Different... Different
Transcription
Different... Different
prosveta Official Publication of the Slovene National Benefit Society PERIODICAL MATERIAL YEAR CV IMPERIAL, PA., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012 ISSUE 17 Different... Yet All The Same A look at Slovenia’s regions and what makes them unique 2 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 PROSVETA (ENLIGHTENMENT) (USPS 448-080) (ISSN 1080-0263) The Official Publication of the Slovene National Benefit Society 247 W. Allegheny Road Imperial, PA 15126-9774 Phone: (724) 1-800-843-7675 e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.snpj.org Editor: Jay Sedmak Associate Editor: Kimberly Gonzalez Subscription rate is $8 per year for non-SNPJ members in the United States (Fla. subscribers, please add 6 percent sales tax). Canadian and foreign subscriptions, $50 per year. Advertising information available by contacting our office. Material concerning the official workings of the Slovene National Benefit Society is given publication priority. Unsolicited manuscripts returned only if a selfaddressed, stamped envelope is enclosed. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: PROSVETA, 247 W. Allegheny Rd., Imperial, PA 15126-9774 (Issued biweekly on Wednesday) (Periodical postage paid at Imperial, Pa., and additional mailing office.) SNPJ National Board Executive Committee: National President...............Joseph C. Evanish National Secretary...................Karen A. Pintar National Treasurer........... Robert J. Lawrence Correspondence received at: 247 West Allegheny Road Imperial, PA 15126-9774 Finance Committee: Chrm.: Roger C. Clifford — 568 Lang Road, Sewickley, PA 15143 Robert Lawrence, Secretary Joseph C. Evanish Kenneth Anderson — 2400 Derby Road, Birmingham, MI 48009 Richard Hervol — 183 Wylie Ave., Strabane, PA 15363 Supervisory Committee: Chrm.: Phyllis Wood — 9519 Evergreen Lane, Fontana, CA 92335 Vincent Baselj — 1001 Grandview Ave., Apt. 903, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Louis J. Novak — 6308 Highland Rd., Highland Heights, OH 44143 Stan Repos — 1255 McCaslin Rd., Imperial, PA 15126 Joseph M. Grkman Jr. — P.O. Box 584, South Park, PA 15129 Regional Vice Presidents: Frank Bregar, Region 1 — 25 Willow Crossing Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 James L. Curl, Region 2 — 503 Orchard St., Carnegie, PA 15106 Nancy Koutoulakis, Region 3 — 4321 Beverly Dr., Aliquippa, PA 15001 Linda Gorjup, Region 4 — 712 Fiddlers Way, Painesville, OH 44077 Tracey Anderson, Region 5 — 1014 Edgewood Dr., Royal Oak, MI 48067 Justina Rigler, Region 6 — 1116 Berkley Lane, Lemont, IL 60439 John Zibert, Region 7 — 284 N. 200 St., Arma, KS 66712 Fred Mlakar, Region 8 — 13592 Onkayha Cir., Irvine, CA 92620 SNPJ: Keeping a presence in the present by JOSEPH C. EVANISH SNPJ National President IMPERIAL, Pa. — 108 years ago when SNPJ was organized, there was a wave of Slovenians migrating to America which created a demand for Slovenian fraternal benefit societies. Aside from those who organized the SNPJ, how did the new and existing SlovenianAmericans learn of SNPJ’s presence? SNPJ’s presence 100 years ago was made known through Slovenian language publications in America. It also was made known through letters to relatives and friends, and by word of mouth among the many Slovenian neighborhoods that had developed across America. Today we don’t have the Slovenian migration to America of a century ago. Generations later, the Slovenian language publications in America have lost their necessity, and the Slovenian neighborhoods have also largely dissipated. So how does SNPJ maintain a presence in today’s world? Most certainly, we want to expand awareness of SNPJ and the legacy we’ve built for generations of strengthening families and communities through service, member benefits and solid financial protection, including excellent life insurance products and annuities. Today we have greatly enhanced SNPJ’s presence by using technology. Although technology is a funny thing, it seems that everything that’s new becomes old in three months. Regardless, we’re doing our best to keep up. We have long had a website presence, since SEE SNPJ IN THE PRESENT ON PAGE 11 Up-and-Coming... A look at events planned by the Slovene National Benefit Society • AUG. 25......Lodge 6/SASC member picnic at the SNPJ Lodge 6 Hall and Club, Sygan, Pa. Music by Karl Lukitsch 2-6 p.m., and DJ Dave 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free admission for Lodge 6 and SASC members; $8 admission for non-members. • AUG. 26......Young Americans Lodge 564 annual picnic at Dodge Park, Sterling Heights, Mich., starting at 2 p.m. Musicians welcome. Bring a dish to share. For details contact Marion Volpe at (586) 939-1593. • AUG. 26......Westmoreland County (Pa.) Federation presents Mikey Dee’s Polka Picnic at the Evanstown Picnic Grove, Evanstown, Pa.; 1-7 p.m. Music by Mikey Dee and Polka Quads. For additional details contact Mary Ann Bebar at (724) 668-7394. • AUG. 31-SEPT. 2..... National SNPJ Days at the SNPJ Recreation Center. Weekend activities include the National Golf, Balina, Horseshoes and Bean Bag tournaments; the Rec Center Reverse Raffle and the annual Sunday picnic. For additional information phone the SNPJ Recreation Center toll-free at 1-877-767-5732. • SEPT. 2.......Farm Board picnic at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio; 3-7 p.m. Music by Al Battistelli. For details contact Joseph Blatnik at (440) 943-1191. • SEPT. 3.......Val’s Polka Radio Show Benefit Dance at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio; 1:30-7:30 p.m. Music by Frank Stanger and Don Wojtila. For details contact Val Pawlowski at (330) 318-3004. • SEPT. 8.......Strabane, Pa., Lodge 138 hosts the Eddie Rodick Orchestra in the outdoor pavilion; 6-10 p.m. • SEPT. 9.......Jam session at the Slovene Hall in Fontana, Calif.; 2-6 p.m. For details contact Eric Wood at (909) 823-1953. • SEPT. 9.......Youngstown, Ohio, Lodge 153 dance in the Alpine Room at the SNPJ Recreation Center, Borough of SNPJ, Pa.; 3-7 p.m. Music by the John Lapinski Orchestra. For details contact Diane Chermely at (330) 629-8882. • SEPT. 15-16............. Polka dance at the Slovene Hall in Fontana, Calif. Polka Power Saturday, 3-7 p.m., and Polka Power and Stan Blout Sunday, 1-7 p.m. For details contact Eric Wood at (909) 823-1953. • SEPT. 16.....Friends of the Farm picnic at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio; 3-7 p.m. Music by Wayne Tomsic. For details contact Joseph Blatnik at (440) 943-1191. • SEPT. 16.....Westmoreland County (Pa.) Federation Grape Festival at the Evanstown Picnic Grove, Evanstown, Pa.; noon-7 p.m. Music by Frank Stanger, Silver Sky Duo, Mikey Dee and Tamburica AllStars. For details contact Mary Ann Bebar at (724) 668-7394. • SEPT. 23.....Slovenian Grape Festival and Parade at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio; 3-7 p.m. Music by Joey Tomsick. For details contact Joseph Blatnik at (440) 943-1191. • OCT. 6�.......Young Americans Lodge 564 Grape Dance at the SAC Club in Melvindale, Mich. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6, music 7-11 p.m. featuring Herb Schroeder and the Good Times. For details phone Rudy Zornik at (586) 792-2667. • OCT. 28.......Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio; breakfast served 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For details contact Joseph Blatnik at (440) 943-1191. ON THE COVER: Lake Bled, which (with the exception of Mt. Triglav) is perhaps the most iconic representation of Slovenia. Bled is one of several idyllic Alpine towns located in the Gorenjska region of Slovenia, one of the most beautiful areas in all of Europe. Turn to page 15 to launch your virtual tour of Gorenjska and the 11 other regions in Slovenia. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Feeling lucky? Take a chance on the Recreation Center reverse raffle by SUSAN HARDING (277) SNPJ Recreation Center BOROUGH OF SNPJ, Pa. — Time is running out to get your lucky ticket! There are only a few weeks left to get in on the SNPJ Recreation Center Couples Reverse Raffle. Don’t wait any longer or tickets may be gone. The Couples Reverse Raffle is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 1, during National SNPJ Days weekend at the SNPJ Recreation Center. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar until 10 p.m. A delicious dinner will be served at 6 p.m., the drawings will begin at 7, and hypnotist Bob Hein will entertain after the raffle. Music will follow in the Gostilna. If you don’t want to miss out on this funtastic night, please phone the SNPJ Recreation Center tollfree at 1-877-767-5732 and let us know. The cost is $100 per ticket, and each ticket admits one couple, which could be two women or two men as well. This could be the luckiest night of your life so don’t wait too long! Close out your summer at National SNPJ Days over Labor Day weekend by Kevin Richards SNPJ Fraternal Director BOROUGH OF SNPJ, Pa. — The SNPJ Fraternal Department and SNPJ Recreation Center invite all members and friends to the Recreation Center during Labor Day weekend as we celebrate the 73rd National SNPJ Days. For those of you who like to start your weekend early and arrive at the SNPJ Recreation Center on Thursday, the Gostilna will be open on Thursday evening, Aug. 30. National Days weekend starts Friday evening, Aug. 31, with a Welcome Party in the Gostilna beginning at 8 p.m. featuring the music of Ted Zalac. We’ll have special guests joining us Friday evening: Ansambel Azalea will performing in the Gostilna following Ted Zalac. Food will be available for purchase in the Gostilna all weekend long. Activity on Saturday, Sept. 1, starts early as our golfers arrive at Bedford Trails Golf Course to compete in the 67th SNPJ National Golf Tournament, which will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. We have a special hole-in-one prize of $5,000 arranged at one of the par-3 holes, along with additional prizes at the other par-3 holes. The golfers will return to the Recreation Center for dinner at 4 p.m. and the prize drawing at 4:30, during which all golfers will be eligible to win one the many door prizes donated by our suppliers. The opening rounds of the SNPJ National Balina Tournament will also begin Saturday morning. All balina games will be played in the Balinarena at the Recreation Center. The Reverse Raffle banquet will be in the Alpine Room the evening of Saturday, Sept. 1. The ticket price of $100 per couple includes beverages, a buffet dinner and a ticket for the raffle. Remember, you must have a ticket for this adults-only event. Entertainment for the evening will feature comedian/hypnotist Bob Hein. The finals of the SNPJ National Balina Tournament will be played Sunday, Sept. 2, beginning at 9 a.m. The SNPJ National Horseshoes Tournament will also start at 9 a.m., and the National Beanbag Toss Tournament will start at noon. Entry forms for all National SNPJ Days tournaments taking place Labor Day weekend are available on our website, www.snpj.org, or by phoning the Home Office at 1-800-843-7675 or e-mailing [email protected]. Starting at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 2, the National SNPJ Days Golf Cart Parade will begin at the upper pavilion and proceed through the trailer court to the lower pavilion, the location for the National SNPJ Days Picnic. The picnic includes a free dance featuring the crowd-pleasing entertainment of the Joe Grkman and Bob Turcola orchestras from 2 to 8 p.m. Miss SNPJ 2013 Kristen Cushman will be attending this picnic, so stop by to greet our new Miss SNPJ. It wouldn’t be a picnic without games for the children and those who are still young at heart. The Fraternal Department will be arranging a number of activities for the children during the National SNPJ Days Picnic, many of which have been favorites among our members for many years. Be sure to bring the entire family to the SNPJ Recreation Center Aug. 31-Sept. 2 to share in the fraternal spirit of National SNPJ Days. If you have any questions, please call me at the SNPJ Home Office, 1-800-8437675, or e-mail [email protected]. 3 DENISE HERRON SNPJ Marketing Department What’s on the list W e’ve all headed out to the grocery store with a list in hand, confident that that was all we needed, only to return with several bags full of items that were not on the list. In fact, you may not have even known that some of these things existed. Every day, new items seem to appear on the shelves that are just too tempting to pass up. My family has come to expect my surprises when I return from the store, saying, “Hey, look what I found!” But bringing home new-found delights is often what keeps dinner from getting boring and what creates new favorites for the family. My family has grudgingly learned that stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering new things can be a good thing. Things that you never knew existed – those things that were never on the list – can soon become essentials in the pantry. The same is true when it comes to life insurance products. There are essentials that should be in every financial pantry, and many people don’t even realize that they exist. Maybe you feel comfortable with the small policy your parents bought you years ago, so you’ve never perused the shelves to see what new insurance goodies are out there. But now it may be time to step out of that comfort zone. For instance, did you know that SNPJ offers convenient and affordable insurance policies that can be paid up in 10 or 20 years? These plans make it possible for you to eventually be free of paying those annoying premiums, but still have insurance protection for the rest of your life. On that same shelf is a single premium life insurance policy that can be paid up with just one premium payment. Grandparents love to buy this treat for their grandkids. There is also an insurance aisle reserved just for annuities that you may have never ventured down. These gadgets make saving easier, and once you get one you’ll wonder how you survived without it. Open a Century 8 annuity and start earning 3.25 percent interest immediately. In no time at all, the annuity will become your favorite utensil to use when preparing your retirement savings. To get more information on these and other SNPJ products, don’t go looking on the grocery store shelves. Call your Lodge secretary, local representative or the SNPJ Home Office at 1-800-843-7675, ext. 124. You may even discover more insurance products that you never knew existed, and you could be telling your family, “Hey, look what I found!” • Thought for the Week — The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life. Muhammad Ali 4 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Home Office closed for Labor Day holiday IMPERIAL, Pa. — The SNPJ Home Office will be closed Monday, Sept. 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Normal office hours, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., will resume Tuesday, Sept. 4. We wish all SNPJ members and friends a safe and happy Labor Day. Lodge 776 heading to a Scrappers game in Aug. BOROUGH OF SNPJ, Pa. — SNPJ Lodge 776 will host a fraternal day Sunday, Aug. 26, at the SNPJ Recreation Center. A youth fishing tournament will be held at noon for children 18 and under, and a Lodge meeting will be held at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 29, members are invited to attend a Scrappers baseball game. Members will meet at 6:15 p.m. at the ticket office. For details, contact John Pierog at (330) 757-1369 or Ed Snyder at (330) 427-6298. VONNIE DOMBROSKY Lodge 776 Recording Secretary Summer picnic on the Lodge 371 Aug. agenda CLE ELUM, Wash. — Lodge 371 will host its annual summer picnic meeting Sunday, Aug. 26, at noon with a potluck lunch to follow. The picnic meeting will be held at 111 Kricket Lane in Ronald, Wash. For directions or details, contact Ken Kladnik (509) 962-2417. KEN KLADNIK Lodge 371 President The next two PROSVETA issue dates are Sept. 5 and Sept. 19. All material must be received by Monday, Aug. 27, for the Sept. 5 issue, and by Monday, Sept. 10, for the Sept. 19 issue. If you are running short on time and concerned about making the deadline, send an email to [email protected] or submit your material via the publications area of our website, www.snpj.org. Slovenians electing a new president in November Ljubljana (STA) — Slovenia’s presidential election will be held Nov. 11, Parliamentary Speaker Gregor Virant announced in late July as he signed the order calling for the election. “The president does not have executive powers, but the election is exceptionally important since he is directly elected, which gives him a high degree of political and moral authority,” Virant said. All election procedures commenced Aug. 20, when candidates were able to collect signatures and formally file their candidacies. Candidates may run for president with the support of 10 members of Parliament or the backing of an individual political party, or they may run with the support of at least 5,000 voters’ signatures. Candidacies must be announced by Oct. 17, and the ballot will be confirmed by the National Electoral Commission by Oct. 26. Slovenia’s struggling Adria Airways up for sale Ljubljana (STA) — The owners of Adria Airways have decided to sell a majority share in the airline, and an invitation of interest to acquire just under 75 percent of the company was published Aug. 1 by Capital Assets Management Agency (AUKN). The shares are being sold by the state and four banks, which together hold 99.87 percent of Adria stock. Bids are due by Sept. 10. The invitation for bids was published in The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal and Flight Global, an industry trade magazine. Adria Airways posted a first quarter net loss of $9.9 million. The company finished its financial restructuring last September and is now in the restructuring phase. The company has been struggling for years, during which time it has been courting several strategic partners. Fellow Star Alliance members Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines have been mentioned in the media as the most likely candidates to make the purchase. from the source Oldest gold artifact found in Slovenia on display Ljubljana (STA) — The National Museum of Slovenia recently presented a sew-on ornament from the Bronze Age that is considered to be the oldest gold artifact found in Slovenia as the museum launched a series of books for primary school students. The first books in the series focus on the history of Lake Bled, where the ornament was discovered in the 1960s. The gold ornament dates back to the 12th or 13th century B.C., according to Peter Turk, prehistory curator at the National Museum. It was found by chance on the shore of Lake Bled, just under the castle towering over the lake. The ornament is embellished with concentric circles, which was typical of that era. Objects with similar ornamentation have also been found in Denmark and Germany. Žiga X. Gombaš, author of the National Museum’s student history books, said the first book in the series paints a picture of what Bled looked like before the church was built on the island and tourists invaded the idyllic landscape. Winter, drought take their tolls on Slovenian honey Ljubljana (STA) — After beekeepers lost more than 30 percent of their bee colonies during the winter, they were further affected by frost and drought this year. Consequently, Slovenian beekeepers expect to harvest no more than 500 tons of honey this year. In comparison, last year’s honey harvest amounted to 2,500 tons. Boštjan Noč, president of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, has assessed this year’s harvest as “catastrophic.” This year’s acacia harvest, which represents about a third of the annual honey harvest, was severely affected by frost, and since the pine and maple pastures were also affected, beekeepers were forced to feed their bees until June. Although Noč believes that Slovenian consumers appreciate the quality of Slovenian honey, he fears that stores this year will be flooded with cheaper products from abroad. He called on the Agriculture and Environment Ministry to activate natural disaster relief funds to help the beekeepers cope with their losses. In early August, the beekeepers’ association presented their most burning problems to the ministry and received a promise that solutions will be in place by the end of the year. The beekeepers propose that all beekeepers’ associations be registered as associations working for the public interest. They would also like the ministry to draw up a national program for the protection of the Carniolan honey bee and establish a beekeeping institute. Ljubljana Zoo welcomes a Red Panda to the fold Ljubljana (STA) — The big cats in the Ljubljana Zoo received a new neighbor in early August. But even though its Slovenian name, “mačja panda” (“cats’ panda,” in English) suggests kinship, the newcomer red panda is in fact not related to cats – or to pandas for that matter. The one-year-old female was brought from the Salzburg Zoo. Its new home is part of a natural forest and includes old-growth trees, a small pond, and man-made nooks and crannies where the Red Panda can seek shelter. The female won’t be alone for long; the zoo plans to bring in a young male for mating next year. The species is considered endangered in the wild, and breeding in captivity is closely monitored. Red Pandas are omnivores, but they eat mainly bamboo. The Ljubljana Red Panda will get its greens from a bamboo farm in Nova Gorica, where fresh bamboo will be harvested three times a month and kept in cool storage at the zoo. The articles comprising this feature have been reprinted with permission from the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Photos submitted by Sis. Nancy Novak (576). Spartans Rooting for a Captains’ Victory Spartans Lodge 576 members enjoyed a night at the ball park July 30 as they cheered on the Lake County Captains. Joe Novak and Patty Candela entertained the crowd with some button box music before the first pitch was thrown, while Mike and Amelia Lawrence had a chance to meet the team mascot. Lodge 53 Shanksville trip planned in October by PAULINE BARBISH Lodge 53 President CLEVELAND — V Boj Lodge 53 is planning a return trip to the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pa. We sponsored a trip there in June of 2011, and several participants were so moved that they requested a return trip. The trip is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 16. Besides visiting the crash site in Shanksville, we will also visit the Johnstown Flood Museum where we’ll see an award-winning film describing the devastation caused by the great flood of 1889 when over 2,200 people lost their lives. Then we’ll take a ride on the Johnstown Incline, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the steepest vehicular incline plane in the world. The cost of this trip is only $69 and includes round-trip bus fare, lunch at the Oakhurst Tea Room, admission to the Flood Museum and a ride on the Johnstown Incline. If you are interested in joining us, or if you would like more information on the trip, please contact Lodge President Pauline Barbish at (440) 944-9139 or Lodge Secretary/Treasurer Martha Meglich at (440) 884-5043. SNPJ Heritage Center adjusting the schedule for late season visits by KATHY PAULENICH (776) SNPJ Heritage Center Committee BOROUGH OF SNPJ, Pa. — The last day of the season for the SNPJ Heritage Center will be Sunday, Sept. 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. As a reminder, the Heritage Center is open only on Saturdays in August, and will open only on Sundays in September. We are having an end-ofsummer sale on T-shirts, so be sure to stop in for some good deals. It’s not too early to buy Christmas gifts. Hats off to Chris (Rosenberger) Petukauskas (33) for organizing some great activities for both Family Weeks. I heard they took over the kitchen and learned how to make potica. How great is that! Heritage Center Committee members Seph Kumer, Kathy Paulenich and Director Maury Sinan graciously opened the museum and gift shop one day each Family Week so the attendees could peruse the remodeled gift shop. We also held a welcome party with wine and cheese the same day. Attendees visited Slovenia via Skype the first week and via DVD the second week. We appreciate all the wonderful comments and hope to do more of the same next year. We want to thank all of you who have supported the Heritage Center this season. We will be meeting during the off season to plan more exciting programs for next year. I will keep you informed as plans are made. Enjoy the fall season, my favorite, with its cooler weather and colorful atmosphere. Best Wishes for a successful Labor Day weekend from the officers and members of the Eastern Ohio/ Western Pa. Federation Labor Day Greetings from Young Americans Lodge 564 Warren, Mich. Our officers & members extend fraternal greetings to all in SNPJland. President Rudy Zornik Rec. Secretary Thomas Hostnik Vice President Frances Desmond Auditor Eddie Adamic Fin. Secretary & Treasurer Marion Volpe Auditor Fran Adamic 5 President Edward Robich Vice President Linda Horsfall Secretary/Treasurer Cathy Kalenits Through The Years It Is SNPJ! Conemaugh Valley Federation of SNPJ Lodges President Ed Kuzma Treasurer Ken Zakraysek Vice President Tony Ukmar Jr. Secretary Evelyn Dimpfl Assistant Secretary Marilyn Alberter Auditors Joseph Vasilko John Micko 6 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Corn roast fun is just around the corner for Lodge 6, SASC members by FRANK T. WRIGHT Lodge 6 SYGAN, Pa. — Lodge 6 bar bingo returns Aug. 22 as a special BOGO bingo! Youth Circle 36 is collecting school supplies for local children who are in need, and you’ll receive a BOGO ticket for each item you donate. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. We’ll play nine regular games, two specials and one coverall. Bingo sheets can be purchased for $1. Each sheet contains four cards and you may purchase as many sheets as you’d like. If you have a group and would like a table, please let us know. It’s almost corn roast time! The Lodge 6 and SASC Corn Roast will be held Saturday, Aug. 25. The day will begin with the Karl Lukitsch Band playing from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Sunshine Room. Admission is free for all Lodge 6 beneficial members and SASC social members. For all non-members, admission is $8 per person. Upon admission, each person will be given tickets for free hot dogs and corn. Your ticket will be accepted in either the Sunshine Room or the downstairs clubroom. At 4 p.m. in the downstairs clubroom, you’ll want to sign up for the darts, beanbag or puck bowling tournaments. Also in the downstairs clubroom, DJ Dave McMurdy will be playing all your favorite songs from 8 p.m. until midnight. There will be a 50/50 drawing and chances to win prizes throughout the day. Will you be there? Start your engines, it’s goldfish race time! Youth Circle 36 is hosting this annual event Saturday, Sept. 8. The under 21 races will be held at 4 p.m. — please RSVP to Bridget Grejda — and the over 21 races will begin at 7. The evening will also include a dart tournament, music and drawings. This is one fun-filled event you won’t want to miss. On Sunday, Sept. 9, Dick Tady & the DTO, along with the Mikey Dee Band, will play in the Sunshine Room. The doors will open at 1 p.m. with dancing from 2 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 per person at the door. Our downstairs bar opens daily at 3 p.m. offering happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bring a friend and enjoy puck bowling, pool, darts, bean bags and MegaTouch. The downstairs bulletin board is the place to go to for all event information and sign-up sheets. So when you’re at the club, be sure to take a minute to read all the postings. Don’t forget that Lodge 6 is once again matching the $10 SNPJ Recommender Award for each person you recommend until the end of December. That’s $20 to you for each family member and/or friend you recommend who is interested in becoming an insured member. See Jim Curl or Frank Wright for recommender coupons. For more information regarding any of the above events, log onto www.sygan.net and click on the “Special Events” tab or the “Sunday Dance” tab for dance information, or on the “Clubroom Events” tab to see what’s going on downstairs with Margie. You can also find us on Facebook at [email protected]. Annual Grape Festival hosted by the Westmoreland County Federation of SNPJ Lodges Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012 at the Evanstown Picnic Grove, Evanstown, Pa. Noon - 7 p.m. — Parade at 3 p.m. Join us for music, fun and fraternalism... See you all at Evanstown! Labor Day Greetings Cleveland Federation of SNPJ Lodges President Joe Valencic Vice President Dick Tomsic Secretary Sophie Matuch Treasurer Pat Nevar Recording Secretary Agnes Turk Auditors Dorothy Gorjup Karen Tomsic Kathleen Trebets In gratitude to all those who labored so that we may now enjoy their many accomplishments. Trojan Lodge 749 Johnstown, Pa. President Joseph Vasilko Treasurer Judith Edsall Vice President Anthony Ukmar Sec./Rec. Secretary Evelyn Dimpfl Auditors Anthony Ukmar & Julie Wagner Featuring Frank Stanger Orchestra Silver Sky Duo Western Pa. Button Box Club Mikey Dee Tamburica All-Stars Festival Parade Fine Food & Refreshments Children’s Playground Jamming Under the Trees Stomping of the Grapes and much more! Labor Day Greetings from the officers and members of Pioneer Lodge 559 Chicago, Ill. President Jean Cherway Auditors Vice President Otto Doerk John Cretnik Sec./Treas. Anita Vitous Conrad Ladstatter Rec. Sec. Grace Doerk Mike Vidmar Sgt. at Arms Anne Cretnik Mary Vrhovnik PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] Badger Jabber by Bob Smole Lodge 584 Milwaukee — The most recent Badger Lodge 584 meeting took place Aug. 9, as scheduled. The meeting was called to order by President Tim Donovan at 7:30 p.m. with all officers present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Recording Secretary Mary Donovan and approved as read. Reports from the financial secretary/treasurer were presented and approved. There were no deaths reported for the month. Sis. Donovan gave a report on the Badger Lodge annual picnic that was held at Root River Park, indicating all in attendance had a great time. The picnic committee – Bro. and Sis. Donovan, and Brothers Bob Smole and Jerry Wucinski – were commended on a good job of planning. A thank you card was read from Sis. Mamie Mlaker for the birthday celebration she was treated to at the picnic for her 90th birthday. Badger Lodge TEL delegates Bailey Phalen and Tyler Trickle were asked to introduce themselves since they were preparing to head to the Labor Day GREETINGS from officers and members of LODGE 31 Sharon, Pa Labor Day Greetings from the Officers & Members of Lodge 34 Indianapolis, Indiana August 22, 2012 SNPJ Recreation Center Aug. 10-12 to participate in the TEL weekend. Lodge members wished them luck and a good trip. Amber Schweiger was also attending the TEL Workshop as a delegate, and Bro. Jeremy Gorgas as an adult team leader. Sis. Marge Adomat was the birthday celebrant at this meeting. Brothers Bob Smole and Tom Gehm won the attendance awards, and everyone started screaming for ice cream as soon as the adjournment gavel hit the table. This feast, which included cookies galore, ice cream toppings, and apple and cheese/cherry strudel (the strudels were courtesy of Sis. Mamie Mlaker), was arranged by kitchen committee members Sisters Rose Chepeck and Toni Needham. The ice cream was brought in from the freezer and was consumed by the anxiously awaiting fans. You know that time is running out to get in on the Annual Fun-OLeer golf outing. Brookfield Hill Country Club, just south of I-94 on Moreland Road, will again be the site of this 18-hole event planned Saturday, Sept. 15. Tee times will be assigned by Jim Kodel starting at 9 a.m. The $50 per golfer entry fee will cover your golf, greens fee, lunch and two drink tickets. Get your entry into Jim Kodel or call him for more information at (414) 837-3046. You can also check out the Fun-O-Leer website at www. funoleers.org for more details. Time is running out and there is limited tee times, so get yours assigned today by calling Jim Kodel. Other dates to mark on your calendar are the first four Mondays in October (Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22) when the UWM Slovene Arts Program will host free (ja, free!) Slovenian speaking classes. These classes will be held at the West Allis Public Library on 75th and W. National Ave. Millie Mursec, who has handled Slovenian language classes in the past, will serve as the instructor. With her expert knowledge of the Slovenian language, she is most certainly very qualified for the task. For information regarding these classes or to register for them, contact Sis. MaryCay Freiberg at (414) 778-1464. It’s not too early to sign up for these classes. The next regular monthly Badger Lodge meeting will be held on the second Thursday of September, which will be Thursday, Sept. 13, at Mary Queen of Heaven, 2360 S. 106th St. in West Allis, starting at 7:30 p.m. Come and join us! Loyalites plan Oct. bus trip by GINA M. VOLPE Lodge 158 EUCLID, Ohio — It was a pleasant surprise to see some additional members at the Loyalites Lodge 158 August meeting. We had quite a nice turnout. Speaking of a nice turnout, our picnic proved to be one of the best so far this summer. We were very fortunate to have beautiful weather. The Wojtilas are always a joy to listen to, and The Hobos added an extra spark to the afternoon. Santa rode in on his red convertible sleigh, and the kids had a great time with him and all of his magical gifts. The ladies did a wonderful job in the kitchen, as always. Thanks again for your hard work and dedication. Our four drawing winners were Fred Nevar Jr., Anthony “Corky” Godec, Rich Duda and Frank Korelec. The candy jar guess went to May Ann Konel, with only one number under the actual. Congratulations to all the lucky winners! Zack Martin, the grandson Imperial, Pa., Lodge 106 officers and members wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend! Lodge 106 Officers Club Board of Directors President Joseph Evanish Stan Repos, Chair Secretary/Treasurer Larry Gaspersic Recording Secretary Jean Singiser Auditors Charles Singiser Kevin Richards Frank Ulager Kevin Richards, Secretary Larry Gaspersic Charles Singiser 7 of Fred and Fay Martin, will be attending Indiana University for his freshman year. His brother Jake will be at Ohio University for his senior year. Rachel Elam will be attending Bowling Green University in late August. Good luck to all of you. Study, study, study... no party, party, party! Colleen and Billy Frank are both recovering from their surgeries in July. Get well wishes are extended to Bill Bartos, who is recovering from a recent hip replacement. We hope to see him back at the Waterloo Friday night fish fries soon. Best wishes also go out to Chris Heinz who has been laid up for quite some time now. She wanted to say hello to all of our members. Loyalites will host a winery bus trip Oct. 6. The price will be $25 per rider. Please note that since this is a winery trip, it will be adults only, those 21 years and older. Check upcoming issues of PROSVETA for details. Contact Pat Nevar at (216) 789-9746 with questions. The Lodge 106 Hall is the perfect setting for weddings and banquets. Let us customize your special event. For booking information, contact Becky Sabo at (724) 695-1411 or (412) 855-4542. Check out our website: www.snpjimperialpa.com Joseph Sladick Watch for special events this fall in the new Lodge 106 clubroom! 8 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Top klobase of 2013 will be Labor Day Greetings crowned during Sausage Fest from Sygan, Pennsylvania by JOE VALENCIC (5) Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame CLEVELAND — Who serves up the tastiest Slovenian sausage? You be the judge. Cast your vote for top klobase at the ninth annual Slovenian Sausage Festival, hosted by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio. Your favorite polka bands and sausage-makers will offer non-stop music and munching from 1 to 8 p.m. Dance off those excess calories with the finest Cleveland-style orchestras, including those of Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostanek, Bob Kravos, Wayne Tomsic, the Polka Pirates, the Fairport Jammers and the Summit Button Boxers. Sixty accordionists, musicians and bandleaders are on schedule to perform, and an assortment of sweet and savory treats and refreshments will await you between musical numbers. Sample sausages from several makers, then select your winner. Prizes will be awarded for People’s Choice and the juried Best of Fest. The 2012 Top Klobase will be crowned at 6 p.m. This year, the Polka Hall of Fame is offering a special incentive. The winning sausage-maker will become the official sausage supplier for the three-day Thanksgiving Polka Weekend at the Cleveland Marriott Hotel, now hosted by the Polka Hall of Fame. Be sure to get your copy of “SlovenianAmerican Polka Cookbook,” which will be arriving at the Sausage Fest hot off the presses. The Polka Hall of Fame worked with polka radio personality Alice Kuhar to gather nearly 300 of her favorite Slovenian and nationality recipes. You’ll find recipes for authentic Slovenian dishes and pastries such as potica and strudel. Receive $2 off the cover price at the Sausage Fest book launch. The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum traces the story of the city’s homegrown sound from its roots in old Slovenian neighborhoods with audio exhibits, historic photographs and original instruments. Museum members enjoy special events, and vote for top musicians and recordings of the year. The gala Awards Show ceremony celebrates this all-American music each November. The SNPJ Farm is located at 10946 Heath Road in Kirtland, off Chardon Road (Rt. 6), three miles east of Route 306 and six miles west of Ohio Rt. 44. Advance Sausage Fest tickets are $7 each and are available at the Polka Hall of Fame, 605 East 222nd St. in Euclid, Ohio. Same-day admission is $8. For tickets or details, call the Polka Hall of Fame at (216) 261-FAME or toll-free at (866) 66-POLKA, or visit their website at www. polkafame.com. SNPJ Lodge 6 – Bratstvo President...................................Karen A. Pintar Vice President.................... Vince “Babe” Baselj Secretary/Treasurer............................. Jim Curl Recording Secretary.......................Ruth Wright Sgt. at Arms..................................Frank Wright Auditors..............................................Den Brand Ken Pintar Circle Director............................ Bridget Grejda Sygan American Slovene Club President.............................................. De James Vice President......................................Ed Pelino Secretary...................................... Frank Wright Treasurer........................................Ruth Wright Recording Secretary..................... Karen Pintar Sgt. at Arms...................................... Bob Wasky Bar Room Manager.......................... Lisa Brand Auditors..........................................Denny Brand Ken Pintar Babe Baselj New Address? Please use this form so PROSVETA will move with you. Type or print name and new address in the space provided below. Mail to: PROSVETA, circulation, 247 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126-9774; or e-mail [email protected]. Bill Azman of Azman’s Meat Market accepted last year’s title, presented by former Polka Hall of Fame President Cecilia Dolgan (576) and trustee Ray Somich. Name_________________________________________ New Address___________________________________ City/State/Zip___________________________________ Attach old mailing label here PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 9 Join Lodge 5 for a Salute to Slovenia by JOE VALENCIC Lodge 5 Vice President Take part in an old-fashioned Slovenian sing-along during Salute to Slovenia Day, sponsored by Lodge 5, Sunday, Aug. 26, at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio. CLEVELAND — Show your Slovenian spirit at Salute to Slovenia Day at the SNPJ Farm Sunday, Aug. 26. You’ll enjoy the Alpine stylings of the Stan Mejac Orchestra and indulge in your favorite Slovenian pastimes. Enjoy a Slovenian sing-along, dance the polka and waltz, learn about Slovenian wines and beer, and treat yourself to a Slovenian dinner. Members and friends of SNPJ Lodge 5 want you to join them for a memorable day of Slovenian-style music and down-home cooking. Start your day with a full menu of Slovenian entrees and sandwiches starting at 2 p.m. Choose from roast lamb, roast chicken or roast beef, or go all out with Slovenian smoked sausage and sauerkraut. Fresh Slovenian krofe will add sweetness to your day, and you can also find out about Slovenian wines and beers. Get into the Slovenian swing with the Stan Mejac Orchestra, playing from 3 to 7 p.m. Stan will set the tempo for the finest sounds of Slovenia in the style of Avsenik and Slak. His lively polkas and smooth waltzes are sure to please. Do you love to sing in Slovenian? Button boxer Kolman Weindorfer will lead you in an old-fashioned Slovenian sing-along. You’ll get a sheet with lyrics to the favorite folk songs Mama taught you. The SNPJ Farm is located on Heath Road in Kirtland, Ohio, off Chardon Road (Rt. 6), three miles east of Rt. 306. For additional information on Salute to Slovenia Day, contact (216) 481-1379. Lodge 355 hosts its sixth consecutive summer picnic at the Farm by LEE JACKOPIN Lodge 355 Secretary/Treasurer FAIRPORT HARBOR, Ohio — Dober dan. July 8 was a wonderful day for the members of Fairport Lodge 355 as they hosted their sixth consecutive picnic dance at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio. Lodge 355 welcomed all SNPJ members, friends and supporters for a day of good Slovenian food, music and recreation. In a way, this picnic dance was a continuation of the Fourth of July celebration. Some local places even hosted fireworks after dark. It was nice to honor the 236th birthday of America’s independence at the Farm. The planning and behind-the-scenes preparative work had been done. On Thursday the roast beef was prepared, and the Farm Board’s work crew prepared the grounds earlier in the week. The Ladies Auxiliary began making krofe and sweet bread early Sunday morning, and continued preparing klobase, wieners, potatoes, sauerkraut and salad. Table clothes were placed, coolers were stocked, the sideboard was filled, and the Guests attending the July 8 Lodge 355 picnic dance [left] enjoyed a wonderful afternoon, thanks in large part to the hard work of the bar volunteers [center] and kitchen volunteers [right]. outside picnic tables and benches were wiped down. The bar crew was ready to serve at 1 p.m. and the Ladies Auxiliary began serving dinners and sandwiches at 2. The klobase dinner included potatoes, sauerkraut, a roll, krofe and coffee, and the roast beef dinner had a mixed Slovenian salad. Sandwiches were roast beef, klobase and hot dogs; sides were extra. The bar had an assortment of cold beverages including the popular Laško beer from Slovenia, domestic beer, wine, bottled water and soda pop. The exciting Bob Kravos and the Boys in the Band played wonderful dance and listening music from 3 to 7 p.m. Bob Kravos (158) is the great-nephew of Frank Yankovic, and the crowd enjoyed the playing of Yankovic favorites. The dancers and listening audience enjoyed the mix of music. The recent weather had been quite hot, and although this Sunday was warm, there was a cooling breeze. Many attendees brought lawn chairs and sat in the driveway between the pavilion and the former pivo and ice cream buildings. The tall walnut trees provided shade, and there was that cooling breeze down the driveway. People could just sit there, relax, listen to the music, talk or even snooze. They could get their partner and dance a song or two, or get food or a cooling beverage. Besides dining and dancing, there were activities for young and old such as balina, swings, horseshoes, a roundabout, beanbag throwing, slides, renewing old friendships, walking the recreation grounds, and just talking and being with friends and relatives. Fairport Lodge 355 is grateful for the good turnout of SNPJ Lodge members, their families, the Friends of the Farm and the many patrons who came for eats, drinks, dance music and recreation. The members of Lodge 355 say thank you — hvala lepa — to all those who supported our picnic. Many thanks to the volunteer workers of the Ladies Auxiliary, members of other Lodges, and our Lodge members and friends for working our picnic on this holiday Sunday. The bottom line is that our picnic dance was a success. We hope everyone had a fun time and enjoyed the wonderful Slovenian food and music. Na svidenje! 10 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 The SNPJ Farm plays host to the annual Beaverdale Reunion, now in its 24th year by LEE JACKOPIN Lodge 355 Secretary/Treasurer KIRTLAND, Ohio — People whose roots are in Beaverdale and the small coal mining towns of Cambria County, Pa., had their 24th consecutive reunion at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland on Sunday, June 24. This continued the tradition, which started after World War II, to have a reunion in the Cleveland area of people and families whose roots are in the Beaverdale area. Thus, people came from Beaverdale to reunite with relatives and friends living in the Cleveland area and vice versa. Those first reunions were probably at farms or picnic areas. Eventually they were held at the original Geauga Lake Park, and a busload of relatives and friends would come from Pennsylvania. But the reunions stopped in the mid-1960s. However, in 1989, a Beaverdale Reunion Committee was formed consisting of Jim Ilersich, Joe and Joan (Hrebar) Goletz, Bill and Lee Hynds, Irene (Sustarsic) Kelly, Lynn Robinson, Elsie (Niznik) Rubal, and Bill Ilersich. The committee succeeded in having a Beaverdale/Dunlo Reunion at the Strawberry Lane Metropark in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, in the spring and fall of 1989. Attendance was 168 and 122, respectively. Since the pavilion could not be reserved, Jim Ilersich had to arrive at 3 a.m. to claim it for the reunion. Therefore, in 1990, he sug- gested having the reunion at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland in conjunction with a Lodge picnic. The attendance was 115 in 1990. Since a pavilion, good food, beverages, a polka band, balina courts, picnic tables and reunion space were readily available during a Lodge picnic, the committee decided to always have the Beaverdale Reunion at the SNPJ Farm on the last Sunday of June during a picnic hosted by one of the Cleveland SNPJ Lodges. The reunion attracted local folks as well as those from Pennsylvania and other states like Florida, Texas and California. The latter would combine the Beaverdale Reunion with visits with relatives in Ohio and Pennsylvania. But people began passing away, including committee members, specifically Jim Ilersich, Lee Jackopin’s first cousin, in 1999. Joan Goletz was the chairperson for the next few years. The 2002 reunion was informal and without a registration sign-in. In 2003, Joan gave the mailing list, registration lists and the Beaverdale/Dunlo banner to Lee Jackopin, who continues as reunion coordinator. The highest attendance for these two periods were 126 in 1992 and 93 in 2006. The 2012 reunion had 40 registered attendees from the Beaverdale area. The weather was hot and humid with predictions of scattered thunderstorms, which probably kept some people at home. Mirni Raj Lodge 142 provided good food, which was cooked Slovenian-style in the pavilion for their Lodge members, friends and the folks from Beaverdale. The Joey Tomsick Orchestra played many Slovenian polkas, waltzes and other music. They probably played a few of the same songs that accordion players played many years ago after their coal mine work was finished during fun times in the local halls. This was a wonderful chance to reunite with friends and relatives from the old neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. There was a lot of talking, reminiscing and joy in spending time with old friends. That’s what this reunion is all about. Family names of attendees at the 2012 reunion were Bartos, Birkheimer, Chulick, Debevits, Dezelon, Dooms, Elersich, Fox, Guzel, Jakopin, Jereb, Kompare, Kosaber, Kotar, Markusic, McClosky, Meglich, Oshaben, Snyder, Steigerwald, Susa, Sweltz, Torchik, Vasilko, Zabukovec, Zakraysek and Zaremba. Next year will be the 25th consecutive Beaverdale Reunion to be held on the traditional date of the last Sunday in June, June 30, 2013, during the Lodge picnic at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland. We hope to get an exceptional turnout at next year’s reunion. For more information, contact Lee Jackopin by e-mailing [email protected] or calling (440) 943-3170. Greetings and Best Wishes Frank A. Novotny, President Richard Paitl, Vice President Dolores B. Novotny, Secretary Carmella Smidl, Rec. Secretary Evelyn Paitl, Sgt. at Arms Auditors Carmella Smidl Evelyn Paitl Edward Kovack from the Officers and Members of Delavec Lodge 8 Cicero, Ill. Among those attending the 2012 Beaverdale Reunion were [top photo] Paul and Georgia Torchik, Joe and Ann Steigerwald, [center] John Oshaben (158), Stan Susa, Lou Chulick, Greg Vasilko, John Vasilko (158), Bill Chulick, [bottom] John Dezelon (158), Doss Dezelon (158), Marie Fox, Rose Oshaben (158), Ginny Dooms, Dorothy Dezelon (158), Kathy Debevits, Ed Snyder (776), Sonia Dezelon (158), Phil Birkheimer (158) and Jim Dezelon (158). Uncle Sam wants your money... and it’s up to you whether you pay now or pay later. SNPJ now offers Roth IRAs in addition to our regular IRAs and annuities to help build a safe financial future for you and your family. We’ve helped build secure futures for our members for over a century. Phone 1-800-843-7675 and we’ll be happy to help you too. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 11 Technology helps give our Society a presence in the present SNPJ IN THE PRESENT FROM PAGE 2 the 1990s. And we have updated the website over the years, most recently with a new platform that allows us to change the website more easily. Our main site is snpj.org, but we also have a website for the SNPJ Heritage Center, the SNPJ Recreation Center and the Alpine Room. The four websites are separate but integrated under the same umbrella or platform (a content management system). There are also a number of keywords on the sites that are tagged to make it easy for someone typing these words into a search engine, like Google, to find SNPJ. For example, if someone does a Google search for “slovenian heritage” or “20 pay life insurance,” the SNPJ websites will appear in their search results. Our websites give SNPJ quite a presence online. Some of our Lodges have their own websites as well. There are links to those Lodge sites through our main website. We have also established a website for each of our 100 Lodges under the umbrella of our main snpj.org site. We will be providing guidelines for administering the Lodge sites to our Lodges in the near future. Today’s Internet technologies go far beyond a traditional website and avail us to various other ways for SNPJ to be discovered. Earlier this year SNPJ launched its own blog thanks to the efforts of our Web Management Team – Publications Editor Jay Sedmak, Associate Editor Kimberly Gonzalez and Fraternal Director Kevin Richards – along with some outside expertise. A blog is a way to add searchable content online, increasing SNPJ’s online presence and allowing more opportunity for people to find us. We’ve also had an SNPJ Facebook page for sometime now. However, this year we introduced a new online social media strategy to enhance our presence in the social media community. A Facebook page is a way to get information out in real time, and give our members and friends a platform to converse online. We also introduced two other affiliated Facebook pages. One is for our SNPJ Recreation Center, which has really allowed people to talk about all the fun things going on at the Recreation Center this summer. Sue Harding at the Recreation Center has done a great job in its success. The other one is the SNPJ Heritage Center Facebook page. Heritage Center Committee member Seph Kumer has taken this from nothing to an impressive Facebook presence for the Heritage Center in just a few months. With today’s Internet technology, a kind of new Slovenian migration is taking place toward the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center Facebook page. One hundred years later a new Slovenian neighborhood is being created online! You can find our blog at snpj.org. The Facebook pages are accessible from the Recreation Center and Heritage Center websites, which are snpjrec.com and snpjheritage.org. Our fourth website, for the Alpine Room Wedding & Banquet Center, is online at alpineroom.com. 108 years later, we’re still finding new ways for SNPJ to have a presence in the present. PROSVETA Crossword World Wars ACROSS 1. Peter in Russian 6. Actress ___ Thompson 9. UPS competitor 13.Light-weight hat for protection from sun 14.Will Ferrell’s 2003 Christmas character 15.Aka Little Mermaid 16.In the least bit 17.One of a pair for biathlon competitor 18.Nincompoop 19.*Axis opposition 21.*Third _____ 23.Male or female, e.g. 24.*FDR’s third ____ was dominated by WWII 25.Popular locale in Ireland 28.Generic dog name 30.Male name of Old Swedish origin 35.“Aid and ____” 37.Syrian neighbor 39.PDA pens 40.____ contendere 41.Substitute for currency 43.Homer’s “Iliad,” e.g. 44.Dance named after horse’s gallop 46.“Wilhelm ____” 47.____ school 48.*Infamous war camp (#1712) by StatePoint Media 50.A person, place or thing 52.She played Laurie Partridge 53.*____ Germany, formed by Soviets after WWII 55.Uno ___ or one more 57.*FDR/Churchill/Stalin conference site 59.*Big ____, howitzer used by Germans in WWI 62.Undersized 64.*Japan’s target, 12/7/41 66.*Rolls _____ armored car 68.Blood vessel 69.Often hailed 70.Like days gone by 71.Famously extinct bird 72.Ostrich-like bird 73.Summertime pests DOWN 1. Parent organization 2.Smidgen 3. October birthstone 4. One who “_____ it like it is” 5. Type of baseball pitcher 6. More is ____? 7. Mountain animal 8. Aflame 9. Relating to urine 10.Hyperbolic sine 11.Put it to paper? 12.___ and the Family Stone 15.Bad blood 20.Highway departures 22.Energy or work unit 24.Heavy downpour 25.Stabs of pain 26.*Lusitania’s destroyer 27.“Twilight” protagonist 29.____ tape 31.Editor’s mark for “let it stand” 32.As opposed to written 33.Lewis Carroll’s character 34.*Capital of unoccupied France 36.Saw or awl, e.g. 38.1,000 grams 42.D’Artagnan’s hat decoration 45.Saffron-flavored rice dish 49.Gangster’s pistol 51.Limited in scope 54.Pasta complement 56.Fur shawl 57.Equal to 4th and 1 58.Lowest female singing voice 59.Hindu Mr. 60.Robert Louis Stevenson’s evil character 61.Passed with flying colors 62.Melancholy 63.Bovine sound 65.*He always seems to be pointing 67.Half the width of an em, pl. The solution to puzzle #1712 will run in the Sept. 5 issue. © StatePoint Media 12 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Slovenefest XXXI weekend a homecoming for many guests by SEPH KUMER (715) SNPJ Heritage Center Committee BOROUGH OF SNPJ, Pa. — Slovenefest once again provided a “homecoming” for thousands of visitors from at least 20 U.S. states, Canada, Slovenia and beyond. SNPJ offered its 31st celebration of Slovenian culture at the SNPJ Recreation Center July 13-15. For three days and two nights, Slovenian melodies bellowed through the Western Pennsylvania hills near Enon Valley while festival participants enjoyed ethnic and carnival foods, Laško Pivo and, new for 2012, Slovenian wines. As travelers descended on the area for Slovenefest, local hotels filled to capacity. Charter buses carried passengers from as far away as Ontario. For some, this was their first Slovenefest, but others were present who have attended all 31! Sometimes referred to as “Polka Woodstock,” Slovenefest is known as the largest event of its kind in North America. Five venues featured local button box clubs, polka bands and cultural gems Ansambel Dvojčki of Cleveland and Murski Val of Ontario. In all, 25 different bands played Slovenefest. While some attendees listened and visited with family and friends, others danced the days and nights away. Even a Polka Mass, with the liturgy set to beloved polka and waltz tunes, was offered on Sunday morning. Children and youth enjoyed the music and food, but found plenty more to do at Slovenefest. They swam in the beautiful SNPJ Recreation Center pool, fished in the replica of Lake Bled, rode a trackless train, made crafts, played on the sprawling playground, jumped in the bounce house, played miniature golf and were entertained by a balloon artist. The Pennsylvania premiere of the Slovenia-USA Traveling Art Exhibition took place in the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center during Slovenefest. To celebrate this wonderful art show, the Heritage Center Skyped with featured artist Gorazd Jordan of Maribor. Visitors talked and laughed with Gorazd for two hours, discussing art, life in Slovenia, Gorazd’s hobbies and current events. Two of the other five artists featured in the exhibit visited in person, Lynn C. Miller and Toni Rash. Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia Jurcek Žmauc greeted festival attendees and gave an address at the crowning of the 56th Miss SNPJ. This scholarship pageant has become a Slovenefest favorite with its talent competition and thoughtful presentations made by young women from across the United States. This year’s winner was Kristen Cushman from Lodge 138 in Strabane, Pa. Consul General Žmauc called Slovenefest “the largest and craziest Slovenian festival in the States.” SNPJ National President Joseph C. Evanish referred to it as “a fountain of youth.” If you have never been to this gathering of Slovenians, Slovenian-Americans, Slovenian-Canadians and friends in Pennsylvania, plan to join in the fun at Slovenefest XXXII July 12-14, 2013. Cabins at the SNPJ Recreation Center are already booked. RV and tent sites go fast, as do rooms at the local hotels. Make your plans early. Rediscover and celebrate your Slovenian heritage, make new friends, and find out what draws so many visitors from across North America to the SNPJ Recreation Center every July. For more information about Slovenefest, visit www.snpj. org/Slovenian-Culture/Slovenefest. To view a news report of the 2012 Slovenefest, visit http://url.ie/fmlh. The SNPJ, SNPJ Recreation Center and SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center invite you to follow them on Facebook. Samsula to Slovenefest trip an annual treat by JEANNETTE HUMPHREY Lodge 603 SAMSULA, Fla. — Representatives from Lodge 603 in Samsula have returned from another awesome trip to Slovenefest. We spent four days in our cabin, located in the heart of the SNPJ Recreation Center in the Borough of SNPJ, Pa., where we are always welcomed with warm fraternalism. After arriving at the Pittsburgh International Airport, we drove to the SNPJ Home Office in Imperial, Pa. We were welcomed by Beverly Baselj, who was on duty answering the phone and greeting guests. We looked up and saw National President Joseph Evanish, who also greeted our Samsula group. We stopped by Imperial Lodge 106 before heading to the Rec Center. You folks who reside a short distance away are so lucky to have access to the Rec Center. When we arrived in the Borough of SNPJ, we did some grocery shopping and headed to the Gostilna. It truly was a great weekend. We were so happy to see the new Lakeside Pavilion dedicated June 30 in honor of Joe and Bea Cvetas, members of our Lodge. Their family provided the pavilion which will be used by many in the years to come. Joe and Bea spent a lifetime promoting SNPJ and the Slovenian heritage. The grounds are always so well taken care of. Several in our group, including Pauline Lockwood, Candito Ramirez and Mike Dumas, enjoyed fishing. They brought home a few nice bass that we cooked on the grill. We enjoyed Slovenefest and all of the music. We spent a lot of time traveling to the different rooms, pavilions and tents where continuous music was happening. We were delighted to meet our Lodge’s Miss SNPJ Pageant contestant, Sydney Battersby, and to wish her well. Sydney is a member of our Lodge after coming through the former Gold Coast Lodge 787. She did a fine job in the pageant and we appreciated her representation. We were also on hand to congratulate Miss SNPJ 2013 Kristen Cushman (138). We look forward to her visit early next year when Lodge 603 hosts our annual Florida SNPJ Days. Traveling to Slovenefest from Samsula were Ruth and George Benedict, Ron Luznar, Bill Tomazin, Dee and Mike Dumas, Pauline Lockwood, and me, Jeannette Humphrey, along with friends Candito Ramirez from Delray Beach, Fla., and Snook and Joyce Hol- bert from St. Albans, W.Va. We want to thank Ann and Tony Klepec and their family for the warm welcome we receive each time we come to the Rec Center, and for the many morning and evening slivovic toasts they give us. We had such a good time seeing so many of you at the festival and sharing our Lodge activities. A trip to the Rec Center wouldn’t be complete without a few stops at the Heritage Center. Getting to see so much of our great-grandparents’ and grandparents’ lives as they were when they immigrated to the United States is worthwhile. The Heritage Center opened in 1976 and is filled with books, artifacts and so much Slovenian culture for all to enjoy. There is a gift shop of Slovenian handmade articles, T-shirts and more. We are thankful that SNPJ was founded in 1904 for our fraternal benefits and all it has to offer. Thanks to our national officers and board members for their continued SNPJ friendship, and thanks to Lodge 603 President Bill Benedict and the membership for providing the cabin for us again this year. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Slovenefest XXXII. George and Ruth Benedict and Bill Tomazin demonstrated “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” which served as the theme of the Samsula Lodge 603 cabin during Slovenefest weekend. Lodge 603 members and friends Mike and Dee Dumas, Pauline Lockwood, Candito Ramirez, George and Ruth Benedict, Jeannette Humphrey, and Tony and Ann Klepec had a wonderful time at Slovenefest. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 The SNPJ Farm 2012 Dance Schedule SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland, Ohio off Chardon Road (Route 6), three miles east of Route 306 For information phone (440) 256-3423 or (440) 943-1191 Aug. 26 Naprej Lodge 5 Picnic Stan Mejac Aug. 29 Cleveland Pensioners Picnic 1 to 5:30 Wayne Tomsic Orchestra Sept. 2 SNPJ Farm Board Picnic Al Battistelli Sept. 3 Val’s Polka Radio Show Benefit1:30 to 7:30 Frank Stanger and Don Wojtila Sept. 9 Ladies Auxiliary Picnic Bob Kravos Band Sept. 12 Slovenian Sausage Festival 1 to 8 Walter Ostanek, Bob Kravos, Wayne Tomsic & more Sept. 16 Friends of the Farm Picnic Wayne Tomsic Orchestra 3 to 7 3 to 7 3 to 7 3 to 7 Sept. 23 Slovenian Grape Festival 2:45 to 7 Joey Tomsick Orchestra Oct. 28 Pancake & Sausage Breakfast9a.m.to1p.m. $6 Adults, $3 Children Dancers enjoy the finest in Cleveland-style polkas and waltzes at the SNPJ Farm. The Farm features the bestknown names in polka music, plus down-home dining. Gates open at noon. Dinners served Sundays starting at 2 p.m. with music and dancing from 3 to 7 p.m. The bar opens at 1 p.m. Sunday picnic admission is $6. Rent the SNPJ Farm for your special functions! For more information phone (440) 256-3423 or (440) 943-1191. News from Here & There by Grace Doerk Lodge 559 CHICAGO — It looks like the number of 90 degree days will set a record here in Illinois. Who cares about records? It’s too hot, and we need some rain! Since Otto and I aren’t able to travel far distances any longer, we’ve been taking day trips offered by our township offices. We recently took a trip to Starved Rock in Utica, Ill. Starved Rock State Park has awesome waterfalls, 18 majestic canyons carved by years of glacial melt water, and 13 miles of hiking trails. No, we didn’t hike the trails, but we did enjoy a delicious dinner and a singer who impersonated Patsy Cline. Since I’d been here before attending an SWU convention, I was familiar with most of the exhibits. The office of Illinois Minority Leader Tom Cross continues to offer numerous programs for seniors. This past week his office hosted a health fair that attracted some 300 area seniors. I enjoy working on Cross’ senior advisory committee and have kept up-todate on the latest Illinois issues. Illinois is second only to California in debt, and the issues with education have hit a stalemate. Hopefully the education issue will be resolved before school starts. Many seniors aren’t aware of the issues they may encounter if the new health plan is passed. Time will tell all the consequences. We wish a speedy recovery to Elizabeth Kopovich (1), who has been dealing with some health issues. Elizabeth is the sister of Marianne Murray, secretary of the Chicago Federation. Best wishes also go out to our good friend Marion Kieras (1), a former SNPJ employee, who fell and broke her hip. She is recuperating at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. This past week, Ron and Sylvia Ericksen (1) hosted a family reunion at their living quarters. There were 18 family members in attendance, including Carol Patillo (1) and her children Briana and Eric from California. I must compliment Jean Zelesnikar (559) for all her efforts to decorate graves that no one seems to care about. I’m sure the recipients are grateful. Otto and I are considering downsizing, and it’s quite depressing to see yourself in smaller accommodations than you’ve had for the past 20 years. Getting old isn’t easy; we find more and more problems creeping up with each passing year. Otto always tells me that there is the alternative, and I just say I’ll face the senior issues. We had quite a few members absent during our Slovene retirement club meeting this month. We wish Florence Rogel (1) improved health and hope to welcome her back in attendance soon. We celebrated Marianne Murray’s (1) August birthday. Besides the regular course of business, we had some discussion on senior issues which I’m instrumental in formulating. Occasionally we host speakers who present various issues. We welcome more seniors to join us the second Wednesday of each month at the American Legion Hall in Cicero, Ill. Pioneer Lodge 559 members held their regular monthly meeting Aug. 10. Besides the routine business, we were informed of correspondence received from the Home Office. National Secretary Karen Pintar reported a successful Slovenefest this year and congratulated everyone for the part they played in making it so successful. Members were also informed of upcoming fraternal activities and the new telephone system. Deceased members for the month were Rose Jurkoshek and Catherine Murphy. James Plahuta and Florene Vana were recognized as 50-year members. We celebrated Anita and Alan Vitous’ 26th anniversary. We were sorry to hear that Ella Mae Kovacic (559) spent a few days in the hospital; she is now recuperating at home. John Cretnik presented the audit report, reporting that Secretary Anita Vitous’ books were in good order. Otto Doerk gave a report for the Chicago Federation, inviting everyone to attend the Aug. 19 Federation dinner dance at the Slovenian Cultural Center in Lemont. Our Lodge is hosting four activities this year. One activity is scheduled Oct. 24 at the Lake Country Club featuring the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, named in tribute to Chicago’s early immigrants and the music they made. Leaving the Pioneer Lodge meeting, I bumped into Margaret Gorman (559), daughter of the late Rose Gorman. She was going into the restaurant where we 13 just held our Lodge meeting. What a coincidence! Every time I read Prosveta, I read about the illness or death of someone I knew during my SNPJ days. Sincere sympathy to the family of Tony Breznikar who recently passed away. Otto and I were on a polka cruise some years ago with Tony and his wife Mickey. I also read about the passing of Al Roginski (33) and understand that his wife, Mary, is living in a nursing home. I enjoy reading the SNPJ Heritage Center articles written by Kathy Paulenich. I wish I could get to the Recreation Center to see the redecorated Heritage Center and the pavilion dedicated to the late Joe Cvetas. The Slovene Catholic Center held their annual picnic Aug. 12 at their picnic grove. Picnic guests received a pamphlet of the days’ events and all upcoming events. The day was beautiful, the food delicious, the music terrific, and the camaraderie spectacular. What more can I say? I had a great time meeting up with old friends and making some new ones. All of the Slovenian organizations in the area were well represented – the Slovene Cultural Center, SNPJ, KSKJ and the SWU. It was nice to see Joan Steinman from California, the Speliches from LaSalle, Ill., and Bonnie Deke from Wisconsin. As usual, I had the opportunity to see Alice Darda, my grammar school pal. Since I frequently make reference to my SNPJ Youth Circle friends as being my dearest friends, I thought of Pioneer Bowling League members who have kept in close touch, Bonnie Deke, Sharon Ferraro, and Joan Kenig. Frank Zefran, our friendly undertaker, was in attendance, as was his mother, Jane Zefran. We missed seeing Anne Cretnik (559) who has been having quite a bit of problems with her asthma. The winner of the grand prize drawing was John Kovack Jr., who was a member of the former Circle 26 while I was Circle director. Can you believe he took home $10,000? The day seemed to end too soon for me since I so enjoy my Slovenian heritage and culture. My accolades to all who were instrumental in making this picnic a success. Well, I’m off to prepare for another busy week. Sometimes I wonder how I keep up with everything, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Until next time... 14 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Official Proceedings Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting May 1, 2012 The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by President Evanish with Sis. Pintar and Bro. Lawrence in attendance. The minutes from the March 23, 2012, meeting were read and approved. Reported on our various Section meetings that were attended in April. President Evanish and Sis. Pintar met with Slovenian Consul General Jure Žmauc. SNPJ joined the Slovenian-American Business Association with a payment of $500 membership dues. This organization was formed to promote business ties between American and Slovenian businesses. Discussed the Florida property situation in Spring Hill, Fla., and the status of the lawsuit. Approved payment of $250 to the American Fraternal Alliance for National Treasurer Lawrence’s registration for the Investment Section. Approved payment of $2,500 to NAIC for AVS Insurer annual fee. Approved a donation in the amount of $75 to SNPJ Lodge 723 for their 75th anniversary celebration. Approved a payment of $500 to S-ABA for Slovenian-American Business Association membership. Approved a contribution in the amount of $100 to the Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance for the PFA Legislative Luncheon. Cash Withdrawals: March 28 – There was one Youth Cash Withdrawal, one Matured Endowment and nine Adult Cash Withdrawals, none of which were conversions. Cash value, $10,953.65; insurance, $48,442. April 3 – There was one Matured Endowment, which was a conversion. Cash value, $2,572; insurance, $2,572. April 4 – There was one Matured Endowment, 10 Outlived Policies and four Adult Cash Withdrawals, none of which were conversions. Cash value, $21,978.81; insurance, $124,770. April 5 – There were two Outlived Policies, neither of which were conversions. Cash value, $2,000; insurance, $2,000. April 11 – There was one Pure Endowment and six Adult Cash Withdrawals, none of which were conversions. Cash value, $6,549.86; insurance, $36,942. April 18 – There were six Adult Cash Withdrawals, none of which were conversions. Cash value, $9,610.96; insurance, $38,703. April 23 – There was one Matured Endowment, which was a conversion. Cash value, $3,905; insurance, $3,000. April 25 – There was one Outlived Policy and three Adult Cash Withdrawals, none of which were conversions. Cash value, $3,318.61; insurance, $5,670. April 30 – There was one Matured Endowment, which was a conversion. Cash value, $1,076.00; insurance, $1,000. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m. JOSEPH C. EVANISH National President KAREN A. PINTAR National Secretary Slovenefest a highlight for Lodge 2 members by DELORES SPELICH Lodge 2 Secretary LA SALLE, Ill. — Hope you all are enjoying summer as much as we are. Thanks to Barb (Rancingay) Lyons for the old Oglesby, Ill., SNPJ books from the 1930s. Thumbing through, I saw familiar names that are no longer in our area, such as Dusak, Nadvesnik, Ferjancic, Udovich, Klansek, Legan, Hotko, Jerse and Zabovnek. Honored for their Lodge 2 SNPJ memberships were 60year member Marilyn Resetich and 50-year member Robert Davis. Happy birthday wishes go out to Charles and Kayla Stockus, Lorraine Wait, Mary Super, Marie Zugich, Neil Tipton, Rev. Rick Oberch, Fred Cass and Randa Church. Lodge 2 recently lost several longtime members. Sincere sympathies go out to Delphine Naleway’s husband Hank, their children and the Kozel family; Mary Schmoeger’s daughters, their families and the Rancingay family; Frances Prelec’s daughter and family; and Bertha Marciniak’s children and the Grilc family. What great improvements were made at the SNPJ Recreation Center for Slovenefest! We commend the committees and helpers for all of their work. Big hits were the courtesy golf carts and benches where we waited to be transported up or down the hill. Chris Petukauskas was one of our drivers who met us at the car. The beautiful Lakeside Pavilion near the entrance is striking. We stopped to enjoy the serenity as the wonderful Slovenian music drifted across the lake. Its dedication to “Big Joe” and Bea Cvetas was a nice gesture. We also enjoyed taking pictures by the life-size kozolec (hay rack), prominent on farms in Slovenian fields. Every day we spent an hour relaxing in the cozy living room at the SNPJ Heritage Center, looking through Slovenian books and watching DVDs of Slovenia. We always buy books, souvenirs and Slovenian packaged goodies. Thanks to informative Heritage Center Committee members Sarah Loudon, Maury Sinan and Kathy Paulenich. Our meals in the air-conditioned dining room were delicious and enjoyed while visiting with Ed Robich, Daria Perse and the Hribars from Miami. Watching the talented young ladies compete in the Miss SNPJ Pageant is always interesting. Congratulations to Miss SNPJ 2013 Kristen Cushman (138). She is sure to enjoy the upcoming SNPJ year. The Grudens, Ed Tomsic family and the Hiltzes usually stay at the same motel. We met the Vic Modic, Ermando Volpe and Walt Slapnik families from Michigan. Marie Kotar, Jan Turjan and Ed Tursic visited with us as we ate and enjoyed dancing to Ansambel Dvojčki and Murski Val in the International Pavilion. We even met up with busy National President Joseph C. Evanish as he made his rounds to various venues. What a pleasant surprise to visit with Fran Nespor. She was honored for her 100th birthday at the Sharon Dom Aug. 4. Her son John and grandson Lee escorted her to see Veseli Fantje perform, and we all sang “Happy Birthday” and congratulated her. What a songbird! Fran and her late DELORES and ELMER SPELICH (2) [right] spent some time catching up with fellow Illinois SNPJ members from Cicero Lodge 449. “Happy Birthday” was sung to 100-year-old FRAN NESPOR (31), who was escorted around Slovenefest by her son and grandson, JOHN and LEE NESPOR (31). sister, Millie Novak, sang and recorded with John Krizancic’s band. Fran lives in her own home and has someone stay with her at night. Also at Fran’s table were Mary Jane Prost and Dorothy Gorjup. The Prost and Engel families of 15 just returned from a two-week stay in Slovenia. When Mary Jane asked me to dance a waltz with her, I told her I can’t recall dancing with another woman since I was single 62 years ago! She’s a good dancer as she goes several times a week. Lucky her. Roc Chernovic and sons are exuberant button box players. We watched them in the Jam Tent. We also see them at Chicago and Lemont, Ill., dances. Janice Rockwell and her family stopped by to visit. We all reminisced about our 2004 trip to Slovenia. Tina Rigler and her sons, Robert, Jason and Justin, drove in from Joliet, Ill., along with Nancy Miller and son Shane. Slovenefest is the highlight of our year, with its great facilities and over 20 bands. We always look forward to this enjoyable event and meeting all the fun-loving, music-loving people. Try it, you’ll love it! Dober dan! PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Ì Ì SNPJ shares strong ties – a kinship, if you will – to Slovenia, and as such we have promoted the history and culture of the Slovenian nation and her people through various means: Slovenefest, the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center and this medium, PROSVETA, to name just a few. A number of years ago (10 years, to be exact), PROSVETA highlighted several areas of Slovenia’s economy and industry in a feature titled “At Work In Slovenia.” As a preface to the feature, we included an introduction to the various regions of Slovenia that helped identify both where and why these industries had developed across the young nation. That was back in 2002, when Slovenia was still in its infancy as an independent country. As we reviewed the information that was contained in that preface a decade ago, we began to realize that things had indeed changed for Slovenia over the course of only 10 years. No longer the darling infant of Western Europe, Slovenia is now carving out its niche in the “global economy” amid the turmoil of economic upheaval that has undulated throughout the Old Continent in recent years. The once-described “Yugoslav success story,” Slovenia has made a name for herself and paved the way to an even bigger and brighter future. Fast-forward a decade, and we’ve returned to our initial preface of 10 years ago. But we’re not talking about economics here. Or industry. Rather, we’ve decided to focus on Slovenia itself; specifically, the areas and regions that define the Slovenian landscape, border to border. For our introduction back in 2002, we briefly highlighted Slovenia’s 12 regions, noting the basic characteristics of each area. We’ve expanded upon those brief descriptions on the following pages, and we’ve updated the region names to coincide with the information presented by the Slovenian Tourist Board on their website (visit online at http://www. slovenia.info/ – it’s worth the effort). Thankfully, much of the information we presented still holds true today. For example, as we pointed out in 2002: “No discussion of Slovenia would be complete without a study of the regions which comprise the Slovenian nation. The historical attachment of the Slovenian people to Austria, Italy and Hungary is still reflected in their dialects, customs and thinking. According to the regions of the former Austrian Empire, Slovenians are called “Kranjci” (Carniolans), “Primorci” (inhabitants of the coastal region), “Štajerci” (from the former Styria), and “Prekmurci” (inhabitants of the former Hungarian eastern Slovenia). Within the territory of the former Carniola, they are further divided into “Gorenjci” (from Upper Carniola), “Dolenjci” (from Lower Carniola) and “Notranjci” (from Inner Carniola).” Some things never change. For those that have changed (or been revised, as the case may be), we invite you to take our “virtual tour” of Slovenia and re-acquaint yourself with SNPJ’s ancestral homeland, fully up-to-date for 2012. 15 16 PROSVETA August 22, 2012 Ì www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì Port Koper Ì Coastal-Karst The Coastal-Karst region (Obalno-kraška in Slovenian, formerly the Primorska region) includes the Slovenian coast and portions of the rougher terrain typical of the Karst area. The warm Adriatic Sea allows for a thriving tourist industry and commercial fishing. The Port of Koper is the center of the region and Slovenia’s maritime gateway to the world. Along the coast, the towns of Piran, Izola and Koper attract summer visitors seeking sun and entertainment, while Portorož offers several modern hotels, a marina, thermal spas, a casino, and a varied program of summer cultural, entertainment and athletic events. Just inland lies the beautiful Slovenian Istria and its picturesque villages, which include Hrastovlje, famous for the Holy Trinity Church and the well-preserved “Danse Macabre” fresco. Since the region enjoys a Mediterranean climate and corresponding fertile soil, Istria farms produce a variety of Mediterranean crops, including vegetables, wine grapes and olives. Further inland the terrain changes as you enter the hilly Karst area. Within the Karst itself you’ll find the Škocjan Caves, which are listed among the UNESCO natural and cultural world heritage sites, and Vilenica, the oldest tourist cave in Europe. The Karst town of Lipica, where the world-famous Lipizzaner horses were originally bred on a stud farm established in 1580, is a popular tourist center offering a riding school, numerous hotels and varied entertainment venues such as a golf course and a casino. The “Danse Macabre” fresco at the the Holy Trinity Church in Hrastovlje. www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì PROSVETA August 22, 2012 17 Ì Triglav National Park Ì Goriška The Goriška region includes the outlying peaks and valleys of Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps, as well as the winegrowing areas of Goriška Brda and the Vipava Valley, the hills surrounding Cerkno and Idrija, and the beautiful Soča River valley. A number of Slovenia’s more notable towns are located in this region – Ajdovščina, Bovec, Cerkno, Idrija, Kobarid, Nova Gorica and Vipava, to name a few. The region has become famous among outdoors enthusiasts and noted for its fine wines (vintners in Goriška Brda produce some of Slovenia’s finest wines). Along the Idrijca River, which flows through the heart of the region, the residents of Idrija proudly continue their ages-old lacemaking tradition. Idrija is also home to an old mercury mine that was once one of the most important in the world, as well as Gewerkenegg Castle and its extensive museum. West of the Idrijca River, the Franja Partisan Hospital, famed for its role during the Second World War, is based in Cerkno’s hills. Just a few miles from Slovenia’s eastern border with Italy, the historic Posočje area presents memorials to some of the most terrible battles of the First World War, waged along the Isonzo Front, in the Kobarid Museum. The town of Most na Soči, where archaeologists have unearthed Iron Age graves and relics, holds the distinction of being one of the more important prehistoric sites in Europe. Skillfully concealed from Axis invaders in a hidden gorge near Cerkno, the Franja Partisan Hospital treated 578 injured in only 18 months during World War II. 18 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Ì Ì Lake Bled Ì Gorenjska Slovenia’s Gorenjska region is dominated by beautiful Alpine peaks, including those of the three-headed Mt. Triglav, the country’s national symbol. The highest peak in the Julian Alps, Mt. Triglav is located in the middle of Triglav National Park, the only designated national park in Slovenia. Surrounding the Julian Alps are two beautiful lakes, Bled and Bohinj. The resort town of Bled, with its clifftop castle and legendary island in the middle of the lake, has been attracting visitors for centuries. Bohinj, with its pristine Alpine lake, is popular not only for its natural beauty and ski resorts, but also for its rich traditions and numerous monuments. In the center of Gorenjska you’ll find Kranj and its surprising industrial, commercial and cultural traditions. Architect Jože Plečnik had a profound impact on the appearance of Kranj’s old town center, which houses the Prešeren Theatre and Khislstein Castle, the latter of which is home to the Gorenjska Museum. The Gorenjska region caters to lovers of the cultural heritage. Škofja Loka has the most beautifully preserved medieval town center in all of Slovenia. The rooms of Loka Castle contain various museum collections, while the former castle garden has become an open-air museum. Visitors to the region can also walk along the cultural heritage trail in Žirovnica, or visit the house in Vrba where Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Prešeren, was born. A bust of France Prešeren (1800-1849), Slovenia’s greatest poet, outside his birth house in Vrba. www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì PROSVETA August 22, 2012 19 Ì Ljubljana Ì Central Slovenia Central Slovenia is dominated by Ljubljana, the country’s capital. As the center of Slovenian politics, culture, education and commerce, Ljubljana is the most populated area in the country. Its lively cultural life is created by numerous theatres, museums and galleries; one of the oldest Philharmonics in the world; and more than 10,000 cultural events held each year, including as many as 10 international festivals. East of Ljubljana, the main road runs along the valley of the Sava River, surrounded by the Posavje Hills. Trade routes once crossed these picturesque peaks, but today the hills and mountain pastures above Litija are popular excursion destinations. Not far from Litija is Vače, famous for the Vače situla, the most decorated of four situlas found in this area. An enlarged replica of this priceless Iron Age relic is on display in the village. The city of Kamnik, one of the oldest in the Slovenia, is situated north of Ljubljana on the banks of the Bistrica River. This city’s chapel is one of the most important Romanesque monuments in the country. Central Slovenia also claims the country’s largest linden grove. The fertile fields of Dobrepolje are home to over 100 hundred linden trees, some of which are nearly 500 years old. In the nearby Velike Lašče area, a woodland nature trail, one of many footpaths in the area, links the Renaissance-era Turjak Castle to the small village of Rašica, the birthplace of Primož Trubar. A replica of the Vače situla, a 2,500-year-old Iron Age bronze vessel. The replica marks the exact location of discovery in Klenik, near Vače. 20 PROSVETA August 22, 2012 Ì www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì Litija Ì Zasavska Wagon roads once crossed the undulating Posavsko hribovje hills in the Zasavska region. Although these hills are mostly visited by tourists today, the towns of Litija, Zagorje, Trbovlje and Hrastnik are full of mining traditions. The unique workers’ colonies serve as a reminder of the region’s many years of mining. Located in the Sava River valley, Litija developed as a trading post between Trieste, Ljubljana and Croatia. Its Sitarjevec lead mine, which closed in 1965, was one of Slovenia’s earliest mines and among the biggest lead mines of 19th-century Europe. The city of Zagorje lies exactly on the 15th meridian, which is marked by a special city marker, at the confluence of two streams. Along the Medija stream is a group of 20 rock pillars standing nine to 65 feet high called Okamneli svatje (the “Fossilized Wedding Party”). Hiking and bicycle trails from Trbovlje, the Zasavska region’s largest city, lead to Mt. Kum, the highest peak in the Posavsko hribovje hills. The area is home to three power plants, one of which boasts Trbovlje’s landmark feature: the Trbovlje Chimney. This 1,200-foot-high chimney is reported to be the tallest in Europe. In neighboring Hrastnik, ethnological, firefighting and hunting exhibitions are displayed in the Revirski Museum. Hrastnik also boasts a rich tradition of glass production. Steklarna Hrastnik Ltd., one of the leading manufacturers of glass packaging products in Europe, is headquartered in Hrastnik. The Trbovlje Chimney towering over the Sava River. At 1,200 feet, the chimney is reportedly the tallest in Europe. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Ì Ì The Savinjske Alps Ì Savinjska The Savinjska region offers both secret corners of unspoiled nature alongside a highly developed social life. The region’s largest city, Celje, is the third-largest in Slovenia. In the region’s upper valley you’ll find Mozirje, the location of an attractive botanic park. Rising above Mozirje is the Golte plateau, a mountain tourist center and ski resort on the eastern fringe of the Savinjske Alps. Savinjska’s lower valley is renowned as the “valley of hops.” At its center is Žalec, which features a hops museum and plantations of medicinal herbs. Visitors are drawn to Šempeter v Savinjski Dolini for its Roman necropolis, considered one of the most wonderful archeological monuments in Slovenia, and the three-million-year-old Jama Pekel Cave. At the confluence of the Ljubnica and Savinja rivers lies Ljubno, a town inextricably linked to the lumber industry. An exhibit honoring lumbering and forestry can be found in Nazarje’s Vrbovec Castle. On the hill above Nazarje sits a Franciscan monastery with a library of rare treasures, among which is Dalmatin’s Bible. Southeast of Nazarje is the town of Radeče. Now a hub of the paper industry, Radeče was once an important river port for traffic along Slovenia’s longest river. An elegant iron bridge over the Sava River, built in 1893 and now protected as a monument of technical heritage, leads into the town below the steep Castle Hill. 21 Stalactite formations in the Snežna Jama (Snow Cave), located in the Raduha ridge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. 22 PROSVETA August 22, 2012 Ì www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì Slovenj Gradec: the center of the Koroška region Ì Koroška At one time a much larger area, the Koroška region (better known as Carinthia in former years) now consists of only three valleys (the Mežica, Drava and Mislinja valleys) and three mountain ranges (Pohorje, Karavanke and the Savinja Alps). This is the land of the legendary King Matjaž, who is said to sleep in the Peca mountain above the Mežica valley. The region is part of the oldest state of the Slovenian people, and was included among the provinces of Austrian Carinthia until the end of World War I. Life in Koroška has become focused in the valleys where industry has developed, in towns such as Slovenj Gradec and Ravne. Outside of town, isolated farms – carved among some of the highest elevations in Slovenia – dot the forested, mountainous areas. The area is popular among outdoor enthusiasts who hike and bicycle along the Slovenian Mountain Trail, the E6 European Long-Distance Walking Path, and numerous other mountain paths and trails that criss-cross the region. Within the region, the Pohorje mountain range is dominated by deep, dark forests and Alpine meadows which are transformed into ski slopes in the winter months. The Karavanke range is home to the Najevnik Linden, the “mother of all lindens in Slovenia,” as well as Smrekovec, Slovenia’s only volcanic mountain area. Several endangered birds nest on Smrekovec, and well over 300 plant species – 26 of which are endangered – have been identified on its ridges, representing almost 10 percent of all flora in Slovenia. Peca mountain, the highest peak in the Eastern Karavanke range. According to legend, King Matjaž is said to sleep in the mountain. www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì PROSVETA August 22, 2012 23 Ì Maribor: Slovenia’s secondlargest city and the 2012 European Capital of Culture Ì Podravska Rich in history, the Podravska region forms the wider area around the Drava River and includes the city of Maribor (Slovenia’s second-largest city, after Ljubljana) and the ancient town of Ptuj. The region, specifically Maribor (along with partner cities Murska Sobota, Novo Mesto, Ptuj, Slovenj Gradec and Velenje), is currently celebrating a stint as the 2012 European Capital of Culture. Podravska is a very diverse region, offering the metropolitan flavor of Maribor, winter sports parks in the green Pohorje mountains, a number of cultural attractions (including Slovenia’s oldest grapevine, which is ceremoniously pruned each spring), and miles of vineyards and wine trails (white varieties are the specialty here). The Drava River, which bisects the region on its course through Maribor, presents opportunities for fishing, rowing and rafting throughout the Podravska region. The Drava is also an important source of energy in Slovenia, powering several hydro-electric plants that produce the electricity feeding thousands of Slovenian homes and businesses. Ptuj, situated a few miles southeast of Maribor, is recognized as Slovenia’s oldest town. The area surrounding Ptuj was inhabited during the Stone Age, settled by the Celts in the Late Iron Age, and (most famously) controlled by Ancient Rome in the first century B.C. Ptuj is known as “the town of kurents,” traditional Carnival figures that parade through the streets each Fat Tuesday, and is also the location of Slovenia’s oldest wine cellar. Kurents parade annually on Fat Tuesday through the streets of Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. 24 PROSVETA August 22, 2012 www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì Ì Murska Sobota, the largest city in the Pomurska region Ì Pomurska The Pomurska region comprises the largest agricultural area in Slovenia. Surrounding the Mura River, this far eastern portion of the country is known for its wide plains, vineyards, healing waters and storks... and for its wide array of original traditions and unique dialects. By far, the largest city in this mostly agrarian region is Murska Sobota, the only city in Slovenia built entirely on a plain. Once the northernmost city in Yugoslavia, Murska Sobota has been part of Slovenia, Yugoslavia and Hungary at various times in its history. But metropolitan areas are few in Pomurska, and the region is dominated by health resorts and spas, most notably the Radenci Health Resort (made famous by its mineral water), the Terme 3000 spa/resort and the Lendava Thermal Spa. Southeast of Murska Sobota, along the Croatian border, white storks (called “štrk” by the locals), nest year after year in the small town of Velika Polana, which has been recognized as the European Village of Storks since 1999. The Mura River adds its flavor to the region as it flows through Pomurska. Years ago, over 90 mills worked from the power of the Mura’s waters, but today only the floating Babičev mill is still operating. Heading further east, close to the border with Hungary, the town of Lendava – where Hungarian is an official municipal language – attracts visitors and tourists to Lendava Castle, one of the region’s most important historic monuments. The floating Babičev mill is still in operation along the flowing waters of the Mura River. www.snpj.org • [email protected] Ì PROSVETA August 22, 2012 25 Ì Kostanjevica na Krki, “the Venice of Lower Carniola” Ì Spodnjeposavska Wide fertile plains, vineyard-covered hills and extensive forests characterize the Spodnjeposavska (Lower Sava) region. Although the region is named for the lower portion of the Sava River, Slovenia’s longest river, two other major rivers – the Krka and the Sotla – course their way through the region. Brežice, which lies near the confluence of the Krka and Sava rivers, is the region’s economic and cultural center. The Posavje Museum is located here, and the Terme Čatež spa, one of the most modern natural health resorts in Slovenia, is only a few miles away. One of Slovenia’s oldest towns, Kostanjevica na Krki, was built in the 13th century on an island in the Krka River. Frequent flooding in past centuries gave the town its nickname “the Venice of Lower Carniola” since the only way to get around was by boat. Krško, an important regional industrial town located northwest of Kostanjevica na Krki, is the former home of two famous Slovenians: Primož Trubar, the author of the first book in the Slovenian language, and Johann Weichard Valvasor, a well-known scholar of the 17th century. The history of the Spodnjeposavska region stretches far into the past. The Romans built their ancient river port of Neviodunum just to the south of Krško in current-day Drnovo; and even further northwest, near Slovenia’s western border with Croatia, lies Bistrica ob Sotli, another area that has been inhabited since Roman times. Primož Trubar, [left] and Johann Weichard Valvasor: two of the most famous Slovenians once made their homes in Krško. 26 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Ì Ì Novo Mesto Ì Southeast Slovenia The Southeast Slovenia region encompasses the territory of the former Dolenska and Bela Krajina regions. Hilly vineyards, broad forests and groves of birch trees dominate the landscape, while the Krka River winds through the region’s midsection and the Kolpa River flows through the region’s southernmost portion, forming a natural border with Croatia. Ribnica, where traditional Dolenjska woodenware is crafted, is among the numerous small towns and villages scattered throughout the region. Kočevje, which lies in the center of one of the most forested areas of Europe, lays claim to the virgin forest reserve in Kočevski Rog. From its source in Krka, the Krka River stretches southwest past Žužemberk, home to one of the most picturesque castles in Slovenia. Along its route, the Krka, which once drove the wheels of watermills, now attracts a number of visitors and adventurers who enjoy fishing and canoeing. The Krka also frames Novo mesto (the region’s largest city), a town built on seven hills. Nearby are the Dolenjske Toplice and Šmarješke Toplice health resorts (spas), along with Slovenia’s only island castle, Otočec castle, which stands on an island in the middle of the river. The Southeast Slovenia region can also boast of its own wine country: cviček, a local speciality wine made only in Slovenia, is produced from grapes grown in the vineyards surrounding Novo mesto. The ribenčan (a craftsman from Ribnica), with suha roba in tow on their backs, traveled from town to town peddling their handcrafted wares. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 Ì 27 Ì Predjama Castle, near Postojna Ì Notranjska-Karst “Hidden beauty” is probably the best phrase to use when describing Slovenia’s Notranjska-Karst region: the beauty and wonders of this region – in the form of several thousand karst caves – are literally hidden underground in this densely forested region. For over 100 years, the Postojna Cave has been attracting visitors underground. In addition to its spectacular rock formations, the cave is home to the pale-skinned amphibian widely known as the “human fish” (Proteus anguinus), the only cave-dwelling vertebrate in Europe. Only miles from Postojna, the region’s major town, yet another phenomenon of the karst world plays an annual game of hide-andseek: Lake Cerknica, the intermittent lake famously described by 17th-century Slovenian scholar and historian Johann Weichard Valvasor in his work “The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola.” The Notranjska-Karst region can also boast of another peculiar body of water as equally mysterious as Lake Cerknica: the Ljubljanica River, a river that rises to the surface and disappears underground six times as it flows through the karst landscape, and which is said to have seven names: Trbuhovica, Obrh, Stržen, Rak, Pivka, Unica and ultimately, Ljubljanica. In recent decades, the Ljubljanica River has become a popular site for both archeologists and treasure hunters as relics dating from the Stone Age to the Renaissance period have been discovered along several stretches. The pale-skinned amphibian Proteus anguinus (commonly known as the “human fish”), the only cave-dwelling vertebrate in Europe, makes its home in the Postojna Cave. 28 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] 22. Avgusta 2012 Slovenske Strani by Vida Kosir Živo srebro ustvarilo mesto, ki je zdaj svetovni muzej HEADLINE: Mercury created a city which is now a world museum TOPIC: The city of Idrija is a technical, natural, cultural and scientific success, which has been created through the centuries by progressive individuals and thousands of miners. Digging the strategic ore, which today is a known poison, is worthy of world respect, and due to that activity the former mine city has deservingly landed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The story of Idrija’s mining success, which continues today with the automobile industry, started with a pail maker who captured mercury in 1490. After July 22, 1508, when miners finally hit the rich cinnabar vein, the image of the area had changed. Until November 1995, when the last drops of mercury came out of the furnaces, miners dug 434 miles of shafts and unearthed three million cubic meters of ore, from which they produced 107,000 tons of mercury. Business was booming during the war years since mercury was used in military industries, including during the Vietnam War. These days, mercury is used for electrolysis and when making economical lightbulbs, but in very small quantities. For the owners the mine, making mercury was a bottomless bag. At one time it accounted for five percent of all expenditures of the Vienna court, and for many life in the second largest city in Kranjsko was very lordly, but... not for the miners. Because of the toxic ore, miners were getting sick in the pits. “We don’t have any real idea how hard it was for them. They were poisoned by mercury. Some of them had such strong shakes that they were unable to climb the ladder into the mine; instead, they were lowered into the pits in baskets. We can’t forget that in the beginning there was no such thing as sick leave,” said Davor, a guide in the mine’s museum. The miners also liked something which is the worst possible combination for the influence of mercury on a man’s health – alcohol, and this in excess. Joannes Antonius Scopoliost, the first and likely the most well-known mine doctor of the mid-18th century, estimated that 54,000 gallons of wine were sold annually in neighboring bars. At that time Idrija had close to 3,000 residents. Idrija je tehnični, naravoslovni, kulturni in znanstveni presežek, ki so ga skozi stoletja ustvarjali napredni posamezniki in na tisoče rudarjev. Kopanje nekdanje strateške rude, ki je danes strup, je zapuščina časa in vrednota svetovnega merila, zaradi česar je nekdanje rudarsko mesto zasluženo pristalo na listi Unescove svetovne dediščine. “Unesco Idriji ni priznal zgolj njene dediščine, ampak tudi znanje o živem srebru, ki je še danes nakopičeno tukaj. Za vpis je najbolj pripomogla celotna lokalna skupnost, ki je razumela, kaj to lahko pomeni. Upam, da bomo dediščino znali upravljati in jo še bolj spoštovayi kot do zdaj,” je ob vrnitvi s kongresa Unesca v St. Peterburgu na pomen svetovnega poklona Idriji opozoril župan Bojan Sever. Z izjemo rudniške topilnice, ki je seveda presežek - v nekoč največjo rotacijsko peč na svetu se zajeda rja, tik pod njo pa je žalostno razstavljen edinstven idrijski izum, ČermakŠpirekova peč, je v Idriji vse zgledno pripravljeno za ogled. Muzejski rudnik Antonijev rov je najbolj obiskana turistična znamenitost mesta, rudniške vhodne stavbe pa gostijo izjemne stroje na čelu s Kleyevo črpalko, menda največjim parnim strojem v evropi. Mimo kamšta z največjim lesenim vodnim kolesom na stari celini se ne sme, trojico klavž so že pred kratkim poimenovali slovenske piramide, prevzemajoč pa je že krajši sprehod po starem mestnem jedru mimo magazina, prvega slovenskega filmskega gledališča, mestne hiše, čipkarske šole, do rudarske hiše in do prve slovenske realke, kjer so se prvi pri nas odločili uporabljati slovenski jezik v šolskih klopeh. Osrednja idrijska stavba je grad Gewerkenegg, ki so ga v 16. stoletju postavili za rudniško upravo, danes pa med drugim gosti mestni muzej, ki je prejel nagrado za najboljši evropski muzej industrijske in tehnične dediščine. “To, kar postavljamo na ogled, si zasluži še večji obisk. Predvsem bi radi več organiziranih skupin, ki jih danes z izjemo šolskih skoraj ni. Z vpisom na Unesco seznam bo to morebiti laže doseči,” je priznala direktorica muzeja Idrija Ivana Leskovec. Idrijska rudarska zgodba o uspehu, ki se nadaljuje še danes z avtomobilsko industrijo, se je začela s škafarjem, ki je leta 1490 zajel samorodno živo srebro. Potem ko so rudarji 22. junija 1508 končno zadeli še bogato cinabaritno žilo, se je podoba tamkajšnjih krajev spremenila. Do 7. novembra 1995, ko so iz peči pritekle zadnje kapljice živega srebra (proizvodnjo so zaradi padca cene kovini začasno ustavili najprej leta 1977, 11 let pozneje pa so se odločili rudnik dokončno zapreti), so knapi izkopali 700 kilometrov rovov, iz njih izvozili tri milijone kubičnih metrov rude, iz nje pa iztržili 107.000 ton živega srebra, ki je zaradi amalgamacije zlata in srebra omogočilo razcvet Evrope. Posel je cvetel tudi v vojnih časih zara- dipotebe vojaške industrije, nazadnje med Vietnamsko vojno. Danes se uporablja v elektrolizi in umazani industriji v Indiji ter v varčnih žarnicah, toda v zelo majhnih količinah. “Da bi v Idriji obnovili rudniško proizvodnjo je utopija. Uporaba kovine je tako majhna, da se ne bi splačalo,” je morebitno poslovno priložnost zavrnil zadnji direktor rudnika Marko Cigale. Pod Idrijo je sicer vsaj še deset odstotkov svetovnih zalog živega srebra. Rudnik je bil za lastnike vreča brez dna. Nekoč je zagotavljal pet odstotkov vseh izdatkov dunajskega dvora, tudi življenje v drugem največjem mestu na Kranjskem je bilo za marsikoga zelo gosposko, toda,,, Ne za knape. Zaradi toksičnosti kovine so zbolevali v rovih in predvsem na površju v topilnici. “Nimamo pravih predstav kako težko jim je bilo. Zastrupljali so se z živim srebrom, da so imeli nekateri tako močno tresavico, da niti niso mogli plezati po lestvah v rove. S košaro so jih spuščali v podzemlje. Ne smemo pa pozabiti, da včasih niso poznali bolniške,” je v muzejskem delu rudnika doživeto pripovedoval vodič Davor. Poleg tega so imeli rudarji radi nekaj, kar je najslabša kombinacija za vplive živega srebra na zdravje - alkohol. In to v presežkih. Menda je že slavni in obenem prvi rudniški zdravnik sredi 18. stoletja Joannes Antonius Scopoli ugotovil, da se je v okoliških gostilnah na leto stočilo 246.000 litrov vina. Takrat pa Idrija ni imela več kot 3000 prebivalcev. DELO TURISTA - Turist ves obupan išče parkirni prostor. Končno ga najde. Oddahne se in reče ženi. “To nama je uspelo. Zdaj moram še ugotoviti, v katerem mestu sva!” PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] 22. Avgusta 2012 Zbirateljstvo za trajen spomin HEADLINE: Collections for a lasting keepsake TOPIC: Silvan Furlan, who lives in the small village of Šibelji in the Komen municipality, is a man interested in a thousand things. His house hides many things: a sundial, and an artistic collection of stone and wooden products. After his retirement, Silvan and his wife moved from Goriško to the Karst village where he was born. He did some research and learned just how little he knows about himself and his family history. Soon after moving to Šibelji, he started renovating his house where he found an immense collection of antiques and old farming tools. He restored many pieces, among them an old washing machine, a 150-year-old accordion, and numerous farming tools such as a spinning wheel and a straw-chopper. Because of his profession as a joiner, at first he was most interesting in the wooden products. These days his house is full of wooden dishes and different types of wood sculptures, most of which are made of cherry. A few years ago he also discovered a love for stone. Most of the work he learned by himself. “It happens that some of the products will crack. This is the most effective lesson,” Furlan said. He doesn’t sell his art work, but gives it away as presents. V majhni vasici Šibelji v komenski občini živi Silvan Furlan, človek, ki ga zanima tisoč stvari. Njegova hiša skriva marsikaj: tu najdemo sončno uro, bogato etnološko zbirko ter umetniško zbirko kamnitih in lesenih izdelkov. Silvan Furlan se posveča tudi zbiranju starin, s čimer po svojih močeh ohranja dediščino. Po upokojitvi sta se z ženo z Goriške preselila na Kras, v vas, kjer se je Silvan tudi rodil. Začel je raziskovati in spoznal, kako malo ve o sebi in svoji zgodovini. To ga je spodbudilo k razmišljanju o lastnem življenju, življenju svojih prednikov... Ko sta se z ženo preselila v Šibelje, sta začela preurejati hišo in prav tu je našel ogromno starih kmečkih orodij in starinskih predmetov. Mnoge od njih je tudi restavriral in danes si lahko pri njemu ogledate star pralni stroj, 150 let staro harmoniko pa tudi številne kmečke dragocenosti, kot so kolovrat in slamoreznica. Pred tremi leti je izdal knjigo z naslovom Kronika, v kateri je poleg svojega znanja astronomije in zgodovine, s fotografijami predstavil tudi svojo etnološko zbirko. Danes pravi, da bi knjigo lahko še dopolnil. “Zbirko bi bilo potrebno oštevilčiti, opisati in narediti katalog,” pojasni Furlan. Od vseh stvari ga je najprej začel zanimati prav les. Najprej zaradi stroke, saj se je po vojni izučil za mizarja, šolanje pa je kasneje nadaljeval na višjih šolah. Danes je njegova hiša polna lesenih posodic in raznovrstnih lesenih skulptur. “Ne le ta hiša, tudi hiša moje hčere v Novi Gorici je polna takih posodic,” se nasmehne Silvan Furlan. Večino izdelkov naredi iz češnjevega lesa. Običajno nastajajo dolgo, tudi zaradi sušenja - Furlan namreč najraje obdeluje še svež les. “Ko dobim les, še ne vem natančno, kaj bo iz njega nastalo. Lotim se ga, ko dobim idejo,” pojasni. Pred dvema letoma pa je odkril še ljubezen do kamna. Tudi tu se je skoraj vsega naučil Zelenjava z žara Grki so iznašli recept za okusne zeliščno-sirove ražnjiče, ki dišijo po morju in soncu. Količine sestavin so odvisne od števila jedcev in jih določimo sami. Potrebujemo: na kocke narezan sir feta, mlado čebulo in češnjeve paradižnike. Sir ovijemo v zeleni del čebule in ga izmenjaje natikamo napaličico s paradižnikom in narezano čebulo. Drugo je stvar domišljije. Laho dodamo črne olive brez pečk, morda nataknemo na paličico dve vrsti sira, papriko... Preden jih damo na žar ali v pečico, jih mariniramo. Potrebujemo nekaj žlic olivnega olja, kis, majaron, stisnjem česen, sol in poper. Premažemo ražnjiče in jih pustimo počivati dva ali tri minute. Glasba pomirja Da glasba pomirja, je že dolgo znano, zdaj so strokovnjaki ugotovili, da lahko tudi poživlja. Izbrali so violinske klasične koncerte, ki spodbujajo srce in pospešujejo dihanje. Kri kroži hitreje, več je pride v možgane in utrujenost se zmanjša. Torej, zavrtite si Mozartov cede. Brez skrbi, prisluhnete lahko drugim melodijam, če so vam bolj všeč. Naravnajte glasnost tako, da boste začutili, kako se glasba preliva skozi telo, da vas bo pritegnil njen ritem in boste ob poslušanju morda dobili kurjo polt - tako boste prebudili vse čute. sam, le ženinega brata je vprašal za nasvet glede orodja. “Zgodi se, da kak izdelek poči. To je najbolj učinkovita šola,” pove Furlan. Je pa obdelovanje kamna dolgotrajno, saj za eno kamnito skulpturo porabi tudi po teden dni. Svojih umetnin ne prodaja, jih pa z veseljem podarja. Da bi svoje izdelke razstavljal na posebnih razstavah, ga ne mika. Vendar pa z veseljem razkaže svojo zbirko in je vesel vsakega obiska. “Škoda bi bilo, da ne bi nihče drug videl teh stvari,” pove in pojasni, da bi svoje znanje rad delil tudi s 29 komenskimi osnovnošolci, vendar, tako vsaj pravi, ni zanimanja pri vodstvu šole. Prav tako je k sebi vabil tudi tako bivšega kot zdajšnjega župana komenske občine, vendar se nihče od njiju ni odzval. Se bo pa kljub temu še naprej trudil. Prav ustvarjanje ga najbolj osrečuje. Zelo si želi, da bi za raziskovanje korenin in ohranjanje dediščine navdušil vnukinjo. Ali kot je zapisal v svoji Kroniki: “Narod, ki briše preteklost, se ne more ohraniti kot narod prihodnosti.” PRIMORSKE NOVICE Izdelovanje slamnatnih streh HEADLINE: Making straw roofs TOPIC: A recent gathering below Črni vrh, which the Novaki Tourist Association arranged to enhance the villagers’ cultural creations – showing the path from grain sheaf, and making straw roofs and bread – was an extreme learning hour. The people of Novaki appreciate their grandparents’ history – in the winter they ski the old-fashioned way, and during the summer they bring to life the trditional old work and trades. Because they were wellknown straw roof makers at one time, the core of their cultural stories has been wheat. The wheat (which these days grows in the fields only to keep the history alive) was ready, and so was the old threshing machine. In no time the straw was prepared to make sheaf to cover a small roof. A well-made straw roof should last at least 35 years. Srečanje pod Črnim vrhom, ki ga je turistično društvo Novaki obogatilo s kulturno ustvarjalnostjo vaščanov in prikazom poti od žitnih snopov, izdelovanja slamnatih streh do kruha, je izjemna etnološka učna ura. Novačani cenijo dediščino dedov, pozimi z lok smučmi po starem smučajo, poleti pa obujajo značilna stara opravila in obrti. Ker so njega dni najbolj sloveli kot krovci slamnatih streh, je srž njihovih etnoloških zgodb že dolgo žito. Sprehod od žita do kruha je ponudil poučen povratek stoletje v preteklost. Žito, ki na njivah pod Črnim vrhom, bolj znanim kot Smučarski center Cerkno, raste le še za potrebe negovanja dediščine, je bilo pripravljeno. Pa tudi mlatilnice, ki jih je vaški mojster Silvo Čemažar skrbno obnovil, že pred leti spravil v pogon, v nedeljo pa popeljal skozi vsa opravila do kruha. Stroji in njihovi motorji sodijo v predvojni čas, ko so olajšali ročno obdelavo žita s cepci ali poganjanje “geplnov” s pomočjo konj ali volov. Ko so jih možje v nedeljo pognali, je bila slama hitro pripravljena za vezanje v snope (škope) za pokrivanje streh. Dekleta in žene so slamo prej očistila na grabljah in zvezala škope, da sta krovca Janko Petrnelj in Klemen Mlakar lahko začela prekrivati senik. Pod budnim očesom staroste krovcev Toneta Mlakarja, ki je zagotovil, da mora slamnata streha, luknjici ob luknjici navkljub, zdržati vsaj 35 let. Tako je sam prekril ogromno streh. Nedavno jo je z mlajšimi, a vse bolj veščimi “krovci”, položil na etnološko pristno ohranjeno in kot spomenik zaščiteno novaško domačijo Kamlonarše pod partizansko bolnišnico Franja. Slabo slamo, ki je ostala pri čiščenju škop, so vračali v ponovno mlačev. Žene so ločevale zrnje od plev z “rejtanjem” (stresanjem v velikih sitih - retih), da je bilo zrnje nared za mletje, v mlinih pa pripravljena moka za domač kruh. Tega v Novakih še pečejo v krušnih pečeh. Pod Črnim vrhom peči ni bilo. Kruha, iger s spretnostnim tekmovanjem v žaganju, zabave in nastopov vaških zborov in glasbenikov, pa je bilo v izobilju. Množica obiskovalcev si je bila edina, da so se med veščimi negovalci novaške dediščine imenitno zabavali, predvsem pa obudili spomin in se učili. PRIMORSKE NOVICE 30 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] 22. Avgusta 2012 Satelit in SMS sta zanesljiva pastirja HEADLINE: The satellite and SMS are reliable shepherds TOPIC: In the center region of Karavanke there are still many farmers who utilize alpine farming methods. During the summer months they bring their animals, mainly cows and sheep, to the Alpine pastures, where they remain for close to three months. During this time the movement of the animals has to be supervised at all times. Wondering how he could make this task easier, Hanzi Lausegger came up with an idea and started developing a GPS transmitter which would help farmers and shepherds find their animals in the mountains. Its use is very simple: a collar with a GPS transmitter is pinned to the animals. The collar has a battery and can work for weeks without re-charging. If the farmer or shepherd wants to know where the animals are, he sends an SMS message to the GPS transmitter. He then receives a response through SMS text with the animals’ exact coordinates. These coordinates can be entered into Google maps, and the satellite images show where the animals are at that time. V osrčju Karavank se veliko kmetov še danes ukvarja z gorskim kmetovanjem. Poleti spravijo živino na planino, kjer ostane približno tri mesece. V tem času jo je treba seveda vedno nadzarovati. Potrebno je preveriti zdravje živine. Ta dejavnost zahteva kar veliko časa in je ob službi precej naporno delo. Ob premišljanju, kako bi si zadevo malo olajšal, je prišel Hanzi Lausegger na idejo in začel razvijati GPS-oddajnik, ki bi kmetu ali pastirju pomagal lažje najti svojo živino na planinah. Uporaba je zelo enostavna. Ovratnica z GPS-oddajnikom se pripne na živino. Zaradi vgrajene baterije lahko ovratnica na živini ostane več tednov, ne da bi jo bilo treba napolniti. Uporablja se tudi energija sonca v obliki solarnih modulov, ki so pritrjeni direktno na ovratnico. Če želi torej kmet ali pastir vedeti, kje se njegova živina nahaja, mu je potrebno samo poslati SMS-sporočilo na GPS-oddajnik. Odgovor prav tako prejme preko SMS-sporočila z natančnimi koordinatami o nahajanju živine. Te koordinate lahko vnesete v Google maps in že je lepo razvidno s satelitske slike, kje se živina trenutno zadržuje. Tako kmet enostavno in hitro lahko izve, kje se živina nahaja. Če pomislimo, da stane eno SMS-sporočilo okoli 15 centov, v primerjavi s časom, ki bi ga morali vložiti v vožnjo ter iskanje živine po vseh gozdnatih predelih in marsikdaj po zelo nepreglednem terenu, je zadeva prav zagotovo zelo praktična. Samo v Avstriji se na več kot 8.600 planinah v enem letu pase približno 500.000 glav goveda, ovac, koz ter konjev. Pastir prihodnosti s tem izumom dobi satelitsko podporo in moderno tehniko. S pomočjo teh ovratnic bodo kmetje in pastirji večkrat pasli na svojih planinah v Karavankah. Zaradi tega bi planine ostale odprte in oskrbljene. Prav tako pa se s tem ohranjajo kultura, navade in običaji. Regija pa tako ostane atraktivna za vse turiste in še posebno pohodnike. Namen tega izuma je krepiti plašarstvo v karavanški regiji in olajšati težavno delo kmetov in pastirjev. NOVICE Marija Gantar Iskrice v očeh Srečala sva se, ne vem kdo si in ne od kod, dotika ni bilo in niti stiska rok. A tvoj pogled, tvoj nasmeh in iskrica v očeh zavila se je v srce, iz njega več ne gre. Lipica je svetovno znana po kobilarni, ki vzgaja plemenite konje lipicance. Posestvo Konjerejsko-turisti-nega centra Lipica zavzema okrog 300 hektarjev travnikov in pašnikov z gozdnimi zaplati in drevoredi. Čistokrvne konje izposojajo gostom za jahanje po lipiških parkih in gozdovih pa tudi za dnevne izlete v okolico. PHOTO: Because its stud farm and the noble Lipizzaner horses, Lipica has gained renown throughout the world. The Lipica Stud Farm Center covers some 700 acres of fields together with some woodland, all of which are bisected by numerous promenades. The thoroughbreds are hired out to visitors who are free to discover Lipica’s park and forests, or embark on a day trip to explore even further. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] 22. Avgusta 2012 31 Sezonsko delo vse bolj privlačno za domače delavce HEADLINE: Seasonal work more and more attractive for domestic workers TOPIC: Because of the predominant economic conditions, domestic workers have an increased interest in seasonal work, and similarly they don’t have any problems assuring a foreign work force, explained Evrosad Director Boštjan Kozole. Because of a freeze in April, this year’s harvet will be noticeably smaller for the Evrosad group, which mainly grows fruit and exports two-thirds of their products. For this reason they will require 150 fewer seasonal workers than last year, and of the anticipated 320 seasonal workers, more than half should be domestic workers. The Evrosad group, which was formed in 1995 in Krško, is also composed of two companies in Blanci and in Ormož. They grow mainly apples, pears and peaches on a shared 300 acres and on an additional 250 private acres. Last year they produced almost 22,000 tons of fruit. In the last few years their main market has been Great Britain, but now they are also exporting to the Scandinavian countries, to the former Yugoslav Republics, to Italy, Spain and, starting last year, to Dubai and from there across the Middle East. Zaradi trenutno prevladujočih gospodarskih razmer se med domačimi delavci krepi zanimanje za sezonsko delo, podobno pa nimajo težav z zagotavljanjem tuje delovne sile, je pojasnil direktor Evrosada Boštjan Kozole. V skupini Evrosad, ki prideluje sadje in ga dve tretjini izvozi, bo letošnja letina zaradi velikonočne pozebe manjša. Zato bodo za sezonsko obiranje potrebovali do približno 150 sezonskih delavcev manj kot lani, od predvidenih 320 pa naj bi jih bilo več kot polovica domačih. Kot je direktor Evrosada Boštjan Kozole povedal, bo letošnja letina za nekaj deset odstotkov slabša od povprečja, glede pridobivanja sezonske delovne sile pa je dejal, da s to nimajo težav. Letos bodo prvič potrebovali manj tujih sezonskih delavcev kot pretekla leta, pri pridobivanju njihovih delovnih dovoljenj pa si želijo, da bi država poenostavila in pocenila postopke. Namreč gre za delavce, ki jih v devetih desetinah že poznajo, je dodal. Ker v Evrosadu za določena spomladanska dela ravno tako potrebujejo določeno število sezonskih delavcev, je Kozole na zadnjem zaposlitvenem sejmu v Krškem predlagal, da bi s pomočjo države iz vrst nezaposlenih delavcev ustanovili posebno mobilno trajno Idrijčanke so klekljale v Kranjski Gori HEADLINE: Women from Idrija made lace in Kranjska Gora TOPIC: The Lek Hotel in Kranjska Gora invited members of the Idrija Lace Making Association to introduce lace making techniques and lace products to hotel guests. The creation of lace attracted foreign and domestic guests, some of whom even tried to make lace. For certain, Kranjska Gora is one of Slovenia’s jewels. The hotels in Kranjska Gora carefully cater to the wishes of their guests. Besides the superb food, the area skillfully introduces the Slovenian culture to visitors, and in this way the hotel revived the spirit of Idrija for a few hours. Pred nekaj tedni so na povabilo hotela Lek iz Kranjske Gore članice Društva klekljaric idrijske čipke predstavile gostom hotela klekljanje in čipke. Tako tuje kot tudi domače goste je nastajanje čipk zelo pritegnilo. Nekateri so celo poskusili klekljati. Kranjska Gora je prav gotovo ena od slovenskih biserov, kjer si v zavetju Triglava turisti bogatijo telesno in duševno energijo. Kranjskogorski hoteli pa pozorno sledijo željam gostov. Ob odlični kulinariki animatorji spretno predstavljajo našo tradicijo in tako je hotel za nekaj ur zaživel v duhu Idrije, saj je po avli ob spremljavi harmonike tekla pesem klekeljnov. Klekljarice so obisk izkoristile tudi za promocijo Idrije in festivala idrijske čipke, zato niso skoparile z reklamnim gradivom in povabili v te kraje. IDRIJSKE NOVICE ROJSTNI DAN - Polde v prošnji za zaposlitev ni navedel letnice rojstva, zato mu vodja kadrovske službe reče: “Gospod, vidim, da imate rojstni dan 14. februarja. Katerega leta pa?” Polde: “Hja, vsako leto!” zaposleno skupino, ki bi bila lahko najmanj tri četrtine leta na voljo tako Evrosadu kot drugim območnim pridelovalcem sadja in zelenjave. Skupino Evrosad, ki se je razvila iz leta 1995 v Krškem ustanovljenega podjetja, sestavljata še podjetji na Blanci in v Ormožu, na skupaj 525 lastnih hektarjih in sto zasebnih hektarjih pa pridelujejo pretežno jabolka, hruške in breskve. Lani so pridelali skoraj 22.000 ton sadja. V Juliju so obirali breskve in zgodnja poletna jabolka. Sredi avgusta bodo začeli obirati hruške, v drugi polovici avgusta pa prva jesenska jabolka. Jabolka bodo obirali vse tja do novembra. Skupina redno zaposluje 150 delavcev. V zadnjih letih je njihov glavni trg postala Velika Britanija, izvažajo pa še v skandinavske in baltske države, nekdanje jugoslovanske republike, Rusijo, Romunijo, Italijo, Španijo ter od lani tudi v Dubaj in od tam naprej po Srednjem vzhodu. Če sadja ne bi izvažali, bi lahko z njim pokrili vse slovenske potrebe, je še povedal Kozole. Po podatkih ministrstva za delo, družino in socialne zadeve lahko v skladu z zakonom o zaposlovanju in delu tujcev dovoljenje za delo tujim sezonskim delavcem izdajo le za opravljanje zaposlitve v kmetijstvu in gozdarstvu. V skladu s tem so v prvi prvi polovici tekočega leta izdali 485 dovoljenj za sezonsko delo, kar je 30 odstotkov manj kot v enakem lanskem obdobju, ko so jih izdali 693. VEČER Zatikanje letakov za brisalce avtomobilov je večinoma prepovedano HEADLINE: Placing leaflets behind car windshield wipers is prohibited TOPIC: In most Slovenian city municipalities, placing advertisement leaflets behind car windshield wipers is prohibited. This kind of advertising in public areas is also prohibited in Ljubljana, and those who find such material on their cars can notify City of Ljubljana inspectors. In an instance of violation in Ljubljana, the penalty for the person who placed the leaflet on the cars is $120, and the advertising individuals can be fined from $1,250 to $2,250. Most of the time, this kind of advertising is done in shopping center parking lots, which in most instances are not public areas, and for that reason the municipality doesn’t have the authority to take action. V večini slovenskih mestnih občin je zatikanje oglasnih letakov za vetrobranska stekla avtomobilov prepovedano. Slednje ni prepovedano v Kopru, Kranju in Velenju. Kršiteljem v Ljubljani pa grozi od sto do 2000 evrov kazni. Takšno oglaševanje na javnih površinah ni dovoljeno v Ljubljani, tisti, ki naletijo na tovrstno oglasno gradivo, pa lahko pošljejo prijavo inšpektoratu Mestne občine Ljubljana. Pojasnili so, da odlok za javne mestne površine velja od marca lani. Letos so uvedli 12 inšpekcijskih postopkov, nepravilnosti pa se ugotavljajo tako v rednih inšpekcijskih postopkih, kot tudi na prijavo občanov. V primeru kršitev v Ljubljani je predpisana kazen v višini sto evrov za tistega, ki bi oglasni letak zataknil na vozilo, od 1200 do 2000 evrov pa je predpisana kazen za samostojne podjetnike in pravne osebe, pri čemer je odgovorna oseba pravne osebe kaznovana z dodatnim tisočakom. V Mariboru je prav tako prepovedano trositi ali razdeljevati reklamni material na javnih površinah ali ga zatikati ali lepiti na avtomobile. Tam so zagrožene kazni med 600 in 2000 evri, medtem ko bi kršitelj, ki bi ga ujeli ob dejanju, plačal 200 evrov. Podobno je v Novi Gorici, še dvakrat več pa bi posameznik, ki bi zatikal letake, moral odšteti v Celju. Na Ptuju medobčinska inšpekcija v Spodnjem Podravju redno izvaja nadzor nad nepravilnim zatikanjem letakov na avtomobile, ob tem pa pogosto prejema prijave lastnikov vozil, v Murski Soboti nadzor nad izvajanjem odloka vršijo pristojne inšpekcijske službe in služba komunalnega nadzora mestne občine. Kazni znašajo 250 evrov za posameznike ter 850 evrov za pravne osebe in samostojne podjetnike. Ob tem je potrebno poudariti, da inšpekcije nadzor nedovoljenega oglaševanja lahko opravljajo zgolj na javnih površinah in na površinah, ki so v lasti občin. Oglaševanje in reklamiranje na način, ko se reklama, obvestilo ali sporočilo zatakne za brisalce avtomobila, se najpogosteje izvaja na parkiriščih trgovskih centrov, ki pa v večini primerov niso javne površine, zato občinski nadzorni organi nimajo pristojnosti za ukrepanje. PRIMORSKE NOVICE 32 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] 22. Avgusta 2012 Kakor da bi zaspal v vinski kleti HEADLINE: As you would fall asleep in a wine cellar TOPIC: Terme Ptuj recently opened an unusual village: it is composed of eight wooden wine barrels in which it is possible to sleep, and one that will soon become a sauna. These barrels, which had been in the Ptuj wine cellar (the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia) for years, and in which one of the best wines from the Haloze vineyards was stored, are now part of the tourist Wine Village at Terme Ptuj. Eight wooden 3,000-gallon wine barrels are included in this village. They are arranged in a semicircle in the shadows of maple and birch trees, and the now-empty platform will be soon filled with a fireplace, tables and chairs. In the future, the village will be surrounded by a vine which has been planted along the wooden fence that separates the village from the rest of the camp. The barrel village will be open year round. The idea to create the village came from Andrej Klasinc, the director of Terme Ptuj. When the decades-old unused barrels were removed from the wine cellar, he came up with the idea that they should be preserved at the Terme resort as part of the cultural history. All of the barrels have been restored, and each has a door and a small window cut out. The wine smell will probably linger for at least 50 years, if not forever, because wine crystals penetrate every pore of the wood. V Termah Ptuj so odprli nenavadno vas: sestavlja jo osem starih, lesenih vinskih sodov, v katerih je mogoče prespati, in še eden, v katerem bodo uredili savno. Sodi, v katerih so svojčas hranili belo vino Haložan v Ptujski vinski kleti, najstarejši na Slovenskem, namreč od sredine tega meseca sestavljajo turistično Vinsko vas v Termah Ptuj. Osem lesenih 14.000-litrskih vinskih sodov jo sestavlja. V senci krošenj javorja in breze so nanizani v polkrogu, ki za zdaj objema še prazno ploščad, kmalu pa jo bodo napolnili kamin, mize, stoli, je napovedala Beti Drevenšek, vodja recepcije v termah. Gostje bodo lahko tudi naročili zajtrke v vas. Zraven je za zdaj še prazen sod, v katerem bodo na jesen zakurili savno, sčasoma bo vas obdala trta, ki so jo zasadili ob leseni ogradi, ki deli vas od preostalega kampa. Zamisel je bila direktorjeva (Term Ptuj, Andreja Klasinca, ki pa je v teh dneh na dopustu), je povedala sogovornica: ko so lani iz kleti odstranjevali neuporabne sode, stare več desetletij, se je domislil, da bi jih v termah ohranili kot kulturno dediščino. Tri so postavili v termalni park in v njih uredili zunanjo suho savno, devet pa jih sestavlja novo Vinsko vas, kakopak obnovljenih – impregniranih, z izrezanimi vrati in okencem ... Iz hrastovega lesa so, saj najdlje traja, je najbolj trden in zmore največjo nosilnost, je pojasnil Albert Gönc, ki je bil v Ptujski vinski kleti tehnični direktor. Večino jih je izdelal prekmurski sodar Štefan Maučec. Še pred petimi leti je bilo v zadnjih lesenih sodih v kleti vino, je dejal, zdaj pa polagoma les v vinarstvu prekriva patina. Terme Ptuj sodijo k družbi Sava Turizem – prav tako kakor podjetje Sava Hoteli Bled, ki je lani v svojem blejskem kampu odprl ekološko vasico Gozdnih vil (Nedelovo marčevsko »sončnico meseca«). Tako so ptujski vinski sodi tudi drugo slovensko glamurno kampiranje. Prav tako kakor v Campingu Bled je tudi v kampu ptujskih term čedalje več obiskovalcev povpraševalo po že postavljenih namestitvah. Mobilne hišice, petindvajset jih imajo, so postavili leta 2005; kakor je povedala Beti Drevenšek, so izjemno dobro zasedene, v sezoni povsem polne. “Trend je, da si gostje želijo dopustovati v naravi, a z več udobja,” ugotavlja. Namesto novih hišic pa so sklenili postaviti – sode. Krasni so – sodi! In Slovenija tudi, se je navduševala petčlanska nizozemska družina, ki že en teden, ostala pa bo še deset dni, biva v eni od hišk in si je prišla ogledat Vinsko vas. “Med prvimi gosti v sodih je bila družina, ki je bila že nastanjena v kampu, a so si otroci želeli prespati v sodih!” se je nasmejala sogovornica. Ne bojijo se, da bi vas ostala spregledana in prazna. Za to nameravajo poskrbeti tudi z dogodki: ko bodo stare avtohtone trte okoli nje obrodile, bodo imeli trgatev in gostje bodo lahko poskusili njihovo vino, denimo. Martinovanje bodo imeli v njej, pa obrezovanje trte ... Vas bo predvidoma odprta vse leto, v hladnejših mesecih bodo sode ogrevali, sicer je v njih elektrika, sanitarije so takoj izza ograde. Prtljago pa lahko gostje pospravijo pod posteljo. Pa vonj po izvorni namembnosti? Bo izpuhtel? (No, saj ne, da bi moral, navsezadnje je nadvse blag ...) Po vsej verjetnosti še dolgo ne, se je nasmehnila Beti Drevenšek. Savne, ki v teh vročih dneh samevajo na robu obljudenih bazenov, ga tako še zvesto čuvajo ... In ga bodo še dolgo, je potrdil tudi Albert Gönc: “Vinski kamen oziroma kristali se zažrejo v vsako poro lesa. Vonj bo tako ostal v sodih še vsaj petdeset let, morda za zmeraj!” DELO NEOBRIT - Po letih se je Gorenjec vračal v domovino. Na letališču je brez uspeha iskal svoja brata. Končno dva moža pristopita k njemu: “ Ali naju res ne poznaš?” - “Kaj?” Vidva sta? Zakaj imata pa tako dolgi bradi?” - “Ko si odhajal od doma, si vzel britvico s seboj!” Prvič v Sloveniji ustvarjali z motornimi žagami HEADLINE: For the first time in Slovenia they were creating with a chainsaw TOPIC: In Gradišče above Stična, sculptors with a chainsaw recently exhibited the wood creations that they made in two days. Fans of this type of sculpture recently established an association. The Sculpture Association With a Chainsaw, as they are officially named, now has 15 members, among them three women, who demonstrate great skill twisting the tools on the wood, even though a chainsaw can weigh more than seven pounds. Five artists with chainsaws had exactly one hour to fashion a stump into a figure. Nadja Urbas from Ajdovščina, who has been dealing with this kind of unusual art for 10 years, also attended this event, and she has already created more than 50 sculptures. Pred dnevi so na Gradišču nad Stično kiparji z motorno žago postavili na ogled skulpture iz lesa, ki so jih ustvarili v dveh dneh. Tokrat so se prvič zbrali ljubitelji takšnega kiparjenja in se povezali v nedavno ustanovljeno društvo. Društvo kiparjev z motorno žago, kakor se uradno imenujejo, šteje za zdaj 15 članov, od tega so tri ženske, ki spretno vijugajo po lesu z orodjem, ki pregovorno bolj sodi v domeno mož, saj žaga tehta tudi več kakor tri kilograme, odvisno od tipa in znamke, in za povrh jo je še težko vžgati. Nepogrešljivo orodje na bencinski pogon pri podiranju dreves in žaganju drv je očitno odličen pripomoček tudi za izdelovanje različnih skulptur. Za predstavitev svojih del je imelo pet umetnikov z motornimi žagami na voljo natanko uro časa, da so množici gledalcev prikazali oblikovanje štorov v podobe, ki so si jih zamislili. Anton Vidmar, Mitja in Vlado Cencel, Ciril Povše in Janez Šepec so izdelali vola, konjsko glavo, jurčka, sovo in medveda. “Za kiparjenje umetnik potrebuje mirno roko, dobro nabrušeno verigo in veliko dobre volje in potrpljenja ter ne nazadnje tudi malce umetniške žilice,” pravi predsednik društva Vlado Cencel, ki za jesen napoveduje na Gradišču tekmovanje s številnimi udeleženci iz domovine in tujine. Srečanja se je udeležila tudi Nadja Urbas iz Ajdovščine, ki se s to nenavadno umetnostjo ukvarja že dobrih deset let in je doslej ustvarila že več kakor 50 skulptur. Zmotili smo jo pri vijuganju z žago po lesu, iz katerega bo nastala dama s klobukom. “To delo mi je preprosto všeč,” pravi Ajdovka, ki predpasnik in kuhalnico raje zamenja za ropot z dobro nabrušeno električno žago. Vlado Cencel, ustanovitelj in predsednik Društva kiparjev z motorno žago, je zanjo poprijel pred štirimi leti; pred petnajstimi je začel ljubiteljsko slikati, je samouk, sčasoma je prešel na kiparjenje. Ko je na internetu zasledil posnetek kiparjenja z motorno žago, se je tako navdušil nad njim, da je skorajda povsem opustil drugo ustvarjanje. “Nekateri pravijo, da je takšno ustvarjanje preveč robustno... No, resda zanj potrebuješ moč, spretnost, nadzor, a po drugi strani moraš imeti tudi občutek za podrobnosti. Poleg tega je v tem, da zarežeš v les in že vidiš, kaj bo nastalo iz njega, poseben čar!« skuša Cencel pojasniti svoje navdušenje. »V Sloveniji nas še ni dovolj, da bi v tem tekmovali, zato sem se odločil hitrostno kiparjenje tokrat samo predstaviti.« V Nemčiji je v 45 minutah, kolikor so jih imeli tekmovalci na voljo, oblikoval divjega petelina, v Kanadi pa v eni uri Jezusov torzo in konjsko glavo (v dveh dneh). DELO PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] 22. Avgusta 2012 33 Pipistrel bi lahko izvažal letala na Kitajsko HEADLINE: Pipistrel could export aircraft to China TOPIC: With the signature of a technical agreement between the Chinese Administration for Civil Aviation and Slovenia’s Public Agency for Civil Aviation, China will be recognizing Slovenia’s Pipistrel aircraft and their changes. “This is a giant step for Pipistrel,” said company president Ivo Bascarol, “because China is the fastest-growing aviation market.” According to Žiga B. Kotnik, director of the Slovenian Agency for Civil Aviation, “The agreement means a new open door for the Slovenian aviation industry, and I hope that this will also encourage foreign investors to come and start producing in Slovenia. In other words, we opened a door which is not open everywhere in the world.” Slovenia is the first European country to sign such an agreement with China, which has only 23 such agreements with other countries, said Yang Zhenmei, the manager of CAAC. Zhenmei also praised Slovenian know-how and development in the field of aircraft production. Kitajska bo z podpisom tehničnega sporazuma med kitajsko upravo za civilno letalstvo in Javno agencijo za civilno letalstvo RS priznavala slovenske certifikate Pipistrelovih letal in njihove spremembe. “To je za Pipistrel velik korak,” je dejal direktor družbe Ivo Boscarol, saj je Kitajska najhitreje rastoči letalski trg. “Sporazum pomeni nova odprta vrata slovenski letalski industriji in upam, da bo to vzpodbudilo tudi tuje investitorje za prihod in začetek proizvodnje v Sloveniji. Odprli smo namreč vrata, ki niso odprta povsod po svetu,” je podpis sporazuma s kitajsko upravo za civilno letalstvo (CAAC) komentiral di- rektor slovenske agencije za civilno letalstvo Žiga B. Kotnik. Sporazum je namenjen prodaji trenutno osmih različnih Pipistrelovih letal, vendar se je z njim vzpostavilo medsebojno zaupanje, ki bo koristilo v prihodnje tudi drugim proizvajalcem letal in letalske opreme, je prepričan Kotnik. S Kitajsko bodo poskušali podpisati še en tehnični sporazum o priznavanju slovenskih letalskih licenc tudi na Kitajskem, kar bo omogočilo šolanje kitajskih pilotov v Sloveniji.Slovenija je prva evropska država, ki je podpisala takšen sporazum s Kitajsko. Ta ima sklenjenih le 23 podobnih sporazumov z ostalimi državami, je povedala vodja CAAC Yang Zhenmei. Sodelovanja s Slovenijo se veseli in upa, da bosta imeli obe državi od sporazuma koristi. Predvsem je pohvalila slovensko znanje in razvoj na področju proizvodnje letal. Kotnik je povedal tudi, da se je ravno v tem tednu mudila v Sloveniji tudi ameriška delegacija, ki je pregledala odpravo dosedanjih pomanjkljivosti pri proizvodnih letal. Zato pričakuje, da bo ob koncu letošnjega leta podpisan sporazum, s katerim bo evropska letalska agencija dodala Slovenijo na seznam proizvajalcev letal, ki lahko prodajajo tudi na trgu ZDA. Prav tako si v agenciji za civilno letalstvo prizadevajo doseči podobne dogovore z Južnoameriškimi državami in Rusijo. Direktor ajdovskega podjetja Pipistrel Ivo Boscarol je prepričan, da je bila ob slovenske agencija odločilnega pomena pri podpisu sporazuma zadnja zmaga na Nasinem tekmovanju. “To je dosežek, ki nam v zadnjem času odpira mnogo vrat in zaradi njega bomo morali proizvodnjo letal nekajkrat povečati,” je prepričan Boscarol. Tudi pri prodaji letal na Kitajsko, kjer lahko samo eno naročilo preseže celotno sedanjo letno proizvodnjo letal v ajdovski tovarni. Kitajska vlada vse bolj odpira tudi zračni prostor nad državo. Temu sledi povpraševanje in posledično odpiranje vedno novih letalskih šol. Prav pri prodaji svojih letal letalskim šolam vidi Boscarol trenutno največjo priložnost. Razmišlja pa tudi o razvoju in gradnji novih, še večjih letal. Vendar bi za te zamisli potreboval nove proizvodne prostore in bolj urejeno ajdovsko športno letališče. “To je naša naslednja naloga in upamo, da jo bomo uspeli uresničiti do konca letošnjega leta,” je o prihodnjih načrtih povedal Kotnik. Dobro je vedeti — Če pustimo vodo teči ves čas, ko si umivamo zobe, steče v prazno prek 20 litrov vode. —Najučinkovitejši način varčevanja z vodo je namestitev glavice za prho z nizkim pretokom. Tako lahko že pri petminutnem prhanju prihranimo več kot 50% vode. — V petih minutah prhanja porabimo 140 litrov vode. Če se vsak član štiričlanske družine prha pet minut na dan, bodo v tednu dni porabili več kot 2.800 litrov vode: triletno zalogo pitne vode za eno osebo. — Kopanje v kadi zahteva povprečno do 250 litrov vode. — Vsakokrat, ko na stranišču potegnemo vodo, se okrog 20 litrov čiste vode v hipu spremeni v umazano. — Vsaj 20 odstotkov kotličkov pušča, ne da bi za to vedeli. V enem letu skozi takšen kotiček steče v nič okrog 90.000 litrov vode. S toliko vode bi se lahko vse leto kopali po trikrat na dan. Star, a še vedno varen lesen most v dolini Trente. PHOTO: An old, but still safe, wooden bridge in the Trenta Valley. PRIMORSKE NOVICE 34 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 2012 SNPJ Fall Classic Bowling Tournament October 13-14, 2012 hosted by Imperial, Pa., Lodge 106 at by Mildred F. Troha Lodge 581 Secretary Paradise Island Bowl St. Marys, Pa. — An open invitation is extended to all SNPJ members, Polka Booster members and the general public to come to the Johnsonburg Fire Hall in Johnsonburg, Pa., Sunday, Sept. 9. Dancing starts at 2 p.m. and will 7601 Grand Ave. Neville Island, PA 15225 Phone: (412) 264-6570 www.paradiseislandbowl.com Doubles & Singles Events Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 1:30 p.m. Team Event Sunday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m. Doubles & Singles Events Entry fee $15 per person Saturday Only continue until 6 p.m. featuring music by Del Sinchak from Cleveland. Admission is $8 per person. Two 50/50 drawings will be held during the afternoon and two jam sessions are planned, one mid-day and another following the dance. So bring your instruments and join the fun! The $15 memberships to join the North Central PA Slovenian Polka Boosters Club are on sale now. The memberships are valid until March 2014. The dance is co-sponsored by SNPJ Lodge 581 and the North Central PA Slovenian Polka Boosters Club of Elk County, Pa. JTSH recruiting members for the new season Lodge No. Highest Average 2011-12 1. 2. 1. 2. Submit bowlers’ names by position in lineup Four-Person Team Event Entry fee $60 per team Sunday Only Lodge 581, polka boosters plan member drive Lodge No. Highest Average 2011-12 by MARY JO GERMOVSEK-HARTMAN (138) Junior Tamburitzans of South Hills STRABANE, Pa. — The Junior Tamburitzans of South Hills (JTSH) is now recruiting new members for the upcoming season. We are a youth folk ensemble for ages 5 to 18 that is based in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Our group is dedicated to preserving the art, music and heritage of Eastern and Central Europe. JTSH meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1000 Lindsay Road in Carnegie, Pa. There will be four free open practices Aug. 14 through Sept. 11 where you can stop by on a Tuesday and check us out. No prior experience or audition is necessary; each student receives instruction and education in the art of tamburitza playing, folk dance and song. Students also learn about the countries and cultures of Central and Eastern Europe. Through our performances, the group promotes public interest and awareness of the rich cultural diversity known throughout these regions. JTSH instructors are experts in their areas. Snezana Lazich is a certified vocal music teacher, Mary Magdic is an instrumental music teacher at Hampton Township School District and Juraj Adamik is a classically trained, award winning dancer from Bratislava, Slovakia. Both Snezana and Juraj were awarded the Duquesne University Tamburitzan Scholarship. All three instructors are driven by their love for folk dance and music. Our group is fun, affordable and educational. For more information e-mail [email protected] or call (412) 833-4471. You can also check out the Junior Tamburitzans of South Hills Facebook page for more details on our free, open practices. 1. 2. Labor Day Greetings 3. from the officers and members of 4. Team name______________________________________ Team captain’s name, phone number & e-mail address: The entry fee in each event is $15 per bowler, $7.50 of which shall be used for prizes and $7.50 for bowling. Return form, along with fees of $15 per person, per event, to: Slovene National Benefit Society Att’n. Kevin Richards 247 West Allegheny Rd, Imperial, PA 15126 Phone: 1-800-843-7675 Make checks payable to SNPJ ENTRY DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 The Home Office will verify all memberships. Complete tournament rules are available by contacting the SNPJ Fraternal Department, 247 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126. Rules are also available online at www.snpj.org. Loyalites Lodge 158 Euclid, Ohio Fraternal & Labor Day Greetings to All! Officers & Members of Lodge 604 Utopians Kathleen Trebets..........President Rudy Perdan..........Vice President Gerri Trebets..........Fin./Rec. Secretary Pam Dirk..........Treasurer Auditors...........Bill Dirk Charlotte Perdan Alexandria Perdan SNPJ Crossword 21ST CENTURY (#1612) solution 35 SNPJ has the right plan for you! PROSVETA www.snpj.org • [email protected] August 22, 2012 SNPJ offers two types of life insurance, permanent and term. The following are brief explanations of each plan: Permanent Insurance is protection for life. This type of coverage can provide cash and paid‑up values. Most of these plans are eligible for dividends. While this coverage costs more than term insurance, over the long run (10 years or more, for example) it has proven to be a better buy. Whole Life, or ordinary life, is a permanent plan of insurance. In addition to lifetime insurance protection, Whole Life features strong guarantees, cash/loan values, reduced paid-up insurance options, dividends and some flexibility. Whole Life is the lowest cost permanent plan that we offer. Single Premium Whole Life (SPWL) is a one-time payment plan. This permanent plan features lifetime insurance protection, strong guarantees, increasing cash/loan values and dividends. Those who purchase this plan like making a one-time payment and then having a paid-up policy for life. Many parents and grandparents purchase this plan for their children and grandchildren. 10 Pay Life is a variation of Whole Life insurance with fewer payments. This permanent plan features lifetime insurance protection, strong guarantees, cash/loan values, reduced paid-up insurance options, dividends and some flexibility. Purchasers of this plan like the short payment period (10 years), after which the policy is paid-up for life. 20 Pay Life is a variation of Whole Life insurance with fewer payments. This permanent plan features lifetime insurance protection, strong guarantees, cash/loan values, reduced paid-up insurance options, dividends and some flexibility. This is one of our most popular plans of insurance. The Life Paid up at Age 55 Plan (LPU@55) is a variation of Whole Life insurance with fewer payments. This plan is available from ages 0 to 50. Life Paid Up at Age 55 is a permanent plan featuring lifetime insurance protection, strong guarantees, cash/ loan values, reduced paid-up insurance options and dividends. Several riders are available, including accidental death benefit and waiver of premium. This plan works best for people who don’t want to pay insurance premiums their entire life. Term Insurance is best described as insurance coverage for a certain period of time. At each renewal period the cost of this insurance increases as the odds of you dying become greater. Term has no cash value or paid‑up options, nor do we anticipate paying any dividends. This type of coverage will provide the most protection for the least amount of money. It may be your best buy if you need insurance coverage for 10 years or less. Term policies may be converted to permanent insurance. Yearly Renewable Term is the least expensive policy that SNPJ offers. We pay your beneficiary the death benefit should you die while the policy is in force. Your premiums increase every year as you grow older and as your chance of dying becomes greater. This plan is renewable to age 80 and convertible to age 70. The minimum policy SNPJ issues carries a $25,000 face amount. 10 Year Term provides a level death benefit with premiums which remain fixed for the 10-year period. At the end of the 10 years, or at renewal (as long as the person is under age 70), the premiums will automatically renew for a new 10-year period at the new age. 20 Year Term provides a level death benefit with premiums which remain fixed for the 20-year period. At the end of the 20 years, or at renewal (as long as the person is under age 60), the premiums will automatically renew for a new 20-year period at the new attained age. 30 Year Term provides a level death benefit with premiums which remain fixed for the 30-year period. At the end of the 30 years, or at renewal (as long as the person is under age 50), the premiums will automatically renew for a new 30-year period at the new attained age. The minimum face amount available is $25,000. Term to Age 25, a special program designed for those between the ages of 0-23, provides level term insurance protection up to age 25. Two versions are available: the $10,000 certificate for $24 per year or the $25,000 certificate for $55 per year. These may be converted to any other permanent policy prior to age 25. The Life Paid up at Age 60 Plan (LPU@60) is a variation of Whole Life insurance with fewer payments. This plan is available from ages 0 to 55. Life Paid Up at Age 60 is a permanent plan featuring lifetime insurance protection, strong guarantees, cash/ loan values, reduced paid-up insurance options and dividends. Several riders are available, including accidental death benefit and waiver of premium. Term to Age 65 is one of the least expensive plans that we offer. The $2,500 level term insurance plan to age 65, along with an equal amount of accidental death benefit, is very affordable. This plan is ideal for the person who wants to become an SNPJ member at the lowest possible cost. The Life Paid up at Age 65 Plan (LPU@65) is a variation of Whole Life insurance with fewer payments. This plan is available from ages 0 to 60. Life Paid Up at Age 65 is a permanent plan featuring lifetime insurance protection, strong guarantees, cash/ loan values, reduced paid-up insurance options and dividends. Several riders are available, including accidental death benefit and waiver of premium. This plan works best for people who want their insurance paid-up around retirement age. and don’t forget... SNPJ Final Expense Plan of insurance is designed for people ages 50 to 85 with some health impairments. This product provides full coverage and is issued on a simplified basis with no medical exam. The SNPJ Final Expense Plan is a permanent insurance plan featuring lifetime insurance protection, strong guarantees, cash/loan values and reduced paid-up insurance options. Annuities, IRAs & Roth IRAs. These tax-deferred (tax free with the Roth) savings programs feature competitive interest with a minimum guarantee, safety of principal and liquidity. You may open an account with just $25. SNPJ doesn’t have any sales charges or annual fees to maintain your account, but we do have a five-year declining surrender charge. SNPJ will provide you with a proposal on most of these plans. This should make our products easier to understand. For additional information on any of our products, contact your local Lodge secretary or the SNPJ Marketing Department at 1-800-843-7675. Slovene National Benefit Society 247 West Allegheny Road • Imperial, PA 15126‑9774 1‑800‑843‑7675 • Fax: 724‑695‑1555 • web site: www.snpj.org • e-mail: [email protected] Slovene National Benefit Society 247 West Allegheny Road Imperial, PA 15126-9774 Phone: 1-800-843-7675 e-mail: [email protected] • website: www.snpj.org