Zarja Official Publication Slovenian Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki Bohinj by Gregor Smukovič Račja vas, Slovenia $ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International Volume 86 Issue 4 July/August 2014 The Dawn Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St. LaSalle, IL 61301-1359 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 86, No. 4, July/August 2014 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Communications for the next issue of publication Do you have something SUA-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@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 Slovenia, SUA events, or members. The deadline for articles is the 15th day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the September/October issue must be received by July 15th. Thank you. Submission Guidelines Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address with each submission, including e-mailed submissions. Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted materials. It is best to e-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal (or better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach your photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.) By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian Union of America (formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) the use of the material, including your name, hometown, and state. We may modify, reproduce, and distribute it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or appropriate place. Gregor Smukovic’s Zarja Cover “Bohinj” Prints Available to Readers Gregor Smukovič, a fresh and talented Slovenian artist and oil painter, who just turned 25, is receiving appreciative eyes and complimentary reviews towards his art. Gregor was born and raised in the village of Račja vas and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2012 from the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He grew up drawing, always hoping to become a professional painter. With family support, encouragement from teachers, and a dream to study at his eventual alma mater, Gregor persisted in creating a portfolio that received acceptance into the University. He considers himself a classical academic artist. His longtime desire for painting realism stems deep in his appreciation for the great master artists. His love of allegorical scenery, the details, brushstrokes, and atmosphere are mirrored in his own work. Gregor’s artwork was recently featured in a twoman exhibition, entitled “The New Rise of Classical Art” at the Sevnica Castle, overlooking the Sava River. He is one of the few Slovenian painters who continue the mission of the old, classical masters, and hope to restore interest in the grandeur and importance of classical art. Gregor is currently preparing for an exhibit along Slovenia’s largest coastal city of Koper on the Adriatic Sea, and is complet- ing a major artwork piece for an exhibition in the castle of Brežice. He is hoping to catch some major critics’ eyes with this show, which will feature his latest realistic compositions in the artistic style of his idol Bouguereau. They will consist of five realistic paintings of woodland nymphs done on expansive 12 ft. x 6 ft. and 5 ft. x 3 ft. panels. Interested Zarja Readers who would like a print of the “Bohinj” cover painting can choose to order online from Artflakes.com at: http://www.artflakes.com/en/ products/bohinj or pre-order an autographed 8 in. x 12 in. print on unstretched canvas for $15 by contacting bdsodac@gmail.com or calling David Sodac at 563.359.4075 for further information about pricing and shipping. The canvas prints will be available in early fall. Those individuals participating in the Zarja - the Dawn Anniversary of Živijo, Zarja Tour, have the option of meeting the artist in person during the tour and picking up their canvas reproductions. e g a s s e M s President’ Greetings: This issue is BURSTING with all kinds of Slovenian-American events across the Nation. Be sure to read every column and every Branch article. I am beyond excited! Every day our organization gets older, but every day we seem to be getting closer to our Slovenian heritage. Let’s celebrate! Thirty-seven travelers will be celebrating 85 years of Zarja - The Dawn this September. The tour is sold out! For those of you who are going, get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Debbie and I have all kinds of surprises to make this a spectacular experience. We can’t wait! TIME: Can you give us a helping hand? We are looking for Grant Writers, Zarja - The Dawn Writers, Fund-raising Teams, Exhibits, Membership Director, and Volunteers at our Home Office & Heritage Museum. TALENT: Can you conduct a workshop at a location convenient to you that would share a Slovenian talent you may have? I am proud to announce our membership campaign “Show the Love for SUA.” For every member who TREASURE: Can you make a donation to our recruits a new member, whether it’s an adult or ju501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation? Can you fund nior member, your name will go into a drawing for a chance to win $150 or $100 in cash. The member an exhibit at our Heritage Museum? Or can you who recruits the most members will receive $100. enroll a friend or family member? Who wants to participate? Simply fill out the application inside this issue of Zarja or download a Sincerely, copy from our website at www.slovenianunion.org. Bonnie Pohar Prokup, National President Write your name on the bottom for your chance wprokup@aol.com to win. The more members you recruit, the more chances you have to win. Let’s do this together! If every adult member would FIND YOUR SLOVENIAN ROOTS! recruit one new member – just imagine . . . maybe you don’t know where to begin . . . . . . maybe you have hit that proverbial brick wall . . . the possibilities. We can do this! It’s time to support everything you love about the Slovenian Union of America! Whether it’s a gift of Time, Talent, or Treasure – WE NEED YOU! No matter how big or small your effort is, it will allow us to continue to share our love for our Slovenian heritage for generations to come. July/August 2014 Contact us: Slovenian Genealogy Research Center 6415 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 E-mail: sgsi.rc@gmail.com Phone: 1.440.655.3954 Website: www.sloveniangenealogy.org Our mission is to help you!!!! 1 WA N T E D GRANT WRITERS Welcome to Our New Members Radosevich, Joan, 3 Harter, Susan, 30 Cameron, Jane, 20 Smith, Amanda, 30 with good written communica- Gutnik, Brad, 20 Furry, Heidi, 35 tion skills who can help us re- Lah, James, 23 Amato, Germaine, 50 Smith, Teresa, 23 Novak, Elizabeth, 50 We are looking for volunteers search and seek grant funding opportunities. E-mail wprokup@aol.com for more information. 2 Coleman, Amber, 24 Dutkiewicz, Connie, 89 Coleman, Kari, 24 Quinn, Michele, 93 Eide, Janelle, 24 Govednik, Agnes, 100 Eide, Julie, 24 Moralez, Barbara, 100 Manning, Jennifer, 24 Sixel, Mike, 102 Oberg, Linda, 24 Kristian, Andrea, 109 Pearse, Gerri Lynn, 24 Perhay, John, 109 Zarja - The Dawn SUA SUADonations Donations --Thank ThankYou! You! $200 $200Donation Donation Friesenhahn, Friesenhahn,Barbara, Barbara,5,5,SUA SUA $125 $125Donation Donation Zaverl, Zaverl,Albin, Albin,35, 35, Zarja Zarja- -Lake LakeBled BledPrints PrintsSold Sold $100 $100Donation Donation Branch Branch1,1,Zarja Zarja Fox, Fox,Elizabeth, Elizabeth,89, 89, +Carolyn +CarolynM. M.Widmar Widmar $75 $75Donation Donation Kambich, Kambich,Anthony, Anthony,20, 20, +Helen +Helen&&Tony TonyJ.J.Kambich Kambich $50 $50Donation Donation Glavich, Glavich,Richard, Richard,3,3, +Sally +SallyGlavich Glavich Pecharich, Pecharich,Martha, Martha,99, 99, +Tina +TinaHintz Hintz Prokup, Prokup,Bonnie, Bonnie,24, 24,SUA SUA Spehar, Spehar,Suntina, Suntina,33, 33,+Suntina +SuntinaT.T. Spehar, Spehar,grandma grandma&&mother mother $40 $40Donation Donation Zalar, Zalar,Julia, Julia,50, 50,SUA SUA $25 $25Donation Donation Bradford, Bradford,Cynthia CynthiaBayt, Bayt,5,5,SUA SUA Cummings, Cummings,Dorothy DorothyGovednik, Govednik, 13, 13,+Deceased +Deceasedmembers membersofof Govednik GovednikFamily Family Erjavec, Erjavec,Ronald, Ronald,20, 20,SUA SUA Haslup, Haslup,Aggie, Aggie,42, 42, +Teresa +TeresaVrcek VrcekGorup Gorup Jex, Jex,Erin, Erin,43, 43,+Ann +AnnGrambow Grambow Klein, Klein,Vicki, Vicki,24, 24,+Louise +Louise Salvanski Salvanski&&Sally SallyStrohmaier Strohmaier Pecharich, Pecharich,Alexandra, Alexandra,99, 99,SUA SUA Polzin, Polzin,Christine, Christine,102, 102, +Josephine +JosephineBayuk Bayuk July/August July/August2014 2014 Rademacher, Rademacher,Sue, Sue,109, 109,+Veronica +Veronica Schumer SchumerSieverding Sieverding Sherek, Sherek,Robert RobertSr., Sr.,35, 35,SUA SUA Tarizzo, Tarizzo,Marilyn, Marilyn,20, 20, +Mary +MaryBozic, Bozic,mother mother Vavpotich, Vavpotich,Josephine, Josephine,2,2,SUA SUA Vett, Vett,Louise, Louise,54, 54,+Ann +AnnSavor Savor Warren, Warren,Joann, Joann,26, 26,SUA SUA White, White,Doris, Doris,71, 71, +Helen +HelenM. M.Hervol Hervol Yager, Yager,Lynn LynnKurnick, Kurnick,13, 13, +Edward +EdwardKurnick Kurnick $20 $20Donation Donation Bartholomew, Bartholomew,Nancy, Nancy,50, 50, +Ann +AnnPotochar PotocharElliott Elliott Bruch, Bruch,Kitty, Kitty,89, 89,+Betty +BettyTerselic Terselic Bray, Bray,grandmother grandmother Fitzsimmons, Fitzsimmons,Bernadette, Bernadette,108, 108, +Eric +EricA. A.Kovacic Kovacic Grabowski, Grabowski,Josephine, Josephine,24, 24,Zarja Zarja Lockard, Lockard,Karen, Karen,42, 42, +Mary +Mary(Kranjc) (Kranjc)Gruden Gruden Mutz, Mutz,Frances, Frances,20, 20, +Frances +FrancesJ.J.Smrekar Smrekar Parola, Parola,Dorothy, Dorothy,24, 24,+Mary +Mary Kastigar Kastigar&&Kathleen KathleenLattuca Lattuca Reichelderfer, Reichelderfer,Frances FrancesJean, Jean,100, 100, +Jean +JeanKurilich Kurilich Rossi, Rossi,Rea ReaHelen HelenMarie, Marie,23, 23, +Helen +HelenTheno Theno&&Uncle UncleBilly Billy Slogar Slogar Wadycki, Wadycki,Pamela, Pamela,2,2,SUA SUA $15 $15Donation Donation Wallace, Wallace,Katherine, Katherine,47, 47,+Elsie +Elsie Spellacy Spellacy&&Olga OlgaDorchak Dorchak $10 $10Donation Donation Branch Branch43, 43,Heritage HeritageMuseum Museum- +Lucy +LucyMenchak Menchak Gruden, Gruden,Angela, Angela,42, 42, +Mary +MaryR. R.Perko Perko Harley, Harley,Emily, Emily,93, 93,SUA SUA Jacobson, Jacobson,Carol CarolMarie, Marie,33, 33, Honor HonorofofMary MaryHinnenkamp, Hinnenkamp, Josephine JosephineRizzi, Rizzi,Dorothy Dorothy Jacboson, Jacboson,Mae MaeDel DelZotto Zotto Jermenc, Jermenc,Murielann, Murielann,24, 24,+Family +Family ofofAnton Anton&&Mary MaryJermenc Jermenc Kamnikar, Kamnikar,Steve, Steve,89, 89, +Kamnikar +KamnikarFamily Family Kamnikar, Kamnikar,Terry, Terry,89, 89, +Kernz +KernzFamily Family Kellett, Kellett,Rose, Rose,89, 89, +Mary +MaryDusak, Dusak,mother mother Klatt, Klatt,Lois, Lois,30, 30, Honor HonorofofAloysia AloysiaLoncaric Loncaric Koncar, Koncar,Dorothy, Dorothy,20, 20,SUA SUA Pohar, Pohar,John JohnIV, IV,24, 24, +Helen +HelenSwietek, Swietek,aunt aunt Pohar, Pohar,Julia, Julia,24, 24, +Helen +HelenSwietek, Swietek,aunt aunt Robertson, Robertson,Jean, Jean,43, 43,SUA SUA Rossi, Rossi,Dorothy, Dorothy,16, 16, +Mary +MaryNovak Novak Schultz, Schultz,Frances, Frances,20, 20,SUA SUA Story, Story,Loretta, Loretta,24, 24, +Frances +FrancesAhcin Ahcin Tate, Tate,Alyssa, Alyssa,3,3,SUA SUA Wroblewski, Wroblewski,Elizabeth, Elizabeth,89, 89, +Betty +BettyTerselic Terselic $5 $5Donation Donation Kamnikar, Kamnikar,Johnathan, Johnathan,89, 89, +Grandpa +GrandpaSteve Steve Kamnikar, Kamnikar,Lydia, Lydia,89, 89, +Grandpa +GrandpaSteve Steve Landgraf, Landgraf,Erin, Erin,1,1, +Josephine +Josephine(Peppy) (Peppy)Zaletel Zaletel Larson, Larson,Charlene, Charlene,20, 20,SUA SUA Lenkaitis, Lenkaitis,Adam, Adam,24, 24,SUA SUA Lenkaitis, Lenkaitis,Alex, Alex,24, 24,SUA SUA Lenkaitis, Lenkaitis,Cathy, Cathy,24, 24,SUA SUA 33 SWU Scholarship Foundation CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF FINANCIALLY ASSISTING STUDENTS Mission: To generate funding to financially assist students with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture. ANNOUNCING SWU SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS OF 2014 ROSE MARIE PRINC SCHOLARSHIP $4,000 to a GRADUATE STUDENT MAJORING in the FIELD of EDUCATION BRANCH 2 - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS $2,000 SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship was awarded to Corey K. Holden, Branch 20 - Joliet, Illinois. Miss Holden earned her Bachelor of Science, Communication Disorders and Science, May 2009, and received a Bachelor of Arts, May 2014, from Saint Xavier University. As an educator, Corey has This scholarship was awarded to Gianna DeGarbo, Branch 3 - Pueblo, Colorado. Miss DeGarbo graduated from Central High School with a 4.8 GPA and will enter Colorado State University - Pueblo in fall, majoring in Athletic Training. As an active participant in golf, tennis, and volleyball, Gianna is aware of concussions and other directed her skills to those with learning disabilities and special needs. Her dream is to assist high school students with making life decisions, knowing full well that she can have an impact on those students she works with. Nothing would make her more proud than to see students she has helped to succeed. Corey’s Slovenian ancestry goes back to Angela Bolte, Corey’s great-grandmother, who was born in Slovenia in 1898 and immigrated to Joliet in 1901 with her family. Corey stated “I am much honored and humbled for being chosen to receive the Rose Marie Princ Graduate Scholarship.” injuries that must be avoided or dealt with. She not only has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years, but has done much charity work, including collecting toys for hospitalized children, Special Olympic events, caring for family and friends, and a Girls State representative. Gianna serves as an altar server, Eucharistic minister, ushers with her father, and serves church dinners. Gianna’s great-grandparents emigrated from Slovenia and instilled in their children the importance of hard work, family, and traditions, which has been handed down to Gianna. 4 Zarja - The Dawn FRANCES COLNAR BARMAN AWARD $1,000 This scholarship was awarded to Amanda Kinney of Branch 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Miss Kinney graduated from North High School with a GPA of 3.9 and will attend the University of WisconsinPlatteville, majoring in mechanical engineering. Amanda has taken numerous AP courses while being an active participant in golf, track, band, the National Honor Society, and the “Christmas Fund Drive,” which raises money for local, needy families. She has studied Spanish for four years. Outside of school Amanda has served on four mission trips and served vacation bible schools yearly. In 2012 she received the Silver Star in Girl Scouts and is currently working towards her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. Amanda’s maternal grandfather, Tom Gruenke, is of Slovenian ancestry. Through the traditions of her family, Amanda has learned much about the foods and crafts of Slovenia. She proudly wore her Slovenian costume at many functions, including the 2007 SWUA National Convention at Starved Rock, Illinois, and the more recent 2013 Slovenian Family Festival at the Kohler Memorial Arts Center in Sheboygan, where she shared her love of crafts, painting and dying Easter eggs, and designing her own bee hive cover. FRANCES COLNAR BARMAN AWARD $1,000 Angela Perez, Branch 3 - Pueblo, Colorado, is the recipient of this award. As a second year Business and Administration major, minoring in Italian, Angela has maintained a 3.25 GPA, and hopes to eventually focus on a career in International Business. During the 2015 academic year she will be studying in Bergamo, Italy. Angela’s faith is very important to her. She does liturgical readings, sings in the church choir, and at the Children’s Christmas Mass does a special reading of “The Legend of St. Nicholas.” One of her biggest involvements with the church was having the opportunity to attend the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain. As part of a steering committee, she works on a project called “Tom and Louie’s Cupboard,” a fund-raiser for needy families. Along with the SUA, Angela is a member of the KSKJ and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW. The Krasovec family, of which Angela is a member, emigrated from Busina vas, Bela Krajina, Slovenia. The family members continue to have a winery with grape vines that transform their product into spectacular wine. In Pueblo, the Krasovec family still celebrates the feast of St. Martin’s Day with a big family dinner topped with Slovenian wine. SWU MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE AWARD $1,000 This scholarship has been awarded to Natalie Hocevar Gorensek of Aiken, South Carolina, a member of Branch 30 - Home Office. Miss Gorensek, holding a 4.3 GPA, earned an Aquinas High School diploma and will be entering Case Western Reserve University to study biomedical engineering. Natalie has always been interested in science, including NASA’s interplanetary search programs, and mathematics, and has won awards for science fair projects. As a leader of the local Key Club, Natalie participated and supervised major clean ups in a project entitled “Rivers Alive - Cleanup of the Savannah River,” cleaning creeks and small waterways of litter, cataloging, and removing litter and debris. Valuable data was collected from this project for a statewide database. Natalie is 100% Slovenian. Her father’s parents and mother’s grandparents all immigrated to the United States, and luckily, during 2005, Natalie was able to visit cousins who remain in Slovenia. July/August 2014 5 RAYMOND DELOPST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 Amanda Schniegenberg, Branch 50 - Mentor, Ohio, was awarded the Raymond Delopst Memorial Scholarship. Amanda graduated with a GPA of 4.1 from Highland High School, Medina, Ohio, and plans to enter Ohio State University this fall, as a pre-med major. Her aspirations are to be an orthopedic physician, specializing in sports medicine. Amanda not only has studied Mandarin Chinese for the past five years, but has earned high school varsity letters in soccer and softball. As a volunteer at the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank and Medina General Hospital she has been inspired to devote her life to the field of medicine. Being an involved member of the Key Club, Holy Martyrs Church, and part time store cashier fill her days when Amanda is out of class. In 2011 Amanda was able to visit Slovenia to attend the 25th Anniversary celebration of serving as a priest, for her cousin Monsignor Franci Petric. Her great-grandmother, Anna Stanonik, was born in Cleveland; great-grandfather Dominic Dekleva was born in Piva, Primorska, Slovenia; and great-grandparents on her grandfather’s side were Anna Papesh Tusek and Franc Tusek of Binkelj, Slovenia, all of whom immigrated to the United States. This impressive heritage influences Amanda’s great knowledge and appreciation of her ancestry and their culture. THE PASSING OF FRIENDS OLGA ZADNIK DORCHAK, a dedicated supporter of the SWU Scholarship Foundation, President of SUA Branch 47 - Garfield Heights, OH, and Treasurer of the Newberry/Maple Heights Slovenian Senior Club for a number of years, moved onto her life with the Lord on April 19, 2014. Her enthusiasm for life, her interest and support of others, no matter what their orientation, has touched many. A 2015 SWU Olga Dorchak Memorial Scholarship is being established in her honor. MIDGE CANNAVINO, wife and devoted partner of SWU Scholarship Foundation Trustee, Joseph Cannavino, entered her new life March 25 in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. Midge was an organizer of many community functions and was especially interested in the welfare of children. Children and adults are returning to school. We wish them and their educators success as they learn and thrive. May the knowledge they gain this academic year help each student in his or her lifetime to contribute much to society. For more information on the SWU Scholarship Foundation, visit website www.slovenianunion.org or please contact: Mary Turvey, Director, 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 mturvey@aol.com Or Marge Church, 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, OH 44056 yemec1@windstream.net 6 Zarja - The Dawn Scholarship Donations THANK YOU FOR THESE DONATIONS! $1,000 Donation Branch 20 - Joliet, Illinois $500 Donation Dr. Jeanette G. Brown & Glenn Brown, +Olga Dorchak $400 Donation Sean & RaeAnna Tucker $100 Donation Branch 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Kenneth Janders, +Olga Dorchak Frank & Debbie Duris, +Olga Dorchak Dr. & Mrs. William Ansley, +Olga Dorchak $75 Donation Mrs. Richard (Barbara) McMillin & family, +Olga Dorchak $50 Donation Joe & Pamela Zab, +Olga Dorchak Paula Parker & Virginia Wilson, +Olga Dorchak Mr. & Mrs. Brian Davenport, +Olga Dorchak Mr. & Mrs. George Spellacy, +Olga Dorchak $30 Donation Sandy & Thomas Moir, +Olga Dorchak $25 Donation Janet Glasz Marge Church, +Olga Dorchak Ginger & Annie Kemmerling, +Olga Dorchak Diane & Robert Gallik, +Olga Dorchak Luther & Sandy Millsaps, +Olga Dorchak $20 Donation Mr. & Mrs. Edward Oleksiak, +Olga Dorchak Mary Turvey, +Donald Turk Marge Church, +Anna Mae Mannion Ivanka Matic, +Olga Dorchak Ms. E. M. Lawrence, +Olga Dorchak Hvala! Hvala! Thank you kind donors for your support of our scholarship program. July/August 2014 The Updated Library at the Slovenian Union of America Heritage Museum SUA’s home office, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois, houses a museum filled with Slovenian educational exhibits and an excellent library. Georgene Agnich of Chicago, Illinois, has agreed, with great interest, to organize and catalog new books that have been kindly donated to this valuable collection. Some books that may be of interest are: “Shepherd of the Wilderness,” Lambert, Bernard, L’Anse, Michigan 1967. Life-long story of Frederic Baraga, early 1800 missionary to the Great Lakes region. “Dictionary of the Ojibway Language,” Baraga, Frederic, Minnesota Historical Society. English to Ojibway and Ojibway to English words and expressions written in 1853. “George Koziak - A Slovenian Janizary,” Jurcic, Joseph (1844-1881). Gypsies and Turks kidnapped young Slovenian boys and changed them into fighters. “Our Slovenian Ancestry,” Sturtevant, Shirley Torlip, 2001. Detailed history of Slovenian family stories, many extending surnames. Orazem family of Ribnica region is central subject. “Spominska Zgodovina,” Slovenska Druzba. Historical Memories of Willard, Wisconsin, 1982. Huge collection of family histories of early pioneer, Slovene settlers of Willard. “Still Sits the Schoolhouse by the Road,” Bartol, Frank R., Alger County Historical Society, 2007. Memories of “good old golden rule days” in a rural, Slovenian-Finish community elementary school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 1935-1942, Traunik, Michigan. 7 Membership Application and Renewal Slovenian Union of America (Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America) slovenianunion.org sua@slovenianunion.org 815.727.1926 For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page Adult Dues $25.00 Adult Dues (International Address) $35.00 Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00 If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dues are for January through December If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year Membership Renewal Notifications are sent annually in January Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name________________________________ First Name______________________ M___ F____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_______________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES ___________________________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about us? SUA Member___ Newspaper___ Website___ Other____________________ I would like to volunteer for the SUA. My area of interest or expertise is___________________________ Applicant’s Signature__________________________________________ Date______________________ Recommended by: Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ (located on back cover) Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________ Mail to: SUA/SWUA, 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 8 Zarja - The Dawn Thank ThankYou Youfor forYour YourSupport! Support! The TheSUA’s SUA’s27th 27thNational NationalConvention Conventionfund-raiser fund-raiser––“April’s “April’sShowers ShowersofofDollars” Dollars”--for forthe themonth monthofofApril April 2014 2014was wasaahuge hugesuccess. success.Your Yourentry entrywas wasvery verymuch muchappreciated! appreciated!The Theprofit profitofofover over$4,000 $4,000will willenhance enhanceall all aspects aspectsofofthe theactivities activitiesfor forour ourSUA/SWUA SUA/SWUAdelegates delegatesand andmembers. members.You Youcan canhelp helptotoensure ensureeven evengreater greater success successby byyour yourattendance attendanceatatSUA’s SUA’sChicago/Naperville Chicago/NapervilleNational NationalConvention Conventionhosted hostedby byBranch Branch99 99--Lemont, Lemont, IL, IL,from fromJune June18 18--21, 21,2015. 2015.More Moreinformation informationwill willbe begiven givenininthis thisand andfuture futureissues issuesofofZarja Zarja--The TheDawn. Dawn. Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yoursupport! support! Winner’s Winner’sList List 1st 1stPlace PlaceTop TopSeller Seller--Tie Tie(23) (23)$110 $110Each Each Kathy KathyCufar Cufar--Branch Branch99 99--Lemont, Lemont,IL IL Stephanie StephanieSegulin Segulin--Branch Branch10 10--Cleveland, Cleveland,OH OH 3rd 3rdPlace PlaceTop TopSeller Seller(20) (20)$50 $50--Bill BillZerial Zerial--Branch Branch99 99--Lemont, Lemont,IL IL Apr. Apr.11 Apr. Apr.22 Apr. Apr.33 Apr. Apr.44 Apr. Apr.55 Apr. Apr.66 Apr. Apr.77 Apr. Apr.88 Apr. Apr.99 Apr. Apr.10 10 Apr. Apr.11 11 Apr. Apr.12 12 Apr. Apr.13 13 Apr. Apr.14 14 Apr. Apr.15 15 Apr. Apr.16 16 Apr. Apr.17 17 Apr. Apr.18 18 Apr. Apr.19 19 Apr. Apr.20 20 Apr. Apr.21 21 Apr. Apr.22 22 Apr. Apr.23 23 Apr. Apr.24 24 Apr. Apr.25 25 Apr. Apr.26 26 Apr. Apr.27 27 Apr. Apr.28 28 Apr. Apr.29 29 Apr. Apr.30 30 Note: Note:All AllSellers Sellersreceived received$10 $10per perwinner. winner. Entrant Entrant Amount Amount Seller/Branch Seller/Branch Janice JaniceCoats, Coats,Shorewood, Shorewood,IL IL $200 $200 Audrey AudreyChurnovic Churnovic- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Ronald RonaldSmith, Smith,Joliet, Joliet,IL IL $60 $60 Dorothy DorothySmith Smith- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Renee ReneeHerbst, Herbst,Shorewood, Shorewood,IL IL $60 $60 Jean JeanHerbst Herbst- -Branch20 Branch20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Doug DougHenkel, Henkel,Peru, Peru,IL IL $60 $60 Nancy NancyHenkel Henkel- -Branch Branch89 89- -Oglesby, Oglesby,IL IL Jeannette JeannetteElish, Elish,Canonsburg, Canonsburg,PA PA $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch10 10- -Cleveland, Cleveland,OH OH William WilliamKobe, Kobe,Joliet, Joliet,IL IL $60 $60 Charlene CharleneKobe Kobe- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Irene IreneOdorizzi, Odorizzi,Reston, Reston,VA VA $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch103 103- -Washington, Washington,D.C. D.C. Sandra SandraFlores, Flores,Raleigh, Raleigh,NC NC $60 $60 Sharon SharonSchroeder Schroeder- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Helen HelenTroha, Troha,Perry, Perry,OH OH $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch50 50- -Euclid, Euclid,OH OH Staff StaffofofAdvertising AdvertisingWomen WomenofofNY, NY,NY NY $60 $60 Lynn LynnZalokar Zalokar- -Branch Branch93 93- -NYC, NYC,NY NY Marian MarianPechek, Pechek,Pueblo PuebloWest, West,CO CO $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch33- -Pueblo, Pueblo,CO CO Rudy RudyKrasovec, Krasovec,Pueblo, Pueblo,CO CO $60 $60 Same Same Lauren LaurenAnzelc, Anzelc,Chicago, Chicago,IL IL $130 $130 Mary MaryEllen EllenAnzelc Anzelc- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Georganne GeorganneMcNichol, McNichol,Bloomingdale, Bloomingdale,IL IL $60 $60 Kathy KathyCufar Cufar- -Branch Branch99 99- -Lemont, Lemont,IL IL Jean JeanHerbst, Herbst,Joliet, Joliet,IL IL $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Nancy NancyHenkel, Henkel,Peru, Peru,IL IL $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch89 89- -Oglesby, Oglesby,IL IL Dolores DoloresFranko, Franko,Chicago, Chicago,IL IL $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch16 16- -South SouthChicago, Chicago,IL IL Aloise AloiseDunne, Dunne,Toledo, Toledo,OH OH $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch30 30- -Home HomeOffice Office Patricia PatriciaButterbach, Butterbach,Joliet, Joliet,IL IL $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Molly MollyAnzelc, Anzelc,Notre NotreDame, Dame,IN IN $200 $200 Mary MaryEllen EllenAnzelc Anzelc- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Bernice BerniceMontgomery, Montgomery,Falls FallsChurch, Church,VA VA $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Theresa TheresaBodus, Bodus,Delafield, Delafield,WI WI $60 $60 Rose RoseChepeck Chepeck- -Branch Branch43 43- -Milwaukee, Milwaukee,WI WI Meta MetaHanzlik, Hanzlik,Western WesternSprings, Springs,IL IL $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch22- -Chicago, Chicago,IL IL Barbara BarbaraFriesenhahn, Friesenhahn,Austin, Austin,TX TX $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch55- -Indianapolis, Indianapolis,IN IN Wanda WandaKocinec, Kocinec,Crest CrestHill, Hill,IL IL $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch99 99- -Lemont, Lemont,IL IL Robyn RobynCoyne, Coyne,Shorewood, Shorewood,IL IL $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch20 20- -Joliet, Joliet,IL IL Ralph RalphDottai, Dottai,Sheboygan, Sheboygan,WI WI $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch11- -Sheboygan, Sheboygan,WI WI Frances FrancesPavlovcic, Pavlovcic,Lorain, Lorain,OH OH $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch40 40- -Lorain, Lorain,OH OH John JohnKeith KeithJohnstone, Johnstone,Cudahy, Cudahy,WI WI $60 $60 Same Same- -Branch Branch43 43- -Milwaukee, Milwaukee,WI WI Lois LoisPelander, Pelander,Duluth, Duluth,MN MN $130 $130 Same Same- -Branch Branch33 33- -Duluth, Duluth,MN MN Top TopBranch BranchSupport Support 76 76Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch20 20--Joliet, Joliet,IL IL 30 30Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch22--Chicago, Chicago,IL IL 28 28Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch43 43--Milwaukee, Milwaukee,WI WI 28 28Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch50 50--Euclid, Euclid,OH OH 21 21Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch24 24--LaSalle, LaSalle,IL IL 20 20Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch16 16--So. So.Chicago, Chicago,IL IL 20 20Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch99 99--Lemont, Lemont,IL IL 19 19Sellers: Sellers:Branch Branch11--Sheboygan, Sheboygan,WI WI July/August July/August2014 2014 99 Young Man with an Old Soul by David G. Sodac, Bettendorf, IA Branch 89 - Oglesby, IL Original watercolor illustration by Gregor Smukovič of St. Marco’s Church, one of his 50 illustrations printed in the book. David Smukovič was born July 25, 1983, and raised in the close-knit village of Račja vas, in eastern Slovenia. This small, quaint village is nestled near the left banks of the picturesque waters of the Krka River that flows through the Krka River Valley. The area had been traditionally referred to as Lower Carniola, but now is a part of the Municipality of Brežice. This is a village whose population hovers around 100 people. The surrounding area enjoys pristine nature, ripening hillside vineyards, meandering flows of the Krka River considered the “Jewel of the Dolenjska Region,” as well as an easy distance to some of Slovenia’s most historic castles and monasteries. The Church of St. Marco is the heart of this small village and has just become the focus of a new genealogy resource publication announced by The Salve Ljubljana Publishing House. The book was based on years of David’s extensive research from private, public, and church records on the parishioners from his home village area. This resource book was dedicated as a testimonial in honoring David’s beloved church of St. Marco and the Cerklje ob Krki parish, as well as its vibrant and hard-working people that formed its roots through the centuries. David and his wife, Sara, their son, Nikolai Marjan, and daughter, Gloria Magdalena, have since moved down the road a few meters to Brežice, but still are active parishioners at St. Marco’s. 10 St. Marco Church, Račja vas, Slovenia. Zarja - The Dawn David holds a fascination for all things old, especially his immediate and extended family lineages from centuries past. His love of genealogical research has also carried over into assisting other families with their family history, and now the entire parish of Cerklje ob Krki, as well, is benefitting from his genealogy research. He majored in history and theology at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, captivated by the evolving events in the development of his country, as well as with the people and leaders who shaped today’s Slovenia. David shows a remarkable sense of history. He’s an old soul in a young man’s body, respecting what the past has to offer us today. David, the oldest son born to Marjan Smukovič and Irena Piltaver, grew up within a mile of his family’s long-time parish church of St. Marco. This church, dedicated to Saint Mark, was built in 1905 to replace the original 17th century church structure that had been heavily damaged through a series of historic earthquakes. The church today belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Novo Mesto, but is located in Cerklje ob Krki, within the settlement of the Cerkljanske parish. David’s religious convictions were heavily influenced by his involvement in this church. As a first-grader at the age of eight years old, he became a mail delivery boy for Catholic newspapers such as “Ognjišče” and “Družina” and the parish newsletter for Račja vas. Every Sunday he rode his bike to the vicarage to pick up the newspapers and then delivered them to all the parishioners. David recalled that given such a position of responsibility at that young age made him feel like he was really important in the eyes of the parish community. When he became a second-grader David had been coaxed by his parish priest, mag. Jože Miklavčič, into becoming one of his church’s altar boys. Becoming an altar boy was a decision that he has never regretted as he looks back on those years, embracing great memories and experiences. David says, “It was just a special time for me growing up.” Mag. Miklavčič was eventually reassigned to a different church and replaced by mag. Tone Gnidovec. He remembers this priest as a role July/August 2014 model to others on how to lead a just and religious life. David grew to love his faith, appreciate his church, and learned through positive experiences how to live a Christian life through what the church of St. Marco, in the parish of Cerklje ob Krki, instilled in him and his family. Within today’s Cerklje ob Krki Parish boundaries there are still two active churches, St. Marco in (Top photo) Author David Smukovič with his Cerklje, and St. two year old son, Nikolai Marjan. (Bottom photo) Sara with their six month old Mohor and Fortudaughter, Gloria Magdalena. nat in Krška vas. In the village of Veliko Mraševo there is the church of St. Peter and Paul that was redistricted into land boundaries of “Sv. Križ - Podbočje” parish in 1972. David continued to show his gratitude to the church through his various research writings and publishing on the history and uniqueness of his church and parish members. Some of these writings were reprinted in the same Catholic newspapers and parish newsletters that he had once delivered as a youngster on his bike. He also wrote a short 118 page book about three important people from the Cerklje ob Krki parish: Stanislav Lenič, a bishop of Ljubljana; Franc Omerza, born in Župeča vas, a priest, professor, and translator in Ljubljana; and Andrej Račič, an organist and craftsman who built the organ used in the Cerklje ob Krki parish church. Now David has given back a hundred-fold; he has donated his five-year intense labor of love, a 1,100 page genealogy manuscript of extensive research collected on over 9,000 ancestral lineages of former Cerklje parishioners, beginning with the 18th century to 1910. This unique book was just published in February 2014 through the sponsorship of the parish priest. The sales from the book will all be turned over to raise funds for his beloved parish church. David’s book is entitled “Ko11 renine Cerkljanske Fare” (translated as The Roots of Cerklje Parish). The book is about the parishioners, whose extended family roots molded the Cerklje ob Krki parish. David’s reconstruction charts retrace the names, family members, and significant dates of all the families who lived in each numbered village house within the Cerklje ob Krki parish, beginning from the late 17th century to the early 19th century. Included in his reconstruction collection are families from the villages of Borst, Cerklje, Črešnjice in Cerkljah, Dolenje Skopice, Gazice, Gorenje Skopice, Hrastje in Cerklje, Krška vas, Račja vas, Zasap, Župeča vas, as well as the villages of Veliko Mraševo and Zasavje, which once belonged to the parish Cerklje. http://www.gregorsmukovic. com/biography.html. David credits the completion of this book to the church’s current pastor, mag. Janez Žakelj. David expressed that because mag. Žakelj believed in him so fervently and offered such encouragement, the manuscript finally got finished. He also credits this parish priest with securing the funding for the books’ eventual publishing. David says without mag. Žakelj there would not be Korenine Cerkljanske Fare/ The Roots of Cerklje Parish. The cover of the book portrays the iconic lion Either through Divine interrepresenting the evangelist St. Mark. St. Mark vention of St. Mark himself, or is the patron saint of St. Marco’s parish. On due to the bittersweet status of the book which the lion holds it is written: the Slovenian government no “PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEUS” (May peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist). longer needing guards along the Croatian border, David This attractively designed, resource book is the end became officially unemployed. (Croatia officially result of years of meticulous research of multiple became a member of the EU in January, 2013.) Dasources of data extracted from church registries, land vid struggled with finding registers, and from parish family books called status any new job opportunities animarums (State of Souls). Brief histories and sup- in the financially-strapped plemental information on each of the parish’s 13 vil- and struggling Slovenian lages is included. This book’s uniqueness is enhanced economy. Consequently, he with the numerous illustrations of an up-and-com- found all the extra hours ing Slovenian artist, Gregor Smukovič. Gregor hap- necessary to finish his gepens to be the younger brother of David, who is quite nealogy research project. David Smukovič and the accomplished artist and film producer. Gregor’s He immersed himself into his book mentor, talented artwork can also be viewed on the website: its completion and working priest mag. Janez Žakelj. with the publisher in proofing the manuscript for publication. The first copy rolled off the press on February 12, 2014. Village Zasavje with St. Nikolaj Church by Gregor Smukovič. 12 Korenine Cerkljanske Fare/ The Roots of Cerklje Parish is quite the comprehensive genealogical resource. This hard-bound book contains solidly accurate research, careful attention to detail, and interesting additional content. Despite the fact that this book is published in the Slovenian language, David feels that the information on surnames, dates, and villages will still be recognizable and invaluable to family genealogists in America. David also is offering all SUA members an opportunity to have him check through his book and search for your family surnames. If Zarja - The Dawn he is able to connect names to your family, you can authorize him to proceed, and David will construct a family tree of the information at a nominal cost. Please feel free to e-mail him at davidsmu83@gmail. com; he’d love to help you. Please check through the listing (pages 14-16) of all the surnames researched from the 13 villages that form the basis of the book to see if you might have family that were included. This book is also of special interest to several members of the Slovenian Union of America who have their own family roots connected to both the St. Marco parish and as a part of the same family tree as David Smukovič. Most of these SUA members are from the Illinois cities of La Salle, Peru, Oglesby, Moline, and Normal, as well as Bettendorf, Iowa, who are descended through the Piltaver sisters, Marija and Terezjia, who immigrated to La Salle in 1905 and 1909. Both sisters were born and raised in the village of Krška vas, which was in the parish jurisdiction of St. Marco. Terezjia and Marija were baptized, attended mass, and received their sacraments in both the old and rebuilt St. Marco church prior to their emigration. Ten pages of Piltaver family charts are featured as having multi-generational parish roots to St. Marco. Terezija Piltaver married Franc Terselic and they raised their family in the La Salle area. Seven of her grandchildren, Barbara (Bray) Bruch, Beverly (Bray) Briddick, Betsy (Bray) and her husband Mark Wroblewski, and Rebecca (Bray) and her husband John Novack are also members. Allan Gorgal, of Moline, Illinois, and Paul Terse of Erfstadt, Germany, are the long distance, extension members of Branch 89 - Oglesby, IL. Three of Terezija’s great-grandchildren, Kitty Bruch, Ellie Wroblewski, and Ava Novack, are also members of Branch 89. Marija Piltaver married Matthew Sodac and they raised their family in the LaSalle area as well. The writer of this Zarja article, David Sodac of Bettendorf, Iowa, is Marija’s grandson and also an extension member of his grandmother’s Branch 89 of Oglesby. When formulating ideas for the contents of the book, David Smukovič wanted the Slovenian readers to know what typically happened to the many fellow villagers who sought emigration from Slovenia to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He requested that I provide a short chapter on the Piltaver family’s early beginnings in America, a challenge agreeably accepted. The chapter will be presented in July/August 2014 both the English and Slovenian languages. Branch 89 is also proud to say that David Smukovič has been one of their own “European” Branch members for the past two years. In the preface of the book, Cerkljanski priest mag. Janez Žakelj wrote, “The five-year work of David Smukovič introduces us to the foundations of our family tribes, our identity, the roots from which grows a mighty tree - today’s generation.” David Smukovič’s book certainly takes a look at family roots and he hopes it to be a catalyst in motivating families to conserve our Slovenian histories. He views the main functions of our ancestral roots as in the anchoring of a tree to the soil, absorbing and enabling nutrients to transport to its branches’ growth, and ultimately strengthening its preservation for future generations. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Number of pages: 1,009, hardcover, color, format: A4 (8.3 in × 11.7 in). Publishing House: Salve Ljubljana. [Published in Slovenian.] PRICE: 96 €; U.S. $131.50 plus s/h ($176.26) Total CONTACT AND INFORMATION: David Smukovič Cankarjeva Street 18 8250 Brežice, Slovenia E-mail: davidsmu83@gmail.com Phone: 051 345 574 13 Look Lookvery verycarefully carefullythrough throughthe thefollowing followingthree threepages pagesthat thatcontain containthe thelisting listingofofall all935 935surnames surnames ofofthose thosethat thatatatone onetime timeresided residedwithin withinthe theboundaries boundariesofofthe theSt. St.Marco MarcoParish. Parish.The Thesurnames surnamestrace trace back backtotothe thelate late1700s 1700sup uptotothe theearly early1900s. 1900s.They Theywere wereall allderived derivedfrom fromreconstructing reconstructingthe theresidents residents who whohad hadlived livedininthe thenumbered numberedhouses housesofofeach eachofofthe the13 13villages, villages,tracing tracingback backthrough throughthe thetime timeperiperiod odofofthe thelate late1700s 1700sup uptotothe theearly early1900s. 1900s. IfIfyou yourecognize recognizeaafamily familyname name, ,please pleasee-mail e-mailDavid DavidSmukovič Smukovičatatdavidsmu83@gmail.com davidsmu83@gmail.com sosohe hecan canverify verifyand andlocate locateyour yourfamily familychart chartatatthose thoseresidences. residences. Ajdovšek Ajdovšek Ajster Ajster Ambrož Ambrož Ambrožič Ambrožič Anderle Anderle Andolšek Andolšek Andrejaš Andrejaš Androjna Androjna Angel Angel Annudoni Annudoni Antončič Antončič Antonelli Antonelli Arh Arh Asher Asher Ause Ause Avguštin Avguštin Avsec Avsec Babič Babič Bajc Bajc Bakič Bakič Balas Balas Bambič Bambič Ban Ban Banič Banič Barbič Barbič Barkovič Barkovič Barlič Barlič Bartol Bartol Baškovič Baškovič Baznik Baznik Belančič Belančič Belčan Belčan Benčin Benčin Benje Benje Benkovič Benkovič Berdajs Berdajs Bergnarich Bergnarich Beribak Beribak Berkopec Berkopec Berkovič Berkovič Berlan Berlan Berlančič Berlančič Bernardič Bernardič Bertole Bertole Betica Betica 1414 Bevc Bevc Bevk Bevk Biderman Biderman Bilk Bilk Birtič Birtič Bitenc Bitenc Blankar Blankar Blantzh Blantzh Blatnik Blatnik Blaževič Blaževič Blažič Blažič Bogolin Bogolin Bogovič Bogovič Bogovšič Bogovšič Bohinc Bohinc Bohor Bohor Bojc Bojc Boldin Boldin Bolha Bolha Borovinšek Borovinšek Bosina Bosina Bošak Bošak Boškovec Boškovec Božič Božič Božiček Božiček Bračinič Bračinič Bradač Bradač Bratanič Bratanič Bregar Bregar Brezec Brezec Brinovec Brinovec Brisnik Brisnik Bučar Bučar Bukovec Bukovec Bukovinski Bukovinski Burgar Burgar Burnik Burnik Butara Butara Butkovec Butkovec Buttler Buttler Celek Celek Celerič Celerič Cenin Cenin Cerjak Cerjak Ceronja Ceronja Cerovšek Cerovšek Cetin Cetin Cimerman Cimerman Cirnski Cirnski Cizelj Cizelj Cizerle Cizerle Clokan Clokan Cokel Cokel Colarič Colarič Corazzo Corazzo Cugelj Cugelj Curhalek Curhalek Cvelbar Cvelbar Cvetežar CvetežarCvetko Cvetko Cvetkovič Cvetkovič Čebular Čebular Černard Černard Černečič Černečič Černelič Černelič Černič Černič Černoga Černoga Čertalič Čertalič Češnjevar Češnjevar Čučnik Čučnik Damič Damič De DeCeceo Ceceo Debeljak Debeljak Derende Derende Derganc Derganc Dermaž Dermaž Dernovšek Dernovšek Dimič Dimič Dobravec Dobravec Dobrinc Dobrinc Dobrintz Dobrintz Dolan Dolan Dolinar Dolinar Dolmovič Dolmovič Domitrovič Domitrovič Donatti Donatti Doravec Doravec Dornik Dornik Dragaš Dragaš Dragonja Dragonja Dragozet Dragozet Drenik Drenik Drobnič Drobnič Drugovič Drugovič Druškovič Druškovič Dubič Dubič Dubrovič Dubrovič Duhanič Duhanič Dulc Dulc Duler Duler Dur Dur Dušak Dušak Dvornik Dvornik Dvoršek Dvoršek Edliher Edliher Elsotti Elsotti Erceg Erceg Erjavec Erjavec Erlach Erlach Erman Erman Erzhul Erzhul Essih Essih Fabinc Fabinc Fabjanič Fabjanič Faletič Faletič Ferenčak Ferenčak Ferjan Ferjan Fischlovizh Fischlovizh Fištrovec Fištrovec Florjančič Florjančič Fragnotti Fragnotti Frančič Frančič Franekovič Franekovič Franko Franko Franover Franover Franutti Franutti Gačnik Gačnik Gal Gal Gorenc Gorenc Goričar Goričar Gorišek Gorišek Gorjup Gorjup Gornik Gornik Govekar Govekar Graber Graber Grabner Grabner Gramc Gramc Grebenc Grebenc Gredis Gredis Gregel Gregel Gregoršanc Gregoršanc Grezhman Grezhman Gričar Gričar Grida Grida Grilec Grilec Grimšič Grimšič Grogoris Grogoris Grojzdek Grojzdek Grošelj Grošelj Grozdina Grozdina Grubič Grubič Grumnik Grumnik Gunde Gunde Hafner Hafner Haler Haler Herakovič Herakovič Herman Herman Hiti Hiti Hočevar Hočevar Hodnik Hodnik Holeshek Holeshek Homan Homan Horvat Horvat Horvatič Horvatič Horžen Horžen Hostar Hostar Hostnik Hostnik Hotko Hotko Hrastnik Hrastnik Hrastovšan Hrastovšan Hribar Hribar Hrovat Hrovat Hudoklin Hudoklin Humar Humar Humek Humek Ignotti Ignotti Ilc Ilc Impolšek Impolšek Indihar Indihar Irgulič Irgulič Ivanc Ivanc Ivanov Ivanov Ivanuš Ivanuš Ivšič Ivšič Jabelšek Jabelšek Jager Jager Jagrič Jagrič Jaketsh Jaketsh Jaklič Jaklič Jakolič Jakolič Jakše Jakše Jalovec Jalovec Jamnik Jamnik Janc Janc Janko Janko Jankovič Jankovič Janžek Janžek Japel Japel Jarkovič Jarkovič Javeršek Javeršek Javornik Javornik Jazbec Jazbec Jeke Jeke Jelašič Jelašič Jelčič Jelčič Jelenčič Jelenčič Jelinek Jelinek Jenčič Jenčič Jenko Jenko Jenškovič Jenškovič Jenžur Jenžur Jerak Jerak Jerele Jerele Jerič Jerič Jerin Jerin Jerinčič Jerinčič Jerman Jerman Jernila Jernila Jerše Jerše Jeršič Jeršič Jesenovec Jesenovec Jetsch Jetsch Jevšnik Jevšnik Johan Johan Jordan Jordan Judež Judež Zarja Zarja- -The TheDawn Dawn Jugovič Junkar Juratovac Jurca Jurečič Jurgalič Jurgel Jurica Jurkas Juvanc Kaitner Kalin Kamnič Kampuš Kante Kaplan Kastelic Katič Kavčič Kaver Kavšek Kebe Kelhar Kerin Kersini Kervak Kervak Keržan Keržič Kirin Kirn Klasič Klaučar Klavžar Klemen Klemenčič Klobas Knavs Knez Knežič Kocjan Kočnar Kodadek Kodrič Kolar Kolarič Kolenc Kolešnik Kolnič Komar Komljanc Komočar Komotar Konzlan July/August 2014 Koprivnik Korais Koritnik Korpral Kos Kosec Kosmač Kosovan Kostrevc Košak Košič Košir Kotshinsch Kouinski Kovač Kovačič Kozjan Kožar Krainčič Krampelj Kranjc Kranjec Krašovec Krauser Kravčer Kreačič Kreis Kren Krevelj Križanič Krkovič Krolc Kronawater Krošelj Krošl Krošnjak Krulc Kržičnik Kubat Kuhar Kukovičič Kunst Kuntarič Kuntič Kus Kuzma Kuželj Kvartuh Lajkovič Lajovic Lapuh Lauz Lavrič Lavrinc Lavrinšek Lazanski Lekše Lenardič Lenič Leopolis Les Leser Levak Leven Levičar Liberšek Lipar Lipoglaušek Lisec Logar Lomšek Lončarič Longer Lopatič Lorber Lovko Lovše Lubi Lubšina Lukanc Lunka Luznar Lužar Maček Majdič Mald Malekovič Maletič Malinger Manter Marcotti Marek Marelvi Margetič Marinček Marinčič Mariosi Markovčič Markovič Marlič Marn Marnek Marolt Martinčič Masnik Mateš Matinotti Matjašič Mauri Mavrič Mavsar Maznik Meda Mede Meden Medol Mehle Meke Merše Mešič Mešnak Metelko Metličar Meznik Mežič Mihelič Miklavčič Miklič Mikolič Mikota Miler Mirt Misle Misotti Mladkovič Mlakar Mochar Močan Modic Mohor Mohorčič Mokolanc Mokolaunz Mokričar Molan Montini Mosel Mošina Mozhiler Mrak Murko Murn Mustar Nahtigal Nečemer Negro Nepazlan Neuman Nolimal Noršič Novak Novosel Novoselič Obershen Oberstar Oberšen Obertzh Obreza Oglesk Ogorevc Ogrin Ojsteršek Oman Omerza Omerzu Opravš Orel Orešar Orešek Oreškovič Orešnik Orlar Orn Orsehizoeka Osiunitz Ostrelič Osvald Ošaben Oštir Pacek Pachich Pajek Pakič Palotti Pangeršič Pangre Pasquotti Pauk Pavlia Pavlič Pavlovič Pavšel Pečar Peček Pečnik Pegam Pekalec Penca Penča Penič Peotler Perenič Perk Pešec Petan Petelinc Peterčič Peterkovič Peterlin Peternel Petreček Petrič Petrinjak Petrovčič Pevc Pevec Peyer Pfeifer Pflege Pilpah Piltaver Pimk Pincolič Pintar Pintarič Pipagna Pirc Pirič Pirzler Pisanski Pistovalp Pišek Planinc Pleskovč Pleterski Pleteršnik Plevanič Poček Podgoršek Podlogar Podpadec Poklečki Polanec Poldan Polovič Polutnik Ponikvar Posavc Potokar Povše Požar Požun Prah Prebin Predanič Premelč Presen Preskar Prešiček Prijatelj 15 Prikelmajer Primožič Pristovšek Prišelj Prodrut Prutsch Pšeničnik Puc Puch Puček Pugel Punčah Puntar Račečič Račič Radanovič Radej Radi Radovan Rajd Rakar Ramus Rangus Rant Ranz Rapp Ravnihar Ravniher Ravnik Ravnikar Rebnik Rekas Rekel Repqnowizh Resinger Resnik Rešek Retelj Riauchi Ribič Rischla Rishner Rolih Romšak Rosina Rostohar Rot Rotar Rozina Rozman Rožanc Rožman Rudman Rudolf 16 Rupe Rupreht Rus Rutter Sagadin Sagorjen Sakside Salmič Saltn Sattich Savnik Schmid Schmitz Schroif Schuzhizh Sečen Selan Semenič Senica Seničar Sernic Seršen Sešina Sever Sganz Shneler Simon Simončič Simonišek Simšič Sintič Sirotka Sivič Skosplos Skubic Slak Slakonja Slavic Slivšek Slovenc Sluga Smole Smrekar Smukovič Sodec Sole Sotelšek Sotošek Sovič Spitzmuller Srebernjak Srovin Srpčič Stancel Stancker Stanič Staniša Stanko Starčič Starec Staroveški Stegenšek Stekal Stente Stepušin Stergar Sterlak Sterle Sternad Sternisheustar Stibič Stipič Stokar Stopar Strašek Strel Stritar Strlekar Suman Sushiz Suša Suško Svešič Šaver Šavrič Šeberl Šemlak Šetinc Šimac Šinkovec Škoda Škof Škofljanc Škofljek Škrabec Škrbina Škulj Škvarč Šoba Šok Šoln Šoško Šparemblek Špec Špilek Špiler Špilk Špolar Šporer Šraj Šribar Štajer Štajerk Štampek Štavcelj Štefak Štefanič Štrekal Štrukelj Štrus Šturn Šuler Šumlaj Šuštarič Švigelj Tauciq Tekavčič Terček Teršan Teršelič Tkavec Tolar Tom Tomac Toman Tomažin Tomec Tominc Tomše Tomšič Toporišič Tranati Tratnik Traven Travnik Trebovc Trebše Tunkovič Turčinič Turenšek Turk Turšič Uglešič Ujčič Ukmar Ulašič Unetič Urbanč Urbas Urek Urekar Urh Vahčič Vajdič Valešek Van Vastel Vaščer Veble Vegelj Velikonja Venčer Vengušt Venzel Verar Verne Verstovšek Vertič Vesel Vesroti Vičič Videnič Vidic Vidmar Vidovič Vimpolšek Vintar Virant Vitrič Vizler Vnuk Vodan Vodopivc Vogrin Vogrinc Vohinec Voljčanšek Volk Vorek Vorelj Vouk Vrabec Vrančič Vranetič Vrgl Wever Wezhe Wohte Wolf Zabukovec Zadnik Zagorc Zajec Zakovšek Zakrajšek Zalezina Zalokar Zavec Zavrašek Zavrič Zbačnik Zdravje Zehner Zernele Zevnik Zhamer Zidar Zidarič Zlobe Zlobko Zofič Zorčič Zore Zorec Zorič Zorko Zoržič Zumek Zupan Zupančič Zwar Žabkar Žagar Žarn Žerjav Žibert Žičkar Žičnikar Žitnik Živoder Žnidar Žnideršič Žokalj Žonta Žugič Žunar Župevc Žuž Zarja - The Dawn 2015 National Convention Mark your calendar! Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois, is pleased to host the 27th SUA National Convention for next summer. It will be held from June 18-21, 2015 (adding another day from previously noted) at the Chicago Marriott Naperville hotel in Naperville, Illinois, and spending a day on the beautiful grounds of the Slovenian Catholic Mission and the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont. Lemont and surrounding areas have a very proud, active Slovenian community and we welcome you to enjoy a long weekend enjoying Slovenian food, entertainment, and friends. Our National Convention will include many activities, including a celebration at the SUA Home Office/Heritage Museum in Joliet, Lipizzan stallions performance, Slovenian fashion show, Potica contest, Apron contest and auction, Polka lessons, Beehive tour and presentation, tour of the Slovenian Catholic Center and grottos, Slovenian art show, entertainment, and more! Room reservations may be made at the Chicago Marriott Naperville hotel (630.505.4900) at special convention prices beginning later this year. Plan to enjoy the beautiful downtown area of Naperville with its many shops and restaurants. The Convention is open to all members, Branch delegates (Member Representatives), and guests of all ages. All are welcome to join in the meals, activities, special events, and business portions of the Convention. Watch for future Zarja issues with more information and details. If you have questions, please contact: Julie Lajoie National Convention Chairperson jamp817@comcast.net or 630.854.5400 July/August 2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014 BRANCH 1 of Sheboygan, Wisconsin and friends are invited to the Annual Slovenian Picnic sponsored by Ss. Cyril & Methodius Parish. SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2014 BRANCH 2 of Chicago, Illinois to host their annual Zveza Day Picnic held in Lemont. SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2014 BRANCH 99 of Lemont, Illinois to host a Slovenian Stew culinary class at the Slovenian Catholic Center. Class begins at 8:00 a.m. in the kitchen. Cost to attend is $20 per person and includes all supplies. RSVP to Mary Ann Partyka at craftymar304@comcast.net or 630.661.3600. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 BRANCH 99 of Lemont, Illinois to host a Member Lunch Brunch at 11:00 a.m. at the Slovenian Catholic Center. The event is free to all Branch 99 members. Guests are welcome to attend for $10.00 and children $5.00. RSVP is required by August 31 to MaryAnn at 630.661.3600 or e-mail craftymar304@ comcast.net. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 BRANCH 93 of New York, New York to host a special children’s event featuring storytelling, music, songs, games, and activities from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at 62 St. Mark’s. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 BRANCH 20 of Joliet, Illinois to host their annual Grape Harvest Festival Dance. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 BRANCH 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin to host a bake sale at the South 88th Street School. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 – SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015 th 27 SUA NATIONAL CONVENTION 17 Dorothy Lamm Tribute to Long-Time Members by Patricia Budzilek had to be pumped for washing, wood needed to be cut, and coal needed to be brought to the house. The family raised canaries for use in the mines and sold the birds for $8.00 each, which was a large sum at that time. The birds were sensitive to poisonous gases and warned miners of possible dangers in the mines. Dorothy Lamm, a coal miner’s daughter, was born in Parkhill, near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1928, the last of seven children of Jacob and Mary (Hiti) Koss. She was very close to her father who worked for the mines for 43 years, overseeing secured plots where miners were assigned to work. His job did not include membership in the miner’s union and that sometimes made it difficult for the family and children. Her father was an excellent carpenter and built the family home. He taught Dorothy to dance the polka and make goulash, as well as how to whitewash trees in order to keep the bugs away. The family always had a garden and raised one pig a year to keep them with meat during the winter months. It took almost two weeks to get the butchering completed. Lard was rendered. On Sundays, water 18 Dorothy was only one of two children in the family who were able to graduate from Conemaugh High School, as the older children had to quit school after 8th grade to help support the family. She then worked in a local store for seven years, after which she came to Cleveland, Ohio, where she obtained a job working at General Electric and made a much better wage. During that time she stayed with her sister and family who were already living in Cleveland. Bob Lamm, of German and Slovenian ancestry, also worked at General Electric and arranged to meet Dorothy, by accusing her of making defective light bulbs which she knew she was not doing. This incident ultimately led to their marriage at St. Therese Church in Johnstown; a church her father helped build. She and Bob are the parents of two daughters, Denise and Robin, and five grandchildren. Her daughter Denise is married to a doctor; Denise is a past Miss SNPJ, along with Miss Activity. Robin is married to an attorney. Dorothy and Bob were married for 48 years when Bob died, and she is now living in Mentor for the past 12 years with an old friend, Dr. Dave Adams, also widowed. When Dave’s wife died, he asked Dorothy to be his companion and the relationship has endured. Dorothy and Dave knew each other well, as there had been a deep friendship between Dorothy and Bob, and Dave and his wife, going back many years. In 1968, Dorothy took her mother home to Slovenia for the first time since she had left many years before, enabling her to see once again where she was born. The surprised look on her aunt’s face will never be forgotten! Dorothy Zarja - The Dawn also joined her daughters, Denise and Robin, when as children they sang and toured Yugoslavia (Slovenia) as members of SNPJ Circle #3, and also toured Europe as members of the Euclid High School Choral Club. Dorothy and Bob were always active in the Slovenian community. Dorothy is a member of SUA Branch 50 (formerly of the merged Branch 32) in Euclid, Ohio, where she is currently an auditor. Some of her other interests have been the Slovenian Society Home, where she served on the Board, the Euclid Pensioners, where she served as President, Progressive Slovenian Women 3, where she was President for many years, and she is currently Vice President of both SNPJ #566 and AMLA #6, both Slovenian organizations. In 1996 Dorothy was the Woman of the Year of the Slovenian Society Home in Euclid. You can always find her helping at one or another of these organizations. Dorothy is most proud of her work at the Slovene Home for the Aged, where as director of the Jean Petrick Fund, her first project was the purchase of buses for the residents to use; something they never had before. Many other improvements came out of the fund due to her work. Dorothy still works Bingo every month and brings treats for the residents. Anyone who knows Dorothy is aware that she has a very good heart, always helping wherever she can, whether the need is an individual or a group. Even though she is 86 years old, she still “tells it like it is.” The family house built by Dorothy’s father in Parkhill. Note: Please notify me if you would like to suggest a SUA/SWUA member to be profiled in this feature. Remember - they must have been active for many years, and are probably in their 80s. My e-mail is pbudzilek@oh.rr.com. July/August 2014 19 Slovenian Pioneers to America 1840-1879 A Record of Immigration by George Plautz, Zarja Staff Reporter This will be my last column in this series. Occasionally I will provide an update if I receive information pertaining to our pioneer immigrants who arrived in America before 1879. This column has been a labor of love. Hours and hours of exhaustive research, writing down facts, discovering descendants, all resulting in over four years of columns in this magazine. I will be taking a break before I engage in any new projects. I am sure I will be writing about some aspect of genealogy or history in the future. Thanks to Bonnie and Debbie (Zarja production team), who gave me freedom to explore an area I saw needing documentation, and a medium to produce the results. A very big hvala (thanks) to all the other members who contributed and those that had positive words to say about my work. I appreciate it all. 1867-During this year, Jacob Supancheck arrived in America, settling in Nebraska. Jacob was born on August 13, 1844, in Slovenia and died about 1930 in Humphrey, Platte County, Nebraska. He married Anna Pluth about 1870. She was born March 4, 1840, and died March 8, 1901, in Nebraska. Children of Jacob and Anna are: Joseph, born October 7, 1872, in Kansas, died about 1958, in Nebraska, married Caroline Klein, on April 30, 1901, in Ravenna, Buffalo County, Nebraska, she was born about 1877 in Nebraska, and died about 1944, in Nebraska, children are Jacob (1902-1985), Anna C. (1905), and Carrie M. (1910); Mary, born March 26, 1873, in Kansas, died in Albion, Nebraska, married Frank Conrad Schad, July 16, 1895, in Marysville, Marshall County, Kansas, Frank was born January 16, 1873, in Nebraska, died September 26, 1946, in Nebraska, children are: Sylvester Michael (1896-1909), Victon Anton (1897-1952), Emil Joseph (1899-1952), Louis Peter (1903-1991), and Clara Agnes (1909-1982); Rose, born January 1876, in Illinois, married Augustus Patrick O’Grady, born about 1876 in Nebraska, Rose’s and Patrick’s children are: Irving (1899-1942), Nora A. (1902), Leo (1904), Ewart (1906), Helen (1908), and James (1909); Peter Ambrose, born January 22, 1878, in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois, died March 26, 1965, in Seward County, Nebraska, married Mary Elizabeth Phillips on September 24, 1902, Mary was born August 13, 1882, in LaMotte, Jackson County, Iowa, died October 7, 1964, in Nebraska, children born to Peter and Mary were Evert A. (1902-1983), Elmer A. (1904), Irene M. (1906-1936), Veronica C. (1908-1993), Anthony Nicholas (1911-1987), Loretta Kathryn (1914-2001), and Lawrence W. (19181984); Anna, born May 15, 1880, in El Paso, Illinois, died on January 23, 1958, in Whitehall, Franklin County, Ohio, she married Andrew J. Boesch on May 15, 1907, in Humphrey, Nebraska, Andrew was born on November 14, 1882, in Columbus, Ohio, died December 4, 1918, in Columbus, Ohio, children are Marquerite (1908-1994), Genevieve (1909-1986), Anthony (1911-1994), Jerome (1914-2002), Francis (1916-1995), and Mark (1917-2000); Agnes Helen, born October 14, 1884, in Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois, died June 24, 1979, Ft. Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida, married Charles W. Doughtery on November 14, 1910, in Ohio, he was born on September 20 13, 1886, died June 13, 1932, in Mahoning County, Ohio, one son, Gerald Francis Doughtery, born April 5, 1917, in Ohio, died December 2, 1981, in Ft. Lauderdale. After Jacob’s first wife, Anna, died, he married Marie R. Oestreicher Ruoff on June 11, 1906, in Humphrey. She was born about 1855, and died March 14, 1951, in Marion, Marion County, Oregon. 1878-During this year, Andrew Supan, arrived in St. Stephen, Stearns County, Minnesota. Andrew was born October 30, 1858, in Slovenia and died on January 7, 1925, in St. Stephen. He married Rose Zemwa on November 15, 1882, in St. Stephen. Rose was previously married to John Blenkush. She was born on August 30, 1856, in Slovenia, and died November 3, 1932, in St. Stephen. Andrew’s and Roses’s children are as follows: Andrew Zupan, born October 22, 1883, in St. Stephen, died March 3, 1965, in St. Stephen. He married Myrtle Barnes. They had two children. Rosaline Rose Supan, born June 20, 1885, in St. Stephen, died October 22, 1950, in St. Stephen, married on July 8, 1906, to Joseph Mensinger, son of Lucas Mensinger and Agnes Blenkush. Rosaline and Joseph had ten children. Mary Supan, born April 16, 1887, in St. Stephen, and died September 21, 1970, in St. Stephen. She married Gregor Anton Smoley, son of Gregor Smoley and Ursula Blenkush, and they had eight children. Bartol Supan, born August 2, 1888, in St. Stephen, died on July 16, 1965, in St. Stephen. He married on October 21, 1912, in St. Stephen, to Katherine Smoley, daughter of Gregor Smoley and Ursula Blenkush. They had seven children. Felix Zupan, born December 20, 1890, in St. Stephen, died February 18, 1971, in St. Stephen. He married Anna Zima on January 10, 1914, in St. Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota, daughter of John and Anna Zima. They had four children. Johanna Zupan, born July 4, 1892, in St. Stephen, died October 29, 1971, in Little Falls, Morrison County, Minnesota. She married Simon Peter Lodermeier on October 14, 1912, son of Peter Lodermeier and Margaretha Fruth. They had eight children. Joseph Supan, born March 2, 1894, in St. Stephen, died October 3, 1937, in St. Stephen. Steve Supan, born December 6, 1895, in St. Stephen, died January 21, 1987, in Sartell, Stearns County, Minnesota. He married Frances Schumer on June 5, 1934, in St. Stephen, daughter Zarja - The Dawn of John Schumer and Mary Smoley. They had seven children. John Supan, born March 18, 1898, in St. Stephen, died August 15, 1976, in St. Stephen. He married Agnes Schumer on April 3, 1923, in St. Stephen, daughter of John Schumer and Mary Smoley. They had six children. Anna Supan, born December 29, 1899, in St. Stephen, died January 26, 1947, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. She married June 26, 1925, in Milwaukee to John Joseph Lewandowski, son of Michael Lewandowski and Apolinia Wasikowski. They had three children. Many of the surnames of marriages in the Supan family were mentioned previously in this column. 1878-During this year, Martin Jaksa, born October 17, 1848, in Pribsje house number 3, Semic Parish, to John Jaksa and Anna Golobic, arrived in Chicago. From there he took a job in Joliet and then made his way to Iowa, by 1879 he arrived in Portland, Oregon. He moved in the spring of 1880 to Wasco County, Oregon, where he homesteaded near The Dalles. On January 31, 1884, at The Dalles, he married Albena Pasic (Pashek). Martin died on January 2, 1937, in Umatilla County, Oregon, and Albena died on February 23, 1929, in Wasco County. To Martin and Albena were born two sons, Andrew and Joseph. Andrew Francis was born November 26, 1884, in Wasco County, Oregon, and married Catharine E. LNU on November 26, 1908, in Multnomah County. Andrew died May 8, 1970, in Multnomah, as did Catharine, who died on July 31, 1957. Joseph Matthew, born January 24, 1877, in Columbia, Wasco County, Oregon, died October 31, 1959, in White Salmon, Klickitat County, Washington. He married M a r g a r e t Schanton, she died before 1914, two children were born to Joseph and Margaret: Francis M., born December 26, 1911, died September 21, 1944, in Klickitat County, married Elizabeth Demarest on February 17, 1935, in Klickitat County, Wa s h i n g t o n ; Victor J. born July 31, 1913, died July 24, 2001, in White Salmon, married Joyce Simons in 1949, in Klickitat County, Wa s h i n g t o n ; July/August 2014 Joseph then married her sister, Rosa Lena Schanton, she was born December 12, 1896, and died February 1976, in White Salmon. Joseph and Rosa had the following children born in Columbia, Wasco County, Oregon (the family moved to Klickitat County in Washington before 1940): Martha, born about 1918, married Carroll G. Thompson on November 6, 1940, in Skamania; Christine R., born July 2, 1919, died March 31, 2006, in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon; Cecil C., born February 1, 1921, died July 29, 2007, in Klickitat County, married Rose Anne Quackenbush on February 1, 1958, in Skamania County; Alvina, born about 1923; Joseph A., born April 17, 1924, died July 13, 1996, in Ranier, Columbia County, Oregon; Esther, born about 1926, Helen born February 3, 1928, died on May 27, 1999, in Seaside, Clatsop County, Oregon, married Leonard E. Shum on September 27, 1957, in Skamania, Leonard was born on April 9, 1928, and died on March 16, 1994, in Seaside; Donna M., born about 1932. Martin Jaksha amassed over 500 acres, of which 200 were planted in wheat. He owned two other lots in The Dalles. Martin spoke and wrote English fluently and was conversant in four other languages. He was also prominent in political matters and held various offices. Thanks to Heide Scott Jaksha, who provided the information that helped me in researching this pioneer family. 1878-About this time Slovenian immigrants begin the New York community. To contact me by mail: George Plautz, 1307 Dragon Head Drive, Valrico, FL 33594 or by e-mail at doblice@gmail. 21 A A HISTORY HISTORY OF OF ST. ST. ROCH’S ROCH’S CATHOLIC CATHOLIC CHURCH CHURCH LASALLE, LASALLE,ILLINOIS ILLINOIS by byDiane DianeData Datawith withLoretta LorettaStory, Story, both bothofofBranch Branch24 24--LaSalle, LaSalle,Illinois Illinois Around Around1886 1886the thefirst firstSlovene Slovenesettlers settlers from from the the Dolenjska Dolenjska region region and and the the village villageofofRadece Radecewere weresettling settlingininIlliIllinois noisaround aroundwhat whatisisnow nowknown knownasasthe the Illinois IllinoisValley Valley(LaSalle, (LaSalle,Peru, Peru, Oglesby, Oglesby,and andDepue). Depue).Many Many ofofthe thesettlers settlerswere werestore storeand and tavern tavern keepers keepers and and many many began began work work inin the the cement cement mills millsand andcoal coalmines minesininthe the surrounding surrounding area. area. Friends Friends and andfamily familyfrom fromthe thesame sameor or neighboring neighboring regions regions bebegan gantotofollow followand andsoon soon there there were were approxiapproximately mately 200 200 families families ––all alltogether togetherabout about 1,200 1,200Slovenes. Slovenes. 22 22 Zarja Zarja--The TheDawn Dawn Rev. Frank Sustersic, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Joliet, Illinois, came to LaSalle to minister to the spiritual needs of the Slovene community. By the early 1900s, the Slovenian community in LaSalle had risen so dramatically that a church was needed for the Slovenes. They first built the Slovenski Narodni Dom in the northwest corner of First and Crosat Streets to house social meetings. In 1900, the Bishop of Peoria, Illinois, received a delegation from LaSalle, including Fr. Sustersic, Anton Sorcic, Matt Komp, and Anton Kostello, who presented him with a petition requesting their own priest. The Bishop responded to their plea by sending Rev. Anton Podgarsek, who arrived with much zeal and who took upon his shoulders the burden of planning for and building a church, school, and rectory. 20, 1916, and the church was completed in 1918. In 1930, Fr. Saloven retired and returned to his homeland. Slovenian Franciscan fathers of Lemont, Illinois, then staffed the parish until 1943. The Franciscan pastors were Fr. Bernard Ambrozic, O.F.M., Pascal Esser, O.F.M., Leo Novitski, O.F.M., and Joseph Corrigan, O.F.M. During this time, several men of St. Roch’s parish helped build the Grotto (an outdoor shrine to the Blessed Mother) in Lemont. In 1943, Rev. Stephen Kassovic was appointed pastor and his brother, Koloman Kassovic, served as an assistant. They served the parish until 1950 when Rev. Michael Zeleznikar was appointed. SUA Branch 24 - LaSalle, IL member, the late Rev. Bernard Horzen, spent most of his childhood as a parishioner of St. Roch’s. He also was able to serve The Slovenes worked diligently to raise funds and were very generous in donating their time and labor for this project. In 1902, land at the corner of Sixth and Crosat Streets in LaSalle was purchased for $3,000. In one year, Fr. Podgarsek built the school for $13,000 and for 15 years the upstairs served as a church, the downstairs was a school, and the priest lived on the south end of the building. The new church was called St. Roch’s. The first Mass was celebrated on July 12, 1903, and Bishop J.L. Spalding from Peoria blessed the church on September 13, 1903. Some 32 Catholic societies took part in the festivities. Croatian, Irish, and German societies sent representatives and approximately 3,000 men marched in the parade. The main speaker for the event was Fr. Frank Sustersic. In 1905, Fr. Podgarsek built a two-story frame home, which was to become a rectory. In 1907, Rev. Aloisius Kastigar was sent to replace Fr. Podgarsek. Rev. Kastigar remained until 1914, when Rev. Francis Saloven was appointed to St. Roch’s. Under Rev. Saloven, the present brick and tile structure was built at a cost of $40,000. The first cornerstone was laid on August July/August 2014 23 Mass where homilies were spoken in English and Slovenian. On July 16, 1979, Resurrection Parish was chartered as a result of a merger between St. Joseph’s and St. Roch’s parishes, located only two blocks apart in LaSalle. St. Joseph’s had been established in 1870 to serve German immigrants. St. Joseph’s church was renamed Resurrection parish and St. Roch’s church and rectory were sold to Catholic Charities to house their offices and a day care center for the elderly. Catholic Charities made many changes to the inside of the church to accommodate their needs. In 2010, John Fialko of San Diego, California, purchased the former church from Catholic Charities with a plan to restore the original interior and to use it as a family residence. On Thursday, March 20, 2014, Branch 24 - LaSalle was privileged to host their first meeting of 2014 in the newly-restored, former St. Roch’s Church. We also had in attendance members of Branch 89 - Oglesby, and friends and family. We all had St. Roch’s in common. Some of us were baptized there, some were married there, some were altar boys there, and some had memories of family singing hymns in the choir loft. The choir loft is now the master bedroom with a 24 new bathroom. Downstairs are two more bedrooms and a large living area where pews were once filled with Slovenians. Protective glass that had been over the stained-glass windows for years was removed to let the light shine through, revealing beautiful colors and scenes. The altar area is now a kitchen space, where the back altar was removed to reveal a painting of the Last Supper. As Slovenian music played in the background, Mr. Fialko’s uncle, Jerry Massini, acted as tour guide providing stories of the church that he learned from the restoration process. He learned many new stories of what took place in the church from our members, who heard them from family or who were present at the time. In the words of Loretta Ahcin Story, who provided me with much of the history for this article, “We are blessed with countless wonderful memories, such as men climbing the tall steeple of St. Roch’s to ring the church bells by hand with little hammers, of church socials, and chicken dinners; more poticas, strudels, and kroffe than you can count. Also memories of polka dances at The Dom and the Slovenian choir singing the beautiful hymns of their homeland; solemn processions and May crownings and the sheer joy of being together celebrating life and being moved by the beauties of nature. We hold these memories close to our hearts as we continue to make more of them for those who will follow.” Zarja - The Dawn Slovenian Union of America Branch Reports BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Contact Information: Mary Ann Schellinger 920.457.7946 / rhmas@yahoo.com April 24th was an evening of celebration for Branch 1. Our member of the year, Agnes Wiltzius, was honored. She was presented with a Rogaska crystal bowl from Slovenia and a plaque of Marija Pomagaj painted by member Dick Jelovnik. We also honored our 50-year member, Kathy Schroeder, who also received a crystal bowl and plaque. Our last presentation went to Amanda Kinney. She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the SWU Scholarship Foundation. Amanda is the granddaughter of past president, Aggie Gruenke. Mary Jo Grabner gave a short presentation. She shared her childhood memories and photos of Marie Prisland. We concluded the evening with the song “Marie” on a CD, which was written and sung by Katie Gorton, a granddaughter of Marie Prisland. The annual Slovenian picnic sponsored by Ss Cyril & Methodius parish will be on Sunday, July 13th. All are invited to attend and enjoy a wonderful day of Slovenian music and food. Our next meeting will be in September. BETTY REPENSHEK July/August 2014 BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois Contact Information: Judy Stoll / judystoll@att.net On March 16th, we held our first meeting of 2014. It was fun to see everyone after such a long winter. We were happy to welcome Kathy Rojina to her first Branch 2 meeting. Kathy, who was born in Slovenia, graciously brought along three Slovenian language books: one of poetry, a wonderful recipe book, and a novel that was co-authored by her mother. Prayers were said and condolences offered to the family of Kathy Lattuca. Kathy, who was a very active Branch 2 member, will be greatly missed. We discussed ways in which we, as a group, can become more involved in Slovenian traditions. Ideas included sharing recipes, bringing old family photographs for everyone to enjoy, and just simply talking about our past experiences. Plans for our annual picnic were a big topic and it was decided to increase the very popular “bag raffles” this year. Henrietta Gorski was the lucky winner of the member attendance prize. After the meeting adjourned, we were treated to pizza, a delicious salad made by Gen Buol, home-baked goodies, and finally, a few games of bingo. Earlier this year, Jennie Kovacic hosted a 75th birthday party for her sister, Joan Steinman, at the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont. Along with Joan’s family, friends, and many Branch 2 members, were Corinne Leskovar (Branch 99 - Lemont, IL) and Grace Doerk (Branch 20 - Joliet, IL) to join in with the festivities. Jean Zeleznikar (Daisy) traveled to Florida to be with her daughter, who is battling health problems. Pray for her, all our ailing members, and those in service to our country. Have a great summer, everyone! Hope to see you all at our picnic. JUDY STOLL 25 BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Contact Information: Annette Charron / amtcharron@yahoo.com The April Branch 3 meeting was held in St. Mary’s Church hall on April 1, April Fools’ Day. Vice President Eileen Kaplan discussed April Fools’ Day, and members had fun sharing April Fools’ Day jokes that they remembered playing on others. Marilyn Kristan was the hostess and Norma Becco brought the mystery gift, which was won by Mildred Stofac. In place of the May business meeting, Branch 3 hosted a luncheon at Park East Restaurant on May 2 with 28 attendees. The luncheon celebrated Mother’s Day and honored our SUA Member of the Year, Annette Charron. The theme of the luncheon was butterflies, and the Branch 3 members gave Annette a lovely butterfly key chain. Rosemarie Billick, Mary Gavato, and Mae Vinci were guests. President Marge Cullen and Vice President Eileen Kaplan presented Gianna DeGarbo and Angela Perez with awards from the SWU Scholarship Foundation. Both Gianna and Angela will study at Colorado State University in Pueblo. Since all attendees brought hostess gifts, members left with prizes such as cookbooks, wine, and gift certificates. Branch 3 helped sponsor the Slovenian/Croatian Heritage celebration in the Gorsich Technology Center Theater at Pueblo Community College (PCC) on April 9. Branch members, Annette Charron and Barbara Karlinger, helped organize the event along with members of the PCC Diversity Committee. The celebration included displays from the Slovenian Heritage Museum and performances by the Prešeren Glee Club and the Okolitza Tamburitzans who featured Croatian music and dances. PCC served kolbasse, potica, sauerkraut, rolls, and chocolate candies to the students and the individuals from the community who attended. The event was a tremendous success. Norma Becco and Mitzie Drobnick are organizing the Cripple Creek Gambling Bus event, which will be held on Sunday, July 13. The Prešeren picnic in Rye, Colorado, will be held on Sunday, August 10. Branch meetings will be suspended this summer, and the next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7. ANNETTE SABO CHARRON & BARBARA KARLINGER BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Our Slovenian Union of America member luncheon on May 4th at Val’s Restaurant was a wonderful success. President Doreen Sustarich thanked all of our members and friends who bought raffle tickets and donated wonderful prizes. Beverly Jackson gave two quilts and an apron, Margie Schleiger made an afghan, Shirley Cooper donated San Francisco Giants baseball tickets, Virginia Sustarich gave brandy, and Doreen Sustarich brought bottles of wine. All winners went home very happy! Slovenian display table at the Slovenian/Croatian Heritage Day at Pueblo Community College. Val’s Restaurant - Member of the Year Luncheon. Okalitza Tamburitzans performing at the Slovenian/Croatian Heritage Day at Pueblo Community College. Lodges that meet monthly at the Slovenian Hall are celebrating special anniversaries this year. Educational and Dramatic Club Slovenia is celebrating their 90th anniversary. Slovenian American Fraternal and Beneficial Society celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 8th. President Louise Petrusich said that the event was wonderful, held at the beautiful Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Our Branch will be 87 years old on October 30th. Congratulations to all these lodges, who have worked together to keep the Slovenian organizations going, with generations of family members and new members supporting our Slovenian Heritage. 26 Zarja - The Dawn A big “Happy Birthday” to Elizabeth (Betty) Doherty, who is celebrating 104 years young on August 16th. Betty joined SUA 66 years ago, on March 4, 1948. God Bless You, Betty. To all our July and August birthday members, enjoy your birthday cake, too! MOREEN SPENCER BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois Contact Information: Marjorie Mitchell 773.646.4392 / Dolores60617@yahoo.com We had 17 members attend our April meeting with guest speaker, Dr. John Vidmar, Honorary Counsel with the Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia. He spoke on the Consulate’s help to foreign travelers. A very informative question and answer period followed. In honor of our honored guest, we hosted a potluck lunch. I must say, everyone outdid themselves with an array of salads, hot dishes, and desserts. We even had an authentic struklje dish prepared by Vic Sebahar. Marjorie Mitchell presented us with her first attempt at apple strudel. Bravo to all! Rose Petrich’s husband, George, is our newest member. Welcome, George! He has been attending meetings with Rose for a while, so his is a “friendly” face. Hopefully, the “April’s Showers of Dollars” drawing brought a shower of dollars to some members. This reporter was a winner! Of course, I will be an advocate of the Convention’s fund-raiser from now on! In keeping with SUA’s Member of the Year, our Branch has decided to pay tribute to our 1920s gals who are now enjoying their “golden years.” One such member is Marie Maras. Marie has been a SUA member for quite some time. She began at Branch 95 in South Chicago. When, a few years ago, that Branch disbanded, she became a welcomed Marie Maras July/August 2014 member of Branch 16. Born in 1923, Marie (Loncar) held many jobs – among them secretary to then-Alderman Emil Pacini and society and special events reporter for the South Chicago Daily Calumet. Marie married Ed Maras and had four children – one of which is a Cook County Circuit Court Judge. All four are college graduates, with three achieving postgraduate degrees. Marie is the proud grandmother of six. Don’t forget donations for the women’s shelter, Haven House. Our next meeting is scheduled for the first Saturday in September. Have a happy & healthy summer. DOLORES KRAL FRANKO BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: Diane Hohenwater dhohenwater@comcast.net We hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer. Even though we do not hold meetings during the summer months, Branch members continue to socialize at St. Joseph Park. This wonderful facility, which opened in 1939, has an outdoor area where local churches and organizations host picnics each Sunday. These picnics are open to the public and are quite popular. There are several buildings on the grounds, including one that functions as a bar, another for serving food, and a bandstand. If you find yourself in Joliet on a Sunday afternoon, stop at the park. Many of us have been attending these picnics since we were youngsters! We would like to wish a very happy 50th Anniversary to Sue and Rudy Mihelich. Our first meeting of the 2014-15 year will be on Tuesday, September 16, at 7:00 p.m. On Sunday, September 28, we will be holding our annual Grape Harvest Festival Dance at St. Joseph Park. As always, we welcome the public to this event, and enjoy seeing other Branch members. More details will be in the next issue. DIANE HOHENWATER BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Contact Information: Loretta Story / 9_lives@att.net Dober Dan! After a brief “hiatus,” I am delighted to return as Branch reporter for the Zarja! The first meeting of the year was presided by our new President, Diane Data, and was held in the former St. Roch’s Church building in La Salle. We had a record crowd attending as it was a very unique setting. Many of those in attendance had received their Sacraments in that beautiful, old building, which has now been converted into a magnificent residence. Please refer to the featured article in this issue - pages 22 - 24. It’s been a busy spring so far. In March we celebrated with Branch 89 - Oglesby, IL, at Claudette’s in Oglesby for a wonderful Sunday of Slovenian camaraderie, food, and music. April found us making butares for Palm Sunday, and on May 15 we enjoyed our annual Spring Luncheon 27 member, Cateline Vajda, to our Branch. Rose Anttila and John Stark traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the EU Open House at the Slovenian Embassy. Rose joined her sister, Albin, from Branch 23 - Ely, MN, and her sister, Nadi, from Branch 109 - Twin Cities, MN, in demonstrating walnut potica and apple strudel. Mary Lou Voelk helped them, as she was there representing the SUA and Albin Zaverl’s artistic display. John, our Branch president, entertained all the visitors with his button accordion. It was quite a work out, since it was extremely humid and hot - near 90 that day. Branch 24 members with their butares for Palm Sunday. at Mario’s Maples. Plans are in motion for a trip to St. Joseph’s Church in Joliet, the Slovenian Heritage Museum, and a lunch. I graduated with a very small class (eight students), from St. Roch’s School. Our beloved teacher, Sister Annella, O.S.B., a very wise woman, gave us our class motto: “Quality, not quantity.” I think of that often as I observe, with great admiration, those who continue to strive to keep our traditions and values alive. God bless our organization and each and every one of us! Enjoy the summer (if it ever comes), and until next time, may your hearts be filled with peace and love. LORETTA STORY BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Contact Information: John Stark / johnks6@yahoo.com Sunday, May 4th, we honored our Member of the Year, Anita Vovk. It was so good to see her and some of her family again. It was a wonderful, fun afternoon. All had a good time and the food was delicious. Birthday greetings to Francine Stellmach, who turned 80, and h e r s i s t e r, A n n e O r a z e m , i n J u l y. They both reached another milestone! Congratulations, Francine and Anne. Branch 35 sends get-well wishes to Rose with Roman Soldier at the Rosemary Ribich. Get Slovenian Embassy open house well soon! - 2000 years since Ljubljana was We welcome our new under Roman rule. 28 One of Albin Zverl’s paintings on display. Sharon Starkovich, our Branch vice president, is Al Zaverl’s niece. She has been blessed to have grown up surrounded by his talent and artwork. Sharon, originally from Ely, has been a great addition to our Branch. Have a safe summer! MARLYS RABB BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413 / twogames@wi.rr.com April 12th, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, we gathered at Triglav Park and under the watchful eye of Minka Mejac we made the traditional Butare, which were blessed on Palm Sunday. Many thanks to Minka for all of her help. Many thanks also to Helen Frohna for making all the arrangements for the use of the “DOM” on that cold, rainy Saturday. On Sunday we came to St. John the Evangelist Church, proudly wearing Slovenian Costumes or sporting a red carnation, and processed into church carrying our Butare as the Slovenian Choir sang and Fr. Michael Merkt blessed the Butare and Palms. April 27 was a special day for Milly Mursec. On behalf of the Slovenian Arts Program at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, I was proud to present the Award of Merit to Milly. Milly is the teacher of our Slovenian Language Class, offered by the Slovenian Arts Council, and is so very proud of her heritage. She is currently the Corresponding Zarja - The Dawn Palm Sunday, Cvetna Nedelja - Milwaukee Branch 43. Rose Chepeck and June Znidorka on Palm Sunday. MaryCay Freiberg, Tom Gehm, and Branch President Jan Gehm on Palm Sunday. Branch 43 members - Milly Mursec receiving from Mici Bregant - “The 2014 Award of Merit” from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM) Slovenian Arts Program. July/August 2014 Secretary of the Council, as well as an active member of our Branch. Saturday, May 3, was the day of celebration with our Member of the Year, June Znidorka. Jackie Smith, Wisconsin’s Regional President, began the afternoon by recognizing all past Members of the Year who were present, and talking about the Slovenian Spirit and heritage in all of our members and their willingness to carry on our traditions. After a beautiful invocation by member, Helen Frohna, a delicious lunch was served. Our President, Jan Gehm, then presented a short summary of June’s participation in Branch 43’s events and crowned her as Member of the Year. June was proud to introduce her children, Jerry from Milwaukee, and Jean, who flew in from Baltimore, sharing the day with their mom. As is June’s giving nature, each guest was given a lovely ceramic vase as a remembrance of the day. The fun continued as many guests shared stories about June. Tuesday, November 4, is election day and our Branch is planning a bake sale at the South 88th St. School. Of course, we need the cooperation of all members to make it a success. Please volunteer your help and baking skills. Happy belated Father’s Day to all of our dads. MICI BREGANT 29 BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio Contact Information: Debbie Duris 330.467.2281 / dcduris@gmail.com We lost a very active member and former officer, Olga Dorchak, on April 19th. Olga was a member of our Branch for 50 years. She held Branch leadership positions as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Olga also served many years as Ohio Regional President and Vice President. Our prayers and sympathy are with her daughters, Kathleen Dorchak Ferrante and Diane Fornaro, and their families. The Slovenian Union of America will sadly miss Olga Dorchak, a true example of “Keeping the Slovenian Spirit Alive.” May you rest in peace! Twelve members attended our May 3 “Mother’s Day” lunch meeting at Burntwood Tavern in Solon. Katherine Wallace made red carnation and white rose favors for each attendee. Thank you, Kitty. The favors were to honor her mother, Elsie Spellacy, and her aunt, Olga Dorchak. Our next meeting is Saturday, September 6, at 1:00 p.m. at Panera in Solon. If you are attending, please RSVP to Debbie Duris at the phone number or e-mail above. Kathy Ferrante will gladly share any of our members’ activities. Call 330.730.8951 or e-mail her at kjferrante@ gmail.com and she will include it in the next Branch report. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday! DEBBIE DURIS for KATHLEEN FERRANTE 30 BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio Contact Information: Rick Tomsick 440.655.6735 / ricktomsick@gmail.com Greetings from the “5-0” on America’s North Coast, Cleveland, Ohio! We just drove to Boston to pick up our member, Johanna Tomsick, at Boston College for her summer vacation here in Cleveland. Jo is finishing up her first year as an Art and Biology student. One of her art pieces is included with this newsletter, a portrait she painted of her mother, Merybeth DeHass Tomsick. Jo’s brother, Zachery Tomsick, graduated from John Carroll University with a degree in Exercise Science/Physiology. Our member, Amanda Schniegeberg, was awarded a SWU Scholarship. The scholarship is named in honor of the late Raymond Delopst of Branch 43 - Milwaukee and funded from memorials by his family and many friends. Mandy will receive the award at Highland High School’s Awards Assembly. Congratulations, Mandy, and best of luck! Great news! Ivanka Matic and Rose Mary Toth have each now become a great-grandmother. Little George Matic III lives in Columbus, Ohio. Rose Mary’s great-grandson lives in Maine. We held the Mother’s Day luncheon at Dubrovnik Gardens in Eastlake Ohio, and in June we had a picnic. The next meeting will be September 17 at the Euclid Library. Let’s each remember to keep one another and all members of Branch 50 and all of the SUA in our prayers. Please write to me at ricktomsick@ gmail.com with any family news and I will add you to our list of updates for Branch 50 (you don’t need to be a member of Branch 50). T h i s w a y, you’ll get more up to date information on activities, member notices, and news. That’s all for now. Many thanks to everyone for all you do in SUA! RICK TOMSICK Zarja - The Dawn BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: Jim Ebner 815.883.3268 / deadendbluff@yahoo.com Branch 89 hosted our 3rd Annual “Slovenian Heritage Event” on Saturday, March 29th, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at Claudette’s in Oglesby. A large Slovenian flag served as decoration above the serving area, which featured tastings of smoked sausage, horseradish, cheese and crackers, strudel, and potica as polka music played gently in the background. Branch members wore their hand-made “Grandma’s Aprons” as they tended to our guests and short stories containing memories as how these aprons were used in earlier years graced the tables. Archive-type photographs of local “Slovenians of the Past” were on display, as well as laminated personal stories of Slovenian Denise and Jordan Duffin. July/August 2014 relatives growing up in the 1920s and 30s. The “packed house” kept the raffle tables of the 50/50, Bloody Mary Dream Bucket, Slovenian wine basket, potica, and smoked sausage busy throughout the evening. Old friendships were rekindled and new friendships begun as all those present enjoyed the evening. Our April meeting was held at the Oglesby American Legion Hall on Palm Sunday, April 13. After a short business meeting, President Barbara Bruch and Nancy Henkel led the members in creating their own “butaras” for their home Easter decorations. Butaras are traditionally made with stock from the yard and garden at this time of year, however, a trip to Hobby Lobby can also add color and variety! Symbolic of the Blessed Trinity, the butara usually begins with three, long, straight-type branches such as pussy willows or dogwood, and then various greens and flowers are added, each to one’s own imagination. New member, Geri Shouba, was welcomed at this occasion, as well as her two guests, Martha Feddern and Jan Boehle. (Geri, Martha, and Jan will be traveling together to Croatia and Slovenia later this summer.) Topping off the afternoon were group pictures of our members holding their colorful finished creations. Our May Closing Dinner was held at Mario’s Maples in Peru at noon on Sunday, May 4. Chairpersons for this event were Flossie, Trudy, and Mary Argubright. Mary Jane Gunderson and Elizabeth Fox won door prizes. After a delicious buffet meal, Branch President Barbara Bruch reminded members of the Mass for Branch 89’s living and deceased members on Wednesday, June 4, at 7:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church, followed by breakfast at Delaney’s Family Restaurant. The group joined in song to recognize the birthdays of Flossie Argubright and Fran Morrison. After taking a break in July and August, we will be kicking back into gear in September with our annual potluck! Wishing you a safe, healthy, fun-filled summer wherever you are, near and far! JIM EBNER 31 BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: Elizabeth Gross 718.335.8459 / Lizg669@gmail.com We’re busy making plans for the fall - a special children’s event featuring storytelling, music, songs, perhaps a treasure hunt, games, and activities - Sunday, September 21, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 62 Saint Marks Place. Please tell your friends and children and grandchildren; all are welcome - the young, the very young, young adults, and the young at heart! We demonstrated our Go-to-Meeting format of learning Slovene conversation at the European Union’s Open House Event at the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. on May 10. After one year of study, our presentation was gratifyingly successful and was enjoyed by visitors who were participating along with us - the online students were excited to be greeted and encouraged by the Ambassador himself! An added treat was Alex Gregan from Bethlehem, PA, playing a Frankie Yankovich Slovenian waltz on the accordion for our class. In April, Branch members attended a Dialogues Concert at CITE Arts in Williamsburg, NY, in collaboration with the Koper Music School of Slovenia, featuring three of Slovenia’s new music composers, Uros Rojko, Larisa Vrhunc, and Matej Bonin. The concert - one in a series - explored the question of how true the concept of music being a universal language actually is - and how we interpret what we hear through our own cultural limitations. New music, new ideas! A very different event in Brooklyn was Crystal C - an ongoing performance and installation that began in 2013 in Ljubljana. The artist, Jaša Mrevlje-Pollak, sought to engineer an elixir that would produce and define poetic rapture, and created Crystal C - both an actual synthetic drug and a multimedia installation. Relax - no arrests were made! Our best wishes to Mia Branc, member of our Branch and mainstay at the Church of Saint Cyril, on the marriage of her daughter, Mojca Branc, to Kevin Dusold, whose wedding at Bled was a wonderful reason for a number of our members to fly to Slovenia in May! ELIZABETH GROSS 32 BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Contact Information: Jana Hlade / jmhlade@hotmail.com Happy 4th of July! Summer is in full swing and our Branch has some fun summer and fall activities planned. Just a recap of the last few months. In April, we held our Spring Fling get-together at the home of Sonja DePratt. Thanks, Sonja, for your hospitality. We were able to use this time for socializing, as well as a National Convention planning meeting which was very productive. In May we held a potica culinary class at the Slovenian Catholic Center (SCC). Thank you to Mary Mavec for organizing the class and demonstrating her baking skills. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and learn about this traditional Slovenian sweet bread. In June we held a meeting to discuss upcoming events and the National Convention planned for 2015. And there are no events planned for July - so stay cool! On August 16th, we will be having another culinary class at the SCC. Come learn to make Slovenian stew! Class begins at 8:00 a.m. in the kitchen. Cost is $20 per person and includes all supplies. RSVP to Mary Ann Partyka at craftymar304@comcast.net or 630.661.3600. This September 6th, our Branch is hosting a Member Lunch Brunch at 11 a.m. at the SCC. This special catered lunch is free to all Branch 99 members, and guests are $10 and children $5. RSVP is required by August 31 to MaryAnn Partyka. This is a luncheon prepared by our members to celebrate our members! Enjoy your summer! JANA HLADE Zarja - The Dawn BRANCH 100 - Southern California in February a truly fantastic “kick-off” took place in Contact Information: Jean Koci / ajkoci@cox.net Northern California. This is a student exchange program It was a beautiful day in San Juan Capistrano where for college students and faculty. It unites scholars and Lina Kerwick hosted the Branch 100 Cooking Class on educators globally, especially Slovenian students and March 15th. Our cooking classes also include a lunch American-Slovenian students. You can find out more about of appetizers, fruits, a soup, and whatever we might be this project by going to their wonderful website - www. cooking. This time on the menu was Slovenian-style fruit ase-fund.org. dumplings. Because fresh plums are not in season in March, we used dried prunes, dried apricots, and some with jam. We found that the dried fruit worked quite well. Even though none of us were expert dumpling makers, they were very tasty and most of us were able to take several home to share. But the most fun was getting together and enjoying each other’s company. Lina, and her husband, Tony, are great hosts and everyone enjoyed their friendly hospitality. Hvala lepa, Lina and Tony! Our next get together will be the Annual Member of the Year Luncheon honoring Bonney Zupan. She chose one of the members’ favorite restaurants, Napoli’s Italian Restaurant in Branch 100 members at March 15th cooking class, having a great time! Loma Linda. Since many of the members and families live in the inland and desert We send our best to members and their families who may communities, it works well. be having health issues or other difficulties at this time. We were happy to hear that the new American Slovenian May you have a safe and relaxing summer while enjoying Education Foundation (ASEF) has taken off quite well. We your children, grandchildren, and the nature around you. first heard about the possibility of this program through Na svidenje! Fr. Peter Rožič s.j. about a year ago, as it was just in the JEAN KOCI formation stage. By January a plan was put together and BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bernadette Fitzsimmons bettekfitz@verizon.net On May 10th our members participated in the European Union Open House at the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. What a wonderful day to celebrate this small European country with LOVE in its name. There were thousands of visitors, with a long line of men, women, and children winding down the block on California Street waiting to come in and experience Slovenia, to taste a delicate sample of sweet potica, strudel, kranjske klobase, and Slovenian wine. Some even danced a polka and had the opportunity to see a demonstration of strudel and poticamaking, smell the aroma of fresh, Slovenian, ginger bread, heart-shaped cookies decorated and sold by the Andrejaš family from the well known Lectar museum in Radovljica, Getting their hands in the dumpling dough - Juliette Leathand to hear Mr. Andrejaš skillfully play Slovenian folk ers, Lina Kerwick (hostess) and Marie Bajc (new member). July/August 2014 33 songs on a harmonica, like never before. While waiting in line, guests were serenaded by button box and accordion players, all dressed in national costume. It was truly a Slovenian party, with the friendly Ambassador Cerar welcoming guests, and at certain times humbly offering Slovenian food samples of klobase and potica from a large tray near the entrance. When the line outside got 34 very long, and a rain shower blew through, Ambassador Cerar walked outside with a hospitable smile and tray in hand of authentic Slovenian fare, offering samples before guests entered Slovenian ground at the embassy. There was a table filled with information about the Maryland-based Branch, SUA applications, and a Slovenian photo card display, an activity for children and adults to make their own greeting cards for Mother’s Day, birthday, or Christmas with a Slovenian greeting and a bobbin lace motif. May and Erika Kokal dressed in their Slovenian costumes, including the avba - many people stopped for a photo opportunity with our beautiful ladies in Slovenian national costume. May brought her belated husband Danilo Kokal’s heirloom beehive panel collection for display. She posed, dressed in costume next to her special display, proudly displaying and sharing the folklore art with her granddaughter, Brittany, also dressed in costume. The display brought many people to our table, admiring the exquisite beauty of such rare pieces, Zarja - The Dawn seldom seen outside of a museum. Three generations of SUA women, Nika Kovacic, and Bernadette and Juliana Fitzsimmons (wearing the zavijačka handmade by stara mama Nika for Bernadette several decades ago), wore their colorful, handmade, Slovenian rute. Once, Mary Lou Voelk brought over to the Branch 108 table a prospective member, and Nika Kovacic began her marketing pitch, along with Bernadette, for new members; the three of them easily persuaded several women of Slovenian descent to join the Branch at the EU Open house event. When the doors closed to the public, the party continued inside the embassy with approximately 50 volunteers enjoying a country-style dinner with ambassador Cerar; like one big Slovenian family. It was a special day to gather in celebration of the success of the day, and honoring Slovenia’s accomplishments and independence. BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities (TC) of Minnesota Contact Information: Norm Setnicker 651.777.6106 / normas188@msn.com Much of our time this spring has centered around the Festival of Nations, the genealogy workshop (May 17), and the organizing efforts for the pop folk Slovenian ensemble, Navihanke. However, we are starting to set our calendar for 2014-2015. The Festival of Nations proved to have a very challenging theme as directed by the International Institute - “Peace Among the People.” Our exhibit was designed to engage students and adults to the concept of “peace keeping vs. peace building.” We emphasized the Slovenian national anthem, which is based on the 7th stanza of Prešeren’s poem, “The Toast.” We then displayed the peace building efforts of Pedro (Peter) Opeka, who was born in Argentina of Slovenian refugee parents, and a Nobel Peace Prize candidate in 2013. His efforts helped some 300,000 poorest of the poor in Madagascar. The third panel of our exhibit centered around our late TC Slovenian member, Karl J. Grahek, a peace advocate who seemed to embody the spirit of peace by living Pope Francis’ theme – “Peace calls for Daily Commitment.” Chuck Podominick, our in-house genealogy expert, organized a Genealogy Workshop on May 17-18 with Peter Hawlina, president of the Slovenian Society in Slovenia, Rose Marie Jisa, President of the Slovenian Genealogy Society of Cleveland, Terry Rupar, Iron Range genealogy chapter, and Jay Fonkert from the Minnesota Genealogy Society. Armed with their lap tops and bringing up their individual data bases, Slovenians from around the state could bring in their bits of genealogy information and get immediate help in finding their Slovenian roots. “Hvala Lepa” and red carnations to the following TC Slovenian members: Pat Dahl, who organized the Navihanke concert on May 1 at Concordia University July/August 2014 and worked tirelessly in making all the arrangements for Navihanke to come to the Twin Cities; Rick Pisa, for chairing and overseeing the Slovenian photo contest, which features member photos for the 2015 Calendar; Tea Rozman Clark, director of Green Card Voices, interviewed Yul Yost and Mimi Gorshe Manning, who told their stories as first generation immigrants from Slovenia; Mary Ann Palmer, who reminded the membership about the SUA project - “It Is Who We Are” wedding photos to be displayed at Vermilion Junior College in Ely on August 15; Mary Lou Voelk, VP of Culture and Heritage for SUA, is heading this project; Miro Medved, who is organizing our Anniversary Dinner and Balina tournament for the TC Slovenians on June 21 (Slovenian Independence Day); Norm Setnicker who talked about the TC Slovenians on the CTV show, New Brighton NOW - a short segment that gave us exposure in the northern suburbs of MinneapolisSt. Paul; Mary Schwank, who did the layout for the FON brochure and the concert program for Navihanke; Liz Miller, who has taken on the Herculean task of organizing a photo collection of our Branch 109 - TC Slovenians; Frank Medved, Joe Kuznik, Mici Kochevar, and President John Zakel for organizing and teaching the Slovenian language over the past three years; Mike Koski and Sue and Dave Rademacher, for chairing the FON; and many carnations to the 40 plus members who worked to make our exhibit one of the best. Our prayers go out to Tom Moren’s family and to the James Oberstar family for their losses. Tom’s mother, Ella Angela Moren, was 102 and a long time resident of Gilbert, MN. She was born in Dolnje Podpoljane, Slovenia. Tom is our resident artist and one of the original members of the TC Slovenians. Two years ago, former U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar had spoken to our membership about growing up Slovenian and also was a featured speaker at our Bishop Baraga Rendezvous held at the Cross River, north of Duluth. He was the longest serving Congressman in Minnesota’s history with 36 years of service. More prayers go out to the family of Mary Percic Bernard who lost her battle to cancer. Mary was a native Slovenian and she and her brother, Andy, owned the Nectary restaurant where our Branch 109 meetings were held for the first six years. Also to the family of Yvonne McComber who suffered a massive stroke in May. Yvonne was our Member of the Year in 2010 and served on the board as treasurer. We wish all of our Slovenian friends throughout the country a fun summer and look forward to the visit from Slovenian ambassador, Dr. Bozo Cerar, as he visits the oldest Slovenian community in the United States, St. Stephen, Minnesota, on July 19. “Drzi smehlaj se” - Keep smiling! NORM SETNICKER “Born in USA with Slovenian Parts” 35 Festival of Nations 2014 Left to Right: Mike Koski (FON Chairperson), Yul Yost, Vonnie Rohloff, Sue Rademacher, and Jim Bernard. Norm and Mary Ann Setnicker. Sue Rademacher stamping the little girl’s passport. The Slovenian stamp is of Mt. Triglav. In background is the Slovenian peace pole in front of Karl Grahek’s home in St. Paul. Sue was a co-chair this year and has been involved as the chairperson for the last four years. 36 Jim Smrekar and Don Palkovich posed in front of Slovenian national anthem. Slovenian peace pole also in the corner made by Miro Medved. Left to Right: Mike Koski, President John Zakelj, and Jim Bernard. Zarja - The Dawn July/August 2014 37 Panel featuring Pedro Padre Opeka. This panel features Karl Grahek who was a peace activist in the Twin Cities and former membership chairperson of TC Slovenians. He passed away a year ago. The other pictures show the Land Mines Project which Slovenia has been involved with. Welcome to a Year of Food Celebration in Zarja For the rest of 2014, we’ll explore a variety of aspects of Slovenian cuisine. To make preparation easy for our readers, we will offer up our delicious, modern, and easy-to-make recipes in a blog-like format. We will share steps, photos, and words on culture and maybe a little cooking wisdom all at the same time. Before we embark upon this year-long journey, let us introduce ourselves. We are three sisters, along with our mother and our grandmother, Daniela Lavrenčič. Our grandmother was born and raised in Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia and the capitol of Lower Styria. From there, she went on to become the Primadonna of Yugoslavia before moving to Trieste and then Washington, D.C. in 1950. She still resides in the nation’s capitol and has shared a handsome variety of culinary sound bites for these articles. She has been ever-present in our lives and her stories of her youth in Slovenia have filled our dreams and inspired our imaginations. It is with much love and respect that we dedicate this series to her. And with her wonderfully skilled hands in mind, we will share a full dinner menu over the course of 2014, starting with this easy soup that can be made richer in the winter and lighter in the summer. - Alisa Tugberk Step 1: Prep Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1.5 ounces smoked bacon, chopped 1 onion, diced 2 pounds root vegetable medley, e.g. carrot, sweet potato, turnip, cabbage, peeled and diced 7 cups chicken stock 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped ½ cup rice 38 Zarja - The Dawn Step 2: Cook the Base Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon and onion and stir until the bacon is lightly browned and the onion translucent. Add the diced vegetables and cook for 7-10 minutes until they start to cook through, but are still firm. Time varies depending on how small/large vegetables are cut. Step 3: Let the Flavors Meld Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, and lower heat to medium-low, simmering for 15 minutes or until vegetables are almost fully cooked. July/August 2014 39 Step 4: Thicken the Consistency Add the tomatoes and rice (or other grain, if desired) and simmer until rice is cooked through. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Step 5: Plate and Serve Garnish with finely chopped parsley or a dry, grated cheese and serve. To make this soup heartier, you could chop the vegetables larger, or instead of rice, substitute a grain such as pearl barley, soaked overnight before adding. For a vegetarian version, eliminate the bacon and use vegetable stock. Serve with nice, crusty bread. Dober tek! 40 Zarja - The Dawn Washington, D.C. Embassy of Slovenia Hosted by Ambassador Božo Cerar and Nuška Zakrajšek, Cultural, Press, and Public Diplomacy Officer On May 10, the Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of the 28 EU Member States opened their doors to the public for a rare look inside; a chance for entire families to experience authentic music, dance, food, film, and art. PERIODICALS NON-PROFIT PERIODICALS POSTAGE POSTAGE POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID IL LASALLE, IL LASALLE, LASALLE, IL Washington, D.C. Embassy of Slovenia Four thousand people walked through the Slovenian Embassy doors that day. The queue extended out the door, down the block, and around the corner. They were greeted with a spirited “Welcome to Slovenia” as they passed over the threshold. There, for their cultural experience, were traditional costumes, music, tourist travel, Rogaska crystal, Idrija lace, wine sampling, potica, strudel, Carniolan sausage, pumpkin oil, bee hive panels, and an 85 year old issue of Zarja The Dawn! Activities for children and Beeasels! And more - Slovenian history, online class in Slovene, exhibits of traditional and original items from the SNPJ museum in Pittsburgh, PA. Representing the Slovenian Union of America were members of Branches 23 - Ely, MN, 35 - Aurora, MN, 50 - Euclid, OH, 93 - New York City, NY, 108 - Olney, MD, and 109 - Twin Cities, MN, with several other Branches in attendance. It marked the official opening of the Albin Zaverl art exhibit. The exhibit of 27 paintings will continue until mid June. “Welcome to Slovenia. Enjoy your visit!” - by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk