DOM LIPA – A Monument to Slovenian Humanism

(Peter Cekuta, May 26, 1994)

Introduction

It is my pleasure to present to you a historical sketch of this institution, which, to many of our seniors, is a piece of Slovenia on Canadian soil, their adopted land. It is difficult to present the full and accurate stages of development — there are so many — and do so fairly without identifying the individuals who were, and still are, responsible for making this facility possible. Therefore, with apologies to many, only the key players will be identified in this chronology.

Pravijo, da je grška zgodovina poezija, rimska zgodovina umetnina in moderna zgodovina kronika časa. Kar vam hočem danes zvečer povedati je le kronika te vseslovenske zadruge zadnjih 20 let, s posebnim poudarkom na prva leta, ko se je ideja Doma Lipa oblikovala.

Chronology

We are now entering the twentieth anniversary of when the seed for an old-age home project in the Toronto Slovenian community was planted and became the fruit we celebrate this evening — our Dom Lipa. The meeting to plant this seed was held on February 2, 1975, with 85 people present, including representatives from our two Slovenian parishes, both religious and lay leaders.

This project was an all-Slovenian process — with no political ideology, no religious fervour, and no enterprise for self-indulgence — but a collective idea expressing a social need and projecting it into the future.

Who were the original visionaries? Cerar, Blatnik, Babič, Novak, Trpin, Jereb, Kraljič, Kopac, Vovk, Vipavec, Hace, Kus, and Arhar — names synonymous with the origin of this institution. These initial committee members played many roles, acting as planners, financiers, and humanitarian idealists.

Preliminary work and research began immediately: exploring grant possibilities from Central Mortgage and Housing, visiting other ethnic old-age homes — namely Ukrainian, Chinese, Polish — and the Slovenian old-age home in Cleveland. Ideas were expressed on developing a Slovenian census and a survey on the need for an old-age home.

On October 8, 1975, the name Dom Lipa for the seniors’ residence, and Slovenian Linden Foundation for its Board of Directors, were established.

Early in 1976, the first $6,000, raised through a lottery, was given to our Slovenian nuns in trust for a future old-age home — dollars which proved invaluable to what we have today.

It was initially assumed that our Slovenian nuns would operate and serve in the proposed old-age home. In due time, this premise changed to incorporate both church and secular members who would play a part in developing and managing Dom Lipa.

The first banquet was held on March 9, 1976, in the Slovenian Hall on Pape Avenue. Since then, banquets have been held annually, raising over $100,000. These banquets have also become important forums for distributing information about Dom Lipa’s progress. Likewise, summer picnics at various Slovenian summer camps played a crucial role in planting information and soliciting fundraising activities among Slovenian groups in Ontario. The first such gathering took place at Holiday Gardens in Pickering in 1976.

The initiating committee held its first annual general meeting of the Linden Foundation on May 16, 1976 — 18 years ago this month — and the first Board of Directors was elected. These were:

• Frank Cerar, President

• Viktor Trček, Vice President

• Cveta Arhar, Secretary (a role she performed for over 10 years)

• Sister Teodora, Treasurer

• L. Babič, F. Kus, J. Muhič, F. Kraljič, A. Blatnik, V. Novak, F. Arhar, S. Vovk, J. Trpin, M. Jereb, and M. Doma as board members.

Since then, most of these individuals have performed long-standing service on the Board of Directors and on various committees — some continue to this day.

So desirous were the founding board members to achieve their goal that in early 1976 there was serious debate about buying and converting Rudy Kus’s apartment complex next to the Slovenian Church on Brown’s Line into a residence for seniors. However, the magnitude and practicality of the project prevented this from happening.

In 1977, two main projects took place:

1. A concrete operational review of a potential home for the aged and its financial complexity for an initial concept of 50 beds was developed and studied.

2. Organizational by-laws were prepared by Peter Cekuta. These by-laws became the foundation when the Linden Foundation was incorporated and received its Charter on August 3, 1977, as a Charitable Organization in Ontario.

A few months later, on April 6, 1978, the Federal Ministry of Revenue granted the Foundation status as a Canadian organization and allowed donations to be income tax deductible.

First honorary memberships to the Foundation were bestowed upon Bishop Ambrožič, Rev. Kopac, and the Slovenian nuns. Life membership was given to Mr. Janez Muhič for his foresight in making the initial financial contribution toward making a Slovenian old-age home a reality.

By March 1979, a census of Slovenians was undertaken, and by the next annual general meeting, I had the task of formulating and presenting these results. Demographic estimates were based on 1,016 respondents over 60 years of age, of whom about 120 expressed interest and desire to live in an old-age home with a Slovenian ambience.

By autumn of 1979, six acres of land with a house at 52 Neilson Drive were purchased for $330,000, of which $150,000 was paid immediately. A major financial campaign was underway under the chairmanship of Rev. Kopac. Within a few months, this campaign raised an additional $150,000 toward the land purchase.

Subsequent special fundraising campaigns in 1985, ’86, and ’87 raised an additional $900,000 toward capital costs for Dom Lipa. For the first time, a Board of Directors meeting was held on the Foundation property on December 12, 1979, in the house still adjacent to the building.

Linden Foundation became the property owner of the land, the future site for this magnificent building. Land surveying was prepared by Peter Pavlin and all legal work coordinated by our long-standing supporter and solicitor, Karl Vipavec.

During 1980, there was a short-lived experiment with a daycare activity program for senior citizens living at home, providing them with opportunities for social and recreational activities on the Foundation property.

A zoning application was made to the City of Etobicoke, and initial architectural drawings for a 100-bed facility (30 extended care and 70 residential care) were prepared by Mr. William Cekuta (my father). By January 1981, a formal application was made to the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

As outlined, five years passed with 50 Foundation Board of Directors meetings resulting in numerous accomplishments: from the original concept to research and planning, land purchase, fundraising and social events, zoning application, and preparation of preliminary building designs. Enormous undertakings by a voluntary body of committed individuals!

It was time for reflection. On May 31, 1981, some 30 Board and committee members met for a day away from planning to attend a workshop and seminar on the meaning of an old-age home and the services for senior citizens. The workshop took place at the Slovenian Hall on Pape Avenue and was led by me.

Discussion groups produced concrete thoughts on social and ethical questions concerning geriatric care and services for Slovenian seniors.

During discussions, the meaning of individualism and institutionalism was studied and concluded that our proposed home would concentrate on individuality, social needs, and community services. Dom Lipa was to have minimal barriers to human needs, be they financial or physical. Advocacy for our seniors shall be our top priority.

The City of Etobicoke held a public hearing on February 9, 1981, in the municipal council chamber with about 300 Slovenian people in attendance. The conceptual drawings and plans for the home decorated the chamber walls. A scale model of the proposed residence made by William Cekuta circulated among municipal politicians on the review committee.

There was no opposition from neighbors. The municipal political process under Mayor Dennis Flynn and Councillors Sinclair and Worsta, long friends of the Slovenian community, was very supportive of presentations made by Karl Vipavec and Peter Cekuta. One municipal politician said that if the building was as attractive as the model, there would be no problem approving the project.

Because time was of the essence, formal building and structural designs were undertaken by Simon Davis Architectural firm with Frank Levec; supervision of construction was assigned to Joe Kastelic.

In summer 1982, the first walk-a-thon was held with several young and old participants walking distances from 5 to 10 kilometers. This initiative came from Miro Rak and the Slovenian Hunters and Anglers Club in Alliston. Since then, frequent walk-a-thons have raised close to half a million dollars over several years.

Towards Factual Reality

After numerous submissions, lengthy reports, and meetings, the Ministry of Community and Social Services gave approval in principle to the development of a Slovenian old-age home. By mid-1983, the land was fully paid for, zoning was approved under the Charitable Institutions Act, and a preliminary building permit was given — subject to protecting flood-lands along the creek on Foundation property to the south.

During the visit of His Holiness Pope Paul II to Toronto on September 14 and 15, 1984, a cornerstone and plate were blessed by His Holiness, which now form the cornerstone of Dom Lipa.

By the 100th Board meeting on February 14, 1985 — ten years since the inception of the Slovenian Linden Foundation — 85% of detailed architectural blueprints were complete, and construction for the 100-bed facility was ready to begin.

Various ministries and government officials gave preliminary approvals. Extended care service with 30 beds finally became a reality eight years later on March 1, 1993.

The Ministries of Environment and Transportation had input due to aircraft flight paths over this property from Pearson International Airport. Various Etobicoke City Hall planning officials, the Fire Marshall’s office, and the neighborhood all played important roles in realizing the dream of an old-age home for Slovenians in Toronto and Ontario.

Ten years after planting the seed, Dom Lipa was a factual reality.

Towards Operational Reality

To maintain regular cash flow and ongoing donations, by 1985 there were annual picnics, fashion shows, bazaars, banquets, breakfast meetings, $50 clubs, traditional Slovenian cookbook publications and sales, walk-a-thons, and Christmas gatherings for community seniors. These events remain an important element in making this organization vital and financially stable.

Board meetings often diverged from routine planning and fundraising discussions to debates over who would coordinate purchasing sausages, hamburgers, beer, wine, and pop for events; whether to include Slovenian delicacies like “blood sausage” on the menu; and who would cook, serve, sell tickets, or be the BBQ chef. These were very important for a healthy organization and community involvement, often reminded by Lojze Babič.

Construction, which took about 20 months to complete, was done by Slovenian workers, artisans, and professionals — masons, plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters, drywall installers, and painters — all provided by Slovenian entrepreneurs locally and beyond. They worked in various shifts, monitored on-site by Tone Muhič and under Joe Kastelic’s watchful eye.

This enormous voluntary workforce made it difficult to estimate the true value of capital cost savings for the facility and surrounding grounds.

The building was completed by Christmas 1987. The first Slovenian residents moved into the new home in January 1988.

Names like Petrovič, Stežinar, Bratuž, Matjašič, Mr., and Mrs. Rotar were some of the first residents. There were six staff members to help establish and make residents comfortable. Slovenian Reverend Sisters also played an important part during those initial days. Dom Lipa is now an operational reality.

Other Perspectives

The greatest pillar of strength for the Board of Directors over all these years has been Joe Kastelic. During times of low monetary means and the bank’s reluctance to provide a line of credit to the Foundation treasurer, one visit by Mr. Kastelic to the bank resolved the matter. He also took personal risk by signing a mortgage for a significant amount to enable construction to progress. This will never be forgotten by the grateful Slovenian community. Mr. Kastelic remains involved and continues contributing to the Linden Foundation to this day.

It is important to note that for significant capital expenditures, there was no government funding. This building is truly a Slovenian enterprise. However, we must not ignore the assistance from the Provincial Ministry of Community and Social Services and Ministry of Health, which continue to provide necessary operational grants.

In 1986, Dr. Stane Bah from Windsor, retired from his profession, joined the Foundation and still regularly travels from Windsor, often staying in Toronto for several days to work on complex government submissions. He managed the home’s affairs during construction and during the phasing in of the first residents and employees.

Even now, Dr. Bah remains an active member, showing that retirement is not an obstacle but can be a time of positive, constructive contribution.

Likewise, we must not forget one of the original instigators and the first president, Frank Cerar. Until recently, he was also the administrator of Dom Lipa. He too proves that retirement should not be passive but a time when the intellectual spirit is most creative. These two retirees, Bah and Cerar, inspire many with their dedication and work habits.

After Mr. Cerar stepped aside as administrator, the board hired Ms. Patricia King due to legislative requirements for a qualified director.

Ms. King has been the administrator and director of nursing care at Dom Lipa since May 17, 1993. Her probationary period has just been completed.

As reported at the Annual General Meeting for 1992 and 1993, Dom Lipa and the Linden Foundation had a deficit of about $1,600,000 but were able to manage debt payments primarily through fees, grants, and donations.

Funeral and memorial bequests and numerous ongoing fundraising events remain very important, though never fully sufficient.

Dom Lipa also has a permanent spiritual leader — a great Slovenian homilist, writer, humanist, and contemplative himself a resident here — Rev. Franc Sodja. A physiotherapist makes regular weekly visits, and three doctors perform their medical duties with ongoing visits and consultations.

On average, with some month-to-month fluctuation, the home is occupied by 60% Slovenian senior citizens; the remaining 40% are individuals of Slavic origin who keep the beds occupied.

Currently, Dom Lipa has approximately 20 full-time employees, 17 part-time staff, and provides training opportunities for students. Some 14 volunteers assist weekly in daily operations, helping make Dom Lipa a fun place to be. Both mental and physical recreational activities abound.

As indicated, Dom Lipa has recently been certified by the Ministry of Health for 30 extended care beds to provide medical, rehabilitative, and palliative care in a Slovenian milieu. Renovations costing about $360,000 to accommodate this nursing service have recently been completed.

Conclusion

I have been involved with the Board of Directors of this Foundation since spring 1977 and was president from March 1979 to December 1982. Like other presidents — France Cerar, Viktor Trček, Albin Blatnik, Rev. Janez Kopac, Rev. Ivan Plazar, and now Darko Medved — I have witnessed the congeniality of the board members, the spirit of their drive, and their determination to achieve.

g. Ivan Plazar je na občnem zboru 28. februarja 1993 takole poročal:
“Mislim, da smo lahko ponosni, da imamo tak dom. Kajti, ako se vprašamo, kaj bi pričakovali, ako bi v tem domu živel jaz, ali kdo od mojih dragih? Potem bi gotovo odgovorili, da bi rad imel čim bolj prijeten in domač dom. Ponosni smo lahko, da takšen dom imamo.”

In conclusion, after personal reflection and review of past Foundation minutes in preparation for this historical overview, I can state that all activities and functions related to the development and operation of Dom Lipa have been an inspiring example of community participation in action. This participation and involvement of Slovenians extend beyond the borders of Toronto.

Whether hunters or folkloric dancers, Primorci or Prekmurci, laborers or professionals, business people or scouts, all continue to contribute and participate in making this old-age home — Dom Lipa — truly Slovenian.

This facility honors the Slovenian spirit and stands as a monument to Slovenian humanism.

Peter Cekuta
May 1994