Seventy-fifth Anniversary Commemorative Issue
Number 5 • September/October, 2004 . Volume 76
ZARJA -The Dawn
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1929—2004
In this Commemorative issue of ZARJA you will find:
THE PAST, THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE
LOVING THE PAST
REVIEW OF THE DECADES
ACTIVITIES IN THE PRESENT
Current Events and what we are doing now.
Messages from our members; how ZARJA has impacted their lives.
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE:
Our National Officers send their thoughts on the next 75 years!
We will gladly accept your thoughts and commentaries throughout the anniversary year of 2004. Please write.
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EDITOR’S NOTE ON THE COVER:
When it came time to select a cover picture for our commemorative issue of ZARJA, Pat Habat, president of Br. 14. Euclid, Ohio came to our rescue. She suggested that we enlist the help of Sr. Donna Kristoff because she was sure Sr. Donna would be the perfect artist for us. As you see by the cover, she truly is! Her concept of this anniversary is so ingenious, putting our ZARJA in its own constellation as if it has earned its place in the sky, and all of us as women, depicting every age of life, looking uplifted to its light and clarity, is just a remarkable image. It tells us to keep aiming for the stars as we go into our next 75! Thanks you. Sr. Donna Kristoff.
READ MORE ON PAGE 61 \____________________________________________
ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703
NO. 5	SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER,	2004	VOL.	76
Member. Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uratlno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published Bi-monthly - Šestkrat na leto.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $20.tM) — naročnina $20.(X) letno za ne-flattice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (SIS) 727-1926
Periodicals Postage Paid at Joliet. IL and at additional mailing offices All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4X51 S. Drexel Hlvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703 Email: CORLESKOVARCa AOL.COM Telephone: (773) 54X-XX7X - Facsimile: (773) 268-4X99
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BRIEF HISTORY OF
Introduction
ZARJA - The Dawn is the official publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. In 1928, two years after the formation of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, and, as an introduction to the new organization, a book in the Slovenian language entitled, “Ameriška Slovenka” was published and became very popular among prospective and new members. The editor was Frances Jazbec of Chicago. This first book inspired the officers to undertake publishing a regular “journal” in a format that would be interesting, informative and educational, especially to its new, immigrant members. Members began receiving it in July, 1929, financed by a part of their membership dues. The name was expressed in two languages, ZARJA - The Dawn, as the word encompasses all their unspoken dreams and hopes for a “new tomorrow” in a new land - thus, we have come to the year 2004 with 75 years of consecutive “Dawns” behind us.
How it began
From the beginning, it was the brainchild of the Founder of Slovenian Women’s Union to use this medium, written in the Slovenian language to reach other women, explaining the purposes of the S WU, to help them become more aware of their new country, to become American citizens, to encourage them in their common concerns about the difficulties they were facing in their American homes. And, it happened just that way. The inspiration and dreams of the newly formed Slovenian Women’s Union and its dynamic first officers, headed by Marie Prisland, Frances Jazbec, Julia Gottlieb and Matilda Duller, did unify and inpire women from all over the country, wherever they lived, to write of their new life-styles, their activities, and their goals, aiming to become good Americans and good Slovenian homemakers.
Top photos: First publication. Ameriška Slovenka, 1928, and editor, Fani Jazbec
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ZA.RJA. — THE DAWN
The Editors
The first Editor of ZARJA was Julia Gottlieb in Chicago who was the first National Secretary. Shortly thereafter she was followed by Josephine Racic, also of Chicago, the second National Secretary. In 1933, Albina Novak of Cleveland became the Editor, a position she held until 1952. She served concurrently as National President from 1943 until the 1952 National Convention delegates elected her daughter, Corinne (Novak) Leskovar, as editor. Under Mrs. Novak’s term, as the membership grew among younger women who were active in all the sports, drill teams, and bowling programs and who preferred to contribute to ZARJA in the English language, English became the primary language in 1956.
The Printeries
ZARJA was first printed at the Edinost publishing house in Chicago, from 1929 until 1933; then moved to Cleveland at the American Home Publishing Co., from 1934 to 1946. ZARJA came back to a Chicago printer, the Bohemian Benedictine Press, at the beginning of the year 1946. It stayed there until the Benedictine Fathers decided to close down their printing shop in 1971. Since then, for more than 30 years, ZARJA has been printed at the Croatian Franciscan Press in Chicago where the editor’s office is also located.
During all of its history, ZARJA has been published in its original format and regularity. It comes into the home of every adult member for all the family to enjoy. Despite constantly rising costs it has never missed a publication date in all 75 years.
Lively Contributions
From the first issue until her passing in 1979, Marie Prisland was the chief contributor. In her column entitled, Oh, Ta Svet, she presented topics of interest to women readers. She encouraged them in the ideals stated by Slovenska Zenska Zveza v Ameriki, inspired more membership and promoted thoughtful reading matter from other contributors. She encouraged every branch to send in news and announcements. Her own columns were thought-provoking and sometimes, entertaining. A well-remembered example is the “character” she created and named, “Uma Než’ka”, a peculiar sort of lady whose behavior and written dialogue precipitated all sorts of situations, usually resolved with complex slang language and humor! The readership could recognize Než’ka as she was always present at SWU events, portrayed wearing fancy hats, flowered dresses, and carrying a large bag and parasol. Occasionally, some of her antics, e.g.: marching in a drill team, in a bowling alley, or traveling around the world, found their way in Mrs. Prisland’s English language column called, “Capsules.” Needless to say, Oh, Ta Svet and Capsules were popular reading matter.
Photoi on thl* page, lop Ml: Bo»nl ol Dlrectoti, 1931, Zarja't dm covk, July, 1929 and Editors, Julii Gottlieb. Josephine Račič, »Hina Novak and Corinne Leskovar	SEPTEMBER—OCTOBER	2004	/1
Changes in Women’s Lifestyle
ZARJA was soon filled with features that reflected greater awareness of the things that women did inside and outside the home, so different from their agrarian family life in the Slovenian homeland. They developed more interest in finding better ways to enhance their family life, such as recipes and hints on food and home-making, fashion, travel, pictures and announcements about the drill teams and choral clubs. Families were growing up and daughters were brought into the organization. A section in ZARJA evolved for junior readers. But, of all these topics, the most beneficial to the SWU was, and still is, the constant communication between branches in monthly articles written by the members themselves.
As the profile of the American workforce changed and women began to take part in the war effort of World War II, ZARJA also emphasized the strengths and courage of the members who were serving in the armed forces, taking jobs of all sorts outside the home. In ZARJA the war effort found prominence with Bond drives and charity balls sponsored by our branches. ZARJA was always a good sounding board for their emotional and spiritual needs which were addressed with inherent Slovenian common sense and by continuing the religious and cultural traditions brought over with the first immigrants. Many of the branches received guidance and help from the pastors of the churches where the branch was situated as meetings were held in church halls, preceded by a religious service of some kind, e.g., singing of the Marian Litany in May, Lenten devotions, etc. These events formed the nucleus of branch activities. ZARJA, also, was favored by a number of intelligent and far-sighted Spiritual Directors who contributed monthly articles for many years.
Members’ Interconnection Continues and Membership Grows
Prior to WWII, the SWU had its largest membership living in various localities all over the USA, organized by diligent officers who became reporters and formed in the linkage between the new Americans and their Slovenian heritage. Good citizenship was one of the main goals, but of course, another was finding life-long friendships between members and friends at social and cultural events. ZARJA especially appealed to many younger members who married and soon after began having families; and it was then that the SWU Junior Department was officially formulated, to incorporate entire families in SWU activities, no matter where they lived. Since the growing movement towards the expansion of fratemalism included women and children, before we knew it, most of our younger, second generation members were married and had families of their own who became our members. The organization flourished in 14 of the United States.
Scholarship and Benefit Fund
During WWII, the SWU established a fund to benefit the destitute in Europe. From that fund-raising effort and following the war, it became important for the future of the organization to support the children of our families in a meaningful way, and in accordance with one of the purposes
of SWU, the establishment of scholarship awards given for scholarship achievement began more than half a century ago. It is one of our proudest accomplishments that our SWU Scholarship Fund and Scholarship Foundation has now given monetary grants to more than 219 college-bound youths, and 2 Travel Awards.
Heritage and Cultural Awareness
In Joliet, Illinois under the auspices of Br. 20, the first SWU Heritage Days was held in 1978 and this was followed by several repeats of the event in Joliet. In later years, successful Heritage Days were held in Ohio and Minnesota following the same general program as was initiated by Br. 20.
Every member is aware that the primary goals of SWU is to preserve and expand knowledge of our Slovenia heritage. The main communicator between the active officers and the members is ZARJA where they read many items of interest about Slovenian traditions, history, homemaking, geography, literature, language and genealogy. The organization strives to keep every member apprised of events that will build up their “Slovenian pride.” This is especially true for members who have moved away from their home-base and are now eager to retain touch with their Slovenian base.
The observance of our 75th Anniversary in 2002 was truly one of the biggest events of past years. A renewed desire to celebrate Slovenian heritage with its beautiful, music, song, traditional food and art resulted in a very successful “Slovenian Jubilej” on March 9, 2002. Of all the treasured memories of that day is the reunion of our members from all over the country and people who were searching for their “roots.”
Mother-Member of the Year Feature
One of the best examples of successful direct contact among members and ZARJA has been the selection of a Mother or Member of the Year chosen by the members and honored in ZARJA in a most distinct way, with a description of the qualities of her life and featuring her photo. We have had this feature in every May issue of ZARJA since 1950.
Heritage and Cultural Awareness
In 1991, with the independence of Slovenia, a heightened awareness by the Slovenians living in the USA became evident as many people who had not been in touch with their true ethnic identity tried to recapture it. Slovenia was in the world news and it was indeed a proud moment when America learned of the movement toward democracy that Slovenia was undertaking. Everyone wanted to be identified with their own people in the little country that had, for so long, been unknown to the rest of the world. We are proud to say that the ZARJA office is a favorite reference point for people looking for answers to questions regarding their Slovenian hometowns, the places they have heard about from their parents and grandparents, where to find Slovenian special foods, how to speak the language, how to travel to Slovenia, etc. Although the press has been kind and the Republic of Slovenia appears frequently in American newspapers, but with practically no recent immigration from Slovenia to the USA, there is a very large gap between old and new Slovenian communities that have had very little new influx of people.
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HERITAGE
HERITAGE INTERVIEWS KICK OFF MUSEUM & LIBRARY" PLANS
One thing that the Slovenian Women’s Union of America can do effectively is to offer membership and programs to help them stay connected with each other in every part of the USA. It is amazing how much our service in this regard is appreciated by those Slovenian-Americans of the second and third generations who are constantly seeking information and want to be proud and informed about the homeland of their beloved ancestors.
Slovenian Women’s Union Museum
The Slovenian Heritage Museum was established in 1976 in the present Home Office building in Joliet, Illinois, to preserve many things of historical significance, not only for the SWU, but also as a collection center for classical and folk arts, folk crafts, and, further, to present exhibits, provide genealogical resource, to maintain a library of Slovenian publications and keep SWU archival material. Among the precious literature are such books as Marie Prisland’s autobiography, “From Slovenia to America,” a series of biographical vignettes of Slovenian immigrant women by Irene Odorizzi entitled. “Footsteps Thru Time” and a books of poetry by a Slovenian immigrant, Mary Murn. Slovenian composer Ivan Zorman, in 1949, hand copied a book of Slovenian folk songs that is also a SWU treasure as are the several folksong books edited by Albina Novak. A trio of best-selling cookbooks, was published beginning in 1951 with “Woman’s Glory-The Kitchen" edited by Mrs. Novak, “Pots and Pans” by Hermine Prisland Dicke in 1984, and the latest, “More Pots and Pans” (1998) all featuring Slovenian recipes of proven authenticity.
The SWU has also sponsored two video programs that are shown at the Museum tracing the history of the organization.
Special collections of photo and books are among the most popular for general viewing in the Museum. Even passers-by enjoy a glance at our Museum windows that pique interest with attractive heritage displays. Most recently the Museum itself has undergone major restoration and renewal due to successful fund-raising and donations, and also because of our diligent member-volunteers.
On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of ZARJA, a 12 month wall calendar was published and sent to every member featuring the original artwork by Slovenian-Amer-ican women artists. In the year 2000 our member, Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons began a series of photographic art cards which follow a theme appropriate to various cultural and religious occasions. Another loyal artist member, Lucija Dragovan has created holiday greeting cards designed specifically for SWU for the past several years.
SWU Sponsored National Events
Major fund-raising events benefiting the Slovenian community of the United States were also taken up by the SWU and became a primary focus in ZARJA. It is now more than 30 years (August 15, 1971) since the Slovenian Chapel, dedicated to the patroness of Slovenia, Marija Pomagaj, located at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., was established as the spiritual center of Slovenian Catholics in the USA. That the organization of this fund drive was successful is one of our most proud achievements, as is the Memorial to the Slovenian Miners and Laborers in Chisholm, Minnesota, erected in 1984. ZARJA supported these efforts in its full capacity.
Conclusion
Beginning as an instructional and educational publication for women - members of the Slovenian Women’s Union, a fledgling organization at the time of its inception, ZARJA has fulfilled its role admirably. It is an intrinsic part of every effort, activity, program or project, on all levels, instituted by SWU. In recent times, an equally important role has evolved. The members are now yearning for more information on their genealogy and their cultural heritage. They want to know of the real experiences of their families of origin and to learn more about the homeland of their forefathers so they can tell their children and instill pride in their national heritage.
*****
It is now 2004, and the Slovenian Women’s Union of America is celebrating its 77th anniversary and ZARJA, its 75th. As the fraternal movement of the 1920’sgave purpose and confidence to Slovenian women and men, over 7 decades later the purpose continues: to strengthen our Slovenian-American identity and keep us unified and enlightened. As we realize that to achieve it is a greater challenge than ever before, we also know we are headed in the right direction
-	via both the printed word and instant electronic communication - and that we arc determined it will take SWU on a new, exciting path.
ZARJA’s role began as an essential part of our sisterhood and remains so, in its truest sense.
Corinne Leskovar, Editor
The Decades in Review
v_________________________)
Precurser of ZARJA published in 1928
The first publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America was a 6 x 9 hardcover book in 1928, entitled, “Ameriška Slovenka” and edited by Fani Jazbec. It was printed in Chicago at Edinost Publishing Company and was the precursor of ZARJA-The Dawn which came a year later. The book was offered as a communication to the Slovenian immigrant women in the USA who were new arrivals and had no particular association for themselves. It was written by many of the first officers of SWU and included essays on women’s and family education, spiritual lessons, health and culture. There were 108 pages in Slovenian and 35 in English with a section of advertisements in the back. It sold for 50 cents a copy.
At that time, Slovenska Zenska Zveza was two years in existence and already had 21 branches organized and 967 members with $2,300 in surplus funds. The first Convention had taken place in May, 1927. The book was the brainchild of Marie Prisland who was the founder of the SWU and intended to encourage greater membership and unification of the women who lived in all parts of this country.
As a motto on the flyleaf it states:
“Zenski duh je oni, ki bo prevzel v bodoči civilizaciji vodstvo!"
“The spirit of women is that which will overtake the leadership of the civilized world!”
Mrs. Prisland began writing in this book and continued writing in every single issue until her death in 1979.
Supreme Officers and delegates to the First Convention of Slovenian Women’s Union held Nov. 7-8, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois; first row, seated, Matilda Duller, Fani Jazbec, Marie Prisland, Julia Gottlieb and Katie Triller,
1929	- 1939
1929
• The first decade of ZARJA-The Dawn began in July, 1929. ZARJA came on the scene as a “journal” type magazine, with a special cover, usually in color, and a format of 8’'2 x 11 in. The editor was Julia Gottlieb who was the National Secretary of SWU and it was printed in Chicago at Edinost Printing Co.
• There were 35 branches at this time and 3,081 members.
• Every month there were three or four pages in English but it was predominantly Slovenian. The translation of the name was Slovenian Ladies Union.
• For most of this first decade there were articles from the national officers, headed by Marie Prisland, also spiritual guidance by the Spiritual Director of SWU, Rev. Anton Shiffrer and reports of every branch and their activities.
• The National President’s salary was $20 per month and the Secretary who was also the Editor earned $50 per month.
• The first bowling tournament was held in Sheboygan with two teams: Chicago and Sheboygan.
1930
• Dues were 25 cents per month. In January the English section got its own title: MAIDEN’S REALM. Bylaws were adopted and printed.
• Two conventions by now, the first in 1927 in Chicago and the second in 1930 in Sheboygan.
1931
• ZARJA printery was changed to Amerikanski Slovenec Publishing Co. and Josephine Racic was the National Secretary and Editor.
• First time we see a recipe section.
• 721 new members enrolled in campaign.
•Three prizes given for the best essays on the subject of Slovenska Zenska Zveza (Slovenian Ladies Union), first prize is $5, second is $3 and third prize is $2. Fifteen essays were submitted so far.
1932
• Regular Cooking column started by Josephine Erjavec, Joliet, Illinois.
• “Activities of our Branches” became title for branch reports in English and “Dopisi” for Slovenian articles. National officers write prolifically and there are some continuing stories in installments.
• Uma Nei’ka is introduced as a comedy figure occasionally writing funny anecdotes and stories. (She is a pseudonym for Mrs. Prisland.)
• Cost of printing averages $250 per month. In December, a 50 page issue costs $507.
• There are 4250 members and in the membership campaign for 6 months 704 new members are enrolled.
• There are 53 branches.
1933
• ZARJA’s fifth anniversary.
• Third National Convention in Cleveland in May. Decision that all National Officers must be U.S. citizens and duties of all officers are outlined.
• Original incorporation of SWU is November 27,1927 in the State of Illinois and in 1933 SWU assumes a charter as a Burial Society. Assessment included 10 cents for $25 insurance.
• English section changed to “The Dawn.”
• In July there is 4815 total membership.
• Zveza (Union) is growing and Marie Prisland writes that no other publication has as many women writers as ZARJA.
• New cooking column by Helen Jurcic of Ely, Minnesota begins in Slovenian; another column has beauty hints.
1934
• In one month 517 new members enrolled, total in this campaign is 1381. Br. 25 is winner with 168 members.
• Ameriška Domovina (American Home) in Cleveland becomes new printery for ZARJA.
1935
• Total 5802 members and $43,000 in assets; in one year there are 7 new branches and 1518 new members; best worker is Frances Raspet of Pueblo Br. 3 with 78, Mary Otoničar of Cleveland, Br. 25 enrolls 44.
• April issue has 9 pages of advertising.
• Roster of all 40 SWU branches appears for the first
time.
• A play in 8 scenes entitled “Life” is written by M. Prisland.
1936
• Change in frequency of National Convention, from four years to three; therefore next convention (4th) this year.
• Uma Než’ka is pictured for the first time. She is the brainchild of M. Prisland who has her son, artist Ted Prisland put Než’ka’s image as a funny character onto paper.
• “Queen” of the Convention for her highest total of new members is Agnes Mahovlich of Br. 16, So. Chicago, Illinois. How many? 175
1937
• ZARJA costs rising, somewhat offset by a page or two of regular adv. on the back pages.
• 79 branches and assets of $62,045. Members pay into ZARJA fund $1.20 per year, taken from the dues; subscribers pay $2.00 per year.
• 33 regular Slovenian reporters and 12 English.
• Bowling League formed, 6 groups of bowlers. Antonia Tanko, Cleveland, Ohio is named manager and Jennie Benedict, Joliet, Illinois is sub-manager. Mrs. Tanko is also the National Sports Director.
• The first Midwest bowling tournament is held in April in Milwaukee. One team is known as the “SLU’s” - (later a team is called the “SWU's!). Teams from Joliet, Sheboygan, West Allis and Milwaukee. Team winner is Br. 1 Sheboygan, $7 prize; Doubles, Hermine Prisland (Dicke) and Pauline Virant, Sheboygan, $2.50 and Singles winner is Anna Papesh, Joliet, $ 1.25. Second prize was 75 cents.
• Eastern bowling tournament was held in Cleveland, Ohio. First Team was Br. 50, Cleveland. One team was named for Urna Než’ka! Prizes were gold, silver and bronze pins, coin purses and compacts. The highest cash prize was $1.50.
• Regular Fashion column begins by Emma Shimkus, LaSalle, Illinois.
• Book Reviews, Household Hints by Anne Petrich, Warren, Ohio and Home Cooking by Frances Bresak, Lorain, and Frances Susel, Cleveland, Ohio.
• Membership was 8934. ZARJA cost $445 to print and distribute.
• Drill Teams from various branches throughout the USA gather in Cleveland for “Field Days” in September.
• Member Tour to Slovenia by luxury liner, “lie de France” announced for 1938. Travel time by ship and train is estimated at 10 days, one way.
1938
• Columnist Frances Bogovich writes monthly column “Cruising the Caribbean.”
• Campaign nets 1066 members with 269 active solicitors.
1939
• Same dues but membership increases to 9600. ZARJA costs $495 per issue.
• Fashion column offers sewing patterns to be ordered thru New York company.
• New officers elected and office is moved to Joliet, Illinois.
• National Youth Board is added to Cultural, Educational and Advisory Committees.
• ZARJA features pictures of Drill Team Captains on covers beginning August, 1939.
• Membership grows to 10,404; ZARJA costs $650 to print.
• New junior member department is inaugurated with assessment of 15c per month. Members accepted into this dept, between ages 10 and 14. New bylaw is #126.
• Bylaws will be published also in English.
Compiled by Corinne Leskovar
April, 1978
Marie Prisland:
ZARJA
Lani smo slavile ziate jubileje naših podružnic, letos pa ima naše glasilo ZARJA svojo 50-letnico. Kako je prišlo do tega?
Ko se je Zveza rodila, smo imele na razpolago dnevnik Amerikanski Slovenc, kjer smo klicale in vabile naše žene in dekleta naj se nam pridružijo. Klic je šel po vsej širini Ameriki, da doseže razkropljene Slovenke. S tem gradivom smo večkrat napolnile polovico sobotnega dnevnika, kar mnogim moškim-naročnikom ni ugajalo. Ker je Zveza hitro rastla in je bilo pričakovati vedno več zanimanja za organizacijo, je bilo treba v tem oziru res nekaj storiti.
Na seji glavnega odbora 30, julija 1928 je bilo po tedajni glavni tajnici Juliji Gotlieb predložena resolucija, naj Zveza napove svojo prvo člansko kampanjo in ko bo število 2000 članic doseženo naj organizacija prične izdajati lastno glasilo, brez povišanja asesmenta.
Da si je potreba po lastnem glasilu res bila nujna, smo glavne odbornice imele pomisleke, dali je Zveza dovolj močna pričeti z lastnim glasilom. Zveza je takrat štela le nekaj nad tisoč članic, v njeni blagajni je bilo komaj dva tisoč dolarjev. Kar tresla sem se, kaj bo? Pomirjevalo me je edino dejštvo, da bo prihodnje leto narodna konvencija, ki bo naložila pose-
Himna
v
Slovenske Zenske Zveze
Vrle smo Amerikanke iz slovenskega rodu; ljubimo slovensko pesem, pojemo jo brez sramu.
Tam, kjer Triglav zemljo straži, bistra Sava jo poji, tam je domovina dedov, tam Slovenec še živi.
Tam možje so naši slavni z delom uma in srca čast, veljavo priborili nam med narodi sveta.
Zlata govorica dedov nam ostane srčna last,
"Zveza” naša, rod slovenski: naš ponos in naša čast.
Ivan Zorman
ben asesment za Zarjo. Ker je spomladi leta 1928 Zveza izdala svojo prvo knjigo z imenom AMERIŠKA SLOVENKA, smo rekle naj prebitek od teh knjig pokrije vsaj nekaj stroškov lastnega glasila in konvencija bo naložila poseben asesment za novo glasilo. Dobiček od prodanih knjig je bil precejšen, konvencija pa posebnega asesmenta za ZARJO ni sprejela. Rekle smo naj vsaka članica vsako leto plača po 25 centov v zvezino blagajno; mjnoge so to storile, a ne vse. In tako je ostalo do prihodnje konvencije. Ker je Zvezina blagajna rastla, o kakem asesmentu za Zarjo ni bilo ne čuta, ne sluha. In tako [e še danes.
Članska kampanja za lastno glasilo je prinesla ne le 2000 članic kot napovedano, temveč 2,816, kar je bil dokaz, da članice res želijo imeti svoj list.
Prva številka ZARJE je išla 5, julija 1929 na 20tih straneh. Nadaljne konvencije so glasilo povečale, a kakega asesmenta niso nikdar naložile, čeprav je list bil zvišen na 36 strani s platnicami vred.
Ko je ZARJA pričela izhajati je prvi njen račun bil $169.00 s tiskarno in uredniško plačo, torej okrog 6 centov na članico, zdaj nas glasilo stane vsak mesec nad $2,700 ali več kot 32 centov na vsako članico. - “Ameriška Domovina,” dnevnik v Clevelandu, je v svoji zgodovini zapisal, daje leta 1925 tisko-vani papir stal 35.00 za tono, točastno stane isti papir $350.00 za tono. Vsaki članici mora biti znano, kako so cene vsem potrebščinam narastle v zadnjih desetih letih. Upam, da bo prihodnja konvencija to upoštevala ter se pametno ravnala, ko bo treba določiti nov asesment, stroškov pa ne zvišati.
Naj omenim, da so ZARJO slovenski-ameriški časopisi, razen enega, novo koleginjo na časnikarskem polju prav prijazno pozdravili. Od moške strani ni bilo nikakega nas-protstva, dasi smo se tega kar malo bale. Zveza je k svojemu glasilu prejela obilo priznanja; slišalo se je tudi presenečenje: “Ve ženske si pa res mnogo upate!”
(ZARJA, aprila, 1978)
NATIONAL PRESIDENTS OF SWUA	
Marie Prisland (Founder)	1926-1946
Albina Novak	1946-1952
Josephine Livek	1952-1961
Antonia Turek	1961-1973
Mary Bostian	1973-1979
Mary Muller	1979-1987
Victoria Bobence	1987-1995
Jean Korsman	1995-1999
Kathleen Dorchak-Hall	1999-
NATIONAL SECRETARIES OF	SWUA
Julia Gottlieb	1926-1933
Josephine Racic	1933-1939
Josephine Erjavec	1939-1952
Albina Novak	1952-1970
Fanika Humar	1970-1976
Olga Ancel	1976-1995
Evelyn Majercik	1995-1999
Bonnie Prokup	1999-
1940		 1949
1940
• President Marie Prisland makes an official appeal against war to be sent to the U.S. Senate by all branches.
• Junior Department swells to over the 300 mark.
• Western Pennsylvania holds their 4th annual Bowling Tourney.
• All Drill Teams invited to the 5th Triennial Nat’l Convention in Chisholm, Minnesota.
• Patterns for quilting motifs plus embroidery and needlework featured.
• Junior circles of Br. 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Br. 5, Indianapolis, Indiana, Br. 19, Eveleth, Minnesota and Br. 40, Lorain, Ohio pictured.
• Annual Midwest Bowling Tournament held in Sheboygan.
• Golden Campaign has successful first month with 108 new members.
• Marie Prisland's Golden Jubilee.
• “My Trip Through Europe” written by Evelyn Fabian.
• “Zveza Day in Lemont” is first pilgrimage of Branches 2 and 20.
• Champs of Eastern Bowling Tournament is Br. 25, Cleveland, Ohio; Midwest Champs are Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois bowlers.
• Golden Membership Campaign brought total of 1,471 new members.
• 4th Annual Field Day in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Recipe column is headed by Ann Smolic, Br. 50, Cleveland, Ohio.
• Junior Drill Team of Cleveland, Ohio has first performance at Euclid Beach Park.
• Josephine Muster, Supreme Treasurer secures largest number of new junior members.
1941
• Military Ball is held by Cleveland Cadets.
• Br. 3, Pueblo, Colorado organizes junior drill team.
• Jubilee Campaign, highest number of members by Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois, 154 adults, 21 juniors. Total 1325 members enrolled.
• Mary Terlep of Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois is shown on front cover of ZARJA as winner of the Jubilee Campaign.
• Br. 26, Pittsburgh, Penna Cadets make their first public appearance.
• Cadets of Br. 55, Girard, Ohio dedicate their own Cadet’s flag and American flag.
• Masquerade Ball is held by Br. 57, Niles, Ohio and any member not in attendance is fined 35 cents.
• All branches are contributing money to the relief fund for Yugoslavia.
• Junior Cadets in Pueblo, Colorado make their first appearance.
• 93 branches organized in SWUA.
• War is declared against Japan.
1942
• Marie Prisland encouraged members to purchase defense bonds and stamps to the utmost of our means.
• Services are offered to the local American Red Cross chapters throughout the country, also to register with civilian defense committees.
• Cleveland, Ohio Br. 10, Frances Susel Cadets’ Military Ball proceeds given to war relief.
• Little Flower Cadets of Br. 47, Cleveland, St. Mary Cadets ofBr. 3, Pueblo, andBr. 23 Cadets of Ely organized.
• Quota reached with 1,035 new members in Jubilee Campaign. Winners: 1) Br. 20, Joliet, 2) Br. 24, LaSalle, 3) Br. 16, So. Chicago and 4) Br. 2, Chicago, Illinois branches.
• American Red Cross appeals for blood donors and all members are urged to do so.
• Branches purchase war savings bonds totalling $19,825. Marie Prisland makes this large donation to government official on behalf of members.
• 6th Annual Field Day held in Euclid Beach park, Cleveland. First place, Br. 20, Joliet, Second place, Br. 47, Garfield Hts., and Third place, Br. 15, Newburgh, Ohio.
• American Red Cross contribution collected in first 6 months is $668.25.
• Members asked to send New Year’s messages to servicemen at the war fronts.
Zapojmo!
ZBIRKA PESMI
1943
• 5th National Convention in Pittsburgh, Penna with membership campaign in full swing. Winner will be named “Convention Queen.” Assessment is increased to 35 cents for $100 insurance. New Class B is instituted at 60 cents for $150-5200 insurance.
• Midwest Bowlers meet in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• In observance of the SWU 16th anniversary a Junior Drill Team is organized by Josephine Erjavec, Supreme Secretary and Emma Planinšek, President of Br. 20, Joliet.
• An Easter Ball is held in Cleveland and proceeds of $1,077 donated to the American Red Cross.
• “Zapojmo” (Let’sing) songbook of Slovenian folk songs printed by SWU, edited by Albina Novak.
• Midwest Bowling Tournament winners: 1) Br. 16, So. Chicago.
• At Pittsburgh Convention drill teams competed from branches: 10, 20, 26, 41, 49, 55 and 57. Mary Terlep, Br. 20, Joliet receives the title Convention Queen.
• Slovenian Women’s Union with 14,000 members take pride in their contribution to the war effort. Among top sellers of war bonds is Josephine Schlossar of West Allis, Wisconsin with over $12,000.00
• Gladys Buck of So. Chicago, Br. 16 writes regular Fashion Column.
1944
• A Scholarship and Welfare Fund is started and will extend honorary membership to all benefactors.
• Cards with Slovenian motifs are produced and sold for $1 for a box of 10 cards.
• A Style Show is presented by Br. 50, Cleveland, Ohio with members parading outfits they made themselves.
• Former Secretary of Br. 84, New York, NY is now at the U. S. Marine Corps Air Station Corp., Pauline Shubel.
• A Spring Concert and show called, “Gay 90’s” will be held in Chicago by members of the Dawn Choral Club of Br. 2.
• Capt. Theresa C. Mravintz is stationed in Naples, Italy with the American Air Force #77.
• A special service is held at the Grotto in Lemont, Illinois for the safe return of our servicemen and women.
1945
• Membership Campaign, Josephine Muster, Supreme Treasurer is named as manager.
• Midwest Tournament is held in Sheboygan, Director Lillian Kozek.
• Beloved U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt died on May 12th.
• Campaign winners are 1) Br. 25, Cleveland, 2) Br. 20, Joliet, 3) Br. 64, Kansas City, total 399 members.
• War is over in September, 1945.
• New songbooks are for sale, 50 cents each.
1946
• Regular Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Convention Queen is Mary Terlep of Br. 20, Joliet. She secured 101 new members. Total new membership is 353.
• Artist, Lillian Brule wins $100 Bond in painting contest sponsored by Chicago Art Institute.
• Marie Prisland steps down as Supreme President and writes, “I have dedicated the best years of my life to our women’s organization.”
• Albina Novak elected Supreme President by acclamation.
• New printery for ZARJA, Bohemian Benedictine Press, Chicago.
1947
• 20 years of activity has brought good gains in assets and many new members. Br. 1, Sheboygan celebrated with a party in honor of Founder, Marie Prisland on the 20th anniversary of SWU.
• Anna Pachak, Supreme Vice President and President of Br. 3, Pueblo is Jubilee Campaign winner. Campaign brought in a total of 360 new members.
• At Convention, Rev. Matthew Kebe of Pittsburgh appointed Spiritual Advisor and Founder, Marie Prisland named Honorary President for life.
• Bowling Tourney held in LaSalle, Illinois.
• Choral Club of Br. 2, Chicago holds a Minstrel Show, first of its kind.
• Mother-Daughter Membership Campaign starts. Josephine Erjavec, Supreme Secretary is chairman and a total of 613 members enrolled. Mary Schimenz, secretary of Br. 12, Milwaukee is winner of first award.
• A contest is open to all juniors and $1 will be paid for every entry stating different ideas for membership.
• “Help a Scholar with a Dollar” campaign is headed by Josephine Muster.
1949
1948
• Midwest Bowling Tournament held in So. Chicago.
• Mary Tomsic, Supreme Vice President organizes new branch in Meadowlands, Penna.
• Bernice Metesh, Br. 20, Joliet captain of cadets is pictured in ZARJA in an action shot as the only girl semi-pro pitcher in the USA, becoming popular throughout the country and receiving public and national recognition.
• SWU largest branch is Br. 25, Cleveland, Ohio -they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
• Scholarship Chairperson, Marie Prisland institutes Scholarship fund.
• Three Presidents are members of Br. 2, Chicago: Lillian Kozek, president of Bowling League, Josephine Železnikar, president of Br. 2 and Liz Zefran, president of Sports Club.
• Eighth Convention is held in Pueblo, Colorado.
• “Dawn Club” is formed as part of Br. 23, Ely, Minnesota.
• Sewing Club of Cleveland members is headed by Ella Starin, National Trustee. Vice Presidents’ Campaign is co-chaired by all 6 Supreme SWU Vice Presidents.
• Junior’s Page is edited by Evelyn Krizay, Barberton, Ohio.
• Marie Prisland’s Slovenian monthly column called, “Moja Kolona” (My Column) changed in January, 1948 to the name, “Oh, Ta Svet” (Oh, this World.) [This popular column was written in this form until 1979]
• Scholarship Fund reaches its goal of $10,000.
• For the third consecutive time, Mary Terlep is crowned Convention Queen.
• On ZARJA’s 20th anniversary 11,000 is the circulation.
• Baton Twirlers of Br. 20 organized in Joliet.
• Cooking column, “Woman’s Glory-The Kitchen” begins with Editor, Frances Jancar, LaSalle, Illinois, Br. 24.
• Convention reelects official Board of Directors. Additional insurance of $50 offered junior membership; first handwork exhibit.
• Agnes Mahovlich, Zveza’s first convention queen is recognized for securing 569 members in her lifetime.
• First SWU Scholarship Winners are named: Marie Bombach, Br. 105, Detroit, Michigan, Donald Carek, Br. 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Frederick Pahula, Br. 34, Soudan, Minnesota.
Compiled by Jonita Erjavec-Ruth
1950
1950
1959
1951
• “Slovenske Melodije” book of 32 songs (musical notes) by Ivan Zorman is published in 1950.
• Hermine Dicke succeeds her mother, Marie Prisland as Director of Scholarship Fund.
•	“Mothers of the Year” - “Zaslužne matere naših podružnic”, begins as annual May feature. 52 mothers honored in this issue. SWU picks one mother to represent the organization, Jennie Logar of Niles, Ohio, Br. 57 whose
6 daughters, 3 daughters-in-law and 6 granddaughters, plus other relatives are all members.
• All cover pages printed in silver ink in honor of the SWU 25th Anniversary.
1952
• Detroit hosts 9th SWU National Convention, 1952. Joseph Livek, Br. 89, Oglesby, Illinois, elected Supreme President.
• Home Office moves to Chicago; Albina Novak is new Supreme Secretary.
• 106 active branches in 1952.
1953
• 1,000 people attended Zveza Day in Lemont, Illinois, July 19, 1953.
• Bishop Fulton Sheen’s weekly TV show “Life Is Worth Living” is very popular.
• Eisenhower holds two terms as U.S. President.
1954
• 40 take SWU trip to Slovenia in 1954.
• ZARJA is published monthly @ a $2.00 yearly subscription.
• Membership dues are $1.20 annually.
• Membership concerns seen throughout the years.
• Awards are given to those enrolling most new members.
1955
• Cleveland hosts 10th National Convention, 1955. Proposal to increase insurance amounts and rates not approved.
• Harry Truman is U.S. President.
• Sons of many members leave for Korean Conflict.
• Polio Alert
• SWU cookbooks “Women’s Glory” sell for $2.00, seller earns a 0.10 commission.
• Kollander Travel advertises trips to Slovenia.
• Cadet Drill Teams and bowling teams popular with members.
• Corinne Novak, ZARJA Editor, becomes bride of Ludwig Leskovar, November 1955, in Chicago.
1956
• January, 1956 ZARJA moves English section forward, 8 pages English and 8 pages Slovenian; SWU is celebrating 30th anniversary.
• Frankie Yankovic entertains July 1956 at SWU days in Lemont, IL.
• 300 new members enrolled in 1956.
• Hat sales are popular fund raisers.
1957
• Branch #2, Chicago Choral Club records an album [33%]
• 500 attend Lemont SWU Day 1957.
• 1st American satellite enters atmosphere.
• Slovenia is represented for the 1st time at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry in the annual “Christmas Around the World display.”
1958
• SWU spiritual advisor, Fr. Alexander Urankar. OSF passes away unexpectedly at the age of 55 years in Lemont.
• SWU offers two trips summer trips to Slovenia, including stops in Europe.
• 11th National Convention at Milwaukee, Wisconsin re-organizes SWU officers, eliminating 6 Vice Presidents and electing 6 State Presidents with specific jurisdictions.
• Minnesota, Ohio, and the West Coast hold Zveza Days.
• Pope Pius XII dies after 19 years of leadership.
1959
• Pope John XXIII elected.
• 30 year anniversary of ZARJA in July.
Compiled by Nancy HenkeI
SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA
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I960	— 1969
1960
• Annual subscription - S2.00/SWUA Members -$1.20 (published monthly)
• All Officers referred to as “Supreme”; President is Josephine Livek.
• Founder Marie Prisland is Honorary Supreme President.
• Home Office located at 1937 W. Cermak Road; Chicago 8, IL.
• SWUA Scholarship Fund is very active throughout all “60’s”.
• Slovenian recipes priceless, e.g. potatoe donuts, lemon strudel.
• SWUA Midwest Bowling Association celebrates 25 years.
• Midwest Bowling Tournaments are huge events in all “60’s.”
• Junior members into bowling big, too.
• Card Parties very popular and well-attended.
• 95 active Branches out of 106.
• Total of 330 new members enrolled in Membership Campaign (1959).
• JFK wins U.S. presidency.
• New cooking column; Pots & Pans,” begins edited by Marie Prisland.
1961
• 35th Anniversary of SWUA on December 19th.
• JFK and family on cover of January issue.
• “Potica in the White House” - JFK’s sister vows to serve Potica!!
• Inaugural menu at the White House included Potica, made by Mary Lenich, Eveleth, Minnesota.
• 12th National Convention held May 21-24 in Ely, Minnesota.
• Supreme President is Antonia Tanko.
• 12,215 total members.
• SWUA Choral Club (Chicago) records album of 8 Slovenian songs.
• Bowling still big - SWUA holds two tournaments per year.
• Albina Novak recognized for 33 years of service.
1962
• 35th Jubilee Class “B” Membership Campaign - 387 members joined.
• Cadets’ performances and contests mentioned often throughout all 60’s ZARJA.
• Tea Party socials very popular among members.
• Among ingredients for a Potica recipe: “10-cent cake of yeast.”
• SWUA member bus trip to Washington - huge SWUA sign on bus.
• Potica hand delivered to Ohio Senator Frank J. Lausche - he “treasured the gift”.
• Supreme President Antonia Tanko is pictured on Membership Campaign coupons awarded to membership recruiters to be traded for cash.
• Penny Socials still very popular.
1963
• ZARJA celebrates 35 years!
• (3) Excursion to Europe trips to Slovenia/Europe -$404.00 ea. round trip.
• Famous Slovenian artist, Maksim Gaspari, celebrates his 80th birthday.
• Pope John XXIII passes away.
• Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. develops “aluminized nylon” for firefighters suits and NASA space suits.
• Slovenian Singers/Dancers perform at Chicago International Trade Fair and win “Best of Fair.”
• Cleveland, OH hosts large Bazaar and Fashion Show.
• Newly revised, cookbook “Women’s Glory - The Kitchen” available in December, $2.75 per copy.
• 13thNat’l. Convention Queen contest held for highest membership recruiter.
• Hermine Dicke succeeds her mother, Marie Prisland as editor of food column, “Pots & Pans”.
1964
• Famous picture of JFK, Jr. saluting at JFK’s funeral on cover of January issue, numerous JFK articles as country mourns his death, Nov. 1963.
• 13th National Convention held May 17-20, in Chicago, IL. Dues increased 5 cents.
• Pre-National Convention Membership Campaign Queen winner, Vicki Faletič (Branch #25), proudly attends the convention after enrolling 42 new members. Three “Princesses” recognized, as well.
• Antonia Tanko Turek re-elected as new Supreme President.
• Founder’s Campaign for new membership drive launched.
• Junior members have many articles and inputs throughout all “60’s.”
• Regina, the pseudonym for Marie Ancel, begins her monthly contribution on the Junior Page. (In the 1970’s she entitles her page: For the Young at Heart).
• State President of the WI State Federation of Women’s Clubs and International Hostess Chairman, Mrs. Clarence J. Weber congratulates Marie Prisland and Albina Novak on SWUA’s excellent cookbook - Woman’s Glory
- The Kitchen:
Quote: "Even the gourmet can enjoy this excellent cookbook, compiled with loving care. Its pages abound in recipes which contain precious hints to insure success of age-old family delicacies. Congratulations to Marie Prisland and Albina Novak for keeping alive the traditions of the Stalwart Slovenian Women."
1965
• SWU (Junior) Twirlettes of Euclid, Ohio organized by Nat’l. President Mary Bostian.
• In Sheboygan (WI), Suscha Meat Market sells Klobase for 79c per pound, plus shipping.
• SWUA Scholarship Award to high school graduates
- $200.00 each.
• Due to increase in donations, 4 Scholarship Awards given, not just 2.
• Bowling Tournaments and Card Parties still a big hit
- ZARJA bowling team “captures trophy.”
• SWUA Founders’ Campaign results - 328 new members!
• SWUA 40th Anniversary “Ruby Campaign” for membership launched.
• Pope Paul VI with President Johnson pictured on front of November issue - JFK remembrance article inside, Mrs. Lyndon Baines Johnson on front cover in December.
1966
• SWUA Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert held at Slovenian National Home in Cleveland - mezzo-soprano Marija Kranjc-Fischinger performs.
• Direct Flight, New York to Ljubljana - $395.00.
• SWUA Twirlettes (baton twirling) of Euclid, OH, perform.
• Bowling Tournament recommends bowlers to stay at Town House Motel - $7.50 single bed, $ 11.00 double bed.
• “Ruby Campaign” winner, Mary Bostian (Branch #50) receives Zveza charm for being top recruiter.
• Pre-14th Annual Convention Membership Campaign launched.
• Rev. F. Blatnik, SBD of Paterson, NJ, arranges 1st Slovenian Vernacular Mass at Washington’s famed Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Crypt Chapel (largest Catholic Church in the USA).
• SWUA advertises “Let’s Sing,” a new little songbook
-	$1.25.
• Slovenian Octet visits Washington, D.C.
• Branch #1, Sheboygan, WI - Marie Prisland and charter members celebrate 40th Anniversary.
• Archbishop of Ljubljana, Rev. Jožef Pogačnik, visits many Slovenian parishes in USA and Canada.
• Ladko Korošec, member of Ljubljana Opera Company, sings in Chicago in honor of SWUA 40th Anniversary.
• Marie Prisland repeats objective of SWUA at 40th Anniversary: To unite women of Slovenian descent living in the US; to assist in their social, moral and intellectual education; to foster American and Slovenian ideals; to enocurage participation in American civic affairs; to help members to become American citizens; to arrange adequate interments for deceased members.
• SWUA 40th Anniversary date observed -Dec. 19th.
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• Marie Prisland is named "Slovenian of the Year,” by Slovenian American Radio Club - receives award.
1967
• 14th National Convention held in Washington, D.C.
-	May 24-28.
• Supreme President Antonia Turek begins her 3rd term.
• Slovenian Legislator, Congressman John A. Blatnik of MN, attends 14th National Convention as does Slovenian Legislator, Senator Lausche of OH.
• Slovenian Men Choraleers of Chisholm, MN, celebrate their 10th Anniversary.
• Round Trip via jet - New York to Ljubljana - $339.
• Supreme Secretary Albina Novak - 40 years an officer of SWUA (on cover of November issue.)
• Annual subscription now $3.00/SWUA members pay $2.40.
• Convention agrees to spearhead fund campaign for a Slovenian Chapel in the National Shrine in Washington, DC.
• Anne Petrich, past Supreme Board member, passed away - Anne joined SWUA in 1932 in Warren, OH and organized 8 branches in OH and PA.
1968
• Bishop Baraga Centennial highly honored throughout all 1968 issues.
• Supreme President Turek signs contract that signifies
payment of the first $25,000 deposit towards establishing Slovenian Chapel at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. - $45,000 still needed.
• Bowling Tournaments and card parties still popular.
• First Slovenian Tour and Pilgrimage to Jerusalem with Rev. Father Joseph Godina.
1969
• Marie Prisland’s book — “From Slovenia...To America” receives rave reviews.
• Slovenian Chapel Fund drive very active among Branches.
• Slovenia printed news and television broadcast of Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins for Apollo 11 “Lunar 1st Step” - the 3 are on cover of Sept. issue (Members in Slovenia during this time say Slovenia excited for USA).
• Miss Nancy E. Hosta (Branch #21) receives 1st Nursing Scholarship from SWUA, granted from the proceeds of “From Slovenia...To America.”
• Miraculous picture of Marija Pomagaj of Brezje has arrived in Washington, D.C. to be enthroned in Slovenian Chapel.
• Glasbena Matica Sings featuring 14 magnificent Slovenian choral selections advertised for $5.29 (sold in Cleveland, OH).
• Decorated Slovenian Christmas Tree is (and has been) annual project at Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry.
• ZARJA still printed in both Slovenian and English languages.
Compiled by Betty Ann Kolesari
1970 — 1979
1970
• Ohio Combined Branches host 15th National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Convention Queen is Ann Tercek, president of
Br. 50, Cleveland with 50 new members.
• First Debutant Cotillion Ball is highlight of Convention in Cleveland with 12 young entrants.
• Treasurer (1952-1970), Josephine Železnikar, is mourned.
1971
• Dawn Choral Group and Bowling Tournaments seem active.
• Getting ready for Slovenian Chapel Blessing on August 15th.
• Editor of ZARJA (1956-1952), Albina Novak dies in April 1971; she is deeply mourned.
• Marie Prisland writes her English column, “Capsules” that appears in most issues and from 1971 until 1974 features profiles of all national officers.
• ZARJA gets new printery, Croatian Franciscan Press, Chicago beginning with September issue.
1972
• Cover pictures and pictorial story on inside pages tell “A picture Story about your ZARJA.”
• Front cover in September shows groups of our members attending Slovenian Chapel Blessing in Washington.
• 313 new members enrolled in Post-Convention Campaign.
• New edition of “Women’s Glory - The Kitchen cookbook announced.
• "This is Your Life, SWU" - on 45 Anniversary; all past Presidents are featured.
• Membership Campaign is featured in every issue.
• 2nd Annual Cotillion Ball held in Cleveland.
1973
• 16th National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
• Feature story of the food blessing in Cleveland, St. Vitus Church, as a Slovenian tradition.
• History of the cultural work of SWU in the first 47 years was written in Slovenian by Marie Prisland in the May issue.
1974
• Polka Mass announced as gaining popularity.
• Peasant Wedding in Ljubljana, Slovenia featured.
• Largest Zveza Day ever in Lemont, held by Br. 2, Chicago members.
• 25th Anniversary of the SWU Scholarship Fund and 65 awardees are pictured on ZARJA cover in December.
1975
SWU sponsors concert in Lemont with Gallus Chorus from Koroška, Slovenia.
• 4th Deb Cotillion in Cleveland.
• Promotion for our cookbook features members of Br. 20, Joliet and display of pastries.
• The “Best Potica in Sheboygan” baker Pauline Rupar is profiled with her recipe.
• Capsules column follows women's fashion trends from 1892 until 1935 with our officers and/or relatives as models.
• Recipe in Pots & Pans shows Millie Pucel of Joliet in Slovenian costume, making goulash: on the following page, members in Chicago are seen testing their own homemade krofi!
• Ely Branch 23 is named “Zveza’s Northern Star” by Marie Prisland in her Capsules column.
• The “Immigrant” column is inaugurated in July - on the Bi-Centennial of the USA. Author Irene Odorizzi introduces this feature that will become the most popular of all features printed in ZARJA for more than twenty years to come.
• Immigrant II in September, October and November explain Irene’s concept to present the stories of our members who entered new lives when they came to America.
• "Emma from Trbovlje” is the first Immigrant story.
• First Cotillion Ball in Wisconsin held in Milwaukee with seven entrants.
• Contributions total $6,500 from our members and friends for the Slovenian high school in Koroška (Carinthia) benefiting the students there. Heading this fund drive is Nat’l. Secretary, Fanika Humar.
1976
• Zveza celebrates 50 years. Mrs. Prisland in her English “Capsules." and Slovenian, “Oh. Ta Svet,” remembers first years and original officers.
OPORili-1
• Memoriam to two of Zveza’s finest friends, Rev. Alexander Urankar, Spiritual Director from 1952 to his death in 1975, a poet and editor of Ave Maria, Slovenian religious magazine; and Mr. Ivan Zorman, composer, poet and musical director of Slovenian choruses in Cleveland. He was the author of Naša Zvezina Himna, the SWU Anthemn.
• 17th National Convention in Pittsburgh, May, 1976; adult men accepted us members of associate department; same assessment as classes A & B.
• Home Office moves into its own building in Joliet, IL.
• Immigrant story of Albina Novak is pictorial review.
• 466 new members enrolled in Golden Anniversary Campaign, top worker is Mary Slaney of Pittsburgh, Br. 26.
• Ohio U.S. Senator Lausche says he enjoys reading ZARJA and finds inspiration in it. He praises our organization on the "creative character of our Slovenians, especially of our Slovenian women,” and further, he reminds us that: “although we are frightening small in number, we possess a moral strength that is important in preserving decency and harmony among the inhabitants of this world.”
• Honor Roll of 46 most diligent members who have enrolled the most new members is published as of 1976. Mary Otoničar, secretary of Br. 25, Cleveland, Ohio is by far the top worker, with 1241 members to her credit. Mary Terlep of Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois is second with 783.
• 537 new members is total in Convention Campaign.
• Four Scholarship winners receive stipends of $300 each.
• Folk Life Fair in Washington, D.C. brings entertainers and demonstrators from Cleveland and local members supply Slovenian flaky pastry called “flancati,” home made on the fairgrounds.
• Milena Gobetz authors series on “This is our Heritage” beginning in the October issue with the life of Ivan Cankar, Slovenia’s great poet-writer.
• A stage presentation by M. Gobetz, describes the Installation of the Dukes of Carinthia, ancient rite when the Slovenians selected a leader in a democratic ritual. The scene was presented in Chicago on Slovenian Day, 1976.
• SWU announces new National Committee for Heritage, chaired by Irene Odorizzi.
1977
• New Home Office Dedication and Blessing in March.
• Four $500 Scholarships announced.
• Sisters are named “Women of the Year” by Br. 16, So. Chicago, Illinois; Marge and Sylvia Spretnjak.
• Mayor of Joliet names March 6-12, 1977 as Slovenian Week.
• Pots and Pans cooking column tell how to make wine with fermenting instructions included by Ann Savor of Br. 54, Warren, Ohio.
• Slovenian Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio proudly accepts copies of the first ZARJA editions, from July, 1929, for the Institute’s Library.
• Cotillion in Cleveland - eleven beauteous young women. Frances Kurre Seitz is the chairman.
• First SWU Slovenian Heritage Day, June 12 in Joliet, Illinois Participants include folk dancers, musicians, cooking and craft demonstrators (our members), movie travelogues by Kollander World Travel, historical presentation by Dr. Edi Gobetz, wine-making by Hermine Dicke.
• Health columnist begins monthly bilingual advice column Nežka Gaber, R.N. ot Br. 2, Chicago, called "To Your Health” - “Za vaše zdravje.”
• “Let’s Spring ahead” is title of membership campaign.
• “Over 70 Club” organized among branches.
• Chicago’s Mayor Richard J. Daley attends Slovenian Day in Chicago and meets our members.
1978
• “Heritage in Action” is new membership campaign, named by Olga Ancel, National Secretary - she suggests “every member — one new member!" First Prize is round trip fare to convention city, Duluth.
• 18th National Convention in Duluth, Minnesota raise in dues of 25 cents per month is passed.
• 42nd Midwest Bowling Tournament takes place in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
• In March, Ana Gaber begins writing in Slovenian Section on stories from our heritage, “Iz naše slovenske dediščine.”
• Second Slovenian Heritage Day in Joliet in June.
• Governor of Minnesota attends Mother’s Day party at Br. 38, Chisholm.
• First student language school announced for American students to take place in Koroška, (Carinthia) and Slovenia.
• “Footsteps Through Time,” author, Irene Odorizzi, comes on the market.
• Debut of “Davey’s Column” for Juniors.
• Pope John Paul II elected.
• 5th Cotillion Ball in Cleveland, 7 debutantes.
• Cleveland branches unite in a Combined Branch format under State President Sophie Magayna.
• Heritage in Action Campaign nets 532 new members, Jonita Ruth is top worker with 53!
• Beloved Founder, Marie Prisland is mourned. Her passing comes on September 13, 1979 at the age of 89 years. Her last Oh, Ta Svet column, written just before her death, is published in October issue.
• “SWU Heritage Museum is a reality” says headline in December issue and Irene Odorizzi writes welcoming article.
Compiled by Bonnie Prokup
1980 - 1989
1980	1981
• The 3 MMM’s Membership Campaign is dedicated to members named Mary, Marie or Mayme in honor of Marie Prisland, Founder, Mary Bostian, Past National President and Mayme Muller, President; it ends in June with 336 new members, new campaign called Success With Unity begins.
• Five SWUA Scholarships given.
• National Costumes sketches enhance note cards, selling 4 for $1.
• 3rd Midwest Heritage Day, Joliet, Illinois.
• Memorial to Slovenian Miner and Laborer fund drive begins with participation by Minnesota branches and other fraternals in the area; SWU fund-raising goal is $10,000.
• Minutes of the annual Board of Directors meeting appears in both languages.
• Bishop Baraga Day in Joliet and Home Office sponsors display of Baraga artifacts and books.
• “Sewing Club” of Milwaukee, Wisconsin becomes new branch, No. 43.
• Strudel-makers of Chicago show how to do it at the Heritage Festival and are pictured on the cover during the demonstration.
• Branches 1, 2 and 3 celebrate 55 years.
Christian Women’s Conference in July, 1981 in Lem-ont, Illinois with Archbishop Aloysius Ambrozich of Toronto as main homilist - sponsored by Br. 2 and attended by members from Chicago, So. Chicago, Joliet and Minnesota Branches.
• Br. 50 and Marie Prisland Cadets of Cleveland observe 50th Anniversary.
• In an article, Susan Terselic, member of Br. 103, Washington, D.C. initiates idea for SWU involvement in genealogy.
• Short Slovenian playlet printed for juniors.
• 10th Anniversary of Slovenian Chapel at Shrine of Immaculate Conception - many members attend ceremonies.
• Pots & Pans Cookbook makes its first appearance in February, edited by Hermine Dicke.
1982
• Two officers of Br. 20, Joliet, Emma Planinšek and Josephine Erjavec are recognized at a testimonial dinner in honor of their 99 total years of service to their branch.
• “Learn Slovenian” by Anna L. Hodnik begins as a long term feature.
• ZARJA “cutbacks” announced whereby two issues will be eliminated per year with fewer pages planned per issue.
• Top campaign worker of all time, Mary Otoničar of Br. 25, Cleveland, is mourned.
• “The Next Generation,” a spin-off on The Immigrant begins in the September issue with the story of Baraga historian, Joe Gregorich.
• Grand Opening of Heritage Museum at SWU Home Office, Joliet, Illinois.
• Minnesota Governor Perpich, U.S. Congressman Oberstar and former U.S. Congressman Blatnick attend Minnesota Convention.
1983
• Chisholm welcomes 19th National Convention; guest of honor is Mrs. Walter Mondale, wife of U.S. Vice President.
• National President (1961-1973) Antonia Tanko Turek of Cleveland, Br. 50 is mourned. She had a long history of service to the SWU, primarily in sports and at the state level. She was secretary of the Slovenian Chapel national committee.
• In conjunction with the National Convention the unveiling of Phase I of the Minnesota Miners and Laborers Memorial by Joliet artist and sculpturer, Lillian Brule takes place in Chisholm, May 22nd. ZARJA cover is printed in two colors enhancing photo of the Memorial. Chairman is Rev. David Stalzer.
• Five young scholars are awarded $750 each from the Scholarship Fund.
• Slovenian Heritage Library is opened in New Smyrna, Florida by our member, Josephine Vogrin.
• LOVE is in every S-LOVEnian tee shirts and aprons appear on the market, designed by Irene Odorizzi.
• Genealogy Chart in Heritage News column helps members find their roots.
• Five $1,000 Scholarships offered for school year 1984.
• Heritage News monthly column by Irene Odorizzi begins.
1984
• Woman’s Slovenian Costume pattern is printed and marketed in observance of ZARJA’s 55th anniversary.
• “Keep the Spirit Going” membership campaign gains 210 members.
• Scholars submit essays: The Importance of my Heritage and Culture.”
• 1984 National Heritage Day held in Hibbing, Minnesota.
• Article on “Slovenia and Slovenians” in 5 parts written by Maria Povsic.
• In June, the U.S. issues a 13c postcard issued in honor of Slovenian Missionary Frederik Baraga.
1985
• Br. 103, Washington, D.C. holds 20th anniversary dinner and fund drive for SWU scholarship in honor of Sen. Frank Lausche’s 90th birthday.
• “Slovenians for the Lady” fund drive for our SWU name to be engraved at Statue of Liberty, begins with Fr. David Stalzer, chairman.
• Grape Harvest Dance (Vinska Trgatev) held in Joliet according to old Slovenian customs.
• Popular Lojze Slak Ensemble from Slovenia makes its first American tour with performances in Minnesota, Ohio, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
1986
• Scholarship in memory of National President Antonia Turek is set up by Combined Cleveland Branches.
• “The Strategic Consumer” is a new column by Bernadette Kovacic, Br. 103, Washington, D.C.
• Slovenian Miners and Laborers Memorial at Iron-world in Chisholm in its final phase - three murals complete the memorial by Lillian Brule.
• Third edition of Pots & Pans cookbook is printed.
• “Zlati Časi” slide show about the SWU is completed by Irene Odorizzi and now a part of the Heritage Museum
-	many heritage items for sale at the Museum.
• Total of $33,000 is current collection toward completion of Minnesota Miners Memorial - dedication is slated for August this year.
• Editor gives chronology of her ascent on Mt. Triglav in Slovenia, every Slovenian’s dream.
• The annual five SWU Scholarships are given along with two additional $1,000 awards in honor of past Nat’l. Officers, Mary Bostian and Josephine Erjavec.
• Total of $12,526 received into Slovenians For the Lady Fund from our members.
• End of year is 60th anniversary of SWU.
• Slovenian Heritage feature is three part history of "The Early Christian Church in Roman Slovenia” by Rev. Rudolph Flaynik, O.Carm.
1987
• 20th National Convention in Joliet in May - 20/20 Membership Campaign is in honor of Br. 20 and the 20th Convention - prizes awarded to favorite charities of three winning branches.
• Memorial Tribute trophies to be placed at bier of departed members are to be ordered and distributed to all branches.
• Statement of Ideology by Carita Ancel Girman, Br. 20, adopted by Convention.
• Seven Scholarships awarded including two additional memorial tributes in the names of Albina Uehlein, past National Officer and Ohio Sen. Frank J. Lausche.
• Reference to newly formed Slovenian Genealogical Society made in Heritage News.
1988
• SWU Museum added to Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, landmark status.
• “Tory’s Garden” is name of membership campaign honoring new SWU President Victoria Bobence - Tory begins column on gardening hints.
• “Tory’s Bouquet” is phase II of membership campaign, 224 members enrolled.
• Slovenian travelogue by Ana Gaber, Br. 2, begins in Slovenian and continues thru the years 1989 and 90.
1989	]
i*
• "Tory’s Greenhouse” is phase III of the campaign.
• Brezje shrine of Marija Pomagaj named a Basilica.
• Congress of Illinois Historical Societies gives SWU Heritage Museum two awards.
• Successful yearly State Conventions in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Illinois and Ohio.
• Another Award for our Museum Director, Irene Odorizzi, from American Association for State and Local History in Seattle, Washington.
• Christmas cards with Slovenian motif offered, 6 for $5 at SWU Museum.
• Artist, Lillian Cepon, Br. 20, Joliet does another cover picture for ZARJ A - one of many through the years.
Compiled by Beverly Menart
1990 - 1999
1990
• New campaign, “Till Tory’s Garden” is phase II preconvention campaign.
• SWU Twirlettes are proud of 25 awards earned thru the years.
• 1990 Scholarship financial report is extensive.
• “Pepca’s Struggle” autobiography written by member, Josephine Janezic is available for sale at Home Office.
• Washington, D.C. branch celebrates record year of activities.
• Wisconsin Dept, of Natural Resources expert Joe Ancel writes first in a series on environmental preservation.
• Life of Bishop Frederik Baraga, Slovenian Missionary in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, begins in monthly installments in Slovenian.
• “Keep the Connection” fund-drive for ZARJA begins.
N THEIR a :OOTSTEPS
Slovenian Women's Union of America
Joliet. Illinois
1991
• Slovenian bobbin lace art is explained, profile of Anna Jesenko, Br. 21, Cleveland.
• 21st National Convention in No. Randall, Ohio; Keynote speaker is Prof. Edi Gobetz of Slovenian Research Center, Cleveland; Statement of Idology by Vera Ancel Muir, Br. 20, is adopted; Annual additional assessment of $1 will be charged for every adult member.
• Yearly State Convention becomes mandatory at each of7jurisdictions; 1)Penna-New York-Wash. D.C.;2)Ohio-Mich.; 3) 111.-Ind.; 4) Wise.; 5) Minn.; 6) Colo.-Kans.-Mo.; 7) Calif.-Ore.-Wash.
• “The Third Generation” is spin-off on The Immigrant series.
• Pennsylvania members participate in Pittsburgh Ethnic Festival.
• “Looking Back to the Future” begins as installment feature by Irene Odorizzi profiling branches with historical and pictorial information. First is Br. 35, Aurora, Minnesota; second is Br. 50, Cleveland, Ohio.
• Slovenia gains independence from Yugoslavia; recognition sought from USA; members in Slovenian settlements actively participate.
• Carita Ancel Girman is named Director of Scholarship Fund succeeding retiring Hermine Dicke.
• Corinne Leskovar named Baragan of the Year at Baraga Days in Washington, D.C. held in conjunction with 20th Anniversary of the Slovenian Chapel.
• Anita Vovk writes on Slovenian folklore.
1992
• 4th revised edition of Pots and Pans cookbook on the market.
• New Slovenian flag presented to Home Office/ Museum.
• Branches profiled in “Looking Back to the Future,” during this year are 38, Chisholm, Minn., 47, Garfield Hts., Ohio, 16 So. Chicago, 111. 92, Gunnison, Colo and 95, So. Chicago, 111.
• Board members report success of Success With Unity campaign ending in April, with 199 new members and select SWU as “call letters” for next campaign to be called, Slovenian We’re United.
• Jo Lustik, National Auditor has feature on Museum called, “Jo’s Antique Comer.”
• Museum Curator Bob Holmes leaves after one year. New brochure “In Their Footsteps” outlines SWU, history, Slovenian settlements and the Museum.
1993
• “Learning Slovenian” new column for Slovenian language authored by Katja Gregorc of Slovenia.
• Heritage Museum has display by artist Lillian Brule called “Faces of Slovenian Women.”
• Still using the SWU as part of an acronym for our campaign, Slovenian Wisdsom Unsurpassed! begins in April, 1993.
• Museum volunteers participate in Joliet Junior College Ethnic Fair.
• SWU dedication to the life and work of Bishop Frederic Baraga shows in two page feature on the Bishop’s life.
• Handmade by Beverly Jackson, a Slovenian Doll is main prize for special fund - raising raffle to benefit the Museum.
• Branch profiles include the following branches in 1993: Br. 67, Bessemer, Pa; Br. 23, Ely, Minn.; Br. 96, Universal, Penna.; Br. 34, Soudan, Minn, and Br. 102, Willard, Wise.
1994
• Republic ofSlovenia opens Embassy in Wash. D.C.
• ZARJA observes 65th anniversary with a wall calendar sent to every member featuring 12 original art works in color from our members.
• Original drawing by Lucille Dragovan graces SWU Easter cards.
• May-June ZARJA has four color cover depicting new sanctuary of St. Vitus Church, Cleveland, Ohio.
• 145 new members in 1994.
• Opinion Poll is included in ZARJA, asking members to consider making annual dues payments.
• Doll Couple in Slovenian costumes is raffled for benefit of Museum.
• City of Joliet renovates Chicago Street and Home Office building is benefactor.
PRIM DI V PRWNTINC THE NKK POTS 4 POT
• Murals depicting Slovenian immigration to the Midwest are unveiled on Joliet city property, wall of murals by Lucille Dragovan.
• Four color cover features committee from Museum in Joliet in Chicago Ethnic Festival, in honor of SWU 68th Anniversary; from now on two color covers appear occason-ally.
• Interest in Genealogy increases in Heritage Column
• Profiles of branches in 1994 include: Br. 10, Cleveland, Ohio; Br. 14, Euclid, Ohio, Br. 22, Bradley, 111., Br. 24, LaSalle, 111. and Br. 39, Biwabik, Minn.
1995
• San Francisco welcomes 22nd National Convention.
• 56 Branches listed in Annual $ 1 Assessment report.
• Scholarship Fund has motto: Keep the Dream Alive, for its fund raising program.
• Frances Barman, 97 years old, is Mother of the Year of Br. 25, Cleveland, Ohio, story written by her son, Tony. Later, Mrs. Barman’s Estate is outstanding donor to Scholarship Fund.
• Cirila Kermavner submits information on Slovenian traditions and has occasional columns on Slovenian herbal medicines.
• 10 members are over 100 years young!
• Bylaw changes made at this convention: eliminate Class A insurance class for all future members; two term limits for all national officers; seven national officers comprise Board of Directors: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three Auditors; other national officers are not elective but appointed positions; once a year payments of assessments is recommended; social members are allowed to be elected to branch office.
• On retirement of Hermine Dicke, a new Scholarship Director is sought; Marge Church is interim director.
• U.S. honors Slovenia at the Pentagon.
• Total to date in Keep the Connection fund-raising, for the past 55 months, is $6,326.
• Genealogy Notebook page has hints to all seeking to know their family trees.
1996
• 70th Anniversary of SWU to be celebrated with a Member Tour to Slovenia.
• Current membership campaign is called Start With
Us!
• Forty members have 68 to 70 years membership.
• New Scholarship Fund Director is named, Mary Tur-vey of Michigan, granddaughter of Marie Prisland.
• New food columnist is named, Marion Bowers of California; “Slovenians Love to Cook!” is column title.
• “Earliest Settlers in America” is three part feature.
• Pope John Paul II visits Slovenia on 1250 annivesary of Christianity there.
• Br. 2, Chicago celebrates 70th Jubilee on Founding Day, December 19th.
• Profile of Branches this year: Br. 36, McKinley, Minn.; Br. 13, San Francisco and Br. 103, Wash. D.C.
1997
• Direct Billing goes into effect February 1st.
• Women’s Activities Director begins fund drive for restoration of Cultural Gardens in Cleveland and Bishop Baraga statue there.
• Poetry Comer (Irene Odorizzi) features Lillian Brule as artist and poet.
• Julie Partyka (3rd generation member) takes over as junior page columnist.
1998
• 70th Anniversary of Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois and branch is profiled in 4 issues.
• First Modem-age Slovenian Cardinal is Aloysius Am-brozich of Toronto.
• New SWU Cookbook is entitled “More Pots and Pans,” is dedicated to Hermine Dicke.
1999
• 50th Anniversary of first Scholarship award.
• Veda Ponikvar, Br. 38, Chisholm, Minnesota is new
food editor, “From our Heritage Kitchens.”
• 23rd National Convention takes place in Orlando, Florida; Slovenian Ambassador to U.S. Dimitri Rupel, is guest at convention.
• New National Secretary Bonnie Prokup arranges American Airlines free trip as campaign prize; name of campaign is “Last Roundup!”
• “Book of Records” distributed to all branches listing longest term National and Branch officers, members, workers, etc.; Mission Statement is published.
• President Clinton visits Slovenia.
• Heritage Director Irene Odorizzi resignation regretfully accepted.
• Editor requests branches to save their archives and elect a historian for historical preservation.
• National officers and tourists visit birthplace of Founder, Marie Prisland in Slovenia.
• Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek becomes first Slovenian to be beatified - our members join Pope John Paul II in Maribor celebration.
• Feature on the life of Bishop Slomšek begins in Slovenian section.
• Rev. David Stalzer named SWU Heritage Director.
• SWU creates website, www.swus.org; Mark Judnik, Br. 20 member is webmaster.
• New Millennium inspires SWU president to seek new goals.
2000 -
2000
• Beginning of new Millennium looking forward to a strong SWUA - adult members, at any age, can join as active members with no burial stipend.
• Heritage Director, Fr. David J. Stalzer promotes a new vision for the Heritage Museum. Unfortunately, due to an illness, Father Stalzer was unable to be with us very long in this position. The members mourn his passing with memorial masses and donations.
• SWUA now on the web with our website; Linda Ford, webmaster.
• American Airlines tickets raffle for proceeds for the ZARJA raises $2,300.
• Lynn Zalokar is SWUA’s first Marketing Director.
• Scholars of the past submit career biographies in honor of 50th anniversary.
• Second (1931-1936) Editor of ZARJA, Josephine Racic is mourned.
• Secretary Bonnie Prokup is enthusiastic about gaining 99 new members in 1999.
• Slovenian psychologist Katarina K. Erzar begins column for young families, in both languages.
• Donations come in with dues payments - secretary lists all donors.
• SWU Scholarship Fund is recipient of $100,000 donation from Slovene Rest Home, Fontana, California at closing of this installation.
• New Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation is established in addition to current Scholarship Fund.
• Slovenian installment feature begins on Slomšek and Baraga, the two Slovenian sainthood candidates, written by Frank Zebot.
• Museum Magic Month Calendar fund-raiser for the Museum is established with copies inserted into each ZARJA in September; initiated by Marge Church, Nat’l. Vice President.
• The New Neighborhood is new Online newsletter originated by Lynn Zalokar for online discussions between Slovenians all over the USA and world; log on LZALOKAR-@Y AHOO.COM.
Compiled by Lisa McDonell
- 2004
• Baragan of the Year is Irene Kalina, Br. 2, Chicago member.
• “Slovenia, Past, Present and Future,” by Gojko Stare published in 2 editions.
• Life of Slomšek in Slovenian profiles life of first Slovenian saint.
2001
• National Board creates a VISION, MISSION AND PURPOSE - MISSION STATEMENT.
• Theresa Rozman Lockwood is appointed as Heritage Director.
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• 75th Anniversary Tour to Slovenia is postponed because of the tragic terrorist attacks on the U.S. Sept. 11th.
• Celebrations of our 75th Anniversary in Slovenia take place at a gala celebration at Bogenšperk Castle and a Holy Mass at the Shrine of Marija Pomagaj at Brezje.
• A mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with members of the Washington, D C. Branch 103 is held in honor of our 75th Anniversary in December.
• Heritage Contest announced for members: Photos and essays required with entries.
2002
• Members and guests attend our Slovenian Jubilej to celebrate the opening of our Heritage Library and view changes to the Heritage Museum. The banquet is held at the Slovenian Cultural Center in Lemont with entertainment by the Octet Lesna from Slovenia.
• 50th Anniverary as Editor is celebrated by Corinne Leskovar.
• Special Projects Director Mary Lou Voelk produces a new Promotional Video “Come Look Through My Eyes.”
• Branch 93 is reorganized as the New York City Branch.
• Special Exhibit on Slovenia at the Julian H. Sleeper House in St. Paul, MN in connection with SWU Convention.
• Members complete Surveys for their opinions and suggestions for our growth.
•New campaign, “Reaching Above and Beyond.”
• “Back to Our Heritage” tour to Slovenia planned.
• Christmas feature shows nativity scenes in 20 Slove-nian-American churches.
• Genealogy research in Waukegan, Illinois centers on Slovenian cemeteries.
2003
• 2003 Membership Campaign brings in 321 new members.
• Washington, D.C. Branch 103 hosts a Slovenian Heritage Festival with proceeds going to the Heritage Museum.
• 24th National Convention is held in Duluth, MN. Dues increase approved at $20 per year for all adult members.
2004
• Branch 108, Olney, MD is welcomed.
• Scholarship Program is expanded to include a Slovenia Travel Award for two students.
• Lemont, 1L organizes as Branch 99, formerly of Elmhurst.
Compiled by Olga Dorchak
SWU STATEMENT OF OUR VISION, MISSION AND PURPOSE
VISION - To preserve the living spirit of the founders and past membership by promoting and nourishing the legacy left to us for future generations.
MISSION - To reach individuals by uniting them through their common interest in Slovenian culture and traditions.
PURPOSE — To provide resources, communication, and foster frienships in honor of our cultural heritage.
Corinne Leskovar
EDITORS OF ZARJA
What it’s like to be an editor of ZARJA
It has been a part of my life since I can remember. My mother, Albina Novak, who had already been editor for 19 years before 1 took over in 1952, at the National Convention in Detroit, Michigan, had unknowingly “trained” me from childhood on to be familiar with the ins and outs of producing this monthly magazine. For one thing, our house was constantly filled with papers. There was never an end to the papers: long galley sheets of printed material that had to be read and re-read, lists of addresses that had to be corrected with new addresses; there were lists, notes and letters that were piled up and envelopes of all sizes. This was our dining room, but never used for dining.
The lesson I learned through the years was how ladies who I never saw, who lived all over the United States, found pleasure and meaning in being connected together by their written words. This translated into a publication called ZARJA (the Dawn), the official voice of all the members of Slovenian Women’s Union of America. And, from that time I got involved, actually and emotionally, with the production of ZARJA.
But, it has been a rewarding life’s work. The powerful association of thousands of women proved to me that we could do more together than we could as individuals. A dream could be turned into reality if many members followed through on an idea or recommendation. Unifying forces could always find their voice in ZARJA where one inspiration after another would become evident and success in one area became known to another.
The challenges have been many. Members want to know about everything and officers want to show direction and leadership. When they do, it is beautiful and the editor’s job is easy. It’s called “effective communication.” In the history of SWU, as I know it, the honesty and unselfishness of our national officers has been exemplary. ZARJA seldom, if ever, feeds on controversy or politics. It just would not be tolerated. Therefore, the editor merely reads the best in everyone’s intentions, and tries to give presence to them.
In my tenure, the editor’s work has been that of one person doing a myriad of jobs. A typical “day at the office” involves reading, corresponding, re-writing and then creating a mental picture or plan of how the new material will be used. The decision on spaces to be allotted and subjects to be covered comes by virtue of the material itself. With experience, one gets to know what takes priority, what news is important for the members to know and the officers to convey, and ultimately what is the timeliness of it all.
Although I realize that my more than fifty years of editing has been, in itself, a continuous and progressive learning experience, anyone who would consider the editorship of ZARJA has to realize there are some basics that need to be considered. First of all, one has to be patient and willing to work over-time, any time. One has to be clearly in charge so that, once begun, the preparation and processing continues uninterrrupted. One has to be knowledgeable of the people that are our members, in their desires, their strong convictions, their happy contentment, and the legacy of our history and heritage that has affected them.
And, finally, one’s own convictions, and love of the organization, and respect for its membership has to be evident on every printed page.
Julia Gottlieb Josephine Racic Albina Novak Corinne Leskovar
1929-1930
1930-1933 1933-1952 1952-
“Ameriška Slovenka” editor: Fannie Jasbec -1928 PRINTERS:
Edinost (Chicago)	1929-1933
Ameriška Domovina (Cleve.)	1934-1946
Bohemian Benedictine Press (Chicago) 1946-1971 Croatian Franciscan Press (Chicago) 1971-
WHO HAVE BEEN OUR COOKING COLUMNISTS IN ZARJA
Beginning in 1931, there have been cooking recipes and hints in almost every ZARJA.
The list of our columnists and food editors is:
1931 Josephine Erjavec, Joliet, Illinois 1933 Helen Jurcic, Ely, Minnesota 1937 Frances Bresak, Lorain, Ohio and Frances Susel, Cleveland, Ohio 1940 Ann Smolic, Cleveland, Ohio 1960 Marie Prisland, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Pots & Pans)
1963 to 1995 Hermine Prisland, Madison, Wis.
(Pots & Pans)
1996 Marion Bowers, St. Helena, California (Slovenians Love to Cook)
1998 Veda Ponikvar, Chisholm, Minnesota (From Our Heritage Kitchens)
2004 Jean Korsman, Gilbert, Minnesota (Recipes From the Farm)
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SWU SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Mary Turvey, Director
Fifty five years ago, the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Fund was established and since that time over $200,000 has been awarded to more than two hundred students. Marie Prisland, Founder of the Slovenian Women’s Union in 1926 and Founder of the Slovenian Women’s’ Union Scholarship Fund in 1949 gave the following account of its inception. “At the 1943 National Convention in Pittsburgh I was delighted when the delegates enthusiastically accepted my proposal that a fund be established to financially aid needy, young qualified students. To this fund was later added a benefit fund to extend help to our war-torn people in native Slovenia. At the January 1944 Supreme Board meeting the bylaws for this fund were finalized, setting a goal of $10,000 to be divided: $5,000 for Scholarship and $5,000 for Slovenian relief. Through the sale of greeting cards, contributions from branches and individual members and the formation of a Friendship Circle with $20 memberships the goal was attained five years later, with Zveza contributing the first $200.00. Consequently at the 1949 National Convention held in Pueblo, Colorado the Scholarship Fund started to operate. It was the first of its kind among Slovenian organizations in America. When, in 1949 the announcement of scholarship was published in ZARJA, five boys and one girl applied. Three were selected for the 1949-1950 year on the basis of their high scholastic records and need of financial aid.
Scholarship Founder Marie Prisland served as Director of the Scholarship Program from 1949 to 1965, Hermine Prisland Dicke, Director 1965-1991, Carita Ancel Girman Director 1991-1995, Marjorie Yemec Church, Interim Director 1995-1996, Mary Fischer Turvey director from 1996 to present. Every four years, six to eight committee members are appointed to evaluate student applications. Many serve or have served in education.
The SWU Scholarship Program became a tax exempt 501C3 in April 1999 and after incorporation received a check of $100,000 from the now defunct Slovene Rest Home Association, Fontana California. Current Officers of the SWU Scholarship Foundation are: Mary Turvey,
President; Marge Church,
Vice President; Mary Prisland, Secretary; Margaret Francel, Treasurer. Betty Ann Kolesari, National Vice President of the Slovenian Women’s Union serves as Liaison Officer.
Beginning in 2000, Continuing Education Awards be-
came available to adults returning to college, technical schools, or universities.
During the 2003 SWU National Convention, members approved a Travel Award, to be funded from a certificate of deposit held by the SWU Scholarship account for a number of years. This savings will provide yearly transportation for two young people to attend annual Student Organization Seminars offered and funded through the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
In December 2003, the SWU Scholarship Director created a website with current information on the program; listing awards winners, application forms that can be downloaded and the history of the SWU Scholarship Program. http:llmembers.col.com/sherryew/SWUISWUScholarship.html
Slovenian Women Union Scholarship Winners 1949-1959: 1949: Marie Bombach Dye, Detroit, MI, Donald Carek, Sheboygan, WI, Frederick Pahula, Soudan, MN, 1950: Marie Bombach Dye, Detroit, MI, Adolph Žnidaršič, Cleveland, OH, 1951: Marie Bombach Dye, Detroit, MI, Adolph Žnidaršič, Cleveland, OH, 1952: Catherine Matich, Portland, OR, Adolph Žnidaršič, Cleveland, OH, 1953: Stephanie Černigoj, Cleveland, OH, Adolph Žnidaršič, Cleveland, OH, 1954: Rosemarie Macek Jisa, Girard, OH, Adolph Žnidaršič, Cleveland, OH, 1955: Stanley Bratina, Pueblo, CO, Mary Ann Mikolavich, Portland, OR, 1956: Mary Fischer Turvey, Sheboygan, WI, John Shubitz, Duluth, MN, 1957: Mary Sodja, Cleveland, OH, Ronald Puhek, Hibbing, MN, 1958: Louise Godec Brinza, War-rensville, OH, Maxine Krolnik Kaprilian, Sheboygan, WI, Rudolph Otoničar, Cleveland, OH, 1959: Patricia Hren, Chisholm, MN, Joseph Widina, Pittsburgh, PA.
Slavonian Women Unkn šchčlaršfup Prdqram
' Assisting in Educational Growth for 55 years
Donations sincerely appreciated and acknowledged
SWU Scholarship Program 52 Oakridge Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855 http://members.aol.com/shenyew/SWU/SWUScholarship.litnii
Fund-Raiser
For the benefit of fyjr	ZARJA-THE	DAWN
On the 75th Anniversary
Hand-made, queen size QUILT, made by Nat’l. Auditor, Bev Menart of Duluth, MN in colors of red, beige and green in a pattern called “Sugar Maples.” Tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5. We will place your names into the raffle on
Founding Day, December 19,2004
Send your name and addresses with remittance to:
SWU HOME OFFICE
431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
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“FESTIVALS - FESTIVALS”
This October will be a festival month for our yearly get-togethers!
Slovenian Women’s Union ILLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVENTION
Sunday, October 3, 2004
St. Joseph’s Parish
Peru, Illinois
Schedule begins with Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, dinner and meeting following.
Hostesses: LaSalle, Branch 24 - Oglesby, Branch 89 DePue, Branch 85 Mark Your Calendars Now - See you in Peru!
Slovenian Heritage Festival
“Keeping Our Slovenian Heritage Alive”
Hosted by Slovenian Women’s Union of America Cleveland Area Branches
Sunday, October 3, 2004
SNPJ Farm on Heath Road in Kirtland, Ohio
11:30 A.M. - Polka Mass
Father Pizmoht and the Joey Tomsick Orchestra
12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Festival
Refreshments, Demonstrations, Displays Entertainment and Music
Advance Donation $2.00 ($3.00 at the gate) Children 12 and under are free
To contact the Chair of the Slovenian Heritage Festival Rosemary Toth, President of Br. 50 Call: (440) 358-9141
Elizabeth
John
Natalie
Denise
Qlovenian ^Women's (pinion Qcholarship program
Exceptional—Outstanding ! Scholars of 2004—2005
Elizabeth Ann Spehar Rose Marie Prince Scholarship Branch 33 - daughter of Thomas and Peggy Spehar, Duluth, Minnesota, graduate of Duluth’s East High School, will enter Gustavus Adolphus College September 2004, majoring in English. Elizabeth’s great grandparents, the Spehars emigrated from Ljubljana to Minnesota. Elizabeth has been the principal cellist in the Sterling Strings Orchestra and is also a junior member of the “Singing Slovenes,” a well known group of musicians from the Duluth area. Elizabeth is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Key club and St. John Catholic Church. She has been a member of the high school’s Soccer, Nordic skiing and Cross Country running teams. East High School’s Assistant Principal states: “Elizabeth will give 100 percent to whatever she pursues in her profession. Her sense of humor, open-mindedness, creativity, and kindness describe her well.”
John Skalko Joseph Princ Scholarship Branch 34 - son of John and Christine Skalko, Esko, Minnesota, graduate of Cloquet High School, will enter University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota this fall, studying philosophy. John’s grandmother came to America when she was 12 years of age and one of his grandfathers was locally known as the “Polka King.” While maintaining an “A” average, John has been active in the National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, Speech Team, Chess Club, and captain of the Mock Trail Team. He plays his trumpet during mass at St. Francis Catholic Church. Two years ago he attended World Youth Day in Toronto and as a representative of the Diocese of Duluth visited an orphanage in Agua Preita, Mexico last summer. An English Teacher of Cloquet High School states: “What impressed me most about John Skalko is his sincerity and compassion. It is evident through class discussion and essays that John is truly concerned with bettering humanity and solving social ills.”
Natalie Mlakar Mary Macek Scholarship Branch 100 - daughter of Frederick Mlakar and Linda Dry lie, graduated recently from Northwood High School, Irvine California. Natalie will study biology this fall at St. Mary’s College of California. While holding a 4.0 GPA Natalie found time to serve on the Class Council, and held office as the Activities Director Committee for a number of years. She is a member of the City of Irvine’s Youth Action Team which helps plan citywide events for high school students. She was a member of the Northwood’s basketball team, and is active in her church’s Life Teen Program which includes Bible Studies and community service projects. Nicole is an active member of the SWU and SNPJ, participating in their many functions. A Northwood High School Councilor writes: “Natalie’s valuable influence has been
Hannah
Anne
Robert
recognized by the community Services Department Administrative Team of the City of Irvine with awarding of “The Champ Award.” Her character and ethics have also been recognized by the faculty at NHS with the Pride of the Pack Award.”
Hannah Girman Frances Barman Scholarship Branch 20 - daughter of Carita and Scott Girman, Indianapolis, Indiana, graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School and has enrolled in the Art Education Program at Xavier University for September 2004. Hannah’s great grandparents Erjavec immigrated to the United States. Her grandparents Ed and Olga Ancel have taught her some Slovene language and customs and of course their favorite dance, the polka. At Cardinal Ritter High School Hannah accumulated college credits including Band, Violin, Flute, Piano and Spanish. She has completed an honors art course at the Indiana University Herron School of Art. As an intern she has been teaching music at a local Catholic grade school, Hannah serves as Secretary of the National Honor Society and has been active in the Foreign Language Club, Student Ambassadors, and Big Sisters/Little Sisters. She attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in 2001 and assisted as a retreat leader, made a presentation on chastity to junior high students through the Promise to Keep Program, participated in the annual Indianapolis Life Chain serving as president of the Life Club and volunteers at St. Michael Grade School, tutoring 3rd graders with special needs. Hannah has helped with fundraising for Habitat for Humanity, and served as Treasurer of Helping Hands, organizing annual canned food drives. She is a volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul and helps with an on going pop tab collection for the Ronald McDonald House. She is also a member of SADD, assisting with Red Ribbon Week. A foreign Language Teacher at Cardinal Ritter High School states: “Hannah is responsible, trustworthy, and dependable. Throughout her high school, years she has been a very active student in a number of school activities.”
Denise Bucar Slovenian Women’s Union Cultural Scholarship Branch 33 - daughter Frank and Sharon Bucar, Duluth, Minnesota has completed her high school education at Den-feld High School and will begin studies in Biology at the University of Minnesota this fall. Denise’s Slovenian background is apparent. Her father was bom in Austria and her grandparents came from Slovenia in the early 50’s. She played the saxophone for the “Singing Slovenes” choral group, has competed in basketball, track, fast-pitch and cheerleading. She was chosen to become a staff member of the UCA Cheerleading Camp. Denise found her life’s goal while on a field trip to the College of St. Scholastica where she and her class visited the cadaver lab. As a result, she has been taking advanced biology and calculus classes and hopes to become a physician. An English teacher at Denfeld Senior High School states: “Denise has a vigorous load of academics and extracurricular activities here at Denfeld. She is a dedicated and determined student, well respected by students and teachers alike and is looked to as a teacher and role model both in and outside of the classroom.”
Robert Orazem Slovenian Women’s Union Continuing Education Branch 35 - son of John and Sherrie Orazem, currently residing in Brighton, Massachussetts. Robert’s great grandmother Mary Smolich was a charter member of Branch 35. Robert has been studying psychology for a number of years, after receiving a Bachelor Arts Degree from Macalister College, St. Paul, and has done additional research at the University of Sydney, Australia, University of Missouri, St. Louis, and Boston University, where he is currently enrolled as a full time student in the University’s Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. He will continue in this program until completion. His goal is to become a clinical psychologist and conduct therapy with refugees and other individuals who have suffered from trauma. He wants to provide support and deal directly with individuals who need it most. In additional Robert intends to supplement these clinical activities with related research and teaching experiences in order to further his goal of improving human lives.
Anne Kemmerling Slovenian Women’s Union Continuing Education
Branch 47 - daughter of Virginia Taucher Kemmerling and James Kemmerling (deceased), currently resides in Denver, Colorado. Anne graduated from Twinsburg High School in 1998 and Ohio State University in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Anne has served in the Americorps National Civilian Community Corps and worked as a librarian at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and Ohio State University Libraries among other occupations. Organizations of which Anne belongs or belonged are Conversation Partners, Project Open Hand, African-American Community Extension Center, Buckeye Literacy Volunteers: Recah One Program, Women’s Month Committee of the Women’s Student Services, Ohio State University. Anne will be attending the University of Rhode Island in pursuit of a Masters in Library and Information Studies.
Slovenian Women’s Union Merit Award Winners
Alyssa Hodnik, Branch 35, daughter of Alan and Ericka Hodnik, Aurora, Minnesota will begin studies at the University of Minnesota, St. Thomas studying International Relations.
Lindsay Antilla, Branch 35, daughter of Rose and Curt Antilla, Aurora, Minnesota will study Fashion Merchandising at the University of Wisconsin-Sout.
Heather Orazem, Branch 35, daughter of John and Sherrie Orazem, Aurora, Minnesota will enter Inver Hills Community College this September training to become a Professional Pilot.
Michael Tomsa, Branch 2, son of Karen Kersivey Tomsa and Mr. Tomsa (deceased) Chicago, Illinois will begin Electrical Engineering studies at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Branch Activities and Birthday Wishes to Zarja!
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, WI
Founding Dale: DECEMBER 1, 1926 Meetings: Fr. Cherne Hall
This year, all members, thru service and loyalty to the Slovenian Women’s Union were awarded the title, “Members of the Year.”
Reminder: Your $5 birthday gift, early or late, to our treasury is always welcome.
September 26. 2004 the State Convention date is fast approaching and we hope to welcome many of you at that time.
With the loss of Ruth Sheck, longtime President of Branch #1, Aggie Gruenke, Vice President and members are doing a great job preparing for the event.
COME, ENJOY THE DAY WITH
US!
ANGELINE FRITZ
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Founding Date: DECEMBER 19, 1926 Meetings: 3rd Sunday, 1 p.m. St. Stephen lower hall
ZARJA - 75th DIAMOND JUBILEE
It all started in Chicago, at St. Stephen’s Church Hall (1926) where a group of young women met to organize a lodge for the Slovenian speaking women of America - officers were elected and 1929 the first magazine was published - they choose the name “ZARJA” (The Dawn) - first editor was
Julia Gottlieb; through the years editors were Albina Novak (1933-1952) (she was also our National President & President of Br. 2) followed by her daughter Corinne Novak Leskovar (1952-to present).
How fortunate we all are to have this great magazine and the women who stepped forward to the task of this tough job. Corinne, thank you for all the help you give the reporters, we could not do it without you.
“What ZARJA Means to Me” by some of our members of Br. #2 Congratulations to ZARJA on your 75th Birthday.
Pres. Fran Morrison
*	*	*
Reading the ZARJA is like having your friends in the room with you. The Branch reports let me know what’s happening with my friends from coast to coast. I read the food section next and have added great recipes to my collection, then I read everything else from front to back cover. Congratulations, Corinne and Happy Birthday, ZARJA.
IL/IN Pres. Gen Buol
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Congratulations, Corinne! You are the Gem who made ZARJA’s 75th Diamond Jubilee possible by your dedication in providing us regularly with an enjoyable and interesting publication. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by our members. Surely our dearly departed memebrs are proudly smiling in Heaven on this memorable occasion, especially your mother, Albina Novak and mine, Josephine Železnikar. We pray for God’s continued blessings and guidance for the future of SWUA and ZARJA.
Sophie Bogolin
*	* *
We enjoy reading ZARJA when it comes. I always go to see what Br. 2 is doing during the month. ZARJA is interesting to so many lodges keeping up the Slovenian tradition. ZARJA keeps us abreast of the happenings around the USA. 1 wish we had a branch in the Phoenix area. Happy Birthday, ZARJA and congratulations, Corinne.
Rose Possedi Ceferin, Mesa, AZ
* * * Congratulations to Corinne Leskovar, Editor and ZARJA on its 75tl Anniversary. I am a long-time member of the SWU and each issue brings back many memories of my friendships with individuals from Joliet, So. Chicago, Olgesby, Milwaukee and Sheboygan.
I cannot attend meetings as I did when I lived in Chicago and ZARJA keeps me aware of what is happening with Br. 2 and SWUA.
Shirley Melissa, Mt. Prospect, IL * * *
My mother, Mary Ovnik, loved the ZARJA. She always looked forward to receiving it every month for most of her lifetime. The ZARJA is an important and wonderful means of communication and news of the Slovenian Women’s Union Community all over the country. The comings and goings of the members, the immigrants series, the Scholarship, recipes, etc. My absolute favorite reading was the wonderful immigrant series; they were such great human interest stories of our peoples’ coming to a new country and beginning new lives. I so admire their courage and faith. Thank you, ZARJA, for some great reading.
Marie Ovnik
*	* *
It’s the heritage of our Mother. We love to read about the immigrants. Chris came over from Slovenia at age 11/2. What hardships they endured trying to make a new beginning. Love the Slovenian recipes and also like to read about the other lodges, when they meet and what they do. We look forward to receiving it very month. Sincerely, Chris Pirman (93), Mary Reich (86), Elsie Cecich (84)
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Happy Birthday, ZARJA and congratulations, Corinne! I enjoy receiving and reading the magazine. It allows me to keep in touch with all the Slovenian doings.
Mary Z. Newbould, Norwalk, CT
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Congratulations, ZARJA! As soon as I get the magazine I read it and find it very interesting to see what all the branches are doing.
Jennie Kovacic
I enjoy reading about the different Branches, the recipes and the heritage immigrant stories. I look forward every month for the arrival of the magazine. Congratulations, Corinne and ZARJA. You keep us together! Happy Birthday!
Fran Toplak Yucevicious, Jamul, CA
*	* *
The ZARJA is a wonderful publication, I await its arrival. It’s my source of information of SWU members throughout the country. The immigrant section makes me proud of my heritage and the recipes are always great! ZARJA was my mother’s favorite piece of mail and in that respect I am carrying on in her footsteps. Happy Birthday, ZARJA!
RoseMary Densa Litwin
*	* *
ZARJA, 1 know, is my favorite magazine! And when it arrives I read it front to back! It’s more fun to read since I have met so many of our members at the conventions. Thank you, Corinne for putting ZARJA together for many years - we enjoy it. Happy Birthday, ZARJA and congratulations to Corinne.
Daisy Z
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Founding Dale: JANUARY 15, 1927 Meetings: 1st Thurs. SND, from May to Dec.
Here goes! Greetings from Branch 5 members! Where did the summer go? Just seems like yesterday that the kids got out of school for summer break, and now they are back in school again. Our daughter Sara’s wedding was beau-
tiful, complete with Leban and Brun cousins that came from Slovenia. They were overwhelmed by the family reception they received here in Indy, and told Sara that her wedding was just like in the movies!! We had so much fun at the wedding that we have decided to do it again, only this time with daughter Betsy! We gave Betsy a surprise graduation party, and her boyfriend Grant surprised her by proposing in front of the whole family. So, I guess the bride books come back out again.
Branch 5 can’t wait until our next meeting to hear from our world traveler, Martina Findley. We want to see all the pictures and hear all the stories from her Travel Scholarship trip, and also the stories from when Mom, Mary Dragan, joined up with her in Slovenia. I might have to cut down on my talking time at the meeting!
Congratulations to 75 years of ZARJA! The magazine (and organization) just keep getting better and better. We all love reading the magazine, especially the recipes and travelogues. Keep up the good job, ladies.
Please remember all our members who are sick, and all our families with loved ones in the Armed Forces. Keep them in your prayers. Until next time..
PHYLLIS
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Founding Date: OCTOBER 31, 1927 Meetings: 3rd Thursday St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & August
We would like to have our members attend the Sheboygan State Convention. We have decided to get a bus and invite members to join us for the trip up to Sheboygan.
We lost three members who were in our branch for a long time and attended meetings: Rose Lorek, Ann Paulin and Leona Zigman. We will miss them and pray for their eternal peace. In the name of the membership I gave the eulogy at the funerals of Rose and Ann. I attended Leona’s funeral at Holy Trinity Church.
Ann Grambow had a birthday in July
-	she was 90 years old! Her two sons made a surprise party for her at Meyer’s Restaurant. She had a lovely party and there I met her relatives. Of course, she was surprised! There were about 50 people, and even her sister, Julie came who is at Franciscan Village nursing home.
Also have a sad report, that Lillian Hartman’s son passed away and many friends called at Bevsek’s funeral
home. Lillian was a member of Br. 17 until she joined our branch. She attends our meetings, is our very good helper in the kitchen, also sings with USPEH Chorus. Our deepest sympathy.
Looking forward to the convention in Sheboygan on Sept. 26th and salute Br. 1 for hosting this event I hope there will be a good turnout.
Have happy fall season and stay healthy!
STAVI A DOBERSEK
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Founding Dale: OCTOBER 30, 1927 Meetings: 1st Thursdays Slovenian Hall Contact Person:
Beverly Jackson - (650) 631-1098
Our ladies don’t meet during the summer so I haven’t much access to news.
But I do have a joyous announcement.
Congratulations to Peter and Kelly Pecavar on their June 19th wedding. It was at the Church of the Nativity in San Francisco. Father Peter Lah traveled to Calif, for the celebration. Peter is the son of Stanka Pecavar. Also in the wedding were the Groom’s cousins, Jessica and Isabel Lahane who are junior members of Br. #13. God’s blessings on this wonderful couple.
The book “The Church of the Nativity in S.F. - A Centennial” is now available from Ivo Ravnik, 6128 Rock-ridge St., Oakland, CA 94618 for $17 including mailing. It is beautifully done and this committee deserves accolades. The photos go back 100 years. To see my grandparents and parents wedding picture was so exciting. It has a wonderful history of the Church. I promise,
you will not be disappointed if you order a copy.
If you have had a wonderful vacation, please let me know so I can share it.
My sister, Barbara Chiodo and I took an “old fashioned road trip,” down Highway 99 in California. From Stac-tan to Bakersfield. Many old small towns, which are not small anymore. We even found the last Giant Orange. We spent a few days on the gorgeous Kern River and for two city gals, it was amazing.
September birthday wishes to: Alice Allison, Patricia Coppinger-Griffin, Mary Jo Kahn, Dorris Lovrin, Ann Sustarich and October wishes to: Lorraine Businger, Ann Nanut, Karen Pera, Sonja Stimach, Joanne Curtis and Joseph Govednik. A very beautiful day to all of you.
We will be back to our meetings on Sept. 2 and lunch will be provided. Please join us.
In these times that are so different and filled with fear - remember:
We can do no great thing;
Only small things with great love Mother Teresa
Share your love...
BEVERLY JACKSON
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
Founding Date: OCTOBER 31, 1927 Meetings: 1st Tuesday, 6 p.m. Slovenian Society Home
What an unusual summer we’ve had. We’ve had cycles of several cool, rainy days followed by a few days in the 80s and back again to cool, rainy days etc. But I’m not complaining. We didn’t have to sprinkle, because our grass has stayed nice and green.
Can’t believe it’s time already to begin thinking about preparing for our annual Christmas Dinner Party, which this year will be held on Tuesday, De-
cember 7 at 6:00 at Slovenian Society Home on Rechar Avenue. Be sure to call in reservations for your friends and yourself by calling either Pres. Diane Varney at 1—330-923—4034 or Stana Grill at 1^40-944-0598. Don’t forgt to bring those wrapped gifts for door prizes.
Deepest sympathy to members Josephine Stupica and Vickie Lindic on the death of their sister, Albina Tichar. May our beloved Mother Mary and Her Son keep all of our departed loved ones in Their care.
Hope you all stay well and dry during the remaining summer days, ladies.
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL Founding Date: FEBRUARY 13, 1928 Meetings: 2nd Saturday, 1 p.m. monthly except Jan.-July-Aug.
St. George’s Hall Contact: Mary Therese Ehnat Tel. (773) 646-5758
Congratulations on the 75th Anniversary of the ZARJA. The hard work and leadership of our Editor have made the ZARJA the outstanding magazine it is today.
Our mothers and grandmothers enrolled us in SWUA as babies and teenagers. At that time the ZARJA articles and news were mostly written in Slovenian. But over the years it has been brought into the 21 st century, and even though the articles are in English now, our editor has included some in Slovenian or about Slovenia in every issue to remind us of our Slovenian heritage.
Our members, especially the shut-ins, eagerly await every issue of the ZARJA, not only for the news of our Branch, but to read it from cover to cover to keep informed of the other Branch activities and their members and friends. These friendships formed from associations at various functions of the SWUA, National and State Con-
THANKS FOR OUR MEMORIES from Branch 20
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
For the past 75 years ZARJA-The Dawn has been the “link” that kept Slovenian Women’s Union members connected and informed about their sister branches. We congratulate ZARJA on this momentous occasion of 75 years as our publication and inspiration.
Our Branch 20 members have often expressed their love of reading the ZARJA. Most of us read it 'from cover to cover, and other family members enjoy reading it as well. The report on our OWN branch activities appears to take the lead followed by other branch reports. The recipes are high on the list, also, anything about Heritage, Membership, the National President and National Secretary’s columns, The New Neighborhood, Genealogy Search, Campaign Column, National Scholarship and the National Board meeting reports are among the list of favorites. The Immigrant stories and The Next Generation were a “must read” for everyone. It is unanimous, everyone loves the ZARJA.
At this time, we would like to thank our own Branch 20 reporters who through the years have worked so diligently, and took time out of their busy schedule to report our branch news in the ZARJA. Job well done!
Branch 20 celebrated its 75th anniversary in October of 2003. Ifi remembering our 75 years with ZARJA, we extend our thanks and appreciation for the times our events and activities have been publicized to make them a success. ZARJA is one of the major selling points in recruiting new members for Branch 20. This strategy has definitely been successful, we are proud to have the largest membership.
From the early times, beginning with the CHAMPIONSHIP CADETS in 1936, the Branch 20 Bowlers, the Choral Group, Baton Twirlers, Junior Drill Teams, Heritage Days, Bakery Sales, Grape Festivals, Branch 20 Scholarships, Woman of the Year, Christmas parties, and Anniverary celebrations, these are all part of our history, and is available for our future generations to read in the ZARJA. Quite a few of our members have kept their ZARJA collection going back many years.
In conclusion, to Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA, “Thanks for the Memories,” and looking forward to the continuation of this phenomenal success story.
Members of Br. 20
ventions, Anniversaries, Tours, Bowling Tournaments, Picnics or just being invited to attend a meeting at another Branch.
Najlepša Hvala, Corinne, for all your years of dedication to the SWUA and the ZARJA.
Members of Br. 16, S.F.S.
(If you want to see an adorable baby picture, turn to page 52 and see who is our youngest new Br. 16 member!)
NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH Founding Date: NOVEMBER 22, 1928 Meetings: 2nd Sundays, 1:30 p.m. St. Vitus Social Room Contact: Emilee Jenko (216) 261-3427
Happy 75th Birthday to ZARJA!
Reminder: SWU Fall Festival, October 3, 2004, SNPJ Farm, Heath Rd., Cleveland, Ohio. Theme: “Keeping our Slovenian heritage alive.” Be in attendance. It will be quite a celebration!
Hello to all our shut-ins and all the residents of nursing homes.
Gene Drobnič was in Cleveland for a week. We had a little get-together with friends at the Fish Fry at SWH on Waterloo Rd. We renewed old acquaintances. She told us she spent two weeks with family in Hawaii...wonderful. We miss her smiling face at all the Cleveland affairs.
I hope you are making the most of all this summer warmth... Picnics, cookouts, Festivals with all the polka entertainment.
Till we meet the next time, let me leave you with this thought:
A hug is a perfect gift...
One size fits all and nobody
minds if you exchange it.
Love thy neighbor and be good to yourself. Luv ya!!!
EMILEE
xoxo
“It was my first parade in 1943 when, as a Junior Cadet, I carried the banner for the Senior Championship Cadets. My instructions were to hold the banner high, stand straight, keep my eyes forward and keep a short distance behind the marching band in front of me. 1 followed instructions carefully. You can imagine my shock and embarrassment as we turned the comer. The Cadets had stopped to perform some of their intricate marching steps but I had obediently marched on! There I was, more than a city block ahead of them.”
Theresa (Mikolič) Burns, Br. #20
“When I get the ZARJA, I look to see what is going on at Branch 20. After that, I start at the front and go through the whole book.
I remember when I joined Slovenian Women’s Union as a bowler, I looked to see our scores published in the ZARJA every month.
I enjoy reading about all of the other branches, too!"
Judy Derlinga
Past President of Branch 20
v /
| t Xembers of Branch 24, La Salle, also celebrating 75 years, extend sincere best wishes and congratulations on Zarja’s 75th birthday celebration.
As we celebrate 75 years of Slovenian-American history let us reflect on the many fond memories of those years and remember those who have gone before us.
Let us honor those immigrants, who so bravely left their homeland in search of a better life in America.
We thank you for being a part of our lives for 75 years.
May God bless you and grant you continued success.
ilšša@&
Br. 24, LaSalle, Illinois and Br. 89, Oglesby, Illinois members join hands and hearts for SWU
ZARJA — The Dawn
The heart of Slovenian Women’s Union of America
And. what it means to me
It's reading news from California
All the way to Washington, D.C.
Sometimes it’s a recipe
For a dish my Mom would make
Like Žlinkrofi, Palačinke,
Or maybe just a cake
It's reading what the ladies In other Branches do,
Their social gatherings, fund-raisers Acknowledging birthdays & anniversaries, too
From Heritage News to Genealogy Search To Tributes very touching and dear,
To Scholarship winners and upcoming dinners To Members of the Year
Every two months I eagerly await This little magazine to arrive I absorb all the news in each and every page And know the Slovenian in me is Alive!
Happy 75th Birthday, dear ZARJA May your heart beat forever Keeping each one of us Always close together.
Loretta Story
BRANCH #33 — DULUTH, MN - Celebrates 75 Years!
A 75th Celebration of Branch #33 will take place Saturday, Oct. 16th at St. Elizabeth’s Social Hall. The event starts out with a Polka Mass at 5:00 p.m. with the “Singing Slovenes.” Afterwards an ethnic dinner will be served in the social hall downstairs.
Honored guest speakers incllude our own President and National Auditor, Beverly Menart and her daughter Lisa McDonell, our Regional President. Our Branch will also honor our 50-year and over members.
The “Singing Slovenes” under the direction of Frank Bucar will provide an evening of entertainment.
Tickets for this special 75th Celebration are $15.00 and may be ordered through Sharon Bucar (218) 626-1928 or Mary White (218) 626-2333, Committee Co-chairs. Please RS VP by October 1st. This event is open to the public as well.
THINGS ARE HAPPENING! Branches’ Calendar of Events
SEPTEMBER
9	Br. 33, Duluth, MN, ZARJA Birthday Party
13	Br. 89, Oglesby, IL, Zarja Birthday Party at meeting
15	Br. 54, Warren, OH, ZARJA Birthday Party
23	Br. 24, LaSalle, IL, Zarja Birthday Party at meeting
26	Br. 20, Joliet, IL, Slovenian Grape Festival,
St. Joe’s Park, 4—8 p.m.
OCTOBER
8	Br. 23, Ely, MN, “Taste of Slovenia” Coffee Social
16	Br. 33, Duluth, MN, 75th Anniversary celebration
31	Br. 99, Lemont, IL, Halloween Bunco Party,
Slovenian Cultural Center, 2 p.m.
DECEMBER
4 Br. 47, Garfield Hts., OH, Christmas Party, Valleyview, 1 p.m.
5	Br. 50, Euclid, OH, Christmas Party
7	Br. 14, Cleveland, OH, DinnerParty
STATE CONVENTIONS
September 12 - MINNESOTA (at Tower, Br. 34) September 26 - WISCONSIN (at Sheboygan, Br. 1) October 3 - ILLINOIS-INDIANA (at Peru, Brs. 24-85-89) October 31 - OHIO-MICHIGAN (at Collinwood, Br. 32)
October 3 - SLOVENIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL OHIO Branches - Kirtland, Ohio
“Vinska Trgatev” in Joliet!
The annual Grape Harvest Dance, “Vinska Trgatev,” is being held on Sunday, September 26, 2004 at St.
Joe’s Park Hall at Theodore and Raynor Sts., sponsored by Br.
20, Joliet. Favorite orchestra of Bob Doszak will play for dancing from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door but you can come early as doors will be open at 3.
We are happy to announce that our Mayor of the Grape Harvest Dance will be Bobby Mutz who has been playing the accordion for 40 years and now has the Bobby Mutz Orchestra.
Hope to see everyone there.
Committee
Greetings to the ZARJA! Branch 22, Bradley, IL
a6 ft 6
Best Wishes on your 75th Birthday Br. 32, Euclid, OH
Officers & Members
75 Years of Good Reading!! Dorothy Lamm, Br. 32
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN Founding Dale: OCTOBER 8, 1929 Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month St. Elizabeth Church
Many exciting things have been happening this summer. Mary and Fred Pogorelec celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a reception at St. Elizabeth’s Social Hall.
A little bird told me Joe and Tina Zupančič have been married 64 years! We congratulate them both. We also would like to congratulate Theresa Rzatkowski and Mike Kautz on their marriage August 14th.
Due to the fact that our meeting is in such close proximity to the Labor day weekend our Happy Birthday ZARJA party will be on Thursday, Sept. 9th. Be sure to come for a fun and festive evening.
Lisa McDonell, MN Regional President and I went to Eveleth, MN where she conducted the annual meeting with Minn. Branch Presidents and members. Plans have begun for a Heritage Festival to be held in early fall, 2005. Many ideas were exchanged and we are all excited. More information will be available shortly.
We will be going to Tower, MN for our MN Regional Convention on Sept. 12. Branch 34 Soudan is the host Branch.
Enjoy our beautiful autumn.
BEV MENART, Reporter
NO. 35, AURORA, MN Founding Date: OCTOBER 15, 1929 Meetings: 6 times per year Community Center Contact: Anita Vovk E-mail: AMV@cpinternet.com
Several members of our branch attended the luncheon meeting with Regional President Lisa Mcdonell at the Park Inn in June. Report of the meeting will be given at the MN State Convention.
Plans were made at the Aug. 11th meeting for our trip to Tower (and Fortune Bay) to attend the convention; and also, for our 75th anniversary celebration.
The Northern Lights Museum Festival was held in our area in June-July and Professor Veda Zuponcic, a faculty member of the Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ brought many young and gifted musicians and professors to our area. We enjoyed the concert and recitals of all these talented musicians. Thank you, Veda! I hear they are coming back next year. Veda’s mother, Helen, is a member of our branch.
Congratulations to our grandson, Paul and wife, Molly who were married on June 26th in Grand Rapids, MI.
Martha Gunderson is in the Virginia Convalescent Center. Stop in and say hello if you are in the area.
Our sympathy and prayers are with the family of Ann Zuponcic who passed away in June. May she rest in peace.
ANNE M.ORAZEM
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
Founding Date: APRIL 21, 1930 Meetings: 2nd Wed., 1 p.m. SS Cyril & Methodius Hall
We had a wonderful attendance at our luncheon this month with 13 members and 3 guests present, it was nice to see Sue Tomazic, Molly Glavan, Anne Tomsic and Angie Zgonc, who, because of illness or other difficulties have been unable to attend our meetings. Thanks to all who were there; it was good to share a laugh and just visit for a couple of hours.
We want to thank Francine for donating a copy of “More Pots and Pans” to the South Lorain branch of the Lorain Library. A thoughtful gift that will be much enjoyed.
My daughter Elaine Barthelemy, who teaches at the International School of Hong Kong, China was home and
Br. 20 Joliet, IL
Wonderful Milestone 75 Years Br, 35 Aurora, MN
we had a busy time. She wanted to see her aunt Mary Bradish in Ga. so we had a pleasant visit there. She attended the Lorain Slovenian Home Auxiliary luncheon and told of her most recent trip which was to Egypt, where she visited the pyramids and museums, rode a camel, sailed on the Nile, then almost missed her fight back to H.K. when a sandstorm prevented their plane from taking off from Aswan to return to Cairo after the Nile River cruise. On her last Sat. at home, our family attended mass together, then my son Rob drove us to see the Slovenian Gardens at Rockefeller Park, then on to Sterle’s for dinner. Imagine my surprise when I saw my other sons, John and Michael with their wives, Jane and JoAnne and my grandchildren, there. It was a surprise 85th birthday party for me - a little early, but they wanted to do it while Elaine was home. What fun!!! It was like a wedding feast. I even got to sing with Corky Godec ’s band who were on the bandstand that night. A memorable birthday for me.
I want to extend well-earned congratulations to our wonderful ZARJA on its 75th anniversary and to our long time editor, Corinne, for her dedication and hard work. Long may ZARJA continue to bring joy and connection to our members throughout the U.S.A.
Can fall be here already with the children back in school? Enjoy the days!!!
Love,
STEPHANIE POLUTNIK
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH Founding Date: MAY 31, 1930 Meetings: Feb., May, Aug. & Nov. 2nd Saturday - 11:00 a.m. Contact Person: Lil Sadowski (216) 398-4367
Happy birthdays to Anne Marie Buehner, Mary Tome, Dorothy Budim-lic, Elizabeth Harr, Pat Wolf and Debra Zolyniak.
Happy October birthdays to Jeanne
Offutt, Marjorie Lostoski, Nancy Thompson, Madeleine Yemec, Amy Thompson, Tracy Jones, Dr. Tom Jaras, Angie Zupančič and my daughter, Lynn Kossakoski.
Reminder to everyone of the upcoming SLOVENIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL on Sunday, Oct. 3, at the SNPJ Farm on Health Rd. in Kirtland, Ohio. The day will begin with a 11:30 a.m. Polka Mass by Father Pizmoht and the Joey Tomsick Orchestra. The 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. Festival will include refreshments, demonstrations, displays, entertainment and music. Advance Tickets are $2 or $3 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Please make every effort to attend and bring your families! Spread the word to friends and relatives! This is a combined SWU branch activity. Let us all do our part to make it a huge success!
Zbogom!
LIL SADOWSKI
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Founding Date: JUNE 4, 1930 Meetings: 4th Wed., noon St. Mary Help of Christians Contact: Yvonne Johnstone Khaldy YJK1013@AOL.COM (414) 744-3837
The month of July wasn’t overly hot, but we certainly had enough rain. The trees are full and green.
Seven of our members were celebrating birthdays and we were treated to a delicious luncheon. We also wish to thank Milka Menchak for the freshly baked butter horns and for her generous donation.
I hope that many of our members will attend the S.W.U. State Convention in Sheboygan. For further details please call Josephine Janezic at 545-0691 or Yvonne Khaldy at 744—3837.
ZARJA is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, and each issue is getting better and better, with many interesting articles. Much of this is due to our excellent Editor, Corinne Leskovar.
The Uspeh’s 25th Anniversary Concert was very much enjoyed by everyone who attended. These concerts are also getting better and better every year. It must be because of the enthusiasm of the singers and Mici’s excellent direction.
The St. Mary Help of Christians Church 100th Anniversary Mass was well attended and everyone enjoyed the reception. Some of our members brought in bakery and we donated $100.00.
Every summer Mici Coffelt has a picnic at Tri Glav Park with the entire proceeds going to the missions, and we donated $30 to be included in for the missions.
Our member Vickie Sporis will be 103 years old in December, she lives at South Shore Manor, 1915 E. Tripoli Avenue in St. Francis. She tells us that she anxiously awaits the ZARJA and she reads it from cover to cover. But she is unable to attend the meetings. So we decided to have our meeting on September 22nd at her place. For further details please call a^ain Josephine or Yvonne.
I hope all of you are enjoying the summer, and don’t forget to pray for all of our sick and deceased members. See you on September 22nd.
ANNE E. KONCZAL, Reporter
NO. 47, GARFIELD HTS., OH
Founding Date: JUNE 17, 1931 Meetings: 2nd Sunday of the month Maple Heights Library, 1 p.m. Contact: Elsie Spellacy (440) 232-8733
Blessings to all on this end of Summer month.
Several of our members went to Las Vegas this past June 24th to July 2nd. Our members that went were Elsie Spellacy, Olga Dorchak, Jane A. Spellacy, Terri Turner and her family. The rest of the Spellacy Family went also to witness Joe and Jane F. Spellacy renew their wedding vows after 25 years. Everyone had a good time.
Also this July we celebrated Rhian-non Wallace’s 2nd Birthday. She is the Granddaughter of Myself and Great granddaughter of Elsie Spellacy. We all had a good time.
Plans are continuing for our Festival in October. The date is Oct. 3rd at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland. Admission is $2.00 in advance and $3.00 at the door. Contact Olga Dorchak about the tickets. Phone (330) 468-7989.
Sept. 12th is our next meeting. Please plan on attending. We also have
AS WE COMMEMORATE THE 75th What it was like in 1929!
No. 42, Maple Heights, Ohio
ZARJA was first published in 1929 - a year which would forever be known as the beginning of the Great Depression in the U.S. on Oct. 24th of that year (Black Thursday) the stock market collapsed and 4 billion was lost in trading causing a world-wide depression.
Other notable events of that year are the 1st flight to the South Pole and the beginning of the construction of New York’s Empire State Bldg; the latter being completed in 1931. The Los Angeles to Cleveland Women’s Air Derby was organized by Amelia Earhart in 1929 and became known as “The Powder Puff Derby,” a name coined by Will Rogers. She also formed “The Ninety-Nines,” a now famous women pilots’ organization which included 99 applicants. Amelia formed the group during a meeting with other women pilots in her Cleveland hotel room.
It is interesting to note that radio accounted for 10.5 million in advertising in the U.S. and was the most rapidly growing medium in the 1920’s. Gangs controlled the illegal liquor trade especially in Chicago where A1 “Scarface” Capone emerged as top gangster. On Feb. 14, 1929, 7 members of “Bugs” Moran’s gang are killed in the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. National income statistics show that 60% of U.S. citizens had annual incomes of less than $2,000, an amount estimated as the bare minimum in which a family could survive. It took 13 days to reach California from New York and the life expectancy of a male was 53.6 years, female 54.6.
While all this was going on, ZARJA, a fledgling publication of the recently formed Slovenian Women’s Union of America made its debut. In Maple Hts., Ohio, steps were being taken to start a new branch of the organization. Led by Theresa Glavic (Millie Lipnos’ mother) who had just moved from Newburgh and assisted by Br. 15 member, her niece, Josephine Hočevar (Jo Stoltz’s mother) began to canvass the distaff side of the Slovenian enclave. By 1930 they had enrolled the following chartered members and Br. 42 became a reality: Antonia Cercek (Mrs. Glavic’s sister), Anna Baznik Fortuna, Pauline Hribar (grandmother of Jennie Offutt and Diane Balach), Mary Hočevar, mother-in-law of Fran Hočevar, Lucija Kern, Frances Kreso, Antonia Legan, Sr. (my mother), Franca Legan (Arlene Legan’s mother-in-law), Tillie Sterzoj, Frances Lipoglavšek (Lipnos), Mary Jemec (Marge Church’s mother), Cecelia Hočevar, Pauline Perhavec, Theresa Simončič, Sr., Anna Rogel, Frances Tom-
Br. 43 Milwaukee,
sic (my sister), Julia Lipnos (Nancy Kish’s mother), Antonia Matis (Marie Zimmer's mother) and Jennie Perko.
This was the core membership based on our branch records which by the following year included: Nikoleta Ler-chbacher, Rose Novak, Josephine Stavec, Mary Lecy, Anna Boh, Josephine Franetich, Mary Fink (Mary Lou McHenry's mother), Antonia Kastelic (Bob's mother and Betty Gawor's sister), Frances Stavec, Julia Podpadec, Caroline Piute, Theresa Filips, Mary Gregorčič (Mae Danicic’s mother) and Victoria Jelusic.
It is so fitting to remember our pioneers who made all that followed possible. They struggled through very hard times, raised large families and kept the “home fires burning.” I know first hand that ZARJA was important to these stalwart women. Our Ma’s ZARJA was her Slovenian “LADIES HOME COMPANION.”
As the 75th year is upon us and the majority of charter members have gone to their eternal reward, ZARJA lives on! Congratulations to Corinne and her staff for preserving and maintaining the journalistic voice of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. Br. #42 salutes you!
Lil Sadowski, Reporter
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN SEPTEMBER
President:
Sep. 5 -	Ann Kapel, Br. 100, Fontana, CA
Secretaries:
Sep. 2 -	Joanne Ponikvar, Br. 54, Warren, OH
Sep. 10 - Rosemary Donald, Br. 33, Duluth, MN Sep. 16 - Gerry Petrich, Br. 23, Ely, MN Sep. 22 -	Rosemary Mlakar, Br. 100, Fontana, CA
Sep. 28 -	Patricia Adamic, Br. 105, Detroit, MI
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN OCTOBER
National Officers:
Oct. 5 - Lynn Zalokar, Online Editor, New York, NY Oct. 9 - Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA, Chicago, IL Oct. 11 - Jonita Ruth, National Treasurer, Joliet, IL Oct. 13 - Olga Dorchak, State President, OH-MI, Sagamore Hills, OH
Oct. 26 - Kathleen Dorchak, Nat’l. Pres., Munroe Falls, OH Branch Presidents:
Oct. 15 - Rose Bradach, Br. 68, Fairport Harbor, OH Oct. 17 - Charlene Kobe, Br. 20, Joliet, IL
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!
No. 47 Continued:
our Ohio-Michigan convention on October 31st which will be held at St. Mary’s on Holmes Ave.
Birthday wishes and blessings go out to all our September and October members.
KATHERINE WALLACE
NO. 50, EUCLID, OH
Founding Date: SEPTEMBER 15, 1931 Meetings: 3rd Wed., 1 p.m. except Jan., Feb., July & Aug. Euclid Public Library Contact: Anne Tomsick Tel. (216) 531-2745
By the time you read this month’s report, we will be just a few weeks away from our Slovenian Heritage Festival for branches in Ohio. Our President, Rosemary Toth has organized planning meetings every Saturday with other branch officers to make this the best Festival ever.
Theme:	Keeping our Slovenian
Heritage Alive When: Sunday, Oct. 3 at 11:30a.m. Where: SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio Events: Polka Mass at 11:30 with Father Pizmoht presiding and music by the Joey Tomsick Orchestra; Fun and games; Chinese Raffle; Pastry and bobbin lace demonstration; Art exhibit; wine table; Entertainment by SNPJ Circle 2 Junior Chorus under the direction of Cecelia Dolgan.
Our June meeting/picnic had 23 members in attendance. A thank-you note from Mother of the Year Anne Tomsick included a $25 donation to the Branch. Other business included a vote to purchase an anniversary cake for the 75th Anniversary of the SWU.
In Memoriam. Sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of the following members who passed away recently: Ann Cem, a member since 1973, Ted Zak, husband of lodge member Helen Zak, and Art Gray, the 29 year-old grandson of Elberta Erzen.
Ann and Ed Arhar were pleasantly surprised when Ed was presented with an honorary high school diploma at the graduation of their granddaughter, Megan Cevasco from Copley (Ohio) High School, in June. Ed is currently Thrid Vice commander of Post 1655, Catholic War Veterans (at Saint Vitus Church).
ZARJA THE DAWN
The Dawn of day a way of life
many read it for friendship to reach new friends.
A way of sharing bits and pieces, for all to learn: to learn about your Heritage to learn what people are doing.
A way to learn about authentic food, and about the language, too.
To see new groups formed
and about our special Heritage too.
Our way of life is beautiful, when you do embrace it.
Things are what you make of it, if you want to try.
Kathy Wallace, Br. 47
Seventeen “Anns” were in attendance on the feast of Saint Anne for our annual commemoration held this year at Dubrovnik Gardens in Eastlake, Ohio. The founder of this “Anne-ual” event, Ann Opeka, gave an interesting talk on how this annual luncheon attended by women named Ann (or Anne!) got started.
Congratulations and many thanks to Evelyn Pipoly for agreeing to serve as our branch recording secretary. Evelyn, a member since 1995, is an enthusiastic promoter of the Collinwood Slovenian Home, among her many activities.
Speaking of recording secretary, Cookie Maxin had graciously volunteered to serve the lodge as recording secretary until Evelyn’s recent appointment. Cookie recently returned from a trip to Slovenia, where she accompanied her niece, Allison Hrovat, who
was the 2004 SWU European travel scholarship recipient. Highlights of their trip included visits to Bled, Portorož, Piran, Škofja Loka, and Ljubljana, and of course many side trips for sightseeing and shopping. Many thanks for your help, Cookie!
Ivanka Matic would like to remind us of an upcoming bus trip and pilgrimage to the Bishop Baraga Shrine and Museum in Michigan, September 24 to 27. Further details are available from Ivanka, who can be reached at (216) 481-1514.
As we write, Father Frank Perkovich from Gilbert, Minnesota is in Cleveland to celebrate a polka mass on August 1, at the East 185th Street Festival. Father is one of the creators of this unique liturgy. We were delighted when Father Perkovich along with local cultural promoter Steve Valenčič, visited the Tomsick home during his stay, and discussed his many adventures since retiring, including his new book, Polka Your Way to Heaven and a video biography entitled “The Life and Times of Father Frank Perkovich.”
Our next regular meetings will be held on September 15, October 20, November 17 and our annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 5.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNE TOMSICK
NO. 54, WARREN, OH
Founding Date: AUGUST 22, 1932 Meetings: 3rd Wed. Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Our September meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 15th at 12 noon. We will be having a Happy Birthday
-	ZARJ A - Party! Complete with Cake! Slovenian Treats! And Polkas! Hopefully we can make it a pot luck luncheon, too. It will be at my home and I’ll be calling you. It will be a day to celebrate!
Special thanks to Corinne Leskovar whose dedication and love for the SWU and ZARJA is evident in every issue.
Moving into a retirement apartment is our charter member, Vic Zuga. She has mixed emotions about this move but we know that she will adjust and come to love her new surroundings. She will be 90 years young in October and is inviting us to her new place for
Congratulations, ZARJA on 75 Years szr\	rj7	Se	na mnoga leta!
of keeping members connected and informed	J	Happy 75th	SHb	SWU Br 55
Br. 39, Biwabik, MN WT Br. 40, Lorain, OH	Girard, OH
our meeting. She is special to me and our family. We love you, Vic!
Our family is coming to help me celebrate a big birthday and that will be a fun weekend.
No news from the members, so all seems to be ok with you. We have one member in a nursing home, Mary Zuga, and we send our prayers and greetings to her.
Remember the September meeting and plan for Slovenian foods - no American stuff!
October meeting is on the 20th, maybe at Vic’s, and the Christmas luncheon is on Dec. 15th, place to be announced.
Pray for world peace and keep all members and their families in your prayers.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL Founding Date: MAY 9, 1938 Meetings: Second Mondays Place: Dickinson House
September 13, 6:00 p.m. meeting is a potluck picnic held at the Leigh Park, Oglesby, IL in a lovely shelter that was
built by several local Slovenian clubs. We have invited LaSalle Branch #24 as our guests and we will celebrate ZARJA birthday together and we will also discuss the upcoming SWU A State Convention.
NANCY HENKEL
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Founding Date: MARCH 1, 1939 Meetings: 2nd Wed. Apr.-May-June Sep.-Oct.-Nov.-Dec. 12:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Church Hall
Greetings, everyone!
I am glad to be back and see everyone. Had a nice luncheon in June at the Jovial Club and it was great seeing the ladies after a winter away from you! We had a nice time.
Our branch lost a dear member, Ann Cikulin who died on May 31st, 2004. The mass was said at Sacred Heart Church. Ann was a loyal member and will be missed.
I was talking to long-time member, Millie Cuzella who told me about her trip to Lakewood, CO. She went with her daughter, Cathy and two granddaughters, Christina and Ann Marie to visit her son and while there, to attend the graduations of grandson from high school and granddaughter from grammar school. It was a nice visit for Millie.
One of my own grandsons graduated from grammar school in June. They are growing up so fast, eh, grandmas?
How are you all, dear members? Miss seeing you at the meetings. We join in prayers for the sick and remember all who passed away.
Happy birthdays for Sept. and Oct. members.
Hope to see you all at the IL-IN State Convention Oct. 3rd in Peru, IL. Hope there will be many of you from Br. 95 interested in going to this lovely event. Please let me know. Meanwhile, we’ll get together for our meeting on Sept. 8th at Sacred Heart Hall.
Love to all.
DOLORES HENNELLY
NO. 99, LEMONT, IL Original Founding Date: JUNE 13, 1940 Meetings: Fifth Sundays of the year Slovenian Cultural Center Contact: C. Leskovar (773) 275-1115
Our first social event as a new branch of SWUA will take place on Sunday, Oct. 31 st. It will be a Halloween Games Party featuring popular game of chance called bunco! Come to the Slovenian Cultural Center about 1 p.m. and join us! We have heard that we’ll have some members from Chicago Br. 2 and hope to have some from Joliet, Br. 20 and So. Chicago, Br. 16! That would be great!
This is the idea of Fran Shultz who has volunteered to set it up with her daughters, Linda Shultz and Loretta Stanczak - and even her son, Bill will help us. There will be delicious refreshments, lots and lots of beautiful prizes and if you come in costume, there’ll be a contest for the best ones! I’ll bet there will be some good ones!
Our wonderful member, Martha Pecharich and her equally wonderful husband, Milan celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary June 27th. Their son, Mark and daughters Linda and Sandy and families (including three grandsons) welcomed a large group of friends at their celebration in downtown Chicago. We wish them many more -and a happy belated birthday to Martha who celebrated the end of July.
Secretary Mihela Simrayh has a new little grandson, Adam Petrovič who
was born Feb. 24th in Canada. He’s just 5 months old and a charmer! Mihela is proud of all nine of her grandchildren and told us two of them are traveling in Slovenia this summer.
Two weddings! Mihela’s niece, Sonja Arko got married on the same day as did Franika Gorsic’s daughter, Helena. I’m sure that August 7th was a beautiful day for these two families! Congratulations to all.
We are growing with new members all the time, but wouldn’t it be nice if every one of you signed up one new member - a relative or friend - in the current membership campaign?
COR1NNE LESKOVAR
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Founding Date: May 11, 1941 Meetings: When convenient Parish Center (715) 267-6764
Our next meeting will be held September 12th.
Patty Sixel donated a Slovenian flag to our branch in memory of her mother, Josephine Artac. Jo was president for many years until she had to go to a nursing home. She passed away July 15, 2003.
The Polka Fest was held in June. Willard became a little city with all the mobile homes moving in for the long weekend. Richie Yurkovich, our local band, played. It was beautiful dancing weather with temperatures in the 70s.
Our Slovenian picnic was held the 25th of July. A lot of people from all over attended. Frank, Larry and Dave Pakiz provided music. A raffle was held from items made and donated by members. Judy Di Pasquale made an afghan following the tradition of her mother, Donna Wolf.
Many preparations are being done for our annual bazaar, which was planned for August 22nd.
Aaron Knodle attended Pipe Organ Camp in Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He is the son of Clare and Scott Knodle and grandson of Isabelle Bauernfeind. Aaron is one of our organists at Holy Family Church.
Pat and Jesse Coleman of Cottage Grove, MN; Ann Christianson of Oak Park, IL, daughter and granddaughters of Agnes Debevec spent a week of bike riding for the National Multiple
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Willard, WI / '
Sclerosis fund across Minnesota. The total miles they rode were 300 miles. Thousands of people bike, including many who have M.S., in this event. Pat Coleman has been biking in this event for 15 years.
Angline Levesque from Orlando, Florida is visiting Rose and Frank Pakiz. Angline is the sister of Rose.
Frank and Jean Govek, for health reasons, are moving to West Bene, Indiana to live with their daughter, Carol. All will miss them. We pray for both of them. Jean is a member of our branch for many years.
AGNES DEBEVEC
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Original Founding Dale: May 22, 1941 in Colerain, MN Rededication: November 14, 1965 Meeting: 1st Sun. except July & Aug. St. Columba’s Ch. Albemarle St.
Greetings to all from Branch 103, Washington, D.C. The first half of this year has gone by so quickly and we would like to bring everyone up to date on our activities. In January, Father Wadas, our spiritual director, officiated at the traditional installation of officers after the Slovenian Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Afterwards we met at the cafeteria for lunch and socializing.
In March, Dr. Nada Sabec entertained and enlightened members and guests with her presentation on “How the Slovenian Language Has Changed in America.” Dr. Sabec holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and is a Professor of English at the Department of English and American studies at the University of Maribor, Slovenia. Hostesses, Ana Sonc Jevtič, Valerie Bohince, Cindy
Kukenburger and Mary Lou Terselic, provided refreshments after a question and answer period.
On Palm Sunday, Ana Sonic Jevtic, our program director demonstrated the traditional art of Easter egg dyeing using onion skins. The activity was very popular and everyone took home several colored eggs for Easter. Thank you Ana for all the planning and gathering of materials for making these unique and colorful eggs.
We would like to mention some of our junior members and their activities in the past year. Kevin Mangold will be a senior at Thomas S. Wootton High School in September. He is an honor roll student and is enrolled in numerous Advanced Placement classes. During the summer and part time during the school year he is an engineer intern at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and works with and develops wireless systems for microsensors. Needless to say his hobbies center around working with computers, mostly programming. To relax and to have fun he plays the guitar.
Tony Mangold will enter the eighth grade at Robert Frost Middle School. Tony is a budding entrepreneur who has a landscaping and snow removal business and is extremely adept at putting together office furniture. Nicholas Mejac will attend the ninth grade at Bethesda/Chevy Chase High School. At the end of the eighth grade, the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League presented Nicholas with a Certificate of Honorable Merit Cum Laude for Outstanding Performance in the National Latin Examination. Kevin, Tony and Nicholas are all grandsons of Mimi Mejac. Secretary of Branch 103.
Andrej Stare will enter the 11 th grade at The Heights School in Potomac, MD and is very active in soccer. His sister, Veronica will enter the 8th grade at
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Herbert Hoover Middle School. She is an excellent student and her favorite subject is mathematics. She also is an avid soccer player. Andrej and Veronica are children of Angela Percic Stare, Vice President of Branch 103.
All of these junior members are active in the social events of Branch 103 and we are justifiably proud of their many accomplishments.
MARY LOU TERSELIC/ MIMI MEJ AC
Having a ZARJA Birthday at your Branch?
We’ll happily accept photos and write-ups about your Branch “ZARJA” Birthday Party. Your ingenuity should be interesting! Send to editorial office. Thanks!
08
OIney
MD
Bonnie Prokup, Nat’I. Sec’y:
Let’s Keep Growing, Growing, Growing!
Membership Campaigns are vital to any organization trying to grow. We recognized this in the summer of 1999 and each year we have tried to outdo the prior year. Our first campaign started off with 99 members for the last six months of ’99. That seemed like so many at the time, but nothing compared to what was to come. Each membership campaign we tried something different. From recognizing members who brought in new members, recognizing branches, National Officers, State Presidents and even Regions. We tried it all, and I have to say - each one has worked for us!
In the past five years we brought in almost 1300 new members. This is super-fantastic! It is more than double of given time periods in previous years. The new members are joining because of this renewed interest in our Slovenian Heritage. It is very easy to see that it is spreading across the country. Just reading the branch articles in ZARJA alone will tell you that “something” is happening out there.
We also recognize the need to “invite” people to join. So many of our recent new members are people we’ve known all our lives. I am a perfect example of this theory. I was not asked to join until 9 years ago.
How many others are out there waiting to be asked. Also, we are attracting members of all ages. It seems like we are finally targeting new age groups. This is good and important for the Future! We need leaders to carry on our mission. Even our junior department is growing.
And GROWING we are. Just like our National flower the Carnation. We need to water this lovely plant! Nurture it! Share it! Expand it! Multiply it! And let everyone know how proud you are of it! And most importantly - how proud you are to be Slovenian!
THE PRISLAND GIRLS
The Past
Special Feature
Left: The John Prisland family at Hermine’s 1941 wedding:
from left standing, Theodore, Margaret, John; seated, Marie and the bride.
Far left: Marie Cerne Prisland with her grandmother c. 1906 in Slovenia
The Future
Hi,
My name is Kristina Alexander and I am 10 years old. I live in Sacramento, California and will be in 5th grade when school starts. My favorite subjects in school are math and reading.
I play fastpitch softball and am a pitcher. I play softball
9	months of the year and go to pitching lessons every week so I can be a good pitcher.
I also like to dance and perform in Musical Theatre. In my last play, I was the storyteller and had over 100 lines! I auditioned for the children’s cast in a show call “Best of Broadway.” I just got the letter in the mail telling me I got a part! Practices start on Friday and will be 3 days a week. 1 will get to dance and sing in 4 songs. This is a really big show in Sacramento. There will be 12 shows and it costs $21 to watch it.
I also really like spending time with my 3 uncles. My uncle Jimmy takes me to the zoo. Uncle Joe takes me on big, thrilling rollercoasters. Uncle John lives in LA and takes me to Disneyland.
When I grow up, I want to work at Disneyland and design and shoot off the fireworks.
Kristina
*****
Hi, my name is Emily Mary Mattson, I am nine years old and going into the fourth grade.
In the summer I like to play with my friends, play soccer, swim in the pool and jump on the trampoline. All fall and winter I take figure skating lessons and am learning how to jump and twist in the air. It is really fun!
I have a brother named E.J. he is 11 years old and has Autism. I help and play with him a lot. Every winter my
family and our friends walk in the Easter Seals Relay. The relay raises money for kids that need extra things like E.J.
I have a dog named Gooogie, and a cat named Moochie. they are fun to play with.
I have a special doll that came from Slovenia that my Granny, Mary Turvey, gave me. It is very special to me. My great great grandmother was Marie Prisland and the doll was given to her.
Emmie Mattson
Lower photos, left: Kristina Alexander with her great grandmother Margaret Prisland Fischer, (2002); right: Emily Mattson with her great, great grandmother, Marie Prisland’s doll, (2004).
Ask Tončka
popular websites. Ellisisland.org is especially beneficial to Slovenian rsearchers because most Slovenes did not immigrate until about 1890 when Ellis Island opened and began keeping records.
Slovenia has become a member of the European market so researchers will find monetary exchange easier. The three archives of Slovenia all have websites, offering resources for genealogists.
In our organization, the Slovenian Women’s Union, there is also a PLAN FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. The January 2004 issue of ZARJA featured a family chart with a request that all readers fill it out to the best of their knowledge and mail it to me. Nancy Henkel has since sent out a “President’s Package” with the same chart and same request to each of our SWU Branches. Judy Swenson of Branch 23, Ely, Minnesota was kind enough to help members at a branch meeting fill out their charts. To date, not many charts have come in, however very valuable family histories, stories, and photos, have been received. The final “Ask Tončka” genealogy column will appear in the November/December issue of ZARJA. With freed up time I will begin indexing all surnames submitted, and will make a book of SWU Surname and Family histories which will be shelved at the Home Office in Joliet, Illinois for researchers of the future.
Many of us are third generation descendents of Slovene immigrants. With each generation, much family information is lost. The story tellers leave without telling their beautiful stories. There is no way in which this information can be retrieved. It is gone forever. Are you, the special person who is reading this, the story teller for your family?
Would you like to share your family’s history with those who are to come? If so, please fill out a chart or other family tree charts, no matter how sparse the information, or send family photos, and stories that can be compiled into a book of our precious Slovenian Women’s Union’s family histories.
Tončka,
52 Oakridge Drive, Marquette, Michigan 49855
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ Br. 1 is already 78 years young!
The SWUA Branch #1 in Sheboygan, WI, will be celebrating its 78th Anniversary on September 26, 2004. The WI State Convention will be held at this same time. Aggie Gruenke, acting Vice President of Branch #1, has been working on a wonderful program for the day. It will begin with a procession at 8:50 a.m. into SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 822 New Jersey Avenue, Sheboygan. At this time. Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Glenn Powers will be conducting the services. After Mass, a gathering for Sunday Brunch at A1 & Al’s Restaurant will start the program rolling. There will be a business meeting after brunch with entertainment to follow.
Founder, Marie Prisland’s granddaughter, Katie Gorton, along with her husband Jim, will be performing Slovenian songs. The cost for dinner is $10.00. We encourage all of our members and friends to attend these grand events being held at SWUA’s founding and 1st Branch.
For further information, please contact me, BettyAnn Kolesari at
BKOLESAR! @WI.RR.COM
Katie Gorton, Granddaughter of Marie Prisland
Ge°ea
GENEALOGY OF THE PAST
Since the beginning of human life, even before cave drawings were recorded, there have been story tellers in each family or clan. There is a natural need on the part of many to want to fit in to a specific group and learn of its identity. The early issues of ZARJA do not record much interest in tracing families back to Slovenia but by 1950 Marie Prisland received a letter from Frederick Volk, Madison, Wisconsin asking her for more information on a possible Volk ancestor of whom she had written. At that time he was tracing his great grandfather back to 1775 in Slovenia.
GENEALOGY OF THE FUTURE
The past twenty years have proved genealogy to be the number one hobby of Americans and those in many foreign countries. With the advent of DNA testing, family researchers are now able to trace not only extended families, but back in time, many generations before records were kept of ordinary citizens. See “Ask Tončka” March-April 2003 issue of ZARJA for further information.
The computer has made research lightening fast compared to the old days when individual letters were written. Twenty-three years ago I used to average at least ten letters a week, requesting information, sending checks to cover. Now much of what is needed is available online. Ancestry, com, the Latter Day Saints website familyresearch.com USGenweb.com, and Cyndi’s List are probably the most
Mary Lou Voelk — Director of Special Projects
HERITAGE NEWS:
O	n r WXV11 Feature — Remembering our W ./\ .A . C. Enlistees
Kernz Sisters of Oglesby, Illinois Among First to Enlist
Mary and Caroline Kernz, daughters of Louise and Frank Kernz both served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp during World War II.
Mary enlisted into the W.A.A.C.’son August 13, 1942 and received her Basic Training at Fort DesMoines, Iowa. In April of 1943, Mary was assigned as Laboratory Technician at Fort Myers Hospital, Virginia. Her duties consisted of research in bacteriology, hematology, and serology.
After her discharge in 1945, Mary returned to Oglesby and went on to continue her career as Laboratory Technician at St. Mary’s Hospital in nearby LaSalle, Illinois. She was then offered a position at a Doctor’s Clinic in Peru, Illinois until her retirement.
In the later months of her life, Mary was the first female veteran admitted to the branch new facility of the Illinois Veteran’s Home of LaSalle, Illinois. Mary died on January
3,	1992 at age 79 years. She was a life long member of Slovenian Women’s Union, Branch 89, serving as recording secretary for many years.
Mary Kernz	Carolyn	Kernz	Widmar
W.A.A.C. — 1942-1945
Caroline Kernz enlisted into the Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps on October 17, 1942 and received her Basic Training at Fort DesMoines, Iowa. Caroline was promoted to the rank of Corporal after cadre training and then transferred to Daytona Beach, Florida where she served as instructor of rookie troops. It was at this time she was promoted to First Sergeant. Caroline was then sent to Camp McCain, Mississippi, on to Memphis, Tennessee, and then on to Nashville, Tennessee where she completed her Army career.
Caroline’s decorations and citations were the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, W.A.A.C. Service Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.
Caroline was discharged on December 24, 1945 and returned to her hometown of Oglesby, Illinois where she met and married John Widmar. At age 88, after all of her married life, Caroline still resides in Depue, Illinois surrounded by her children.
Caroline is a life long member of the Slovenian Women’s Union.
A giant “THANK YOU” to Alice Ebner (Br. 89) who sent in this information.
Maria Pappas
Cook County Treasurer
July 1. 2004
Ms Corinne Leskovar Editor
Zarja-The Dawn 4851 S Drexel Blvd Chicago. IL 60615
Dear Ms. Leskovar:
As Treasurer of Cook County, I would like to congratulate you on the 75th Anniversary of your publication. "Zarja-The Dawn '
In a County that prides itself on diversity, it is a pleasure to recognize members of our ethnic communities for their hard work and dedication to maintaining the cultural pluralism that makes Cook County great. As you know, it is important for our ethnic communities to celebrate our heritage as a means of preserving our rich traditions. Your publication serves as an important connection to your community, as well as an educational outlet for your readers.
I commend your commitment to the Slovenian American community The dedication that goes into each and every publication is very much appreciated
Sincerely.
Maria Pappas Cook County Treasurer
HERITAGE NEWS:
Cultural Gardens in Cleveland Honors Slovenian creator of the International Children’s Games!
Thanks to my aunt, Jean Perovshek of Willoughby, Ohio, the news article recognizing a Slovenian-American Metod Klemenc, the creator of the International Children’s Games. A plaque in his honor was recently unveiled at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens with many people in attendance. This was during the time that the Games were being held in Cleveland with a great attendance of athletes and spectators. A newspaper article was written in the Cleveland Plain Dealer by Robert L. Smith from which we were able to get the following information.
It was during the communist era in Europe that Mr. Klemenc had a spark of inspiration. “How can I help children?” As an athlete and teacher, he had two passions in life, kids and sports. Winning the confidence of a communist mayor, Klemenc organized the first series of game in his home town of Celje, Slovenia in June 1968. Nine groups of children from European countries attended. In the last 36 years, about 24,000 children from more than 200 cities have competed in the games.
Klemenc, wearing a cap with the words “International Children’s Games ROCKS - Cleveland 2004”, accepted proclamations and awards with humble thanks as Slovenian athletes filed into the Cultural Garden reception area. The athletes, boys and girls none older than 15 were all new to America and new to Cleveland!
During the Games in Cleveland, Slovenia won a silver medal in Volleyball. It went to Ravne na Koroškem.
The SWUA wishes to congratulate Mr. Metod Klemenc for his “spark” and determination and his belief that has never failed him. “I believe in humanity,” he says, “that is my religion!”
The Slovenian folklore group, “Kres” danced a beautiful program at the plaque dedication at the Slovenian Cultural Gardens honoring Metod Klemenc. On this photo are Nikki Radisek, 14 and Frankie Merela, 15.
At presstime:
4 Olympic Medals For Slovenia
Capturing a medal for competition in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece is quite an achievement. For a small country of less than 2 million people, we are proud that Slovenia achieved 4 medals (sailing, rowing, shooting and track.)
So, I continued onward with an internet search and this is what I found:
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Cleveland’s University Circle area is a unique collection of 23 landscaped, themed gardens, each representing a different ethnic group/ organization in the city and highlighting their great diversity.
This website contains much information about the history of the Gardens and most interesting are the many E-books available; but very disappointing is that there is not one book title about the Slovenian history and population in that area. But, one can read about the Irish, Hungarians, Polish, Italian and Arab Americans.
Just recently I sent a note to the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce requesting information on Slovenian sites in the greater Cleveland area. I received a beautiful brochure, and again, the word Slovenian was used only ONCE! The 2000 Census counted 49,308 Slovenian-Americans in the seven county region, the largest concentration of Slovenians outside of Slovenia. Is this not a mystery?
In closing, you are urged to log onto the Cultural Garden website. There is much information that could be a topic for a branch meeting. And, perhaps the Slovenian Cultural Garden can be included in a junior activity for your families in Cleveland or for those for away who may be visiting.
(Ed. Note. The committee to restore the Slovenian gardens has been hard at work in recent years to replace the damaged sculptures that were placed there more than 60 years ago, that is, the busts of missionary-bishop Frederic Baraga, and poets, Ivan Cankar and Simon Gregorčič. Many of our members have contributed to that fund. The SWUA participated in the initial dedication in 1936.)
Log on these websites for more information: Cleveland.Com: International Children’s Games CSUOHIO.EDU/Children’s Games Zarnes.si/jsater/games. html
THANKS FOR HERITAGE FUND DONATIONS:
In honor of Frances Tekavec on her 90th birthday, we have received a $15.00 donation from VA Roland. Thank you.
$10.00 was sent in memory of Margaret Kochevar, donor, Peggy Dupont.
JENNIE IS A MEMBER 75 YEARS!
It was a beautiful sunny day as I approached the City of McKinley, MN. I was on my way to the home of Jennie Ahlin, our charter member of SWUA Branch #39. The sun
seemed to shine brighter as she welcomed me into her charming and comfortable home. I went there on a mission, to interview her since we wanted to submit an	article about our
branch and members for the Commemorative September issue of the ZARJA. Jennie was a logical pick, since her mother, Johanna Zallar, was among the members of the newly chartered Branch #36 members in McKinley in 1929. This branch dissolved and Jennie, along with her	mother and Mrs.
Josephine Ahlin and Mrs. Anna Spehar transferred their membership to join Branch #39 in Biwabik, MN in 1930.
Our branch also thought this of significance for ZARJA, since Jennie Ahlin celebrated HER 90th birthday in March of 2003. Her mother, Johanna, celebrated HER 90th birthday in June of 1982. Both mother and daughter were active members of Branch #39 since 1930 and Jennie continues as an active member, attending monthly meetings and celebrations. What	an	inspiration this is to	all the members of
SWUA to	pass	this	legacy	to members	of our families.
Jennie was bom in McKinley to Johanna and Jerry Steblay and was the only girl in the family with four brothers. Jennie married Joseph P. (Chummy) Ahlin, in August of 1931 and she and Chum had a son, Gerald and a daughter, Roberta Faragher, both retired teachers. They celebrated their 50th anniversary of marriage in 1981. Jennie has three grandchildren, which includes a set of twin girls and a grandson and three great grandchildren. Of course, the pictures came out as this proud grandmother described them to me and oh, how beautiful they truly are.
Jennie then brought me into her kitchen to share several cups of coffee and delicious apple pie with ice cream. We continued our conversation as she told me about some of the happy memories in her lifetime. Since we were soon to celebrate Fr. Frank Perkovich’s 50th Jubilee as a priest, she shared with me how he and her mother attended his ordination in Chisholm in 1954. She was there in attendance to celebrate his 50th year as a priest. What a beautiful memory. We talked about how she has experienced all the changes within the church over all these years. One is noted in our church booklet as Jennie explained that when she was at
the nursing home spending precious moments with her husband, Chummy, Fr. Carey, who was then our pastor, came to visit in a light blue pair of pants and jacket. She had never seen a priest dressed in anything but black before and thought it was refreshing to see. Indeed, she must also love the Polka Mass. I also discovered that Jennie was honored as Mother of the Year of Branch #39 in May of 1966 and at that time was wished a lifetime of sunshine and happiness. There was indeed sunshine in her home that afternoon.
I asked Jennie if I could get a photo of her to send to ZARJA and graciously she guided me back to her living room to take a few photos. I chose to send a photo of Jennie sitting on her couch in front of a picture gracing the living room wall. Jennie explained to me that this picture was a picture of her mother’s church in Ribnica, given to her by her aunt and delivered to her by Mrs. John (Jennie) Per-kovich, Fr. Perk’s mother, when she returned from a trip to Slovenia. Isn’t that a neat thing to treasure?
As the time approached for me to leave, I saw the sun still shining as bright as ever and I knew that I would certainly be back to visit with this delightful lady again. We congratulate you on your longevity, Jennie, and on a personal note, as a retired hair stylist, I still admire your beautifully groomed while hair! Thanks, Jennie, for your time and for all the years of service to our Branch #39. May God bless you with many more years and we look forward to celebrating the 75th Jubilee of our Branch with you in 2005.
I	must also add, dear izdajatelj (editor), that yes, the ZARJA is seldom thrown out and holds many memories and branch histories. I found dates, and events about our branch and its members in the ZARJA dated May, 1966 and December, 1994. The ZARJA must continue as our link with all our members and our connection to the past.
Our sister Branch #34 is preparing for Minnesota “Zveza” Day on September 12. The event will be held at St. Martin’s Church in Tower and Fortune Bay at Lake Vermillion. We hope to see you there.
Rosemary (Sertich) Ribich
Reporter, Branch #39
ZARJA DONATIONS
$70 Photo donations:	Br.	24,
LaSalle, IL, Br. 16, Chicago, IL, Br. 33, Duluth, MN, Br. 89, Oglesby, IL $40 Subscriptions
80. letnica
IVANKE VELIKONJA ANTOLIN
Sredi junija se je poleg Ivankine številne družine zbralo veliko prijateljev in znancev na družinskem domu Antolinovih, da skupno počastimo Ivanko ob priliki njene častitljive obletnice. Iz Washingtona se po enourni vožnji pripelje v malo, zgodovinsko mesto Emmitsburg v državi Maryland. Tuje znani Provincialni red sv. Elizabete Seton. Na hribu nad St. Mary’s College pa je znana božja pot z Lurško votlino. Samo eno miljo od Emmitsburga, preko Mason-Dixon Line pa je v državi Pennsylvania kraj Fairfield, kjer Antolinovi že živijo od leta 1962.
Ivanka Velikonja Antolin je bila rojena 6. junija 1924 v Ljubljani kot tretji otrok v družini desetih otrok Narteja in Ivanke Jeglič (ki je bila nečakinja nadškofa Antona Jegliča) Velikonja. Njen oče je bil znan slovenski pisatelj. Bil je banovinski uradnik v Ljubljani. Med II. Svetovno vojno je postal predsednik Zimske pomoči in je veliko pomagal beguncem iz Dolenjskega. V procesu junija 1945 je bil obsojen na smrt in bil ustreljen, družina še danes ne ve kje je pokopan.
Po končani klasični gimnaziji v Ljubljani je Ivanka pričela s pravnim študijem. Toda že po enem mesecu je bila zaradi vojne univerza 1943 leta zaprta. Študij je nadaljevala na Universita di Roma 1946-1948. S kontaktom Obra Catolica, ki je bila privatna organizacija španskih katoličanov, se ji je posrečilo dobiti pomoč za nadalnje študiranje v Zargozi v Španiji 1948-1949. Za šolsko leto 1951 - 1952 pa je dobila štipendijo (scholarship) od Free Europe v Strasburgu v Franciji, kjer je dosegla magisterij iz zasebnega prava leta 1952.
Vse to navedeno študiranje je bilo prepleteno z največjimi prizadevanji in v različnih jezikih vse v času po begunstvu iz matične domovine. Od doma je Ivanka odšla dvajsetletna 6. junija 1944 v Gorico. Tu je najprej delala sekretarska opravila skupaj s starejšo sestro Mijo. V maju 1945 so njeno sestro zaprli partizani in Ivanka se je z novim begom znašla v begunskem zbirališču v Pala Nova v Italiji. Od tu je bila premeščena v Ceseno, nato Riccione in v novembru 1945 je prišla v Rim k slovenskim šolskim sestram. Tu je tudi srečala prvič svojega bodočega moža Viktorja Antolina.
Med tem časom je tudi Viktor končal svoje študije z doktoratom prava in diplomiral še iz socialnih ved, sta se z Ivanko v oktobru 1952 v Zargozi poročila in začela skupaj živeti v Madridu.
Po štirih letih sta leta 1956 prišla v Toronto. Mlada družina se je širila in pričelo se je novo življenje. Ko je Viktor končno prišel do dela, za katerega se je vsa leta pripravljal je nastopil mesto filozofskega inštruktorja v St. Joseph College v Emmitsburgu. Družina z devetimi otroki se je preselila v Združene države leta 1962. Družina se je tu povečala na trinajst otrok. Pri hiši so govorili slovensko in angleško, tako, da otroci razumejo slovensko, čeprav se jim jezik malo zapleta, kadar govorijo slovensko. Vsi pa so končali univerzitetne študije.
Naši družini sta se spoznali skoro takoj ob selitvi
Antolinovih v Emmitsburg.
Viktor in moj mož sta se poznala še iz Ljubljanskih šol. Njihova številna in naša manjša družina sta se sijajno ujemali. Otroci niso imeli nikoli dovolj časa za igranje.
Pozimi so se drsali za hišo na zaledenelem potoku, poleti smo šli ne daleč z avtom v divjino k jezeru in plavali in uživali drug drugega bližino.
Ivanka me še danes vedno na novo preseneča, kako je zmogla opravljati vse delo s tako številno družino. Ob hiši ima še danes zelenjavni vrt. Obiskovala je španske in francoske seminarje v Collee-
u.	V Washington je vozila otroke, ko so bili se mlajši v muzeje, jim pomagala z domačimi nalogami. Vsa leta, ko so otroci doraščali je vstrajno izpolnjevala in pomagala otrokom s prošnjami za štipendije za višjo izobrazbo. Našla je čas za vkuhavanje sadja in zelenjave. Je izvrstna kuharica in gospodinja. V Washingtonu pri SZZ nas je parkrat po njenem receptu nadzorovala, da smo spekle izvrsten jabolčni štrudel za veliko slovensko prireditev. Sedaj veliko potuje, ker so otroci z družinami porastreseni po različnih državah Amerike in tudi v Kanadi. Skoro vsako leto gre v Evropo in seveda v Ljubljano. Vedno gre z drugo sinovo ali hčerkino družino in jim je za tolmača in posrednico njihove dediščine in slovenskih korenin. Za sprostitev je še vedno njena spremljevalka knjiga. Posebno rada bere zgodovinske knjige in knjige z znanstvenimi izmišlotinami (Science fictions), kot mi je povedala Katarina, ena od hčerk. En teden po svojem 80. rojstnem dnevu sem jo ob slovesu po telefonu opozorila naj ne pozabi na zdravila, predno gre na pot v Evropo z Miškovo družino, ki sicer živi v Coloradu, pa je hitro pristavila: “Kakšna zdravila, jaz ne jemljem nobenih zdravil”.
Naj še pristavim, da seje Ivanka po petindvajsetih letih skrbi za družino vrnila k študiju in leta 1976 napravila magisterij iz knjižničarstva na Shippensburg University, PA. Zaposlena je bila do upokojitve 1994 v knjijžnici v Mount Saint Mary’s College v Emmitsburgu.
Mož Viktor je leta 1984 umrl za rakom. Ni doživel svobodne osamosvojitve Slovenije, po čemer je hrepenel in za kar je na svoj način vedno delal. Prav tako je sin Robert umrl ki je z odliko končal tretje leto filozofskih študijev na Katoliški univerzi; bil je utrgan v cvetu mladosti iz življenja 1985 za levkemijo.
Ob Ivankini bližini pomeni biti ob odprti knjigi. Njen izreden spomin in dar govora v mladostni zagnanosti ji omogoča ta magnetizem na vsakem polju kjerkoli se znajde. Želim v iskenem upanju, da bo še veliko zanimivih strani v tej Ivankini življenski knjigi.
Draga Ivanka, Bog Te živi med nami zdravo in pri dobri moči še dolgo vrsto let!
Nika B. Kovačič
(Nekaj podatkov vzetih z Ivankinim dovoljenjem iz knjige Daleč od domačih ognjišč - Zbornik o prof. Viktorju Antolinu, Odranci 2002)
RECIPES FROM THE FARM
VARIATIONS:
BAKED CHEESE ŠTRUKLJI
Food Columnist, Jean Korsman
4222 McKinley Rd., Gilbert, MN 55741
NIKA’S KUHANI ŠTRUKLJI
by Nika Kovacic
Br. 108, Olney, MD
This recipe is slightly different from my mom’s. It makes very large štruklji, serves about 15 people as a side dish. (I froze half.) Or you can cut the recipe in half	Jean
DOUGH
1 tablespoon softened butter
2 eggs
1	teaspoon salt
5 tablespoon vegetable oil 11;2 to 2 cups warm water
6 to 7 cups flour
Place 6 cups flour into large bowl. Mix the warm water, eggs, salt, oil, and butter. Add slowly to the flour, stirring to incorporate into a soft dough, adding flour as needed to make a firm, smooth dough. Knead for about 20 minutes by hand, or use the dough hook on your mixer. Let dough rest on a floured board, covered; or place in lightly oiled pie plate and seal with plastic wrap; for an hour or more.
FILLING
1	stick unsalted butter, softened 4 eggs, at room temperature 16 ounces sour cream 2-15 ounces cartons of Ricotta cheese 5	tablespoons Cream of wheat,
NOT instant
In a large mixer bowl, mix the butter, adding eggs one at a time. Mix well. Add sour cream, mix for 30 seconds. Add the Ricotta cheese and Cream of Wheat and mix well until smooth and creamy. Have boiling, a large kettle of water. (I used two six-quart kettles). Cover the table with a sheet or tablecloth. Flour lightly and dump out the dough. Start with a rolling pin and con-
tinue to stretch the dough to cover the entire table. (My table is 42x60” and there was several inches of dough hanging over the width and length). Cut off any thick ends of dough.
Spread the filling over the entire dough. Lifting the top of sheet, roll into a long log. Place a cotton or linen dishcloth, or cheese-cloth at the farthest end of the table and roll štruklji onto it until, completely covered and enclosed. Tie the ends and middle with string. (I cut mine in half to fit the two kettles.) Place into the boiling water, cover and bring to rolling boil. Boil for about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove carefully, (it’s hot), untie and unwrap štruklje from cloth. Slice into serving pieces and place on a large serving dish. Melt a stick of butter and add plain (or flavored) breadcrumbs, browned lightly. Drizzle over the cut štruklji. Serve with crisp garden lettuce salad with vinegar and oil dressing. A wonderful accompaniment to fresh-fried Minnesota walleye. (Nika says the štruklji freeze well up to 6 months.)
ŠTRUKLJI, YEA!
Štruklji (shtrook-lee) are dumplings with or without a dough covering, frequently molded into a long roll and wrapped in a cloth to be cooked in boiling water, or dropped by spoonfuls into soup, or formed into rounds and cooked in water, or set in a baking dish and baked slowly. If not used in soup, it is usually covered with gravy or just buttered bread crumbs.
There are more dumpling recipes in MORE POTS AND PANS cookbook with fruit fillings, meat fillings and using different kinds of flour (buckwheat, for instance). See pages 108-118. This is a most versatile dish!
(Editor)
To make Baked Cheese štruklji, prepare the dough the same way, only add
1 tablespoon vinegar, To the filling add: 1 cup sugar and 1 cup raisins, if desired. Bake in a well-greased pan or glass baking dish. Brush the top with a mixture of one egg mixed with cup half and half (cream). Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes.
BAKED (PEČENI) NUT ŠTRUKLJI
To prepare Baked Nut Štruklji, omit the cheese and Cream of Wheat and mix the following:
2 cups ground walnuts 1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel l/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups buttered bread crumbs
1-16 ounces sour cream
Mix well (except the breadcrumbs).
Place the filling on of the spread dough, only, and then sprinkle the buttered crumbs on the other half of the dough. Roll up and place in the greased baking dish. Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes.
*****
This is a lengthy process; taking more time than a working mother might care to try; but will surely bring back memories of mamica’s kitchen! I had never tried the “baked” version, but found similar recipes in several Slovenian cookbooks. Let me know how it turns out for you! And, thanks to Nika for her wonderful recipe. I know it’s the favorite dish of many Slovenians!
SEASONAL BERRY TIME
The wild blueberries were in full blossom on our back '40, but the droughty conditions have prevented an abundant crop. We are fortunate to have a commercial grower just down the road from our farm. This is her prize-winning recipe for:
BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST
12 slices of day-old white bread, crusts removed
2-8 ounces packages of cream cheese
1 cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries
12 eggs
2 cups milk
!/3 cup maple syrup or honey
FOR SAUCE
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup water
1 cup fresh (or frozen) blueberries 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
Cut bread in 1 inch cubes; place half in a greased 9x13x2 baking dish. Cut cream cheese into 1-in. cubes; place over bread. Top with blueberries and remaining bread. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and syrup; mix well. Pour over bread mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-30 minutes more or until golden brown and the center is set. In a saucepan, combine
sugar and cornstarch; add water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in blueberries, reduce heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until berries have burst. Stir in butter until melted. Serve over the FRENCH TOAST. Yield, 6-8 servings. Makes l3/4 cups of sauce.
A Special Note!
Dear Ladies,
I think your magazine is very well done - reporting is good - recipes are great!
Each time another one of our children visits I find my cookbook missing. Since I have 7 children, I’m thinking of tying some bells or whistles on it so I’ll be aware of its leaving my kitchen!
Best of all great things to all!
Babe Kruk
* ABECEiA
4)020
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SWU-ZARJA TRIVIA FOR HISTORY BUFFS!
Did you know that at one time the monthly delivery of ZARJA in the Cleveland area was done by boys and girls and not the U.S. Post Office? When ZARJA was printed in Cleveland at the American Home Publishing Co. on St. Clair, the copies were bundled according to how many were needed, street by street, and with lists of the members’ names the delivery boys loaded their wagons and off they went! Each copy was hand delivered!
For other neighborhoods, besides St. Clair, the bundles were taken to central distributing points and the same thing took place - the wagons went street by street. In no time, most of the boys knew their lists by heart. It was no problem and no one, hardly, ever missed a house!
Do you know when this happened?
There is one place in the United States where the logo or crest of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America is permanently installed, in full color. It’s in a location known to most Slovenians. It can still be seen, but you have to ask to see it.
Do you know where this is?
Do you know that when the Slovenian Women’s Union of America was founded in 1926, members referred to it in English as SLOVENIAN LADIES UNION, and Certificates of Membership show that name.
Do you know what year it was changed to SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION?
The SWU opened membership to 10 to 14 year olds and began a new Juvenile Department for them.
Do you know the year and what was the monthly dues?
English language articles came to be placed in the front of ZARJA to interest the younger membership.
What year was this done?
Because children members were growing up SWU allowed men to become adult members and established a new classification for them.
Do you know the name of that Class of Members and when it was adopted?
(Find the answers in the historical reviews - or -on page 63 of this ZARJA.)
The Vam
Paul Fidel, Jr., Ph.D.
FINDING FAMILY
A commentary on a recent pilgrimage to Slovenia in search of family
Part 3
The following two days were spent again visiting several family members’ homes, including one a few hours away - a goat farm on the Italian border. So we not only got to see more family, but also more of the beautiful country. Another stop at the cemetery for the new travelers to experience was equally moving. Sadly, Anton, the cousin who we met first a year prior, passed away a few months earlier and now too lays at rest in the cemetery. We felt privileged though to have known him. At each home we visited the hospitality was incredible. And this was during the week when people had schedules to keep with work or school. We even constructed the elusive third family tree throughout the visit. The atmosphere at the gatherings was so much more than I had anticipated. It was like we had known these people for years and had decided to get together for an evening. It was truly that natural. Then I realized -it was family!
Our late evenings were spent at a hotel nearby lamenting on the day’s activities. It was a great chance for our family to reflect on what we were experiencing. But it was all so overwhelming that, again, words do not do it justice.
Similar to the year prior we departed south Slovenia from the village pub. Our 3 days had come to an end. Once again we vowed to come back. But this time we also made a solid invitation for anyone to come to the states to visit us as well. We truly hope they will take us up on the offer. After much joyous or sorrowful embraces, we forged on to Šoštanj for the second half of our odyssey.
We found Šoštanj much as we had left it the year prior. But now we had a place to go and we were excited to build on the 5 hours of the previous year’s encounter. Here all 10 of us were able to stay in the farmhouse of our cousin Jana. Unfortunately, her father Tony had passed away during the prior year. Although saddened by his death too, we felt equally blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him during the first visit and realized how timely our trips have been. Once again the hospitality was amazing. The following two days were spent forging stronger bonds with those we had met so briefly the year before and meeting so many more members of the family in Šoštanj and nearby Velenje and Topolšica. Although Tony was no longer there, meeting so many others and being able to put more faces to the names on the newly composed family tree was a beautiful experience. And again it was all so natural - like we had known them for years and years! There was no need to get to know them - we knew them - it was family!
Here too there was a huge celebration for us, this time at a farmhouse that specialized in large group gatherings. There were 40 or more gathered. Anniversary blessing were
Fidel family at Šoštanj
given, gifts were exchanged, and a beautiful speech was given by our host, Jana, in both English and Slovenian. It was then I realized that there really wasn’t a language barrier any longer. Many younger persons knew English, we were getting a few words down to be respectful of the Slovenian culture, and it seemed as everyone knew what was being said even if it wasn’t in their native tongue. But why should that be surprising-it was family! Soon there were accordions out with people playing, dancing to polkas, and much singing and laughter. Once again I had to just step back and take it all in.
When our 3 days in Šoštanj were complete and all the embraces and goodbye’s made, we headed back to catch a train to Vienna similar to the year prior. But this time we were so much more fulfilled having again forged bonds that will not soon be broken and hopefully strengthened by our younger generation that is charged with not letting this incredible experience stop midstream. Somehow I know the bonds will continue to grow.
To this point, having concentrated on the experience with the people, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something of the food and spirits. Just as the country is God’s country, the people are God’s cooks! The food was incredible! We ate authentic Slovenian meals everywhere we visited for the entire week. And no two were the same. The soups were out of this world, the main dishes were amazing, meats and cheeses were...so homemade! I knew many of the dishes, but not had them in years - since my grandmother was living and in her cooking heyday. The spirits were equally special. The wines were all homemade, and the schnapps! Ahhh! Na zdravje!!!
On a philosophical side, I realized while sitting at the tables of all the family members, that they are one generation behind us in the U.S. But this is not because they are behind us in the U.S. in any way. It all comes down to which generation decides to move on, go to college, and ultimately become separated from the rest of the kin. In the U.S. this happened with my generation. I can remember vividly how our families would gather on weekends and holidays and sit at a table and eat, drink and talk for hours. Well actually
not me as I was a kid and running around with my cousins outside much the same as my kids did on this trip. I can’t remember the last time our families got together even on the holidays. It is just so busy now with the parts of the family coming in from everywhere and having so little time to even visit with the immediate family. But suffice to say that what I saw was how it was 25—30 years ago in Pittsburgh. It was a beautiful sight to see. I can also see into the future as the younger generation there is beginning to go now to Ljubljana and elsewhere to study. So in 25 years it will be the same in Slovenia as it is now in the U.S. Perhaps seeing the past and knowing the future should teach all of us to slow down a bit and rekindle the family ties!
In closing, these two trips were the most significant acts I have or will ever perform in my lifetime. At 41 that is a bold statement. Yes I have my own family and career, but this was not about me, it was about all the other people involved. I know my parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves and hopefully the visibly touching experience my uncle had was what he yearned for. One feels sad at times thinking why did it take this long to do? Well, in reality, we can’t feel bad as it really could not have happened much sooner than it did. We needed the younger English speaking generation to communicate with and Slovenia was an eastern block country only 12 years ago. But at least we all had the opportunity to do it - all 10 of us! I know it was an anniversary that won’t soon be forgotten - and after 55 years, it was not only worth the effort, but also a tribute to the two people who were honored by their ENTIRE family!
Europe doe not recognize Thanksgiving as a holiday. But Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and share a meal and their company. So despite being in a place where it is not officially observed, we had Thanksgiving for 7 straight days. It was an experience of a lifetime and will never be fogotten. For this family - it doesn't get any better than that!
-	The End -
Special thanks to the other 9 members of our U.S. family who were instrumental in the success of our grand pilgrimage: Paul and Pauline Fidel, Bill Fidel, Dorothy McCaul, Paul Fidel-Aitken, Paulena Fidel-Aitken, Tammy Fidel, Clint Fidel, and Maddi Fidel.
PHOTOS OF OUR
SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES
The ZARJA would like photos of the outside view of your Slovenian Churches for the January issue 2005. Along with the photo, please send a brief history of 35 words or less. Tell location, history and if it is still open or date closed and something important about it.
This article will be similar to the one of the Nativity scenes several years ago that everyone seemed to enjoy.
Please be sure your church will be in this issue. Hvala!
JULIE’S BACK!
Dear ZARJA readers,
I hope you all remember me, Julie Partyka (Br. 2, Chicago)... it’s been a while since I’ve written you all.
I’ve been very busy. I just concluded my first year of Nursing school, leaving this upcoming year before 1 graduate.
I am fulfilling a dream that I really never thought would become a reality. My grandmother (Frances Zibert/ Schultz) is a retired nurse, who always spoke highly of her career, but never tried to convince me to major in nursing. However, while taking some of the prerequisites, I guess I started to feel a “love” for the people that I cared for. Throughout this past year, I’ve met many new friends and really enjoy learning “how to be a nurse,” however it entails many exams, papers and care plans. Occasionally, 1 think the nursing program doesn’t test you on your skills or how “smart” you are by how well you do on exams...it often feels like they test you on your loyalty to the program. You must be a devoted person with true dedication to what you want to be, in order to keep up with the fast paced curriculum. Being able to multitask truly helps!
I’m happy to be able to write you all again.. .1 apologize for “disappearing!”
I hope summer was enjoyable... quick without a doubt. If you haven’t already, take some family and friends to Millennium Park in Chicago for a breathtaking evening. The 475 million dollar project transformed an eyesore of railway tracks into 24.5-acre cultural mall with music, theatre venues adjoining its acclaimed lakefront park space. It includes an outdoor concert hall, towering waterfall and the “Lurie Garden,” designed by a team led by Kathryn Gustafson, who created Hyde Park memorial to the late Princess Diana, Princess of Wales. Take advantage of a nice day...take a drive to the WINDY CITY!
As one little lesson that I have learned these past few months in nursing school, never put a negative thought in your head. By doing that, you make it an option. Give yourself that one and only choice to pass that class, get an A, make the right decision, take on a new responsibility.. .whatever it may be.
Quick little brain teaser to get you going...
M CE M CE M CE
Adorable Alexis!
Let me close by saying,
Let’s not forget our brave servicemen/women fighting for our freedom day in and day out and for those who have already lost their lives. Pray for them and their families today, tomorrow and always.
I’m glad to be back.. .1 hope my devoted readers are glad to hear from me! Much Love,
Julie
Answer: 3 Blind Mice
ARE WE REALLY SO BIG?
Alexander Sutton, Max Pecharich and Luke Christensen, the three little “angel grandsons” of Milan and Martha Pecharich mark up their heights in Lemont, IL at Baraga Park where a miniature of the Marquette Cathedral often attracts camera buffs!
Br. 16’s newest and youngest member, Alexis Anne Behrman, daughter of Christy and John, born 12/4/03 is the fifth generation of a family of members belonging to our branch: great great grandmother, Helen Cherne; great grandmother, Anne Klobučar; great grand aunt, Marie Cherne; grandmother, Helene Klobučar Behrman and Daddy, John Behrman.
THIS IS WHAT MONICA SAW...IN 1993...
Through the eyes of an eight year old, the ladies at a meeting of her mom’s lodge looked like this to Monica Selak, so she captured the scene on paper and we printed it in ZARJA, thanks to her mom, the president of Br. 55, Girard, OH.
Now, it’s 11 years later, and what do you know? Monica is one of our recently named 2003 Scholarship Winners (see July-August ZARJA)! But, we don’t think she’s studying art!
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Preserving
Slovenian-American
Culture,
Spirit and Pride
Tne SWU doesn’t have to take a backseat to any other fraternal society regarding the dedication and vigor demonstrated by it’s leaders and members toward the preservation and enhancement of Slovenian culture, spirit and pride! While other societies may have larger memberships and financial resources to devote, in terms of sheer dedication, SWU wins by a mile!
I find it interesting to step back and analyze what motivates a person to have a special feeling toward their ethnic heritage and a measure of activism toward preserving and practicing things specific to that heritage. In the case of Slovenian-Americans is it: the fond memories of an immigrant grandparent?; the climate that existed in your family home when you were a child?; a trip to Slovenia that kindled your consciousness?; or is it something buried in your genes? The answer is probably some or any one of these as well as other things specific to individuals. I recently met ladies in their 50’s who experienced an intense awakening of their Slovenian identities and are vigorously pursing related projects. Whatever that answer may be it seems important to understand it if we want to see Slovenian ethnic consciousness alive and evident in the future.
When the large numbers of immigrants came to America in the latter part of the 1800s and early 1900’s most located in communities that facilitated preservation of their languages, cultural norms and practices. As they succeeded and the industries in which they were employed declined, many of the communities declined as did the cohesiveness that they facilitated. The success and determination of the first settlers also permitted children to become educated, providing the “ticket” needed for movement into the distant, larger society. Intermarriage with persons of other ethnic heritages added strains within families related to preservation of the Slovenian language and traditions. Finally, problems within families, dissatisfaction with perceptions of “old fashioned” ways of thinking and behaving, as well as negative pressures generated by the larger society discouraged individuals from continuing to think of themselves as Slovenian-Americans rather than simply Americans. Today “political correctness” may also discourage efforts perceived as setting one group distinct and apart from others.
We now find ourselves as being a member of as much as the 6th generation of persons of Slovenian heritage born in America! If you happen to have been born and remained in a Joliet, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Pueblo, Ely or other community with a substantial Slovenian population you may have hardly noticed any change in the way of life shared by previous generations in your family. You may be a member of the SWU branch that your grandmother or great grandmother founded; you may still go to summer picnics at the campgrounds your grandfather constructed; and may speak a version of Slovene that, in Slovenia, is now judged “antique”, that includes strange sentence constructions and is interspersed with English derived words. You may still know of distant cousins in Slovenia with whom you maintain contact! If some or all of these apply to you...consider yourself lucky! The more typical situation is that you may have been bom in a Slovenian community, but you (or your parents) left it for college or jobs and you find yourself now living in an area where there are no Slovenian lodges...and you don’t even have a friend or acquaintance of our heritage. When you do encounter one they may not know enough about their background to recognize that their surname...Novak, Kovacic or Zupančič... suggests they share your ancestry! Even worse some don’t even want to be reminded that they may have a heritage other than American.
Slovenian-Americans don’t have a monopoly on the problem of ethnic preservation. Many of the groups that came to this country over the past 100 years or so share this problem... to the extent that their fraternal societies are rapidly disappearing. On the other hand, newly arrived ethnics are behaving in much the same manner as did our forebearers, gathering in communities, seeking to preserve their languages and cultures while working toward better futures. Some argue to have their languages taught in public schools. Would it surprise you to learn that salsa now outsells catsup?
The bottom line for those of us who want to see our Slovenian-American heritage preserved comes down to what can we do about it? While the problem isn’t currently as great in the Joliets, Clevelands etc., it is nevertheless just a matter of time before people there may experience the same problem that exists among persons in the diaspora. The questions come down to: what aspects of our culture is it reasonable to conclude can be preserved? How can we best go about doing so? What techniques and organizational approaches can best be employed? And, from what sources will the needed financial and personnel resources come? I don’t have the answers but I think that it is important that such questions be stated and that discussions occur about possible answers.
There is a management exercise called “future planning” in which scenarios are constructed as to what an organization or group would like the future to be, and what needs be done to achieve that. I believe that those of us in the Slovenian-American community who would like to envisage a situation 100 years from now in which there is a semblance of our heritage alive and visible...have such concerns to address.
Over the years fraternal societies and other groups have devised and implemented a variety of approaches toward aiding cultural and ethnic identity preservation. It seems important that we take a hard look at each such approach in light of the likely impact and prospects of success. For example, if membership in a Slovenian-American organization is judged to be important, then reducing the barriers to joining seems crucial. Fraternal organizations have to a great extent, been insurance companies that had an ethnic clientele. In 21st Century America, given the almost universal availability of low cost insurance from employers, if one has to buy an insurance policy to join, this may greatly discourage membership.
The SWU, in my opinion, made an eminently wise decision and a strong statement of its commitment to cultural/ethnic goals by eliminating the requirement for purchase of insurance...as well as by welcoming men. Next, America is a technologically-based society and people-to-people communication is increasingly becoming electronic. SWU’s Online Neighborhood Newletter is a very relevant and timely experiment. On the other hand, though helpful, scholarships may not be as effective an aid to cultural preservation as, e.g. subsidizing group trips of students to Slovenia. It may also be helpful to support online Slovene language training programs and genealogical search aids. Fortunately, people in the leadership of SWU and other groups have been seeking answers and many related efforts are underway.
(Comments invited)
Richard A. Terselic Husband of Branch 103 President Mary Lou Terselic
9003 Harris Street Frederick, MD 21704-7827 rat@tidalwave .net
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☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ BRIEF BIO ON OUR NEW WEBMASTER!
It’s a pleasure to announce that we have a new Webmaster, Jerry Sherek of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jerry is 100% Slovenian heritage and in the computer business for over 20 years! Officially, he is a member of Br. 39, Biwabik, where his late mother was a long-time member. Since he lives over 200 miles from his hometown, he doesn’t get there too often, but certainly keeps in touch through contacts with his aunt who is active in the branch. His wife and two adult daughters complete the family.
He is hoping that we succeed in organizing a new branch in Minneapolis!
Jerry has visited Slovenia three times
-	and says he is ready to go back again soon.
He accepted this position as our Webmaster recently and we are all happy to have his enthusiastic help. Remember, to reach our website:
WWW.SWUA.ORG And, to reach Jerry by e-mail:
Webmaster@SWUA.ORG
Sincere thanks, Linda and Bill!
Webmaster pair served SWU well!
On behalf of the National Board and the members of SWUA, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Linda and Bill Ford for all of their hard work and dedication to our Website over the past 5 years. At this time Linda and Bill are unable to continue their work in this capacity. Creating a website does not happen over night and I hope you all join me in thanking them for taking time out of their busy schedules to make it happen. I wish Linda and Bill continued success in all of their endeavors.
Ed. Note: Linda’s quality' photographs have graced our ZARJA many times - in this issue there are several of her portraits of National Offices and other photos taken at the Home Office and at the last Convention. Special thanks, Linda, for adding to the beauty of our ZARJA!	C.L.
ZARJA - THE DAWN THE CROWN JEWEL OF THE SWU COMMEMORATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
ZARJA’s 75th Anniversary is a significant moment in the organization’s history and I raise my voice in praise and commendation for this most important event.
Historically, certain people and their ideals are responsible for this moment of attainment. In 1929, three years after the SZZ, had been organized by Marie Prisland, an extraordinary visionary of the time, ZARJA - The Dawn was first published. She recognized the need to educate the Slovenian woman in becoming good Americans and used the ZARJA as a device for communicating these suggestions. Simultaneously, the magazine fulfilled other objectives such as unifying newly formed branches and disseminating information that was valuable to the development of the branches.
ZARJA has been a part of my life as a child, student, career woman and finally as a retiree. It’s hard to remember when it wasn’t significant, as my mother, Emma Planinšek, long-time president of Branch #20, was influential in sparking my interest in the SWU as a child and drew my attention to the many photos and the sections that were written about the interesting activities.
Whether it was the Slovenian heritage dance rehearsals led by Ann Stukel at Gregory’s Hall, the yearly SWU meetings where junior members performed, or the many activities promoted by the Junior and the Senior Cadets, these momentous events in our lives were recorded for posterity in the monthly pages of the ZARJA.
Little did we know in the 1940’s or 50s that a valuable historical record of the SWU, its members and all the cultural events that were a part of our Slovenian heritage were being captured and documented for posterity.
Picnics in Lemont, ticket committees, drill team rehearsals, fund-raising, dances, flag blessings, donning colorful uniforms at the Josephine Erjavec home in preparation for the local parades, these events and others could be found in the pages of ZARJA, month after month, not only for Branch #20 but for the entire Union.
As an adult 1 became more involved in the SWU, and organized the Slovenian-American community in the Washington, D.C. area into SWU Br. #103, and reported the activities of this fledgling branch for six years in the ZARJA. As National Heritage Director, and organizer of the SWU Heritage Museum, ZARJA aided me in promoting a mission of prime importance. The Museum now stands as a symbol of our organization’s achievements past and present. Hopefully, in the future, the Museum will be a resource for the generations who will study and research the shining past of our Slovenian heritage and the importance of the SWU as a woman’s fraternal organization.
ZARJA also enlarged its scope of endeavor by assisting in the promotion of and the preservation of the immigrant experiences. My interviews with Slovenian immigrants and documentation of their struggles and successes were published in monthly articles as the Immigrant series for more than 20 years. These biographies acknowledged the valuable contribution made by our Slovenian immigrants to the American way of life.
For 75 years, and under the Editorship of only four editors, the goals were successfully promoted. But as time moves on, so did the mission of the SWU. A new objective was naturally rising to the foreground, that of preserving the Slovenian-American culture, traditions and heritage. The first Slovenian Heritage Festival, another of my ideas, was held in Joliet, IL in 1978; thereafter, other festivals in Joliet, as well as in Ohio and the combined Minnesota branches were held. Every word that was printed in recognition of this mission aided in the “heritage trend, “which reached all branches and inspired them to plan heritage related activities in their own communities.
ZARJA has paralelled much of the 20th century technological advancement as well as the immediate obsolence of each invention that dazzled the public. The past generation has witnessed one new device after another being replaced by a better one. People relocate from one job to another, after
just a few years, climbing up the career ladder of success, therefore it is indeed remarkable that the SWU should boast of its present Editor, Corinne Leskovar, as one who has contributed 50 plus years to the continuation and development of the ZARJA. Corinne brought to her position a deep love for her Slovenian heritage, exceptional language skills, and editorial expertise, an artistic flair and creativity that has elevated ZARJA to a prestigious magazine among other fraternal publications. Through the half century of publication, Corinne has never deviated from excellence in content and artistic presentation. ZARJA stands alone among fraternal organizations as a premier publication because of her expertise and that of the many reporters and writers who have contributed interesting articles through the years.
The SWU has remained a viable organization and a leader among many organizations through the success of its monthly publication, ZARJA - The Dawn. By virtue of its splendid past and a significant present, the future of the SWU and ZARJA is expected to hold promise of greater things in the 21st century!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZARJA!
Irene M. Odorizzi,
National Heritage Director, 1978-1999
Photo: SWU Home Office and Slovenian Heritage Museum
ZARJA Provides Insights to the Past, Present and Future of SWUA
We are indeed fortunate to have written records about SWUA from 75 years ago to the present day. ZARJA’s stories about nationwide SWUA branch events, women’s struggles and successes, highlights about members provide insights about our organization.
Through ZARJA, we can learn much about the past, the past, the present, and what our goals are for the future.
In the last several years ZARJA has become a more informative magazine emphasizing Slovenian heritage. By providing more variety and substantive material, a larger number of people of Slovenian descent will surely find a niche of interest. Issues of ZARJA weave together branch news, new recipes, topics on Slovenian handicrafts, language, genealogy, Slovenian literature, history, poetry and other areas of interest into a magazine that members keep for historical purposes and as reference material forever. An abundance of information about anything to do with Slovenia and being ' Slovenian descent is presented, is informative to a larger audience and offers our members a window to Slovenia on a wider range of topics than ever before in the past.
It’s amusing to recognize that ZARJA is succeeding to identify our Slovenian heritage beyond eating potica and dancing a Slovenian polka. To keep our Slovenian heritage alive and interesting, we need to nourish the next generation with a richer tapestry of cultural, social and religious traditions and respect for the past to successfully instill the many facets of our Slovenian ancestry. “The Heritage of the Past is the seed that brings forth the Harvest of the Future,” a quote from the exterior of the U.S. Archives in Washington, D.C. is poignant and worth remembering as we embark on future SWUA projects.
If most Ameicans identified their heritage primarily with apple pie, baseball and jazz, and placed minor impor-
tance on the history of our country and the U.S. Constitution, patriotism depicted in art, music and poetry, the beauty of our National Parks, and other things that we share with our children that make us deeply proud to be American, would our nation have much substance or meaning? SWUA is gradually succeeding in gaining new membership, not just on poticas and polkas alone, but also by promising a larger gift of truly sharing our Slovenian heritage in a more diversified and meaningful way. We have come around full circle, originally comprised of immigrant women, we are now marketing to American Slovenian women and men, who are seeking to learn something substantive about their heritage and the country of Slovenia.
Decade after decade members, guests and national officers have helped write the history of SWUA in ZARJA. For over 50 years Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA has been the pillar of strength behind ZARJA, with the keen sense of continuously improving the magazine. By consistently inspiring members and guests to contribute writing for the magazine, it broadens the news presented and stimulates members’ interest in our beloved ZARJA magazine. May we be open to new possibilities associated with revitalizing our branches and expanding to offer new and interesting events. If there is not enough interest or help from the younger generation, we have no one but ourselves responsible to change that.
Congratulations to Corinne Leskovar on the outstanding ZARJA publication. Thank you for putting your Slovenian heart and soul in past issues, and especially in this commemorative anniversary issue celebrating 75 years of ZARJA. Wishing you good health, love and blessings in continuing all that you do for the SWUA!
We have much to learn and work to do to help us move forth to produce a successful harvest in the future of this great organization.
Bernadette (Bernardka) Kovacic Fitzsimmons President, Br. 108, Olney, MD Former Youth Director 1987-1995
Sv. Miklauž (St. Nicholas), an annual and welcome visitor Heritage Camp kids at the 2003 Duluth Convention
THE FUTURE AS WE SEE IT
Commentary by the National Board of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America
Kathleen Dorchak-Hall, National President
The past 75 years of the ZARJA has provided our members articles on immigrant history, favorite recipes, our various branch activities and events, highlights of many members of their contributions to the Slovenian Women’s Union and much more. I see the future of our beloved ZARJA to continue to keep our members informed and involved in our Slovenian heritage and traditions. While we will still continue to share stories of members and their history we must strive to encourage an active interest in our Slovenian heritage to all generations and the generations to follow if we are to survive. The survival of an organization relays on its members for its strength. The Slovenian Women’s Union of America also depends on its members to be successful. The ZARJA is our communication tool. We as members need to insure that the ZARJA will continue for many years with a strong membership base. Let us all work together to continue to strive to provide cherished traditions to our members.
Betty Ann Kolesari, National Vice President:
Since the beginning of the SWUA, preserving the values of our Slovenian cultures in America have been the dreams and goals of many. Efforts today to keep our Heritage alive and present for the future are continually happening. Just as our founding memebrs took pride in moving forward, so must we. Members are encourage to keep the Slovenian Button Box beating strong throughout the USA for the upcoming years and generations. Membership participation is so important to the future of SWUA. Involvement within your own Branch helps our organization become stronger. Being able to read and keep up with the rest of our members around the nation helps keep the cross-stitch of our lives together. We need our members to be active in keeping our Slovenian Heritage and word alive. The power and strength that the ZARJA brings to our organization is great. We are truly honored to have such a beautiful tool, along with our Editor of 50 years, Corinne Leskovar. A very happy 75th birthday to ZARJA - The Dawn with many, many more to come.
Love, health and happiness to all.
I
Bonnie Prokup, National Secretary:
I was asked to write a few words about the future of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America in honor of this special 75th Anniversary occasion. This comes very easy for me as I do believe we have a future! Our future is shaped in many ways and in order to make a FUTURE we must first have a PAST and PRESENT.
Our PAST comes from a very rich Slovenian Heritage. To think that this organization was formed almost 80 years ago to make our Slovenian female ancestors more American was ahead of the times. If you don’t know much about what our ancestors faced I encourage you to utilize the many resources sitting in our Heritage Museum & Library in Joliet, IL. The stories are inspirational!
With that PAST it created the PRESENT. The reasons for being founded no longer exists. Today, we are trying to make the American woman more Slovenian by holding on to our strong heritage. We do this in many ways. Through our beloved ZARJA magazine, the On-Line Newsletter, the website, cookbook, Scholarship program, Heritage Museum and Library to name a few. Through these vehicles we introduce 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 5th generations of Slovenian immigrants what customs to hold on to and help us understand who we are and where we came from.
Because of the need to know who we are - it gives us the FUTURE. The future will continue to look bright as long as we keep the excitement in each one of us. Only this will keep the organization alive. It will make us grow. And growing is exactly what we are doing best. The amount of members cancelling each year is minimal. What outweighs that is the amount of new members we continuously recruit. During the past five years we have recruited almost 1200 new members. This is incredible! In addition we have rebuilt many branches out there that were falling apart, especially Branch 93 of NYC. Two more branches that deserve special recognition of reviving are Branch 99 of Lemont, IL and Branch 108 of Olney, MD. Even more exciting is the possibility of a Branch forming in the Twin Cities. These are the guarantees that insure our FUTURE.
Our future will depend on all of us. If we continue at the rate I’ve seen during the past five years I am convinced we will see many more celebrations to come. Congratulations to each and everyone of you reading this special issue of ZARJA. Because of you, your dedication and your support — we hope to continue the success we have seen.
Na zdravje!
Jonita Ruth, Nat’l. Treasurer:
Preserving Our Faith,
Our family!
It is all Rolled up in the Slovenian Women’s Union of America!
Beverly Menart, 1st National Auditor:
ZARJA is the tie that binds all Branches of Slovenian Women’s Union of America together. We are scattered all over the country and it joins all of us in a common bond. Happy 75th Birthday ZARJA and many more years of successful publication.
Oenise P. Bartlett, 2nd National Auditor:
In 1952, when Corinne Leskovar took over the position of editor of the ZARJA from her mother, Albina Novak, I’m sure that everyone was pleased with the transition. Corinne’s mother was editor of ZARJA from 1939 until 1952 and was no doubt quite happy to keep it in the family. Now, 52 years later, as we celebrate the 75th year of the ZARJA’s existence, there is a huge family - a Slovenian community, a sisterhood, a membership - that also appreciates that transition. It’s been a tremendous responsibility for Corinne to edit and produce our beloved ZARJA for the last 52 years. As we look to the future of ZARJA - The Dawn, we come to the realization that Corinne won’t be the editor forever. This is one of those times when one can say “it’s a good thing if history repeats itself’ in reference to our ZARJA. This publication is what connects us when great distances separate us. May our future editor be as devoted as Corinne has been to keeping our Slovenian heritage in the forefront.
I only became an active SWUA member in the year 2000. It was a milestone year for me as I celebrated the end of the century. Since then I have sensed an excitement brewing in so many of our Branches at the beginning of this new millennium. So many of our members read our wonderful ZARJA from cover to cover - because there is so much to read about our Slovenian activities. As editor, Corinne, struggles with decisions as to what has to be left out, not with “How do we fill the pages”? That is a great problem; to have too much news, too much to share. It indicates that even with our busy, individual lives our members want to keep their Slovenian connection alive. The Zveza and ZARJA have a stronghold on our future by not letting us forget the past.
Nancy Henkel, 3rd National Auditor:
I wish the very best for our SWUA and ZARJA! The way things are progressing only great things can happen for our future. Just think about it, not all nationalities have organization pertaining to their heritage, let alone a informative bi-monthly magazine. So I think we are all very lucky. The future looks bright for SWUA!
Mary Turvey, Director SWU Scholarship Fund:
The FUTURE of SWUA and ZARJA
Our mothers and grandmothers with strong dedication and hard work planted the seeds of the Slovenian Women’s Union organization in 1926. They knew at that time that their long hours of volunteering, most without recognition or pay, would never see the harvest of their work. All work they did and we do today is done in faith.
ZARJA, the main organ of our organization has been and continues to be essential in promoting, educating, and bringing members of SWUA together. The ZARJA magazine as well as the Slovenian Women’s Union itself has gone through transitions and fared in fine fashion. Although some branches were lost, new young members with fresh ideas have joined. These are the bright lights of the future. Marie Prisland once made the following statement,” A mother lights the fire, the children spread the light.”
Just as those who came before us, currently we, through our many hours of volunteer work, setting up branch meetings, writing articles for ZARJA, promoting our Slovene heritage, selling cookbooks and calendars as fund raisers, volunteering at the Heritage Museum, donating our precious time and talents, are now planting seeds for the future. We will not see the results of the daily work we do, but we have faith in the future of the Slovenian Women’s Union and ZARJA, its significant recorder of the past, present, and years to come.
ZARJA Editors Albina Novak and her successor, Corinne Leskovar have been instrumental in keeping the Slovenian Women’s Union the progressive organization it is due to fresh, interesting, varied subjects that have been presented during the past 75 years. We are deeply indebted to them for their loyalty and dedication for promoting the Slovenian Women’s Union through ZARJA.
Mary Lou Voelk, Director of Heritage Special Projects:
75 years, a feat to be commended. Congratulations ZARJA! But longevity does not make for future success. As each year passes the percentage of Slovenian ethnicity of SWU members is diluted. Assimilation keeps marching ahead, taking its toll of what was once an almost pure Slovenian membership. While we can celebrate 75 years of ZARJA, we must also do some serious questioning. As the ethnicity becomes thinner, how do we maintain Slovenian heritage?
How to we instill pride in that part of us which is Slovenian?
These are questions we must all ask of ourselves.
“YOUR MAGAZINE ZARJA is a beautiful beginning; it is a “Slovenian Dawn” for all generations. The promotion of worthwhile projects which preserve and commemorate the Slovenian immigrants’ contributions to America; the branch newsletters, the personal communications from the spiritual director, national officers, and the magazine’s editor, which keep alive a communications network of sharing; the heritage articles, which enrich our memories-all of these elements of ZARJA bring to its readers a sense of pride and place. Personally, it reinforces my sense of woman as conservator of culture.”
Frances Babic, M.A.
Keynote Speaker Nat’l. SWU Convention, Joliet, Illinois
Lynn Zalokar, Online Newsletter Editor:
Branch Leaders are always asking how to reach younger members or inactive members. Do realize “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” Ask your members what would bring them to a meeting or event. Ask your members what they like or don’t like about your branch. (This can be done with a easy-to-fill-out survey form.) Also, I hope you all make a conserted effort to collect email addresses from your members! This is the preferred method of communication for many (young and old). But do communicate with members using their preferred method (some like email, some like phone calls, some like a note in the mail). Today there are so many ways to reach people with information. Do not take for granted that everyone reads the ZARJA and makes note of your latest meeting or event. We usually need reminders!
I hope that each member will take it upon themselves to make “Slovenianism” a life-long learning endeavor. Why be curious? If our relatives came here during the Ellis Island period or after WWII that means our family histories in the U.S. are only 100 years old or less! Our history prior to that is all in Slovenia. The SWUA would like to be your source of life-long learning, but we do need to hear from you when you like or don’t like something. Please communicate! Thanks to Corinne for her years of dedicated service.
Olga Dorchak, State President, Ohio-Michigan:
Our Slovenian Women’s Union will endure. It is comprised of members determined to keep our heritage alive.
Attending a Board meeting clearly showed the exuberance and heartfelt desire to inspire others to continue this heritage. Their spirit is overwhelming.
Read your ZARJA’s from cover to cover. Members across the United States are investing their time and energy, proving without a doubt, they know for a fact we are a viable organization.
Inform your families and friends, young and old, believe in this group, Join us, the Slovenian Women’s Union of America.
The future will be very bleak if we forget our past.
s
ZARJA 75th Anniversary Cover Design
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of a women’s publication for women shows the pioneering spirit of Slovenian faith and culture in respecting the dignity and power of the feminine role in society. This cover represents the sisterhood of Slovenian women, hand in hand, always welcoming the new as a sign of hope and light in a sometimes dark world. The silhouettes show a woman in traditional costume in the center, joined by others representing the past and the future, the young and the old, in various walks and stages of life. The word “ZARJA” forms a constellation of beautiful stars in the sky, a symbol of its role as guide and enlightener since 1929. As the moon fades, the women face the dawn of a new age together, strengthened by their mutual bonds of faith and heritage.
Sister Donna Kristoff, O.S.U.
June 2004
Our Cover Designer, Sister Donna Kristoff
Sister Donna Kristoff has been an Ursuline Sister of Cleveland for forty-five years. She was born in the Collinwood Slovenian neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in its traditions, especially weddings, music and art (her father and his three brothers were a band that played at many local weddings.) As an Ursuline, Sister Donna taught art at every eductional level and created her own work, primarily in painting, a talent she inherited from her father. She was able to travel to Slovenia with her parents in 1974, a return to her roots which she continues to cherish to this day. Currently, Sister Kristoff resides at the Ursuline Motherhouse in Cleveland and is the computer graphic designer for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation.
V	   J
Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA:
Welcome to the next 75 years!
In the clearly stated points in the SWUA Mission Statement the Slovenian Women’s Union of America has an outline for the next 75 years! In essence, in this statement, we are offering membership in our organization to every Slovenian-American woman in the USA and with membership we promise to encourage and inspire her to preserve our heritage!
Our task is clear, first we must reach her, no matter where she lives, by telling her about our SWUA, and secondly, to set into operation the resources that she will need to accomplish the goal of knowing her heritage!
This may be a formidable task. But is it? First, I am thinking about our name, the Slovenian Women’s Union of America and particularly, the word UNION. A Union is a linkage, or wreath, a unification, a combining of things into an attached form, gathered and not broken. Isn’t that the perfect name for our task at hand? Our Union is already formed, now we need only to add more links that will be attachments for our members so they can connect.
A Volunteer Resource Committee could be the answer to this, assembling many volunteers who are knowledgeable and expert in all the many subjects that we want to know about, such as:
Historical information about Slovenia, its geography, political/education/media set-ups, the flag, their relations to the world and to Europe;
Places in Slovenia, maps, reference books;
Slovenian-American settlements in the USA, the demographics and what are their natural assets;
Slovenian classical art, and the art kept in museums/churches;
Slovenian music, connections to music libraries in the USA and Slovenia and music production companies that deal with Slovenian folk and popular music;
Slovenian crafts, who still does this and where is it available for viewing, learning and purchasing; the same for folk costumes, their historical changes and current availability;
Cultural/traditional Slovenian observances according to the calendar;
Slovenian literature of the masters, and translations into English, what books and magazines available;
Genealogy, where to get help in setting up your Family Tree, who are the experts, associations, memberships, references to Republic of Slovenia archives, birth documents, maps;
Slovenian-Americans in history, in literature, in the news;
Slovenian women in America, in business, industry; cooking professionals in America and Slovenia, how to resource Slovenian recipes, where to get the tools, ingredients;
Law, Education, Medicine as it is practiced in Slovenia, how it compares to America, how to resource medicines/herbs in Slovenia;
Slovenian organizations, social, literary, arts and crafts, cultural and other clubs;
Calendar of events, who, what, where things are happening that interest the American-Slovenian woman and her family.
These are some of the things that we can offer our union of women in the USA, things that are going to make us a great, well-rounded society. We already have some people to fill this list! They are already a part of SWU and are writing in ZARJA about all these things. But, can we find more people to be volunteers and share their knowledge on this interesting committee? Can we bring the Slovenian Women’s Union into more meaningful service, following our Mission Statement, in the coming years of our big and wonderful future? I think we can.
Look at the way the first 75 years have changed our organization. From a small group of immigrant Slovenian womer who had nothing material, but a lot of spirit and determination, we have become the voice of a new Slovenian-American woman, constantly looking for connections to her heritage of which she is so proud. ZARJA-The Dawn is your verification of that.
I think we can say heartily, welcome the future!
S.W.U.A. National Board 2003-2007
From left, front row: Lisa McDonell,
Betty Ann Kolesari, Bonnie Prokup; back row, Bev Menart, Olga Dorchak, Jonita Erjavec Ruth, Nancy Henkel, Kathleen Dorchak-Hall, Genevieve Buol, Denise Bartlett, Mary Lou Voelk, Corinne Leskovar and Linda Ford, (photo Linda Ford)
New! SWUA Slovenia Travel Award 2005
Applications accepted between August 1 and December 1
The SWUA announces an award to send two young adults to Slovenia for a two week school and tour in July 2005. This tour is hosted by the University of Ljubljana Student Organization. This program provides guided tours to many of the tourist attractions, cultural events and informal language classes. Following is a summary of the guidelines and application process:
1) Applicants must be 18-26 years of age (18 by December 31, 2004)
- have held a membership in SWUA (paid-up for the past 3 years)
2) Applicants must write an essay of 100 words or more (double-spaced)
- tell why applicant wishes to receive the Travel Award, how will this experience help them to
generate new members into the SWUA, and how will they use this experience to promote the Slovenian heritage
3) Must include a resume
- include applicant’s heritage background and photo
4) A recommendation by their branch officer must be included.
5) Within two (2) months of return, winners will submit
- an article which will appear in the ZARJA and a photo or two from the tour
The SWUA Travel Award will cover cost of airfare. The university student organziation underwrites cost of tour.
Applications are to be mailed to:
Mary Turvey, Scholarship Director 52 Oakridge Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855
All applications must be received by January 1, 2005
For more information on the SWUA Travel Award, contact:
Anita Vovk
719Knuti Drive Aurora, MN 55705-1212 Phone:(218)229-3202 gospa@cpintemet. com
Kathleen Wheeler
16917 Marlborough Circle Minnetonka, MN 55345 Phone:(952)935-7441 Cell: (612) 803-9416 kwheeler@compassmail.com
Lisa Ochsendorf
6096 145th St. N. Hugo, MN 55038 Phone:(651)653-5215 lfo 1968@hotmail .com
We are anxious for our members to take part in this offer and wish each one GOOD LUCK!!!
The Abeceda Fund-Raiser!
For the benefit of our Student Scholarship Travel Award Fund
I am asking those members whose first, middle or last name begins with the letter “A” to send only one dollar, $1, to the 2005 Travel Award Fund, c/o Mary Turvey, 52 Oakridge Dr., Marquette, Michigan 49855. Your donation will be grately appreciated.
Anita Vovk
Answers to Trivia questions on page 51.
1) It happened in the middle 1930’s
2) 2nd floor office at American Home on St. Clair
3)	1970
4) 1939 and the dues was 15c per month
5) 1956
6) 1983
ZARJA ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL	MoRF:PoTS^PANS
For a limited time, our popular cookbook,
‘MORE POTS & PANS9
Books are priced at $12 per copy or 2 for $20, cash and carry.
If mailed from the Home Office, cost is $15 each or 2 for $25
Name
Address
City
State
Zipcode
Orders and further information:
SWU Home Office, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432, tel. (815) 727-1926
// (■' Vn ■!
SLOVENIAN -AMERICAN COOKBOOK
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Connie Rodriguez Lois M. Zefran Debbie Zefran Jerry
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“DANCING A POLKA TO HEAVEN”
Part memoir, part tribute and filled with the story and history chronicles of the life and ministry of Fr. Frank Perkovich of Gilbert, Minnesota. $18.95
Available at SWU Heritage Museum 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
TEZAK FUNERAL HOME “First In Service Since 1908”
Licensed Producer: Richard K. Tezak (815) 722-0524 American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
1211 Plainfield Road Joliet, IL 60435
Marie T. Stelow, MS, LCPC
Individual, Couple, Family Therapy
1000 Essington Road Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (815) 773-2303 Fax: (815) 744-1623
FUNERAL HOMES
Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director
mark@ziminerfuncralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 (920) 457-7012 - Fax:(920) 457-7013 117 North Wisconsin Drive, Howards Grove, WI 53083 (920) 565-2331 www.zimmertuneralhome.com
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki
Membership Application
Yes!
I	want to join the S.W.U. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication, ZARJA-The Dawn; I can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, I will come in contact with fellow Slovenes.
Please type or print legibly. Choose type of membership:
□	Junior (Birth to 18), Annual Dues $5.00	□	Adult, Annual Dues $20.00
Name and Middle Initial   _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address ________________________________________________ City/State/Zip	_______________________________________________
Phone/Fax _______________________________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________
Date of Birth _________________________________________________ Do you speak Slovenian?   _____________________________________
Please describe your Slovenian ancestry   _____________________________________________________________________________________
How did you hear about us? _ S.W.U. member ________ newspaper	  website	  other
Applicant’s signature: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date:
Branch Affiliation No. (if known) ______________________________________________ Location:	___________________________________________
Please make checks payable to the Slovenian Women’s Union of America and mail to:
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432 - (815) 727-1926 e-mail: swuhome@msn.com — Internet webpage: www.swua.org
Please allow four to six weeks for membership processing.
In addition to my dues, I wish to contribute to the General Fund:	For	Office Use:
$ ___________________________________________ Date	Received:   _________________________
In honor of ____________________________________________________________ Membership No.:
In memory of ___________________________________________________________ Branch Affiliate: _
Send acknowledgement to ________________________________________________
□	I would like to volunteer for the S.W.U. My area of interest or expertise is: _________
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WONDERS OF SLOVENIA — JULY 02, 2005
Day 01 June 19 Sunday
Arrival to Ljubljana Bernik airport, transfer to Brezje for Sunday Mass. Continue to our Novo Mesto, Hotel Krka. Welcome to Slovenia dinner at the Otočec castle restaurant.	D
Day 02 June 20 Monday
Morning visit of Žužemberk, Bishop Baraga’s birthplace, Trebnje, and the oldest monastery in Slovenia, Stična with light lunch at a local tourist farm, “Grofija” or other local gostilna. Late afternoon cooking classes at Trška gora picnic place followed by dinner. (All group participates at preparing the dinner...) possibly with musical entertainment Overnight Hotel Krka.
Day 03 June 21 Tuesday
Morning visit of Novo Mesto and on our way to Maribor, visit champagne cellar Istenič to sample the world renowned product of this family. Then enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. Stop in Ptuj to visit the castle with its ethnographic museum housing articles of Slovene history and heritage. Then its on to Maribor to check into the Hotel Habakuk. Dinner on your own, overnight.
Day 04 June 22 Wednesday
Morning free to enjoy the facilities of this world class spa. Afternoon we begin by visiting Maribor Castle, see places connected with Pope’s visit and Bishop Slomšek who was beatified here. On to Rogaška Slatina to visit the crystal factory and their shop displaying and selling the fine crystal and hand crafted designs. Drive to Jeruzalem vineyards for dinner with wine and entertainment at the top of the rolling hills in the middle of the vineyards. Return to Maribor for overnight.
Day 05 June 23 Thursday
Drive via Ptujska Gora shrine and on to the Laško brewery for visit and tasting of another famous Slovenia product. Continue to Ljubljana with a must stop for Trojane doughnuts en route. This afternoon we journey by boat on the Ljubljanica river to a local gostilna, “Livada" at the edge of town with dinner and entertainment, return by bus to our hotel (Lev or GH Union.)
Day 06 June 24 Friday, Ljubljana
Morning city sightseeing tour and time for receptions and partaking of the festive atmosphere as the town prepare to celebrate Slovenian Independence Day. Free afternoon for shopping and meeting with friends and relatives before preparing for tonight's celebrations. (Dinner in downtown restaurant before festivities.
Day 07 June 25 Saturday - National Holiday in Slovenia
We travel west via the Gorica region and cross into Italy as we head toward Padova where we take a brief sightseeing tour of this well preserved medieval city. We’ll enjoy a traditional Italian dinner at a local restaurant featuring cuisine of the region. Overnight in Radova.
Day 08 June 26 Sunday
Sunday Mass in Padova, continue to Venice for sightseeing of this grand city of canals and, basilicas and museums. Then cross back into Slovenia as we follow the Adriatic into Portorož. We check into our modern hotel, (GH Metropol). Dinner and overnight.
Day 09 June 27 Monday
Free day to enjoy the delights of Portorož. For those that have never been, there is offered an excursion to the Lipica Horse Stud farm and Postojna Caves to take in these world famous wonders of Slovenia. Dinner upon return and overnight.
Day 10 June 28 Tuesday
Today we explore the maritime wonders and heritage of Slovenia as we journey by boat for a 2-3 hours cruise along the coast, from Portorož to Piran bay, visit Piran and in the afternoon visit the ancient salt pans in Sečovlje. We’ll finish the day with a picnic dinner in the hinterland of Istria as we enjoy some local specialties. Return to Portorož hotel for overnight.
Day 11 June 29 Wednesday
From Portorož to the Karst area to visit a wine cellar built above a karst cave. On to Idrija to visit he castle, Gewerkenegg which houses an excellent museum about the life and history of the once second largest European mercury mine now closed, about the fine works of the local women - the famous bobbin lace. On to mansion Kendov dvorec for a light Hunch with the typical “žlikrofi”. Continue to Bled for dinner and overnight.
Day 12 June 30 Thursday
Today visit Bled castle and the island and Bohinj lake with Mt. Vogel. Before dinner at the famous Lectar restaurant, visit the apicultural museum close by.
Day 13 July 01 Friday
Today visit Višarje pilgrimage shrine at borders of Slovenia, Italy and Austria, close to Kranjska gora, possibly with Mass and lunch on top. Across Austria along Woerter See to Klagenfurt and Maria Saal Church - “Gospa Sveta," the cradle of the Slovenian nation. Back to Bled. Farewell dinner in a medieval style with a reception by the Lord and the Lady of the manor, a sword duel, servers in Medieval costumes, eating with wooden spoons at a local gostilna like Blegaš in Bled.	Overnight
Day 14 July 02 Saturday
'"Velika Planina excursion. In case you would wish to stay one more night in Ljubljana, we would suggest the following itinerary for that day, providing it would be good weather, or include it on a day that we present as »free.«
Visit Kamnik with a local guide and visit to a private handcraft factory like the »majolika« or see other interesting craft of the area. Continue to the Velika Planina plateau with cable lift and on top for a little walk to the church of Marija Snežna and on to visit a »planšarija« (kind of Alpine herdsmen cottage where cheese is made) for cheese tasting.
Return to the valley and dinner at a local gostilna and overnight in Bled.
Day 15 July 03 Sunday
Departure transfer to Ljubljana airport for your flight bound home.
For more information contact National President, Kathleen Dorchak-Hall 93 Wilbur Dr., Munroe Falls, Ohio 44262
Phone:(330) 686-1336 E-Mail: KDORCHAKCfNEO.RR.COM or KOLLANDER WORLD TRAVEL 971 East 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119 Phone: (800) 800-5981 or (216) 692-1000
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EXPERIENCE THE
with JUNE 18