Published: April 15, 1998
View the Original Newsletter: Cirkular-9.pdf
A Message from the Editor
Valentina Krčmar opens the issue by reflecting on the rebirth of Cirkular and the reactions it received from readers. She acknowledges both encouragement and skepticism, expressing pride in how far the publication has come. Valentina invites the community to help choose a new name for the newsletter—one that feels truly Croatian, memorable, and representative of the community’s spirit.
She emphasizes that although the name might change, the purpose remains the same: to inform, to connect, to preserve culture, and to speak the truth when necessary. The editorial underscores Cirkular’s goal to be more than a newsletter—it is to be the voice of the Croatian community in Toronto.
Remembering April 10, 1941
An article by Slavko Butković revisits the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia on April 10, 1941. He describes it as a defining moment in Croatian history when, after centuries under foreign rule, Croatians regained their sovereignty. The piece honors those who fought for independence and frames the anniversary as a reminder of national endurance and identity. It concludes that regimes may rise and fall, but the Croatian people remain steadfast and eternal.
Cultural and Community Events
Several updates highlight the vibrant life of Croatians in Canada during the late 1990s.
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Concerts and Performances:
Croatian students at the University of Toronto hosted a successful evening of music and poetry titled An Artistic Recital of Music and Poetry by Croatian and World Composers. The performance featured local and international talent and drew praise from the audience for its artistry and spirit. -
Religious and Social Gatherings:
The Croatian Catholic Mission welcomed young performers from Düsseldorf, while Hamilton’s Croatian National Home prepared for its annual concert featuring tamburitza groups. -
Academic and Professional Development:
A seminar for teachers of Croatian language and literature was announced at Don Bosco Secondary School, focusing on creativity in education and modern approaches to grammar and poetry interpretation.
Tributes and Losses
The community mourned the passing of Croatian-Canadian sculptor Augustin Filipović, a respected artist and member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. His works, found across Canada and Croatia, including a monument to the victims of Bleiburg in Zagreb’s Mirogoj Cemetery, stand as a testament to his talent and patriotism.
Croatian Congress and Humanitarian Efforts
The Canadian-Croatian Congress announced its third convention to be held in Oakville on April 18, 1998, with community leaders Michael Bukovac, Nikola Vrdoljak, and Zvonimir Josipović leading the local organizing committee.
Another major initiative, Fond Slavonija, invited donors to a charity banquet supporting the rebuilding of Vukovar. Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Association for the Reconstruction of Vukovar ’98 launched a campaign to raise funds through credit union branches and community events.
Faith, Family, and Mental Health
Valentina Krčmar writes a heartfelt commentary on the challenges facing Croatian families in Canada, drawing attention to isolation, mental health struggles, and the need for compassion within the community. She urges organizations to be proactive in offering assistance to families in distress to prevent future tragedies.
Croatian Heritage and Music
A historical feature spotlights Franjo Ksaver Kuhac (1834–1911), one of Croatia’s most influential ethnomusicologists, who devoted his life to collecting and preserving Croatian folk songs and dances. His tireless efforts helped safeguard the nation’s musical identity for generations.
Books and Reflections
Valentina reviews Greater Serbia: From Ideology to Aggression, a collection published by the Croatian Information Centre in 1992. She calls it essential reading for understanding the roots of Serbian expansionism and the ideological justifications behind the wars of the 1990s. The review is followed by historical excerpts illustrating how Serbian intellectuals shaped aggressive nationalist ideas long before Yugoslavia’s collapse.
Announcements and Classifieds
The back pages include community notices, job listings, and light-hearted columns. Among them are:
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Summer job opportunities for youth through Ontario government programs
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Tips on removing stains and household advice
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A list of phone area codes across Croatian regions
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Upcoming cultural celebrations, including the Croatian Day of Statehood in Toronto on May 30, 1998
A few humorous short stories close the issue, adding warmth and relatability to an otherwise reflective edition.
