A MESSAGE FROM THE HOME OFFICE: CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE …

THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE 1

This is the season of joy and celebration! All around us, we are reminded of the season by the ringing of the Christmas bells. Ringing in the stores, in front of the stores, on television, on the radio, on horse drawn carriages in the street parades and everywhere

possible, we are reminded that this is Christmas! For so many, this is the most wonderful time of the year.

In the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey’s daughter Zuzu tells her father that her teacher says, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” If you believe her, then you welcome the sound of bells. Like the angels in waiting who are watching over us, KSKJ Life is watching over our members. Yes, this is a “Wonderful Life!”

This is also the time when we do an accounting of our accomplishments for the past year. Gifts are given during Christmas. Throughout this past year, we have given many gifts to our members. Revising the old Scholarship program to become a member benefit was by far one of the most notable gifts for our younger members. The best gift a parent can

give their children is an education. KSKJ Life is proudly supporting that effort this year by providing 155 young adult members each with a $1,000 educational grant, which will be used to assist them in their pursuit of higher education.

Additionally, at our November Financial Board meeting, we approved a motion to give similar educational grants to 26 students who attend parochial or private high schools. In aggregate, 181 students are receiving grants for a total of $181,000 through this first year investment of our educational grants program. We are optimistic that these gifts, in addition to supporting the educational pursuits of our younger members, are also an investment in the future of KSKJ Life, as many of these young adults become the next generation of leadership for our organization.

With the coming of the New Year, we also are checking our past year’s resolutions to see how well we have done. We are now beginning the process of rewriting our pledges for the upcoming months. One promise that your Financial Board made last year was to be more visible and accessible to our lodge leaders. Following our November Board meeting in Cleveland, we held our fourth Town Hall meeting. In the past two years, we have held Town Hall sessions in Pittsburgh, Joliet and Indianapolis. The purpose

A MESSAGE FROM THE HOME OFFICE:

CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING!

VOLUME 125—NO.12 ISSN 1524-4407 DECEMBER 2015

1-800-THE-KSKJKSKJLIFE.COM

of these Town Hall meetings is to give the local lodge leaders the chance to personally meet with our board members and spend time hearing about board initiatives. So far the meetings have been well attended and very well received. We started with some of the bigger cities and will be holding similar meetings in other areas. The next Town Hall we have scheduled will be in Minnesota. Our goal is to continue this effort over the next couple of years to give as many lodge leaders as possible the opportunity to visit with the board.

Once again, KSKJ Life has had a very successful year. Our financial performance has been exceptional and membership continues to grow. We are hopeful that the New Year will be as successful. All of us will face a variety challenges this next year, and our future has limited guarantees. But one thing you can count on is that KSKJ Life will be here for all of you, our members, when you need us.

On behalf of your Officers and Board members, we extend to all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Vesel Božič in Srečno Novo Leto!

RUDOLPH KRASOVEC KSKJ LIFE Chair, Financial Board

THE KSKJ LIFE VOICE2

KSKJ LIFE EDUCATIONAL GRANT WINNERS

IN THIS ISSUE

EDUCATIONAL GRANT WINNERS

YALC / ABC BOWLING TOURNAMENTPage 5

SUPPORTING SOLDIERS CAMPAIGN Page 6

MATCHING FUNDS UPDATEPage 7

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: WHOLE LIFEPage 8

LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTSPage 9

USF OUTSTANDING ALUMNIPage 18

GLASILOPage 19

CONGRATULATIONSEDUCATIONAL GRANT WINNERS

HIGH SCHOOL RECIPIENTS

Erin Bishop - Lodge #143, Boylan Catholic High School, 2019

Gregory Bostick - Lodge #300, Horizon Science Academy, 2016

Anna Cabay - Lodge #2, Providence Catholic High School, 2019

Makaya Corral - Lodge #79, Rockford Christian High School, 2016

Tara Devine - Lodge #115, Saint James Academy, 2019

Madeline Graj - Lodge #170, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2019

Thomas Kmet - Lodge #146, St. Ignatius High School, 2019

Lillian Knapp - Lodge #108, Providence Catholic High School, 2017

Mia Krevh - Lodge #169, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, 2019

Sophie Krzysciak - Lodge #108, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2019

Emily Kuznik - Lodge #150, Padua Franciscan High School, 2017

Jacob Manning - Lodge #81, Saint Stephens Episcopal School, 2019

Maxwell Manning - Lodge #81 Saint Stephens Episcopal School, 2018

Rachel Markoya - Lodge #148, St. Joseph High School, 2016

Emma Markun - Lodge #143, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2018

Hannah Markun - Lodge #143, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2018

Sarah Markun - Lodge #143, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2018

Zora Mihelich - Lodge #2, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2019

Nathan Nemanich - Lodge #29, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2019

Jon Oebker - Lodge #150, St. Ignatius High School, 2018

Isaiah Owens - Lodge #42, Bishop McDevitt High School, 2017

Hailey Rojas-Schueneman - Lodge #53, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, 2019

KSKJ VOICEOFFICIAL 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 Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices.Publisher: KSKJ LifeManaging Editor: Tony Mravle, Jr. English articles for publication should be sent directly to [email protected]. Slovenian articles should be sent to [email protected]: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.

As featured in recent issues, we’re happy to announce the winners of the KSKJ Life Educational Grant Program.


Michael Snyder - Lodge #146, Hawken School, 2019

Matthew Trizna - Lodge #108, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2019

Madeline Wohletz - Lodge #115, St. James Academy, 2019

Amanda Zakelj - Lodge #226, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, 2017

COLLEGE RECIPIENTS

David Acquaviva - Lodge #81, CCAC Boyce, Sophomore

Collin Adney - Lodge #115, Johnson County Community College, Sophomore

Elizabeth Ancel - Lodge #29, Purdue University, Senior

Joseph Ancel - Lodge #29, Purdue University, Freshman

Daniel Ansorge - Lodge #236, California Polytechnic State University, Senior

Kathryn Ansorge - Lodge #236, University of California Santa Cruz, Sophomore

Jenna Baron - Lodge #42, King’s College, Sophomore

Cassandra Balazic - Lodge #170, Northern Illinois University, Senior

Rhiannon Balazic - Lodge #170, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, Senior

Leah Bandelow - Lodge #59, Lake Superior College, Sophomore

Colton Besselman - Lodge #42, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Freshman

Ryan Besselman - Lodge #42, Penn State University, Junior

Lindsey Biedron - Lodge #79, Michigan State University, Freshman

James Bishop - Lodge #143, Loras College, Sophomore

Jenna Bolend - Lodge #115, University of Kansas, Senior

Rachel Bosman - Lodge #2, University of St. Francis, Junior

Taylor Boutcher - Lodge #2, Western Michigan University, Freshman

Justin Dumm - Lodge #50, Pennsylvania State University-New Kensington, Freshman

Megan Earley - Lodge #143, University of Dayton, Freshman

Matthew Fitzsimmons - Lodge #257, The Catholic University of America, Junior

Thomas Fitzsimmons - Lodge #257, St. Vincent College, Freshman

James Flake - Lodge #72, University of St. Thomas, Senior

Joseph Flake - Lodge #72, University of St. Thomas, Senior

Stephen Fon - Lodge #52, University of Dayton, Freshman

Katelyn Furst - Lodge #53, Saint Catherine University, Sophomore

Joshuah Genson - Lodge #144, University of South Florida, Junior

Noah Genson - Lodge #144, Pasco-Hernando State College, Freshman

Kelsey Glabowicz - Lodge #53, Robert Morris University, Junior

Keri Glavac - Lodge #170, Kishwaukee College, Freshman

Scott Glavac - Lodge #170, Northern Illinois University, Senior

Nicholas Glavan - Lodge #25, The University of Akron, Senior

Caroline Gomez - Lodge #52, University of Missouri, Sophomore

Lauren Govekar - Lodge #79, Ohio Northern University, Sophomore

Andrew Graj - Lodge #170, Illinois State University, Freshman

Jackson Grom - Lodge #79, University of California Davis, Sophomore

Nicholas Gulas - Lodge #2, Indiana University, Sophomore

Mitchell Gustafson - Lodge #108, Joliet Junior College, Freshman

Craig Hayson - Lodge #7, Colorado State University Pueblo, Sophomore

Sammie Hayson - Lodge #7, Otero Junior College, Freshman

Morgan Henschel - Lodge #144, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, Sophomore

Jordan Henson - Lodge #7, Colorado Mesa University, Freshman

Emily Hozian - Lodge #170, Hope College, Junior

Jessica Hozzian - Lodge #1, Cornell College, Sophomore

Jonathan Jesik - Lodge #7, Colorado State University Pueblo, Freshman

Emma Jesik Vigil - Lodge #7, Colorado State University, Freshman

Connor Klammer - Lodge #226, Miami University, Senior

Spencer Klodnick - Lodge #226, Wright State University, Sophomore

Sutton Klodnick - Lodge #226, Notre Dame College, Freshman

Clare Kocman - Lodge #7, Saint Joseph’s University, Junior

Brett Kohlmayer - Lodge #146, Ohio State University, Senior

Christina Kostelc - Lodge #2, Chadron State College, Freshman

Corinne Kowal - Lodge #150, Notre Dame College, Senior

Rachel Krevh - Lodge #169, Xavier University, Freshman

Mallory Krzysciak - Lodge #108, Lake Forest College, Freshman

Lauren Kuznik - Lodge #150, Baldwin Wallace University, Junior

Russell Lamovec - Lodge #169, Lake Erie College, Freshman

Halie Lesko - Lodge #153, Washington and Jefferson College, Senior



Jesse Lesko - Lodge #153, Washington & Jefferson College, Freshman

Madeleine Lochan - Lodge #63, The College of Wooster, Junior

Meghan Lozinski - Lodge #59, The College of St. Scholastica, Junior

Brian Lyman - Lodge #2, Mckendree University, Sophomore

Paxton Maki - Lodge #69, MSU-Northern, Freshman

Alainna Marincic - Lodge #63, Ohio University, Junior

Andrew Marincic - Lodge #63, University of Dayton, Freshman

Caroline Markun - Lodge #143, Saint Louis University, Sophomore

Julia Markun - Lodge #143, Marquette University, Senior

Annah Marquardt - Lodge #2, Millikin University, Junior

Nicholas Marsic - Lodge #169, Lakeland Community College, Sophomore

Jared Maurer - Lodge #619, Pensacola Christian College, Junior

Max Mayerle - Lodge #115, Wichita State University, Sophomore

Thomas McNally - Lodge #1, University of Illinois Chicago, Freshman

Meredith Mele - Lodge #81, University of Pittsburgh - Main, Senior

Megan Mihalic - Lodge #226, Cuyahoga Community College, Freshman

Anne Mihelich - Lodge #2, Illinois State University, Freshman

Eric Mikulan - Lodge #50, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Freshman

Matthew Miller - Lodge #144, UW-Platteville, Freshman

David Morgan - Lodge #1, Moraine Valley Community College, Sophomore

Makayla Mouradian - Lodge #65, University of Wisconsin-Washington County (West Bend), Sophomore

Brett Nelson - Lodge #108, Iowa State University, Freshman

Kayla Nelson - Lodge #108, Iowa State University, Junior

Natalie Nemanich - Lodge #29, Joliet Junior College, Freshman

Timothy Niepokny - Lodge #169, Ohio University, Junior

Michael O’Neill - Lodge #2, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Junior

Kaitlyn Ostazeski - Lodge #2, Northwestern University, Junior

Alex Pasiewicz - Lodge #53, Lake Forest College, Junior

Adam Pelka - Lodge #255, Ohio State University, Senior

Rielle Perttu - Lodge #196, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Junior

Megan Pleskovic - Lodge #226, Defiance College, Senior

Martin Plut - Lodge #236, Sonoma State University, Freshman

Robert Polochak - Lodge #50, Youngstown State University, Freshman

Elizabeth Popp - Lodge #153, Duquesne University, Junior

Katelin Rahikainen - Lodge #196, The College of Saint Scholastica, Freshman

Emily Ramsak - Lodge #108, Illinois State University, Sophomore

Hunter Revord - Lodge #2, Penn State University, Freshman

Christian Ribec - Lodge #42, University of Pittsburgh, Junior

Robert Rigler Lodge #170, Valparaiso University, Sophomore

Nicholas Robinson - Lodge #7, Kansas Wesleyan University, Junior

Norah Robinson - Lodge #169, Lakeland Community College, Sophomore

Hunter Ruppe - Lodge #20, Mat-Su College University of Alaska Anchor0age, Freshman

Rachel Rus - Lodge #169, Capital University, Junior

Rebecca Sandahl - Lodge #79, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Sophomore

Martha Schmeiser - Lodge #144, UW-Whitewater, Sophomore

Christopher Schneider - Lodge #115, Gustavus Adolphus College, Freshman

Monica Schrank - Lodge #2, Joliet Junior College, Freshman

Brody Sears - Lodge #115, University of Kansas, Sophomore

Felicity Sedmak - Lodge #169, Miami University, Senior

Gaten Shircel - Lodge #144 University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, Sophomore

Stefan Shircel - Lodge #144, Loyola University Chicago, Junior

Kayla Sierzega - Lodge #1, University of Illinois at Chicago, Freshman

Kayla Sintic - Lodge #25, Baldwin Wallace University, Junior

Alex Skerjanec - Lodge #7, University of Wyoming, Sophomore

Timothy Skerjanec - Lodge #7, University of Wyoming, Sophomore

Joseph Snyder, III - Lodge #146 Otterbein University, Freshman

Connor Stermer - Lodge #169, University of Akron, Freshman

Mark Stimach - Lodge #115, University of Saint Mary, Freshman

Mariah Stojevich - Lodge #171, Lake Superior College, Junior

Joseph Strus - Lodge #44 Ball State University, Freshman

Nicolas Summers - Lodge #1, DePaul University, Sophomore

Derek Sweet - Lodge #226, East Carolina University, Junior

Mackenze Tezak - Lodge #108, Moody Bible Institute, Junior



Lauren Thompson - Lodge #2, Joliet Junior College, Freshman

Brooke Tokes - Lodge #110, Bowling Green State University, Freshman

Justin Tokes - Lodge #110 Kent State University, Sophomore

Adriana Trizna - Lodge #108, Indiana University, Bloomington, Freshman

Spencer Tyrell - Lodge #29, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Junior

Alex Ulaky - Lodge #153, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Senior

Jacob Vicic - Lodge #29, Defiance College, Sophomore

Anthony Videckis - Lodge #170, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Junior

Leo Walsh - Lodge #101, Lorain County Community College, Freshman

Abigail Wilson - Lodge #171, Truman State University, Junior

Alexis Wroblewski - Lodge #170, University of Dayton, Freshman

Jacob Zaletel - Lodge #146, Cleveland State University, Freshman

Kyle Zaletel - Lodge #146, Cleveland State University, Sophomore

Patrick Zak - Lodge #146, Toledo Medical School, Sophomore

Phillip Zak - Lodge #146 - Cleveland State, Junior

Randall Zak - Lodge #226, Ohio University, Senior

Matthew Zakel - Lodge #226, Ohio State University, Sophomore

Daniel Zalar - Lodge #226, Kent State University, Junior

Dakota Zamora - Lodge #1, Bradley University, Sophomore

Emilie Zamarripa - Lodge #136, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Junior

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

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ABC BOWLING TOURNAMENT

The ABC, Alternative Bowling Competition will be back for its third year. KSKJ Life has sponsored bowling tournaments for our adult members for several decades now, but this one is just for our youth members. Here is your opportunity to participate in a national event, right in your own home town–you don’t need to live close to a lodge to be part of this competition! Bowl at your convenience, either with family members, friends or as a lodge event! Just go bowling!

There are a few changes for this year’s competition. In the past, the ABC was for youth members ages 5 - 15 only. Starting this year, the competition will be open to all youth members. There will now be two divisions, straight bowling and bumper bowling. The contest will run from December 1 through the end of April. Random winners from each division will be selected at the end of the ABC.

ABC – EASY AS 1-2-3!1. Go to the bowling center of your choice.

2. Bowl either straight bowling or bumper bowling.

3. After bowling, enter your information in the form on kskjlife.com. You can bowl as many games during this time period as you like, but only submit your information one time.

Winners from each division will be randomly selected at the end of the tournament, based on the number of participants. Results will be posted on the website and in The Voice.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact our National Director of Athletics, MaryLou Stefanick at [email protected].

REGISTER TODAYTO ENTER YOUR SCORE FOR THE ABC BOWLING COMPETITION, VISIT THE ATHLETICS SECTION OF KSKJLIFE.COM.


During lodge Christmas Parties this month, we will be collecting donations for our Supporting Soldiers Campaign. All members are invited to donate the following requested items for Military Missions:

ITEMS REQUESTED

• Packs of Gum (Sugar or Sugarless)

• Puzzle Books (Search and Find, Crosswords, etc.)

• Travel Size Body Wash

• Travel Size Shampoo

• Travel Size Lotion

Military Missions is dedicated to supporting and honoring deployed military personnel by sending care packages year-round as an expression of appreciation and gratitude. Along with donations, members are also encouraged to write a short thank you note to include with the donated items, which is something the troops really appreciate.

If your local lodge is supporting another charity, or if you want to support Military Missions individually, you are encouraged to do so! Please take a photo of your collected items and post them on social media using the hashtag #kskjlife.

For lodge officers collecting donation items, donations should be mailed to:

Military Missions, Inc. 3650 Boston Rd., Suite 146 Lexington, KY 40514

LEARN MORE AT MILITARY-MISSIONS.ORG

The 2015 version of the “Stepping up with KSKJ Life” walking program may have officially ended on October 31, but for those of us committed to the program again this year, let’s hope the momentum we gained will continue through the winter months.

This was the fourth year for the walking program, which is designed to encourage physical activity in ALL of our members, raise awareness to the many benefits of walking, raise money for charity and all while improving our overall health.

I would like to thank each person who signed up and made the commitment. If you took any pictures along your journey you would like to share with your KSKJ Life friends, please send them, along with a caption of where you were, to April Sleyko at [email protected] or [email protected].

SUPPORTING SOLDIERS

I am excited to tell you that the “Stepping Up” walking program will be getting a new look for 2016. The program will be revealed in early spring, and the hope is to reach and educate more of our members on the importance of physical activity, and improving our overall health. Stay tuned!

MARYLOU STEFANICK KSKJ LIFE National Athletic Director - Chair

Launched in 2012, the KSKJ Life Stepping Up Program was designed to encourage members to be more physically active while raising awareness of the benefits of walking. Thank you for your continued

support of this program.

STEPPING UP WITH KSKJ LIFE CROSSES THE FINISH LINE

INSTAGRAM @KSKJLIFE

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automatically displayed.

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was asked to only run or walk the course—no flying allowed! Members of St. Joseph Lodge #7 helped during check-in and at T-shirt sales, and members of Immaculate Conception helped at the halfway / turnaround point, and at the water / aid stations.

St. Joseph Lodge #7 and Immaculate Lodge #104 would like to thank all the superhero volunteers. The race was a great fundraiser and a great time. Any idea who won? Of course, it was Flash, followed by Wonder Woman!

Pueblo Suicide Prevention Center has been work-ing in the Pueblo Community for 50 years, offering counseling and help for those contemplating sui-cide. The Center is also a pillar of support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. The Center is the oldest American Association of Suicidology cer-tified center in the State of Colorado. In 2014 the Center had more than 18,000 contacts. Each year, 40,000 men and women in the United States die as a result of suicide, the 10th leading cause of death.

ST. JOSEPH’S LODGE #7 AND IMMACU-LATE CONCEPTION LODGE #104 PRESENT THE “NOW” 5K RUN / WALK

On Saturday morning, October 24, superheros gath-ered at Pueblo Colorado’s Historic Arkansas River-walk Project to help support Pueblo Suicide Preven-tion Center. Superheros included members of KSKJ Life St. Joseph Lodge #7, and Immaculate Concep-tion Lodge #104, donating time and talents for this worth-while Matching Funds project.

The attraction was a 5K run or one-mile walk. The theme of this fundraiser was “NOW (Not on Our Watch) Fun Run,” and participants were encour-aged to dress up as his or her favorite superhero. The run attracted 309 supporters, of which 214 ran the 5K race or walked the one-mile course. The fee for the 5K run was $25 and $15 for the one-mile walk. The racers warmed up and were lead from the starting line by Will Golob, and each superhero

MATCHING FUNDS UPDATE — LODGES #7 & #104 MEMBER MEMORIAL

Our prayers go out to the families of our recently passed members. Claims have been paid and a donation to the KSKJ Life Educational Grant Fund has been made on behalf of each.

NOVEMBER 2015Robert Baher - #143, Avon, MA

Roberta Bergemann - #616, Racine, WI

Paul Bracco - #20, Calumet, MI

Dorothy Brletic - #101, Sheffield Lake, OH

Leonard Cernetich - #29, Joliet, IL

Helen Chachere - #624, Hattiesburg, MS

Ann Cooke - #219, Chesterland, OH

Samuel Cosimano - #7, Ladson, SC

Helen Crandall - #300, Howard City, MI

Ann Dutchman - #110, Norton, OH

Larry Forrest - #604, Paoli, IN

Margaret Franze - #29, Joliet, IL

David Houck Sr. - #42, Parsonsburg, MD

Margaret Iskric - #42, Steelton, PA

Frank Jakel - #144, Sheboygan, WI

Ronnafran Jakel - #44, Sheboygan, WI

Caroline Jurcak - #63, Cleveland, OH

Olga Laven - #65, Milwaukee, WI

Anne Lesnak - #53, Beach Park, IL

David Mcmanus - #110, Massillon, OH

Kimberly Ostlund - #197, Evansville, MN

Elvera Peloquin - #108, Joliet, IL

Marceline Pierson - #59, Searcy, MNFelix Prezelski - Forest City, PA Lodge #42Mary L. Prezelski, $10

Marge Urbancic - Waukegan, IL Lodge #79Mary Chamernik & MaryLou Stefanick, $25

IN MEMORY OF


LOCAL LODGE NEWS & EVENTS

more than 120 years with the fraternal movement even longer! The first such recognized fraternal “lodge” was established in 1890 in Cleveland under the name of “Marijin spolek.” The name “spolek” is a Slovak word meaning “lodge.” There was no Slovenian-Catholic parish yet established in Cleveland, let alone the diocese of Cleveland or the state of Ohio. This lodge would be the precursor for St. Vitus KSKJ Life Lodge #25 once the parish of St. Vitus was established in August 1893.

At St. Vitus Parish, the KSKJ Life lodges affiliated with the parish include of St. Vitus #25, Christ the King #226 and Our Lady of Fatima #255. At St. Mary Parish in the Collinwood area of Cleveland, KSKJ Life lodges consist of St. Joseph Lodge #169 and St. Lawrence Lodge #63. From my own personal experiences, all I can say is that KSKJ Life members of these lodges are pleased and humbled to be part of the organization.

November is a time of year filled with transition—a transition in weather, transition of normal days toward Holy Days and holidays, and a time of year we can be thankful for many things in our lives. The beginning of the month offers us an opportunity to reflect in a more spiritual manner with All Saints and All Souls Days. We pray to strive for holiness and for the departed persons in our lives, many who helped us in our life journey.

We remember living and fallen U.S. Veterans, men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. They enable all in our country to continue to enjoy our many freedoms such as the right to practice and act upon our religious beliefs, freedom of expression by word and deed, and instill a sense of responsibility for our many freedoms. As Lodge #4 was and remains connected in the larger fabric of life around St. Vitus Parish, there were more than 750 men and women from St. Vitus Parish, a city parish in Cleveland with many as members of KSKJ Life, who served during World War II. They helped preserve our many freedoms and gave many immigrants after World War II an opportunity to start a new life in the United States. The end result was that more than 40 Veterans from St. Vitus Parish made the ultimate sacrifice of losing their lives: all gave some and some gave all.

We pause on Thanksgiving Day, a unique American

REGION 1PENNSYLVANIA, CONNECTICUT & WASHINGTON D.C.

LODGE #42STEELTON, PA

UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 17Lodge meeting December 17 - Nomination and Election of Officers. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Christmas Party for St. Aloysius Lodge #42 will be held again in January. More details will follow.

LODGE UPDATESt. Aloysius Lodge #42 had another good weekend. On Friday, September 23, we hosted a dinner at Bressler Club. National Athletic Director MaryLou Stefanik attended the dinner and afterward held a meeting with our lodge officers.

We hosted our one-day Bowling Tournament on September 24 at ABC EAST Lanes, which was well attended. Saturday evening, September 24, the children of St. Aloysius Lodge #42 attended Halloween in Cibort Park. Natalie Cibort, who is a lodge member, started this event about three years ago. I took MaryLou to Halloween in the Park and she was very impressed with it! The weather was kind of chilly but we survived.

St. Aloysius Flag Day Ceremony was held June 13. It honored the deceased members of the lodge who served in the Armed Forces. We also remembered all those serving currently and our veterans. The speaker at the event was Colleen Washinger Admin. Asst. & Veterans Service Officer. John Gelata opened the service with a prayer. Refreshments were served by Tina Muza. We hope to continue

this event every year!

On September 17, Jeffrey Dermes, Fraternal Athletic Coordinator, held the first corn hole event. Refreshments were available in the club. It was well attended and we hope to turn this into a yearly event.

We held a fundraiser was September 19, at Pete’s East End Grill for Nicholas Pritchard. Nicholas has been a patient at Penn State Children’s Hospital since May. We raised $1,400 for the family. Please keep Nicholas in your prayers.

LODGE #153STRABANE, PA

LODGE UPDATEWe will hold our Annual Adult / Children’s Christmas Party at the lodge home, which is located at the corner of Alexander Avenue and Chartiers Street in Strabane on December 6 from 1 - 5 p.m. Call Beverly Rosselle at 724-873-0914 if you plan to attend. The cost is $10 for non-members. Members are free.

We would appreciate it if everyone would bring a canned food item or any type of non-perishable item or paper product as we will once again hold the food drive. These items will be donated to the Canonsburg / Houston Food Pantry, which serves Strabane, Houston and the Canonsburg areas.

We will have food, door prizes, gifts, a 50 / 50 raffle and entertainment by Frank and Darryl Valencic. Santa will also be in attendance. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Christmas Party. Holiday greetings to all of our sick and shut-in members and their families.

Srecen Zahvalni Dan in Vesele Bozic Praznike

Beverly J. (Pleskovich) Rosselle, Financial Secretary

REGION 2CLEVELAND AREA

REGIONAL UPDATE American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ Life) has been a part of the fabric of life in northeast Ohio for



matching grants events, get together of lodges as a summer picnic, hayride or other activities.

• Helped at a benefit event to raise over $35,000 for a family with three autistic children that was a great community event.

• Provided leadership and service for the recently concluded Baraga Days 2015 Cleveland.

• Provided scholarship grants to many qualified student members who have in turn provided many community service hours.

We are grateful and thankful for so many wonders in our lives, and for having the opportunities to pray and then respond to the needs of our families, friends and broader community.

Stane Kuhar

LODGE #169CLEVELAND, OH

LODGE UPDATEOur St. Joseph #169 Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 13, at 3 p.m. The party will be hosted at St. Mary’s in Collinwood. We’ll have some of our members performing, and plenty of food and drinks for everyone. The event will be in the school cafeteria this year.

We’re asking members to bring donations for military care packages this year. Items include packs of gum, travel size shampoo, body washes and lotions. Puzzle books (about 5 x 7 inches) are also a commonly requested item by our soldiers serving overseas. Let’s share a bit of the comforts of home with those serving us in difficult circumstances! Also, you may bring an item for the St. Mary’s Food Pantry, including canned and dry food goods, to brighten up some local families’ Christmas.

Our annual meeting with the Election of Officers will be Thursday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Collinwood Slovenian Home on Holmes Avenue. All members welcome!

John Nemec

holiday, for the many small and large blessings in our lives—one in particular our family and friends. I have listed below how giving thanks has been put into action the past few years. We have:

• Made available more than 4,000 Masses in the past ten years to any individual to pray, praise and celebrate the Eucharist and Sacraments at either St. Vitus Church.

• Provided $221,398 in assistance to registered parish household children who attended a Catholic elementary school at another location over an eight-year time period.

• Provided $96,630 in grant assistance over an eight-year time period to incoming college freshmen only.

• Provided $2 million in grants the past 26 years to registered parish household children who attend tuition paying schools to more than 370 individual students.

• Provided $1 million in funding to enable the construction of St. Vitus Village for senior independent living for parish and Catholic seniors.

• Provided another $1 million in funding to assist in the mission work of St. Vitus Village the past 16 years.

• Distributed more than 500,000 pounds in food through its parish food pantry the past 33 years equivalent to $500,000 ($1 per pound of food), serving primarily a non-Catholic population.

• Provided more than 4,000 hot meals the past five years to any individual equivalent to $20,000.

• Made hundreds upon thousands of visits to the homebound shut-ins, individuals in assisted living and provided the Sacraments, words of comfort and listening to many seniors.

• Provided hundreds of small presents, home-made food items and packages to home-bound or shut-in seniors the past two decades.

• Responded to the call to help immigrants by providing more than $20,000 for Joseph House of Cleveland, Inc., a ministry of four Catholic parishes to resettle incoming immigrants to Cleveland in the St. Clair Avenue neighborhood.

• Participated in KSKJ Life activities such as

LODGE #219EUCLID, OH

LODGE UPDATEKSKJ Life Lodge #219 will participate in the Supporting Soldiers Campaign as our Christmas project. All members are asked to donate travel size body wash, shampoo or lotion, or packs of sugarless or sugar gum. Puzzle books such as Word Searches and Crosswords (approximately 5 x 7 inches) are also being collected. These items will be sent to the Military Missions Inc., who in turn pack care packages to send to the military men and women all year long, letting them know they are appreciated and thought of. A short note will also be sent with each package thanking the troops for their service.

Please bring these items to our Christmas meeting at 12 p.m. on Sunday, December 13, at the Dubrovnik Gardens, 34900 Lakeshore Blvd. Eastlake, OH. Fifty-year members will be honored and election of officers will be held. The Christmas Party Luncheon will begin at 1 p.m. Remember, reservations are a must. Please send your $5 member fee or your non-member fee of $14.50 for the dinner by Dec. 6 to Joanne Ash at 7709 Joseph St. Kirtland, OH 44094. For more information call 440-256-1141.Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year to all. God bless.

Elizabeth Kusar


UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 13December 13 - Lodge #226 will host its Election of Officers at 10 a.m. and Christmas Party at 12 p.m. at Slovenian National Home on St. Clair-Downstairs.

JAN 10January 10 - Lodge #226 Installation of officers and Adult New Year’s Party at Slovenian National Home on St. Clair in the Kenik Room.

LODGE UPDATEWe need your help!



be given for meetings held on a day other than the first Monday of the month. All Lodge #150 members are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings. We are working on our schedule for 2016 and are soliciting suggestions for events and Matching Funds events.

OUR TOWN AND ALL-AROUND DINING (AND MORE) FUNDRAISERLodge #150 is selling these coupon books. There is a wide variety of discounts available, including buy-one-get-one free, and half off when dining alone. The cost is $28 per book, and $11 will be returned to Lodge #150. These proceeds will be used for Youth Development Programs. Please let me know if you would like a book or if you would like to know more about what the book contains.

KSKJ LIFE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE We encourage you to join us at the 7th Young Adult Leadership Conference at Wisconsin Dells on July 18-21, 2016! This conference is a unique opportunity for our 18- to 25-year-old members to develop leadership skills, learn more about our organization and connect with other members from around the country. This fun and powerful experience is an investment in your personal and professional development, as well as a call to leadership in KSKJ Life in your lodges, communities and the organization at large.

Please complete the entire application. Make a copy for your records and submit to the Home Office at 2439 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435. Once reviewed, participants will receive instructions on how to make travel arrangements through our corporate travel partner. All Conference participants under the age of 18 at the time of the conference MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians will not attend the conference, but will stay in the same hotel room as the participant and be ultimately responsible for the participant and his or her behavior.

All Conference information can be found on the Activities page of kskjlife.com. To guarantee consideration, applications should be submitted by February 15. Contact your lodge officers or the National Youth and Adult Activities Director at [email protected] for more information.


UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 6On Sunday, December 6, we will host our Annual Christmas Party and meeting for the Election of Officers. Election of Officers / business meeting begins at 12:15 p.m. and the Christmas party will follow from 1 - 4 p.m.

LODGE UPDATEThis year, it is our lodge’s turn to hold the Three Lodge Christmas Party. The party will be hosted December 6 and will be preceded by our Officer Elections. If you are interested in any of the positions, or have ideas on what we as a lodge could be doing to better engage with our members, please let us know. The election will begin at 12:15 p.m., and the party begins at 1 p.m. Santa has been invited for the younger ones to put in their requests.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Good luck on those Black Friday deals.


UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 6Our December meeting will be held on Sunday December 6 at the Slovenian National Home - E. 80th (NASH), Cleveland, OH 44105. It will be held at 12 p.m. Our annual Christmas Party will follow immediately after from 1 – 4 p.m.

We are asking people to bring items for Supporting Soldiers Campaign. Items include travel sized bottles shampoo, body wash or lotion, and packs of chewing gum–any flavor, sugar and sugarless. During the December meeting, we will hold the Election of Officers for 2016.

JAN 4Out next meeting will be Monday, January 4 at 6 p.m. at London Pickle Works at 7265 Fitzwater Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141.

Meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of each month at London Pickle Works at 6 p.m. Notices will

On December 13 at 10 a.m. we will have our Annual Meeting and Election of Officers followed by the Children’s Christmas Party at Slovenian National Home on St. Clair in the downstairs room at 12 p.m. We need your help to make this event successful. We are looking for volunteers to set up, run a game and clean up. We will accept volunteers of all ages and for those of you looking to apply for a scholarship, working this event will be beneficial to your application. Please return your RSVP cards by December 7.

Please note: This year we will be collecting items for military care packages for a charity called Military Missions, an organization that send a care packages to deployed soldiers. We are asking you to bring in these items: packs of gum (sugar or sugarless), travel size shampoo, travel size body wash, travel size lotion and puzzle books (5 x 7 in size).

On January 10 at 12 p.m. there will be a lodge meeting in the Kenik room along with the adult New Year’s Party and the installation of officers. There will be food and refreshments. All side dishes welcome.

MEET OUR LODGE’S NEWEST MEMBERHere is a picture of Heather Zevin, one of our newest member of Christ the King Lodge #226, who joins her cousin Emerson Urie, and grandfather Mark Spann as KSKJ Life members.

A. Stefani Kurbos, Vice President of Lodge #226

REGION 3CLEVELAND AREA



LODGE #2JOLIET, IL

UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 6 On December 6, we will host a special brunch meeting at 1 p.m. in the Legion Room at St. Joseph Park to honor our Lodge Person of the Year, Sylvia Churnovic. We will also be hosting our Election of Officers during the meeting. We encourage anyone who has an interest in providing leadership to our organization to step forward. Please note: We will be holding a collection of items for our military troops. The collection will include travel size bottles of shampoo, body wash and lotion for Military Missions.

Our next lodge meeting will be held on January 3 at 1 p.m. in the Legion Room at St. Joseph Park. At this brunch meeting, we will be inducting our new officers. Please mark your calendar. Also, please “like” our new Facebook page to see lodge event photos and get information on upcoming events.

LODGE UPDATEOn September 13, we held a picnic meeting at West Shore Park, in Shorewood, IL, where Sylvia Churnovic was selected by the membership as our Lodge Person of the Year. The meeting was at a beautiful location on the DuPage River where the children enjoyed playing in the park, and the adults participated in the meeting. Thanks to Sylvia for selecting the location and providing the meal.

We mourn the loss of members John Kerwin, Q. Robert Tezak, Millie Pucel, Richard Demic and Carol Horvat. Welcome to our new member James Lilek.

LODGE #29JOLIET, IL

UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 6We will host our Annual Lodge Meeting at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joe’s Park. Election of Officers will take place at this meeting.

JAN 3On January 3, we will host our Christmas Luncheon

REGION 4 JOLIET AREA

JOLIET LODGES REGIONAL UPDATEHello everyone! Well, Halloween came and went. Thanksgiving has past us by. That only leaves us with Christmas to tend to. Yes, folks that’s right. Christmas will soon be upon us. I hope that everyone will be ready for the holiday season. There is so much to do–shopping for gifts, wrapping the presents, putting up the decorations, shopping for the Christmas tree, baking and not to mention preparing for the Christmas dinner. As for me, I love this time of year. I could go on, but on with the business at hand.

First of all, on Tuesday, November 3, the Joliet KSKJ Life Lodges held their monthly meeting at T & C Bowling Lanes. Members from the following lodges were in attendance: Lodge #2, Lodge #29 and Lodge #108. Congratulations go out to Chuck & Cathy Kramer and Tom Schmidberger. They were our lucky “240” Raffle winners for the month of November. December will be the last chance to win for 2015–then we will do it all over again in 2016.

Nominations and Election of Officers for the ensuing year will be held at our December meeting on Tuesday, December 1, at 7 p.m. at T&C Bowling Lanes. Mike Vidmar had reminded everyone that the Illinois Federation meeting would be held on Friday, November 20, at 7 p.m. in Lemont. Mike also mentioned that the scholarship raffle would be held at this meeting, too. The KSKJ Life Kid’s Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 5, at Haunted Trails from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be raffles, a youth craft table and not to mention getting your picture taken with Santa. Pizza and pop will be served.

The next Joliet KSKJ Life lodges meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1, at 7 p.m. at Town & Country Lanes. As always, all are welcome to attend.

On behalf of all the Joliet Lodges officers, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Pauline MihelichVice President/Reporter

More specific information about this conference, including the application form, is located on page 5 in this Voice issue.

SLOVENIAN NATIONAL HOME EVENT - FREE TICKETSIn a continuing effort to promote business and support for the Slovenian National Home E. 80th (NASH), Lodge #150 will donate two tickets (each ticket admits one person) to each bi-monthly 50 / 50 Raffle. These raffles occur the first Wednesday of the month during February, April, June, August, October and December. The next two 50 / 50 Raffles are scheduled for December 2 and February 3. These tickets will be made available every other month.

Each ticket admits one person. The ticket entitles you to chance to win $875 in total prize money, a sandwich, dessert, soda pop and a polka band entertainment for your dining, listening and / or dancing pleasure. Doors open at 6 p.m. event begins at 7 p.m. The Slovenian National Home E. 80th is located at 3563 East 80th Street, Cleveland, OH 44105.

Our intention is to provide the tickets to a Lodge #150 member who has never previously attended a NASH 50 / 50 Raffle. Each time the notice is posted in the Voice, the first person to contact Tony Peskar by either e-mail: [email protected] or by telephone: 440-915-8312 will have the tickets set aside for pick up at the door during the next raffle. Once a member wins the tickets, that member will no longer be eligible for this free ticket distribution.

SAVE THE DATES• December 6, KSKJ Life Children’s Christmas

Party at the NASH

• July 10, 2016 - KSKJ Life Four Lodge Picnic

• August 6, 2016- Annual Porky Pig Softball / Pig Roast

MERRY CHRISTMASThe officers of Saint Anne’s Lodge #150 extend our warmest wishes to each of you for a blessed Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Lodge Voice Reporters, Tony & Elaine Peskar



I bring up all of this because of his reasoning behind it. It is his love of what KSKJ Life stands for, the history of KSKJ Life and his love for family. Now you may say, “Well, you made him join because you were getting married.” Actually, I didn’t make him do anything. Everything he does for our organization is his own choice. If you ever ask him exactly what it is about KSKJ Life that makes him so active, he will tell you that he loves what KSKJ Life stands for. He loves what KSKJ Life did for the community and for the Slovenian families. He loves the fact that KSKJ Life isn’t an organization that takes your money, but rather an organization that gives back to you in the form of activities such as bowling and youth parties. He will also tell you that he loved the history of KSKJ Life, and the reason he volunteers is to try and keep KSKJ Life running the way all of us love how it is.

So I talk about him, but I really talk about all of you who volunteer for events. You are the reason that KSKJ Life exists. You are the reason we do things for the community. And you are the reason I give thanks this holiday season.

Have a wonderful rest of 2015 and a great start to 2016. I hope to see you in the new year and I hope you continue to volunteer for KSKJ Life as we start our 122 year as an organization. And finally, because I have to do it, I would like to wish a happy 1st birthday to my darling daughter, Antolina! She has made 2015 a wonderful year for Chris and I,

Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein (Brad and Mary Petrella), pictured with Karen Colman and Bernice Ramsak, entertained the children at the Kids Halloween Party.

We have been collecting supplies for the Stockings for Soldiers again this year. We could use your help! Thank you for all of your donations and for your dedication to our soldiers overseas.

We are having our Christmas Luncheon on January 3 at 176 W Banquet Hall. Please RSVP to Melanie Keltz by December 13. All of the information is above in upcoming events. We hope to see you all there.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTThis month’s member spotlight is about someone who has shown a great love for KSKJ Life in the short amount of time he has been involved in the organization. Now we all love KSKJ Life, especially those of us born into the organization, or who have been a part of if for many years. Many who do a lot for our organization have been brought into KSKJ Life through spouses, so this spotlight individual might ring true to you.

My spotlight is my husband, Chris Zitko. Chris has been a member of KSKJ Life since 2011. In that short amount of time, he has been involved in numerous bowling tournaments, and volunteers for as many events that he can, work permitting. You may even recognize some of his work if you have received a postcard from us or the Joliet lodges in the last couple of years, or if you saw our history poster at the convention last year. He has helped me as communications officer in designing both the St. Francis Facebook page and the Joliet Lodges Facebook page. He also is now the President of the Joliet lodges.

at 176 W Banquet Hall, 1100 NE Frontage Rd, Joliet, IL. It will be held from 12 - 4 p.m. The cost will be $15 per St. Francis member, $20 per guest and $5 for kids 4-12 years old. You must pay at time of registration; no money will be accepted at the door. Please RSVP to Melanie Keltz by December 13. Contact Melanie at 815-922-8282 or [email protected]. Mail payments to Melanie Keltz, 3100 T. Hickey Ave, Joliet, IL 60435.

LODGE UPDATEMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you wonderful St. Francis Members! I hope you are having a blessed season full of wonderful memories with your family and friends.

On October 24, we had our annual Kids Halloween Party at the Croatian Culture Center. It was a wonderful time for everyone involved. This was the first year we opened up the party to all Joliet lodge members from new born to 12 years old. It was wonderful to have all of the cute little ghoul and goblins there. Strawberri the Clown delighted us again this year with her magic show and balloon animals.

Youth members enjoying the Strawberri the Clown magic show.

Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein joined us for kids to take pictures with. Thank you to all of the volunteers who worked to make the party a success.



REGION 6NE ILLINOIS & WISCONSIN

LODGE #53WAUKEGAN, IL

UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 13Year End Meeting - Bertrand Lanes starting at 9:15 a.m. Our Lodge Christmas Party with St. Mary’s Lodge #79 will follow the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

JAN 10Officer Installation Meeting at 9:15 a.m. - Bertrand Lanes

MAR 13St. Joseph #53 Annual Luncheon - The meeting will be head at 12 p.m. at Bonnie Brook Club House in Waukegan. Thank to you Vicki Drinka - St. Joseph Lodge #53, Waukegan, IL, 847-244-8949

LODGE UPDATEInvitations have been sent out and RSVPs should be in for the Lodge Christmas Party on December 13.

Festivities start at 12:30 p.m. and members are welcome to enjoy the holiday spirit at Bertrand Lanes in Waukegan. We will be supporting our soldiers by collecting donations of items for care packages for the men and women who have made a commitment to serve and protect our freedom!

On December 13, we will be electing officers to serve on the board for your lodge. Nominations have been made at our November meeting; however, nominations will be open for the December elections. Consider volunteering your time and talents to this phenomenal organization. The bylaws have a proposed change for the meeting dates in the future. If ratified, Section 1-2 of our bylaws will read: Ten regular meetings (no meetings held in May or September) will be held on the second Sunday of the month beginning at 9:15 a.m. The change is being made from February or September.

Please join us at the Installation Meeting on January 10 to kick off the year of 2016! We will have refreshments and door prizes. Watch for a volunteer

#52 has news to share!

In November, we had our Annual Chili Fest. Thank you to Marcia Bracik for providing us all with warm and yummy chili again this year. She was successful this year, stumping all of us with her secret chili ingredient—no one was able to guess it! Marcia included sweet potato in the chili, which added a slightly sweet taste but thickened up the texture of the chili.

Natalie, Genita and Janice take advantage of the evening. No one was able to guess the secret ingredient this year, which was sweet potato!

The chili fest brought out many members and non-members again this year. Due to weather, we met at the Slovenian National Home. Thank you to those who brought desserts to share. The pineapple upside down cake was delicious!

Joe and Bobby enjoying delicious chili.

Mark your calendars for our the Slovenian National Home’s New Year’s Eve Party. Remember: Our Annual Sausage Fest will also be coming in the new year. Stay tuned to our website www.stals52.com and Facebook page for further details. If you have not done so, be sure to like St. Aloysius on Facebook; we’re posting events and photos regularly. Be sure to check our page.

Nasvidenje, Jennifer Velikan

and we can’t wait to see how she grows. Maybe she will one day take over an officer position in KSKJ Life, and become the 6th generation of officers in the organization. God Bless!

Laurica Petrella-Zitko, Communications/Reporter

REGION 5CHICAGO & INDIANAPOLIS

LODGE #52INDIANAPOLIS, IN

UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 5 Children’s Christmas Party. Join us at Brownsburg Bowl from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Come try some bowling, have lunch and even get a chance to meet Santa! To RSVP, please contact Youth Director Katie Poole at [email protected]. Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry and socks to be donated to Wheeler Mission.

DEC 6Our Adult Party and Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, December 6 at the Slovenian National Home at 12 p.m. The lodge will provide the main dish. We ask all members and guests attending to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Also, please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry. For more information contact President Rick Brodnik at 317-292-3505 or at [email protected].

JAN 23 Annual Sausage Feast—Come to the Slovenian National Home for your choice of home made fresh, smoked or award-winning Azman’s blood sausage (shipped from Cleveland) complete with ethnic Slovenian sides! Reservations are required. Please contact Paul Barbarich at 317-858-0184, or at [email protected], or Joe Luzar at 317-299-3266, or at [email protected] before it is too late! Tickets are $20 for adults. Live music will be provided by the Hoosier Polka Jammers. This will be one of our Matching Funds events!

LODGE UPDATEHello Indianapolis members! Cooler weather is moving in and fall is leaving us. Once again, Lodge



Our officers want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year for 2016.

Lonna Rakovec, Financial Secretary

REGION 7MINNESOTA & MICHIGAN

LODGE #171DULUTH, MN

LODGE UPDATE

Lighting candles in remembrance of our deceased KSKJ Life members on All Saints Day are Sharon Bucar, Frank Bucar, Ann Menart and Alice Janchar.

August 13. May she rest in peace and continue singing with the choirs of angels.

Greetings to all of our sick and shut ins. Merry Christmas to all.

Nasvidenje, Mici Bregant

LODGE #136WILLARD, WI

LODGE UPDATEGreetings from Willard, WI. On October 11, our Regional Director, Pat Slapnick, joined us for our monthly meeting to talk to us about any needs or questions we may have. The meeting was followed by a potluck lunch. We thank Pat for all she does for us.

Our Annual Meeting will start at 10 a.m. on December 6 with an audit and our Election of Officers. We once again will hold this at the Holy Family Parish Center in Willard. If you are a member and are interested in running for election, join us on the 6th.

We will once again hold a food drive to benefit the Greenwood Food Pantry. Please bring a food item so you can be a part of this worthwhile cause. Let us help the less fortunate especially during the Christmas season.

Our Children’s Christmas Party will be held on December 6, following the Annual Meeting and starting with a potluck lunch and door prizes. The children will play games, sing Christmas songs and receive Christmas packages from Santa himself. Santa will stick around for pictures with the children, so bring your cameras. We host this jointly with Holy Family Church, so the parish children can participate in all the fun. What a joyous time to be had by all!

A Silent Auction will be held during the day on December 6 to benefit the Holy Family Youth Organization. Many baskets and items will be there to bid on, and many will feature a Christmas theme. So plan on purchasing things to use as Christmas gifts for your loved ones while helping the youth of the parish. Please come and join us on December 6.

During this holiday season, we pray for all our sick members and their loved ones.

date in January 2016 for Feed My Starving Children. Dana Lainio is coordinating this effort; please contact her if you are interested in joining us in making a difference. More information will be forthcoming. Save the Date for March 13 for the Annual Luncheon Meeting to be held at Bonnie Brook Club House in Waukegan.

Victoria Drinka, Secretary

LODGE #65MILWAUKEE, WI

LODGE UPDATEBy the time you read this, the Thanksgiving turkey will be gone and plans for the Christmas holidays will be nearing completion. I don’t know about you, but it seems like the holidays are coming too quickly—quicker than other years. I hope all had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Due to a Packer game, our Christmas Party was moved to December 6. Stay tuned for news on this event in next issue.

Congratulations to Andy and Angie Becker who became the proud parents of a son, Jace Robert. He was welcomed on October 23 by his parents, and grandparents Mary and Tom Becker.

It’s not too early to plan on bowling in the Charles Mouradian / Debbie Nowak 9 Pin Memorial Bowling Tournament. The event will be hosted on April 17. More information will be forthcoming. All proceeds will go directly to our Educational Grant Program.

The USPEH Organization, of which St. John’s is a member, is planning a special celebration commemorating the Independence of Slovenia on June 18. More information will be coming to you. Please mark this date in your calendars.

Sincere condolences are extended to the family of Matilda (Tillie) Gregorcich who passed away on November 9 at the age of 93. She leaves behind eight children, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many friends. Tillie, along with her late husband Marty, were very active members and enjoyed singing in the Slovenian Church Choir. Tillie has been singing in the choir since she was a teenager. In fact, she sang for the last time on



DEC 20The Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m.

A current and special item of interest for KSKJ Life members is that St. Mary Church in Pueblo is able to once again hear the steeple bells ring. For several years, the parish bulletin featured a byline titled, “Don’t Hear Them Bells?” because they were in need of very expensive repairs.

However, Father Ben Bacino, Pastor, announced that the bells have been fixed and are once again ringing regularly. He thanks those who donated and made the repairs possible. There are three huge bells located in the bell tower brought from the old St. Mary Church in the Grove to the new church on East Mesa. The big bell, which is named St. Joseph, weighs 1,500 pounds and was donated by KSKJ Life. The inscription on that bell reads: SV. JOZEFA ZVON, PATRON R.K. SLOVENSKEGA DRUS, ORG. MARC 19, 1893, PUEBLO, COLO. The middle bell’s name is St. Mary’s, and the small bell’s name is St. Anthony.

Drop by the church neighborhood at 300 East Mesa to hear the ringing of the Angelus bells at noon, as well as for funerals or other Mass times.

LODGE UPDATEIn collaboration with Immaculate Lodge #104, St. Joseph Lodge #7 sponsored a Matching Funds event for the Suicide Prevention Group of Pueblo.

The event was held on October 24, and included a run / walk on Saturday, which met at Grahams Grill on Main Street’s River Walk. Registration was at 8 a.m. and the run began at 9 a.m., proceeding up Main Street to the top of the bridge, and down the bike trail for the mile run. Those who participated in the 5k run also went around Runyon Lake and back to the starting point at Grahams. There were more than 200 runners who participated. Pictures taken revealed some happy faces!

Major General Andrej Osterman, currently the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces, met with long-time friend, retired Chief Master Sergeant U.S. Air Force, Frank Bucar, Sharon Bucar, and their daughters, Lieutenant Colonel Barb Pazdernik, and Master Sergeant Brenda Jacobs of the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Major General Andrej Osterman

REGION 8COLORADO, CALIFORNIA, MONTANA & KANSAS

LODGE #7PUEBLO, CO

UPCOMING EVENTSDEC 13St. Joseph Lodge Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 13, at 11 a.m.

The following are photos from a recent trip to Slovenia taken by members of Lodge #171:

Bucar family members, KSKJ Life members including Darrell and Lydia Marquardt from Lodge #2, members of the Singing Slovenes, Niki Legat and his Ansambel, the Veseli Begunčjani, and young button box sensation, Gašper Krek, take time to pose for a group picture during their Sunday picnic in Voglje, Slovenia.

October is not only for “Oktoberfests,” but it’s also time for apple strudel as prepared by Frank Bucar’s cousin, Mihela Nahtigal and her husband Marjan.


look back and see what KSKJ Life and its members are all about.

Martin Plut, Sonoma State UniversitySchool of Economics, Freshman

OTHER NEWS & NOTES

SEND IN YOUR LODGE UPDATE Please remember to send in all lodge news and events to [email protected] by the second Friday of each month. Additionally, feel free to submit feature articles of interest for consideration. Slovenian articles should be sent to [email protected].

You are cordially invited to the Annual St. Francis Lodge Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 6, 2015 11:30 a.m. Slovenian Hall, 2101 Mariposa , SF Please RSVP by - November 28th

Jozi Plut 7 Cranfield Ave San Carlos, CA 94070 650-654-2099 or [email protected] St. Francis will provide gifts for member children up to a $25 value. Call or send your child’s gift ideas to Jozi by Nov. 28th.

If your Child is not a member please bring a wrapped gift with his or her name on it.

Donations needed for Military Care Packages! Please help us answer this call by bringing packs of gum TRAVEL SIZE shampoo, body washes, and lotions; and puzzle books (about 5 X 7 size). After collection Military Missions will send the care packages to deployed soldiers. Let’s support our troops!

Yes I/We will attend: Name___________________________________

E-mail___________________________________

(to be used for event flyers/invitation and Lodge information)

______Members (free) ______Yes, I will bring an appetizer

______Guest Adults ($10.00) ______Yes, I will bring a dessert

______Guest Children ($5.00)

(Please bring a gift within a $20-$25 limit)

KSKJ Life holds a special place in our hearts and I have asked a younger member of the lodge to share how St. Francis Lodge has inspired him.

CAPTURING THE MEMORIES MADE FROM KSKJ LIFECompared to high school, college is much less structured. You are not in class all day like you are in high school. This means there is a lot more free time. I am taking a leadership course and in it we had to do a presentation about how we have been a leader, and who we strive to be in terms of leadership.

Giving the assignment some thought, I realized that being a member of KSKJ Life, and participating in our local lodge events could help me complete this project. I knew what I was going to focus on and how I was going to present it. I chose to do a photo and voiceover video of growing up Slovenian in the United States, showcasing events I participate in as my project.

This was an opportunity for me to use my talent in photography. Taking pictures has always been a big part of my life—mostly being in them. I remember my mom always taking pictures and I enjoy looking back at memories of my childhood and the life that brought me to today.

Since the day my parents bought me my first camera, I found a hobby that will stick with me. As a member of KSKJ Life, I am happy to be able to go to our events and capture moments so that others can

The lodge held BTB Raffle on Sunday, November 22, which started at 11 a.m. The Raffle was entitled “Beat the Bears.” Hopefully, this meant to say Broncos beat the Bears. The game started at 11 a.m. All enjoyed the game at St. Joseph Hall on 917 East B Street. Klobasi sandwiches and cold beer were served. The Raffle ticket price was $50, and featured a $2,000 first prize, two $1,000 prizes, and ten $100 prizes. The drawing was held at half time. Thanks to all who made this a success!

Angela Perez, Assistant Correspondent=

LODGE #236SAN FRANCISCO, CA

LODGE UPDATEMerry Christmas KSKJ Life members! Warm wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season spent with loved ones. Our Annual Christmas Luncheon will be on Sunday, December 6, at 11:30 a.m. at the Slovenian Hall in San Francisco. For more information, please contact Jozi Plut at [email protected].



KSKJ LIFE MEMBERS AND UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS ALUMNI HONORED AT THE HOMECOMING GAME

On September 20, 2015 the University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet, IL, honored five talented alumni for their professional achievements. Nominations were received from family members, coworkers, fellow alumni and others who could testify to the nominee’s achievements. The recipients were selected by the association’s executive board of directors based on outstanding professional and personal successes, as well as involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities. Two of the five recipients are KSKJ Life members. Congratulations to Dan and Mary!

DANIEL MARKUN ’13 (LODGE #143)

Daniel Markun earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Loyola University in Chicago as well as a Master of Science with a concentration in Secondary Education. Dan began his teaching career with Plainfield Schools, working at both their Turnabout Program and Heritage Grove Middle School. He then went on to continue his career within the Joliet Township School District as a teacher, science content specialist and instructional coach.

Markun obtained a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis in 2013. He is currently the Academy Coordinator of the Health and Medicine and Human Services Academies at Joliet West High School, working to create career connections and community service opportunities for the students within his academies. Markun is also a member of the USF MERIT Executive Board and the High School / Community College Action Council for MERIT.

Markun is a life-long Joliet resident and the ninth of eleven children. He has been married to his wife, Katie (Juricic), for the past 10 years and together they have three rambunctious boys: Danny, Andrew and Nathan. As alumni, Markun, his wife, mother and mother-in-law, several brothers, sisters and in-laws continue to share a rich tradition at the University of St. Francis and College of St. Francis.

DR. MARY (LAURIC) PETRELLA ’78 (LODGE #29) — 2015 LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING ALUMNI RECIPIENT

Dr. Mary Therese Lauric Petrella did her basic nursing training at St. Joseph School of Nursing and graduated with a diploma in Nursing in 1978. She achieved a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Illinois Medical Center Chicago in 1982, a Master of Science in Nursing from Rush University Chicago in 1986 and her Doctoral

degree in Community Health Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Program in 1997.

Lauric Petrella is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Hines Veterans Hospital’s Joliet community-based outreach Clinic. She provides primary care to veteran patients in an ambulatory care setting. In addition, Mary works for Walgreens Healthcare Clinic, providing treatment for minor acute care issues and illnesses, as well as school and work physicals and immunizations.

Lauric Petrella married Bradley, a double alumnus from USF, in 1979. They have two children, Laurica (’07) and Philip, and one grandchild, Antolina Francesca.

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USF HONORS OUTSTANDING ALUMNI

WE CONNECT FOR LIFE

KSKJ LIFE HOME OFFICE2439 GLENWOOD AVE., JOLIET, IL 60435

1-800-THE-KSKJ | KSKJLIFE.COM

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KSKJ LIFE.

KSKJ LIFE WISHES ALL OF OUR MEMBER A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON.THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HOME OFFICE: CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE …

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