1. Art and Diseño

THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
VOLUME 125—NO.2
1
ISSN 1524-4407
FEBRUARY 2015
A MESSAGE FROM THE KSKJ LIFE HOME OFFICE
2015 LODGE OFFICER ELECTIONS
“Tomorrow is the first blank
page of a 365 page book. Write
a good one.” – Brad Paisley
This quote reminds me that
a new year always brings
great perspective, and it’s the
perfect time for setting goals
and creating a vision for where
you see yourself at the end of the year. This can also
be applied to the goals of our lodges at KSKJ Life.
Hi everyone! My name is April Sleyko, and I have
been working at the Home Office since July 2014.
My main responsibility is to support lodge officers
and fraternal operations. We’ve received the 2015
officer election forms here at the Home Office, and it
is encouraging to see so many new officers! We are
excited by our growth, and we are looking forward
to working with so many members in these new
positions. Equally encouraging is recognizing the
many officers who continue to volunteer and provide
leadership. Thank you all!
Our mission as a fraternal benefit society is to provide
members and their families with financial security
and fraternal benefits that promote traditional
Christian heritage and family values. By serving
as an officer in your lodge, you are promoting that
mission and acting as the local face of KSKJ Life.
The 2015 Lodge Officer Handbooks are being mailed
to your lodge Presidents, Financial Secretaries and
Fraternal Activities Coordinators, with an electronic
version coming soon to the new Lodge Officer Portal
through our website. This handbook will serve as
a resource for our officers, experienced and new,
by sharing information and forms, introducing
new procedures, and letting you know about all of
the resources available. Please be sure to read
the handbook and let us know if you have any
questions. Particularly if you are new in your role,
there can be a lot of information to process the first
time. We want your volunteer experience to be a
positive and rewarding one, so please let us know
how we may assist you. Please also check out our
newly designed website which showcases our new
logo! Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at
the KSKJ Life promotional video that was created
for the 2014 National Convention. You may also find
that on our website at kskjlife.com.
Thank you to all of the 2015 lodge officers for helping
us serve our members and local communities
by sharing your time, knowledge and spirituality.
Whether your goals are to be more charitable this
year, or to promote new membership, let’s write a
good chapter for KSKJ Life in 2015!
APRIL SLEYKO
KSKJ Life Home Office
IN THIS ISSUE
NATIONAL BASKETBALL &
VOLLEYBALL TOURNEY
Get the latest details and
information on how to enter.
Page 2
NEW WAYS TO CONNECT
WITH KSKJ LIFE
Learn how we’ve made it easier
than ever to connect with us.
Page 3
LIFE INSURANCE 101
Life insurance can be tricky.
This guide will help you figure
out which policy is right for you.
Page 4
LODGE PERSONS OF THE
YEAR
Page 5
FEED THE HUNGRY UPDATE
Page 6
LOCAL LODGE NEWS &
EVENTS
Page 7
GLASILO
Page 15
1-800-THE-KSKJ
KSKJLIFE.COM
2
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
NATIONAL BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
FEB. 27 - MAR. 1 | WAUKEGAN, IL
By MaryLou Stefanick, National Director of Athletics
HOTEL INFORMATION
Are you ready for this year’s tournament? The
deadline is rapidly approaching (Feb. 19)! Make
sure your roster is set and your team is ready for the
competition.
The Courtyard by Marriott
3800 Northpoint Blvd.
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 689-8000
SCHEDULE
ROOM RATES (PLUS TAXES)
FEB. 27
Call by Feb. 18 and be sure to ask for the “KSKJ
Life” rate when calling.
• Queen: $94.00, King: $84.00
Friday Night Social
Anastasia’s
3880 Northpoint Blvd.
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 688-1317
FEB. 28
Game Day
The Waukegan Field House
800 N. Baldwin Ave.
Waukegan, IL 60085
Saturday Night Dance
Bonnie Brook Club House
2800 N. Lewis Ave.
Waukegan, IL 60087
MAR. 1
Sunday Children’s Activities*
The Waukegan Field House
800 N. Baldwin Ave.
Waukegan, IL 60085
*Open activities from noon - 2:00 p.m. Children must
be accompanied by an adult.
KSKJ VOICE
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF KSKJ LIFE,
AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC UNION,
IN THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS
The KSKJ Voice (ISSN 1524-4407) is
published monthly by KSKJ Life, American
Slovenian Catholic Union (2439 Glenwood
Ave., Joliet, IL 60435). It is sent free of charge
to KSKJ Life members and for $20 a year to
other subscribers. Periodicals postage paid in
PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY
1. All participants in KSKJ Life National or Regional
Tournaments must be in good financial standing as
described in the membership section of the KSKJ
Life bylaws.
2. New members wanting to participate in a KSKJ
Life tournament must have a policy issued at least
one week prior to participation.
3. It is the responsibility of the lodge’s Fraternal
Activies Coordinator or designee to verify the
eligibility of all participants with the Home Office
prior to the tournament. Names must be sent to
April Sleyko ([email protected]) by Feb. 21.
Note: Participants whose eligibility has not verified
by the Home Office may still participate, but at their
own risk.
4. In the event an ineligible player (non-member,
member not in good financial standing, etc.)
participates in a KSKJ Life tournament/sponsored
sports activity, the Athletic Director is empowered to
disqualify the entire team, including but not limited
to loss of all awards, travel compensation and
eligibility for future competition. A written appeal
Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices.
Publisher: KSKJ Life
Managing Editor: Tony Mravle, Jr.
English articles for publication should be sent
directly to [email protected]. Slovenian
articles should be sent to:
Mara Cerar Hull
1440 Bunts Rd.
Lakewood, OH 44107
[email protected]
to the Athletic Director’s attention in such matters
must be made within 30 days (not including the day
of) to the National Athletic Director to submit to the
Athletic Committee.
TEAM REGISTRATION AND ROSTER
1. All participant names must appear on the Team
Entry Form/Roster before the team begins its first
scheduled game in the tournament. Entry Forms/
Rosters are then considered locked, and no other
players may be added without the approval of the
National Athletic Director.
2. Entry deadline for tournament scheduling is
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015. Rosters can be sent via
email ([email protected] ) or regular mail to:
John Deram, Fraternal Activies Coordinator
37015 N Mulberry Lane
Gurnee, IL 60031
3. Entry fee of $75 per team for basketball and $30
per team for volleyball must be mailed to the address
above to complete the team registration process.
Checks may be made payable to, “Waukegan KSKJ
Life Lodges.”
4. Proper liability releases are required of all
participants and must be signed prior to the player’s
first game. The release must be signed by a parent
or legal guardian if player is under age 18, or by
the participating individual if age 18 or over. Release
forms will be available at the scorer’s table at the
tournament.
DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM AND
OFFICIAL RULES ON THE ATHLETICS PAGE
KSKJLIFE.COM.
Submission Deadline: 2nd Friday of each
month.
To change address or name, or for matters
concerning membership, please contact the
KSKJ Life Home Office.
This publication is also available electronically
at kskjlife.com.
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
3
NEW WAYS TO CONNECT WITH KSKJ LIFE
By now, you’ve probably noticed some of the updates
at KSKJ Life: the new logo and brand identity, a brand
new website, even some updates in The Voice. As
we continue to update our communications, we’re
making it easier than ever to connect with KSKJ Life
and members across the country.
This section of the website allows members to
explore life insurance plans, annuity options and
other financial products to help protect your family’s
future. Our charts make comparing the products
easy, and our staff is available to answer any
questions you have along the way.
KSKJLIFE.COM
CONNECT
As we closed out a successful 2014, we launched
a completely redesigned and reimagined website.
The site was designed with our members in mind,
and we focused on three primary purposes of KSKJ
Life: Protect, Connect and Serve.
PROTECT
The “Protect” section of the website highlights KSKJ
Life products. Since our inception over 120 years
ago, KSKJ Life has existed to protect our members
and communities. KSKJ Life was originally created to
protect the families of Slovenian-American workers
who had little financial security for their families.
The “Connect” area of the site is for all things fraternal.
Sign up for an upcoming athletic tournament, stay
current on KSKJ Life activities, and see what other
members are up to with the KSKJ Life Member
Pulse.
The Member Pulse connects kskjlife.com with
the social world including Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram. It automatically displays any KSKJ Life
related posts that are made by KSKJ Life’s profiles,
or any posts tagged with the hashtag #kskjlife. This
functionality makes it easier than ever to share your
KSKJ Life news instantly. Next time you have an
update or photo to share, just tweet using #kskjlife
and you’ll be featured in the Member Pulse.*
SERVE
This section of the site focuses on the KSKJ Life
story, history and mission. Learn more about the
organization’s founding, see how we got to where
we are today, and where we’re going in the future.
KSKJ LIFE GONE SOCIAL
With big events coming up, such as the National
Basketball & Volleyball Tournament at the end of
February, what better way to share pictures and
updates than through social media? Be sure to
follow KSKJ Life on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
(details below), and remember to tag your tweets
with #kskjlife to share your updates in the Member
Pulse.
FOLLOW US!
FACEBOOK
KSKJ LIFE
TWITTER
@KSKJLIFE
INSTAGRAM
@KSKJLIFE
*Note: Due to privacy policies, only public users
and posts will be automatically displayed.
4
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
MEMBER MEMORIAL
LIFE INSURANCE 101:
WHAT TYPE DO YOU NEED?
The most basic feature of a life insurance policy is
the death benefit: the lump-sum payment allotted for
your beneficiaries. It’s the core reason to own life
insurance—but not the only one. Some types of life
insurance offer riders or other features that can play
an important role in your financial strategy, such as
the ability to accumulate cash value that grows over
time.
WHAT TYPE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Term
Permanent
Length of
Coverage
A specified term,
typically 10, 20 or
30 years.
Until age 100 or
later, as long as
premiums are
paid.
Premiums
Considerably
lower than
permanent
insurance,
when initially
purchased.
Initially higher
than term
premiums but
often level for
life.
Cash Value
None
Accumulates
over time on
a tax-deferred
basis.
TERM INSURANCE
Term life insurance provides protection for a specific
period of time—the “term”—and is designed for
temporary circumstances. It makes the most sense
when your need for coverage will disappear at some
point, such as when your children graduate from
college or when a debt is paid off. The most common
term policies provide coverage for 20 years, but they
can run the gamut from 30 years or even longer. In
some cases, a term policy may also be converted to
a permanent policy. Typically, term insurance offers
the greatest amount of coverage for the lowest initial
premium and is a good choice for young families on
a tight budget.
PERMANENT INSURANCE
Permanent insurance offers lifelong protection, and
you can accumulate cash value on a tax-deferred
basis. This cash account can be used for a variety
of purposes, from helping you out of a tight financial
spot, to providing funds to take advantage of an
opportunity, to supplementing your retirement
income. The downside? Initial premiums are
considerably higher than what you would pay for a
term policy with the same face amount.
Key Advantage Typically offers
the highest death
benefit for the
lowest cost.
Offers lifelong
protection and
tax-deferred
savings.
Have questions or need help determining
which policy is right for you? Contact your
local KSKJ Life Agent or the Home Office.
CALL: 800-843-5755
EMAIL: [email protected]
VISIT: WWW.KSKJLIFE.COM
Article provided by Life Happens
IN MEMORY OF
Mary Nage - Anaheim, CA #79
Mary Chamernik, $20
Josephine Spanich - Joliet, IL #2
John & Cheryl Spanich, $100
Michael Rescan - St. Petersburg, FL #44
Knights of St. Florian #44, KSKJ,
Rose Rosko - Waukegan, IL #53
St. Joseph #53, KSKJ, $25
Joseph Farrell - Chicago, IL #44
Knights of St. Florian #44, KSKJ
Roseann Tendy - Homer Glen, IL #44
Knights of St. Florian #44, KSKJ
Evelyn Sajbel - Pueblo, CO #7
Sandra Sajbel McKinley, $100
Our prayers go out to the families of our
recently passed members. Claims have
been paid and a donation to the KSKJ Life
Scholarship Fund has been made on behalf of
each.
DECEMBER 2014
Ascher, Mary - #300, Springfield, IL
Briski, Ann - #50, Glenshaw, PA
Burtzos, Elizabeth - #7, Dekalb, IL
Cek, Anthony - #7, Richmond Hts., OH
Doerfler, Ann - #108, Sarasota, FL
Gardner, Mary - #169, Lyndhurst, OH
Goyak, Bernadette - #81, Pittsburgh, PA
Kastelic, Robert - #146, Weaverville, NC
Klamic, Josephine - #226, Wickliffe, OH
Kokely, Amelia - #150, Euclid, OH
Linza, Kathryn - #7, Grand Junction, CO
Martin, Floriann - #65, Greenfield, WI
Martincic, John - #153, Tionesta, PA
Merrill, Ural - #148, Upper Marlboro, MD
Noble, Lois - #108, Joliet, IL
Nose, John - #146, Cleveland, OH
Papesh Sr., Alfred - #29, Joliet, IL
Pekol Anthony - #169, Willowick, OH
Rosko, Rose - #53, Waukegan, IL
Skerl, Richard - #110, Barberton, OH
Smerke, Anthony - #144, Sheboygan, WI
Svigel, Josephine - #169, Lakeline, OH
Tominec, Ivanka - #169, Cary, NC
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
5
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
2014 LODGE PERSONS OF THE YEAR!
THOMAS MCNALLY
DAVID HAMMERGEN
MARLENE TRACH
RUDOLPH MIHELICH
AGNES GLAVICH
VICTORIA HEROLD
MARY PETRELLA
ALAN MIHELICH
ALICE JANCHAR
JANET OBERMAN
MONICA RACKI
STACY LAUTIGAR
ASHLEY MIKULAN
EDWARD BAYUK
JAMES BERNARD
JAMES VELIKAN
CYNTHIA MARTIS
CLARA ABRIANI & RAY YARTZ
MARK KLEMM SR.
PATRICIA SLAPNICK
KATICA & FRANCI PECAVAR
THERESA LAVIGNE
LYNNE POWERS
KATHLEEN IRELAND
JENNIFER WOOD
JOHN CHUMA
LODGE #1
CHICAGO, IL
LODGE #2
JOLIET, IL
LODGE #29
JOLIET, IL
LODGE #44
S. CHICAGO, IL
LODGE #50
PITTSBURGH, PA
LODGE #52
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
LODGE #53
WAUKEGAN, IL
LODGE #59
EVELETH, MN
LODGE #69
GREAT FALLS, MT
LODGE #79
WAUKEGAN, IL
LODGE #104
PUEBLO, CO
LODGE #108
JOLIET, IL
LODGE #115
KANSAS CITY, KS
LODGE #136
WILLARD, WS
LODGE #143
JOLIET, IL
LODGE #144
SHEBOYGAN, WS
LODGE #146
CLEVELAND, OH
LODGE #148
BRIDGEPORT, CT
LODGE #153
STRABANE, PA
LODGE #170
LEMONT, IL
LODGE #171
DULUTH, MN
LODGE #196
GILBERT, MN
LODGE #197
ST. CLOUD, MN
LODGE #226
CLEVELAND, OH
LODGE #236
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
LODGE #257
WASHINGTON, D.C.
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THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
FEED THE HUNGRY FOOD DRIVE RECAP
The KSKJ Life Home Office sends a special
“thank you” to all of the lodges and members who
participated in the 2014 Feed the Hungry Food Drive.
In total, we donated over 1,000 non-perishable food
items, cash donations and had over 550 members
in participation across the nation. Donations were
made to the local food pantry or church of each
lodge’s choice.
Lodges who reported donations include:
ST. STEPHEN #1
Chicago, IL
ST. JOSEPH #2
Joliet, IL
BLESSED VIRGIN #50
Pittsburgh, PA
ST. ALOYSIUS #52
Indianapolis, IN
ST. JOSEPH #69
Great Galls, MT
ST. JOSEPH #110
Cleveland, OH
ST. VERONICA #115
Kansas City, KS
MARY OF PERPETUAL HELP #136
Willard, WS
ST. JEROME #153
Strabane, PA
ST. JOSEPH #169
Cleveland, OH
ST. ANNE #170
Lemont, IL
ST. ELIZABETH #171
Duluth, MN
ST. STEPHEN #197
St. Cloud, MN
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
7
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
REGION 1
PENNSYLVANIA, CONNECTICUT & WASHINGTON D.C.
including potice and krofe, were available for sale.
The evening ended with a raffle, which was enjoyed
by all, particularly the children.
Chris Bohince, President
LODGE #257
WASHINGTON, D.C.
ST. NICHOLAS CELEBRATION
On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, the
Bishop Baraga Society celebrated its 50th annual
Slovensko Miklavževanje/Celebration of the Feast
of St. Nicholas. This year we were honored to have
several special guests. His Excellency, Dr. Božo
Cerar, Ambassador of Slovenia attended, along
with the First Secretary for Political Affairs, Mr. Borut
Blaj and his family, and the Counselor for Press,
Public Diplomacy, and Cultural Affairs, Ms. Nuška
Zakrajšek. Also, from the Steelton/Harrisburg area
of Pennsylvania, our past Regional Director, Tony
Flaynik, came with accomplished accordionists Jeff
Dermes, Christine Iozza, and their friend Rob Rafaj.
Before the evening’s activities began, President
Chris Bohince took this opportunity to honor three
50 Year Members Gabrielle Mejač Dawyot, Catalina
Zorc and Peter Mejač. The program then started with
vocal and instrumental presentations, by individuals
and duets, performed by young members of the
Slovenian community of greater Washington, D.C.
These were coordinated by the Bishop Baraga
Society’s Youth Director, Anne Zorc. Our president
next called all children to the stage. With his
accordion, he led the children and the audience
in a Slovenian melody that called St. Nicholas into
the hall. Father Peter Rožič, a Jesuit priest from
Slovenia who earned his Ph.D. at Georgetown
University in Washington, D.C., first introduced this
song to us in 2009 and continued to perform it for the
next three years. St. Nicholas then entered, attired
in bishop’s robes, and accompanied by angels and
devils. He called each child or family to the stage
for their gift, often adding saintly compliments or
authoritative reprimands. A light meal of klobase, hot
dogs, sauerkraut and bread followed. Although the
meal was very good, we also enjoyed another treat.
Jeff Dermes entertained by strolling and playing
well-known songs from Slovenia and the United
States, first on the piano accordion, and then on his
button box. Throughout the evening, baked goods,
REGION 2
CLEVELAND AREA
Once again, the Slovenian Cultural Garden
Association invites you to their Pusta Vecerja/
Fat Tuesday Dinner on Feb. 17 from 4:30 - 7:30
p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Hall (15519 Holmes Ave,
Cleveland, OH). Call St. Mary’s at (216) 761-7740
for additional information.
Albin Orehek - Treasurer, Brian Fabo, Martin
Turek and John Prawdzik - Auditors, Joe Hocevar
- Chairman Lodge Membership Commitee. As you
can see, it is basically the same list. Ee are trying to
get our younger members involved in the operation
of the lodge as new officers. As you know this lodge
belongs to the members and without some younger
members stepping up and getting involved, the
lodge will dwindle and possibly fade away.
POLKA! THE MOVIE SCREENING
Dec. 18, 2014 - KSKJ Life Vice Chairman meeting
with U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia, Brent Hartley. Mr.
Hartley traveled to Cleveland to meet with several
groups and individuals before he takes his post
in Slovenia. Currently, Hartley serves as Deputy
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and
Eurasian Affairs US Department of State. Traveling
with Ambassador-Designate Hartley was Tim
Piergalski of Austria and Slovenia Desk Officer of
the US Department of State. (Pictured From Left):
Phil Hrvatin, Brent Hartley, Tim Piergalski.
Polka! The Movie, the documentary about Slovenian
music in America, returns for a special screening at
the Cleveland Cinematheque, Sunday, Feb. 8 at
4:00 p.m. Joe Valencic, writer and narrator of the
film, will share behind-the-scene stories. The film will
be preceded by an accordion jam session at 3:30
p.m. hosted by the National Cleveland-Style Polka
Hall of Fame and Museum, with Patty Candela and
Joe Strukel.
LODGE UPDATE
Polka! The Movie traces how Cleveland-style polka
music became a national sensation and is still
enjoyed today across the country. Joe takes you
through the Slovenian neighborhoods where the
Cleveland-style sound was born a century ago.
The music got Americans dancing after World War
II when Polka King Frank Yankovic scored millionselling hits. Polka! The Movie shows the music’s
enduring popularity at festivals and events. Vintage
film clips and photos bring the polka past to life.
Belated season’s greetings to all. Our lodge had our
annual meeting on Dec. 14, 2014 with approximately
50 members in attendance. We had our election of
officers: Joe Hocevar - President, James Debevec
- Vice President, John Turek - Financial Secretary,
Polka! The Movie features performances and
interviews with legends like Joey Miskulin (Riders
in the Sky), Walter Ostanek (Canada’s Polka King),
Richie Vadnal and Cecilia Dolgan, to younger
musicians such as Kim Skovenski and Joey
LODGE #25
CLEVELAND, OH
8
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
are on tap for the annual Palm Sunday benefit
dinner to be held on Mar. 29, 2015 in St. Vitus Parish
Auditorium, 6111 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland, OH
44103. Both sit-down and take-out dinners will be
served. Roasted chicken and roast beef will be the
main meal items along with side dishes of homemade Slovenian-style soup, potatoes, lettuce,
veggies and pastry. Two Northeast Ohio lodges,
St. Vitus #25 and Christ The King Lodge #226, are
teaming up to sponsor this as a “KSKJ Life Matching
Grant” event.
Tomsick. Personalities include Jan Paulich Jones,
Tony Petkovsek and the late Frank Yankovic Jr.
The film screens in the Aitken Theater at the
Cleveland Institute of Art, 11141 East Boulevard
in University Circle. General admission is $10,
Cinematheque members and those age 25 & under
are $8. Parking is free. For more information contact
the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame
and Museum at (216) 261-FAME.
LODGE #219
EUCLID, OH
Mother/daughter duo accepting 50 Year Membership
Awards (From Left: Anna Cesar, Anne Zudic).
LODGE UPDATE
Our 2015 St. Christine Lodge #219 officers
include newly-elected President Loretta Brown
and Financial Secretary Elizabeth Kusar. Officers
retaining postitions from last year are Vice President
Mary Urbanic, Recording Secretary Helen Troha,
Fraternal Activities Coordinator Joanne Ash, and
Auditors Mary Cooke, Mary Urbanic and Loretta
Brown. Loretta will also be our Fraternals Give
reporter (assisted by Elizabeth). We are seeking a
Membership Chairmen—if interested please contact
an officer. The highlight of our meeting was honoring
50 Year Members Anna Cesar and Anne Zudic of
Euclid who attended our meeting and Christmas
Party. Member Kathleen Jurcago accepted her
daughter, Janice Frioni’s certificate. We held our
Christmas Party which included dinner and had gifts
from the Home Office we used as door prizes—
we thank Home Office for this treat. A raffle for
other prizes was then held, table decorations were
presented to those attending, and it was a great time
for all. Money raised from the raffle will be used to
fund our charity project, which we will select at our
next meeting.
Due to inclement Cleveland weather, we will not
meet until Mar. 8 at 1 p.m. in the Gateway Manor
Community Room in Euclid. Keep warm and safe
over the winter months, we’ll see you in the spring.
God Bless.
Elizabeth Kusar
Newly elected officers: (Front From Left): Helen
Troha - Recording Secretary, Loretta Brown President. (Back From Left): Joanne Ash - Fraternal
Activities Coordinator, Mary Urbancic - Vice
President, Elizabeth Kusar - Financial Secretary.
The two designated not-for-profit organizations
for the matching grants are the St. Edward High
School Outreach Program (serving local food
banks and starting up a youth St. Vincent de Paul
Society initiative at the high school) and St. Paschal
Baylon Helping Hands Ministry (SPBHHM). Each
designated organization is eligible for a maximum
grant of up to $1,000 based on the outcome of the
benefit event. SPBHHM serves hot meals at various
sites around Cleveland, including St. Malachi
Parish on the the near west side and in the St. Vitus
neighborhood area on the east side. SPBHHM also
assists in placing homeless to indoor facilities and
providing clothing and food on wheels through its
“Care-A-Van” initiative.
The benefit dinner will occur from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Take-out dinners will be served in the social room of
the parish auditorium while sit-down dinners will be
served in the auditorium. Cost is $14 adult and $7
child under 12 years old. Tickets are available by
contacting Joseph Hocevar (216) 881-9586 or the
parish directory at (216) 361-1444. Mass schedule
is: 9 a.m. (English) and 10:30 a.m. (Slovenian). The
colorful Slovenian tradition of “butare” will also be on
display at the 10:30 a.m. mass.
AMERICAN SLOVENIAN WRITER. FIRST
NOVEL
Lodge members at the Christmas Party.
LODGE #226
CLEVELAND, OH
MATCHING KSKJ LIFE GRANT EVENT
Good food, good company and helping good causes
Mr. Kim Zupan, a third generation AmericanSlovenian writer, recently published his first novel,
The Ploughmen. The novel was published in Oct.
2014 with the Great Falls, MN landscape as the
primary backdrop for this novel. This novel is not for
the faint of heart. Mr. Zupan is a life-long resident
of Montana with a most fascinating life, ranging
from working as a smelterman, pro rodeo bareback
rider, ranch hand and Alaskan salmon fisherman.
He currently teaches as an assistant professor in
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
9
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
carpentry in the industrial arts program at Missoula
College-University of Montana. He holds an MFA
(Master in Fine Arts) from the University of Montana.
I hope to have a book review of The Ploughmen in a
coming edition of The Voice. Writer’s Note: The local
KSKJ Life lodge in Montana is in fact in the Great
Falls, MT area, that being St. Joseph Lodge #69. If
possible, I am hoping to have Mr. Zupan give a book
presentation and signing in northeast Ohio in 2015.
include food and beverage (beer/wine/pop). Come
along and see what it is all about!
Stane Kuhar
Hope you youngsters are trying out for the ABC
bowling!
REGION 3
CLEVELAND AREA
LODGE #146
CLEVELAND, OH
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEB. 21
Tobogganing at the Metroparks Chalet in Strongsville.
We will meet there starting at 1 p.m. If possible, let
me know if you plan on attending so we can keep an
eye out for you. As an FYI, this was a very popular
event last year. The chutes do get pretty full starting
around 3 p.m. If you want to take a few quick runs, I
recommend you get there around 1 p.m.
MAR. 22
50 Year Member Dinner at Sterle’s (E 55th). Dinner
will be at 4 p.m. More details to follow.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Hope everyone has had a great start to the New
Year. In the Cleveland area, we are struggling to
stay warm, that is for sure. As usual, our Browns
failed to survive the month of December and went
from being contenders to pretenders! What a way
to end the year, leaving all of us bitter. Perhaps the
Cavs or Indians will provide some momentum to get
us through these doldrums.
We are busy with our preparations for the “Big
Game” party on Feb. 1. Hoping that many of you will
be able to join us. This will be our annual Matching
Funds benefit, with this year’s recipient being St.
Mary’s in Collinwood. Squares are $25 each and
So, we have a few events to look out for in the
quarter. Hopefully they will appeal to a wide range
of members.
As a reminder, the scholarship applications will be
due shortly. Start gathering info for them so you are
not pressed at the end.
Stay warm and safe!
Josie Kmet, Secretary/Treasurer
LODGE #150
CLEVELAND, OH
WONDERFUL ORGAN RECITAL
On Dec. 7, 2014, Nathan Laube, 26 year-old
Assistant Professor at Eastman Conservatory of
Music, University of Rochester, performed a vibrant
and versatile church pipe organ recital on the church
organ in St. Vitus Church.
A reception and fellowship followed in the lower
church hall. Attendees had the opportunity to meet
with Professor Laube over the next 90 minutes. His
connections to his Slovenian roots were evident by
many of the comments he made during the recital as
during the reception. Thank you to Joe Tavcar and
staff for the great food provided. Thanks to Sophie
Mazi and staff for the wonderful pastry that was a
delight for all. Thank you to all who attended this
wonderful event, an advent gift to the parish and
broader community. Thanks to the American Mutual
Life Association, KSKJ Life Cultural Grant Program,
St. Vitus Lodge #25, The Frances and Jane S.
Lausche Foundation, and St. Vitus Parish for
providing funding to make this performance a reality.
A note of thanks to The Voice, Slovenian American
Times, Tony Petkovsek Jr. ,Tony Ovsenik, Ed Mejac,
Paul Lavrisha, News Herald, Catholic Universe
Bulletin, and Our Voice (AMLA) for informing KSKJ
Life members and the general public of this event.
When informed that there were four events occurring
on the same day, Professor Laube noted that it must
mean our local and broader community is vibrant.
REGION 4
JOLIET AREA
Happy New Year my friends! I trust that everyone
had a Merry Christmas and rung in the New Year
safely. Just think—we get to do this again in 11
months. Anyway, here’s what’s happening with the
Joliet Lodges.
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the combined Joliet Lodges
held their first meeting of the New Year with the
newly elected officers at the helm. I must say, they
did a fine job. Roll call was taken with members from
the following lodges in attendance: Lodge #2, Lodge
#29, Lodge #108 and Lodge #143.
Under old business—Lynn Miller gave a report on
the kids Christmas party that was held on Saturday,
Dec. 6 at Haunted Trails. A total of 205 people
were in attendance. Everyone had a great time—
especially the kids. A big “thank-you” goes out to
all the members who had met to help with the 467
Christmas cards that were sent out to the 80 and
over. Good job everyone.
As for new business, the “240” raffle for January
will be pulled at the February meeting. Mike Vidmar
reported that the Illinois Federation of KSKJ Life
Lodges would meet on the following days:
• Friday, Mar. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Slovenian
Cultural Center in Lemont
• Sunday, Jul. 26 at St. Anne’s Lodge Picnic in
Lemont
• Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Slovenian
Cultural Center in Lemont.
As always, all are welcomed to attend.
The next regular meeting of the combined Joliet
Lodges will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at
T&C Lanes. Again, all members are welcomed to
attend.
Well, that’s it for now. Stay warm and safe.
Pauline Mihelich, Joliet Lodges VP/Reporter
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THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
LODGE #2
JOLIET, IL
Following the meeting, members enjoyed a delicious
meal and fellowship.
Jodi Wartenberg, Recording Secretary
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEB. 1
Membership meeting at Town and Country Lanes,
2231 Jefferson Street in Joliet at 11:00 a.m. This
meeting will be held in conjunction with the KSKJ
Life “Alternative Bowling Competition” for our youth
members. The lodge will provide pizza for members
at the meeting and pay for our lodge’s youth (ages 5
- 15) who bowl for the competition. We look forward
to seeing you there! For questions, call Gregg
Vershay at (815) 723-1497.
• President - Debbie Zelinski
• Vice President - Bob Zelinski
• Financial Secretary - Judy Corum
• Recording Secretary - Karen Colman
• Communications/Reporter - Laurica PetrellaZitko
• Fraternal Activity Coordinator - Mary Petrella
Rudy Mihelich accepting a gold watch from outgoing president Rick Churnovic.
The January Membership Meeting was held on Jan.
4 in the Legion Room at St. Joseph Park. Highlights
of the meeting included the presentation of a gold
watch to Rudy Mihelich, our out-going Financial
Secretary, in honor of his 48 years of dedicated
service to our lodge.
Rudy Mihelich installed the new officers with Rick
Churnovic passing the gavel to new President
Gregg Vershay.
The Alternative Bowling Competition was discussed
as well as the March Brunch. Winners of the
attendance award included Gregg Vershay and Sue
Mihelich.
Door prize winners include Jeanna Bain, Julene
Schumacher, Joann Russ, Season Lawler,
Lydia Marquardt, Lori Bond, Bob Verbiscer, Matt
Schumacher, Lynn Miller, Sylvia Churnovic, Rick
Churnovic, Janice Coats, Nancy Churnovic and Sue
Mihelich.
• Fraternal Activity Coordinator - Vicky Soliman
• Fraternal Activity Coordinator - Mel Keltz
• Sargent at Arms - Louie Derlinga
MAR. 15
Brunch Membership Meeting at Syl’s Restaurant in
Rockdale, IL at 11:30 a.m. Prices: Adults (13 years
old and over) are $10, under 12 years old are free.
Adult guests are $20, child guests are $10. Our 50
Year Members, who will be honored at the event and
their one guest are free. Reservation and prepay are
required. RSVP to Sylvia Churnovic at (815) 3531161 or Sue Mihelich at (815) 727-4370.
MONTHLY UPDATE
day with entertainment by Steve Lydell, door prizes,
and a 50/50 raffle. We also had the installation of
our 2015 officers. Congratulations to the following
officers:
• Membership Chairperson - Bill Potochnic
• Auditor - Kathy Lovati
• Auditor - Paul Boettcher
• Auditor - Nick Vidmar
Happy New Year and God bless in 2015.
Laurica Petrella-Zitko, Communications/Reporter
Rick Churnovic congratulating
President Gregg Vershay.
newly-elected
LODGE #29
.
JOLIET, IL
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAR. 8
Chili Cookoff & Lodge Meeting: 11 a.m. at St. Joe’s
Park.
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES NEWS
I hope that everyone is having a blessed year so far.
In St. Francis, we are having a great start to the year
with many things to update. In December, we had
our annual food drive. We collected canned goods
and donated it to the Guardian Angel Home. A BIG
thank you to our members who donated. You truly
showcase what fraternalism is all about.
On Jan. 4, we had our Christmas Party. It was held
at 176 W. Banquet Hall in Joliet. It was a wonderful
2015 Officers (From Left) Front Row: Laurica
Petrella-Zitko, Bob Zelinski, Debbie Zelinski,
Judy Corum, Karen Colman. Back Row: Paul
Boettcher, Mary Petrella, Mel Keltz, Vicky Soliman,
Louie Derlinga, Bill Potochnic, Nick Vidmar. Not
Photographed: Kathy Lovati
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
11
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
LODGE #108
LODGE #143
JOLIET, IL
JOLIET, IL
NEW YEAR, NEW EVENTS!
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Jan. 4, St. Genevieve Lodge #108 held their first
meeting of the New Year. Even though it was on the
chilly side—members came out to enjoy themselves
for the afternoon.
FEB. 27 - 29
National Basketball & Volleyball Tournament,
Waukegan, IL
Our new President Alan Mihelich welcomed
everyone who was in attendance and wished all a
Happy New Year! This is a first for St. Genevieve
Lodge #108’s history—there has never been a male
President and a male Vice President at the same
time. Hip-hip hooray! Way to go St. Genevieve
Lodge.
Get-well wishes go out to all of our shut-in and ill
members. Also, let us not forget our members who
had recently passed away. Let us keep them in our
prayers.
Under new business, St. Genevieve Lodge #108 will
sponsor another ice skating/pizza party on Sunday,
Feb. 15 at Inwood Ice Arena in Joliet. Check in/
registration will start at 12:30 p.m. and ice skating
will be from 1 - 2:30 p.m. As in the past, the lodge
will pay for children up to age 18. Any adults wishing
to ice skate will have to pay their own way. After
everyone is done ice skating, they will be treated to
pizza and soda pop.
On Sunday, Mar. 8, there will be a mass for all living
and deceased members of St. Genevieve Lodge
#108 with a breakfast brunch following the mass in
Ferdinand Hall. Cost is $5 per person.
APR. 18 - 19
National Bowling Tournament, Milwaukee, WI
JUN. 27
National Golf Tournament, Waukegan, IL
JUL. 26
Splash Station, Joliet, IL
LODGE UPDATE
We are happy to hear from Tony Mravle Jr. that
the new KSKJ Life website has launched, along
with Instagram, mobile site, etc. He also initiated
conversation about the new KSKJ Life logo, informing
us that the background of the logo represents the
Triglav Mountain range in Slovenia. We all agreed
that the new logo is a favorable new look for our
beloved fraternity.
Speaking of Tony, we wish to thank him for his
dedicated attention to his recent position as President
of Lodge #143. We appreciate your hard work, Tony.
Tony graciously offered his assistance to our newlyelected President, Eric Schmitt. We welcome Eric
with open arms, as well as the following new and
returning officers:
Congratulations to Beatrice (Bea) Fothergill. She
was the lucky attendance winner for the month of
January.
• President - Eric Schmitt
After the meeting, a luncheon was served, consisting
of a platter of finger sandwiches, a fruit and cheese
platter, potato chips, cookies and candy, along with
soda pop and coffee.
• Fraternal Activities Coordinator - Margaret
Koncar
Stay warm and hope to see you at our next event.
• Membership Committee - Annette Koncar
Pauline Mihelich, Financial Secretary/Treasurer
• Vice President - Thomas Markun
• Financial Secretary - Lynn Schmitt
• Asst. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Stephanie Schmitt
• Treasurer - David Markun
• Recording Secretary - Kristina Osburn
• Communications/Voice Reporter - Cynthia
Martis
• Auditor - John Koncar
On Dec. 21, thanks to the organizational efforts
of Margaret Koncar, about a dozen Lodge #143
members congregated for caroling to the residents
of Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Our
audience was most attentive, especially a resident
who sat with her visiting family just in front of our
stage. We discovered that her name is Jenne
Skubic-Vercelate, and she was celebrating her
104th birthday that very day! Jenne is Slovenian and
became a member of KSKJ Life Lodge #2 at age 16
in 1926—what a sweet-sixteen birthday present! We
enjoyed celebrating with her. And as if that wasn’t
a nice enough event, we received a wonderful
compliment. When lastly we proclaimed Joy To The
World in cheerful song, some of the audience told
us that we harmonized beautifully. With that praise
well-received, we proudly dispersed and got back to
our Christmas shopping. How fun was that!
Rolling into the new year, about 30 Lodge #143
members met for our Annual Christmas Party on
Jan. 10. We began at Town and Country Bowling
Lanes, where six lanes were reserved just for
Lodge #143. Adults and little ones alike challenged
the pins, and we bowled our hearts out. Check out
little Kiernan Markun (see photo). The minute the
ball left her hands, she knew her ball was headed
for victory! Congratulations to Frank Markun—
he got four strikes in a row. What’s that called—a
turkey plus? Then we moved the party to Traditions
Sports Bar at Inwood Recreational Center where we
conducted a short meeting, then feasted on pizza
and salad. Thank you Lynn Schmitt for organizing
this fun event.
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THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
We welcome member news and boastful events.
Convey them to Cindy at cynthiamartis@comcast.
net.
Cindy Martis, Communications
REGION 5
CHICAGO, WAUKEGAN & INDIANAPOLIS
LODGE #44
S. CHICAGO, IL
FEBRUARY UPDATE
As the year came to a close, Lodge #44 celebrated
another successful year of operations at its annual
Christmas Party on Dec. 14. We had 33 guests who
attended the banquet and enjoyed traditional polka
music provided by Vince Rigler as they dined. The
tunes changed to Christmas Carols as guests heard
the sound of sleigh bells, announcing the arrival of the
season’s hero. Santa Claus made his appearance
towards the end of the event and bestowed gifts
upon the three children in attendance, much to their
delight. Adults enjoyed a competitive game of putput golf with cash prizes. In the spirit of the season,
in addition to the festivities, the Lodge collected food
and made a monetary donation for the St. Vincent
Depaul food pantry.
The party was preceded by Lodge elections for
the year 2015. President Bozzetti opened the floor
for nominations during the meeting, resulting in
all incumbents being re-elected to their posts with
the exception of the Financial Secretary. The 2015
executive board will consist of the following: George
Bozzetti, President; Betty Krcmaric , Vice President;
Mary Jane Strus, Treasurer; Christopher Bozzetti,
Financial Secretary; Bob Oberman, Recording
Secretary, Jim Rossi Jr., Athletic Director; Jan
Oberman and Mitzy Klobecar, Auditors; Jim Rossi
Sr., Sargent in Arms; and Angela Rossi, Voice
Reporter. Here’s to another successful year!
Furthermore, we would like to congratulate Jan
Oberman as Lodge 44’s elected Person of the Year
for 2014. Jan has been an instrumental part of our
operations during the year, in addition to attending
every event and meeting of the Lodge. Without the
dedication and commitment to KSKJ Lodge #44
that Jan has demonstrated, we surely would not be
able to accomplish the level of service and sense of
community that we have achieved this year. Many
thanks to you, Jan!
Finally, our next meeting, and first of the year, will
be held February 8th, 2015 at Crow Bar at 10 a.m.
following mass. At the meeting we will vote on the
location of our 2015 meetings, and start setting up
our agenda for the year. We hope to see you all in
attendance!
“guess how many items are the jar” games.
Thank you to Donna and Tom McNally, Theresa
Krampac and Joanne Sierzega for donating the
prizes for the raffle and to Don G., and Irene and
Joanne Sierzega for the door prize items.
Thank you to all who donated food items for the
annual KSKJ Life Feed the Hungry campaign. The
items were donated to the Lemont Food Pantry.
A Healthy and Happy New Year to all.
If you would like any additional information either
provided from Lodge #44, or if you’re aware of any
accomplishments or activities of members you know
reported in The Voice, please contact me directly at
[email protected] or (708) 668-3476.
Christopher Bozzetti, Lodge #44 Reporter
LODGES #1 & #170
CHICAGO, IL
ST. STEPHEN #1 AND ST. ANNE #170
CHRISTMAS PARTY
A total of 75 adults and 35 children attended.
A delicious lunch of soup, salad, spaghetti and
meatballs and Slovenian sausage was served with
potica and cookies for dessert.
Santa visited with each child and the children
gathered around Santa for a picture. (Thank you,
Santa/Pat Sierzega.)
(From Left): Lodge #170 President Barbara
Krampac, Financial Secretary Theresa Krampac
and Lodge #1 Financial Secretary Joanne Sierzega
and President Dawn Zamora.
REGION 6
WISCONSIN
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAR. 8
Annual Lodge 50 Year Member Luncheon Meeting
at Bonnie Brook Club House at 12:00 p.m. RSVP to
Sue Dolence at (847) 662-0908 or Victoria Drinka
(847) 244-8949 by Feb. 28.
APR. 12
Meeting: 9:15 a.m at Bertrand Lanes.
MAY 10
Meeting: 9:15 a.m. at Bertrand Lanes.
REGIONAL NEWS
Thank you to Barbara Krampac who led the children
and adult musical chairs games and prepared the
Your time and talents are needed at the National
Basketball Tournament, which is around the
corner (the weekend of Feb. 28). In addition, the
Women’s Volleyball Tournament, which was started
in Milwaukee, is back! It will run in conjunction with
the aforementioned basketball games. The Field
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
13
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
House in Waukegan will be the host site for these
contests and volunteers are needed to help make
this weekend a success. Please contact Fraternal
Activities Coordinator Sue Dolence at (847) 6620908 to volunteer and to register your teams for this
event .
Our annual Lodge Leaders/50 Year Member
Luncheon will be held on Mar. 8 at the Bonnie Brook
Club House in Waukegan this year. The family style
lunch (dinner for most!) will be served at noon with
a cash bar. There is no cost for this meal for our
members—your guests will be welcome for the cost
of the lunch.
to everyone’s enjoyment. However, it was the
welcoming attitude of our lodge members that set
the tone for the entire evening. True fraternalism in
action!
On Dec. 20, 2014, a few officers gathered at St.
John’s to present two checks to Father Michael
Merkt, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church.
One check totaled $3,888.90, the net profit from
the Four Guyz show, the second, for $1,000, was
KSKJ Life’s Matching Funds donation. Both were
graciously accepted by Father Merkt.
Welcome Declan James Luzar. Congratulations to
Matt and Angela Luzar, the happy parents and to his
big brother Jackson.
RSVPs are necessary by Feb. 28 to Sue Dolence at
(847) 662-0908 or myself at (847) 244-8949.
Greetings and best wishes to all of our sick and shut
ins.
Victoria Drinka, Secretary
Nasvidenje
LODGE #65
Edmar Mici Bregant
MILWAUKEE, WS
UPCOMING EVENTS
PLEASE NOTE: Our monthly meetings have
changed. They will now be held on the first
Wednesday of each month. Our next meeting will be
held on Feb. 7. We are hoping this is a convenient
time, and we’ ll have a bigger attendance of
members. The meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m.
in room A of the Rectory of St. John the Evangelist
Church. Please enter on the north aside of the
building (second door). Hope to see you there.
MATCHING FUNDS DONATION
St. John the Evangelist #65 sponsored a Four
Guyz in Dinner Jackets show on Oct. 18, 2014 as
a Matching Funds program. Proceeds were to go
to St. John the Evangelist Church in Greenfield,
WS in honor of its coming 100th anniversary and in
memory of the Slovene immigrants who founded the
church back in 1916.
The Four Guyz performance had attendees dancing
in their seats (or twisting in the aisles), singing along
with the beautiful harmony to tunes from the 50’s,
60’s and 70’s, and laughing at their antics. Smiles
were evident everywhere.
Homemade food and bakery (plus drinks) added
Many thanks to all officers and members who made
this an unforgettable and successful endeavor.
Agnes Lobacz, Recording Secretary
LODGE UPDATE
I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas,
and may 2015 be a happy, healthy and prosperous
for all.
We tried something different this year for our
Christmas Party. In addition to our usual talent show
and a visit from Santa (aka Adam Budda), we had a
pizza party. Many thanks to members who brought
special sweet treats for all. They were certainly
appreciated. Many thanks to all who helped.
I’m sorry to say that none of our 50 Year Members
were in attendance at our Christmas Party, but were
thought of.
The winners of the bean bag contest were Tanner
Sebastian and Jake Halstead. Thanks to Pat
Slapnick for providing gift cards as prizes. Your
thoughtfulness was appreciated.
REGION 7
MINNESOTA & MICHIGAN
The Minnesota Federation of KSKJ Life Lodges will
hold their quarterly meeting in Gilbert on Feb. 8 at
1 p.m. The meeting will be at St. Joseph’s Church
Hall. Please call in your reservations by Feb. 2 to
Katherine Trampusch at (218) 741-5029.
LODGE #59
EVELETH, MN
2015 OFFICERS
The election of officers for 2015 was held at the
Christmas Party on Dec. 14. Jennifer Menart was
elected President, Ron Erjevec was re-elected Vice
President, Connie Menart is Financial Secretary,
Theresa LaVigne is Treasurer, Dawn Barchus is
Recording Secretary, Rosemary Mattson is Youth
& Adult Activities Coordinator, Bob Mavec remains
Sargent-at-Arms, and the Auditors are Frank
Erjavec, Gloria Leseman and Amy Erjavec.
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THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS
(Front Row): Frank Erjavec, Gloria Leseman,
Jennifer Menart. (Back Row): Rosemary Mattson,
Sharon Bucar - Region 7 Director, Ron Erjavec,
Dawn Barchus, Connie Menart, Theresa LaVigne,
Amy Erjavec, Bob Mavec.
Everyone enjoyed playing Bingo.
LODGE #171
DULUTH, MN
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEB. 14
Annual sleigh ride from 1 - 3 p.m. at Country Side
Rides. Please RSVP by Feb. 10 to Frank Bucar at
(218) 626-1928.
LODGE #196
GILBERT, MN
WHAT’S NEW
On Dec. 14, we held our annual Youth & Adult
Activity Christmas Party at St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church - Father Kausek Hall. About 45 people were
in attendance. We enjoyed a great dinner catered
by Mary Skerjance and her Angels (ladies of the
Church who also do catering for funerals at our
Parish). We enjoyed a very delicious turkey dinner
with all the fixings and dessert. The group spent
some time visiting with other members who they
haven’t seen for a while, bringing out that Christmas
spirit. Santa Claus stopped by to give presents to
all the boys and girls, and door prizes were drawn
and distributed out by the boys and girls to all the
winners. Frank and District 7 Director Sharon Bucar
also joined us this day, we thank them for coming.
We also honored our 50 Year Member Donna Mae
Schmidt (from Mankato, MN). Donna could not be
with us so we mailed her the certificate. This year
we also honored Karl Oberstar Jr. for serving our
lodge as an officer for five years. A year-end report
of the lodge activities was recited to all and then we
reconvened a recessed December lodge business
meeting with the remaining unfinished business
required to complete before 2015.
We elected Karl Oberstar Jr. - President, Leo Skrbec
- Vice President, Katherine Trampusch - Financial
Secretary/Treasurer, Rocco Leoni and Yvonne
Skrbec -Auditors, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Stacy Oberstar (the Recording Secretary position
is open). We wish to thank outgoing 2014 officers
Rose Samarzja - Recording Secretary and Marianne
Nanti - Auditor, for their service to the lodge.
Included once again at this year’s Christmas Party
was a Feed The Hungry campaign in which members
were asked to bring non-perishable food items to
the party. This was a very successful venture since
we were able to donate 24lbs. of grocery items and
through the passing of the basket, we collected
$70. All of this was brought to the Quad City Food
Shelf located right here in our city of Gilbert. Thanks
to all who made this possible. At the close of the
Christmas Party, we all joined in with singing of a
few Christmas carols led by Leo Skrbec, Rocco
Leoni and Tom Prosen. Once again, it is safe to say
that a wonderful time was had by all.
The Lodge #196 board and membership hope
everyone had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy
New Year. God bless you all.
Karl Oberstar Jr., President
REGION 8
COLORADO, CALIFORNIA, MONTANA & KANSAS
LODGE #236
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
FEBRUARY UPDATES
Happy New Year dear members and friends of KSKJ
Life! We welcome 2015 with hope and excitement.
Our Santa party was a wonderful event that children
of all ages enjoyed. The children sat on Santa’s
lap with wonder and shared their hopes with him.
This fraternal event is treasured as another special
memory was created!
Our officers, Frank Pecavar Jr., Mary Pecavar
Lehane and Jozi Plut, will lead our lodge in 2015.
We are also fortunate that John Pecavar, Katica
Pecavar and Tony Lukezic will continue in their roles
as Auditor, Religious Leader and Sergeant-at-Arms,
respectively.
May this new year bring you and yours much health
and happiness!
Fraternally Yours,
Diana Fir Gremett, Reporter
OTHER NEWS & NOTES
SEND IN YOUR LODGE UPDATE
Remember to send your lodge news and events to
[email protected] by the second Friday of each
month.
THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE
15