Croatian Genealogy Seminar

We will be holding the next Croatian genealogy seminar in Youngstown Ohio at the historic Sts Peter and Paul Croatian Catholic
Church. The seminar is beginning to fill with people coming from Cincinnati, Columbus, Buffalo NY, Chicago, the state of Virginia
and Pittsburgh PA. These seminars are always popular and this one will fill quickly Below are details for that seminar.

Genealogy has become very popular, with people wanting to leave a record of their heritage for their children and grandchildren!
While we know we are Croatians many of us don’t know much beyond our grandparents who came to America.

There are many misconceptions regarding our families. For instance many people believe that names were changed at Ellis Island.
That simply is not true! And that is a good thing, which will help us trace many families to the old country. In fact it may be easier to
trace your Croatian roots than you think. Much information is a close as your PC or a Family History Center in your town.


The parish of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Youngstown Ohio has graciously invited us to hold a Croatian genealogy seminar in their church hall. The seminar will take place on Saturday, Nov 13th, 2004, from 8:30 AM to 4 PM

Some of the topics we will cover are:

    History of Croatia and origins of Croatians
    How our ancestors lived in the "old country"
    Croatian immigration to America and the journey to America,
    How to get started with your family tree
    The do's and don'ts of genealogy
    Translating Croatian records
    How to locate records such as birth records, marriage records, death records, census                records in the US and in Croatia
    Translation of given names (with Croatian, English, Italian and Latin)
    Meaning of surnames and categories of surnames
    Figuring Family relationships

During the seminar we will demonstrating the value of the internet in doing family research. And we will select a some people who
come to the seminar to demonstrate how to search on the internet

Also included in the seminar is my Croatian genealogy handbook for you to take with you. Lunch and refreshments included.

Seating is limited and registration is required. Cost is $45 per person. To register please call Robert Jerin at 216-991-2310 or email me atrjerin26@yahoo.com
 

Lone Star Croatian Club of Texas has new web site

Dear Croatian organizations,

Please be advised that the Lone Star Croatian Club of Texas has new web site on the Internet. www.croatianlsclub.com

The Lone Star Croatian Club (LSCC) is a non-profit organization located in Houston, TX that gathers people of Croatian origin and friends of Croatia.

Croatian Rock Legend Zeljko Bebek

LIVE in Concert - Tonight!
THIS Friday October 1st 9PM at Croatian Center in Manhattan.

Former lead singer of Bijelo Dugme and successful solo artist, who performed such hits as "Ne spavaj mala moja, Kad bi bio Bijelo Dugme, Zaboravi, Dabogda te voda odnjela, Zuta ruza, Laku noc sviraci, Oprosti mi sto te volim" and many more.

Also, New York's Cro band "MORE" will be performing.

Tickets may be purchased at the door. ($25)

See ya there....

http://www.nycroats.com

Croatians in London Newsletter No. 2 October 2004

Welcome to the second issue of Croats in London. CIL appears in the first week of every month.

This month: Closer Croatia Film Festival. In our Noticeboard: His Eminence Cardinal Bozanic Archbishop of Zagreb's visit to London , Art exhibition by Josip Lizatovic and Film Festival details.

CIL takes a look at the Closer Croatia Film Festival

Vanessa Redgrave will the patron of the Closer Croatia Film Festival over 7 - 10 October at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London. She will open Closer Croatia on 7 October.

A number of films will be screened over the weekend, including two showings of Croatian animation. The festival will be the most important Croatian cultural event held in the UK for many years. Guests scheduled to appear include director Dalibor Matanic and actor Relja Basic.

Last issue, Croatian Ambassador Josip Paro gave his recommendations on film to watch - He Who Sings Means No Harm and Handcuffs. For further recommendations as to what to watch, CIL gained the views of those involved in organising Closer Croatia.

Marko Krznaric, President of the Croatian Students and Young Professionals Network:
"The second animation programme. This selection is based on a top animation expert's list of most important world animation. 10% were Croatian. Too good to miss. Also, Fine Dead Girls, a film about prejudice. It's a modern film by top young director Dalibor Matanic"

Alex Miljkovic of the Croatian Artists Network:
"My personal favourite is Rondo. The unique atmosphere of this film slowly grows on you, and when it's all over - you have to see it once again. Those who love Zagreb town will love it more after Rondo"

Petar Mihatov, Croatian Embassy:
"My choice is He Who Sings Means No Harm. It's a charming bright comedy, a type of film almost never made by Croatian directors. Most comedies were based on dark humour and sarcasm. Except for cheering me up every time I see it, the film has an amazing cast. They are so good in their roles of typical middle class 30's Zagreb people that you think of those actors as their He Who Sings... characters every time you see them on TV or in the street."

This isn't the first time there has been a Croatian film festival in London. There was a Croatian film season in 1971 at the National Film Theatre. It was arranged by Ken Wlaschin. He says of it that: "The series came about through my meetings and interest is various Croatian directors and possibly a visit to Zagreb for the animation festival. I was a great fan of Zagreb animation and a couple of the Croatian filmmakers."

"The political climate was one of growing interest in Croatia as a cultural entity."

Ken Wlaschin mentions Croatian animation; The Zagreb School of Animation is world renowned, and Closer Croatia will be screening two sets of tributes to it.

CIL has seen some of these animations. They are indeed very entertaining and interesting to watch. CIL's favourites, from Animation 1: The Phantom of the Opera style Peau De Chagrin, the charming The Play, The Doctor Who reminiscent Fish-Eye and the fairy tale like Album.

From Animation 2, our favourites are: The Dali-esque The Inspector Returned Home, the hilarious and bizarre Oscar winning The Erzatz, the strange and imaginative Satiemania and the sweet I love You Too.

Closer Croatia will be unmissable - well worth attending.


Noticeboard
Only events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here.

The Visit of His Eminence Cardinal Bozanic, Archbishop of Zagreb, to London.

His Eminence will be hold mass at St. Augustine's Church in Hammersmith, London on Sunday 3 October at 6.00pm. It will be followed by a reception at 7.00pm.

Those wishing to attend mass must register their names to bozanic@csypn.org.uk before Sunday.

St. Augustine's Church is at 55 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8AU
Nearest Station: Hammersmith (District/Piccadilly)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Art Exhibition by Josip Lizatovic

From the press release: "Free and fluid, this Croatian artist captures movement in everything he paints." "His weird looking creatures and beings capture the viewer's attention and stimulate a variety of opinions about his work."

Images at www.lizatovic.com 

Open now, runs until 8 October at the Great Expectations Gallery 43 Denmark Hill, Camberwell, London SE5 8RS
Nearest Tube Stations: Oval, Elephant & Castle and Brixton. Main line: Denmark Hill


Useful Information
Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Ambassador: Josip Paro
Address: 21 Conway Street, London W1T 6BN
Tel No: 020 7387 2022
Fax No: 020 7387 0310
Email: croemb.london@mvp.hr 

Consular Dept:
Tel No: 020 7387 1144
Fax No: 020 7387 0936
Email: consular.dept.london@mvp.hr 

Working hours: Monday - Friday 9.00-17.00
Working hours (with clients): Monday - Thursday 11.00-14.00 Fridays 10.00-12.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Croatian Students and Young Professionals Network
Website: www.csypn.org.uk
Email: info@csypn.org.uk
Address: PO Box 36126, Lo don SW7 2RH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Croatian Catholic Mission
Father Drago Berisic, 17 Boutflower Road, SW11
Tel: 020 7223 3530

Sunday service at 4 pm:
Church of Sacred Heart, Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EF

Source: http://www.easycroatian.com/newsletter2.php

Ljiljanna Ravlich

Ljiljanna Ravlich First woman born in a non-English speaking country to be appointed a minister in the State Government. Ms Ravlich is also the first Croatian-born woman ever elected to a parliament outside Croatia.
 

Minister flies migrant flag

Ljiljanna Ravlich notched up a record for migrant West Australians yesterday, becoming the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be appointed a minister in the State Government.

After a brief caucus meeting yesterday, Ms Ravlich, 46, was elevated to Cabinet, taking up the ministerial responsibilities left by the resignation last week of Local Government Minister Tom Stephens, who will now run as the Labor candidate in the Federal seat of Kalgoorlie.

Ms Ravlich dismissed claims her factional status as one of Labor's powerbrokers in the Centre faction had won her the job rather than her parliamentary work.

"I see myself as being a meritorious candidate and nothing will convince me otherwise," Ms Ravlich said. "I'm over the moon about being the next minister elected to the Cabinet.

"As the first woman born in a non-English speaking country to be elected to the WA Parliament, I am very honoured and I know that I represent the aspirations of hundreds of thousands of migrant West Australians."

Born in Split, Croatia, Ms Ravlich is also the first Croatian-born woman ever elected to a parliament outside Croatia.

http://www.thewest.com.au/20040922/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto129389.html

Health minister keeping watch on Croatia's 'Big Brother'
Associated Press
Sept. 21, 2004, 2:29PM
ZAGREB, Croatia -- They sit together in a whirlpool bath, tell intimate stories and compete for a $166,650 prize. But the health minister has warned 12 contestants of Croatia's Big Brother television show: Stop smoking or you'll pay for it. ADVERTISEMENT

Health minister Andrija Hebrang said Tuesday that some of the players freely smoke during the show, which is televised live on Croatia's RTL channel, and that the practice violates a law that bans smoking in public.

The law provides for fines of up to $83,300, but Hebrang said he decided to first warn the show's producers and contestants in a letter. "I understand that it's a widely popular show, but the law must be the same for all," Hebrang said.
Croatia's version of Big Brother was launched Saturday.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/ae/2807465

Looking for War veterans in New York City

My name is Michael Sugrue and I'm a photographer in New York City. I'm
looking for subjects, specifically war veterans in New York City, for a
photo project I'm working on. The project is focused on conflicts not
extensively (or completely, fairly, etc.) covered by the American
media. The conflict in the Balkans was treated as a political issue
and the focus in the US was on the duty of our President to commit
American troops. There was not a lot of discourse concerning the
merits of those actually involved in the territorial struggle.

My project aims to help tell the stories of the veterans of that war,
in a personal way that has so far eluded the world press. Also, with
the passage of several years, the stories will have take on a degree of
perspective.

Each photograph will be accompanied by a brief biographical description
and a first person account of his/her experience.

I hope to ultimately exhibit these photographs in a gallery and
possibly a book. At the present time, I am only looking for veterans
who live/work in the New York City area.

I can be reached at mike@sugrue.com  as well as at (917) 482-9546.
Again, for the time being, I'm looking for people who fought in, or
were otherwise directly affected by, the conflict in the Balkans, and
who live in or around New York City. Please contact me if you have any
questions or would like to participate. All those participating will
receive prints of their pictures. Thanks a lot.

-Michael Sugrue

http://www.nycroats.com

Croatian Cultural Thursdays invites you to the promotion of newly released
APRIL FOOL'S DAY by Josip Novakovich

Thursday, September 30, 2004
7 PM
Auditorium below the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius
502 West 41 Street (10 and 11 ave)
Info: kdeletis@excite.com

Please join us after the reading for book signing!

More information: kdeletis@excite.com

****************************************
Croatian-born Josip Novakovich moved to the United States at the age of twenty. He has published two story collections (Yolk and Salvation and Other Disasters), two collections of narrative essays (Plum Brandy: Croatian Journeys and Apricots from Chernobyl), and was anthologized in Best American Poetry, Pushcart Prize, and O.Henry Prize Stories. His textbook, Fiction Writer’s Workshop, was a Book of the Month Club selection. His novel Poppy Slopes is to be published in Spain (in Spanish). He received the Whiting Writer’s Award (1997), Guggenheim Fellowship (1999), two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (1991 and 2002), the Ingram Merrill Award, an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation and he has been a writing fellow of the New York City Public Library. His work has appeared in many journals, including Paris Review, Threepenny Review, The New York Times Magazine, European Magazine, and he contributes regularly to the Zagreb daily Jutarnji list. Mr. Novakovich teaches in the MFA program at Penn State University.
 

Screening of "Freedom from Despair" October 3, 2004

Please mark the following event on your calendar:

Sunday, October 3, 2004 at 12:00 noon:
Screening of Brenda Brkusic's incredible film "Freedom from Despair"
at St. Anthony's Parish Hall
712 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This highly acclaimed film is truly the story of all Croatians and the Croatian National Association (Udruga) is proud to sponsor the showing of this film. You will also be able to meet and speak to Brenda Brkusic in person. This is a fundraiser for Brenda to be able to continue promoting the film and to be able to make films in the future. No RSVP is required and there is no admission charge. If you think as highly of this film as we do your tax deductible donation will be gratefully accepted after the screening. For more information please visit www.freedomfromdespair.com (new reviews of the film, viewer quotes and photos from the Pula Film Festival in Croatia will be posted within the next week).

Please remember, if we support each other's events, not only will they be more profitable, they'll also be more fun! Zivili!!!

Milan Vukovic

President
Croatian National Association

A note from Brenda:
I want to sincerely thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement as I work to get Freedom From Despair shown in the American mainstream media. Your attendance at this screening will be crucial in gaining the support needed to go further with promoting the film and will mean so much to me and to all the people who told their life stories in the film. In two years with little funds, I tried to make a film that all would be proud of - a film that tells the Croatian story in an easy to understand, professional and entertaining format. The film festival acceptances and the great newspaper reviews have been a blessing. Croatians have laughed and cried while seeing their own stories represented on the screen - the film is a rollercoaster of emotions that I know each and everyone of you will relate to in some way. I am ecstatic to share the film with you and ask for your support in making this journey a success. I look forward to meeting all of you in Los Angeles.

With much love and respect,
Brenda Brkusic


BIOGRAPHY
Film producer, writer, director and editor, Brenda Brkusic was born in Chicago and moved to Los Angeles in 1999 to pursue her dream of working in the entertainment industry. Brenda has recently graduated with highest honors from Chapman University where she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television Writing and Directing on an academic scholarship. At Chapman, she had experience as a production assistant, post production supervisor, script supervisor, and dance choreographer on various short films while also serving the film school as a part of the administration staff. She wrote, produced, directed and edited her senior thesis documentary Freedom from Despair, a feature which was shot in California, Chicago and Croatia during the summer of 2003. Due to her efforts, Brenda was awarded Chapman Film School’s Marion Knott Scholarship, which afforded her the opportunity to work one on one with Academy Award winning filmmaker David S. Ward, during post-production on Freedom from Despair. Brenda was then invited to her Alma Mater, Marymount College, to screen the film and speak to the students in a leadership series. Brenda was featured on PBS television for the Next Generation Filmmakers program as well as the PBS Real Orange news program where she was interviewed about the making of Freedom from Despair. Her writing about Croatia has been published in the Washington Times newspaper and her own story has been featured in numerous international magazines, newspapers, radio and television programs. Most recently she was interviewed on the LA radio program “Center Stageâ€? which features award-winning independent filmmakers. Freedom from Despair has received rave reviews from KODAK, Hrvatsko Slovo newspaper, Vecernji List newspaper, and has been mentioned in the LA Times as a part of an article on the Dubrovnik International Film Festival. In addition to winning an award for Best Documentary, Freedom from Despair was recognized by Amnesty International, the largest human rights organization in the world, as one of the most important documentary films this year, and was invited to have a world premiere in their film festival at the Director’s Guild in Hollywood.

FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR - starring Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak and Dennis Kucinich. Music by Nenad Bach.

Kodak review of the film:
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/students/beat/aug2004/aug_04_chapman2.jhtml?id=0.1.4.5.4.8&lc=en

Hrvatsko Slovo Newspaper review of the film:
http://www.croatianworld.net/CROWNframes.htm?http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/4653.htm
 

VANESSA REDGRAVE PATRON

OF

CLOSER CROATIA FILM FESTIVAL

Vanessa Redgrave is to be the patron of London’s
Croatian Film Festival entitled Closer Croatia
at the Riverside Studios over 7-10 October.

She will open the festival on 7 October at 7.30pm.

Croatia isn’t just the most beautiful tourist
destination in Europe, it has produced some of Central
Europe’s finest cinema. Some of the most important
Croatian films, both past and present, are to be
screened.

Representing the new generation of Croatian cinema
will be Dalibor Matanic who will attend the screening
of his film 'Fine Dead Girls' on 8 October.

He will participate in a Q&A session at
the screening.

Legend of Croatian cinema, actor Relja Basic will
attend the screening of two of his films, 'Rondo'
and the best loved Croatian film of all time 'He Who
Sings Means No Harm'on 10 October.

As part of Closer Croatia, two tributes to the
internationally renowned Zagreb School of Animation
will be screened on 9 and 10 October, including the
Oscar winning ‘Ersatz’ by Dušan Vukotiæ.

www.csypn.org.uk/closercroatia