisa slovničarja Blaža Kumerdeja (1738-1805). O tem nam priča priložnostna šaljivka, ki jo je napisal koncem leta 1824 na Dunaju svojemu tovarišu Travnu, ki je takrat brezuspešno dvoril nekemu dunajskemu dekletu. Objavil jo je v Poezijah (1847) pod naslovom
"Zarjovena d’vičica". Satiro je zložil po pravilu metričnih dolžin in kračin, točno tako kot ga je po Kumerdeju razlagal Metelko na ljubljanskem liceju.
Dvanajst let poznje, v času abecednega boja, sta oba, Prešeren in Slomšek, služeč višjim vrednotam kot je lojalnost nekdanjemu profesorju, stala v vrstah nasprotnikov Metelkovega črkopisa.
Razen s sošolci in profesorji se je Slomšek v Ljubljani seznanil tudi z nekaterimi pomembnejšimi možmi tiste dobe. Z gotovostjo vemo, da je osebno poznal bogoslovnega profesorja Jakoba Zupana, poznejšega čbeličarja in početnika abecednega boja.
V	potopisu, ki ga je pisal, ko je poleti 1834 peš potoval po nemških deželah Avstrije, najdemo beležko, da je bil prvi znanec, ki ga je srečal, ko je prispel na Dunaj, profesor Jakob Zupan iz Ljubljane. Slomšek pa Zupana ni bogekaj cenil, ker "mož v poznejših letih ni znal drugega govoriti kakor psovati čez ljubljanskega škofa (Wolfa)”. V tej zvezi bodi omenjeno, da je bil Zupan s Kastelicem, Čopom in Prešernom od njenega početka leta 1830 član konzorcija "Čbelice". Po svoji teološki usmerjenosti se je nagibal k janezenizmu in je med čbeličarji veljal za nasprotnika Prešernove ljubezenske poetike.
Slomšek je že v licejski dobi spoznal svojega bodočega predhodnika na lavantinskem prestolu Franca Ksaverija Kutnarja, ki je bil takrat stolni kaplan v Ljubljani. Slovel je kot odličen pridigar. Misliti moremo, da je Slomšek, ki je bil redni obiskovalec stolnice, poslušal njegove cerkvene govore. Ko je bil Kutnar lavantinski škof (1843-1846) je dosegel, da je bil Slomšek imenovan za škofijskega šolskega nadzornika in stolnega kanonika, marca 1846 pa za celjskega opata. Na smrtni postelji pa je baje solnograškemu nadškofu, kardinalu Schwarzenbergu izrazil željo, da postane Slomšek njegov naslednik na lavantinskem prestolu.
— Nadaljevanje —
Katarina Kompan Erzar:
UTRINKI
IZ OTROŠKEGA
SVETA
Ko je ves svet tvoja ladja
Ko sem razmišljala o dopustinškem prispevku, sem nepričakovano dobila prošnjo, če napišem nekaj o “medosebnih odnosih med očetom, materjo in Bogom”. Takoj sem se spomnila na eno od pridig p. Christiana, kjer je govoril o tem, da je edini prostor brezpogojne ljubezni prav družina, materinska in očetovska ljubezen do otrok. Nobene druge človeške ljubezni ni, ki bi lahko bila brezpogojna.
Konec školskega leta je in začetek dopustov. Tisti najlepši čas, ki je namenjen brezpogojni ljubezni. Da bi bili res skupaj tako, da bi bil med nami Bog.
Majhen otrok je še kako občutljiv na to brezpogojno ljubezen, saj svet doživlja izključno iz sebe in preko odnosa staršev do njega. Zanimiv izraz tega otroškega narcizma je tudi naslednji stavek, ki ga Marko zmeraj izreče takrat, ko je še posebej zadovoljen: “Veš mami, veš očka, ves svet je moja ladja. In na tej ladji imam hiše, drevesa, hribe, ljudi in živali.” Na vprašanje: “kam pa pluje ta tvoja ladja?" smelo odgovarja: “Ja kam, v nebesa!” Kako lepo, če vsemogočnost lahko ostane in postane vezana na nekoga, ki je zares vsemogočen, da se staršem ni treba zgražati nad egocentričnim otrokom in ga na silo učiti, da ne sme tako govoriti, da je samo eden izmed ljudi in da je ladja, na kateri pluje pravzaprav povsem izven njegove kontrole.
Otroški narcizem je ena najbolj simpatičnih
lastnosti predšolskih otrok, saj po svoji spontanosti in nedolžnosti hkrati opominja odrasle in naš, v odraslosti nezdravi narcizem, ki izvira iz strahu in ogroženosti ter nas odvrača k pravi vsemogočnosti, v kateri se lahko odpočijemo. Odrasli bi ves svet doživljal kot prijazen in obvladljiv šele takrat, ko bi kot Sv. Frančišek začutil enost z Bogom in preko njega enost s celotnim stvarstvom in z drugimi. Takrat bi bil zanj res ves svet ena ladja, ki pelje v nebesa.
Družina je kraj, kjer oče in mati za otroka postaneta njegova ladja, ki ga pelje v nebesa, samo svojo prisotnost in brezpogojno ljubezen mu dajeta in vse ostalo bo prišlo samo od sebe. Počitnice so počitnice tudi od stalnega “krotenja” otrok od obveznosti, domačih nalog, priganjanja, metanja iz postelje in hitenja v vrtec, šolo, iz šole v krožke, v varstvo, k zdravniku, po trgovinah. Dopust od prilaganjanja na vsemogoče zunanje okoliščine in civilizacijske omejitve. Za otroke je to dopust od “pridnosti”, čevljev, komaj zlikanih hlač in belih bluzic, v katerih ne smeš na otroško igrišče, kaj šele, da bi se dotaknil peska.
Počitnice naj bodo zato res podarjeni čas za brezpogojno ljubezen, za tisti del brezpogojnosti, ki pomeni prisluškovanje otroškemu srcu in naravi, prisluškovanje tistemu ritmu, ki ga narekuje telo samo, ki ga narekuje vznemirjenje sina, ko se skupaj z očetom še pred zoro odpravi na izlet, ki je samo zanju; vznemirjenje hčere, ki se za materjo lahko po mili volji zaupno pogovori o ženskih stvareh in vznemirjenje otrok, ki imajo za nekaj dni starše samo zase. Da pa bi nastal prostor za brezpogojno ljubezen očeta in matere do otrok, je potrebno še vznemirjenje moža in žene, ki se lahko spočijeta drug ob drugem, ker lahko delita skrbi, veselje in žalost, in v miru skupaj zreta v sončni zahod. Sonce takrat sije o tem, da je nekoč Bog pred oltarjem prepoznal njuno ljubezen kot svojo.
Dopust je res čas, ko se spomniš tistega otroškega hrepenenja in občutka, da si na tem svetu ob nekom sprejet, pomemben, hoten, željen in ljubljen, ter da lahko skupaj z drugimi ta svet soustvarjaš tudi v majhnih vsakodnevnih obveznostih.
NO. 50, EUCLID, OH Meetings: 3rd Wed. Euclid Public Library except July & Aug.
This summer report due in July is being summarized on June 1st. An eventful and happy summer is being wished to you all, after which we will all meet at our meeting picnic at Euclid Park on September 20th. However, we hope that all our Anns will celebrate Jesus’ Grandmother’s Day, the feast of Saint Ann on July 20, 2000.
Since our last publication, we had many happy happenings and of course sad ones fed gradually so I hope for
correct info as received.
Josephine and Louis Greben had their 70th wedding anniversary which was a family celebration at Gateway where they both reside in separate areas. Josephine has been our member for 70 years! They had two sons who, in turn, gave them 6 grandchildren, who have come across with 3 great grandchildren - so far. Congratulations to all.
Our Valentine Queen, Frances Kaj-fez returned recently from a river cruise on the Mississippi in the Louisiana territory along with at least eighteen other Holmes Avenue Pensioneers. In checking with Frances, she said it was a great experience and they all had a wonderful time. I can vouch for that because I
took that trip several years ago and had a marvelous time, especially in New Orleans. We recommend this adventure to everyone.
Witin the last issue of ZARJA a wrong name was stated for the Valentine Queen of 2000. It should have been Frances Kajfez. Please forgive the error, Frances.
Some of us helped Bishop Pevec celebrate his 50th year of devoted service in May at the Slovenian National Home. This was an honorable event that he must have shyly appreciated.
This brings us to another happy event. The late Molly Mauer’s granddaughter, Sherrie Duncan gave birth to little Molly in March. Grandma Diane Bencin sent us this scoop: Little Molly
Bon Voyage!
I was thinking about writing this column on a subject appropriate to vacation time when I heard a request to speak on the triad of father, mother, and God. And then, a sermon by Fr. Christian Gostečnik in our church stayed in my mind as he said: “the family is where unconditional love finds it’s perfect place for parents and child - it is the only place where love is really everlasting and unconditional.” And, I thought, what a beautiful place to be! Now that it is the end of the school year and beginning of summer vacations, we are at the time when the unconditional love he talks about can really be put into action as time allows us to be more together as a family - and it’s God’s time, too.
The little child is most involved in unconditional love by the fact that his natural expectation is to be the center of all activity in the family, and the recipient of every act of love. The child’s normal narcissistic behavior is acceptable in this inner family circle and he really can expect to be the center of attention!
An interesting example of this came from our son, Marko, when he recently told me (at a time when he was delighted with himself) that the whole world was his ship, in which he had all his favorite things: his house, his yard, his animals, his dearest people. I asked him, “well, where is this ship sailing?” and he answered,
“to heaven, of course!”
How wonderful to be Marko and to put oneself right alongside God Almighty who lives in heaven! No one could think this child had a sacrilegous idea. In his childish narcis-sim he was simply equating himself with the Almighty in
a place that epitomizes happiness. And, Marko had a perfect right to be planning how his ship would go there with the things he loved most, straight to the place his little heart wanted to be.
A pre-schooler has those little winning ways that are dear to his mother and father because his behavior is spontaneous and often brilliantly contrived - unlike adult narcissism that comes from fear of not being loved, or being threatened in some way; this takes us away from God, and away from repose in His love by our intolerable behavior. If we could all be like St. Francis, feeling oneness with God, and oneness with all creation! Then our lives could be more like Marko’s who thinks he has the whole world on one ship, sailing towards heaven!
The family is the central place where mother, and father, are Marko’s ship. With their presence and their love they give him all he needs now - and provide the foundation for the rest of his life.
This is vacation time, a time for freedom! No more school, no baby-sitter, to the doctor, to go shopping! Vacation means no fences, no shoes, no stiffly-ironed clothes, and Marko can get dirty in the playground.
Let these days be times for love to bloom. Listen to your child’s natural rhythm that is following his heart’s desire. There can be special bonding between father and son, mother and daughter; and for mothers and fathers themselves, summertime allows them more opportunity to slow down and enjoy each other. The stress of problem-solving and constant decision-making fades as they take time to look into the sunset together, in each other’s embrace. And, the sun does shine warmly on those whom God has joined together and who live in His love.
The little ones in your family have shown you open-hearted yearning to be loved, accepted, to be important to you. Parents can make even everyday life a time to go sailing on a memorable trip.
Translated by the Editor
has joined her 20 month old brother as our member! May we go on forever.
Now for the sad part reported. We lost our long-time member Justine Zakrajšek at the end of May and Olga Samsa said farewell to her son, Leonard. They have been loved and will be missed.
Our sympathy to Josephine Sovich and family on the loss of her husband, Nicholas Sovich; also condolences to Betty Kozar and family who lost their dear husband and father, Stanley Kozar. Betty is the sister of John and Eddie Habat, the musicians.
Since this report must be in by the 1st of June, we can only hope that you will have attended the June 21st meeting before this publication to learn of
any missing links.
Let’s all plan on a wonderful summer and look forward to our picnic meeting in September.
Na svidenje!
VI MORAVCHEK
NO. 54, WARREN, OH Meeting, 3rd Wed. Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Our group celebrated Mother’s Day with a lovely Mother-Daughter luncheon on our regular meeting day. We want to thank Louise Vett for the pretty impatiens plant favors and the table decorations. Thanks also to Fran Sainato and Anne Brdek for the (sweet) favors
-	very tasty! And, I brought some lemon squares for dessert.
We missed our charter member, Vic Zuga, who was in Columbus with some health problems. She rarely misses our affairs. Get well soon, dear Vic!
We had an enjoyable afternoon and several of us recited Mother’s Day poems. I’ve been doing the same one for 25 years after seeing it in the ZARJA! Nice to have Elsie Shine back with us. She was visiting her son and family in South Carolina.
Our next meeting will be on Wed., Sept. 20th at noon at my home. Anne Brdek will provide dessert and you are to bring a sack lunch. In November it will be on the 15th at my home again, also at 12 noon.
We have a new bundle of joy in our family. Jacob Ponikvar was bom to our oldest son and his wife. We have had three boys now, all bom in the last 2 years! It will keep our family name going!
Don’t know where our members are traveling this summer but if you are, we wish you safe traveling.
Happy Birthday to our president Anne Brdek, also to Valentina Gladd, Anne Savor, Fran Sainato and Louise Vett. In the fall season we will try to have a specific agenda for our meetings, per request of the SWU Director of Activities. Even with our small group we wil keep on plugging away!
May you all have a good, healthy and blessed summer.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 55, GIRARD, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed., 7-8 p.m.
Happy Fourth of July!!
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; — if God so clothe the grass of the field which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you,—”
Matthew 6:28 & 30
Mother’s Day Banquet was held May 3, 2000. We had a very nice time. It seems that due to illness and age many could not attend.
Matilda Cigolle, 90, passed away a short time after attending our April meeting. We shall miss her. She was very active in our branch for many years. We express our sincere condolences to Tilly’s family.
Monica Selak danced “Irene,” which was exciting for her. Mark is also doing very well in school. Andrea will become a Financial Analist for Goldman Sachs and be moving to New York. Congratulations to all.
Our next meeting will be September 20, 2000. Have a good summer.
Happy July birthdays: Stephanie Gordon, Maria Selak, Anna Kalan.
JOAN KRISTIN TWADDLE
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE HGTS., OH Meeting: to be decided
God Bless America, as we approach the middle of summer and the red, white and blue holiday. Hard to believe
that the year we all waited for, 2000, is half over.
Our anniversary mass in April was attended by nine members, and at breakfast, six members from Br. 101 met up wtih us. We thank them for taking time to “break bread” with our members.
In addition to our members at the mass, we had the pleasure of having as guests our Regional President, Fran Gazvoda and the Regional Vice President, Peggy Moore. Both were acknowledged at the mass. Thank you for taking time to be with us. Another guest was my youngest sister, Madeline Timm. Madeline’s husband (Don) passed away on April 5th after years of struggling with chronic illnesses, several surgeries and unending hospital stays. He died at home in his sleep. He rests with the angels.
Among the members present was Nettie Kainec from Florida. Nettie had come to Ohio for several family celebrations and took advantage of being in the area for our anniversary mass. She was accompanied by her daughter, Rita Saraniti who resides here. We were likewise happy to have Benny Dodyk who represented his wife (Helen) who was unable to attend due to illness. We thank Benny and we wish Helen the best - and keep her tucked in our prayers.
At mass, Father Tom mentioned in particular prayers for Alouise Epley and her two daughters. “Babe” and Leona, both of whom are suffering from chronic illnesses. After spending time in a hospital and in a rehab facility, “Babe’ is at home, resting and receiving plenty of TLC from husband, George. Please remember all of them in your prayers.
Word was received of the death of John Kocjan, husband of our member Sylvia (who joined us at mass/breakfast). We send our sympathy and prayers to Sylvia and her family.
Annette Yuratovac has finished her college work and will spend part of the month visiting Mom (Kay) for a short time. She will return again in July for a bit longer vacation. And speaking of “students”. My daughter-in-law, Charlotte (wife of Mark) has received her Master’s Degree from Akron University. her teaching team of three mem-
bers has accepted a nomination for Disney America Teachers Award which recognizes extraordinary and outstanding performance of individuals in the teaching profession. Thirty teachers will be honored for the year 2000. We wish them well in their endeavors.
We understand that Ann Yoger has not been feeling well, and we hope that by this time she is back to her normal routines. Take care, Ann, perhaps the warm summer weather will help your recovery.
At our last meeting, serious consideration was given to our branch. With only 7/8 members attending, sometimes less than that, it was decided that meetings will be held as warranted, no longer keeping the first Monday of the month, for six or seven specific months, as we have done in the past. The idea of changing to afternoon meetings was not well-received, since we would lose a very loyal and important member, Gloria Dusek, who will maintain a work schedule. Another good member, Betty Dmach has worked for years with the election board and cannot attend meetings prior to election days. Other members do not want to drive at night, have their own ills, and many have obligations that far outweigh attending a meeting. We will strive to keep at least three, hopefully four meetings a year.
Have a happy and safe summer.
EVELYN A. MAJERCIK
NO. 85, DEPUE, IL Meeting: at Members’ Homes
Meeting was opened by pres. Gen Grilc at the Giants Den on May 2nd. There were 6 members present. Our member, Pearl Drennen is at Rosecliff Manor in DePue. A card was signed and sent to her. Since then Pearl has been in and out of the hospital and is again in the hospital at the present time. We all wish her the best.
We have quite a number of graduates. Jana Barto, daughter of Jackie Barto, graduated from Illinois State University and is employed at Citizens Bank in DePue. Theresa Kimble, granddaughter of Gen Grilc, graduated from 111. Valley Community College and will continue her education at Illinois State in accounting. Another granddaughter, Hillary Grilc graduated
Slovenian Heritage Day in Oglesby, Illinois
from St. Bede’s high school and will go on to IVCC. Nick Benkse, grandson of Mary Benkse graduated Valedictorian from DePue high school and will continue his education at IVCC. Another grandson of Mary Benkse, Sharon Logan, graduated from Notre Dame High school and will be attending St. Louis University. Barry De-Bord, grandson of Ann DeBord, graduated from Bloomington high school and will attend Augustana College in the fall and will play football. Barry has done very well both in football and baseball while at Bloomington High School. He accummulated the second highest single season passing total in Bloomington history, was chosen as the most valuable player and served as Captain. He was also on the high honor role and is a national merit scholarship qualifier.
We are very proud of all these fine young people and wish them continued success and all the best.
We had a nice Memorial Day mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery in DePue. Father Ed Baurec had the mass and the Knights of Columbus and American Legion participated. We have quite a few of our members buried there.
My best to everyone for a great summer and all good health. God bless!
MARY JERMENC
When Holy Family Church in Oglesby, IL decided to celebrate Slovenian Day this May, the members of our branch pitched right in to help on the committee. Angie Nico and Rose Ann Prey were major contributors to the planning and if one looked at the array of goodies on the sweet tables, we know our members outdid themselves in baking, etc.
A noon mass was concelebrated in Holy Family Church by Rev. David Srumpf and pastor, Rev. Brian Rejsek in Slovenian and English languages.
The Slovenska Pesem Choir from Lemont sang during mass. The children from Holy Family School brought up the gifts and were altar servers.
At 1:30 p.m. a delicious Slovenian dinner, prepared by Fanika and Ed Fritz was served to approximately three hundred attendees in the Holy Family gymnasium.
A beautiful and plentiful dessert table of poticas, strudels, rojaks, krofi, kolachke, and fruit plates was provided by the committee; as was wine from Slovenia.
The Vince Rigler Band from Stickney provided the music and the
“Veselje” Folk Dancers from Lemont, under the direction of Corinne Leskovar, performed. Dancing followed the dinner.
Door prizes were awarded including various souvenirs from Slovenia, poticas, a fruit basket, vases of red carnations and a fireside basket of red carnations.
Our sincerest thanks to the many workers and persons who donated and participated in our successful and enjoyable Slovenian Heritage Day celebration.
The Committee
On the photos are Fr. David with pastor, Fr. Brian Rejsek; kitchen crew includes Fani and Ed Fritz, (center), Frances and Victor Lavrisa (left) and Marilyn Argubright (right); Veselje is seen top right, after the performance, and Angie Nico joins them.
The members hope this will be an annual event!
Photos Jo Schmidt
NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL Meetings: 2nd Mon. except Jan. and July Dickinson House
Month of May proved to be a busy one with all the activities. The Slovenian Heritage Day celebration is still being talked about. Corinne Leskovar, thank you for your being instrumental in a lot of the work done to make the day colorful and filled with Slovenian heritage. The folkdancers were a joy to watch and the music so delightful. In church, the choir singing was a treat, especially for our elderly Slovenians.
Our Mother-Daughter Banquet was a huge success, an evening to remember.
Mass for the deceased members was June 25th, 2000 at Holy Family church.
With summer around the comer we can all relax. We will not be meeting during the summer months of July and August. If any good news comes my way I’ll pass it on to you.
We’ll be getting a new pastor this summer. His name is Rev. Gregory J. Jozefiak and is from Chicago. Maybe some of our neighbors up there know him. Our former pastor, Rev. Brian J. Rejsek will be transferred to Mendota. He was our pastor for two years and altho it was a short time he accomplished a lot. He will be missed by all. Good luck, Fr. Rejsek!
The following members are wished happy birthdays: June, Eunice Supan; July, Darlene Wieczorek, Darlene Wasielewski, Anne Batty; August, Jo Morrison, Betty Hamilton and Jean Watson.
Let’s all have a safe summer and when our vacations are behind us, we can reflect on the wonderful times we had.
See you in September. Love you!
EUNICE KOMATER
NO. 100, FONTANA, CA
Sunday, April 30th was a special day for Branch 100. Over thirty members ind their families attended our Mother jf the Year Mass at St. Joseph’s Church and Luncheon at the Napoli Italian Restaurant. Our honoree, Pauline (Polly) Petrie was radiant. It was nice meeting
Rosemary Mlakar with her son, Fred who suggested the large contribution to the SWU Scholarship Foundation after hearing reports from his mom, Rosemary after the last National Convention of SWU.
her son, John and seeing husband, John again. After all of her active years, it was a great time to say “Thank you!” to such a fine and talented member.
This group is so congenial; we truly enjoy getting together. In addition to talking about “Polly” on her special
day, a lot of conversation centered on the large donation to the SWU Scholarship Foundation from the Slovene Rest Home Association. It was a wonderful tribute! Thanks to Rosemary Mlakar for her suggestion to the Rest Home Board.
It was good to see Florence Stmad at the Mother of the Year Mass and Luncheon. She doesn’t get out as much lately, but didn’t want to miss this special day. We saw Francie Watson at the Button Box Jamboree in Fontana over Memorial Day weekend. She is also doing better. Eileen Kaucic is up and about, but still needs our prayers.
I had an E-mail message from Pauline Buzan from her Jamaican post with the Peace Corps. She sends her best wishes to all. Pauli is now teaching remedial reading to 3rd and 4th graders and is enjoying it very much. I can’t believe she’s been over there for about a year, already. You can send her a message at E-mail:
psbuzan@cwjamaica. com.
Na svidenje...
JEAN KOCI 949^95-0097 E-mail: AJKOCI@aol.com
NEW S.W.U. COOKBOOK!
Dedicated to Hermine Dicke
Enjoy it and share it with your family and friends
The PERFECT gift for all occasions
Features of the NEW cookbook include:
600 Great Recipes with easy formats 171 NEW recipes from our members
Place your order now -$18.00 per nook, postpaid
AUTHENTIC SLOVENIAN RECIPES:
Favorites of three generations Detailed Instructions Origins of regional recipes Historical Information Maps and notes of interest!
Heritage illustrations by renowned artist, Nancy Bukovnik
Make checks payable to: Slovenian Women’s Union (or S.W.U.) Mail to: 431 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432
Please allow three weeks for delivery
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Meeting: When convenient Parish Center
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C. Meeting: 1st Sun. except July & Aug. St. Columba’s Ch. Albemarle St.
WE’RE GOING TO SLOVENIA IN 2001!
We are having beautiful weather with longer days. After a dry spell, we received about three inches of rain. Hopefully everyone is enjoying this weather.
The adult choir of Holy Family Parish had dinner at Dale’s North Mound on Apr. 6th. A delicious Slove-nian-style meal was served. Twenty members were present including Father Joe Follmar.
Bernard Lesar and son, Darin, from England, came to the U.S. to visit friends, relatives and Bernard’s mother, Mrs. Mary R. Lesar in Wells Nature View in Marshfield. They spent a week here before returning to England.
On April 13, Mike and Gloria Plautz left for a trip to Italy for 2 weeks, where Mike did some teaching. They also spent a week in Slovenia visiting relatives.
The SWU held a bake sale on Palm Sunday weekend. There was a nice assortment of baked goods.
Charlene Herrick, a member of Branch 102 was granted a $1,000 scholarship from the Slovenian Women’s Scholarship Fund. She was the third person from our branch to receive a scholarship. The other two were Aimee Staut and Christine Trunkel.
On May 7, we held a meeting beginning with a pot luck lunch. We also held a plant sale.
It is with regret that I report two recent deaths. Mary (Volk) Hunter, age 97, died in April in Illinois. Mary (Perushek) Shumate, age 90, passed away on April 13 in Duluth, MN. They were both Willard natives. And sympathy to their families.
On May 26, Christine Trunkel and Chad Lemerande celebrated their marriage in Green Bay, WI. A reception was held for them on June 10 at Dale’s North Mound.
The wedding of Tom Trotter and Wendy Klancher was held on June 25 in Minneapolis. Best wishes to the two couples.
FRIEDA KLANCHER SWU WEBPAGE:
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Agna Javornik on April 2, 2000. Agna was a charter member of Branch 103 and active in Slovene activities until recent years when she was unable to do so for health reasons. She will be remembered as a truly delightful person. Our prayers are offered for her, and may she rest in peace.
Since the last report in the ZARJA, we have already celebrated the most religious holiday, Easter Sunday; in May a beautiful holiday, Memorial Day, which is meaningful to every individual. I can’t help but feel how blessed we are in this great country to be able to reflect on the true meaning of these beautiful holidays, and have the freedom to worship.
Our April meeting was very productive in discussing activities for our Branch. Many thanks to our new members Ana Šonc-Tevtič and Valerie Bohince for their enthusiastic participation and great ideas for our branch. Also thanks to Ana Skopec, our long-stand-ing, member, for her helpful input; they are certainly an inspiration to us all to become involved in these projects.
As 1 have often mentioned, springtime here in the Nation’s Capital is so beautiful. The Japanese Cherry blossoms are breathtaking, as are the Brandford Pear Tree blossoms, and all the other many flowers that just seem to burst forth at the proper times of the year. At the time of this writing, we have been blessed with beautiful weather, with a bit of cold, rain, wind, etc. of no consequence. The rest of the country also is beautiful; however some suffer from severe weather more than we would like, and we need to offer our prayers for anyone in the paths of these serious storms.
Branch 103 will recess during the summer as always, and resume meeting in September. Wishing all SWU members and family much health and happiness as always.
MATILDA AUSICH WWW.SWUS.ORG
The trip is planned for the fall of 2001, the year of our SWU 75th Anniversary. It will be an opportunity to visit Slovenia with a wonderful group of members-friends, to celebrate the anniversary in the land of our founders. Many wonderful places and activities in .two weeks of travel, with an optional week or extra time available for visits to relatives.
If you have never seen Slovenia, this is a great chance to travel and be in the care of professional guides and people who know the country and places to see.
It may be your chance to climb some gorgeous mountains or just see them from below! Swim in the Adriatic, or just sunbathe or
-	go to a beauty-health spa! Pick grapes at harvest time in the wine-country! Dance to lilting Slovenian polkas and waltzes at a popular club! Learn about Slovenia at historical sights! Walk the beautiful town streets filled with ancient architecture.
Smell, taste and feel the flavor of the country-side where the food is sensational, the wine is golden, and the people, oh, so friendly!
It may be your most unforgettable visit to Marija Pomagaj Shrine at Brezje, and other churches and castles that dot the land! The view at night of a lighted hill-top church will stay with you forever.
The sooner you reserve your space the better! We’re taking early reservations. Call or write to the SWU Home Office, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432, (815) 727-1926.
Perspective on Elder Law: The Ombudsman
By Frederick E. Križman, L.L.D.
For the benefit of our many members living in nursing homes this article is reprinted from the book entitled: TO YOUR HEALTH AND LONGEVITY written by Cleveland attorney and Health Care Administrator, Frederick E. Križman. This book is a valuable resource on the subject of geriatric care and elder living.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) established the ombudsman. In 1993, the ombudsman program registered 197,820 complaints throughout the United States.
The ombudsman program requires facilities to post addresses and telephone numbers of the Ombudsman covering their location. Grievances and opinions may be voiced without fear of discrimination regarding care. All grievances are investigated. In Ohio, you may also call the Home Health Hotline at 1-800-3422-0553 every business day between
8	a.m. and 5 p.m.
Today the Long Term Care ombudsman program operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It covers residents of both nursing facilities and Board and Care homes. Variability in organizational placement, program operation, funding, and utilization of human resources gives rise to at least 52 distinctive approaches to implementing the program. Nonethless, many commonalities exist between these various approaches.
The Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman is typically housed within the State Unit of Aging (SUA); 42 states have this arrangement. State SUAs vary in their organizational placement. Some are independent, singlepurpose agencies. Some are in larger “umbrella” organizations in which several other agencies report to a head office. Others are in independent state-run ombudsman agencies or are completely outside state government. Some states operate from one centralized office; others have developed separate and distinct local programs.
Funding for the Long Term Care Ombudsman program comes from multiple sources at the federal, state and local levels. Most federal funding comes from the Older Americans ACT (OAA). Sources for other funding includes state and local governments, the United Way and foundations.
The OAA legislates a broad scope of advocacy functions for the office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman to perform both at the individual resident level and at the broader system level. When working with individual residents, ombudsmen’s responsibilities include: ensuring that residents have regular and timely instructions in the process, investigating and resolving their complaints and working with other local, state or federal agencies that may need to be called in.
Remember, the Ombudsman is there to see that you retain and maintain your dignity and respect. Often times, the state Ombudsman’s Office is most helpful in providing a list of the proper type of facility that is available in your area to meet the requirements of a resident’s care.
Each of the 50 states provides more information on their respective Ombudsman program.
The Volunteer’s Role In The Ombudsman Function
Volunteers provide many hours of service to this vital program. They often help in informing resident of their rights and handling simple complaints. They also play a major role in assisting residents and their families in answering legal problems arising from matters pertaining to admissions.
The volunteers also visit facilities and act as the “eyes" and “ears” of the resident. Volunteers provide written reports on a variety of matters regarding everything from rooms that are too small and bathrooms shared by both men and women, to complaints about the quality of food available and smoking (some from residents who wish to smoke, and some from residents who want to be as far from smoke as possible).
Always have the names addresses or name of the employee causing the grievance, job title of the employee available for the ombudsman. Have your facts correct - date, time, place, and what actually happened. Remember this is confidential and your name will not be used.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JULY & AUGUST
National Officers:
July 16 - Bonnie Prokup, Nat’l. Secretary, Peru, 1L
Aug. 26 - Beverly Jackson, Nat'l. Aud., San Francisco, CA Aug. 29 - Angela Stare, Dir. Youth Services, Bethesda, MD
Presidents:
July	5 -	Ann Cooke, Br. 32, Euclid, OH
July	5-	Anne Brdek, Br. 54, Warren, OH
July	6-	Maria Selak, Br. 55, Girard, OH
July	21 -	Ann Tercek, Br. 50, Cleveland, OH
July 24 - AnneOrazem, Br. 35, Aurora, MN
Aug. 4- Betty Matjašič, Br. 101, Bedford, OH Aug. 9- Catherine Sandvick, Br. 38, Chisholm, MN Aug. 22 - Mollie McIntyre, Br. 22, Bradley, IL
Secretaries:
July 7 July 10 July 21 July 23
Mary Maxin, Br. 50, Euclid, OH Rosemary Donald, Br. 33, Duluth, MN Rose Marie Stebick, Br. 101, Bedford, OH Alouise Epley, Br. 73, Warrensville Hts., OH
Mary Djubinski, Br. 102, Willard, WI Eileen Kaplan, Br. 3, Pueblo, CO Moreen Spencer, Br. 13, San Fran., CA Peggyann Moore, Br. 25, Cleveland, OH Frances Ulle, Br. 68, Fairport Hbr., OH Charlotte Perdan, Br. 32, Euclid, OH
“Many happy returns of the day;
Submitted by Gladys Buck, Br. 16
HAPPY 80TH!!!
Today Dear Lord, I’m 80 and there’s much I haven’t done. I hope Dear Lord you’ll let me live until I’m 81.
But then, if I haven’t Finished all I want to do, would you let me stay a while - until I’m 82?
So many places I want to go, so much to see - do you think that you could manage to make it 831
The world is changing fast, there is so much in store.
I’d like it very much to live until I’m 84.
And if by then I’m still alive. I’d like to stay till 85.
More planes will be up in the air, so I’d really like to stick - and see what happends to the world when I’m 86.
I know Dear Lord it’s much to ask (and it must be nice in heaven) but I would really like to stay, until I’m 87.
I know by then I won’t be fast and sometimes will be late, but it would be so pleasant to be around at 88.
I will have so many things, and had a wonderful time. So, I’m sure that I’ll be willing to leave at 89... MAYBE.
Saint Anne -Grandmother Saint
Our Blessed Mother Mary didn’t have to send one of the popular greeting cards to her mother Anne because, of course, she was close enough to see her often. So it is likely that Jesus knew his grandparents, Joachim and Anne tradition has named them - at least when he was young.
While we know little of them, we can easily imagine the kind of hard-working, observant and trustworthy Jews they were from their daughter Mary. You have probably said a hundred times - “What a good boy” or “What a good girl” a neighbor child is - only to have your mind answer the unspoken question with “Of course, just look at their parents.”
Children do inherit more than eye color and hair and size and shape from their parents - they inherit their faith, beliefs, lifestyle and culture, too.
It is easy to imagine Anne, holding the Baby Jesus, nuzzling him; teaching him words; letting him suck on a sugar pacifier (long before those fancy ones of today). You can hear her say to Mary: “Go take a walk with Joseph and visit some friends. I’ll mind the baby.” The selflessness of grandmothers is true in every society right down to the present day.
We shouldn’t ever forget that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. That’s what makes His gift of Himself to us so magnificent. We honor his grandparents on July 26 in the Church Calendar.
Dear Anne, grandmother of Jesus, help all grandmothers (and mothers) love their grandchildren (and children) as you did. Because each is made in His image and through Baptism shares His life.
DEADLINE FOR DUES’ PAYMENTS EXTENDED
If you have not paid your dues for 1999, please contact our National Secretary. It may be that your statement has been returned by the post office, or there has been some other mis-filing. In order to get membership lists corrected, it will take all our cooperation! May we count on yours?
Write to Bonnie Prokup, Nat’l. Sec’y., 3119 Carrie St., Peru, IL 61354; Tel. (815) 223-9596; E-mail address WPROKUP@AOL.COM.
From the Youth Director Angela Stare:
I hope that by now most of the branches have had the opportunity to study, review and discuss the suggestions/ comments that I made in ZARJA regarding my position as the Junior Activities Director.
I warmly welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can strengthen our common desire and goal to generate interest and excitment within our junior membership.
Before I can implement the suggestions that I presented, I’d like to hear from as many members as possible and to survey the needs of as many junior members as possible.
Again, I’ll be happy to hear from anyone whether by mail, fax or e-mail or by phone. I provided the members with all of this information in an earlier ZARJA.
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays are yearly reminders of God’s gift of life on this earth,
He created a world filled with beauty for us to enjoy from our birth,
He gives us His love to surround us,
He listens to every request...
And through every year that God gives you, may you celebrate life and feel blessed,
To all of my Junior Members, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and safe summer!
It’s Cool to be Slovenian
KOBARID YOUTH CAMP 2000
Where and When
July 30th to August 6th, Northern Primorska region, Nadiža Camp, Podbela near Kobarid.
Intention
The camp is intended to bring young people from Slovenia, ages 12 to 16, together with other youngsters of Slovene descent from along the borders and around the world to meet and form bonds. In a few years, young Slovenians from abroad and from Slovenia will cooperate in the shaping of mutual cultural, scientific, and business projects, and in this way, the acquaintances made at the camp could be of great benefit. Participants from abroad will also be potential ambassadors to our country around the world.
I would like to acknowledge and wish all of these members the very best and the happiest of birthdays; those celebrating in the months of June and July, 2000.
June 1: Angela Perez, Madeline Burk, Brent Mathison, Rae Ann Willoughby; June 4: Katherine Cole, Brenda M. Vorisek; June 5: Toni Carroll, Nicholas Scianna; June 10: Anthony Belisto; June 11: Hailey Siegler; June 13: Caitlen Dobczyk; June 16: Krista Ludgren; June 21: Daniel Serapin, Abby Schweikert; June 23: Elizabeth Ancel, Bradley Olles; June 24: James Smith, Natalie Mlakar, Sara Fon, Daniel Spinizzo, Corey K. Holden, David Leskovar; June 25: Bekki Jo Prokup, Patricia Weihmann, Shaun Collins, Jacob Spehar, Denise Bucar; June 27: Daniel Leskovar, Rachel Pucel; June 28: Francis Koncar, Krista Zokel; June 29: Katherine Gruden, Alexandra E. Koi, Jennifer Nemeth; June 30: Jessica Gordon, Anna M. Fooy, Hannah Girman.
July 1: Lindsey Antilla, Janelle Antilla; July 2: Stephanie Gordon, Victoria Turek, Patrick Riordan; July 3: Alyssa Hodnik, Christopher Tezak; July 4: Patricia Habet, Krystal Mladic; July 6: Margretta Strle; July 7: Jamie Bul-gajewski; July 8: Barbara J. Prokup; July 9: James Foley; July 11: Nicholas Paap, Stephen Mladic; July 12: Laura Fernandez; July 13: Anthony Mezec, Chris Fernandez; July 14: Kara Maruszak, Eric Mathews; July 15: Courtney Mundson; July 18: Lynsey Volvsek, Jamie Vecchione, Gina M. Pustovar; July 19: Nicole Irwin; July 21: Alex Kos-sakoski, Michelle Adamic, Stephanie Petrich, Chris Swilhart, Rebecca Blackford; July 23: Melissa Nusko, Ashley Adamic, David Majercek; July 24: Lisa Green, Brooke Mohr; July 26: Shannon Vojtkofsky; July 27: Kaila Urick; July 27: Mathew Nemeth; July 29: Katelyn Mundson; July 31: Mark Foldesi, Ryan Harrison, Amanda Blowers.
Participants
We are planning to have about 60 participants, half from Slovenia and half from abroad.
Program
The acquaintance and discovery of Slovenian culture and natural heritage, this time emphasizing on the heritage of North Primorska.
Registration
Registrations are already being accepted. The deadline for the registration is June 15th. (This deadline is not firm.) Participants from abroad will not be charged. Registration data (name, family name, date of birth, address, telephone number, data concerning the ability to speak Slovenian) should be directed to our headquarters at:
Slovene World Congress Cankarjeva 1/IV Si-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija tel./fax: +386-61 125 24 40 e-mail: ssk.up@eunet.si
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ALL THE PROKUPS ARE CELEBRATING!
Bill (June 17), Bonnie (July 16), Bekki (June 25) and Barbi (July 8) are busy this summer celebrating birthdays! All our best wishes! Bekki’s First Holy Communion in May topped the family events for this year! Congratulations!
Hi everyone!
It’s Me, Julie.
1 hope that you all are enjoying your summers, and that you are all making safe choices. I can’t believe that it is summer, and that it’s already almost over with! I’m not sure if I have a tip of the month, or if I have a topic like last month. You can try to figure out exactly what it is, so here goes.
I was recently in a car accident, but I am okay. I realized so many things within the few seconds that it took to make me change my life forever. I realized how lucky I am for everyone and everything. In seconds I saw my life flash before my eyes, and I thanked God for everything I was ever given. I am fine, I have few marks from the airbags and such, but other than that,
I am just fine. I was never so scared in my life. I think that this month’s tip is an addition to last month’s. It totally made me realize that I should not take life for granted. I also realize that no matter how mad I get at some of my friends, or even my parents, they are there in the long run. I had always said that I would be scared to death if I had to call my parents, especially my dad, and tell him that I was in a car accident and that his car didn’t exactly look the way it did when I left home. But when I called home to tell my parents that I had been in a car accident, all they wanted to hear was that I was okay. Okay, so the car didn’t look like the same car my dad bought two years, ago, or maybe that there were marks, and that the license plate was in the middle of the intersection. But, his daughter was okay, and that was all that mattered to him.
I realize that I am writing to all teens across the states, and I want all of you
drivers to know that you never know when something can happen. It only takes seconds, and I mean seconds, to realize that your life is int he hands of God, and that when you are behind a wheel it could change your life. Please, I beg you, be cautious when you drive. We are all still young drivers, and it only takes one accident to change your life forever. I will never forget this life altering memory, because I now am one of the most cautious drivers you’ve ever seen. Follow the rules of the road and you will have nothing to worry about.
Maybe, just maybe, I can end this article with something positive for a change. Well, talking about school wouldn’t be a positive thing, neither will the fact that we only have weeks left before we return. Even though I am going to be a senior and I can’t wait, it is still going to be hard to have to get up early in the morning again. Well, I tried but I can’t think of anything positive except for this joke:
Why wouldn’t you want to take a shower with a Pokemon?
You don’t want him to “Peek at you!”
Talk to you all soon! Take care until then!
Julie, 2000
APPLICATION
SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S VN10N OF AMERICA SLOVENSKA ŽENSKA IVEIA V AMERIKI
New Adult Member	Annual Dues: $15.00		Junior Member (Birth to 18) Annual Dues $5.00
Last Name	Maiden Name		First Name and Initial
Address		City	State Zip Code
Date of Birth	Age		Place of Birth
Descendant of which nationality
Marital Status
Applicant's signature: Branch affiliation No. .
Applicant recommended by:
Place:
To expedite your application for membership please remit annual dues and mail with this application form to:
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION
431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Tel. (815) 727-1926
Please make checks payable to Slovenian Women’s Union
Date:
Branch No.:
FOR OFFICE USE:
Date Received: ______________
Certificate No. _____________
Branch Affiliate:
APPLICATION CHANGES FOR THE YEAR 2000 AND BEYOND
Above is a copy of our new SWU Membership Application for anyone joining now, after January 1, 2000. The application was updated by eliminating any information that applied to insurance benefits. You will notice that it is very simple to read and fill out.
Anyone joining SWU after the New Year will be known as either an Adult Member or Junior Member. No longer will we enroll Class A, B or Social members. Those terms were used when insurance benefits were issued.
PLEASE NOTE! All adult memberships prior to January 1, 2000 will still be classified as a Class A, B, Social member, only in regards to their insurance benefits which still apply to them.
All new members will be given a number, and of course, the first new member of the New Millennium will be issued the number 2000!
You can obtain a copy of the application from one of the following: Your Branch President, National Secretary. Home Office, or make a copy of the application form above.
Music & Entertainment
♦ Duquesne University
Tamburitzans
♦ Gogebic Range Tamburitzans
♦ Ely Slovenian Chorus
♦ Stanley's Ensemble
♦ Willy Verant Band
♦	The Frank Bucar Orchestra & KSKJ Singers
♦	Slovenian Home Button Box Club
♦ Yours Truly Johnny Snidarich
Discovery (Renter
Ironworld Discovery Center Highway 169 West ♦ P.O. Box 392 Chisholm, MN 55719 (218) 254-7959 ♦ (800) 372-6437 www.ironworld.com ♦ www.irontrail.org
Festival Highlights
♦ Traditional Grape Festival & Dance
♦ Authentic Slavic Foods
♦	"Kurjavas" - Chickentown
with Hay Racks, Cabbage Cutting & Sauerkraut, Grape Stomping Tubs, Barbecue Wagons with Pig & Lamb, Smokehouse, Neighborhood Games & Donkey Rides
♦ Polka Mass —Sunday
♦ Genealogy Workshops
COLDWELL BANKER_____________
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ROSANNE RUTH
REALTOR
Member of Branch 20, S. W. U.
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A Financial Family That Feels Luce Home Home Office: 2439 Glenwood Avenue ♦ Joliet, IL 60435 ♦ (800) 843-5755
E-Mail: KSKJLife @ AOL.COM
PERIODICALS
POSTAGE
PAID
JOLIET
ILLINOIS
f
MEMBERS, When you move, please let us know!
In order to improve our mailing system for ZARJA, any changes in your postal address must be made in advance to our National Secretary, Bonnie Prokup, 3119 Carrie St., Peru, IL 61354. Your ZARJA delivery will be delayed if you send your address change in any other way.
Change of address form may be obtained from the Secretary of your Branch. Or just mail in letter form to Bonnie.
We are anxious to eliminate heavy postal costs for changes channeled through the U.S. Postal Service, plus, the delays that are caused.
Thank you very much!
At Your Service During Life’s Most Difficult Moments
Louis "Ron" Zefran Frank J. Zefran
Lois M. Zefran
Connie Rodriguez Debbie Zefran Jerry
1-800-249-9150
(773) 847-6688
ŽZč-fzcOZ <\jhjJ2£.TCl£ C^~fot7Z£., -j2tA.
1941 West Cermak Road, Chioago, IL 60608
SWU COOKBOOK A PERFECT GIFT!
Our new SWU Cookbook, MORE POTS ANB PANS, is a great addition to your cooking library! The book gives your instructions, tells you how to make the dishes that your mom and grandmom made, gives you the skills and knowledge to make you an expert in Slovenian cooking, plus... lots of wonderful and simple recipes for every day.
Recipes of the most delectable pastries are featured. Wewldn’t k be easier to follow a detailed recipe for Potica instead of begging grandmom to spell it out for you when she makes it with “a little of this and a little of that?” You can become your own expert at Krofi (donuts) using the MORE POTS AND PANS cookbook. Pictures also help if you need to see how strudel dough looks when its stretched.
TO ORDER YOUR COOKBOOK send $18 by mail to the Slovenian Women’s Union, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 and your copy will be sent right out! You can call for more information, (815) 727-1926.
SLOVENIJA MAGAZINE
Quarterly issue/$30 USD per year.
Personal checks accepted. Send your subscription to: Slovenia Magazine, Cankarjeva 1,
P.O. Box 169,1601 Ljubljana, SLOVENIA, Europe It’s truly beautiful magazine!
ZELE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
452 East 152nd St., Cleveland, Ohio (216) 481-3118
A LONELY PLANET TRAVEL BOOK BY STEVE FALLON
SLOVENIA
Cost is $16.00 ($13.95 plus $2.05 postage and handling)
Slovenian Women’s Union is proud to bring our members and friends che availability of SLOVENIA at nominal cost and convenience. Please send your orders to
Slovenian Women’s Union 431 No. Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432