Our Membersare the HEARTof Our

Association

HAPPYVALENTINE’S

DAY

FIRST CATHOLIC SLOVAK LADIES ASSOCIATION

Fraternally Yours9

27 1

FEBRUARY 2019VOL. 105, NO. 5

2 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Fraternally Yours,ŽENSKÁ JEDNOTA®

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,304W.ExchangeStreet,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.SedlockJudithA.FedorCynthiaOresik

BernadetteJ.DemechkoFloraJ.Funtal

REAL CONNECTIONS ….Today,theworldismoreconnectedthaneverbefore.Atthesametime,divisive-

ness,mistrust,andlonelinessseemtobeincreasingatalarmingrates,affectingallareasofourlives.Theproblemisnotthatpeoplelackthemeanstoconnect.There’saSmartphoneortabletinalmosteveryone’spocketorhand.High-speedcommunicationnetworksabound,nowevenwhilesailingacrosstheoceanandflyingthroughthesky.Theproblemisnotwiththeavailabilityorevenaffordabilityofconnections.Theproblemisinthequalityofthoseconnections.

Inoursuperconnectedworld,connectionshavebecometrivialized.Connec-tionsareusedtoconductdiscretetransactionsratherthantodevelopongoingrelationships.Firstmalls,nowonlineshopping,haveallbuteliminatedMainStreetshoppingandsmallmerchants.Optimizingthetransactionforthecheapestpricehasbecomemore important thannurturing the relationship.So, sadly, aswebecomemorefunctionallyconnectedthroughtechnology,wefeellessconnectedonahumanlevel.Weconnectovermuchlongerdistances,andovermuch,muchshorterdurations.Emailsandtextshaveallbutreplacedphoneconversationsormeetinginpersonforcoffee.

Theconceptofrealconnectionisindangerofbeingcorrupted.Wetryinvaintoreplaceasingleenduringconnectionwithathousandbrief,fleetingconnections.Andtryaswemight,itisnotthesame.There’svaluetoenduringconnectionthatcannotbeexperiencedinanyotherway.Ahundredlikes,shares,orcommentsaboutanarticleonFacebookorInstagram,whilenice,donotadequatelyreplacethewisecommentaryofatrustedfriend.Nowinsteadofseekingrecommenda-tionsfromtrustedfriends,wesearchonlineforratingsandreviewsfrompeoplewe’renotevensurearereal.

Weknowthatlifecanbedifficult,andmuchmoreoftenthannot,thosedif-ficultiesseemtobebestaddressedbyjoiningtogether incooperationandun-derstandingwiththepeoplearoundus.Withthatinmind,thequestionbecomesthis.Howdoweavoidfurtherdisconnection,andhowdowerepair,re-energizeandexpandonthequalityconnectionsthatbringsomuchpositivevaluetolife?

Agoodfirststepisgratitude.It’sgoodtoberemindedonaregularbasisofthevalueofqualityconnections.Notjustinourconnectionstootherpeople,butalsoinourconnectionstothingssuchasourwork,ourfaith,tonature,toourvaluesandhopefulness.It’seasytobecomecomplacentaboutthegoodthingsinlife,totakethemforgranted.

Likeallgoodandvaluableaspectsoflife,qualityconnectionsarenotfree.Theydorequirework.Theyrequirecommitmentandsacrifice.Youcan’tdevelopameaningfulconnectionwithsomeonebysimplyincludingthatpersoninanemailblasteveryweekorsendinganoccasionaltext.Toforgeavaluableconnection,youhavetooffersomethingofrealvalue.Youhavetogiveofyourselfandyourtime.

Thesamedynamicappliestootherformsofconnection.Toconnectmeaning-fullywithyourvalues,youmustconsistentlylivethosevalues.Lipserviceisneverenough;itmustalwaysbeaccompaniedbyactionandattention.

Asyoudogivemoreandmoreofyourself,themagicofqualityconnectionbeginstohappen.Asyouinvestyourtimeinyourrelationships,inyourappreciationofnature,inyourhopefulness,inyourspiritualfaith,theircollectivevaluegrowsdeeper.Bygivingofyourselftotheseconnections,youenhancethequalityoftheconnections.Insteadofconductingmeretransactions,youareextendingapartofyourselfintothelivesofthepeoplewithwhomyousharethoseconnections.

Dear Friends, I believe, the quality of your life comes in large part from the quality of your

connections. Be thankful for those connections. Be generous with those connections. Be willing to work and learn and improve upon those connections, to deepen them, to pour more meaning, substance, time, resources and caring into them. Choose to be an advocate of higher quality connections, leading others by example with your love, respect, tolerance, joy, and generosity.

Until Next Month, Warmly, Carolyn

FEBRUARY2019 3

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

ST. BLAISE

Dear Sisters and Brothers,Many of us recall from the time we were children having

our throats blessed in church on the feast day of St. Blaise, February 3. The practice of blessing throats on his feast day began in the 16th century and continues today. Two consecrated candles are tied together to form a cross which is held up to our throats as the priest or deacon asks God, through the in-tercession of St. Blaise, to deliver us from every disease of the throat, as well as every other disease. But do we really know anything about St. Blaise and how this practice came to be? Or why St. Blaise is venerated as the patron saint of sufferers from throat diseases? And of wild animals and veterinarians? And of wool combers?!

Little is known about the early life of St. Blaise, but it is believed that he was born to a noble family. He was said to be a physician with miracles that were attributed to his healing power. Crowds came to him for the cure of both bodily and spiritual afflictions. Having been raised and educated in the Catholic faith, Blaise was made bishop of Sebastea in Armenia at a young age. One might ask how a physician could suddenly become a bishop. At the time it was common for the local vil-lage to nominate a man to become bishop based on the man’s exceptional holiness and leadership. The man would then be examined and consecrated by other bishops with the approval of the Pope. Simply stated, St. Blaise undoubtedly “fit the bill” to become bishop.

In 311 the Emperor Constantine had legalized the practice of Christianity. This freedom of religion remained for five years until Licinius, co-emperor, betrayed Constantine and began a persecution of Christians. Blaise received a message from God to flee to the back country. There he lived as a hermit spending his days in prayer. Wild animals became his companions as he cared for them and cured their diseases. One day a group of hunters seeking animals for the amphitheater stumbled upon Blaise’s cave. There they found him kneeling in prayer sur-rounded by docile bears, wolves and lions. The hunters were naturally shocked. Still they arrested Blaise because of his Christian faith.

Two incidents occurred as St. Blaise was being led to prison from his mountainous cave. First, a distraught mother

Court of Appeals NoticeOnDecember13,2018, inaccordancewithour

Bylaws,ArticleV (A) (4) (j), theBoard ofDirectorsfilledavacancyontheCourtofAppealscreatedbytheuntimelydeathofRonaldSestak.Utilizingalistof candidateswho arePrincipalmembers in goodstandingoftheAssociationandwhoaredulyqualified,FloraJ.Funtalwaselectedtofillthevacancy.Flora,ofFinleyville,PA,isamemberofSeniorBranch088(Monessen,PA).

FCSLA Annuity Rates

Rates for our deferred Elite Annuities:

SILVER ELITE (5 YEAR)

3.25% APY*GOLD ELITE (7 YEAR)

3.50% APY*PLATINUM ELITE (10 YEAR)

3.75% APY**This rate is in effect 1/1/2019 thru 3/31/2019.

The credited rate is reviewed quarterly by the Board of Direc-tors and will never go below the minimum guaranteed rate. The guaranteed minimum rate for Elite Silver and Gold contracts issued in 2019 is 2% APY and for the Platinum Elite is 2.5% APY.

came to him with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. Blaise prayed before the child who then coughed up the bone and was healed. The second incident involved be-ing met by a poor old woman whose pig had been seized by a wolf. Blaise commanded the wolf to return the pig. The wolf subsequently released the pig without any harm. In gratitude the old woman later came to the prison and brought Blaise bread and two wax candles to dispel the gloom of his dark cell. You can now understand the symbolism behind the practice of blessing throats with two candles.

St. Blaise is said to have been thrown into a lake in an at-tempt to drown him, but he stood on the surface and invited his tormentors to walk out to him in proof of the power of their own gods. It was they instead who drowned. When Blaise returned to land, he was beaten and his flesh was torn with wool combs. What is a wool comb? It is an instrument used for combing wool but in the case of St. Blaise, it was used for shredding the skin! Finally, St. Blaise was beheaded.

Over the next four hundred years many stories were told about St. Blaise. He became one of the most popular saints in medieval times. His relics were dispersed over Europe and many miraculous cures were attributed to him, especially of sore or diseased throats. St. Blaise is often illustrated holding two crossed candles; or in a cave with wild animals; and also often shown with steel combs. St. Blaise, pray for us, that our throats remain free from illness, so that we may continue to praise God.

4 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Message from our National PresidentCYNTHIA M. MALESKI

CORRECTIONTheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationhas

over$1.1Billiondollarsoflifeinsuranceinforce.WeapologizeforthetypographicalerrorthatappearedinNationalPresidentCynthiaMaleski’spage4columnintheJanuary2019issueofFraternally Yours stating $1.1Million.

Tomy fellow FCSLA officers,membersandfriends,

Webegan2019witha re-newed sense of positive vital-ity and strength in our plans to continue towelcomeour newmembers, embark on a newboard visioning project andplanameaningfulquadrennialconvention inTampa, FloridafromOctober3throughOctober6,2019.

We continue to build ourmembership, financialstrength and fraternal profile throughout theUnitedStates.Todoso,wemustcontinuallyreviewourproductmix,ourproducerswheretheyarelocated,ourbranchesand their activities andwherewe can develop newbranchesandleaders.Meanwhile,we lead and run our association,currentlywith111,000members,holdingover$1.1billionoflifeinsuranceinforce,withnearly$1billionofadmittedassetsandahealthysurplusforafraternalofoursize.Ouropportunitiesareimmense.Itisnotashortorder,indeed,foratrulyNATIONALAS-SOCIATIONofsuchpreeminencesuchasours!

Thisyear,wealsomustfocusonconventionplan-ningaswe look forward toawonderful,meaningfulquadrennialconventioninTampa,Florida.DelegateswillbeabletoexperienceTampa’sdynamicdowntownwiththenewlytransformedhotelwitharooftoppool,stateoftheartfitnesscenter,withtheTampaRiverwalknearby.Solet’sscheduleandgrabaflighttoTampaandbepartoftheambianceofthisglitteringAmericancity!Welookforwardtoourtimetheretogether.Oc-toberwillbeherebeforeweknowit.

New facets of our fraternal strength includeourMatchingFundsProgrampromotingcharitableworkswithinourcommunitiesnationwide,andourAnnaHur-

banScholarshipFund.In2018,wesawourbranchesholdingarecordnumberofmatchingfundsprojectsinourcommunities.Wealsocontinuetoreceivemon-etarydonationstoourAnnaHurbanScholarshipFund,tobenefitourstudentmembers.

MOST IMPORTANT is thatwe strive towork inconcerttopromotethelongtermbestinterestoftheassociation, respecting each other through compas-sion,patienceanddignityanddisplayinghighlevelsoftransparencyandintegrity.WemustactasAmbas-sadorsofChristianethicsinallareasofourlives,withperseveranceandconstancy.

AswecelebratetheFeastDaysofSaintsCyril&Methodius,OurLadyofLourdesandValentine’sDay,letusmoveforwardwithcourageandcharity,butmostofalllove.

Fraternally Yours, Cynthia M. Maleski

Saints Cyril and MethodiusSaintsCyrilandMethodiusweretwoByzantinebrothers

borninThessalonicainthe9thcentury.PartofaprominentChristianfamily,theirfa-therwasGreekandtheirmotherwasBulgarian.

In 860 Cyri l andMethodiuswentasmis-sionariestowhatistodaytheUkraine, spreadingChristianity among the Slavic peoples of Bul-garia,GreatMoraviaandPannonia.

They a re c r ed -ited with devising theGlagolitic alphabet.AttherequestoftheMora-vian prince Ras-tislav,theybegan to transcribe religiousbooks fromGreek intoOldBulgarian.

TheiralphabetisseenastheprecursortoCyrillic,whichwasnamedafterCyril.TodaymostoftheSlaviccountries,includingRussia, still useanextensionof that alphabet.Throughouthislife,CyrilwasknownasConstantine,onlyadoptinghisreligiousnameofCyrilwhileonhisdeathbed.In1880,PopeLeoXIIIintroducedtheirfeastintothecalendaroftheRomanCatholicChurch.In1980,PopeJohnPaulIIde-clared themco-patronsaintsofEurope, togetherwithBenedictofNursia.

FEBRUARY2019 5

FCSLA Connects . . . Albert E. Heiles, CLU, ChFC, AEP, CRC, FIC, LUTCFNational Sales Manager

Albert Heiles

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY . . . A UNIQUE WAY TO SAY "I LOVE YOU!"Februaryisthemonthwhenweall

seemtosettledownandperhapsrelaxalittlemore.ThehecticpacewefollowedinDecember, alongwith the followingcatch upmonth of January, really putastrainonournormal livingactivities.Now,isthetimetoregroupandputourlifebackintoanorderandpacethatismorenormal.However,alongwith thenewmonth,somethingnewcomesalongforustothinkabout:LOVE.

That’sright,FebruaryisValentine’smonth.It’stheonemonthayearwesetasidetotellsomeonespecialwelovethem,perhapsinanextraordinaryway.Valentine’sdaycele-brationbeganoveronehundredyearsagoandithasbecomeafavoritedayforpeopletakingtimetodisplaytheirthoughts,affectionsandlovetowardssomeonespecialintheirlives.

Valentine’sdaysarenotmeantjustforpeopleinlove,butratherforpeopleweconsiderspecial.It’sadaywesetasidetodisplayhowwefeelandtellthemwhattheymeantous.Howaboutauniqueideatoshowyourfeelings?

Iwouldliketosuggestyouconsideropeninganewlifeinsurancepolicyonyourselfor someoneyou love.Whatbetterwaytosayweloveyouthanbygivingthemsome-thingthatcouldpossibly lasta lifetimeandhavebenefitsfarbeyondthelifeofadozenroses,oraboxofchocolate.

AFCSLAlifeinsurancepolicyoffersvaluenotjustforonedayorforonemonthbutperhapsforaverylongtime.Ourwholelifepolicieshavecashvaluesthatcanaccumulateovertimewhichwillofferadditionalbenefitsinlateryears.Intheuntimelydeathofaninsured,thebeneficiarymaybecomfortedinthebenefitsofthepolicy.FCSLAoffersseveraltypesofpermanentwholelifeinsurancepolicies.Weofferapolicythatcanbepaidonforonly10or20yearsandbefullypaidup.Wealsoofferapolicythatofferslowerpremiumsinwhichpremiumsarepaidoveranindividual’sentirelifetime.Andfinally,fortheindividualwhowouldliketomakeonlyonepremium,withnorenewingpremiums,weoffersinglepremiumwholelifepolicy.

Ourpoliciesareavailablefortheveryyoungtothemoreseniormember;fromage0toage80insomecases.Pricesandvaluesdiffer,butonethingremainsthesame.ThepolicyisbackedbyoneofthefinestFraternalBenefitSocietiesintheUSA.FCSLA,withnearlyabilliondollarofassetsandahistoryofservingover120,000membersinover125years,isheretohelpinyourlifeinsurancequestions.

OurRecommendersandprofessionalagentsareavail-abletomeetwithyoutodiscussapolicythatwillmeetyourobjectives.Grandparentsbeginningapolicyonayoungone(grandson/daughter,nieceornephew),parentbeginninganewpolicyontheirchildren,husbandorwifebeginningapolicytoprotecttheirspouse,whateverthepurpose,FCSLAistheretohelp.

Apermanentcashvaluelifepolicyonayoungchildcancostaslittleas$120.00ayear.Apolicyonayoungadultcanbestartedforaslittleas$15.00amonth.Ahusbandorwifecanbeginapolicyoneachotherwithafaceamountofover$100,000.00forthecostofamonthlymealoutatafamilyrestaurant.

IthasbeensaidaLifeinsurancepolicyisaloveletter.Afewdropsofinkandapromisetopayprovideatruestate-mentoflove,caringandaffection.

PleasecontacttheFCSLArepresentativeyouarenowworkingwithorcontactthehomeofficeandwewillbehappytoarrangearepresentativetomeetwithyou.

Wecanbereachedbycalling:800-464-4642,askfortheLifeDepartment.THANKYOU!

Convention Donation Information is Available on Our WebsiteInformation regarding requests for convention

donations is available to print out fromourwebsite (fcsla.org)under theQuadrennialConvention tab. Itmust be completed in fullinordertoreceiveconsid-erationforfinancialassistanceatour42ndQuadrennialConventioninOctober2019.

The request must be submitted on your sta-tionery and received at the national headquarters (address below) by April 27, 2019.

ConventionDonationCommitteeFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation

24950ChagrinBlvd.BeachwoodOH44122

If you receiveda convention donation fromour41stQuadrennialConvention in 2015, yourStatusReportfromthatdonationmustbeonfileatthenationalheadquartersinordertoapplyagain.

ThePhilanthropic&ScholarshipCommittee,withtheapprovaloftheboardofdirectors,hasdeterminedthebudgetforconventiondonationswillbebasedon10%ofnetincomeforthefourcalendaryearspreced-ingtheconventionor1%ofsurplusattheyear-endprior to theconvention,whichever isgreater,withacapof$1million.

Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactJayneatthenationalheadquarters:(800)464-4642ext.1034or jneelon@fcsla.org.

Attention Branch SecretariesOur first 2019 Quadrennial Convention mailing

went out certified mail the first week of January. If for some reason you did not receive the mailing or have questions please contact Jayne at 1-800-464-4642, Ext. 1034.

6 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Many of us are familiar with the television series,“Alaska,TheLastFrontier”,butdidyouknowthatFCSLAkicked-offitsfirstAlaskanseniorandjuniorbranchesdedi-catedtothepatronsaintofthe49thstate,St.TheresetheLittleFlower?

Likeasnowballsmackingyouintheface,youknownow!Ahardygroupof young families,whoare dedicated

tofootball,hiking,familyfraternalismandGodhavejump-startedthebranchwiththehelpofAlaskanFCSLAagentsJimandMeganDavis.TheStThereseofLisieuxbranch(S643andJ-544)islocatedinthecityofAnchorage,whichtakesinEagleRiver,WasillaandPalmer,Alaska.

“Welookedforafraternalsocietythatmirrorsourownbeliefs,” said JimDavis, an independent agent. “FCSLAfits thebill asa fraternal organization that givesback tothecommunity.Andtheinsuranceproductsareperfectforyoungfamilies.”

These newmembers have come from all over thecountryandworld,California,Nebraska,NewJersey,NewYork,andthePhilippineswhonowmakeAlaskatheirhome.

FCSLA INITIATES FIRST ALASKAN SENIOR/JUNIOR BRANCHESRachelRuskamp,thebranchfinancialsecretary,likes

thefraternalconceptofinsurance.“I’mveryfamiliarwithfra-ternalsocietiesbeingthatI’mfromNebraska,”saidRachel.“TheideathatfamiliesformagroupwithcommoninterestsandcharitableintentiswhatFCSLAisallaboutandwebuyintothis.”

Rafael(Ralph)NunezisoriginallyfromtheBronx,NewYork, hiswife, Jennylynn is from thePhilippines.FCSLAappealedtothiscouplefor its insuranceproducts.“Tobeprotected from financial distress is important tome andJennylynn,”explainedRalph.“TheagentdidagreatjobinexplainingtomehowlifeinsuranceworksandhowithelpsmyfamilyandFCSLA.”

NewbranchPresidentHayleeDonovanandFinancialSecretaryRuskamphavenotwastedtimeasofficers.“Wealready received amatching funds request fromSaintTherese branch,” according toFCSLAFraternalDirectorKellyShedlock. “Ithasbeenapproved. It issoawesomethatabrandnewbranchisalreadydoingamatchingfundsproject.”

FEBRUARY2019 7

Eastern PA District Meeting Hosted by S417/J318 of Coaldale, PA

Sunday, March 31, 2019 @ 1:00 p.m.CAPRIOTTI’S PALAZZO

OneBanksAvenueMcAdoo,PA18237

RSVP to Louise Dunstan @ 570-645-645-4354 or lmrp@ptd.net by March 21, 2019

FCSLA 42nd Quadrennial ConventionTampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina

Tampa, Florida

October 3-6, 2019

Branch W018hosted i ts annual YouthMemberChrist-masPartyonSunday,December2,2018atDave and Buster ’sin Omaha, NE. Theonly cost requestedby the Boardwas acannedfooddonationfrom each attendee.Vice-president TomJelinek, Jr. delivered96 pounds ofcannedgoods and a monetary donationtotheSt.Vin-centdePaulFoodPantryafterthepartyconcluded.

Santamadehisgreatlyanticipatedappearanceafteradeliciousmeal,andhevisitedwitheachchild–nomatterhis/herage–andposedforpicturestakenbyproudparents.

AfterSanta departed for theNorthPole to see howtheelvesweredoingandmakesurehehadeverythingheneededforhisworldtriponDecember24th,eachattendeereceivedagamecardandfamiliesrecessedtothegameroomwheretheyenjoyedtherestoftheafternoon.

Branch W018 hosts Annual Youth Member Christmas Party

Youth members playing a game of skill at Dave and Busters.

Two members with their “Christmas loot” after playing the games.

The Popelka family with Santa at the celebration.

Iowa Branch W045 Celebrates the SeasonBranchW045,CedarRapids,IAheldtheiradultChrist-

masPartyonSunday,December16,2018atSt.Wenceslausgymbuilding.Over60membersandguestsenjoyedcock-tails,hors-d'oeuvres,roastbeef,orham,partypotatoes,fruitandkolaches.Chancesweresoldformultipledrawingsofcash.Allmoneycollectedwasgivenbackinthedrawings.Everyonehadagoodtimeenjoyinggoodfoodandsocial-izingwitheachother!

8 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Our annual Christmas Party wascelebratedona beautifulSundayaf-ternoononDecember2,2018,atOurLadyofConsolation,inMerrillville,IN.MembersandguestsweregreetedbyofficersofBranch409:AgnesCherve-nak(President),JeanetteBramer(Fi-nancialSecretary)andJaniceVasquez(Jr.Branch317FinancialSecretary).

JaniceVasquez(Jr.Branch317Fi-nancialSecretary)andhersisterKarenBramerwereinchargeofvariouscraftsforthejuniormembers.

FestivitiesstartedwithgracebeingsaidbyHelenWeber(memberofGary

SR. BRANCH 409 OF EAST CHICAGO, INDIANAHOSTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Jr.Branch184).Followingguestsweretreatedtoadeliciousdinnerofchickenandroastbeef.JimWagner,fatherofJr. Branch 317members,Olive andSophieWagner, brought homemadepumpkin roll andapple slices.Therewerealsocakes,cookies,veggiesandrefreshments.

Jr. Branch 317membersElieAn-derson,AvaandBrynneWidigerandBarbieTrelo sang a fewChristmascarols.AllmembersjoinedincarolingunderthedirectionofSherryandSaraAnderson(Branch409).

Of course, themain event of the

afternoonwasavisitfromSanta(MikeDeRolf). He distributed gifts of toystoguestsages1-9.Ages10-16weregivengiftcards.Christmashandtow-els,wineandChristmas candyweregiven to adult guests.Gifts from thehomeofficewerealsodistributedtoallofourguests.

Abig“THANKYOU”tooursetupandcleanupcrewJoeandKeriChervenak,Hal andLynNoftz,BettyOrtiz, JoanSkvarek Banvich, Sherry and SaraAnderson,AggieandMikeDeRolfandGeraldineTumidalski.

FEBRUARY2019 9

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Age:______

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________________ State: __________ Zip:_________________

Branch: ________________________________________ Phone #____________________________________

PUZZLES MUST BE IN THE HOME OFFICE FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019!YOU MUST BE A FCSLA MEMBER TO QUALIFY.

200 WINNERS WILL BE RANDOMLY DRAWN FROM ALL THE ENTRIES RECEIVED.Mail to:FCSLAFraternalDepartment, 24950ChagrinBlvd.,Beachwood,OH44122

BASSETHOUNDS BEAGLE BELGIANMALINOISBITEANDHOLD BOMBDETECTION BRAVEDUALPURPOSE FEMALE GERMANSHEPHERDINTELLIGENT LABRADORRETRIEVER LIVESWITHHANDLERMALE MISSINGPERSONS NARCOTICDETECTIONPOLICEDOG SENSEOFSMELL(amazing) SINGLEPURPOSESIXTOEIGHTYEARS(yearswork) STRONG TENWEEKS(initialtraining)THEHANDLER(policeofficer) TRACKINGSUSPECTS TRAINDAILY

Police K-9Words may be found up and down, side to side, diagonally or words may share letters.

10 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

BranchW033,Spillville,IAhelditsannual Christmas Party and meet-ing at St.Wenceslaus School HallonSunday,December 2, 2018.Theweatherwasnot the bestwith snowandwind,but31adultsand8childrenbraved theweather andhadawon-derful time.After adeliciouspot-luckdinnerwiththebranchsupplyingham,hot dogs and buns, the table settings, refreshmentsandlotsofdecorations,an annualmeeting followed.DuringthemeetingJenaeKuennentookthechildrentothelunchroomwheretheymadeChristmascrafts.Atthemeetingfour($500)donationswerepresented

Pictured with the Christmas crafts they made are Kaitlyn and Natalie Klimesh.

Branch W033 Holds Annual Holiday Celebration

Pictured are President Dan Silhacek and Secretary Rebecca Kuhn reading the minutes from last year’s annual meet-ing with pretty boxed door prizes on the stage behind them.

Vice-President Jerry Kuhn presents scholarships of $250 to Ron and Elaine Stika, parents of winners Karissa and Rachel Stika.

Vice-President Jerry Kuhn presents scholarships of $250 to Rota Fjelstul, grandmother of winners Kayleann Fjel-stul and Sara Opat.

L-R: Aaron Brinks of Calmar, Mark Caro-lyn of Ridgeway, Ron Franzen of Fort Atkinson, and Brad Moudry of Protwin Fire Departments receive $500 donation checks from President Dan Silhacek.

Pictured finishing their Christmas crafts are Caleb, Jaxon, and Konner Parr.

tolocalfiredepartmentsbyPresidentDanSilhacek:AaronBrinksofCalmarFD,MarkCarolyn of Ridgeway FD,Ron Franzen of FortAtkinson FD,andBradMoudry of Protwin FD, allexpressedgratitudeonbehalfoftheirrespective departments. Four ($250)collegescholarshipsweregivenoutbyVice-PresidentJerryKuhntoRonandElaineStika,parentsofwinnersKarissaandRachelStika;alsotoRotaFjelstul,grandmotherofwinnersKayleannFjel-stulandSaraOpat.Afterotherdiscus-sions theelectionofofficers followedwithallretainingtheirofficeswiththe

exceptionofVice-PresidentJerryKuhnwhoafter15yearsinofficeandonthestatescholarshipcommitteewantedtoretire.AmotionwasmadeandpassedtoelectTomNovakasthenewVice-President.JerryKuhnwasthankedforhismanyyearsofdedicatedservice!Themeeting was adjourned with aprayer. SantaClaus arrived bringingtwo bags of goodies for all in atten-dance to share, easily leaving in hissleighinthe3inchesofsnowthathadfallen.Everyoneenjoyedsharingtimetogether,playinggamesofBingoandofcourseSanta’streats.

ATTENTION! UWAGA!MERGER MEMBERS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR:

Archived issues of Glos Polek or the Fraternal Journal? Photos from a past event? Polish Holiday Recipes? Polish Traditions?

You can now find them on the FCSLA website!Go To: FCSLA.ORG/ Z District or FCSLA.ORG/ U District

FEBRUARY2019 11

Sr.Branch30andJr.Branch29(Youngstown,OH)heldtheirChristmasPartyinconjunctionwiththeMariaE.GregaOkresChristmasPartyonNovember18,2018.

Youngstown Branches 29 and 30 Holds Christmas Gathering

Lori, Jeffrey, and Vincent Pezzuto from Sr. Branch 30 and Jr. Branch 29.

Kristen Italiano, Kristen Osiniak, and Ryan Patrick of Sr. Branch 30.

Andrea and Randy Osiniak of Sr. Branch 30.

James and Jimmy Zouck of Sr. Branch 30 and Jr. Branch 29.

Tracey, Lauren, and Taylor DeProfio of Sr. Branch 30.

Louise, Bill, Anna, and Jessica Joerndt of Sr. Branch 30.

Helen and Tony Krispinsky of Sr. Branch 30.

Sr. Branch 262 Holds a Velija SupperSr.Branch262ofE.Vandergrift,PA,

heldaVelijaSupperonDecember9,2018.Over100membersandguestsenjoyed a traditionalmeatlessmeal,music,andavisitfromSaintNicholas(performedbyNationalDirectorLarryGolofski).

Ervin(W130)andIreneHanuscele-bratedtheir65thweddinganniversaryonJanuary5,2019.Theyweremarriedat SacredHeart CatholicChurch inWaterloo, IA.Their family hasgrowntoinclude5children,18grandchildrenand4great-grandchildren.TheyretiredtoSunriseAssistedLivinginTraer,IA.GodBless themon this very specialoccasion.

Celebrates 65th Wedding Anniversary

FCSLA 2019-20 ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM More than $268,500 in Scholarship Awards!

TheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation(FCSLA) ispleasedtoannounceits2019-20 Scholarship Program, which is in fulfillment of one of the objectives of the organization. An eligible candidate for anFCSLAFraternalScholarshipAwardshallbeamemberofgoodstandingforatleastthree yearspriortodateofapplicationandholda $1,000 permanent life insurance certificate, a $5,000 term certificate or an annuity certificate. If applying for aSeminaryorDeaconScholarship,itisnecessarytocompletealldocuments.

Winnerswillbechosenbyacommitteeofimpartialjudgesfromtheeducationalfield,basedonthefollowing:AcademicStanding–40%;Church/CommunityServiceValue–30%;andSchoolInvolvement/Essay–30%.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS - $1,250 EACH59Freshmen●28Sophomores●17Juniors●17Seniors

GRADUATE AWARDS - $1,750 EACH19Full-TimeGraduateAwards

36 HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS - $1,000 EACH9Freshmen●9Sophomores●9Juniors●9Seniors

32 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AWARDS - $750 EACH8forGrade5●8forGrade6●8forGrade7●8forGrade8

32 EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AWARDS - $750 EACH8forGrade1●8forGrade2●8forGrade3●8forGrade4

Applicationsandsupportingdocumentsmustbecompletedandsubmitted to theHomeOfficeandreceivedno later than4:30p.m.ESTonTuesday,February26,2019.Applicationsreceivedafterthatdateandtimewillnotbeconsidered.Electroniccopies(preferablyPDFfile)andfaxedcopiesofapplicationandsupportingmaterialswillbeaccepted.

Applicationsandfurtherdetailsforthisprogrammaybeobtainedby:• Visitourwebsiteatwww.fcsla.org• E-mailusatScholarship@FCSLA.org• CalltheNationalHeadquartersat800-464-4642, ext. 1054• Faxtheformat216-464-9260• Completetheformonthispageandmailitto:

FIRST CATHOLIC SLOVAK LADIES ASSOCIATIONScholarship Department ● 24950 Chagrin Blvd ● Beachwood, OH 44122-5634

2019-2020 FCSLA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUESTPleasesendascholarshipapplicationformby:____USPostalMail____Email

(PLEASEPRINT)BranchNo._______________

Name___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________________________________

City ______________________________________________________________State___________Zip____________

Phone ____________________________________________ E-mail_________________________________________

Applicationrequestedforthefollowingaward:

College Graduate HighSchool Religious Grades1-4 Grades5-8

12 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

FEBRUARY2019 13

Family Game Night(s)with FCSLA Cleveland District!

2 FOR 1 – BUY CAVS TICKET – GET FREE MONSTERS TICKET!Cavs Game – Larry Nance, Sr. Bobblehead Giveaway

Friday, March 22, 2019 @ 7:30 p.m. Game Time- vs - Los Angeles Clippers

Ticket Cost - $20.00 (Sections 228 / 229)Upgrade for additional $25.00 (Sections 100 / 101 / 116 / 117)

Monsters Games – 1-2-3 nights ($1 Soda, $2 Hot Dog, $3 Beer)Friday, March 29, 2019 @ 7:00 p.m. Game Time

- vs - Lehigh Valley PhantomsFriday, April 12, 2019 @ 7:00 p.m. Game Time

- vs - Charlotte CheckersLocation: Quickens Loan Arena

One Center Court, Cleveland OH 44115

~ SPONSORED BY FCSLA BRANCHES ~S001, S141, S408, S423, S490, S522, S524 & J001, J014, J385, J440, J381, J453, J457, J386

CONTACT INFO: Gianna Picciano – Phone: 216- 468-1021 • Fax: 216-468-8003 • Email: gianna@fcsla.orgFCSLA Guest: Choose preferred CAVS section and your Monster game date.

GuestswhowishtoattendwillbeextendedourSpecialGroupRateof:$20.00forSections228/229or$45.00forSections100/101/116/117

PAYMENT MUST BE INCLUDEDFLASH SEAT Tickets will be EMAILED to you prior to the game

with a follow-up phone call to confirm receipt of tickets.Please complete the form below & return in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

R S V P REQUIRED – PLEASE RESPOND BY FEBRUARY 10, 2019

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

Phone #: ________________________________________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________________________________________PLEASEPRINTCLEARLY(FLASHSEATTICKETS-WILLBESENTTOTHEABOVEEMAIL)

Tickets for: Sections 228 / 229 _______ x $20 / person = __________ amount

Tickets for: Sections 100’s _______ x $45 / person = __________ amount

FREE MONSTER’S GAME — CHOOSE 1 Date Only: March 29, 2019 April 12, 2019

____________Total Enclosed

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: FCSLA Sr. Branch 522

MAGAZINEORDERS

14 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

MID-ATLANTICEMMY WINNER

Hilary (Wavrek)To-tin,amemberofBranchS088 (Monessen, PA),has recently receivedaMid-Atlantic Emmy for“Best Morning News-cast-LargerMarket” forhersubmittednewscastof severeweather cov-erage earlier this year.HilaryisaleadmorningnewsproduceratWTAE.A native ofMonessen,PA,Hilaryisthedaugh-terofRonandRobertaWavrek of Monessen,PAandoldersisterofMonicaBurgmanofFlorida.Hilarygraduated fromMonessenHighSchool in 2010 as co-Valedictorian,andcontinuedhereducationatPointParkUniversity,whereshegraduatedin2014withadualmajorinBroadcastProductionandSport,ArtandEntertainmentManagement.HilaryrecentlymarriedDerekTotininNovem-ber,andresidesinPittsburgh,PA.

St. Isidore District 11 Holds Annual Christmas Party

St. Isidore District11 (Nebraska) held theirannual Christmas party onMonday, December2, 2018 at the Prague,NE parish hall. Twelvebranches were repre-sented even though theweather waswintry.Af-ter a lovelymeal (pork,sauerkraut, dumplings,corn,ryebuns,coffeeandtea) which was toppedoff with crème demintsundaes, an annual report was given by PresidentCeciliaHall.Officerswereintroduced.WeweredoublyblessedbythepresenceofourChaplainFr.BernardKimminauandparishpriestFr.Benja-minRynearson.SecretaryClariceSabatathenhadthegroupplayLeft-RightandBingo.Theeveningconcludedwiththeawardingofdoorprizes–poinsettiasandwine.

Jr. Branch 192Sends Slovak Greetings

NancyClausen,AuditorofJ192 inYoungstown,Ohio,preparestosignreligiousChristmascardssenttotheBranch’s145memberslivingin19states.NancywhoisChairmanofJ192JuniorActivitypurchasedaspecial stamp that says “VeseleVianoce” and it isstampedineachcardtoremindyoungmembersoftheirSlovakheritage.Includedineachcardisa$5.00bill.Thankyouemailsandnotesindicatesomemem-bersasktheirparents“Whatarethestrangewordsinthiscard?”Itisaneasywaytobeginthedialogueofone’sancestryandSlovaktraditions.

Branch W137 Holds Family Christmas Party

BranchW137 (CedarRapids,IA) held their family ChristmasParty atHappy Joe’s onSunday,December 2, 2018.Members en-joyedpizza,dessertsandgames,especially bingo. Everyonewenthomewithasmallgiftbucket.

FEBRUARY2019 15

Dorothy M. Slemons, S156DorothyM.Slemons,age84,passedaway

peacefully onAugust 15, 2018 at HeritageManorinYoungstown,OH.DorothywasbornJuly13,1934inHubbardadaughterofAloy-siusA.andChristinaI.LesnakMadeline.Shewasa1952graduateofHubbardHighSchoolandworkedasanAccountsPayableClerkforGeneralFireproofing.Dorothywasa lifelongmemberofSt.PatrickRomanCatholicChurch

andworkedthechurchfestivalformanyyears,Shededicatedherlifetoherfamily,andlovedspendingtimewithhergrandchildren,enjoyedcookingandwasdevotedtoherchurchandsaidtherosaryeveryday.Dorothywillbesadlymissedbyherfamily;herhusbandLeonardJ.“Ben”whomshemarriedDecember11,1954,andherchildrenCherylWilliamsofGirard,L.Greg (Paula)SlemonsofCanfield,Dr.HowardG.(Audrey)SlemonsofWestMiddlesex,andhersevengrandchildrenandherfourgreat-grandchildren.ShealsoleaveshersisterDonnaJ.HarderofAkron,andherbrotherRobertA.(Carole)MadelineofHubbardandseveralniecesandnephews.

Kathryn Loretta Oxberry, S281KathrynLoretta(Michlovic-Wolski)Oxberry,age97,ofMass-

apequaPark,NYpassedawayonApril26,2018.ShewasburiedinSt.Michael’scemeteryinStratford,CT.Kathryn,thefirstofsixchildren,wasborntoElizabethandVictorWolski,ofBridgeport,CT.ShewasamemberofSaintCyrilandMethodiusParishandthischurchwasoriginallyBridgeport,CT’sSlovaknationalparish.ShewedWilliamCharlesOxberryinMayof1945.Hediedin1952andKathrynraisedherthreechildrenonLongIslandwhereWilliamwasemployedatGrummanAircraftCorporation.Knowingthatherfamilysavedheratthetimeofherhusband’sdeath,sheandtheentirefamilydedicatedthemselvestotheirtraditionsoftheSlovakfaith.SheworkedatHofstraUniversityinHempstead,NYasthedepartmental secretary of theBiologyDepartment for over 30years.Sheissurvivedbyhersisters,ElizabethRabatinofReno,NV,TeresaKubaofMilford,CT,MaryJoanMarusofStratford,CTandherbrother,BernardWolskiofWaterford,CT.Sheissurvivedbyhertwochildren,son,Dr.BrettOxberryandhiswifeKathleenofPlymouthMeeting,PA,(deceasedson,WilliamCOxberryofRockvilleCentre,NY)andhiswifeDebraOxberryandherdaughter,CindyC.OxberryofNewYork,NY.Herfivegrandchildrensurviveheraswell; theyall lovedherdearlyandsawheroften.Sheisalsosurvivedbyherfourgreatgrandchildren–theyallbroughtasmiletoherface.

Gerald “Jerry” Hamerlik, W500GeraldF. “Jerry”Hamerlik, 88, ofGrand

Forks,NDpassedawayonApril11,2018.JerrywasbornonSeptember1,1929, inBrecken-ridge,MNtoFrankandMary(Kadlec)Hamerlikof Brushvale,MN.He attendedNDSU (thenNDAC)andearnedaB.S.degreeinEducation.Afterservinghonorably in theU.S.AirForce,hetaughtandcoachedinCrosby,NDforfive

years.HeattendedtheUniversityofNorthDakotainsummersandcompletedhisDoctoratein1963.OnAugust12,1957,hemarriedafellowCrosbyteacher,AgnesBerg,inWilliston,ND.Jerrywas

activeinhiscommunity,includingCrosbyJaycees,SiouxBoosters,GrandForksUnitedWay,GrandForksSchoolBoard(1969-1978),GrandForksCityCouncil(1994-2012),AltruHospitalBoard(1976-1992)andtheUnionLakeImprovementDistrict,amongothers.HewasappointedtwicebyGov.ArtLinktotheNorthDakotaTeachersProfessionalPracticesCommission.HewasamemberofSt.Mi-chael’sCatholicChurchforover55years,andwasactiveinmanychurchorganizations,includingtheMen’sClubandSt.Mike’sParkBoardCommittee.HewasacontinuousmemberoftheKnightsofColumbusfrom1947untilhispassing.Survivorsincludehiswifeofover60years,Agnes,childrenKari(Paul)Kolstoe,Mike(Beth)Hamerlik,andMaria (Scott)Hennen;sevengrandchildren; fourgreat-grandchildrenandmanyniecesandnephews.

Rita Ann Irene Peterson, S196RitaAnnIrene(Monick)Petersonpassed

away at age 75 on July 20, 2018. ShewasborninPhiladelphia,PA,onJanuary28,1943,toPeterandMary(Ponisciak)Monick,movedtoFallsChurch,VA,forgradeschool,andthentoWestPalmBeach,FL.RitawentontoearnherAssociatesdegreefromPalmBeachJuniorCollegeandthenattendedGeorgeWashingtonUniversity inWashington,D.C.She leftGW

towork forNASA from1963-1968 during theGemini programand enjoyed being a part of space exploration.While living inWashington,RitametDennis “Pete”Petersonbowlingwith thelocalCatholicYouthOrganization.Theyweremarried onMay11,1968.AfterhoneymooninginthePoconos,theystartedtheirlifetogetherinErie,PAwheresheworkedatHamotHospitalandwasalsothebookkeeperforPete’sconstructionbusiness.In1985theymovedtoPalmBeachGardenstobenearRita’sparentsandsister.ShecontinuedtobethebookkeeperforPetersonConstruc-tionandalsoworkedinthefrontofficeofWilliamT.DwyerHighSchool.Ritavolunteeredatherchildren’sschoolsandherchurchandlovedspendingtimewithhergrandchildrenandgreat-niecesandnephews.She issurvivedbyPete,herdedicatedhusbandof50years;herchildrenEric(DeonJohansen)ofWellingtonandKathleen(Paul)DeanofAlexandria,VA;fourgrandchildren;hersisterMartina (JonSchmid);niecesandnephews;great-niecesandnephews;andalargeandlovingextendedfamily.

Sister Mary Enid Lodding, BVM, S181SisterMaryEnidLodding,BVM,91,diedon

Friday,July27,2018inDubuque,Iowa.SisterEnidwasanelementaryteacheratSt.AgathainChicagoandapastoralassociateatOurLadyoftheWaysideinArlingtonHeights.ShetaughtinAddison,RockIslandandEastMoline,Ill.;Mus-catine,Davenport,and IowaCity, Iowa;Chat-tanooga,Tenn.;Seattle,Wash.;andPortland,Ore.ShewasapastoralministerinIowaCity.

SisterEnidwasborninChicagoonMarch14,1927,toEdwardandLillianLenickLodding.SheenteredtheBVMcongregationSept.8,1944,fromSt.JosephParish,Chicago.SheissurvivedbytheSistersofCharity,BVM,withwhomshesharedlifefor73years.

(Continued on Page 16)

16 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Joseph Steven Firment, S161JosephStevenFirment,57,departedthis

lifeJuly9,2018.HewasbornMarch29,1961,inYoungstown, to Francis andHelen (Susa)Firment.JosephworkedforIndalexAluminumfor24yearsandsevenyearsatSpectrumMetalfinishing.Hewasaveryhardworkingandlov-inghusbandandfather.JoewasoftheCatholicfaith. Josephwas an avid outdoorsman.Helovedhis dog,Hunter, birdwatching, huntingandfishing.Heleavestocherishhismemory,his

wife,Kimberly(Catauro)Firment;hisparents,FrancisandHelenFirment;sonJosephMichaelFirment;daughterCourtneyFirment;brothersJohn(Janet)FirmentandJimFirmentofFlorida;asister,Theresa(Ted)BallalsoofFlorida;andonegrandchild.

Ronald A. “Ron” Sestak, W93, Court of AppealsRonaldSestak,age69ofTabor,SDpassed

awayunexpectedly,November 7, 2018doingwhathelovedmost,farming.HewasbornApril27,1949toRobertandLillian(Petrik)SestakinYankton,SD.RongrewupjustsouthofTaboron the family farm.HeattendedTaborPublicHighSchool.AfterHighSchool,RonattendedUniversityofSouthDakota–Springfieldwherehereceivedhisassociate’sdegree.Aftercollegehetookoverthefamilyfarm.Ronmarriedthe

loveofhislifeforthepast47years,JoyceLoeckeronMay8,1971atSt.BonifaceChurchinMenominee,NE.TheymadetheirhomesouthofTaboronthefamilyfarm.Duringhislife,Ronhadvariousjobswhileinschool.HeworkedattheTaborCoop,B-YElectric,andlocalareafarmsuntilhetookoverthefamilyfarmin1969.Helovedworkingthelandandraisingthevariousanimals.However,when you couldn’t findRonon the farmmachinery, youwouldfindhimonthebleachersorsidelinescheeringonandsupportinghischildrenandgrandchildrenintheirevents.Helovedfarming,buthischildrenandgrandchildrenwerethelightofhislife.Theyalwaysbroughtasmiletohisface.Helikedtohunt,developedatalentincookingandlikedtryingnewrecipes.Ronwasaproudmemberof theFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationW093/CatholicWorkman,Farmer’sUnion,Foresters,CzechHeritage,TaborCoopandSt.WenceslausParish.Ronaldissurvivedbyhiswife,JoyceofTabor,SD;son,Daniel(Lisa)SestakofTyndall,SD;daughter,Bonnie(Joe)VavruskaofTabor,SD;son,Joe(Tracie)SestakofTabor,SD;son,Mike(Claire)SestakofTabor,SD;12+grandchildren; FosterGrandpa toWillowandWilliam; brother,Robert(Louanne)Sestak;sister-in-law,MarilynSestakandmanyniecesandnephews.

Elaine Jean Loeffelbein S408ElaineLoeffelbeinofWilliamsburg,MIand

JensenBeach,FLpassedawayAugust8,2018inMichiganinthelovingcareofherfamilyaftera3-yearcourageousfightwithcancer.ElainewasbornAugust25,1943inEastDetroit,MItothelateJuliaandArthurGavin.OnSeptember12,1964Elainemarriedtheloveofherlife,thelateRogerCharlesLoeffelbeinatSt.VeronicaCatholicChurchinEastDetroit.Togetherthey

livedinMichigan,Connecticut,Tennessee,Wisconsin,Mississippi,andMarylandbeforeRoger’sretirementfromtheSaraLeeCorp.TheyfaithfullyattendedCatholicChurchwherevertheylived.Elainewasadevotedmotherandlovingwife.HerearlycareerwasmainlyinpediatricsnursinginbothDetroitandTraverseCity.Throughoutherlife,shedevotedtimetofundraisingandvolunteering,especiallywithcharitiesbenefitingunderprivilegedinfantsandchildren.RogerandElainewerepassionatesupportersoforganizationsworkingwith special needs citizens suchasGTI (previous employer oftheirretiredsonMark).Shealsolovedtoplaybridge,travel,readandplayboardgamesespeciallywithhergrandchildren.Elaineissurvivedbyherlovingchildren;MarkLoeffelbeinandDiane(Matt)Millerandhertwobelovedgrandchildren;brother,Art(MaryEllen)Gavin;sister,Carol(Stan)LaDuke;andsister-in-lawValerie(Roger)Matthews;alongwithseveralbelovedniecesandnephews.

Marilyn A. Hudspeth, W01MarilynA. Hudspeth, age 71, of New

Prague,diedpeacefullyinthepresenceofherlovingfamilyonAugust19,2018.MarilynwasbornonOctober23,1946inAlgona,IA,toLeRoyandAlma(Grandgenett)Stoffel.Shegradu-atedfromBishopGarriganHighSchoolandfol-lowingbusinessschool,workedatMayoClinicinRochester.ShemarriedThomasA.HudspethonJune14,1969atSt.Cecelia’sCatholicChurchinAlgonaandthecoupleeventuallysettledinNew

Prague.MarilynwasanactivememberinSt.WenceslausChurch,coordinatingthealtarserverprogram,servingasanEucharisticminister,providingsupportduringCapitalCampaigns,andactivein thediscipleshipprogram,Befrienders,andHopeHouse.HervolunteerismspreadintothecommunityaswellwithherdedicationtoHabitat forHumanityandcommitmenttoUnbound.Shetookprideinbeingahomemaker,creatingahomefilledwithtraditionsthatwaswarmandlovingandcontinueduntilshetookherfinalbreath.Shewasawomanofdeepfaith,inspiringotherstocomebacktochurchandfindingtheirfaith.Thegreatestjoyinherlife,however,washergrandchildren,Marilynissurvivedbyherchildren,Jim(Anh)HudspethofShakopee,Ann(Jamie)JerdeeofNorthfield,Katie(Dave)BohnofShakopee,Mary(Chris)DarlingofEagan,JohnHudspeth(JessicaFeeney)ofFairmont;brother,Bob(Sue)StoffelofAlgona, IA;sisters,Shirley (Tom)TuggleofMonterey,CA,Barb(Ron)PlatheofRochester,MN,Jan(Denny)ThompsonofAlgona,IA;11grandchildren.

Gabriela Szablowski, Z579GabrielaSzablowskipassedawaypeace-

fully onAugust 29, 2018, surrounded by herchildrenatParsonsHouseinOmahaattheageof90years.BorninPoland,sheimmigratedtotheUnitedStateswith her belovedhusband,Henryk.Thetwowereblessedwithtwochildren.GabrielawasdevotedtoherfamilyaswellasherCatholic faith.Gabriela issurvivedbyher

childrenRichard(Maria)andRita(Jack)Hoffman;asisterKristinaCzerwinski;threegrandchildren;twogreat-grandchildren;nieces,nephews,andmanyfriends.

FEBRUARY2019 17

Jr. Branch 362Designer Bag Bingo

FCSLABranch J362 sponsored aDesignerBagBingoforthebenefitofCatholicDaughters of theAmericas,CourtSt.Mark#1097.TheBingowasheldindoorsonSaturday,September15, 2018 from7-10p.m. atSt.MarkParishHall,1024RadcliffeSt.,Bristol,PA.Branch1362sponsoredthekitchenandticketsales.LocalmembersoftheMagdalenI.IskraDistrictandBranch172staffedtheseareas.ThiswasthesecondyearthatCDACourtSt.Mark#1097 held a Designer Bag Bingo.Lastyearwegeneratedaprofitofap-proximately$3,900with120attendees.Thisyear,wehadapproximately190peopleattendandmadeaprofitofap-proximately$6,150.Ticketswere$25inadvance,or$30atthedoor.Therewere40 raffleprizes,a50/50,andaSecondChanceBagraffle.

FCSLAsignswerehunguparoundtheparishhall,andFCSLAwaslistedasasponsorintheprogram.

The Catholic Daughters of theAmericaswere founded in1903,andisoneof the largestorganizationsofCatholicWomenintheAmericas.Thisyeartheycelebratedtheir90thanniver-saryatSt.MarkChurchinBristol,PA.Therearecurrently25members.OneofthemembersisSarahMastrull,fromFCSLABranch172andisthenieceofMagdalenandMarthaIskraofBranch172inWilkes-Barre,PA.

Jr. Branch 534Golf Tournament Proceeds

Proceeds from a golf tournamentandaminiaturegolfcontestresultedina$1,200checkdonationtotheSchoolScholarshipFundatSt.Gregory theGreatChurchinWilliamsville,NY.Thecheck represents$600 raisedby theSr.Branch630andJr.Branch534ofBuffalo,NYandamatchingcontributionfromtheFCSLAnationalheadquarters.

L-R: FCSLA Regional Sales Manager John Gonsiorek; Parochial Vicar at St. Grerogy the Great Church Rev. Paul Cygan; and Pastoral Associate Sister Shawn Czyzycki representing Pastor Leon Biernat.

Sr. Branch 88Poultry Bingo

OnNovember18,2018Sr.Branch88participatedinamatchingfundsac-tivitywiththeConfraternityofChristianMothersandLadiesofSevenDolorsChurch inYukon,PA.Approximately75peopleattendedthePoultryBingoheldinthechurchhall.Anassortment

Sr. Branch 630Golf Tournament Proceeds

BuffaloBranchS630recentlyspon-soreda golf tournament atChestnutHillCountryClubtobenefittheSchoolScholarshipFundatSt.Gregory theGreatParishinWilliamsville,NY.

L-R: Branch President Lynn Zakowicz, FCSLA Regional Sales Manager and golf tournament Chairman John Gonsiorek, and golfer Mary Jane Schichtel.

L-R: FCSLA Branch President Lynn Zakowicz, St. Amelia’s Parish Paro-chial Vicar Rev. Peter Santandreau, St. Gregory the Great Parochial Vicar Rev. Paul Cygan, and FCSLA Regional Sales Manager and golf tournament Chairman John Gonsiorek.

MATCHING FUNDS ACTIVITIES

  

  

  

18 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

L-R: Joann Krance-Treasurer, Rose Go-vi-Secretary, Toni Cosalter-President of Seven Dolors Church; Cindy Pawelec-SR 88 Auditor, Flora Funtal-SR 88 Recording Secretary.

L-R: Mary Kelly-Chairperson, Bernadine Brewer-Co-Chairperson of Seven Dolors Church; Cindy Pawelec-SR 88 Auditor, Flora Funtal-SR 88 Recording Secretary, Rachael Funtal-branch member.

Jr. Branch 207Toy Bingo

AfabuloustoybingowasheldwithJ207, Shamokin, PA as one of thesponsors, to benefit St.AndreBes-setteParishinWilkes-Barre,PA.Onceagainthispopulareventwassoldout

Pictured in the front row are (L-R): Gavin Kravulski and Sophia Bellanca. Back row (L-R): Rev. Kenneth Seegar, pas-tor of St. Andre Bessette Church; Anna Hajala, branch auditor; Rita Kcenich, branch president; Florence McCabe, branch secretary; and Patricia Baran, coordinator.

Gavin Kravulski, is enjoying a break from bingo and is having a great time playing with the spinner gift from FCSLA. Four special games were offered with a value of $500 each. The church community came together with donations and many hours of volunteer labor including members of J207, to have this successful event.

of hot foods and delicious dessertswereavailable.All inattendancehadagreattimeplayingBingoforturkeysandchickens.

Jr. Branch 14Christmas Gift-GivingProgram

Jr. Branch 14, Cleveland, OH,togetherwithSt. Leo theGreatPar-

L-R: Jr. Branch 14 members – Brady and Jackson Mullen, Evan, Sammy, Andrew, Emily and Louisa Sabol. The Sabols are grandchildren of Jeanne Sabol, Sr. Branch 141, program coordinator.

Volunteers Amanda and Allison Pa-canovsky help sort and pack gifts.

ish had a very successfulMatchingFundsactivityduringDecember2018.Morethan500giftsand$2,400weredonated by parishioners and other lodgememberstothe“AdoptaChildforChristmas”gift-givingprogram forneedychildrenintheClevelandarea.Juniorbranchmemberswould like tothanktheFCSLAforthe$600matchingfundscontribution.

asparticipantsenjoyedvyingforsuperprizeswhilehavinganarrayofethnicfoodstochoosefromfor theirdiningpleasure!Inadditiondoorprizesandbasketrafflewereavailabletobesureeveryoneleftthebingoasawinner!

Sr. Branch 81Pancake Breakast& Christmas Candy Sale

TheChristmasSeasonhasbegunatSt.JohnSchoolinWhiting,INwithstudentsandparishionerstakingordersfortheFannieMayCandySale.FCSLAmembers/officers fromBranches 58and 81with a few other volunteers,checkedordersandsubmittedthemtoFannieMayforprocessinganddelivery.OnDecember 2nd, FCSLA officershosteda chocolateboothwith selectitemsattheAnnualPancakeBreakfastwithSanta.Customerswere able topickuplastminutegiftsforthatspecialsomeone.Excitementwas in the airandshowedonthefacesofallthoseattending.To add to the fun, FCSLAsoldoutofcandy!AllprofitsbenefittheneedsofSt.JohntheBaptistSchool.Theproceedsfromtheordersandpan-cakebreakfastsalewereapproximately$2,400. Since this was amatchingfundsevent,anadditional$600 fromthe home officewill be given to theschool.God bless our childrenwhobenefitfromCatholiceducationandforallthosewhosupportourendeavors.

  

MATCHING FUNDS ACTIVITIES

  

  

FEBRUARY2019 19

Sr. Branch 81 (Continued)Pancake Breakast & Christmas Candy Sale

Guests from the Nazareth Home with President Margaret Abildua viewing the collection of diapers generated by the matching funds project.

Sr. Branch 81Pre-Holiday Party and Raffles

FCSLASr.Branch81(Whiting,IN)hostedtheirannualPre-HolidayLuncheononNovember4thatbeautifulAndorraBanquetsandcombineditwithaMatchingFundsProject.Donations totaling nearly $1,000were generatedwith aShare thePotRaffle, aBasket Raffle, DiaperDonations and a FreeWillDonation Jar, all ofwhichwaspresentedtothe Nazareth Home inEastChicago,IN,whenatouroftheHomewastakenby the officers ofBranch81onDecember11th.Theluncheonwashighlighted when twoyoung children arrivedfromtheNazarethHomealongwithtwostaffmem-bers and one volunteerto personally expresstheir gratitude for oursupport.NazarethHomewasfoundedin1993bythePoorHandmaidsofJesusChristasacaringresponsetoalargepopulationofabandonedbabieswithHIV/AIDS.NazarethHomenowcaresforchildrenbornatadisadvantagesuchasparentalneglect,abuse,fetalalcoholabuse,exposure

President Margaret Abildua greets a young guest and staff from the Nazareth Home.

todrugsinthewombandotherseveremedicalanddevel-opmentaldisabilities.Thesebabiesarecaredforuntiltheycangohomewithalovingforeverfamily.

Group of diners viewing the collection of diapers collected at the luncheon for the Nazareth Home.

L-R: Lorraine Strbjak, Maryann Strbjak, Becky Coleman, Doro-thy Hoover, and Pat Summers.

MATCHING FUNDS ACTIVITIES

  

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS FOR PUBLICATION TO:CarolynM.Bazik,NationalEditor@POBox1617,Reading,PA19603orbyemailtozjbazik@comcast.net.

20 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

St. Mary’s PCCWCo-Sponsored Bake Sale

OnSunday,December9,2018,S621andSt.Mary’sPCCWco-sponsoredabakesaleatthegradeschool.Therewerethreetablesfullofavarietyofbakedgoods.FourgirlsfromAquinasHighSchool planning to attend theSEEKConferenceinIndianainJanuaryhelpedwiththesale.SEEK2019isa5dayleadershipconferencehostedbyFOCUS(Fellowship ofCatholicUniversity Students) that bringsto-getherthousandsofyoungadultsandover40inspiringCatholic speakersandentertainersaswegath-er toaskthebigquestionsaboutlife,loveandhowtodiscovertruehappiness.Allofthematchingfundsandsomeofthebakesaleproceedswillhelptooffsettheirexpenses.

Anna Hurban Scholarship FundFirst Catholic Slovak Ladies Association

24950 Chagrin BoulevardBeachood, OH 44122

800-464-4642 • www.fcsla.org

Get Involved. Make a Donation.

Youcanmakeadifferenceinhelpingtomakeeducationaffordableforadeservingstudent.YourgenerousgifttotheAnnaHurbanScholarshipFundgivesouryoungmemberstheopportunitytobuildanevenstrongerfoundationastheybegintheirlifejourneyandaffirmsthematacrucialtimeintheirlives. Sincerely, Cynthia M. Maleski NationalPresidentandCEO

First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association of the United States of America is a Fraternal Benefit Society organized under 501(c)(8) of the Internal Rev-enue Code. Your contributiions to our scholarship fund are tax deductible.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your Contribution Information

DonorName_______________________________

Address __________________________________

__________________________________________

EmailAddress______________________________

Amount_____________

InHonorof________________________________

InMemoryof_______________________________Alldonations,largeandsmall,matterandaregreatlyappreciated.AlldonorsandgiftswillbeproudlyacknowledgedinFraternally Yours magazineunlessyourequestthatyournamebewithheld.

Method of payment:Pleasewriteyourcheckormoneyorder payabletoFCSLAAnnaHurbanScholarshipFund.

Send your donations to:NationalPresident,FCSLA, 24950ChagrinBoulevard,Beachwood,OH44122.

MATCHING FUNDS ACTIVITIES

FEBRUARY2019 21

Jr. Branch 157 Hosts Halloween Bowling Party

Jr.Branch157ofMonessen,PAhostedaHallow-eenBowlingPartyonOctober21atBrunswickLanes,BelleVernon,PA.ThechildrenweregreetedbyRuthTodd,chairpersonoftheevent,anddirectedthemtothelanestobeginbowling.

Ruth’sdaughter,Jamie,helpedthechildrenwiththeline-upastheywaitedfortheirturntobowl.Whentheirgameswerecompleted,theyproceededtothePartyRoomwhichwasdecoratedwithghosts,gob-linsandvariousorangeandblackdecorations.Theyenjoyedalunchconsistingofchickenfingers,Frenchfries,pizzaandabeveragefollowedbyaHalloweencupcake.ACandyBarwithavarietyoftreatsenabledthe children to choose their favorite sweets.Uponleaving,thechildrenreceivedatreatbag.

EnjoyingtheafternoonwiththechildrenandguestswerePresidentDorothyUrbanowiczandfellowofficersRosemaryBetza,FloraFuntal,RuthToddandCindyPawelec.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS HONORED

WinnersofFCSLAscholarshipswerehonoredbytheirBranchesS161andJ192atadinner,inAugust,atAvionontheWaterCateringCenter,Canfield,OH.

PresidentoftheBranches,MelanieLeonard,calledeachwinnerforwardwherehe/shespokebriefly.J192member,ReggiDemechko, isattendingHobanHighSchool inAk-ronandstatedsheplaysbaseballforthehighschoolandalsoisinatravelingleague.PatrickBrooke,J192,saidhewasveryexcitedaboutbeinginthirdgradeatHolyFamilySchool,Kent,OH.

MembersofS161includedSaraBahmer,whorepre-sentedherbrotherJack,S161,whowasalreadyinTexasstudyingOceanographicEngineeringatTexasA&MUni-versity.DonnaBard,spokefordaughter,Katelyn,whowasoutwestvolunteeringasanEMTatYosemiteNationalParkduringsemesterbreak.

Shewill resumeGraduate classes at theMedicalSchool,OhioUniversity,intheFall.EmilyLyons,GraduatestudentatGannonUniversity,wasunabletoattend.

MelaniepresentedeachwinnerwithaFCSLAcookbookandmonetarygiftfromtheirBranch.

Branchmembers who had applied for the FCSLAScholarship,butwerenotwinners,weremailedanotewithamonetarygiftwishingthemsuccessintheirstudiesandsuggestingtheyapplyforthescholarshipagainnextyear.

L -R: President of S161 and J192, Melanie Leonard, Reggi Demechko, Sara Bahmer, Patrick Brooke, and Donna Bard.

Sr. Branch 161 Installs Corresponding SecretaryRosanne Pritchard,

newly insta l led Cor-r e s p ond i n g Se c r e -tary of Branch S161,Youngstown, OH, withPresident,MelanieLeon-ard , when Rosannewas introduced at theYoungstown Dis t r i c tChristmas Party in No-vember.Melaniereplac-esMillieKustwhoretiredafterservingasSecretaryfortwentyyears.

22 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2018ASSETS Cash&ShortTermInvestments $ 17,280,816 Bonds 936,995,367 PreferredStock 2,212,846 CommonStock 7,150,165 InvestmentIncomeDue&Accrued 13,260,590 PropertyPlant&Equipment,Net 5,155,344 CertificateLoans&AccruedInterest 2,748,493 OtherAssets 2,900,300 TOTALASSETS $ 987,703,922LIABILITIES LifeReserves $ 298,249,687 AnnuityReserves 561,271,329 DeathClaimsPayable 3,372,056 UnearnedPremiums 459,563 MaturedEndowments 319,012 ProvisionforDividendsPayable 1,400,000 AccumulatedDividends&Interest 4,670,493 AccruedConventionDonations 735,000 ProvisionforFutureConventions 445,037 AssetValuationReserve 8,538,578 InterestMaintenanceReserve 1,201,032 OtherLiabilities 1,657,580 TOTALLIABILITIES $ 882,319,367 Surplus $ 105,384,555 TOTALLIABILITIESANDSURPLUS $ 987,703,922

INCOME STATEMENT For the Nine Months Ending September 30, 2018

REVENUE InsurancePremiums $ 2,890,635 AnnuityPremiums 28,045,958 InvestmentIncome 34,576,917 AmortizationofInterestMaintenanceReserve 173,259 RentalIncome 275,213 OtherRevenue 453,166 TOTALREVENUE $ 66,415,149EXPENSE IncreaseinReserves—Life $ 611,687 IncreaseinReserves—Annuity 21,477,807 InsuranceBenefits 6,052,979 AnnuityBenefits 22,909,563 CommissionExpense 874,730 SurrenderBenefits 3,239,403 PostMortemBenefits 1,153,962 MiscellaneousMemberBenefits 87,211 MaturedEndowments 13,621 DonationExpenses 83,736 ChangeinAccruedConventionDonations 189,000 ConventionExpenses 150,003 BankServiceCharges 73,425 DataProcessingServiceFees 177,747 AccountingFees 144,978 ActuarialFees 211,885 LegalFees 32,874 ConsultingFees 99,670 BranchandDistrictFunding 609,327 FraternalActivities 83,067 OfficialPublications 359,910 ScholarshipAwards 219,497 MiscellaneousEmployeeBenefits 374,581 Fees—Directors 121,727 Salaries—Employees 1,500,905 Salaries—Officers 386,405 InterestExpense 304,916 TaxExpense 154,686 DepreciationExpense 165,772 UtilityExpense 78,388 PostageandPrinting 178,711 Advertising 74,098 TravelExpense 75,420 InsuranceDepartmentFees 86,183 SalesPromotion 155,617 RentalExpense 283,788 OtherExpense 513,609 TOTALEXPENSE $ 63,310,886

Income (Loss) from Operations $ 3,104,263 DividendstoMembers 1,025,668 Subtotal Income (Loss) $ 2,078,595 CapitalGains(Loss) 1,333 NET INCOME (Loss) $ 2,079,928

Saints Cyril and Methodius AppealThank you to everyonewhomadeany contribution,

largeorsmall,tothe2018SaintsCyrilandMethodiusAp-peal.FundsraisedgototheBishopGrutkaFund,whichisusedtosupportthePontificalSlovakCollegeofSaintsCyrilandMethodiustoassistwithitsdaytodayoperations.TheCollegeistheresidenceofpriestsfromSlovakiawhoare sent toRomeby their bishops for graduate studies.Afterreceivingtheirdegrees, thesepriestsreturnto theirdiocesestoworkasseminaryteachers,Tribunalofficials,andinotherministries.

DonationstotheAppealarereceivedfromleadershipgiftsfromthefourSlovakCatholicfraternalbenefitsocieties(FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation,FirstCatholicSlo-vakUnion,SlovakCatholicSokol,andLadiesPennsylvaniaSlovakCatholicUnion),theirdistrictsandbranches,clergyofSlovakheritage,collectionsfromSlovakparishes,andindividualgifts.Over$2.5millionhasbeenreceivedinthe40-yearhistoryof theAppeal.The2018Appeal received$32,698.81from181donors.OnbehalfofthePontificalCol-lege,thankyouforyourcontinuedgenerosityandsupport.

Adirectmailingforthe2019Appealisbeingpreparedandwillbesenttoleadersoffraternalbranchesanddistricts,clergyofSlovakheritage,membersoftheSlovakCatholicFederation,andotherswhohavemadedonations to theAppealinthepast.Donationstothisyear’sAppealmaybemadebyfillingouttheinformationintheboxatthebottomofthisarticleandmailingitalongwithyourcheckpayabletothe Slovak Catholic Federationtotheaddressprovided.Alldonorsreceiveanacknowledgementfortheirgift.Thankyouforyourgoodnessandgenerosity.DonationsreceivedafterNovember30,2019willbecreditedtowardthe2020Appeal.

The Slovak Catholic Federation, founded in 1911, brings together under one banner both individuals of Slovak heritage as well as Catholic Slovak Fraternal Organizations for cultural, religious and educational needs. Serving as Moderator is the Right Reverend Gary Hoover, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Andrew Svorad Abbey, Cleveland, OH. National President is Reverend Andrew S. Hvozdovic, V.F., Supreme Chaplain of the Slovak Catholic Sokol and Pastor of Epiphany Parish, Sayre, PA. Reverend Thomas A. Nasta, National Chaplain of the First Catholic Slovak Union and Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Swedesburg, PA, serves as First Vice President of the Federation and is the Appeal Coordinator.

41st Annual Saints Cyril and Methodius Appeal

Name_________________________________________

Address ______________________________________

City __________________________________________

State___________________Zip___________________

Amount$______________Please make check payable to

Slovak Catholic Federation and mail to:Rev.ThomasA.Nasta

FirstVicePresident,SlovakCatholicFederationSacredHeartCatholicChurch

120JeffersonStreet,Swedesburg,PA19405

FEBRUARY2019 23

ValentineSpecials

MARYLAND CRAB CAKES 1poundsmall-sizefreshcrabmeat, suchasspecialorclaw1poundlarge-sizefreshcrabmeat, suchasjumbolumporbackfin½cuplightmayonnaise½cupfreshflat-leafparsley,chopped¼cupfreshlemonjuice(from2lemons), pluswedges,forserving1largeegg1tablespoonDijonmustard1tablespoonOldBaySeasoningCoarsesaltandfreshlygroundpepper1cupfinesaltinecrumbs (fromabout30crackers)4tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,melted

Heat broiler, with rack 4 inches fromheat.Linearimmedbakingsheetwithalu-minumfoil;setaside.Keepingeachpoundofcrabmeatseparate,turnoutontopapertowels;pickthroughtoremoveanyshellsorcartilage.

In a large bowl, stir togethermayon-naise,parsley,lemonjuice,egg,mustard,OldBay, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and¼teaspoonpepper.

Addcrumbsandsmall-sizecrabmeattomayonnaisemixture;stirwelltocombine.Gentlyfoldinlarge-sizecrabmeattomayon-naisemixturejustuntilcombined.Dividingevenly,formmixtureinto8cakes.

Placecakesonpreparedbakingsheet;drizzlewithmeltedbutter.Broiluntilgoldenbrownandwarmed throughout, 12 to 15minutes(movetolowershelfiftopsbrowntooquickly).Servewith tarter sauceandlemonwedges.

TARTAR SAUCE FOR CRAB CAKES

1cuplightmayonnaise4cornichonpickles,minced1tablespoonDijonmustard1tablespoonfreshlemonjuice1shallot,mincedCoarse salt and ground pepper

Mix together all ingredients in a smallbowl;seasonwithsaltandpepper.Refriger-ateuntilreadytouse.

ROASTED BEEF, MUSHROOM, AND BARLEY SOUP

1poundsirloinsteak,cutinto ½-inchpieces1poundcreminiorbuttonmushrooms, stemstrimmedandcapshalved2 shallots, coarsely chopped2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoilCoarse salt and ground pepper4cupslow-sodiumchickenbroth½cupquick-cookingbarleyChoppedfreshparsley(optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In aroastingpanorrimmedbakingsheet,tosstogethersteak,mushrooms,shallots,andoliveoil;seasonwithsaltandpepper.Ar-rangeinasinglelayerandroastuntilbeefandmushrooms are browned, about 30minutes.Transfertoamediumpotandaddbrothandbarley.Bringmixturetoaboilovermedium-high,thenreduceheatandsimmeruntil barley is soft, about 12minutes.Toserve,seasontotastewithsaltandpepperandtopwithparsley,ifdesired.

SEAFOOD MAC & CHEESECoarse salt and ground pepper1poundelbowmacaroni6tablespoonsbutter½mediumonion,finelychopped1garlicclove,minced¹/3cupall-purposeflour(leveled)3cupswholemilk¹/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg1poundcoarselychoppedcookedlobster, shrimp,crawfish,orcrabmeat, or a combination4cups(1pound)mixedgratedcheeses, suchasParmesan,Cheddar,Swiss, and Fontina½cuppankobreadcrumbs

Preheatovento400degrees.Inalargepotofboilingsaltedwater,cookmacaroni2minuteslessthanaldente.Drain;rinsewithcoldwater.Setaside.

Whilepastaiscooking,meltbutterovermedium in a large saucepan.Transfer 2tablespoons melted butter to a medium bowl,andreserve.Addonionandgarlictopan; cookuntil softened, 3 to 5minutes.Add flour; cook, stirring, 1minute.Addmilk;whisk until smooth.Bring to a boil;reducetoasimmer,andcookuntilsaucehasthickened,2to3minutes.Seasonwith¾teaspoonsalt,½teaspoonpepper,andnutmeg.

Removepanfromheat.Foldinseafood,macaroni,andcheese;transfertoashallow4-quartbakingdish.Tobowlwithreservedmelted butter, add breadcrumbs and Creole seasoning;toss,andscatterovermacaronimixture.Place baking dish on a rimmedbakingsheet.Bakeuntiltoppingisgoldenandsauce isbubbling,15 to20minutes.Letcool5minutesbeforeserving.

RICE PUDDING 6cupsmilk,(fullfat,lowfatorskim)1cupmediumgrainrice¼cupwhitegranulatedsugar2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2teaspoonspurevanillaextract¼ cup raisins½cupcondensedmilk(optional)2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter(optional)

Combinethemilk,rice,sugar,cinnamon,vanilla and raisins in a large saucepan.Bringtoaboilovermedium-highheat,mix-ingoccasionally.

Reduceheat to lowand cook, stirringoccasionallywhilescraping thebaseandsidesofthepanwithawoodenspoon,untilthickandcreamy(about15-20minutes).

Once rice is softandcooked through,mixinthecondensedmilkandbutter.Add¼cupextramilkonly ifneededtoachieveyourdesiredconsistency.

Pour the rice among serving bowls;sprinklewith extra ground cinnamon (orcinnamon sugar), and raisins.Serve im-mediately.

OOEY GOOEY LEMON COCONUT BUTTER BARS

1box(16oz.)YellowCakeMix1largeegg1stickunsaltedbutter,meltedFOR THE FILLING:8ouncescreamcheese,softened2 large eggs1teaspoonvanillaextract½cupsfreshlemonjuice2cupspowderedsugar1stickunsaltedbutter,meltedFOR THE TOPPING:¼cupbrownsugar¼ cup sugar1cupsweetenedcoconutflakes2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted¼cupflour

Preheatovento350degrees.Greasea9x13inchpanandsetaside.

Inalargemixingbowladdthecakemix,egg, and melted butter and stir together until incorporated.Pressintothebottomofa9x13inchpan.Setaside.

Filling: Ina largemixingbowlbeat thecreamcheeseuntilsmooth.Addeggsoneatatimeandcontinuetobeatuntilsmooth.Addvanilla,lemonjuice,powderedsugar,andmeltedbutter.Pouroverthecakemix.

Topping:Inamediumsizedbowlcom-binethebrownandwhitesugar.Mixinthecoconut and stir in the butter and flour.Sprinkleontopofthefilling.

Bakeinpreheatedovenfor35-40min-utes.Youwantthecentertobegooeybutset,andthetopislightlybrown.Allowtocoolbeforecuttingintosquares.

2/19

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.