Let Not The Light Of Freedom Be Extinguished! American Home over 100 years' of serving : American- Stoyenians Vol. 107, No. 44 ...USPS 024100 MS.SN Number 0164-68X American Home Am er is SLOVENIAN MC AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 15, 2005 89S6-I80t7fr HO AHy 3d 133yIS OIHO £868 NOHVIAIOiAl NViyVIA! Phone:(216)431-0628 'THW' e-mail: ah@buckeyevvcb.coin / vr t Glasbena Matica singer Tony Mihelich, Jr., presents a bouquet of roses on behalf of the chorus to Julie Tragon for her splendid work as the new Music Director of Glasbena Matica at the conclusion of their concert on Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Slovenian National Home. For more photos and review of the performance, please turn to page 11. ________________________________________(Photo by TONY GRDINA) Christmas Message from Slovenian Consul General Dear Slovenians and Friends of Slovenia, December is the darkest month of the year. Therefore, light takes on a magnificent importance in our lives. Light is life. In the presence of light, we, as people, gather together to converse, sing and pray. Light unites and invigorates us. Christ’s birth gives ultimate meaning to the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. We celebrate light, birth, new beginnings. The day following the celebration of Christ’s birth, therefore, gave way to the birth of Slovenia’s independence. Slovenian national unity had never before, °r since, exhibited the strength it did during those days and months. Appropriately, the national holiday is newly named this year - Day of Slovenian Independence and Unity. Dear Friends, you are a vital, living part of the Slovenian national body. 1 sincerely thank you for all that you have done to support and solidify democracy, independence and international recognition of our Slovenia. I congratulate you all on this precious national holiday, Day of Slovenian Independence and Unity. During this Christmas season, I wish you and your loved ones a profound celebration of Christ’s birth, of the victory of Light over Darkness. May the New Tear endow you with abundant health, personal satisfaction, good will and enthusiasm; in hopes that we may all work together to rejuvenate and maintain Slovenian cultural identity in the United States of America. -Dr. Zvone Žigon, Consul General, Republic of Slovenia V and Mrs. Irena Zigon Successful Campaign Ends The November campaign for new subscribers ended on a high note with 26 new readers enrolled. The generous benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $15.00 for each new subscriber, and the American Home contributed the remaining $5.00. Welcome to all new subscribers and we hope you will enjoy reading the American Home newspaper. Do not hesitate to send in your Slovenian related news and photos. The goal of this newspaper is the sharing of information. You can make it happen.______________ Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.____ The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family. -Rudy Flis Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. -Bob Mills The spirit of Christmas fulfills the greatest hunger of mankind. -Ray Mlakar Euclid’s Sveti Miklavž Tree On December 3rd, the tree on the stage of the Slovenian Society Home on Recher Avenue in Euclid, Ohio was decorated with a Sveti Miklavž (St. Nicholas) theme. The decorations were those used by Santa Papers by Hunter, Inc. last year for a tree at the Cleveland Playhouse Festival of Trees. Karen Hunter and Mary Jane Riddlebaugh, a member of the Slovenian Art Guild, designed the tree. Karen, the artist of the duo, decoupaged a picture of Sveti Miklavž enlarged from the cookie decorating paper she designed. She hand-painted the two angels on the wings of the wooden triptych tree topper that was cut and assembled by her brother, Steve (Mary Jane’s husband). Large wooden hearts with small mirrors were dyed red and then piped with a paint mixture to resemble a traditional frosted cookie. Miniature wooden sleds were painted by Karen with a flower motif around a red heart. Little wicker baskets with tiny wooden “nut” beads, artificial fruit, and small Sveti Miklavž cookies were hung from the branches. Walnuts that had been spray-painted with gold paint, straw ornaments, and star shaped cookie ornaments were tucked among the boughs. Old World charm was added by wooden dowel candles assembled by Steve and pained, glittered, and hot glued by his wife, Mary Jane. Silk cranberry red carnations and wooden 5‘A” Sveti Miklavž decoupaged ornaments resembling gingerbread cookies continued the theme. Under the tree, a large round basket full of oranges, nuts, and wooden “cookies” was placed. The basket was of the style Sveti Miklavž was rumored to carry. These tree decorations were donated to the Slovenian Society Home by Santa Papers by Hunter, Inc., which will be closing its business at the end of this year. Christmas Holiday Schedule There will be no Ameriška Domovina (American Home) newspaper the last two weeks in December (Dec. 22 and 29). Have a GREAT Christmas holiday. The next edition will be dated Jan. 5, 2006. ššsgs-s AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 15, 2005 AMERICAN HOME AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA 6117 s;. 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. 44 December 15, 2005 The Star of Bethlehem by RUDY FUS The Star of Bethlehem has shone for a few thousand years. Oh, you can’t just look up and see ii. Maybe when Jesus was bom you could, but now you must believe in the birth of Jesus, Son of God, and the Virgin Mary. The shining star is like a ray of hope for mankind. You and I and all around are affected by it, not always in the same way, but we are affected, believe me. Is it magic that the Star of Bethlehem from so long ago and so far away yet shines on me to this day? In the 1930s, as a young child, secure in my family setting, thanks to my mom and dad, and brothers and sisters, blessings from God, under the rays of the Star of Bethlehem, Christmas was heaven here on earth. The 1940s, ‘50s, and through the rest of the 20th century and including this Christmas, it is again heaven. My mom and dad, most of my brothers and sisters are gone, or are they? They are with me. They shall always be. As the star of Bethlehem shines again on me this joyful Christmas, I will turn back and look to the birth of Jesus. But the rays will not be blank, for they will be pulsating with the images of my loved ones, present and past, bathing my soul in what was, what is, and what will be. How much better can it be? I ask for no more. But I sit here in ecstasy, in Christmas spirit and warm memories of loved ones, and listen to traditional Christmas music. What has become traditional for me is the beautiful CD produced far from Bethlehem, long after the bright star appeared over the manger where Jesus lie, but in time for me to enjoy the fruits of our Slovenian community of the parishes of St. Mary’s on Holmes Ave., and St. Vitus. Every note and song that is sung on Sveta Noč I treasure. This Christmas again, I will eat, and laugh and enjoy life and remember years gone by, all pleasant memories. I pray our children will be blessed with a treasure of Christmas memories such as mine. May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year and that include our beloved American troops around this troubled world. Vesele božične praznike in srečno novo leto Družina Viktor in Ani Kmetich Highland Heights, Ohio_ Rev. Sample is next Bishop of Marquette Rev. Alex K. Sample will be the next Bishop of Marquette, Michigan, the diocese of which was founded by Slovenian missionary Frederic Baraga. In his acceptance statement, Father Sample said: “It is with a great sense of unworthiness that I have accepted this appointment of Pope Benedict XVI to be the next bishop of the Diocese of Marquette. I am most grateful for the trust and confidence that the Holy Father has placed in me, and I hope, with God’s grace, to faithfully fulfill this office which he has entrusted to me. I congratulate Bishop Garland on his retirement, and I am tremendously grateful to him for all his guidance and example during my time working with him in the Chancery. We all thank him for his 13 years of faithful and fruitful ministry as our Bishop. I thank him for the opportunities he has given me which have helped prepare me for this day. I am, of course, very indebted to my family for their love and support over the years, especially as I have tried to faithfully live out my priestly vocation... To the faithful of the whole Diocese of Marquette, I am humbled to be appointed your shepherd, and I promise to do all in my power, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be a good, faithful and loving shepherd of the flock entrusted to my care. I wish to minister in the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” I beg your prayers for me as I prepare to assume this ministry, and I will count on those prayers throughout my years of service as your bi shop... Finally, and most importantly, I thank God for the gift of life and salvation and for my vocation. May he ever guide me as I continue to strive to faithfully serve Him in the likeness of Jesus, His Son and the Good Shepherd. Consecrating myself to the Mother of God, Mary Most Holy, and relying on the prayerful intercession of the first bishop of Marquette, Frederic Baraga, I hope to be an effective instrument of Christ’s love, mercy and salvation for the people I am sent to serve. Members of the Bishop Baraga Association know Father Sample as the Administrator of the association. He was in Cleveland, along with Bishop Garland, in September for the Labor Day Bishop Baraga two day celebration, participated in the Slovenian and English Masses, and conducted the Baraga Association meeting on Sunday, Sept. 4 in St. Mary’s new parish center. At the previous Baraga celebration in Cleveland in 1986, he also joined the Slovenians at Slovenska Pristava along with Archbishop Rode from Slovenia. Congratulations to Father Sample, 45, who will become the youngest bishop in America. Father Sample in Slovenian Cultural Garden on Sept. 3. 100 Words More or Less... Christmas in time of war and a hope for peace by JOHN MERCINA 0 American Revolutionary War - “On Christmas Day, 1776, Washington crossed the Delaware River and attacked a garrison of 1,600 Hessian troops. In a bold daylight attack, 2,400 American troops with 18 cannons subdued the Hessians within an hour. One hundred Hessians lay dead, 900 were captured and the rest fled into the New Jersey woodlands.” 0 Civil War - Christmas 1864 - “This is Christmas, and my mind wonders back to that home made lonesome by my absence, while far away from the peace and quietude of civil life to undergo the hardships of camp and maybe the battlefield. I think of the many lives that are endangered and hope that the time will soon come when peace, with its innumerable blessings, shall once more restore our country to happiness and prosperity.” 0 WWI - “The words heard were these, “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht.” British troops immediately recognized the melody as “Silent Night,” and quickly neutralized all hostilities. One by one, British and German soldiers began laying down their weapons to venture into no-man’s-land, a small patch of bombed-out earth between the two sides. The truce ended just as it had begun, by mutual agreement. The war was on again.” 0 WWII - Silent Night, Holy Night was instrumental in suspending the fighting on many fronts while people around the globe turned to their radios on Christmas Eve to hear opera star Ernestine Schuman-Heink sing Stille Nacht. She had one son fighting for the Axis, and one for the Allies.’ 0 Korean War - “We had a communication receiver timed to Armed Forces Radio playing Christmas tunes loudly and some of the boys were trying to teach the Korean kids to sing hymns with them. Every box of C rations had cookies and the guys gave those to the children for Christmas presents.” 0 Viet Nam War - “On the first day of Christmas, the VC gave to me: Some plastic in a Dauphine. On the 2nd... two hand grenades. On the 3rd... three punji stakes. On the 4lh... four fallen flowers. On the 5th... five claymore mines. On the 6th... six satchel charging. On the 7,h... seven birds a shrieking. On the 8th... eight bar girls drinking. On the 9th... nine Saigon teas. On the 10th... ten tanks of napalm. On the 11th ... eleven Montagnards. On the 12 ... twelve butterflies.” 0 Operation Desert Storm 1990 - 101st Airborne Division Commander, Major General J. H. Binford Peay III in his Christmas message: “This great division is ready and willing to go to any length to carry out our assigned mission. We have taken our stand in opposition to aggression with full faith and confidence that our service is needed and appreciated. With courage and commitment, we follow our convictions in quest of ‘Peace on Earth’ as wise men have always done.” 0 Christmas 2005 - Let us pray in this Season of Peace for those of our brothers and sisters who are serving in far away and lonely places. May the Lord of Peace bless their efforts and bring them safely home to their loved ones. A blessed Christmas and a peaceful 2006 to all the readers of American Home. -John Mercina Gripes and Gladness from Joe Snyder Since 2004, there have been very few articles that related to anything but obituaries from people who were remembered from St. Lawrence parish in Newburgh section of Cleveland. The beat goes on as we have lost .Eddie Škufca, a feisty ombudsman of the Slovenian National Home that kept the interest of the underdog his forte. A veteran, a leader in volunteer organizations, and a true supporter of all National Home festivities. He is .missed. Andy Scinkovec was a Laurentian, a veteran, a remote control aviation enthusiast, an Eagle, an exceptional humorist, and an all around good guy. Sadly, many friends of St. Lawrence have passed away. I have been inundated with e-mails that are too numerous to list. This age has brought about a lessening of personal letters, which were a mainstay and source of warm feeling. Computer generated, pre-printed, greeting cards are less personal than a written note from a friend. This effort has been lost. I hope only temporary. I have been a lifetime fan of the Indians and Browns (Cleveland baseball and football teams). However, the past score of years, except for the 1990s, flash of brilliance from our baseball team, there is little to cheer for, or even hope for, especially the Browns. I have been upset with the Browns since they fired Paul Brown over 50 years ago. The Indies are in a poker game with a crisp $10 bill; unfortu-nately, they are up against sharks with a wad of C-notes. The Browns are trying to find themselves. For me, wait until next year just does not make it anymore. The entertainment industry has become somewhere between insipid and disgusting, and that goes along with the TV networks and their phony news reporting. Thank God for the old movies, mostly black and white, that are available. Aside from the Slovenian parishes in Cleveland, has the liturgical music been conductive to enhancing prayer and any spiritual experience? A list of the top 20 hymns by some research organization has shown that none of them are available for regular singing at most modem Catholic Churches. Christmas time gives an old timer at least a taste of music they enjoy. The Slovenians are fortunate to have a solid polka base which entertains us daily as an oasis from whatever is being sent through the airwaves. Tony Petkovšek has been a consummate promoter and his annual Thanksgiving weekend is a gift to Cleveland. At the Slovenian National Homes, either at Recher Hall,- East 80th, West 130th, E. 152nd, or St. Clair, we find many opportunities to dancing to a good polka band. Finally, the American Home has been a blessing to our home. We enjoy Ray Mlakar’s column, the writings of Rudy Flis, an occasional article from Joe Glinšek, John Mercina, an occasional editorial from Jim Debevec, plus many other fine contributors. The calendar of events keeps us updated. Each paper is enjoyed by many readers. I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and prosperous 2006. -Joe Snyder Merry Christmas S Happy New Year Vesele božične praznike in srečno novo leto St. Joseph Lodge #169. Big Trouble Joke A husband was in big trouble when he forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife told him, “Tomorrow there better be something in the driveway for me that goes from zero to 200 in 5 seconds flat.” The next morning the wife found a package in the driveway. She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale. --Phil Hrvatin IVORY CITY PIANO SERVICE Albert J. Koporc, Jr. 446 East 152nd St. Cleveland, OH 44110 216-486-1105 Baragov Dom Seeks Shareholders__________________________ The Board of Directors of Baragov Dom, Inc., formerly of 6304 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio is hereby summoning the following shareholders or their descendants to contact us no later than January 15,2006. Golobic, Peter Mushitz, Julija Gornik, John H. Perko, Franc Hudoklin, John Svegel, Helen Intihar, Ann If you have any knowledge of the whereabouts of anyone on the above list or their descendants, please contact John Semen at 440-585-4031 or John Žakelj at 440-943-9931. _____________Baragov Pom Inc. This Holiday, Give Your Friends and Family Gifts and Handcrafts Exclusively From Slovenia Shop securely on-line at www.HomeFromSlovenia.com 4 Or call (203) 775-0853, or email • < lnfo@HomeFromSlovenia.com for our Free Catalog Ask for Contact Code # S426 to Receive $4 off Next Order ! 1 Home i T From yHSlovenia Slovenia Map Clock Celebrate Slovenia's independence and heritage with artist Andreja Skulj's handcrafted, ceramic, map clock Handcrafts, Gifts, and Heritage Cobalt-Crystal Bud Vase Kich, hand-blown, cobalt-crystal vas? from Kreativ, Rogaška Slatina Slovenian Cookery Cookbook Over 100 classic and authentic Slovenian dishes and desserts i'iiil sqOfi rn fro.' Best Wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year SUNSET INDUSTRIES, INC. EUCLID, OHIO_______________________ AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 15, 2005 /•uvie,x\ioiwa viin/\, unK id, zuud 4 Mlakar Walks Down Memory Lane $ by RAY MLAKAR To begin with, here is wishing all of our readers a very Happy and Blessed Christmas and hope Santa fills your stockings to the brim. With my luck, he will pass me up since I have ‘holes in the toes of my stockings. Speaking of the holidays, on Sunday, Dec. 4 I did get the chance to go to the E. 80th Slovenian National Home for the K.S.K.J. meeting and Christmas Party. I got there late since I had to snow-blow the driveway before I could get out. By the time I got there, the lodge meeting was over and they were headed for the bowling alleys where the Christmas Party was to be held. A couple of the members came up to me and said, “Congratulations!” I said, “Congratulations for what?” I thought, “What did I do now?” or “Did I win a door prize?” They said no, “You have been elected as Vice president of the lodge.” It seems that even when I am not there on time and keep my mouth shut, I get elected. What can I say, “Dennis Kucinich, eat your heart out.” I will certainly endeavor to do my best. I moved into the bowling alley and it was the first time I was there and I must say they have neat, well maintained bowling alleys. They had all the 12 lanes open with the little tots doing their thing trying to get strikes, and I must say they had some great young bowlers there. I used to bowl in my younger days, some 50 years ago for the SNPJ Slovenian lodge, and still have a couple of prize trophies I keep in the basement for posterity. When posterity will show up to claim then, I have no idea. I think that now in my old age the alley at the E. 80th Slovenian Home were made for guys like me for in lanes one and two they had air filled tubes laying in the gutters on each side of the alley so that in no way could a bowler get a gutter ball. That’s what I need, “All the help I can get.” The kids were really in their glory. They were having a lot of fun. There was plenty of food for all. You name the snack food and it was there, chips, dips, com curls, pretzels and plenty of hot dogs that were kept going at “full steam,” along with sloppy joes with all kinds of soft drinks. Before long, Ho, ho, ho came in carrying his heavy bags and before long the kids were lined up to see Santa, sit on his lap, get their photo taken and given bags of candy, toys and each kid got their own greeting card from Santa with a crisp five dollar bill in there. As the line dwindled down, Josie Snyder said, “Ray, go sit on Santa’s lap. I’d like to take a picture of you with Santa.” What can I say, I had not had a picture taken with Santa in well over 70 years. I was bigger than Santa, but he let me sit on his lap. Somehow I think that Josie Snyder knew Santa personally to have him let me sit on his lap for the photo shot. A little while later, one of the little tots came up to me and said, “I seen you sit on Santa’s lap. What did you say to him?” I told him I wanted a choo-choo electric train for Christmas. She smiled and said, “I think you are too big for a choo-choo train.” I said, “I know but I asked anyway. Guess she knows Santa better than I do, but then I don’t really have my hopes up for an electric train. Now that I think of it, Santa has by-passed my house for well over a quarter of a century. What makes me think this year will be any different. Besides, it is the birth of Jesus that is what we should focus on. Santa was good before he left; he gave Josie Snyder a wrapped Christmas box to give to me, perhaps a consolation gift since he did not have a choo-choo-train in his toy bag. To all of our readers, members of SNPJ Slovenian lodge as well as the members of KSKJ lodge, here is wishing you all a very Blesšed and Happy Christmas. May Jesus rein in your hearts throughout the coming year. Well, before I sign off, let me look into “my joke bag” to cheer you along. Well, I have to admit I owe thanks for this joke to my brother Frankie Mlakar of Erie, Penn. Thanks, Frank. Police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer says, “I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir.” The driver says, “Gee, officer, I had my cruise control on at 60." Not looking up from her knitting, the wife says, “Now don’t be silly dear; you know this car does not have cruise control.” As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife and growls, “Can’t you please keep your mouth shut for once.” The wife smiles demurely and says, “You should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did.” “As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, “Dam it woman, can’t you keep your mouth shut?” The officer frowns and says, “And I notice that you are not wearing your seat belt, sir. That’s an automatic $75.00 fine.” The driver says, “Yeah, well you see officer, I had it on, but took it off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my back pocket.” The wife says, “Now dear, you know very well that you didn’t have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you are driving.” As the officer is writing out the third ticket, the driver turns to his wife and barks, “Why don’t you please shut up!” The policeman looks over at the woman and asks, “Does your husband always talk to you this way, “Ma’m?” “No, only when he’s stone drunk.” With that, it is time to sign off wishing that the Good Lord will bless and keep you all safe and healthy. See you next year. Visions of Christmases Past by JOE GLINŠEK As I ripen, thoughts of Christmas are less about new things, and more about old things that remind me of people I loVe. After he taught me the rudiments of the game when I was in the eighth grade, Dad and I had our annual chess match on the Sunday after Christmas. He died in 1958. Fifteen years, and I’d never won a game. Yet I treasure every one. We ignored the three-minute rule, and I often had time to make sandwiches while he contemplated his next move, and several beyond. Very impatient with the slow pace of the game, I became less so as I grew older. And now, I understand how much he looked forward to our game. The chess board, now a little table, sits next to my computer. I see it every day and think of him. Mike was my bachelor uncle, Mom’s brother, and along with my grandfather, had always been part of our extended family. Grampa was gone, and soon after, I’d married and moved away, Dad died, blow it was just the two of them in our old house. iW years, Mike had been bringing home lopsided Christmas trees, and was teased unmercifully. My very patient father always managed to cover up the defects and made them look good. But now it was Mike’s job, and his tree be- came the anticipated Christmas joke. After he died in 1974, I was clearing out the junk in the coal bin of our old house. Reaching up to pull the chain on the light bulb, I noticed something between the joists, above the door. I called Mom down from the kitchen to show her my find. Tucked in the dark recess was a dusty bundle of irregular round sticks, and I pulled one out. A short length of a small tree trunk had little nubs where branches had been snipped, and it had a definite piney smell when I brushed off the dust. Written on the end, with indelible purple pencil, was ‘1971.’ There were more than a dozen others; one for every year from 1958 through 1973. Visions of quick-shedding, short-needled, crooked fir trees flashed through my mind, and it took Mom but an instant to connect the dates. Dad died in 1958, and 1973 was Uncle Mike’s last Christmas. These pieces were cut from the Christmas trees that Mike had brought home and decorated. We never realized he was such a softy. Only a sentimental souls would save these, and we felt tinges of guilt for teasing him. Thoughts of Mike and Dad had Mom and I misty-eyed. A bundle of dusty sticks to remind us of Christmas past, and people we love. For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home. —W. J. Ronald Tucker j ^Glasbena • | I I Maticah | thanks all who attended our Diamond Jubilee Concert on \ \ the occasion of our 75,h Anniversary and helped to make it' \ a success! Thanks also to our patrons, our advertisers, J ' and members of the media for their bighearted support. !j J Special thanks to Auxiliary Bishop A. Edward Pevec; J J Senator George V. Voinovich; Dr. Zvone Žigon, Consul J 5 General, Republic of Slovenia; Joe Cimperman and the { / other members of Cleveland City Council; and the H ' Cuyahoga County Commissioners for their kind tributes \ ' to our singing group. Finally, we are enormously grateful j* ' to the Frances and Jane S. Lausche Foundation for its \ , exceptionally generous grant of $5,000. Glasbena Matica \ \ pledges we will continue to do our very best to be worthy * ' of these distinctive honors. i : i \ May the Blessings of This Holy Season Be With All of You! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! | Slovenians “R” Us | Chippy Oatmeal Raisin Bars 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar Va cup (IV2 sticks) margarine or butter softened 2 eggs IV2 teaspoons vanilla Va cup all-purpose flour One 12-oz. pkg. (2 cups) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels 2 cups Quaker Oats (Quick or Old Fashioned, uncooked) % cup raisins Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 13x9-inch baking pan. Beat sugar, margarine, eggs and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add flour, mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread into pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Cut into bars. 32 bars. _ MBRRT CHRISTMAS I AMD HAPPT MRW TEAR | Slovenian Christmas Eve MBRRT CHRISTMAS ® 5 'AMD 'ffAPPT NEW TEARi Customs g Heinz Mikota, D.D.S. Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Osenar and Family Willoughby Hills, Ohio Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Emilee Jenko, Rikk, and Dawn I Charlie & Majda Lončar Family 144 Huntington Woods Dr, Madison, Ohio 44057 Merry Christmas to all our relatives and friends in Slovenia, USA and Canada Vesele božične praznike in srečno novo leto želita vsem sorodnikom, prijateljem in znancem { MARIA and ANNA LUNDER i 1150 E. 60 St., Cleveland, Ohio M CHRISTMAS AMR A HAI i V H1VV TEAR Marcie 2nd Bob Mills and Family life CMROSTRMS A« HAPPY HiW YEAR Bob and Elaine Debevec 6828 Dave Dr. Madison, OH 44057 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Joseph S. Baškovič in memory of Josephine Baškovič t- t Hrrry CHRISTMAS AND HAPPT NEW TEAR Jo Ann Kaifesh 7290 Ledgewood Dr. Kirtland, OH When Slovenian people came to America, they brought with them many faith-based customs which are observed throughout the year such as the blessing of Easter foods on Holy Saturday afternoon, and the blessing of homes on Christmas Eve. These customs are not just folklore but rather actions which carry deep spiritual meaning for believing Catholics. The blessing of homes on Christmas Eve, for example, takes place soon after dark when the family is finished with all the busy work of preparing for Christmas Day. Family members gather by the nativity manger to say the entire 15 mysteries of the Rosary in honor of God’s salvation of His chosen people. One person begins to bless the manger with holy water while another lights the charcoal and bums the incense. The person with the incense starts the procession followed by the person with holy water and other family members following single file and reciting the Rosary. Every comer of the home is thus blessed. The purpose of this twofold action of blessing and incasing the home is to bring peace and harmony to all in the family and to honor Christ the Savior, who was bom into the Holy Family. Following this ritual, families usually eat together, sing Christmas carols and prepare to go to Midnight Mass, Gifts are usually opened only upon returning from church. Many Slovenian people still observe the custom of going to another Mass on Christmas Day and to the litanies. --St. Vitus Church Bulletin Potica, Cookies For Sale Slovenian potica and authentic European Christmas Cookies for sale. Order now for Christmas« Maria’s Cookies & Desserts 853 fast 185 St. lib-,—486-5545 Home Health Care Home Health Care with love and respect. European-American home health aids. 10 •+ years experience. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call 440-516-1506 or 216-407-2655. References available. 6420 St. Clair Ave. Tel.: 431-3772 Cleveland, Ohio 44103 May the Peace, Love and Joy of the Christmas Season Remain in your hearts throughout the year. Jitn, Madeline and James V. Debevec, II James A. SLAPNIK, JR. FLORIST- CVETLIČAR 650 E. 185 St. (216) 531-7887 BEST WISHES FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! % Happy New Year Mrs. Dorothy URBANCICH Euclid, Ohio POZELNIK Tony -- Albina 6603 Schaefer Ave., Cleveland, Ohio . MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HEW YEAR W. Maier Doors Unlimited Garage Door Repair and Replacement Servicing all Your Electrical Needs Walter Majer (216) 732-7100; pager (216) 506-8224 Wishing to AH My Cherished Friends A Blessed Merry Christmas, A Healthy, Prosperous New Year Ann M. Opeka 1 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 15, 2005 St. Vitus Church 6019 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103 ^T St Vitut e/Li*cA - €e*fou So. Vida Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Christmas is without doubt the most joyful time of the year. The Manger and the Tree, the lights and the music add a special glow to the season. All these beautiful external things remaim outside of us, unless our understanding and appreciation proceed from a deep sense of contentment reaching to the depths of the soul. This true spirit of Christmas can only come about if one realizes the real message of the Feast - God became man - the birth of Jesus - God with us. Do try to make your Christmas Christian. Come to Christmas Mass as a family and receive Our Lord in Holy Communion. Then, will the Peace which Christ brings and His blessings last throughout the New Year. Your priests at St. Vitus Father Joseph Boznar Father Victor Cimperman Dragi bratje in sestre! V Prazniki Gospodovega rojstva so gotovo naj lepši v letu. Jaslice in božično drevesce, lučke, zvonenje in petje božičnih pesmi daj e tem praznikom poseben sij aj. Vendar so še tako lepa dejanja in stvari zgolj zunanjost brez vsakega vpliva na dušo, ce jih človek ne dojema v vrednoti v svojem srcu. ■ v .... Pravo božično razpoloženje podoživlja samo tisti, ki pravilno razume sporočilo svete noči: Bog si priv-zame človeško‘naravo - Jezus se rodi - Bog z nami! Zato se potrudite, da bodo vasi prazniki res krščansko doživeti v vsakem oziru! Udeležite se prazničnega bogoslužja in prejmite Jezusa v svetem obhajilu! Kristusov mir in njegov blagoslov naj bosta z vami v Novem letu 2006. Vasi duhovniki pri Svetem Vidu Christmas ~ Božič ~ 2005 MASSES - SV. MAŠE Please follow the regular weekly schedule of Masses up to Saturday morning of December 24, 2005. There will be NO Christmas Vigil Mass at 4:00 p.m. Prosimo, sledite do sobote zjutraj, 24. decembra 2005, spored sv. maš v oznanilu! Večerne sv. mase ob 4h to šoboto NE bo! CHRISTMAS EVE - SVETI VEČER 11:30 p.m. * Christmas Choral singing Božficno zborovsko petje 12:00 a.m. * Midnight Mass - Polnočnica CHRISTMAS DAY - SVETI DAN 9:00 a.m. * Mass in English 10:30 a.m. * Mass in Slovenian 11:30 a.m. * Sung Litanies - pete litanije SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2005 4:00 p.m. * New Year's Eve Vigil Mass Vigilijska sv. maša za Novo Leto NEW YEAR’S DAY - NOVO LETO 2006 FEASTDAY OF MOTHER OF GOD - PRAZNIK MATERE BOŽJE 10:00 a.m. * All Parish Mass NOTE: Coffee & donuts in church hall after Mass. Kava in krofi v cerkveni dvorani po maši. SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2006 5:30 p.m. * Christmas Concert in church Božični koncert v cerkvi k SA CRAMENT OF RECONCJLJA TIOIV SfO vedo vanje FRIDAY - PFTEK, December 23, 2005 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. SATURDAY-S0B0TA, December 24, 2005 7 :30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO confession on Saturday, December 24, 2005, in the afternoon and evening. ' Confession schedule on Saturday, December 31st is as for regular Saturdays. V soboto, na sveti večer, NE bo spovedovanja! Spovedovanje bo ob običajnem Času v soboto pred Novim Letom. *£U A*JLA!iitki-ai %: iFAC-f « J —■•rnmw Happy New Year Frances Mauric Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143 % Merry Christmas from all of us... When You Want to Travel... Contact the Travel Experts at HANSA TRAVEL SERVICE On the West Side visit HANSA IMPORT STORE and TRAVEL AGENCY 2717 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland 44113 631-6585 ALSO - VISIT OUR NEWL Y REMODELED PATRIA IMPORT STORE 794 E. 185th Street, Cleveland 44119 We import various Slovenian good quality wines, mineral water (Radenska), all kinds of cookies or candies, plus a large selection of audio musical cassettes from Slovenia, herbal teas, etc. STOP IN and VISIT US SOON. Ask for Boris Or Suzi (216) 531-6720 WILLIAM F. LESKOVIC William F. Leskovic, 95, passed away on Dec. 10, 2005 at Bath Manor, in Fair-law, Ohio. He was bom on January 24, 1910. Mr. Leskovic was a resident of Willowick, Ohio. Mr. Leskovic was a cherished uncle and great uncle of many. His wife, Angela (nee Gole), is deceased. Private family service at North Madison Cemetery in Madison, Ohio. Arrangements by The Dan Cosic Funeral Home. In Memory Thanks to Stanislava Pe-cavar of San Francisco, CA who donated $50.00 in memory of her husband, Peter Pecavar. In Memory Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jenko of Euclid, Ohio who submitted a $25.00 donation in memory of their parents. In Memory Thanks to Danica Chemas who submitted a $20.00 donation in memory of Frank Chemas. In Memory Thanks to Maria Novak of Euclid, Ohio for the $11.00 donation in memory of her husband, Ivan Novak. In Memory Thanks to Tone Skerl of Kirtland, Ohio who donated $40.00 to the Ameriška Domovina in memory of his sister, Sister Minka Skerl, a medical missionary who died on November 19lh in London. A special Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. in Divine Word Chapel in Kirtland, Ohio. In Memory Thanks to Mrs. Joseph Penko of Willoughby Hills, Ohio who sent a $20.00 donation in memory of her husband Joseph Penko on the 5th anniversary of his death. She writes, “Though his singing days are over -his melodies are with us forever.” He belonged to St. Mary’s (Holmes AVe.) choir, Glasbena Matica, and Slovan. He is sadly missed by his wife, Frances, son Larry, Karen, Rev. Robert Lester, Lauren, and especially Elizabeth, and sister Marie. In Memory Thanks to Josef and Marie Laft of Chardon, Ohio who donated $50.00 in memory of George Švajger. Donation Thanks to Mirko Hrovat of Chesterland, OH for the $15.00 donation. Informative “The Ameriška Domovina is filled with such interesting and informative reading that we look forward to each and every issue, and hope that it continues to be published for many years to come. “Thank you and Happy Holidays to one and all! — Dom and Val Cekada, Euclid, OH” NOTE: Besides renewing. their subscription, Dom and Val enclosed a $10.00 donation. Donation Thanks to St. Mary’s Altar Society for the $10.00 donation. Large Donation Thanks to St. Vitus Altar Society for the $100.00 donation. They sent a card, “All of us from the St. Vitus Altar Society wish you All a very Blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2006.” -Ivanka Matic. In Memory Thanks to Amalia Gregorc of Richmond Heights, Ohio who donated $20.00 in memory of her husband, Anton Gregorc. In Memory Thanks to Leon J. Ponikvar of Orwell, OH who sent in a $15.00 donation in memory of his mother, Mary Ponikvar. In Memory Thanks to Antonia Lamovec of Richmond Heights, Ohio who submitted a nice $45.00 donation in memory of Viktor Lamovec. In Memory Thanks to Maria Cugelj who sent in a $15.00 donation in memory of her husband, Ivan Cugelj. Donation Thanks to Stanley Kodrin Willoughby Hills, Ohio for the $25.00 donation. In Memory Thanks to Frances Mau-ric of Richmond Heights, Ohio who donated $25.00 in memory of her wonderful husband, John Mauric. In Loving Memory of the 40,h Anniversary of our dear Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother Mary Hrastar passed away Dec. 25, 1965 Sadly missed by Son - bill (deceased) Daughter - Marlene Dobrzeniecki (Fla.) Granddaughter — Janice Conley Donation Thanks to Joey, Lisa, and Faith Tomsick for the beautiful Christmas card and the $50.00 donation. They write, “Please accept this donation as appreciation to all your efforts to preserve our wonderful Slovenian heritage. Thank you for your kindness.” Large Donation Thanks to Joe and Mary Grcar of Willoughby Hills, Ohio who renewed their subscription and added a wonderful $100 donation! Donation Thanks to Stani and Matt Grdadolnik who sent a beautiful Christmas card with a $45.00 donation. Donation Thanks to Miroslav and Kathy Gorjup of Eastlake, Ohio who renewed their subscription and added a $15.00 donation with the kind words, “Merry Christmas to an. K.eep up me guuu wui*.. Zele Funeral Home Slovenian Society Home (Recher Hall) MEMORIAL CHAPEL Fish Fries Located at 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 452 E. 152 St. Ph: (216) 481-3118 Fish, Shrimp, Pork Chops, and Goulash Dinners ^ Family owned and operated since 1908 Large Donation Thanks to Slovenian American Primorski Club for their generous donation of $100.00. They write, “May the joy of Christmas be with you now and always, Vam želi Primorski Club.” Best Wishes My best wishes. Am still enjoying the news. --Jo Gornik Euclid, Ohio Donation Thanks to Cecilia Urbas of Richmond Heights, Ohio who renewed her subscription and added a $15.00 donation. she writes, “Happy Holidays.” Very Generous Donation Editor, Members of St. Anne Lodge #4 AMLA wish you and yours a Blessed Christmas. Thanks for publishing “Our Voice,” the paper enjoyed by many members. We appreciate your dedication. -Lil Novak, Secretary. Enclosed was a very generous Christmas donation of $150.00. Donation Enclosed please find a ($50.00) donation. The St. Vitus Alumni thanks you so much for publishing these great articles written by our journalist Aggie Koporc. Merry Christmas and have a great New Year. Donation Thanks to the Ladies of American Slovene Club for the $50.00 donation. They write, “Wishing you all the joys of a wonderful Christmas and a year filled with happiness. Large Donation Thanks to the Belokranjski klub for their wonderful donation of $100.00. Large Donation Thanks to all the teachers, students and the Parent Board of St. Vitus Slovenian School for the great $100.00 donation. Wonderful Enclosed is a $30.00 donation for your wonderful paper. -Mrs. Betty Arko Willoughby Hills, OH Interesting I am sending $35.00 for subscription for next year and $20.00 extra for the paper that I enjoy very much. I look for the mailman every Friday as the paper is so interesting. Keep up the good work. —Mrs. Frances Mole Cleveland, Ohio FOR RENT E. 200 & Lakeshore area. 2 bdrm. 2nd floor. Quiet Slovenian atmosphere, excellent for elderly or single person. $490 mo. 216/531-7864 j Life is a flower of which love is the honey. - Ray Mlakar I In Loving Memory John (J.P.) Jevnikar Born May 16,1918 Died Dec. 26,1993 Robert (Bob) Jevnikar Born May 16,1955 Died Dec. 24,2003 We loved you so much in life. Our hearts were broken to lose you, but you didn’t go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, and though we cannot see you, we still feel surrounded by your love. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us, one by one; The chain will link again. Sadly missed by __ _ Sadly missed by m «» - — —— • — ■ i - • Daughter, Jenien Beach Sister, Jenien Beach son-in-law. Bill Son,John Grandsons John, Jeffrey . Brother-in-law Bill Brother. John Nephew s: John and Jeffrej AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 15, 2005 V) o W m S tu The time draws near the birth of Christ: The moon is hid; the night is still; The Christmas bells from hill to hill Answer each other in the mist. tu Q < Z > o £ O Q Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. —John Mercina 2 tu £ < Food joke Kenny: This food is fit for a king. Ray: Yes, indeed. Kenny: Here king, here boy, that’s a good doggie. Long Time Reader I thoroughly enjoy the American Home. Keep up the good work. Have been reading it since my childhood, when your dad (Jaka Debevec) was editor. He would have been proud of you. Please give my wishes for healing to your mother-in-law (Dorothy Urban-cich). Enclosed is my check for subscription renewal and $25.00 donation. —Mrs. Molly A. Brodnick Highland Heights, Ohio Lilija Bowling Drama club Lilija will begin bowling on Sunday, Jan. 8. To register your team, or for questions, please call Frank Zalar at (440) 943-3844 by Dec. 19. Good Stories Editor, I love the American Home newspaper. There are many interesting stories. I hope the men never give up writing them. -Mildred Ringenbach, Mentor, OH The first Times Square New Year’s Eve ball lowering ceremony took place in 1907 and has continued annually ever since. Tony's... Old World Plaza Barber Shop Haircuts: $7.00 664 E. 185 Št. - at Abby Ave. and Windward Rd. HOURS: 7:30 a.m. ?: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. PERKIN’S RESTAURANT 22780 Shore Center Dr. Euclid, Ohio 44123 216 - 732-8077 Operated by Joe Foster ___ IfAPP^ HOLIDAYS_______ Seasons Giwtings Wiz Wish you and yours fl tlappy Upalthg Npw ypar The Board of f)irgetors The Slovenian National Home 6409 / 6417 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44103 216-361-5115 Hall For All Occasions 9 Happy Holidays To AH my clients and friends Dr. Frank Mršnik 34301 Chardon Rd. (Suite #9) Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 PH: (440) 944-9201 Merry Christmas ^ v' Golub Funeral Homes 4703 Superior Ave Suburban facilities available 216-391- 0357 Karla Golub Sodnicar and Emil J. Golub “Service toRender a More Perfect Trbute” iti££ We Make House Calls ... A Since 1963 Gorjanc Comfort Services has been providing professional, responsive service to make short work of your heating and plumbing needs ... 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And when we make a house call, we bring the warehouse with us. This ensures that most service is finished in just one visit. Call us and experience our award winning service today! GmtJANC COMFORT SERVICES HEATING-COOLING - PLUMBING 440-449-4411 www.gorjanc.com ANGIE'S U5T SWW MRVICI AWDUtO Northwst Ohio 2003 Heating $10 OFF furnace or Boiler Service May not be combined with other Plumbing^ $25 OFF Drain Cleaning May not be pombined with other MFSWrcmiSTMAS Specialists in Corrective Hair Coloring tina & brenda’s HAIR SALON 5216 Wilson Mills Road 461-7989 / 461-0623 Richmond Hts., Ohio 44143 I Happy Holidays Anton J. Ogrinc, D.D.S. Family Dentistry/Preventive Dentistry • MAYFIELD VILLAGE 6551 Wilson Mills Rd., Suit 103 1.440-473-1920 State Representative KENNY YUKO wishes You Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year! Your Slovenian Representative Paid for by the Friends of Kenny Yuko Pamela J. Yuko, Treasurer, 479 Pierson Dr„ Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143 Merry Christmas and a HappfNe'w Year FROM Louis Slapnik & Son, FLORISTS 6102 St. Clair Ave. - 431-1126 POINSETTIAS We can supply you with all your Christmas Needs-Greeting Cards, potted plants, gifts, etc. ---City & Suburban deliveries, Master & Visa cards accepts BLAGOSLOVA POLNE BOŽIČNE PRAZNIKE TER SREČNO NOVO LETO VSEM SORODNIKOM IN PRIJATELJEM ŽELIMO Polde in Fani Omahen ter Elie z družino Richmond Heights, Ohio < teat Veseli Božič ter srečno in zdravo novo leto! A Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year! TO ONE AND ALL FROM THE ^Slovenian Cultural Garden And what is Christmas? It is the happiest time of the year. It is the season... when mistletoe... and soups, and sliding, and schoolboys prevail; when the country is illuminated by fires and bright faces. —Charles Lamb Stimburys Accounting Accounting & Income Tax Services 496 E. 200th St. . Euclid, OH 44119 (216) 404-0990 Fax (216) 404-0992 . „ .. Laxtime@en.com nttp://s timburysaccounting.com Enrolled to Practice Befdte Hie Internal Revenue Service Servicing Indetidudls Corporations & Small .justnesses. National Cleveland-Style POLKA HALL OF FAME Wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year “It’s a Good Time to Polka” • POLKA RECORDINGS