ii 5 4 788 NO. 5-6 MAY-JUNE, 1995 VOL. 67 The D A W N ZARJA - THE DAWN ON THE COVER. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 NO. 5-6 MAY-JUNE, 1995 VOL. 67 Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Zenske Zveze. Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust. Annual Subscription for non-members. $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice. Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, !L 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926 Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, IL All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I v mesecu. Editor, COKINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (312) 548-8878 22nd National Convention SAN FRANCISCO California May 19,20,21,1995 HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN MAY & JUNE National Officer: May 1 - Jean Korsman, Minnesota Regional President, Biwabik, MN Presidents: June 11 - Margaret Cullen, Br. 3, Pueblo, CO June 24 - Genevieve Safran, Br. 27, Braddock, PA Secretaries: May 3 - Anna Anderson, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA May 6 - Gladys Buck, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL May 7 - Josephine Argubright; Br. 89, Oglesby, IL May 13 - Helen McFarland, Br. 66, Canon City, CO May 13 - Mary Mejac, Br. 103, Washington, D.C. May 17 - Marge Mollica, Br. 57, Niles, OH May 27 - Anka Kregar, Br. 55, Girard, OH May 28 - Linda Lambright, Br. 6, Barberton, OH June 2 - Blanche Launch, Br. 81, Kcewatin, MN June 3 - Jane Hudak, Br. 74, Ambridge, FA June 8 - Anne Pavelič, Br. 8, Steelton, PA June 11 - Betty Stack, Br. 24, LaSalle, IL * June 19 - Dorothy Brezonik, Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI June 29 - Elizabeth Spolar, Br. 56, Hibbing, MN MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY! The beautiful Madonna is a work by our stitchery expert Evelyn Majercik whose column “A Crafty Idea!” is a popular contribution to our ZARJA. Evelyn is offering the pattern for this Madonna for a $1 donation. Address your requests to her at 31 Eldred Ave., Bedford, OH 44146 with self-addressed envelope and make check payable to ZARJA. We thank Evelyn for her diligence and generosity. A Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers and grandmothers! May the Blessed Mother keep blessing you all the days of your lives! DATES TO REMEMBER May 7 PLANT SALE, Br. 102, Willard, Wl June 3 ALL-DAY TOUR, Br. 105, Detroit, Ml, Call Pat Adamic, 810-751-0513 June 4 67th Anniversary of Br. 20,8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church July 16 ZVEZA DAY, Lemont, IL, Br. 2 hostess Sept. 17 WISCONSIN STATE CONVENTION, Br. 43, Mil- waukee, WI MOTHER’S DAY PARTIES IN MAY May 2 Br. 14, Euclid, OH, call Vera Bajec, 481-7473 May 2 Br. 42, Maple His., OH, St. Wenceslas Church May 2 Br. 56, Hibbing, MN al Open Pit Slipper Club May 3 Br. 32, Euclid, OH, honoring all Mothers at 6 p.m. May 3 Br. 33, Duluth, MN May 3 Br. 34, Soudan, MN May 4 Br. 2, Chicago, IL, Mass at 6:30 followed by dinner. May 6 Br. 25, Cleveland, Oh at Sterle’s Country House, 1:30 May 7 Br. 35, Aurora, MN at Giant’s Ridge May 7 Br. 39, Biwabik, MN at the Holiday Inn, Eveleth May 7 Br. 47 Garfield Hts., OH Luncheon honoring all mothers at Quinn’s Restaurant in Solon, 1 p.m. May 7 Br. 81, Kcewatin, MN at Tiger Town Eatery May 9 Br. 20, Joliet, IL, also Scholarship Award Night, Dinner at 5 p.m., call Home Office, 727-1926 or Agnes Dobczyk, 727-2580 May 10 Br. 55, Girard, OH, Mother-Daughter Banquet at Olive Garden in Niles, 5 p.m. May 11 Br. 50, Lunch at Sterle’s Country House, Call Ann Tercek for reservations, (216) 261-3614 May 13 Br. 16, Dinner at Crow Bar, Call for reservations, Gladys, 221-0475 or Edna, 221-5708 May 13 Br. 105, Detroit, MI, El-Bow Room Restaurant May 17 Br. 54, Luncheon at Elks Club, Rt. 422, I p.m. Call Joanne, 856-2911 May 18 Br. 5, Indianapolis, IN, Covered Dish, Contact Mary Frances Mohr, (317) 852-8305. May 18 Br. 24, LaSalle, IL, Paramount Club at noon. Call co- chairmen, Betty Stack, 224-1949 or Doris Hallett, 667-4266 by Tues. May 16th. May 24 Br. 43, Milwaukee, WI, honoring all members at Klem- mer’s Restaurant, 10401 W. Oklahoma, I p.m. Call Josephine Janezic, 545 0691 or Anne Konczal, 871-8295. MOTHER’S DAY PARTY IN JUNE June 13 Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI al Shoney’s. Call Ruth at 452-8251. NATIONAL PRESIDENTS MESSAGE A MOMENTOUS CONVENTION! San Francisco, here we come! Can hardly believe that it is only a matter of a few weeks before the 22nd S.W.U. National Convention convenes in San Francisco. Host Branch 13 and Convention '95 Chairman', Barbara Chiodo have worked tirelessly for months to make sure all is “A-Okay.” This Convention will undoubtedly be one of the most important decision-making processes in the history of S.W.U. of America. We are relying on our delegates and National Officers to come prepared by reading and studying all proposals. As we are changing the agenda for this Convention, time will be valuable; therefore we must do our homework. There will be three (3) Committees appointed, namely: By-laws, Credentials, and Nominating. By-laws Committee should study the proposed revisions mailed to them before before the Convention begins. Credentials Committee will work as the delegates arrive to register prior to the Convention. Each delegate will bring one (1) copy of her Credentials which she will present to the Credentials Committee. It will be checked with the second copy that was mailed to the Home Office early in January. An accurate account of registered delegates and National Officers is required. The Credentials Chairman gives the report at the opening of the Convention proceedings. The Nominating Committee will have the awesome responsibility of presenting a qualified slate of candidates who will serve on the S.W.U. Board for the next (4) years. Additional candidates may be nominated from the floor. There are serious issues being addressed which will have a major impact on the future of S.W.U. of America. Dues/Direct Billing, Name Change (one suggested, “Slovenian Women United”), ZARJA publication issued 6 times per year (the Board decided 8 issues was feasible) are the main issues. Input has been gratifying which reflects a concerned and informed membership. We welcome your candor and constructive criticism. Job descriptions will be given to potential candidates which will define the duties and responsibilities of each office. A debt of gratitude must be given to our National Board for their relentless hours of planning and expertise resulting in very demanding and lengthy 3-day sessions. “Mother/Woman of the Year” celebrations abound during this month of May. Our mothers and grandmothers have given us so much in the formation of good Christian character and ethics. The fostering of trust, honesty, and obcdience are virtues which were instilled in each of us. Love of God, love for brother and sister, love of friends and neighbors, and love of Country were paramount in our daily lives, thanks to our dear mothers who by their example lead us the way. In today’s troubled world, motherhood is depicted with mixed and often demanding messages by the media and individuals. We must pray ceaselessly for a conversion in our values and morals. Our mothers did not earn Ph.D’s but in my book, they aspired toward the highest and most cherished reward one could attain, the honor and glory of eternal happiness. God bless all of our mothers! One final request, please pray for a successful, productive and joyfilled 22nd National Convention of the S.W.U. of America. May God Love You! Victoria “Tory” Bobence Slovenian U/omen’s Union of America ZZnd MflTIDMflL GDriUEMTIOn May 17 — Z1, 1995 Canterbury Hotel, San Francisco, California OFFICIAL CONVENTION ASSEMBLY Board of Directors President, Victoria Bobence Vice President, Beverly Jackson Secretary, Olga Ancel Treasurer, Sylvia Vukodinovich 1st Auditor, Marion Marolt 2nd Auditor, Cirila Kermavner 3rd Auditor, Josephine Lustik National Officers Director Women’s Activities, Frances Morison Director Youth Activities, Bernadette Fitzsimmons Cultural Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi Editor of Zarja, Corinne Leskovar Director, Scholarship Fund, Carita Girman Regional Presidents CA-OR-WA, Rosemary Mlakar MN, Jean Korsman OH-MI, Evelyn Majercik PA-NY-DC, Frances Kucic Wl, Joan Yaklich (Acting) Delegates Convention Headquarters The Canterbury Hotel and Whitehall Inn 750 Sutter near Taylor San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 474-6464 • GSC (415) 474-5856 1 2 10 13 14 16 20 24 25 32 33 34 35 38 39 43 47 50 55 56 76 85 89 100 102 103 105 Kathy Schroeder Dolores Puhek Jean Železnikar Stephanie Segulin Theresa Dagg Ceta Zagar Diane Varney Vida Kumse Alternates Mary Foys Lauretig Jennie Kovacic Mary Podlogar Stephanie Dagg Martha Koren, Antoinette Zabukovec, Jennie Fitzthum Gladys Buck Patricia Figurowski Agnes Dobczyk Jonita Ruth Charlene Kobe Jos. Grabowski Frances Gazvoda Leslie Telich Charlotte Perdan Beverly Menart Adrienne Miklich Ann Orazem Charlotte Laurich Jane Purkat Arline Fritz Olga Dorchak Mary Miller AnnTercek Anka Kregar Mary Massich Mary Kell Mary Jermene Angela Nico Jeanette Eckert Mary Staut Matilda Ausich Marcia Judnick Marie Scheidt Mary Ann Brunner Anne Cooke Virginia Mikrut Katherine Knuth Phyllis Kukar Mary Tauchar Barbara Dime Josephine Argubright Mary Lou Vidergar Nika Kovacic Kathleen Emerson Mary Jane Smith CONVENTION SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 17tli 4 p.m. Early Registration for Delegates and Visitors See Credential Committee 5-7 p.m. Reception at Hospitality Suite Craft Sale items accepted from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18th 9 a.m. Departure for all day Sight-seeing Tour 7 p.m. Late Registration for Delegates and Visitors See Credential Committee Reception at Hospitality Suite Friday, May 19th 7 a.m. Craft Sales begin at designated place 8 a.m. Opening of 22nd National Convention Address by Key-note speaker 9 to 11:45 a. m. Convention Session 1 12 noon Departure for afternoon Sight-seeing Tour 7 p.m. Convention Banquet, Canterbury Hotel Saturday, May 20th 8 a.m. Convention Photo 9 to 11:45 a. m. Convention Session II 12 noon Departure for afternoon Sight-seeing Tour and Barbeque lunch - Free evening Sunday, May 21st 8 a.m. to 12 Convention Session III 1:30 p.m. Gathering for Procession to Church 2:00 p.m. Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church 4:00 p.m. Banquet at Slovenian Hall, Installation of Officers and Adjournment of Convention A Meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors will take place Sunday evening at the Hotel, time to he announced. ¥ The San Francisco committee invites everyone to bring along your Slovenian national costumes and wear them at the convention events, especially for th<^ proces- sion on Sunday to mass when will have the opportunity to show off our Slovenian finery for everyone to see! See You in San Francisco! By the time you read this article, your bags will be packed and you’ll be almost on your way to beautiful San Francisco. I hope you are excited as the members of Branch 13, who are ready to meet and greet you and make your stay with us a memorable one! Just a few things to remember: ¥ Registration will be open at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17th. You can pick up your registration package with all your tickets for the tours and banquets. You will need your tickets for the Monterey/ Carmel Tour which leaves the Canterbury Hotel at 9:00 SHARP on Thursday morning. Registration will be in the hotel lobby or the Hospitality Suite on the main floor of the Canterbury Hotel. ¥ The Branch 13 Hospitality Suite will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday night, so come by and have a glass of wine with us before you go to dinner! We will also provide you with a list of restaurants in the area. ¥ Thursday night there will be a Welcoming Reception in the Hospitality Suite from 7 to 9 p.m. Please come and have a taste of San Francisco and California. (Registration also) ¥ Bring an all-weather coat or jacket. Remember, San Francisco is surrounded by water on three sides and it does get chilly at night. ¥ Delegates, please bring hand-crafted donations to the Convention from your branch members for the Scholarship and Heritage Fund Sales. We will appreciate beautiful hand-made and useful things, such as hand-sewn, embroidered, crocheted, knitted, stitched, etc. items. The sales will be held at the Hotel headquarters. If possible, please tag and price each item, and add the donor’s name, too. Thank you very much. The Convention is bigger than we expected and that is why we have booked a second hotel near the first one. For those of you who will be staying at the Cartwright Hotel, I know you will enjoy your stay. It is a beautiful hotel with an outstanding staff to meet your every need. And remember, you will be two blocks closer to the Cable Cars, Union Square and Chinatown! As of now we have more than 165 people at both banquets and the reservations are still coming in. The tours arc all booked solid, with a list of people on stand-by. I know you will have the time of your life at this Convention!!! Branch 13 President Josephine Aiuto and the Convention Committee will make sure you truly do “leave your heart in San Francisco!” Barbara Chiodo, Convention Chairman “San Francisco Welcomes Usi Membership Campaign April 1, 1994 to April 1, 1995 The year’s convention campaign resulted in a gain of 159 members including 47 Juniors and 28 Junior transferees. Thirty branches participated. Branch: 20, Joliet, IL 31 33, Duluth, MN 3 2, Chicago, IL 16 101, Bedford Hts., OH 3 108, Virginia Beach, VA 14 14, Euclid, OH 2 39, Biwabik, MN 13 38, Chisholm, MN 2 30, Home Office 11 47, Garfield Hts., OH 2 Campaign Awards totalling 35, Aurora, MN 8 50, Cleveland, OH 2 $230.50 are being mailed early May 43, Milwaukee, WI 8 1, Sheboygan, WI 1 to workers or secretaries. Congratu- 12, Milwaukee, WI 6 3, Pueblo, CO 1 lations and appreciation to the 30 13, San Francisco, CA 6 16, South Chicago, IL 1 branches and 92 campaigners for 34, Soudan-Tower, MN 5 32, Euclid, OH 1 their interest, care, determination 73, Warrensville, Hts., OH 5 79, Enumclaw, WA 1 and love of Zveza in enhancing the 42, Maple Hts., OH 4 89, Oglesby, IL 1 organization’s membership. God 5, Indianapolis, IN 3 95, So. Chicago, IL 1 bless you! 23, Ely, MN 3 103, Washington, D.C. 1 25, Cleveland, OH 3 105, Detroit, MI 1 Individual campaigners are: Jonita Ruth (20) 18 Raymond Nusko (2) 1 Beverly Menart (33) 1 Frances Siskar (39) 6 Julia Petrich (2) 1 Althea Twerberg (33) 1 Patricia Figurowski (20) 5 Mary Reich (2) 1 Adeline Mustonen (34) 1 Margaret Walling (39) 5 Jean Scianna (2) 1 Marcella Rooney (34) 1 Alouise Epley (73) 5 Jean Železnikar (2) 1 Maria Bradach (35) 1 Alan Boštjančič (108) 5 Pauline Pauchick (3) 1 Linda Cazin (35) 1 Dolores Puhek (2) 4 Phyllis Cesnik (5) 1 Connie Menart (35) 1 Corinne Leskovar (2) 3 Mary Fon (5) 1 Mary Nosan (35) 1 Mary Dezman (12) 3 Mary F. Mohr (5) 1 Betty Orazem (35) 1 Olga Ancel (20) 3 Anna Jelenich (12) 1 Joanne Pleveli (35) 1 Margaret Louch (20) 3 Donna Frich (13) 1 Barbara Urich (35) 1 Cirila Kermavner (25) 3 Beverly Jackson (13) 1 Barbara Vudovnik (35) 1 Helen Adkisson (34) 3 Lois Jensen (13) 1 Mary Jane Gillman (38) 1 Mary Ann Braechel (108) 3 Mary Lehane (13) 1 Kathryn Knuth (38) 1 Linda Fischer (108) 3 Mary Globokar (14) I Veronica Byrne (39) 1 Mary L. Mathews (108) 3 Diane Varney (14) 1 Jean Korsman (39) 1 Ciszek-Reich-Pirman (2) 2 Edna Winters (16) 1 Sue Harris (42) 1 Ann Grambow (12) 2 Mary Babich (20) 1 Jeanette Offutt (42) 1 June Patrick (13) 2 Victor Boštjančič (20) 1 Arlene Fritz (43) 1 Mary Rozman (20) 2 Amelia DeFranco (20) 1 Sofia Grdolnik (43) 1 Joan Polyner (23) 2 Mary Kay Demick (20) 1 Elsie Spellacy (47) 1 Marjorie Church (43) 2 Marcia Judnich (20) 1 Mary Taucher (47) 1 Rosalie Dovnik (43) 2 Mildred Pucel (20) 1 Evelyn Pipoly (50) 1 Josephine Janezic (43) 2 Lori Tezak (20) 1 Anna Skebe (50) 1 Matilda Simcic (43) 2 Suzanne Tezak (20) 1 Anna Anderson (79) 1 Florence Mirtel (101) 2 Julia Zgonc (23) 1 Helen Gorgul (89) 1 Dorothy Brezonik (1) 1 Mary Pavlic (30) 1 Amelia Cuzella (95) 1 Elsie Ciszek (2) 1 Josephine Schmidt (30) 1 Dorothy Szumski (101) 1 Josephine Intihar (2) 1 Mary Ann Lekatz (32) 1 Nika Kovacic (103) 1 Irene Kalina (2) 1 Rosemary Donald (33) 1 Irene Odorizzi (103) 1 4/ ZARJA - the DAWN Fr. Christian: MAMA Mama je prva beseda, ki jo otrok izgovori, prva beseda, ki ob njej čuti polnost čustvene navezanosti. Ob besedi mama, ki jo ponavlja znova in znova ko je v strahu pred novo izkušnjo, ko se sreča z nečim, ki mu je tuje, ko ga je strah, ko se srečuje z novimi življenjskimi odločitvami, ko je srečen, ko ljubi, ko je žalosten, vznemirjen, razočaran... vedno izgovarja besedo mama, saj se mu tedaj v njegovih mislih in spominu prebuja slika najsvetlejše osebe življenja. Mama, ti si hrepenenje, ljubezen, ti si vir srčnega utripa, ki je življenje, ti si upanje, radost, tolažba, upanje in vedno zorenje za prihodnost. In mama ostaja vedno simbol življe nja, simbol ljubezni in zavarovanosti ter iskrenega razumevanja, ki sprejema in ljubi brezpogojno. V vseh obdobjih življenja, ob vseh najlepših trenutkih uspehov, žalosti, razočaranj, bolečine in novih podvigov... vedno je z nami naša mama, ki nam steguje roko v priznanje, slovo, nam čestita, se nam milo nasmiha in je ponosna na nas. Še vedno je tista, ki razume, ki brezpogojno šuti za nas in z nami... ali vsaj čutimo tako. Draga mama, tvoje srce je vsespremljajoče, vedno ostaja z nami. Tvoja misel bo za vedno naš zvesti spremljevalec, pa čeprav si morda že zdavnaj odšla in te krije gomila, saj tvoj nasmeh, tvoja milina in zlasti tvoja ljubezen ne bosta nikoli ugasnili. MAMA, HVALA Tl ZA TVOJO LJUBEZEN IN TVOJO BREZPOGOJNO SPREJEMANJE, Tl Sl ODSEV SAME BOŽJE LJUBEZNI ZA NAS VSE, KI SMO TVOJI OTROCI! Mama is the first word spoken by a child, the first word that gives a feeling of closeness. The word Mama, will be repeated over and over again, from infancy on, when the child is fearful of what he doesn’t know, when there’s a stranger in his midst, when he’s afraid, when he encounters something new and unknown, when he is happy, when he is sad, excited, disappointed. That one word illuminates in his mind the picture of the one who is his safety, his consolation, his love, his hope and joy, the one who will be there immediately to hold and protect him. Mama is the name for the symbol of life, love and trust, the deepest understanding; it means you belong and are wanted unconditionally. In all of life experiences, there is no one like Mama, always Mama, who extends her hand to you, encourages you, is proud of your achievements ... the hand that connects to a beautiful smile of welcome, of farewell, of understanding. All of us feel that way towards our Mama ... the feelings are deeper than any other. Dear Mama, your heart accepts me as I am and is always with me. You accompany me on my journey through life and even if you are not physically present and the earth covers you now, your spirit, your smile, your sweetness and ultimately, all your love, is always near. Mama, thank you for all you have given us, your children. You are God’s reflection of love here on earth. Slovenian Madonna with Child by Nancy Bukovnik Courtesy of Slovenian Research Center of America, Inc. Willoughby Hills, Ohio, Prof. Edward Gobetz, Director SWU BRANCHES PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MOTHER / WOMAN OF THE YEAR! Jennie Worth, Chosen Mother of Hr. 2 with her son, Joe and daughter, Anna (seated). was a special education teacher until the onset of\a long illness with cancer). Thirteen years later they wanted to move to California, andin 1961 were on their way, when they stopped in Chicago to visit their long time friend Mary Koziol and her husband. The Koziols helped them to decide to stay and make a home in Chicago. Joe passed away 12 years later just two months before their 25th wedding anniversary. Jennie is well known for her excellent cooking and her hospitality. Because of this, her family has expanded to include many of her friends and her children’s friends and three (considered “adopted”) daughters; Marie, Joyce and Betty Ann. She also loves to crochet and work on other crafts and to participate in many groups some of which include S.W.U. #2 (joining in 1986), St. Stephen’s and St. Ann’s Senior Clubs, St. Paul/O.L.V. Mothers Club, Knights of Columbus and Alhambras Auxiliaries; and she also keeps active by volunteering at Mr. Sinai Hospital. Her son, Joseph uses his florist talents with table decorations at our meetings and usually makes it a festive occasion each month. Jennie stated that it is an honor to be chosen as “Women of the Year.” We wish her a very happy Mother’s Day and many blessings in the days and years to come! (Contributed by Anna Worth) Helen Skul Hr. 2, Chicago, Illinois JENNIE WORTH Jennie Worth was born on March 12, 1926 in a small town known as Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. Her parents were of Italian descent. She was the middle child having two brothers, one older and one younger. Her parents (Joseph & Anna) and her older brother (Tony) are deceased. Her younger brother (Bob) lives in Houston, Texas with his family and although they are separated by many miles, they continue to have a very close relationship. As a young girl after completing school she went to work in the Westing-house Air Brake factory. She met her husband-to-be (Joe) who lived in the next small town. Wall, Pa. and who was in the Navy. Upon his return home from overseas they were married on June 19, 1948. Later they became parents of two children, Joseph (who is now a florist) and Anna (who Br. 3, Pueblo, Colorado HELEN SKUL Helen Skul, Mother-of-the year of Branch 3, has been a member for 17 years. She is a very active member, always willing to help out and generously donates cards, stamps, and bingo prizes. The oldest of three children, Helen was born to Ann and Louis Anzick. Her sister, Ann passed away in 1948. Melvin, her brother, who is a veterinarian, lives in Livingston, Montana. In 1948, she married Sam Skul and they enjoyed 44 years of marriage before his death in 1991. They had three children: Luann, her oldest, is a therapist and consultant in Anchorage, Alaska, Gary is the artist in residence at the Sangre De Cristo Art Center in Pueblo, and Tom is an architect designer also living in Pueblo. She has two grandchildren, Abby and Barrett. Abby is a member of Branch 3. After attending St. Mary’s Grade School and graduating from Central High School, she worked in the offices of the Crews-Beggs Dry Goods Store and the Colorado Fuel & Iron Corporation. Due to her mother’s illness, Helen was her devoted caretaker until her mother’s death in November 1994. In 1994, her parents had completed 72 years of marriage! Helen has many friends and this was shown when, in 1994, her friends celebrated her 70th birthday by chartering a bus so they all could go to Cripple Creek, Colorado to enjoy the casinos! The members of Br. 3 are proud to honor Helen as the Mother of the Year. Congratulations! Br. 10, Cleveland, Ohio STEPHANIE SEGULIN Our Mother of the Year is from Br. 10 and has been a member for 7 years, three of them as president and 2 as vice president. She is a Cleveland native; parents were Joseph and Steffie Koncilija who came from Slovenia. Our Steffie was born on Nov. 23, 1922, and was an only daughter with three brothers. She attended St. Mary’s School in Collin-wood, graduated from Collinwood High School in 1942 and attended Community College, graduating in 1972. In 1978, she graduated from Cleveland State University. Steffie did housework and baby-sitting from the age of 12. When she was 18 she worked at the Cleveland Board of Education for 3 years. She has always enjoyed singing at St. Mary’s and Cleveland State and also loves bowling, with many trophies on her shell. She met her husband, Clarence Segulin, at a dance - they both loved dancing -when he was a marine in WW II. Steffie also spends her liesure time with friends playing cards. Before Clarence passed away in 1969, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. It's already 25 years since she became a widow. There are five children in the family and they have their own families by now. Oldest is daughter, Stefanie Dagg who has 5 children; Michael has 2 children, Clarice has 3, Tina has 4. They all live in Ohio. So, the 14 grandchildren love to have their grandma stay with them, babysitting, taking them to school, also out to dinner and to the park! She always remembers their birthdays and sends gifts - even at holiday time. Seven of them are members of Br. 10. Steffie is the president of Br. 10 and as such sets up social events that the members enjoy. She brings gifts for the raffles and with her wonderful personality, smiling and happy, she is nice to have around. She was chosen as the 1,000th member of a Senior Club and was honored by them at a dinner in Eastlake, Ohio. Steffie thinks her greatest achievement in life was graduating from college. “It was a wonderlul experience -and I believe everyone should attend college at one time. It was a great achievement to graduate. I enjoyed it and it made life more interesting because I met a lot of interesting people.” Steffie Segulin Anna Jelinek Br. 12, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Anna Jelinek A member of SWU Branch #12 for seventeen years. In 1916, our mother, Anna Jelinek was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin into the family of Anna (nee: Kotar) and John Gorishek and their three year old son, John. Her mother was from Mirna Peč and her father from Šent Jernej in Slovenia. Her parents owned a wood and coal business in Milwaukee and she attended elementary and vocational school. At the age of seventeen, Anna began cooking in a West Allis restaurant run by Agnes and Frank Kragel. There, Agnes played “match-maker” and in 1937 Anna married Albert Jelinek, a tool and die maker from West Allis. Three years later they built a home in West Allis where they lived until his death in 1973 — after thirty-seven years of marriage. Mom and Dad raised four sons. Albert is a high school biology teacher in Milwaukee. Alfred is presently the Postmaster of Bristol, Wisconsin. Allen currently is president of the Milwaukee letter carriers’ union. Alwin and his wife, Doreen, live in Cudahy where he is a tool and die maker. Three sons and their families all live in the Milwaukee area and Anna lives with her son Albert in Wauwatosa. She has five granddaughters -- Anna (Mike) Kelly, Elaine (Tom) Canzoneri, and Amy, Mary and Kim Jelinek and two grandsons — Alfred and Jim Jelinek; and two great granddaughters — Krysta and Malissa. Everyone of them likes to go to grandma’s for her delicious homemade soup, potica, cakes and tortes. She is very proud of the accomplishments of all of her “kids.” Mom loves cooking, baking and homemaking. She has beautiful collections of porcelain birds and Hummel figurines. In 1978, the Milwaukee Journal featured her as “Best Cook on the Block”, printing a nice article about her Slovenian background and her recipes for potica, stuffed veal breast and other “treats”. This article prompted phone calls and notes from all over the country — including one proposal from a total stranger! Her reaction, “He just wanted a cook and housekeeper. No way!” Mother is a very warm, outgoing and generous person who is always giving of herself to others. Whether she is giving a word of comfort or support, a donation, flowers, or baked goods for a function at church, the Slovenian Retirees Club or SWU, a smile always accompanies her gift. Her smile hides the fact that she has some serious health problems including arthritis (she has had both knees replaced) and a degenerative motor-nerve condition. She faces each set back with the command to herself, “Push, Annie, push!” and proceeds with hope that things will be better. Her warmth and smile have endeared her to many. This is demonstrated by the fact that so many non-family members refer to her as “Ma.” We hope that we can follow the fine example she has set for us. Albert Jelinek H« s|e sj« sje sjc To be chosen Mother of the Year is one of the greatest honors that I have ever been given. 1 am most grateful to my wonderful friends of Branch 12. This honor made me reflect on different events and people that have touched my life. Three Slovenian women have made a lasting impression on my life. My teta Polonca (Apolonia Butchar) was much more out-going than my mother — from her 1 learned the value of socializing and laughter. Not only did Agnes Kragel introduce me to my husband and teach me to cook but she also taught me a lot about dealing with people. My greatest role model was my mother who taught me to treasure the joys of homemaking, cooking, baking and motherhood. From her example 1 learned patience and a trusting belief in God. I hope I have made them proud. Anna Jelinek Stana Grill Mary Therese Ehnat Iir. 14, Euclid, Ohio STANA GRILL Stana Grill was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1928, is of Slovenian descent and was an only child. Her parents were Tony and Cecelia Mrsnik. She married Val Grill with whom she shared many beautiful memories. They were married 39 years before she became a widow. Blessed with three loved daughters, Sharon, Connie and Cindy, who are all married and have families, Stana is now the proud grandmother of five, ranging in ages from I to 18 years. Grandma is always there when needed for babysitting and to feed their healthy appetites. Stana has always been interested in the field of medicine and began working in this field as a Nurse’s Aide at Huron Road Hospital during the last two years of high school which she concluded at Euclid Central in 1946. Later she worked part-time at Richmond Heights General Hospital in the admitting office. This position became full-time later. She retired after 25 years of service on Jan. 1, 1991. Great enjoyment for Stana is her weekly bowling team with friends. She has been bowling for about 25 years and altho she is just an “average” bowler, she really enjoys it. At the present time, Stana is an Auditor at Br. 14 where she holds a 34-year membership. Since being a widow and retired, more time is found to be an active member. She says she is very happy with the honor of being the 1995 Mother of the Year and extends her thanks to the members for choosing her! Br. 16, So. Chicago, Illinois MARY THERESE EHNAT Our 1995 Mother of the Year, Mary Therese Ehnat, has been a member of Branch No. 16 for 55 years! She was born in Chciago on December I, 1928 and both of her parents were Slovenian. Her brother, Edward Bajuk is deceased. She is a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School on the East Side. She has done secretarial work at Henry E. Gremp Co., Great Lakes Carbon and at the present time is a clerical secretary in the Office of the East Side Chamber of Commerce. Therese met her husband, George Ehnat in a most unusual way. While employed at Henry Gremp, George was working there as a welder and one day came into the office and accidentally bumped Therese with the door! That bump was the beginning of a courtship that culminated in their marriage on February 7, 1948. George was employed as a Draftsman at John Mohr & Sons. He passed away on June 17, 1948. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Therese and George were blessed with 4 children in their marriage - Tanhe, (her last name spelled backwards!) is married to Paul Panczuk. He is employed as a teacher at Rich East High School in Park Forest and they have 3 children, Jason 18, Dana 16andNick 15. All children attend Marian Catholic High School and Dana applied for a K.S.K.J. Scholarship and received honorable mention. Daughter, Georgene is married to Donald Saternus who is employed at United Airlines and they have 3 children, Kara 10, Melissa 6 and Christopher 5. Youngest daughter, Kathy is married to Walter Slezak, an attorney with Lord, Bissell & Brook, Corp. and they have 2 children, Joseph 14 and Susan 11. Son, Tom is married to Karen Slezak who is the sister of Kathy’s husband. Tom is a Radiological Technologist with a Chiropractor in Naperville and he and Karen have 2 children, Ben 7 and Barbara 5. Therese has never held office in our branch, but has always attended all branch sponsored affairs, supported the events generously and attends meetings on a regular basis. She is a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers of St. George Church, St. Mary’s No. 80 of the K.S.K.J. and the Women’s Club of St. Francis DeSales Church. She is the third member of her family to receive the honor of Mother of the Year. Her grandmother, Mary Matasick, was honored in May of 1958 and her mother, Mary Brebrick received the honor in 1972. Therese will be honored at a dinner on Saturday, May 13 at the Crow Bar Lounge where she will be crowned 1995 Mother of the Year by our 1994 Mother of the Year, Bernice Jarkovich. Therese is a devoted and loving mother and grand- Joyce Vicich mother, has a sparkling personality, is a fun-loving person and as her sister members will agree, it is always a delightful experience to be in her company. May you be blessed with the best of health, Therese, so that you will enjoy your lovely family for many years to come. Congratulations! Gladys K. Buck Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois _______________________ JOYCE VICICH Joyce Vicich has been chosen as Women of the Year 1995 by Br. 20, our largest branch of the SWU. Joyce has been a member for 28 years, since the time when her grandmother, Mrs. Frances Ukovich was honored by the same title, Mother of the Year, in 1967. Joyce’s mother, Ber-nadine also became a member that year. Mrs. Ukovich is now deceased; she died at the age of 104 years, being the oldest member at the time of her death and a charter member, since 1926, the year of the founding of SWU. Joyce was elected as an officer of Br. 20 back in 1987 when she became a Trustee and in 1988, was elected as Vice President. She then served as President in 1990 and 1991. As President, Joyce initiated some wonderful activities for the members. She brought in guest speakers to the monthly meetings to keep the members up to date in many interesting subjects such as current fashions, styles, cosmetic care, current health changes, how various organizations operate, travel agent information, safety measures in the home, and many more. The members have truly enjoyed these programs. Joyce also initiated the change from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon for our annual Grape Harvest Ann Saari Dance to accommodate the elderly. This has generated a more successful event with more people of all ages attending. Joyce was born in Joliet. Her parents are Bernadine (Ward) and John Ukovich. She received her primary education at St. Joseph School and attended Joliet Township High School from where she graduated in 1967. At present she works for the county as an accounting clerk. As such she has many contacts with people that she enjoys and it makes her job very challenging, she says. Joyce also enjoys working on her family history, so Genealogy has become a really fascinating hobby. She and her husband, Robert Vicich were married in 1972. Robert is more than a good husband, he is also her partner in volunteering for many good causes included church, school and SWU activities. At present they help every Friday with the fish fry at the Moose club. Robert, she says, is her greatest inspiration in life; since she met him, he has been most supportive of all her endeavors. It is because of Robert that Joyce has become such an extrovert. Joyce tells of the time when Robert was courting her. At that time in her life, Joyce was extremely shy - too shy to talk to anyone she did not know well. He helped her approach people and not be afraid to talk and socialize. Today, Joyce enjoys greeting people and helping friends to overcome that same fear. She is indeed a gracious lady. She and Robert have two lovely daughters, Debbie, a student at Joliet West H.S. and Jill, who has graduated and is employed at Cost Cutters. Both girls are our members, too. Joyce states that her “role model” was Mrs. Emma Planinšek, a neighbor of Joyce’s family a long time ago. She remembers her fondly because Mrs. Planinšek taught Joyce the time tables when she was a very young girl! As a good friend of her mother’s, Mrs. Planinšek always had time for everyone and was a wonderful person - and very dear to her. Like Mrs. Planinšek, Joyce is truly an outstanding member and represents the best qualities of our sfovenian Women of today. A.M. Dragovan ANN M. SAARI A lovely lady and a lovely member! Ann Saari has been with Br. 23 in Ely, Minnesota for 60(!) years and during all this time she has been contributing her,talents and loyalty. In recent years she has been president of the branch. And remember the year 1941? That was the year Br. 23 Drill Team made it’s debut with Ann as the Captain! In a 1942 issue of ZARJA Ann was described as “an endearing girl, with a pleasant personality and good leadership qualities”! Ann was born in Ely. Her lather, Michael Mertel, a mine worker, was killed the year she was born. Her mother, Magdalena Verbeck Mertel raised Ann, her two brothers and three sisters all alone. Mom passed away in 1946 and Ann took on the role as caregiver to her brothers and sisters until they grew up. She was a brilliant girl in school. She decided to become a teacher and attended the St. Cloud State Teachers College, receiving a-degree in elementary school teaching. She taught at Kettle River, Ely, Minnesota, Lansing, Illinois and Chamberlin, So. Dakota. During this time she married Uno Saari in 1936. Uno worked for the Corps of Engineers so Ann travelled throughout the U.S. where she was able to continue her teaching career. Ann was married for 58 years until Uno passed away in February, 1994. Ann and members of her family are members of Br. 23. Her mother was also a member and was one of the SWU travelers which took a tour to the former Yugoslavia by boat (lie de France) in 1938. That was a trip of great memories for all participants! She’s active in the VFW Auxiliary, even being elected to presidency of the state VFW. She is a peppy lady, always there for her member-sisters and friends. She is tall and has beautiful hazel eyes. Marcella Zupec, past president of Br. 23 writes about Ann as follows: “Ann is much too modest to talk about all ot the things she has done for our Ely branch. In fact, she declined to accept this honor as our Woman ot the Year when lirst asked about it. I know she is very proud of this tribute because it refers to her membership with a great group ol women. I, for one, certainly can’t think ot anyone who deserves it more for all she has done for the branch. Br. 25, Cleve kind, Ohio FRANCES BARMAN We have the pleasure of printing the story of our Mother of the Year, Frances Barman, as it was submitted to us by her son, Tony. We know you will enjoy his interesting comments and true interpretations from a son's viewpoint. We extend our best to Mrs. Barman who is 97 years young and hope she lives a happy life, with 100 years not too far in the future! Born in Slovenia in the town of Trzin, near Mengeš and Domžale, Frances’ parents were Jakob and Gertrud Abe (Gertrud being the second wile of Jakob, after the death of his first wife). It was the year 1898 and the day, February 18th. The family totaled eleven! They lived mainly from farming, and so, fora better life, a number of them, namely 3 sons and 2 daughters, migrated to the US. early in life, settling in Michigan, Minnesota, New York; my mother, Frances went to Cleveland, Ohio in the St. Clair area, near St. Vitus Church. In Slovenia, my mother, Frances had basic grade school education and she learned how to sew as her father bought her a sewing machine when she was only 12 years of age. This made it much easier later in life to get employment when she came to the U.S., as she had a skill. In the U.S. she first worked in a sweater factory and shortly after, started as a seamstress in a shop making ladies fine dresses. In 1940, she and I moved to the Collinwood area, at 159th St., and in the late 40’s, she stopped working to devote full time to home-making and caring for me, her son. Here also started her joy in gardening, growing plants. In 1951, she moved to No. Olmstead, so her son would be closer to his work at NASA, Cleveland Airport area. This new home had a lot more land for gardening and she expanded her hobby. Soon many trees were planted for landscape purposes, annuals, perennials, and a large vegetable garden flourished. Also, she and I were active with the first group that formed a new parish and built the new church of St. Richard. Thus, mother became an avid gardener and also a rose fancier, growing prize-winning roses, exhibiting them in competition and winning many trophies. In her spare time, she braided cloth carpets (throw rugs) and, being a member of a woman’s club, she made lap blankets (40” x 40”) for nursing home patients and some of them were also donated to the Slovene Home for the Aged patients. One of her favorite places to exhibit her roses and other blooms was at the Berea Fair - she did this for some 25 years! Now, because of age and deteriorating eyesight, and being forgetful, these are only memories. Mother first married Anton Colnar in Slovenia, during WWI. He was wounded in battle and died in 1919. I was born just six months before, so for a short while he was able to see and observe his son. When mother migrated to the U.S. in 1930 and settled for a time with her sister-in-law in Cleveland, that is when she began working as a seamstress. Later she met Joe Barman, an auto mechanic. She married Joe in 1925 in St. Vitus Church by Fr. Ponikvar. Joe went into partnership with Frank Rich operating an auto repair and body garage on 61st St., behind Slapnik’s Florist shop. Joe died in 1936 a victim of Hodgkins disease. Widowed again, mother managed home, work and was instrumental in my finishing high school (East Technical) and going on to college, (now Cleveland State), from where 1 graduated with a BME degree (Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering). I left Cleveland for employment and mother was alone again for a new years as I was assigned to NACA, now NASA, Airforce Base at Langley Field, VA, as an airforce reserve corporal. When I was transferred back to Cleveland, we were together again. Here in Cleveland, with NASA, I was with the design and development team as Frances Harman project engineer until my retirement in 1974 in the development and construction of research and testing facilities at the Cleveland station and also at the Sandusky station, my expertise being in the system design, especially in cryogenec and ultra high vacuum fields. Mother had a few ups and downs in life, but managed to survive and overcome them. We were still living in Collinwood when we made a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. There mother went on a horse-back ride over the Continental Divide and suffered a fall off the horse, breaking her arm at the shoulder. Apparently, the horse had been spooked somehow. In.Estes Park Hospital, the doctors set her arm and applied the so-called “hanging cast”, meaning that mother had to be in the vertical position day and night for some seven weeks, until the cast was removed. Upon return home, the arm break was checked out and found to be well-healed. Later, with the help of hospital therapist, a friend, Pauline Eberman and myself, mother’s arm was back to normal and with full use, but there were some hectic moments during her recovery! In No. Olmsted, her garden and backyard was again under her watchful eye. Everything was growing well and there always was a bouquet available for someone’s enjoyment, either at the nursing home, receptionist’s desk, friend’s home, the church. She still sees to it that I pass out bouquets of flowers at many of her favorite locations! Her special miniature roses are most popular and in great demand, especially with young ladies 6 years old or so! We grow some 200 large rose bushes and close to 100 mini roses bushes. For mother, age is creeping up on her and lile for her is frustrating with the loss of her eyesight, forgetful mind, bad knees, but she’s o.k. otherwise! She says “I’m not deserving to receive so many honors now - others are much more qualified and they do much more! Now I can’t do anything but eat and walk around a little!” Tony Colnar What a wonderful story, Tony! We know that you mean everything to your mom and have been her “eyes” for a long time. Thank you! To Mother, Frances, we extend all the best wishes from members near and far! f HELEN GULLA At the November meeting of Branch 26, the ladies voted Mrs. Helen Gulla as the “Mother of the Year.” Since that meeting, Mrs. Gulla passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 1995. The ladies wish to bestow the honor of “Mother of the Year” to Helen Gulla posthumously. Born July 9, 1909, in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, Mrs. Gulla’s parents, John and Mary Benec, called the Bela Krajina region of Slovenia home. Helen was one of six children; four sisters, one who survives and two brothers. Helen was a member of the Slovene parish of St. Mary Assumption from childhood, where she attended school and was a life-long member. Her young years found her employed at the Hubbard Company which was the world’s largest maker of shovel’s and a major defense supplier during World War II. On February 15, 1928, Helen walked down the aisle of St. Mary’s to extend her hand in marriage to John Gulla. Helen was a natural homemaker who enjoyed baking and knitting. She and John had two children - son, Raymond at home and daughter, Rita Marmarelli. Helen also enjoyed her 3 grandchildren, David, Diane and John Marmarelli and I great-grandson, Michael. In 1992, Helen’s husband, John passed away after 64 years of marriage. While a 50-year member of Branch 26, Helen held the office of Treasurer. She was an active member attending meetings, socials and outings these many years. Although Mrs. Gulla was a quiet, little woman, her presence at our meetings will be truly missed. Počivaj v miru, draga Helen! MADELYN M. ABBOTT Madelyn M. (Colosimo) Abbott was chosen to be honored as “Mother of the Year” for Branch 33, Duluth, MN, of which she has been a member for 37 years. She was born in Duluth, July 14, 1918, of parents who came from Italy, to a family with 2 girls and 3 boys. She attended Stowe Elementary and Denfeld High School. Her “life school” earns her a degree in courage, knowledge and kindness. Madelyn has been a member of St. Elizabeth’s parish her whole life. She married Joseph A. Abbott, July 6, 1941, and enjoyed a fine but short marriage. They were married only 7 years when Joe died, leaving her a widow at 29. Madelyn’s two children, Joseph Jr. (Junior) and Helene (Sissy) were 6 and 3 years old when their father died, have been her “life.” Now they continue to be her “lifeline” as they continue to be a “family”, (without “in-laws”) only a son and two daughters. Madelyn lived in her home “Maddie’s Castle”, just a short distance from her parent’s home, and was “Mother and Father” to her children. She also housed those in need, including her Mother, whom she cared for in her home through several strokes, until moving into Lake Haven Manor which is now her “Home.” There she is as much a “volunteer” as a “resident.” As her children grew older she held a variety of jobs to provide her children with the best life she could, even if it meant doing without herself. Her jobs included clerk/short order cook at corner grocery; waitress; cashier at Hotel Duluth, Black Bear Lounge; and St. Ann’s Residence, from which she retired, 4 years after a triple by pass, with 14 years service at age 72. Madelyn Abbott Lucille Svatos tHelen Gulla 12/ ZARJA - the DAWN Maddie’s many hobbies include cooking “Italian style,” baking, sewing, needlework, playing piano, redecorating “her way”, and crafts that now include making butterflies and rainbows. Both of her children, Joe and his wife, Patricia, and Helene live in New Duluth. They, and Helene’s boyfriend, Dick Gillen, are her “famliy” as well as their dogs, and now the residents of Lake Haven, too, are part of her extended family. All four of them are always available to do whatever they can to brighten her life. Visits to her at Lake Haven, going for rides, and taking her to their homes for special meals, holidays, or just give her a chance to assist/ supervise in the kitchen. Madelyn and her daughter, Helene, are members of Branch 33. Her sister, Lillian, is a member of SWU in Hibbing, MN. She assisted our branch in any way she could, especially on “Italian” Ethnic Night. Madelyn is a happy, comical, humorous, generous, talkative, caring, helpful, fun-loving, determined “people person”. Always thinks about others and doing special things for them. It is a pleasure to know and be with Madelyn, as she always goes out of her way to make you feel you are a better person. Madelyn will be honored with gathering and lunch at St. Elizabeth Parish Hall May 3 wtih family and friends. Come and join us for this happy celebration! “A loving family is a caring family!” whether it is Madelyn’s, yours, or mine. by Helen Abbott and Lois Pelander Br. 34, Soudan-Tower, Minnesota LUCILLE BETTY SVAT OS Our Mother of the Year is another first for Branch 34 - Lucille is of Czechoslovakian ancestry! Lucille was born in Blooming Prairie, in the southern part of MN, where rich farmland abounds. Her parents, William and Mary Moravec Wencl, were also born in Blooming Prairie, William in 1891 and Mary in 1897; they lived on the farm of Grandpa Moravec. William was from a family of nine, 8 boys and 1 girl, William outlived all his brothers and died in Ely in 1979, having lived his last two years with Lucille and her family. William and Mary raised five daughters, only Lucille was their biological daughter, and she was born 13 years after they were married. Three of the other four were daughters of relatives who had died, one set of parents were both killed in a car accident when their daughter, Regina was only six weeks old. Born on May 21, 1929, Lucille attended school in Blooming Prairie. She married Charles (Chuck) Svatos on April 9, 1947. He was born in Owatonna, on May 7, 1923, and Lucille always knew him — he happened to live across the street from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, their home church. Chuck served in the Navy and was aboard the USS Chicago; he witnessed the end of World War II in Japan. When they were married they had a big celebration. Their attendants were a cousin, Marie Wencl, and Chuck’s sister, Bernadette Svatos, also Ludwig Wencl and George Dietz Anna Rose Smolieh Their wedding day started with the church wedding, then breakfast, then dinner, with a dance at night and lunch after that! Chuck and Lucille became parents of five children, all of whom are college graduates -- Kathleen Bush of Duluth, a graduate of the University of MN, Duluth (UMD), teaches home bound children and also works at a group home in Proctor; there are 4 Bush children, Christopher, Amy, Anthony and Nathan. Raymond Svatos, a graduate of Bemidji Teachers College, works as a Reclamation Officer for the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board in Chisholm and lives in Iron, MN. There are 3 Svatos grandchildren, Jonathon, Sarah, and Matthew. Ronald Svatos, a graduate of the University of MN St. Paul Forestry School works as a Forester in Ely for St. Louis County. Ron plans to be married this fall. Mary Jacobson, a graduate of UMD majored in business is a homemaker. There are 2 Jacobson grandchildren, Benjamin and Eddie and they live in Cloquet, MN. Steven Svatos graduated from Bemidji Teachers College and lives at home with Lucille and coaches at Tower-Soudan High School and works for Nelson’s Hardware in Tower. Chuck had heart surgery in 1967 and was never in good health after that. He had an aortic valve replaced, then in 1979 he had further surgery to replace the valve with a St. Jude valve. Chuck died on April 2, 1988, from cancer and was constantly in and out of the hospital during all those years. Chuck and Lucille were married for 41 years when-he died. In between bouts of illness, they traveled to every state except Alaska. Chuck’s sister, Sr. Bernadette, with the Franciscan Sisters out of Rochester, MN, would come back home to MN and Chuck and Lucille would accompany her back to where she was teaching at that time. Since Chuck’s death, Lucille has traveled also. She went to Japan to visit Sr. Bernadette with son, Ron. Daughter Kathy and Lucille went to London to visit grandson, Chris, who was going to college there. Lucille and Kathy went to France to visit granddaughter Amy who was going to college in France; they visited Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Now Amy wants Grandma Lucille to visit Czechoslovakia with her! This past winter Lucille spent a week visiting friends in Florida — what a traveler! Lucille is what you would call a “master" crafts person! There seems to be no end to what she will make, her work being of excellent quality, neat, well-made, etc. She has shown her work at craft shows, Christmas boutiques, local stores and elsewhere. She has even tackled woodworking and is handy with a saw! She is an expert in crocheting and sewing. Being raised on a farm, she knows what work is and is an excellent cook and baker, her specialty being breads and rolls. We have tasted her delicious dinner rolls... she should be in business! A talent that we may be unaware of is hair cutting — she tells about Eddie, her youngest grandchild, 3 years old, who told someone “only my grandma cuts my hair!” Lucille loves to pick blueberries and has had big gardens and has canned many quarts of vegetables and berries in her lifetime. After Chuck’s death, Lucille purchased a home in Tower and she did a lot of the renovating herself-scraping paint, varnishing woodwork, puttying windows and painting! What ambition! Lucille worked at Parkside Home in Soudan for 3 years and the Tower School for 22 years in the lunchroom. She joined our branch in 1981. This petite, young looking, friendly, ambitious, hard working Czech gal, who can speak Czech, is our Mother of the Year for 1995. Congratulations Lucille, stay as cheerful and pleasant as you are. Adeline Mu stone n Br. 35, Aurora, Minnesota ANNA ROSE SMOLICH One can write volumes about Anna Rose, telling of her generous spirit, her goodness, her talents, her dedication to others, but perhaps the most memorable thing about her is the heartfelt smile with which she greets you! She loves people and people love her! Ann Rose was president of Br. 35 in Aurora, MN for 8 years, from 1978 to 1986, during which time the branch benefitted from her talents for organizing meetings, events, and all kinds of activities. In 1987, the members honored her with a special testimonial banquet and she has since then been their vice-president, offering guidance and help in a continuous way. Anna Rose has made quite an impact on the lives of her sister, Betty and brothers, Joe and Tom, 11 nieces and nephews, other relatives and all her many friends. She is able to do things no one else can or does. She opens her heart to everyone. After graduation from Duluth State Teacher’s College in 1940, she became a grade school techer and applied all her knowledge and feelings to the teaching of young children. She has been teaching for a total of 41 years. Besides the grade school lessons, she applied all her musical knowledge to glee clubs, soloists, operettas, school orchestras, and devoted herself to Holy Rosary Church as full-time organist. Whenever the Festival Singers of Aurora perform, Ann Rose is leading them and accompanying them. She is especially beloved by the members of the American Legion Auxiliary of Aurora who presented her a plaque in recognition of her many years of service as music chairman for the local and district groups. The Biwabik PTA also held a Tea in her honor and thanked her with gifts and tributes for her dedication to children, teachers, school employees and townspeople. So, it seems, everything that Anna Rose does is connected to people, little ones and big ones! Her eleven nieces and nephews are also recipients of her special love. She has taken all of them on vacation trips and helps them with costumes and decorations for their many activities. This is another talent - she is expert at many crafts, such as tatting (she makes beautiful cards and stationery and will do some for our National Convention!), making posters and designing ways to show off her collection of spoons from all over the world. She has 162 spoons in all. The church and charities all have received examples of her work. One time when she and her mother arrived at a church function to give their donations everyone was surprised to see the back scat and trunk of the car overloaded with things made by Anna Rose, her mother and sister! Her mother, Mary was the founder and first Treasurer of Br. 35 and served as president from 1955 to 1966. Since 1963, Anna Rose devoted herself to her mother’s care and comfort, in the homestead where Anna Rose was born. Mother, Mary was always a joy to have at meetings while Anna Rose presided, giving all the assembly a real inspiration; here were two ladies totally devoted to the good of their branch! And, Anna Rose herself has always thought of her mother as the greatest role model because she did so much with so little, was talented in so many ways, was very thrifty and knew how to enjoy her thriftiness and above all, her mother was very generous with her time and belongings. A true musician, Anna Rose enjoys music in all forms and spends time listening to her favorites. Among her fondest memories is when she visited Italy and was present at a performance of the opera “Aida,” in an open air theatre! Aurora is a nice town. It is a nice place to live because there are people there who are friendly and caring. Anyone meeting Anna Rose Smolich will probably never want to ltave! WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT BEING A MOM Carita Girman Driving the kids to school and daycare, kissing away little bumps and bruises, saying prayers and reading stories at bedtime, keeping the kids active in swimming, skating, soccer and piano lessons, thinking up new art projects and educational adventures, and constantly picking up toys and clothes. These are the things I thought defined being a mom. However, during last year’s battle with recurrent ovarian cancer, from my two beautiful, smart daughters, 1 learned so much more about being a mom. From my usually very understanding, sensitive seven-year-old Hannah, I learned that a mother should not wallow in self pity. While looking at my skinny, scarred, hairless body in the mirror, 1 started to cry over the reflection 1 hardly recognized as my own. With a wisdom beyond her seven years, Hannah brought the situation into focus by simply stating, “Mom, you’re not the only one in the world with cancer, you know.” From my normally independent, strong three-year-old Maria, I learned that a mother should know how to confront scary situations. After seeing the exhausting and nauseating effects of the chemotherapy, Maria was sufficiently moved to share with me all her secret defenses. “If that doctor tries to give you that awful medicine again, spit at him. If that doesn't work, bite him. And if that doesn't work, say ‘Na na na na na’ and stick out your tongue.*’ From both of my silly girls, I learned that a mother should maintain her sense of humor, especially in regard to her appearance. My girls’ favorite name for me was “Bald Eagle” until little feathers of hair reappeared. This name was particularly appropriate because the clumps of hair, which my girls painlessly pulled from my head with great amusement, were tossed out in the Fagle Creek Park area for the birds to use as nesting material. Most of all, from my brave, loving children, I learned what being a mom is really all about. In spite of how “normal” we tried to keep our lives in this past year, I saw, heard, and felt the fears of my girls. Comforting Hannah when she had nightmares about mom dying, dealing with Maria’s anger and dependency when mommy had to return to the hospital, reassuring Hannah that the chemotherapy was really helping and not killing mom, and explaining to Maria why mommy can not pick her up and hold her after surgery, these are the things that have been added to our definition of being a mom. To my girls, being a mom is not just doing all those normal, day-to-day motherly activities. From my girls, I learned that being a mom is giving children the sense of security that conies from knowing they will always have their mother’s love. Hannah Meeun (Beautiful Gift) right, and her little sister, Maria Ahwung (Pretty Flower) left, are the two precious daughters of Carita and Scott Girman. Hannah’s 9th birthday is soon, on June 30th, and Maria will celebrate being 5 on August 7th. To Carita, a special message from her darlings: "We love you, mom, and wish you a very happy Mother’s Day!” Jean Korsman Evelyn Pipoly Br. 39, Biwabik, Minnesota JEAN KATHLEEN KORSMAN Jeanette Kathleen Purkat was born on May 1, 1935 in McKinley, Minnesota to Anton and Annie Purkat, Slovenian immigrants. Her father was from Zapotak and her mother from Črnomelj. She was the youngest of five children. Brother Don lives in McKinley, Cyril in rural Gilbert, MN, sister Marge Walling from Duluth, MN; Rosemary is deceased. Jean attended the Gilbert Public School and was a homemaker from the time of her first marriage in 1953 to Robert Perpich. After her marriage ended in 1972, she went to work at the Gilbert Shirt Factory, moving on to several jobs including office work at the newspaper, receptionist work at a dental office, and even a laborer at an Iron Range taconite plant! When she remarried in 1981, she became a farmer’s wife and she continues to work on their potato farm in rural Gilbert. Jean has many talents, but she is an “expert” at cooking and baking. She makes wonderful meals all the time, but especially for holidays. She makes the best poticas and strudels, often for weddings and funerals, and always for special occasions. She makes these items as “gifts” for Christmas and birthdays as well. Jean is married to Roy Korsman, and together they live and farm near the St. Louis River in rural Gilbert. In 1983 they traveled to China, Russia and Finland on a People to People agricultural exchange. Since that time they get together each year at a different site for a reunion with the people they met on this trip. Another trip is being planned for 1996 to Finland (Roy’s heritage) and will hopefully include a visit to Slovenia. Jean is the mother of four children. Jim Perpich (Rosemary Pazzelli) of Eveleth, Kathy (Tim) Riordan of Virginia, Barbara (Hank) Schoonover of Minneapolis, and Rob Perpich of Gilbert. She also has two step-daughters, Kathy Chapman of Gilbert, MN, and Linda Radtke of Shoreview, MN. In January of this year, another step-daughter, Jeanne Radtke, was tragically killed in a car accident. She has 5 grandchildren. Laura Maki (age 21), Melissa Maki (age 18), Philip Perpich (age 13), Patrick Riordan (age 8) and Valerie Schoonover (age 2). She also has 16 step grandchildren ranging in age from 3 years to 22 years old. Jean is a wonderful grandmother with whom the children love spending time, especially slecprovers at the farm which often include berry picking and baking with Grandma. She is always ready to pitch in with babysitting, even traveling to Minneapolis for week-long stints when needed. “My grandmother, Annie Purkat, enrolled my mom in SWU in 1974, and after a “slow start”, I don’t think there could be a more active member of SWU than my mother, Jean Korsman. She has served as President of branch 39, Biwabik, MN, for the past 4 years, and currently is the Minnesota Regional President. She is diligent in her work for SWU, contributing many hours of her time and talents. She was the delegate from Branch 39 to the SWU Convention in Cleveland 4 years ago where she also brought her (then) 89 year old mother. She will, of course, attend the National Convention in San Francisco in May.” Jean has enrolled her two daughters in SWU, as well as all her grandchildren. She works hard to keep the Slovenian traditions alive, and her participation in SWU is a source of great pride and an inspiration to her family. Jean Korsman is an active woman of the 90’s! Besides helping out on the farm with planting, harvesting, and selling their “Primary Foundation” seed potatoes, Jean has become enthusiastic about her husband’s many farm-related activities. She attends his County Ag Inspectors courses and has joined the auxiliary for the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, serving as Vice President for two years. She has been a board member of the American Cancer Society for eight years, serving as the unit President for two years. One of her favorite associations has been as a member of Soroptimist International of the Americas - the largest service organization for women in the world, where she has attended Regional meetings in three states and the International Convention in Toronto, Canada. My mother has an outgoing personality and is quite a “talker.” She is always impeccably dressed and looks remarkably younger than her 60 years (May I, 1995). Kathy Riordan, daughter Br. 50, Cleveland, Ohio EVELYN BLATNIK PIPOLY Evelyn Blatnik Pipoly was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 30, 1923, the youngest of six children. Her parents were Frances and John Blatnik. She attended Collin-wood High School. Evelyn has one daughter, Sharon Trivisonno Roberts, from her first marriage, and a son-in-law, Dr. John Roberts. Evelyn and husband Mike Pipoly have been married for the past 25 years. Mike is an avid golfer, and bowler, and as a championship boxer was inducted last year into the Ohio Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame. Evelyn worked as a Caterer for many years while raising her daughter, then joined Antenna Specialists Co. for 20 years, as a line leader, and First Aid Dispenser. She retired in 1980. Mrs. Pipoly has been a member of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America for the past eight years and has been Membership Secretary since 1989. She has been active and an officer of many other groups including the Slovenian Home of Collinwood (member of their Board of Directors), the Collinwood P.T.A. (President), the Greater Cleveland Federation of Dance Clubs (President, and Chairman of Advertising for the Square Dance Magazine), member of the Italian Sons and Daughter of America (V. President, and delegate to National Conventions). When help is needed, everyone knows that Evelyn Pipoly is always ready, willing and very able. While Evelyn spends a lot of time sharing her skills with her organizations, she is even more generous to her friends and family. If there is a member of her extended family that she has not helped, we are not aware of it. She is “Aunt Evelyn” to many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, a very loved aunt. Her sisters, Vida and Justine and brother. Bob think that Evelyn has been a wonderful sister. Evelyn also had two brothers, Harry, and Albin who are deceased. To her husband Mike, she is “the best thing that ever happened to him,” and is a wonderful, loving, caring mother to her daughter Sharon, and son-in-law John. Evelyn has more friends than anyone we know, and is always there for them. There are eleven other family members at Branch 50 of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, they are: daughter, Sharon Roberts, of North Carolina, husband Michael, sisters, Vida Heisroth of Ashtabula, Ohio, brother Robert, wife Marlene, and daughter Holly of Rowlett, Texas, sister-in-law Mary Blatnik, and nieces Bonnie Blatnik, Kathy Blatnik, Charlotte Carleton, of Delaware, Ohio, and Hermine Morrow of Dallas, Texas. One of the best times of Evelyn’s year is the week in June that she spends at Sunset Beach, NC at her daughter’s Br. 73 selected Virginia Nemeth (right), seen here with Judy Tintera. beach house. At least 10 to 15 additional family members join her renting an additional beach house. Meals are planned each day for the entire group (everyone has one turn), and the evenings are spent playing cards (another love of Evelyn’s) and sneaking out to Grandma’s Homemade Ice-cream store for ice-cream. Of course the miniature Golf Championship is held each year, too! Our family’s Mother-Woman of the Year, is a leader, a very generous person, whose kind manner, hospitable spirit, and whose interest in everyone and everything makes those around her feel lucky to know and love her. “Ev” is a very active person, whose favorite hobbies are playing Pinochle, dancing the polka, reading everything she gets her hands on, and being with friends and family. Evelyn wants everyone to know that she is honored to have been chosen by the members. She has really enjoyed being a part of Branch 50 and has been able to meet and know many of the members through collecting the dues each year. Ev loves her family very much, especially her wonderful daughter and son-in-law who have been very supportive of her. She feels blessed to have so many friends and family who are so good to her, and especially for her husband Mike, who cares for her all the time. Evelyn is also sure that her mother, Frances Blatnik would be very happy that she is carrying on the Slovenian traditions. Thank you one and all, and God Bless you. A.T. Br. 73, Warrenville, OH VIRGINIA NEMETH Virginia Nemeth is a member of Br. 73 for twenty years! She loves to attend meetings and participate in all their functions, always willing with a big smile on her face to do what she can to help. Her donations are generous for whatever good cause. She is a happy lady and the members have enjoyed her company these 20 years! Frances has two children, John and Bob Nemeth and five grandchildren, Katrina, Shawna, Bret, Matthew and Jenifer. Granddaughter Katrina Nemeth was a S.W.U. Scholarship recipient some years ago. She loves to crochet and makes delicious pierogis, one of her many good cook specialties! Best wishes to Virginia for continued fraternalism and we hope all our members will come to St. Wenceslaus church for her celebration on May 2nd! Rr. 100, Fontana, California_______________________________ MILKA ZUPANČIČ Milka Zupančič was born in 1913, in Goče, Slovenija. Her father was Ivan Mišlej and her mother’s maiden name was Barbara Volk. At age seven. Milka was forced to take care of her younger step brother and sister after the death of their mother. Her father then remarried, and four more children were born. She attended elementary school in Goče Pri Vipave. She says that her brother was probably the greatest inspiration in her life and still has cherished memories of their childhood together. At age 20, she left Slovenija to get a job doing domestic work in Trieste, Italy. During World War II she ended up in a concentration camp in Bologna, Italy, where she spent five years. She met her first husband, Dušan Vaseljavič, there, and they were married in 1945. In 1950 they came to Gary, Indiana. Milka ran a boarding house and she cooked, washed and cleaned for 30 boarders. Following that extremely hard work, she decided to go to work in a sewing factory in Gary and remained at that job for the next twenty years. Her marriage then ended and she left her job. In 1964, she met Martin Zupančič in Indiana, and they were married in 1969. Three months after their marriage, they moved to Fontana, California. Her husband passed away in January, 1988, after 19 years of marriage. Milka has a stepson, Frank Zupančič, who, with his wife, Poldi, live in North Hollywood, California with their seven year old son, Martin. Milka enjoys their visits very much. Milka’s main hobbies are gardening — both flowers and vegetables (her beautiful dahlias are 12 to 15 inches wide), sewing, crocheting, cooking and baking. She also enjoys frequent bus trips to Las Vegas with senior citizens’ groups. She has been taking these trips (sometimes weekly) for twenty-three years. Milka joined Branch 100 in 1970 shortly after she moved to Fontana. She always participates in Branch activities wherever they may be. She is a very willing worker and always helps with strudel making at the Slovene Hall. She is also a member of the Fontana Slovene Senior Citizens Club and the Fontana Slovene Womens’ Club. Milka also very frequently visits friends who are ill and unable to go out. Milka Zupančič is an extremely good-hearted person with a terrific sense of humor. She ALWAYS says something to make everyone laugh. She has led an extremely interesting life — a book on her life experiences would no doubt be a “must read.” Milka says she is extremely happy and very proud to have been chosen as the 1995 Woman of the Year. The members of Branch 100 are very proud of Milka, and we congratulate her on being our 1995 Woman of the Year! Mary Lou Vidergar Milka Zupančič Edith Ann Backus Br. 102, Willard, Wisconsin__________ EDITH ANN BACKUS There are few of us who know or remember how it is to milk a cow by hand! Edith does! Her life is distinctly tied ot the farm and the traditions of her family of origin which was among the first to settle in the Willard rural area. She still lives in the homestead of her grandparents, and is a collector of antiques especially old Slovenian artifacts, linens, books and souvenirs. She says her grandchildren, when visiting, love to have grandma open up her closet and see all that she has stored away from by-gone days! Let’s go back to her birthday on August 14, 1931. She was born in a large family with 2 brothers and 3 sisters; being the oldest, living on a small farm in West Central Wisconsin, without modern facilities except electricity, their’s was a world of their own. Her mother was Slovenian, Ivanka Zallar was her name and her father was Elmer Severson, of Norwegian descent. She attended grammar school and then two years at Greenwood High School, later receiving her GED diploma. Early in childhood she was good at domestic chores and did a lot of babysitting for neighbors. She married Walter Backus on June 21, 1947. He served in the Pacific during WW II and was at Iwo Jima. He has been self-employed, delivering gasoline products throughout the Willard and Greenwood areas. Their four sons and one daughter comprise the family. Bill is retired from the Air Force and is a postal worker in Aurora, Co. Leslie works at MariGold Dairy in Stewartsville, MN. Joan is employed in Marshfield; Jim is a Clark Country Deputy Police Officer and Bailey is a student at Greenwood High School. All the children’s achievements were supported by Edith and Walter, with prayers, sacrifice and encouragement. They have 8 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Unfortunately distances separate them, but visits are treasured times when grandma prepares good Slovenian food for them! Edith has been a member of Br. 102 for 26 years and her daughter and two grandchildren are also members. Her mother was a member for 11 years. As a member of other organizations, Edith has held various positions, many of them involving kitchen work and organizing Holy Family parish events. She is a very pleasant person, always greeting people with a smile and good word. She teaches CCD to young parishioners and helps with 4H groups. Folks at the nursing homes see Edith quite often as she makes her rounds visiting and helping others wherever necessary. She earned the nickname “Choo-choo” many years ago and this might still apply to her active schedule! Edith remembers two very special friends in her life, Mrs. Tončka Champa, now deceased and Mrs. Ann Šilc, both formerly of Willard. The two ladies gave her much information about her Slovenian heritage. Tončka, she says, brought her special souvenirs from every trip to Slovenia and always spoke Slovenian to her. Ann taught her how to make many traditional foods, potica is still one of her specialties. All this inspired Edith to take Slovenian language classes led by John Snedic and is very proud to be associated with the Slovenian Women’s Union. She still keeps in touch with Ann Šilc who now lives in Willowick, Ohio. She says that her greatest inspiration was her mother who instilled in her honesty and the willingness to be of help to others. The members consider Edith a wonderful choice as Mother of the Year and thank her for all her generosity and loyalty to the branch. Br. 103, Washington, D.C.___________________________________ MARY PLANTAN BODLING Mary Plantan Bodling was born in Fallentimber, Pennsylvania, the first of five children of Amelia Smerc and Josef Plantan. Mary’s parents had come from large families in Slovenia: Amelia was born and raised in Šentrupert, near Laško; Josef had left his home in Veliki Pod-ljuben, near Rudolfswerth (now Novo Mesto) at age fourteen. They were married in Coalport in 1921 and later made their home in Johnstown. Mary recalls that her dad, a coal miner for many years, grew vegetables and flowers and planted apple, plum, and pear trees. She describes her mother’s potica as the best anyone ever tasted. Mary Bodling Mary’s painting entitled, Pears is dedicated to her father. One of Mary’s early childhood memories is of a grade school teacher’s observation that her name, Plantan, sounded French. When she mentioned that puzzling comment to her father, he readily confirmed the teacher’s guess by explaining his part-French background. It seems that one of Napoleon’s soldiers, during one of the Emperor’s Austrian campaigns, had abandoned his regiment after meeting and marrying “a beautiful Slovene maiden.” He and his bride settled in Veliki Podljuben, and soon the Plantan name was known and respected throughout the area. Today, numerous descendants of that first Plantan couple in Slovenia live in the Novo Mesto district and in America. One, Ivan Plantan, a lawyer and banker, was elected to the town council in Ljubljana (or Laibach, as it was then known) in 1897. Mary left Johnstown for Washington, D.C. late in World War II to work for the U.S. Government. It was there, at a St. Matthew’s Cathedral social, that she first met her husband, Walter. He had chosen military service as his career, and as a consequence Mary found herself on the move frequently. She has kept house on Okinawa, a stone’s throw from the South China Sea, and in Bavaria when Walter was transferred to those distant places. She served as a Red Cross volunteer in an Army hospital; and she handled publicity for the German-American Women’s Club sponsored Frances Adamic, Mother of the Year of Br. 105, with her husband (left) enjoyed meeting Slovenian super star of the accordion, Lojze Slak (center) on his guest appearance in Detroit in 1990. by the U.S. Army in Wuerzburg, Germany. Since Walter’s retirement from the Army, Mary’s home life has been more settled. No more transfers, and no more staying behind with the children as when her husband went off to Vietnam and Cambodia, twice, for one-year tours. He started a second career soon after leaving active duty, spending the next twenty years on the staff of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon. That, too, is behind them as Mary and Walter have begun to enjoy full retirement. Mary has three children: Gerald, a printer in Florida; Barbara, who edits scientific journals in Washington, D.C.; and Edward, a career Army officer stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. There are five wonderful grandchildren, two boys and three girls. Mary’s painting in the 1994 Slovenian Women’s Union anniversary celebration calendar (“Pears”) gives evidence of her artistic talent. Essentially self-taught, she has painted for years. Art lessons have helped her in refining technique but she laments the fact that serious formal instruction might have led to greater success. Still, there are no regrets about having placed her family well ahead of artistic aspirations. Wife, mother, artist, volunteer - and now retirement. Mary says she has enjoyed every moment. In recent years, she has devoted much time and effort to her Plantan “family tree” project. It entails correspondence with close and distant relatives here and abroad. She has searched passenger arrival records in the National Archives, and dealt with federal and local authorities to get relevant documents. To date, Mary has identified sixteen different Plantans (or Plantons) who departed Slovenia between the 1890’s and the post-World War I years to seek their fortunes and start new families in the United States. Several trips to her parents’ natal grounds have helped Mary enhance her Slovenian language skills. These visits have also increased her pride in her Slovene heritage. She is determined to assist in preserving what is known in this country about Slovenian family life and Slovene culture. To no one’s surprise, ZARJA - THE DAWN has become one of her favorite journals. It continually renews her interest in Slovene affairs and keeps track of other Slovene-Amer-icans. “And besides,” she says, “it helps me forget about my aches and pains..." Mary has not lost her sense of humor, despite the discomfort of being handicapped. She Ls happy to be affiliated with Branch 103. Reporter Br. 105, Detroit, Michigan_______________ FRANCES KOSHIR ADAMIC Born in Detroit, MI, Frances is the younger daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Koshir. Her father was born in Slovenia and her mother, although born in the United States, was raised in Slovenia, returning to the States as a teenager. As a youngster, Frances and her sister Helen were raised in the old-fashioned Slovenian tradition. They attended picnics, dances and various other ethnic activities. In 1952, Frances graduated from Hazel Park High School. In 1954, she married Eddie Adamic. For the first 11 years of their marriage they lived in Windsor, Canada, traveling across the border to attend Slovene sponsored events in the Detroit area. They moved to their present home in Warren, MI in 1965. Mother of two children, Barbara Baloh and Robert, Fran is the grandmother of four. Barbara and her husband, Bruce Baloh have a son, Bruce, Jr. in high school and an aspiring hockey player, and a daughter, Brandy, who at the age of 13 is quite a gifted writer. Robert and his wife, Karen have two adorable little girls, Nicole and Michelle, who will be breaking hearts before we know it. As our Vice President, Fran is involved in all of our activities and her family is right there working alongside her. Branch 105 members include, Barbara and Brandy Baloh, Karen Adamic and sister, Helen Grasser. We’re working on Nicole and Michelle. Husband Eddie is the leader of the Eddie Adamic Orchestra. They entertain at many of our Slovene events and have played for our annual St. Patrick’s Day - Slovenian Style dance. All of the members of the Adamic/Baloh families are very active in the Detroit area Slovene community. Several of our members were fortunate enough to travel with the Eddie Adamic Orchestra on one of their trips to Slovenia. This was a wonderful experience and, as with everything she does, Fran works very hard to make sure everything runs smoothly. When the occasion permits, Fran can be seen wearing her authentic Slovenian costume with great pride, a reflection of the great love she has always had for her heritage. We feel fortunate to have this dynamic and caring woman as a member of Branch 105 and are pleased to honor her as our Mother of the Year at a luncheon to be held at the L-Bow-Room restaurant in Warren, MI on May 13th. Patricia Adamic ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mary Pavlic, reporter for Branch 30, is the featured poet of the month. DREAMS, Mary's second selection printed in this column, deals with chronic pain. For years, Mary has endured this condition, and as you read her selection, it will he obvious why she set her pen to writing about her affliction. When Mary sent me her poem she mentioned, ''Hopefully, some of the readers who suffer with chronic pain will find hope from it." Even though she is victimized by this condition, Mary keeps herself extremely busy with all types of projects. Her latest was the establishment of a small research and consulting business entitled, FIND IT. Mary is a natural at locating information, objects, or whatever someone may want and can't find. Her persistence coupled with a creative spirit gets results all the time. Mary is a voracious reader and her latest interest is 19th century ladies' journals, a fascinating topic. She also enjoys painting with watercolors and her special interest is watercolor sketches of old houses. Atlanta, Georgia, the metropolitan area in which she lives, provides many interesting subjects in this category. Animal lovers may be interested in knowing that Mary is a cat fancier and has bred and showed Persians for ten years. At the present they have two “little girls," named Pastel and Shahara who manage quite well with the cockateil and a fifteen year old poodle. Quite a menagerie! Along with being a poet, Mary is a wonderful correspondent, conversationalist and friend. I'm sure she’d love to hear from readers who have enjoyed her poem or who suffer from chronic pain. Give her a call at (404) 457-7698. We look forward to printing other poems from Mary Pavlic’s pen in the future. POETRY CORNER DREAMS by Mary Pavlic I dream of liugs and smiles To be able to relax awhile Of Hawaii’s sunny skies Of Don Everly’s eyes Reservations for a plane A day without self-blame For the telephone to ring “Is there something I can bring To brighten up your day? Can I help in any way?” To read a favorite book To just stand up and cook Without longing to sit down And hide a pain-filled frown To sink down in a chair With no pain waiting there To take a lengthy walk To sit for hours and talk To get into a car And not wonder how far I can make it this time Without losing my mind Thinking only of home Not these cushions of foam That never ease the hurt That only keep me alert To drive a few miles To escape this exile To glance at someone When they're having fun And not be amazed They aren’t feeling crazed By pain that just stays That never goes away While I just pretend This agony will end To not have these thoughts Not get overwrought Not to feel resentment Over their contentment To stop being mad And stop being sad “What would I give To live as they live What is it like To not have those spikes Of pain that I dread Sitting down or in bed Irene M. Odorizzi, Heritage Director Being active or still But, come they will How do they ignore A body so sore When I can’t recall A time before all This happened to me Why can’t they see I wish I could be So happy and free” I dare to dream But it only seems A futile hope I only cope Yes, I coped on Sunday Now it’s Monday I talked with a friend And I didn’t pretend That I am so strong That my feelings are wrong It’s part of the process Of living, I guess Today is pretty good I don’t “wish I could” There’s a meeting tonight I’m going to be all right. (Please send your poem for inclusion in this column to: Irene Odorizzi, 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 22091). Irene M. Odorizzi 2362 Faddock Lane Reston, V A 22091 THE IMMIGRANT PAULA FROM SPODNI KAŠELJ* PART I In her scuffed winter shoes, and with hurried little steps, Pavla Plevnik made her way through the early morning darkness to Devica Marija v Polju Church, almost a mile from her home. It had snowed lightly the night before and the ground was frozen hard. She recalled her mother’s sharp scolding, “You don’t have to go to Church during the week! Sunday Mass is enough!” Paula’s mother was more concerned over the chores that needed to be completed in the house and not her daughter’s need to attend Mass. Paula Plevnik in 1906 desperate need, the Virgin Mary will not fail to answer your prayer, if you make it sincerely.” Paula had missed her second period! She was not entirely clear on what this meant but she remembered a conversation among her girl friends, “If you miss your second period it means that you’re “caught.” She mentally searched for some possible contradiction to this fact. Again she recalled the nun’s words as Sister told the class, “Pray to the Virgin Mary if you are desperate.” Paula latched on to these words with desperation. When she arrived at the church she almost ran to the statue of the blue-robed Virgin Mary. She prayed fervently. This was a sincere prayer if ever there was one. Paula devoutly repeated her prayers three or four times. Finally, she began to feel relieved, but not entirely, for in her heart she sensed that something of cosmic dimensions was happening to her. The warm interior of the church gave her some comfort *Spodni Kašelj is near Ljubljana. but she remained only to hear part of the mass before returning home. She didn’t want any more scenes in the house with her mother. Chores were waiting for her, and the gostilna (restaurant-tavern) needed cleaning before the noontime arrival of customers. A month elapsed. Paula’s prayers had not been heard. Then came the third missed period and the horrible admission which had to be made to her mother. She could no longer hide the morning sickness. The simple fact was that she was pregnant as she had expected. Her mother was furious and spared no verbal and physical abuse on Paula. The baby, a boy, arrived in September of that year. A midwife had been called and there was reasonable attention paid to Paula during this difficult period but an awkwardness prevailed between mother and daughter. There was now the question of responsibility and a name for the child’s christening. Paula was quizzed closely as to the father’s identity. She was not sure. It could have been either Felix or Johan Sesek, who were of the Martin-chek household, a couple of doors away. Both had pursued her but she favored Felix, the younger one, who was a bit taller and more handsome. She had hoped that Felix would stand by her but in this moment of great need he evaded her, denying responsibility. She was at a loss as to how to pressure him. It could just as well have been Johan. He was an interesting young man but tended to exaggerate. Although, he was presently in the army he did have a trade, working in the paper mill in Vevche (Vevče). Paula knew that there would be a problem in marrying either young man of the Martinček household as they were considered “cottagers” and not “landowners” like her family, the Rojsheks, owners of the gostilna in the village of Kashelj (Kašelj). “Homestead names,” like Martinchek and Rojshek, went back several generations and were part of a social structure which existed in Slovenia. Mina Plevnik, her mother, and now a widow, was not about to let her daughters be married to “cottagers” like the Martincheks. Finally, it was decided to christen the new arrival, giving him a popular name of the Hapsburg era of Franz Joseph, the Austrian King. He would be named Francelj. Now, that Paula was a mother, she began to make some decisions. For one thing she arranged that little Francelj would not be raised in the unfriendly Rojshek household. She secretly arranged to have the infant cared for in Zalog by foster parents with the family name of Orehe. Surprisingly, this decision seemed fine with Paula’s mother who did not want little Francelj to be under-foot at the Rojsheks. However, she let it be known in no uncertain terms that it would cost money to have the Orehe family take care of the infant. Within a month or so Paula made another bold move to free herself, this time, from the constant complaints about the cost of Francelj’s upkeep. Paula arranged for the Martincheks to care for the child since they were almost next-door neighbors. Much to Paula’s relief, they were willing to assume responsibility for the youngster on behalf of one of their sons. This was fine with Paula’s mother as she could see that there would be a financial saving. Even though she was not keen on the Martincheks being involved, a secret agreement was arranged between the two families. Pavla answered her mother, “I made a vow for Lent that I would attend one week-day Mass, each week, during the Lenten season.” The real purpose for her attendance on this particular morning was to pray, no, to plead with the Virgin Mary that “it wasn’t so.” Paula’s class at school had been told by the nun who taught catechism, “if ever there is a need to have something important happen, or if you have a really Ljli, -),; ii'i» "«■■■■> Frank Molčilnikar’s Grocery Store Paula could go to the Martincheks to see her child, but the child would not be welcome at the Rojsheks. Under these circumstances Paula began to think of ways to escape. Escape? There was a way! Paula’s sister. Johanna, had gone to America six years earlier. Paula thought, “How lucky for Johanna to have freed herself from our mother’s stern rules.” Roza, another sister, seeing little future as a daughter in the Rojshek household had followed, but only to work for Johanna as a maid. Both girls were now married and from their letters, both seemed very happy. It was so obvious! This was the way to escape — go to America. Even her Uncle Jože had written of the wonderful things in the new country. So Paula quickly wrote a letter to Johanna asking, “Will you send me the money for passage 10 America?” Johanna seriously considered the letter from her sister. Johanna and her husband, Frank Mochilnikar, owned a grocery store and operated a small boarding house in Cleveland. Since she enjoyed the life of a business woman more than that of a housewife, someone was badly needed for the household chores and for helping with the children. Paula could be of great help so they sent her the necessary passage. The possibility of leaving her home in Kasheij became a reality and Paula was scheduled to travel to America but without her child — at least lor the time being. When she arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, Paula was to begin working for Johanna, replacing Roza, who had married Frank Mam, one of Johanna’s boarders. Francelj was now six months old but in good hands at the Martinchek’s. Fie would remain with them until she could send for him. So with no apparent objections from her mother, and with very little preparation, Paula left Slovenia early in April ot 1911. Johan Sesek was in the army at the time and had written very pleasant postcards to Paula and so she left with hopes that he would follow her to America when his military obligation was completed. Even if Johan did not come through, she could marry someone else in the States, with the long range plan of including her little Francelj with her new family. But she kept this option to herself. After all, it was a “long shot.” If necessary, she would remain single and eventually send for her son. On Paula’s arrival in Cleveland, her sister, Johanna received her pleasantly as did her sister Roza. Uncle Jože Plevnik seemed most cordial and otlered what assistance she might need. Things looked good right from the start, but then came another blow — the second one of her young lile. Paula was pregnant again! This time she was familiar with all the signals. Paula quickly confided to her sister Johanna, reluctantly, of course, but it was a necessity. As she feared, Johanna was furious. “To think! To think! Johanna shouted at her. “I went to all this trouble to get you here, paying for your passage and now it turns out that you are pregnant! ” Considerable coolness arose between the two sisters, much like the coolness between Paula and her mother when Francelj was born two years earlier. Finally, Johanna calmed down, reconsidered the situation and took on her sister’s responsibility by saying, “You can stay here and work for me until it is time to have the baby. After the baby is born, come back to work for me again.” Johanna continued with the remaining portion of the agreement. “For the rest of your life, Paula, when you cross the threshold of my home, remember that it was me, your sister, Johanna, that came to your rescue in your time of great need." Paula accepted these terms, she could do little else, but in her heart the acceptance was reluctantly given. She had been allowed a small room upstairs above the grocery store on St. Clair Avenue, where there were also rooms for boarders. Johanna and her family had lived downstairs. The use of midwives was not as widely practiced in the U.S. as in Slovenia and so Paula’s baby was born in a hospital. There was a bill to be paid, which Johanna took care of, taking the money back in due course by deductions from Paula’s wages, such as they were. An awkward situation occurred at the hospital prior to Paula’s release. It was necessary that the husband sign a Johan Sešek in his army uniform Paula and Johan Sesek on their wedding day, 1913 release for the infant. This, of course, was impossible so, after some delay, Paula was allowed to leave with her baby. He was christened, John, after Johan Sesek, who by now appeared to have accepted responsibility for the child. Options of Paula’s finding a husband in America, as Rosa had done, were no longer available. Who would marry her now, with an infant and a child, still in Slovenia? Paula’s real and only hope was that Johan would come through. He continued to correspond with her, still mostly through post cards, but warmly worded, and sent from different army locations. To her great joy, Johan promised to come to America when he was discharged from the army. Meanwhile, in Slovenia, there were discussions at the Martinchek homestead that Johan was to be assisted with passage money to America. Paula’s mother, on occasion, sent her a card, indicating that she was willing to forgive, but not as opcnheartedly as she might have. Ivan, her brother, still way at school, continued to send nicc letters as did her younger sister Francka. Most important, Paula received pleasant letters from the Martinchek family, describing Francelj’s progress. He was a healthy, growing boy, and the Seseks seemed pleased to be raising him. She also learned that if little Francelj wandered over he was never welcome at his grandmother Plevnik’s home, just two doors away. It was always an interesting and active place. The big farm with horses being taken out to the fields in the morning, the gostilna with an occasional wedding or christening taking place, all these things attracted the curious boy but he was always shooed away — as though he had come to beg. He might have begged, as small boys could always get a tasty piece of bread, if they put on an appealing smile. * By now, Johanna had four children of her own. It was a nuisance to have Paula bring her two-year old, Johnny downstairs to play with her children. Paula had been wel- come to come downstairs for small social visits, after all she was Johanna’s sister, as well as an employee, but little Johnny was certainly not welcome. If he cried, or upset a bowl of food on the floor, Johanna firmly dictated, “Paula take him away and don’t bring him back.” The message was clearly branded upon her. Paula took this rejection of her son very much to heart and vowed to have Francelj join her as soon as shp could arrange it because she knew that she would never return to Slovenia. Johan kept his word. With the help of his brothers, he collected enough money for passage to America. Late in 1913, he left the “old country.” On Johan’s arrival in Cleveland, plans were made immediately for the wedding. Paula was ecstatic. She knew the marriage was not made in heaven, but she vowed to make it work. She was now at last free; free of her mother, and free of her sister, Johanna. Now, everything was going to be all right. Johan was actually there and he would take care of her and she would take care of him. The wedding was set for the following month, December, 1913. Quickly, Johan secured a job, a good job, for those days, at the “HP” works (Hot Point), a nail factory of the U.S. Steel Company. He earned twelve dollars a week, worked twelve hours per day, six days a week. The wedding looked as if it would cost about $100 -- a lot of money, but Frank Močilnikar, Paula’s brother-in-law, was decent about it. He advanced the money in the form of food from the store: chicken, ham, cigars, the makings for the festive “potica” and all the other specialties. Jože Plevnik, Paula’s uncle, volunteered the beverage, “I’ll supply the wine. Pay me back when you can, Johan. There’s no hurry!” The wedding dinner needed to be prepared and Paula’s sister, Roza Mam, handled that task. Frank, Roza’s husband, even offered money, “Johan you need a “Sunday” suit. Buy one that you can wear as your wedding suit.” Paula and Johan were married at St. Vitus Church, the Slovenian church just off St. Clair Ave. A small hall was rented for the wedding reception and an accordionist hired to play the polkas and the waltzes for dancing. A goodly number of people attended — all Slovenians. Many guests residing in Cleveland were from Zalog, a neighboring village of Kashelj. There were recent immigrants living mostly in the Slovenian community on St. Clair Ave. There were the Breskvars, Bencinas, Krivces, Plevniks, Natze (Nace) Černe, and the Marins including Frank’s brother, Martin. To Paula, it was a notable day. At the wedding banquet, all were seated for the traditional unveiling of the bride. When this had taken place, someone began to sing the traditional song, “Slovensko Dekle” (Slovenian Girl). All guests present joined in the singing. Paula knew the custom. She lowered her head, for the singing was for her. Then her eyes began to fill with tears and she made a fervent pledge, a vow deeper than the “yes” she expressed at the altar when the priest asked, “Do you take this man...” The pledge she made, as the singing continued, was to be a good wife, and a good mother as every Slovenian woman in the past. It was traditional, but to Paula it took on the fullest meaning. She knew the beautiful words of the song and she whispered them to herself. They were written for the young bride to give her a certain solemnity and cJ-fzzLtayz, SHELIGA DRUG INC. 6025 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 431-1035 Serving our neighborhoods' daily needs S. r — • ' ■" —................. HABERMANN. Funeral Home 805 N. 6th Street Sheboygan, WI 53081 AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC UNION Ask About "KSKJ ANNUITIES” A New Beginning HOME OFFICE: 2439 GLENWOOD AVENUE • JOLIET, IL 60435 • (800) 843-5755 Cirila Kermavner: ZANIMIVOST DIŠEČIH VODA Pred devetinštiridestimi leti je prišla na svet punčka Sophia Grojsman. V mladosti ni imela igračk in narava jo je pritegnila k sebi, v naročje čarobnih trat, ki so bile posejane z dišečimi narcizami, vijolicami in raznovrstnimi divjimi zelišči. Ni je pritegnila toliko lepota, kot vonj. Po končani gimnaziji je študirala anorgansko kemijo. Pred tridesetimi leti se je izselila iz Poljske v New York. Ob istem času pa je mednarodna firma Flavors & Fragrances iskala laborantko. Sophia je potrebovala denar. Predstavila se je, bila je sprejeta in še danes dela tam, a ne kot laborantka, kot zvezda med parfumisti. Od osemsto parfumov, ki so danes na tržišču, petinštirideset jih je njena stvaritev. Posebno letos, pravijo snovalci je Sophijin “nos" zelo uspešen. Med desetimi najboljšimi parfumi na svetu je kar pet Sophin-jinih. Njen je "Tresor", ženski parfum, po katerem je največ povprašvanja. Njena sta tudi "White Diamonds" in "Champagne", ki ju je sestavila za Yvesa Saint Laurenta. Calvin Klein ima od nje Eternity in Eternity for Men. Sophia vse vonje predstavlja s kemičnimi formulami, takorekoč “duha jih z razumom”. “Če parfum sestavim po formulah, skoraj zmerom dobim tisto, kar pričakujem”, razlaga. “Na primer" reče Sophia, “take dišava me spominja na Carmen!” Kadar smije parfum, si vedno predstavlja človeka. Prav v tem je skrivnost njene uspešnosti. In v tem, da intuicijo z matematično natančnostjo, spreminja v resničnost. Tri do pet parfumov naredi na leto. Potem, ko posamezne vonje sestavi v laboratoriju, parfum najprej preskusi na sebi. Tako se je ji primerilo, da ji je pred leti v Centralnemu Parku sledil neki možki. “Ne bojte se”, se je opravičil, “samo vašemu parfumu sledim... čudovit' je!" Bil je Vanderbilt in je postal velika uspešnica. Sophia je parfum, ki se danes prodaja kot “Tresor”, zasnovala zamo zase. Zanimivo, kakega dne je zagledala fotpgrafijo Isabelle Rossellini v neki parfumeriji. "Moj Bog, ta moj parfum bi bil prav -za to žensko, čistega, rahlo vzhodnjaškega obraza.” Malo pozneje je zvedele, da Lancome išče parfum za Isabello. Šla je tja in rekla, “Jaz imam parfum za vašo Isabelle.” In “Tresor" je postal najbolj priljubljen parfum tega desetletja. Ima Sophie posebno oster nos? Sploh ne. Kadar kuha, pravi njen mož, in kakšno jed prismodi, žena sploh ne zaduha. Ste že kaj preizkusile njene parfume? Mary Štangelj Murn MATERINA LJUBEZEN Sveti se lučka, vedno gori, za sina, za hčerko mati skrbi. Zapustili otroci so davno ta kraj, kdaj, oj le kdaj, kateri še pride nazaj? Mame ljubezen jih spremlja poysod, za vroče molitve ve le sam Bog. Iz srca se dviga v nebo, ti jim ohrani dušo, telo. Izmerjena že je globina morja, izmerjena je visočina neba: je večja kot morje, neskončno nebo, ljubezen je mame večje kot to. V pričujoči pesmi Mary Stangelj Murn predstavlja bolečino matere, ki se mora ločiti od svojega otroka. Pesmi gospe Murn bodo vedno oznanjale njeno plemenito ime. Zbirko njenih pesmi, Kože z mojih vrtov, ki je izšla leta 1986, v založbi SŽZ, še vedno lahko dobite. Gospa Murn je pred kratkim izrekla zadnje slovo svetu, ki gaje ljubila, v njem trpela in mu posvetila svoje najmočnješe misli in želje. Maksim Gaspari MAY-JUNE, 1995 /45 MflŠfl SLDUEMSKfl DEDISČIMfl Ana Gaber C cs Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki FRANC JAKLIČ VIII. BARAGA APOSTOLSKI VIKAR V SAULTU SAINTE MARIE ŠKOFOVSKO POSVEČENJE (1. novembra 1853) V začetku oktobra 1853 je Baraga prišel v Detroit. Tam mu je 13. oktobra škof Lefevre uradno sporočil, da je prišla listina (breve), s katero je sveti oče Pij IX. dne 29. julija ustanovil apostolski vikariat Gorenji Michigan in njega imenoval za apostolskega vikarja. Cincin-natski nadškof John Purcell mu bo 1. novembra, na vseh svetnikov dan, podelil škofovsko posvečenje. Kot naslovni škof se bo imenoval po nekdanji škofiji Amyzonia v nadškofiji Stauropolis severno od Kavkaza. Papeška listina pravi, da ga za apostolskega vikarja priporočajo “pobožnost, verska gorečnost in misijonsko delo pri Indijancih". 21. oktobra je Baraga pisal iz Detroita nadškofu Purcellu: “Po želji Vaše milosti želim prejeti svoje škofovsko posvečenje po Vaših rokah v Vaši nadškofijski stolnici prihodnjega 1. novembra. Usojam si spomniti Vašo milost na zagotovilo, da mi boste preskrbeli vse, kar je potrebno za posvečenje: škofovsko kapo, naprsni križec, prstan itd. (Če je mogoče.) Takoj po posvečenju nameravam iti v Evropo, ker Gorenji Michigan zelo potrebuje duhovnikov. In za to dolgo pot bom potreboval precej dolarjev. Imam jih pa le malo. Slovar je moj žep, ki je imel zmerom luknjo, na široko razparal. Poleg tega, kar imam, bom potreboval še 200 dolarjev, da bom varno potoval v Evropo. Ker poznam Vašo ljubeznivost, spoštljivo prosim Vašo milost, da bi mi to vsotico na ta ali oni način preskrbeli." Podpisal se je: "Friderik Baraga, izvoljeni škof amyzonijski in apostolski vikar Gorenjega jezera.” Konec oktobra se je iz Detroita odpeljal proti Cincinnatiju. Stanovat je šel k prijatelju Hammerju in je pri njem opravil predpisane tridnevne duhovne vaje. Dne 1. novembra 1853 je bil v cincinnatski stolnici posvečen za škofa. Posvečen je bil torej za škofa prav v tistem mestu, kamor je bil pred 24-imi leti kot preganjani metliški kaplan poslal prošnjo za sprejem v misijone. Posvetil ga je nadškof Purcell. Soposvečevalca sta bila škofa Peter Pavel Lefevre in Janez Martin Henni. Navzoč je bil tudi Hammer. Obenem z Barago je bil posvečen tudi jezuit o. Jurij Alojzij Carrol, ravnatelj tamkajšnjega kolegija (zavoda) sv. Frančiška Ksaverija, in sicer za škofijo Covington (Kbvingten) v zvezni državi Kentucky. Obema je pridigal škof Spalding iz Louisvilla (Luisvila), poznejši nadškof v Baltimoru. Kot vodilo pridige je vzel besede iz 3. Mojzesove knjige (21, 10): "Tisti pa, ki je veliki duhovnik med svojimi brati in je bilo na njegovo glavo izlito olje maziljenja in ki je posvečen, da se oblači v sveta oblačila, naj ne hodi s svetega mesta, da ne oskruni Gospodovega svetišča, kajti olje svetega maziljenja njegovega Boga je na njem." Več duhovnikov in mnogo katoliškega ljudstva se je bilo zbralo v stolnici. Baraga pa tega svojega največjega dneva ni nikjer opisal. Prvo slovesno škofovsko mašo je opravil v Ham-merjevi župni cerkvi Matere božje. Bila je polna vernikov. Svete obrede je opravil z veliko točnostjo. Po maši in popoldne po večernicah je imel nemško pridigo o Mariji. Ker je bil sam preveč reven, da bi si kupil naprsni križec in verižico, mu ju je kupila Hammerjeva župnija. V Stonelicku (Stounliku) je imel prvo birmo. Birmal je 34 otrok. Vernikom, ki so bili po narodnosti Angleži, Francozi in Nemci, je napravil veliko veselje, ker so slišali božjo besedo vsak v svojem jeziku. V cincinnatski angleško-irski cerkvi sv. Janeza je imel še enkrat slovesno mašo, po maši pa pretresljiv govor o skrbi za sveličanje. Poslušalci so mu zbrali 62 dolarjev. Razen svojega lastnega apostolskega vikariata je sprejel v škofovsko oskrbo tudi indijanske dele sosednjih škofij, ki z njimi škofje, ker niso znali indijanskega, skoraj niso vedeli kaj početi. Detroitski škof mu je izročil šest okrožij (counties) na Dolenjem Michiganu, kjer so prebivali Otavani; vsako leto mu je dajal skromni prispevek 200 dolarjev za cerkvene potrebe. Škof Henni iz Milwaukeeja, mu je prepustil zahodno obalo Gorenjega jezera od Fond du Laca do Grand Portagea. Kanadska škofa v Hammiltonu in Torontu sta mu dala v oskrbo ves severni breg Gorenjega jezera, indijanske vasi severno in vzhodno od Saulta in Otok sv. Jožefa. Baraga je torej postal višji pastir vse obale Gorenjega jezera, ki je bila takrat še vsa indijanska. Postal je tudi višji pastir vsega severovzhodnega brega Michiganskega jezera in nekoliko severnega brega Huronskega jezera. Indijansko ozemlje, ki ga je oskrboval drugim škofom, je bilo dvakrat ali trikrat tako veliko kakor njegov lastni vikariat. Pa je to breme voljno sprejel in potrpežljivo nosil, ker je ljubil Indijance. Bil je torej v polnem pomenu besede “indijanski škof’’, kakor so ga imenovali v Ameriki in Evropi. V svojem vikariatu je imel manj ko 10.000 katoliških vernikov, polovico Indijancev in polovico belih rudarjev in trgovcev. Kakor je bil kot misijonar zmerom le pionir in je povsod - razen v Krivem drevesu - moral začeti vse znova, tako je moral popolnoma na novo graditi tudi svoj apostolski vikariat. Izbral si je pomenljiv škofovski grb. Razdeljen je v tri polja. Zgoraj so Jezusove besede Lazarjevi sestri Marti: “Unum est necessarium. Enoje potrebno," namreč skrbeti za neumrjočo dušo. Pod napisom sta običajna škofovska znaka: škofovski klobuk in dolga vrvica s čopi. V levem polju je Jezusov monogram IHS s križcem zgoraj in tremi žeblji spodaj. V desnem polju je Marijin monogram, nad njim zvezda, pod njim pa Marijino Srce, prebodeno z mečem bolečin. Zdolanje polje ima križ, sidro in srce, znake za vero, upanje in ljubezen. ***** Za sedež vikariata si je Baraga izbral mestece Sault de Sainte Marie ali krajše pisano Sault Ste. Marie (Su Sent Meri). Po slovensko bi se reklo “Slap svete Marije”, ker se tam voda Gorenjega jezera vali čez skalovje in se pod imenom Reka svete Marije (Ste. Marie River) izliva v Huronsko jezero. Onstran vode je Kanada, tako da leži en del današnjega mnogo povečanega Saulta v Združenih državah, en del pa v Kanadi. Lavtižar je leta 1854 tedanji Sault takole opisal: “Mesto je še majhno, kakor kakšna večja vas na Kranjskem. Hiše so vse lesene, pa večinoma prav čedne, zunaj pobeljene; znotraj so stene prelepljene z raznobarvnim papirjem, tla pa pogrnjena s preprogami. Cerkev je lesena, a prostorna; v zvoniku je zvon, ki še enega centa nima. Prebivalci so kanadski Francozi, Irci in Amerikanci, večinoma katoličani: Indijanci so se morali umakniti pred Evropejci. V majhni trdnjavi je 50 vojakov. Da bi se ladje mogle izogniti slapu, koplje okoli tisoč mož četrt ure dolg prekop; od njih je polovica Nemcev. Zdaj sta tukaj dva jezuita, Francoza; eden - misli na o. Kohlerja (Kolerja) - govori tudi nemško, eden - o. Menet iz Nantesa (Nanta) v zahodni Franciji - pa tudi poljsko, ker je bil 14 let v Galiciji; pri sebi imata tudi dva redovna brata, ki skrbita za cerkev, šolo, vrt kuhinjo in za vse hišne potrebščine. V posebni stavbi poučujeta deklice dve redovnici, francoski ur-šulinki. Protestantje imajo v vasi dve cerkvi in eno šolo.” Sault je bil takrat največje mestece v Baragovem apostolskem vikariatu in je imel v mesecih, ko jezera niso bila zamrznjena, dobre plovne zveze z drugimi kraji ob treh velikih jezerih. V Saultu so se ustavljale ladje, ki so pripeljale rudo s keweenawskih rudnikov; potem so jo pa težaki vozili k ladjam, ki so čakale na severnem bregu Huronskega jezera. Sault Ste. Marie so ustanovili Očipvejci in mu dali ime Baotig. Očipvejci so se naselili tam že pred davnim časom, ker je bilo v Reki svete Marije in v kotih obeh jezer mnogo rib. Prvi duhovnik, ki je okoli leta 1615 prišel v Baotig, je bil frančiškan o. Jožef Le Caron (Karo). Nekaj časa se je mudil tam - razen drugih francoskih jezuitov - tudi o. Izak Jogues (žog), ki so mu Indijanci 18. oktobra 1648 z bojno sekiro zdrobili glavo in je bil z drugimi kanadskimi mučenci nedavno proglašen za svetnika. Kot ustanovitelj saultskega misijona pa velja jezuit o. Dablon, ki je več let tam deloval. Francoski osvajalec Lusson (Liso) je pred zastopniki 14-ih indijanskiuh naselbin in pred zbrano množico Indijancev vzneseno slavil veličino Francije in njenega kralja Ludovika. XIV. Dal je ustreliti s topom. Indijanci so strmeli in od strahu trepetali. Nato je Lusson vzel deželo v francosko last. Misijon je bil požgan leta 1674, ko so se na zborovanju severnih Indijancev krvavo spopadli zastopniki rodov Sju in Očipve. Šele rede-mptorist o. Hatscher ga je leta 1834 obnovil. Postavil je cerkvico, ki so jo pa sovražniki katoliške vere požgali. Saultski beli priseljenci so bili le bolj po imenu katoličani, ker so morali biti dolga leta brez duhovnika. Jeseni leta 1836 je prišel tja naš Pirc. Zelo ga je bilo treba, ker sta prav tisto leto prišla tja kar dva protestan-tovska pridigarja in začela vabiti katoličane. Leta 1837 je Pirc postavil novo leseno cerkev in hišico za duhov- nika. Moral se je pa zadolžiti, ker mu škof Rese ni hotel izročiti denarja, ki so mu ga poslali z Dunaja in iz Ljubljane. Versko življenje se je pod Pircem lepo obnovilo; krstil je več poganov in spreobrnil nekoliko protestantov. Iz Saulta je ustanovil nekaj misijonov med Indijanci bližnje Kanade. Ostal je do 1. julija 1838. Nato smo ga srečali pri Baragi in njegovi sestri v La Pointu, ko je odhajal v Grand Portage. Od tam se je pa kmalu preselil v Krivo drevo in od tam oskrboval tudi Sault in podružnice, dokler se niso leta 1846 naselili jezuiti. O. Menet (Mne) je oskrboval Sault, o. Kohler bližnje kanadske misijonske podru žnice, o Hanipeaux (Anipo) je pa bil nekak potujoči misijonar za kanadske Indijance. - Zaradi protestantov se katoliški verski obredi niso smeli v Saultu opravljati zunaj cerkve; tudi sveto popotnico so morali nositi bolnikom skrito. PRVI DVE ŠKOFOVSKI OKROŽNICI (1853) Takoj po škofovskem posvečenju je Baraga dal v Cincinnatiju natisniti prvi dve škofovski okrožnici, angleško in indijansko. Po vsebini sta različni, obe pa preveva njegova velika ljubezen do duhovnik otrok. Govori jim bolj kot oče kakor pa kot cerkveni dostojanstvenik. V indijanski okrožnici se večkrat ponavlja nagovor: "Otročiči moji, ki vas ljubim." A. Angleška okrožnica spominja v uvodu na Boga, ki nam je dal ves svet v last in nas namenil za večno nadnaravno srečo. Pošilja nam tudi nesreče, da bi bolj živeli po njegovi volji. - Potem govori o poglavitnih dolžnostih do Boga. 1. Srečni smo, ker imamo sveto vero. Vera pa mora biti trdna, saj se opira na božjo resnicoljubnost. S svojim slabotnim razumom seveda ne moremo razumeti vseh verskih resnic, ker govorijo o neskončnem Bogu. Naša vera mora biti živa; mora nas voditi pri vseh naših dejanjih in nas spodbujati k dobrim delom. 2. Molitev je naša dolžnost, ker smo božje stvari in v vsem odvisni od Boga. Kristus nas je z besedo in zgledom navajal k molitvi. Brez molitve se ne moremo varovati greha in rasti v dobrem. Bog je povsod pričujoč, zato se z njim povsod lahko pogovarjamo v molitvi. Kristjan rad moli. Večkrat nas tudi posebne prilike kličejo k molitvi. - Nedelja nam bodi zares svet dan. 3. Ker nas Bog povsod sliši, ne smemo nikoli govoriti bogokletno ali nesramežljivo. Še pred duhovnikom bi se sramovali takih pogovorov, kaj šele pred Bogom. 4. Govori o pokorščini do Boga, do sv. Cerkve, do staršev in predstojnikov. 5. Najbolj sveta od vseh dolžnosti je ljubezen do Boga. Vsak otrok ljubi svojega očeta; ali ne bo kristjan tembolj ljubil nebeškega Očeta? Ljubezen do Boga se mora tudi kazati v dejanju. Iz ljubezni do Boga naj izvira ljubezen do domačih, do sorodnikov, do prijateljev in do sovražnikov. Podrobno razlaga prvo in največjo zapoved: “Ljudi Gospoda, svojega Boga, z vsem svojim srcem. ” V uvodu angleške okrožnice pravi vernikom: "Prvikrat vam po teh vrsticah govorim kot vaš višji pastir in škof. Naj vam gredo te besede do srca, kakor tudi meni prihajajo od srca. To srce je vas zmerom ljubilo, dragi moji otročiči, a še' nikoli tako očetovsko kakor zdaj." B. Indijanska okrožnica je bila tiskana na desetih straneh. Njeni stavki so bolj kratki, misli preproste in jasne. Začenja se: "Frederic Baraga, Kitchi-Mekatewik-wanaie. Ninidjanissidog saiagiinagog, Weweni kid anamikoninim." To je: "Friderik Baraga, škof. Otročiči moji, ki vas ljubim, lepo vas pozdravljam." Potem jim razlaga, da je zdaj postal naslednik apostolov. Naj torej te njegove nauke večkrat bero. Kar jih ne zna brati, naj prosijo druge in ti naj jim radi bero. Govori jim o sreči prave vere, zato se naj je zvesto držijo. Tudi verske skrivnosti moramo tvrdno verovati in se zanesti na Jezusa, ki nam jih je razodel. Spominja jih na večno plačilo po smrti, pa tudi na večno kazen. Le eno je potrebno, namreč ljubiti Boga, spolnjevati njegove zapovedi in tako zveličati svojo dušo. Zato moramo dvigati duha od posvetnih stvari k večnim. To življenje je kratko in ima samo ta pomen, da se pripravimo na večnost. Napačen je nauk protestantskih pridigarjev, da je za zveličanje dovolj že sama vera, brez dobrih del. Že otroke je treba učiti in vzgajati v veri. Opozarja jih na potrebnost in važnost molitve. Jezus jim je rekel, da je treba zmerom moliti in nikoli ne nehati. Priporoča jim zlasti jutranjo in večerno molitev. Sploh maj mnogokrat mislijo na Boga. Zavest o božji pričujočnosti jih mora odvračati od greha. Goreče jim priporoča ljubiti Boga in zanj sprejemati žrtve Svari jih pred pijančevanjem in razuzdanostjo. - Za vaškim važnejšim stavkom naroča: "To si dobro zapomnite!” Baragova indijanska okrožnica je prva uradna cerkvena listina, pisana v jeziku severnoameriških Indijancev. Kakor je sv. Pavel posvetil grščino, ko je v njej pisal spreobrnjencem svoje liste, tako je Baraga blagoslovil in počastil očipvejščino, ko je kot naslednik apostolov po njej spregovoril svojim Indijancem. — Nadaljevanje — ! “FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART” | DAVY’S COLUMN Do You Speak Flower? “April showers bring May flowers” is how the verse goes, but what are those flowers saying? For centuries flowers have been a means of communicating not only feelings, but entire messages. A bouquet can declare one’s undying love and commitment, or it can declare war. The difference is in the type of flowers used and with some varieties; the color is equally important. So, if flowers were what you had planned for mom on Mother’s Day, be careful of your choice. Lilies are nice, so long as they’re not yellow and coupled with the Tamarisk. This combination traditionally accuses the receiver of a crime and falsehoods. Achillea traditionally declares war. Here’s a list of flowers and the messages they convey. Several of these may be more appropo for Mother’s Day. 'til next month Davy The little ol’ lady was stopped on the ramp, waiting for traffic to clear a little before moving out on to the expressway. She waited and waited. The traffic spaced some and still she didn’t move. Finally the guy in the car behind her leaned out and shouted, “It says ‘YIELD,’ lady, not ‘GIVE UP’.” -Quote STORY OF THE PRETZEL The pretzel was originally made in Germany as gifts to children who learned their prayers. The first time you cross the ends represents children. The second time you twist the ends represents their parents. The three holes made by the design represent the Holy Trinity. And the thumbprints you put on your pretzels to make the intersections stay together mark that pretzel as your very own trademark. (Heard from Mr. Rogers Show when he visited a pretzel factory that was family owned.) “This is my grandma,” said little Mary to her kindergarten friends. Then, patting grandma’s hand, she added sweetly: “She’s 60 years old and still alive.” * * * One of the nice things about getting older is that your children cross to your side of the generation gap. SMILES... The Bridal Rose Calceolaria White Chrysanthemum Red Chrysanthemum Daffodil’ Daisy Fern Forget-me-not Fuchsia Geranium Gladioli Iris Ivy Lily of the Valley Nasturtium Peony Snowdrop Stock Tulip Violet Wallflower Happy Love Keep this for my sake. Absolute truth andfidelity I love you. You are high in re gard. Innocence of youth Utter sincerity Pure love Impeccable taste Friendship and comfort A strong character A messenger Faithful friendship Restored happiness Patriotic sentiment Shy and bashful Hopefulness Lasting Beauty A declaration of love Faithful to the end Fidelity Say It With Flowers & Plants by Ann Childs and Stanley Coleman Avenel Books fv 2ND CLASS POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO ILLINOIS Slovenian Women’s Union of America A burial organization that has 7,000 adult members throughout the United States in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and California. There are over 90 subordinate societies in the major Slovenian settlements in these states. Every adult member receives free, a copy of the official organ, ZARJA-THE DAWN, a bi-lingual magazine carrying the news and items of interest to our membership. In ZARJA are also published official reports and articles submitted by the branches. Each group is encouraged to send in their news for publication in either or both languages. Junior members are also very welcome, and for very little assessment. They are insured for $100 death benefit. They do not received the ZARJA publication, however. They may retain their junior classification until reaching the age of 18 years when they may transfer to adult class. Since 1976 we have also opened membership to men in the families of our members. They pay the same as the ladies in monthly assessment and are considered members of our Associate Department. Boys until age of 18 are regular junior members of the organization and then my transfer to the Associate Department. The following is the Classification Schedule and Assessment Schedule: MEMBERSHIP CLASSES - Branch dues not included Juniors - Birth to 18 Class A - 14 to 51 Class B - 14 to 66 Social - 66 plus $ 2.40 per year $10.60 per year $13.60 per year -$ 8.80 per year No ZARJA $100 benefit $100 benefit $300 for ages up to 31 $250 for ages up to 41 $200 for ages up to 46 $150 for ages up to 56 $100 for ages up to 66 No benefits - ZARJA only Associate Department, same as above, Class A and Class B. Junior Department pays $100 Death Benefit for member at any age to 18 years. NOTE: Social Members are whose who are too old to join the regular class of insurance members, either A or B. They received the publication ZARJA but do not have any Death Benefit and are not eligible to become officers of the organization.