Official Publication Slovenian Women’s Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze v Ameriki
'olume 83 Issui y/February, 20
IT’S IN EVERY SLOVENIAN
National President’s Message 1 Bylaws and National Convention News 2
VP of Home Office 6
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SWU Scholarship Program 7
HERITAGE NEWS
Men in a SWU A World 10 Death of a Surname 12 .Prekmurjeby Manja Lilek 13 Win Calendar Fund-Raiser 17 Slovenia Heritage Weekend 20 Branch Reports 23
CULINARY
'cina
Predjama Castlei
Zarja The Dawn
EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 1L 60432
EDITORIAL OFFICE: 16% Illinois St, LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074
Communications for the next issue of publication
Do you have something SWUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4(<f aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SWUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the I5,h day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the March/April issue must be received by January 15"'. Thank you.
PUBLISHER: Slovenian Women’s Union of America
Vol. 83, No I, January/February 2011 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices.
National President’s Message
Welcome to the Year 2011
Welcome to the year 2011, an important time in the history of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. With our National Convention right around the comer and opportunities out there for our 501 c3 this will be a milestone year. Now, more than ever, we ask that you please read all the articles in Zarja so that you are kept aware of the direction we are heading.
Heading in the right direction is important to our future. We are going to make decisions that could alter our path a bit, however it could lead to many more prosperous years. We need new leadership! Members excited about new possibilities! Members who want to see an 85-year-old organization continue to exist.
1 realize change is very hard for many people. But what we have to realize as members is that this organization was founded in 1926 for a reason that no longer exists. Today we are trying to hang on to a heritage that is slowly disappearing in front of us and in many cases out of our control. Gone are the Slovenian neighborhoods, the Slovenian churches are closing, the 100% Slovenians are few, it’s hard to find Slovenian food, music, drink and culture in many of our cities just to name a few. This almost sounds depressing, but is it really? There are other ways to recreate or bring out the culture no matter where you live in the U.S. And that will have to be the goals of the new board. How do we keep the spirit alive? Technology is going to make this easier. We have plans of a virtual museum so that no matter where you live you can feel a closer connection to the museum we have in Joliet, Illinois. We need to keep bringing events to the many cities. We need to keep those branches going with heritage events at all the meetings (which many are starting to do).
Many of our branches have come a long way since 1999. If anyone has a copy of a Zarja from back then notice what branches were doing. Many were playing bingo or talking about illnesses. Today many of our branch reports have made a huge turn around. We are reading about cooking classes through out the U.S., St. Martin’s Day events, butare making classes, Slovenian Show and Tell and the list goes on. For the branches that embraced the challenges given to you in the past 11 years you should be very proud! Your articles show success as well as the size of your branch. Eight perfect examples of branches changing their goals and being successful are the following; Branch 24 of LaSalle, Illinois with an increase of 48 members, Branch 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with an
increase of 87 members (part of this is the merging of Branch 12), Branch 89 of Oglesby, Illinois with an increase of 40 members, Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois with an increase of 141 members, Branch 100 of Southern California with an increase of 59 members, Branch 103 of Washington D.C. with an increase of 18 members, Branch 108 of Olney, Maryland with an increase of 72 new members and Branch 109 of the Twin Cities, Minnesota with an increase of 59 new members. These are branches to look up to, read their Zarja reports, contact the president for ideas of what is successful.
The above branches proved to us that our members want HERITAGE! By delivering this to their members they became successful. I can remember a time not too long ago that Branch 89 and Branch 24 talked about merging. Today both are doing so well that it would be hard to have meetings together for fear of space.
For those branches that have not embraced the changes we have been suggesting, your membership stats are showing. We have quite a few branches that have lost members during the same time frame and a few that are very alarming. It is up to each branch to take an honest look at what you are doing and think, what can we do to make this better? Nothing is a lost cause! There are younger members out there to help take over, just give them something to be excited about. Believe it or not many of the younger people are taking a renewed interest in their heritage and would like to learn more. The old excuse, the youth is not interested is not the truth!
Many branches are starting to choose their delegates for the Convention. Remember your delegate is the voice from your branch. Make sure you pick someone that understands the organization and has hopes for the future. Also look for someone who would like to serve on the National Board. All the positions are up for nomination.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Zarja and the beautiful tribute to one of the grandest ladies of SWUA who will be sorely missed, Hermine Dicke. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Zivijo,
Bonnie Pohar Prokup 3119 Carrie Street Peru, IL 61354 wprokup@aol.com
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
Important Convention Business
The SWUA National Board has sought legal counsel and started the process to obtain 501c (3) non-profit status.
When the Slovenian Women’s Union of America was established in 1926, Marie Prisland’s vision was to have a support group for women who had immigrated to the United States. Marie also saw the need for some kind of insurance program. In the early part of the last century health care and medical insurance as we know it today did not exist, especially for women. The organization that Marie built served an important purpose at that time and provided a minimal amount of insurance.
Burial Insurance has long ago been supplanted by better insurance, but SWUA continues to support this activity. The last insurance policy was issued in 1999 but the liability for these policies could go on almost until the end of the 21s1 century. The amount of benefits it generates is minimal anywhere from $100 - $350. They are inappropriate for today’s cost. The cost of administering this insurance however is fairly significant. Increasingly, the organization will find it difficult to find members who are willing to administer this program.
The National Board believes that all members need to know some of the historical background to understand why this issue is so important and why we have sought legal counsel and started the process to obtain 501c (3) non-profit status.
In 1927 the Slovenian Women’s Union was originally incorporated as a not for profit corporation in the State of Illinois, but probably in the early 1930’s SWUA was transferred to the Department of Insurance and incorporated as a Burial Insurance Society. At that time there was no reference to being either a formal for profit or a formal not for profit organization. There were other Burial Insurance Societies in the same status and the Department of Insurance treated these organizations as not for profits. Subsequently all of the other Burial Insurance Societies in this situation either went out of existence, merged with fraternal organizations which were formally incorporated as not for profits or they
modified their bylaws. Some organizations were usually forced into this because they expanded their activities into new products such as annuities and better insurance policies. SWUA never really changed much but it was permitted to stay in this “limbo” status. Because State and IRS codes have changed since the 1930’s we need to correct this “limbo” status. Legal counsel has advised us that it would be wise to clarify our status as a not for profit or a for profit organization and we especially need to do this prior to the retirement of a long-time employee of the State of Illinois who is familiar with the regulations surrounding our organization. We have been told that once this employee retires; there will be no one familiar with this section of the State insurance code. We are the last Burial Insurance Society in the State of Illinois.
The National Board has explored dissolving the insurance part of the organization and has sought legal advice from one of the best not for profit legal firms in Illinois. This firm can advise SWUA on the proper dissolution of the insurance as well as rewriting the bylaws so that they will be in compliance with state and federal regulations for not for profit organizations.
When SWUA is separated from the insurance, our vision mission and purpose will remain the same. We would continue to support branch activities related to fraternal activity. It would support educational activities related to helping its members learn about their Slovenian heritage and language. It would continue to support scholarship activities as it has since 1947. It would continue to maintain a museum and move the museum into the 21s1 century preserving the history of Slovenians in the United States. It would continue to coordinate with the appropriate ministries of education and culture within the Slovenian Government to promote cultural, artistic and educational interchanges between Americans of Slovenian Heritage and Slovenia. Finally and more importantly it would continue with Marie Prisland’s original vision of passing on Slovenian Christian values
which have been passed on by our parents, grandparents and great grandparents. It would continue to support religious organizations in the USA, which are connected to Slovenian heritage as it has since its inception in 1926. All of these are activities, which qualify us for not for profit status and provide benefits to our members.
The 2011 National Convention may be one of the most important conventions in the history of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. It is extremely important that we address the issue of what do we do with the outdated burial insurance? We need to resolve this issue because it will be difficult to administer in the future. The law firm also has advised us that because we are organized as a burial society under the Illinois Department of Insurance rather than an Illinois not-for-profit corporation under the Illinois Secretary of State, it would be difficult, if not impossible for SWUA to receive tax-exempt status from the IRS in its current form.
Finally, any action that we take with regard to the burial insurance is subject to the approval of the Department of Insurance. If the decision is to dissolve the insurance, please be assured that insured members will receive a payout in accordance with Illinois insurance laws.
Once we have the 501c (3) status we will reap the following benefits:
•	No Property Taxes (savings of $3,000 per year)
•	No Sales Tax on items purchased
•	Not subject to paying unemployment taxes for employees
•	Qualify for Grants
•	All members may deduct donations on their income tax
More details will be forthcoming on these very important issues prior to the convention. We will be providing updates as the process continues. For further information please contact Bonnie Pohar Prokup at wprokup@aol. com.
Sincerely,
The National Board of the Slovenian Women's Union of America
SWUA’s Bylaws
Possible Amendments Decided by delegates in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Thank you to all the SWUA members who have taken the time to send their thoughts and suggestions regarding possible amendments to our Bylaws. We have received thoughtful ideas from members young and old, sometimes with differing views. While Bylaws can be boring to some
-	they are very important to others. The Bylaws committee is reviewing the submissions and then forwarding our summary to the SWUA National Board. The National Board of Directors will be meeting in late February at which time the final proposed Bylaw amendments will be determined.
The final proposals will be printed in the May - June 2011 issue of Zarja - The Dawn. Neither the Bylaws Committee nor the National Board determines the final
outcome. The final decisions are made by the Convention delegates’ votes after attending a Bylaws review session at SWUA’s 26"' National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 17lh and June 18th, 2011. All members are encouraged to attend these important business meetings.
SWUA is also getting legal advice on Bylaw changes necessary to realize SWUA’s movement towards our complete 501 (c)(3) status. More information will be forthcoming. SWUA’s current Bylaws (17 pages plus 3 page Index) are available on our official web site www.swua.org. Any questions? Call Bylaw’s Chairperson Denise P. Bartlett at 414.327.4990 or e-mail to denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com.
“26th National Convention in Milwaukee? I’ll be there.
Tell me more!”
SWUA National Convention or Bust
Single? Would you like to share a room with another SWUA member? Contact Denise P. Bartlett at denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com or call 414.327.4990.
No one to converse with in Slovenian? Now you can. “Slovenian Only Spoken Here” session each day in the Hospitality Room.
Sing - Along under the direction of SWUA member Dolores Ivanchich who holds a Master of Music degree and studied at the Academy of Music, Ljubljana, Slovenia. It’s educational, pleasing to the ear, and FUN. You know you want to!
All past and current SWUA National Officers will be honored at a Convention luncheon. Come and help us thank them once again for their service!
Are you a night owl? What to do? Potawatomi Bingo Casino is 5 minutes away and open 24 hours. Try your luck in the casino or play Bingo at midnight and take the free shuttle back to the hotel.
Come and hear the USPEH Chorus perfonn our American and Slovenian National Anthems and many more familiar Slovenian songs. Their beautiful voices have been pleasing audiences for 32 years.
Walking the “Streets of Old Milwaukee” and peering into the European homes of the “European Village” at the Milwaukee Public Museum will be one of our special highlights. The Slovene home is welcoming us to their neighborhood.
Make your reservation at the beautiful DoubleTree Hotel
-	Milwaukee City Center in downtown Milwaukee soon! Ask for the SWUA Convention rate. Call 414.273.2950. Check it out at www.doubletreemilwaukee.com.
We’re featuring special Slovenian guests, traditions, food, wine, music and song. Oh yes - important SWUA business to be conducted also.
Enjoy local Milwaukee singers, musicians, dancers, and entertainers.
The most popular items from the Heritage Museum Gift Shop are coming to Milwaukee. This traveling Gift Shop will be open each day. Special request items can be ordered in advance. You save on shipping.
Children welcome at all events. Fun activities (Ex: Museum, 1-MAX) for them during business meetings under the guidance of Milwaukee school teachers.
Any questions? Write to Denise P. Bartlett at denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com or call 414.327.4990.
Please consider wearing your Slovenian costume or lending it to our exhibit in the Hospitality Room.
A tribute to all Fathers on Sunday, June 19lh at beautiful Wisconsin’s Triglav Park. Join us for an outdoor complete Slovenian celebration of Mass, lunch, musical entertainment, Balina and more!
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Meet and Greet with special guests!
Slivovitz! Potica! Not necessarily at the same time.
Celebrate Zarjafest II - a very special event!
Installation of new 2011 - 2015 National Board. How about YOU?
Free time each day to see the sights - within walking distance!
Personal pick up from the bus station, train station or airport. Just send your itinerary.
SAVE THE DATE ....
Thursday, June 16th thru Sunday, June 19th, 2011
Casual dress. What to wear? Color scheme -American and Slovenian flag colors -red, white and blue and white, blue and red.
Turning 85 years in 2011 ? So are we.
Special gift for you from SWU A. Bring proof!
Celebrating SWUA’s 85th year and The Republic of Slovenia’s 20"’ year!
BYLAWS! A highlight for some.
Send your potica for entry into the Potica Contest. Special prize for winner and ainner up.
Vice President of Home Office Message
Christmas Fundraiser
I want to thank everyone who supported the Christmas Holiday Gift Fundraiser. We hope to continue this every holiday season because we think the products are excellent and our prices are competitive. But more importantly it helps us in our financial endeavors. This year we earned over $ 1,300 which almost doubled our profit of2009, hvala lepa! We appreciate your support.
2011 Annual Dues
If you have not yet paid your annual dues, please do so as soon as possible. With regard to the renewal form which was printed in the last Zarja, I want to apologize for the confusion it caused because your member number was inadvertently left off of the label. Consequently, the number that appeared on the label was incorrect which many of you noticed and reported to us. FY1, the correct number is now on the back cover of this issue. 1 also confused matters by sending emails to some members advising them of their numbers. 1 want to clarify that though the number is extremely helpful it is not absolutely necessary. It does help us input faster with less chance of error, but we can record without the number. Many of you pay for other members so we realize that you may not know their numbers but we urge you to pay by just listing the name and amount. The jury is still out on whether we will print the renewal form in Zarja next year. It all depends on your response. We hope you will help us save in mailing and postage costs.
Follow-up Invoices
We are sending invoices to members who do not receive Zarja The Dawn and in mid January we will send invoices to members who forgot to pay. Whether we send invoices or print in Zarja, we plan to ask for payment earlier. This is necessary because we operate on a very tight budget and our cash flow is always low at the beginning of each year. There are some members who pay very late in the year and we please ask that this habit be eliminated. Payment is for January through December of each year and dues should be paid by January 31. We should not have to send two additional reminders per year because this is costly.
Information about receipt of Zarja The Dawn
Have you often wondered why some members receive their magazine at the beginning of the month and some do not receive theirs until late in the month? I was also curious so I asked my Post Office and this is what I was told. “It all depends on the General Mail Facility. If you are near a large city your periodical mail is more apt to take longer. It depends on the volume of mail that they have to process in a given month.
They decide how fast they move it. The postal clerk also told me that the small Mail Facilities tend to move the mail faster." One reason that prompted me to ask the post office was that I recently kept my neighbor’s mail while they were on vacation and they received a particular magazine almost ten days before I received mine. Therefore we ask you to be patient and wait a couple of weeks before contacting us because it is a guessing game as to when we receive periodical mail.
Carol Ryba
ryba4homeoffice@yahoo.com
Welcome to Our New Members!
002, Cheryl Brueckmann 002, Jennifer Grah 002, Julie Grah 002, Jordan Woodrum 005, Marilynn Yochum 020, Noah Baldwin-Ruth 020, Anna Cabay 020, Emily Cabay 020, Diane Hohenwater 024, Joanne Hoffman 024, Donna Wolter 042, Anthony Colnar 042, Joseph Zab
043, Linda Abstetar 043, Therese Freiberg 043, Mary Leskovec 043, Kristi Luzar 043, Josie Midman 043, June Znidorka 050, Arlene Lessard 055, Francis Selak Rogan 089, Lori Quick Kostellic
099, Marko Mavec
100, Mary Cummings 110, Candi Pfeiffer
Zarja The Dawn Donations
$100 Donation
Nancy Gregorich, 20,
+Rose Mary and William Gregorich
SWUA Scholarship Program
Attention High School Seniors and College Students!
Applications for those who have held membership in the SWUA are due March 1,2011
Celebrating its 62nd year of Financially Assisting Students
Mission: To generate funding to financially assist young students,
With hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian Culture.
Hermine Prisland Dicke
April 21, 1912 - October 31, 201«
My dear mentor, who has shown interest and support since my infancy, has died. Aunt Hermine Prisland Dicke passed on to her new eternal life on the eve of All Saints Day. Although during visits the past several years I was not sure that my dear one recognized me,
I find myself experiencing a feeling of great loss. Aunt Hermine was always patient, kind, and interested in my endeavors. She gave of herself untiringly to projects of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America along with other various charitable organizations without ever expecting reward or even acknowledgement.
Grandmother Marie Prisland organized the SWUA Scholarship Program in 1949 and turned it over to her daughter Hermine. When the scholarship director’s position became open, Aunt Hermine asked me to take over the job. In 2011 I will complete my 15"' year as the scholarship director, but in no way can my work compare with the charitable accomplishments that my mentor has shown me. She will be sadly missed by many.
-	Mary Turvey
The SWU Scholarship Foundation is fortunate to have received four volunteers, each with his or her specific area of expertise, serving as Trustees.
JOSEPH CANNAVINO, a retired Cleveland banker.
Joseph P. Cannavino retired from General Commercial Corporation in 2007 where he served as their COO for seven years. Prior to joining General Commercial Corporation, Joe worked for The Cleveland Trust Co and Bank One for a combined 38 years. After leaving banking, he worked 18 months in England as SPL, Ltd.’s President. Joe graduated from Cleveland State University in 1976, Magna Cum Laude with a Degree in Business Administration and was awarded a CPA Certificate in 1985. He married his wife, Margaret, in 1967. Joe has a son and a married daughter and three grandchildren. Joe is currently Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council #11831 and a Fourth Degree Knight. He loves golfing and traveling. He and his wife have made several trips to Europe.
STANE KUHAR, son of Slovenian immigrants, currently serves as a trustee for the St. Vitus Endowment Trust and as Secretary of the St.
Vitus Development Corporation.
Stane Kuhar, of Cleveland, Ohio is the third son of Luka and Jozefa (nee Rebolj) Kuhar, immigrants from the Gorenjska region of Slovenia. Stane holds a bachelor of Communication Science with a Business minor from Ohio University, and is a certified Para Financial Planner. For 25 years Stane served as a branch manager, and small business credit underwriter at Key Bank NA. Since 2003 he has been employed as the St. Vitus Parish financial director. Stane has served on the pastoral council, the Mihevc Grant Program, the Cluster Group/Vibrant Life project, represented St. Vitus in the “Church in the City” initiative, raised funds for numerous causes including flood victims in Slovenia, for the independence of the Republic of Slovenia, St. Vitus Parish Endowment Trust, and has been deeply involved in the renovation of St. Vitus Church. Stane has been a contributing writer for various Slovenian publications including Zarja. He and his wife Marge, live in Wicklifte, Ohio with their three sons, Mark, Nick, and Andrew.
Joseph G. Zab is the son of Mary and the late Joe L. Zab. His Slovene paternal grandparents immigrated to Cleveland in 1913. Joe has served as a Director on the board of the American Mutual Life Association (AMLA) for 12 years, the past eight years as Second Vice-President and the past seven years as Recording Secretary. During his tenure on the AMLA board, he has participated on various committees including bylaws, campaign, corporate governance, lodge manual, and scholarship. He also serves as the Secretary of Lodge Slovene AMLA No. 1, following his father who served as lodge secretary for 51 years as well as Vice-President of Finance on AMLA’s board for 26 years. Joe resides in Mentor, Ohio with his wife Pam and sons Nathan and Jacob. He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University with both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and is employed by Guild International in Bedford, Ohio as Mechanical Engineering Manager.
MARY PRISLAND Ph.D., currently working at a Madison hospital s crisis center, Mary is the daughter of Hermine Prisland Dicke, Director of the SWUA Scholarship Program for 42 years.
It made me happy to have been a granddaughter of SWUA founder, Marie Prisland. I was bom in Madison, Wisconsin where 1 studied psychology and art at the University of Wisconsin. After a career as a psychologist, I am back to being an artist. My passion now is printmaking. etching and lithography.
	
	
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JOSEPH ZAB, a mechanical engineer with a special interest in the field of education and of his Slovenian
ancestry.
Corrections in ZARJA
September-October 2010 issue, page 9
A total of $11,000 was awarded to 9 scholarship applicants in April 2009.
Contributions of any amount are truly appreciated. It is you, a member of the Slovenian Women’s Union, who has insured that students from 1949 to 2010 have been able to enter college and have made outstanding contributions to our society.
The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation sends a text report and financial statement, annually to SWUA National Board meetings. The liaison officers representing the SWUA are always invited to provide input and participate in Scholarship board meetings.
Information and scholarship application forms can be found on http://www.swu.org “scholarship”.
Donations, tax-exempt, are always appreciated and can be sent to:
Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation 4 Lawrence Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855 or mturvey@aol.com
DONATIONS
$100 Donation
Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
SWUA National Board (+Hermine Dicke)
Anonymous
$50 Donation
Rhea Rossi
$25 Donation
M. Marjorie Church (+Hermine Dicke)
Irene and Kenneth Odorizzi (+Hermine Dicke) Jonita Ruth (+Hermine Dicke)
Sandra Farrell
$20 Donation
Joanne Ponikvar (+Frank Kregar)
M. Marjorie Church (+Bernadette Teyak)
Betty Ann and Jack Kolesari (+Hermine Dicke)
For more information on the SWUA Scholarship Foundation Program
please visit http://www.swua.org “scholarship”
Calendar of Events
January 9, 2011
Branch 39 to host the Annual Christmas/ Epiphany Dinner to be held at the Rustic Rock Chop House in Eveleth, Minnesota.
January 15, 2011
Branch 43 to host the Annual Po Bozicna Zabava (Post Christmas Party) to be held at the Open Flame Restaurant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
February 5, 2011
Branch 93 to host Kulturni dan (Slovenian Cultural Day) celebration. For further information e-mail: SWUABranch93NYC-subseribe@yahoogroups.com.
February 26, 2011
Branch 43 to host Pustna Veselice at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall, doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 6 p.m.
April 16 and 17, 2011
Branch 43 to host the Making of Butare at Triglav Park on April 16 and the Blessing of Butare at St. John’s Church on April 17.
June 16-19,2011
Mark your calendars for the SWUA National Convention to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Men in a SWUA World
Predjama Castle
Amazed by How the Castle Was Built Into a Side of a Mountain in the Thirteenth Century
When you visit Predjama Castle and learn about its history you come away with a few thoughts, first is its beauty and its majestic view, secondly you are amazed by how this castle was built into a side of a mountain in the thirteenth century. Then as you move on you realize people in the earlier centuries must have been a bit smaller than “Old Don” and they had good strong legs and knees and finally when you build your next house it is important to make the bathroom the most secure room in the house. Ok, now let me explain what I mean.
As you arrive to the castle, you walk way up a path and as you come over a hill you get your first sight of the castle as it peaks out of the mountain and fills your eyes with wonder. Your initial thought is how did they make this mountain into a castle and your second thought is why? 1 am not sure how they did it but 1 do know why, in a time when countries were unsettled and safety was needed this was a nearly impenetrable fortress. When you are actually part of the mountain attack from behind is impossible and in front of the castle is a deep valley which gives the castle a huge advantage. Anyway, back to your arrival as you approach the cabin you see the valley to your left which was used in the castle’s time for carnivals and games of skills for the warriors of the day such as jousting and sword fights. Now you continue up the winding road and arrive at the actual castle and as you look up you see how high the structure climbs up the side of the mountain and know quickly that there is no elevator so there is a lot of stair climbing ahead of you. When you get in the front door you now have options; you can either take the steps in front of you or go through a small room and climb the steps to the left or turn right and take the winding stair well up to the second or main level. By now I think you are starting to understand why 1 think the inhabitants of this place had good knees! The other thing you will notice is that the doors, hallways and stairwells are a bit tight and low which is because they were carved out of rock. If the steps weren’t enough to peak your interest there are the amazing winding hallways and bridges that lead to what seems like a thousand different and unique rooms, all of which have a story of their own and are worth the effort. But be warned this tour is not for the weak at heart or for our older members who may have a few miles on the legs; it is a Castle like no other but the steps are not only many but also not uniform which makes it a bit tricky.
Don trying to fit through a door at the Castle
Oh yes, what about the bathroom thing?
Well that comes from the castles most famous resident by the name of Erazem, he was Slovenia’s version of Robin Hood which did not adore him to the Emperor and the two feuded for years. Erazem would hit and run and steal from the Emperor and the other nobles and feed his people, which is why he needed the nearly impenetrable castle as his hide out. But the key is that it was nearly impenetrable, the only spot in the entire structure that was not completely reinforced was the bathroom and one night in 1484 Erazem went to the bathroom to do his duty and one of his compatriots sold him out and signaled the Emperor’s troops who fired a cannon volley into the restroom and blew Ezarem up. Imagine that, killed on the commode! What a way to go and that is why I use the bathroom in the basement, one must know he is safe when he is most vulnerable. Well, that’s all for this issue and I am looking forward to sharing more of my adventures in Slovenia with you in the upcoming issues and as always may good luck be yours.
—	Don Baldin
Predjama Castle
Has a History as Colorful as the Castle’s Look
The Predjama Castle dates back to the year 1274 and has had a history as colorful as the castle’s look itself; built into the side of a mountain the castle has a very unique look and style. The Predjama Castle is located at the mouth of a cave in a mountain in Slovenia near the city of Postojna. It was originally built by the German Luegg family and was built in a gothic style under a natural rock to make access to the castle difficult. In turn it became a nearly impenetrable fortress and would suit its tenants well as a safe haven for its existence. Years later the Castle was finally seized and expanded by the Knights of Adelsberg (German for Postojna) and was held until its most famous inhabitant, Erazem of Predjama, took it over in the fifteenth century.
The castle was notorious - as the hide-out of brigands -even before the time of Erazem Jamski (Lueger), the local Robin Hood from the end of the 15th century, who became known as Erazem of Predjama. He was the descendant of the Imperial Governor of Trieste, Nikolaj Lueger, who was the vassal of the Counts of Gorz. According to legend, Erazem came into conflict with the Habsburgs when he killed the commander of the Imperial army Marshall Pappencheim, who had offended the honor of Erazem’s
deceased friend, Andrej Baumkircher of Vipava. Taking sides with Mathias Corvinus he fortified himself with his troops in Predjama Castle and attacked the town of Trieste twice and battled with the imperial army for many years. While under seige, he and his associates were supplied through the secret passages of caves throughout the castle that led all the way to the Postojna Cave and were very difficult to capture and equally as difficult as penetrating the fortress. But as usually happens in war a leader is betrayed and this case was no different, as Erazem was betrayed and allegedly was killed by a canon shot into his restroom while he was using it, the only weak spot in the castle. With the leader Erazem dead, the castle was seized by the Habsburgs and nearly destroyed.
The castle was reconstructed in the early sixteenth century by the Purgstall family; the reconstruction took nearly a decade but was destroyed soon after by an earthquake.
That is when Baron Phillipp Von Cobenzi purchased the castle and rebuilt it in a renaissance style and was completed by 1570. The castle has remained primarily the same since. The castle has had a few owners since, including Count Michael Coronini Von Cronberg and in 1946 was purchased by the Windischgrratz family who kept ownership until the end of World War II. At that time the Yugoslavian government turned it into a museum and that is how it stands at present day.
Every summer the Erazem Medieval Tournament is held and carried out according to tradition and documented historic facts and models from the 16th century. This international medieval event involves several different classes and generations such as people dressed as the nobles, serfs, and children. Men compete as knights, archers, swordsmen and horsemen and display their skills on the Field of Combat located in the valley in front of the castle. Local merchants and craftsmen sell medieval products as souvenirs, while flag throwers, belly dancers, magicians, puppet shows, musicians and other performers display their talents in historical styles. It is a very entertaining renaissance fair which happens every summer at the Predjama Castle.
Slovenian Pioneers to America 1840-1879
A Record of Immigration
After several decades of researching family genealogy and history of my Slovenian family and neighbors from Črnomelj Parish in Slovenia; 1 realized that what 1 was interested in was a history that followed pioneers to America by the year of their immigration. I decided to limit myself to identifying Slovenian immigrants that came to the United States from 1840 to 1879. Much of the written history available to us is about the Slovenian people who came to this country after 1880. But is there information available, which identifies the pioneers who settled here? The answer is yes! And that information exists in public resources. This is the first in a series of six articles that will identify Slovenian immigrants as they arrived at our shores from 1840 through 1879.
Three naturalized American historians have documented the arrival of Slovenian immigrants to these shores in their history books. These authors, Edward Gobetz Slovenian Heritage I, 1980; Gerald Gilbert Govorchin Americans From Yugoslavia, 1961; and George Prpic, South Slavic Immigration in America, 1978 are relatively new arrivals to America, but have written ambitious and concise information regarding these early arrivals. Two other authors of early histories of Slovenian pioneers, are Rev. George Trunk, who wrote Amerika in Amerikanci, published in 1913, translated as America and the Americans, and Joze Zavertnik who wrote about Slovenian immigrant history in 1925, Ameriški Slovenci, Pregled Splošne Zgodovina Združenih Držav, Slovenskega Naseljevanja in Naselbin in Slovenske Narodne Podporne Jednote (SNPJ publication), translated roughly as: Slovenian Americans: an overview of general history; An U.S. colonization and settlement. Unfortunately most of the writings of Trunk and Zavertnik are not translated into English and very few researchers outside of Slovenia can read these books. Some translation of their texts can be found on the Internet. There are also numerous historians and authors who have contributed to our history here in America, which space will not allow. A list of the books and electronic sources used in this column can be found on the SWUA web site. Here is the URL (Universal Resource Locator) for the reference page that accompanies this article: http://www.swua.org/ ?cnewspage=28.
The issue, for Americans who do not speak, read or comprehend Slovenian, is the unavailability of translated texts of the early books and treatises that might deal with the subject of early immigrants to America. Besides, the Immigration History Research Center in St. Paul, no other organization has put out a bibliography of references in their possession. If significant information is missing I can only say that my resources were limited to books and the Internet and the inability to travel.
Slovenian immigration history is very scarce on individuals who came before the year 1840. However, there are some who came in the 1700’s and early 1800’s that are noted in history books. There are many histories and biographies written about the missionaries who came to America; I will not include these histories, as it is readily available to everyone and can be quite detailed.
In 1563 there was a rebellion in Slovenian lands by those who wished to follow the teachings of Martin Luther. The rebels were eventually defeated in Slovenia, by the Hapsburg rulers, but thousands of Slovenians were drawn to Prussia, by invitation of the Hohenzollem dynasty, which wanted to build their empire to compete with the Hapsburg dynasty in Austria. Even though the people could worship as they wished, they were not happy in the Prussian land. Many of these Slovenians came from Carinthia and changed their names after settling in Prussia. By 1730 a group of these ethnic Slovenian Protestants joined with those Protestants from Salzburg, Austria and immigrated to Georgia. The first ship landed in Savannah. General James Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia, met the group, known as The Salzburgers, and led them to a new town they named Ebenezer, located on Ebenezer Creek, which flows into the Savannah River. Due to hardships suffered by the community (sickness, death and infertile soil) the pioneers asked if they could settle in a different area. They named the new community, New Ebenezer, located where Ebenezer Creek flows into the Savannah River. The new community prospered until the Revolutionary War, when the British destroyed the town. Survivors remained in the area until the town was completely destroyed by General Sherman in his march to the sea. Descendants remain who can trace their history to the original settlers and there is a
historic community that remains on the site, which includes a church, museum and two houses. Unfortunately, since the original emigrants changed their surnames we cannot follow any of these families back to Slovenia.
George Prpric, in his history states that emigration from Slovenia started before the 16th century and that one of the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock was of Slovenian descent.
Jose Zavertnik, in an article in Prosveta, translated by Joseph Drašler, states that Jacob Stonitsch, a seller of gold jewelry and watches, wrote about settlers prior to the Revolutionary War (1776-1783). Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to read this book?
In 1776 several Slovenian surnames show up in the military records of the revolution. The surnames are: Cesar, Ceme, Gorse, Turk, Vavtar, Vertnar, Vidmar and Volk. No other information surrounding these families exist and they do not show up in the 1790 US Census for New York. Several authors have reported this specific information but the source of this information is unknown. Research in Revolutionary War records on Ancestry.com is a time consuming effort; the researcher needs to know the regiment to find an individual. It’s possible the Slovenian pioneers did not live in New York.
Gerald Govorchin’s history first mentions that Abram and Thomas Voik, brothers from Slovenia settled in the state of New York. It looks like the brothers settled during the Revolutionary War. Both of the Volk brothers married women who were not Slovenian, and generally the details of this family tree are lost except that Thomas Volk had a son by the name of Garrett, sometimes known as John, born in 1788, who married Elizabeth Gesner. Among the children they bore was a son, Leonard Wells Volk, born November 7, 1828, in New York. Leonard followed his father and family to Pittsville, Massachusetts, where his father was a marble cutter. Leonard worked in marble and sculpture before moving to Missouri to study sculpture. In 1852 Leonard married Emily Clarissa Barlow, whose mother was related to Stephen Douglas, a politician from Illinois who debated Abraham Lincoln. Stephen provided patronage for Leonard to study sculpting in Italy and when he returned, he and Emily settled in Chicago. Their son, Stephen Douglas Volk was born in 1856 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Their daughter, Nora Volk, was born in Chicago. In 1857 Volk sculpted a bust of Stephen Douglas, the first bust made in Chicago. In 1860 he made a life mask of Abraham Lincoln that has become quite famous. He died in Osceola, Wisconsin on August 19,1895. Stephan Douglas Volk became a prize winning international artist. Descendants of the Volk family trace their ancestry to Europe through the Gesner and Barlow paternal families; unfortunately there is no one who has actually traced the Volk family back to Slovenia.
In 1826 Peter Puhek, his wife, Mary Egby and five children arrived in New York and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio for about a year before moving to New Alsace, Dearborn County, Indiana in August 1827. The surname of Puhek in America became Pohek and to German neighbors in the surrounding area he was known as Buchert. Peter Puhek, bom about 1771 in the Črnomelj Parish in Slovenia, joined Napoleon’s army and eventually moved to the French province of Alsace, where he married. Five of their eleven children were born there. While in New Alsace, Peter contemplated moving away from the area due to the lack of a Catholic church, but Bishop Baraga came through the area in 1831 and said Mass for Peter and other Catholics and taught catechism to his children. After Baraga left a priest came to New Alsace to serve the faithful and Peter stayed until his death in February of 1854. Mary died on September 24, 1874. They were the parents of: Joseph, born 1832; Frances who married a Miller; Catherine, wife of Frank Sindenburger, residing in Cincinnati; Elizabeth, wife of M. Hoffrider of California; Caroline, wife of Charles Schott, residing in Shelby County, Indiana; Morton of Shelby County, Indiana, Peter, the eldest, moved to Iowa; Mary, wife of Joseph Brandt; Anna, wife of Lawrence Siefort; John and Terris, married to John Idoux. Some descendants of Peter and Mary Buchert currently maintain the history of their family in Dearborn County, Indiana on Ancestry.com.
Besides the significance of religious instruction to the Indians and shepherding immigrant communities, missionaries that came to America forged a path for Slovenian immigrants to follow them. Baraga, Cebul, Godec, Tomazin, Gostečnik, Lavtižar, Trobec, Osredikar, Plut, Skopec, Revs, Stariha, Pierz, Buh, Mrak, and other missionaries, including the former priest, Bernard Smolnikar often wrote back home about the area where they worked in America or wrote about the lands and opportunities they presented in Slovenian language newspapers that were prevalent in America as well as Slovenia. Frederic Baraga himself suggested that Josef Wertin and Peter Ruppe come to Calumet, Michigan, to sell their wares during the Civil War. Franc Pierz is responsible for at least two settlements in Minnesota. Other missionaries served the residents of Nebraska, New York and Pennsylvania.
Regarding the death of Slovenian surnames, Franc Slana came to this country in 1900, from Brezovica 24, Slovenia, settling in Wisconsin. The SLANA surname no longer survives although female descendants of the Slana family live in the U. S. and Slovenia. Richard Terselic provided the above Information.
Next issue I will write about immigrants that arrived in America from 1840 through 1850;s. To contact me: by mail: George Plautz, 1307 Dragon Head Drive, Valrico, FL 33594 or by email at doblice@gmail.com.
Prekmurje
The Unknown “Head” of Slovenia
by Manja Lilek, Slovenian Tour Guide
I would like to introduce you to my favorite region Prekmurje. I always like to say, that I am an “exported prekmurka”, since 1 am not living in Prekmurje anymore, like most of young Slovenes who left Prekmurje because of studies. But I still love to talk, travel and guide to Prekmurje. Prekmurje always wins my heart over and over again as soon as 1 will cross over the river Mura.
ŠTAJERSKA
Ljubljana
BELA i
krajina'
Regional Map
If you take a look at the map of Slovenia you will be easily tempted to compare its shape to a running chicken: the legs would be Primorska and Bela Krajina, the tail Gorenjska and Štajerska the back. Our anatomical way of thinking would lead us to the conclusion that Prekmurje would be its head, protruding eastward, featuring plenty of peculiarities and curiosities unknown to the majority of Slovenians.
It is the Eastern most part of Slovenia, where it is the only region where the horizons are neither Alpine peaks nor hills, but the endless Pannonian plain. It is also the only area bordering three Slovenian neighbors: Austria to the north, Hungary to the east and Croatia to the south which makes it a meeting point of many different influences. The Hungarian influence was especially important and ranges from the political sphere to religious, cultural and linguistic.
In many villages you will spot bilingual, Hungarian-Slovenian signs. There is vibrant cross-border collaboration in cultural projects. The area is a role model for the integration of the Roma population in kindergarten. A rich Jewish heritage also has to be put in the context of tolerance.
Another peculiarity of Prekmurje is the local dialect “Prekmurščina”, for most Slovenians almost incomprehensible and often accompanied by subtitles when appearing on TV. This dialect boasts a rich literary heritage which includes a dictionary from the 16lh century. Some Hungarian cultural circles even claim Prekmurščina is not a Slovenian dialect but an independent language. Such claims frustrate the inhabitants of Prekmurje who have striven for centuries to join Slovenia. This is only one of the controversial topics which point to the not always
Map Source:
CANKARJEVA ZALOŽBA
harmonious relations between the Hungarians and Slovenians.
Hungary ruled until 1919 when Prekmurje joined the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. In the chaotic months following the end of WWI, the area experienced many transitions including the proclamation of the Prekmurska Republika, a socialist republic which lasted for the first week of June 1919. While mentioning historical curiosities, it needs to be pointed out that the area was the only Slovenian region liberated by the Red Army, a fact which is testified by the monument in the center of the biggest city of the region, Murska Sobota.
Prekmurje is a singular area because it is situated across the river Mura from which we get the origin of the term (preko Mure). Since ancient times, the river has formed a natural and political border. In fact, the term Mura originates from the Latin word murus meaning wall. Nowadays it is the border first between Austria and Slovenia and, after flowing through Slovenia for 25 km, forms the border with Croatia. The river Mura is a winding, unpredictable, meandering river which often causes floods. Hence, magical powers were attributed to it and it was treated almost as a divinity. A typical tradition with that area is the craft of the Burjaši, men who used to build barriers with branches on the Mura’s banks, thus regulating it. One of the most important sights is the Island of Love (Otok Ljubezni) in the Mura close to the village of Ižakovci, where a museum dedicated to this craft depicts the spirit of the past. A local attraction is also a recently reconstructed floating mill which reminds tourists of the
times when dozens of such mills were anchored on the river.
Mura doesn’t mean only a river. It is the name of the most important Slovenian textile factory, a word synonymous with high quality suits and one of the symbols for the economic success of Slovenia. The factory is currently suffering from restructuring problems like the whole textile industry in Europe. In fact, the present reality of Prekmurje for a visitor is somewhat puzzling. Read the newspapers and you will be overwhelmed by negative information: if you believe statistics, it is the least developed area of Slovenia, whose GDP per capita reaches only 2/3 of the national average. If you believe your eyes, it is a wealthy area with spacious homes, high standard of communal infrastructure (sewage, water supply line), an extensive network of public health facilities, libraries, schools and kindergartens. You will also notice a lot of small factories which point to the developed entrepreneurial spirit of the region. The symbols of the recent development are the entrepreneurial zones in Murska Sobota and Lendava which confirm the impression of a vibrant economical environment. The railway link with Hungary (Murska Sobota - Zalalovo) should further boost the region’s strategic importance
When mentioning the economy, it must be added that it is also the only area in Slovenia where oil is extracted and the only oil refinery is located in Lendava. However, the oil industry doesn’t play an important role. Agriculture and cattle breeding are the main activities and extensive fanning is not something typical: the biggest land owner has 540 acres split onto 220 plots. This fragmentarisation roots from socialist times and it is not in line with modern trends.
What is modem in Slovenian agriculture is certainly the worldwide highest number of tractors in relation to the population: 56,781.7 per one million inhabitants. Even before such record tractor figures, the gifts of this soil were widely known in the whole of Slovenia.
Actually, food is the obsession of the locals. Who can resist the temptations of bograč (the local variant of goulash) or bujta repa (a sort of soup with turnip traditionally made day after slaughtering the pig festive).The lavish Prekmurska gibanica, a pastry with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins, and cottage cheese fillings proudly represents the area in every Slovenian pastry shop. The good people of Prekmurje (Prekmurci) will never let you leave their home hungry. Neither will you leave the area thirsty. Probably you will drink špricer, white wine mixed with sparkling water. According to Brits who have recently bought houses in the
area, you won’t drink much tea. They claim the toughest part of adapting was replacing 5 o’clock tea with 5 o’clock špricer.
Besides eating and drinking, you will certainly experience some interesting sightseeing. Tourism has rapidly developed in recent times. It is based on the discovery of ancient trades. For example, in the village of Filovci there is a museum dedicated to traditional pottery.
The most interesting sight of modern architecture is the Church of the Ascension in Bogojina, a work of Jože Plečnik, the most famous Slovenian architect of the 20th century. The construction features an interesting combination between traditional and modern architectural styles. The church bell tower represents a finger pointing to the sky, to God. A message Plečnik did not intend for peasants but for much more sin prone city dwellers.
You will find castle Grad, the biggest castle in Slovenia with 365 rooms. Built in the 12th century, it is currently being reconstructed with the help of the European Union.
Tourism is also driven by the industry of spas. The most important are Moravske toplice boasting the hottest water in Slovenia at 161 F. Those looking for extreme experiences will certainly be impressed by the water slides offering a fall of 22 meters and the first looping water slide in Europe.
If you are looking for a calm relaxing place after visiting the spas, go to Bukovniško lake, where it has 25 healing points are available for various parts of your body.
Even if your health problems don’t disappear, a visit to the frontier area of Prekmurje will certainly relax you and widen the boundaries of your knowledge about Slovenia. This area on the geographical periphery will definitely be closer to your mind and heart.
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From Heritage
SWUA2011 National Convention
Janez Bogataj, Ph.D., renowned Slovenian Author, Educator, and Professor will be our guest at the June 16th -19th, 2011 National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!
Quote from Dr. Bogataj, “What is most precious for me?” “Man, family, cultures and ways of life. Also, creativity, material, social and spiritual wealth of cultural heritage.” This statement defines the mission and
purpose of sustaining our organization.
Let’s provide a warm Slovenian welcome for Dr. Bogataj at our National Convention!
Email: VP of Culture & Heritage, Mary Lou Voelk: ottolou@gulftel.com
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Denise P. Bartlett, Convention Chair: denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com.
What is a KSKJ Life Tax-Deferred Fixed Annuity?
A financial vehicle that accumulates money on a
tax-deferred basis and can also be used:
•	As an alternative to bank Certificate of Deposit.
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• A systematic way to save for retirement.
For more information call 1.800.THE.KSKJ
Check out the KSKJ Life 1 -Year Window Annuity Rate* at www.kskjlife.org
*Rates subject to change without notice. Not available in alt states. Not FDIC insured. Backed 100% by KSKJ Life with no sales fees.
Slovenian Women’s Union of America
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26th NATIONAL CONVENTION Slovenian Win Calendar
February 2011 Fund-Raiser $10.00 PER TICKET
CASH PRIZES TOTALING $2,500
24 Daily Drawings at $55 Feb 1st and 28th at $110 Feb 8th and 14,h at $220 28 Daily Seller Prizes at $ 10
EI	Top	Seller Prizes:
Rl	1st	Place-$110.00
2nd Place - $70.00 F j	3rd	Place - $40.00
q |	Towards	Convention Package
You are eligible for all daily drawings in the month of February, 2011. Sellers of the winning entries will receive R | $ 10 as an award for their selling efforts. The daily drawing amount and the seller’s $ 10 prize will be mailed to the winners of record the next business day. Winners will be personally contacted and posted on the website. For information on how Fund-raiser works, see next page.
The following entry form should be printed clearly and accompany your $ 10 donation.
Detach at perforation
j_l	Entry	Form
Entrant’s Information:
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Name:	  Address:
^ I City:____________________________________________________State:__________________ZipCode
E I Phone:___________________________________________________Email__________________________
Seller’s Information (Can be the Same as Entrant):
Name:	____ Address:
City:	   State:____________________Zip	Code
Phone:	   Email_____________________________
Branch Location and Number:
Please complete form (Print) and mail with your check in the amount of $ 10 payable to SWUA to
Denise P. Bartlett SWUA National Treasurer 7902 West Howard Avenue Milwaukee, W1 53220-1612 Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com
Slovenian Women’s Union of America
26th NATIONAL CONVENTION Slovenian Win Calendar 2011 Fund-Raiser www.swua.org
Need additional entries?
Contact Denise P. Bartlett at:
Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com
Winners chosen on the 1sl and 28* of February will win $ 110 each. The month of February has long represented love and our beloved Slovenia is the only country in the world with “love” in its name. Thus, the names chosen on February 8lh - Prešeren Day (Slovenian Cultural Holiday) and February 14lh - Valentine’s Day will win $220 each. In addition, the top sellers (1sl, 2nd and 3rd place) will win $ 110 and $70 and $40 respectively towards their Convention package. It’sa WIN opportunity for everyone.
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2011 SWUA National Convention. SWUA holds its National Convention every four years in host cities around the country. These gatherings are important not only to conduct SWUA business but to have a forum I p for branch representatives to come together to give their reports, share their ideas, discuss concerns and further cement their mutual love and respect for all things related to their Slovenian heritage. Our next SWUA National Convention will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from June 16-19,2011.	!	^
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Plans are underway to make this another memorable event. The successful completion of this “Slovenian Win | q Calendar” Fund-raiser will provide monies to help defray the costs of conducting SWU A’s National Convention.
The Convention Committee is striving to offer an affordable convention package to enable delegates and members from every SWUA branch to attend. The calendars make excellent gifts for the holiday season, birthdays, and to say “Thank You.”	]	T
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How Does the Fund-raiser Work? Everyone participating in the SWUA “Slovenian Win Calendar” Fundraiser has the chance to win cash prizes. Prizes have been raised 10% from 2010. Each day in the	month	of
February, 2011, one winner will be chosen to win the listed cash prize for that day-$55, $110 or $220.	In
addition, each day the person who sold that day’s winning ticket will win $ 10. The daily winner and seller can be one and the same and win both prizes.	i	E
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Your Participation is Appreciated! Good Luck!
Adventure Slovenia
Adventure Slovenia is an established travel company based in Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. Our team is fortunate enough to make our passion our priority through providing group adventures that reveal the historical sites and natural beauty of this hidden European gem of a country. We have worked hard to gather the most hardworking and knowledgeable of tour guides, who are able to provide exceptional tours at affordable rates. Our specialty lies in small group adventures, but we also cater to larger groups, striving to ensure that all customers leave with a positive experience.
Adventure Slovenia prides itself on its flexibility and willingness to accommodate the personal travel wishes of its customers. It is this quality of service that truly sets us apart from typical tourist organizations within Slovenia. We provide authentic Slovenian experiences for the leisurely traveler through our classic, active, culinary, winter and 8 days adventure packages. The soft adventurer can also find unique and inspiring experiences in our Active Adventure packages that include hiking, walking in parks, and various adventure samplings. Thus Adventure Slovenia works to meet the needs and demands of a large spectrum of clients, refusing to confine itself to the strict rules that govern a typical travel company.
Adventure Slovenia is an outfitted organization with close ties to the national government of Slovenia. We work side by side with countless Slovenians in all areas of business to
actively promote the tourist industry within Slovenia. Due to the strong and united ideal that we share with the Slovenian Department of Tourism, we have been granted exclusive rights and access to funds and resources to which our competitors do not have the same privilege. We have time and again proven that Adventure Slovenia has an unprecedented level of excellence and professionalism when it comes to promoting tourism within Slovenia, most recently seen in our participation at the London Tourist Expo.
Adventure Slovenia’s record of excellence does not end at its flexibility or professional involvement, but continues through its extremely user-friendly website. Through descriptive details of the various tour options available to potential future adventurers, along with clear outlines and instructions to assist in the process of tour bookings and confirmations, Adventure Slovenia works to make its website a helpful indication of its dedication to the highest level of customer service.
Overall, Adventure Slovenia is the top tourist company within Slovenia. Our record of excellence proves that we are indeed the best choice to enjoy premiere adventure trips throughout the country.
Jure Gaspersic, CEO and founder of Adventure Slovenia www.adventureslovenia.com (+386) 31 362 368. Adventure Slovenia is affiliated with a fully licensed travel agent Sark.
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720.587.9499
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“Sample Slovenia!” Heritage Weekend Year Three
[Mount lngla\ At Mohican 1 iik
Arriving Friday afternoon at the Mohican Outdoor Center in Blairstown, New Jersey we viewed the subtle, sober beauty of the landscape, waiting for winter, grey rocks, faded green moss, towering brown tree trunks already denuded of fall’s leaves, the rushing streams sparkling with the reflections of the brilliant blue skies. The stillness is soul stirring - but it’s cold, and it feels good to get inside.
The fireplace at Blueberry Hill Lodge soon had a roaring fire going, while folks introduced themselves and made new friends. It was a lively group - from 5 year old Natalie (who celebrated becoming six years old with all of us on Saturday) to one intrepid hiker who admitted to 76 years! We were fortunate to have a member of Branch 109 Twin Cities Minnesota decide since celebrating a family reunion by traveling to Slovenia was not in the cards, this weekend would be the next best way! Family from as far away as Arizona joined us.
This was not the weekend to go on a diet! For Friday night’s potluck meal we had Ria Whitmire’s Joto, a bean, barley and sauerkraut soup (brought back by popular demand from last year’s weekend), fresh bread, green salad, plus contributions of fruit, potica, and other tasty nibbles brought by guests. To drink we had apple cider, fruit juice, Yuengling beer, and Laško pivo, Slovenian beer once again carried in over state lines from Virginia by Idamary Smith.
After dinner we settled down to watch a delightful Slovenia romantic comedy “Vesna” from 1953 starring Metka Gabrijelčič, sort of an Audrey Flepburn look-alike garbed in wasp-waisted Dior “New Look” dresses with a jaunty neck scarf, which, as we learned from Ria, had an immense impact raising fashion consciousness amongst the young girls at the time.
The strudel dough was stretched, and stretched, and stretched! For those of you who (like myself!) casually just reach for the frozen phyllo dough, this is truly an awesome vision! And yes - it does taste better! After the fillings were added and tops brushed with butter, into the oven they went! Everyone was looking forward to Saturday night’s dessert!
After lunch, about half of the group went on a hike with an Appalachian Mountain Club hike leader up to a ridge via the Rattlesnake Swamp Trail. Did someone really see a bear? The rest of us either napped or took advantage to peruse the books/articles of Slovenian interest brought by Branch 93 members.
The evening started off with a wine and cheese party to which another AMC weekend group, “Maps and
Saturday morning, after breakfast at the visitors center (blueberry pancakes and sausages) we went around the room and had each person introduce themselves and tell us why they came on this particular weekend - some were of Slovenian descent and some signed on through the AMC because the weekend looked so appealing!
Ria gave a quick tutorial of basic Slovenian - dober dan/good day, lahko noč/good night, etc. and everyone joined in repeating.
Lynn Zalokar then had everyone testing their wits with a “How does the Proverb End?” game (where if you knew your Slovenian you really had an advantage) - half the group had a complete Slovenian proverb, plus the first half of the quoted proverb translated into English. You then had to track down the missing half. With everyone now warmed up and knowing each other, time to do a little dancing! Branch 93 is so fortunate to have as one of our members, Annette Kirk, a talented folk-dancing instructor. A favorite from last year was a German circle dance “Lott is Todt” which our newcomers also enjoyed.
Then Ria began the strudel demonstration. Believe me, this is not for wimps - the dough has to be kneaded for 20 minutes! And she made tM’o batches, since later - the dough (if not the cook) has to rest - we would be peeling apples for Jabolčni strudel and mixing farmer’s cheese for the Sirov strudel.
Compass” was invited. The wine had been generously donated by Emil Gaspari of TriWines, (check out his website at www.slovenianpremiumwines.com) and everyone agreed - Slovenian wines are something special!
Saturday night’s dinner was prepared by Ria and Branch 93 member Mia Branc. Mia made goulash and polenta with ocvirki (pork tidbits). Ria’s salad was a cabbage and apple slaw with walnut morsels. Dessert was Mia’s potica,
Lithuania amongst others. The biggest hit was the Pojster Tanc, a Slovenian pillow dance traditionally done at weddings between unmarried couples, where they must clasp each other tightly enough not to let the pillow drop to the floor! We speculated on how flat a pillow a couple could get away with.
Sunday morning came all too soon even with the extra hour we gained with the end of daylight savings time! After another hearty breakfast (sausage and eggs, biscuits and porridge) another hike was taken through Van Campens Glen. Then followed the last lunch, (where it was voiced
Ria and helper’s strudels, and Natalie’s birthday cake. We sang to the tune of “Happy Birthday” the Slovenian version for the day - Vse najbolše :a te - four times for Natalie and others with birthdays close by.
After this of course we had to dance again! So after pushing the sofas to the edge of the room and figuratively rolling up the rug, we kicked up our heels doing a Czech polka, a schottische, and circle dances from Serbia, Israel, and
that we should extend the event for at least a week, or better still a Slovenia month, or even a Slovenia year!), a final clean-up, pack-up, and good-byes - and starting to think about next year. Mmm, what about flancati, or štruklji ??
Branch Reports Poročila Podružnic
BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
October was a busy month for us. On October 24lh we hosted the State Convention in our church hall. We started the day with a beautiful polka Mass sung by the Singing Slovenes from Minnesota. Some of our members dressed in traditional Slovenian costumes, and after Mass we enjoyed brunch in the church hall. Members of Branch 43 joined us for the meeting. Denise P. Bartlett, National Treasurer, told us about the wonderful apartment they use for office space and meetings in Joliet, IL. Sounds like a lot of time and work went into the remodeling and most of it volunteered. Denise also spoke about the National Convention that is coming up, June 16 - 19 in Milwaukee. She urged all our members to attend.
The night before the Convention, the Singing Slovenes at Jakum’s Hall entertained us. Their music was great and we enjoyed a buffet dinner, which included Slovenian chicken, potatoes, potica and many other delicious foods.
We are currently working on the 2011 Schedule of Events. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 13lh for the first meeting held at St. Cyril Church Hall after Mass.
Hope everyone had a Happy and Healthy New Year! Na Svidenje.
CHERYL KOTNICK LOPOUR
BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois
The IL/IN Convention, was well attended, there were 20 members from our branch. Fr. Michael Anderjek said Mass at Holy Family Church. We enjoyed the singing of “Edelweiss” by 3 generations of the Landgraf-Ebner family. Thanks to Branch 89, you all did an excellent job.
For the year 2011 we will be busy. SWUA National Convention will be held in Milwaukee-June 16-19. The Committee is show casing their city for us to enjoy. Hope you saw the spread in Zarja; it would be a great place for a family vacation. It is not too far away from Chicago.
Branch 2 will host the IL/IN Convention, celebrating our 85"' Anniversary of SWUA, if anyone has pictures or memorabilia you would care to share from the past please contact Fran Morison 708.485.5063.
On October 9, we lost our oldest member; she was honored at Zveza Picnic on her 99th birthday. Condolences to the Reich family, to Mary, Elsie and Billy Reich on the loss of their sister, Christine Pirman, a member for 68 years.
Condolences to the family of Mary Kregul Bernasek, and to her daughter Jane on their loss, Mary was very active with Branch 2, she belonged to SWUA bowling league. She was a member for 68 years. Please remember them in your prayers.
At this writing, we hope those who were in the hospital are out and feeling better: Jean Zubek, Mary Newbould, and Terry Morison. A cheery hello to all our shut-ins!
Welcome to new members: Cheryl Seibert Brueckman and Jordon Woodrun. Keep our Troops in your prayers for a safe return.
DAISY
BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Contact Information: bchiodo@comcast.net
I hope all of our members and their families had a beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We had another successful year in Branch 13 thanks to the leadership of our President Doreen Sustarich and our entire Board of Directors. It was no wonder that the entire Board was unanimously re-elected. The officers for 2011 are: President Doreen Sustarich, Vice President Agnes Leach, Financial Secretary Moreen Spencer, Recording Secretary Barbara Chiodo, Treasurer Michele Twers, Auditors Virginia Sustarich and Ann Sustasrich. What a team!
Our monthly meetings have been fun. We invite all of our members to attend! Just call President Doreen at 415.468.5039 and let her know you are coming. Our pot luck luncheons are great; we have so many wonderful cooks in Branch 13.
We celebrated Virginia Sustarich’s 86th birthday at our November meeting. She seems to get younger each year. She is active in so many organizations and is always on the go.
The San Francisco Giants won the World Series. Our member Jackie Krambic Lowe is a huge fan. She missed our November meeting because it was the Giants parade and she said she waited so long for them to win.
My son David who is a football coach at Sequoia High School just completed a perfect winning season and the championship of the county.
I would like to thank Frances Granger who sent in the beautiful article and pictures of her mother’s 100th birthday. We all enjoyed reading about it as Betty Doherty was an active member for many years and is well remembered and loved by all of us. Thank you Frances.
BARBARA CHIODO
This past year has been sad. Our President Marge Mitchell lost her husband John on November 5th. His daughters Mary, Marlene, Barbara, his son John and grandchildren survive him.
Fran Novak passed away suddenly on October 31st. It was a complete shock to everyone. Fran is my brother Rudy’s wife, and the sister-in-law of Mary Jane Strus. Fran had two sons, Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, Tom and his wife Colleen, and two granddaughters, Megan and Caitlin. Everyone will sorely miss her.
Please keep both John Mitchell and Fran Novak in your prayers. May their souls rest in peace, and may the souls of all the departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Amen.
Rosemary Petrich’s husband is in the hospital because of a problem with his heart. Pray that everything will be fine.
We miss our dear member Gladys Buck. She moved to Minnesota to be with her niece Barbara. Gladys celebrated her 91st birthday this year and was finding it a little difficult to do things like she used to. We had a beautiful get together before she left. We wish her loads of good luck and many happy days.
Vickie Krcmaric also moved. She wasn’t feeling well, and she decided to move closer to her daughter in Libertyville, IL. We also wish her loads of good luck and many happy days. We miss both Gladys and Vickie very much.
After all the sad news, I must report that Mary Brozovich, who lives in Springfield, MO, will be celebrating her 95lh birthday on January 10.1 understand she is in good health and takes a long walk every day. Keep it up Mary.
Our next meeting will be on January 8lh at 1:00 p.m., hope to see you all there!
DOROTHY NOVAK ROSSI
Branch 20 Scholarships
Applicants must be SWUA member for at least 3 years.
Adult Continuing Education Scholarship:
Member 21 years of age or over who is pursuing advanced or continuing education.
High School Scholarship:
Graduating eighth grader accepted to one of the Catholic high schools and is enrolled for the fall 2010 semester.
High School Scholarship:
Current high school student who wishes to continue in a Catholic high school or is planning to transfer from a public high school to a Catholic high school.
Scholastic ability must be shown as well as an evaluation of the applicant’s character and code of behavior. For eligibility information and application forms, contact:
Branch 20 Scholarship Program, %Geri Pope 3820 Hennepin Drive, Joliet, IL 60431
Applications must be received prior to April 1,2011
Members and families enjoyed getting together for dinner and dressing up for our traditional holiday treat.
Branch 20 has kept the St. Nicholas tradition alive with a special greeting and treat ($) for our junior members on December 6. Member Pat Figurowski sent beautifully made cards inscribed with the legend of St. Nicholas to each junior member. Each card came with a surprise included. Many, many years ago in our family, St. Nicholas brought oranges embedded with a quarter to each of us. I think I remember that more than what was under the Christmas tree each year.
A big congrats to Margaret Koncar, junior member, on becoming corresponding secretary for Joliet Catholic Academy’s math honor society.
The New Year begins with the installation of board members, or should we say, the same board members. Why mess with success? Char Kobe will once more take on the duties as president (for her twentieth year). Other officers graciously accepting are Jeanne Warsaw, VP; Jean Herbst, treasure; Robyn Coyne, corresponding secretary.
The Board wishes to thank the meeting hostesses who really outdo themselves for each meeting, and to the membership who can always be counted on for donations and helping hands.
Our condolences go out to the family of deceased member Mary Gregorich who passed away in September.
PAT SCHAGER
SCOLA
WWW.SCOLA.ORG
Helping people of the world learn more about one another
Dober Dan! January is my favorite month. The rush of the holidays is over, outside work has come to a halt, and nights are longer - giving us plenty of time for reflection -thinking about the past year and looking forward to the new one.
This past November our branch attended the annual Mass for our deceased members followed by a brunch at my home. Our hearts were warm and happy as we shared the meal and good conversation. Looking at the faces of these faithful members, who have dedicated much of their lives to their Slovenian heritage and still do, made me realize even more how much our heritage and customs are important to us and we must strive to instill that in our young people.
Our branch has had a good year - good attendance and everyone pitching in to make our meetings meaningful, interesting and fun. My compliments and appreciation to you all!
We take a brief “hiatus” January and February, but, we will be back - full force - in March with much hope and dreams for the new year.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Pray for and remember our sick and shut-in members. Pray also for our men and women in the armed forces - that God will bring them home safely. Remember, this is the land of the free because of the brave. And, until next time, may your hearts be filled with peace and love.
LORETTA STORY
BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Contact Information: anitaml@frontier.com
Prayers were said for all SWUA members and for all past and present veterans who served and who are now serving our country. Another year came to an end! How true that old saying, “The older you get, the faster the time goes”!
At our past meeting, we had a toast with some wine to celebrate St. Martin’s Feast Day. We discussed the bylaws that will be voted on at the National Convention in June. The members also elected a delegate Anita Vovk, and alternate Marlys Rabb. Hostesses for the day were Barb Urick and Gabriella Goritchan. A delicious apple crisp with ice cream was served along with some sweet treats. As usual President, Anita Vovk donated prizes and there were four happy winners. “Veseli Zahvalni Dan”!
Wishing everyone peace, happiness and good health throughout 2011!
MARLYS RABB
BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota Contact Information: rribich@northlc.com 218.865.6600
October was an interesting month dealing with the issue of the approval of the 2009 Minnesota Regional minutes that were not read at the 2010 Regional meeting. Many e-mails were sent and received and all I can say is many thanks to the home office and Denise P. Bartlett for the advice and directives. It is good to know they can be called upon when items need to be clarified.
The membership decided that the 50-year pin is a moot issue. With the pending name change and the branch finances we must think of another way to honor the longstanding members. We will wait for directives from the board.
Carol Sherek arranged for our annual Christmas/Epiphany Dinner on January 9. We will meet at the Rustic Rock Chop House in Eveleth, MN. We are looking forward to an interesting afternoon with entertainment and our dice game.
Photos of the apron and towels made by Mary Lou Voelk were shown. They are available for purchase from the home office. What a neat Christmas gift and of course, this is a good thing to help defray the cost of our National Convention in Milwaukee in June. They were on display and for sale at the Regional convention and they really are nicely done. There is no end to all the great ideas for SWUA that come from Mary Lou.
Rosemary Ribich was voted as a delegate to the National Convention in June and Jeanne Korsman was voted as an alternate. Credentials will be sent in a timely manner.
Wishing all a holy holiday season SRECNO NOVO LETO.
ROSEMARY (SERT1CH) RIBICH
BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Person: Jan Gehm 411.321.1413
Upcoming events for 2011: Po Božična Zabava (Post Christmas Party) January 15, at the Open Flame Restaurant; Pustna Veselica, February 26, at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall, doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner served 6 p.m.; April 16, Making of Butare at Triglav Park, and April 17, (Palm Sunday) Blessing of Butare at St. John’s Church and breakfast (place to be determined).
The American Red Cross honored Rose Chepeck. Rose was chosen as The Female Volunteer for the Year 2010. This award was for exemplary service while serving as the National Representative for the American Red Cross and as a volunteer for the Clement Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Congratulations to Frank Bevsek, who was presented
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine - Host of the Ohio State Convention
with the Service Award for 2010, from the Slovenian Arts Program at the University of Wisconsin. Frank is a big benefactor to the Slovenian Community, the SWUA and especially our branch. He is a supporter of all our events and has emceed many of our programs. Frank, we salute you and thank you.
About 16 of our branch members attended the Wisconsin State Convention in Sheboygan. Our sincere thank you to the members of Branch 1 who outdid themselves to make sure their guests were made to feel welcome. The Polka Mass, played and sung by the Singing Slovenes, was great, the delicious breakfast, served by the Men’s Club of St. Cyril’s, and all appreciated the beautiful door prizes.
Denise P. Bartlett is enthusiastic about the National Convention. She is hoping for a great turnout from the community. Her committee is meeting regularly to assure that these days will be filled with Slovenian culture, music, food and displays.
The bake sale was a huge success. Our branch netted over $600. Special thanks to our members who baked several items and helped through out the day. KUDOS TO YOU ALL.
May 2011 be a great one for all of you. Vesele Praznike.
MICI BREGANT
BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio Contact Information: 216.531.2745 cjaynow@yahoo.com
FOND NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS FROM THE “FIVE-O” on America’s North Coast!
Fresh on the heels of our annual Christmas party held at the Dubrovnik Gardens restaurant at the Croatian lodge in Eastlake, Ohio, we are enthusiastically looking forward to the new year.
The Ohio convention last October was a great success, with more than 40 members in attendance at Our Lady of Lourdes national shrine in Euclid, Ohio. Representatives
from Branch 50,10,14,42, and 47 were present for the Mass, breakfast, and meeting. We will
present a proposed by-law change at the National Convention being held in Wisconsin in June, providing the option of holding a regional convention only once every two years. We also discussed some controversial proposed
charter changes, changing the name and Christian identity of the national organization, which will be considered at the National Convention in June. There was near unanimous opposition at our convention to this proposal. Please plan to attend your National Convention and make your voices heard!
We are thrilled to announce that the 3,500 member Baraga Association recently named our intrepid member, Ivanka Matic, Woman of the Year at the annual Baraga Days. The news of her honor took Ivanka by surprise and really energized her! Ivanka has long been a strong local supporter of Bishop Frederic Baraga’s cause for sainthood. We are proud she was recognized nationally for her many years of hard work and dedication in this important calling.
We are very sad to report on the recent deaths of Frances Blatnik, a Branch 50 member since 1973, Mary Wolf, a member since 1974, and Jane Berkopec, a member since 1975. Our condolences and prayers are offered to their families and loved ones.
A friendly reminder from our President, Rose Mary Toth, to all our members to check your invoices for the upcoming year and be sure that those annual dues are paid up.
Please remember to call or write with any updates for our next Branch 50 report.
ANNE TOMSICK
'	ZIMMER FUNERAL HOMES '
Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director
mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com
805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, Wl 53081
Tel: 920.457.7012 Fax: 920.457.7013
W 2132 Ganton Rd„ Sheboygan, Wl 53083
920.565.2331
www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com \______________________________________________  /
Greetings and Happy New Year 2011 from Branch 55! How quickly another year is upon us! I hope the past holiday season was a joyful occasion for all. It is such a great time of year to catch up with our loved ones and share in the holiday spirit.
In Branch news, the 2010 Holiday party was a great success. Members of Branch 55 and AMLA Lodge 42 enjoyed a fun evening of fellowship, food, and Slovenian and English carol singing. All in attendance had a great time.
In other news, the Kren family welcomed the addition of baby Lawrence Kren, son of Brian and Amy Kren, this past September. Congratulations Brian, Amy, and big sister Sophia! The Selak family welcomed the addition of baby Rogan Selak, son of Mark and Molly Selak of San Diego, CA, this past October. Congratulations, Mark and Molly on your new addition!
On a sad note, my grandfather, Frank Kregar, husband of member Milka Kregar, passed away this past September. Očka, as he was affectionately known, was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of many in the community. He is greatly missed by all who knew him, most especially his family. Our prayers continue to be with Milka during this difficult time. May God grant him eternal rest.
Regular monthly meetings will begin again this month. Please try to attend as often as possible- it is very important for all members to be involved in branch activities!
In closing, I include a short poem about the New Year 2011 by A.E and M. Keary.
Resolutions
Let us try to be good and content,
Kind to each other,
Healthy and gentle and brave,
Obedient to Mother.
For of such were the heroes of old - Patient in learning.
Seldom rude, seldom cross, never cruel,
From the truth never turning.
MONICA SELAK
BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: barbarabruch@yahoo.com or 815.339.2714
Branch 89 hosted the Illinois/Indiana State Convention on September 19 and we want to thank all the SWUA members who came. We had a great attendance and hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. Congratulations to the money raffle winners: Joe Skala of Branch 2 and our State President, Theresa Kamnikar of Oglesby, and Barbara Pyszka of Branch 24. Thank you to all our members who baked strudels and poticas and to Molly Rodriguez whose crocheted doilies were such a hit in the door prize drawing. We give many thanks to Mitch and Natalie Landgraf and Jim Ebner for their outstanding musical entertainment. Because of the contributions of all our members, who decorated, set up, cleaned up and worked in any way we hosted an enjoyable well-organized convention. We also want to thank everyone who contributed to the very successful bakeless bake sale, especially our out of town members. We appreciate your generosity.
Happy 80,h birthday to Marilyn Argubright our Chaplain and Sunshine Chairperson. A big open house was held for her at the Dickinson House; there were even relatives who came from Slovenia to help celebrate the day. Our November meeting was another Show and Tell with a marvelous assortment of family treasures and stories. Doris Ambrose brought her husband Charlie’s First Communion prayer book and rosary; he carried the little rosary all through World War II and home again.
We have been a busy group. Paula Snell and two friends dressed up like The Three Musketeers and went trick or treating on horseback. Rosie Kamnikar ran in the 10K Canal Connection with the Starved Rock Runners Club and then, along with Julie Harbeck, brought refreshments to the meeting later the same day.
We have two new members. They are Alex and Danielle Scharf, granddaughters of Mary Alice Corbett. We are glad to have you join. At our Christmas party; this year we added a white elephant gift exchange, it was a lot of fun. Keep in touch; it is always good to hear from members.
BARBARA BRUCH
BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: lgross@tstnyc.org
Our “Sample Slovenian Heritage” weekend in November was a success (please page 20 of this issue). Please check our website www.swuanyc.org for additional photos. We were very pleased to have ten members/spouses of the Sieverding family join us from Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Sue Rademacher of
Tezak’s
1908 - 2008
Home to Celebrate Life ®
1211 PLAINFIELD Rl)., JOLIET, IL 60435
www.tezakfunt'ralhonu'.con)
815.741.2563 Fax 877.587.8460 815.722.0524
Celebrating our 100"' Year!
Branch 109 Twin Cities organized this family get-together!
We take advantage of NYC consulate events whenever possible. Three members attended a panel discussion in early November at the Center for Jewish History on “Boris Pahor’s Necropolis: A Slovenian Story of Culture, Conflict, and Persecution on the Northeastern Border of Italy”. This was an eye-opener for many on the oppression faced by Slovenians in Trieste such as the WW 1 conscription of Slovenes in the Italian army and the changing of Slovenia surnames to Italian. (This name changing was referenced in a Louis Adamic book and even included names on cemetery headstones.)
We were expecting a visit in the spring from acclaimed author, playwright and actor Andrej Rozman Roza (author of Forget-Me-Not’s Slovene/English How Oscar Became
Happy New Year! We hope you had a very blessed holiday season and that the new year brings health and happiness.
Last October, our branch held its 7th annual Bunco party and fundraiser. A great big thank you to all our volunteers who worked the event, and to everyone who donated bakery and raffle prizes. It was a successful day and our branch made almost a $ 1,300 profit. Grand prize winners: Re Carter - IPod shuffle (donated by Zefran Funeral/Mt. Auburn Funeral Home); Diane Sweigert - $100 Visa gift card (donated by the Mavec Family); Lillian Cepon - $ 100 (donated by an anonymous member); and Branch 20 -$100 (donated by Branch 99). Mille Bulaga won $70 in split the pot. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our branch!
In November, we held a Slovenian Goulash and Polenta culinary class. The attendees learned to make this wonderful Slovenian dish. Thank you Fanika Fritz for your knowledge in showing the class how to prepare this dish. Also thank you Paula Mavec for your assistance with the class.
a Detective). But his plans changed and he arrived much earlier in October. The consulate organized an event and a few branch members were able to attend and meet him.
Slovenian language classes are being held at the Church of St. Cyril. Branch 93 member Marta Stemberger is teaching, for more information-phone: 718.919.0727 or Marta@earinna.com. Slovenian mass at St. Cyril’s is every Sunday at 10:15 a.m.; 3rd Sunday of the month there is a social hour plus a Slovenian meal/desserts afterwards.
Our Kulturni dan (Slovenian Cultural Day) celebration is Saturday, February 5lh. We hope for good weather and another good turnout. We encourage branch members to attend the SWUA National Convention in Milwaukee this June to meet fellow members, learn more about the SWUA and immerse ourselves in Slovenian culture!
Since we frequently get last-minute information about consulate events, please join our Yahoo group (e-mail: SWUABranch93NYC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com). This is where we post communications and event news, don’t miss out! We’re also on facebook, www.facebook.com (type in “SWUA”).
We welcome ideas for activities/events and if you’d like to lead one, contact Lynn Zalokar at lzalokar@yahoo.com or call 201.947.6336
ELIZABETH GROSS
The Cookie sale in December was a success. Thank you Paula and Mary Mavec for organizing the sale, and also thank you to all bakers who brought the delicious cookies! We also collected items to be donated to the military through an organization called Operation MOMS Cookies. Our military thanks you!
Please support SWUA by participating in the “Slovenian Win Calendar” to help defray costs of the National Convention. Also, please consider joining other members by attending the National Convention this summer in Milwaukee, Wl. Share ideas and discuss several proposed changes to the organization.
The 2011 Calendar for the branch has been planned. Officer election will be held at the January meeting.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
JANA HLADE
Branch 100 has several new members for 2010. We welcome Jennifer Boudreau, Lina Kerwick, Mary Cummings and Nancy Kochevar. I may be missing a few, but please know that you are also welcomed into our group and hope that you will join us in our future activities.
Rosemary Mlakar and Julia Trowbridge, long time members of Branch 100 reunite!
It was good to see the nice article put together by Mary Turvey about the Fontana Slovene Rest Home in the November/December issue of Zarja. There were many nice times for the residents of that Home, especially during the 1960’s - 1980’s. We had the opportunity to visit often and work on the Annual Bazaar and Dinner to benefit the Fontana Slovene Rest Home. We attended some of the Christmas parties mentioned in the article, as well. It is very special that when the property was sold that a large donation went to the SWUA Scholarship Fund to help support the youth of this fine organization.
At our next meeting we will discuss the upcoming convention and elect our delegate. I know there are several members who are interested in attending either as a delegate or just socially. Several of us attended the last convention and had a marvelous time. I’m sure that the Milwaukee event will be just as much fun for those who attend this time.
The potica articles were also an inspiration to my family. I’ll have the opportunity to share potica with several hundred members of our local church, St. Timothy’s in Laguna Niguel during their “Las Posadas” celebration. Different ethnicities among the church members will feature their specialties and part of their culture during this special event. It will be fun to share some Slovenian
Christmas Carols and prepare a “God’s Corner” with Nativity and artifacts and have the chance to introduce this to people who may not have even heard of Slovenia.
The New Year of 2011 will be upon us by the time you read this and so in closing may I wish all of you “Srecno Novo Leto”
JEAN KOCI
BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bettekfitz@verizon.net
Branch 108 celebrated its 7lh anniversary on November 14 with an elegant lunch and historic tour of Georgetown University hosted by our spiritual advisor Fr. Peter Rožič.
7‘h Anniversary celebration at Georgetown University
The majestic historical buildings visited impressed members and their guests, including the chapel at the Jesuit residence with stained glass depictions of the founders of the university. One of the highlights of our tour at the Jesuit Residence was a private viewing of an original oil painting of Gabriel Gruber, a Jesuit priest of Slovenian ancestry. Gruber was documented as being instrumental in initiating contact with the American Jesuits in Maryland through a petition requesting restoration of the Society of Jesus in August 1802 while Gruber was the Superior General of
the Society in Russia. On behalf of the members and guests of SWUA, Branch 108, President, Bernadette Fitzsimmons thanked Fr. Peter for
Fr. Rozžič accepting gift at 7"' Anniversary’	serving as
Celebration at Georgetown University	our Spiritual
wmm\
Advisor and being an active member of the branch, and presented him with a gift and best wishes before leaving for Russia for nearly a year to complete his Doctoral dissertation research.
At our luncheon meeting on October 24, Mrs. Ivanka Antolin was the guest speaker on the topic of Lojze Grozde, the first Slovenian martyr officially recognized by the Catholic Church in June 2010. Ivanka was a
Miro Pregelj and Ivanka Antolin both classmates of Lojze Grozde
classmate of Grozde’s and provided some interesting insights, memories and information from his childhood and young adult years. Mr. Miro Pregelj joined us as a guest for this meeting and also provided his recollections as being a classmate of Lojze Grozde.
Our next meeting will be held on January 16, 2011 for branch elections. Installation of new officers and planning a Pustna Veselica (Mardi Gras celebration) gathering in March.
BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS
BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities Slovenians
Branch 109 opened its 2010-2011 meeting schedule at its new location: Little Venetian Inn located in the suburb of Little Canada.
At our general membership meeting in September, Mary Schwanke showed photos taken during WWII by hergreat-uncle, John Oberstar, and other members of his unit. The presentation motivated our members to get involved with the SWUA project “Every Citizen a Soldier” which will highlight the many and varied contributions made by Slovenian-Americans during WWII. Mary Ann Palmer is collecting the member surveys which are due on Armistice Day-Nov. 11th.
Our October meeting was highlighted by a presentation from John Zakelj on Slovenian Bobbin Lace. John had an interesting display of intricate lace patterns as well as books on the subject. In addition the membership viewed a DVD entitled “Slovenian Bobbin Lace Maker: Anna Zakelj Jesenko.” the Video was funded by the Slovenian American Heritage Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council and the Slovenian American National Art Guild. Our members were in total awe of the skill that Anna demonstrated as a
CIPKARICA(woman bobbin lace maker) and judging by our member’s response this topic should be featured in a future edition of the Zarja. By the way Anna is a family friend and relative to our own John Zakelj.
Another “how to” project -stained glass was the subject of our November meeting. Tom Moren, who has done a number of stained glass pieces, the “Last Supper” being probably the best, demonstrated the “how to” part; Mike Koski and Yul Yost prepared their portion of the talk acknowledging Slovenian and American contributions to the craft of stained glass making. Following the presentation a piece of stained glass
art with a holiday motif was raffled to the membership. Marlene and Don Palkovich donated the piece.
On December 18 Branch 109 had the rare privilege of interacting with a modern day Slovenian family, Joze and Kaseenja Rener-Sitar and their two middle school aged children. They are related to Mary Percic Bernard who helped acclimate them to the Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota where Kaseenja has a fellowship in the School of Dentistry. Joze is working on his law degree and preparing for the Bar. The family shared their thoughts on Slovenian holidays, schooling, politics, and Slovenian cuisine along with random questions from our membership about Slovenia in general. Needless to say it was a highly interesting meeting.
Vesel Božic, Screcno novo leto
NORM SETNICKER
Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia
A Loving Tribute to Hermine Prisland Dicke
Jenka’s
r.*‘»
Hermine Dicke was inspired by her mother, Marie Prisland, Founder of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, to become involved in the organization. In 1953, she followed her mother as Director of the Scholarship Committee and served in that capacity for forty-two years. She accepted still another position, that of food columnist for Zarja The Dawn in 1963, writing the column. Pots, Pam & Pastime, until August 1995.
Hermine’s food column was so popular that in 1979, she began assembling recipes submitted by members of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America from all over the country for a cookbook. In 1981, the first edition of Pots and Pans, which featured traditional Slovenian recipes as well as tasty American recipes, was printed. It was so well received that three additional printings followed in 1982,1986 and 1992. Since then Pots and Pans has become the cooking standard in many homes.
To know Hermine was to love her. She was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the daughter of Marie and John Prisland and the sister of Margaret (Fischer) and Ted Prisland. Hermine graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Milwaukee with a RN degree. While she was employed at the Sheboygan Clinic she met her husband, Robert J. Dicke, a Professor of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They reared a family of four children: Robert, William, Mary and Katherine.
Hermine, a highly respected woman in her community, had over the years received awards from the Black Hawk
Council of Girl Scouts, Madison Exchange Club, Madison Area Association for Retarded Citizens, Slovenian Women’s Union of America, and the Downtown Rotary Club.
Cooking was a natural talent of Hermine. Her daughter, Katie speaks of her mother: “Our house always seemed to hold the aroma of homemade soup, a roast or chocolate chip cookies. Mom loved to entertain and join her guests at a beautiful dining room table covered with a lovely embroidered cloth, which was set with Golden Wreath Lenox china, crystal goblets, candles and fresh flowers. She would serve a delicious homemade meal that everyone enjoyed and savored.”
Hermine’s influence permeated many an American-Slovenian home and it is most fitting that she was honored by the Slovenian Women’s Union of America for her extraordinary contribution to her sister members, with a special tribute entitled More Pots andPans\ - by Corinne Leskovar
(Original tribute written by Corinne Leskovar for the cookbook More Pots and Pans; Modified by Debbie Pohar for this issue of Zarja)
The following recipes were two of Hermine’s favorites. I have prepared these recipes according to Hermine’s directions for this issue. I hope you enjoy as much as Hermine did and also the Zarja staff that was present during the preparation of this issue. -Jenka
ROLLED PORK LOIN ROAST SUPREME (Prašičja pljučna pečenka - ribica)
From a professional cook.
Ingredients:
5 pound boned loin pork roast Salt and pepper, as desired
1	teaspoon crushed maijoram Garlic salt Butter
Heat oven to 350°. Spread deboned pork loin. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and marjoram. Roll and tie securely. Rub lightly with more maijoram. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Top with few dabs of butter. Place on sheet of foil on an open pan; bake uncovered about 2 Vi to 3 hours until tender. (To avoid excessive browning cover loosely with foil first two hours. Uncover last hour.) Last hour you can add halved potatoes alongside meat turning after 30 minutes. Serve sliced with potatoes, tossed green salad (dressing: equal parts of vinegar, oil and sugar and a sprinkling of salt) and applesauce. 10 to 12 servings.
Mary Ziegenhorn, Sheboygan, W1
Page 197 of Pots and Pans Cookbook Page 129 of More Pots and Pans Cookbook
CRANBERRY FRUIT NUT BREAD
Ingredients:
2	cups of flour 1 cup Sugar
1 Vi teaspoons Baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
'/2 teaspoon baking soda
'/4 cup shortening
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
3A cup orange juice
1 well-beaten egg
1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped Vi cup chopped nuts
Heat oven to 350. Grease 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Sift dry ingredients. Cut in shortening. Combine peel, juice and egg. Add to dry ingredients, mixing just to moisten.
Fold in berries and nuts. Turn into greased pad. Bake at 350° for 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Remove from pan, wrap and store overnight.
Nancy Beck Jagodnik, Bolton, MA Olga Ancel, Joliet, IL
Page 67 of Pots and Pans Cookbook Page 99 of More Pots and Pans Cookbook
Hermine Prisland Dicke
1912 - 2010
jenka’s
Dober Tek!
AIRMAIL
NARODNA IN UNIVERZITETNA KNJIŽNICA
DS
II 54 78820ii
MEMBER ID 70665 IRENA SESEK TURJAŠKA 1. P.O. BOX 259 1000 LJUBLJANA SLOVENIA
920110982,1
PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE
MEMORIAL MASS FOR HERMINE DICKE
JANUARY 5,2011 - AT 12:00 NOON All members and friends are invited to attend.
Holy Mass in memory of our beloved Hermine Dicke will be held at the Slovenian Women’s Union Heritage Museum, 431 N. Chicago, St., Joliet, Illinois on Wednesday, January 5,2011. Our most beloved Slovenian heritage will be carried out in the form of prayers and songs that she held in her heart, taught by her mother, our Founder, Marie Prisland. We are happy that Fr. Christian Gostečnik, OFM, of Slovenia, will be here to celebrate the mass. Everyone is most cordially invited.
For further information call the SWUA Home Office, 1.815.727.1926.
Hermine Prisland Dicke
1912-2010