5THINGS
prosveta Official Publication of the Slovene National Benefit Society PERIODICAL MATERIAL Y E A R C V I I I IMPERIAL, PA., W EDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015 5 ISSUE 18 P SN J THI NGS love we a bou t t he R e cre at ion SNPJ Center 2 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 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: 1-800-843-7675 e-mail: prosveta@snpj.com web site: www.snpj.org Editor: Jay Sedmak Associate Editor: Kimberly Winters 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 Audit Committee: Chrm.: Phyllis Wood – 9519 Evergreen Lane, Fontana, CA 92335; e-mail: pwoodhcs@aol.com 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 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 Linda Gorjup, Region 3 – 712 Fiddlers Way, Painesville, OH 44077 Tracey Anderson, Region 4 – 1014 Edgewood Dr., Royal Oak, MI 48067 Justina Rigler, Region 5 – 1116 Berkley Lane, Lemont, IL 60439 Fred Mlakar, Region 6 – 13592 Onkayha Cir., Irvine, CA 92620 Celebrating 50 years of Rec Center relationships by JOSEPH C. EVANISH SNPJ National President IMPERIAL, Pa. — The biggest joy I get when talking to members is hearing the stories of how SNPJ has brought so many people together. There are countless examples of close friendships being created through SNPJ, not to mention marriages. For the past 50 years the SNPJ Recreation Center has been a catalyst for bringing people together and forming lifelong friendships. Some have even held their weddings at the SNPJ Recreation Center long before The Alpine Room opened. Their children have also enjoyed the Recreation Center. We can all be thankful for the foresight that our SNPJ leaders had more than 50 years ago. In the early 1960s, the SNPJ National Board began discussing the idea of a summer camp. Property between Cleveland and Pittsburgh was offered to the Society, which was inspected by the original SNPJ Campsite Committee in 1961. The committee members included National Board members Joseph Culkar (who was serving as National President), Michael Kumer, Henry Rupert, Frank Gradisek, Camilus Zarnik, Frank Janiga, Ernest Hogler and Carl Samanich. The National Board approved the purchase of 235 acres. In 1963, a planning committee was formed which included National President Culkar, Frank Janiga, Michael Kumer, Joseph Umeck and Henry Rupert, and on March 8, 1963, the National Board approved the purchase of property from Herman Serjak. Additional acreage was added at later dates, totaling 487 acres. SEE RELATIONSHIPS ON PAGE 30 Up-and-Coming... A look at events planned by the Slovene National Benefit Society • SEPT. 4-6.....76th National SNPJ Days weekend at the SNPJ Recreation Center, Borough of SNPJ, Pa. Welcome party in the Gostilna Friday, Sept. 4; FREE National Days Picnic at the lower pavilion Sunday, Sept. 6, from 2-8 p.m. For additional information contact Fraternal Director Kevin Richards at 1-800-843-7675 ext. 144, or e-mail krichards@snpj.com. • SEPT. 4-6.....Fontana, Calif., Lodge 723 All Accordion Festival Dance at the Fontana Slovene Hall; 4-11 p.m. Friday, noon-midnight Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. For details contact Frank Rote at (909) 987-8714 or butnboxr@aol.com. • SEPT. 7........Val Pawlowski’s Labor Day Dance at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio; 1-7 p.m. Performances by Frank Stanger and Eddie Rodick. A pig roast and ethnic foods will be available. • SEPT. 10......Imperial, Pa., Lodge 106 bar bingo in the Lodge 106 clubroom. Early bird games begin at 6:30, regular games at 7. The kitchen will be open. For details contact the Lodge at (724) 695-1411 or snpj106@gmail.com. • SEPT. 12-13.... Fontana, Calif., Lodge 723 polka dance at the Fontana Slovene Hall; 6-10 p.m. on Saturday and 2-6 p.m. on Sunday. Music by the Johnny Koenig Band of Pittsburgh. For details contact Frank Rote at (909) 987-8714 or butnboxr@aol.com. • SEPT. 13......... Sygan, Pa., Lodge 6 hosts Dick Tady in the Sunshine Room; 2-6 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m. and admission is $8. • SEPT. 13......... Imperial, Pa., Lodge 106 Black & Gold car cruise at Lodge 106; noon-4 p.m. Join us for the Steelers season opener. For additional information contact the Lodge at (724) 695-1411 or snpj106@gmail.com. • SEPT. 20.......Friends of the Farm picnic at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio; 3-7 p.m. Music by the Wayne Tomsic Orchestra. For details phone (440) 256-3423 or (440) 461-6476. • SEPT. 20.......Westmoreland Co. Federation Grape Festival at the Evanstown Picnic Grove, Herminie, Pa.; 1-6 p.m. Music by Frank Stanger Orchestra and George Suhon Duo. For details contact MaryAnn Bebar by calling (724) 668-7394. • SEPT. 24.......Imperial, Pa., Lodge 106 bar bingo in the Lodge 106 clubroom. Early bird games begin at 6:30, regular games at 7. The kitchen will be open. For details contact the Lodge at (724) 695-1411 or snpj106@gmail.com. • SEPT. 26.......SNPJ Recreation Center Wine & Sausage Fest in the upper pavilion, Borough of SNPJ, Pa.; 2-8 p.m. Music by the Turcola-Kravos Orchestra. For more information phone the Rec Center toll-free at 1-877 767-5732. • SEPT. 27.......Slovenian Grape Festival at the SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio. Parade begins at 2:45 p.m. Music by the Joey Tomsick Orchestra. For details phone (440) 256-3423 or (440) 461-6476. • OCT. 4�.........Fontana, Calif., Lodge 723 jam session dance at the Fontana Slovene Hall; 2-6 p.m. For details contact Frank Rote at (909) 9878714 or butnboxr@aol.com. • OCT. 8�.........Imperial, Pa., Lodge 106 bar bingo in the Lodge 106 clubroom. Early bird games begin at 6:30, regular games at 7. The kitchen will be open. For details contact the Lodge at (724) 695-1411 or snpj106@gmail.com. ON THE COVER: An aerial view of the SNPJ Recreation Center, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its ground-breaking this year. To celebrate this milestone in the history of the Recreation Center, we’ve compiled our list of “The 50 Things We Love About the SNPJ Recreation Center” (see pages 15-22). PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 3 DENISE HERRON SNPJ Marketing Department It’s a forever thing The Brigita Šuler Ansambel will help kick off the 2015 National SNPJ Days weekend with a live performance Friday, Sept. 4, in the Gostilna. I National Days will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Recreation Center by KEVIN RICHARDS SNPJ Fraternal Director IMPERIAL, Pa. — The Fraternal Department and the SNPJ Recreation Center invite all of our members to the Recreation Center during Labor Day weekend as we celebrate the 76th National SNPJ Days. For those who like to start the weekend early and arrive on Thursday, the Gostilna will be open the evening of Sept. 3. There will be food available in the Gostilna all weekend. The weekend officially kicks off Friday, Sept. 4, with a welcome wine and cheese reception sponsored by the Heritage Center from 7 to 8 p.m. The evening will feature our special guests from Slovenia, the Brigita Šuler Ansambel. Their wonderful music will continue in the Gostilna from 8 p.m. to midnight. Saturday, Sept. 5, will start early as our golfers arrive at Stonecrest Golf Course to compete in the 71st National SNPJ Golf Tournament. The first rounds of the SNPJ National Balina Tournament will also begin Saturday in the balinarena at the Rec Center. The golf tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. We’ll have a special hole-in-one prize of $5,000 on one of the par-3 holes, and there will be many other nice gifts to be won as well. Of course, all golfers are also eligible to win the many door prizes that have been donated by our suppliers. Golfers, please note that the course doesn’t offer alcoholic beverage service, so you are allowed to bring a cooler onto the course. The golfers will return to the Rec Center for a dinner at 4 p.m., and door prizes will be awarded starting at 4:30. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the SNPJ Recreation Center, a good old-fashioned polka dance featuring Patty Candela and the Guys will be held in the red barn on Saturday evening from 7 to 10 p.m. A jam session with the band will follow. Refreshments, sausage sandwiches and snack food will be available. Admission is free since the SNPJ Heritage Center is sponsoring this event. On Sunday, Sept. 6, the finals for the SNPJ National Balina Tournament will start at 9 a.m. If there are enough entries, the SNPJ National Horseshoes Tournament will also begin at 9 a.m., and the National Beanbag Toss Tournament will begin at 1 p.m. At 1:30, the National SNPJ Days Golf Cart Parade will begin at the upper pavilion and proceed through the trailer court to the lower pavilion. Be sure to come and cheer on the participants. The lower pavilion will be the location for the annual National SNPJ Days Picnic. This will be a free dance for our members to help the Society celebrate National SNPJ Days. There will be crowdpleasing entertainment as the Joe Grkman Orchestra and the Polka Bros. share the stage from 2 to 8 p.m. Of course it wouldn’t be a picnic without activities for the children and those young-at-heart, so we’ll have face painting, bubble making, arts and crafts, and a jump tent. And be sure to say “hi!” to Miss SNPJ 2016 Julie Rockwell who will be in attendance. Bring the family out to the SNPJ Recreation Center to share the fraternal spirit of National SNPJ Days. For details, contact me by phone at 1-800843-7675 or e-mail krichards@snpj.com. stumbled across an article recently that was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2003. Readers had been asked if they felt there was anything tangible that lasts forever. The editor was looking to disprove the notion that “Words are the only things that last forever.” Readers were excited to tell about family treasures that have lasted several lifetimes. Many of the items could have come from my very own kitchen: dented metal measuring spoons on their third generation of bakers, heavy pots that have cooked delicious roasts for over 100 years, and ironing boards that have been dragged around the country and refuse to die. There were ancient sewing machines passed down from mother to daughter, a “green-handled shovel” that no longer had a trace of green paint on it, and a 51-year-old toaster that still made perfect toast. One reader wrote about her grandparents who came from Slovenia (of all places!) in the early 1900s. They brought with them a metal coffee measuring spoon that was used every day. The spoon was passed on to her mother and then to her, and she continues to use it every morning. What our Slovenian friend likes most about the family heirloom is the wonderful memories it brings back each morning as she prepares to brew her coffee. The story about the Slovenian measuring spoon reminded me of the baby spoons that SNPJ distributes. When a life insurance policy is issued on a newborn (under age 1), a baby spoon with the SNPJ logo on the handle accompanies the policy. We haven’t been able to pinpoint exactly when this practice started, but we know that for at least the last 25 years it has been a popular tradition. Often it’s the grandparents who purchase the newborn their first SNPJ policy, and the spoon is an extra touch of heritage that they take pride in passing along. Maybe that spoon will pass on the heritage for several generations. Maybe it will generate memories of good times at family gatherings, Lodge activities or the Recreation Center. After all, SNPJ has already been involved in the lives of many families for what seems like forever – since 1904. It looks like it’s been proven that there are things that last forever, and because they are so long lasting they become treasured. Many of our members feel that way about SNPJ, and we hope that continues with our youngest members. The spoon, of course, is just a start to many years of SNPJ fun and lasting memories. If your child or grandchild doesn’t have an SNPJ policy yet, be sure to contact your local agent, Lodge secretary or the Marketing Department at the Home Office for assistance. Their SNPJ experience could be part of a forever thing. • Thought for the Week — The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence. Denis Waitly 4 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 Home Office closed for the Labor Day holiday IMPERIAL, Pa. — The SNPJ Home Office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Normal office hours, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8. We wish all SNPJ members and friends a safe and happy Labor Day. Change of contact info for Loyalites Lodge 158 EUCLID, Ohio — Due to the illness of Loyalites Lodge 158 Secretary Karen O’Donnell, please direct all mailings until further notice to Lodge 158 President Pat Nevar, 2071 Miami Rd., Euclid, OH 44117. Sis. Nevar can be contacted by e-mail at pat.nevar@gmail.com or by phone at (216) 789-9746. Members with insurance questions should contact Sis. Linda Gorjup at (440) 853-8776, or the SNPJ Home Office at 1-800-843-7675. Pat Nevar Lodge 158 President Have you recommended a new member lately? IMPERIAL, Pa. — Take advantage of SNPJ’s Recommender Program. Every valid referral earns the recommender one chance in the quarterly drawing for a chance to win $100 and an additional opportunity in the year-end drawing for a chance to win $500. Pay a visit to the SNPJ website, www.snpj. org, to complete an online Recommender form and get a head start on your reward. Website offers a forum for government proposals Ljubljana (STA) — A new website allows Slovenian citizens to submit proposals directly to government officials. An average of 50 proposals are posted each month, and although many seem rather far-fetched, they’re receiving increasingly more attention from the government. The website was launched in November 2009 with the aim of allowing the public to participate in policy-making, and to establish better communication between citizens and the government. To date, the government has received over 5,500 proposals. According to the Government Communication Office, less than two percent of proposals were taken into consideration in the first five years. In February, a special task force was appointed to address the proposals on a monthly basis. This resulted in a 10 percent increase in proposals being considered by authorities, including a proposal to ban the daisy-chaining of companies, which has already been implemented. Citizens have also proposed relocating government ministries, penalizing loud dog barking, prohibiting the chiming of church bells and introducing tuition fees. Some citizens even suggested banning television ads and the reimbursement of grants by doctors who find employment abroad. The largest shares of citizen proposals have been directed to the Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities; the Ministry of Infrastructure; the Ministry of Finance; and the Ministry of Public Administration. Škocjan Caves increasing in popularity among tourists The next two PROSVETA issue dates are Sept. 16 and Oct. 1. All material must be received by Friday, Sept. 4, for the Sept. 16 issue, and by Monday, Sept. 21, for the Oct. 1 issue. If you are running short on time and concerned about making the deadline, send an e-mail to prosveta@snpj.com or submit your material via the publications area of our website, www.snpj.org. DivaČa (STA) — Although not as well known among those visiting abroad as the commercially booming Postojna Cave, Slovenia’s other world-famous cave system, the Škocjan Caves, is turning into an increasingly popular destination for tourists. The cave system near Divača in western Slovenia has seen a 20 percent rise in tourist visits so far this year, with the biggest from the source increase in interest from those visiting from outside the country. From January to July, over 67,500 people visited the Škocjan Caves; 52,000 of which came from abroad, mostly from Europe. The site is expected to host around 120,000 visitors this year, making it the second most visited natural site in the country. The three-mile underground Škocjan Cave system, described as the natural pearl of the Kras region, is Slovenia’s only site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. While its number of visitors pales in comparison to that of Postojna Cave, which welcomes more than half a million guests each year, it represents a significant burden on what has been an internationally protected site for 30 years. Balancing conservation with tourism access has been the biggest challenge facing the Škocjan Caves Regional Park Authority, which manages the cave system and its surrounding park. In response to the rising tourism numbers, the park authority has invested in the infrastructure by making a number of upgrades to allow visitors to experience the caves in a sustainable way. Guided tours are available throughout the day for visitors inside the cave, and side activities are now available outside of the cave, including a new information point and museum. Cave tourism is an increasingly important activity in a country like Slovenia where nearly half of all territory is of Karst landscape. Scientists estimate that Slovenia boasts around 10,000 caves of various shapes and sizes. Piece of Roman headstone found in Tivoli parking lot Ljubljana (STA) — A fragment of an ancient Roman headstone has been found in an unpaved parking lot near Tivoli, Ljubljana’s largest park. Laying in a pile of rubble from a collapsed house, the stone had been driven over by cars every day. RTV Slovenija reported that the stone was stumbled upon by a local, who notified the authorities. The fragment was transported to the Ljubljana City Museum for analysis, where museum experts believe the headstone belonged to a cemetery in Emona, the Roman predecessor of Ljubljana. It had been used as building material for a house, which was later demolished to make way for a parking lot. “It was a really unbelievable experience, such a find has never happened to me before,” said Bernarda Županjek, a curator at the Ljubljana City Museum. Experts are in the process of removing mortar to clear the writing inscribed on the stone. Epigraphy experts have been able to make out only the word “caryssimi,” meaning “to my dearest.” The museum will keep the headstone fragment in its archives, but is considering putting it on display sometime in the future. Slovenian dessert wine sells for more than $600,000 TrZiN (STA) — Although Slovenian wines have yet to achieve the popularity of French or Italian wines, their quality is highly valued. This fact was recently proven by a wealthy Russian who paid more than $600,000 for a bottle of Refošk dessert wine adorned with a diamond. The 12.7-ounce bottle of Refošk dessert wine – paired with white truffle bears, an ornate design of Idrija lace and a 5.25 carat diamond – came with a price tag of $608,000. It was commissioned as a gift by a Russian customer with Palmieri, a family company with a long olive oil making tradition. Palmieri’s first wine collection was launched earlier this year through the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform. Apart from the white truffle combination, the Refošk dessert wines are also paired with honey and vanilla. The white Refošk and white truffle wine sells for $27,600 a bottle, while the other two, also adorned with the lace pattern, are available in supermarkets, according to a press release by Refošk. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com Call for Candidates SNPJ Recreation Center Committee This announcement serves as a call to all members interested in serving on the SNPJ Recreation Center Committee. Two positions for terms of three years each will be filled during the Sept. 25, 2015, SNPJ National Board meeting. • Mileage reimbursement will only be paid up to a 100-mile radius of the SNPJ Recreation Center • Compensation also includes a $50 per diem Resumes for these positions should be forwarded by Sept. 18, 2015, to: Slovene National Benefit Society September 2, 2015 5 Fraternal luncheons fill Lodge 449 schedule by TINA RIGLER Lodge 449 Secretary CICERO, Ill. — Cicero Neighbors Lodge 449 members met March 15. President Vince Rigler conducted the meeting at which Secretary Tina Rigler read all communications received from the SNPJ Home Office. Justin Rigler was appointed recording secretary for the meeting, and Meredith Maresh was appointed sargeant-at-arms. During the meeting, Lodge members nominated Justin Rigler, Robert Rigler, Meredith Maresh, Elena Maresh, Lucas Stimach and Shane Miller as delegates to the Young Adult Conference in June. However, Elena Maresh was not able to attend because she was on a school-related trip to London with other students from Indiana University, and Robert Rigler was not able to attend because he was on a study abroad trip to Costa Rica with students from Valparaiso University. Members approved a Lodge donation to the SNPJ Scholarship Fund. Also during the meeting, Jason Rigler was nominated to attend the TEL Workshop in July. Auditors Justin Rigler, Elena Maresh and Robert Rigler audited the financials of the Lodge. The audit report was read by Elena Maresh. All auditors agreed that the Lodge finances were in order. A Chicago District Federation report was given by Tina Rigler. Several Lodge 449 members participated in the Memorial Day services sponsored by the Federation at the end of May. Some of our young adults and youth members volunteered to take part in the program, color guard and flag ceremony. Following the meeting, members enjoyed playing card bingo and winning prizes. After bingo, members enjoyed a luncheon. The June Lodge meeting was held during the Father’s Day picnic at St. Mary’s in Lemont, Ill. Secretary Tina Rigler read all correspondence from the Home Office and presented the financial report. Members approved an ad for the Labor Day issue of prosveta and the purchase of 10 tickets to the Aug. 16 Chicago Federation dinner dance. The tickets were distributed to Lodge members. Members enjoyed lunch at the picnic, which turned out to be a nice, warm day. Congratulations to Justin Rigler on recently graduating from the University of Illinois in Champaign with a degree in natural resource environmental science. Good luck in the future, Justin, as you pursue your career goals. The next Lodge 449 meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20, beginning at noon at the Rigler home, 1116 Berkley Ln. in Lemont. Joseph C. Evanish, National President 247 West Allegheny Road Imperial, PA 15126 information at your fingertips Looking for information on your SNPJ life insurance and annuity policies? Log on to snpj.org and follow the step-by-step instructions. Lodge 449 members enjoyed fraternal luncheons during their March meeting [left], which also included a few friendly games of card bingo, and their June meeting [right], which took place during a Father’s Day picnic at St. Mary’s in Lemont, Ill. Greetings and Best Wishes from the officers and members of LODGE 1 - SLAVIJA Chicago, Illinois President Conrad Novak Secretary/Treasurer Janina Hribar Recording Secretary Arla Faye Franchi Sgt. at Arms Marianne Murray Auditors: Charles O’Connell, Marlene O’Connell & Frank Mikec 6 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 Even during the busy summer, Lodge 8 members remember to give back by DOLORES NOVOTNY Lodge 8 Secretary The members of Lodge 8 collected various household items to be donated to their local Ronald McDonald House. fraternal CHICAGO — Delavec Lodge 8 once again collected various cleaning and other household items to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. A cart full of donations was wheeled to their doorstep. As many know, the Ronald McDonald House helps house parents and families of children battling illness. It is a very warm and giving organization whose help is greatly appreciated. greetings Lodge 2, La Salle, IL president Jeanette Ravnikar secretary/treasurer Delores Spelich vice president John Ravnikar recording secretary Eleanor Kuhar auditors John Ravnikar and Mary Rudzinski Labor Day Greetings and Best Wishes from all the members and officers of Columbine Lodge 218 — Denver Labor Day Greetings Chicago District Federation Edward Dabrowski, President Vince Rigler, Vice President Marianne Murray, Sec./Treas. Tina Rigler, Rec. Secretary Grace Doerk, Sgt. at Arms Auditors: Dolores Novotny Carmella Smidl Frank Novotny The date of Sunday, Aug. 9, proved to be a gorgeous afternoon for the members of Lodge 8 to gather at the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont, Ill., for their annual picnic. The food was plentiful and delicious, with a menu of lamb, pork, chicken, klobase, hot dogs and čevapčiči with all the trimmings. Gift and cash drawings were held, and games were available for the children. The band provided great music for listening and dancing. Lodge 8 members enjoyed an August picnic on the grounds of the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont, Ill. Labor Day Greetings from Bratstvo Lodge 6 Sygan, Pa. President................................................. Karen A. Pintar Vice President.................................. Vince “Babe” Baselj Secretary/Treasurer........................................... Jim Curl Recording Secretary.....................................Ruth Wright Sgt. at Arms................................................Frank Wright Auditors........................................................Denny Brand Ken Pintar Circle Director.........................Jennifer Neish-McMurdy Super Star Lodge Five Consecutive Years PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 7 All aboard Spartans bus Another fun-filled Fraternal Weekend wraps up at the SNPJ Recreation Center by NANCY NOVAK Lodge 576 Recording Secretary CLEVELAND — Hard to believe summer is almost over and the kids are heading back to school. Thanks to everyone who came to our August meeting and drove through the awful rain to get home afterward. We have some important dates for your calendar. First is the Polka Hall of Fame Sausage Festival on Sept. 16 at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio. You’ll see many Spartans there volunteering or enjoying a sausage and some good polka music. We will be doing our annual work night at the Cleveland Food Bank on Monday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. We are allowed to bring 20 volunteers so if you haven’t signed up already, you can speak to Toni Thomey at our September meeting. The Lodge 576 casino bus trip will take place Saturday, Nov. 21. We are still discussing options for something different this year, so we will provide further information on our destination when it is available. It doesn’t matter where we go, we always have a good time! The bus fills up quickly so call Lou Novak today at (440) 461-6476 to reserve your seat. The next Spartans Lodge 576 meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Waterloo Hall. We hope to see you there. by KEVIN RICHARDS SNPJ Fraternal Director IMPERIAL, Pa. — On behalf of the SNPJ Recreation Center, we hope everybody enjoyed themselves during Fraternal Weekend at the SNPJ Recreation Center Aug. 7-8. A big thank you goes out to Butch and Wendy Kinney (106) for handling the 50/50 ticket sales throughout the weekend, the proceeds from which allow everyone to attend Fraternal Weekend events for free. The festivities started Friday evening in the Gostilna as we were entertained by the great music of the SNPJ Western Pa. Button Box Club. The balina tournament got underway promptly at 9 a.m. on Saturday with 13 teams competing. Congratulations to We Like It A Lot for winning the tournament. Second place honors went to The J Team. The Bessemer Guys and Fearsome Friendsome shared the third place honors. Thanks to Karen Pintar (6), Peggy Cushman (138) and Ruth Wright (6) for handling this tournament and keeping things moving. The excitement moved to the upper pavilion as the Don Wojtila Orchestra and Eddie Rodick Orchestra shared the stage. These entertainers alternated throughout the evening, providing great music. It was a great time. While the music played on, the beanbag toss tournament got under- way with 30 teams participating. R.J. Likovic and Denny Brand walked away as the winners, with Chris Cadez and Eric Valencic taking second place. Nick Verch and John Wagner took third place, and Jake and Jim Cadez took fourth place. Al Zadrozny and Dave McNees, along with Ken Pintar and Tom Carroll, shared fifth place honors. Thanks to District 1 Athletic Director John Wagner for organizing this tournament. It was a lot of work that was greatly appreciated. We hope everybody enjoyed themselves. On behalf of the Fraternal Weekend planning committee, we thank everybody for attending and supporting the SNPJ Recreation Center. PROSVETA Crossword T.V. Shows ACROSS 1. Thoroughly enjoy, as in food 6. European peak 9. Gulf war missile 13.*Howdy Doody’s partner “_____bell” 14.Singular of #29 Down 15._____ Apso 16.*Alf was one 17.Back then 18.Painter’s support 19.*Phil, Si, Jase, Willie and Jep made one 21.*How I met your what? 23.*Homer’s exclamation 24.Physicist Niels ____ 25.Trigonometric func. 28.Cry like a baby 30.*Both Jan and Peter were this type of child 35.Eye layer 37.Like a bow string 39.Jeopardy 40.Event that fails badly 41.Match play? 43.Of the highest quality 44.One of three hipbones 46.Eye affliction 47.Classic sci-fi video game 48.*Ty Burrell to Julie Bowen, e.g. 50.Biblical twin (#1815) by StatePoint Media 52.Pressure unit 53.Brooding 55.*“The Closer” network 57.Neolithic tomb 60.*“Game of _______” 64.Free-for-all 65.*“__-T” of “Law & Order: SVU” 67.Muse of love poetry 68.Birdlike 69.“___ Elise” 70.From the East 71.New Mexico art community 72.Asian capital 73.“Valley of the _____” DOWN 1. A large amount 2. Comrade in arms 3. “You’re So ____” by Carly Simon 4. Artemis’ companion 5. Kidnapping goal 6. Home versus ____ game 7. Time delay 8. Movie trailer, e.g. 9. ____ of Iran 10.Detective’s assignment 11.One who takes drugs 12.Indian restaurant staple 15.Talk rapidly and angrily 20.It follows eta 22.Unit of electrical resistance 24.Bravado 25.Having three dimensions 26.Convex molding 27.18-wheelers 29.*Storage-related conflicts 31.*They walk? 32.Sag 33.Linoleums, for short 34.Fragrant resin 36.Adjoin 38.Misfit Island dwellers 42.Poet’s “below” 45.*Draper, Cooper, Sterling 49.Poor man’s caviar 51.Like emails in bold font 54.Make one 56.Body center 57.Deity in Sunskrit 58.Assortment 59.Grassy land tracts 60.Seaside bird 61.Hit this on the head 62.And others, for short 63.*“____ of Anarchy” 64.Dojo turf 66.Pool stick The solution to puzzle #1815 will run in the Sept. 16 issue. © StatePoint Media 8 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 Summer fun for Lodge 559 members by ANITA VITOUS Lodge 559 Secretary CHICAGO — On Aug. 9, Pioneer Lodge 559 members, family and friends once again celebrated summer with a picnic. Under the shade of the trees on the grounds of St. Mary’s Seminary, we socialized at the Slovenian Cultural Center’s annual picnic. Although storms were predicted for the day, we lucked out when they moved south of us. But just in case, we were fortunate to obtain several tables under a tent and close to the Ansambel Veseljaki Orchestra where we enjoyed the dancers and musicians. Those who looked forward to the annual lamb, pork and chicken roast were not disappointed. Everything was tender, moist and plentiful. The younger crowd enjoyed the hot dogs and ice cream. Čevapčiči dinners and klobase sandwiches were offered up later in the day, and the bakery booth offered temptations to satisfy everyone. As I’ve said many times in the past, our outings are packed with wonderful food. Furthermore, no picnic would be complete without pitchers of beer to be shared amongst the group. Laško Slovenian beer, Jagermeister, Pelinkovec and Slivovica were also available... wow! Also plentiful was the music and fraternalism. Because the weather was so nice, members eagerly walked around the picnic grounds, stopping to talk to people they knew. The new playground, which was blessed on June 14, was enjoyed by young and old alike. Many people within the Slovenian community put in numerous hours assembling it and moving yards of mulch. It looked great! Children were invited to the Slovenian School Project Tent to make ornaments with traditional Slovenian beeswax and observe a bee hive. It was also an opportunity for them to register for Slovenian School. What a great opportunity to participate in Labor Day Greetings from the officers and members of formal classes as well as fun activities that help our youth learn about the Slovenian culture and language. The day’s picnic also included a bean bag toss tournament, volleyball games and face painting. Surely there was something for everyone! Everyone eagerly awaited the dollar raffle drawing and grand prize drawing. There were over 70 winners of the dollar raffle drawings, where lucky winners received baskets filled with all sorts of wonderful goodies. Anticipation mounted as we neared the time for the grand prize drawing. With one $10,000 winner, one $1,000 winner, 16 $500 winners and 10 $100 winners, everyone held their breath as the winning numbers were read off. Although we were a lucky $500 winner last year, luck was not with us again this year. Oh well, there’s always next year! Lodge 559 members Grace and Otto Doerk missed the picnic last year due to Grace’s surgery, but they were back this year and busy chatting with everyone who walked by. Lodge President Jean Cherway had many of her family members in attendance, and they could be seen having a good time on the dance floor. Also joining us were Melanie Matiasek; her husband, Louis Chiappetta; her daughter, Kaitlyn Chiappetta; and her son, Michael Chiappetta. Geri Matiasek also joined this family group. So good to have you all! The Slovenian Cultural Center will be celebrating its 20th anniversary the second weekend of November. Celebrations and final details are still being worked out, but it is sure to be a great day. The next Lodge 559 meeting will be held Oct. 9 at noon at Czech Plaza. Please remember that we now meet every other month starting with February. We still meet on the second Friday. Members and guests are welcome. Labor Day Greetings Trojan Lodge 749 Badger Lodge 584 Johnstown, Pa. from Milwaukee Chicago, Ill. Auditors John Cretnik Mike Vidmar Helen Zacharski A Slovenian picnic is never complete without a selection of delicious homemade sweets to enjoy after dinner. Through the Years There is SNPJ Pioneer Lodge 559 President Jean Cherway Vice President Otto Doerk Sec./Treas. Anita Vitous Rec. Sec. Grace Doerk Sgt. at Arms Anne Cretnik Lodge 559 members, family and friends enjoyed a beautiful summer day at the annual Slovenian Cultural Center picnic at St. Mary’s Seminary. President Joseph Vasilko Treasurer Judith Edsall Vice President Secretary Julie Wagner Evelyn Dimpfl Auditors James Vasilko & Beatrice Edwards President Tim Donovan Sec./Treas. Jeffrey Mlaker Vice President Don Lesar Rec. Sec. Mary Donovan Sergeant-at-Arms Bob Alpner Auditors: Rudy Papa, Bob Smole and Tom Gehm PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com Fraternal Greetings! Cicero Neighbors Lodge 449 Cicero, IL President Vince Rigler Vice President Janice Maresh Recording Secretary Edward Dabrowski Secretary/Treasurer Sgt. at Arms Tina Rigler Elinore Laben Auditors Elena Maresh, Justin Rigler and Robert Rigler Best wishes for a restful Labor Day & a great fall from the members & officers of Euclid, Ohio Best of Luck to all SNPJ members in celebration of Labor Day 2015 SNPJ Lodge 518 Melvindale, Mich. President Irene Kovac Vice President Charles Zakrajsek Fin. Secretary Frank Tehovnik Rec. Secretary Carolyn Tehovnik Auditors Klaudia Kovac Ronald Amolsch Michelle Amolsch September 2, 2015 9 SNPJ Farm Auxiliary preparing for annual dinner by BARBARA ELERSICH Lodge 5 KIRTLAND, Ohio — Although it hardly seems possible, the summer season is quickly drawing to an end according to the calendar. While this may sadden some, we take heart in knowing that the Ladies Auxiliary of the SNPJ Farm’s annual goulash and polenta dinner is approaching, scheduled this year for Sunday, Sept. 13. The ladies have worked hard in the past to provide everyone with this annual treat and this year will be no exception. Of course delicious goulash and polenta dinners will be the featured fare, but those great roast beef and klobase dinners will also be available. All dinners are only $9 and will be served starting at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., everyone should be ready to dance, tap their toes or just listen to the sounds of the Badger Jabber by BOB SMOLE Lodge 584 Milwaukee — The last regular Badger Lodge 584 meeting, held Aug. 13, was one that is newsworthy. President Tim Donovan opened the meeting at 7 p.m. There were no member deaths to report. Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Mlaker reported 867 adult members and 69 youth members for a total of 936 members. There was one new member applicant. The previous meeting’s minutes were read by Recording Secretary Mary Donovan and approved. Our attendance was at 25 including two guests. I know that it was our annual ice cream social and that’s a good draw for attendance, however, our Young Adult Conference and TEL Workshop delegates had just returned from their respective trips to the SNPJ Recreation Center and were to give their reports. Young adults Jeremy Gorgas, Bryan Donovan, Eric Donovan and Carly Grant submitted their reports in writing. Those reports were read and placed on file. Giving oral reports were young adults John Bolka and Emily Poklar. The youth members in attendance who gave reports on their TEL experience were Bailey Phalen, Carley Schweiger, Amber Schweiger and Karen Bolka. The reports reiterated the same message: all were gratified to be selected to represent Badger Lodge and are looking forward to participating in next year’s event. Socializing with old and new friends from other parts of the country is an important highlight of these trips. In some cases, these Eddie Rodick Orchestra, which will continue until 7 p.m. The kitchen will remain open the entire time, serving roast beef, klobase and hot dogs, as well as our delectable krofe. At the bar you’ll be able to order a beverage to accompany your food choice. While you’re here, you may want to get yourself a loaf of freshly baked krof bread, made from the same tasty dough as the krofe, to take home. A little secret: the friendship last forever, especially with the social media available today (which was also included in the comments from the young adults). It was suggested that the SNPJ Facebook page be improved to help expand the visibility of the Society to those that are interested. The young adults also indicated that discussions took place about improving SNPJ and its official publication, PROSVETA. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that it would be too difficult and confusing to change the format of PROSVETA, but it was suggested that some sort of “Slovenian Word of the Day” be implemented to give members a mini-lesson in the Slovenian language. Sis. Judy Price brought up the fact that the Slovenian Arts Counsel offers Slovenian language classes in the fall. Further information on the classes will be available soon. It was inspiring to see the young people at this meeting interested and fired-up for the future of SNPJ. It’s something that has been missing for some time. I even heard talk after the meeting that some young members were voicing their desire to become future Lodge officers. Yay! That is just so great! Sis. Jan Gehm led a discussion on the possibility of reviving a Lodge picnic in 2016. She indicated that the West Allis Veterans Park on S. 70th St. and W. National Ave. is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. She also indicated that another organization has used this park for their annual picnic for the past several years and it has worked out wonderfully. There was no further discussion or decision made at that time. On Sept. 13, a special guest will be visiting the area as Dr. Božo Cerar, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, will be at the Triglav Vinska Trgatev picnic. The day’s bread is not only good for breakfast and sandwiches, but it’s also great for strawberry shortcake! Reserve the date and the time of Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. to come to the SNPJ Farm, 10931 Heath Road in Kirtland, for a great afternoon of entertainment and one of the best goulash and polenta dinners you’ll ever have! For more information, contact Barbara Elersich at (440) 257-2540. tentative agenda will begin at 8 a.m. with Mass at St. John’s the Evangelist Church, a Slovenian parish, at 84th and W. Cold Spring. The afternoon will include attending the Vinska Trgatev picnic. It would be nice to have a strong showing and the support of the Slovenian community by attending this event to show our pride as Slovenians. Dr. Cerar is also tentatively scheduled to visit UWM with the Slovenian Arts Council Monday, Sept. 14. Helen Frohna is preparing Dr. Cerar’s agenda and is open to all suggestions. Please contact her with any possibilities. Sis. Jan Gehm reported that the annual USPEH Balina Tournament will be held at Triglav Park Sunday, Sept. 20. Anyone interested in playing balina or getting a team together should contact Bro. Mike Maren at (414) 762-6695 as soon as possible. There were no birthdays to celebrate, so prior to adjourning the attendance awards were drawn. A special attendance award donated by Bro. Tom and Sis. Jan Gehm was won by TEL delegate Bailey Phalen. The $10 attendance awards were won by TEL delegate Karen Bolka and Sis. Judy Price. The meeting was adjourned and everyone started screaming! Yes, screaming! They all wanted ice cream! Everyone enjoyed the ice cream social. There was every topping you could think of, including cupcakes, homemade cookies and sugar cookies. Nothing to do on Thursday, Sept. 10? Why not join us at the regular monthly Badger Lodge 584 meeting? It starts at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Mary Queen of Heaven gym, 2360 S. 106th St. in West Allis, Wis. Stop in and say “dober večer!” Come to the meeting to learn the meaning of this mystery Slovenian phrase. 10 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 Sample the vintage at the Rec Center by SUE ZARELLA (277) SNPJ Recreation Center BOROUGH OF SNPJ, Pa. — The SNPJ Recreation Center is hosting its annual Wine & Sausage Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 8 p.m., rain or shine. Stop by for some free tastings from the best wine and sausage makers in the area; cast your vote and be the judge! In addition to sampling a wide variety of delicious wines and sausages, there will be a beanbag toss tournament and free prize drawings. Live polka music will fill the air all afternoon with music by the Turcola-Kravos Orchestra and more. This festival will truly allow you to eat, drink and be merry! The 2015 Wine & Sausage Festival will take place in the upper pavilion at the SNPJ Recreation Center, off Route 108 in the Borough of SNPJ. Admission is $5 per person, and children 12 and under are free. Plenty of free parking is available. For more information, contact the SNPJ Recreation Center at (724) 336-5180 or snpj@snpjrec.com. SNPJ Lodge 603 Samsula, FL Slovenian classes return Sept. 12 by LILLIAN CENTA Lodge 158 CLEVELAND — The St. Vitus Adult Slovenian School will begin its 2015-2016 language classes on Saturday, Sept. 12. Classes are scheduled for two Saturdays a month from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. and will continue into May 2016. The location for these language classes is Martin de Porres High School (formerly St. Vitus School), 6111 Lausche Ave. in Cleveland. For more information please contact Director Lillian Centa at (216) 289-7253 or elcenta@sbcglobal.net. UNIVERSAL Comets Lodge 715 Annual Awards BANQUET The Officers and Delegates of the Quadrennial Convention We thank you and were so proud to host this convention Aug. 18-19, 2014, at the Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, Fla., and at Lodge 603 in Samsula for a dinner and dance. We applaude our chairpersons, Ruth Benedict & Jeannette Humphrey, for a job well done. We hope that you can attend some of the other events at Lodge 603 in 2015-2016. Here is our schedule: — A ll W elcome — Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 PALMIERIES Restaurant 2015 Labor Day Fish Fry Monday, Sept. 7 — 6 p.m. Halloween Saturday, Oct. 24 — 7 p.m. Tractor Run Saturday, Dec. 12 — 2 p.m. Christmas Program & Dinner Saturday, Dec. 19 — 7 p.m. 2016 — O ld F rankstown R oad , P lum B oro — C ash B ar opens at noon — B uffet begins at 1 p . m . R emarks , A wards & S ocializing until 4 p . m . Venison Chili Cookoff Sunday, Jan. 24 — 6 p.m. Florida SNPJ Days Fri., Feb. 26 — Sat., Feb. 27 C all A nn E vanish for D etails & R eservations 724-693-8739 Easter Dinner & Egg Hunt Sunday, March 27 Mother’s Day Dinner Sunday, May 8 — noon PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 Best Wishes & Fraternal Greetings Edward Kovack Sr., President Dominic Eorio Sr., Vice President Dolores Novotny, Sec./Treasurer Carmella Smidl, Rec. Secretary Anelle Eorio, Sgt. at Arms from the Officers and Members of Delavec Lodge 8 Cicero, Ill. LABOR DAY GREETINGS 11 Conemaugh Federation has plans to continue annual honorees dinner by EVELYN DIMPFL (749) Conemaugh Valley Federation Secretary JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — At recent meetings of the Conemaugh Valley Federation, there has been a lot of discussion about our annual celebration honoring our 50-, 60-, 70- and 80-year SNPJ members. Although we have been so happy to host this celebration since 1979 and have made some truly wonderful memories, it is has become increasingly difficult the past several years to attract a nice attendance. The officers and delegates have come to realize that we can no longer sustain this dinner dance as we have in the past. We have decided to still honor those guests, but it will be at a lovely restaurant with a delicious dinner and short program. Letters will be sent to those who have attained their 50, 60, 70 or 80 years of membership in the Society. They will be the guests of the Fed- eration and their free ticket will await them at the door. Family members are certainly welcome and invited to attend and honor these loyal members. The cost for the afternoon will be $20 per person; tickets will be available from me and other Lodge secretaries. Dinner is by ticket reservation only and there will be no tickets available at the door. The date is Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. and the event will be held at the beautiful Homestead Inn on Forest Hills Road, near the Elton intersection. We expect to have a guest speaker from the SNPJ Home Office on hand to give an interesting talk and to mingle with those attending. Hopefully there will be a short musical program for your enjoyment as well. Please share this day with family and friends, and help keep SNPJ fraternalism alive! Lodge 138 Orange Coast Lodge 786 sends Labor Day greetings to all! Strabane, Pa. Watch PROSVETA for family fun and special events in Southern California! President Arnold Koci Vice President Fred Mlakar Secretary Jean Koci ajkoci@cox.net Circle Director Teresa Koci President RICK HERVOL Vice President ALBERT PAUL Secretary BOB LAWRENCE Labor Day Greetings Treasurer BEVERLY PABIAN from the officers & members of Rec. Secretary COURTNEY KOENIG Circle 19 Director COURTNEY KOENIG Keystonian Lodge 87 Setting the Standard for Membership and Activity since 1910 Herminie, Pa. 12 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 Lodge 218 members get crafty with basket weaving by ED TOMSIC Lodge 218 President DENVER — As the story goes, Moses was wrapped in a blanket, laid in a woven reed basket and set adrift in the river in hopes of being found by someone who would care for him. The basket eventually tangled in some reeds growing along the river and was discovered by a young maiden. For those who have traveled to Slovenia and had the opportunity to visit the outdoor markets, they have seen many woven artifacts for sale as well as the artisans plying their trade. Our story goes back to the task of weaving reeds into useful objects. SNPJ Lodge 218 members weaved reeds into a covering for a vase using an everyday item, like a quart jar. Bonnie Lehnerz found the reeds and the instructions for weaving. It was work, and everyone agreed that if a job opportunity presented itself, they would not accept pay by the piece! Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to finish as 3-year-old Mckaila tripped, fell into a coffee table, gashed her cheek and was off to the emergency room. Thankfully the wound wasn’t stitched with reeds; with modern technology, the gash was “glued.” Labor Day GREETINGS from officers and members of LODGE 31 Sharon, Pa Greetings from the Conemaugh Valley Federation of SNPJ Lodges Johnstown, Pa. President Francis Naugle Vice President Anthony Ukmar The members of SNPJ Lodge 218 in Denver tried their hand at reed weaving during a recent Lodge gathering. Have a safe and healthy Labor Day weekend! From all the members and officers of St. Louis Lodge 107 Treasurer Ken Zakraysek Secretary Evelyn Dimpfl Assistant Secretary Marilyn Alberter Auditors Joseph Vasilko, Chairman John Micko Cindy Kranyc Best Wishes for a Great Labor Day to all our friends in SNPJland from Young American Lodge 564 officers and members Rudy Zornik President Joyce Harrison Vice President Marion Volpe Financial Secretary & Treasurer Thomas Hostnik Recording Secretary Eddie & Fran Adamic Auditors PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com News from Here & There by Grace Doerk Lodge 559 CHICAGO — I’m still trying to mix in my social events with all of my doctor appointments. It hasn’t been easy, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ve also tried to visit friends who are in nursing homes. I thank my many friends who have contacted me and thanked me for writing articles again. Yes, Bonnie Deke, I received your message via Sharon Ferraro. We hear that John Kovack (8) had successful surgery and we wish him the best on his road to recovery. Jean Zelesnikar (559) had some problems with her eye surgery, but she’s doing better. We are sorry to report that Jennie Kovacic fell and injured herself. Best wishes, Jennie, and good luck on your eye surgery. We hear that Kevin and Anna Kovack had a wonderful trip to Lithuania and the surrounding countries. The Slovene Pensioners’ Club is doing very well since meeting at the Woodlawn Funeral Home. We nearly always have an excellent attendance. Club members celebrated birthdays for Marianne Murray (1), September 2, 2015 Sharon Kovack (8) and Paul Tuckey, who turned 97. You’re our hero, Paul. Paul, who is a World War II veteran, recently returned from his free trip to Washington, D.C. Every year, World War II veterans are honored and flown to Washington by Southwest Airlines. There were 98 passengers on the plane, and there are still 98,000 looking forward to their trip. All of the passengers were given wheelchairs when they arrived at their destination, and when they returned home the Navy Band welcomed them. What a nice tribute to our World War II veterans. We heard that Tony and Ann Klepec visited the Slovene Union of America museum in Joliet, Ill. You were only about 15 minutes from our house. I wish you would have given me a call; we would have had you stop in to see us. I visited Ella Mae Kovacic (559) who is still recuperating from a stroke. It was nice to see John Cretnik back in circulation, but he is still paying visits to the doctor. It was also nice to see Conrad Novak (1), who recently fell down a flight of stairs, at the Chicago Federation dinner dance. We are sorry to report the passing of Mary Newbould, daughter of Jean Zelesnikar (559). Mary had been ailing for some time. A memorial service will be held Sept. 19 in Chicago. Our sincere sympathy. Sharon Kovack (8) has been in a senior Annual Grape Festival hosted by the Westmoreland County Federation of SNPJ Lodges Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 at the Evanstown Picnic Grove, Evanstown, Pa. 1 to 6 p.m. — Parade at 3 p.m. Join us for music, fun and fraternalism... See you all at Evanstown! home since the first of the year, but that hasn’t stopped her husband, Ed Kovack (8), from bringing her out to several functions. The SNPJ Home Office retirees group is dwindling, but we continue to meet, and we always have a lot to talk about. If any SNPJ retirees would like to join us, give Jean Cherway a call; she will inform you of when and where we will be meeting again. The Chicago Federation hosted a wonderful dinner dance on Aug. 16 at the Slovene Cultural Center. Federation President Edward Dabrowski (449) emceed the program. We were honored to have Miss SNPJ 2016 Julie Rockwell in attendance. Her speech was very nice, and since she also won the SNPJ Miss Talent 2016 title for her tap dancing, she did a tap dance number. Boy did that bring back memories, and not only for me, but for my daughter Debbie and granddaughter Laura since we danced for years. Cecilia Dolgan, who is formerly of Cleveland but now resides in the Chicago area with her husband Bob, was accompanied by Vince Rigler as she sang several Slovenian songs. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. SNPJ Region 5 Vice President Tina Rigler was the main speaker and did an excellent job speaking on the history of SNPJ. Her speech was detailed, and we compliment her on the fine job. And might I add that Vince and Tina Rigler’s son, Justin Rigler (449), who is a recent graduate of the University of Featuring Frank Stanger Orchestra George Suhon Duo Festival Parade Fine Food & Refreshments Children’s Playground Jamming Under the Trees Stomping of the Grapes and much more! 13 Illinois, played button box with his father. The day was over before we knew it, and we all left having enjoyed the lunch and program. Pioneer Lodge 559 President Jean Cherway called the Aug. 14 Lodge meeting to order with all officers in attendance. The minutes were read by Grace Doerk and approved, the financial report was presented by Secretary Anita Vitous, and a six-month audit was conducted. Sis. Vitous read correspondence received in June and July from National Secretary Karen Pintar informing members of the many activities that were held at the SNPJ Recreation Center, including Slovenefest in July and National SNPJ Days, scheduled Sept. 4-6. Secretary Pintar urged members to contact the SNPJ Marketing Department regarding the Loyalty series annuities. Members were also reminded to make any necessary changes to their policies. Secretary Pintar thanked everyone who helped at Slovenefest and congratulated Miss SNPJ 2016 Julie Rockwell (138). I have had the pleasure of knowing Julie’s grandparents, Tony and Julie Bole (138). Gerald Bebar was recognized as a 50-year member in June; Sylvia Surges, who recently passed away, as an 80-year member in June; Gregory Crichton and Beverly Gusted as 50-year members in July; and Hilda Lotrich as a 70-year member in July. Our current membership is 528 adults and 26 youth. During this period we received two transferred members from the former Lodge 713, Jessica and Ryan Branch. We celebrated Myra Beniger’s birthday and extended congratulations to Alan and Anita Vitous who have been married for 29 years. Pioneer Lodge 559 is now on Facebook, thanks to Kaitlyn Chiappetta. We hope this Facebook will prove to be an asset to our Lodge. Search for SNPJ Lodge 559 online to find our Facebook page. The next Pioneer Lodge 559 meeting will be held Oct. 7. We hope to see some new faces there. Otto and I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Kyle Moore and Amy Polis (559) at the Two Brothers of Round House in Aurora, Ill. Amy is the daughter of Bob and Bonnie Polis (559), and the granddaughter of Ella Mae Kovacic (559), who was unable to attend because of illness. What a beautiful ceremony. Otto and I didn’t dance, but we enjoyed watching all of the young dancers. It was nice to see Lillian Camasta (559) and her family in attendance. That’s about all for this article. Enjoy the summer; fall will soon be here. 14 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 The influence and musical legacy of Slavko Avsenik by JOE VALENCIC (5) Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame CLEVELAND — Slavko Avsenik, one of Slovenia’s most influential musicians and composers in recent history, passed away in his hometown of Begunje July 2, 2015, at the age of 86. In 1953, Slavko Avsenik and his brother Vilko formed the Avsenik Quintet, a band that would have a profound impact on the folk music of Slovenia and German-speaking Europe. The ensemble’s fresh Alpine sound was called Oberkrainer, after the German name for the highland Gorenjsko of Slovenia, part of which was once the province of Krain or Carniola. The Avsenik style was leveraged on the piano accordion with a guitar rhythm and prominent oom-pah brass. It came to dominate popular music in Slovenia and inspire countless tribute bands. Slavko and Vilko’s music brought attention to their homeland throughout Europe. The Avseniks’ first recordings were produced in the 1950s when Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia. A recording contract with Telefunken-Decca in 1960 helped spread the group’s music throughout Central Europe. The quintet toured extensively, appeared on radio and television, and issued dozens of albums in both Slovenian and German featuring their hearty polkas and lilting waltzes. The ensemble’s popularity grew rapidly. In 1961, 80,000 attended the ensemble’s concert in Berlin Stadium, the largest of the group’s estimated 10,000 concert appearances. North America’s Slovenian-style music scene was reinvigorated by the Avseniks' original compositions. Songs like “Veter Nosi Pesem Mojo” and “Cakala Bom” won new audiences when covered with English titles (“The Wind Song” and “I’ll Wait for You”) and lyrics and performed in Slovenian-style, also known as Cleveland-style, named for the city with the largest Slovenian population and a polka music center. Hosts on Slovenian and FM polka radio shows, such as Tony Petkovsek and Rudy Menart, promoted the slick, new sound. In 1958, the Johnny Pecon Orchestra was the first to record an Avsenik number in English. Pecon reworked “Tam Kjer Murke Cveto” into “Little Fella,” an all-time Cleveland-style hit as sung by Paul Yanchar. Since then hundreds of versions of Avsenik melodies were recorded by Cleveland-style orchestras and performers, including Hank Haller, Fred Ziwich, Fred Kuhar, the Fairport Ensemble, Al Markic, Roger Bright, Al Tercek and Cilka Dolgan. As many as 10,000 Avsenik tribute bands have been formed throughout Slovenia and Austria, as well as across the United States and Canada. On the other side of the Atlantic, 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 Kevin Richards, Secretary Secretary/Treasurer Shelly Botwright Butch Kinney Recording Secretary Wendy Kinney Joseph Sladick Auditors Kevin Richards Frank Ulager Al Zadrozny Ray Chappel Duke Marsic and His Happy Slovenians were the first, followed by the Alpine Sextet, Stan Mejac, Tony Klepec, Andre Blumauer, Veseli Godci, Iskre and many others. The Avsenik Quintet sold upwards of 30 million records, Slavko Avsenik earned 31 gold records, two diamond, and one platinum. Slavko and Vilko are said to have produced nearly a thousand original compositions. Their waltzes are especially recognizable for their romantic elegance, such as “Pastircek” (“The Little Shepherd Boy”) and “Na Mostu” (“On the Bridge”). One waltz, “Slovenija, Odkod Lepote Tvoje,” which extols the beauty of their homeland, is for many an unofficial anthem for the country. Without a doubt, the most popular song by the Avseniks is the polka “Na Golici” (“Trumpet Echo”) which was recently ranked as one of the top five greatest polkas ever written and has appeared in as many as 600 versions. “Everything that happened to me was by chance,” recalled Avsenik. “I can only say I’m grateful for my fate.” Avsenik did not plan on a career in music; his first love was skiing. He was born in 1929 in the town of Begunje in the Julian Alps, near the scenic resort of Lake Bled. He helped with the family farm and occasionally played the accordion. He was an avid ski jumper and, in 1946, became a member of the Slovenian The Imperial Room at Lodge 106 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. Visit our wedding website: www.imperialroomsnpj.com As well as the Lodge 106 website: www.snpjimperialpa.com Watch for special events this fall at Lodge 106! Slavko Avsenik, one of Slovenia’s most influential musicians, passed away July 2, 2015, at the age of 86. national team. He married his wife Brigita in 1952 and the couple managed the Pri Jozovcu tavern in Begunje. He and brother Vilko provided the entertainment with a family quartet. Vilko was already performing on the clarinet in the studio orchestra of Radio Ljubljana, broadcasting from Slovenia’s capital, and recommended his brother as an accompanist on the piano accordion. The brothers soon started a trio, then a quartet and, encouraged by overwhelming listener response, they expanded into a quintet. The combination of accordion, clarinet, trumpet, baritone horn and guitar won over audiences SEE AVSENIK ON PAGE 30 A Few Important Figures to Consider ! 29%... people who would purchase more life insurance if they were asked 62%... people who own coverage, but don’t know what they have or why they have it 82%... people who are under-insured If your coverage is more than 5 years old, contact SNPJ for a policy review. 1-800-843-7675 5 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com T H E September 2, 2015 P SN J THI NGS love we about the R ecreation SNPJ C enter In one of the poems included in her now-famous collection “Sonnets from the Portuguese,” poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning muses, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Enumerating her many affections, Mrs. Browning offers 44 sonnets to her beloved, all of which are included in the series. Since the SNPJ Recreation Center is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, we utilized Mrs. Browning’s poetic masterpiece as a roadmap and compiled our very own list of the many items that have endeared the Recreation Center to thousands of SNPJ members. We’ve even gone as far as to best the famed poet by presenting “The 50 Things We Love About the SNPJ Recreation Center.” When we started our compilation, we did a bit of brainstorming, asking ourselves “What, specifically, does the Recreation Center offer?” As we began listing our answers, we came to realize that although SNPJ members may share a common affinity for the Recreation Center, the reasons why the Recreation Center has become such a popular attraction over the past 50 years vary greatly depending on who is asked, and which experiences, activities and memories that particular member values most. In the end, our collection of “The 50 Things We Love About the SNPJ Recreation Center” resulted in an unordered list; the numerical designations are included only as a means of keeping count as you read through the many items we’ve identified. We hope you’ll agree that there are at least 50 reasons why we can all appreciate the SNPJ Recreation Center, and we’re looking forward to celebrating many anniversary milestones at the Recreation Center in the years to come. 1 15 > it’s in Pennsylvania’s smallest with the borough LONGEST name can see the 2 you water tower for miles around 3 it’s the home of the Miss SNPJ Wall of Fame 4 nearly every visiting Slovenian musician has performed here 5 a total of FOUR SNPJ National Conventions have been held at the SNPJ Recreation Center April 2015, it’s been 6 since the designated host of the SNPJ National Bowling Tournament can always count on an 7 you enthusiastic crowd attending SNPJ Senior Week > See pages 18-22 for more information > 16 PROSVETA some members will always refer to the Recreation Center as the SNPJ Campsite 9 www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 8 there’s fun for all ages during the two SNPJ Family Weeks > 15 Like polka music? Then you’ll LOVE the Slovenian polka dances at the SNPJ Recreation Center 16 Wilting in the summer heat? You can cool off in the Olympic-size swimming pool at the SNPJ Recreation Center 10 there’s no better place SNPJ welcomed the former prime minister of Slovenia, Janez Janša, to Slovenefest in 2006 to play balina than the SNPJ Recreation Center Balinarena 11 Milan Kučan, the former president of Slovenia, attended the Recreation Center Grand Re-opening in 2001 > your thirst and 18 quench join in the fun around the > 19 you can’t miss the historic red barn along Martin Road Saturday Bar Bingo in the Gostilna kids can expend 13 the their pent-up energy 20 at either of two playground areas > 21 Water, water everywhere... 14 > you can learn all about Slovenia in the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center and Museum 25 acres, at least, at the Recreation Center Lake 22 rest for a while on the SNPJ Heritage Center patio located just outside the Heritage Center since 1998, the annual Miss SNPJ Pageant has been held at the SNPJ Recreation Center > main building is 24 the named in honor of late SNPJ National President Joseph L. Culkar members from 25 teenage around the country attend the TEL Workshop at the SNPJ Recreation Center 26 you can book one of the 60 rustic cabins for an overnight stay Tiki Bar in the pool area can hit it big 12 you when you play Need some space? How about 500 acres of grounds at the SNPJ Recreation Center 17 23 27 be sure to send the kids to SNPJ’s annual Youth Roundup for an unforgettable summer camp experience 28 make your way to the > Lower Pavilion for the National SNPJ Days picnic 29 from April through October, you’re sure to find plenty of activity in the SNPJ Trailer Court 30 Looking for a venue to host your next special event? The Alpine Room is the best place around! > PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 31 September 2, 2015 grooming future leaders, SNPJ hosts the annual Young Adult Conference at the Recreation Center 32 ahhh, romance! there is no better way to close out your summer than by joining in the fun of National SNPJ Days > 34 with its island, the Recreation Center lake resembles a miniature Lake Bled 35 and you won’t find a better view of the lake than from the Lakeside Pavilion, donated by the Cvetas family in memory of the late Joseph P. Cvetas. it’s a club room, it’s a restaurant, it’s a venue for entertainment... it’s the Gostilna, and it serves as the hub of activity at the SNPJ Recreation Center if you still can’t get your fill of great polka music, stop by the Gostilna for Friday evening polka entertainment Center opened 50 years ago, the Upper Pavilion still hosts a number of regular events like most other properties, the appeal of the SNPJ Recreation Center is rooted in its location, location, location > SNPJ ties by contributing to the Monument to Our Heritage 33 37 45 39 members pay tribute to their the Recreation Center is the ideal setting for a wedding ceremony, whether indoors or out 36 38 a fixture since the Recreation 17 46 the SNPJ 40 one of the newest additions to the Recreation Center schedule of events: Western Pa. Fraternal Weekend 41 yet another new addition, the Wine and Sausage Festival, is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 26, this year Heritage Center displays an authentic Kurent costume from Slovenia 47 baiting a hook, casting a line and catching fish in the Recreation Center lake opportunity 48 the to build lifelong 42 no visit to the SNPJ Heritage Center is complete without stopping by the Roger J. Evanish Gift Shop & Resource Center > > 43 fond tales of the old Recreation Center golf course, the nine-hole, par-three course that once stretched across the grounds behind the lake 44 from summer through fall, you’re sure to enjoy a hayride around the Recreation Center grounds fraternal friendships 49 joining those lifelong friends as you enjoy the Heritage Center’s Family Fun Day and last, but certainly not least... 50 SLOVENEFEST, which requires no explanation, other than to mention the fact that everybody loves SNPJ’s yearly “celebration of everything Slovenian” > 18 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 5 Just a few of T H E PJ SN 1965-2015 things w e love 1 it’s in Pennsylvania’s smallest borough with the longest name And the name is a mouthful, indeed! The borough is officially recorded as The Borough of Slovenska Narodna Podporna Jednota (but for brevity’s sake, we’ll refer to it as the Boro of SNPJ), and as of the most recent census, there are more characters in the borough’s name (43) than there are residents (19, as of the 2010 Census). But even the mere number of 19 current, full-time borough residents is quite a bit more than one census-taker tallied back in 2000 when her initial report indicated that the Boro of SNPJ had a population of zero – as in zip, zilch, nada, none. The media is somewhat sensitive to reports that indicate municipalities with a zero population, and almost overnight the Boro of SNPJ, along with the SNPJ Recreation Center, became a media darling. Thanks to an Associated Press article, coverage of the 2000 Census “oversight” at the borough was published far and wide, having been picked up by such notable publications as The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The 2000 Census report on the Boro of SNPJ was eventually corrected to include all 14 of the borough’s legal residents, a total of 12 adults and two children. 5 a total of four SNPJ National Conventions have been held at the SNPJ Recreation Center The Slovene National Benefit Society has been operating as a fraternal benefit society and serving the needs of our members and communities for 111 years now. Over the course of those 111 years, the Society has held 30 Regular Conventions and three Special Conventions. Of those 30 Regular Conventions (we now refer to them as “Quadrennial Conventions” since they’re held every four years), the SNPJ Recreation Center has played host to four. Four out of 30 really doesn’t sound like a very hearty ratio, and in fact it isn’t. But it’s important to keep in mind that there was no Recreation Center until 1965 – which means that the SNPJ Convention couldn’t possibly have been held at the Recreation Center during the Society’s first 61 years of operation. So let’s see... the groundbreaking ceremonies for the “SNPJ Campsite” were staged in 1965, and the Society hosted its 18th Regular Convention at its new recreational facility in September 1966. The Recreation Center was still under construction at the time, and the convention delegates were treated to a first-hand look at the work in progress. 8 The delegates attending the 18th SNPJ Regular Convention, the first convention held at the SNPJ Recreation Center, in September 1966. The Recreation Center has hosted three more conventions since that time: the 19th Quadrennial Convention in 1970, the 21st Quadrennial Convention in 1978, and the 28th Quadrennial Convention (the most recent) in 2006. Having played host to four SNPJ Regular Conventions, the Recreation Center trails only Chicago and Cleveland (both with six) as the Society’s most popular convention site. some members will always refer to the Recreation Center as the SNPJ Campsite Staying true to your roots is never a bad thing... Back in the early 1960s, when plans for an SNPJ recreation facility were originally conceived, the term “summer camp” was initially used to describe the concept. At the time, summer camps were extremely popular among both youth and adults (case in point: the setting for the movie “Dirty Dancing”), and SNPJ was eager to get in on the act and offer a summer recreation facility as a member benefit. Photos of the Recreation Center groundbreaking ceremony document the fact that the Society was promoting its as-of-yet-to-be-developed facility as the “SNPJ Campsite,” and for a number of years the facility’s research, development and management committee was known as the “SNPJ Campsite Committee.” Beginning in the summer of 1967, the Campsite had a new official name: from that time forward the SNPJ Campsite was formally recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the SNPJ Recreation Center. Even so, there are still countless members who continue to refer to the Recreation Center as “the Campsite”... and for that we are truly grateful. The Recreation Center groundbreaking ceremonies held in May 1965. Note the sign: “SNPJ Campsite.” References to “the SNPJ Campsite” are still made even today. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 11 September 2, 2015 19 Milan Kučan, the former president of Slovenia, attended the Recreation Center grand re-opening in May 2001 It isn’t every day the President of Slovenia drops by the SNPJ Recreation Center – in fact, the arrival of former President Milan Kučan during the afternoon of Saturday, May 12, 2001, marked his first-ever visit. But then again, it was a rather special occasion. The date of May 12, 2001, marked the Recreation Center grand re-opening and the completion of a $1.7 million construction and renovation project, the most extensive carried out on any Society-owned asset to date. And although President Kučan was making his very first visit to the Recreation Center, you’d never have guessed... he seemed perfectly at ease, and at home, among the many guests attending the ribbon-cutting festivities. The 2000-2001 Recreation Center renovation project was extensive. New designs were presented for the gym/multi-purpose room, which was transformed into a large banquet facility; the clubroom area (we call it the Gostilna) was expended; the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center, formerly located in the lower level of the building, was relocated to the new addition on the building’s main floor; and air-conditioning was installed throughout the entire structure. 17 14 Need some space? How about 500 acres of grounds at the SNPJ Recreation Center... “Sprawling” is perhaps the best way to describe a 500-acre parcel of land, at least it would seem so in the lingo of real estate professionals. Historically, however, the SNPJ Recreation Center wasn’t always a sprawling, 500-acre facility. When the Recreation Center property was purchased in 1963, it included 235 acres. The Society added another 100-plus acres to the SNPJ Campsite in March 1967, and expanded the facility even further in September 1969 by purchasing an additional 147 acres. In sum: 487 acres, which is close enough to 500. So just how big is 500 acres, you ask? Well, if you’ve ever visited the SNPJ Recreation Center, you see that 500 acres is sufficient space for a 115-unit trailer court; a very large main office building, banquet hall and museum; 60 cabin units; three bathhouses; three large pavilions; a historic barn; a covered balina court; tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts; and two playground areas – not to mention a 25-acre man-made lake, an Olympic-size swimming pool and ample space for parking. Needless to say, it’s a LOT of space! MILAN KUČAN, former President of the Republic of Slovenia, had the honor of cutting the ribbon during the SNPJ Recreation Center grand re-opening festivities held May 12, 2001. SNPJ welcomed Janez Janša, the former prime minister of Slovenia, to Slovenefest in 2006 Not to be outdone by the executive branch of the Slovenian government, in 2006 the legislative branch sent their highest-ranking member and the official leader of the Slovenian government, then-Prime Minister Janez Janša, for a tour of the United States to commemorate Slovenia’s 15th year of independence. Prime Minister Janša and his entourage arrived at the SNPJ Recreation Center on Saturday, July 8, 2006, during the height of the annual Slovenefest. Addressing the overflow crowd that had assembled in the Alpine Room that afternoon, the prime minister acknowledged the support of SlovenianAmericans during Slovenia’s quest for independence, and recognized the 50th anniversary of the Miss SNPJ Pageant and 30th anniversary of the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center, both of which were celebrated during the weekend. Former Prime Minister of Slovenia JANEZ JANŠA paid a visit to Slovenefest in 2006. While here, he was able to participate in the festivities arranged for the 50th Miss SNPJ Pageant and 30th anniversary of the SNPJ Heritage Center. 20 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 23 Visitors browsed through the museum display area in the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center during the grand re-opening held in March 2003. 20 you can learn all about Slovenia in the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center and Museum If you’re looking for information on Slovenia or are curious about the history of SNPJ, you’ll want to plan a trip to the SNPJ Recreation Center. Even more specifically, you’ll want to pay a visit to the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center. Since opening in September 1976, the SNPJ Heritage Center has been committed to preserving the history and culture of Slovenians in the United States by presenting various aspects of the Slovenian heritage. And over the course of the past 39 years, the SNPJ Heritage Center has amassed one of the largest collections of its kind in the United States. Housed at the Recreation Center since its inception, when it was initially known as the “SNPJ Heritage Room,” the museum adopted its current name, “The SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center,” in 1978 when the library and displays were moved to the lower level of the Recreation Center’s main building (the Joseph L. Culkar Building). When the 2000-2001 SNPJ Recreation Center renovation project was completed, the Heritage Center moved again – this time to a more prominent location on the main level of the newly-renovated structure – and now includes an outdoor patio, a library, a modern museum display area, and a resource center and gift shop (see highlight 42 on page 22), as well as the SNPJ Monument to Our Heritage, a collection of memorial engravings. since 1998, the annual Miss SNPJ Pageant has been held at the SNPJ Recreation Center Since the Society has been crowning a new Miss SNPJ annually for 59 years now (well, nearly every year... keep reading), 17 years is a relatively short period of time. Even so, when the Miss SNPJ Pageant was moved from National SNPJ Days weekend to Slovenefest back in 1998, the transition helped forge a new path for the annual pageant. Back in 1956, when the very first Miss SNPJ Pageant was held in Chicago during National SNPJ Days, contestant entries poured in from Lodges across the country. Some 40 years later, pageant entries had dropped dramatically as more and The Society’s 59th Miss SNPJ, more young ladies were preparing to begin or continue their JULIE ROCKWELL, received her studies in college, and it was quite apparent that each new aca- title during Slovenefest weekend, July 10-12, 2015, at the SNPJ demic year was launching either during or immediately prior held Recreation Center. to National Days. So how do you solve that problem? Simple – move the Miss SNPJ Pageant to Slovenefest weekend in mid-July. Now to address the above-mentioned, parenthetical reference to “nearly every year”: Since the pageant was transitioning from National SNPJ Days, held in August or September, to Slovenefest in July, Miss SNPJ 1997, who received her title in September 1996, would have had a shortened reign. To resolve this issue, Miss SNPJ 1999 was crowned during Slovenefest in 1998, and each successive Miss SNPJ has received her title at the Recreation Center during Slovenefest weekend. sending the kids to SNPJ Youth Roundup for an unforgettable camp experience 27 In the event that you weren’t feeling old enough already, here’s a nifty little tidbit of trivia from the SNPJ archive: the very first SNPJ Youth Roundup was held the week of July 23-29, 1967. Assuming you did the math correctly, that means the very same Youth Roundup summer camp you participated in as a kid will be turning the big 5-0 in 2017. But you don’t have to feel too bad about the advancing years; after all, Youth Roundup is now the longest-running annual activity hosted at the Recreation Center. Coming in a close second: Senior Week, which was also launched in 1967, but several weeks after the first Youth Roundup. It isn’t surprising that Youth Roundup has been around for so long. Remember, the SNPJ Recreation Center was originally conceived as a summer campsite (see highlight 8 on page 18), and as such the facility has hosted several now-defunct programs that were designed specifically for young members, including the former Youth Conventions, Youth Conferences and Handicraft Exhibitions, all of which have been replaced by the SNPJ TEL Workshop. Even after all these years, the SNPJ Recreation Center remains a gracious host for Youth Roundup, treating campers to loads of daily activities, field trips, hayrides, free Young SNPJ members can spend a week at summer time in the pool... oh, to be young again! camp during Youth Roundup at the Recreation Center. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 21 Looking for a venue to 30 host your next special event? The Alpine Room is the best place around! By far, the most ambitious segment of the 2000-2001 SNPJ Recreation Center renovation project was the transformation of the former multi-purpose room (aka: the gym) into a stunning special-event hall. Operating under the formal name of “The Alpine Wedding & Banquet Room at the SNPJ Recreation Center” (we’ll truncate that to read simply “The Alpine Room”), the hall boasts a total of 6,500 square feet and a flexible floor plan offering a maximum seating capacity of 400. Opened in August 2001, The Alpine Room has become one of the most popular specialevent venues in Western Pennsylvania, hosting wedding receptions and other gatherings on a weekly basis. When it’s not in “rental mode,” The Alpine Room serves as the venue for the Miss SNPJ Pageant and musical entertainment during Slovenefest, for the Heritage Center’s annual children’s Christmas parties, and it was also the site of the former Recreation Center Reverse Raffle held on the Saturday evening of National SNPJ Days weekend. 33 there’s no better way to close out your summer than by joining in the fun of National SNPJ Days As part of the entertainment for National SNPJ Days, the Brigita Šuler Ansambel from Slovenia will perform Friday, Sept. 4, in the Gostilna at the SNPJ Recreation Center. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, National SNPJ Days, which can trace its roots back to 1935 and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Society’s English-speaking Lodges, is one of the Society’s longest-running activities. In fact, the success of the early National Days celebrations led the SNPJ National Board to recognize Labor Day as SNPJ’s “official holiday.” Once the former host of the Miss SNPJ Pageant, from 1956-1996, the National Days festivities traveled from city to city; the host of the celebration receiving approval from the National Board based on a selection bidding system among SNPJ Lodges and Federations. In 1997, just as the Miss SNPJ Pageant was transitioning to Slovenefest weekend, the National SNPJ Days events found a permanent home at the SNPJ Recreation Center. This year’s National SNPJ Days, scheduled Sept. 4-6, will feature the Brigita Šuler Ansambel from Slovenia in the Gostilna on Friday evening and a dance in the barn on Saturday evening, while the National SNPJ Days picnic (Hey – free admission!) will offer entertainment by the Joe Grkman Orchestra and the Polka Bros. 36 The Gostilna at the SNPJ Recreation Center plays a number of roles: it’s a bar, a restaurant and a club room, and it also serves as an entertainment venue, in particular during Slovenefest, when polka music fans pack the room to enjoy hours of performances by polka bands and button box clubs. ...the Gostilna: the hub of activity at the SNPJ Recreation Center Ever heard of a gostilna? Though they’re quite common in Slovenia, they’re much less so here in the United States... with the exception of the Gostilna at the SNPJ Recreation Center. So now you’re asking, “What exactly is a gostilna?” Well, in Slovenia a gostilna is an inn; kind of a cross between a restaurant and a bar. And the same holds true for the Gostilna at the Recreation Center – except here at SNPJ we capitalize our Gostilna for both added emphasis (although additional emphasis is rarely necessary when we’re talking about the Recreation Center Gostilna), and to distinguish it from the other clubs and bars in the area. Since the 2000-2001 Recreation Center renovation, when the Gostilna was transformed from a small bar into one of the central areas of the main building, the Gostilna has become a bustling club room during the summer season. The bar and restaurant operations have grown steadily over the years, serving both the local community and the residents of the SNPJ Trailer Court. But more than simply operating as a bar, a restaurant or a club room, the Gostilna serves as an entertainment venue at the SNPJ Recreation Center. Visit any Friday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day and you can enjoy live polka music to your heart’s content. During Slovenefest, the Gostilna pulses day and night to the beat of polka musicians. Offering both an indoor performance/dance area and a large outdoor wooden deck that overlooks the swimming pool, the Gostilna attracts throngs of polka fans who pack this Slovenefest venue to enjoy the music of polka bands and button box clubs. 22 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 ...stopping by the Roger J. Evanish Gift Shop & Resource Center at the SNPJ Heritage Center Among the many dedications that SNPJ has made over the years, none has been more deserving than the dedication of the SNPJ Heritage Center Gift Shop & Resource Center in memory of Roger J. Evanish, the late Heritage Center director who held that position from 1997 until his passing in May 2011. In preparation for the dedication, which was held in May 2012, Heritage Center Committee members altered the floor plan in the gift shop to include additional space for Slovenian products available for purchase, as well as refreshed the resource area by adding new furniture, a fireplace, and a 70-inch flat screen television for viewing DVDs and to facilitate interactive communication with others abroad via Skype. The result of all that hard work? Since the dedication, the SNPJ Heritage Center has been able to offer additional access to Slovenia through the technology available in their resource area, while the selection in the gift shop continues to expand. But don’t just take our word for it; see for yourself – stop by the Roger J. Evanish Gift Shop & Resource Center the next time you tour the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center museum. 42 The late ROGER J. EVANISH, a former SNPJ Heritage Center director, addressing the crowd during the Heritage Center’s grand re-opening in 2003. The Heritage Center’s Gift Shop & Resource Center were dedicated in Roger’s memory in May 2012. 45 You Are Here the appeal of the SNPJ Recreation Center is rooted in its location, location, location “Location, location, location:” that’s the mantra of real estate agents, and you hear it time and again when it comes to purchasing property. Back in the early 1960s when the SNPJ Summer Campsite Committee was researching properties available for development of the SNPJ Campsite, the committee narrowed their selection down to two choices: One parcel near Girard, Ohio, which had been the site of the 1949 National SNPJ Days celebration, was offered at $70,000. The second parcel, perhaps a tad more remote, was located in Enon Valley, Pa., and offered for sale at $45,000. After several years of consideration and numerous rounds of negotiations, SNPJ purchased the latter parcel – situated some 230 miles from Cleveland and 90 miles northwest of Pittsburgh – from the Herman Serjak family on March 8, 1963. The purchase of additional properties in 1967 and 1969 (see highlight 14 on page 19) expanded the facility’s area and gave SNPJ complete control over access to its Campsite. OK, we will admit that the rash of detours in the immediate vicinity has been a slight inconvenience in recent years, but even so, we applaud the Society’s decision to develop the SNPJ Recreation Center and maintain its desirable location for 50 years. The crowd enjoying the festivities of the second annual Slovenefest held in July 1983 at the SNPJ Recreation Center. [Inset] A souvenir button from the first Slovenefest. 50 and finally... SLOVENEFEST ®, SNPJ’s yearly “celebration of everything Slovenian” It started out in 1982 as a fund-raiser... Although the SNPJ Recreation Center had been in operation for only 15 years in 1982, the facility was already losing money at a feverish pace – to the tune of $300,000 in 1980 alone. As a result of the facility’s flagging bottom line, in 1981 the SNPJ National Board approved that the Recreation Center be closed and the property offered for sale. Realizing that the SNPJ Campsite might soon become history, in the spring of 1982 a number of loyal supporters devised a means of raising additional funds for the struggling Recreation Center: they would host a festival, dubbed the “Slovenefest,” which would be held Sept. 11-12, 1982, on the Recreation Center grounds. Slovenefest was an instant hit! Drawing more than 5,000 visitors in only two days, the first annual Slovenefest generated a tidy profit of $22,000, all of which benefited the Recreation Center. That first Slovenefest marked the one and only time the festival was held in September; since 1983, each successive Slovenefest celebration has been held in July on the weekend following Independence Day. Though it’s still a fund-raiser of sorts, Slovenefest is now best recognized as the largest festival of Slovenian culture held in the United States. In addition to three continuous days of polka music performed in five separate venues, Slovenefest also features the Miss SNPJ Pageant (see highlight 23 on page 20). Slovenefest has its own website, www.slovenefest.com, and the Slovenefest name is a registered trademark. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 2. Septembra 2015 23 Slovenske Strani by Vida Kosir Predstavitev na nemškem elitnem trgu HEADLINE: Introduction at the German elite market TOPIC: Both residents and visitors to Berlin know that in the German capital city there is no other more popular and respected retailer than the famous KaDeWe. In September, Slovenia will be introducing its goodies and delights there. This “department store of the west” is famous in particular for its upper floors with its delicacies, where Slovenian food, wine and other products will be offered during Slovenian Culinary Weeks, which will be advertised at the entrance to the department store. “This is the first such presentation of Slovenia’s high-quality, regional products in Germany,” said Slovenian Ambassador in Berlin Marta Kos Marko. “Slovenia does not have mass-produced products that could have succeeded in this large German retail chain, but we can show our top-notch products which are available as delicacies.” For the most part, the Germans are interested mainly in high-quality, geographically- and nationally-protected Slovenian products, such as wines from the various regions, meat products, honey, olive oil, salt and similar products with European certifications and appropriate labeling in the German language. The companies that participate in the Slovenian Culinary Weeks at KaDaWe in Berlin will have an opportunity to include Slovenian products in the sales program at KaDeWe. Prebivalci in obiskovalci Berlina dobro vedo, da v nemški prestolnici ni bolj priljubljene in spoštovane veletrgovine od znamenite KaDeWe. Septembra bo tam svoje dobrote in druge čare predstavljala tudi Slovenija. “Trgovska hiša zahoda” slovi še posebno po svojih zgornjih nadstropjih z delikatesno ponudbo, slovensko hrano, vina in druga ponudba pa bodo v času Slovenskih kulinaričnih tednov predstavljali že ob vhodu v veleblagovnico. Med sedmin in devetnajstim septembrom bodo organizirana tudi srečanja z nemškimi uvozniki, distributerji in trgovskimi agenti ter drugi promocijski dogodki, so sporočili pri javni agenciji Spirit Slovenija, ki skupaj s slovenskim veleposlaništvom v Berlinu organizira predstavitev slovenske živilskopredelovalne industrije, turizma in drugih sektorjev v najbolj elitni berlinski veleblagovnici. “Gre za prvo takšno predstavitev visokokakovostnih slovenskih regionalnih izdelkov v Nemčiji,” je povedala slovenska veleposlanica v Berlinu Marta Kos Marko. “Slovenija nima množične proizvodnje, s katero bi ji lahko uspelo v velikih nemških trgovinskih verigah, lahko pa se izkažemo z nišnimi izdelki, ki so na voljo v delikatesah.” Za vrhunsko nemško ponudbo so zanimivi predvsem visokokavostni ter geografsko in nacionalno zašiteni slovenski izdelki, kot so vina iz posameznih regij, mesni proizvodi, med, oljčno olje, sol in podobno z urejenimi evropskimi certifikati ter ustrezno označbo v nemškem jeziku, sporočajo v Spiritu. Podjetja, ki bodo sodelovala na slovenskem kulinaričnem tednu v berlinski KaDeWe bodo imela tudi možnosti vključitve slovenskih izdelkov v prodajni program KaDeWe ter v kataloge agencij in s tem na nemški trg. DELO Nov rekord slovenske transverzale HEADLINE: A new record of Slovenian transversal TOPIC: Klemen Triler from Naklo needed seven days, 11 hours and 25 minutes to complete his run on the Slovenian Mountain Path. He started the 371-mile run in Maribor on Aug. 1 and arrived at the finish line in Ankaran on Aug. 8, when he put the last stamp on his book of Slovenian mountain paths. He bested a two-year-old record, formerly held by Marjan Zupančič, by three hours and 20 minutes. In only his second run on this mountain path, Triler improved his personal record by one day. “To complete the run on the Slovenian Mountain Path is a true success. This is in- describable. Every day there was something new. My aim was not to set a new record, but to arrive in Ankaran as soon as possible. I had an amazing team, so the atmosphere for all seven days was positive, exquisite. I am very tired, but there are no injuries,” said 38-year-old Triler after the venture. Klemen Triler iz Naklega je za Slovensko planinsko pot potreboval vsega 7 dni 11 ur in 25 minut.Teči je začel 1. avgusta, na cilj v Ankaran pa je prišel v soboto okrog 16.30. Na poti so ga spremljali številni prijatelji in ljubitelji gorskega teka. V soboto popoldan je v Ankaranu Klemen Triler v knjižico Slovenske planinske poti dal še zadnji žig. Opravil jo je v enem kosu, in to z rekordnim časom: 7 dni 11 ur in 25 minut. Toliko je potreboval za 599 kilometrov dolgo pot od Maribora do Ankarana. Izboljšal je dve leti star rekord Marjana Zupančiča, in sicer za tri ure in 20 minut. Na pot se je podal drugič. Osebni rekord izpred treh let je popravil za več kot en dan. “Res je uspeh preteči slovensko planinsko pot. To je nepopisno. Vsak dan je bilo kaj novega. Moj cilj ni bil izboljšanje rekorda, ampak čim prej priti v Ankaran. Za seboj sem imel neverjetno ekipo, tako da je bilo vzdušje vseh dobrih sedem dni pozitivno, izvrstno. Utrujenost je velika, brez tega pri tem ne gre, poškodbe pa ni nobene” je po podvigu povedal 38-letni Klemen Triler. GORENJSKI GLAS STARŠI - “Mama, kako so nastali starši?” vpraša deklica. “No, Bog je ustvaril Adama in Evo. Potem sta imela otroke in sta postala starša, nato so njuni otroci imeli otroke in postali starši in tako naprej.” Čez dva dni deklica zastavi isto vprašanje očetu, ki ji odgovori: “Glej, pred milijoni let so se opice počasi razvijale, dokler niso postale bitja, kakršna smo mi danes.” Deklica se začudeno obrne k mami in reče: “Mama, kako je to mogoče? Ti si mi rekla, da je prve starše ustvaril Bog, ata, pa mi pravi, da so se razvili iz opice?” Mama ji odgovori: “Čisto preprosto: jaz ti govorim o svoji družini, ata pa o svoji!” 24 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 2. Septembra 2015 Podmornica pod streho HEADLINE: The submarine under the roof TOPIC: Moving the giant, 60-ton submarine, which was delivered four years ago as a museum piece to the Pivka Park of Military History and is now under the roof of a new pavilion, required a good deal of skill. In the future, this unique exhibit in Slovenia, and at the same time the largest in the Park of Military History, will be safe from weather conditions and will once again open to visitors in mid-September when the new exhibition pavilion opens. The move of the P-913 submarine was an attraction in itself; therefore, it was no surprise that this logistically challenging venture was photographed and filmed by many tourists who stopped at the park or drove by. As in the past, visitors will be able to descend into the belly of the submarine to view an exhibition that illustrates the life of the sailors and the history of submarines in the eastern Adriatic. Prestavljanje orjaške, 60 ton težke podmornice, ki so jo pred štirimi leti kot muzejski eksponat pripeljali v pivški Park vojaške zgodovine in jo sedaj premaknili pod streho v nov paviljon, je zahtevalo dobro mero spretnosti. Edinstven eksponat v slovenskem merilu in obenem največji v Parku vojaške zgodovine bo poslej varen pred vremenskimi spremembami, obiskovalcem pa bo znova na ogled sredi septembra ob hkratnem odprtju novega razstavnega paviljona. V Parku vojaške zgodovine (PVZ) so tako v nov paviljon preselili še zadnji, sicer največji in najprivlačnejši eksponat - podmornico P-913 Zeta. Selitev, ki jo je PVZ opravil s pomočjo podjetij Dvig in CEM-TIR, je bila atrakcija že sama po sebi, zato ni presenečalo, da so logistično zahteven podvig fotografirali in snemali tudi turisti, ki so se ustavili v Parku ali se peljali mimo njega. Najbrž le malokdo med njimi pa je vedel to, kar je leta 2011 ob njenem prihodu v PVZ povedal vodja Parka Janko Boštjančič: da je podmornica, ki jo je Slovenija leta 2011 dobila v dar od Črne Gore, v veliki meri plod slovenskega znanja in proizvodnje ter ohranja spomin na številne slovenske podmorničarje, ki so predstavljali velik delež v podmorniških posadkah tako Avstro-Ogrske kot prve in druge Jugoslavije. Podmornica je bila do sedaj nameščena na zgornjem platoju Parka na prostem. “Vedeli smo, da to ne more biti njena stalna lokacija, saj je v nacionalnem merilu edinstveni eksponat, ki zahteva trajno hrambo. Vremenske razmere so jo dolgoročno načenjale, ob slabem vremenu pa je bil otežen tudi obisk,” je pojasnil Boštjančič. Tako je podmornica, ki je nazadnje plula leta 2003, dobila prostor v novem paviljonu, ki je le eden od novih pridobitev PVZ. V njem bodo poleg podmornice med dru- Ko motor postane pravi zaklad HEADLINE: When a motorcycle becomes a real treasure TOPIC: The Malograjski dvor Hotel in Kamnik was the site of a recent exhibition of vintage American-made Indian motorcycles. Since 2001, the Kamnik Society of Classic Vehicles has been uniting collectors of such vehicles from across Slovenia. The first Indian motorcycles were produced in America starting in 1901. In Slovenia, one the biggest Indian motorcycle enthusiasts is Samo Rančigaj from Vransko, an honorary member of the Kamnik Society of Vintage Motorcycles who introduced his interesting and quite expensive hobby at the exhibition. “I found my first Indian 30 years ago in Serbia, and because I was so impressed with it, over the next two years my friends and I systematically ‘traversed’ this former Yugoslav Republic and found exceptional motorcycles – real treasures – in different barns. In the past decade these motorcycles have become very popular, and for that reason a lot more expensive and less accessible,” Rančigaj said, adding that he has at least 10 completely restored motorcycles at home, and even more that are still awaiting restoration. V Hotelu Malograjski dvor v Kamniku so pripravili razstavo starodobnih motorjev znamke Indian, hkrati pa so odprli tudi razstavo fotografij starodobnih vozil kamniškega fotografa Janeza Kukca Mežka. Člani Društva starodobnih vozil Kamnik že od leta 2001 združujejo ljubitelje starodobnih vozil iz vse Slovenije, poleg že tradicionalne mednarodne revije starodobnikov A, pa širšim množicam stara vozila predstavljajo tudi na drugih dogodkih. Tako so konec tedna hotel Malograjski dvor spremenili v razstavišče za starodobne motorje ameriške znamke Indian, ki med ljubitelji motorjev veljajo za kultne in največje rivale znamki Harley Davidson. Kot prve v Ameriki so jih začeli izdelovati že leta 1901, v Sloveniji pa med njihove največje navdušence spada Samo Rančigaj z Vranskega, častni član Društva starodobnih vozil Kamnik, ki je tudi predstavil ta svoj zanimiv, a tudi precej drag hobi. “Svojega prvega indiana sem pred tridesetimi leti našel v Srbiji, in ker me je tako navdušil, sem v naslednjih dveh letih s prijateljema sistematično 'prečesal' tedanje republike Jugoslavije in za precej malo denarja na različnih skednjih našel izjemne primerke, prave zaklade. To je še vedno moja dobra baza za različne menjave, saj so se razmere sčasoma precej spremenile. Predvsem v zadnjih desetih letih so ti motorji postali izjemno priljubljeni in zato tudi veliko dražji in težje dostopni,” nam je povedal in dodal, da ima doma vsaj deset povsem prenovljenih primerkov in še več takih, ki na temeljito prenovo še čakajo. A zanimivo, na cesti ga s temi motorji ne boste videli. “Moja velika ljubezen je restavriranje. Ne gre za poceni hobi, a za to živim. Najlepši del restavriranja je prav zahtevno iskanje rezervnih delov. Iščem jih leta in leta in ko jih naposled le najdem, se mi zdi, kot da sem srečen iskalec zakladov. Je pa restavriranje zame kot nekakšen projekt. Ko motor obnovim, je projekt zame končan. Motorji se mi nato kar smilijo, da bi jih vozil po cesti, zato registriranega nimam nobenega,” še pravi in ponosno pove, da je v Kamnik pripeljal več primerkov, med njimi najstarejši nosi letnico 1909. Nad razstavljenimi primerki je bil navdušen tudi predsednik Društva starodobnih vozil Kamnik Miroslav Vrhovnik, ki si želi, da bi bilo motorjev znamke Indian prihodnja leta na podobnih razstavah v Kamniku še več, sčasoma tudi z različnih koncev Evrope. Razstavni ambient so organizatorji popestrili tudi z zanimivo razstavo fotografij kamniškega fotografa Janeza Kukca Mežka, ki v svoj fotografski objektiv rad lovi tudi starodobne avtomobile in motorje. GORENJSKI GLAS gim na ogled dva eksponata letal - sovjetski MIG-21 F-13 in ameriško vojaško letalo F-86 Sabre -, pa tudi drugi dragoceni eksponati, ki bodo dopolnili nacionalno tankovskoartilerijsko zbirko. Tako kot doslej se bodo obiskovalci lahko spustili v trebuh podmornice. “V njej bo tudi podmorniška razstava, ki bo prikazovala življenje podmorničarjev in zgodovino podmornic na vzhodnem Jadranu,” je povedal Boštjančič. Že od petka pa bo za obiskovalce znova odprt že obstoječi zgornji paviljon v Parku, ki so ga zaradi selitve podmornice nekoliko preuredili. Po novem je posvečen artileriji, ki je nekoč veljala za kraljico bojišča. Obiskovalec pa bo tu našel najdragocenejše artilerijske eksponate Parka, kot sta legendarni nemški top Flak 88 iz druge svetovne vojne ter ameriška havbica 155 mm, imenovana Long John, s kar sedemmetrsko topovsko cevjo. PRIMORSKE NOVICE Vsestranski peteršilj Je ena najbolj zdravih zeli, predvsem pa pomaga prebavnemu traku, mehurju in sečnim potem. Z leti se lahko v ledvicah nakopiči veliko odpadnih stvari, zato potrebujejo čiščenje. Kako bomo to storili? Najprej si priskrbimo pest peteršilja in ga dobro operemo. Narežemo ga na koščke, damo v lonec in prelijemo s čisto vodo. Naj vre deset minut, potem ga odstranimo z ognja in pustimo, da se ohladi. Precedimo in prelijemo v čisto steklenico, jo postavimo v hladilnik in počakamo da se ohladi. Pijemo kozarec te zdravilne zelene tekočine na dan. Z uriniranjem se izločajo strupi iz telesa. Zeleni čaj Kitajci se že od nekdaj zavedajo koristi zelenega čaja ter z njim zdravijo vse od glavobola do depresij. Znanstvene raziskave v Aziji in na Zahodu dajejo trdne dokaze, da ima redno uživanje zelenega čaja pozitivne učinke na zdravje. Pridobil je prestižno veljavo med napitki in je ena izmed glavnih asociacij, ko omenimo antioksidante. Teh je namreč v njem res veliko, poleg zaviranja rasti rakavih celic pa jih tudi uničujejo, ne da bi poškodovali zdravo tkivo. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 2. Septembra 2015 S ponyji cikcakali na Vršič HEADLINE: The Pony bikes zig-zagged to Vršič TOPIC: “Vršič: 5,284 feet above sea level.” This sign at the top of the highest Slovenian road mountain pass was the goal for 284 cyclists, among them 25 women, who set off from Kranjska Gora on their Pony bikes. A total of 246 cyclists arrived at the finish line; for some it was too much of a challenge, or their pony bike didn’t make it to the end. Interest in this event exceeded the organizers’ expectations. The hunt for a Pony, the legendary 20-spoked-wheel bike popular in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, along with clothing from that period, started at the announcement of the first “Red Bull Goni Pony” race. “At home we did not have any Pony bikes, so I called some friends and found one that was still in good condition. Of course, servicing the bike was a must: I tried the brakes to see that they were working, and then entered the race. It represented a challenge to me, but I didn’t have any expectations. It was fun and difficult; it wasn’t easy to ride a bike without gears to Vršič. The fastest riders will stand and zig-zag,” said Žiga Maretič, one of the participants in this competi- tion that combined two cycling classics: the ascent to Vršič and a legendary bike. “Vršič 1611 m. n. v.” Ta tabla na vrhu najvišjega slovenskega cestnega prelaza je bila cilj 284 kolesarjem, med njimi je bilo petindvajset žensk, ki so se s ponyji nanj podali iz Kranjske Gore. V cilj jih je prišlo 246, za nekatere je bil izziv prehud ali pa njihovi ponyji niso zdržali. Zanimanje je preseglo pričakovanja organizatorjev. Lov za ponyji, legendarnimi 20-palčnimi kolesi iz 60., 70. in 80. let prejšnjega stoletja, in oblačil iz tistega obdobja, se je začel že ob napovedi prve dirke Red Bull Goni Pony. “Doma nismo imeli nobenega ponyja več, poklical sem prijatelje in našel enega, ki je bil kolikor toliko dober. Seveda je bil obvezen servis, poskusil sem, ali delajo zavore, in potem na dirko. Predstavljala mi je izziv, nisem pa imel nobenih pričakovanj. Bilo je zabavno in težko. S kolesom brez prestav goniti na Vršič ni enostavno. Najhitreje gre v stoje in cikcak, nič ni narobe, če vmes kdaj stopiš tudi dol. Čas v bistvu niti ni bil tako slab,” je povedal Žiga Maretič, eden izmed udeležencev preizkušnje, ki je združila kolesarski klasiki: vzpon na Vršič in legendarna kolesa. 25 Časi najboljših so bili odlični. Najhitrejši je bil gorski kolesar, Jeseničan Lenart Noč, ki je za vzpon potreboval 47 minut in 47 sekund. To je čas, ki je boljši od 65 odstotkov udeležencev lanskega Juriša na Vršič s cestnimi kolesi. Med ženskami je bila prva na Vršiču Jasmina Jelovšek v uri, štirih minutah in devetnajstih sekundah. “Dolžina vzpona je 13,6 km, ko takole cikcakaš, kot smo danes mi, je kar nekaj daljši. Cikcakanje je bila najhitrejša opcija,” je povedal Lenart Noč. Za skoraj minuto in pol je prehitel Simona Novaka, tretji pa je bil Tomaž Dolar, ki je zaostal že dobri dve minuti. Tudi Jasmina Jelovšek je bila na ponyju prepričljivo najhitrejša. Dobrih osem minut je za njo zaostala Barbara Benedik, tretje uvrščeni Aleksandra Rusjan in Saša Obranovič pa še dobrih štirideset sekund več. Zadnji so bili na Vršiču po slabih dveh urah. Štel je tudi slog. Žirija je iskala najlepšega ponyja v kombinaciji z izvirno opravo njegovega uporabnika. Nagrado sta dobila Tanja Kranj in Nejc Perko. In potem je bilo z Vršiča treba priti nazaj v dolino. To je bila za nekatere še bolj boleča izkušnja. Prihodnje leto pa morda znova, do takrat pa še leto dni časa za iskanje čim bolje ohranjenih ponijev. GORENJSKI GLAS APZ tretji v Špitalu HEADLINE: APZ third in Spittal TOPIC: The France Prešeren Academic Choir from Kranj placed an excellent third at the international choral competition held in Spittal. At this eminent choral competition, which was held for the 52nd consecutive time in Spittal along the Drava River in neighboring Austria, 10 selected choirs – from the United States, the Philippines, Germany, Latvia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain and Slovenia – competed, and the France Prešeren Choir achieved an excellent third place. The competition was held for four days, and according to the four-member international jury the Inmusicapella Choir from the Philippines was the best, while second place was awarded to the Riverside City College Chamber Singers from California. The jury emphasized that all participating choirs were high quality, as all 10 had garnered 75 out of a total 100 possible points. The singers from Kranj received 85.5 points. Akademski pevski zbor France Prešeren iz Kranja je bil na mednarodnem zborovskem tekmovanju v Špitalu odličen tretji. Na eminentnem zborovskem tekmovanju, ki je letos že 52. zapored potekalo v Špitalu ob Dravi v sosednji Avstriji, je med desetimi izbranimi zbori iz ZDA, Filipinov, Nemčije, Latvije, Kostarike, Indonezije, Avstrije, Češke, Španije in Slovenije kranjski APZ France Prešeren dosegel odlično tretje mesto. Tekmovanje je potekalo štiri dni, po mnenju štiričlanske mednarodne žirije pa je najbolj izstopal zbor Inmusicapella s Filipinov, drugi pa je bil zbor Riverside City College Chamber Singers iz Kalifornije. Žirija je ob tem poudarila, da so vsi sodelujoči zbori zelo kakovostni, saj je vseh deset preseglo 75 od stotih možnih točk, Kranjčani so jih dobili 85,5. Najboljši trije zbori so nastopili tudi na nedeljskem zaključnem koncertu, na katerem je APZ France Prešeren, ki ga uspešno vodi dirigent Fernando Mejias, v izboru treh pesmi zapel tudi noviteto Adonai avtorja Jakoba Gruchmanna. Skladba je bila napisana po naročilu za festival in je veljala za obvezno skladbo, ki so jo izvajali vsi sodelujoči zbori. Najbolje jo je izvedel prav APZ France Prešeren. GORENJSKI GLAS FOTOGRAFIJE - Otroci so se slikali za razredno fotografijo in učiteljica jih nagovarja, naj vsi kupijo fotografijo. “Pomislite, kako zanimivo bo, ko boste rekli: ‘Glej, to je Maja, ona je zdravnica,’ ali ‘To je Tomaž, on je odvetnik’.” Tedaj se iz razreda zasliši glas; “To je učiteljica, ona je mrtva.” Na rekih Belca in Idrijica stojijo klavže, zgrajene okrog 1770 leta - zidane vodne pregrade, ki so omogočale zbiranje vekih količin vode in zatem plavljanje lesa v Idrijo. PHOTO: The “Klavže,” water barriers built of stone in the 1770s on the Belca and Idrijca Rivers. The large amount of accumulated water allowed logs to be floated to Idrija. 26 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 2. Septembra 2015 Padalci zavzeli nebo nad Bovcem HEADLINE: Parachutists conquered the skies above Bovec TOPIC: Recently, a few hundred parachutists from around the world came to the Bovec sport airport, where the AviolFun Skydive Camp broke a record: there had never been such participation as there was this year. A total of 35 parachutists in the air composed the largest formation in the Slovenian sky. This event also attracts many foreign tourists who jump in tandem. Close to 300 parachutists from around the world registered for this event, held at one of the most beautiful sport airports in the Alps. During the warmer months, more and more people come to this area. As the skydivers say, a jump from an airplane 11,840 feet in the air into the narrow Bovec basin is unique. Among skydivers, the best advertisement of this event is word of mouth. This event was already organized in May. More or less, those who were here at that time returned and, on average, each brought another five new skydivers. Skydivers participating in the event came from all over the world – from Europe and the United States, and all the way from Australia and New Zealand. V teh dneh je na letališču v Bovcu nekaj sto padalcev z vsega sveta. Na AvioFun Skydive Campu podirajo tudi rekorde: takšnega obiska še ni bilo, 35 padalcev pa je v zraku sestavilo največjo formacijo na slovenskem nebu. Dogajanje privablja tudi turiste, mnogi skočijo v tandemu. “Na dan jih skoči med 50 in sto. Ker jih bo za vikend še več, ocenjujemo, da jih bo v desetih dneh skočilo tisoč,” ocenjuje direktor AvioFuna Damijan Cehner. “Približno 300 padalcev z vsega sveta je prijavljenih na dogodek. Poleg njih prihaja veliko turistov, ki skačejo v tandemu, šole padalstva, veliko dela imajo inštruktorji. Oba aviona letita na 'polno', pogoji so odlični,” je po polovici prireditve zadovoljen Damijan Cehner, vodja letalskega dela prireditve in direktor podjetja AvioFun, ki organizira padalski kamp. “Brez pomoči Aerokluba Bovec, ki upravlja z letališčem, in Občine Bovec pa takšnega dogodka zagotovo ne bi zmogli,” dodaja in pohvali sodelovanje z Bovčani: “Obenem uspešno sodelujemo tudi z lokalnimi ponudniki. Vsi padalci, ki so prišli, seveda ne skačejo vsak dan, številni gredo na rafting, kanjoning in podobno.” Že osmi kamp AvioFun podira rekorde. Toliko padalcev, kot jih je tokrat prišlo v Bovec, še niso zabeležili. Na, po mnenju mnogih, eno najlepših športnih letališč v Alpah v toplejših mesecih prihaja vse več ljudi. Kot pravijo padalci, je skok iz letala s 4000 metrov v ozko bovško kotlino edinstvena poslastica. Zdaj, ko je letališče urejeno, je povsem “druga pesem”, kot pred leti, ko so to prireditev organizirali prvič, poudarja Cehner. “Med padalci je največja reklama tista, ki gre od ust do ust. To prireditev smo v Bovcu organizirali že letos spomladi. Bolj ali manj vsi tisti, ki so bili takrat tu, so se vrnili, v povprečju pa je vsak pripeljal še pet novih padalcev. V Bovcu je odlično, dani so vsi pogoji, da se dela res pravi turizem svetovnega formata,” je prepričan. Bovčani so z zavzeto posodobitvijo letališča očitno zadeli v polno. Na to ne kaže le pisana druščina padalcev, ki prihajajo iz vsega sveta, od Evrope in ZDA pa tja do Avstralije in Nove Zelandije. Tudi množica turistov, ki jih pritegne dogajanje, je velika, številni med njimi se odločijo za skok v tandemu. PRIMORSKE NOVICE Tržiški šuštarji HEADLINE: Shoemakers from Tržič TOPIC: In one of his articles, Tržič shoe master and shoemaking trade teacher Andrej Tišler wrote that in the middle of the second millennium, the people of Tržič produced soft leather from which shoemakers made beautiful, lightweight women’s shoes, decorated according to the fashion which many women from Tržič wore. The rich women from that area had multiple pairs of shoes for various purposes (for everyday wear, for the holidays, for sports, for dance...) which were regularly and carefully maintained. Undoubtedly, people spent money differently back then, depending on their financial situation, which had an affect on clothing consumption, but the purchase of shoes represented a major financial expense. There were times when shoes were much more appreciated than they are today, and the same applied to shoemakers. Today, shoe making is a trade considered more suited for distant countries, where shoes are manufactured in soulless, almost slave conditions. At one time it was different: shoe making wasn’t simply a job, it was almost a cult, especially in the times of the tradesmen as well as in industrial times when the Gorenjska area operated the three largest shoe factories in Slovenia. Planika is no more; Alpina and Peko are still operating, but fighting for their survival. In the middle of the 1980s, Peko had 5,000 employees who made 4.5 million pairs of shoes a year. “Tržiški čevljarski mojster in učitelj čevljarstva Andrej Tišler je v enem od prispevkov zapisal, da so Tržičani v sredini drugega tisočletja izdelovali kordovansko usnje, iz katerega so čevljarji izdelovali lepe, lahke ženske čevlje, okrašene po modi, ki so jo opazovali na osebah, potujočih skozi Tržič – take naj bi tedaj nosile tudi Tržičanke. Tržanke so imele po več parov čevljev, najpremožnejše tržanke v prvi polovici 20. stoletja tudi čevlje različnih namembnosti (za vsakdan, za praznike, šport, ples...), ki so jih redno in skrbno vzdrževale. Nedvomno so ljudje za oblačila porabili različno veliko denarja, in sicer glede na svoje siceršnje premoženjsko stanje in glede na druge dejavnike, ki so vplivali na oblačilno porabo; je pa nakup obutve predstavljal enega večjih finančnih zalogajev. Zato so bili čevlji želeni in so zlasti pri otrocih prehajali od enega do drugega – od starejšega na mlajšega in tudi od premožnejšega do revnejšega. Ob vsakdanjih poletnih dneh so predvsem dekleta iz kmečkega okolja, redkeje ženske, hodila bosa, nosila pa so tudi doma izdelane copate, šivane iz ostankov blaga ali iz ponošenih oblačil. Za pokoro so na romanja hodile bose. Med obema svetovnima vojnama so ženske ob slabem vremenu nosile gumarce, ki jih je delala tovarna Bata, svoje čevlje pa skrbno pazile.” Bili so časi, ko so bili čevlji bolj cenjeni, kot so danes, in ko je enako veljalo za čevljarski stan. Tega se zavedamo zlasti tisti, ki smo doma iz starih čevljarskih krajev, kakršna sta Tržič in Žiri. V obeh sta na ogled tudi stalni muzejski razstavi o čevljarstvu. Žirovski je dala njena avtorica Tita Porenta ime po stari čevljarski himni, ta pa poje: “Lepšega pač ni na svetu, kot je naš čevljarski stan...” Danes velja čevljarstvo za panogo, ki je bolj kot za naše primerna za daljne dežele s cenejšo delovno silo, kjer čevlje izdelujejo v brezdušnih, skoraj suženjskih razmerah. Nekoč je bilo drugače, čevljarstvo ni bilo le delo, bilo je skoraj kult. Zlasti v obrtniških, pa tudi v industrijskih časih, ko so na Gorenjskem delovale tri največje slovenske tovarne obutve. Planika je pokojna, Alpina in Peko sta še, a se borita za preživetje. Si predstavljate, da je imel Peko še sredi osemdesetih skoraj 5000 zaposlenih in ti so izdelali 4,5 milijona parov čevljev letno! – Gornji odlomek je iz kataloga razstave Tržiški šuštarji v Tržiškem muzeju. V poletnem času ga velja obiskati in se pustiti zapeljati v stare in ponosne čevljarske čase... GORENJSKI GLAS Sadje varuje možgane Francoski strokovnjaki trdijo, da z uživanjem sadja varujete svoje možgane. Jabolko, breskev, skodelica česenj, jagod, kos melone ali grozd zmanjšajo tveganje za možgansko kap za enajst odstotkov. Poleg tega, seveda, sadje varuje tudi srce. Takšni so rezultati velike raziskave strokovnjakov z uglednega pasteurjevega inštituta. Varovalne lastnosti sadja so povezane s kalijem, ki niža krvni tlak, pa tudi z vlaknino in drugimi koristnimi snovmi, ki vrednost holestorola ohranjajo v normalnih mejah. Proti stresu in nervozi Avokado. Uvrščamo ga med zelenjavo, botanično pa je pravzaprav sadež, podoben hruški. Poznamo jih najmanj 400 sort, ki uspevajo predvsem v Južni Ameriki, Afriki in Izraelu. Na voljo je vse leto, najokusnejši pa je od oktobra do marca. Je odličen vir vitaminov B (proti stresu in nervozi) folne kisline (pospešujejo obnavljanje celic) in pantontenske kisline (za gladko polt). Med minerali ima največ magnezija (za moč mišic) in železa (prenaša kisik v kri). Pozamezne sorte vsebujejo 30 odstotkov maščob, od katerih so kar tri četrtine sestavljene iz nenasičenih maščobnih kislin (nujne so za srce in ožilje) in znižujejo holestorol. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 2. Septembra 2015 Najboljše inovacije v Sloveniji HEADLINE: The best innovations in Slovenia TOPIC: Thirty-eight of the most innovative products from 12 Slovenian regions competed for the title of best innovations in Slovenia at the Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia Gold Awards. For this year’s competition of the best innovations, more than 170 proposed products were received from more than 800 Slovenian companies. This year’s innovations covered a wide variety of areas, ranging from pharmaceuticals and electronics to materials and technological processes. On Sept. 16, during the Days of Innovations, 38 of the best inventions will compete for gold awards at the national level. Osemintrideset vrhunskih inovacij iz dvanajstih slovenskih regij se poteguje za naslov zlatih priznanj Gospodarske zborn- ice Slovenije (GZS) za najboljše inovacije v Sloveniji. Nagradili jih bodo septembra. Na natečaj najboljših inovacij v posameznih regijah je letos prispelo več kot 170 predlogov, pri tem je sodelovalo več kot 800 inovatorjev iz slovenskih podjetij. Letošnje inovacije pokrivajo najrazličnejša področja, od farmacije preko elektroindustrije in materialov pa do tehnoloških postopkov. 16. septembra bo v okviru Dneva inovativnosti 38 najboljših kandidiralo za zlata priznanja na nacionalni ravni. Slovenija po podatkih SURS v inovacije vlaga 2,59 odstotka BDP, imamo kar 46 inovacijsko aktivnih podjetij, pa vendar mednarodne študije (Innovation Union Scoreboard, Global Competitiveness Report) ugotavljajo, da imamo še priložnosti za napredek na področju inovacijske kulture. “Na Gospodarski zbornici Slovenije se močno zavedamo velikega pomena inovacij, inovatorjev, inovacijske kulture in inovativnih podjetij za konkurenčnost posameznega podjetja in gospodarstva kot celote ter ponovni zagon gospodarstva in vnovično gospodarsko rast. Zato smo razvili tudi blagovno znamko Inovativna Slovenija, s katero pokrivamo celoten proces podpore inovativnosti od ideje in razvoja prek zaščite intelektualne lastnine, povezovanja s partnerji, umestitve inovacije na mednarodni trg pa do promocije inovacij. V tem okviru podeljujemo priznanja za najboljše inovacije tako na regionalni kot na nacionalni ravni. Podelitev priznanj najbolj inovativnim ima tako na GZS že devetnajstletno tradicijo. Letošnja podelitev priznanj najboljšim inovacijam na nacionalni ravni pa bo že trinajsta po vrsti,” sporočajo z gospodarske zbornice. Med tistimi, ki se potegujejo za najprestižnejša priznanja na nacionalni ravni, 27 so tudi razvojni center Acronija z Jesenic z razvojem visokoogljičnega jekla X120Mn po postopku kontinuiranega litija, Domelov razvojni center Nela z razvojem nove generacije sesalnih enot z visokim izkoristkom za A razred energijske nalepke in Elan s tehnologijo Amphibio 4D. Ta inovacija zagotavlja izboljšano dušenje vibracij prednjega območja smučke vsaj v začetnem obdobju nihanja, obenem pa primerno upogibno in torzijsko fleksibilnost zadnjega območja, ki smučki omogoča optimalno vodljivost. GORENJSKI GLAS MUKE - Ob vhodu v cerkev je plakat z napovedjo srečanja z naslovom: “Ali veš, kaj so peklenske muke?” Spodaj je nekdo pripisal: “Če ne veš, pridi poslušat našega organista!” S Tajske v Mongolijo HEADLINE: From Thailand to Mongolia TOPIC: Among other things, Adam and Katja Kotnik, a young couple from Leše near Tržič, enjoy learning new things and helping others at home and abroad. Katja is an agricultural and nature conservation engineer, and Adam is a computer operator. This year they spent the month of March in the Thai city of Chiang Mai, where they helped in the local orphanage and raised the level of self-sufficiency among the locals. They were expecting that the conditions in the orphanage – which is the home to 50 children, and which the Thai government does not support (it is supported with the help of donations) – would be much worse, but they were wrong. “The children receive good care in the institution. They have responsibilities and must work to learn work habits; they have plenty of time for socializing, games and playing in the natural waters,” Adam explained. In the area near the orphanage, Katja and Adam renovated an existing water reservoir and installed a new larger one, replaced a water main, installed a water pump, completed electrical work... Despite limited financial resources and a lack of qualified workers, Katja and Adam restored the irrigation system and taught the locals how to take care of themselves. As they later discovered, the locals now grow what they need for themselves, and they have even built a store where they sell surplus food to secure additional income. In Mongolia, Adam and Katja are planning to do similar tasks, such as those which they successfully completed in Thailand. Adam in Katja Kotnik sta mlada zakonca iz Leš pri Tržiču, ki ju med drugim družita veselje do spoznavanja novega ter pomoč soljudem doma in po svetu. Katja je 29-letna inženirka kmetijstva in inženirka naravovarstva, Adam pa 26-letni računalnikar. Letošnji marec sta preživela v tajskem mestu Chiang Mai, kjer sta pod okriljem Krščanske adventistične cerkve pomagala v tamkajšnji sirotišnici in pri dvigu ravni samooskrbe. Lešana sta pričakovala, da bodo pogoji v sirotišnici s petdesetimi otroki, ki je tajska vlada ne podpira in je oskrbovana s pomočjo donacij, slabši, a sta se zmotila. “Za otroke, ki v sebi nosijo žalostne zgodbe, je dobro poskrbljeno. Imajo odgovornosti in morajo delati, da pridobijo delovne navade, dovolj časa pa je namenjenega tudi druženju, igri in ohladitvi v naravnih vodah,” pojasni Adam. Ena izmed večjih težav, s katerimi se sooča Tajska, so odpadki, saj jih zaradi neurejenih komunalnih storitev nihče ne odvaža. Potem ko sta izdelala natančne načrte, sta Adam in Katja na območju sirotišnice poskrbela za obnovo obstoječega in nakup ter primerno postavitev novega, večjega vodnega zbiralnika, vodovodno napeljavo, namestitev vodne črpalke, električno napeljavo … Kljub omejenim finančnim sredstvom in pomanjkanju kvalificiranih delavcev sta Lešana vzpostavila namakalni sistem in tamkajšnje prebivalce naučila, kako naj čim bolje poskrbijo sami zase. Kot sta izvedela kasneje, zdaj vse potrebno pridelujejo sami, zgradili pa so celo trgovino, v kateri prodajajo presežek pridelane hrane, s čimer so si zagotovili dodaten zaslužek. Podobne naloge kot tiste, ki sta jih uspešno izpolnila na Tajskem, si Adam in Katja zastavljata tudi za dveletni projekt v Mongoliji. Njun cilj, tako imenovana akademija Starting Point Life University, se nahaja blizu mesta Erdenet na severu, ki leži na 1240 metrih nadmorske višine in za katerega je značilna suha in mrzla pokrajina. Večini leta vlada zima, poletje, ko pridelajo največ hrane, pa je kratko. Zaradi nenehnih in nenadnih vremenskih sprememb je pogost pogin živali, kar pomeni izgubo glavnega vira zaslužka in slabše življenjske pogoje, zato Mongoli stremijo k dvigu ravni samooskrbe s poljedelstvom in vrtnarstvom. Adam in Katja se bosta med drugim tako lotila gradnje rastlinjakov, vzpostavitve ogrevalnega sistema, vodovodne napeljave ter postavitve štirikilometrske zaščitne ograde. In kaj je tisto, kar ju žene v tovrstne zahtevne podvige? Kot je v imenu obeh povedal Adam, je to vprašanje, “ali bo naše življenje, ko se bo nekoč odvrtelo pred našimi očmi, vredno ogleda. Če ljudem lahko kaj ponudimo, jim dajmo, ne da bi v zameno karkoli pričakovali. V življenju se nam tako ali drugače vse povrne.” GORENJSKI GLAS Žlička olivnega olja na tešče O olivnem olju je ogromno znanega, mogoče pa ste kaj preslišali. Žlička dobrega olivnega olja na tešče z nekaj kaljicami limonovega soka čisti jetra in žolč, limonov sok pa pomaga zniževati holestorol. Po enem mesecu rednega jemanja boste opazili, da so se vam zmanjšali podočnjaki, koža pa je gladkejša in sijoča. Oster kot poper Lahko je črn, zelenkast, rdeč ali bel in je ena najbolj zdravih začimb. Medicina pozna pet dobrih razlogov, zakaj bi ga lahko uporabljali več, kot ga. Popra seveda. Zakaj? Piperin, ki mu daje oster okus, deluje podobno kot kapsaicin v čiliju in papriki. V možganih spodbuja aktivne snovi izločanje impulza bolečine, kar pomnoži izločanje endorfinov in pospeši prekrvavitev. Peperin vpliva na prekrvitev želodca in prebavnega traka ter poveča izločanje sline. 28 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 2. Septembra 2015 Lonely Planet: Bohinj med najboljšimi destinacijami za družine HEADLINE: Lonely Planet: Bohinj among the best destinations for families TOPIC: The authors of the popular travel guide Lonely Planet have included Bohinj on the listing of this year’s 10 best European destinations for a family vacation. Among the reasons they highlighted: unspoiled nature, opportunities for the entire family to spend an active vacation, and a competitive culinary field. Lonely Planet ensures that families who travel to Bohinj will be richly awarded. Lake Bohinj, surrounded by the Julian Alps and Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, offers fantastic views and many opportunities for an active vacation. “In Bohinj, families find the perfect place for an active vacation,” the authors of Lonely Planet stressed. Active young travelers have the opportunity to paddle in kayaks, go mountain biking, hike to waterfalls, and swim. Children and young people will enjoy pizza and ice cream, while the adults can enjoy local specialties. All of the above is available at lower prices than in comparable destinations in other Alpine countries. The attractions Lonely Planet highlighted – the Golden Horn Wonderland, the International Alpine Flower Festival, a festival for children – provides, in the authors’ opinions, evidence that families are one of the main groups for Bohinj tourism. Na letošnjo lestvico desetih najboljših evropskih destinacij za družinski oddih so avtorji priljubljenega turističnega vodnika Lonely Planet uvrstil tudi Bohinj. Med razlogi izpostavljajo neokrnjeno naravo, možnosti aktivnega preživljanja dopusta za vso družino in konkurenčno ponudbo na področju kulinarike. “Novica je prišla v pravem času. Gre za potrditev, da imamo prave cilje in da razvijamo kakovostne turistične produkte,” je ob objavi seznama poudaril direktor Turizma Bohinj Klemen Langus. V Lonely Planetu zagotavljajo, da so družine, ki se napotijo do Bohinja, bogato nagrajene. Bohinjsko jezero, obdano z Julijskimi Alpami in Triglavom, najvišjim vrhom Slovenije, ponuja sanjske razglede in veliko možnosti za aktivno počitnikovanje. “V Bohinju družine najdejo popoln kraj za aktivne počitnice,” poudarjajo avtorji Lonely Planeta. Živahni mladi popotniki imajo možnost veslanja v kajakih, gorskega kolesarjenja, pohodov do slapov, vožnje z žičnico in plavanja. Otroci in mladi bodo ob tem uživali ob pici in sladoledu, medtem ko si bodo odrasli lahko privoščili lokalne specialitete. Vse našteto je ob tem dostopno ceneje kot v primerljivih destinacijah v drugih alpskih državah. Zaradi gorskega okolja lahko obiskovalci pričakujejo nižje temperature kot na obali, občasno pa tudi dež. A deževen dan ni težava - Lonely Planet izpostavlja možnost koriščenja pokritega vodnega parka ali skoka na izlet v prestolnico.Med produkti je izpostavil Zlatorogovo pravljično deželo, mednarodni festival alpskega cvetja, festival za otroke Bo Fejst ter razvoj blagovne znamke Bohinjsko/From Bohinj. Vse to je dokaz, da so družine ena izmed glavnih ciljnih skupin bohinjskega turizma. Pri Lonely Planetu so pri iskanju najprimernejših lokacij za družinski turizem v Evropi našli veliko magičnih krajev: take s slovitimi gradovi, čudovito naravo, možnostjo doživetij za vso družino ali dejavnosti, ki bodo pritegnile najmlajše. Bohinj, označen kot alpski biser, se je na lestvico med drugim uvrstil ob madžarski Budimpešti, britanskem Kentu... PRIMORSKE NOVICE V Piranski zaliv priplula največja jadrnica na svetu HEADLINE: The largest sailing boat in the world arrived in Piran Bay TOPIC: The Royal Clipper, the biggest sailing boat in the world with rectangular sails, recently arrived in Piran Bay. The Royal Clipper is 439 feet long and has 42 sails with an area measuring more than 5,200 square meters. The Royal Clipper is a tourist sailboat that frequently stops in Slovenian waters. It can accommodate up to 227 passengers, and there are 106 crew members on board. There are also three swimming pools on the boat. A seven-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper ranges in price from about $2,000 to nearly $5,000 for the elite cabin on the main deck. The Royal Clipper is owned by Star Clipper, a Swedish shipping company. The company is known for organizing shorter cruises while searching for less commercial tourist destinations, but they still prefer to anchor their vessels in hidden, unspoiled bays. V Piranski zaliv je pred dnevi priplula največja jadrnica s pravokotnimi jadri na svetu Royal Clipper. Dolga je 134 metrov in ima 42 jader s površino več kot 5200 kvadratnih metrov. Royal Clipper je turistična ladja, ki večkrat pripluje v slovenske vode. Sprejme lahko do 227 potnikov, poleg potnikov pa je na krovu še 106 članov posadke. Na krovu ladje so tudi trije bazeni, potniki pa se lahko na jamborih celo povzpnejo do najnižjih košar. Sedemdnevno križarjenje z ladjo stane od približno dva tisoč evrov do skoraj pet tisoč evrov v elitni kabini na glavni palubi ladje, piše siol.net. Royal Clipper je v lasti švedskega ladjarja Star Clipper. Znani so po tem, da organizirajo krajša križarjenja, pri čemer iščejo manj ko- mercialne turistične cilje, neznane lokacije, še raje pa se zasidrajo v skritih neokrnjenih zalivih. PRIMORSKE NOVICE Piran, staro in tesno pozidano mesto z ohranjeno srednjeveško podobo in privlačno morsko letovišče severozahodne Istre, stoji pa na slokem polotoku med Piranskim in Strunjanskim zalivom. PHOTO: Piran, an ancient and tightly-packed town, has retained its medieval design and character, and it is an attractive seaside resort in northwestern Istria. The town is situated on a curved peninsula between the Piran and Strunjan bays. PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com 2. Septembra 2015 Bohinj dobil informacijski center HEADLINE: Bohinj received an information center TOPIC: The information center at Triglav National Park in Bohinj, which goes by the name of Bohinjka, is a welcome addition to Bohinj tourism. In Stara Fužina, the Triglav National Park Public Institution (TNP) opened an informational-educational center intended to inform and guide guests through the park. The center consists of two buildings. The ground floor of the information center houses an office and shop where they sell products made in the Bohinj area, along with a permanent exhibition of the origins of Bohinj Lake. The top floor includes a room with a view of the lake, where there is also space for temporary exhibitions, an exhibition on mountaineering and the Mountain Rescue Service, and the institute’s offices. In the second building, named Bohinjka, there is a furnished kitchen to make and pack products for sale, a biologi- cal laboratory and a creative room. Informacijski center Triglavskega narodnega parka v Bohinju z imenom Bohinjka predstavlja dobrodošlo dopolnitev bohinjskemu turizmu, a Bohinjcem zaradi parkovnih omejitev in neizpolnjenih obljub države ostaja grenak priokus. Javni zavod Triglavski narodni park (TNP) je v v Stari Fužini odprl informacijsko-izo braževalno središče, ki je namenjeno informiranju in usmerjanju gostov v parku in prebivalcem na območju parka za izboljšanje dostopnosti parkovnih služb. Središče sestavljata dve stavbi. V informacijskem središču so v pritličju informacijska pisarna in prodajalna izdelkov Bohinjsko ter stalna razstava o nastanku Bohinjskega jezera ter o življenju v njem in ob njem, v zgornjem nadstropju pa so soba z razgledom na jezero, kjer je tudi prostor za občasne razstave, razstava o gorništvu in gorski reševalni službi ter pisarne zavoda. V drugi stavbi, poimenovani Bohinjka, so kuhinja z opremo za izdelavo in pakiranje izdelkov za prodajo, biološki laboratorij in ustvarjalna soba. Projekt je vreden 1,4 milijona evrov, zanj pa so več kot milijon evrov pridobili iz evropskega sklada za regionalni razvoj in z Ministrstva za gospodarski razvoj in tehnologijo. Kot je povedal Bogomil Breznik, v. d. direktorja zavoda TNP, bo ustanovitev centra pozitivno vplivala na povezanost z lokalno skupnostjo. “Naš cilj je, da bi v prihodnosti omejitve parka ter težave, ki jih ima lokalno prebivalstvo, spremenili v poslovne priložnosti. Tu bodo delovale informacijske pisarne TNP-ja, tudi sam pa sem se obvezal, da bom najmanj dva dni v tednu preživel v Bohinju.” Župana Franca Kramarja glede vzpostavitve centra prevevajo mešani občutki. “Objekt je čudovit, za kar je treba čestitati vsem snovalcem, a to je prvi konkretni prispevek države v 33 letih obstoja Triglavskega narodnega parka,” je dejal in opozoril, da mora država zakon o Triglavskem narodnem parku 29 izvajati v celoti, pri tem pa je omenil tri primere nespoštovanja zakona: prenos sedeža parka v Bohinj, sofinanciranje projektov lokalnih skupnosti v parku ter priprava državnega lokacijskega načrta za Vogel. Klemen Langus, direktor Turizma Bohinj, upa, da bo center postal prostor za reševanje težav in ustvarjanje novih priložnosti pa tudi center kakovosti v luči razvoja blagovne znamke Bohinjsko. “Če bo sodelovanje dobro, vidim veliko priložnost za razvoj dodatne turistične ponudbe. V Bohinju zelo veliko vlagamo v varovanje okolja in trajnostni razvoj, pri tem nam bo še kako koristila pomoč Triglavskega narodnega parka.” Slovesnosti ob odprtju informacijskega središča se je udeležilo več kot petsto obiskovalcev. Domačini pridobitev sprejemajo zelo pozitivno, predvsem zaradi tega, ker sta na pogorišču zrasli dve sodobni energetsko varčni zgradbi. Informacijski center bo poleti odprt vsak dan od 8. do 12. ure in od 17. do 20. ure. GORENJSKI GLAS Soli bo to poletje dovolj vsaj za dve leti HEADLINE: There will be plenty of salt this summer for at least two years TOPIC: After last year’s catastrophic season, when they didn’t get even an ounce of salt in the Sečovlje salt pans, this season will be very good. The sale of traditionally produced salt has been steadily growing for several years. Now, new paths leading to the salt pans have been paved, and toward the end of the year visitors will be able to ride in a small electric train to the Sečovlje Salt Pans Regional Park. “Both in Slovenia and abroad, people increasingly appreciate and recognize our salt. Sales are slowly growing for the fourth consecutive year,” said a very pleased Klavdij Godnič, the director of soline-salt production. From June 10 – when the first salt of this year was collected in the Sečovlje salt pans – until now, workers have gathered 200 tons of Piran’s salt. This is the highest quality salt with the most minerals, and it is protected by geographic origin. This amount of salt will satisfy the needs of the market for two years. Soline is also predicting the imminent sale of salt pan mud as a cosmetic product. Currently, the sludge that is gathered in the salt pans is used only in local spas and by hotels in Portorož and Strunjan. Po lanski katastrofalni sezoni, ko v Sečoveljskih solinah niso pobrali niti grama soli, bo letošnja sezona zelo dobra. Prodaja tradicionalno pridelane soli že nekaj let vztrajno raste, polnijo se tudi terme na prostem Lepa Vida. Zdaj so do njih na novo tlakovali pot, proti koncu leta bo v Krajinskega parku Sečoveljske soline začel voziti še električni vlakec. “Tako v Sloveniji kot v tujini ljudje vse bolj cenijo in prepoznavajo našo sol. Prodaja počasi raste že četrto leto zapored,” je zadovoljen direktor podjetja Soline - pridelava soli Klavdij Godnič. Na trgovinskih policah trenutno prodajajo še sol iz predlanske sezone, prva letošnja pa bo na voljo novembra. “Nekoliko bomo pohiteli, sicer nam bo starih zalog zmanjkalo,” pravi Godnič. Od 10. junija, ko so v Sečoveljskih solinah pograbili prvo letošnjo sol, so doslej pobrali že 200 ton piranske soli - to je najkakovostnejša sol z največ minerali in zaščitenim geografskim poreklom. Že ta količina bo zadostila potrebam trga za dve leti. Tradicionalne soli bo - kot kaže - najmanj 2000 ton. Koliko bo solnega sveta, najfinejše soli, ki jo pobirajo na površju vode v solnih bazenih, pa še ne vedo, saj morajo najprej oceniti vzorce. “Letos je sol zelo dobra,” pa že lahko pove Andrej Sovinc, vodja Krajinskega parka Sečoveljske soline. “Na to vpliva vse od priprave solnih polj do vremena.” V Solinah napovedujejo tudi skorajšnji začetek prodaje solinskega blata kot kozmetičnega izdelka. Trenutno blato, ki ga naberejo v solinah, uporabljajo le v tamkajšnjih termah na prostem in še nekaterih hotelih v Portorožu in Strunjanu. “Zdaj smo ugotovili, kako blato stabilizirati, da ga lahko brez kemikalij skladiščimo in shranjujemo za šest ali sedem mesecev,” pravi Klavdij Godnič. Zato je tudi sol, ki je manj kakovostna, še vedno zelo dobra. Takšne industrijske soli, ki so jo nekdaj uporabljali predvsem za soljenje cest, je približno 30 odstotkov pridelka. “Tudi po tej soli je vse več povpraševanja. Pakiramo jo v 25-kilogramske vreče, saj jo veliko uporabljajo, na primer, v bazenih,” pravi Godnič. Po lanski deževni sezoni je letošnje sončno poletje ugodnejše tudi za solinske terme Lepa Vida, ki sicer niso polno zasedene, a jih obiskuje vse več gostov. “Vsako leto je malo boljše. V turizmu gre vse zelo počasi in stvari ni mogoče prehiteti, a obiskovalcev je vse več. Številni gostje se vračajo vsako leto.” Zdaj se do term lahko peljejo po novo tlakovani poti po desnem nasipu kanala Lera. Tako električnemu avtomobilčku, ki vozi obiskovalce v terme, ne bo treba več mimo solnih polj, kjer je moral včasih čakati, ko so z delovnimi stroji prekladali sol in opravljali druga dela. “Na pot na nasipu, ki je namenjena le termam, smo položili tako imenovano vialitno preplastitev, ki je nekaj med makadamom in asfaltom - takšna kot je na kolesarski poti Parencana,” opisuje Sovinc. PRIMORSKE NOVICE Jaz sem kranjčičev Jurij Narodna Jaz sem Kranjčičev Jurij, Marička odpri duri – haha! Sem zavber fant, k’ mam čist nov gvant. Ko mamca odprejo duri, jo Juri odkuri – haha! En zavber fant k’ ma čist nov gvant. Škrjanček se v zrak vzdihuje, se fantu posmehuje – haha! Doma b’ostal, pa bi bil zdrav! 30 PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 2015 SNPJ Fall Classic Bowling Tournament October 24-25, 2015 RELATIONSHIPS FROM PAGE 2 hosted by Barberton, Ohio, Lodge 626 at Ralph H. Burke, Inc., an architectural/engineering firm, developed a master plan for the facility, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 26, 1965, as final construction details were negotiated. Among the first fraternal gatherings held on the SNPJ Campsite property were the jam sessions that took place prior to the beginning of construction at the historic red barn. Herman Serjak, the original owner of this property and the first caretaker of the SNPJ Recreation Center, said in the summer of 1965, “Let’s see how many Slovene accordion players can come out to the Campsite and fill the valley with Slovene polkas and waltzes.” Charger Lanes 1213 Norton Ave. Norton, OH 44203 Phone: (330) 825-9001 Doubles & Singles Events Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Noon Team Event Sunday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, Noon Doubles & Singles Entry fee $30 per person Saturday Only Lodge No. 50 years of SNPJ Recreation Center relationships Highest Average 2014-15 1. All-Events $5 per person YES/NO The legacy of Slovenian musician Slavko Avsenik AVSENIK 2. by combining a traditional folk sound with brass band styling. Other band members over the years included Lev Ponikvar, guitar; Franc Kosir, trumpet; Albin Rudan, clarinet; Mik Soss, baritone; and vocalists Franc Koren, Danica Filiplic, Jozica Svete, Jozi Kalisnik and Alfi Nipic. The Avsenik Quintet toured the United States and Canada in 1970 and 1985. In 1996, Slavko Avsenik was inducted for lifetime achievement by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame. As Slovenia’s most popular music orchestra, the Avseniks won many awards including eight consecu- tive television competitions. The group was also named Germany’s top band 18 times. Slavko expanded his tavern into a Slovenian music mecca, complete with a museum, a music school and room for televised music broadcasts. Sons Gregor and Slavko Jr. built music careers of their own and helped their father run the family business. By age 80, Slavko had all but given up playing the accordion and ceded his leadership to a younger generation. Now, Slovenia’s best-known bands in the Avsenik tradition are the Gasperji and the ensemble led by his grandson Saso, thus ensuring that Slavko Avsenik’s musical legacy will continue. SNPJ Loyalty Annuities SNPJ Crossword FROM PAGE 14 1. 2. Submit bowlers’ names by position in lineup Four-Person Team Event Entry fee $60 per team Sunday Only Lodge No. Highest Average 2014-15 1. The Recreation Center has provided SNPJ with a tremendous tool for arranging programs that benefit members of all ages. These programs include Youth Roundup, Family Weeks and Senior Week, to name just a few. The Recreation Center also made it possible for the Society to create the SNPJ Slovenian Heritage Center. The existence of the SNPJ Recreation Center has successfully helped to preserve and promote our Slovenian heritage. It has perpetuated the life of Slovenian polka music by providing a significant national venue, it has availed invaluable fraternal programs to SNPJ members of all ages, and it has helped create lifelong friendships, relationships and SNPJ families. It’s great to see this tradition continue! 2. 3. 4. Team name______________________________________ Team captain’s name, phone number & e-mail address: Your loyalty with SNPJ is now being rewarded! Contact the SNPJ Home Office at 1-800-843-7675 and open your new SNPJ Loyalty Annuity TODAY! 3.5% Loyalty 8 Annuity The entry fee in each event is $15 per bowler, $7.50 of which shall be used for prizes and $7.50 for bowling. An extra $5 is charged to all who desire to compete for handicap all-events prizes. The Slovene National Benefit Society adds $6 per member to each prize fund except all-events. Return form, along with fees of $15 per person, per event, to: Betty Davis 4383 Rayel Circle Uniontown, OH 44685 Phone: (330) 896-4454 Make checks payable to SNPJ Lodge 626 ENTRY DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 2, 2015 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. 3.5% first-year guarantee rate 3.25% in years two through eight 3.0% in year nine and after 3.75% first-year Loyalty Rate for conversions 3.0% Loyalty 5 Annuity 3.0% first-year guarantee rate 3.0% in years two through five 3.0% in year six and after 3.25% first-year Loyalty Rate for conversions * Rates are not guaranteed after the first year. * Guaranteed minimum interest rate of 2.0%. * No fees are attached to either Loyalty annuity. * The SNPJ Century 8 Annuity is earning 3.25%; the Century 5 Annuity is earning 3.0%. Century series annuities issued prior to 2012 are earning 3.0% Slovene National Benefit Society 247 West Allegheny Road • Imperial, PA • 15126 1-800-843-7675 • www.snpj.org BACK TO SCHOOL (#1715) solution 31 SNPJ has the right plan for you! PROSVETA www.snpj.org • prosveta@snpj.com September 2, 2015 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 • website: www.snpj.org • e-mail: snpj@snpj.com 5 SNPJ Recreation Center Boro of SNPJ, PA P SN J 1965-2015 Slovene National Benefit Society 247 West Allegheny Road Imperial, PA 15126-9774 Phone: 1-800-843-7675 e-mail: snpj@snpj.com • website: www.snpj.org
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