Let Not The Light Of Freedom Be Extinguished! American Home over 100 years' of serving American- Sloyenians Vol. 107 No. 7 USPS 024100 •ISSN Number 0164-68X American Home Ameriška Domovina* SLOVENIAN MORNING NEWSPAPER Phone: (216) 431-0628 >. AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA. FEBRUARY 17. 2005 w„ai|. ah@buckeyeweb.com 70 9 Italian TV Dramatizes WWII Massacre by RACHEL SANDERSON ROME, Feb. 7 - Italian state television has exhumed old hatred between the political right and left in Italy with the dramatization of a World War Two massacre that was banished from the history books. RAI broadcast on Sunday the first installment of “II Cuore nel Pozzo” (The Heart in a Pit) about the slaughter of as many as 15,000 Italians living in disputed territory in the mountains of modem day Slovenia and Croatia, in the 1940s. The film is unflinching in its portrayal of violence, with scenes of children taken screaming from their mothers arms and families set before firing squads, not by Benito Mussolini’s Fascists, but by Italian Communists and Yugoslav partisans. “This tragedy was hidden to most Italians for 60 years,” director Alberto Negrin said. “I wanted to show the story in simple, emotional terms, that thousands of innocent people, including children and women, died terrible deaths. The aim was not to make it political.” However, keeping politics away has proven impossible. The tragedy of the “Foibe,” named after the deep chasms the victims were thrown into, was initially hushed up by politicians keen to heal Italy’s war wounds and move on with reconstruction. The 1943-45 massacres also sat uncomfortably with Italy’s post-war history that portrayed Communist partisans as national heroes, who saved the country from being entirely tarred by its alliance with Adolph Hitler. But Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who regularly rails against Communism, and his center-right government have been eager to dig up the past, naming this Feb. 10 the first me- morial day for the “Foibe” and promoting RAI’s 4.5 million euro film. “We must pull from this abyss of lies a truth hidden by the imposition of a cultural bias,” said Communications Minister Maurizo Gasparri, a member of the National Alliance, which traces its roots back to Mussolini’s party. Before the Foibe atrocity on the Istrian peninsula, Mussolini’s Fascist henchmen used brutal oppression to try to Italianize the area, and some fear the RAI film papers over the wrongs inflicted by Rome. Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Ivo Vajgl last year criticized the making of the drama as an “offense and provocation” to the Slovenian people. He received little sympathy from Gasparri. “The truth is the Slovenes are not prepared to see this issue confronted,” the minister retorted at the time. Italian media, by contrast, is wallowing in the details, with newspapers and talk shows given over to survivor accounts. The first part of “II Cuore nei Pozzo” was the most watched program on Sunday night with 7.5 million viewers. While Italy’s hard-left has stayed mute over the Foibe, center-left politicians have agreed it is time to face up to the past, with Rome mayor Walter Veltroni going to the killing grounds last week to pay homage to the dead. “The Holocaust was a tragedy without equal, but it was not the only tragedy of the 20,h century. What is certain is what I have seen here is witness to a guilty silence, even involving the left, the Communists,” he said last week. This article was submitted by Prof. Edi Gobec of the Slovenian Research Center of America, Inc. Words of Wisdom from Ray Mlakar Because a man does not say much, is no sign he has nothing to say. The man of the hour is the person who rarely watches the clock. Consideration for others can mean taking a wing instead of a drumstick. A wise man is never as sure of anything as a fool is °f everything. You may not be able to turn back the clock, but you can always wind it up again. Empathy is your pain in nty heart. It is not a smile until you aim it at someone. You will always find time for that which you place first. You are most efficient when you deliberately forget what is unimportant. Help to smooth another’s path and brighten every mile. “Over the Hill” means the hardest climb is over and the view is terrific. Don’t wait for your ship to come in until after you’ve sent it out. Swallowing angry words is much better than having to eat them. Admitting you’re wrong is like saying you’re wiser today than you were yesterday. Wear a smile and have friends - wear a scowl and have wrinkles. People, like pins, are useless when they lose their heads. Strength is attained by meeting resistance. The darkest night that ever fell on earth never put out the stars. Humility is that elusive thing - the moment you think you have it, you have lost it. If you blow your own horn, people will be quick to get out of your way. To disagree, one does not have to be disagreeable. It takes two to speak the truth... one to speak, another to hear. If you can’t see the bright side, polish the dull side. ' Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, plummeting 5,315 feet. Found In southeastern Siberia, the lake contains more water than any other freshwater lake. LOU TIMES TWO - Musician greats Lou Trebar, left and Lou Sadar support the Slovenian Cultural Gardens by attending the Pustna Večerja dinner at St. Mary’s (Holmes Ave.) Parish Center on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 8. Lou Sadar was Phil Hrvatin’s saxophone teacher. (Photo by PHIL HRVATIN) Waterloo Pensioners Membership Drive Have you recently retired and are looking for ways to fill your empty hours? Maybe you have been retired for some time but are getting bored with the same routine. Why not join the Waterloo Pensioners Club where you will have the opportunity to meet new friends and have an enjoyable afternoon. Dues are only $5.00 for 2005 for anyone joining before June 7th. We are a fun-loving, sociable group who enjoy experiencing a variety of activities. Every month’s agenda is different and entertaining. We have well informed speakers, play games, enjoy White Elephant Sales (this is always fun), potluck dinners, with the club providing the meat, or main dish; a split raffle is held every month; always a variety of fun things to do. President Pat Nevar makes our meetings very enjoyable and full of laughter. As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Free sandwiches, coffee and some other goodies are served every other month by Technically, the coin that we call a penny does not exist. At the U.S. Mint, it’s officially called a “cent.” our capable kitchen crew. They make delicious sandwiches; it’s always a surprise. Bar prices are kept at a low price. - Where can you enjoy your favorite beverage for only $1.00? Free snacks are also available at the bar. You may be interested in going on some well planned bus trips such as gambling casinos, sightseeing excursions or possibly to a nice casual restaurant for lunch. Whatever it may be, a good time is had on the bus playing games, singing along with the musicians on board, and, of course, just socializing. As you can see, there are plenty of exciting things to take part in, if you so desire. Our meetings are held at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home, 15335 Waterloo Rd. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1 o’clock. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8th. Plan on joining us and bring a friend; you will receive a warm welcome and save $5.00. Any questions? Call Pat Nevar 216-481-0163. --Grace Marinch, Recording Secretary If you have nothing else to do, look about you and see if thre isn’t something close at hand that you can improve. It may make you wealthy, though it is more likely that it will make you happy. -George Matthew Adams AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 17, 2005 2 AMERICAN HOME AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA 100 WORDS MORE OR less by JOHN MERCINA 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103-1692 Telephone: 216/431-0628 - Fax: 216/361-4088 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA (USPS 024100) James V. Debevec - Publisher, English Editor Dr. Rudolph M. Susel - Slovenian Editor Ameriška Domovina Permanent Scroll of Distinguished Persons: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Louis B. Baznik, Michael and Irma Telich, Frank J. Lausche, Paul Kosir NAROČNINA: Združene države Amerike in Kanada: $35 letno za ZDA; $40 za Kanado (v ZD valuti) Slovenija in tujina, letalska pošta, $165 letno (v ZD valuti) SUBSCRIPTION RATES United States and Canada: U.S.A.: $35 per year; Canada: $40 in U.S. currency Slovenia and other foreign: $165 U.S. per year (air) AMERICAN HOME (ISSN 0164-680X) is published weekly, except 1st week in July and 1 week after Christmas, for $35 per year by American Home Pub. Co., 6117 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AMERICAN HOME, 6117 St. Clair Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. No. 7 February 17, 2005 'REFLECTIONS "BY 'RMJBY Saying Goodbye to Cpl. Knight by RUDY FLIS What do you say to a young Marine as he passes you in a casket covered in our American flag, the flag he died for only a few days earlier? Marine Cpl. Timothy Knight, with 30 of his buddies perished in a helicopter crash in a sand storm while deployed in Iraq in preparation of that country’s election. I say nothing, but stand in awe and respect at what this young man has given up. I pray for his young widow and orphan daughter, and his mom, dad, brothers and sisters. As Cpl. Timothy Knight took his last ride through his city of Brooklyn, Ohio, his route was lined with men, women and children, holding flags and cards in respect of one who gave all to his country. Yellow ribbons in the trees, flags on the poles and along the curbs of the street, set the mood for a young hero’s farewell. Several cars of honor guards led the hearse down the streets. My wife, Therese, looked into the hearse, at the flag Life is a puzzle to be solved. -Janez Mercina draped casket, and just raised her hand to her head in a salute to this hero, as tears fell from her eyes. When I came home, she told me the story and asked me, “was that salute proper from me?” I thought it was a beautiful gesture on her part, and told her, “if it came from the heart.” 1 couldn’t be there; but I was so proud of my community and their treatment of one of our fallen heroes. Maybe some of this will eliminate the hurt caused by the treatment of our fighting men and women of the Viet Nam era, when some spat on our soldiers, and called them baby killers. I’m not a Viet Nam veteran, but those of you who are, and have lost buddies like Cpl. Timothy Knight, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive a veteran who sat on his hands as you struggled for a normal life, after the horrors of war. Goodnight Cpl. Timothy Knight. May God bless you, your family, and may God Bless America, the land we love. SOS-S (Save Our Social Security) -Norb Novak Professionally Prepared Tax Returns Kristina A. Beletic, C.P.A. Certified Public Accountant Member of The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants 216—440-1040 Total average cost for Federal, State & Local preparation only $75 Free E-Filing for qualitied individuals Leave your tax work to a professional; call today! m m mm mmmmmmmm m mmM m m M — mM mm M mmm » » mm mm-' mmm m wmmmtmmmmmmM.mmmMmmnmmmmmmmmmmmmA m w mmmmmmmmmmm* For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column for the online Website called “Monday Night at Morton’s.” (Morton’s is a famous chain of steakhouses known to be frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now, Bends terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading the final cplumn will be worth a few minutes of your time: Ben Stein’s Last Column ' 1 f. u: rju 10% 'jlq How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today’s World? 1 have been doing this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started, I loved writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end. It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and the world’s change have overtaken it. I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people and they treat me better than I deserve. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to. How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in luxury really be a star in today’s world, if by a ‘star’ we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? A real star is the soldier of the 4lh Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world. A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad. He approached it and the bomb went off and killed him. A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad . who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad. The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV, but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and striped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists. We put couples with incomes of SI 00 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die. I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton’s is a big subject. There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament... the policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive, the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery, the teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children and the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards. Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a real hero. We are not responsible for the operation of the universe and what happens to us is not terribly important. God is real, not a fiction, and when we turn over our lives to Him, He takes far better care of us than we could ever do for ourselves. In a word, we make ourselves sane when we fire ourselves as the directors of the movie of our lives and turn the power over to Him. I came to realize that a life lived to help others is the only one that matters. This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier or as good a comic as Steve Martin or Martin Mull or Fred Willard or as good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald. Or even remotely close to any of them. But I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to wife, and above all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister’s help). I cared for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms. This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers in Iraq or the firefighters in New York. I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human. Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will! 1 cross plus 3 nails = “four-given.” —Norb Novak Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all._______________________________________- Sam Ewig Tony's... Old World Plaza Barber Shop Haircuts: $7.00 664 E. 185 St. - at Abby Ave. and Windward Rd. HOURS: 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. M-F 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Sat We love the Slovenian people. We want more of them as our customers. MENTOR - FOR SALE or LEASE... Recently Renovated One Floor Ranch, 3 bdrms, New spacious kitchen, Newer Roof, Furnace, Many updates thru-out. Nice. FOR SALE 5124,500 OR LEASE 5825 EUCLID - NEWLY OFFERED... Bold Brick Master Bungalow, 4 bedrms, 2 full baths, Oversized Kitchen, w/new floor, Finished Rec. Rm. Very well kept, Arcadia Beach Club ... 5149,900 BONNIE M. GOULD - BROKER by appt. - 440-954-9200 /216-261-3499 ACACIA DESIGN FINE HOMES ^•V v4 J- 1 o , lid Life in the Refugee Camps 1949 By Anton Žakelj, translated and edited by John Žakelj A Bit of Irish Humor 3 Thursday, Dec. 22, 1949 Everyone knew that today would be the day we would reach New York. Many people got up at 3 or 4 a.m., but I waited until 5 a.m. I put on my best clothes for the first time since we left Europe. I went to Mass, then breakfast, and then 15 minutes more work in the butcher shop, in my nice suit. At 8 a.m., I looked through the fog and saw the outlines of dry land: it was the New Jersey shoreline. There were many boats and ships, and hundreds of gulls. I was amazed by the unbroken line of autos traveling along the shore. They were all rushing to the south. Was it a huge funeral or something like that? I also noticed some half-sunken ships and military bunkers on shore. Did they have a war here? We watched as the crew threw packages of food overboard from our ship. During the past couple of days, the weather was nicer and we were feeling better, but hungry and thirsty. We would have been so happy to get some milk and bread, but they wouldn’t give us any. " At 9 a.m., we entered the New York harbor area. Finally, at 10 we caught sight of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyscrapers. At 10 o’clock a boat came to the ship with a customs officer and a number of medical officials. There was no need for X-rays, they could see right through our stomachs. In the afternoon, we stepped on dry land. We didn’t stop at Ellis Island - it was just going through decommissioning. They arranged us in alphabetical order and brought each person’s baggage, including the shipping crates that I had made in the camp. I was worried I would have to pay customs duties for the lace-work we had brought with us. I talked to a priest about this, and he assured me that everything would go smoothly. When the customs officer came to us, the priest sent a pretty young woman to distract him. The customs inspection went well. There were some Jews who had larger crates filled with valuable paintings by well-known artists. They had to open everything up for the customs officers. We were greeted by women in gray uniforms - I think they were the Daughters of the Revolution. They served us coffee and donuts. I wished they had not taken the holes out of the donuts. If I hadn’t been so embarrassed, I would have gone back in line many times (maybe I did). Later we saw a man selling food in many languages - an apple, a piece of bread and I think small cups of coffee -for a dollar. I bought food for all three of us and spent as much as I had earned in three days of hard labor in Austria. At these prices, the few dollars that we received from the National Catholic Welfare Conference for the trip will soon be gone. It was already night when they put us on buses and drove us through Manhattan to the train station. I looked out from the bus and tried so hard to see the tops of thfc skyscrapers that I developed quite an ache in my neck. I wondered how the driver could distinguish the stoplights from all the other lights - everything was covered with red, green and blue lights (We were not used to Christmas lights.) We had to wait about an hour at the train station. I used this time to look for a loaf of bread for about 10 children - ours, Srsen’s and Rihtar’s. The grownups were hungry, too. But there were no loaves of bread to be found anywhere - just sandwiches, so thin you could see through them and expensive as saffron. A gentleman walked around us a number of times and looked us over. Finally he came to me and gave me a couple of dollars and suggested I buy some candy for the children. I was grateful, but I would have been much happier with a loaf of bread. Around 11 p.m., we boarded the train. It was a New York Central train, with large, shiny, new aluminum cars. On the inside end of each car was a large mirror made of ground glass; stenciled on the mirror was a map of the railroad’s routes all across America. To us, this train represented the greatness and comfort of America, just as Europe was represented by the old, small wooden cars that brought us from Salzburg to southern Italy. In spite of our hunger, we soon fell asleep and did not see the first part of our new homeland. Author’s closing comments: Although we never wanted to leave our home in Slovenia and come to America, we are thankful to God that we did. After we came, we were able to send help to our families in Slovenia for many years. They were forced to live in a communist “paradise” where many things were lacking, and they appreciated all the help we sent. But sadly, we could not send them the one thing they longed for more than anything else - freedom. The continuation of our story was published in the American Home in 1996-1997 under the title “Starting Over in America. " Slovenian School Benefit Dinner St. Vitus Slovenian Language School annual Benefit Dinner of pork roast or chicken is being held on Sunday, Feb. 20 in the school auditorium. The meal will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Take-outs will also be available in the social room. The cost of the dinner is $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. Tickets may be purchased in advance from the Slovenian school parents or at the door on the day of the event. There will also be a Chinese raffle held with several beautiful gift baskets. KSKJ lodges Christ the King #226 and Sacred Heart #172 are sponsors. Come join us for this community event and help support the Slovenian school. Joke The famous U.S. Olympic skier Picabo Street (pronounced Peek-a-Boo) is a famous athlete. If she was working at the Intensive Care Unit of a large metropolitan hospital she could answer the phone with the words, “Picabo, I C U. --Phil Hrvatin Stimburys Accounting Accounting & Income Thx Sewices 496 E. 200th St.. Euclid', OH 44119- (216) 404-0990 Fax (216} 404-0992 taxtime@en.com http://stimburysaccountlng. com EnvIM to ftjCfce Betom Im Internal Revenue Senice Sermnetidtoduals Corporations t, Steal Businesses ----- --—... tisten to THE SLOVENIAN HOUR On 50,000 Watt WCPN Cleveland Public Radio ^ Ton/Ovseaik S 440-944-2538 O’Connell was staggering home with a small whiskey bottle in his back pocket when he slipped and fell heavily. Struggling to his feet, he felt something wet running down his leg. “Please God,” he implored, “let it be blood.” © An Irish man walks into a pub. The bartender asks him, “What’ll you have?” The man says, “Give me three pints of Guinness please.” The bartender brings him three pints and the man proceeds to alternately sip one, then the other, then the third until they’re all gone. He then orders three more. The bartender says, “Sir, I know you like them cold. You don’t have to order three at a time. I can keep an eye on it and when you get low I’ll bring you a fresh cold one.” The man says, “You don’t understand. I have two brothers, one in Australia and one in the States. We made a vow to each other that every Saturday afternoon we’d still drink together. So right now, my brothers have three Guinness Stouts, too, and we’re drinking together.” The bartender thought that was a great tradition. Each week the man came in and ordered three beers. Then one week Tie came in and ordered only two. He drank them and then ordered two more. The bartender said to him, “I know what your tradition is, and I’d just like to say that I’m sorry that one of your brothers died.” The man said, “Oh, me brothers are just fine - I’ve just quit drinking.” © Here’s another recipe for Irish Stew: Get some meat, some potatoes, and a lot of Guinness Stout. Drink all of the stout. Throw away the meat. © One day a Slovenian, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed, one in each of their pints and were stuck in the suds. The Slovenian pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer and continued drinking it as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink, held it out over the beer, and started yelling, “Spit out, spit it out, you stupid freeloader.” It’s COOL To Be SLOVENIAN! TAX TIME IS HERE Come in or Call Us for an Appointment Cleveland Accounting Service 6218 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44103 881-5158 Dr. Zenon A. Klos E. 185th Area 531-7700 ~ EMERGENCIES-Dental Insurance Accepted Laboratory on Premises - Same Day Denture Repair COMPLETE DENTAL CARE FACILITY 848 E. 185 St. ____(between Shore Carpet and John’s Fun House)_ BRICKMAN & SONS FUNERAL HOME 21900 Euclid Ave. (216)481-5277 Between Chardon Rd. & E. 222 in Euclid, Ohio AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 17, 2005 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 17, 2005 ^ Mlakar Walks Oown Memory Street by RAY MLAKAR RayTs back and so is the cold weather, but here is hoping that the warmer weather is just around the corner for good. It seems that a couple of weeks ago when I submitted my article, once again Ray did not know when to call it quits, which was the reason it had to be published in two separate weekly editions. But that is Ray, he doesn’t know when to “shut up.” Before I continue, my congratulations to Anna Marie and David Jurecic on the beautiful tribute they paid to their dad, Louis Jurecic. It goes without saying that dad in his heavenly home could not help but shed a tear for your love and devotion expressed in your writing of him. Perhaps this should serve as a reminder for all of us who are still fortunate to have our mom and dad with us yet, to tell them how much we love, cherish and admire them for all they have done for us. Let them know now what an inspiration they are in our lives NOW to have guided us thru life thus far. Without a doubt, the seven greatest words are “I love you,” “Thank you,” “Hvala lepa.” Without a doubt, I am sure that Louis Jurecic will continue to shower his family with love and guidance. While it is still fresh in my memory, I have to relate what a great time I had at the Slovenian National Home in Newburgh, E. 80lh Street. 1 had seen it in this paper some time back that they were planning a “pork-sauerkraut, potato dumpling dinner.” And so on Sunday, Jan 30, I made it a point to go there after Sunday Mass. I went to the 08:30 Mass but with chit-chatting with the fellow parishioners at breakfast-brunch at the church hall, it was well after 12 noon before 1 left. Fortunately Joe Snyder drew me a map and I found the hall with no difficulty for it was only after 1 left for home that I got lost. But that is par for the course when you pass your 39th birthday. At first I was hesitant to go for I felt I didn’t know anyone from that area, but as soon as I walked in, I saw a table designated “West Park.” Hey, that is where I belong. As I got in line and they stacked me up with pork loin in gravy with sauerkraut and potato dumplings, I knew I was on the sunny side of the Alps. Thank God I left “Happy Harry” (my caim terrier) at home for he would have thought he had died and gone to heaven to participate in the “last supper.” Before I came to the West park table I saw tour guide Mimi Stibil and Ella Samanich, and so I sat with them for the entire stay. Soon I saw the West Park gang come, namely Rudy Pivik, his wife Maria, and Theresa and Steven Grisby. And then Mimi introduced me to Rose Bradich, a button box player, also. The meal was out of this world and Wayne Tomsic played his heart out. The dance floor was loaded and could have only wished that my Josephine was still living to have enjoyed the event with me. Mimi and Ella had me in stitches talking about the “old days” and so now I appeal to Mimi to sit right on down and write a column for the American Home and tell ttiLL We Make House Calls ... 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With the fine Slovenian polkas and waltzes played by Wayne Tomsic I could have stayed there until midnight, but then I remembered “Happy Harry” and although 1 was not going to buy him a take-out of roast pork and kraut, I felt I had to get back home to feed the one and only. He probably thought I was still at church and I was not going to tell him differently. So as not to end up with this being a two column submission and cut up into two parts, I will bring this column to an end, but not before closing with some good sayings:] Adult - A person who has stopped growing from both ends and is now growing in the middle. Beauty Parlor - A place where women curl up and dye. Cannibal - Someone who is fed up with people. Chicken - The only animal you eat before they are bom and after they are fed. Committee - A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours. Dust - Mud with the juice squeezed out. Well, time to put down my ball point pen only in hopes that the Good Lord blesses and watches over all of you and keeps you in the best of health. Thank You Thank you to all who sent cards and good wishes on my birthday, Feb. 11. To Betty Kazen and Pauline Burya for the wonderful dinner party given me held at Dubrovnik Restaurant. It was great being with my friends. To Don and Nancy Slapnik and Bob and Shelli March... You are the best. God bless all. Luv ya. —Emilee Jenko FISH FRY Every Friday by Auxiliary of the Slovenian Workmen’s Home 15335 Waterloo-Cleveland Fish - Shrimp -Pork Chops Goulash, etc. Take-outs: 216—481-5378 ',ZY\ 5 r. ;r:n*- .V' V. Euclid Recall Unwarranted Editor, It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Euclid as Council President. Their continued confidence and trust in selecting our family for over 60 years of public service is a constant reminder that we have consistently provided honest and good government. The recent initiation of a recall effort against the Mayor and Council is unwarranted. As one of the largest eastern suburbs of Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, we don’t deserve the divisiveness and negativity brought about by this action. This past year has seen a majority of Council working with the Mayor in an effort to turn around Euclid’s economy and bring us to the prominence and leadership role the city has always had throughout Northeastern Ohio. Decisions we made should always, first and foremost, reflect the oath of office we took to uphold the Constitutions of the United States, Ohio, and the Charter and Codified ordinances of the City. Secondly, the wishes of the people, in compliance of said laws, are combined to provide for the welfare of the whole city. This is in direct contrast to the actions of this politically motivated group. The Hillandale Project brings long needed upscale housing and will add a halfmillion dollars to our revenue. Similarly, the ongoing development of the lakefront will bring much needed tax dollars and disposable income to our community. Business and industry are starting to expand, as evidenced by Lincoln Electric’s hiring of 100 employees last year. We are looking at a company bringing in more than 100 new jobs and a three million dollar payroll into the K-Mart property. A new upscale bar and grille has opened on Lakeshore Boulevard. Residency requirements have been finally lifted for non-union city workers to attract the most qualified people to serve our great city. We are starting a program to collect delinquent taxes which is said conservatively will add an additional 1.4 million dollars to our revenue. We finished last year with over a million dollar surplus for the first time in several years. We have a seven million dollar proposal for Shore Cultural Center to become the site of 60 condominiums with retail shops, and still preserve the historical integrity of the building. A portion of it will remain as the center for .theater and arts, a good compromise that will further enhance the City of Euclid and attract more citizens and business. These examples represent a small portion of the activity going on in Euclid brought about by this mayor and majority of council and most certainly doesn’t lend credence to any need for a total recall. Unlike our most recent predecessors, this majority of council puts ideas into ao tions, not, just grandiose, plans and studies that never materialize. I ask you to search your hearts and look beyond the political rhetoric. Does this look like a mayor and council needing to be removed from office? —Jerry Sustarsic Euclid Council President Euclid, Ohio Euclid is a City Divided Editor, In your January 27th edition, you published a letter from Paul J. Hribar, chastising a small group of Euclid voters. Since he quotes the party line, we can discount most of what he wrote, because it is incorrect. The Mayor and City Council were elected by the voters (including me) and the election was accepted by them. When it came time to accept the vote of 13,000 plus Euclidites on the Hillandale Zoning they refused to accept the mandate. Being a resident and business owner in Euclid for 44 years, I have seen many businesses and factories close or leave, due to the excessive 2.85% Income Tax and the general attitude of f j’Jj jJ j J JFiJ I t .UfrfJ »' V/t’ -' the Administration toward industry. Currently many small businesses are leaving or closing and few if any are moving in. Euclid is a city divided by the Administration, politics, and the freeway. Anything south of the freeway does not matter anymore, the Mayor and his crones are only interested in Euclid, north of the freeway. With regard to who will run the city I love, if the recall is successful, anyone with the common sense to listen to the residents, for the good of all, can do a better job than our present Mayor and Council. Edwin G. Grosel Euclid, Ohio /iV'V A Picturesque Amsterdam Holiday (Continued from last week) by PATRICIA COIL Euclid Travel Somewhere near Edam, we stopped at a cheese factory and after a demonstration of cheese making we bought three different kinds of cheese, one of which tasted like walnuts. We toured their bams filled with goats and sheep before'we left for our last stop, Marken. Marken had been an island until 1958 and is now connected to the mainland with a causeway. This is the area where some of the older people still wear the traditional costumes. All we saw was one man wearing yellow wooden shoes and riding a bicycle. Ingrid took us to a place that was famous for its Dutch pancakes, but it was closed. Again we walked through more back alleys and admired the houses along the ditches and canal. Many of the old wooden houses are painted matte green with horizontal white stripes that stand high on pilings. By the time we got back to Amsterdam, we were too tired to go out to dinner. So we walked up the street and found a meat market, where we bought cold cuts, and a bakery for fresh bread for dinner. Tuesday morning, my daughter looked all over for the extra battery for her digital camera. She decided that she had dropped it in Ingrid’s van and wanted to buy a backup battery. We spent three hours searching the neighborhood, but couldn’t find one. We started by walking down the Prinsengracht and admiring all the old houses which are very narrow and have very steep interior steps. Most houses are long and narrow, because originally the home owner was taxed on the amount of canal frontage. ■ 11 ;' The houses* which are crowded together, are built on top of thousands of logs hammered vertically into the ground. Over the years many of them have shifted with the Mi// oriv' oj f In the evening we walked several blocks to an Italian restaurant. To get there, we had to walk by all the trucks and equipment from the movie that was being shot near us. We were looking forward to Wednesday when Ingrid would be taking us on a long all day trip to Bruges and Ghent in Belgium. Polka Hall Gift Shop News Some of the 2,000 houseboats in Amsterdam tides and now have a pronounced lean. Many of the brick houses have iron rods strapped onto the sides, holding the bricks to their wooden skeletons. Big tall windows in the front are used to bring as much light as possible into the house. As we walked along, we looked for examples of the five types of gables (step, bell, neck, spout, and comice) found in Amsterdam. We also spotted stone tablets that were used to identify buildings before houses had numbers. The mailboxes on the houses have different colored stickers which tells the mailman whether to leave junk mail or not. We took a map with us so we wouldn’t get lost. Instead of streets, we had to look for the canals, which ring Amsterdam. We passed the Anne Frank house and stopped into the Westerkerk (Western Church) which has a tower topped with a plump imperial crown and that leans forward over the canal. Supposedly Rembrandt was ^buried ground here in 1669. ., We walked over to the main square called the Dam. We saw the outside of the Royal Palace and the nearby Kieuwe Kerk (New Church). We decided that we could only handle one church a day, after that they all run together in our minds. We found a great souvenir store oJov an) that had Christmas ornaments at reasonable prices. We bought ornaments for our trees. We always like to get new ones from the places we visit. On our walk back to the houseboat from the Dam we accidentally walked into the famous Red Light District and were “treated” to the sight of a bare bottom in a thong and another woman in a corset, who made kissing sounds to get our attention. We made a hasty retreat. Prostitution has been legal since the 1980s and many of the women rent space and run their own businesses and average 300 euros a day. They even fill out tax returns and are protected by the police. After all this walking we were glad to get back to the boat and cross the canal to a wonderful cafe for lunch. They make really big sandwiches on great crunchy buns with lots of filling. In the afternoon we read and sat out on the deck watching the other boats go by. There are even swans on the canals. A record number of visi tors toured the Polka Hall of Fame and Museum during the week of Thanksgiving. A dozen Cleveland-style polka lovers from the Netherlands arrived with Jelse and Maria Vos. The group especially likes long play albums from the 1970s and bought all LPs in sight. The New Generation album, “This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Polka” has been released. The high-energy band has generated a following with its Euro-polka sound. The album includes the “Beer Drinking Song.” Hot dogs and polkas are red hot in the Youngstown area. The Al-Ray Combo has a new CD, • “Hot Dogs and Button Box.” The album was recorded at Peppermint Studio by Ray Kovac and A1 Remain, and features 14 numbers. St. Catharines cutie, Kathy Zamec Vogt, has recorded “The Girl Next Door.” The new release exhibits Kathy’s button accordion skills with a variety of familiar polkas and waltzes. The album has solid vocals by Dave Skrajner and Dan Wojtila. Hank Haller continues his prolific output of new CDs in Margari- with “Polkas taville.” Brave Combo’s new “Let’s Kiss” album is in stock. On a Slovenian traditional note, the St. Mary’s of the Assumption choir of Collin-wood/Holmes Avenue has recorded an extensive number of hymns titled, “A Song for Every Season.” Fantje na Vasi choir has released a new CD “Praise the Lord, “ or “Laudate Dominum.” The men’s choir is in its 27,h year. Other new CDs include Joe Petrich Plays Chromatic Button Box and a reissued on CD of “Polka Re, Polka Ra” with Richie Vadnal. Nice going - RoseMary Toth, Lori Sierputowski, and Dolores Mihelich of the Gift Shop sales staff sparkled and presented the three Sidemen of the Year awards at the Awards Show the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hall of Fame Hours and Record Shop hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. On Internet at www.polkafame.com (216) 261-3263; toll free 1-866-66POLKA.. Sometimes only a change of viewpoint is needed to convert a tiresome duty into an interesting opportunity. --Rudy Flis IVORY CITY PIANO SERVICE Albert J. Koporc, Jr. 27359 Tungsten Rd. Euclid, OH 44132 216—486-1105 Don’t be left out in the cold this winter! Call Euclid Travel Now! •;orta We specialize in vacations to warm and sunny places. <1— Rent a condo in Florida, Cruise the Caribbean, Book a beach resort or Ask about other vac ions. EUCUEjtt^ 22078 Lakeshore Bivd. Euclid, Ohio 44123 216-261-1050 euclidtravel @ aol com, www. euclidtravel. com AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, FEBRUARY 17, 2005 Book Review 'My Life in three Countries' Coming Events Mv i.lip. 1)1 Thrpp C'nuntt'lPV n hnnk nilh- mnn r*iictr\mc cinri r^»licTir>iic tro/^itir»Mo A »-»»i 1 " ■ 1 - __ My Life in Three Countries, a book published in December, 2004 by Ana Skopec highlights her life in Slovenia, Germany and America in a series of short stories. Her personal reflections reveal the life circumstances she was born into, growing up on a farm and maturing during World War II in Slovenia. The book describes the personal road she chose to follow which fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher and in fleeing the Commu-nist regime. She summarizes some painfully ^ honest accounts of living as a woman of faith; ^ her true-life experiences provide insight to common discriminatory practices experienced by those of Slovenian descent during the Communist era. Ana provides a candid view of her homeland, Slovenia, moving to Germany, meeting her husband Frank who leads her to America where she begins her life as a young immigrant woman in the late 1960s. Significant individuals in her life, including parents, siblings, teachers, aunts and uncles are mentioned throughout the book with sincere gratefulness. Her integrity and acceptance of various life situations for which she had no control are evident, as well as her deep respect for Slove- u; < □ CQ Ul Uh < z > o S O Q c4 a 2 < nian customs and religious traditions. Ana shares an abundance of humorous anecdotes, as well as difficult moments in her life, which engage the reader to understand her unique, personal journey to freedom. Slovenian immigrants will particularly relate to the last part of the book as Ana describes her experiences of staying in contact with relatives, going back to visit family and friends, and sadly missing funerals of immediate family members. The challenges, joys and learning experiences of coming to the United States are summarized in short story segments, all weaving meaning to her life and to the person she becomes - an immigrant, a wife, a mother, an American citizen, an employee, a grandmother, and an author of her first book. What a precious gift of her legacy Ana has left to us all, particularly to her husband and children in this detailed family history and life memoirs published in memory of her family. My Life in Three Countries may be ordered from PublishAmerica by calling 301-695-1707. The book is soft cover and sells for SI6.95, plus shipping. --Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons Green Rice Casserole 2 slightly beaten eggs 2 c milk V* c minute rice 1/3 c finely chopped onion Vi tsp. garlic salt 1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach (cooked and drained) 1 c sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded or grated Beat together eggs and milk. Mix remaining ingredients and put into a buttered casserole. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. X Hot Bean Casserole 1 lb. cans: green beans yellow beans, kidney beans pork & beans tomato sauce Vi to 1 tsp. dry mustard Italian sausage lA c onion chopped fine Brown sugar - sprinkle Brown sausage, add beans and other ingredients. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. PERKIN'S RESTAURANT 22780 Shore Center Dr. Euclid, Ohio 44123 216 - 732-8077 Operated by Joe Foster Mario’s International Program Donations Thanks to the following for their generous donations to the Ameriška Domovina: Maria and Albert Frank, Wickliffe, OH --$10.00 Silvester Lango, M.D., and Dominka, D.D.S., New Rochelle, NY - $15.00 Jacob Grum, Euclid, OH -$15.00 Isabella Dejak, Eastlake, OH -$10.00 John Radovič, Gates Mills, OH -$15.00 Milka L. Skorjanec, Gilnbert, MN — $15.00 Mary Erdani McMur-ray, Euclid, OH - $15.00 Rudy Klammer, Wil-lowick, OH — $15.00 Rudolph Kastelic, Char-don, OH -$10.00 Marija and Anton Koželj, Mayfield Village, OH - $10.00 Max Gorensek, Aiken, SC - $5.00 John Tegel, Wood Dale, IL - $5.00 Gregory Fedran, Monterey, CA - $15.00 Joseph Spisich, Wickliffe, OH -$15.00 Frances Opeka, Green Oaks, IL — $10.00 Gabrielle Germek, Mentor, OH - $10.00 Vera Ornik, Milwaukee, WI - $10.00 A real leader has no need to lead - he is content to point the way. -Henry Miller WKTX - 830 AM Saturdays 7T 3 to 5 p,m. ■ • • *••«••*• «••!»•» •«» m mm m >m m m * House for Rent Big Brick House - 3 bedrooms, newly painted. Includes stove, refrig., big yard. Good adult tenants preferred. No pets. Brazil Rd„ off Neff Rd. - $780 mpnthly plus .security. Tel.: 216 481-630^! : : ,-;y rniiMiund:-:— Friday, Feb. 18 Fish Fries every Friday during Lent in the Slovenian National Home Club Room,6409 St. Clair Ave. (rear). Serving 5:30 to 8:30. Take outs available. Friday, Feb. 18 Dance at West Park Slovenian Hall, 4583 W. 130 St., Cleveland, 7:30 p.m., featuring Bob Kravos. Friday, Feb. 18 Waterloo Slovenian Home, Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fries 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fish -Shrimp - Pork Chops, Goulash, etc. Take-outs call (216)481-5378. Friday, Feb. 18 Slovenian National Home, 3563 E. 80lh St. Fish Fry, Walleye or Shrimp, Pierogies, Mac & Cheese, potatoes, coleslaw, bread & butter, beverage, dessert. Donation $9. Serving from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20 St. Vitus Slovenian School Annual Benefit Dinner of Pork Roast or Chicken in school auditorium between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $12 adults; $6 children. KSKJ lodges Christ the King #226 and Sacred Heart #172 sponsors. Friday, Feb. 25 Dance at West Park Slovenian Hall, 4583 W. 130 St., Cleveland, 7:30 p.m., featuring Wayne Tomsic. Friday, Feb. 25 Waterloo Slovenian Home, Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fries 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fish -Shrimp - Pork Chops, Goulash, etc. Take-outs call (216)481-5378. Friday, Feb. 25 Fish Fries every Friday during Lent in the Slovenian National Home Club Room,6409 St. Clair Ave. (rear). Serving 5:30 to 8:30. Take outs available. Sunday, Feb. 28 Slovenian Mission Aid Society (MZA) Annual Benefit Dinner in St. Mary’s (Holmes Ave.) Parish Community Center. Serving of chicken/roast beef dinners from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Donation $10 for adults and $5 for children. Friday, March 4 Waterloo Slovenian Home, Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fries 11 a.m., - 8. p.m. Fish -Shrimp - Pork Chops, Goulash, etc., Take-outs call (216)481-5378. Friday, March 4 Dance at West Park Slovenian Hall, 4583 W. 130 St., Cleveland, 7:30 p.m., featuring Stan Mejac. Friday, March 4 Slovenian National Home, 3563 E. 80 St., Fish Fry, Walleye or Shrimp, butter, beverage, dessert. Donation $9.00. Serving from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5 Moonlight Bowling, Slovenian National Home, Newburgh, 3563 E. 80,h. $25 per couple includes bowling, meal and prizes, from 6:30 p.m. Reservations 1-440-243-4062 or 440-524-8915. Friday, March 11 Dance at West Park Slovenian Hall, 4583 W. 130 St., Cleveland, 7:30 p.m., featuring Frank Moravcik. Friday, March 11 Waterloo Slovenian Home, Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fries 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fish -Shrimp - Pork Chops, Goulash, etc. Take-outs call (216)481-5378. Saturday, March 12 Federation of Slovenian Homes Banquet, Slovenian National Home, St. Clair. Tickets $22.00. Each Home has tickets. Genevieve Drobnič and Ken Zalar are top honorees. Sunday, March 13 A day at the races presented by Collinwood Slovenian Home. Donation $6.00. Includes sandwich, soft drink and beer. Doors open at 3 p.m. Friday, March 18 Dance at West Park Slovenian Hall, 4583 W. 130 St., Cleveland, 7:30 p.m., featuring Wayne Tomsic. Friday, March 18 Waterloo Slovenian Home, Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fries 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fish -Shrimp - Pork Chops, Goulash, etc. Take-outs call (216) 481-5378. Friday, March 18 Slovenian National Home, Newburgh, 3563 E. 80 St., fish fry, walleye or shrimp, pierogies, mac & cheese, potatoes, coleslaw, bread, butter, beverage, dessert. Donation $9.00. Serving from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20 Easter Bunny Brunch with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults $8, and children under 12- $4.00 (NASH) Friday, March !25 Waterloo Slovenian Home, Ladies Auxiliary Fish Fries 11 a.m,8, p.m.'Fish ^ Shrimp - Pork gJops^Gpu-lash, etc. Take-outs,,, 9§11 (216)481-5,378. Tuesday, Ityarch 2# St. Vitus Catholic War Veterans Post 1655 anniversary dinner-reverse raffle in St. Vitus School Hall. Further information or tickets call Richard Mott (216) 531-4556. Saturday, April 23 St. Vitus Slovenian School perform play “Žogica picroeies, mac i chee$eUc,, ^MogidaVp. 'uam\ o h&nor* of auditorium. Clubroom Lenten Fish Fries -at Slovenian National Home Death Notices ALEXANDER BONUTTI SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Alexander Bonutti passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2005, at his home. Mr. Bonutti was bom June 25, 1951 in Cleveland. Beloved husband of Mary Joan; treasured son of Ambassador Karl and Hermina Bonutti; devoted brother of Hank, Magda, Peter, Boris and Miriam; loving stepfather of Alexandra and Nicholas. Alex was a gifted architect and mentor at the firm of Anshen + Allen in San Francisco. Alex attended St. Vitus Grade School and graduated from Gilmour Academy in 1969. He graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1974, and received his masters degree in architecture from Columbia University, New York in Urban Planning, in 1978. A longtime supporter of the San Francisco Symphony, and the Architectural Foundation, he strongly believed in nurturing aspiring architects and students. He was President of the American Institute of Architects, SF Chapter in 1990. Funeral Mass was at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Burial ceremony followed at Mountain View Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Port of Oakland Employees’ Scholarship Fund. In Loving Memory 12r3 go Ulaga. Velikokrat sem tudi tekmovala. Avgust3 leta 1940 sem bila na Triglavu. To so bili mpj1 najlepši časi. In vse to Je uničila 2. svetovna vojn3^ Zdaj živim že deset le v domu za ostarele. ^ i * V° vdova že dvajset lei-91. leta sem še voz* avto, sedaj me vnuki. V Sloveniji veliko sorodnikov, vsi študirani in si dopisujemo. Jaz letu 1945 še nisem doma na obisku. vozil0 im3111 velik0 pa P° bil3 na odisku. se spominjam znancev prijateljev, šeK Dari Strm DRUŽINA, 30. jan- 200$