Ivica & Janica 3 Gold Medals

Ivica Kostelic (L) of Croatia and his sister Janica show theirgold medals after the men's slalom event at the World Alpine SkiingChampionships in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on February 16, 2003. Ivica won goldin the slalom, Janica in the combined event and in the slalom. Photo by LeonhardFoeger/Reuters

Tadich Grill

Tadich Grill
240 California St
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 391-1849

Bob Buich - Owner

 Tadich Grill: The Story of San Francisco's Oldest Restaurant. This is a San Francisco institutionand it's Croatian! If you haven't eaten there, you should.

BuyThe Book 

Suzanne Lord

It was the late 1960s. I was a hippie in San Francisco, andeventually lived in a New Mexico commune where I met my son’s father. When hemoved east, I followed and arrived in New York with $8, a box of Pampers, a15-month-old child, and no job skills. My “ex” left. I lived with friends,got a job, then an apartment, and daycare.

I was a typist at Scholastic Magazines when I noticed thatwriters got paid a LOT more then secretaries. My editor, Bob Stine, began to letme write. When he became editor of his own magazine, I tried out for it and washired. Eventually I became Associate Editor. I worked 12 years at Scholastic.During those years I bought a flute and played as an amateur. When the magazineI worked on was discontinued, I decided to go back to school and get thatlong-forgotten music degree. I went freelance as a writer and took part-timejobs. I went to Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music and studied with HaroldJones and Michael Parloff while still raising my son.

By the time I had my Bachelor's degree, my son hadgraduated High School. He did not want to go to college. I waited two years tosee if he would change his mind, and then (with his blessings) got a Master’sdegree at Louisiana State and a Doctorate at Florida State. My goal was to get auniversity job before I was 50. First I worked at Oklahoma State University andthen was hired by Southern Illinois University in Carbondale – one monthbefore my 50^th birthday. My "double life" of publishing andmusic was what they needed, and I now teach Flute, Music History, and MusicBibliography and I also play in the Paducah, KY symphony.

I have been at SIUC for almost seven years now. I couldn'task for better colleagues or more cooperative students. This area has rollinghills, miles of peach and apple orchards, and five producing wineries. I lovegoing to New York to see my son and his family (his beautiful wife and twofabulous children). My son is the retail manager for Phat Farm, a hip-hopclothing store in Soho.

I became aware of Croatia at first because of the war, andthen because of ER and Wimbleton. When I remembered “Yugoslavian-American”friends from past years and places they had told me about, I realized that theyhad been Croatian. I saw a travel film and realized that the cheap, good wines Ihad found when I was young and poor had also been Croatian, as were the fig jamsI had bought in New York over the years. I became more and more curious.

In 2002 the American Flute Orchestra (I am their piccoloplayer) was supposed to play in Slovenia. I was very excited, because it was achance to see Eastern Europe. Then because of 9/11 the tour was cancelled.Angry, I decided to go anyway. I remembered a place that a friend of mine hadtold me about, 27 years earlier – Dubrovnik. I contacted CROWN to see if Icould find a group to go with. The kindest people in the world – members ofCROWN – said that I should go by myself. So I took a deep breath, went lastMay and discovered Croatia. It has changed my life.

In Dubrovnik, I met wonderful people whom I hope will belifelong friends. I have also met many wonderful Croatian-Americans and hope thesame! When I heard the language it sounded like music to me, and I am takinglanguage lessons to learn it. Plus I have discovered so much music and so manycomposers that I never knew about! Some people say that Europe is the old world,but Croatia is a new world for me – and I like it very, very much. I have beenplanning all year to go back and see more. I feel that I have opened a door andfound an entire room in a house I thought I knew.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I readCROWN with great interest, and translate everything I can manage.

                                                                       Puno pozdrava,        Suzanne Lord

THE DOVES FROM AVIANO

Aren't they prettier than warplanes?

Vilma Kuis

*Aviano is a NATO airforce base in Italy

A CROATIAN BOY S JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF A BETTER LIFE

Jerry Derich (Jerko Dragicevic) 1899-1963

Jerko (pronounced Yerko) was born on March 30, 1899 in Supetar, Brac, an island across from Split, Croatia. When Jerko spoke of the beauty of Croatia he wistfully expressed almost simultaneously  you cannot eat beauty . He left school at the age of 11 with only 4 years of education. Everyone in the family was needed in the struggle to feed and clothe themselves. His father, Vicko was never at home; he worked on ships that took him away for long periods of time. Vicko wanted to move to South America, however, his wife Lukre refused to leave her homeland. As a young boy Jerko was influenced by the sight and tales of men returning from America, some dressed in classical English suits with a gold chain and pocket watch. He eventually left home because  he was so hungry he was fighting for crumbs left on the table . On the day he left the island of Brac in search of his dream his youngest sister Perina gave him a little money. It was a gesture of kindness Jerko remembered for the rest of his life. 
Jerko s first adventurous encounter started in 1920 shortly after World War I. He spoke of unwittingly being recruited by the French Foreign Legion. On the same day of his recruitment he became aware of the criminal type men around him and his godforsaken destination. He took the opportunity to escape on a dark and rainy night by crawling under the wire fence. Jerko soon joined up with some other Croatian men. As a group they decided their best option was to enlist in the British Army. After a brief training period they were shipped to Istanbul, Turkey, to serve as occupational soldiers. The tense and political chaotic environment necessitated constant vigilance at all times to prevent from being stabbed. A fellow companion had been stabbed to death during the night, a frequently occurring circumstance. According to Jerko, Istanbul was much more impoverished than Croatia, the filthy streets beset with a multitude of beggars. Destitute peddlers sat on the pavement, eagerly yelling and pleading to the passing crowds to buy their pancakes (as closely remembered, chapatees) and other wares.
Service in the British Army entitled foreign nationals like Jerko the privilege of immigrating to a British Colony of their choice. On completion of their British Army service Jerko and his fellow countrymen (Dinko Yustin, Lovro Zencich, and Frank Bozikovich) immigrated to Canada. 
They crossed the ocean on the Ausonia, a ship belonging to the Cunard Line. They arrived in Quebec on September 23, 1923. After being processed they were given employment in Quebec s vast interior. They were employed as lumberjacks, cutting down trees for a hydro right of way. Jerko was amazed at the vast stretches of water and trees that seemed to go on forever as they traveled through the wilderness. Coming from a country that had California type weather, they were unprepared for the severe bitter cold of a northern climate and the harsh living conditions in the camps. They quickly purchased clothing, putting them in debt with the company store. Jerko was very proud that he was able to rescue his companions from a life threatening incident caused by the bitter winter environment in the lumber camp; enough to make Dinko Yustin cry. During the second year in the bush, Jerko and his companions contracted out their services in order to make sufficient money to pay off their debt to the company store. Gradually they learned enough French to communicate with the French workmen. At the end of their contract they were well enough informed to leave for Montreal. After a short stay in Montreal Jerko left for Toronto.
Prior to marriage, Jerko and a friend made a living by operating a rooming house on Oak Street, Toronto, where they sold booze and ran poker games. Jerko s acquaintance with Irene Jessie McBrady of Irish and English origin, who lived a few doors away, quickly turned to love. They were married on July 6, 1927 when Jessie turned sixteen. Once married Jerko did not want to subject his young pregnant wife to a drinking and gambling environment. Being an unskilled foreigner during the depression he was forced to take a job as a dishwasher for $6.00 a week. While on his break Jerko would assist the cook in preparing the food. He eventually learned enough to become a short order cook for Muirhead s cafeteria in downtown Toronto. 
During the same period of time Jerko, Jessie and baby Lucy lived in a flat owned by a friendly Jewish couple. Jerko s landlord encouraged him to go in business for himself. The landlord believed that being self-employed allowed foreigners with limited education and no special skills a chance to make a decent living. The landlord supplemented his own income by repairing and then selling used potato bags. Jerko quit his job at Muirhead s cafeteria after an ongoing conflict with another employee. He had decided to try his hand as a fruit peddler. Jerko bought a truck with the $300.00 that he borrowed from Jessie s Uncle Willie. Jerko s diligent work ethic enabled him to become a successful self-employed fruit peddler. Even though he had a limited formal education, he devised his own method of calculating costs, profit margins and selling prices. Jerko also had the ability to learn different languages such as English, Italian, French, Russian, and Polish. He was able to provide for his increasing family, Lucia Alice 1928, Viola Frances 1931, Jerry Vincenzo, 1932, and Helen Irene 1941. 
During the 1920s foreign names did not sit well with an  English Protestant dominated society. Prior to going into business Jerko Dragicevic changed his name to Jerry Derich, mainly for business reasons. The job as a fruit peddler was demanding in the summer. Jerry would rise at 3:00 a.m. to pick up his fruit and vegetables from the Farmers Market located close to the St. Lawrence Market. He would then return home to arrange his produce and have breakfast. Out on the street by 8:00 a.m. Jerry would peddle in different neighborhoods until the produce was sold; sometimes till 7:00 p.m. To maintain his strength and vitality he usually went to bed at 8:00 p.m.
Jerry and Jessie had a stroke of luck in 1938. An elderly man was anxious to get rid of his old rented house at 216 Berkley Street, Toronto, that was in need of major repairs. He took a liking to Jerry and Jessie and wanted them to have the house so he agreed to drop the price down from $3,000 to $600 to match the amount of money Jerry had managed to save. The house was a small three bedroom fully attached row house with a large barn in the backyard. The barn was particularly useful for his fruit and vegetable business. His Croatian friends who were frequently unemployed during the depression years volunteered to dig out a cellar and installed a foundation under the sagging kitchen and bathroom floor. In appreciation, Jerry put on an outstanding party in the backyard. A whole lamb was barbecued and served along with the other food. Ice cream was served for desert, a big treat in those depression years. Croatian songs were sung with heartfelt remembrance and joy under the night lights.
Our days were truly spent as a traditional family with supper around the table every evening. Sundays were special because it was a free day when Jerry would enjoy his lovely garden and play Croatian tunes on the accordion. It was also the day when he would dress up in his classical English suit (a three button single breasted jacket and vest) along with his gold chain and watch. Jerry personified the vision of success that he had envisioned as a young boy. He was living his dream. Many Sundays were spent with Jerry driving his family and friends such as the Kokich and Yustin families to various places. Sitting on wooden crates in the back of his 3/4 ton V8 Ford panel truck we went to nearby beaches such as Sunnyside Beach, Kew Beach, Humber River, Rouge River etc. or to Croatian picnics where we would dance, sing and eat roasted lamb. 
Wintertime included an enjoyable social life attending Croatian Fraternal Union dances and concerts. Christmas evening was spent in the Yustin s home crowded with friends. During the celebration Jerry s deep singing voice could be heard above all others as they sang the songs of their homeland. On New Year s evening everyone reciprocated and came over to the Derich s household to continue the celebration. Jerry loved to go to the local movie houses most Monday and Tuesday nights in the winter months when his business was slow. He particularly enjoyed popular cowboy movies. 
In 1952, at the age of 53 Jerry decided it was time to get off the street and retire from fruit peddling. Together with his wife Jessie, they became the proud owners of a Red & White grocery store at 500 Pape Ave. Their daughter Lucy sacrificed her career as a secretary to help her parents in their struggle to become competent at running the grocery store. A few years later Jerry s three eldest children were married. Jerry sold the grocery store and bought a house at 8 Minton Place and worked in the Fruit and Vegetable Department at Knob Hill Farms store. Jerry found the work at Knob Hill Farms store too tiring. Jessie convinced her husband it made more sense to buy the grocery store at 468 Mortimer Avenue and rent 8 Minton Place. 
They opened for business on September, 1958. At their store Jessie was able to help her husband and give him a chance to take rest breaks during the day. In 1963 at the age of 64, Jerry was happy and contented. He felt financially secure and proud of his new home and grocery store. His children were doing well. Jerry had four grandchildren and one on its way. His duty as a father would be completed with the marriage of his youngest daughter Helen, which was to happen on December of 1963. 
On July 14, 1963, Jerry s life ended suddenly while he was in good health and looking toward receiving the old age security cheque. All his life Jerry had struggled to survive and prosper. He had survived through dangerous situations, harsh living conditions and subsistent wages. For Jerry it was almost inconceivable that he would receive anything without a struggle. He was looking forward to a secure and happy retirement. But fate intervened! The entire family was driving to a picnic at Wilket Creek Park. Jerry and Jessie were following behind everyone in their light blue Chevy panel truck. Just as they were crossing over the Don Valley overpass on Don Mills Road, a black Cadillac lost control and smashed into their truck. Jerry and Jessie were rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Jerry died shortly afterwards, but Jessie survived her massive injuries. Five months after the accident Jerry s engaged and youngest daughter Helen was married. Helen s mother insisted the wedding take place. Jessie wanted nothing to interfere with her daughter s happiness. Jessie attended the celebration with her leg in a cast sitting in a wheel chair.
Prior to World War II, Jerry who had no relatives in Canada encouraged his younger brother Peter to work on a ship that would bring him to Canada. From there Peter would jump ship and make his way to Toronto. Once in Toronto Peter would be safe and protected until he was able to look after himself. Peter did reach England but changed his mind and returned to Yugoslavia. Peter got caught up in the war and was killed. Jerry s father Vicko was killed when he was pushed off a truck by a German solder. His mother Lukre we are told died of a broken heart shortly after the war.
Jerry never managed to visit his family in Brac, Croatia, nor did any of his relatives make their way to Canada. The only remembrance of Jerry s family was the black framed photograph of his family and some pictures of his nieces and nephews sent by relatives. From the beginning Jerry corresponded with his family and always sent a little money and clothes until many years after the war. It was Perina s kindness that Jerry always remembered by sending her a special gift until the end of his life. Jessie continued sending Perina a gift for a long time thereafter in Jerry s memory.

Written by: 
Helen Irene Derich Klar and Jerry Vincenzo Derich, in Toronto in 2000
Edited by: 
Ljerka Susanna Lukic, B. A., M. A., Ph.D. Candidate (Croatian Philology).
Prof. Lukic has a special interest in Croatian life stories, memoirs, and autobiographies. 
For more information: Ljerka-Susan@Rogers.com, 416-534-5442
900 Dufferin Street, P. O. Box 24026, Toronto, Ontario, M6H 4A9 Canada 

Can someone explain this bond to laics?

Fitch rates Croatia's Euro 500m bond 
Fri February 14, 2003 10:02 AM ET 
(The following statement was released by the rating agency)
NEW YORK, Feb 14 - Fitch Ratings, the international rating agency, has assigned a 'BBB-' (BBB minus) Long-term foreign currency rating to today's EUR500 million seven-year bond issued by the Republic of Croatia.

The Outlook on the rating is Stable.

Croatia's creditworthiness has improved markedly since the change of government in the 2000 elections. An eracharacterized by authoritarianism, nationalism and isolation has ended, and Croatia's foreign policy is now focused on international integration.

This change in strategy has delivered substantial gains including membership of the NATO Partnership for Peace programme, numerous free trade agreements and a Stability and Association Agreement with the EU.

The country is to submit its formal application for EU membership in late February.

These integrationist measures have been accompanied by an acceleration of structural reforms, while an ambitious fiscal adjustment programme is underway to reverse the marked fiscal deterioration of the late 1990s.

Against this background, the current account deficit has fallen sharply, the financing mix has improved and gross external debt ratios havestabilized.

Preliminary indications point to a current account deficit of some 3.5% of GDP in 2002, largely covered with foreign direct investment.

While external borrowing rose in 2002, foreign exchange reserves are estimated to have ended the year at USD5.8 billion, an increase of nearly 40% on the year.

The EUR500m bond issue completes Croatia's scheduled bond issuance for 2003 and should ensure that external financing needs are easily met this year.

Fitch expects another sizeable balance of payments surplus in 2003. In addition, Croatia has recently signed a 16-month USD146m precautionary stand-by arrangement with the IMF.

This would offer support to the balance of payments in the event of adverse exogenous shocks.

Despite this progress, some weaknesses remain, and further credit rating upgrades will hinge on the government's ability to adhere to its reform plans.

In particular, although the fiscal adjustment has been significant, Croatia continues to have one of the heaviest tax burdens in the region, and capital spending needs remain high. Steps to bring taxes more into line with the regional average will necessitate additional cuts to current spending if the fiscal deficit is to remain on a sustainable path, while more progress will need to be made on the reduction of state-issued debt guarantees.

In other areas of structural reform, too, further progress is necessary if Croatia is to reap the full benefits of its recently secured trade agreements and continue to attract the foreign investment necessary to upgrade its industrial base and tourism potential and to sustain solid economic growth.