http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A nenad@nenadbach.com Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:35:08 -0700 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9555/1/Appeal-for-Stephen-Dorcich.html Hi.  My name is Stephen Dorcich.  I live in San Jose, California and I am a pretty normal kid except that I have Primary Immune Deficiency called Hyper IGM, CD40 Ligand. My immune system doesn’t communicate the right way, so I cannot fight off bacteria, viruses and other bad things that make us sick. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9503/1/Mother-Teresa-and-Croatians.html The Croatian Jesuits had a great role in spiritual development of Mother Teresa in her youth. Her spiritual father was Fr. Franjo Jambrekoviæ. The first monument in the world honouring this famous Albanian woman was carved in Croatia, in Supetar on the island of Brac (2002), by Petar Jak¹iæ. It was unveiled by Martin Sheen. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9473/1/Alpine-skiing-legends-to-take-part-in-Croatia-charity-race.html Sixteen alpine skiing legends including Italy's Alberto Tomba and Sweden's Ingemar Stenmark will take part in a charity race in Croatia on February 17, 2008. They will race in a mixed-sex giant slalom event with Ivica Kosteliæ (left), among others. Money collected from the race will be donated to a hospital for chronic child diseases in Gornja Bistra near Zagreb. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9425/1/Mime-Cuvalo-web-developer-and-proponent-of-open-web-standards.html Mime Cuvalo, on the photo with small Stipo Adzaip, is a young Croatian web developer and proponent of open web standards. He is currently employed at three jobs: YouTube/Google, finishing up FireFTP, and creating the online music database The Rock Hard Times. His "charityware" FireFTP has been downloaded over 4.5 million times! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9408/1/Nopoki-University-for-Peruvian-Indians-founded-by-Msgr-Gerardo-erdin.html Msgr. Gerardo ®erdin, Croatian bishop and missionary in Peru in the region of the Amazon river, founded the Nopoki Center for Investigation and Intercultural Formation. The aim is to educate future school teachers for work within their native communities, in order to preserve their roots, language and customs, and ensure material and cultural prosperity. See also 32 Krekoviæ's paintings. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9325/1/Benefit-Gala-in-Zagreb-honoring-the-Croatian-House-in-Padova-Italy-Nov-12-2007.html "Croatian House" is a humanitarian association, whose current project is to buy a house in Padova, Italy that would be used by Croatian citizens that face difficult circumstances and would have to go abroad to get treatment, which in many cases is long term. (left) President of Croatian House Dr. Nela Sr¹en. martina.sola@sanmina-sci.com (Martina Sola) Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9313/1/quotPhiladelphiaquot-Jerry-Ricks-is-recovering-from-a-brain-tumor-operation-in-Croatia.html For the last nine weeks he's been hospitalized in the port city of Rijeka, Croatia recovering from brain surgery to remove a tumor that doctors say was benign. Friends are arranging a benefit for the 67-year-old bluesman, to be held at the Commodore Barry Club in Philadelphia on Sunday 2-9 PM. vnazor@yahoo.com (Vedran Joseph Nazor) Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9179/1/Globmedorg-One-Child-at-a-Time.html   The Global Medical Relief Fund has now helped over 70 children, from Bosnia & Herzegovina, to El Salvador, one child at a time, where this type of care and rehabilitation was not necessarily available in their own home countries. The children come for treatment and refitting for their prosthetics. During this treatment, these children stay at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat. aconvenientgenocide@mac.com (Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey) Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9155/1/Birthday-Party-Raises-20000-in-donations-for-Montreal-HIV-Kids--Families.html   The Sports Performance Centre a donation of $20,000 to Les Enfants de Béthanie charitable organisation in Montreal. kat.coric@videotron.ca (Kat Coric) Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8972/1/Ivanisevic-Ljubicic-to-Play-for-Children.html Croatian tennis players Goran Ivanisevic and Ivan Ljubicic were set on Friday to play each other in an invitational match in Sarajevo dedicated to children of the city.   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8928/1/Chicago-Avon-Breast-Cancer-Walk-Fundraiser-Saturday-March-3-2007.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8909/1/quotBeyond-the-Callquot-on-PBS---Check-Local-Listings.html     Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beliæ) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8881/1/An-on-line-auction-for-48-hours-Famous-artists-helping-other-artists-Unity-Through-Music-Dec-27-29-2006.html   Dino Zoniæ on Golden Karma Awards on WGN, 9pm EST. Dec 27th 2006. www.givinghearts.net will be hosting an on-line auction during the Special and for 48 hours after the Special. Unique opportunity for you to buy famous paintings of Berber, Ibrulj, Trnski...    gshep2005@netzero.net (Becky Garrigus - Success for Good) Sun, 24 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8865/1/Reclaiming-the-lost-harmony-of-the-world-CROWN-goes-behind-Golden-Karma-Awards-with-winner-Dino-Zonic.html Reclaiming the lost harmony of the world is our mission . We are presenting gala concerts worldwide, celebrating the spirit of life, which will symbolize a unique, magnificent and unifying message for the world. Music is our deepest connection and most powerful tool of unity and peace among all people. It gives a voice to our deepest sorrows while opening our hearts to forgiveness. www.UnityThroughMusic.org   edzonic@yahoo.com (Dino Zoniæ) Sun, 10 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8833/1/Bologna-Italia-Lara-Orekoviae-organizira-AUKCIJU-UMJETNIEKIH-SLIKA-U-KORIST-DOMA-ZA-DJECU-8221VLADIMIR-NAZOR8221-KARLOVAC.html     info@ensofgallery.com (Lara Oreskoviæ) Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8831/1/Rijeka-Croatia---Fundraiser-for-Autistic-Children.html     NancyM3292@aol.com (Nancy (Andjelich) Margraff) Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8809/1/8220Croatia-My-Lovequot---the-truth-about-the-Homeland-War-in-Croatia.html "Croatia My Love", the film, depicts the truth about the Homeland War in Croatia. The proceeds from the sale of entry tickets to Jakov Sedlar's film, "Croatia My Love" ("Hrvatska ljubavi moja") will be paid into a 'foundation fund for the truth about the Homeland War in Croatia', located in Zagreb. antem@westnet.com.au (Jean Lunt Marinovic) Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8740/1/Detroit-14th-Annual-Benefit-Fashion-Show.html Croatian Woman Branch 32 will host its annual fashion show. Proceeds will benefit Childhelp USA - Detroit Chapter and the Orphanage and Abused Children in Croatia. Read more... stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8524/1/H-Myeloma-Euronet.html Myeloma Euronet    www.myeloma-euronet.org Thu, 15.06.2006 10:02 Nizozemska - mielom - lijecenje - razlicitosti OTS: Myeloma Euronet osposobljava pacijente i rasvjetljava razlicitosti u pristupu lijecenju i brizi za pacijente u Europi oboljele od mieloma Amsterdam (ots) - Myeloma Euronet, rastuca europska mreza koja trenutno okuplja 15 grupa pacijenata oboljelih od mieloma iz 11 zemalja, prvi puta je na jednom mjestu okupila pacijente oboljele od te bolesti i njihove obitelji zbog upoznavanja s novim dostignucima u lijecenju mieloma i medjunarodne panel-diskusije o pristupu lijecenju i brizi prema oboljelima od mieloma u Europi. Ta ce se zbivanja odvijati 17. lipnja od 9 do 16 sati u hotelu NH Barbizon u Amsterdamu. Myeloma Euronet nastoji na pravom mjestu objediniti sve sto su pacijenti rekli o postojecim razlikama u pristupu lijecenju i brizi za oboljele od mieloma na ovim prostorima. U Europi postoji oko 77.000 pacijenata i njihovih obitelji oboljelih od visestrukog mieloma, u blazem obliku i moze se lijeciti, ali jos uvijek neizljecivom obliku karcinoma kostane srzi. U svakom slucaju, mnogi pacijenti u Europi jos uvijek nijecu uporabu najsuvremenijih oblika lijecenja ove bolesti. "Moramo podici stupanj znanja o visestrukom mielomu, educirati pacijente dajuci im pristupacne informacije o novostima u lijecenju te razmotriti problematiku postojecih razlika u lijecenju i brzi," izjavila je Anita Waldman, predsjednica udruge Deutsche Leukaemie- und Lymphom-Hilfe (Njemacka udruga za pomoc oboljelima od leukemija i limfoma) i clanica Upravnog odbora Myeloma Euroneta te Radne grupe oboljelih od karcinoma Europskog udruzenja za medicinsku onkologiju (ESMO). "Svjesni smo da troskovi lijecenja nisu mali, no svaki pacijent zavrjedjuje najbolji moguci tretman za njezin ili njegov stadij bolesti. Nacionalne zdravstvene agencije moraju prihvatiti nacine lijecenja mieloma kako oni postaju dostupni, a trosak ne smije biti glavni faktor kada se odlucuje o nacinu lijecenja," nastavila je. Vise informacija o ovom dogadjaju te najnoviju medjunarodnu anketu o preprekama u dijagnosticiranju mieloma, njegovu lijecenju i brizi za oboljele dostupni su na stranici www.myeloma-euronet.org  . Daljnje informacije:   Robert Schaefer Tel.: +49(0)1716204591 e-mail: info@myeloma-euronet.org http://ots.hina.hr/cgi-bin/ots/disp.cgi?NID=T6150611 nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4514/1/H-Ruke-koje-vide---Udruga-slijepih-i-moda---rukom-pod-ruku.html   'Ruke koje vide' nude ljepotuUdruga slijepih i moda - rukom pod ruku Rijeka (ots) - Mlada rijecka modna kreatorica Maja Vizjak ovihce dana u sklopu projekta 'Ruke koje vide' Hrvatske udruge prijatelja bijelog stapa HOMER iz Rijeke, poceti s odrzavanjem radionica modnog redizajna ukljucivanjem slijepih i slabovidnih u sve one radnje koji oni mogu obaviti i tako od neceg starog, nemodernog napraviti neki novi model ili neki novi proizvod kojice rado ponijeti svatko tko ih prepozna kao novostvorenu ljepotu. Inace, Maja Vizjak se svojim dvjema kolekcijama predstavila prosloga tjedna posjetiteljima Opium Buddha bara u Rijeci. Njezini povijesni kostimi te spavaæice i donje rublje predstavljeni su uz unikatni nakit izraðen u radionici 'Ruke koje vide' cime se zeli potaknuti mlade ljude osteæena vida na rad rukama u funkciji mnogih vjestina svakodnevnog zivljenja. Maja Vizjak pozeljela je bas nakit iz radionice 'Ruke koje vide' i tako dokazala kako samo zajednistvo onih koji vide i onih koji ne vide ili vide slabo mogu dati vrlo vrijedne rezultate u socijalnoj integraciji i stvaranju jednakih sansi svakom pojedincu u nasem drustvu.  NAPOMENA O IZVORU: HOMER - Hrvatska udruga prijatelja bijelog stapa Jelacicev trg 151000 Rijekatel/fax: 051 / 211-607tel: 051 / 211-633mobi: 091 / 211 60 77 ili 098 / 929 22 28web: www.homer.hr e-mail: homer@homer.hr   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4515/1/E-Auction-Of-Photos-Raises-Money-to-buy-wheelchairs-for-children-in-need.html  Auction Of Photos Raises Money For Needy Children10/28/2005 More than 25,000 euros has been raised for children suffering from cerebral paralysis in Croatia by the auction of photographs of world famous football stars in the Adriatic port of Split.Images of Brazilian strikers Ronaldo and Adriano, Swedish national team and Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sienna’s Igor Tudor, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Darijo Srna, Hajduk Split and Croatian national team midfielder Niko Kranjcar were included in the humanitarian auction. Croatian photographer Vladimir Dugandzic and his Japanese colleague Junichi Yamazakioffered their work at the auction at the Albatros Club in Split. The proceeds will be used to buy wheelchairs for children in need. A number of Croatian footballers attended the auction. Photos of different Olympic medal winners were also included in the auction. http://www.goal.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=96991&progr=0  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 28 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4517/1/E-Big-Croatian-Heart-in-New-Orleans.html  Big Croatian Heart, Croatian-American restaurant in New Orleans reopened and is giving away food for freeBy Mark EganTue Sep 6, On a devastated street corner in a gritty New Orleans neighborhood an impromptu shrine stands as testament that even during the horrorvisited upon this city by Hurricane Katrina, kindness is notforgotten. Made of bricks from a nearby building destroyed by thestorm, the improvised structure protects a body that lies covered bya white sheet. A cross fashioned of two pieces of wood found amongnearby debris marks the site as a grave, albeit a temporary one. Onthe sheet covering the corpse are written the words "Here Lies Vera,God Help Us." Before locals built this shrine, the woman had lain dead on the street. Her body was bloated and brutally distorted, untouched and ignored for almost a week by authorities who were working slowly to evacuate the thousands left homeless. Since Katrina and the floods that followed hit New Orleans, the city has been struck by unexpected hardships. Looting was rampant, refugee camps became the scenes of rapes, murders and robbery. Many lost everything and lacked even food and drinking water. But as the worst appears to have passed and most of those left stranded have been evacuated, acts of kindness abound. Dmitri Kachkov, a 35-year-old man who uses a wheelchair due to extreme physical disabilities, knows about hardship -- his family became refugees from Russia in 1997 and moved here. When Katrina made them refugees again, they expected to sleep in their van. Just before the storm hit, Kachkov and his parents drove north and took refuge in a roadside truck stop. Then a stranger -- Diana Cantello of Gramercy, Louisiana -- invitedthem to stay at her home. "My mother cried at such unexpectedhospitality," Kachkov said. They spent nine days and nights atCantello's home, where a mother and her two children had also beeninvited to stay. "Then yesterday it was my mother's 69th birthday andthey baked her a cake and bought her small presents. My mother neverexpected such kindness, especially during this disaster," Kachkovsaid on Monday after his family returned to Metairie, Louisiana, tosee how damaged their rental apartment was. Near the Kachkov home isDrago's Seafood Restaurant. Since the storm raged more than a weekago, five employees of the upscale eatery have lived on the premisesto protect it from looters who have destroyed businesses across thecity. Then on Monday the restaurant reopened, serving charred chickenon pasta with a Cajun marinara sauce and ice-cold water -- a rare luxury in this city in recent days. The food was free to anyone who wanted it. "We have decided that we will serve free food as long as our resources last, probably until we give away $20,000 of free food," said owner Klara Cvitanovich. Cvitanovich, 66, who came here from Croatia in her youth, was also shipping food out to poor neighborhoods. "I can honestly say I have lived the American dream, and now I have to give something back," she said. © 2005 Reuters  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4516/1/H-Veliko-srce-Hrvatice-tjesi-ocajnike-New-Orleansa.html  Veliko srce Hrvatice tjesi ocajnike New Orleansa UGLEDNA agencija Reuters objavila je toplu ljudsku pricu iz New Orleansa, grada duhova i leseva, vezanu uz hrvatsku obitelj Cvitanovic koja se odlucila pomoci u nevolji svojim sugradjanima i besplatno im omoguciti ono najpotrebnije, hranu i vodu.Grad je potpuno devastiran, leseva ima posvuda, sto najbolje ilustrira slucaj zene cije je mrtvo tijelo tjednima lezalo na ulici. Njeno tijelo je nabreklo i jako se izoblicilo, no vlasti su ga tjedan dana ignorirale sporo evakuirajuci prezivjele. Izbjeglicki kampovi postali su mjesta silovanja, ubojstava i pljacki. Mnogi su izgubili sve, a najvise nedostaju osnovne potrepstine poput hrane i vode.Restoran s morskim specijalitetima Drago u ulici Arnoult, poznat kao jedan od najboljih ribljih restorana u gradu i okolici, ponudio je preostalim gradjanima New Orleansa pogodjenog uraganom Katrina besplatnu hranu za sve koji to zele.Nakon sto je pred vise od tjedan dana uragan poharao grad velicine Zagreba, hrvatska obitelj Cvitanovic otvorila je svoj restoran kako bi servirala tople obroke piletine i tjestenine uz pitku vodu, sto je ovih dana pravi luksuz u gradu."Odlucili smo da cemo servirati hranu tako dugo koliko ce trajati nase zalihe, vjerojatno dok ne podijelimo hrane u iznosu od 20,000 dolara." - izjavila je vlasnica restorana Klara Cvitanovic, a prenosi Reuters.Gospodja Cvitanovic ima 66 godina, a iz Hrvatske je "trbuhom za kruhom" otisla kao vrlo mlada djevojka. "Da budem iskrena, zivjela sam americki san i sad im se imam priliku oduziti" - dodala je Hrvatica velika srca.Pomoc u kriticnim trenucima najvise se cijeni, a kad se vec americke vlasti ne brinu za svoje gradjane, moraju to ciniti sami. Prepusteni su sami sebi i ako si nece medjusobno pomagati, uz sve sto su do sada izgubili, ostaje im jos jedino ostaviti svoje zivote u gradu uzasa. Reuters  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4518/1/E-Blind-Childrens-Center-and-Croatia-Connection.html     Blind Childrens Center in Los Angeleswww.blindchildrenscenter.org  Croatia Connection:The Croatia community continues to grow its support for the Blind Childrens Center of Los Angeles. It started over 37 years ago, when a young family from Croatia had dreams andexpectations, anticipating the birth of their child with joy and excitement. They imagine what the infant will look like and plan for the future. In most cases, these hopes are fulfilled with the birth of a healthy child.But what if the baby was visually impaired? No parental reaction is typical, for everyone deals with feelings in a personal way. One thing, however, is certain: the impact of child blindness upon the family can be devastating due to the demands that are made on each family member in terms of time, energy and emotions.The Blind Childrens Center (BCC) is non-profit family-centered agency which serves children with visual impairments from birth to school age. The programs and services help the children acquire skills and build their independence. Founded by the Delta Gammas of Southern California, the Blind Childrens Center is the only agency in the greater Los Angeles area that provides an extensive range of services to children who are blind and partially sighted and their entire family.The Center utilizes its expertise and experience to serve families and professionals worldwide through support services, education and research. The BCC is considered a model educationalinstitution. As a matter of fact, we were the first to introduce cane use to children under the age of 3.Today, many members of the Croatia community have come together to help in all aspects of the Blind Childrens Center including leadership in our Board of Directors, funding research at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, volunteering and running in the Los Angeles Marathon to raise funds and participation at our Annual Golf Event at the Riviera Country Club. This golf event draws golfers from all over America including celebrities like Peter Falk, Joe Mantegna, Pat Boone, Mike Shanahan, and many others.The Croatia connection with our Center is strong and continues to grow on a yearly basis. To find out more about the Blind Childrens Center, please visitwww.blindchildrenscenter.org  or contact us at 323-664-2153.   Mission StatementThe Blind Childrens Center is a family-centered agency which serves children with visual impairments from birth to school-age. The center-based and home-based programs and services help the children acquire skills and build their independence. The Center utilizes its expertise and experience to serve families and professionals worldwide through support services, education, and research.  GeneralThe Blind Childrens Center was founded in 1938 by members of the Southern California Delta Gamma Fraternity under the leadership of Dr. Lillian Ray Titcomb. The Center serves over 100 families every year through the infant and preschool programs. The majority of children served live in the greater Los Angeles area. Fifty-two percent of the students are totally blind, 28% have functional vision, and 20% are reverse mainstream. The client population reflects the diversity of Los Angeles: 66% Latino, 22% Caucasian, 4% Asian, and 8% African American. Center and home-based services are free of charge. The Blind Childrens Center is funded entirely by private philanthropic support. It receives no financial support from federal, state, or local governments and it is not a United Way agency. Support, with the exception of modest revenues from the sale of the Center’s publications, is derived from volunteer and staff fund-raising efforts, which are supported by corporations, small businesses, civic and employee groups, charitable foundations and concerned individuals. Dear Nenad,Ina Zec asked that I get in contact with you and introduce myself. Ina and I serve on the Board of Directors for the Blind Childrens Center in Los Angeles. Besides the Center, we also share a special connection - my wife's family is Croatian. Her uncle Nicky was also a very noted authority on Tesla and did much research on his life's accomplishments. He recently passed away, but left his research with my wife's cousin Brian who is also very knowledgeable on Tesla and his work. Brian has held several Tesla conventions and currently provides special effects in Hollywood using the Tesla Coils he has built. His work was most recently featured on the show - Fear Factor.(op-ed:www.brianb.org/tesla.htm )I'm continued to be amazed how we are able to bring together a sense a community regardless of where we live. Over the many years Ina and I have served at the Center on behalf of the children, we continually meet folks within the Croatian community. I would welcome an opportunity to speak with you more about the work we are doing at the Center and to learn more about you.Kindest regards,Mark WestPresident, Blind Childrens Centermarktwest@socal.rr.com   Your help is deeply appreciatedThe Blind Childrens Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization; IRS Tax ID # 95-1656369. We rely completely on private contributions. Supporters include individuals, civic and employee groups, foundations, and corporations. We take no government funding and we are not a United Way agency. Your contribution goes a long way. One-hundred percent of donor contributions directly support the Center's programs. Administrative costs are supported through earnings on investments. The Center's home and center-based educational and family programs are free of charge. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4520/1/E-Goran-Visnjic-and-Don-Wolf.html  Don Wolf and Goran Visnjic  On the ship from Split to the island of Hvar, I had the opportunity to discuss St. Theresa's orphanage with Goran Visnjic, international TV and movie personality. He was delighted that Croatian Americans were helping support St. Theresa's and that third and fourth generation Croatian Americans were still able to sing Croatian songs and enjoyed their Croatian heritage. Don  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 19 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4519/1/E-Elevator.html  ElevatorDear Nenad,Perhaps your CROWN readers would be interested in these images fromSt. Theresa's Dom.The nuns looking through the hole with the child are anticipating the day when the hole will transform to an entrance to an elevator which will carry children, food, clothes and bedding up and down 4 stories. Sister Andrea on the left and Sister Victoria on the rightAnyone that wants to help pay for the completion of the elevator can make out a check to St. Theresa's Orphanage and send it to  Don Wolf3535 N 63 TerraceKansas City, Kansa66104When I get an appropriate amount, I wire it directly from our bank into the bank of the Sisters and it goes into their account.Don  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 19 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4521/1/E-Andrew-Bogut-4-Foundation-to-help-underprivileged.html  Andrew Bogut 4 Foundation to help underprivilegedBucks sign Bogut to multiyear contract(Agencies)Updated: 2005-07-02 16:33MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Bucks signed the NBA's No. 1 draft pick Andrew Bogut to a multiyear contract Friday. The 20-year-old Australian, who was college player of the year at Utah last season, will take part in the Bucks' summer camp workouts and play in the Minnesota Summer League July 15-19, general manager Larry Harris said. "This is a dream come true for me," Bogut said. "I've worked extremely hard to get to this point and I'm honored to be a member of the Milwaukee Bucks organization." The Bucks did not reveal the details of the contract for the 7-foot-1 center.Although the exact figures won't be known until after the NBA's new collecting bargaining agreement is finalized, Bogut's agent David Bauman said he expects Bogut to get around $4.2 million in his first year, $4.55 million the second year and $4.85 million the third year. The figure should go to about $6 million in the fourth year, the team's option year, he said, while a fifth-year qualifying offer would be 30 percent higher than the fourth, or $7.8 million. Bogut has formed the Andrew Bogut 4 Foundation to help underprivileged youths in Australia, Croatia, Utah and Milwaukee. He is of Croatian descent and played college basketball at Utah. Harris said the team expects "a long and promising career" for Bogut with the Bucks.  Bogut has said he's not afraid of the expectations he faces as he joins a team coming off its worst record (30-52) in nearly a decade. Harris now will focus on re-signing top scorer Michael Redd and other free agents, and hiring a replacement for Terry Porter, the second-year coach who was fired last week. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-07/02/content_456564.htm   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 02 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4522/1/E-Rats-are-called-in-to-defuse-landmines-in-Croatia.html  Rats are called in to defuse landmines  June 1, 2005Zagreb - Croatia is considering using specially trained rats to help neutralize unexploded landmines left over from the 1990s Croatian-Serbian war. A media report yesterday said that Belgium had offered to provide Croatia with the trained African rats.Rats have been described as a cheap and efficient way to remove landmines.After being released into the minefield, they sniff out the landmines and after detecting one they start to scratch the ground, alerting their handlers. "Basically, it's the same principle as with dogs, but unlike dogs, which sometimes got blown away due to their weight, rats do not have such problems and rats also do not get bored so easily," Nikola Pavkovic, an official of the Croatian Demining Centre, told a German news agency.  He said the large African rats, each weighing 3kg, would first have to undergo a period of adjustment to south-eastern Europe's climate and environment. The demining rats have already been used successfully in Mozambique in a project funded by the Belgian government and the European Union. - Sapa-DPAhttp://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=132&fArticleId=2541843   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4524/1/E-Celebrity-supporters-create-the-Adopt-A-Minefield-Artists-Committee.html nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4523/1/E-Maradona-to-play-charity-soccer-match-in-Novi-Vinodolski-Croatia.html  Maradona to play charity soccer match inCroatia  Associated Press ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) - Diego Maradona will play in a charity soccer match in Croatia on June 17 with several other retired soccer stars, Croatian newspapers reported Wednesday.Maradona, who captained Argentina to the 1986 World Cup, agreed to play in the northern coastal city of Novi Vinodolski to raise money for a local orphanage.Others involved are former Croatia internationals Davor Suker and Zvonimir Boban."I'm happy to come again to Croatia," Maradona was quoted as saying by two leading Croatian dailies. "It makes me even more happy to do a good deed. Humanitarian matches have become the meaning of my life."The match is planned to accompany an ATP Senior Tour event in Novi Vinodolski on June 15-18, which will gather retired tennis stars such as Goran Ivanisevic, Boris Becker, and John McEnroe.Organizers also hope to arrange a tennis match between Maradona and McEnroe.The soccer match would be one of the few times Maradona, rated one of the greatest players ever, has been seen on a field since his retirement in 1997.Maradona became obese under the weight of cocaine addiction and, on March 5, successfully underwent gastric bypass surgery to help try and reduce his weight by 50 kilograms (110 pounds) within a year.Before the operation, the 1.68-meter (5-foot-6) Argentine weighed 121 kilograms (266 pounds).http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/3655786   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4529/1/E-St-Theresas-Orphanage.html  St. Theresa's Orphanage http://www.sttheresasorphanage.org/ Thank you for visiting - Hello. My name is Sister Kristina Piskovic. I am the director of St. Theresas Orphanage in Zagreb, Croatia. Although the war is now over, our country is still feeling its after effects. Joblessness and poverty are common, especially among the young, and some unfortunate parents cannot provide for their children. Our government, which is still struggling in this "new economy" provides very little help, so we (the sisters), and the children, rely on our benefactors abroad. Presently, we care for 35 children --- the youngest is a 3-month old boy and the eldest, a girl who has just graduated from secondary school. There is a lot of love here in our house, and a lot of happiness. The sisters are all young and we have the energy to love the children like they were our own. We wish to make their childhood as nice and carefree as possible. We also try to heal the wounds left over from the war and from being abandoned by their parents. Children are the flowers of the world and they are the jewels of our nunnery. As I stated, love and care is not a problem for us. But, a shortage of money is a major concern. Since our government does not help us very  much, we rely very heavily on the good will of our friends so that we can continue our work. If you are willing to help us help the orphans, we will be very grateful and we will include you in our every day prayers.Thank you and may God Bless. http://www.sttheresasorphanage.org St. Theresa's Orphanage Dom Sv. TerezijeSister Kristina PiskovicVrhovec2910000 Zagreb Croatia How To Give The Campaign for Saint Theresa's Orphanage has no paid staff. Every penny raised goes directly into an account that is accessed only by the sisters who operate the orphanage. We respond to the needs of the orphanage as they arise. If the roof needs repair, we raise the money. If the children need clothing, we find the clothes and send them. It's success depends on the commitment of volunteers and the generosity of those who can spare a few dollars. It's very simple: Our volunteers work hard. Our donors give generously. The children benefit.The Campaign for Saint Theresa's is affiliated with the Croatian Council of Kansas City, your donation is tax-deductible. More importantly, it will do much to help the children of Croatia. Please send your donation to:Christ the King Catholic ChurchMemo: St. TheresaÂ'sc/o Don Wolf3535 North 63rd TerraceKansas City, KS 66104 Croatian connection endures through yearsBy DAWN BORMANN The Kansas City Star - 2004 Ten years ago, Don Wolf didn't need to remind donors that the residents of Croatia needed a hand. Newspaper headlines spoke for the Kansas City, Kan., man. The Balkan states were devastated by war. Croatia was left with burned-out homes, hospitals and schools. Refugees had no place to return. Back then, Wolf went back to the country that his grandparents had emigrated from a century ago. He looked for ways to help. "What could I do? I didn't think there was anything I could do. I was so far removed," he said to himself before his trip. The professional photographer soon discovered that his pictures were the best way to humanize the story for Americans, who were eager to help. But when the gunfire quieted and the bombing siege stopped, donations dried up. Years later, the problems linger, Wolf said. The Croatian economy continues to struggle, crippled by inflation and riddled with unemployment. And Croatia has been denied access to the European Union and NATO. Wolf's award-winning fundraising efforts have become considerably more difficult. Americans have refocused their efforts to other war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Iraq. "The war is over. It's out of the front pages," he said. "People are tired of me." When his work began, it was a different story. Wolf started a non-profit group, the Croatian Council of Kansas City, and began writing to every American-Croatian organization he discovered. He scanned newspapers and magazines weekly, looking for potential donors. Slowly, Americans and many others began sending back the small church envelopes he had enclosed in each letter. The envelopes contained letters of encouragement and small donations. He researched worthy causes in Croatia and with the help of a Croatian cousin found St. Theresa's Orphanage run by Catholic nuns. Wolf visited the orphanage to judge for himself. He found a building packed with mothers, fathers, families and orphans. In a laundry room, he discovered a mother and her six children who called the small area home. At the time, deteriorated plumbing posed the biggest problem at the orphanage. So Wolf raised $25,000 and helped repair the pipes. "I thought it was going to be the end of it. Then they needed medicine, baby food," he said. "Little by little, they needed a stove. They needed a washing machine." Before he knew it, the tile roof needed to be replaced at the cost of $300,000. The Croatian government gave the orphanage $150,000 and Wolf launched a major campaign in America to come up with the balance. The photographer took snapshots of the children and sent pamphlets out across the country. "By taking pictures of these kids, people see their faces," he said. "These aren't just statistics. These are real people." Donations rolled in from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Indiana, Florida, Texas and beyond. "So then, now I think I'm all done," he said. But his work, it seems, has only begun. The orphanage building still suffers from years of neglect. The children bear the emotional trauma of war and abandonment. The nuns, whose mission has become more respected throughout the country, have started outreach programs to help pregnant mothers. And the Carmelite sisters have another pressing request for Wolf. "Mr. Wolf, this is a four-story building. We carry food up and down .we need an elevator," one of the nuns told Wolf. The orphanage receives some help from the government, but the nuns depend on Wolf's fundraising work. There is little hope that the Croatian government could spare the money for the elevator, so without Wolf, the project is doomed. "We rely on God's providence and we believe that he sent us Mr. Don Wolf. His love and care for us helps us to go on, to continue with helping and living for abandoned children in Croatia," said Sister Victoria Sanjkovic, who helps to run the orphanage. At the orphanage, Wolf is well-known to the children. They call him Papa Wolf and send thank-you letters to him and every donor. Wolf's work is followed closely by others as well. He has received numerous awards for his charity work and has earned the respect of many. Wolf and his wife, Mary Wolf, have also led several tours for Americans with Croatian roots. The tours always include a stop at the orphanage, where Americans can see firsthand how their donations are used. The tours have inspired many others to lead similar trips through the country. Last week, Wolf received a letter from Barb Perisin, a supporter from Joliet, Ill., who had just returned from a visit with a tour group. She told Wolf that visiting the orphanage was the most memorable stop on the tour. When it came time to leave, she said, "There wasn't a dry eye on board that bus." The experience reinforced their decision to donate money to the orphans, Perisin told him. "Everyone agreed that the money they gave was well worth it and that the nuns really need that elevator," she wrote. "I hope they will continue to get enough donations to make that dream possible." Letters like Perisin's remind Wolf that the 20 to 30 minutes he dedicates to the charity each day are well worth his time. "It's a joy. This is so fulfilling I can't explain it," he said. "It's almost like a mandate from God." For many, the philanthropy is easy to support, considering that 100 percent of donations are directed to the orphanage. In order to pay for postage, Wolf sells a videotape that teaches the delicate art of preparing povitica bread. He also sells Christmas cards to benefit the children. While the donations inside the church envelopes have grown smaller, there are still surprises, he said. When he retires, Wolf will dedicate even more time to Croatia and the orphans. Still, he sometimes tells the Carmelite sisters that someday he will retire from the philanthropy business. Of course, he can't speak those words without flashing a bright mischievous smile. He knows leaving the orphanage isn't really an option. "I asked the sisters, when can I quit? She said, 'When we do.'" (E) Don Wolf of Kansas City - A Croatian you should know! 11/25/01  Culture And Arts Contact Don Wolf: Wolf1936@aol.com  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4528/1/H-Croatian-Mine-Action-Centre-CROMAC.html  Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC)Address : Ante Kovacica 10 PO BOX 8 Sisak 44000 Croatia Tel : 00385 44 554 101Fax : 00385 44 554 142 URL : http://www.hcr.hr/  E-mail :hcr@hcr.hr  Zahvaljujemo svim sudionicima na izuzetnom zanimanju, dobroj raspravi i prezentacijama. Zamoljavamo ih takoer, da eÅ¡e posjeuju Internet stranicu HCR-a ( www.hcr.hr  ) i HCR-CTRO d.o.o. www.ctro.hr , te da nam svojim sugestijama pomognu u kreiranju III. Meunarodnog stru nog savjetovanja "Humanitarno razminiranje 2006.".Oto Jungwirthravnatelj HCR-aMirko IvanuÅ¡iPredsjednikOrganizacijskog odboraNikola Pavkovidirektor HCR-CTRO-a  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4527/1/E-Norwegian-Peoples-Aid-Mine-Action-Programme---CROATIA.html  Norwegian People's Aid Mine Action Programme - CROATIA Norwegian People’s Aid is the Norwegian labour movement’s humanitarian aid organization which was established over 60 years ago, the basis for all its activities is to improve conditions under which individuals live and contribute to a more humane society for all. NPA has been involved in mine action since 1992, conducting mine action operations in 16 different countries covering three continents. Cambodia was the first country where NPA started mine clearance operations and since that date the organization has set up operations in: Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan, Laos, Lebanon, Mozambique, Kosovo, Thailand and Western Sahara. NPA works in adherence to the United Nations definition of mine action as being, “all those activities geared towards addressing the problems faced by populations as a result of landmine contamination. It is not just about mines as it is about people and their interaction with a mine-infested environment. Its aim is not purely to survey, mark and eradicate landmines – but humanitarian and developmental - to recreate an environment in which people can live safely, in which economic, social and health development can occur free from the constraints imposed by landmine contamination, and in which victims' needs are addressed.Accordingly, NPA’s mine action activities included survey and task impact assessments, mine clearance involving manual, mechanical and mine detecting dogs), mine awareness and community liaison activities, advocacy and mine policy related work, research and development initiatives, landmine survivor assistance (to a limited extent) and support and capacity building to national mine action capacities.The overall objective of any NPA mine action programme is, to facilitate, support and contribute to a sustainable improvement of the socio-economic living conditions for target populations in mine affected areas. To accomplish this we work within two major programme areas: the first focuses on the landmines already in the ground and the second on the prevention of further use of landmines. The former refers to all our work in the mine-affected countries including survey, clearance, and mine awareness activities. The latter refers to our engagement as one of the key organisations in the Ottawa Treaty Process and the international campaign to ban landmines (ICBL). Since the ratification of the treaty and the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the founding organisations and their Ambassador Ms. Jody Williams, NPA and its partners in ICBL have continued to lobby the non-signatories as well as supporting countries like Croatia, who have signed and ratified the Treaty. NPA also assist in the production of Landmine Monitor, which gives the annual overview of the mine problem worldwide. In addition to ICBL, NPA is also a member of other international mine action committees and working groups including the UNMAS Steering Committee and the GICHD Advisory Board. According to the estimated figures presented by the Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC) around 700,000 mines and UXOs still remain undetected in Croatia. Out of the 21counties in Croatia, 14 are still mine contaminated from the conflict between 1991 and 1995. CROMAC estimates that the mine suspected area covers 1,350 km2, 10% of this area is considered to be actually mine contaminated. According the Croatian Mine Victims' Association there have been 1,880 mine victims since 1991.http://www.npaid.hr/   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4526/1/E-Fundrraiser-for-the-City-Museum-of-Vukovar-SUCCESS.html  Fundraiser for the City Museum of Vukovar SUCCESSDear members of AMAC Mid-Atlantic and the Croatian-American Chamber of Commerce,It is a pleasure to announce that thanks to your generosity we managed to raise $11,110 for the City Museum of Vukovar, at the fundraiser held in the restaurant The Terrace in the Sky in Manhattan, on May 1, 2005. The fundraiser was organized by AMAC Mid-Atlantic http://www.amac-ma.org/headlines/ , with the cooperation of the CACC http://www.croamchamber.org/ . Thirty donations have been received, ranging from $25 to $2,500. They were collected mostly during the fundraiser, but some major donations were also sent by the people who were unable to attend. Each donation, regardless of its size, is valuable since it was given from the heart, and will be received with gratitude by the people of Vukovar. To them, the funds we raised will mean a great deal not only financially but also, and perhaps even more, morally and emotionally, a tangible evidence that the Croatian community here, although far away, stands with them.The donations will soon be sent to Vukovar. Every donor will be personally recognized and thanked in writing by the director of the Vukovar museum, Mrs. Ruzica Maric. Our hope is to repeat this fundraiser next year, and make it a regular annual event.Thank you all once again, and have a great summer.Sincerely,Zlatko Bacic, PresidentAMAC Mid-Atlanticzlatko.bacic@nyu.edu    nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4525/1/E-Croatian-American-3rd-Annual-Golf-Outing-New-York-May-23-2005.html  Croatian American 3rd Annual Golf Outing May 23, 2005 at North Hills Country Club, Manhasset, New YorkTel: (516) 627 9100For registration donation and further information call (718) 539-2391Dinner tickets still availableCharity event for American Cancer Society and Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4530/1/H-Preporucamo-vam-Fundaciju-Ruzickina-Kuca-u-Vukovaru.html  AMAC:Preporucamo vam Fundaciju "Ruzickina Kuca" u VukovaruFrom: Zlatko Bacic bacicz@mindspring.comDate: March 19, 2005 1:09:55 PM ESTTo: AMAC-members@mx1.nyu.eduSubject: AMAC: Preporucamo vam Fundaciju "Ruzickina Kuca" u VukovaruDragi clanovi i prijatelji AMACa,Zelimo Vam svratiti pozornost na Fundaciju "Ruzickina Kuca" koja djeluje u Vukovaru, buduci da smo uvjereni da zavrijedjuje Vasu podrsku. Fundacija je osnovana u svrhu obnove rodne kuce prvog hrvatskog nobelovca, i jednog od svjetskih velikana kemije, Lavoslava Ruzicke, koja je bila potpuno razrusena tijekom srpske agresije na Vukovar, za vrijeme Domovinskog rata. Obnovljena kuca biti ce muzejski prostor koji ce svjedociti o zivotu i radu Lavoslava Ruzicke. Inace, uz obnovljenu kucu bit ce izgradjena moderno opremljena dvorana, u kojoj ce se odvijati razne kulturne i obrazovne djelatnosti, narocito okrenute mladima, kao i znanstveni skupovi. O Fundaciji, njenom projektu, i napretku obnove Ruzickine kuce, mozete vise saznati na vrlo informativnoj web stranici Fundacije, http://www.fundacijaruzickinakuca.hr/index.htm . Posjetite Foto galeriju,http://www.fundacijaruzickinakuca.hr/foto.htm Takodjer, mozete kontaktirati gdju. Maju Rendulic maja.rendulic@diners.hr , upraviteljicu Fundacije, koja azurno i srdacno odgovara na e-mail poruke.Lavoslav Ruzicka jedan je od samo dva hrvatska znanstvenika nagradjena za svoj rad Nobelovom nagradom. Drugi je Vladimir Prelog, takodjer organski kemicar, kojem je Ruzicka bio mentor. Lavoslav Ruzicka je rodjen 1887. u Vukovaru. Nakon velike mature u Osijeku, otisao je na studij u inozemstvo. Iako je tada zauvijek napustio domovinu, nikada ju nije zaboravio i do kraja zivota je odrzavao cvrste i ceste veze s njom. Gotovo cjelu znanstvenu karijeru proveo je kao profesor organske kemije na znamenitoj ETH (Visoka Tehnicka Skola) u Zuerichu, u Svicarskoj. Nobelovu nagradu za kemiju dobio je 1939., za svoje pionirske radove iz sintetske organske kemije prirodnih spojeva. Umro je 1976. Kod njega su se decenijama usavrsavali gotovo svi vodeci organski kemicari u Hrvatskoj. Dobitnik je brojnih najvisih svjetskih priznanja. Za pocasnog doktora Sveucilista u Zagrebu izabran je 1940.; iste godine postao je i pocasnim gradjaninom Vukovara. Opsirniji zivotopis Lavoslava Ruzicke nalazi se takodjer na web stranici Fundacije, http://www.fundacijaruzickinakuca.hr/index.htm Nadamo se da ce te pozeljeti ukljuciti se u projekt obnove rodne kuce ovog hrvatskog velikana. Ako se odlucite, Vase donacije mozete uplatiti u korist deviznog racuna Fundacije "Ruzickina Kuca":71304-737761 kod Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d. ZagrebSWIFT code: RZBHHR2XKorespondentne banke u US su:The Bank of New York, NYWachovia Bank, NYAmerican Express Bank, NYUz srdacan pozdrav i postovanje, Zlatko Bacic, PredsjednikAMAC Mid-Atlantichttp://www.amac-ma.org/headlines/   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4531/1/E-Taina-Franjevic-in-Action.html  Taina Franjevic in Action   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4532/1/E-Looking-for-Bone-Marrow-transplant-for-my-father.html  Bone Marrow Search for my fatherSubject: FW: From Blaz Grizelj: Important Information Regarding My FatherFor those of you who don't know, my father, Mladen "Zuka" Grizelj has beendiagnosed with a form of Leukemia. Right now he is going throughchemotherapy and will receive a bone marrow transplant in the near future.We are asking all of our friends and family if they can help us out bydonating their bone marrow to the National Marrow Donor Program. It's ananonymous donation, so you won't know exactly who you'll be helping out.Hopefully, it will be my father. You can contact your local hospital tofind out where you can give the donation.The donation is a simple withdrawal of blood that won't take up too muchof your time. It doesn't involve taking any of your bone marrow out.Evenif you are lucky enough to be a match, the transplant process onlyrequires you to withdraw blood again. So there is no surgery, orpainful procedure of any kind. There are a few criteria to becoming adonor:1. You can't have asthma, AIDS, or diabetes2. You can't have serious hip, neck, or heart problems3. You have to be between the ages of 18-60If you fit this criteria, then PLEASE help by donating your blood. Forthose of you who live in the Bay Area, you can contact Diane Hill ofStanford Hospital at (650)723-5532. You can give your bone marrowdonation there, or she can direct you to a place that is closer to you.You can also go to www.marrow.org  to locate any bone marrow donationcenters near you. There is no cost to you for the donation. Thank youfor your support and help, if you have any questions, please call.Sincerely,Blaz Grizelj408.398.4112michael@intersp.com CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals.  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4534/1/E-Croatian-Relief-Services-for-Tsunami-Victims.html  Croatian Relief Services for Tsunami Victimshttp://www.croatianrelief.org/ Croatian Relief Services was founded at the basement of St. John Catholic Church in Fairview, New Jersey on June 7, 1991 in order to help the refugees of Croatia and Bosnia. Since that time it has become "An Apostolate of Mercy" created to help the destitute victims of natural disasters and war refugees throughout the globe. We work with local clergy in many countries and joins in saving lives of the poorest of the poor. The driving force behind our ministry lies in the challenge presented in Matt. 25: 31-46. We are a ministry of compassion and mercy binding the bleeding hearts and comforting the widows and the orphans. We are restoring broken families, mending broken hearts, and bringing hope to the hopeless, especially the war refugees who have been suffering persecution. We wish to be the voice for the voiceless in many parts of the globe. We serve the people God places before us.At the present time, we are faced with the most horrible natural human tragedy. It took place a day after Christmas in Asia. The Tsunami Waves after the Indian Ocean Earthquake has devastated many countries in Asia, India and Sri Lanka. We are sending to you the information about this tragedy on the other side of this letter. We are aware that you have heard of the situation through the media. What remains of us to do at the present time is to open our hearts for the most desperate people of the globe. They need our comfort and support. Please, join our hands in helping the victims of this tragic natural disaster. Any donation to Croatian Relief Services is tax deductible.Immediately after I heard of the tragedy I called a my friend Bishop Jude Pauluraj of the Diocese of Palayamkottai in India. Bishop Jude visited Croatian Relief last summer and we became good friends. Here is a part of the e-mail letter which Bishop Paulraj sent to me after I spoke to him and promised help from our CRS, the Apostolate of Mercy."Dear Father Gio, It is really amazing to see your good timely self action on behalf of our critical situation in India and Sri Lanka! You are responding to the Lord's invitation to bring Jesus in the hearts of all who suffer! I appreciate your action. Your generous heart is an example to me as a bishop. I have just returned home from the neighboring diocese of Kottar. I was giving out rice bags, beans, clothing and blankets to the Tsunami Wave Victims who are now homeless. Today we have distributed humanitarian aid worth 3, 500 US dollars. The neighboring Bishop told me that they need many more blankets and food. Tomorrow we are going to another neighboring diocese of Titicorin. We will distribute more humanitarian aid worth some 2, 000 US dollars. The money was collected from our diocese, and other institutions in a period of last 6 months. This is not a big deal but it is an immediate relief to the 2 dioceses. Some 20 camps are there in Kottar and each camp holds some 150 people. The Government will do what they can but it takes time! The people need an immediate relief and rehabilitation will take place later and it will be a very big undertaking. Several villages here are totally washed out to sea! God shell help them through wonderful people like you! I shall contact the Bishop of Sri Lanka who is my classmate and will also distribute help to the victims there. Through your help we will also help them. Please send us what you can because the situation is very critical. I will keep in touch with you daily and I will fill you on all the projects and details of our humanitarian distribution. Once again I have no words to express my gratitude and appreciation for your kind and timely gesture to the suffering humanity. God bless you and your mom. My wishes to all your helpers and donors. Kindly pray for us . We wish you all a healthy and holy new year". (Signed by: Bishop Jude Paulraj) - FROM ALL YOU HAVE HEARD BY THE US AND WORLD MEDIA I DO NOT THINK THAT I HAVE ANYTHING MORE TO ADD FOR THIS URGENT APPEAL. By Phone: Please call (201)945-4891 for any questions about donations.Mail your check or money order to:Croatian Relief Services225 Anderson Ave. Fairview, NJ 07022 http://www.croatianrelief.org/ FrGio@aol.com   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4533/1/E-Libertas-Foundation-Fundraiser-Feb-5th-2005.html  LIBERTAS  FOUNDATION  February 5th 2005, Gala Dinner/Fundraising and celebration of Sveti Vlaho - St. Blaise, Patron Saint of DubrovnikTel: (310) 548-1446 Fax: (310) 831-8382 e-mail: Dubrovnik5@aol.com 777 W.9th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 USA December 20, 2004Dear Friends,On February 5th 2005, another Gala Dinner/Fundraising and celebration of Sveti Vlaho - St. Blaise, Patron Saint of Dubrovnik is coming. Mark your calendar and reserve this evening for fabulous Croatian food, dances, music and friendship.To commemorate our 14th anniversary at St. Anthony's Croatian Center in Los Angeles, Libertas Foundation will publish a program and souvenir book. We invite you and all Croatian-American businesses, organizations and their friends to help in our fundraising effort by placing an ad, greeting, letter, poem, recipe or anything that may be interesting for our Souvenir Book. In order to reserve space in our Souvenir Book, please contact us ASAP and no later then January 20,2005. This event is a sell out every year -- we anticipate over 450 people from the Greater Los Angeles area to attend our "festa", which has become one of the premiere events in the Croatian- American community of Southern California. The souvenir book will be distributed to all attendees and advertisers, giving you and your business tremendous exposure and recognition.We are pleased to report that our scholarship fund, which awards financially challenged students money to attend local trade schools, awarded ten (10) deserving students $1000 each in Dubrovnik this past August. The names of the students are: Stijepo Mage, Ivan Zec, Miso Tepsic, Antun Strazicic, Andela Kurelja, Ivo Morlais, Damir Miljevic, Niko Lujo, Ivo Penetra and Petar Zlosilo.Though we have all accomplished and contributed generously, we are continuing with these programs as long as there is need for it and ask for your help and support in any way to make these programs most beneficial to the needy people of Croatia.We thank all of you that have helped in the past and hope you will continue to support our humanitarian projects. Since we are all volunteers, we can assure you that every dollar you donate will reach the people and charity of your choice. The holidays are around the corner. At this time of joy and celebration let's remember our less fortunate brothers and sisters and share the joy of Christmas with them. Your generosity and continued support is greatly appreciated.MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! SRETAN BOZIC I NOVA GODINA!Niko Hazdovac Tony Bendewish President/ Libertas Foundation “Ante & Evelyn Mrgudic” Scholarship Fund Humanitarian, Non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Federal ID#:33-0496929  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4535/1/E-SERVING-CHILDREN.html  SERVING CHILDREN: ANDREA JAEGER & MAJA MURICBy Katarina TepeshIn the 1980's Andrea Jaeger was a tennis phenomenon - she turned pro at the age of 14 and was the #2 ranked female tennis player in the world. When, at the age of 19, a career-ending injury set her on a new path, Andrea gave her earnings and pension to co-found The Silver Lining Foundation, benefiting children with life threatening illnesses. This year, Andrea released autobiography, "FIRST SERVICE - Following God's Calling and Finding Life's Purpose" www.firstservicebook.com "In our nonprofit organization, in one of our many programs, children participate in weeklong sessions at our 18,000-square-foot permanent facility, built in Aspen specifically for children with life threatening illnesses. For these youngsters, weary of sterile hospitals, painful procedures, and the loneliness and trauma of dealing with a life-threatening disease like cancer, the Ranch and activities provide a welcome relief amid the beauty and serenity of the Colorado Rockies. While some children are from loving families with great community and parental support, others arrive from foster care and harsh, broken family environments. We help children find peace, have fun and share similarity of their experiences with fellow cancer patients," says Andrea. www.silverliningfoundation.orgPart of Andrea's team is also another former tennis player MAJA MURIC, born in Zagreb, in 1974. Since 1995, Maja serves as the International Program Coordinator and camp videographer at the foundation. "In 1994 when I met Maja at the Hilton Head, South Carolina, Maja spent the evening passionately describing why the programs were needed in her native country. She told me of bombings, mortar shells and sniper shootings, and how this had an effect on the country's children. The exclusive vacation environment of Hilton Head Island was a far cry from her homeland - war-battered cities with buildings that were reduced to rubble; hospitals lacking basic supplies; shortages in food and clothing - but Maja refused to forget the children so desperately in need. Maja felt assured I was going to be someone who could help make a difference," recalls Andrea. Equally important, Maja told Andrea her own deeply painful story. "Maja's mother had tried to abort her when she found out she was pregnant with her. The abortion plan didn't work and Maja's entry into the world was not very welcomed by her natural family. Maja's mom left her when she was eight and Maja's dad soon after that, even though he stayed in her life in some ways. Maja's grandparents raised her, but it was still not a good situation. Maja was severely abused by her father - whenever he was around - throughout her childhood and adolescence. The experiences were so traumatic that she blocked many of them out in order to survive. Despite all the pain and suffering she endured, her spirit was never broken. Maja had a heart as big as a mountain."By autumn of 1994, Maja and Andrea arrived in Zagreb to deliver medical supplies, clothing and toys in excess of $50,000 to give to children in Croatia and Bosnia. The cargo vessel was paid by GORAN IVANISEVIC. For international children's programs, please send your tax-deductible donations to: Little Stars, PO Box 11569, Aspen, Colorado 81612. Federal Tax ID is: 86-0947944  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4536/1/E-Doctor-comes-to-aid-of-Croatian-student.html  Doctor comes to aid of Croatian studentBy Ann Strosnider, Sun StaffSeptember 25, 2004Croatian student Boris Marosinac will be able to stay in Bremerton and complete his education at Olympic College, thanks to a generous retired doctor. Dr. John Stanley of Bremerton came forward to put up the $15,000 required by student visa rules after a story about Marosinac's plight appeared in The Sun Sept. 17. Stanley said he was happy to help and said Marosinac is helping him as well. "We discovered that this young fellow is very good with computers," he said. Stanley has a Russian student, Katerina Korosteleva of Vladivostok, staying with him, and Marosinac was able to set up her computer with the Cyrillic alphabet.Marosinac, 20, had begun college in Michigan but moved to Bremerton after members of a church that sponsored him lost their jobs and were unable to keep up the funding. The Stanley family (no relation to Dr. Stanley) knew him slightly and agreed to take him in without knowing about the financial requirements. He is part of OC's fledgling international student program. Dr. Stanley said he got involved with international students through Rotary. He began traveling to Russia to help set up Rotary clubs about six years ago. Kathy Stanley said Friday that the response from the community has been overwhelming. "In addition to Dr. Stanley, we've had dozens of calls," she said. "Some people wanted to offer money, some just offered their prayers that Boris would be able to stay in this country. I would like to thank Gerry Stamm of Olympic College and everyone who called. It has meant so much to us and to Boris." One woman even called to see if the young Croatian could help her translate some letters from her deceased father. She was born in Croatia but moved to the United States after being adopted in 1956 and never learned to read and write the language. Marosinac grew up in a time of war and dislocation in his native land. The fighting among Serbs, Croats and Muslims in the former Yugoslavia left 20,000 people dead and more than a quarter-million homeless. When it looked like he might have to return home without a degree, he was discouraged because unemployment in Croatia is about 45 percent, he said. "Beyond the education that Boris will be able to get, the lesson that there are good people out there means everything," Kathy Stanley said. Reach reporter Ann Strosnider at (360) 792-9219 or at astrosnider@thesunlink.com.http://www.thesunlink.com/bsun/local/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_3209626,00.html   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 25 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4537/1/E-Croatia-Treats-Iraqi-Children-Trains-Doctors.html  Croatia Treats Iraqi Children, Trains Doctors In Forensic Techniques AFP: 8/26/2004 ZAGREB, Aug 26 (AFP) - Seven Iraqi children were hospitalized in Zagreb Thursday for life-saving surgical operations, Health Minister Andrija Hebrang said. He said the government had budgeted 270,000 euros (326,000 dollars) this year for medical care for Iraqi children who cannot be treated in their own country. The seven children admitted to three hospitals Thursday are aged between two and 11. Hebrang did not give any details about their condition. He said six Iraqi doctors arrived Thursday to begin training in forensic techniques, including the use of DNA tracing to identify victims in mass graves. http://www.turkishpress.com/turkishpress/news.asp?ID=25601  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4538/1/E-Nita-Gizdich---Ag-Against-Hunger-Woman-of-the-Year.html  Nita Gizdich lauded as Ag Woman of the Year - Against Hunger The following comes from the Santa Cruz Sentinel. John Peter Kraljic, Esq.Nita GizdichBACKGROUND: Owner of Gizdich Ranch, a pick-it-yourself farm and tourist destination in Watsonville. AWARD RECEIVED: 2004 Ag Woman of the Year, given by the nonprofit group Ag Against Hunger based in Salinas, serving Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.NOMINEE CRITERIA: Demonstrates commitment to the betterment of the agricultural community; displays community leadership, professionalism and dedication; demonstrates the highest level of ethics and integrity.OCCUPATION: Semi-retired farmer.HOMETOWN: Watsonville.OTHER HONORS RECEIVED: First woman to be named Farmer of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, 1987; named Direct Marketing Person of the Year by National Farmers' Direct Marketing Association, 1994; inducted into the Watsonville High School Alumni Hall of Fame, 1999; named Woman of the Year by Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, 2002.INFORMATION: www.gizdichranch.com ;www.agagainsthunger.com .By GWEN MICKELSONSentinel staff writerWATSONVILLE - Sitting at a long picnic table in the bake shop at Gizdich Ranch, a pick-it-yourself farm and tourist destination selling jams, pies and antiques, Nita Gizdich's blue eyes sparkled behind rimless spectacles.A recurring smile sent laugh lines across her tanned face as she talked about the people, particularly schoolchildren, who come to the ranch to experience a farm firsthand and learn where their food comes from.Tuesday, Gizdich, owner of Gizdich Ranch and tireless champion of agricultural issues, was named Ag Woman of the Year, an award given annually by the nonprofit group Ag Against Hunger. The award is given to an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the agricultural community within Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties."I'm very excited," said Gizdich, 69. "I'm very surprised. I hope I can live up to all these honors."That kind of selfless spirit in promoting and celebrating agriculture and keeping the pioneering tradition and agricultural history alive are what Ag Against Hunger looks for in the nominations for its award."The people who are selected are the hardest-working women in the industry, and they tend to keep a low profile," said Bernadette O'Keefe, executive director of Ag Against Hunger, which collects and distributes farms' surplus produce to low-income, hungry people in the community and throughout the state.The award has honored women with outstanding contributions to agriculture since 1994, beginning with Sharan Lanini, an agricultural consultant in Salinas. Other women who have received the award since include Claudia Smith of Paraiso Vineyards of Soledad in 1995, Karen Miller of Clint Miller Farms in Watsonville in 1996 and Elia Vasquez of Vasquez Farms in Watsonville in 2000."Nita has done so much in her career of farming that it was natural nomination," said Jess Brown, executive director of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, which nominated Gizdich for the award. "She's been a leader in so many areas, especially in the direct marketing arena - Gizdich Farms was only the second in Pajaro Valley that sold directly to the public. Plus, in agricultural issues, she's also been a spokesperson not just for the benefit of her own farm, but for farming in general."Watsonville nativeGizdich Ranch was founded 69 years ago, when Gizdich's father-in-law bought the land.Gizdich explains her background simply."I was born and raised right here in Watsonville," she said. "My father came from Croatia and was a farmer when he came. We lived in the city limits the first 13 years of my life, yet we farmed down the slough area of Watsonville. It was all farmed by my father under dry beans and zucchinis and tomatoes. Then he was able to buy a 15-acre farm, and he farmed there until he was 75 and retired."I married after graduating from high school, and here I am at the Gizdich Ranch."Her grandchildren are the fourth generation working on the farm.Gizdich's contributions to the agricultural industry include outreach to the community through the farm's open-to-the public presence and being outspoken on issues that affect agriculture and the local area.In 1995, Gizdich was one of 25 California farm delegates who traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk to legislators about issues facing agriculture, including the endangered species reform act and immigration reform. She has served on the Farm Bureau, the Agricultural History Project and the Country Crossroads map organization.Staying activeGizdich says she plans to keep an active schedule during her year of honor."I speak at many functions," she said. "I'm always out speaking in our community or very active working on different ag programs. I think that's what keeps me busy."With her oldest son, Vince III, having taken over the farm since Gizdich lost her husband, Vincent Jr., almost two years ago, she doesn't have the responsibility she used to out in the field or managing the farm, and she says she gets to do the things she likes the most.Going into the future, Gizdich sees herself staying right on the farm, continuing to work with children and on issues of importance to the agricultural industry."How do you preserve ag if you don't get out there and speak about what agriculture is to the public?" she said. "I think that's the big thing we're trying to do right now with tourism, educating the public of where their food comes from and how important it is to be raising it right here in our own valley."Contact Gwen Mickelson at gmickelson@santacruzsentinel.comContact Gizdich Ranch:postmaster@gizdichranch.com  The central coast of California offers an abundance of natural resources.  Among the resources it provides are the fertile Salinas and Pajaro Valleys where more vegetables are grown, packed and shipped than in any other region in the world.  Yet, in the midst of plenty there are those who are hungry.  AG Against Hunger was founded to address these concerns.In May 1990, members of the local agricultural community saw a need to join forces with food assistance agencies to funnel donations of fresh, surplus produce to food banks and community pantries in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.  In 1998 two small food banks began participating in the AG Against Hunger program, Food Bank Coalition for San Luis Obispo County, and Madera County Food Bank.  The program is simple.  When growers have a surplus they notify AG Against Hunger.  Our truck collects the produce from approximately 50 different growers and shippers in the tri-county area.  It is then distributed to participating food banks and pantries, which make it available to over 175,000 low-income people each month.  When food banks are full, the excess is donated to California Emergency Foodlink who takes it to food banks throughout the State.Because AG Against Hunger is strongly supported by the agricultural community through donations of crops , and is independent of any single food assistance program, the amount and diversity of produce made available has grown enormously since the program's inception. In 1990, 500,000 pounds of produce was distributed compared with more than 11,000,000 pounds in 2003.AG Against Hunger is not a food bank.  We are a food recovery program that collects and distributes produce to food banks and pantries.  Food banks feed hungry people through their own distribution process by giving directly to kitchens and shelters.  They are community-based organizations.  AG Against Hunger is a regional program with a priority of distributing produce in the tri-county area of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties and broadening the area of distribution according to available supply.FOR MORE INFO PLEASE EMAIL US AT: bokeefe@agagainsthunger.com    nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 17 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4539/1/E-Run-for-Croatia.html  Run for Croatia EILEEN and Andy Dixon, from Barnstaple, are spending part of their holiday driving aid across Europe to Croatia.They are taking part in the Relief Run Rally organized by charity Give Youth a Hand.They will join about 30 other owners who will drive 1,200 miles across Europe in their motor homes, carry tools, clothing, toys and other items to help refugees and destititute families.Eileen and And are doing the run in May entirely at their own expense and have been collecting items and raising money for various projects.To find out more about the charity, log on towww.giveyouthahand.co.uk  http://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/archived/2004/wk12/news/12news3.asp nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4540/1/EH-Prijatelji-Kresimirgrada---Charity.html  Prijatelji Krešimirgrada&Gift and Breath of Life Foundation Cordially Invite all Croatians and friendsTo Šibenska NoćGala Banquet With"Special Surprise GuestDirect from Croatia - Renowned Singer"Gourmet Chef Ivo Svirčić from the Croatian Embassy in Washington, DC will create gourmet fish dishes, risotto and other Croatian culinary delightsAll proceeds from this event will benefit Šibenik HospitalSaturday, April 24th, 2004St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church and Cultural Center712 Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012Holy Mass - 6:30pmSocial Hour Reception - 7:00pmDinner & Entertainment - 8:00pmReservations: $50.00 (tax-deductible) for Full Event (Entertainment after dinner only: $25.00)Table Reservations:Natalie Sutlovich - 310.547.5391Sandra Prebanda - 310.514.2629Further Information, Tickets and Advestising:Mato Cvjetković- 562.884.4456Mirjana Grgas - 310.548.4536Jožica Mijat - 310.833.4717Croatian Consulate General Office - 310.477.1009 St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church - 213.628.2938To make reservations by e-mail, forward message to: mijat@cshs.org (Advertise in our booklet: $100 full page, $50 half page and $25 business card size) Prijatelji KrešimirgradaDear Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure for us to announce and invite you to join us on Saturday, April 24th at our Šibenska Noć Gala Banquet.Come enjoy an evening of festive melodies by our very special surprise guest singer from Croatia to celebrate this special event. Sveti Ante Kolo Group will further entertain us with traditional Croatian folk music. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet some old friends and make some new acquaintances. We are hopeful that this event will continue serve as a reunion of Croatians from all the beautiful regions of our beloved homeland. In the same fashion, may this event serve to bring together Croatians and our friends from Los Angeles, San Pedro, Orange County and other regions of Southern California and beyond.All proceeds from this event will be donated to Sibenik Hospital which is in much need of renovation and upgraded equipment to better serve people in need. Thank you for your support, it is greatly appreciated. Respectfully, Prijatelji Krešimirgrada Organizing Committee  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4541/1/E-Jan-Mihelich-helps-Croatia-clean-landmines.html Eating out can help effort to clear minefield in CroatiaLocal activists make the pitch to raise funds for worthy causeBy TERESA FALKTribune Staff Writer Jan Mihelich and the South Bend Adopt-A-Minefield committee are raising money to clear a minefield in Croatia. Tribune Photo/GREG SWIERCZ How to help Send donations to the Adopt-A-Minefield campaign at the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 7878, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Make checks payable to Eliminate the Land mines. Contributions are eligible for a tax deduction. Another way to help Eat at the Hacienda Mexican restaurant at 5836 Grape Road today or at Barnaby's restaurant at 713 E. Jefferson on Feb. 3. Hacienda will donate 20 percent of meal and drink costs to Eliminate the Land mines. And Barnaby's will donate 10 percent of all meal and drink costs served that day to Eliminate the Land mines. To donate by eating at Hacienda, a coupon is required. This can be found at Martin's Super Markets. To learn more, call (574) 232-3844 or (574) 273-5354. Or go online at www.landmines.org. Croatia land mine facts Total country area: 56,538 km Number of suspected mines: 400,000 Types of mines: 10 identifiable types of mines, including the Yugoslav-made MT-4, PMA-2 and PMA-3. Sources of mines: Land mines were deployed by Croat, Serb and Muslim forces during the former Yugoslavia conflict in the early 1990s. Location of mines: The most heavily mined areas are in eastern and western Slavonia and coastal areas north of Split. United Nations presence: A mine action center was established in 1996 to help develop a national demining capacity, to provide advice to the government and to maintain a database of land mines. The center activities have since been transferred to the Croatian Mine Action Centre. -- Source: Adopt-A-Minefield of the United Nations Association of the U.S.A. After visiting Croatia and seeing firsthand the devastation that land mines can cause to innocent people, Jan Mihelich of South Bend decided to take action."I have been there, and it's the only place I've been with land mines, so I felt a connection," Mihelich said. "I've long been concerned about land mines."Mihelich started a branch of the Adopt-A-Minefield organization in South Bend after seeing an advertisement for the national organization in a magazine. Mihelich is chairwoman of the nine-member committee."The ad told me there is something I can do," she said. "There's this little voice inside of you that says, 'I can help.' "An estimated 26,000 innocent people are killed or injured every year in land mine explosions around the world, and a third of these are children, according to the Adopt-A-Minefield campaign."The land mines don't know that the war is over, so they detonate," Mihelich said. "We have to get rid of land mines so children can play and people can work in the fields."These minefields have been placed during past wars in about 70 countries, including Bosnia, Afghanistan, Cambodia and Croatia."When there's a war, one of the ways they fight is with land mines," Mihelich said.Land mines come in various sizes and strengths. They explode when a person walks or a vehicle drives over them.Each one only costs $3 to make but $300 to $1,000 to remove. The local Adopt-A-Minefield committee is hoping to raise at least $25,000 to clear one minefield in Croatia, Mihelich said. The community has responded generously since December, with about $3,000 raised so far.A minefield in Croatia was chosen because the money donated to Croatia will be doubled by the International Trust Fund, Mihelich said.The national Adopt-A-Minefield organization will decide which minefield will be cleared with the money. For instance, a minefield that sits between a village and its water supply desperately needs to be removed, Mihelich said.Mihelich encourages the public to give because all money donated goes directly to the land mine clearing efforts in Croatia."Other causes are worthy, but for some, about 70 percent (of the donation) goes to overhead (costs)," she said. "For this, you know every penny you give goes to clearing land mines because we have a couple of 'angels' who are taking care of postage and other overhead."This is saving lives, so people are not blinded, injured or maimed."Staff writer Teresa Falk:tfalk@sbtinfo.comEditor's Note:Fact is that 99% of the landmines in Croatia have been planted by Serbs. Also, fact is that the UN has no charter or any kind of document in preparation, that I know, which will make people who planted the landmines, first give data of where they are, and second clear them on their expense. In this case government of Serbia and Montenegro, should as soon as possible give data, where the landmines are and secondly, but not after, PAY for the clearing the land. Is our government asking for it? Suing them in Hague etc...plus WAR REPARATIONS. It is evident that Croatian community around the world is getting together to clear our own homeland. Wonderful effort from Ms. Mihelich. We should get her address and thank her.Nenad BachEditor in Chief nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 20 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4542/1/H-Karta-Mina-u-Hrvatskoj.html  Mine u HrvatskojLandmines in CroatiaKriticne tocke Kriticna mjesta u Karlovackoj županiji su oko Turnja, u medurjecju Kupe i Korane te drugim mjestima, u zadarskoj oko Škabrnje, Gornjeg Zemunika, Kašica i na potezu prema Novigradu, a u Zagrebackoj županiji od Jamnicke do Pokupskog, Kobiljaca i kanal Kupa-Kupa.  Blue dots - cleared , Red dots - landmineshttp://www.vecernji-list.hr/MINE/index.html Editor's note:Serbs who put over ONE MILLION mines in Croatia in less than 4 years should dig them up and clean the land they polluted. And also, they know where they put them. Isn't that obvious? Why are we paying so much money, time and with our own lives. Nenad Bach nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 03 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4545/1/E-Croatia-sends-aid-to-Iran-quake-survivors.html  Croatia sends aid to Iran quake survivors Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - ©2003 IranMania.com ZAGREB, Dec 31 (AFP) - Croatia on Wednesday sent 13.5 tonnes of relief aid to victims of the earthquake in the Iranian city of Bam, the foreign ministry said.A cargo plane left Zagreb with antibiotics, food, tents and blankets worth 1.3 million euros (1.6 million dollars), the ministry said in a statement.It said a second shipment would be sent in the coming days to Bam, where Friday's quake killed an estimated 40,000 people and left thousands homeless in freezing conditions. The Croatian plane was due to land in the Iranian city of Zahedan, from where the aid would be taken to Bam. In neighbouring Bosnia, the Islamic community has sent 25,000 euros worth of urgent aid. Mosques across the country are due to say Friday prayers for the victims and collect further donations for them. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 31 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4544/1/E-Spreading-joy-in-Christmas-boxes.html  Spreading joy in Christmas boxesCHRISTMAS appeal gifts from Normanton residents are winging their way to needy children in eastern Europe.Boxes collected from Norman-ton schools, churches, community organisations, businesses and residents as part of Operation Christmas Child are in the first batch of 250,000 shoeboxes en route to 14 countries.The gifts are in 19 lorries. The first deliveries were made in Bosnia, Croatia and Romania last week.Further deliveries will take place in 11 other countries with the final handover taking place in Russia between January 6 and 9, as part of the main Christmas celebration period in that country.Operation Christmas Child area co-ordinator Janet Walker said: "We are still processing shoeboxes for the later distribution trips, and anyone who still wants to make a contribution should get in touch."We are going all-out to beat last year's UK and Ireland total of 1.3 million shoeboxes, and the local support this year has been just fantastic."Anyone wishing to participate should contact the helpline on 0870 011 2002.19 December 2003http://www.wakefieldtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=706&ArticleID=713761 nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 31 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4543/1/E-Paul-McCartney-And-JT-Play-For-Adopt-A-Minefield.html  Paul McCartney and James Taylor played Live for first time in 25 years for Adopt-A-Minefield - 23rd September 2003. Paul remembers the special night !Many of you will know of my support for Adopt-A-Minefield and its work clearing minefields and helping landmine survivors. Each year since 2001 I have performed a live show in LA to raise funds for Adopt-A-Minefield. The first year I played with my longtime friend Paul Simon and last year Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys joined me on stage.In 2003 I hooked up with my old friend James Taylor. Not only was James Taylor one of the first artists that the Beatles' Apple Record Label signed, but I also sung back up vocals for James in the past and played bass on his 1991 track Carolina In My Mind. We both also performed separately at the "Concert for New York" to raise money for the victims of the September 11th attacks. I have always been an admirer of James's work, but not since 1968 have we shared the stage and sung together. So it was a pleasure to perform with him again and to relive some old memories.James's set included Fire And Rain, Carolina In My Mind and Country Road.Following the performance, Jay Leno conducted an auction for Adopt-A-Minefield, then my current band and I took to the stage. We greatly enjoyed performing 10 tracks for the nearly 1,200 attendees. Included in the set were Calico Skies, Blackbird, Eleanor Rigby, Michelle and Let it Be. A highlight for me was James joining me on stage to perform Two of Us.The evening was a great success raising over $ 1.2 million for Adopt-A-Minefield. It's not too late for you to take action and join in the great success of the Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign. With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching do your shopping with Adopt-A-Minefield. There are many options such as: the "no more landmines" T-Shirts, which I designed and wear at all my concerts (in all sizes including a baby size - I wonder why?), Gift Vouchers for friends, colleagues and loved ones or simply give a donation in the name of someone special. All proceeds go to support Adopt-A-Minefield's work to clear minefields and provide assistance for survivors of landmine accidents. For details please visit www.landmines.org or www.landmines.org.uk Heather and I hope you and your families enjoy the holidays and the New Year.All the very best,Paul McCartney  Nenad Bach and Brenda Brkusic at the 2003 Adopt-a-Minefield gala benefit in Beverly Hills.  The event took place on September 23, 2003 at the Beverly Hills Hilton. The money raised will go towards the removal of landmines and the fitting of prosthetic limbs for landmine survivors in war torn countries such as Croatia. I have to say that the evening was a very positive and moving experience. A touching documentary by Heather Mills McCartney outlining her work to help landmine survivors in Cambodia, Afghanistan and Croatia brought tears to my eyes. The evening was topped off with memorable performances by Jay Leno, James Taylor and Paul McCartney. Brenda Brkusic nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 31 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4547/1/E-Libertas-Foundation-Fundraiser.html  Libertas Foundation Fundraiser Dear Friends,On January 31, 2004, another Gala Dinner/Fundraising and celebration of Sveti Vlaho - St. Blaise, Patron Saint of Dubrovnik is coming. Mark your calendar and reserve this evening for fabulous Croatian food, dances, music and friendship.To commemorate our 13th anniversary at St. Anthony's Croatian Center in Los Angeles, Libertas Foundation will publish a program and souvenir book. We invite you and all Croatian-American businesses, organizations and their friends to help in our fundraising effort by placing an ad, greeting, letter, poem, recipe or anything that may be interesting for our Souvenir Book.This event is a sell out every year -- we anticipate over 450 people from the Greater Los Angeles area to attend our "festa", which has become one of the premiere events in the Croatian- American community of Southern California. The souvenir book will be distributed to all attendees and advertisers, giving you and your business tremendous exposure and recognition.We are pleased to report that our scholarship fund, which awards financially challenged students money to attend local trade schools, awarded five deserving students $1000 each in Dubrovnik this past August. The names of the students are: Stijepo Mage, Josip Kurelja, Ivan Zec, Miso Tepsic and Jozo Cupic.Another project which we supported alongside the Rotary Club, Wheelchair Foundation and the Croatian community was the donation of 240 wheelchairs. These wheelchairs were delivered and distributed to needy people all over Croatia in August and September of this year.Currently we continue to raise funds to help the needy people of Knin. Flour is one essential item that is greatly needed by these people. By buying flour from local Croatian farmers and donating it to the people, we help not only the less fortunate but also the Croatian farming community.Though we have all accomplished and contributed generously, we are continuing with these programs as long as there is need for it and ask for your help and support in any way to make these programs most beneficial to the needy people of Croatia.We thank all of you that have helped in the past and hope you will continue to support our humanitarian projects. Since we are all volunteers, we can assure you that every dollar you donate will reach the people and charity of your choice.The holidays are around the corner. At this time of joy and celebration let's remember our less fortunate brothers and sisters and share the joy of Christmas with them. Please send your tax deductible donation as soon as possible so that we can buy and send the food to Knin by Christmas. Your generosity and continued support is greatly appreciated.MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! SRETAN BOZIC I NOVA GODINA!Niko Hazdovac Tony Bendewish Vladimir LonzaPresident Scholarship Fund Knin FundLibertas Foundation777 W.9th StreetSan Pedro, CA.90731Tel:(310) 548-1446 x120Fax:(310) 831-8382e-mail: Dubrovnik5@aol.com  Humanitarian, Non-profit organizationFederal Tax I.D.#: 33-0496929 nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4546/1/E-French-Donated-25K-E-for-the-Children-of-Land-Mine-Victims.html  French Government Donated 25,000 EUR for the Children of Land-Mine VictimsIvana Novakova08 December 2003Children and mines The French Ambassador to Zagreb, Francois Bellanger and the De-mining Advisor to the Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dijana Plestina, signed the agreement for cooperation between the MINE AID NGO and the Republic of France. On the basis of that agreement, the French side donated 25,000 EUR to the Regional Centre for Psycho-Social Rehabilitation of the Victims of Land-Mines in Rovinj. The money will be used to finance the work of the Centre that should be opened in Spring 2004. Having in mind the fact that this is the first institution of its type in the world, the children of the victims of land-mines from Croatia, the region, but also the world, will receive treatment at the Centre. This is not the first donation to the future Centre, and it is added to the total of over 700,000 EUR collected so far through grants and donations. The donors' list includes the Governments of Norway, Italy, Luxembourg and Japan, as well as numerous companies and institutions from Croatia and the world. Countries like B&H, Albania, Nepal, Iraq and Colombia already expressed their interest for sending children to the Centre. The plans for the Centre are for it to be open throughout the year, and it will host about 40 participants per shift. The children in Rovinj will have a chance to use workshops, gatherings and relief techniques as means for their psychosocial rehabilitation. The French donation will be used to set-up a room adapted to children with special needs which will host 6 to 8 visitors of the Centre, said Ms. Plestina. During the official signing, the French Ambassador expressed his pleasure at the fact that his country could participate in such a project. He emphasized that France has maintained good cooperation with the Croatian De-Mining Centre and it assisted the de-mining of the agricultural land in Slavonija. http://www.oneworld.net/article/view/74698/1/ nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4548/1/E-Viduka-plans-Croatia-orphanage.html  Viduka plans Croatia orphanageBy Petr KogoyNovember 14, 2003MARK VIDUKA says Australia is still the lucky country.Melbourne-born Viduka's next goal is to establish an orphanage in Croatia, to help house displaced kids following the years of internal conflict following the break-up of Tito's Yugoslavia. The third of five children, Viduka has four sisters. He was born at Footscray but raised at St Albans, in Melbourne's outer west. A product of the Melbourne Croatia (Knights) junior ranks, the striker spent three seasons in the National Soccer League before heading overseas in 1995. Viduka spent the next four seasons with Croatia Zagreb before moving to Britain, signing with Glasgow Celtic in 1998 where his 30 goals in 37 games caught the eye of then Leeds manager David O'Leary. It was O'Leary who gambled on the big Australian by paying Celtic $14 million on today's exchange rate, to get him to move to the west Yorkshire club. "I love Australia," Viduka said. "It is a rich country. I love playing for the Socceroos, but there's not much money in Croatia. "You have to go there to see the number of kids left without parents and fending for themselves since the war ended.  "I get paid well. I want to use some of this money for what I believe is a worthwhile cause."  Other projects on Viduka's agenda include investing in Croatia's burgeoning tourism industry. He sees Croatia's Adriatic coastline as potential for massive growth. "Tourism brings a lot of foreigners to the country," Viduka said. "I'm looking at maybe building a hotel or getting someone to build for me a cruise boat which would sail the many islands found off the Dalmatian coast."The Australianhttp://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,7857903-23215,00.html nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4549/1/E-Ebay-for-Charity---Fire-Relief-Fund.html  FIRE RELIEF FUND CharityNenade, molim te proslijedi ovaj link za moju eBay aukciju u humanitarne svrhe. Ja sam se, na srecu, izvukla...iako je bilo grdo koja dva-tri dana jer smo bili pred evakuaciju. Puno hvala unaprijed,Astahttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29216&item=3563126951ASTAZG@aol.com  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4551/1/E-CROATIA-Gift-of-Life.html   Press Release -  Rijeka, Croatia – October 16th, 2003 CROATIA GIFT OF LIFE A project of the ·        Rotary Club, Rijeka – Sv. Vid  - Croatia  - Mr. Dean Trbovic, President ·        Prof. Dr. Vladimir Ahel, Director Klinika za Djecje Bolesti “ Kantrida”, Rijeka, Croatia ·        Mario Picinich, Trustee The  Rotary Clubs of Rotary International District 7490 - United States of America ·        Wanda S. Radetti, Commercial and Cultural Attaché’ City of Rijeka,  Primorsko-Goranska County, Republic of Croatia  - United States of America   Presentation to the Media: Monday, October 21, 2003 – 11:00 am Grand Hotel Bonavia – 4 Dolac, Rijeka Tel. 385 51 357 100 For information please contact: Mr. Ivan Miljenovic, Project Manager       Tel. GSM:++385 (0)98 328 206 Rotary Club Rijeka-Sv. Vid                     e-mail: ivan.miljenovic@ri.hinet.hr                                            Wanda S. Radetti                                    Tel.:   GSM -Croatia: ++385 (0) 91 580-4040                                                                         GSM - USA:   ++ 917 257-5777                                                               e-mail: WandaSRadetti@aol.com “ Gift of Life" is a program begun in 1974 by several American districts of Rotary International. Since then some 3000 children from 36 countries have received cardiovascular life saving operations in the United States and just recently, and for the first time, a little girl from Croatia, Ms. Matea Kristof of Rijeka.   In 1985, District Governor Nominee Arthur Scialla was looking for a project for his year as governor.  After much discussion among Rotarians, and help from District 7470, the program was started in Mario Picinich’s  District and the Rotary International District 7490 Gift of Life Foundation was founded.  Rotary International District 7490 Gift of Life Foundation has hosted currently over 300 children.  Children who come to the United States with heart defects are usually referred by physicians or participating groups in their home country to Rotary District Gift of Life Foundation who forward their medical information to participating hospitals.  Doctors and hospitals receive a nominal fee of $6,000 for the valuable services they render. After cases are approved for surgery by attending physicians, they are assigned to local Rotary Clubs, Interact Clubs or auxiliary organizations. They in turn provide any additional funds for medical care (prescriptions, etc.) and host the child with a parent while they are in this country.  The Foundation or individual Rotary Clubs raises the monies needed to finance the program. District Foundations are responsible for administering the programs. This includes communicating and coordinating with Rotary Clubs over-seas or with groups such as the Korean, Polish or Ukrainian Gift of Life in the U.S. Now we are happy and grateful to also be able to include in our list the Rotary Club Rijeka –Sv. Vid, Rotary International District 1910. These organizations often provide transportation from the home country and the services  of interpreters.  One does not have to be a Rotarian to participate in this program. It is the District Rotary Foundation's responsibility to oversee the visit, hospital stay and safe return of the child.  Volunteers and Rotarians who participate do not receive any pay for their services.   The Rotary Gift of Life program has been a great success because it functions at a grass roots level with direct people to people; contact between the Foundations, Clubs, hosts, medical personnel and the friends and families of our children. It promotes lasting friendships between participants of different nationalities. The children that are served, are from where cardiovascular procedures for children are not available. The children  have come from Anguilla, The Dominican Republic, Armenia, Ecuador, Egypt, Kosovo, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Iraq, India, Jamaica, Korea, Peru, Poland, Philippines,  Russia, Trinidad, Ukraine, Croatia and even the United States.  The Doctors that participate in our program have traveled world wide to educate local doctors in the procedures.   CROATIA GIFT OF LIFE Mario Picinich, Trustee, Gift of Life Foundation – Rotary Clubs of District 7499, a native of island of Susak in the Gulf or Kvarner, Croatia,  has been an involved and a contributing participant to the Gift of Life. He has organized  and hosted in his home children and accompanying family members.  Mario left Susak with his family when he was 4 years old, spent one year in Italy and arrived in the United States at the age of five.  His family settled in the State of New Jersey.  Like all the people that have to leave their country of birth, no matter where in the World, a piece of Mario’s heart was left in the island of Susak.  He returns to his island regularly. So many children where being helped by the program to which Mario was dedicated and to which he contributed so much, they came from every part of the World.  Not one from Croatia. Knowing that so many of our children could be without access to help, Mario saw the need for incorporating Croatia in the Gift of Life Project. To this end Mario contacted Wanda S. Radetti, a native of Rijeka residing in New York.  Although, Wanda was also very young when her family left Rijeka, she too was conscious of the missing bit of her heart that was forever left in her city of Rijeka.  She too returned, and continues to return… as often as possible… always searching for the grounding that only Rijeka can provide for her, she returns to identify and recapture her soul, she returns to bring love to the family left behind and to make Croatian friends to love. Mario and Wanda met about a year ago in New York to talk about the Gift of Life Program for Croatia.  Wanda’s interest in helping was immediate, and on one condition, that is: that the program be first introduced to the City of Rijeka and that Rijeka retain the lead and the ultimate administrative control of the program for the Country of Croatia. On her next visit to Rijeka, Wanda met with Prof. Dr. Vladimir Ahel, the Director of the Children’s Hospital of Kantrida.  Wanda proposed to Dr. Ahel that he take on the responsibility of leading the program “medically”.   Dr. Ahel, understood the importance of such an opportunity and was delighted to accept the responsibility and promised to provide his full cooperation.  It was necessary that the information about the Gift of Life reach the members of the Rotary Club Rijeka – Sv. Vid.  Wanda elicited and immediately received an invitation to be a visiting guest at the meeting by Dr. Ivan Modric, Assistant Governor of Rotary International District 1910.  The presentation was made, the response was positive and we were on our way. At the time of the very first meeting, Dr. Ahel already had under his care two little children from Rijeka that were in urgent need of cardiac surgery.  The medical records were submitted by Mario Picinich on behalf of the Gift of Life Foundation of the Rotary Club International District 7490 for review and consideration by Henry Issenberg, M.D., Director, Pediatric Heart Station, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Cardio thoracic Surgery and Radiology of the Children’s Medical Center at Montefiore of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York City.  Both children were chosen to go to the Montefiore Medical Center for surgical correction; Matea Kristof for admission on August 28, 2003, which was eventually postponed to Thursday, September 4, 2003, and Mia Baric for admission on September 23rd, 2003.  Both children’s operations would be under the auspices of the Rotary Gift of Life program, which would provide all needed funding. Before Mia Baric could come to the United States for her operation, she was suddenly subject to a worsening of her condition and was transferred urgently to Italy for the required operation, which, Dr. Ahel advises went very well. Matea Kristof, came to the United States accompanied by her mother Vlasta on the appointed time.  The Rotary Club of Rijeka, under the leadership of  Dean Trbovic, the President, helped the family with the gathering of the documents required for the Visa to enter the United States, the cost of local transportation and travel to and back from the United States. When Matea and her mother Vlasta arrived in the United States, they were the guests of Mr. Sam Mustafa and his wife Eli of Rutherford New Jersey for their entire stay.  Mr. Mustafa and his wife are Muslim, Palestinian, immigrants that settled in New Jersey and are members of the Rutherford Rotary Club. The program does bring people in peace, together. Matea’s operation was a success and, on Friday, September 19th, 2003, Mario Picinich organized a Dinner and Dance party to introduce Matea and her mother Vlasta to the community and to raise funds that will help bring into the fold of the Gift of Life Program other Children from Croatia.  Matea and her mother Vlasta have returned to Rijeka, Croatia on Monday September 22, 2003.  On October 16th, 2003, Matea celebrates her 2nd Birthday. CROATIA GIFT OF LIFE  - EXPANSION With the Rotary of Rijeka firmly behind the Gift of Life Program, it is expected that in not too long they will reach out to the other Rotary Clubs of Croatia and invited them to join the effort, while at the same time providing information and instructions. To be noted that a presentation regarding the Gift of Life Program has already been presented this past July to the Rotary Club of Opatija that has shown serious interest in following the lead of the Rotary of Rijeka. Upon the invitation of Dr. Dusko Vrus, President of the Lions Clubs, District 126 – Croatia,  Wanda was invited to speak about the Gift of Life Project at their meeting just before the beginning of this past summer.  Confirmation was provided that the invitation to participate would be brought to the attention of the members when the Lions Club reconvenes again in the fallCROATIA GIFT OF LIFE “TENTATIVE” RESPONSIBILITIES CHART                         nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 31 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4550/1/E-Landmine-sniffing-pigs.html   Bomb-sniffing pig roots out danger  CRAIG NELSONSPECIAL TO THE STARKIBBUTZ LAHAV, Israel- Israel boasts of giving the world many great inventions, including drip irrigation, the Uzi submachine gun and the "electrical hand-held leg-hair removing device," otherwise known as the Epilady.Now come bomb-sniffing pigs.If Geva Zin, 26, has his way, a creature that is largely taboo in Israel will be its next gift to the world. At this collective farm in southern Israel, Zin is training pigs to sniff out land mines and the other discarded garbage of modern warfare that maim and kill long after the guns have fallen silent."The pigs are for Angola and Mozambique. We're going to use them for humanitarian missions ... We're training them, not for food, but to save lives."During a stint in the Israeli army in the late 1990s, Zin trained dogs to detect land mines. Last year, he travelled to Croatia to train dogs to detect mines in that battle-scarred Balkan nation. It was there, where pigs flourish like sheep in the Middle East, he had a revelation about a new use for the pig's powerfully probing proboscis.Back in Israel, he approached the Institute for Animal Research at Lahav with the idea of training boars to sniff out explosives. The institute approved."There's no doubt. Look at their noses! God designed them to go into the field and find mines."COX NEWS SERVICESource: http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1067209807918&call_pageid=968332188854&col=968350060724 nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 27 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4554/1/E-Mccartney-Again.html  Former Beatle Paul McCartney during a visit to Zagreb, Croatia, on Dec. 14, 2001. On Sept 23, 2003 he held another benefit dinner and performance for Charity Adopt-A-Minefield in Los Angeles. Thank you, from all Croatians around the world. More to follow on Adopt-A-Minefield  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4553/1/E-Croatian-American-2003-Golf-Outing.html   September 30th 2003In my opinion one of the quantum leap for Croatian community. Not just a charitable but important for our community to feel equal and good about themselves. Val Blaskovic, Vedran Nazor and many others brought this event together. We are becoming friends to ourselves. Few people that I spoke with have been overwhelmed by generosity and interest of our people and their friends. Charity for clearing landmines and cancer research was a subject of this event. Clearing the mines is one of the steps towards world peace. People talked about it in a serious and direct manner. A lot of optimism and pride and sincerity. Intelligent, warm, elegant and casual. I am pleased and proud beyond words ! BRAVO !Nenad BachRead more under title (E) $ 20K for Cancer Research and Adopt-A-Minefield. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4552/1/E--20K-for-Cancer-Research-and-Adopt-A-Minefield.html   Tuesday, September 30th over 136 golfers participated in aninaugural Croatian American 2003 Golf Outing.  CroatianAmericans and their friends raised over $ 20,000 at theLong Island's Colonial Springs Golf Course to benefit twocharities:- American Cancer Society - "Babe Zaharias MemorialTournaments of Long Island"  This fine organization fundsbreast and prostate cancer research and is dedicated toeliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventingcancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancerthrough research, education, advocacy and service.- Adopt-A-Minefield - United Nations Association of theUSA.  U.S. Department of State has taken a lead role byproviding matching funds for mine clearing projects inCroatia.  There are still more than a million landminesunremoved in Croatia. During the last eight years more than1034 people have been injured and  410 were killed. Demining is a very long and expensive project and it has along way to go.Ms. Beth Sachs of American Cancer Society/Director BabeZaharias Memorial Tournaments thanked Mr. Vladimir ValBlaskovic, Chairman of the Golf Outing on a $ 10,000donation. Ms. Nahela Hadi, Adopt-A-Minefield Executive Director wasgrateful for the $ 10,000 donation Adopt-A-Minefieldreceived.Over 200 in attendance saw a beautiful example of CroatianAmericans of greater New York together with their Americanfriends raise funds for 2 noble causes. They promised tocome back next year. 2003 Golf Outing CommitteeExecutive CommitteeVladimir "Val" Blaskovic - ChairmanJoseph Grgas - TreasurerVedran Joseph Nazor - SecretaryNick Penava, Tom Nogalo, Frank Perkovic,Ivan StarcicCommittee MembersJohn Belanich, George Druzic, Ilana Gavin, Ivica Kajic, John Kalinic, Gerald Maric, Mladen Marinic, Michael Matura, Mike Perkovic, Romeo Pericic MD, Mario Peruc, Luke Raguz MD, Luigi Romic, Darko Smilovic, Zivko Strika MD, Branko Zivkovic.Sanja Bogovic, Val Blaskovic, Beth Sachs, Vedran Nazor, Nahela Hadi, Nenad Bach  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4556/1/E-Adopt-A-Minefield-E-Newsletter.html Adopt-A-Minefield E-NewsletterThis is the first edition of the Adopt-A-Minefield® E-Newsletter. Thiscommunication will serve to provide updates on one of the world'sleading mine action programs as well as alert you to opportunities foryou to get involved. About Adopt-A-Minefield (AAM)Adopt-A-Minefield is a public-private partnership between the UnitedNations Association of the USA, the United Nations, Ted Turner's BetterWorld Fund, and the U.S. State Department to clear minefields, provideassistance to landmine survivors, and raise awareness of the globallandmine crisis. Since its launch in 1999, the Campaign has raisednearly $10 million for mine clearance and survivor assistance andcleared over 16 million square meters of land with about another 3million currently under clearance. Adopt-A-Minefield is the onlynongovernmental funder in the top donor list in six of the most heavilymined countries in the world, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Cambodia, Croatia, Mozambique, and Vietnam.Third Annual Adopt-A-M