Slovenian Women's Union Branch #102 turns sixty


 

WILLARD - The Slovenian Women's Union Branch # I02, Willard, celebrated its 60th year of founding with a Sept. 2 Mass at Holy Family Church. Monsignor Matthew Malnar, Independence, presided. The Slovenian choir sang, accompanied by organist Judy Coughlin.

A painting of Our Lady of Brezje, Marija Pomagj Patroness of Slovenia, as blessed and presented to the church by Monsignor Malnar. It was painted by, the· father of one of Malnar's former students.

A program in the parish center followed with Branch # 102 President Rose Pakiz providing the welcome and introduction of guests. She turned the program over to Mistress of: Ceremonies Judy Di Pasquale, Ithaca, N.Y.  . Branch #102 member Theresa Zorman, Onalaska, gave a summary of the Branch's history.

The Slovenian’s 'Women's Union was organized in Sheboygan in 1926 by Marie Prisland, an immigrant from Slovenija. She felt an organization was needed to foster the ideals and ambitions of all women of Slovenian birth and to learn the lessons their more fortunate sisters had gathered while living in America. The organization also was to give immigrants an opportunity to socialize with one another. Mrs. Prisland died in 1979.

There are many branches­ throughout the United States, including four in Wisconsin (two in Milwaukee, one in Sheboygan, and one in Willard).  The Willard Branch was organized on May 11, 1941, by Johanna Artac, with 35 charter members. There are 44 current members, including some from out of the state who wish to remain affiliated with Willard.

The branches host a state convention every other year. Branch # 102 takes its turn in September 2002 when it hosts its seventh state convention.

Some of the projects of the groups are bake sales (where poticas and apple strudels are much in demand), a mother of the year award and plant sale in May, and Valentine's and Christmas parties.  The Branch has given many donations over the years, including contributions to the Memorial Home chapel; "restoration of the Statue of Liberty; the Wisconsin Vietnam Memorial; and the Slovenian Miners' Memorial at Iron World, Chisolm, Minn.

Three of the chapter's junior members ~ Aimee Staut, Christine Trunkel and Charlene Herrick - have won $1,000 Scholarships from the National Scholarship Fund.

Other activities at the Sept. 2 celebration - included 'local presentations. Allison Gregorich read an essay she had written for county­wide competition, entitled, "My Grandma's Ethnic Slovenian Food." Her grandmother, Branch member Dorothy Gregorich,, was present  and recognized.

Joanne Trunkel paid tribute to Josephine Artac, who served as the Branch's president for 34 years.  She is now a resident of Memorial Home and was unable to attend. Later in the day, Pakiz presented Artac with a vase of red carnations, the Slovenian national flower. Also given carnations was Mary Djubenski, for 30 years of continuing service as secretary/treasurer. 

Malnar and the Rev. Joe Follmar spoke about the importance of retaining ethnic culture and offered suggestions to encourage youth to become interested.

The program was closed with a meal prayer by Malnar. Served with the potluck lunch was an anniversary cake decorated with red carnations and baked by Branch member Sue Pakiz.

On display were Slovenian artifacts, a scrapbook of Branch #102's history compiled by Mary Staut, and a scrapbook of Willard's second generation compiled by Sophie Trunkel.

 

 


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