ZARJA -
URADNO GLASILO	OFFICIAL	PUBLICATION
SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI	SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA
NUMBER 12	DECEMBER,	1995	VOLUME	67
54788
THE DAWN
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. 12 DECEMBER, 1995 VOL. 67
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (S15) 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. i> mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (312) 54X-XX7H
,'Kapjry Jfolidays
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN DECEMBER
Presidents:
Dec. 28 - Agnes Tomazin, Br. 40, Lorain, OH Dec. 31 - Josephine Kapla, Br. 81, Keewatin, MN Dec. 31 - Frances Vidmar, Br. 83, Crosby, MN
Secretaries:
Dec. 15 - Victoria Volk, Br. 99, Elmhurst, IL Dec. 29 - Marge Church, Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JANUARY
National Officers:
Jan. 6 - Irene Odorizzi, Cultural Heritage Officer, Re-ston, VA
Jan. 15 - Evelyn Majercik, Nat’l Secretary, Bedford, OH Presidents:
Jan. 2	-	Kay Yuratovac,	Br. 73, Warrensville,	OH
Jan. 11	-	Frances Correll,	Br. 93, Brooklyn, NY
Secretaries:
Jan. 5	-	Mary Jackovich,	Br. 28, Calumet, MI
Jan. 12	-	Mary Krall, Br.	37, Greaney, MN
Jan. 21	-	Mary Folio, Br.	23, Ely, MN
Seven decades of Slovenian Women’s Union will be observed on December 19th, the Anniversary of our founding. Branches throughout the United States have followed the mandate set for them by the pioneer officers and the footsteps of the members whose dedicated work has given us an example to follow. Two full generations have passed in our history and now it is time to signify another commitment to the 70 years ahead.
To all, Godspeed, Good Luck, Blessings!
DATES TO REMEMBER
CHRISTMAS PARTIES:
Dec. 2	Br.	2, Chicago, IL, Children’s Party.
Dec. 2	Br.	43, Milwaukee, WI, at Meyer’s Restaurant, lunc-
heon at 11:30 a.m. Reservations, Elsie Gallun, Josephine Janezic or Mary Martino.
Dec. 2	Br.	95,	So. Chicago, IL at Jovial Club, Noon
Dec. 3	Br.	22,	Bradley, IL at Family Restaurant
Dec. 3	Br.	33,	Duluth, MN afternoon, St. Elizabeth’s Parish
Hall
Dec. 3	Br.	35, Aurora, MN Advent Party, Community Center,
3 p.m.
Dec. 3	Br.47,GarfieldHts.,OH,SNHMapleHts.,1 o’clock
Dec. 3	Br.	102, Willard, W!, Pot Luck and Mother of the Year
Party, 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 5	Br.	3, Pueblo, CO at Patti’s Restaurant, 1 p.m.
Dec. 5	Br.	14,	Euclid, OH, Call Vera Bajec, 481-7473
Dec. 5	Br.	40,	Lorain, OH at German Villa, 12:30 p.m.	Call
Alice 233-5433.
Dec. 6	Br.	1, Sheboygan, WI at Ramada Inn, 6 p.m. Call Aggie
452-8808 or Ruth 452-8251 by Dec. 1st.
Dec. 7	Br.	12, Milwaukee, WI at Tanner Paul Post, So. 70th
and Orchard, 12:00 noon.
Dec. 7	Br.	42 Maple Hts., OH at Triple Crown Restaurant in
Monroe Falls, OH, 11 a.m. Reservations by calling 467-0696
Dec. 9	Br.	16, So. Chicago, IL, Crow Bar Restaurant, 11:30
a.m.
Dec. 10	Br.	24, LaSalle, IL at Paramount Club, 2 p.m. Call for
reservation, Barbara Pohar 224-2618 or Sharon Brady 223-1897 by Dec. 7th.
Dec. 11	Br.	26 Pittsburgh, PA, 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 14	Br.	2, Chicago, IL, Adult’s Party
Dec. 17	Br.	20, Brunch, Renaissance Center,	Noon,	Call	Mary
Demick 723-2324, Pat Figurowski 741-1863 or Marcia Judnik 436-6409.
Dec. 20	Br.	32, Euclid, OH
Dec. 20	Br.	50, Cleveland, OH at Sterle’s	Restaurant,	1	p.m.
Call Ann Tercek or Jean Miller for reservations one week before date.
Dec. 20	Br.	54, Warren, OH, Elks Clubroom, 1 p.m.
NATIONAL PRESIDENT:
Thoughts and concerns on the 70th Anniversary of our beloved “Zveza”
I had started to prepare my December message some time ago, entitled “Change is not easy,” and after receiving numerous letters and phone calls concerning the upcoming changes in S.W.U. I realize more than ever the urgency of this message and just how difficult change really is for all of us! Whether it be because it’s so much easier to do things in the “same old way”, (because then we don’t have to acquire new learning habits) or because we are so set in our ways and stubbornly believe other methods won’t work as well, or simply that as we get older we fall into a comfortable pattern that resists ANY change because that would seem to be a criticism of the old way; in other words, it must not have been very good if we have to change it!!!
But the concerns I have about the future of the SWU and the problems that are being made evident through your calls and letters make it absolutely necessary that CERTAIN CHANGES take place; even though a few of you do not see the benefits for your Branch at this time.
I am extremely concerned with the lack of response to the DIRECTIVES OF THE NATIONAL BOARD, and specifically our National Secretary, Evelyn Majercik, pertaining to the proposed Direct Billing System to be implemented in January, 1996. In the October ZARJA ALL MEMBERS were directed to cut out and mail in the half-page coupon on the back inside cover. The purpose of this was so that EVERY member. Adult, Junior, Social and Associate would be listed on the computer with their correct name, address, certificate number, classification and beneficiary. Then each of you would be sent a Billing for your dues, (to be paid ONCE A YEAR IN JANUARY for the following year). This change was voted on after much deliberation so that the aging members who forget or find it difficult to get their monthly payments to the Branch secretary, could now mail it in directly at the beginning of the year. Also, this would relieve the Branch secretary of the tremendous amount of book-work and worry about unpaid dues. (We find that many Branch Secretaries are unable to meet their monthly payments because members haven’t paid their annual dues yet for 1995!!! According to the By-laws of the SWU, ARTICLE III (3.12) “A member who fails to pay her assessment for more that 4 months shall be automatically expelled from the SWU. This means that, if we are to abide by oui
By-laws, many who believe themselves to be members in good standing of SWU should have been officially suspended and their designated beneficiaries would not receive the burial stipend, unless the member was reinstated. In some cases, secretaries have to use Branch monies to pay late-paying members’ dues.
This will no longer be possible. Each of us, individually, will now be responsible for our dues and must send in the asked-for information to the National Secretary; either personally or thorugh your Branch Secretary. They also have been directed in a letter to check that all Branch members have complied with this change. It is imperative that all members be listed correctly and billed in January.
This CHANGE, and other small changes voted on at the National Convention by your elected delegates, will benefit us all and make it possible for the National Board of Directors to satisfy the requirements of the Illinois Insurance Code, draw up a budget for the year’s financial obligations, publish the ZARJA, promote our agenda of activities as outlined, and follow to the word, the statement of Ideology as set forth in the by-laws of SWU.
My 93 year old mother, bom at the turn of the century, who met our founder, Mrs. Prisland personally and shared in a small way her vision for the betterment of Slovenian women around the country has seen tremendous CHANGES take place in her own life and in SWU. I applaud and respect her ability to “CHANGE WITH THE TIMES.” She has remained vital and “Young at Heart”; a woman ahead of her time; because she can accept CHANGE.
We must all learn to do the same!!!
I send you all my love and Best Wishes that you may enjoy Christ’s Blessings at Christmas, and Good Health in the New Year 1996.
Jean Korsman
MINUTES OF THE SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION BOARD MEETING HELD IN JOLIET, ILLINOIS, JULY 15, 1995
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 o’clock a.m. by newly elected President, Jean Korsman. After an opening prayer, President Korsman expressed confidence in the newly-elected board and presented an agenda for the way matters would be discussed. Roll call was taken and the following members were present.
Jean Korsman, President
Kathy Dorchak, Vice President
Evelyn Majercik, Secretary
Beverly Menart, Treasurer
Cirila Kermavner, First Auditor
Marge Church, Second Auditor
Pat Figurowski, Third Auditor
Corinne Leskovar, Editor, ZARJA
Irene Odorizzi, Heritage Director
Kathleen Emerson, Director, Women’s Activities
Kathleen Schroeder, Director, Youth Activities
Also present were past National Officers, as follows:
Tory Bobence, President
Beverly Jackson, Vice President
Olga Ancel, Secretary
Sylvia Vukodinovich, Treasurer
Hermine Dicke, Editor, Pots/Pans, retired
Josephine Lustik, Past Auditor
Available minutes from the National Convention held in May, 1995 in San Francisco, California were given to President Korsman and editor, Corinne Leskovar. Minutes did not have corrections made.
Correspondence was first matter on the agenda, letters were read by President Korsman from the following:
KSKJ, American Slovenian Catholic Union Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia Gottscheer Research/Genealogical Assoc.
Carita Girman, Resignation as Scholarship Director Rosemary Mlakar, naming Dorothy Sleigh as new Regional President for Western States Thank You note from Tory Bobence Copy of letter sent to the Illinois State Board of Insurance by Olga Ancel, 5-25—95.
Regarding the resignation of Carita Girman, Sylvia Vukodinovich moved that the resignation be accepted with regrets. Motion was seconded. Discussion was held on publishing this vacancy in ZARJA for a new director, then moved by Kathy Dorchak and seconded. Deadline for those interested would be November 1st. Interested parties would be asked to submit a job description and explain their interest in S.W.U. Copies of letters received from applicants would be sent to the members of the Board for their opinion and selection. First announcement for the position would be published in the forthcoming ZARJA.
Regarding other communications received it was de-
cided by the Board members that organizations contacting us for donations to support their causes would have to be refused at this time. Considering our declining membership and slow payment of assessments, our budget has to be reviewed and our generosity curtailed. Letters were turned over to the secretary for responses.
The first matter of business to be discussed was the need for Direct Billing. With the increase of assessments that was voted on at the National Convention in May, it was brought out that the special yearly assessment ($1.00) from each member will no longer be collected. Also, branches are not to collect an assessment from their members to support their treasury but that fund-raising projects should be utilized to meet any financial needs of each individual branch. A directive will be mailed to all branches explaining the procedures to be followed. Statements will be sent by Direct Billing to each member at the beginning of the year, with payments being returned by mail to the National Secretary.
The need for a computer was discussed, especially with the start of direct billing. Information in the computer would include all pertinent information to bring our data up-to-date.
A need for application forms to be revised was discussed and the project was given to Kathy Dorchak who will research the cost, etc.
After a short lunch break, the meeting resumed and finances were again discussed. The $50.00 per diem was our first topic, with some expressing concern that this amount does not suffice in many respects. However, it was decided that we would have to keep this amount since our financial picture does not allow an increase at this time. Motion was made accordingly by Kathy Dorchak, and seconded to keep the per diems at $50.00.
Regarding the National Convention, it was brought to the Board’s attention that at the March, 1995 Board Meeting, it was voted that National Officers should receive payment for their hotel rooms. They had been paid for their air fares and their per diems, but no reimbursement for their rooms. Notation regarding this item could not be found in the minutes from the Board Meetings in 1994, 1995. Concensus of opinion was that the officers should receive compensation, and the amount was set at $45.00 per day, for three days, a total of $ 135.00 due nine (9) national officers who attended the convention. Kathy Dorchak moved that the payment be made to the officers involved. Motion was seconded and carried.
Discussion was held on the need for a Recording Secretary on the National Board. It was decided there was no need for a new position to be created. It would mean an additional wage/per diem to be paid, and in such instances when the secretary cannot take notes/minutes, other board members are capable of handling the position.
ZARJA was the next item on the agenda. As voted on at the National Convention, eight (8) issues would be published. It was discussed that keeping the eight issues would allow for an additional issue to be cancelled if the situation
warranted such. Controversy arose over the fact that members of the previous National Board advised that it had been voted on that only six issues should be published, but when the issue was brought to the convention floor, the number eight was incorrectly quoted as the Board directive. No notations could be located in previous minutes of board meetings.
Corinne Leskovar asked that financial records for the ZARJA Publisher’s Fund and monies be kept by the National Secretary. Kathy Dorchak offered to take on the responsibility of preparing suitable report forms for this Fund.
Regarding the position of the office clerk at the Home Office, the job description is to be clarified. The position calls for twenty (20) hours per week. Duties include seeing that cancelled members (membership or death) are removed from the mailing list for ZARJA. Change of addresses are important as well as receiving mail, sending out cookbooks, etc. An immediate assignment was to complete an inventory of Heritage items that have been purchased for sales. The office clerk (Jonita Ruth) does receive a monthly salary, and has had the job for 19 years. It was stressed that promoting Heritage was of utmost importance when greeting the public.
A report from the National Convention was turned over to Irene Odorizzi for Heritage items sold in San Francisco. Total sales were $916. Home office had also received $ 1,983 as proceeds for the dolls raffled at the convention.
An invitation for a member of the National Board to attend the Wisconsin State Convention had been received. Since Kathy Schroeder resides in Wisconsin and already had plans to attend the affair, she was given the assignment to represent the National Board. Kathy is Director of Youth Activities.
Kathleen Emerson, Director of Women’s Activities spoke on the possibility of scheduling a tour to Slovenia in 1996 to commemorate the SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY of Slovenian Women’s Union. She will gather itineraries and research cost factors for the trip. Suggested months for travel were August and September, but no definite date was selected.
It was brought to the Board’s attention that the ritual for Installation of New Officers had been revised and rewritten by Tory Bobence and had been used at the National Convention. This will be further updated and put into booklet form, in order that all branches will have a copy.
Hermine Dicke, retired editor of Pots and Pans asked for a few moments to address the Board. She expressed her thanks for all the courtesies shown her and congratulated the new board for the enthusiasm and positive attitudes they were putting forth. She wished us success.
Members present were advised that the Sunday morning meeting would be held at the Comfort Inn and would convene at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting (Saturday, July 15th) was adjourned at 3:40 o’clock p.m. Mass was attended at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church. Father Klepec, new pastor of the church, had paid us a visit earlier in the day.
Sunday, July 16th, 1995, meeting was called to order at 9:05 o’clock a.m. and was opened with prayer. Input from the group was requested.
When decisions are made by the Board of Directors,
branches will be advised by letter from the President.
The agenda from Saturday’s meeting was reviewed to refresh our memory on matters of importance. The need for job descriptions to be revised and updated was discussed and each officer, before the end of her term, is to present the revision for review.
By-laws need to be reviewed and checked for errors prior to printing. These are needed for the Insurance Dept, and should be completed as soon as possible. Copies from the minutes of the National Convention, indicating the changes that were made, were given to Corinne Leskovar and Jean Korsman for review.
The President asked for suggestions for the Membership Campaign. It was decided that “Start With Us” would be used for the first phase of the campaign, and “Stay With Us” would be used for the second phase. Regarding the membership campaign, Cirila Kermavner moved that we dispense with cash rewards that are given to members for obtaining new members. The motion was seconded and discussion followed. It was agreed that monetary awards would be discontinued. A vote was taken and the motion passed. Recognition would be given in ZARJA to those who do get new members.
Beverly Jackson suggested that a reunion be held in two years to keep friendships going that are created during conventions. She suggested Las Vegas as a location, remarking that she had made many new friends in Cleveland and had to wait four years to San Francisco before she could visit again. The idea was turned over to Kathleen Emerson, Director of Women’s Activities. Kathleen would also like to include places of heritage interest in her travel plans. The ideas were well-received.
Regarding Pots and Pans and the need for an editor of the column, six 1995-96 issues of ZARJA need a columnist. Corinne Leskovar suggested that Board members be guest writers and several offers for upcoming issues were received. The position of Director of Pots and Pans will be announced in a forthcoming issue of ZARJA (along with that for Scholarship Director) with application for said positions being sent to Nat’l President.
Kathy Schroeder expressed ideas for getting youth involved in some of the tours, with a visit to Washington, D.C. high on the list. She would also promote an interest in heritage for the young folks.
Corinne Leskovar asked that each new Board member forwards a biography for publishing in ZARJA, wanting to acquaint the membership with their leaders.
Secretary Evelyn Majercik addressed several issues that had been called to her attention. She will be allowed to transfer funds from the trust to the checking account to cover the purchase of a computer. Permission was given to Dr. Stephen Majercik to purchase the necessary computer and software.
Kathy Dorchak had spent time on researching the budget for the upcoming year. Using past reports in ZARJA, she made a comparison study and stated she will do further research on this.
Sylvia Vukodinovich turned over keys and a copies of reports that had been forwarded to her over the years. These items were given to Beverly Menart, newly-elected treasurer.
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ALL MEMBERS!
Beginning in 1996, all members will be billed direct for dues. This means you will receive an invoice from the National Secretary, indicating the amount of your SWU assessment for the whole year. You will be requested to mail in your assessment. You will have a period of two months in which to respond with your payment. If you find some inconsistencies with your records, please contact the Branch Secretary or National Secretary immediately.
Assessments will be collected once a year, for the full year. Please refer to the following schedule of payments taken from the SWU By-laws (Accepted at the National Convention, May, 1995):
9.02: The yearly assessment is payable “one time per year in the months of January and February.”
(Effective 1-1-96 no new Class A Members will be accepted.)
The regular “yearly” assessments as follows:
a) Adult,	Class	A:	$12.00 per year
b) Adult,	Class	B:	$15.00 per year
c) Adult,	Class	A:	$8.00 per year (over 75 years of age)
d) Adult,	Class	B:	$10.00 per year (over 75	years	of age)
e) Associate, Class A: $12.(X) per year
0	Associate, Class B: $15.00 per year
g) Junior Dept.: $4.00 per year
h) Social Dept.: $15.00 per year
Branches are not allowed to assess any additional amounts payable to the branch secretary.
Members who neglect to make the payment during the first two months after receiving the yearly notice will be sent a final notice with payment due immediately.
Membership records will be undergoing complete revision and your cooperation is requested.
PLEASE... MEMBERS!
Do the following at once!
1. Pay up any dues owed for 1995 to your branch secretary, immediately.
If you are not sure of how much you may owe for the past year, please contact your branch officer and make arrangements to pay the proper amount so that your 1995 record is complete.
2. Look at the BACK cover of this ZARJA and fill out the forms on the INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.
Outside: Check your address as it is printed and be sure all is correct, if not, indicate the changes right next to your name and address.
Inside: Write in your name, address, date of birth, Branch number, Beneficiary, Policy Number and Date of Issue. You may also add any more information that may be necessary for completion of your membership record, or ask any question regarding same.
3. Clip out the back cover page and send to the National Secretary is indicated. This information update is VERY IMPORTANT to make sure your membership record is correct.
Your 1996 assessment notice will be sent by direct mail to your address.
A letter from the Holiday Inn in Joliet was read, with an offer from them to hold our next Board Meeting in their facility. The matter was tabled for the time being, but will be considered when plans are made later for the spring meeting.
With no further business to discuss, President Korsman thanked the board members for their time and effort on
behalf of Slovenian Women’s Union and asked that we all cooperate to make our new ventures successful.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer at approximately twelve o’clock noon.
Evelyn A. Majercik, National Secretary Jean Korsman, National President
Dear Officers and Members,
As we close the books for 1995 and look forward to 1996, we have to take time to look at our past, our present and our future. I am sure many of you are aware of the situation that Slovenian Women’s Union is in.
We are dealing with a dwindling membership due to the demise of our older members, and in some cases even our younger members. New members are hard to come by because of the continuing decline of interest from the younger generation in matters that our parents held dear. Matters that we (the present membership) are struggling to preserve and carry on.
But, the lack of interest and concern is even deeper when you face a membership that no longer gives of itself, members who are reluctant to get involved, members who fail to keep up their dues, members who are the first to criticize and yet the last to offer any assistance or ideas to help us cure our ills.
If 1996 to be a good year for Slovenska Ženska Zveza, YOU have to give of yourself for the betterment of your branch and ultimately for the survival of S.W.U. You must make sure that when you are asked to get involved, the answer has to be “yes.” When your statement for dues arrives, the check has got to be in the mail. When an office has to be filled, you can fill the position. The old adage “let someone else do it” should have no place in your vocabulary.
Webster defines cooperation as “the association of a number of people in an enterprise for mutual benefits, profits.” And to cooperate is to “work together with another, or others, for a common purpose.” And that is what we need from all of you, to work together for our common purpose, for our mutual benefit.
If you are truly interested in our organization, put your best foot forward in 1996!
Respectfully,
Evelyn A. Majercik, National Secretary
IL-IN STATE
The 1995 Illinois-Indiana State Convention was opened by Millie James, president of host Branch 95.
Barbara Bruch, Branch 89 of Oglesby, IL read the minutes of the 1991 convention, which they sponsored along with Branch 85 of Depue, IL.
Millie thanked her and shared thoughts and feelings regarding deceased former past State President, Romaine O’Brien Jablonski. “Her passing is a great loss to all of our branches and she will be remembered for her boundless enthusiasm for all tasks,” said Millie.
She then introduced Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA, who urged members to please read the ZARJA to keep abreast of all the news.
We must all be sure to fill out the form in the ZARJA so that our new system will have a perfect database to facilitate direct billing. The same forms must also be filled for members whose dues are paid by the branches.
“Active branches always are a lure to new potential members that our society needs” remarked Corinne, along with other “jewels” of information.
The next guest introduced was Pat Figurowski, of Branch 20 in Joliet, representing the National Board. She was elected 3rd National Auditor at the convention and she asked for all of our support and prayers on behalf of all the new officers.
A letter, greeting all members, was read from our new National President, Jean Korsman. She also wished us a successful regional convention and regretted that she was unable to attend.
Madame President James then proceeded to introduce the various branches.
CONVENTION
Branch 2, Jean (Daisy) Železnikar
She proudly announced that the branch has 20 new members and sadly that they lost 10 active ones.
Jean said that they have a special theme for each month and reviewed the year’s activities.
The Rosary Tree is their newest movement. A rosary is said for each sick member and also at the wakes of the deceased.
Branch 16, Vida Kumse
Branch 16 had a colorful representation with seven members in Slovenian costumes plus a couple in their Italian dress.
Vida said that they have one new member and lost three. She mentioned the fact that Branch 16 and Branch 95 support each other’s activities.
They petitioned President Clinton to present the Presidential Medal of Honor to Frankie Yankovic on his 80th birthday, which he did in July.
A vote of thanks to the members who assisted the main office in “Project Note Paper” which we all enjoy.
Branch 20, Charlene Kobe
Branch 20 has a yearly calendar of events so the members have an idea of what the program will be for each month.
Their recent Grape Festival raised money for dues for members over 80 and for their scholarship fund.
iLLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVENTION NOTABLES
Br. 95, So. Chicago, Illinois
Seated, from left to right: Eleanor Bandera, Bernice Morrison, Evelyn Driscoll, Rev. Jago Soce and President, Mildred James; Standing second row: (un-named member), Julie Hansen, Mary Perkovich, Manda Dosen, Rev. Paul Maslach, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, GeriLynn Bima (left) was recently elected state Mary A. Perkovich, Ann Yosue, Helen Santy; Standing, top row: president of the Slovenian Women’s Union. Bonnie Marie Maras, Mary Toporis, Dolores Hennelly, Marge Niksich, Prokup, (right) was elected state vice president. Helen Price, Marge Krmpotic.
Since the Heritage Museum is located in Joliet, the members volunteer one day a week to categorize and sort out the Slovenina artifacts that are donated and put on display for anybody’s viewing.
They have 27 new members and lost nine members.
Branch 24, Adele Gensler
Their main fundraiser is a “Bakeless Bake Sale”. This enables them to make various charitable contributions mainly to the Baraga Fund. They have prospects for new junior members.
Branch 85, Mary Jermene
Mary remarked that their branch was not overly active but that they had a lot of comraderie.
They must have some moneymakers however, because they made many donations to various charitable activities.
Branch 89, Angela Nico
Angela said that they enjoyed hosting last year’s Nat’l Convention. Their new member, Barbara Bruch, is an active herb gardener. She is generous with information for use of same in cooking or medicinal use.
They are urging that the National convention is moved to the Midwest area, so that more members can attend.
Branch 95, Mildred James
Once a year, we hold a raffle handled by Ann Yosue and sister Helen Santy, who are tireless workers.
Marge Krmpotich was in charge of the door prizes for the state convention. Millie considers her our “balance wheel,” keeping us all on an even keel.
Following the death of recording secretary Frances Ben-
kovich, Marie Maras was recruited for the job.
Dolores Hennelly keeps all of our records and Ann Yosue, vice president is always on the alert for moneymakers.
No representation from Branches 22 and 99.
*****
Millie opened the floor for nomination for State President for the Illinois-Indiana area.
Lo and behold, an arm shot up from one of our youthful members from Branch 24! A volunteer! GerriLynn Bima from Streamwood, IL offered her services!
A formal nomination was made by Anna Marie Wrangler of Branch 24 and seconded by Mary A. Perkovich of Branch 95.
The vote was unanimous with all members delighted with the outcome.
Another volunteer. Bonnie Pohar Prokup accepted the office of vice president. She was formally nominated by Adele Gensler. Branch 24 really sparked up the convention with two new officers - the new young blood!
Millie then asked whether the group would like to meet every other year. The decision to gather every year was carried. Branch 2, Chicago accepted the responsibility of the 1996 convention.
The members of Branch 95 were happy to welcome the Illinois-Indiana branches and look forward to the next convention!
Helen Santy made a motion to close the meeting.
Past National officers present were recognized: Josephine Lustig, former auditor and Fran Morison, former head of Women’s Activities.
Marie Maras,
Recording Secretary
Irene M. Odorizzi,
Heritage Director
HISTORY OF S.W.U. BRANCHES
Looking Back
to the Future
BR. #103, WASHINGTON, D.C. MARYLAND, VIRGINIA
Part
REGIONAL CONVENTION Pennsylvania-New York-Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia May 6, 1990
The first Regional Convention sponsored by Branch 103 was held at the Holiday Inn in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
A very large group from Pennsylvania attended and contributed greatly to the success of the convention. Jennie Flisek, Regional President, coordinated the travel arrangements for the Pennsylvanians. Mr. Carl Flisek and Mrs. Frances Sylvester were wonderful entertainers for the event.
Greetings were extended to the delegates by President of 103, Freda Michelitch and Bernadette Kovacic, co-or-dinator of this very successful event. Rev. Raymond Wadas presented the Invocation.
Following the luncheon, President Michelitch, recognized guests which included SWU National President, Victoria Bobence, who later on presented a “storytelling” speech about her relatives. Marlene Skopec led the group in singing the SWU National Anthem.
Jennie Flisek, Regional President, opened with a welcome and conducted the meeting which began with the Reading of the minutes from the previous convention, correspondence and a roll call of lodges.
Matilda Ausich, reported for Branch 103 by listing a
III
brief background of the meetings, functions and activities that are held on a yearly basis by the branch.
Alenka Richardson presented a memoriam to former Senator Lausche and discussion centered around the Membership Campaign, Scholarship Fund and 1991 National Convention Plans.
Branch 103 decided to combine their Mother-Woman of the Year event with the convention and Freda Michelitch was honored with flowers and an introduction of her family in attendance and a program presented by the children.
Members enjoy appearing in their Slovenian costumes.
DECEMBER, 1995 /7
S.W.U. HISTORY
MOTHER or WOMAN OF THE YEAR CELEBRATIONS
The “Mother or Woman of the Year” is selected among the membership early in the year and her bio and photo is featured in the ZARJA. The month of May is devoted to honoring her as well as our heavenly mother, Mary.
This tradition has continued uninterrupted since 1966. Members, along with family and friends, attend in large numbers. A special program is prepared in which the junior members assume the important roles, such as crowning the Virgin Mary and performing with songs, dances, recitation etc. for the enjoyment of the responsive audience.
The Mother or Woman of the Year, along with her family, is introduced to the assembled guests and customarily honored with flowers. Following this tribute, a lavish and bountiful buffet of home-cooked food is served, compliments of the talented members. The traditional Slovenian pastries always highlight the delicious buffet which is open to the Slovenian community on a free of charge basis.
Mothers (Women) of the Year
1966 Mary Michelitch	1981
1967 Ivanka Antolin	1982
1968 Matilda Podborsek	1983
1969 Mary Mejac	1984
1970 Molly Thomas	1985
1971 Matilda Terselic	1986
1972 lea Zebot	1987
1973 Mary Lou Terselic	1988
1974 Mara Chokel	1989
1975 Jane Bevec	1990
1976 Becky Nagel	1991
1977 Nika Kovacic	1992
1978 Maria Paulin	1993
1979 Elizabeth Cesnik	1994
1980 Ana Skopec	1995
Alenka Richardson Freda Michelitch Matilda Ausich Antonia Cigale Angela Daly Ivanka Antolin, Jr. Bernadette Kovacic Lydia Millonig Regina Raspet Freda Michelitch Sabina Bartol Mary Mejac Loretta Kennedy Marie Robinson Mary Bodling
SPECIAL MEMBERS
MATILDA “TILLIE” AUSICH
Matilda Ausich has served as Recording Secretary of Branch 103 since its inception in 1965. Her outstanding performance in this position requires that she be recognized for her contributions not only for the accuracy and neatness of her minutes but also for her active participation in the many branch and heritage activities.
Tillie’s secretarial background enables her to take down all the discussion during the meetings in shorthand and then transcribe the minutes, and type them up. The perfection of her minutes were a basis for the thirty years of Branch 103. history.
Ms. Ausich also expresses an avid interest in the Slovene Heritage which promotes ethnic activities for the Slovenian Museum in Joliet, Illinois. She has also compiled the ZARJA articles relating to Heritage and another on the Immigrant articles which appeared in the ZARJA. Again, the many hours spent each day for 6 or more months is truly commendable. These binders of information will eventually
i
be presented to the Museum.
Tillie was the youngest of her family of two brothers and a sister. Her parents had immigrated from Slovenia to Woodward, Iowa, prior to World War I and she recalls her parents with much love and affection.
Tillie graduated from Woodward High School in 1937, worked at the Woodward State Hospital as a telephone operator and later advanced to the position of medical secretary. After attending the American Institute of Business School in Des Moines, Iowa, she was assigned as secretary for the Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In February 1948, Tillie was transferred to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where she was employed as a private secretary for the Executive Secretary of the Air Staff Board, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Her hobbies and interests include needlework, dancing, reading and travels in the U.S. and overseas. The superior quality of her needlework make each piece that she presents to a friend or relative, a masterpiece.
Tillie retired from her position with the Air Force at the Pentagon on Dec. 31, 1984, then accepted part-time employment with the Business Management Research Associates located in Crystal City, Virginia, where she lives. She retired from this position on July 29, 1993, when the office moved into the suburbs. Tillie is now enjoying complete retirement except when she’s working industriously on a heritage project. Still she maintains, “I just don’t have
S.W.U. HISTORY
^—	—J)
enough time to accomplish all the things 1 had hoped to accomplish when I retired.”
Tillie, as ZARJA reporter and Rec. Secretary of the branch, is the also the “unofficial” historian for Branch 103. She compiled the 30 year history of the branch from the minutes of the meetings and the monthly articles printed in the ZARJA. She also compiled in another binder, the Heritage News & Views articles and the Immigrant articles. This immense project required months of daily work and at times Tillie said, “these compilations seem endless.” Tillie’s historical binders were displayed at the ’95 Convention and again at the 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance of Branch 103.
Ms. Ausich expresses an avid interest in her Slovene Heritage which promotes ethnic activities for the Slovenian Museum in Joliet, Illinois. She has spent many hours Working on heritage projects in her home. For her outstanding work in history, heritage and as recording secretary and ZARJA reporter, the members say, “Thanks, Til, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
MARY “MIMI” MEJ AC
Mary has been in the midst of all Branch 103 functions as secretary since the branch was formed in 1965. She is one of the charter members and has been a vital contributor in all aspects of decision-making since 1965.
Mary Mejac (Grill) was bom on May 13, 1928, in New York City, of Slovenian immigrant parents.
Being reared in an immigrant household, Mary is conversant in the Slovene language and dedicated to her cultural heritage. She has one sister, Betty, of New York, and one brother, John, of Bath,
Maine.	Freda and Mimi
In New York, Mary participated in Slovenian activities, playing the organ, singing in the church choir, and organizing social events for young people. She played the accordion as a member of the Manhattan Trio and acted in many Slovenian plays.
Mary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Yonkers, NY and worked at the Sloan-Kettering Institute in NY, and at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C. While her children were young, this busy mother was self-employed in her home as a technical and medical proofreader and editor. Gradually she transitioned into a full time position as editor in a publishing company and then advanced to the position of technical writer/editor at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, earning many high quality awards.
On June 6, 1953, Mimi was married to Conrad Mejac, a Slovene immigrant, was employed as Chief of the Slovenian section, with the Voice of America in Washington, D.C. They make their home on Butterworth Place in northwest Washington, D.C. While raising her children, Mary found time in a busy schedule to act as a Brownie den mother, a Cub scout leader, a lunchroom and classroom aide and she even tutored at a home for unwed mothers.
Mimi, as branch secretary, for the past 30 years, has been at the forefront in planning each of the many events. Members look to her for ideas, approval and direction. Under her initiative, Branch 103 sponsored many events from din-ner-dances to participation in heritage festivals, and concerts by choral groups from within the U.S. or from Slovenia. She highlighted the branch’s 20th Anniversary affair with the 85th Birthday Celebration of Senator Frank Lausche, former governor and U.S. Senator of Ohio.
Along with her husband, Conrad, Mary has participated in numerous other events sponsored by various Slovenian organizations: Anniversary Celebrations of the Slovenian Chapel at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; 41st Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia; Fundraising for the Slovenian Cultural Center in Lemont and performances of choral groups from Slovenia and Cleveland.
Mary is proud of the accomplishments of her three children, Helen, Peter and Maria, who live within the metropolitan Washington area making it possible to enjoy their five grandchildren, Kevin, Tony, Christy, Matthew and Nicholas.
Mary and Conrad are known for their Slovenian hospitality and host many social gatherings in their home with traditional Slovenian warmth and cordiality. They continue to promote their Slovenian heritage whenever an occasion arises.
Mary’s perseverance and continuous interest in Slovenian activities makes her a mainstay of her branch. Freda Michelitch, past president of 103, describes Mimi as “having poise and stature which gives her distinction as she grows older.
NIKA KOVACIC
Nika Kovačič (Pogačar) was bom in the town of Trzic in the Gorenska region of Slovenia on Dec. 4. Her family later moved to the old Slovenian town of Kamnik at the foot of the beautiful Alpine mountain region of Slovenia. There she completed her secondary schooling and was very active in sports competing in swimming.
Her parents owned a bakery so she and her brother and sister were required to spend many hours helping with chores. It was there she learned the artistry of baking and cake decorating, a skill she brought with her to America in 1958, and which can be enjoyed by those who are fortunate to sample her pastries.
fr	--	=».
S.W.U. HISTORY
L—	—	.	—J
In August 1958, Nika arrived in America for a visit and to meet her husband-to-be Eric Kovacic, a scholarly Slovene and master of Slavic studies. They decided to start a new life together and were married at St. Anthony’s Church in Washington, D.C. on September 27, 1958, by the late Rev. John Prah who officiated at the marriage performed in the Slovenian language.
The happy couple chose Silver Spring, MD for their home and where they raised their only child, a daughter, Bernadette. Nika has retained her strong sense of Slovenian identity following Slovenian traditions as much as possible. Her daughter absorbed the manners and the culture of her heritage and is fluent in the Slovenian language.
Mrs. Kovacic is active in church and family activities and maintains a full time position in the accounting department in the health and hotel industry. Her leisure time is devoted to art, culinary science, reading and outdoor activities.
Nika’s late husband held responsible positions in the Library of Congress for over thirty years until his retirement in 1985. In addition to his regular position, he had an impressive library of his own on various Slovenian subjects.
Nika, a charter member of Branch 103, held the position of Vice President from 1965-68, and from 1981-present. She served as branch reporter in the Slovenian section of
ZARJA for thirty years. As a delegate, she attended the National Convention in 1991, and in 1995, as a visitor. During the past convention, Nika collected donations for the Heritage Fund prior to each session, with such enthusiasm and friendliness, that delegates and visitors were very generous.
Since the inception of the branch in 1965, Nika has successfully recruited new members every year, especially from the younger generation of Slovenes. There is always an application form in her purse when she attends any large function. Nika is truly dedicated to her Slovenian culture and heritage and to the Slovenian Women’s Union, attending all the meetings, organizing and participating actively in all the branch functions. She cherishes and promotes her Slovenian culture and heritage whenever possible emphasizing accuracy and authenticity.
Nika is an exemplary member and reliable officer of Branch 103. She is proud of the Slovenian Women’s Union, its position and value in all the Slovenian communities throughout the U.S. Her loyalty and love of ZVEZA is praiseworthy. All the members are proud of Nika Kovacic and grateful for her outstanding and continued participation and leadership in Branch 103.
FREDA MICHELITCH
Freda served as Vice President of #103 from 1965 to 1971 and President for seventeen years from 1972-1989. During her tenure she was active in all phases of branch activities and an untiring worker. There was no job too menial for Freda and she could be seen not only at the microphone introducing guests or members but in the kitchen helping with the cooking and the cleanup.
One of the outstanding features of Freda’s tenure was the personal contact that she maintained with members, calling them on the phone and visiting with them as she announced the coming meeting, a sick member or a deceased relative. Freda had a certain knack for making people feel good: she was always smiling, tactful and considerate to everyone. She was everyone’s friend and would exude Slovenian hospitality at all events. Freda met the public easily circulating amongst the crowd, introducing herself and stopping to chat a bit.
Much of Freda’s position as president required alot of telephone work as she contacted orchestras, reserved halls, requested individuals to be on committees or to donate for various activities. She purchased many of the items and paper products used for dinner-dances, meetings, or buffets. At the monthly meetings, Freda was in charge of the coffee.
Another position which this busy president maintained for years was as branch reporter. Later she concentrated on feature articles about the branch for the ZARJA.
Freda, a professional nurse, retired from the U.S. Public Health Service, Outpatient clinic in 1986. She attended the University of Maryland in Baltimore, the Nursing School founded more than a century ago by a co-worker of Florence Nightingale.
Freda was one of twelve children, and being the oldest, naturally took to the task of responsibly caring for her younger sisters and brothers. Nine of the sisters and brothers still reunite as a family many times in the year. This vital moments of kinship are dear to her as she has an open and caring nature.
Since retirement, Freda keeps in touch with friends, visits her family or enjoys her hobbies of flower arranging, embroidering and reading. Exercising in the open air and bird watching brings Freda out into the beautiful Virginia countryside.
As Program Chairman for Branch 103, Freda is still actively engaged in all branch functions and the members can say that Freda is a real treasure to the SWU.
S.W.U. HISTORY
'W	.—J)
MATHILDA (TILLIE) TERSELIC
Mathilda has been a member of SWU since 1968. Her parents, Matia Slana and Frances (Suhadolc) emigrated from the village of Dobrova close to Ljubljana and settled in Kenosha and finally Racine, Wisconsin.
Tillie, the second oldest child, worked hard as a youngster performing domestic and child care chores. Upon her graduation from high school, she worked as a telephone operator with Wisconsin Bell Telephone.
She met her Slovenian immigrant husband Anthony (Tony) Terselic in Racine where they were married in 1932, and shortly thereafter moved to Cleveland where they operated a grocery and meat market in the Slovenian-Croatian section of the city.
Tillie worked part-time in the family store until her son, Richard, entered high school then she returned to the work force as a telephone operator until she transferred to the accounting dept.
In 1968, Tillie and Tony moved to the Washington, D.C. area to be near their son, Richard and his family. She again entered the work force until 1986, when she retired from her position as admitting clerk at Suburban Hospital
in Bethesda, Maryland.
Her activities include church, choir, bazaar and crafts work. Tillie has been active in the SWU since she joined in 1968, along with her active daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Terselic, who held the position of branch Treasurer for 22 years.
Tillie is especially interested in providing craft experiences for the members at the meetings and has taken it upon herself to initiate and instruct the members in various projects. She is also conscientious about volunteering her services in the kitchen, whenever the occasion arises. Recording Secretary, M. Ausich, says, “Tillie is pretty good in the kitchen and very helpful.” She has participated actively in the branch activities for the past 27 years. A year after Mathilda joined the branch she began her active participation on the Program Committee until 1979 and then acted as auditor in the 1980s for three years.
Presently Tillie resides in a retirement community in Silver Spring, MD and is active in senior citizens activities as well as participating in the family auto wheel accessories business. Mathilda is proud of her son and daughter-in-law and speaks with pride of her four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
NATIONAL OFFICERS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF BRANCH #103
BERNADETTE KOVACIC FITZSIMMONS (National Youth Director 1987-95)
Bernadette was the first junior member to join Branch 103 in 1966, and 21 years later was elected National Youth Director of the Slovenian Women’s Union at the Twentieth National Convention held in Joliet, Illinois. For a number of years, Bernadette also wrote the ZARJA column,
“Strategic Consumer,” and has participated in an eventually organized annual branch programs, for loner than she can vividly remember.
The daughter of Eric and Nika Kovacic of Silver Spring, MD, Bernadette is the product of a true Slovenian home where a love Slovenia, its culture and language, have inspired a pride in her heritage. Under her parents’ tutelage, Bernadette speaks, reads and writes the Slovenian language which has been source of pride to her parents. She is an accomplished pianist and currently instructs five young students in piano. Bernadette also enjoys designing original arts and crafts, cooking, reading and playing folk songs and classical music on the piano.
In May 1987, Ms. Kovacic was elected as “Woman of the Year,” the youngest woman ever so honored by Branch 103. Bernadette has served as special activities coordinator for her branch for many years. She must also be complimented on her authentic Slovenian National Dress and has represented lovely Slovenian womanhood on numerous occasions for events held in the Washington, D.C. area.
This talented young lady holds a B.A. in Sociology, a master’s degree in Consumer Economics and has been employed in healthcare program management in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area for the past 10 years. She is currently employed by the Managed Healthcare Association.
Bernadette, a native Washingtonian, was married in August of 1994, to Timothy J. Fitzsimmons, from Stratford, CT. Tim holds a masters and Ph.D. in Material Science Engineering and is employed by the Departmertt of Energy as an Engineer. They were married at Notre Dame Chapel at Trinity College in a ceremony which included Slovenian readings and traditional hymns. The traditional “Slovenian unveiling,” was performed at the wedding reception.
The happy couple was recently blessed with their first child, a beautiful baby boy, bom on September 1, 1995, and named Matthew Erik.
Branch 103 looks forward to the leadership role that Bernadette will assume in the years ahead continuing the Slovenian heritage traditions for future generations of Amer-ican-Slovenes through Zveza.
S.W.U. HISTORY
IRENE PLANINŠEK ODORIZZI, National Heritage Director 1975-Organizer of Branch #103
Her first remembrance is as a participant in the SWU January meeting at the age of 6, in which she was costumed appropriately and sang the song, “Little Old Lady Passing By.” She became a cadet mascot, a folk dancer, and then a member of the Junior and later the Senior Championship Cadets.
Irene received her B.A. from College of St. Francis, Illinois and an M.A. degree from Catholic University. Her master’s thesis was devoted to the Slovenian writer, Ivan Cankar. Her carer was centered in the field of Education having taught elementary, intermediate and secondary schools in Illinois, Maryland and Virginia. “Ms. O,” as she was referred to by the high school students, taught Theatre Arts and produced the school plays and musicals. At the present she devotes full time to her travel business, “Washington Landmark Tours” specializing in group tours and cruises.
Irene supports the SWU with endless hours of work as Cultural Heritage Director. Interviewing and writing stories of Slovenian immigrants, has been an exhausting task requiring hours in deciphering notes and tapes and preparing the stories for publication in ZARJA. Some of the earlier vignettes were compiled in the book, “Footsteps Through Time.”
Mrs. Odorizzi started the self-funding Slovenian Heritage Museum in Joliet, Illinois. The Museum features the slide show/video entitled, “Golden Times,” another of her heritage projects which earned an “excellent” rating from the Congress of Illinois Historial Society in 1989. Volunteers from Branch 20 maintain the museum, accept artifacts, hold exhibits and welcome visitors. She was also responsible for initiating the first Slovenian Heritage Festivals in Illinois and Minnesota which financially benefited the Museum.
On the state, regional and national level, Irene’s “Oral History Video Tapes of Slovene Immigrants” received a
“superior” award from the American Association for State and Local History in 1989.
As columnist for ZARJA she writes, “The Immigrant,” “Heritage News and Views,” “Genealogy” and recently initiated the column “The Poetry Comer,” which solicits and features poetry from members throughout the U.S. Genealogy is another area in which she assists members in tracing their family roots.
Since 1989, Mrs. Odorizzi has worked to document the history of SWU branches thereby capturing an important aspect of Slovenian fratemalism in the U.S. The branch histories have been published in the ZARJA since 1991, under the byline, “Looking Back To The Future.”
Irene and Kenneth Odorizzi were married in 1971, and reside in Reston, Virginia. Kenneth received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and his Master’s degree from Southwest University. He is currently Director of Taxes for GTE Spacenet. Irene has been continually encouraged and supported in her heritage activities by Kenneth, who has funded her oral history projects and has traveled with her to many locations, video taping the interviews. They make a great team.
Mrs. Odorizzi has many plans and activities for future heritage projects and looks forward to locating interested and talented members who can assist her in realizing these goals for the SWU.
BRANCH ARTISTS
Branch 103 is fortunate to have many gifted and talented women who have contributed their artistic designs/paintings to branch projects, ZARJA covers, the SWU 65th anniversary calendar or the greeting cards. Those artists are (alphabetically): Mary Bodling, Karen Dillon, Estelle McGuc-kin and Mary R. Robinson.
Many SWU members have framed the lovely calendar pictures so their value extends beyond 1994, and will bring pleasure to the eye for many years. Similarly, the greeting cards are a joy to receive not only for their message but for the artistic quality which excites the senses when the envelope is opened. The artistic gems from other #103 members which highlight the ZARJA every now or then, the monthly meeting announcements or the branch program covers, all remind us of the artistic portion of our cultural heritage and the talent that is inherent in Slovenians.
Irene’s interest in the SWU and in her heritage was cultivated by her mother, Emma Planinšek, President of branch 20 for 47 years. “Zveza” was part of the Planinšek household and everyone in the family participated in activities which ranged from cadet rehearsals, dances, banquets and picnics to dedications, anniversaries and parades. It was a never-ending stream of activities.
S.W.U. HISTORY
CURRENT OFFICERS 1995-96
President	Jill Augustine
Vice President	Nika Kovacic
Secretary	Mary	Mejac
Rec. Secretary	Matilda	Ausich
Treasurer	Molly	Thomas
Auditors	Mary	Louise	Terselic
Mara Chokel Jana Bevec
Program Committee Freda Michelitch, Chairman Bernadette Fitzsimmons, Co-Chairman Matilda Terselic, Special Events Angela Daly, Greetings ZARJA Columnists Matilda Ausich & Nika Kovacic Spiritual Advisor	Rev.	Raymond	Wadas
CURRENT MEMBERS
Secretary, Mary Mejac, reports that current membership of Branch 103 as of August 15, 1995, is as follows:
Ivanka Antolin Jill Augustine Paige Augustine Matilda Ausich Sabina Bartol Jana Bevec Terezija Bevec Mary Bodling Ann Bresak Connie Buris Pauline Caldwell Ana Cemelc Mara Chokel Antonia Cigale Angela Daly Karen Dillon Jeanne Dolenc Dolores Fass Bernadette Fitzsimmons Cecilia Hlebanja Agna Javornik Maria Therese Jeffs Loretta Kennedy Elsie Ketz Nika Kovacic Helen Krotec Justina Lapornik Helen Mangold Jean Markmann Mary Mejac
Mary Antonia Mejac Ana Menapace Freda Michelitch Lydia Millonig Estelle McGucken Margaret McFarland Bryan Nagel (associate) Karen Nagel Becky Jo Nagel Irene Odorizzi Grace Oven Anne Elizabeth Paulin Maria Paulin Barbara Pucnik Alenka Richardson Marie Robinson Ana Skopec Marlene Skopec Martha Springer Maria Stewart Laurie Suival Mary Louise Terselic Matilda Terselic Nancy Terselic Molly Thomas Ivana Trost Helen Urbas Dora Voyatzis lea Zebot Tadeja Zupančič
CONCLUSION
With Appreciation
I would be remiss, if I didn’t take this opportunity to personally thank Tillie Ausich, Rec. Secretary of Br. 103, for coming to my rescue and for providing the outline and many photos which were needed to write this article, when other avenues which were attempted had failed. 1 was able to use the ZARJA articles and Tillie's perfectly recorded minutes from meetings covering the past 30 years, which she had compiled. Tillie is indeed a reliable member of Branch 103 and a marvelous friend of 30 years. My sincere thanks, Til.
Irene Odorizzi
The End
Irene Planinšek Odorizzi
cJ-fziitacjz	and	Q/ism
GENEALOGY
Current Branch 103 President, Jill Augustine, prepared a list of all members detailing pertinent information, which was put into booklet form and distributed to each member.
It is a pleasure receiving letters in the mail from Amer-ican-Slovenians with news of their genealogical research. The most recent letter came from Lisa Godina of Port Townsend, Washington. A few of her remarks will be shared with you since Lisa has been successful in locating relatives in Slovenia through the ZARJA and this column.
"Earlier this month 1 finally received a letter from a relative in Slovenia, the great granddaughter of my great uncle. Her father now owns the house that once belonged to my great grandfather who was born in the village of Skope where the first Godinas were supposed to have settled in 1600, after leaving Poland. According to family tradition as told in Slovenia...
I received a nice letter from her, including some information which may aid me in my research and hopefully, I will be able to visit in the future.”
There is something special about locating relatives that you never knew existed and finding out about your ancestors. Genealogy is an exciting adventure. Welcome to the land of discovery. Get started now.
Anyone needing information on how to start researching, may write to me at the address listed below:
Irene M. Odorizzi, 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 22091.
Meet our Nationals!
KATHLEEN J. DORCHAK
Vice President
I find it hard to put into words how I felt at the National Convention in San Francisco. Overwhelmed - would probably be an appropriate world. The love and friendship shared by all the Slovenians, men and women alike, was unbelievable, and unlike I have ever felt before. Being installed as your National Vice President will always be one of my most cherished moments. Having been so honored, I would like to share a little about myself.
I was bom in Clveland,
Ohio. I attended schools in Garfield Hts., Ohio and graduated from Solon High School in Solon, Ohio. I received a bachelor of arts degree in Art History from 5 The Ohio State University, and I am an avid “Buckeye” fan. Currently, I live with my husband, Bob and stepson Jason in a lovely seventy year old home in Silver Lake, Ohio, a suburb of Akron. Bob and Jason are extremely supportive in all my endeavors.
I have worked for a manufacturing company located in Solon in the accounting department for the past 21 and a half years. I have a wonderful position which affords me the opportunity to travel all over the world in a training capacity. I have been to Canada, Korea, Japan, England, France, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Hawaii and almost all of the remaining 50 states.
I am actively involved with Forest City Chapter of Professional Secretaries International, an association for office professionals. I was selected secretary of the year for the chapter in 1989 and elected president in 1990-91. I am currently serving at the state level in the Ohio Division Board as Parliamentarian.
My hobbies include reading (anything from self-help books to fiction novels), golf, crafts and cooking. My baking skills are not what I would like them to be, but I keep working on them. I am hoping to learn the fine art of strudel and potica making this fall.
My family, faith and friends have been the strength in my life. My parents instilled in me and my sister, Diane the importance of all three for balance. I am actively involved at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow.
My involvement with S.W.U. has grown over the years. I have always had an interest in my ancestors, but not until recently has my enthusiasm and love for my Slovenian heritage meant so much. I am active in Branch 47
where my mother, Olga Dorchak is President and my aunt, Elsie Spellacy is Recording Secretary. My beloved Grand-
mother, Jennie Gerk was President of our branch for many years. I always enjoy going to the meetings and keeping up with our branches’ activities.
I love working with people, sharing ideas, making plans for programs, and seeing it all come together. I pray my involvement with the Slovenian Women’s Union at the National level can make a difference. It is important to keep our established older members to give us knowledge and a firm foundation. It’s also important for our future to increase our membership with interested and enthusiastic younger members. Thank you for your faith in me. I am committed to you and to our association. I will do my best for all of you and hope you will help me along the way.
“Start With Us” - together we can make it happen!
MARY MARJORIE CHURCH
2nd Auditor
Mary Marjorie Church (nee Yemec), 2nd Auditor, is currently employed as Administrative Assistant to the VP of Operations of a manufacturing company associated with the steel industry. Bom in Maple Heights, OH, a suburb of Cleveland, Marge attended Catholic schools throughout and graduated from the University of Dayton in 1959. Marge lived in Colorado for many years; worked formerly as a stewardess for UAL, then as a secretary to the President and Vice President of a major condominium development in the Denver area. She later secured a real estate broker’s license and sold residential properties. Another part-time avocation was spending week-ends teaching downhill skiing in the Colorado Rockies. Volunteer work through the Red Cross was in writing a newsletter for a local nursing home and assisting the Activities Directors with planning and developing programs for residents.
Activities after returning to the Ohio area have been as a member of the Board of Directors for the Maple Heights Slovenian National Home for 8 years and holding the office of recording secretary for that period; singing in the Slovenian Chorus known as Planina Singing Society. Marge has maintained membership and worked on various committees with the American Business Women’s Association (Euclid Branch); and elected as Secretary and Treasurer to the SŽZ Branch 42 in Maple Heights in 1983.
Currently, Marge is also a member of KSKJ #146 St. Joseph, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Garden Club and Church Choir, and hobbies are reading, watching, old classic movies, music (eclectic), and theater. Marge is first generation Slovenian; her mother Mary Brodnik Yemec was from Svet Križ pri Litiji and father, Jacob Yemec, was from Trzin near Ljubljana.
Marge resides in Macedonia, Ohio. She is a newly-elected member of the National Board of Directors, as 2nd Auditor.
KATHLEEN M. EMERSON
Women’s Activities Director
Hi! My name is Kathleen Emerson and I am the newly appointed Women’s Activity Director. I thought 1 would take this opportunity to introduce myself to all of you.
My roots in this organization run very deep. I was enrolled in Branch 105, Detroit, MI as a juvenile in 1968 by my grandmother, the late Catherine Musick who was the secretary treasurer during the 1960’s. I can remember attending meetings as a child and enjoying listening to the members talk about their activities. My mother, Patricia Emerson Adamic has been our Secretary Treasurer since 1979. She keeps our Branch in Tip Top Shape! My sister Sharon Wysocky and her mother in law, Aileen are also members. When my step grandmother, the late Pauline Adamic, declined re-election as President after serving for 20 years, she nominated me to succeed her and I have proudly held that position for over 10 years.
Enough about my roots; let’s talk about “ACTIVITY”. If my middle name wasn’t Marie, Activity would surely be fitting. In order to increase my Branche’s membership I organized 2 membership drive meetings held on different sides of town. I have attended 3 National Conventions and several State Conventions with other members of my branch. As you are aware we hosted the Ohio Michigan Convention in 1994.
Charity begins at Home. Twice a year we collect and purchase food for a shelter for battered women and children; make food baskets for needy families; collected toys for Children’s Hospital; collect labels and cards for St. Jude’s Ranch; collect coats for kids; and make donations to Gifts of Reading. We also sent a donation to the hospital in Ljubljana for their Heart Care facility. In response to a request from Slovenska Izseljenska Matica we organized a fund raising campaign to cover the expenses for food and lodging for Peter Tominc and his parents. Peter had facial surgery which was not available in Slovenia. The surgeon and hospital donated their services. The success of this campaign was primarily due to the members of the Branch and local Slovenes.
I have been employed by CNA Insurance Companies for the past 18 years. My current position is Worker’s Compensation Claim Specialist. My work at CNA finances my Passion: TRAVELING. I have been fortunate to visit Slovenia, Austria, Italy, South Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, England, Ireland, Denmark, France, Germany, Belgium, Norway, The Netherlands, British Columbia and Ontario, Canada; and on a local front Washington, California, Wyoming, Colorado, New York, Nevada, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. My next grand adventure is in March 1996. I am traveling to China and Japan with my travel buddy and Branch member Yolanda (real Slovenian) Roel and my parents, Patricia and J. Robert Adamic.
Ai you can see I have not visited all 50 of our United States. So! I’m looking for “A FEW GOOD BRANCHES” to plan a long weekend of activities for all of our SWU travelers to enjoy.
I see my job as a challenge to promote the Activity of the SWU on a local and national level. Our new officers would like to see more activities on a national level.
Corinne has offered me space in our ZARJA for a column. I accept the offer and will call it “Kathleen’s Kon-nection”. I would like to use my column as a vehicle to promote ALL activities. I challenge each branch to go out into the community and enroll new members. 1 will be happy to share success stories on boosting enrollment in the column.
Please send your suggestions and comments to me at 41 Sparrow Hill, Orion, MI 48359.
I look forward to hearing from all of you!
SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATIONS
Submitted by Marge Church, Acting Director SWU Scholarship Fund
DONATIONS October, 1995
In memory of
Frances Marinšek Governor Rudy Perpich Sophie Schachtschneider Antoinette Koshinz
Donors	
AnnaL. Hodnik	$ 5.00
Anthony & Anne Orazem	$10.00
Mr. & Mrs. D. Widemshek	$10.00
Mary Ann Johnson	$50.00
Frank A. Mum	
and Vic Mum	
Marjorie Church	$10.00
SWU Branch 42	$10.00
Maple Heights, OH	
John Hribar Dorothy Ponikvar
Please note spelling in last report (November ZARJA): In Memory of Anton Janezich - not Janezeck.
WELCOME to the following new members!
Branch No. 2:
Barbara A. Krampač Genevieve Buol Marie C. Rom
Branch No. 10:
Colleen Collins
Branch No. 20:
Deborah L. Vicich Bernadine Gauthier June M. Hasser Josefa Zokal Kayla Marie Nelson Krista Zobel Geri L. Thayer
Branch No. 32:
Alexandria V. Perdan Pamela V. Perdan
Branch No. 39:
Barbara Harkonen Margaret Siskar
Branch No. 50:
Michael Luzar Elizabeth Luzar Brian Luzar Ryan D. Luzar Rebekah Luzar Stephen Luzar Daniel L. Luzar
Branch No. 103:
Paige Augustine
PotS and
1 remember as a child that baking around the holidays was always an “event.” I do not come from the traditional family where Mom stayed home. My mom, Patricia Adamic worked full time while trying to raise 3 toddlers. Some of my fondest Christmas memories are of helping mom and grandma make cookies and potica. With the help of my sister and brother, we would decorate the sugar and press cookies. This would go on for about a week since we baked when mom came home from work.
The recipes I am sharing with you are 3 “specialties” from my 3 grandmas. These days many of us belong to extended families due to remarriages. Some of us are fortunate enough to gain “extra” grandparents etc. These recipes were their trademarks and they brighten up any cookie plate. Try them and enjoy!
On behalf of my mother, sister, Sharon Wysocky, and myself we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Enjoy your families and continue your traditions or start some new ones!
Kathleen Emerson
Women’s Activity Director and President Br. 105, Detroit, Ml
GinearnK« op
Mk .Sfe 01C0L9S
16/ ZARJA - the DAWN
 1
CATHERINE MUSICK’S RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
Preheat oven to 400 degrees .Mix together thoroughly the following ingredients:
1 C. Soft butter
1/2 C. Sifted confectioner’s sugar
1	Tsp. Vanilla
Sift the following ingredients together and stir in:
2-1/4 C. Sifted Hour 1/4 Tsp. Salt
Then mix in:
3/4 C. Finely chopped nuts
Chill dough. Roll into 1” balls, place 2-1/2” apart on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake until set, but not brown, 10- 12 minutes. While still warm, roll in confectioners’ sugar. Cool. Roll in sugar again.
Yields about 4 dozen cookies. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
PAULINE ADAMIC’S CHURCH WINDOW COOKIES
1 12 oz. package of chocolate chips 1/2 C. Butter or margarine 1 C. chopped nuts
1 Package 10 oz. colored miniature marshmallows
2 C. shredded coconut
Combine chocolate chips and butter in saucepan and melt over hot water. Allow to cool. Then stir in nuts and miniature marshmallows. Divide into 2 parts. Sprinkle coconut on large sheet of foil. Place 1 part of chocolate mixture on coconut and shape into a long roll. Sprinkle with coconut. Roll up and place in refrigerator.
Repeat process with remaining chocolate mixture. Chill in refrigerator overnight or until firm enough to slice. Keep refrigerated.
To serve: Cut rolls into thin slices.
MABEL EMERSON’S CORN FLAKE CHRISTMAS WREATHS
Combine and melt the following ingredients on very low heat:
1/4 C. butter or margarine 15 Large marshmallows
Add:
1	Tsp. Green food coloring 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla
Mix well and then add:
2-1/4 Cup Corn flakes
Mix well and form small wreaths on wax paper. Decorate with red-hots (candies) and allow to dry at room temperature.
ACTIVITIES
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, WI
Our Christmas Party and Meeting will be Dec. 6th at the Ramada Inn in Sheboygan. Time is 6 p.m. Call Aggie at 452-8808 or Ruth at 452-8251 for reservations by December 1st. Our meeting will be very important. Many changes will be taking place. So, do come!
We will have a Valentine Bake Sale the weekend of Feb. 9-10, second weekend of the month. Remember, our annual Bingo Party is May 10th, proceeds will be for our 70th Anniversary and State Convention in Sept. 1996. We will need the help of all members to make this is successful event. Do help!
Our sympathy to Rudy and family on the death of Olga Saye. May she rest in peace. Lord, have mercy on her soul.
We have quite a few members in nursing homes in the area. We will be visiting them during the holiday season.
Frances Zandarisch, at 95, is now a resident at Sunny Ridge Nursing Home and Theresa Udovich is at Heritage Nursing Home.
Please pay up old - back dues, from
1995	to the secretary, if you owe them so she can settle up all our branch delinquency by the first of the new year.
Please remember to fill out the form on the back inside cover of this ZARJA and send it in. There is no 1996 dues collection to the secretary, as you will be receiving a notice thru the mail, based on your response on that form. So, it is important.
Merry Christmas and Holy, Happy and Healthy New Year!
DOROTHY BREZONIK
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL
HELLO TO ALL MEMBERS! We had a nice October meeting with a guest that honored us by her presence: Witch Hazel! This was our Hallowe’en celebration. Many of the members were
dressed in orange/black, it went along with our hall decoration which Ray always does to surprise us: skeletons, goblins, ghosts, spooky, creepy hangings. Our birthday members treated us to a delicious night snack and plenty of great desserts.
There were 22 members who attended our Illinois/Indiana Convention. Fran gave everyone a little black & white cow pin - so we were officially the “Cow girls of Zveza - Chicago”. Thanks to our host, Branch 95, for their nice hospitality. They greeted us with friendly smiles and treated us to sweet rolls and tea or coffee. It was so wonderful to again see the ladies who attended the S.F. Convention. (We had to re-live our terrific week again!!!) How nice to see so many members in their Narodna Nošas. Thanks also to the Croatian Franciscan Fr. Paul of Sacred Heart Church for the lovely Mass and the Choir for the beautiful songs honoring Our Lady.
Millie James read a letter from our National President, Jean Korsman, wishing us a successful convention.
Important Issues that were Discussed:
1. We voted on whether we should have our convention every year or every other year, and the members voted for every year since it is the only way that we have contact with one another as we are losing so many members.
2. Corinne emphasized that we should read the ZARJA because there is so much information that will answer most of your questions. Especially, now, since we will be going on direct billing the beginning of the year. Also, please fill out the information that is requested on the back of your ZARJA so all info is up to date on each member. Do this immediately, if you haven’t already.
3. We should try to get new members.
4. Next year will be our 70th Anniversary of SWU and trip to Slovenia is in the planning stages.
5. Trips - The new board will be planning exciting family trips, such as
to Washington, D.C. and other places.
6.	Illinois/Indiana Convention ’96. Branch 2 will be hosting the convention, keep the date open - October 6, 1996.
We are so happy to let you know that we have new officers for the Illinois/Indiana Region: President, Gerri Lynn Bima and V.P., Bonnie Pohar Prokup are both members of Br. 24, LaSalle; they are young, well-edu-cated, and we are sure they will do a great job.
We had a beautiful lunch at the Jovial Club and afterwards we were entertained by a DJ. We laughed, sang, danced and soon it was time to bid our farewells, hopeful that we will see each other in Chicago in ’96. On our return trip a raffle was held and everyone received a prize, donated by Gen Puhek Buol and Delores Puhek.
Please remember our sick members, especially Barbara Jakubowski, in your prayers that they will all be feeling better soon. Rosaries are said each month by members for our sick and deceased members.
News just received: John Jasbec, beloved husband of our member, Frances, passed away on Nov. 9th, just a month short of his 102nd birthday. We have written about John and Frances many times because they always impressed us as being such a devoted couple and so close to their family. John is also survived by four daughters, Hedy, Regina, Martha and Valeria, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. We will remember him in our prayers and extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Remember: December 2, Children Christmas Party.
December 14, Adults Christmas Party - “Night of Stars” (Dinner tickets: Members $6.00 - Guests $8.00) Call Jean for tickets. Mass 6:30 p.m.
December 25, Happy Birthday Jesus. “Želim Vam Vesel Boiič! Spominjamo se Jesusa rojenega v Bethlehemu. ”
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
Love,
DAISY
Hope everyone enjoyed Halloween and Thanksgiving. We are lucky to be enjoying such lovely fall weather.
Attendance at our meeting has been very good with twenty-three (23) at our meeting in October.
In order to help build up our treasury, it was decided to have a raffle on a basket of linens with chances being $1.00 each. Members will be asked to donate items for this basket. There will be more on this later on.
Our Christmas party will be held at Patti’s Restaurant on our regular meeting day, December 5, at 1:00 p.m. We hope to have a good turnout for this. Members will pay for their own meal.
A welcome is extended to our new member, Shirley (Zupančič) Cook. We are very happy to have her.
It has been such a pleasure to see more of our members come to our meetings. We are hoping to see even more.
Condolences are extended to those who have lost loved ones and get well wishes to those who are ill or home-bound. Let’s also remember our nursing home residents in our prayers and make an attempt to visit them whenever possible.
Merry Christmas to all.
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Our sympathy goes out to the family and friends of TILLIE KAMPOVSKY. After a long illness, Tillie passed away in the latter part of August. She will be sorely missed. Tillie was an enthusiastic worker and booster of our branch. She was quite talented in the arts and craft fields as well as a wonderful cook. At any of our pitch-ins you could find the members anxiously waiting for a piece of Tillie’s lemon or coconut meringue pie. Just this past summer Tillie had entered a painting of a little Indian girl into competition at the Indiana State Fair. Tillie won a first place ribbon for her efforts. Tillie also donated many beautiful hand painted items for our branch raffle. Branch 5 will miss you, Tillie.
In October, we lost another valuable member of Branch 5, MARIANNA BAYT. Our sympathy is with her fam-
ily. Marianna’s smiles and kindnesses will be missed by family and friends alike. We will miss you, Marianna.
Branch 5 would also like to extend their sympathy to longtime member, FRANCES YOVANOVICH. Frances’ brother, Henry Milharčič, passed away in October. Our prayers are with you, Frances.
In case you get this newsletter before November 30, 1995, Branch 5 will be hosting their annual Holdiay Party at the Slovenian National Home at 11:00 a.m. Please bring a covered dish. You should have received a letter telling you about the event. If you did not we may not have your correct address, please call Mary Frances Mohr (317—852— 8305) to verify.
On Sunday, October 15, 1995, many members gathered at Holy Trinity Parish for the 9:00 a.m. Mass followed by krofe and donuts in Bockhold Hall. Everyone enjoyed the company and special pastries. A special Thank You goes to members GLORIA LEFFLER, SUE ANN YOVANOVICH, MARY FRANCES MOHR and her husband, BOB, and FATHER (K.T.) TAYLOR. Thank You also goes to FRANCES YOVANOVICH, who donated the Mass stipend for our Mass for the deceased members of our branch.
BIG NOTE: Please do not send your dues for 1996 to MARY FRANCES MOHR. National Headquarters will be billing each member directly.
Any branch news, let me know so we can include it in our next newsletter.
I hope everyone is feeling great and all is going well.
Love from Texas,
BARBARA MOHR
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI
Our Luncheon and Style Show was a huge success! Thanks to the members for their donations of money, food, prizes. I must thank Br. 43 for their attendance and president, Josephine Janezich for bringing 4 prizes. You people are wonderful. After calling number 632, and nobody came forward, guess what? Someone found the ticket in her pocket the next day! I must thank Phylis - Lydia Jenich, Bernice Blazek for setting the tables the day before and the day of the luncheon being at the hall at 9:30 a.m. You made my job easy. Thanks, one and all.
Our charter member, Mary Bucov-nik was in the hospital for 8 days and is now on the mend. Sorry you missed our luncheon, Mary. Glad to see Rose Luebke back with us again.
Next on the agenda is our Christmas Party on Dec. 7th. If you haven’t made a reservation, check to see if you can get in. It’s at the Tanner Paul Post, So. 70th and Orchard at 12:00 noon.
The secretary has asked me to remind you to get your dues taken care of before the end of the year. As you know, in 1996, we will be on Direct Billing and all old dues must be paid up before that.
You will be receiving your 1996 dues notice from headquarters and asked to mail it directly back to them. I wish we did this many years ago.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. May good health be with you.
MARY KIEL
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
I cannot believe we are coming to the end of another year, a year that was very special to all of us in Branch 13. From all the cards and lettes we have received, the Convention was a great success. I have heard many comments regarding not having to wait four years to get together again. Maybe in two years we could meet just to renew old friendships and reinforce our dedication to S.W.U. It would be strictly voluntary. Let your delightful new Woman’s Activity Chairman know your thoughts and feelings.
We are back to our regular meetings after a summer hiatus and have many members on the sick list. We send get-well wishes to Mary Wraa, Rose Scoff, Kate Lampe, Ruth Zwyssig, and Yvonne Cosmi.
On a happy note, Betty Doherty is a great grandmother for the sixth time. She was telling all of us about Jake Francis Cileo who was welcomed by a brother and sister. Marion Lucchese’s granddaughter, Courtni Jo will make her a great grandmother soon. Congratulations, ladies!
President Josephine Aiuto again planned one of her bustrips and they went to Death Valley/Las Vegas. Thirteen of our members joined her, had a great time, and survived heat of 115 to
125 degrees. Also a belated Happy Birthday to Jo. (see photo).
We had our fabulous Brunch at the Slovenian Hall in October. Breakfast was wonderful, thanks to the hardworking Kitchen Crew. This reporter made a doll, dressed in all her English finery. She thought she was going to a ‘tea’ but thoroughly enjoyed her Slovenian breakfast. She went home with our Treasurer, Michele Twers, who were both very happy.
UNSOLVED MYSTERY... Please help us solve a small package that was sent to Michele Twers, c/o Slovenian Hall back in August. A lovely gift was enclosed but NO NAME OR NOTE FROM WHOM... Therefore, she sends a Big Thank You for your thoughtfulness since she cannot send a personal note. Won’t someone help her???
This Reporter has been busy traveling again. I spent five days at the Burlingame, CA. Hyatt Hotel for a Doll Symposium. I took many classes, had alot of fun, and met many Doll Ladies like myself from all over the world.
I also just returned from four days at a California Highway Patrol Conference at beautiful Lake Tahoe, CA. I took a boat tour of the Lake for the first time and the beauty of the Lake never ceases to amaze me, traveling over the magnificent Rockies and finding that gorgeous blue lake.
As we bring this year to a close, our grateful thanks to all our loyal members who support us, our love and thoughts to those who cannot join us, and our prayers to the members who have passed on. May you be blessed with a joyous Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Always remember: God made wrinkles just to show you where smiles have been.
BEVERLY JACKSON
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
At last! Cool weather has descended upon us after a brutally humid and hot summer. It’s a joy to see trees showing off their brilliant Fall foliage.
Hopefully this article reaches our members in time to make their reservations for one of our most popular events. Our Christmas Dinner this year will be Tuesday, December 5 starting
at 6:00 p.m. Vera Bajec is standing by to take reservations at 481-7473.
Our ladies who attended the Slovenian Women’s Union statewide conference wish to thank the women of St. Vitus, who hosted this year’s event, for their wonderful hospitality. They truly enjoyed themselves.
Member Ileene Collins has returned to her winter home in Florida along with her cousin from Slovenia. Dobrodošli from all of us!
Speedy recovery wishes to Marilyn Fitzthum, who had surgery on her hand. Also to Vera Bajec who fractured her arm after a fall. And also to Mary Fakult. Hope to see you all at our next meeting!
Sympathy extended to the family of Mary Baitt who passed away recently. God grant eternal peace and rest to our dear departed loved ones.
Reminder that no meeting will be held for the month of January.
The Christmas Season is a time to enjoy the warmth and love of family and friends as we welcome another celebration of the Birth of the Christ Child. May your Christmas be warm and loving.
It’s hard to believe it’a time once again to wish all of our members a Happy New Year! Hope your 1996 is filled with good health, joy and peace!
ALICE KUHAR
If anyone has an address for Stephania Steck please contact me: Evelyn Majercik P.O. Box 46539 Bedford, Ohio 44146
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Greetings to al 1 of our members, near and far!
Let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season as we get more and more into the spirit with our shopping, card and letter writing, baking and cleaning, and all that goes with it.
How about a nice break from our hectic activitis? Come to our Christmas Party on Dec. 9th!
Place: Crow Bar, 4001 E. 106th St.,
Time: 12 noon - Date: Dec. 9th
Ticket price: $12.00
Please call our secretary, Gladys Buck or president, Edna Winters, or member Vida Kumse for reservations. Join us for a funfilled afternoon. There is one request, and that is to make a donation of pastry for the party. You ladies are always so generous and are the best bakers in the world! Our tables are always filled with yummy stuff! Hvala lepa!
We had three birthday celebrants in October, Edna Winters, Fran Zupančič and Dorothy Perko. Each contributed to the dessert table and our dear Clara made an apple strudel (I heard it was super) and Dotsi Rossi made a yummy zucchini spread.
Beaulah Witch wended her way to St. George’s Hall and really shook up the members. Good job, Vida!
Thanks to Edna for the cute pumpkins - Gladys for the candy and a huge thank-you to Dorothy Perko for the gift of bath soap for all of those members attending. If I omitted anyone, mea culpa!
I missed the meeting but did enjoy
Iraveiod&e
I^eIccmes
CLl6 SLovenia
Br. 13’s Michele and Jo love to travel!
a football game - my grandson Ryan Monahan plays for Fenwick High School. So far, their record is 10-0. I pray they can go all the way to a championship!
Our Gladys is really getting to be quite a traveller. She enjoyed a train ride to Lakeland, MN. She spend a week with Barb and Tom Ireland and their Kelly and Jason. She was there to enjoy Tom’s birthday cake and Halloween with the kids. I’ll bet the “Shopaholic” had her to the Mall.
Loving grandma, Mary Rago and mom, Chris Whalen enjoyed a delightful drive down to Champaign, IL to celebrate Joe Whalen’s 22nd birthday. He is in grad school there and hopes to earn a double master’s degree in architecture. Good luck, Joe!
Let us remember our members who are ill - make them feel a little better with a phone call, a card or a visit if possible! But most of all, remember them in your prayers. Remember Ana Lustig, Dolores O’Brien, Dorothy Perko, Alvina Sreboth, Zinka Shesek and Polly Klobučar. These ladies were always loyal, hard-working members.
Our condolences to Mrs. Agnes Krilich on the loss of her son, Peter.
My best wishes for a most blessed Christmas to all the officers and members of SWU. All good wishes for a happy and healthy 1996! Najlepše Božične praznike in srečno, zdravo novo leto!
Love,
MARGE PREBIL
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
Only 24 more shopping days til Christmas! Where does the time go?
Celebrating 45 years of marriage on October 7th were Chuck and Alice (Rozich) Štiglic. They have three children and seven grandchildren. Congratulations and may you enjoy many more happy years together.
We extend get-wells to Marie Scheidt and Mary Marvic. Get well ladies we miss you.
Jean and Victor Pucel of Merrimac, WI were blessed with a new son, Benjamin Joseph on the 16th of October. Proud grandparents are Millie and Rudy Pucel.
Branch 20 extends sympathy to Georgette Tinnerello on the loss of her husband Sam; to Alma Munich on the loss of her mother; and to Father Tom Paul of Downers Grove on the loss of his father Stephan. May God comfort you all during your time of sorrow.
Branch 20 had its annual bake sale October 21st and 22nd. Chairpersons were Marie Scheidt and Jo Lustik. My niece Chantalle Vicich came from Bellevue, Nebraska to bring her Pumpkin bars. (By the way she processes her own pumpkin). That was probably the farthest anyone has gone for a bake sale that I know of.
Eric Pucel, son of Chris and Judy Pucel and grandson of Millie and Rudy Pucel, graduated this past September from the U.S. Coast Guard basic training at Cape May, NJ as a fireman apprentice. Also attending his special day were his two brothers Zachary and Nicholas. During his eight weeks of basic training, he received two ribbons for his marksmanship achievement. He also served as first squadron leader for his company “Fox Trot 147”. Eric attended St. Jude grade school and is a
1994	graduate of Joliet Catholic Academy. He is a member of Br. 20 along with his mother and brothers and grandmother. Grandma Millie was also past president of Branch 20.
Don’t forget the Christmas Brunch to be held on Sunday, December 17th at the Renaissance Center. Cocktails are at 11:30 (cash bar). Brunch is at 12:00 noon. Cost is $12.00 for members and guests. Have your reservations in by December 8th. Call: Mary De-mick 723-2324, Pat Figurowski 741-1863 or Marcia Judnik 436-6409.
The next business meeting will be Sunday, January 21st at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Park Hall. Officers for
1996	will be installed at this time. A buffet dinner will be provided by the
1995	officers.
Till then, take care and may God bless.
JOYCE VICICH
NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL
December already! Yes indeed, and if you feel the cold, here are a few memories that will warm your heart, if not your feet. Mea culpa, yours truly has reneged on reporting.
The Rittmanics were hosts to Leo’s side of the family, about 90 relatives from around the Midwest meeting at the wooded Acres in June to enjoy a day of food, fun and friendship.
Another heartfelt reunion took place in Kentucky in August where Don Metschuleit welcomed his daughter Mary Ann from Seattle. They had not seen each other for six years, then on to Bradley to visit mother and grandmother, our member Mollie McIntyre.
Our branch meetings are reunions of sorts; we don’t see one another that much. In August we had the pleasure of the generous hospitality of Elizabeth Kinder and Mollie McIntyre in Mollie’s home. It goes without saying, a good time was had by all. The Branch has contributed to ZARJA and to sponsorship of the Little League Baseball players from Slovenia.
For October’s meeting the mother and daughter team of Mary and Barbara Rittmanic had the added assistance of visitors from Wisconsin and Texas, Helena and Katie, the other Rittmanic girls. Sorry I missed the meeting; I learned it was a lively get-together. For one thing, our Christmas dinner out will be on Dec. 3 at Family Restaurant, if they ever complete the renovation.
At this writing we are looking forward to the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of Francis and Ann Richards. Stay tuned.
Christmas! To all, the familiar greeting in its deepest meaning; it’s ever ancient, ever new: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God bless all abundantly!
EMMA LUSTIG, Reporter
Cirila Kermavner:
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MEMBERS OF BR.25 AND ALL ZVEZA!
Happy Birthday to our Godson Derek Chrzanowski December 26th Much love from
Cirila and John Kermavner
NO. 23, ELY, MN
Our October meeting was held at the Church Hall. President Jane Yadlosky opened the meeting with prayer. We had a new addition to our meeting. For quite some time, we have had a beautiful banner that was made for the Slovenian Women by Chickie Novak, and no way to display it. Quite by accident, our President discovered two hooks up on the stage, so we will now have our banner with us at all of our meetings. Our thanks to Chickie for all of the time she spent in making this banner.
Rosemarie Buchner modeled the hat which we had at the State Meeting in Biwabik and Jane gave the narration.
Various fund raisers were discussed. Bill Slogar won the 50-50 drawing for the night.
Lunch Committee members were Mary Smuk, Mary Kosir, Mary Grahek, Mary Ann Pulis and Julie Russ. Everyone enjoyed the coffee an’ after the meeting; and then we had our usual rousing Bingo session.
MARCELLA ZUPEC, Reporter
NO. 24, LASALLE, IL
Adele Gensler, delegate to the State SWU Convention in september, presented an interesting report to the 14
members in attendance at the October meeting. State Vice President, Bonnie Prokup was in attendance and reaffirmed her commitment to our Slovenian Women’s Union. Helen Swietek, chirman of the annual project announced that the letters were ready for mailing. Our “Bakeless Bake Sale” supports our pledge to pay the dues for over 80 year and older members. Thanks to your cooperation we have very good luck with this undertaking. Betty Stack will select a child from the Catholic Social Service Giving Tree in Resurrection Church and will purchase a Christmas gift. Jo Grabowski treated us to pumpkin dessert and cider after the meeting.
Congratulations to Mary Ann Potth-off, a grandmother for the 14th time with the birth of a daughter to her daughter and son in law, Lori and Dave Gruenwald. Congratulations also to Jane Gruenwald who is the little one’s great grandma and to great aunt Mary Ann Weber.
We wish a Happy Birthday to Junior, Caitlin Collins, Olga Fritz, Michele Gende, Marian Borisek, Antonia Hoef-ferle, Fannie Piletič, Jane Gruenwald, Mary Ann Weber and Evelyn Kastigar who will celebrate their birthdays in December. Gale Nowik and Cathy Jo Lenkaitis will observe their birthdays in January. I hope you all have a special day and pleasant memories of your birthday, with many more to follow.
Our Financial Secretary, Betty Stack, has been putting a lot of time and effort into compiling an up-to-date listing of all members and their beneficiaries. This list will be sent to National Secretary Evelyn Majercik. I’ve helped her type the list and we proofread it together. You will now be computerized and should receive a statement concerning the payment of your dues. Betty will no longer collect the dues.
Our Christmas Party will be on Sunday, December 10, at 2:00 p.m. in the Paramount Club. Barbara Pohar (phone 224-2618) is the chairman and will be assisted by Sharon Brady (phone 223-1897) Mary Ann Brunner (phone 538-7651) and Cathy Jo Lenkaitis (phone 223-3428). Reservations must be made by Thursday, December 7 with any of the committee members or call one of the officers. We hope to have the new State President and State Vice President in attendance.
Our next meeting will be on March 14, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the LaSalle Catholic School Library. We’ll be happy to see all of you after we have a long break with no meetings in January and February.
I wish all of our members, far and wide, a very Happy Holiday Season --the merriest of Christmases and a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
ANNE M. WANGLER, Reporter
I have not written any news for quite a long time, so I thought it necessary to share some news with you, especially the inactive members who would like to know what’s happening!
We all just went through a long, hot summer, but I loved every day of it. I feel very sad to think of winter coming on. No meetings will be held in January or February because of the weather and we will miss socializing with our active members.
September and October meetings were pretty well attended but we surely need oh, so many more younger members to join us in order to keep our Monday afternoon meetings going. They are always on the third Monday of the month at 12:30. Come ladies, we need you!
There were a couple of deaths in the past year and we miss these long-time members. Rose Jesih passed away on the 20th of September and Beatrice Kacsmer who was at the Villa Maria Nursing Home. On the sick list we have Mary Zigon in a nursing home and Mary Dekleva presently living with her daughter. Remember them in your prayers.
The new rules that were set up at the convention in May will mean a different way of paying dues. The dues will no longer be collected by the financial secretary at the meeting but must be sent in directly to the National Secretary. This will begin in 1996. We will all receive the notices by mail, stating how much we owe for the year with an envelope to return your payment by mail.
Next on the agenda was our Christmas party which we all enjoy. It will be on Monday, December 11th at 12:30 p.m. and will be a catered dinner. Many beautiful gifts will be used for prizes. On the committee for prizes are: Helen Cesnik, Maijorie Rosenberger and Dorothy Pietro. Any member may bring a gift - greatly appreciated.
Birthday greetings to our September, October, November and December member. A wish for many more happy and healthy years.
After the first of the year we will have a meeting to discuss having a monthly social. More news later on this. We will all miss our social day, I’m sure, as all active members look
forward to having an afternoon out.
Congratulations to all our new officers of SWU from Br. 26 and a terrific job, well done, to our retiring officers, especially Olga who has been very active and helpful for many years.
Happy Thanksgiving and a Blessed Christmas to all.
JANE LYNCH
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN
Our Anniversary Dinner, Oct. 4, at the new “Dry Dock” restaurant was very enjoyable.
This year our Christmas Party will be held Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3. At St. Elizabeth Parish Hall.
“Dime Social” will be held.
Hope all members-senior and junior, will attend.
Prayers for our sick members including Helen Mosack and Eileen Fedo.
Holiday greetings to all Zveza members, especially “shut ins” and in nursing homes.
LOIS M. PELANDER, Reporter
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN
Our first fall meeting with a great attendance was held on Wednesday, September 20 and we were still visiting, enjoying each other’s company after our meeting, until ten o’clock! It was fun to be together again. Father Pakiz even joined us for our lunch.
We had reports given on our MN Day, which was held in Biwabik this year. Congratulations to Charlotte Laurich, the new regional president, we know you will do well — also our best to Anne Orazem, vice president and Dorothy Jamnick, secretary-treasurer. We are in good hands. It was nice to see Kathy Wagenbach Siskar, a former Towerite, as mistress of ceremonies at the banquet, a job well done, Kathy.
For our national convention report, it was wonderful to have our outgoing national president, Tory, and our delegate, Adrienne Micklich, present to inform us about the convention. Tory again thanked the branch for the bouquet of flowers Adrienne presented to her in behalf of our branch. We are honored to have the national president from MN again, our congratulations to
you, too, Jean! We have many things to take care of, the first being to fill out the forms from the back page of the ZARJA, filling in your numbers, beneficiaries, etc. All who have not done so, please contact me if you need forms, I have copies made to send to you if needed (from Branch 34). We will be looking forward to next year's MN Day, which will be held in Aurora.
Our charter member, Mary Gomick, could not join us in Biwabik. She was recovering from a bout of pneumonia but is doing fine now. We missed you at our meeting, Mary.
Our hostesses were Angie Grahak and Lorraine Berg with Kay Dean bringing the door prize that was won by Marge Skala. Winners during the evening were Angela Tekautz, Lucille Svatos, Marge Skala and Emma Be-toume.
House guests at the home of Helen Adkisson recently were Frank and Helena Breznik from Domžale, Slovenia; what fun to be in their company! Helen Adkisson is a cousin of Frank’s, as are members Agnes Mattson and Tory Bobence of our branch and Fran Bizal of the Chisholm branch.
October
Cattails, surrounded by Princess Pine, candles and miniature organge pumpkins gave a fall theme to the decorations used at our meeting on October 18 with Emma Betoume and Adeline Mustonen as hostesses. We were again joined by our pastor, Fr. Pakiz, who seems to enjoy visiting with us ladies... we had special music also as Helen Adkisson shared a tape recording from her cousins in Slovenia with us.
A nominating committee of Agnes Mesojedec, Marge Skala, and Theresa Berg was appointed to make up a slate of officers, to be voted on at our November meeting.
November
We celebrated Founder’s Day on our regular meeting day, November 15, beginning with a Mass at 8 o’clock, followed by breakfast at the Tower Cafe. They serve a seniors breakfast that is very nice. Our meeting was after the breakfast.
We were again reminded to get the
information that our national secretary, Evelyn Majercik, wants from every member and I hope everyone has responded to this by now.
At our meeting, Angela Tekautz, Mary Gomick, Kay Dean and Agnes Tekautz won the prizes during our social hour. The door prize, brought by Mary Gornick, was won by Lucille Svatos. We will meet on January 17 for our first meeting of 1996, with Agnes Mesojedec and Tory Bobence as hostesses. The door prize will be brought by Agnes Mattson.
Our communities of Tower-Soudan undertook a spaghetti dinner benefit on November 12 for Jill Wiermaa, a 14-year old of our parish, who has had surgeries at Rochester, MN and is presently receiving radiation treatments for a six weeks period. Jill is a lovely girl, the daughter of Jay and Mary Jo Wiermaa and granddaughter of our longtime member, Ann (Inky) Stefanich. We hoped that everyone here and in surrounding communities could participate. The dinner was at our church, St. Martin’s. We wish the best of health to Jill. Inky, herself, has had medical problems but has been able to attend Mass again and is doing well in her walking. We pray for all of them, Jill, her family, and the Stefanich family.
I hope all of you will have a happy holiday season, blessings to you and yours in the coming year 1996.
ADELINE MUSTONEN, Reporter
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
Twenty-one members were present at our Oct. 11th meeting. And interesting report was given on the MN State Convention in Biwabik. Aurora will host the next State Convention in Sept. 1996. This means all members will be called upon to help with plans. Several ideas were discussed at this meeting. Thanks to Connie Menart for offering to help in so many ways! The next “Convention Meeting” will be in January. The prize-winning Br. 35 decorated hat was on display for members who weren’t at the last state convention to admire and they certainly did! It was really something special to see!
All the information requested by
Evelyn Majercik in our last ZARJA was not sent in at that point, so our secretary, Dorothy Jamnick was asked to send in a complete list of our membership along with this information. Thanks, Dorothy, it will be a big job and we know you will do it well. This information will be needed for the Direct Billing System.
Congratulations to:
Rick and Shari Turk of Big Lake, MN who became parents of a beautiful baby girl, Morgan Christine, on Oct. 7th. Grandparents are Bob and Phyllis Turk of Aurora.
Martin and Diane Urick of Delano, MN who ran in the Chicago Marathon
-	26.2 mile race - on Oct. 15th. They ran it in 3 hours and 3 minutes! There were 8,600 people running in this marathon and Martin placed 470th out of 6,100 men and Diane place 39th out of 2,400 women! They both qualified for the Boston Marathon in April, 1996, the same length race.
Rick and Martin are former winners of the SWU Scholarships!
Dr. John Podobnik, M.D. a general practitioner interested in Health and Welfare of Families is in from Slovenia. He is Mayor of the Slovenian city of Cerkno and a member of the Slovene Parliament. His interpretor was Andrej Krjan, also from Slovenia, and a graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. They were impressed by the friendly people of Chisholm and the Iron Range, Iron-world Interpretative Center, and the Range Center. We take so much for granted in our area and it takes a visitor to remind us of how fortunate we are!
Dorothy Jamnik, Tory and Anne Orazem were among several people who attended a dinner at Ironworld honoring Dr. Podobnik and Andrej; following the dinner, an informal reception was held at Veda Ponikvar’s home.
Our sympathy is with Mary Noson who lost her brother in Slovenia, Jennie Klun and Frances Stark who lost their brother, Helen Simonich and Janice Grebence who lost a niece and her husband and to Ann Jaegar who lost her sister. May they all rest in peace.
A short meeting and election of officers will be held before our Advent Party on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Community Center. Again, a monetary gift will be given to the Activities Dept, at our White Community Hospital instead of a gift exchange.
Hostesses will be Betty Turk, Marlys Rabb, Bernice Ceglar and Veda Marinšek.
Thanks to Oct. meeting hostess, Dorothy Jamnik for the special lunch.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
ANNE M. ORAZEM
40, LORAIN, OH
Oh, what a beautiful time of the year! We just had 2 weeks of what we call Indian Summer.
14 came to our Oct. meeting and enjoyed a delicious dessert served by our Pres. Agnes Tomazin and yours truly. Thanks to our Francine who is always ready and willing and able to help. The winner of the door prize was our Alice Rutar. Alice will make arrangements for our Christmas luncheon which we decided to have at the German Villa on Dec. 5th at 12:30 p.m. Call Alice at 233—5433 for reservations. We decided not to have a gift exchange, but instead to donate to a worthy charity.
We wish to thank Rose Knezetec for the Christmas Mass ornament she donated which we raffled off, and the lucky winner was our Francine Pavlovčič.
Rose left for Florida where she will be spending the winter. I’m sorry that I neglected to mention that Rose is a 53-year member of Branch 40.
Angie Grayson, Agnes Drstvensek, Agnes Mroske, Agnes Serazin, Agnes Tomazin and Angie Voytko attended the Ohio-Michigan convention on Oct. 15th in Cleveland. We wish to thank Agnes Serazin’s husband for driving all the ladies in his van. I know they will have some interesting news to tell us at our next meeting, so try to come.
Our Mary Ferlic was recently hospitalized and is at home now. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Our meetings are ori the second Wednesday of the month in the school hall.
Fill out the form on the back inside page of ZARJA and mail to the Nat’l Secretary, Evelyn Majercik. Every member must do this. You will receive your notice for dues payment from Evelyn in the mail soon.
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,	MARY	MATOS
42, MAPLE HTS., OH
Fall has left us with a blanket of colorful leaves in our yards, the bulbs have been planted for next spring’s gardens and the coming of winter is at our side door.
Our attention now turns to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Baking, shopping for that perfect gift and decorating our homes reminds us of the joyous days to come.
Everyone is invited to Branch 42’s Christmas Luncheon at the Triple Crown Restaurant on December 7, 1995. Please meet at the restaurant between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each guest will pay for their own meal. Our raffle will take place at the luncheon with many marvelous prizes available to lucky ticket holders. The restaurant is always beautifully decorated for the holidays!
Happy December Birthdays to the following members: Donna Stubljer, Julia Lipnos, Beth Agnes Carroll, Eleanor Lipnos, Albina Skocaj, Betty Huth, Jennifer Lockard, Frances Wenckus, Marjorie Church, Christine Hajek. Our best wishes to all our members bom in January: Kelly Ann Gaines, Jennie Milavec, Mary Perko, Karen (Gruden) Lockard and Camille Lao.
Our deepest sympathy to Albie Mroczka and daughters Jean Offutt and Diane M. Balach on the deaths of Daniel Hribar and John Hribar. Masses were held at St. Lawrence Church.
Congratulations to Jean and Joe Offutt on the recent marriage of their son Christopher to Ann Reddig. Chris and Ann now reside in Twinsburg with their son Bobby.
As 1995 comes to a close, the officers of Branch 42 would like to thank everyone for their help throughout the past year. The participation of our members in the activities and fund raisers is an important aspect of the organization.
May the New Year bring everyone health, happiness and joy!
Z Bogom,
DIANE
SWU Crest indicates the 65tli Anniversary of this branch in 1995.
Congratulations!
43, MILWAUKEE, WI
Our October 25th meeting was well attended. Minutes were read and the financial report was given with the notation that we made a profit at our Convention! Josephine expressed her thanks to all of the members who worked so diligently.
Our two birthday girls, Irene Kunovar and Anne Zakrajšek treated us to a wonderful lunch. We wish both Irene and Anne many more happy and healthy birthdays.
On sadder note, we lost another member, Sophia Schachtschneider. We wish to express our sympathy to her family and friends. We also wish to express our sympathy to Rosemarie Hribar on the loss of her son.
Our Christmas get-gether will be Dec. 2nd at Meyers Family Restaurant at 6015 West Forest Home Ave. Come at 11 a.m. and luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. Price of the luncheon is $12.00. For reservations call Elsie Gal-lun, Josephine Janezic or Mary Martino.
Please include Josephine Strukel in your special prayers. She is having a second surgery.
ANNE E. KONCZAL, Reporter
NO. 50, CLEVELAND, OH
Dober Dan! We are ending another year in which most of us have survived. Let’s stay together during the next one. We need each other.
During our past meeting we reviewed the National Convention internally, and acclaimed the Ohio-Michi-gan Regional Convention hosted by Branch 25 at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland which was a total success, especially for the quality and quanity of delicious food served very elegantly.
We have to once again remind you of our Christmas dinner at Sterle’s on December 20, 1995 at 1:00 p.m. The ticket is $14 per person including the tip and it must be purchased in advance from Ann Tercek or Jean Miller.
We had the election of officers on November 15th, the roster of which will be posted in the next issue of ZARJA.
We need “get well” prayers for Stella
Baum who returned to the University Hospital and Betsy Zaller who fell and injured her wrist. Also for Mary De Lost, who has improved since her fall. Ladies, please return to our fold soon in much better health.
I’m sorry to report the loss of one of our faithful and helpful members, Millie Petrovič, who shall be greatly missed not only by her family, but by all of us, many of whom attended her wake along with our honorable cadets.
As we all know, we end this year as usual celebrating the two best holidays, Christmas and New Year’s. We hope that one of your New Year resolutions will be to attend our meetings. Bring your input and ideas as well as yourself to the meetings. As for Christmas, let all our hopes for human kind be renewed with faith and love near and far. It is the shining festival of the unselfish. It is the homecoming of the spirit and the glorification of all that is good.
Vesel Božič and the best year yet to one and all.
Nasvidenje!
VI MORAVCHEK NO. 54, WARREN, OH
Plans are made for our annual Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 20th at 1:00 p.m. at the Elks Club Room, Rt. 422. You will all be called for reservations. You can bring a guest, cookies, door prize and goods for the basket raffle. Please, no canned goods. We are not having a gift exchange, but we will all be asked to donate money for the Slovene Home for the Aged in Cleveland instead of the gift exchange.
Please try to come and enjoy the friendship of your sister members. We hope to also have some entertainment.
We were saddened by the passing of our beloved charter member, Mayme Sporich in October. She was 92 years young and a very special lady. Our members were well-represented at her bier and we prayed as a group. A eulogy at her funeral mass at St. James was given by her grandson, Tom Sporich and there were few dry eyes after that. God grant her eternal rest. Dear Mayme, rest in peace. Her survivors include a son, Paul and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Martin and Anne Savor celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary and were honored by the diocese with
Bishop Malone having a mass for all the honorees. They are a darling couple and are always on the go and in relatively good health. Happy Anniversary!
Happy birthday to our president, Jo Kassan who will celebrate her 75th birthday! God bless you, Jo! Get well wishes to Angela Kaferle.
May you all have a blessed and holy Christmas and a prosperous, healthy New Year.
No meeting in January.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 56, HIBBING, MN
Hats off to the members were at the Minnesota State Convention! Hats were really not “off,” but “on” as we all produced a hat for their big parade! Our hat was made by Jen Obert and Romalae Perprunner. Each branch made up their hat to represent the branch so there were many different ideas. Hibbing had a Slovenian lady depicted in costume and flag, and Mrs. Valenic’s membership pin - she is the mother of our president, Valeria Carlson.
Next convention will be held in Aurora in 1996.
Mass for our deceased members was to be Nov. 12th at Blessed Sacrament church and afterward a breakfast was planned.
Christmas party and afterward a breakfast was planned.
Christmas party plans were also to be made at the Nov. meeting.
A son of our member Fritzi Furlong passed away Sept. 5th. Fritzie and her husband, John reside in Menomonie. Our sympathy to them.
Lunch committee for Nov. were Jen Obert, Julie Snyder and Mary Sickich. Closing prayers were said for our member, Josephine “Pep” Erickson who had eye surgery.
Edith Jones won the Jackpot and games played were Skip-Bo, won by Rose Vukich, Edith Jones, 500 won by Mary Micheletti.
EDITH JONES
REPORTERS! Remember the next deadline for reports is Jan. 1st - for the next issue which is February, 1996. There is no January ZARJA.)
NO. 57, NILES, OH
September meeting
Our September meeting was held on the 12th with only seven members present. It was opened with a prayer and minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved as were reports from the secretary and treasurer. Elizabeth Havaich offered to take over our treasurer’s reports because Ann Gunther, a long-time member, passed away on Aug. 18th after our August meeting. She leaves a daughter and son. Our sympathy to them. May she rest in peace.
We had a lovely lunch after which our hostess, Mimi Shirkman sent in some lovely prizes for our social games.
September birthdays were celebrated by Frances Mollis and Ann Dzeda.
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon.
October meeting
We realized in October that soon the cold winter will be here. We did have a nice turnout for the meeting with eleven members present. It wasn’t great, but a lot better.
Our Vice President opened the meeting with prayer and we then made plans for our Christmas party to be held on the regular meeting day, Dec. 12th at 12:30. Each member is to bring a dollar ($1) gift exchange. We would like to see a good turn out and see some of the members we haven’t seen for a long time.
We have a member, Elizabeth Havaich who with her husband, Charles celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had a lovely party with friends and relatives helping them celebrate. She also had her sister, Justine Brauer and husband here from Charlotte, NC. Later, Justine and her husband also celebrated their 50th anniversary in Charlotte with her sisters and brothers-in-law traveling there for the occasion.
Our branch extends sympathy to Jane Logar on the loss of her sister, Stella.
She was an invalid and Jane spent many years taking good care of her. May she rest in peace.
Frances Stanec became a great grandmother for the 4th time as her grandson and wife had a baby girl on the 4th of July. She is now great grandmother to 3 boys and one girl.
Birthdays celebrated in October were Mary DeCapua, Mary Visnosky, Louise Mateyko, Caroline Fabjance and Elizabeth Havaich.
Hostesses were Esther Logar and Mary Lukz. In Nov. we were to be served by Ann Pease and Ann Dzeda. Take care and Merry Christmas to all!
FRANCES STANEC
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH
In the Cleveland area we have had a truly beautiful INDIAN summer. There is so much team spirit in and around the city, it makes you feel good all over. We will play Game No. 3 of the World Series tonight. We pray that we can come out champions. But, win or lose, it has been summer we will all remember.
Several of our members attended the State Convention at St. Vitus. Branch 25 can be proud of what they did to make the day so enjoyable. The mass was beautiful, the dinner prepared by the branch members was terrific and everyone enjoyed the message delivered by Abbot Roger Gries. The meeting flowed well and gave everyone the opportunity to have their questions discussed and answered.
We have only one newsworthy item this month, and unfortunately it is the passing of another Branch member. Angela Mullins, a member for five years, passed away on September 23rd. We extend our sympathy to her husband , and will keep her in our prayers.
I know there are many travelers for the holidays, those names have not as yet reached me. If you are among the group, please have a safe journey, and join us when you return.
Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and the best of New Years.
Respectfully submitted,
EVELYN A. MAJERCIK
* *n
First of all, some tardy thank-yous to Beverly Jackson and Barbara Chiodo for hosting such a successful convention in San Francisco. In addition to our delegate, Mary Kell, we had several members, spouses and friends attending the festivities. Annette Johnson, Dorothy and Deryl Sleigh, Gary and Barbara Dime, Lynnette El-lertson, Helen Gwerder and my husband, Mike, and myself made the trip to the ‘City by the Bay’. It was beyond our expectations, we enjoyed seeing friends from prior conventions and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the tours arranged for us. Mass was a highlight and the dinners excellent. Thanks again.
We are being touched by our first frost, summer has come and gone and we are looking forward to our annual Christmas party. This will be held the first Sunday in December, the 3rd, at the V.F.W. Hall in Enumclaw, again in conjunction with SNPJ Lodge No. 738. Potluck dinner, with klobasa, rolls and mixer provided. Santa will be there for the little ones, and music for listening and dancing. Hope to see all members and extended families there, friends also invited.
Sorry to report that long-time member Fran Potocnik’s husband, Frank, is ill. My husband, Mike Bratovich, is recovering from a 5-way by-pass he experienced in August. Member Denise Cole and her husband, Dave, travelled to Dublin, Ireland in November where Dave is involved with a Micro-Soft team.
Wishing all members a very happy holiday season - from the Northwest.
MARY BRATOVICH, President
NO. 85, DEPUE, IL
The Illinois-Indiana Convention is a thing of the past. It was so nice to see the ladies we visited last May in San Francisco. Our congratulations to our new state president, Gerrilynn Bima and the new vice president, Bonnie Pohar Prokup. We wish them the very best. We also would like to thank the LaSalle Branch #24 for inviting us to go with them on the bus to Chicago for
the convention. It was deeply appreciated.
We haven’t had any meetings during the summer but hopefully we will start again in the fall.
Our auditor, Mildred Lavrin spent some time in Galliton, Tenn. with her son, Roger and family. She also visited with a grandson in Lexington, KY.
Father Bernard had the Slovenian Litany in October followed by a luncheon. It is always a beautiful service. The singing choir was wonderful. It is always good to hear the Slovenian hymns.
Our deepest sympathy to our president, Gen. Grilc who lost her brother-in-law, Sylvester Marciniak and to Mary Oberch who lost her brother-in-law . Our condolences to their families.
It is hard to believe that the holidays are fast approaching and we are almost at the end of another year. My best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. Vesele Božične praznike. God bless.
MARY JERMENC
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Although our attendance was small at the October meeting, the results were satisfactory.
Plans for our Christmas party were firmed up. Date is Dec. 2nd at our favorite Jovial Club, owned by member Helen Spelich, at 12 noon.
President Millie James thanked members for their support in making our 111.-Ind. convention a success in October.
Attendance at our meetings keeps dwindling, so that we have to reconsider our Saturday afternoon meetings. Those present were advised of Marge Krmpotic’s fall, breaking her knee. With a cast from ankle to hip, she is limited as to her activities and she will spend the next six months at the home of her brother, John and wife, Olga, also our member. Her address for well-wishers is 671 Clover Lane, Crown Point, IN 46307.
Also on the sick list is Marge Simunic who is recuperating at home, following a hospital stay.
President, Millie James received a charming communique from our new 111.-Ind. Regional President and Vice President, namely Gerrilynn Bima and Bonnie Pohar Prokup. The enthusiasm of youth is so refreshing! What an asset to our society!
Helen Santy is visiting her children in California.
We all extend holidays wishes to our members and members of other branches.
By the way, hostesses at the Nov. meeting were Helen Price, Ann Yosue and Marie Maras (for her 91 year old mother, Catherine Musa).
Sympathy was extended to member, Emma Yergovich on the death of her daughter, Rosemary Sudar. She was also the sister-in-law of member, Ann Cavlovic. May she rest in peace!
Sick members are Ann Sertich, recuperating from surgery and Helen Golich, still not up to par.
Happy birthday was sung to hostesses Millie James, Evelyn Driscoll. Marie Maras and absent members Madelyn Zart and Bemice Bubel.
Marge Nicsich was also a hostess. Ann Cikulin and Bemice Morrison won the flower raffle.
MARIE MARAS
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Greetings, everyone! The usual beautiful fall colors did not stay with us very long this year. Heavy rains and strong winds and, yes, a ground covering of snow forced the leaves to fall early. Hopefully, the winter will not be too severe.
Our December meeting has been set for Dec. 3rd at 12:30 p.m. This will include a Christmas Pot Luck dinner and honoring our Mother of the Year. Let’s have a good attendance.
Members, please remember to fill out the questionnaire that you will find inside the back cover of ZARJA. Send it to the new SWU National Secretary for her records. If you are paying the dues of other persons, please fill out the same form for each person (you can make a copy from the original form). Also, look to see if your ZARJA ad-
dress is correct in all ways. Your cooperation is very important.
Please also remember that dues for the past years must be paid in full before this year is over - to your secretary. Beginning in 1996, dues reminders will be sent by mail and you will pay by mail directly to the National Secretary. Please read more on this in this ZARJA.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all shut-in members, homebound or in nursing homes. A November mass was offered for all our deceased members.
It’s hard to believe that by the time this article will be in print, the Christmas season will be in full swing. How time does fly!
Sincerely wishing all the members of SWU, wherever you may live, a very Happy and Blessed Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year.
Very sincerely,
MARY STAUT
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Our October meeting was very productive, devoted to the extensive plans for the dinner-dance celebration of our 30th Anniversary. It was a pleasure to have such a large attendance, the most we have had for some time. It’s difficult to realize how long it has been since Irene Planinšek Odorizzi entertained a few ladies for tea and organized Branch #103. We still have charter members who are regular attendees, and many new members, of course.
We would like to commend Sabina Bartol for her untiring support for Branch #103. During her presidency, Sabina always opened the meeting with a beautiful prayer. Since then, she has been kind enough to offer opening prayers at all our meetings, which are very inspiring and much appreciated.
We will not meet in November, so please accept our very best wishes to all SWU members for all the October and November holidays, and that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Let’s pray for a peaceful 1996 throughout the world.
MATILDA AUSICH
FROM THE EDITOR:
JUST A FEW REMINISCENSES!
When we all get together, it’s really proven that the Slovenian Women’s Union means sisterhood! Each year we look forward to meetings because it’s the only time many of us can have such an effortless reunion. We just all come together and it’s fun!
This year, the IUinois-Indiana State Convention was held in So. Chicago with the members of Br. 95 as hostesses. We were invited to a beautiful Mass at Croatian Church of the Sacred Heart, where their pastor, Fr. Paul Maslach, O.F.M. welcomed us warmly and delivered a most meaningful sermon. I say meaningful because he really challenged us to be the kind of Christians we are supposed to be, to take care of each other, make our faith more than a word and to move this faith into action. He asked us: Do you wonder what this world would be if every Christian would follow the message of Christ and be willing to give instead of take, to be honest in all our dealings and not give way to injustice that may benefit our pockets? In other words, to be true to Christ’s teachings in our every day life? He also reminded us that our Slovenian Women’s Union will be what we want it to be and that’s a message that we should all take to heart! If SWU means anything to you and me, we better start working at it in a positive way!
An astounding thing happened at the State Convention meeting. Presiding officer Millie James did her homework and made many calls to our branches to see where there would be a candidate for the office of State President, since we had a vacancy in this office. “Our dear departed Romaine O’Brien Jablonski is not forgotten and we now find that her successor must be found,” Millie said. We were all surprised, but Millie was not, when a very lovely young member was introduced as being willing to accept the position. All the assembly was unanimous in selecting GerriLynn Bima, a member of Br. 24, and a Chicago suburbanite as our new State President. She is a CPA with Anderson Consulting in Chicago and is single! Another volunteer raised her hands up high when the office of Vice-President was announced! She’s GerriLynn’s cousin, Bonnie Pohar Prokup and she was unanimously endorsed by all. Bonnie is only 29, the mother of two little girls, Bekki Jo, 3 and Barbara Jean, 2 months.
Bonnie is a part time Sales Rep for American Airlines. Great Grandma, Irene Peterlin and GerriLynn’s mom, Georgia Bima, were long time members of Br. 24 and the girls at members for the last three years! I know we’ll be hearing lots more about these two lovely young women in the future.
The delegates, Jean Železnikar (2), Vida Kumse (16), Charlene Kobe (20), Adele Gensler (24), Mary Jermene (85), Angie Nico (89) and Millie James (95) all listed their branches’ many activities and stressed the need for new members.
I saw something in action at this convention that may be the key to success. It was the love and enthusiasm shown by the members of Br. 24 when their two young ladies were elected. They promised to be the “support group” for GerriLynn and Bonnie! And, that’s the way to do it!
TEZAK FUNERAL HOME
Welcomes Lydia Marquardt to their professional staff of pre-arrangement Counselor s
Licensed Producer's; Richard K. Tezak	Lydia Marquardt LUTCF (741-04271
(Forethought Trust) American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
Call for information and a free booklet "For Future Reference"
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The poem, “Stari spomini” by Mary Ausich of Woodward, Iowa, is printed in its original form along with the translation, "Old Memories" by her daughter Matilda “Tillie" Ausich, Rec. Secretary of Branch 103.
During the course of her career, Tillie lived in Ohio, Washington, D.c. and Virginia. Mother and daughter corresponded regularly and occasionally, her mother, who enjoyed writing poetry, would tuck one of her poems in with a letter.
Mrs. Ausich passed to her eternal reward a few years ago, at the age of 98. Tillie treasures her mother’s poems. She has taken this occasion to share one of the them which reflects the loneliness her mother experienced with the loss of treasured Slovenian friends who had died or left Iowa. Mary Ausich missed the happy times the Slovenes of Woodward, spent singing their beautiful Slovenian melodies, speaking their native language, and enjoying their favorite foods and beverages. This sadness is revealed in her poem.
The story of Mary Ausich’s life can be found in the book FOOTSTEPS THROUGH TIME available from the National office for $6.75.
(Please send your poem for inclusion in this column to: Irene Odorizzi, 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 22091).
POETRY CORNER
OLD MEMORIES
By Mary Ausich
Those were the days, when we gathered together at someone’s	suggestion—and
everyone came; friends gathered from all around, never will we forget those times.
There was Steve Frank and also Joseph,
John and Mike- by noon, they were drinking and singing and they were so happy, friends came, and we all sang together.
At that time everyone was well and happy,
we all thought that it would never end, there was plenty of homemade beer and wine for all, today we think back-everything is different.
There were plenty of Slovenes then, today there is no one I can call my brother,
nothing is heard from where our house once stood, the house is gone.
The hill is still standing there today, but there are no Slovenes, they all left, we ask ourselves, where are they today,
John and Frank are gone but Joseph's still there.
Today, as we look back on the past, we think to ourselves, will there ever be
happiness and singing as before will no one return here again?
What shall we do, you or me, we all are no longer spry, our bones are old,
the years remaining are few and we’re tired
and exhausted from years of hard work.
Irene M. Odorizzi,
Heritage Director
Stari spomini
Mary Ausich
Bili so dnevi, ko skup’ smo se zbrali’, rekel je eden - in vsi smo ostali; prišli so znanci, tam vse okoli, pozabiti tega ne moremo nikoli.
Bil je Steve, France - in Jote, Janez in Mihec, vsi gor opoldne, so pili in peli, pa b’li so veseli, prijat’li so prišli in vsi smo zapeli.
Takrat je bilo vse zdravo in iivo, mislili smo, da ne bo nikdar minilo, dosti pijače za vse nas domače, danes poglejmo - je vse to drugače.
Dosti Slovencev je bilo takrat, danes ni en’ga, daje moj brat, tam, kjer je hiša takrat še stala, ni sluha za njo, je bila odpeljana.
Hrib še danes tamkraj stoji, ni ga Slovenca, vsi so odšli; kje so le danes, sprašujemo se, ni Janeza, Franceta, Jote je še.
Danes, ko gledamo vse to nazaj, mislimo samo, ali bo še kedaj Veselje in petje, kakor je bilo nekdaj, ali nihče ne pride semkaj nazaj?
Kaj č’mo naredit, jaz ali ti, vsi smo potrti, so pač stare kosti, ni iivljenja dost’ in trudni smo vsi, ker dolgo nas delo je izmozgalo.
CIRILA KERMAVNER:
K POLNOČNICI
Sneg je naletaval kot, da se je nebo zgrnilo na zemljo. Izgledalo je, da bova s teto drugi dan kar lepo bredli v smlednik k polnočnici. Teta Johana je obljubila, da če bom pridna in če bo zamrznjeno dovolj, to se pravi, da če se naredi trda skorja čez sneg, bova šli na Skaručno k sv. Luciji k polnočnici, s konjem in sanmi. Lepo se je bilo peljati v tistih časih, pa naj je bilo z zapravljičkom poleti, ali pa s sanmi pozimi. Ponavadi je bilo treba na vsako pot peš. Sem pa tja se je že lahko kam smuknilo s kolesom, a ne dostikrat, ker teta Johana je imela od kolesa ključ v svojemu “aržetu". Poznala sem vse bližnjice, kje se je lahko skočilo čez plot, ali kje so imeli psa na kratki ali dolgi verigi.
Proti večeru tistega dne se je že videlo na Krvave. Noč je bila tudi jasna kot kristal. Skorja na snegu se je že tudi trdila, do drugega večera bo že dovolj trdo, da se bo lahko peljalo s sanmi čez. In res. Dan je bil šoncen in mrzel. Po kropenju, molitvah in večerji je hlapec zapregel Rjavko, dal svetilko na kraj sani in naju poklical. S teto sva bili že pripravljeni. Moje srce je kipelo od veselja. Treba je bilo še vzeti plet, vsaki za čez pleča in deko za čez kolena, oziroma za čez noge.
Teta se je vsedla, vzela v roke vajeti, med tem sem pa še jaz skočila na sani. Zavili sva se v deko in teta je malo potegnila vajeti in že so sani zdrsele po cesti proti Zapogam in skozi. Pri lipi sva zavili proti Repnjam in polju. Proti koncu vasi Polje se je začela prelepa vožnja čez zamrznjeno snežno plast. Torej, kamorkoli si pogledal je bilo vse belo in svetlikajoče, kakor bi se zvezdno nebo izbralo to planjavo polja in travnike za svoje ogledalo. Luna je bila v svoji polni moči, saj je bilo tako svetlo kot podnevi. Teta je s sanmi zavila na to krasno, belo ploščo, k se je blešketala kot bi bila potresena z milijoni dijamantov.
Drsenje sani, klopot konjskih kopit in zvonjenje od cerkve sv. Lucije se je zlilo v prekrasno melodijo, ki je segla v najini duši. Začeli sva peti: “Sveta noč, blažena noč".
Mogočno zvonjenje, prelepo petje, lepe jaslice in najina skromna molitev je hitela tja k Novorojenemu detetu.
Ta polnočnica mi je ostala najbolj v spominu. Bila je to zadnja pred drugo svetovno vojno. Naslednjih deset let smo preživeli božične praznike ali v strahu, ali pa po lagerjih.
*****
Vsem želim blagoslova in miru ob teh božičnih praznikih, kakor tudi vseskozi novo leto.
nnšfi SLOUEHSKR DEDISČINfi
BARAGA
Začetki Katoliške Cerkve r Ameriki
Vlil. BARAGA APOSTOLSKI VIKAR V SAULTU SAINTE MARIE
DRUGIČ V DOMOVINI (1853-1854)
Koroška duhovnika brata Jožef in Jurij Reš sta Barago že v New Yorku zapustila. O njem sta dobila vtis, da bo prestrog. Nekateri so ju tudi plašili, da pri Indijancih ne bosta dosti opravila. Ostala sta v škofiji New York in delovala največ med Nemci.
Ko se je Baraga vozil po Michiganskem jezeru proti Saultu, je obiskal Krivo drevo, kjer je misijonaril Van Paemel, in Križno vas, ki jo je oskrboval Mrak. Na obeh krajih je videl, da sta indijanski šoli zanemarjeni. Lavtižarja je pustil v Križni vasi, da pomaga Mraku in se pri njem uči indijanščine.
V jutru 21. avgusta 1854 se je pripeljal v svoj Sault Ste. Marie. Ljudstvo ga je svečano sprejelo, vojaška posadka ga je pozdravila s topovskimi streli. Nastanil se je v leseni, nekoliko povečani hišici, ki jo je bil Pirc postavil 1. 1837 za misijonarja. Zdaj so bili jezuiti v njej. Dali so mu eno sobo v 1. nadstropju. Sobica v tuji leseni hiši je torej bila prva Baragova škofovska “palača”. Prva njegova stolnica je pa bila Pirčeva lesena cerkev. Oboje je stalo nekoliko ven iz mesteca.
Na hrano je hodil nekaj mesecev v gostilno. Ker je pa večkrat moral poslušati neslanosti, je prosil gospo Todd, da mu jo daje v njeni hiši.
V Saultu ga je čakalo že mnogo uradnih pisem.
Od 10. avgusta 1854 je precej redno pisal dnevnik,
ki se je ves ohranil. V lasti ga ima marquettsko škofijstvo. Dnevnik ni bil namenjen za javnost, zato ga je pisal v treh ali štirih jezikih in je včasih isti stavek večjezičen.
ZAČETNO DELO V APOSTOLSKEM VIKARIATU
Do sedaj smo gledali Barago kot otroka, kot študenta, kot slovenskega kaplana in kot severnoameriškega misijonarja. Zdaj ga glejmo še kot škofa.
Ko se je po vrnitvi iz Evrope pripeljal v Sault, je ostal tam samo štiri dni. Dne 25. avgusta se je odpeljal na svojo prvo škofijsko vizitšcijo, ki je pa bila vse
drugačna, kakor so vizitacije v rednih škofijah. Poslej ga vidimo zelo pogosto na obiskih po apostolskem vikariatu in po indijanskih delih sosednjih škofij, ki jih je upravljal. Pozimi je odhajal na krpljah ali na saneh s pasjo vprego. Zlasti ga pa v mesecih, ko so plule ladje, malokrat najdemo doma. In kadar se je vrnil, je opravil najnujnejša dela, odgovoril na pisma in spet šel.
Zakaj se mu je zdelo potrebno in koristno, da toliko potuje?
1. Indijanci so bili šele nedavno spreobrnjeni. Treba jih je bilo varovati, da se ne vrnejo v poganstvo in se ne dajo premotiti protestantom, ki so jih vabili s šolami in darovi. Indijancem je bilo treba poglabljati versko življenje in jih varovati žganja. Baraga je skušal dati vsakemu indijanskemu misijonu stalnega duhovnika. Večkrat ga ni imel, ali pa je bil duhovnik še neizkušen, ni še znal dosti indijanščine in še ni dovolj poznal indijanske miselnosti, ki je včasih zelo različna od naše.
Velik del svojih Indijancev je Baraga sam spreobrnil. Druge Indijance je poznal iz svojih številnih obiskov. Gladko je govoril njihov jezik. Oni so molili in se učili iz njegovih knjig. Povsod in vselej jim je delil duhovne in telesne dobrote. Pomagal jim je v stiskah in nezgodah, kjer je le mogel. Bil jim je kakor oče.
Zato je hotel biti kar največkrat in kar najdalje pri svojih Indijancih, da jih uči, spoveduje, poroča, pripravlja na smrt.
2. Od belih priseljencev, zlasti rudarjev, so mnogi prihajali iz krajev, kjer ni bilo duhovnika; bili so torej versko zanemarjeni in pogreznjeni v strasti in pregrehe. Naselili so se med drugoverci in delali in živeli med njimi. Protestantje so tudi nje vabili. - Te bele priseljence je bilo treba obiskovati, zbirati, organizirati v cerkvene občine, jim zidati cerkve, jih učiti v njihovem jeziku, opozarjati na nevarnosti in nravno dvigati.
Tega pa noben duhovnik ni tako razumel in znal kakor Baraga, saj je vse te rudarske naselbine neštetokrat obiskal iz L’Ansa in zelo dobro poznal. Pridigal jim je v njihovi materinščini: v angleščini, francoščini, nemščini. Več ali manj je bil znan tudi z ravnatelji in uradniki rudnikov in drugih podjetij. - Zato je hotel biti kar največkrat tudi pri svojih belokožih vernikih.
3. Tudi njegovi duhovniki so potrebovali neprestanih navodil in spodbud. Prišli so od raznih strani. Bili so mladi, neizkušeni in morda še ne dovolj utrjeni v svetosti; obdajalo jih je pa toliko nevarnosti. Večinoma so se morali potrebnih jezikov šele učiti. Marsikam je bilo na vsak način treba dati duhovnika, on ga pa ni imel. Moral je torej predčasno posvetiti kakšnega bogoslovca, ki še ni končal vseh svetih ved in še ni bilo dovolj vpeljan v duhovno življenje in duhovno vodstvo. - Duhovniki so morali živeti v revščini in pomanjkanju, v neprestanem delu in v vednih žrtvah. Temu in onemu je hodilo na misel, da bi odšel iz te ubožne in neurejene škofije.
Baraga je torej čutil dožnost, da kakor dober oče obiskuje svoje duhovnike in sodelavce, da jih z ljubeznivostjo priklepa na škofijo, da jih uvaja v delo, uči in tudi svari, če treba, pa tudi potolaži, pohvali in znova navduši. Iz tesnih stikov z njimi bi naj spoznali,
kako on nosi še vse težji križ.
4.	K pogostnim škofovskim vizitacijam je Barago silila tudi njegova velika vestnost. Mislil je, da bo šele potem mogel biti miren, če bo pri vseh važnejših in odločilnejših stvareh osebno zraven in sam svetoval, vodil in pomagal.
Na njegovih dolgih in težavnih potovanjih po suhem in po jezerih sta mu bila za vodnika in spremljevalca zlasti pol Indijanca Viljem Mirrčn in John Bouche (Buš).
*****
Na svoji prvi škofovski vizitaciji je hotel najprej obiskati La Pčinte. Hotel je biti tam v avgustu, ko bo vlada dajala Indijancem letno plačo in se jih bo od blizu in od daleč mnogo sešlo. Dolga je bila vožnja od La Pčinta; dobro se je je spominjal, ko se je leta 1835 prvič peljal k njim. Skoraj že leto dni so bili brez duhovnika. O. Škola je bil zato odšel od njih k Menominejcem, ker je vse kazalo, da bo vlada preselila Indijance z otoka. Pa jih ni. Tudi tisti, ki so se bili izselili, so se večinoma vrnili. Zdaj je Baraga nastavil Van Paemla pri njih. - Barago so sprejeli z velikim navdušenjem, njega, svojega dobrega misijonarja, ki zdaj prihaja k njim kot škof. Ostal je pri njih osem dni. Skoraj sto jih je želelo prejeti sv. birmo. Sam je bil že od nekdaj prežet od veličine tega zakramenta in je v svojih molitvenikih obširno pisal o njem. Zdaj je birmance učil in spovedoval v očipvejščini. Pa tudi mnogo drugih je prišlo k spovedi. Birma 3. septembra je bila prva v njegovem lastnem vikariatu.
Tudi Van Paemel je iz La Pčinta oskrboval Indijance v Superiorju. Cerkve še vedno niso imeli. Začel je pripravljati vse potrebno zanjo.
Baraga se je iz La Pčinta peljal nazaj po jezeru do Ontonagona ob zahodnem vznožju Keweenaw-skega polotoka. Rudarji, uradniki in trgovci so bili Nemci, Francozi in zlasti Irci. Medtem ko je bil v Evroji, so dogradili novo cerkev, dolgo 44 m, široko 9 m in visoko 6 m. Bila je iz lesa, zgrajena v lepem slogu, znotraj in zunaj pobeljena in okusno okrašena. Zvonik je bil visok okoli 18 m, trdno in lepo narejen. Stavbenik Peckham (Pčkem) ni varčeval ne z delom ne s stroški. Stala je okoli 2000 dolarjev. Zdaj jo je Baraga blagoslovil v čast sv. Patriciju, apostolu Ircev, in nastavil pri njej irskega duhovnika Dunneja, ki ga je pripeljal s seboj. Baraga je spovedal mnogo Nemcev in nekaj malega Indijancev, Dunne je pa spovedoval rojake Irce in Francoze; v Parizu se je bil precej dobro naučil francoščine. Tudi tukaj je Baraga birmal. -Protestantovski rudarji so imeli v Ontonagonu že dve cerkvi.
Vkrcal se je na ladjo in se peljal v Sault. Tam ga je čakalo mnogo pisem, “dobre in slabe vsebine", kakor je omenil v dnevniku. Bogoslovcu Henriku Thieleju (Tileju) iz Hannovra na Nemškem je podelil tonzuro in štiri nižje redove.
Takoj nato se je z ladjo vrnil v L’Anse. Tudi tukaj so težko čakali, da svojega dragega misijonarja in dobrotnika pozdravijo kot škofa. Ostal je pri njih 12 dni. Ker duhovnik, ki je za njim prevzel L’Anse, ni še znal očipvejskega, je zdaj Baraga opravljal vsa duhovniška dela. Otroke in odrastle je učil in
spovedoval za birmo. Dne 1. oktobra jih je 43 birmal. Ko je pred svojimi Indijanci, ki jih je skoraj vse sam krstil in pripravil za sv. zakramente, prvič je stal v škofovski obleki, s škofovsko kapo na glavi in s škofovsko palico v roki, se je zjokal od ganjenosti, saj jih je tako zelo ljubil. Prav tako ganjeni so bili njegovi verniki. Večina od njih je že videla katoliškega škofa; noben od njih jim pa še ni razlagal najvišjih resnic v njihovi sladki materinščini, kakor jim jih je zdaj Baraga.
Tiste dni, ko je bil v L’Ansu, je vlada izplačevala Indijancem letno plačo. To je bilo prvo izplačevanje v L’Ansu; vsa prejšnja leta so se morali za tistih nekaj dolarjev voziti v čolnih v La Pčinte, 300 km daleč.
Sele 15. oktobra je utegnil imeti v Saultu prvo slovesno škofovsko mašo. Birmal je 85 oseb: Francoze, Irce, Nemce in Indijance.
21. oktobra je Henrik Thiele že prejel mašniško posvečenje. Bil je prvi novomašnik, ki ga je Baraga posvetil. Drugi dan je imel v Saultu novo mašo. Baraga mu je pridigal. Poslal ga je v rudarsko mestece Eagle Harbor (Igl Harber).
Za uršulinke je kupil drugo hišo, da bi v njej imele več prostora za vzgojo in pouk deklic. Stala je nekoliko ven iz mesteca. Do cerkve jim je bilo treba iti čez travnik. Pot je pa bila večkrat zelo blatna. Baraga je dal napeljati kamnov in jih je z lastno roko polagal n pot.
28. oktobra je prvikrat šel na kanadsko stran, v Payment, kjer je drugi dan birmal 44 oseb. Cerkev jim je pa postavil šele čez tri leta.
V	decembru je na krpljah potoval v Mackinac. Tri dni je potreboval, moral je prenočevati v gozdu. Duhovnik, Francoz Jahan (Žašn), se je bil sprl z verniki in škof Baraga je hotel doseči spravo. Svaril je in prosil, a skoraj brez uspeha. V Mackinacu je ostal skoraj en mesec. Tisto zimo je še dvakrat prišel, tudi zato, ker francoski duhovnik še ni znal angleškega, na otoku je pa bilo tudi precej Ircev. Zato je Lavtižar v pismu 6. septembra 1855 omenil, da je zadnjo zimo škof Baraga stanoval na otoku Mackinacu in opravljal službo navadnega duhovnika. - Mackinac mu je še dolgo potem delal skrbi in bridkosti.
Svojih misijonih je Baraga vpeljeval bratovščino Marijinega Srca za spreobrnjenje grešnikov.
Kakor piše potopisec Kohl v svoji nemški knjigi Kiči-gami iz leta 1859, se je v zimi 1854/55 na Reki svete Marije pri Saultu pod Barago udrl led in se je pogreznil v vodo.
—	Nadaljevanje —
“FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART”
Let Me Tell You About The Night I had...
“Now don’t misunderstand, I love my older brother, Amos. It’s just hard at times. Like when he weedles out of his night shift. When he does, Jonah, my younger brother and I have to take his shift. Joy of Joys.
“That’s what happened the other night. Fortunately, the sky was clear. There wasn’t a cloud in sight; and the stars! There must have been a hundred gazillion. I never saw so many stars in all my days; and bright! We didn’t need our lantern to find our way to flock.
“Inside the city walls it seemed like a pleasant night. There was a slight chill to the night air, but nothing a fire wouldn’t cure. However, once we started up the hill just to the north of Bethlehem, it was windier and colder. The wind nipped at our cheeks and hands. 1 had to adjust my headpiece a couple of times ot keep the wind from howling inside my ears.
“As I built the fire I vowed Amos would pay. He owed us big for this watch. Once the fire was blazing, Jonah and I settled in for the long watch ahead. As usual, within minutes, Jonah was asleep. His heart and soul’s in the right place; his body just doesn’t cooperate.
“The fire felt good. I almost dozed myself. The crackle of the fire as its sparks shot upward like ribbons and confetti reminded me of a birthday celebration.
“As I watched the sparks float upward, I noticed the sky. A new star had emerged. It was huge with the light of a full moon. It’s beams fell just outside Bethlehem on an old manger. If I didn’t know better, I would have sworn it was a beacon.
“I returned my attention to the fire. It shot its flames like ribbons upward, but instead of burning themselves out, they returned in wider streams. At least that’s what I thought, then I realized the wider streams came from the heavens. The sky had opened up!
‘“Jonah! Wake up!” I yelled as I shook my brother. He’s so hard to wake up. ‘We have to get out of here!’
“‘O.k. I’m right behind,’ Jonah said as he rolled over and resumed snoring.
“‘Don’t be afraid.’ I nearly wet my gown as I spun around to find a beautiful stranger bathed in light standing
behind me. Soft, happy music filled the air. ‘I bring glad tidings. For unto you a Savior is bom,’ he (or maybe he was a she, I don’t know) said pointing to the manger under the huge star.
“I turned to ask him what he meant, but he was gone. Looking upward I saw the sky close up. As I did, the music faded. Everything was as it was, with the exception of the huge star. It still twinkled above the manger.
“Just then, Jonah woke up.
“‘Let’s go check out that manger. I had a bizarre dream about it and the prophesy.’
“Inside the manger we found a man, a young exhausted woman and a newborn baby. It’s the baby I recall most.
DAVY’S COLUMN
He looked like any other newborn baby boy, except for his eyes. He looked directly at Jonah and me and I knew he knew us. Once more, there was love in his eyes. I could tell by Jonah’s face he felt it, too.
“Together, we fell on knees. The beautiful stranger was right. This babe was the one men of old have been prophesing about. As long as I live, I will always remember the recognition and the love in that baby’s eyes. Mostly, the love.”
‘Til Next Month,
DAVY
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Christinas Cribs
By Frank Zupančič
Now that the wonderful season of Christmas is upon us, everyone is in the process of buying or decorating a Christmas tree, be it a real evergreen or a costly man-made substitute. More important to our family, however, was the manger scene located under the spreading lower branches of our Yule tree.
The figurines in our nativity scene are six inches high, made of plaster of paris and 25 years old. The family original crib set is now in the keeping of the eldest son, whose family cherishes the half century old keepsakes.
In the 1920’s, our parents would firmly secure a triangular piece of cardboard in a far comer of the living room. They would then proceed to place paper figures (reinforced with heavy paper for strength) on this three sided cardboard. The paper representations of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the infant Jesus, shepherds and Magi would have a toothpick glued to the back that would be pushed into the triangular cardboard base. Within a short time, a complete nativity scene would evolve much to our amazement and joy. As an added touch, Dad would use some dried moss as grass and spread it between the paper figures. And suspended from the ceiling was an angel, who would watch over the Holy scene below. When I asked my parents where this custom began, they said that in the poorer regions of Austria-Hungary (now Slovenija) the paper figures were traditional as the cost of wood or plaster of paris figures was prohibitive.
We can be grateful to St. Francis of Assissi for the popularity of the Christmas creche.
During his lifetime, he would gather his parishioners on Christmas Eve and proceed to a cave in the hills of Greccio, Italy, All the familiar figures that are seen in the nativity scene would be enacted by the parish people. Real animals were used and only the Christ child would be a wax figure.
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