JUVENILE SECTION OF "NAPREDEK" CLEVELAND, OHIO, JULY 19th, 1939 MY CREED “This is my creed from day to day — A sile to light somebody’s way; A pleasant voord, a friendly nod To man and child, to king and clod! To make no bow to wealth or farne, But try to treat most folks the same — To realize that they and I Ali reach our level vdhen we die.” H- * OUR BOYS AND GIRLS IN FOREST CITY FOREST CITY, where our first ACTIVE VRTEC was or- ganized in the spring of 1933, has a population of approxi- mately 5000 people with nearly ali of its homes and business buildings built on a hillside. Ad- joining it are the communities of Browndale and Vandling where many of our members live. Eight churches, several fine looking schools in which many Slovene men and women are employed as teaehers, and a city hali, housing the executive offices and the fire and police departments, are among the chief public buildings. I was told that out of a graduating high school class of 108 this year, three fifths of them were of Slovene parentage, which is a splendid percentage consider- ing that less than one fourth of the population comprises of Slo- venes. This, perhaps, proves that they are more studious and ambitious than are the young people of other national- ities, have confidence in the fu- ture and are more knowing of the fact that an education, though chances of reaping the fullest benefits in these times are slim, is as necessary as it ever was and that the boy or girl who is prepared, who has absorbed as much schooling as With Our Juniors By MICHAEL VRHOVNIK, Director of Vrtec and English Speaking Lodges QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP STANDINGS The six highest membership en- rollments made in each quarter of the first half of 1939 and the cash prize winners are as follows: J ANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH Vrt. No. Plače Members Prize 9 Indianapolis, Ind. 19 $10.00 10 Strabane, Pa. 11 5.00 72 Sygan, Pa.10 160 Chicago, 111. 5 57 Sheboygan, Wis. .. 4 118 I.ibrary, Pa. 4 APRIL—MAY—JUNE 171 Cleveland, 0. 33 $10.00 10 Strabane, Pa. 9 44 Ambridge, Pa. 8 72 Sygan, Pa. 8 101 Burgettstown, Pa. 8 160 Chicago, III. 7 their minds can comfortably as- similate, will eventually have the best chance to find work and stay ahead when conditions improve for the better. I men- tion this because Forest City was once a thriving town with plenty of material wealth, rich in fraternal špirit, rich in every- thing that makes a people hap- py, contented and Progressive. The laws of nature however, and the system under which the economic machinery oper- ates has brought about a radical change in the last ten years. The boys and girls of Forest City, among who are our Vrtec members, have not felt the sting of the depression in the same light as have their par- ents or older brothers and sis- ters for their minds are focused on the present and the near future; little of the past is pic- tured by them. OPTIMISM, not pessimism, crowds their daily thoughts. ONWARD and UP- WARD is stili the goal of the majority. For a number of years I had a secret desire to visit and spend a day or more in Forest City with which the boys and girls who were first called together and organized into what has ever since been honored as the number one Vrtec of the SSPZ. That opportunity was mine a few weeks ago, on the evening of July 5th to be exact, and I must admit I enjoydd every minute of their company and entertainment. It was a real pleasure meeting and talking to every one of the fifty or more boys and girls, who gathered in Zvon Hall, many of them ac- companied by their parents and friends on this special occasion. Their PIONEERING špirit was exemplified in the fine program of song, mušic and recitations that was arranged for them by sister Angela Pevc, the Admin- istratrix. The master of cere- monies for the evening was none other than William Pevc, for- mer president and now secre- tary and treasurer of the Vrtec. The program was really opened Avith an address by Angy Pevc, who elaborately explained the purpose of the celebration and then introduced her brother William as the “man” in charge from that point on. The program got off to an ex- cellent start with a selection by the girl’s Tamburine orchestra, a group of twelve girls, some of whom are members of the For¬ est City Vrtec. They have been playing as a unit a little more than eight months under the di- rection of brother Frank Ger- stel, a longstanding member of Lodge No. 27. It was surprising how Avell they rendered each musical number attempted and I feel sure, if they continue playing together, they Avill soon be the talk of the district. I un- derstand the boys also have a string orchestra, but did not have the pleasure of hearing them play during my short stay there. What I would like to see, though, is that every member of the two orchestras join the SS¬ PZ and play at various social affairs and concerts under its banner. How about that, girls and boys of the Tamburine Clubs of Forest City? If you are not yet members of the SSPZ make it your duty to join NOW! The opening song, entitled “Little Sir Echo,” was sung by Mary Louise Kastelic, a talent- edxyoung Miss whose efforts were roundly applauded. Mary, I was told, is quite a dancer, to . . . Another sensation of the evening’s program was “Rimp’s Mountaineers,” featuring Eddie Lauriha and five other boys singing and yodeling mountain- eer songs. It is safe to say that Eddie’s (hope I have his right name) yodeling and the manner in \vhich he strummed his gui- tar was one of the outstanding hits. He maintained his popu- larity long after the program \vas over, being continuously surrounded with happy young- sters \vho wanted to hear him sing and sing with him . . . Ma¬ jor Bowes has a fine prospect in you, so keep on your toes “Ed¬ die”—Practice, practice, prac- tice hard every chance you get; it’ll certainly be worth it \vhen the big opportunity comes your way. A short play, entitled “Ro- LITERARY CONTEST WINNERS Prizes for the winning contri- butions in June’s Vrtec Section will be mailed as soon as July’s winners are decided. The honor roli will appear in Augusfs issue of the Vrtec Section. mance At Home,” was presented) by Angeline Plahuta, Margaret Cerar, Anton Trelc, Gvidam! Gerstel and Wiliam Pevc. It too, vvas well received by the audi-< ence, as were songs sung by| Veronica Bucinell (The young lady who started a \vave of auto- graphing that lasted more than. an hour—or so it seemed), Mary, Traven, Lillian Rozina, Rita’ Zenetvicz, Rosemary Trelc, Mary and Margaret Cerar, Cla- ra Peskur, Dorothy Drašler, Ce- lia Ondrako and MadoIyn Chris- tina, who sang and accompanied them on the piano... To me, an¬ other surprise of the evening was the presentation made byj little Jean Pevc in behalf of her-i self and her sister and brothers,; Angy, Ivan and William. I was the lucky recipient—m a n yj thanks to each of you for the useful gifts and remembrance.- The GirPs Tamburine Orchestra' was called upon to play the closing number on the program, \vhich they did to everyone’s satisfaction. Refreshments Averei then served by sisters Angela! and Angy Pevc, Rozina and 1 Drašler, and brothers Pevc and| Plahuta, and after that dancingi ^ and group singing held the at« (Continued on page S.) LAST CALL FOR SNAP- SHOTS The Vrtec Snapshot Con- test, Avhich has been in progress for the past two and a half months, will end on the last day of this month, July 31, 1939. Less than two \veeks remain to send in your entries. $20.00 in cash will be awarded for the ten best pictures and each Avinner will be repro- duced in some future issue of the Vrtec Section. Come on, boys and girls! Let’s have your snapshots and \vin one or more of the prizses offered! Director r>JLGE 2 Jxx veni Ig S&ctioii ojT ""JSTžijjr-cclGlc” July 19tto, 1939 imiAmmis jumiAVS lessesssssssessiesssaestssstsesss! OUR ATHLETICS Indianapolis, Ind.v— The Na¬ tional Athletic Meet is again ap- proaching and the Vrtec is again anticipating to do ali in their :power to help make it a success. fThe Vrtec’s softball team, the 'Jugoslavs, is now nearing its peak and has accomplished a record of e 1 e v e n victories against five defeats. l Since the last writing, Tony '$ualitza’s lads have defeated such. strong teams as the Broad- \vay M. E. Church, River Avenue Baptists, Lentz Park and Chris- tamons. Their two defeats \vere 'administered them by the Holy Gross Crusaders and Y & B paint. \ ' In the game against Broad- jway team John Praprotnik pitched superb bali in allowing the opposition only three hits. Zupančič and Scott led the hiti Jing vvith two bingles apiece. i Against the River Avenue representatives, Zupančič \vas the twirler and he limited the opposing batsmen to two hits. Bill Komlanc vvas the chief "Sticker. In a return game vvith the Lentz Park outfit the Jugoslavs \vere victorious in shading the enemy si xto five. Johnny Pra¬ protnik again hurled the team to victory by limiting the bats¬ men to five hits. Poor support in the first inning accounted for 4 runs for the Lentz boys. Al Ormin and Tony Bayt played an exceptionally fine game both in fielding and in hitting. The encounter against Chris- tamons vvas a close and thrill- ing game..The final outcome of the game was 2-1 in our favor. A hit and two errors permitted Christamons to score a run in the first inning but after that ,Gus Zupančič hurled some mar- .velous bali to shut out the op¬ posing team the rest of the feame, Frank Zakrajšek played Jbang up bali getting two hits iand fielding without an error. The defeats received at the hands of Y & B and Holy Cross Grusaders vvere largely due to poor hitting but coach Frosty Gualitza reports that his team \vill make up for the defeats jvith more victories. Louis Dragan, the teams’ reg- plar 2nd baseman is ill and will he out of the lineup for several ;weeks. The entire team wishes him a speedy recovery. Due to the calling off of the picnic vvhich was to be. spon- isored by lodge “Danica” on Sun- 'day, July 16, the candid camera Svili be given away at the Vrtec pieeting, August 6. Martin Dragan was a chance to get something for nothing, he decided. Thus in a short time we ali had a metal disk with our names and ad- dresses. By and by the manager of the Arcade became suspicious and we noticed it. We started to walk out of there, at first slowly and then vve soon were running. When vve came to the parking lot gate, vve couldn’t decide vvhether to go out that way or to go out the main entrance. In order to do this vve had to go ali the way around the park. Just as we had reached the half-way mark the long arm of the law had caught up vvith us. There vvere two of them, and they led us back to the Penny Arcade one in front and one in back. It so happened that my friends gave the slugs to me, and now I was caught with them. I couldn’t get rid of them because of the pbliceman in back. At the Penny Arcade they searched us immediately upon the request of the manager. It so happened that I was the youngest so I vvas the last to be searched. As they search the old- est of us Ii slipped up close to him. When he started to search me, I put the slugs into the boy’s pocket. Would vve get avvay vvith it? It looked as though vve were. After a few questions they vvere going to let us go when suddenly the slugs dropped to thefloor. The boy’s pockets were torn. The policeman who had searched him became so angry that it looked as though he were going to hit him. I felt sorry for the boy so I confessed. The of- ficers then gave us a lecture and warned us against using slugs in the machines. Then he let us go. Now ali we have left of the incident is the memory of it. Rudolph Milharčič VRTEC NO. 9 Indianapolis, Ind. — Another perfect day and another month- ly meeting, but stili not many members attended. However, vvith the few that were present, the meeting vvent on asvvell as could be expected. Our presi- dent, Adolph Flajs, missed the meeting, but our active secre- tary, John Praprotnik, substi- tuted in his plače. It looks as though everyone is letting this hot weather prevent them from attending the meetings. Don’t let it get the best of you. Surely each and everyone of you can manage to come. Try it and see. A few important subjects were discussed, mainly about the candid camera. Come on GOSSI.P COL.TJM.JSl Indianapolis, Ind. — Now for a little gossip gathered from h ere, there and everywhere by the gossip reporter. The man that sees ali, hears ali and knows nothing. Alma Klmen seemed to be doing ali right at John’s party. (Who was he, Al?) Phyllis (Can’t Take It) Beyer sure was dizzy after Mutt Dragan took her around for a few fast twirls. Gus “Lil’ Abner” Zupančič has now pitched his fifth win against two de¬ feats. (Keep up the good work, Gus!) VVho drank the most beer at John’s party? None other than Frank “Too Hot” Zakrajšek. VVilliam “Bill” Komlanc is cracking the 600 mark in batting and is fielding 1000. Bill is the star rookie of the team. He is 15 years old, stands 5 feet 6 inches and weighs 131 lbs. John “Experienced 17” Praprotnik pitched a convincing 10-3 victory over the Broadway M. E. aggregation. (Make it last ’til Sept., John.) Tony Bayt has already rented a canoe for Labor Day. (Wonder if Valeria Artel likes canoeing?) Dorothy “In Love” Semenick, “Can’t get along without my Johnny.” (Sorry you can’t, Dot.) Delores “Dizzy” Ivančič was angry at a certain person, at a certain party. (Did you forgive him, yet?) Due to some misfortune the mascots 1 and 2 were unable to be present at our last league game. (Sorry you could not make it.) Charles “Gabby” Komlanc has re- gained his batting eye. (He has his eyes on the bali instead of the girls.) Louis “Sam Snead” Dragan has been playing alley golf here of late. (Have you made any hole in ones yet, Louie?) Adolph “Soak” Flajs has been telling the Lucid Drufestore Cowboys that he hasn’t been drunk for 3 months. (Keep up the good record.) Melvin “Red” Scott has quite a few girls. (How about giving some of your girls to the bali players, Red?) Allgred “Camera Fiend” Armin bought a new candid camera. (Not too, many candid shot, Al.) Louis “Cry Baby” Znidersich went canoeing the other day ’with Rube Qualitza. (I hear you were afraid to paddle, Louie.) I wish to compliment the boys and girls, correspondents to the Juvenile Month Vrtec Edition, vvhich came to us on such fine paper in a magazine form. I think that our Juvenile Section is becoming very interesting and complete — bigger, better in every detail, in friendly in- telectual competition. I say: More power to you ali Vrtec members in your literary work. Thanking the judges for ali the literary avvards is the hum- ble expression coming from my heart. On July 4, 1776, a group of patriots met in Philadelphia, for the purpose of signing the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest man of the group and Edward Rutledge was the youngest. Benjamin Franklin counseled his co-signers with the admoni- tion that, “We hang together or else we will hang separately.” One of the greatest state- I didn’t see Wilma Mergole ln her new hat yet. <1 bet it’s a honey.) Bruno “Specks” Canalus has a new pair of specks to wear at the golf links. (Is bali bawking any better now, Bru¬ no?) Rudolph “Honored” Milharčič turned out for the game against the HowarJ Merchants. Coming out for the practice games, Chuck? Flash: John “Beer Barrel” Praprot¬ nik certainly made the girls in Chicago miserable. When he left, of course. (He ramsacks his house every day try- ing to find Bernice’s address. Freddy Bashel. Let me warn you that the only reason John Prap and Frank Mivec wish to know you better is be¬ cause they want to get in good with your sister Aliče. (Can’t blame ’em.) What a day, no sunshine in my eyes. (Of course there is outside) but I can’t seem to see it. My soul is marred and my heart is broken. “Whatta Day” that Sunday vvas. A big disappointment. (This is Josephine Kovic’s hangover.) Our “Too Hot To Handle” is supposed to be that way about Angelina Možina of the Rožnik Jrs. It’s a shame how some of our mem¬ bers take to the aforementioned word. (They teli me it’s only beer.) Is Louis Uhernik stili playing vvith the Comets? (Some of our players stili remember your snoring in the Slovene National Home, 1937.) Let’s ali get on the band wagon for a girls’ softball team. (How about it, boys?) Wonder if Florence of the Hiavva- thans reads the Jugoslav page. (Oh, \vhere, oh vvhere can she be?!?) She States in her last article she will be in reach of the Napredek, but where is she going? Julia C. Kramzer has discontinued her correspondence with an Indianapo¬ lis prodigy. (Won’t you forgive him, Julia?) Aliče A. Popotnik at one time did write to a certain Jugoslav but nov? she also has discontinued to write. Frosty “Rube” Qualitza, the man that shows the softball players how to do it, gets in the groove on his hot saxo- phone, commonly known as the gobble pipe in the swing circle. (How about “Nobodys business,” Rube?) Perhaps I’ll be back next month! Tony Bayt Vrtec 9 thing else.” So we must have the determination to succeed to boost out SSPZ. Our Ice Cream Social was a lot of fun. The purpose of the social was to commemorate the second anniversary of our Vr¬ tec. I would like to thank our administratrix Sophie Stampfel for donating her lawn for the use of our social and for ali of her hard work in trying to help us. Our musicians treated the audience with popular and old Slovenian selections. I wish to thank Herman, Rudy, Lenard, Rosemary, Gordon and Jeanette. I also thank ali the Balkan Se- niors and guests, who attended our social. Members of Vrtec No. 33, at- tend your meetings. We must work together planning how to make our club grow in n\ember- ship, so bring your ideas to our next meeting. Fraternally yours for a hap- Vrtec No. 9 r ~ CAUGHT Indianapolis, Ind. — About two summers ago, four of us boys were at the Riverside Amusement Park. As we vvan- Jdered into the Penny Arcade one jof my friends happened to think jof some slugs that he had. This folks, get busy. See if you are a good salesman. Phyllis Beyer suggested that the girls organize a baseball team. At present we do not know how it came out. After business was discussed, thhe meeting adjourned. Till next time, I remain, The Informer ments in the Declaration of In¬ dependence was, “Ali men are created equal.” The children of today have many privileges and a good education vvhich the children of that day did not have. Thomas Edison said, “Backbone and de¬ termination are ali that is need- ed; they will provide every- py vacation! Marie Ermence, Vrtec No. 33. 6X5Xs)®SXE)®®®®®