7 25 1

OCTOBER 2017VOL. 104, NO. 1

2 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Fraternally Yours,ŽENSKÁ JEDNOTA®

7 25 1 ISSN0897-2958

Fraternally Yours,ZENSKAJEDNOTA,

is a monthly magazine published by the FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation.

NationalHeadquartersat24950ChagrinBlvd., Cleveland,Ohio44122EDITOR:CarolynBazik

P.O.Box1617,Reading,PA19603E-mail:zjbazik@comcast.net

Phone(610)373-2743•Fax(610)375-8333

Periodical Postage Paid at Cleveland,OH44101andadditionalentries

SubscriptionRate,Non-Members:$6.00—1Yr.

PrintedatTrianglePress6720AllentownBlvd.,Harrisburg,PA17112

Postmaster:Sendaddresschangesto ZenskaJednota,

FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation 24950ChagrinBoulevard,Cleveland,OH44122

Deadlineforallarticlesisthe15th ofthemonth,1½monthspriortotheissuedate.

OFFICEHOURS—HOMEOFFICEMondaythroughFriday—8:00a.m.to4:30p.m.Phone:(216)464-8015•TollFree:800-464-4642Fax:(216)464-9260•Website:www.fcsla.com

BOARDOFDIRECTORSCHAPLAIN:

Very Reverend Monsignor Peter M. Polando,CathedralofSaintColumba,159W.RayenAve.,Youngstown,OH44503.Residence:(330)744-5233.Email:ppolando@youngstowndiocese.org.PRESIDENT:

CynthiaM.Maleski,Esq.,24950ChagrinBou-levard,Beachwood,OH44122.(800)464-4642.Ext.1011.Email:Cynthia@fcsla.com.NATIONALDIRECTORS:

JeanetteE.Palanca,25716S.StateLineRoad,Crete,IL60417.Residence:(847)770-3508.Email:jeanetteeve@outlook.com.

SueAnnM.Seich,1433SaxonyCircle,NW,Can-ton,OH44708.(330)478-2949.Email:sams330@aol.com.

LawrenceM.Golofski,1114SurreyLane,Vander-grift,PA15690.Residence:(412)915-9035.Email:LarryG.FCSLA@gmail.com.

JoannSkvarekBanvich,Whiting,IN46394.Resi-dence:(219)322-8785.Email:btvendo@gmail.com.NATIONALTRUSTEES:

VirginiaA.Holmes,1625VermontAvenue,WhiteOak,PA15131.Residence:(412)672-1565.Email:Holmes7732@aol.com.

BarbaraNovotnyWaller,413OleyStreet,Read-ing,PA19601.Residence:(610)372-5750.Email:bnwaller@comcast.net.NATIONALAUDITORS:

Barbara A. Sekerak, 6312 Elmdale Road, Brook Park, OH 44142. (216) 676-9332. Email:bas7535@gmail.com.

DennisL.Povondra,102SouthJandaAvenue,Tabor, SD 57063. Residence: (605) 463-2571.Email:povondra@hcinet.net.

Dorothy L. Urbanowicz, 27 Crescent Drive,Monessen,PA15062.Residence:(724)684-8243.Email:doty8613@gmail.com.

COURTOFAPPEALS:AnneM.SedlockRonaldSestakJudithA.FedorCynthiaOresik

BernadetteJ.Demechko

Teach Me To ForgiveOne day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking

in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job. His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with tears in his eyes, he prayed "Lord — You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do — Teach Me To Forgive."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt some-thing fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie, He asked?" The man answered, "Yes, Lord." "Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?" The man an-swered, "Yes, Lord." And the man sobbed more and more."Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours," Jesus asked? And the man answered, "Yes, Lord." "Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?" The man, crying now, answered, "Yes, Lord." As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer, "Yes, Lord."

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before. Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."

DearFriends,Alwaysrememberthatitmaybehardtoseehowyou'regoingtoget

throughsomethingforoftenoursorrowsandtroublesaremany.But,ifyoustopandyoulookbackinlife,youwillrealizehowtruethisstatementis..."IfGodbringsyoutoit...Hewillbringyouthroughit."

UntilnextMonth, Warmly, Carolyn

OCTOBER2017 3

Very Reverend Monsignor Peter M. Polando, D. Min., J.C.L., National Chaplain

MeMoRiaL of ouR LaDy of the RosaRy

My dear Sisters and Brothers,As we enjoy the beauty of God’s creation during this

Autumn month, we are reminded that the Lord provides for us many opportunities to see His Hand at work through the changes of colors in the leaves. We know that the crisp mornings will lead us to colder ones as the month wears on and we have to prepare ourselves for the snow that will soon fly! I especially like October because of the not only because of the beautiful change in nature but also makes me recognize that I am coming to the end of my “walking season”. I look forward to “hibernation”! You see, early in the morning starting at the end of April all the way to the end of this month, I take a daily five to six mile walk on the downtown streets of Youngstown, my hometown. I begin after 5:00 AM, usually five days a week, when there are few people out and the traffic is light. This is my “quiet time” and the period of the day that I spend with the Blessed Virgin Mary. I pray all the decades of the Rosary and do my meditations on that prayer and the work of the day that is ahead of me.

I love the praying of the Rosary. I remember praying it as far back as in grade school prior to the celebrations of Mass. It is relaxes me and in the quiet of the morning and dawn, and I find myself ever grateful to God for giving me the ability to live another day filled with all kinds of challenges. I realize how much I need and desire the guiding love of the Blessed Mother of God!

Recently I came upon a little booklet in my personal library entitled Rosary Novenas to our Lady by Charles V. Lacey. The copyright was in 1926 and the Imprimatur was by Patrick Cardinal Hayes, then Archbishop of New York and I remember utilizing this booklet during my childhood. In it, I came upon The Fifteen Promises made by the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Dominic and Blessed Alanus. I would like to share them with you in this month dedicated to the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary.

* To all those who will recite my Rosary devoutly, I promise my special protection and very great graces.

* Those who will persevere in the recitation of my Rosary shall receive some signal grace.

* The Rosary shall be a very powerful armor against hell; it shall destroy vice, deliver from sin, and shall dispel heresy.

* The Rosary shall make virtue and good works flourish, and shall obtain for souls the most abundant divine mercies; it shall substitute in hearts love of God for love of the world, elevate them to desire heavenly and eternal goods. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means!

* Those who trust themselves to me through the Rosary, shall not perish.

* Those who will recite my Rosary piously, considering its Mysteries, shall not be overwhelmed by misfortune

nor die a bad death. The sinner shall be converted; the just shall grow in grace and become worthy of eternal life.

* Those truly devoted to my Rosary shall not die without the consolations of the Church, or without grace.

* Those who will recite my Rosary shall find during their life and at their death the light of God, the fullness of His grace, and shall share in the merits of the blessed.

* I will deliver very promptly from purgatory the souls devoted to my Rosary.

* The true children of my Rosary shall enjoy great glory in heaven.

* What you ask through my Rosary, you shall obtain.* Those who propagate my Rosary shall obtain through

me aid in all their necessities.* I have obtained from my Son that all the confreres

of the Rosary shall have for their brethren in life and death the saints of heaven.

* Those who recite my Rosary faithfully are all my beloved children, the brothers and sister of Jesus Christ.

* Devotion to my Rosary is a special sign of predestination.

Of course, perusing these Promises, we must view them in light of being faithful Christians, devoted to following the teachings of Jesus Christ, Her Son, for all salvation radiates from Him.

May I suggest to all of our Members that we pray the Rosary on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary and for those who pray it daily, an extra one, so that through the changes in the seasons and those of our lives, we may reflect more attentively on the Life and Teachings of Jesus and the love of His Mother. In doing so, may we better endure the Sufferings that are ahead of us in this life and hopefully be guided to the Joys and Glory prepared for us by our Lord in His Kingdom of Light!

Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us!

4 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Message from our National PresidentCYNTHIA M. MALESKI

On the occasion of theNational Gala Banquet

Celebrating the 125th Anniversaryof First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association of the United States

of America at the Marriott at Key Center

Cleveland, Ohio ~ July 29, 2017ReverendClergy,MistressofCer-emoniesSueAnnSeich,nationalofficersandmembersoftheboardof directors, community leaderspresent, former national officers,

fraternalleaders,employees,districtandbranchpresidentsand all esteemed members and guests at this auspicious gatheringtocelebratethe125thAnniversaryofFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica:

Pochváleny bud Pan Ježiš Kristus!Welcometoournationalgalabanquettocelebrateour

past,presentandfuture.AswewouldsayinSlovakintheolddays:

“Vitame u nás”Inourgrandtradition,wehavebegunourcelebration

andgatheringwithMass,thePledgeofAllegianceandsing-ingoftheNationalAnthem,becauseasourFoundressAnnaHurbanandallleaderswhohavefollowedhavepledged:

“For God and Country” — Za Boha a NárodWethankBishopRogerGries,AbbotGaryHooverand

all other concelebrating priests forMass todayand theirvocation as priests to theCatholicChurch. Thank you,BishopGriesforthewisdomofyourwordsinthehomilyatMass.Youalwayssetforthmeaningfullessonsforallofus.

I wouldberemissifIwouldnotacknowledgetheplan-ningandfineworkofMsgr.PeterPolando,NationalChaplaininorchestratingaspecialliturgyforusatSt.John’sCathedralindowntownClevelandforus,ThankyouMonsignor!LadiesandGentlemen,

At this awesomegathering tonight in celebrating thefoundingandfirstnationalconventionofoursocietyin1892,itisindeedfittingthatwepauseandreflectonthevirtuesofourFoundressAnnaHurbanandallourleaderswhohavebelievedinthemselvesandtheirhopesforthebenefitofourmembersandcommunitiesandaboveall,withtheblessingsofGod’sgrace,wehavefoundthateverythingispossible.

Whocouldhaveimaginedthat125yearsagothatnineSlovakimmigrantwomen,bandingtogetherinasmallchurchhallandlaterthatsameyear,15womendelegatesfromOhio,Pennsylvania,NewYork, Indiana andMinnesota,wouldprovidetheessentialbuildingblocksforafraternalbenefitsocietynowlicensedin48states,over114,000members,

over415branches,$1billionoflifeinsuranceinforceandover$900millioninassets.

Wehaveasignificantnationalandinternationalimprintasalivingmonumentofcharitablebenevolence,dignityofallpeople,cooperationandcollaboration.

Itisanoblecause,ladiesandgentlemen.Throughourworks,weseektoaffirmandreaffirmthedignity,respectandself-esteemofallofourmembers, their familiesandthecommunitieswhereweliveandwork.

Atevery timeand junctureofchallengeandcelebra-tion,wehavelookedandwillcontinuetolookforwayswecanrespectandaffirmthedignityofeverypersonfromthebeginningoflifetotheendoflifeandforthememoryandhonorofthosewhohavegonebeforeus.

Ouractionsasanassociationtellastoryofaffirmationofpersonsasourkeypurpose,eitherthroughspiritual,moral,financialoremotionalmeans.

Soduringthishistorictimeforus,asweembarkonstepsofgenuineprogressandchange in this21stcentury,wereaffirmourunwaveringcommitmenttoouroriginalpurpose:

Toprovidebenefitsforourmembersandfamilies Toimprovethelivesofourmembers Toaidandassistmembersandtheirfamiliesintimes

ofsickness,oldageanddeath; To uphold and perpetuate ourCatholic faith and

Church,asITISASACREDTRUSTpassedontousfromourparentsandgrandparents.

Aswewelcomeournewmembersthroughourrecentmergers,welookforwardtoworkingwiththemincoopera-tionandcollaborationastogether,westrivetocontinueandperfectthisnoblecauseofours,inthisgreatcountryofours,theUnitedStatesofAmerica,thelandwhereourimmigrantfamiliescametoforgeabetterlife.

AsIsegwayintothenextpartofourprogram,Iwouldliketorecognizethosewhohaveworkedtirelesslytocreatethissignaturevideoontheoccasionofour125thanniversary:

CarolynBazik KellyShedlock MaryAnnJohanek GeralynRadevic KatherineBowesSonow,ladiesandgentlemen,itismypleasuretopres-

entthisvideoproductiontoyou.Iamsureyouwillagreethatoursisarivetingstoryofcourage,leadership,persever-ance,passionandgrit,withanunwaveringpurposetohelpourmembersandtheirfamiliestodobenevolentcharitableworksinourcommunities.

InreflectingabidingfaithinGodandcountryandourstrongpromiseofgrowthandpositivechangeforgenera-tionstocome,letusenjoythevideoand“LetUsJoinHands”

Thankyou, Cynthia M. Maleski, National President

(The video can be purchased for $5 by calling our home office at 1-800-464-4642.)

OCTOBER2017 5

FCSLA Annuity Rates

Rates for our Elite Annuities:Silver elite (5 Year)

2.75% APY*Gold elite (7 Year)

3.00% APY*Platinum elite (10 Year)

3.25% APY**This rate is in effect 10/1/2017 thru 12/31/2017.

The credited rate is reviewed quarterly by the Board of Directors and will never go below the minimum guaranteed rate. The guaranteed minimum rate for Elite Silver and Gold contracts issued in 2017 is 2% APY and for the Platinum Elite is 2.5% APY.

United Slovak Societies American Slovak Club EventsTheUnitedSlovakSocieties at theAmericanSlovak

Clublocatedat2915BroadwayAvenue,Lorain,OH,willhostthefollowingevents:Chicken Paprikas Dinner on Sunday, September 24from1-4p.m.Eventisopentothepublicwithcashbar.ContactLenZilkoat440/988-3236.

Children's Halloween Bowling Party on Sunday, October 29at1:30p.m.SignupatBowlingAlleyorcall440/244-1293.

OnJuly20,2017,BranchW018 of the First CatholicSlovak LadiesAssociation(FCSLA)honoredtwelveofitsjuniormemberswhoreceivedscholarshipsfromtheBranchor from theNationalOfficeofFCSLA.The scholarshipsbenefit youthmemberswhoattend area Catholic elemen-tary and high schools. Themembers who apply for acollege scholarship must at-tend an accredited college or universityoftheirchoice.

Thewinners and their families were honored at aBranch-sponsoreddinnerattheSpaghettiWorksrestaurantinRalstononThursday,July20th.

The followingwere awarded scholarships from theNationalOffice:

• R.J. Hladik, III,thesonofRobertJr.andKatelinHla-dikofSedalia,MO,receiveda$7502ndGradeElementaryscholarship.R.J.attendsSacredHeartSchool.

• Katie Petersen,thedaughterofBobandMaryPe-tersenofFremont,receiveda$1,250CollegeSophomore

scholarship. She attendsDoaneCollege.

• Daniel Popelka, the son of Jim and JuliannePopelka of LaVista, alsoreceived a $1,250CollegeSophomore scholarship.HeattendstheUniversityofNe-braskaLincoln.

The fo l low ing wereawarded scholarships fromFCSLABranchW018:

• Cooper Hladik, the sonofRobertJr.andKatelinHladik of Sedalia, MO re-

ceiveda$300K-4Elementaryscholarship.CooperwillbeinfirstgradeatSacredHeartSchool.

• Benedict and Elizabeth Rice each received$3005-8Elementaryscholarships.TheirparentsareBillandDebRiceofOmaha.Benedictwillbein5thgradeandElizabethin8thgradeatSt.BernadetteSchool.

• William Janecek,thesonofLarryandKerryJanecekofOmaha,receiveda$500HighSchoolscholarship.WilliamattendsMountMichaelBenedictineHighSchool.

• Hailey Zuroske,thedaughterofChrisandMichelle,ZuroskeofOmaha,wasawardeda$500HighSchoolSchol-arship.HaileyattendsMarianHighSchool.

• Matthew Popelka, the son of Jim and JuliannePopelkaofLavista,wasawardeda$600CollegeScholar-ship.MatthewattendstheUniversityofNebraskaLincoln.

• Vincent Rice,thesonofBillandDebRiceofOmaha,receiveda$600Collegescholarship.VincentattendstheUniversityofNebraskaLincoln.

AlsohonoredweretherecipientsoftheThomasJelinek,Sr.MemorialScholarshipwhichisgivenannuallytotwostu-dentsatDanielJ.GrossCatholicHighSchool.Thisyearthe$300scholarshipswereawardedtojuniorMary Steil and senior Julio Rameriz.ThisscholarshipwasestablishedtohonorThomasJelinek,formerpresidentofFCSLABranchW018,andrecognizeshissupportforCatholiceducation,especiallyDanielJ.GrossCatholicHighSchool.

Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontactMargieHladik(402-330-3163ormargiehladik@cox.net).

Branch W018 Honors Twelve Scholarship Recipients

L-R: Front Row — Mary Steil, R.J. Hladik, Cooper Hladik. Middle Row — Bob Hladik (Branch President), William Janecek, Ju-lianne Popelka (Branch Scholarship Chair), Elizabeth Rice, Benedict Rice, Katie Petersen. Back Row — Matthew Popelka, Daniel Popelka, Hailey Zuroske. Not pictured are Vincent Rice and Julio Rameriz.

6 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Fcsla 125th anniversary Weekend celebrationSecurity, Faith, Traditions . . . July 29 – 30, 2017

OCTOBER2017 7

Scenes from the Anniversary Weekend

8 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

TheFrancesJakabcinEasternPADistrictheldtheirlo-cal125thAnniversaryCelebrationonSunday,August13th,2017.MasswasofferedbyDistrictChaplain,MonsignorThomasDerzackatSt.NicholasChurchinWalnutport,PA.Liturgicalmusicwasprovidedby the choir of the formerSt.KatharineDrexelParish,Lansford,PA;organistJennaDePuy,director,AmyDePuy.FollowingMassadinnerwasheldattheBlueShamrockGolfClub,Palmerton,PA.Na-tionalPresidentCynthiaMaleskiandherhusbandAndrzejalongwithCharlotte L.Androckitis, of PUNAgraciouslyaccepted theDistricts invitation and shared thedaywithmembers.PresidentMaleskisharedsomethoughtsaboutour anniversary and remindedmembers that the district

Frances Jakabcin Eastern PA District Holds 125th Anniversary Celebration

producedtwopastNationalpresidents,FrancesJakabcin,Reading,PAandElizabethLipovsky,Bethlehem,PA.ThedistrictwasformedinLansford,PAonFebruary26,1941andnamedforFrancesJakabcinwhosedynamicinfluenceasNationalPresident,steeredFCSLAtoacceptthelegalreservetableofratesin1922andsavedtheassociationfrombankruptcy.The125thanniversaryvideowasshownandthechoirprovidedsomeafterdinnerentertainment.ThedistrictthankseveryonefortheirattendanceandinparticularthanksNationalPresidentMaleski,MonsignorDerzack,thedeaconRev.FatherJohnAnthonyHutta,theseminariansandthealtarserversformakingourlocalcelebrationmemorable.

OCTOBER2017 9

SCFNortheastPAChapter

Pilgrimage of FaithSaturday, October 14, 2017

Basilica of Saints Cyril and MethodiusVilla Sacred Heart

580RailroadStreet,Danville,PennsylvaniaArrival11:00a.m.

Tours of the Basilicaand Jankola Library and Museum

Liturgy4:00p.m.Cost $15.00 (includes lunch)

RSVPbyOctober2ndtoTheresaKluchinskiCallorText570-817-4657

Mail:446MountainOaksDriveLaurelRun,PA18706

Marilee Kessler is president of EastVandergrift,PAbranchesJ126andS262andisalsoaPittsburghDistrictVicePresident.

As branch officer, in 2016, Marileeworkedwith theBranchSecretary to plana successfulVilijaSupper forS262mem-bers, completewith a colorfully costumedSaintNicholas.Thebranchreachedouttothe community and invited local clergy ofall denominations.AtMarilee’s invitation,PennsylvaniaStateRepresentativeJosephPetrarcaalsoattended.

Marileeworkstoprovidecreativebranchactivities,suchasthePolarExpressEventattheCarnegieScienceCenterforJr.Branch126members.The branch has hostedmatching fundsevents.

Asadistrictofficer,sheattendsdistrictmeetingsandparticipatesinplanningdistrictactivities.

Marileehasbeensubstantiallyinvolvedwithcommunitygroupsonanongoingbasisformanyyears.Forexample:ShewasaboardmemberontheVandergriftImprovementProgram(VIP),andthechairmanoftheorganizationcom-mittee.Thisisa501(c)(3)MainStreetProgram.Inherworkwith the organization, she institutedmonthly communitymeetingsincorporatingNeighborhoodWatchinconjunctionwiththeVandergriftPoliceDepartment.

Marileecoordinatesandassistswithmanycommunityevents.ShespearheadedeffortstogetthecommunityintotheWestmorelandCountyRedevelopmentAuthorityLandBanktohelpfightblightinthecommunity.Currently,sheisworkingwiththe‘PennStateExtensionSmartGrowthwithcommunityrevitalization/BuildaBetterBlockprogram’.

Forover25years,shehasservedontheboard(cur-

rentlyVicePresident)oftheCasinoTheatreRestoration&Management Inc., a 501©(3)organization.Marileeisresponsibleforfindingandbookingevents in thishistoriccirca1900vaudevilletheater.Herworkin-cludescontractpreparation,interfacingwithpresenters, handlingevent hospitality andadvertising,andworkingcloselywithrestora-tiongroupsofvolunteers.

For generations, the theater has been amainstayofthecommunityandisontheNationalRegisterofHistoricBuildings.

Marileeisaboardmember(Secretary)oftheVandergriftAreaInitiative.ThisisanadvisoryboardofanEndowmentFundaffili-

atedwiththeWestmorelandandPittsburghFoundations,toprovidesmallgrantstolocalcharitiesandgroups.

MarileeisaEucharisticministeratSt.Gertrude’schurchinVandergrift.

Identifyinganeedandcreatingsolutions,isexactlythetypeof leadershipMarileedisplays,whichsetsherapartfromtheaveragevolunteer.

Aftergettingtiredofhearingabouthowthecommunityhad“gonedownhill”and“isn’twhatitusedtobe”,Marileesingularlyorganizedapublicmeetingforpeopletoairtheirconcerns, meet each other, and learn about the many orga-nizationsactiveinthecommunity.Thesemeetingscontinuetobeheldmonthly.

Sheestablishedandadministers a socialmedia siteonFacebookcalled“It’syourCommunityVandergrift,GetInvolved”,whichisusedtopresenteventsandmeetings,publish ordinances, promote local businesses and fund-raisers,and is thefaceof the localpolicedepartment forcommunityinteraction.

Marilee communicates andworkswith communitygroups in nearby communities, to encourage cooperation andsharingofresources—justonemorethingthatwasnothappeningbefore.CommunitiesneedmorepeoplelikeMarileeKessler.

CongratulationsonbeingnamedFCSLA2017Frater-nalistoftheYear!

Slovak Heritage Festival at University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh Slovak StudiesProgramwillpresentits27thannualSlovakHeritageFestivalonSunday,November5,from1-5p.m.attheCathedralofLearningCommonsRoominOakland.

The programwill includeSlovak food,musicalperformances,culturaldisplaysandlectures.

Formoreinformation,pleasevisitwww.slavic.pitt.eduorcallChrisMetilat412-624-5906.

FCSLA 2017 FRATERNALIST OF THE YEAR

10 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

The Board of Directors approved awarding an additional $50,000 in grants for this year in special recognition of the 125th Anniversary. The $50,000 was allocated to a pool of college or graduate scholarship applicants who did not receive a scholarship from our annual program for the 2017 – 20018 academic year. From this pool of applicants, fifty - $1,000 awards have been granted by way of a random computer-ized drawing. There were 123 applicants eligible to enter the drawing. We received responses from 79 of them to be entered in the $1,000 grant drawing. The winners are highlighted on the following pages. We congratulate them on their award and wish them success in their academic pursuits. These awards continue the Association’s strong tradition of supporting our young people.

Virginia Holmes Board Chair of the Philanthropic and Scholarship Committee

FCSLA Awards Grants In Special Recognition of the 125th Anniversary

KELSEY T. SALGADOPlainfield, ILDes Moines UniversitySr. Branch 53

NICOLETTESANTERCANGELOHomestead, PAMichigan State UniversitySr. Branch 250

McKAYLA THIEMANYankton, SDSouth Dakota State UniversityBranch W093

JOSHUA P. FOXWilkes-Barre, PAWilkes UniversitySr. Branch 172

REBECCA G. GALANTIHamburg, NYCanisius CollegeSr. Branch 638

NATHAN JAMES ISKRALevittown, PADrexel UniversitySr. Branch 172

KRISTIN ANN KLATKABrunswick, OHUrsuline CollegeSr. Branch 55

Graduate GrantWinners

ETHAN E. BIBATWhiting, INPurdue UniversitySr. Branch 452

MATTHEW R. BREWERNorth Royalton, OHOhio State UniversityBranch SZJ0

AMBER M. CALABRESEChardon, OHBowling Green State UniversitySr. Branch 522

DYLAN P. CASEYWilmette, ILUniversity of IllinoisSr. Branch 615

HALEY N. DANFORDLongwood, FLUniversity of South FloridaSr. Branch 10

WILL T. DAUGHERTYRockford, ILRock Valley CollegeSr. Branch 248

HANNAH E. FELTZGahanna, OHUniversity of CincinnatiSr. Branch 200

Undergraduate Grant Winners

OCTOBER2017 11

NICKOLAS FREDERICKLincoln Park, MIEastern Michigan UniversitySr. Branch 334

RYAN J. GARCHARRedford, MIAve Maria UniversitySr. Branch 202

BRENNA M. GARLANDJoliet, ILIllinois CollegeSr. Branch 53

GREGORY B. GOLIASRoyal Oak, MIMichigan State UniversitySr. Branch 490

MEGAN MARIE HULLGibsonia, PAGrove City CollegeSr. Branch 177

BAILEY M. GARLANDJoliet, ILIllinois State UniversitySr. Branch 53

CLAYTON S. JOHNSONGarner, IAIowa Central Community CollegeBranch W051

CONNER R. KNIGHTGirard, OHOhio State UniversitySr. Branch 30

JORDAN F. KOSISKOConnellsville, PADuquesne UniversitySr. Branch 44

MITCHELL D. MUFFLERWaukesha, WIUniversity of Wisconsin- PlatevilleSr. Branch 23

ZIGMOND KUCZYNSKITamaqua, PAAssumption CollegeSr. Branch 55

SPENCER J. LYNCHMedina, OHLawrence Technological UniversitySr. Branch 618

BRENDEN McELLIGOTTOmaha, NEUniversity of Nebraska at OmahaBranch W018

McKENNA R. MICECHMenomonee Falls, WIUniversity of Wisconsin- OshkoshSr. Branch 23

STEFAN A. NIESCHWITZAvon Lake, OHUniversity of CincinnatiSr. Branch 525

FRANK JOSEPH NIETZCoaldale, PALebanon Valley CollegeSr. Branch 140

ELLYSA N. PARASMars, PAJohn Carroll UniversitySr. Branch 233

MARIE E. PETRIKHavertown, PAWidener UniversitySr. Branch 74

ISAAC B. PINTLonsdale, MNNorth Dakota State  UniversityBranch W056

JENNA G. PUTTKAMMERNew Lenox, ILJoliet Junior CollegeSr. Branch 258

KAYLEE A. REEDERMontgomery, MNMount Mary UniversityBranch W003

MARGARET M. RICEOmaha, NEBranch W018

BRIAN DANIEL SMITHEast Hanover, NJUniversity of Rhode IslandSr. Branch 172

ALLISSA JANE SOKOLYoungstown, OHYoungston State UniversitySr. Branch 169

12 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

MATTHEW J. SOOSSeven Hills, OHJohn Carroll UniversitySr. Branch 141

ANASTASIA M. SOUSEKCeresco, NEUniversity of Nebraska- LincolnBranch W017

ASHLEY B. STIBRIKSouth Park, PADuquesne UniversitySr. Branch 11

JONATHAN S. STRACHEChicago Ridge, ILMoraine Valley Community CollegeSr. Branch 421

SAMANTHA R. UTLEYAnkeny, IAIowa State UniversityBranch W051

SAMUEL E. VILKMentor, OHSeton Hill UniversitySr. Branch 10

PETER JOHN VOLKERTBrookfield, WIUniversity of Wiconsin- MadisonSr. Branch 23

JACKLYN LEE VOYTKONorth Ridgeville, OHUniversity of ToledoSr. Branch 292

LOGAN D. WADEPrague, NEDoane UniversityBranch W013

BRODY D. WILANDERBemidji, MNMinnesota State University-MooreheadBranch SZJ0

ANDREW WISNIEWSKIIrwin, PAGrove City UniversitySr. Branch 343

GABRIELLE R. ZAMARYDublin, OHOhio State UniversitySr. Branch 161

Jr.Branch115memberJessicaDrogos-ki Viehman was presented at the 53rdAnnual St. Lucy’sAuxiliary to the BlindMedallionBallbyPittsburghDiocese’sMostReverendBishopDavidZubik.TheMedal-lionBall recognizesyoungwomen in theirsenioryearofhighschoolfortheirservicetothecommunity.Jessicaaccumulatedover400hoursofvolunteerservice throughouther high school career.Most of her timewasspentvolunteeringatBlindandVisionRehabilitationServicesofPittsburgh,wheresheassisted teenagerswithvision impair-ments,andasaJuniorLadyofCharityatherhomeparish

ofSt.LouisedeMarillac.JessicawasescortedbyJustinCook, a graduateofSetonLaSalleCatholicHighSchool.

Jessica graduatedwith highest honors, inthe top1 percent of herclassatBethelParkHighSchool.Along with vol-unteer service, shewasactiveinthePennsylvania

Jessica Drogoski Recognized at Medallion BallJuniorAcademyofScienceand thePitts-burghRegionalScienceandEngineeringFair,whereshereceivednumerousawardsandscholarshipsforherscientificresearch.HermostsignificantscholarshipwasfromWestinghouseWomeninNuclear,fordem-onstratingimpressiveinnovationinhersci-entificresearchonenvironmentallyfriendlyconcrete.JessicawillbeattendingVirginiaPolytechnic Institute andStateUniversity(Virginia Tech) this fall as a DavenportEngineering LeadershipScholar to studyCivil andEnvironmental Engineeringwith

aSpanishMinor.Jess ica is

the daughter ofMark Viehmana n d Do l o r e sDrogoskiViehm-an.Sheisapastrecipient of theFCSLAElemen-taryScholarshipand fourth gen-eration member ofFCSLA.

OCTOBER2017 13

Have You Signed up a new MeMber recentlY?

MeghanMcKeogh hastakenpartineveryMatchingFundsprojectbranchesJ483andS555 has done in thispast year.Therewere fourprojects.

The branch completedthefollowingmatchingfundsprojects:

Thebranchdidarecep-tion and poinsettia sale to benefittheLyceumCatholicSchool.The reception andsalewas after the LyceumChoir’sAdventLessonsandCarols.Meganhelpedbakekolachkeandnutrollsforthereceptionandhelpedatthereceptionaftersingingwiththechoir.

ThebranchworkedaconcessionsstandatasoftballtournamenttobenefitStayinSoftball.Meghanworkedthestandandgotothervolunteerstoworkalso.

ThebranchheldabatraffleandraffleforotherprizesatanAkronRacersprofessionalsoftballgame.Megancon-tactedtheRacerstosetuptheeventandranthetableandcalledbusinessesaskingthemtodonateitemstotheraffle.ThemoneywenttobenefitinnercitysoftballteamsandCYO.

MeghanstartedacharitycalledStay inSoftball.TheCharityhelpsinnercityandlowincomegirlsparticipateinsoftball.Thecharitysponsorsinnercityschoolteamsandhelpsbuyneededequipmentfortheteam.Thecharityholdsusedequipmentdrivesthroughouttheyeartocollectusedequipmenttodonatetolowincomegirlsandteams.Meghanhasworkedateightusedequipmentdrivesthisyear.

Thecharityalsoputsonfreeclinicstoteachtheinnercitygirlshowtoplaysoftball.Meghanorganizesalloftheclinicsandfindsinstructorstodonatetheirtime.ShealsofindsplayerstohelptheinstructorsattheClinics.Meghanhasorganizedandvolunteeredat10clinicslastyear.Thecharityalsohelpsplayerswhohaveundergoneatragedyorfamilycrisis.Theyhelpedaplayerwithbraincancer;aplayerwhohadherarmamputatedandwaslearninghowtoplaywithonearmandtwoplayerswhoseparenthadcancer.Meghancoordinatesandparticipatesinallofthefundraisersthecharitydoesandwriteslettersandmakesphonecallslookingfordonorsandvolunteers.

ThebranchdidanAdventsoupsuppertobenefittheLyceumCatholicSchool.Meghanworked at the supperservingsoup.

MeghanisinvolvedattheProLifegroupattheLyceum.ShehasprayedoutsideofPlannedParenthoodonseveral

FCSLA 2017 YOUTH OF THE YEAR!

occasionsandassistedwitha collection for ZachariaHouse.

Meghan is part of theLyceum choir. The choirdonates its time by sing-ing sacred music at many events including BringingAmerica Back to Life, aMassfortheCatholicMedi-calAssociation,Massesforthe installation of a localByzantine Bishop and aMassonMotherAngelica’sanniversaryofherdeath.

MeghanalsoservesasanalterserverforSt.JoanofArcChurch.

Meghan is a good candidate for his award becauseshespendssomuchofherfreetimedoingthingsforotherpeople.Sheshowedgreatleadershipstartingherownchar-ityandputscountlesshourstowardit.Shedoesalltheseactivitieswhile also playing sports, keeping a 3.9 gradepointaverageandparticipatinginotheractivities.Shesetsagoodexampletoherpeersassheisrespectful,modest,ahardworkerandisnotshytotalkaboutordefendherFaith.

CongratsMeghanonbeingnamedFCSLA2017YouthoftheYear!

United Slovak Societies EventsTheUnitedSlovakSocietiesattheAmericanSlo-

vakClublocatedat2915BroadwayAvenue,Lorain,OH,44055willhostthefollowingevents:

CLaMBaKETBA.Please visitwww.americanslovakclub.com

fordetails.StEDRy VECER, tRaDItIONaL SLOVaK

CHRIStMaS EVE DINNERSunday,December3rdat5:30p.m.

Cocktails,6:00p.m.dinner.EntertainmentbyEdKlimczak.

Advancedticketsonly$20theeventisopentothepublic,cashbar.ContactLenZilkoat440/988-3236.

Save the date and stay tuned for further detailsSILVEStER StEaK FRy

Sunday,December31stat5-9p.m.TheUnitedSlovakSocietiesiscomprisedofthe

members of the local lodges in Lorain,OH.Theselodgesinclude;St.Ann’sBranch114oftheFCSLA,St.JohntheBaptistLodge228oftheFCSU,NSSAs-sembly160,SlovakCatholicSokolWreath111andtheLPSCUBranch77.

14 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

TheYoungstownDistricthonored28scholarshipwinnersattheByzantineCenter,Sunday,August20,inYoungstown,OH.DistrictPresident,BernieDemechko,introducedMela-nie Leonard,President ofBranch161,whichhosted theevent.Melaniewelcomed thewinners and their familiesandthankedhercommitteeofBernieDemechko,FinancialSecretary;MillieKust,RecordingSecretary;LorettaEkoniak,SeniorAuditor,andNancyClausen,JuniorAuditor.

The175people inattendancewereseatedat tablescontaining vasesof sunflowerswith a scarecrow in their

midst holding an envelopewith $10given as a door-prize. Sunflowersalso adorned the two cakes. Thescene was remi-niscentofthefieldsof sunflowers thatyouseewhiledriv-ing through Slo-vakia. Additionaldoorprizes weregiftbagsfilledwithschoolsupplies.

ThePresidentstated she wouldnot recite the usual prayersaidtoSaint

Ann,patronoftheDistrict.Instead,becauseofsomanypar-entsandchildrenpresent,shegavethestoryofAnnaandJoachimwhoweretheparentsofMary,whowouldbecometheMotherofJesus.Marywashome-schooledbyherpar-entsinherJewishfaithsincefemalescouldnotreceivethesameeducationasmalesintheSynagogue.ThatfamilyunitobservedtheJewishholidays.Mary’scharacterwasformedinahomeoflove.Shewasalsotaughtusefulworkforshewouldonedayweaveaseamlessgarmentforherson,Je-

sus.ThePresidentcontinued that the families presentwere following inthe spirit ofAnnaand Joachim fortheywere settingexamples for theirchildren and mold-ing their charac-ters. They werealso instilling the love of educationin them since so manyhadexcelledin their studies and wonscholarships.

The quarterlymeeting was dis-pensed.Afteradeliciouschickendinner,thePresidentspokeaboutthe125thanniversaryofthisgroup,theFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation,(FCSLA).AMassanddinnerhadbeenheldinClevelandinJulywitheightofourmembersattending. PatriciaGranchay, President of Branch 156,representedtheYoungstownDistrictattheaffair.Aspecialanniversarygiftwasfifty$1,000scholarshipsthatwouldbeawarded tonon-winnerswhohadapplied for theFCSLAscholarships.Nameswere selected lottery style.DistrictwinnerswereConnerKnightS30;GabrielleZamary,S161;AllisaSokol,S169andRyanGarchar,S202.

BerniespokeabouttheoriginoftheFCSLA.Shestateda priest namedReverendMichaelMcGivney, in 1882,startedthefirstfraternalinsurancecompany,theKnightsofColumbus,toassisttheIrishimmigrantswhowerecomingtotheUnitedStates.In1890,agroupofmen,usingtheKnightsasanexample, formed theFirstCatholicSlovakUnion.Neithergroup,however,permittedwomentobuyorsellinsurancepolicies.Shecontinued,“What’sawomantodo?Establishyourownfraternalinsurancegroup!”Andsotheydid.LedbyAnnaHurban,agroupofeightwomenmetatherkitchen inClevelandtodiscussthe idea.Theyearwas1892andthesewomen,havingcomefromSlovakiainrecentyears,spokelimitedEnglishandhadnoadvancededucation.TheyformallymetatSt.LadislausChurchtosetthegroundworkfortheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssocia-tion.TheFCSLA’s100thanniversaryprogrambookin1992showsthatbytheendof1892thegrouphadsixbranches,95members, andhadgivenout one$200deathbenefitandhad$212inassets.Fastforwardtotoday:FCSLAhasover400branches,115,000members,abilliondollarsofinsuranceandsurplusof$100,000,000.

ThepresidentcontinuedthattheprogressFCSLAmadeincludestwoacquisitionsoffraternalgroupsthispastyear.TheyarethePolishUnionofWilkes-Barre,PA,with6,000

Youngstown District Honors Scholarship Winners

L-R, seated: andrea Zuccaro, S156; Leanne Chandler, J192; Isabella Thornton, J231; Ava Melfi, J257; President Bernie Demechko, S161; Emilee Rose Smrek, S30; Leo Puhalla, J192.Standing: Jeffrey Pezzuto, J29; Sarah Pence, S161; Jenni-fer toth, S161; Phillip Guidos, S156; Kristen Osiniak, S30; thomas Rovnak, S30; Mara Bahmer, S161, and Melanie Leon-ard, President of S161, hosting Branch.

Jeffrey Pezzuto J29 stands between his mother and agnes Lisko, representa-tive of the Katherine L Sedlacko Family trust. Jeffrey won $500 From the trust and anastacia Viau J192 won $500 but was unable to attend.

Kristen Osiniak winner of the $500 anna S. Granchay youngstown District Scholarship with Patricia Granchay S156, guardian of the fund.

(Continued on Page 15)

OCTOBER2017 15

MattHEW L. REtOFF is the son ofBethandAlbertRetoff.Matthew,amembersofSr.Branch66, is transferringtoPurdueUniversityasaSophomorethisFallandhewill bemajoring inComputerScience. In2015,hebecameanEagleScoutandsince4th gradehehas played the trombone in

BandandhehopestocontinueplayingwhenheattendsPurduethisyear.Healsoenjoysplayingvideogames.

members and thePolishWomen’sAlliance,Chicago, ILwith30,000.Theywereacceptedafterseveralyearsofduediligencebylawyers,actuaries,auditors,etc.

ThepresentationofscholarshipwinnersfollowedwitheachBranchpresidentcallingherwinners forward.Eachwinner(orarepresentative)spokeonhis/hereducationalgoalsandextracurricularactivities.MonetarygiftsfromtheDistrictandBrancheswerepresentedtothewinners.

AgnesLisko,representativeoftheKatherineL.SedlackoFamilyTrustwasintroduced.TheTrusthasgivena$1,000scholarshiptoYoungstownDistrictmembersannuallyforthepastthirteenyears.Thewinnersthisyearwere$500schol-arshipstoJeffreyPezzuto,J29,andAnastaciaViau,J192.

PatriciaGranchay,PresidentofBranch156andguard-ian of theAnnaS.GranchayDistrict ScholarshipFund,presenteda$500checktoKristenOsiniak,S30,winnerofthisyear’sscholarship.

AphotoopportunitywasheldwithMichaelEkoniaktak-ingDistrictandBranchphotos.

ThePresidentthankedMelanieandtheS161officerswhohadhostedalovelyeventtohonorthewinners.Aspe-cial“thankyou”toJeffandThereseLeonardwhoworkedtheweekbeforepreparingthecenterpiecesandwerealsosellingtickets,distributinggiftsandavailableforanyworkthatneededtobedone.

Themeetingadjournedwithaprayerforourdepartedmemberswith specialmention ofMaryBelloto, 82,whohelpedfundtheAnnaS.GranchayDistrictScholarship,andVirginia(Ginny)DeLuca,55,immediatepastPresidentofBranchS161.

Jr. Branch 460 & Sr. Branch 66 National Scholarship Winners

JENNa C. WHaMPLER is the daughter ofDave andShellyWhampler. Jenna, amemberofSr.Branch66,isagraduatestu-dentofOlivetNazareneUniversityandsheisgettingherMasterofScienceinNursingwithafocusofFamilyNursePractitionerandEducation.Nursingisherpassionandshe

ishumbledbytheworkofhelpingothers.WhileearningherMastersJennasays“IamattendingauniversitythatplaceshighimportanceonreligionwhichgivesmegreatprideasIwasraisedCatholicandplan toembracemyreligion inpracticewithmyfuturepatients”.JennawouldliketothankherfamilyforlovingsupportaswithoutherGrandmaWhalenthisscholarshipwouldnotbepossible.TotheFCSLAshewouldliketothankyouforhelpingherdreamcometrueandshelooksforwardtoutilizingtheopportunitytocareforherfuturepatientsinaholisticmanner.

SEaN JOStisthesonofRobandLisaJost.HeisamemberisJr.Branch470.HeattendsSt.Michael’sSchoolinWheatonIL.Whathelikesaboutattendingschoolispar-ticipationinCatholicSchoolsWeekbecauseitisalotoffun.Healsoenjoysgatheringwithhisfaithfamily.Thisisagroupofstudents

fromalldifferentgradesthatmeettogetherformass,prayanddofunactivitiestogether.Thisallowshimtogettoknowstudentsfromothergrades.Thiswasespeciallyimportanttohimthisyearasanewtransfertotheschool.Hereallyappreciatedthehospitalityhewasshownandithashelpedhimfitrightin.ThispastyearhewasactiveinCubScouts,VolleyballTeam,ChessClub,andtheBasketballTeam.Heis looking forward to another great year andmaking thetransitiontomiddleschool.

Youngstown District Honors

During the august 20th youngstown Dis-trict dinner to honor their scholarship win-ners, Jr. Branch 231 honored its winner, 5th grader, Isabella thornton. Shown in the picture are Carol Dumez Jr. Branch Secretary, Isabella and Dolores Sono-ga, President of the Branch.

Jr. Branch 231 Honors Scholarship Winner

16 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

St. Ann Lodge AnnuAL SociALSt.AnnLodgeBranch114willholdtheirannualsocial

onSunday,October15that1:00p.m.attheAmericanSlo-vakClub,2915BroadwayinLorain,OH.Allmembersareinvitedtoattend.PleasemakeyourreservationsbycallingBernieDanevichat960-2605orMargeThomasat288-1492.DeadlineforreservationsisOctober11th.

Branch W049 National Scholarship Winners

BranchW049,SilverLake,MN recentlyhonored thebranchesNationalScholarshipRecipients.

BranchSecretaryRonaldMareshispicturedpresentingscholarshipstoEmilyA.Popelka,ofGlencoe,MN,acollegeseniorbiologymajorattendingtheCollegeofSt.Scholastica,Duluth,MNandtoNicholasR.SchmidtofGlencoe,MN,acollegefreshmanmechanicalengineeringmajorattendingtheUniversityofMinnesotaDuluth.

Sr. Branch 44 and Jr. Branch 112 Scholarship Recipients Recognized

TheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationrecentlypresentedscholarshipstomembersofSr.Branch44andJr.Branch112atVisitationChurchinMt.Pleasant.

TheAssociationisproudoftheseyoungmembersandwish themcontinued success in their future studies andcareers.

Junior Branch members who attend Montessori School Na-than Gaydos grade 5, officer Loretta Hunker, Nicholas Gaydos grade 8, officer Agnes Farcosky. Absent from picture was abigail Urban of Somerset.

Senior Branch members Jor-dan Kosisko of Connellsville, freshman at Duquesne Uni-versity, Agnes Farcosky offi-cer, Julianne Speeney of Con-nellsville attending California University Masters Program. absent from photo is Kerry Lee Zelenak of Mt. Pleasant.

Junior Branch also recog-nized scholarship applicant, Riley Knizner of Connellsville grade 3. absent from photo was alexa and Logan Sebek of West Newton.

Jillian Krempasky Scholarship award WinnerSr.Branch484,Egypt(Whitehall),PA–Officersgather

tocongratulateandpresentCollegeSophomoreScholarshipawardtoJillianKrempaskywhoattendsWestminsterCollegeof theArts.Jillian (left)withofficers:DeloresKrempasky,recording secretary and Jillian’s grandmother; DoloresNeupauer,president;andAnneMarieBachman,treasurer.JillianisthedaughterofDavidandKimKrempasky.

BrAnCH W093 CAlEnDAr oF EvEntsOctober 29 —AnnualHalloweenParty,5p.m.Potluck,

prizesforbestcostumes/allages,meeting,games,etc.BesedaHallinTabor,SD.

November 12 —District13SDStateMeeting:HostFCSLAW109/Dante/noon request that all SDFCSLAmembersattend.RSVPformealcounttodistrictofficer.

Any questions call Secretary JoyceSestak at605-463-2268.

OCTOBER2017 17

Sr. Branch 350Basket Raffle Fund Raiser

BranchS350from Shamokin,PA, joined withWilkes Univer-sityPolishRoomofWilkes-Barre,PA for their an-nual tea basketraffle fund raiser.Thisorganizationawardsascholar-shiptoaSlavicstudenteachyear,holdsaChristmasEveSupper,adinnerdanceandthemostanticipatedeventoftheyear—preparingandofferingSlavicfoodstotheWilkesUniversityfacultyandstudents.Theattendeesenjoyedthedelicioussalad,fruit,sandwiches,scones,amazingdessertsandofcourse teaservedat theWilkesUniversityPolishRoomTea.ThematchingfundscheckfromFCSLAwillallowthegrouptoaddanotherscholarship.Theywereveryap-preciativeandhappytoassistinpreservingandpromotingSlavicheritagethroughtheirscholarshipawards.

PicturedbelowinteaattireareAnneHajala,auditor;RitaKcenich,president;FlorenceMcCabe,secretary/treasurerofS350alongwithReginaLevandowski;sunshineboardmemberandBernadineTarasek,presidentof theWilkesUniversityPolishRoom.

Rita Kopcho, Mary Blizman and Berna-dine Kondratic.

Branch W074Roast Beef Dinner

B r a n c hW074,Atwood,KS sponsoreda Roast BeefDinner onMay7, 2017 at St.John Nepomu-cene Hall as amatching fundsactivity to helpmemberJasonSiswithmedicalexpensesduetoanacci-dent.PresentingthematchingfundschecktoJason(center)istreasurerJoelSis(left)andpresidentJeremySis(right).

Sr. Branch 161Bake Sale

MillieKustandJackSlaninawaitforcustomersatthebakesaleheldduringthe12thannualMahoningCountySlo-vakFestival,Youngstown,OH.Branch161usedaMatchingFundsprojecttopurchasenewhymnals.SincethemergerofHolyName,SaintsCyrilandMethodius,andSaintMat-thiasSlovakChurchesintoOurLadyofSorrowsParish,itisimportantthatthecongregationshaveaunifiedhymnal.

Sr. Branch 409Bake Sale

July17,2017 turnedout tobeabeautifulsunnydaytoholdamatchingfundsbakesaleforBranch409ofEastChicago,IN.SeveralFCSLAmembersandfriendsassistedwiththiseventattheSalvatorianShrineinMerrillville,IN.ThisyearthepriestswhomanagetheShrineallowedthecommittee to sell the bake goods in two locations.Onelocationwasoutsidethebanquethallandtheotherwasadesserttableinthebanquethallwhichkeptthevolunteersbusy.NotonlydidAgnesChervenak,PresidentofBranch409andherofficersandmembersparticipateinthisevent,butalsoJoannSkvarekBanvich,NationalDirectoralongwithBettyOrtiz,MaryWeber,BeckyandJohnColeman,severalJr.Branchmembersandmanyfriends.Someofthedonateditemsbeingsoldconsistedofbreads,variouscakes,pies,cherryandappleslices,cupcakes,cookies,browniesandhomemaderosky.Agnesappreciatedandthankedall thebakersandvolunteersforthiseventwhohelpedmakeitasuccessforSr.Branch409.

Matching Funds activities

  

  

18 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Recently Sr. Branch 88 and Jr.Branch157ofMonessenheldaSchol-arshipDinnerforwinningrecipientsattheAlpineClub inMonessen.Presi-dentDorothyUrbanowiczwelcomedthe recipients and their guests.Rev.Dr.MicahKozoilpresentedinvocationandledthegroupwithgrace.Followingdinner each student presented them-selves.Fr.KozoiladdressedthegroupwithaBlessingforgraduatesandspokeon thestudents’ future.Thestudentswerethenpresentedwithchecksfromthebranchesandallpresentwerepre-sentedwithgiftsfromthehomeoffice.

Dorothyremindedthegroupaboutthe Friends and Family Program and thanked all for attending. Fr.Micahpresentedthebenedictionandwishedallasafetriphome.

BLaKE PaWELECisaself-taughtdigital artist pursuing a career in graphic designandadvertising.Blakefoundhispassionforartanddesignatayoungage.He is a creative storyteller andintuitive designer that thrives on “outof the box” concepts.Blake recentlyinternedwithAlleghenyHealthNetworkand is currently employed inMoonTownship,PAatRobertMorrisUniver-sityintheOfficeofPublicRelationsandMarketingasaJuniorDesignInternandintheCareerandProfessionalDevel-opment Center as a Communications andMarketingDesigner.

BlakeplanstograduatefromRobertMorrisUniversityinMayof2018withaBachelorofArtsinMediaArtswithaconcentrationinGraphicDesignandaminorinAdvertising.BlakeisthesonofMichaelandCindyPawelec.CindyisanAuditorforthebranches.

sr. Branch 88 scholarship Dinner held for Winning Recipients

NataLIE BIaLONisa2017gradu-ateofBelleVernonAreaHighSchoolShe plans to attend theAmericanUniversityinWashington,DC.Natalieis the daughter ofAaron andKathyBialon.

L-R: alice Bialon, Natalie Bialon and aaron Bialon.

tRIStaN tODDisa6thgradestu-dentatSt.SebastianRegionalSchoolinBelleVernon,PA.Heis thesonofBethTodd and is an alter server atEpiphanyofOurLordParishinMones-sen.Tristanwouldliketobeascientistand is excited that St. Sebastian isstarting a STEMClub.Theywill bebuildingrobotsandinstallingsoftwaretocontrol them.Tristan is involved inarchery,bowlingandKarate.He isaBlueBeltandcurrentlyworkingtowardshis brown belt. He also takes drumlessons.HisgrandmotherRuth is anAuditorforthebranches.

L-R: Jamie, tristan, Beth and Ruth todd.

VINCENt HORENSKy—VincentwillenterthesecondgradeatSt.Se-bastianRegionalSchoolinBelleVer-non,PA.Hehasbeenastudenttheresince kindergarden. Vinnie enjoyesreadingandreligiousclasses.Healsoparticipates inCubScoutswherehejustattainedtherankofTiger,gymnas-ticsandpiano.HeisdaughterofKateandGeorgeHorensky.

NataLIa StaRtaRE—This fallNataliawillentertheSecondGradeatSt.SebastianRegionalSchoolinBelleVernon,PA.HerfavoriteclassisArtandactivitiesincludedanceandcheerlead-ing.NataliaisthedaughterofKellyandAnthonyStartare.

L-R: Kate, Betsy, Vincent and George.

L-R: Natalia, Kelly, Lucia, anthony and tony.

(Continued on Page 20)

Send us yourWedding, Anniversary

and Birthday Announcements!

zjbazik@comcast.net

OCTOBER2017 19

OFFICERS WItH WINNERS — Seated, L-R: tristan todd, Nata-lie Bialon, Blake Pawelec, Vince Horensky and Natalia Startare. Standing, L-R: auditor Ruth todd, Recording Secretary Flora Funtal, Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Micah Kozoil, President and Sr. Fi-nancial Secretary Dorothy Urbanowicz, Jr. Financial Secretary Rosemary Betza and auditor Cindy Pawelec.

OnJuly21,2017,McKeesportBranchesS077andJ032honoredtheirscholarshipwinnerswithaspecialdinnerattheRedLioninElizabeth,PA.

Thisyear’swinnersareJessicaHartner,Macken-zieOravecandAvaLindley.JessicaisasophomoreatSt.VincentCollege.SheisstudyingEarlyChildhoodEducationand is active inCampusMinistry.Ava isinthirdgradeatMadonnaCatholicinMonongahela.Mackenzie,afreshmanatGeorgeWashingtonUniver-sity,couldnotattend.BranchPresidentJerryHolmespresentedthewinnersagiftfromthebranchtoassistwithexpenses.

L-R: Front Row – Marian Greenland, Jessica, ava, Vir-ginia Holmes, audrey Podlesny, Judy Fedor. Back Row – Carol yurechko and Jerry Holmes.

L-R: Mom Suzanne Hartner, Jessica; ava with Mom Julie and Dad Brian.

Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International

16th CGSI Genealogical Cultural Conference

tuesday, October 17- Saturday, October 21, 2017

Hyatt Regency Hotel Pittsburgh International airport

theme: Industry and Our Immigrant AncestorsSpeakers: International, National and Local Expertsactivities:

• Informativepresentationsonthegenealogy,his-tory,andethnicheritageofourSlovak,RusynandCzechancestors,andthePittsburgharea.

• Livelyculturalprogramsincludingmusic,dance,foldartandfolddress(Kroje).

• Guided historicPittsburghSlovak andRusynneighborhoodsandinstitutiontours.

• On-siteaccesstogenealogicalresourcesfromtheCGSITravelingLibrary.

• Regional round-tablenetworkingsessions,anexceptionalopportunitytomeetwithfellowre-searchers,expertsandenthusiastsfromacrossthecountry.

CGSI isanallvolunteernon-profitgenealogicalsociety.ContactPaulMCzech@comcast.netformoreinformation.

sr. Branch 88 scholarship

Sr. Branch 77 & Jr. Branch 32 Scholarship Winners

FIRSTCATHOLICSLOVAKLADIES

ASSOCIATION

20 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Members of Sr.Branch 114 and Jr.Branch 198 cele-bratedSt.Ann’sDayin Lorain, OH andwelcomedtheirschol-arship winners andtheir families at theirmonth ’s bus inessmeeting on July 16,2017 at 1:00 p.m. atAmericanSlovakClubinLorain,OH.

During themeet-ing,PresidentBernieDanevich recognizedandhonored theNa-t ional ScholarshipSenior applicants,KaseyBilancini,OhioStateUniversitySeniorandKatherineOndeka,YoungstownStateUniver-sity,CollegeJunior,bothreceivingawardsof$1,250andapplicantMeghanNovotny, JamesMadisonUniversity,VAFreshman.Unfortunately, theywereunable to attendduetotheirschedules.EachwillreceiveacheckfromourLodge,Branch114.WealsohadaJr.Branch198NationalScholarshipwinnerof$750,MollyRileyofSt.JosephPar-ishSchool,Amherst.Shewaspresentedacheckforschoolexpensesbyhergrandmother,BettyBoone,ofSr.Branch114andTreasureroftheJr.Branch.Shewascongratulatedandwishedasuccessfulcomingschoolyear.

Afterwards,alightluncheonwasservedtoallwithcakefordessert.ThemeetingwasendedwitharaffleandgiftsfromBranch114andfromtheFCSLAfollowedbyprayerandadjournment.

Jr. Branch 198 treasurer Betty Boone presents her granddaughter Molly Riley, a $750 national schol-arship winner with a check for her school expenses from the branch.

Branch members enjoying the scholarship luncheon.

PWA District i PAtron’s DAy celebrAtion

The feast day of OurLady ofCzęstochowa fallsonAugust26thinthechurchcalendar, and this year the District I Patron’sDay ob-servancewas held on thatvery day. PWAmembersandguests gatheredatSt.AndrewtheApostleChurchinCalumetCity, IL onSat-urdaymorning,August 26,2017,foraMassdedicatedtoPWAmembers,bothlivinganddeceased.Thisisanan-nualeventinDistrictIthatisalwayswellattended.DifferentCouncilsinDistrictItaketurnshostingtheeventandthisyear itwasCouncil19’s turnandDorothyPolus,CouncilPresident, and her committee prepared an inspiring and welcomingcelebrationforallinattendance.

FollowingMass,aluncheonwasheldatSteve’sLoungeinChicago,wheremembersandguestscouldsocializeandcatchupwithfriends.ArafflewasheldtobenefittheWom-en’sEleemosynaryFoundationandCouncil19 for futureprojects.WewereveryhappytowelcomerepresentativesfromtheFCSLAatthisevent.

Front row from left: acting District 1 President Lidia Filus, acting District 3 President Evelyn Lisek, Council 19 President Dorothy Polus, and Council 21 President Diane Svitko. Back row: Council 9 President Laura Pawlowski; Group 821 Presi-dent James Kolak; FCSLa Chicago District Financial Secretary Jarmila Hlubocky; Group 821 Vice President Czeslawa Kolak; FCSLa Chicago District President Lorraine Gibas; FCSLa Chicago District treasurer Gary Ledvora; FCSLa Chicago District Past President Joe Ledvora; FCSLa Chicago District Vice President Fay Hlubocky; Council 27 President Bo Pad-owski; FCSLa National Director Jeanette Palanca; Council 13 President Barbara Miller; FCSLa Past National Vice President Rosemary Mlinarich, and Acting PWA Chief Operating Officer antoinette trela.

St. Ann’s Day Celebration

Have You Signed up a new MeMber recentlY?

OCTOBER2017 21

CHiCago DiSTRiCT EvEnTSSaturday, October 21st–ChicagoareacelebrationoftheFCSLA125th

Anniversary.11a.m.massatSt.JanedeChantalinChicagoandLuncheonat 1 p.m. at theMayor’sMansion (formerly EuropeanChalet). Ticketsare$15.00perpersonandcanbepurchasedfromyourbranchofficeror lorrainegibas@gmail.combyOctober1st.Allmembersarewelcome.

Sunday, November 5th–ChicagoareaJuniorChristmasParty–CampManitoqua,Frankfort,IL–11a.m.-3p.m.–RSVPbyOctober22nd.

Saturday, December 2nd–ChicagoareaSeniorChristmasParty–Or-landChateau,OrlandPark,IL–11a.m.-3p.m.–RSVPbyNovember18th.

Jr. Branch 46 and Frances Jakabcin districtChristmas in July

Jr. Branch 46, Lansford, PA andtheEasternPAFrancesJakabcinDis-trict sponsoredChristmas in July onThursday,July13thatKnoebelsGroveAmusementPark,Elysburg,PA.

Membersofmanydistrictbranchesattendedtheeventandenjoyedadayoffamilyandfraternalfunatthepark.Juniormembers received free ticketsforridesandfoodandadditionaltick-etscouldbepurchasedatadiscount.Someheavyrainscamethroughlater

inthedayandendedtheeventalittleearlierthanusualbutfolksleftlookingforwardtonextyearwhichwillbeheldonThursday,July12,2018.

Grace Kimlicka and Nicholas Anagnostopoulos

United in MarriageWisconsin Branch 376members

BarbaraKimlickaandthelateRichardKimlickawould like to announce themarriageoftheirdaughterGraceAnnKimlicka toNicholasTheodoreAnag-nostopoulos on July 30, 2017 atSt.Helen&ConstintiineGreekOrthodoxChurch.

GraceisalsoamemberofBranch376.SheisthegranddaughterofAnnandJosephKimlickaandthenieceofformerWisconsin District Presidentand376BranchVicePresidentMaryJoNoyes.

Cleveland Okres District Meeting and

Event Schedule Allmeetingswillbeheldatthe

LOHV, 283UnionSt., Bedford,OH.Allmeetingswillstartat11:30a.m.unlessotherwisenoted.INVITINg ALL CLEVELAND AREA

bRANCH MEMbERS . . .These meeting and events are not

just for branch officers.MEEtING DatES:

Joinyourbranchofficersforlunch,meetingandraffle!

October14aCtIVItIES:

• December 3, Sunday–VilijaDinneratSt.Andrew’sAbbey,Cleveland

• December 9, Saturday –1:30-3:30p.m.DistrictChristmasPartywithLOHVresidents,Bedford

22 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

BaLaNCE SHEEt aS OF May 31, 2017aSSEtS Cash&ShortTermInvestments $ 26,984,356 Bonds 822,768,332 PreferredStock 785,283 CommonStock 5,709,709 InvestmentIncomeDue&Accrued 12,663,453 PropertyPlant&Equipment,Net 5,295,842 CertificateLoans&AccruedInterest 2,518,255 OtherAssets 7,047,954 TOTALASSETS $ 883,773,184LIaBILItIES LifeReserves $ 255,052,684 AnnuityReserves 507,708,225 DeathClaimsPayable 1,963,586 UnearnedPremiums 478,390 MaturedEndowments 288,110 ProvisionforDividendsPayable 1,400,000 AccumulatedDividends&Interest 4,525,751 AccruedConventionDonations 399,000 ProvisionforFutureConventions 299,385 AssetValuationReserve 8,055,699 InterestMaintenanceReserve 931,441 OtherLiabilities 1,668,409 TOTALLIABILITIES $ 782,770,679 Surplus $ 101,002,505 TOTALLIABILITIESANDSURPLUS $ 883,773,184

INCOME StatEMENt For the Five Months Ending May 31, 2017

REVENUE InsurancePremiums $ 1,937,505 AnnuityPremiums 18,207,968 InvestmentIncome 18,093,410 AmortizationofInterestMaintenanceReserve 45,884 RentalIncome 207,954 OtherRevenue 4,983 TOTALREVENUE $ 38,497,703EXPENSE IncreaseinReserves—Life $ 938,684 IncreaseinReserves—Annuity 14,834,225 InsuranceBenefits 2,643,483 AnnuityBenefits 11,612,488 CommissionExpense 614,073 SurrenderBenefits 1,543,690 PostMortemBenefits 631,161 MiscellaneousMemberBenefits 27,837 MaturedEndowments (9,627) DonationExpenses 44,309 ChangeinAccruedConventionDonations 105,000 ConventionExpenses 110,701 BankServiceCharges 38,241 DataProcessingServiceFees 88,295 AccountingFees 18,341 ActuarialFees 115,695 LegalFees 76,738 ConsultingFees 48,628 BonustoBranches 348,450 FraternalActivities 47,671 OfficialPublications 176,993 ScholarshipAwards 130,415 MiscellaneousEmployeeBenefits 174,398 Fees—Directors 66,300 Salaries—Employees 704,272 Salaries—Officers 202,831 InterestExpense 113,812 TaxExpense 124,481 DepreciationExpense 103,374 UtilityExpense 38,586 PostageandPrinting 87,338 Advertising 63,493 TravelExpense 43,130 InsuranceDepartmentFees 20,316 SalesPromotion 95,042 RentalExpense 207,954 OtherExpense 237,061 TOTALEXPENSE $ 36,467,877

Income (Loss) from Operations $ 2,029,826 DividendstoMembers 598,687 Subtotal Income (Loss) $ 1,431,140 CapitalGains(Loss) (66,765) NEt INCOME (Loss) $ 1,364,375

District 11, valparaiso, nE Held Annual Picnic, July 9, 2017

Father Rynearson joined other members for a bite to eat.

District officers L-R: Bob Hladik, Vice-President; Clarice Sa-bata, Secretary; Dennis Povandra, National auditor; Cecilia Hall, President; Ron Paseka, treasurer; amy Hall, Regional Sales Manager.

always lots of food.

youth enjoying plastic wrap ball game.

OCTOBER2017 23

evenlywithpeanutbutter.Topwithasecondcrackertomake14sandwiches.

Place the chocolate chips in a medium glass-microwave-safebowlandmicrowaveonmediumfor20seconds.Stirwellwitharubber spatula.Return to themicrowaveandrepeat,stirringwellaftereach20-sec-ond increment, until the chocolate is com-pletelymeltedandsmooth.Stirintheoil.

Workingoneatatime,rolltheedgesofeachcookie in thechocolate toseal.Diptheentirecookieinthechocolate,usingaforktoflipit,andcovercompletely.Liftthecookie from the chocolate using the forkandallowtheexcesschocolatetodripoff,backintothebowl.

Placethecookiesonaparchment-linedbakingtrayandsprinklewiththesalt,ifus-ing.Refrigerateuntil thechocolate isset.Storeinthefridge.

BAKED FRENCH TOAST WITH STRAWBERRIES

Butterforgreasing6eggs3cupsmilk¾cupmaplesyrup,plusextraforserving2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus1tablespoon¼teaspoonfineseasaltZestof1lemon3(1-inch)thickslices(8ounces) day-oldchallahorsourdoughbread, cutinto1-inchcubes2cups(12ounces)freshorfrozen,thawed, anddrainedstrawberries3tablespoonssugar

Placeanovenrackinthemiddleoftheoven. Preheat the oven to 350 degreesF.Butter a 9-by-13-inch bakingdish.Setaside.

Inalargebowl,beattheeggsuntilfrothy.Addthemilk,maplesyrup,cinnamon,salt,andlemonzest.Addthebreadcubesandmix until coated.Stir in the strawberries.Pourthemixtureintothepreparedbakingdish.

In a small bowl,mix together the re-mainingcinnamonandsugar.Sprinklethecinnamonsugarovertheeggmixtureinanevenlayer.Bakefor40to45minutesuntilthetopisgoldenandthefillingisset.

Spoonontoservingplatesanddrizzlewithmaplesyrup.

S’MORES POPCORN 2tablespoonsvegetableoil½cuppopcornkernels2 tablespoons butter, melted½teaspoonsalt5grahamcrackers,processed tofinecrumbs(about½cup)1cupminimarshmallows½cupbittersweetchocolatechips,melted

Heata largesaucepanoverhighheatfor3minutes.Addtheoilandthepopcornkernels,andcoverthepanwithalid.Cook,shakingthepanfrequently,untilyoubegintohearpopping.Cookonhighfor1minutemore,thenlowertheheattomediumandcontinuecooking,shakingthepan,untilthepoppingbeginstoslowdown.

Turnofftheheatandpourthepopcornintoalargebowl.Tosswiththemeltedbut-ter,saltandgrahamcrackercrumbs.Addthemarshmallowsandtossagain.Spreadthemixtureoutonaparchment-linedbakingsheetanddrizzlewiththechocolate.Tossgently to incorporate.Set aside until thechocolatehardens,about1hour.Storeinanairtightcontainer.

LEMON RICOTTA COOKIES WITH LEMON GLAZE

2½cupsall-purposeflour1teaspoonbakingpowder1teaspoonsalt½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter, at room temperature2 cups granulated sugar2 eggs1(15-ounce)containerwhole-milk ricotta cheeseZestofonelemon3tablespoonsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuiceFor the Glaze1½cupsconfectionerssugarZestof1lemon3tablespoonsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

Preheattheovento375degrees.Inamediumbowl, combine the flour, bakingpowder,andsalt.Setaside.

Inalargebowl,usinganelectricmixer,beat the butter and granulated sugar until lightandfluffy,about3minutes.Addtheeggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorpo-rated.Addthericottacheese,lemonzest,andlemonjuiceandbeattocombine.Stirinthedryingredients.

Line the 2 baking sheetswith parch-ment paper. Spoon the dough onto thebakingsheetsusing2tablespoonsforeachcookie.Bakefor15minutesuntilslightlygolden at the edges.Remove from theovenandletthecookiesrestonthebakingsheetfor20minutes.

While theycool, combine theconfec-tioners sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juiceinasmallbowlandstiruntilsmooth.Spoonabout½teaspoonoftheglazeontoeachcooledcookieanduse thebackofthespoon tospread it to theedges.Lettheglazehardenforabout2hours.Storecookiesinanairtightcontainer.

FriendsBANANA CHOCOLATE

CHIP BREAD3cupsall-purposeflour1teaspoonbakingsoda1teaspoonsalt½teaspoonbakingpowder½teaspoongroundcinnamon1½cupssugar1cupgrapeseedoil3largeeggs1tablespoonvanillaextract4ripebananas,peeledandcoarsely mashed(about1¾cups)1½cupssemisweetchocolatechips

Preheattheovento350degrees.Spraya10½x5½x3inchloafpanwithnonstickcooking spray. Line the loaf pan acrosstheshortlengthwithasheetofparchmentpaper so there is a 1 inchover hangoneitherside.

Whisktheflour,bakingsoda,salt,bakingpowder,andcinnamoninamediumbowltoblend.Whiskthesugar,oil,eggs,andva-nillainalargebowluntilfullyincorporated.Stirinthebanana.Addthedryingredientsandchocolatechipsandfoldtheminjustuntilblended.Donotovermix.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan andbakefor1hourand5minutesoruntila toothpick inserted in the center comesoutclean.Allowtocool for30minutes inthepanbeforeremovingtheloaftoawireracktocoolcompletely.

GRANDMA’S CRACKER COOKIES

28roundcrackers(RitzHoneyWheat)½cupcrunchypeanutbutter1(10-ounce)bagbittersweet chocolate chips1tablespoonvegetableoilFlakedsalt,optional

Spreadtheflatsideof14ofthecrackers

10/17

PERIODICAL

The FCSLA Mission StatementWe provide financial security to our members

while embracing our Catholic values and Slavic traditions.

The FCSLA Vision is to:Be a Premier Fraternal Benefit Society

that offers quality financial products and benefits.