Op-ed:

If anybody has any information aboutCroatians in Texas especially in Houston are, please contact me at letters@croatianworld.netor directly Wanda Radetti at: TasteTours@aol.comor/and Victoria Hedrich at: VictoriaHedrich@aol.com 

best,

Nenad Bach

Subj: International Sister Cities 

Hello Nenad,

As mentioned to you, I am sending you the letter that my colleague and good friend Victoria has prepared regarding the International Sister Cities - and the need to find Croatian organizations in Houston to help follow up and support the project. I am grateful for any help and information that you may be able to provide. I am truly passionate about creating this type of exchange that I believe is absolutely necessary and can prove to be beneficial to Croatia as well as the sister cities in the United States.

I wish you well and hope to see you again and soon.

Wanda S. Radetti
TasteTours@aol.com 

Victoria J. Hedrich

May 30, 2002

Dear Nenad,

Wanda Radetti spoke very highlyof you and felt you could be of great assistance to our effort. I have the pleasure of working with Wanda and Vojko Obersnell, the Mayorof Rijeka, as well as other prominent citizens of Rijeka to initiate an officialInternational Sister City relationship between the cities of Houston and Rijeka. I am interested in identifying members of the Croatian community withinHouston that may help me to champion this initiative.

Sister Cities International (SCI)is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnershipsbetween U.S. and international communities in an effort to increase globalcooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding and tostimulate economic development.  SCI also invites associations, businesses, educationalinstitutions and individuals to participate in the SCI network.

An official SCI relationshipbetween Houston and Rijeka  is agreat means to establish meaningful and lasting connections. The success of SCI has opened doors to the world, enhancing quality oflife through educational exchanges, business development opportunities andinformation sharing on issues such as technology, health care, and theenvironment.  My many experiences inestablishing such relaionships has made me realize that the success of suchinitiatives is predicated upon a strong grass roots effort, usually by those most familiar with the culture of the foreign partner city.

During the first weeks of June Iplan to visit Houson in further  pursuitof this mission and I would welcome the opportunity to personally introducemyself to those  individuals withinthe community that have an interest in helping me to champion this intiative.

Appreciatively yours,

Victoria 

Rijeka

Rijeka: Latitude 45.20 N Longitude14.25 E

The population of Rijeka is 250.000

Rijekais located in the Kvarner Bay deep in the Adriatic see. With the mountain Učkaon the west and Kvarner islands to the south-east, the view from above Rijekaoutward is magnificent. The city has many streets filled with buildings built inthe styles of past ages: baroque, secession, etc.
    The town history begins in Neolit, but the name Rijeka isfirst mentioned in the 9th century. A small village on the mouth of riverRjeeina into the see eventually grew into a big city despite ever-changinggovernments and two disastrous fires. The city was declared a free port in 1719.marking a beginning of a new period in which Rijeka will economically prosper. 

Houston 

• State of Texas, southwest U.S.
• Upper Gulf Coast (50 miles from Gulf of Mexico)

• 1.9 million /city
• 4.5 million / county metropolitan statistical area
• 3.4 million people reside in Harris County. The third most populous county in the nation
• Houston is the seat of ethnically diverse Harris County
• Houston is 54 percent white, 23 percent Hispanic, 19 percent African American and 4 percent Asian.

• 617 square miles / city of Houston
• 8,778 square miles / CMSA

• Founded in August 1836 by brothers Augustus and John Allen. Houston is named after General Sam Houston, who led the Texas Army in its victory over General Santa Anna's Mexican forces at the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto. In 1837, Houston was incorporated in the Republic of Texas and served as its capital from 1837 to 1840.

• More than 46,000 hotel rooms in the city

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport
• William P. Hobby Airport

• Chase Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, and Williams Tower, the tallest building outside a central business district, are two examples of Houston's award-winning architecture

• Houston's job count is 206 million - more than all of Colorado. The city also is an affordable place to live with a cost of living 21 percent below the average for 17 metro areas with more than 2 million people.

• One of the few U.S. cities with permanent ballet, opera, symphony and theater companies.
• More than 30 museums.
• With 10,000 theater seats, Houston ranks second only to New York.

• Buses: The Metropolitan Transit Authority operates more than 1,400 buses on 128 routes throughout the city. In FY 98, METRO had more than 100 million bus boardings.
• Freeways / expressways: 570 miles
• High Occupancy vehicle expressways: 86 miles carrying 85,000 people each weekday.
• The third-largest taxi cab fleet in the country with 2,000 vehicles.
• A free downtown trolley system.

• 500-plus parks in Harris County
• 12,236 water-covered areas
• 32 miles of public beaches in area
• 100-plus golf courses in greater Houston
• Third largest concentration of pleasure boats in the United States

• More than 8,000 restaurants feature a wide variety of ethnic cuisines.

• The Galleria, Houston's largest and best-known retail mall, features 320 stores and is visited by more than 16 million people annually.
• The oldest shopping district is the River Oaks Shopping Center.
• Walk Rice Village's charming sidewalks and scour its hundreds of shops.
• There are six major outlet malls in the area, offering great discount shopping.

• Houston Rockets, basketball
• Houston Astros, baseball
• Houston Aeros, hockey
• Houston Comets, women's basketball

• Mild year-round climate
• 66° average high winter temperature
• 91° average high summer temperature
• 79° average high spring / autumn temperature

• Houston is located in the Central Time Zone

Where were you on Sunday, September 3, 1939? If you were living in Kansas City, Kansas at that time, the chances were very good that you spent your day at the 3rd annual Croatian Day Picnic at old City Park. On that day, following Mass at St. John the Baptist Croatian Catholic Church, the park filled with members of St. John’s Catholic Club and their family and friends. Matt Grisnik and his Tamburitzan orchestra furnished the music. There were couples in Croatian costumes dancing to the national music and the St. John’s Singing and Dramatic Club sang Croatian songs. Kansas City Kansas Mayor, McCombs, crowned miss Catherine Horvat, then a 17-year old senior at Ward High School, as “Queen of Croatian Day” as a large crowd looked on.

This Sunday, June 2, 2002, the history continues with the 65th annual Croatian Day Picnic. This year’s event will be held on the grounds of the historic Strawberry Hill Museum, fourth and Barnett, Kansas City, Kansas starting at 4:30. Polka Hall-of-Famer, Don Lipovac, and his internationally know band, will furnish the music this year. Plenty of food and drink will be available as usual. St. John’s Catholic Club president, Kenny Yarnevich, promises that the Club and its members will do their very best to make this year’s celebration as momentous as the previous 64 and invites all to join in the fun. He says the Club is committed to maintaining all the rich traditions of the Croatian Day Picnic begun many years ago with the founders of the Club.

In the summer of 1922, young Croatian boys in their teens wandered aimlessly on the various streets of the eastern part of Kansas City, Kansas. They were divided by groups, some of them calling themselves the Fourth Street Group, Fifth Street Boys, Bottom Jakes (those who lived across the river along James Street), to name a few. Virtually every corner was a rendezvous. A spot just off the east entrance of the old Public Library Building was the meeting place of one group with no particular name. In this group were: Joseph A “Brass” Bartolac, Henry “Hank” Dehlic, Nicholas “Corn” Jarnevic, Nicholas “Ty Cobb” Krall, Anthony “Lefty” Kostelac, Joseph “Doc” Kostelac, George “Curly” Mikesic, Joseph “Skinny” Preblic, Charles “Smith” Simatic, John Tomasic and Joseph Stimac (both of whom seemed to have escaped nicknames). They would walk along the Avenue (Minnesota), stopping to patronize Jim Cummins Pool Hall, the Den of Sweets, Electric Theater or other popular recreation places. 

Being neither better nor worse than any other group of young men, they held serious discussions which resulted in a decision to organize a club. A committee approached Father Martin D. Krmpotic, the pastor of St. John the Baptist Croatian Catholic Church. They requested the use of the hall beneath the church for meetings and social gatherings. Permission was readily granted. The purpose of the club was to provide fellowship and a place for recreation. They also discussed long-range plans for their contribution to the church and the Croatian community. The group proceeded to invite other young men to join. The response was great.

Thus, from corner meetings of little significance to gatherings with a definite purpose, St. John's Catholic Club was first organized. 

Some of the activities in those early years included games, boxing and wrestling matches and dances. Within three years their meeting place became too small, and it was decided to build a two-story building with the lower floor consisting of clubrooms and the upper floor an auditorium. The location was to be immediately west of the church. Financing was by sale of shares to parishioners (which would be repaid without interest when the club became financially solvent). 
Response was generous, and only a small loan made elsewhere was necessary. Parishioners, young and old, volunteered their time, talent and tools in the construction. On June 24, 1925 the building was blessed 

Economic conditions in the 1930's were such that few men had jobs. The club became a haven for them. Their favorite pastime was sports of all varieties. Under the direction of an Athletic director, competition was had in cards, checkers, basketball, football, softball, tennis, table tennis, boxing, bowling, baseball and wrestling. Bowling was most popular. St. John's was second only to Grindel-Lembke (a commercial recreation establishment on Minnesota Avenue). In 1939 and 1947, additional lanes were installed bringing the total to six lanes. 

Many outstanding bowlers went on to ably represent St. John's in city classic league, city, state and national tournaments and also regional and national lodge tournaments. Interest in boxing was high throughout the 1930's. Under the careful coaching of Mike Koska, many of the members made use of the workout room located on the upper floor where the kitchen is now located. The first amateur match was presented in 1938. 

The baseball team was very well known throughout the Midwest area. During the early 1930's and immediately after the war, it competed with and defeated the best in semi-pro baseball. A highlight of the baseball team was the Kansas State Semi-Pro Championship game at Ward Field in 1937 against Wear Coal Company. The team, managed by Paul “Barney” Novogradac, went down in defeat to a 19- year-old pitcher by the name of Elwin Roe, from Viola, Arkansas, who went on to achieve professional fame as “Preacher Roe” of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Their loss was avenged one week later when they defeated the same team at Klamm Park, and the losing pitcher for the Coalmen was George Verbeck. 

The annual married men versus single men game was enjoyed as much by the players as by the fans.

The Entertainment Committee of the Club sponsored weekly Sunday night dances during the 1930’s. Les Copley and his Kansas Citians provided music. This Committee made an effort to offer a diversified calendar of events to interest as many members as possible. 

So it was that in 1937, the Club sponsored the very first Croatian Day Picnic at the old City Park. 

Over the ensuing 65 years, the annual picnic has drawn, not only Croatians from around the community, but also many friends and guests wanting to enjoy good fellowship. 

Discover Croatia

    "Discover Croatia" was a title of presentation given by Boris Miketic, Travel Agent, at the Queens Borough Public Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Astoria on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 3 p.m. Audience had a chance to find out about must-see locations inCroatia, how to travel there on a budget, and where to stay. Beautiful tourist brochures and maps were made available (courtesy of Croatian National Tourist Office, NYC).
A sampling of books for children and adults in Croatian from the Library's new Croatian collection was on display as well.

Sanja Crnkovic
President of the Friends of Broadway Library

♥Introducing:Croatian Birthday Bear!!!

♥NewCroatian Village Collection Piece: Café!

♥Neckties (“Cravat”) Imported from Zagreb

♥LastChance to Order Samobor Crystal this Month!

♥Spring Cleaning: Price Reductions of up to 50% off!

♥Graduation, Wedding, and Fund-Raising Ideas

♥Special 10% Off Coupon Available!

Uniqueand Loveable “Birthday Bear!”

 Weare delighted to introduce you to the latest addition in our ever-growingCroatian bear selection! Wearing a lace-trimmed white skirt and shawl,this very Croatian bear even sports a red and white Grbwaistband! This very loveable Birthday Bear sings"Happy Birthday" in Croatian language ("Sretan Rodjendan")when her tummy is squeezed. Even better, if you tell us to whom you want itto sing, WE WILL RECORD IT FOR YOU WITH THAT SPECIAL PERSON’S NAME!! Plus, wewill write that person's name on our gift tag that will be attached tothe bear. (We offer two special gift tags, both female and male, each inPrigorje costume!)

NewCroatian Village Collection Piece: Café!

Wehave made many trips to Croatia, and there is one thing we know for certain: novillage, town, or city is ever complete without its café! Croatians love theircoffee, and one of their very favorite things to do is to meet in theneighborhood “Kafanas” to drink coffee and to talk with friends. We thinkit’s a great tradition and we’d like to help preserve this special custom bymaking the Café/Kafana a centerpiece of our Croatian Village Collection.  Wecan hand-letter any special name you would like on your café building, or wewill write either “café” or “kafana” on the building: tell us which youwould like! See it at www.croatiagifts.com!

                                    Neckties: ‘Cravat’ from Croatia…Choice “Father’s Day”Gifts!

And,now, imported directly from CroatainCroatia, we are pleased to present to you beautiful, 100%silkneckties! Croataneckties are reputably the top quality in the tie industry in the world. We arepresenting one of Croata’swonderful designs. Croatanecktiescome from the Homeland of the Cravats: CROATIA!Authentic Croataties are packaged in a protective, plastic wrapping, and come with an elegant(gift) tie box which says, “Homeland of the Cravats” on one side and“Domovina Kravata” on the other. Due to popular demand, we have placed anorder for a large shipment that is due to arrive next week.Visitus at www.croatiagifts.comto order.

 LastChance to Order Crystal from Samobor for this Month!

Ifyou have been thinking about ordering some of the exquisite crystal  fromSamobor, Croatia, this week is the last chance to get in on thismonth’s orders. Visit www.croatiagifts.comto see some of our wonderful selections! Visit us often, as we will beintroducing other patterns and ideas for etching onto the crystal…things likethe Croatian “Grb,”  Zagreb’sSt. Stephen’s Cathedral and Old Town will soon be available!

                                             Spring Cleaning At Heart of Croatia Gifts! 50%Price Reductions

 Inorder to make room for our new inventory, “Heart of Croatia Gifts” is doingsome spring cleaning! Visit our category entitled, “SpringCleaning” at www.croatiagifts.com,to see many products we are selling at substantial discounts---some products areas much as 50% off of the original prices!

                                            *Graduations, Weddings, and Fund-RaisingIdeas*

 Heartof Croatia Giftsoffers many possibilities for those special (Croatian) graduates, and for thosespecial (Croatian) brides and grooms-to-be! You may want to consider musicalinstrument pins or framed instruments for those Junior Tamburitzan graduates,among many other choices. Or, may we suggest a beautiful tablecloth or acookbook for a unique wedding gift? We have many categories to browse in thatoffer a wide variety of Croatian gifts choices that are both practical andbeautiful. Many of these items are ONLY available at Heartof Croatia Gifts, www.croatiagifts.com.

Weknow that many Junior Groups will be traveling to Toronto this summer toparticipate in the wonderful convention being held there. We also realize thatmany of these groups will need to raise funds in order to get there. Visit ourspecial FUNDRAISINGIDEAS CATEGORY tosee some very special gift items at knock-down prices that can help your groupto raise significant income! You may want to consider our American-Croatian andCanadian-Croatian flag pins, as well as our instrument pins and magnets! www.croatiagifts.com.

                                                           10 % Off Coupon Available

Weat “Heart of Croatia” Gifts are offering you, our valued customers, a 10%off coupon for purchases of $25 or more. This coupon has unlimited use, meaningyou can return as many times as you would like within the next month and receive10% off each time you shop with us! This coupon expires on June 7^th.To use your coupon, you must type in: znxzg68kp whenever you order sothat 10 % will automatically be deducted from your total expenditures. Thank youfor shopping at Heart of Croatia Gifts!

MelissaPintar Obenauf

obenaufm@alink.com 

www.croatiagifts.com  

TollFree: 877-906-8314

Saturday, May 25, 2002

Croatian Independence Celebration weekend San Pedro-Style !

Croatian Booze Cruise "Morska Festa 2002"

Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday, May 25, 2002
8:00pm- 12:30am
Please arrive by 8pm, as the boat will depart at 8:30 sharp
(please allow time for boarding)
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE

Tickets are $30.00 a person
18 and over

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact:

Kristina Jelenic         Nick Barbic 
310 528-3768    or 310 418-3056
SpCura1@aol.com  DouBoj@aol.com  

To ensure your spot on the Booze Cruise, please purchase your ticket now, as there may only be a few, if any, tickets left on the day of the Booze Cruise. You may do so by e-mailing, or calling the numbers and adresses above. Also, Tickets will be sold this Saturday at the Drazen Zecic concert at Sveti Ante's Croatian Center in downtown Los Angeles........... by Nick Barbic.

Tickets are selling, and there are limited spaces !!!!! Buy them Now !!!

Croatian Independence Celebration weekend San Pedro-Style !! Come celebrate Memorial Day Weekend (Croatian Independence Day weekend) in San Pedro (Los Angeles). Saturday night (May 25th) will be our annual Croatian Booze Cruise "Morska Festa 2002" , it is an annual event where you can dance and drink and have a great time will cruisng the Los Angeles International Harbor for several hours with Croatians ready to party for only 30bucks !!........... Sunday is our annual Croatian Independence Day Block Party where the whole street in front of Hrvatski Dom is closed and there is over 1000 people celebrating Croatian Independence day on the street with live bands, cevapcici, other foods and of course alcohol, The celebration has no charge !!!! Party is from noon to 10pm, Sunday, May 26th on 9th street below Gaffey in San Pedro, After the street celebration, the party usually continues after all over SanPedro.