vytis - the knight january/february 2014

V y t i s – T h e K n i g h t

T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e K n i g h t s o f L i t h u a n i a

January-February – 2014 – s a u s i s - v a s a r i s

V o l u m e 1 0 0 - N u m b e r 1

Vytis (The Knight) Knights of Lithuania

Supreme Council Officers

2013 – 2014

Spiritual Advisor Rev. Msgr. Joseph Anderlonis, STD, HM St. George Rectory 3580 Salmon St. Philadelphia, PA 19134 (215) 739-3102

January-February – 2014 – sausis-vasaris Volume 100 – Number 1

VYTIS (THE KNIGHT) (ISSN 0042-9384) (Postal Permit # 663-680) is published seven times per year: bi-monthly and one extra issue in September by the KNIGHTS OF LITHUANIA, 3420 South Lituanica, Chicago, IL 60608-6720. Subscription is $25.00 per year. Single copy $5.00. Outside USA $35.00 per year, single copy $6.00. Periodical postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional mailing locations.

Mailing Address: 3420 South Lituanica Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60608-6720

Tel/fax: 1.312.771.7432 Email: [email protected]

Fax (215) 739-7217

President Regina Juška-Švoba, HM 1594 Beaupre Madison Hts., MI 48071 Tel (248) 547-2859 Fax (248) 547-0982 [email protected] 1st Vice President Catherine Nakrosis 747 Schuyler Avenue

VYTIS – The Knight – STAFF Editor: Robert A. Martin, Jr., HM

Business Manager: Phyllis Gendreau Council News Editor: Irene Macke

Send all District and Council News to: 6618 Osceola Trail

Indian Head Park, IL 60525 Email: [email protected]

Knights of Lithuania Web page: www.knightsoflithuania.com 100

th Anniversary Web page: www.knightsoflithuania100thanniversary.org

Send all articles & photos to:

VYTIS (THE KNIGHT) 3420 South Lituanica Avenue

Chicago, IL 60608-6720

Tel:1.312.771.7432 Email: [email protected]

Kearny, NJ 07032-4233 (201) 997-3445 [email protected]

2nd Vice President Andrew Berczelly 422 Carters Grove Road Centerville, OH 45459 (937) 254-9222 [email protected]

3rd Vice President Lexie Rudmin 929 West 34th Place Chicago, IL 60608 (773) 523-4305 3rdvicepresident @knightsoflithuania.com

Recording Secretary Ellie Nakrosis, HM 10 Park Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032 Tel: (201) 998-9641 Cell: (201) 294-4250 [email protected]

Treasurer Bernice Aviza, HM 8 Tremont ST Albany, NY 12205 (518) 459-5256 [email protected]

Financial Secretary June Grenier 4029 West Twin Oaks Street Broken Arrow, OK 74011 (918) 459-8047 jvg159@ windstream.net

Trustees Robert D. Petkus 1707 Leo St Dayton, OH 45404-1915 (937) 222-3844 [email protected]

Mary Beth Slakis 18263 Murphy Circle Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 337-0193 [email protected]

Legal Advisor Saulius V. Kuprys, Esq. Henehan, Donovan & Issacson 150 S. Wacker Dr. #1050 Chicago, IL 60606 W (312) 346-5275 [email protected]

VYTIS Editor Robert A. Martin, Jr., HM 3420 S. Lituanica Ave Chicago, IL 60608-6720 (312) 771.7432 [email protected]

VYTIS Business Manager Phyllis Gendreau 38 Rocky Nook Malden, MA 02148-1561 (781) 321-4880 [email protected]

Webmaster Alex Fletcher 6403 Silver Pheasant Court Dayton, OH 45424 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Lithuanian Language & Cultural Chair. Dolores Herbert 5985 Jeannette St Philadelphia, PA 19128-1616 (H) (215) 483-6460 (C) (267) 971-8856 [email protected]

Lithuanian Affairs Chair John R. Mankus, HM 1110 Darlene Drive Endicott, NY 13760 Tel/Fax (607) 754-1241 [email protected]

Honorary Memb. Chair. Walter Svekla, HM (Amber) 44 Clemson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-1214 (609) 667-7074 [email protected] Rita Sussko, HM (MAD) Robert Martin, HM (MAMD) Elinor Sluzas, HM (MCD) Veronica Bizinkauskas, HM (NED)

Public Relations Chair Regina Juska-Svoba, HM 1594 Beaupre Madison Hts., MI 48071 Tel (248) 547-2859 Fax (248) 547-0982 [email protected]

Ritual Chair. Georgianna Macke (MAMD) 1351 Fairfield Court Naperville, IL 60565 (630) 416-0658 [email protected] Lillian Greymas (Amber) Lee Moore, HM (MCD) Rita Sussko, HM (MAD) Clemencine Miller, HM (NED)

Scholarship Chair Elena Mikalauskas (MCD) 4929 Arrowhead Drive Kettering, OH 45440 (937) 434-8367 [email protected] Robert Damasauskas (MAMD) Meredith Domalakes (Amber) Antoinette Sakal (MAD) June V. Greiner (NED)

Archives Chair. Currently Vacant Our Lady of Šiluva Fund, Inc. Pres.– Rev. Anthony Markus, HM St. Pius X Rectory 4314 S. Oak Park Ave. Stickney, IL 60402-0000 Tel (708) 484-7951 Fax (708) 749-8518 Website: www.ourladyofsiluva.org

K of L Foundation, Inc. Pres – Irene Ozalis 2557 E Ontario ST Philadelphia, PA 19134 (215) 426-6762

St. Casimir Guild, Inc. John R. Mankus, HM 1110 Darlene Drive Endicott, NY 13760 Tel/Fax (607) 754-1241 [email protected]

Amber District Pres. – John R. Mankus, HM 1110 Darlene Drive Endicott, NY 13760 Tel/Fax (607) 754-1241 [email protected]

Mid-America District Pres. – Aldona Zajauskas 27859 W Lake Shore Dr Spring Grove, IL 60081 Tel (847) 587-1419 [email protected] Website: http://knightsoflithuaniamid-america.weebly.com

Mid-Atlantic District Pres. – Ellie Nakrosis, HM 10 Park Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032 Tel: (201) 998-9641 Cell: (201) 294-4250 [email protected]

Mid-Central District Pres. – Michael F. Petkus 38 Woodsdale Rd. Dayton, OH 45404 (937) 235-0341 [email protected]

New England District Pres. – Shirley Musumeci 123 Colton Rd Glastonbury, CT 06033 860-633-3127 [email protected]

Mission Statement: The Knights of Lithuania endeavors to instill in its members an attachment to Lithuania, the land of our ancestors, and knowledge, appreciation and love of the Lithuanian language, customs and culture.

Publication Deadlines and Reminders

Please note the following publication deadlines for each issue of Vytis-The Knight. Jan-Feb Issue – Jan. 1st / Mar-Apr Issue – Mar. 1st / May-Jun Issue – May 1st / Jul-Aug Issue – Jul. 1st / Convention Issue – Sep. 1st / Sep-Oct Issue – Sep. 15th / Nov-Dec Issue – Nov. 1st. Also, please be advised that while we are always happy to include any photos that you send us in issues of Vytis we are not able to send them back to you

after publication.

Publication Information for National Website

Email address to submit pictures for the website: [email protected] Email address to submit events for the website calendar: [email protected]

Email address to send comments/suggestions about the website: [email protected]

Please note that it can take up to seven (7) business days for submissions to post. The webmaster is happy to receive all posts but reserves the right to make the final decision concerning content of what is published.

January-February 2014 – Vytis–The Knight – sausis-vasaris 2014

Contents – Turinys

2013-2014 Supreme Council Address Information .. Inside Cover

2014 Convention News

Convention Hotel Information ............................................ 10

Greetings / Program Book Form .......................................... 9

Pre-Convention Information ................................................. 7

Registration Form ................................................................. 8

2014 Foundation Essay Contest ................................................. 11

2014 Foundation Meeting Announcement ................................. 12

2014-2015 Scholarship Program - Updated................................ 30

District and Council News ............................................ 23, 25 & 27

Financial Secretary Reminder ...................................................... 5

Honorary Membership Committee Announcement ..................... 6

In Memorium ................................................................................ 13

In Memorium – Rev. Augustine M. Kulbis, OFM ........................ 14

Inspirational message from Pope Francis I ............... Back Cover

Knight Life ............................................................... 21, 24, 26 & 28

Lithuanian Affairs Committee Request ...................................... 18

Looking Ahead 2014 .................................................................... 29

Looking Ahead 2015 .................................................................... 30

National Calendar of events ........................................................ 35

New Year’s Greetings .................................................................... 6

News concerning Lithuanian Children’s Relief ......................... 14

Our Lady of Šiluva Monument Dedication ................. Back Cover

President’s Message ..................................................................... 4

Reprint – Resolutions being presented at convention .............. 16

St. Francis Parish, Athol, MA celebrates centennial ................. 19

Terms of Office Report ............................................................... 15

Vincukas Remembers .................................................................. 18

Vytis Staff Message ....................................................................... 5

Cover art: Gediminas Tower, Vilnius, Lithuania. Borrowed with our thanks from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gediminas_Tower_in_Vilnius_(cropped).jpg


A message from our President

Dear Fellow Members and Friends,

A Happy and Healthy New Year 2014! Plans are in full swing for our 101st National Convention to be held July 24-28, 2014 in Glendale, CA. The members of Council 133 are busy preparing an enjoyable time for all of us. Please see this issue for Convention information including Registration and Greetings/Ad Book Forms. We all look forward to the weekend of May 3-4, 2014 when we will gather in Alsip, IL, for our next Supreme Council Meeting and the dedication of the Our Lady of Šiluva monument being created to honor Our Lady on the occasion of our 100th Anniversary. We thank the Mid-America District for sponsoring what is sure to be a moving and memorable event for all of us. Please see additional information printed in this publication regarding the weekend’s plans. I now turn to a more urgent topic. As we enter this new year, we as an

organization, find ourselves at a crossroads. Where will we go from here? I bring this up to you for the following reason. During the last Supreme Council Meeting we learned that due to diminishing membership, economic times and generally the world we live in, our organization’s financial picture isn’t what it needs to be to continue to meet our current programs. Interest rates and the rate of return on investments isn’t what it used to be, as we all know. Additionally, while our expenses have gone up over the last decade, we haven’t increased membership dues or sponsored national fund raisers to meet those expenses. Our current dues rates were set at our National Convention in 1994. While our Ancillary Charities continue to function on their donations our base organization is quickly realizing that we aren’t doing the same. What do we do? This subject was given a lot of thought and discussion at our Supreme Council Meeting in November 2013. Below are a few small adjustments we are able to make:

Effective with 2014 we no longer will be offering Life Time Membership. While this was a great benefit to those members who took advantage of the one time payment it now finds us with many members who are permanently exempt from dues, limiting our future income.

We are proposing an increase to our National Membership dues during this summer’s national convention in Los Angeles. Currently dues is $20.00 for the first member of a household and $10.00 for each additional. We will present a request to increase dues to $25.00 per member.

Currently every house hold receives a hard copy of Vytis-The Knight in the mail; you receive this as a benefit of membership in the organization. As we are now in this modern electronic age we are working to have Vytis-The Knight made available as an on-line benefit to membership. Those members who would still prefer to still receive a hard copy can do so by paying an additional subscription rate of $25.00. We encourage those members with internet access to submit their email address to the Vytis-The Knight staff so that they can begin sending you your issues electronically. The benefit of electronic copies is that you will receive your Vytis the same day it goes to press. Also the electronic copy will be in color and will be printable from your home computers.

We are suggesting that Vytis-The Knight become a quarterly plus the convention issue publication during the next year. That would eliminate two issues of Vytis and afford the organization a huge financial savings as well.

Of course this is just a start and we welcome any additional ideas our membership may have. I ask that if you do want to make a suggestion please submit it to me either in writing or by email, my information is on the inside front cover, prior to the next Supreme Council Meeting the first weekend of May. This will allow me to


prepare your thoughts and ideas for the Supreme Council to discuss. I am confident that working together we can find a way to shore up what we need to and keep our organization strong and running smoothly. I am sorry to have to be the one to break this news to you but it is something we have to do and as your President it falls on me to discuss it with each of you. Know that no decisions will be made lightly and that as always your input is critical to our success. May we all continue working together “For God and Country” and with his help may we continue for years to come. Vytiškai,

Regina Regina Juska-Svoba, HM President

A Message from your Vytis Staff

Dear members,

First off, we do apologize for this issue coming a little late. We were waiting on important information that had to be included that took a little longer to receive because of the new year. Once again we would like to remind our readers that if you would like to receive your copy of Vytis electronically you can do so by emailing us your email address and request the electronic version. The electronic copy is available earlier than the printed copy as we don’t have printing and mailing timetables to factor in. Let us all hope that winter will soon be behind us and that spring will arrive for all of us.

Vytiškai,

Rob Phyllis Irene Robert A. Martin, Jr., HM Phyllis Gendreau Irene Macke Editor Business Manager Council News Editor

Don’t Forget: 2014 Membership Dues is due!

We would like to reminder everyone that with the new year comes time to renew your membership dues for

2014. If you haven’t had a chance to yet please take a moment to send in your membership dues to your

Council Financial Secretary. If you have any questions concerning membership please contact National

Financial Secretary: June Grenier / 4029 West Twin Oaks Street / Broken Arrow, OK 74011 / 1.918.459.8047

/ Email: jvg159@ windstream.net


A message from the Honorary Membership Committee

The Honorary Membership Committee of the Knights of Lithuania is comprised of one Honorary Member from each district. The current committee consists of: Walter Svekla, HM, Chair, Amber District; Robert Martin, HM, Mid-America District; Rita Sussko, HM, Mid-Atlantic District; Elinor Sluzas, HM, Mid-Central District; and Veronica Bizinkauskas, HM, New England District. The committee receives and reviews the candidacy of those members submitted to them. They then make their recommendation to the delegates at a national convention who then vote to approve or disapprove that recommendation. At this time the committee is pleased to announce that they have received the candidacy of the following members.

Maria Deksnis Council 158 – Lake Shore, IN

Irene Ozalis *

Council 3 – Philadelphia, PA An additional candidate had been received but has since left the organization.

* = Candidacy has previously been printed in Vytis but no vote was taken at last year’s convention due to

publication deadlines.

The members of

Council 3 –

Philadelphia, PA

send their best

wishes to

all their fellow

Knights of

Lithuania

Members

for a Happy and

Healthy

New Year 2014.

May the next 100 years of the Knights of

Lithuania be as fruitful and blessed as our

first 100 Years.

From the Members of

the Mid-Central District

100 and Moving Forward!


Pre-Convention Tour Highlights

Please consider coming out at least a day earlier and join us for the Pre-Convention Tour, “The Best of Our California”. We’ll be taking a day long sightseeing trip that will show you some of the wonderful highlights of Southern California, Hollywood, our wonderful Pacific Coastline, and a visit to the one of a kind, “Ronald Reagan Presidential Library”. You won’t be disappointed! Please see the convention registration form for pricing. Grumman’s Chinese Theater

Paramount Studio Gates

Santa Monica Pacific Coastline

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

The Walt Disney Concert Hall


Knights of Lithuania 101

st Convention

July 24-27, 2014 Host: Council 133 – Los Angeles, CA

Convention Site: Embassy Suites Glendale

101ST NATIONAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Council No: ____________________________ (Please Print)

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________ State: ______________________________ Zip: ___________________________________ Phone: ______________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________

_____ Registration (By June 13, 2014) _____ @ $ 250.00 each $ _______________

_____ Late Registration (After June 14, 2014) _____ @ $ 275.00 each $ _______________

_____ Junior Registration (By June 13, 2014) _____ @ $ 125.00 each $ _______________

_____ Junior Late Registration (After June 14, 2014) _____ @ $ 150.00 each $ _______________

_____ Pre-Convention Tour _____ @ $ 60.00 Adult $ _______________

_____ @ $ 50.00 Junior $ _______________

Mail completed form(s) and payment to: Total Enclosed: $ ______________

Danutė Jasiukonis, Registration Chair Make checks payable to: Knights of Lithuania Knights of Lithuania 4051 West 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90005 Phone: 1.213.385.5176 (H) / 1.213.364.3132 (C) Email: [email protected]

HOTEL: The Embassy Suites - Glendale 800 North Central Avenue Glendale, CA 91203 Reservation Toll Free: 1.800.362.2779 request group code: KOL or Visit www.losangelesglendale.embassysuites.com enter the group code: KOL

Knights of Lithuania rates: July 22-23, 2014 (All rooms are two room suites) 1 King Bed - $169.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%) 2 Double Beds - $179.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%)

July 24-29, 2014 (All rooms are two room suites) 1 King Bed - $149.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%) 2 Double Beds - $159.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%)

(Please note that these rates include: Cooked-to-order breakfast each morning; Evening Manager’s Cocktail Reception each evening; $10.00 overnight parking (reduced from $15.00); and $5.00 daily high speed internet access (reduced from $9.95 daily).

PRE-CONVENTION TOUR: The Best of Our California. Please

plan on joining us on Wednesday for a wonderful tour of the very best of the Los Angeles / Hollywood area. After a morning scenic bus tour of our great city we’ll be off to a museum like no other, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Be prepared to be amazed by all the important national history and scenic beauty this first class museum has to offer. While there time will be allowed for lunch. Seating will be limited so please make your reservation early.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION RATES: Registration (By June 22, 2014) .............................................. $ 250.00 Late Registration (After June 23, 2014)................................... $ 275.00 Junior Registration (By June 22, 2014) ................................... $ 125.00 Junior Late Registration (After June 23, 2014) ........................ $ 150.00 Pre-convention Tour ................................. $60.00 Adult / $50.00 Junior

CONVENTION REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Adult Registration includes: Thursday Welcome Luncheon;

Evening Get-together Western Night; Friday Cultural Program; Saturday Convention Banquet; Sunday Farewell Luncheon. In addition bus transportation will be provided as needed for off-site events. A surprise or two may also await you in our town known for its tinsel.

Junior Registration includes: All adult activities plus their own events being planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Our Junior attendees won’t be disappointed with the fun we have planned for them.

CUT OFF DATE FOR ALL RESERVATIONS IS: Sunday, June 22, 2014 Make all reservations under the group code KOL no later

than June 22nd

. All group reservations have a 7 day cancellation policy. After June 22

nd, per hotel policy, the convention rate will

no longer be available.


Knights of Lithuania 101

st Convention

July 24-27, 2014 Host: Council 133 – Los Angeles, CA

Convention Site: Embassy Suites Glendale

101st National Convention Program Book Ad/Greeting Form

From July 24th to 27th, 2014 the members of the Knights of Lithuania from across the United States will gather together in Glendale, California for their 101st National Convention. As we embark on the start of our 2nd century we welcome the opportunity to continue our work, “For God and Country”. What a wonderful opportunity to send Greetings, Congratulatory Remarks or Best Wishes and Continued Support to all the Knights of Lithuania! We therefore ask that you please consider placing an ad/greeting in this year’s Program Book. Realizing that everyone’s budget is different and wanting to make sure that everyone who wants to be part of this piece of history is able to, we are making ads/greetings available in several different sizes. We hope to be able to include your Ad/Greeting in this year’s book.

Final deadline for all ads/greetings: Ad sizes and costs are as follows (* = These will be sold on a first come, first serve basis):

___ $200.00 Back Cover* ___ $150.00 Inside Covers* ___ $100.00 Full Page (8½” X 11”) (8½” X 11”) (8½” X 11”)

___ $60.00 ½ Page ___ $30.00 ¼ Page ___ $20.00 2 Line Well Wisher (8½” X 5½”) (4¼ ” X 5½”)

Make checks payable to: Knights of Lithuania Sent by: Mail ads/greetings with payment to:

Name: ________________________________________ Rob Martin

Address: ______________________________________ 3420 South Lituanica Avenue

City: _____________ State: _________ Zip: ________ Chicago, IL 60608-6720

Phone: ________________________________________ Phone: 1.312.771.7432

Email: ________________________________________ Email: [email protected]

Please use the space below for your ad/greeting. You are encouraged to submit camera ready copy or electronic copy:

________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________


About Our Convention Hotel

Our Home Away From Home

The Embassy Suites -

Glendale 800 North Central Avenue

Glendale, CA 91203

Reservation Toll Free: 1.800.362.2779 request group code: KOL or

Visit www.losangelesglendale.embassysuites.com enter the group code: KOL

Knights of Lithuania rates:

July 22-23, 2014 (All rooms are two room suites)

1 King Bed - $169.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%) 2 Double Beds - $179.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%)

July 24-29, 2014 (All rooms are two room suites)

1 King Bed - $149.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%) 2 Double Beds - $159.00* per night + tax (Currently 9%)

Please note that these rates include:

A Cooked-to-order breakfast each morning; Evening Manager’s Cocktail Reception each evening;

$10.00 overnight parking (reduced from $15.00); and $5.00 daily high speed internet access

(reduced from $9.95 daily).

Hope to see you this summer!


Knights of Lithuania

Foundation, Inc. A Tax-Exempt Organization

2014 ESSAY CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

TOPIC: Write an essay expressing your thoughts on: What goals should the Knights of Lithuania have in the next century?

or

Why am I a Knights of Lithuania member? Each topic will be given the same attention. LENGTH: 450 to 500 words (count all words). DEADLINE: June 7, 2014. Essays received after this date will not be considered. ELIGIBILITY: A contestant must be a Knights of Lithuania member (Honorary, Regular or Associate) in

GOOD STANDING. CRITERIA: Essays will be judged on content and originality. Correct grammar and neatness will also be

considered in judging. Entries with less than 450 or more than 500 words will be disqualified. MANUSCRIPT: Must be typed or written legibly, double spaced. The FIRST PAGE should contain ONLY

your name, address, council number, and the essay title. Succeeding pages should contain the essay contents but NOT your name. This is to assure anonymity in judging. Junior entries should be identified as such, giving the name and Junior Council number.

PRIZES: Amount of monetary gifts given will depend on the number of essays submitted. JUNIORS: Because Junior members cannot be expected to meet the standards of adult

members, there will be a separate prize category for Juniors who are members of a Junior Council that is duly registered with the Supreme Council.

Monetary gifts will also be given to prize winning Junior member entries. JUDGES: One member of each K of L District, plus the 2013 Contest Winner. MAIL TO: Irene Svekla 44 Clemson Road Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034 WINNERS: Will be announced July 2014, during the 101st National Convention in Glendale, CA. Winning

entries will be published in Vytis. SPONSOR: KNIGHTS OF LITHUANIA FOUNDATION, INC. via a grant from Msgr. J. Prunskis, HM..


Knights of Lithuania

Foundation, Inc. A Tax-Exempt Organization

ATTENTION ---------- ATTENTION ---------- ATTENTION

All Members and Board of the Knights of Lithuania Foundation, Inc.

A meeting of the Membership and Executive Board of the Knights of Lithuania Foundation, Inc. will be held at the Knights of Lithuania 101st National Convention at the Embassy Suites, Glendale, CA. The exact date and meeting room location will be announced during the Convention. Please come to the meeting prepared to exchange ideas on past, current, and future foundation projects, for the betterment of the Knights of Lithuania Foundation, Inc. Your suggestions and your help in getting new members for the foundation are important to us. Please notify me as to your attending the meeting or not, as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please complete this form and return by July 15, 2014. I will attend ______________________________ I will not attend _____________________________ Name ___________________________________________________ Council No. ___________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________ Suggestions ( if any ) _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Mail to: Irene Ozalis, President

Knights of Lithuania Foundation, Inc.

2557 East Ontario Street

Philadelphia, PA 19134

1.215.426.6762


In Memoriam

Please join us in praying for eternal rest for our fellow

Knights who have left us for their eternal reward. May

their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest

in peace.

Council 7 – Waterbury, CT

Julia Puodziukaitis

Council 10 – Athol-Gardner, MA

Bronius Savulis

Council 17 – South Boston, MA

Albert J. Kniupis

Albert B. Siauris

Council 50 – New Haven, CT

Mary M. Geipel

Council 82 – Gary, IN

John Jagiella

Council 96 – Dayton, OH

Eloise Berczelly

Council 102 – Detroit, MI

John Zyren

Council 103 – Providence, RI

Ruth Savage

Council 112 – Chicago, IL

Aldona Brazis

Dr. Joana Danilevicius

Rev. Augustine Kulbis, OSM

Council 135 – Ansonia, CT

Anthony Varshelka

Council 141 – Bridgeport, CT

Elizabeth Chacho

Council 144 – Anthracite, PA

Anna Klizas Wargo,HM

Amžiną Atilsį


In Memorium Rev. Augustine (Gus) M. Kulbis, OSM

Mid-America District Spiritual Advisor The MAMD is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Gus. May God grant him a special place in Heaven for all the kindness he showed and good works he did here on earth. Amžiną Atilsi!

News concerning Lithuanian Children’s Relief After twenty years the time and need has come for me to turn my attentions to other matters within my congregation. It has been a truly rewarding time for me and we were blessed to be able to accomplish many wonderful projects but all good things do come to an end. I no longer will be heading up Lithuanian Children’s Relief instead focusing more on my duties at the convent. I wish to thank everyone for all their support through the years and pray God will give you his choicest blessings. I also pray that you will continue to support Lithuania’s children in need.

With love and gratitude,

Sr. Helen


Supreme Council 1st Vice President’s Report on Terms of Office for 2013-2014

printed on behalf of Catherine Nakrosis, Supreme Council 1st Vice President

In accordance with a resolution approved at the National Convention in Chicago, 2002, the 1st Vice-President was directed to maintain a roster of all officers and committees. Names printed in bold will have fulfilled their maximum number of terms. Below is the report for 2013-2014:

Officers Spiritual Advisor – Rev. Msgr. Dr. Joseph Anderlonis, STD, HM – Appointed by Lithuanian RC Priests League President – Regina Juska-Svoba, HM – 2nd Term

1st Vice-President – Catherine Nakrosis – 2nd Term 2nd Vice-President – Andrew Berczelly – 3rd Term 3rd Vice-President – Alexandra Rudmin – 1st Term Recording Secretary – Elena Nakrosis, HM – 3rd Term Treasurer – Bernice Aviza, HM – 2nd Term Financial Secretary – June Grenier – 1st Term Trustee – Robert Petkus – 3rd Year of a Three Year Term Trustee – Mary Beth Slakis – 2nd Year of a Three Year Term

Scholarship: (Each member is elected to a 3 year term by their district.) Meredith Domalakes, Amber District Rep. – Elected in 2012 – Current term expires 2015 Robert Damasauskas, Mid America District Rep. – Elected in 2012 – Current term expires in 2015 Antoinette Sakal, Mid-Atlantic District Rep. – Elected in 2011 – Current term expires 2014 Elena Mikalauskas, Mid-Central District Rep. & Chair – Elected in 2012 – Current term expires 2015 June Grenier, New England District Rep. – Elected in 2013 – Current term expires 2016

Ritual: (Each member is elected to a 3 year term by their district.) Lillian Greymas, Amber District Rep. – Elected in 2011 – Current Term expires in 2014 Georgianna Macke, Mid America District Rep. & Chair – Elected in 2012 – Current Term expires in 2015 Rita Sussko, HM, Mid Atlantic District Rep. – Elected in 2013 – Current Term expires in 2016 Lee Moore, HM, Mid Central District Rep. – Elected in 2013 - Current Term expires in 2016 Clem Miller, HM, New England District Rep. – Elected in 2011 – Current Term expires in 2014

Honorary Membership: (Each member is elected to a 5 year term by their district.) Walter Svekla, HM – Amber District Rep.& Chair – Elected in 2010 – Current term expires in 2015. Robert Martin, HM – Mid America District Rep. – Elected in 2011 – Current term expires 2016. (Elected in 2013 to fulfil the position vacated by Estelle Rogers, HM)

Rita Sussko, HM – Mid Atlantic District Rep. – Elected in 2013 – Current term expires in 2018. Elinor Sluzas, HM – Mid Central District Rep. – Elected in 2012 - Current term expires in 2017. Veronica Bizinkauskas, HM – New England District Rep. – Elected in 2009 – Current term expires in 2014.

Other Committees (These committees, by our constitution have no term limitation set upon them.) Archives Chair – Vacant Lithuanian Affairs Chair – John Mankus, HM – 6th Term Lithuanian Language & Cultural Chair – Dolores Herbert – 2nd Term Public Relations Chair – Regina Juska-Svoba, HM – 11th Term

District Presidents (Each President is elected by their district following their district’s by-laws.) Amber District – John Mankus, HM Mid-America District – Aldona Zajauskas Mid-Atlantic District – Elena Nakrosis, HM Mid-Central District – Michael F. Petkus New England District – Shirley Musumeci

Special Note: Please remember, all Supreme Council Members are elected for a one year term and may run for re-election as per our constitution unless otherwise stated there. Members are encouraged to consider running for office and should contact their District President if interested. Currently, the five district presidents comprise the members of the National Nominations Committee.


Resolutions to be proposed at the 101st National Convention

The following resolutions were originally proposed for presentation at the 100th National Convention. However, due to the need for a minimum 30 day notice not all members received the issue of Vytis that they were published in within the required time. They are therefore, reprinted here as they will be discussed and voted on at this year’s convention in Glendale, CA. Subject: Change in Member’s Rights for Associate Members Whereas… Article VIII, Section 5, Letter C states: An Associate member who holds at least the Second Degree may: be a member, not chair of a committee on the national level, and Whereas…in many cases our organization has seen associate members who are truly dedicated to the cause of the Knights of Lithuania and are deserving of positions of leadership on all levels of our organization, and Whereas…As our membership has continued to shrink giving our National Nominating Committee fewer and fewer regular members to approach to run for national office, therefore Be it resolved…That the delegates to the 100th National Convention, gathered in Quincy, MA, from July 25-28, 2013 do hereby change Article VIII, Section5, Letter C to the following: “An Associate member who holds at least the Third Degree may: serve as an officer or member of a national committee with the exception of National President and National First Vice President, and Be it further resolved…That if approved this resolution takes effect immediately. Submitted by: The 2012-2013 Supreme Council, Regina Juska-Svoba, HM, President Subject: Clarification of organization’s name Whereas…As a national fraternal organization which promotes pride in our Lithuanian heritage and culture and Roman Catholic Faith we have referred to our organization as both Knights of Lithuania and Lietuvos Vyčiai, and Whereas…Article 1, Section 1 states that the organization’s name is Knights of Lithuania, and Whereas…The use of our Lithuanian name, Lietuvos Vyčiai, has caused undo legal issues from time to time, therefore Be it resolved…That the delegates to the 100th National Convention, gathered in Quincy, MA, from July 25-28, 2013 do hereby instruct all Councils, Districts and sponsored charities to only use Knights of Lithuania on any and all legal documents. Submitted by: The 2012-2013 Supreme Council, Regina Juska-Svoba, HM, President Subject: Change in length of terms for the National Ritual, Honorary Membership and Scholarship

Committees Whereas…Article XII, Section 2, states: The Supreme Council Ritual Committee consists of one Fourth Degree Member from each district. They are elected at a National Convention, for a three-year term on a


rotating basis of not less than two per year, but no more than three. The committee selects its own Chair, Secretary and Treasurer annually, and Whereas…Article XII, Section 3, states: The Honorary Membership Committee consists of at least 5 elected Honorary Members, including one from each district where possible. One member of the committee is elected each year for a five-year term. This is a rotating committee; hence the committee member with the longest seniority assumes the chair’s position. The committee itself selects a committee secretary, and Whereas…Article XII, Section 6, states: The Scholarship Committee assists qualified and needy members seeking a higher education by scholarship grants. The committee consists of one representative member from each District in the organization. Committee members must be college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree. The membership of the scholarship committee will increase only with the addition of a new District to the Knights of Lithuania organization. The term of office upon election is for three years. If a person is elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation or death, then the term of office of the newly elected member will be the unexpired term of the previous committee members. The committee elects its own chair and secretary-treasurer annually. The committee determines the standards and conditions for eligibility to scholarship grants, distributes the awards, and manages other matters connected with this activity. Both the chair and secretary-treasurer are authorized to request and issue funds on behalf of the national scholarship committee, and Whereas…These rules, while good intentioned have proven to be a hindrance to the committees at time, therefore Be it resolved…That the delegates to the 100th National Convention, gathered in Quincy, MA, from July 25-28, 2013 do hereby change each of these sections as follows: Article XII, Section 2: The Supreme Council Ritual Committee consists of one Fourth Degree Member from each district. They are elected at their District’s Fall Convention, for a five-year rotating term. No more than one member can be elected for a five year term each year based on a rotating schedule. Each year the member completing their fifth year shall serve as the Committee Chair. Each year the member completing their fourth year shall serve as the committee Secretary-Treasurer. In the event that a vacancy occurs because of resignation or death, then the term of office of the newly elected member will be the unexpired term of the member they are replacing. Article XII, Section 3: The Honorary Membership Committee consists of one Honorary Member from each district. They are elected at their District’s Fall Convention, for a five-year rotating term. No more than one member can be elected for a five year term each year based on a rotating schedule. Each year the member completing their fifth year shall serve as the Committee Chair. Each year the member completing their fourth year shall serve as the Committee Secretary-Treasurer. In the event that a vacancy occurs because of resignation or death, then the term of office of the newly elected member will be the unexpired term of the member they are replacing. Article XII, Section 6: The Scholarship Committee assists qualified and needy members seeking a higher education by scholarship grants. The committee consists of one member from each district. Committee members must be college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree. They are elected at their District’s Fall Convention, for a five-year rotating term. No more than one member can be elected for a five year term each year based on a rotating schedule. Each year the member completing their fifth year shall serve as the Committee Chair. Each year the member completing their fourth year shall serve as the Committee Secretary-Treasurer. In the event that a vacancy occurs because of resignation or death, then the term of office of the newly elected member will be the unexpired term of the member they are replacing. The committee determines the standards and conditions for eligibility to scholarship grants, distributes the awards, and manages other matters connected with this activity. Both the chair and secretary-treasurer are authorized to request and issue funds on behalf of the national scholarship committee, and Be it further resolved…That if approved this resolution takes effect immediately. Submitted by: The 2012-2013 Supreme Council, Regina Juska-Svoba, HM, President


The Lithuanian Affairs Committee Requests your help!

As part of our Convention Banquet, this summer in Glendale, CA, we traditionally honor a Non-Lithuanian for

their service to Lithuania or the Lithuanian Cause with our “Friend of Lithuania” Award. This award had its

humble beginning back in the day when Fr. Jutt instituted our Lithuanian Affairs Committee and has continued

each year with only a few exceptions since then. We hope to continue that tradition this year by presenting our

“2014 Friend of Lithuania” Award to yet another exceptional Non-Lithuanian. That is where you come in. If

you know of a person or organization that is deserving of this honor we ask that you please contact our

National Lithuanian Affairs Committee Chairman, John R. Mankus, HM / 1110 Darlene Drive / Endicott, NY

13760 / Tel/Fax (607) 754-1241 / Email: [email protected]. Working together we’re sure that this year we

will have a recipient that each of us will be honored and proud of.

Vincukas Remembers “Remembering 162 Pleasant Street”

I was born and raised on Pleasant Street in a three family home that my parents bought during the depression years. Our home was next to the synagogue and a stone’s throw from the Police Station, City Hall and Post Office. The area was mostly inhabited by French Canadians. The next block and area was called “The Patch” and consisted mostly of Polish and Lithuanian families, with ethnic grocery stores, three bakeries including ours on Limerick Street. I remember the happy days helping with minor chores, filling the doughnuts with jellies, sweeping, shoveling and at times being in the way. I had a morning paper route and my last stop was at the bakery and Mom was always waiting to serve me hot chocolate and doughnuts, oh happy days and then off to school. We traded at Jonas Balcikonis’ grocery store, one of five Lithuanian stores. I remember slabs of bacon and hams hanging from the ceiling, sawdust on the floor and strips of fly paper. Raibas, the store cat, took care of the mice and was well fed from a lunch counter of meat scraps. Amelia and I would pay our weekly tab and Jonas would give us several penny candies and some soup bones and several pigs’ feet for Mom, those friendly stores have all closed to make room for the super markets. I miss the friendliness and around the corner grocery store. Also in our neighborhood was the Lithuanian Club on Main Street. Stanley’s Lunch and Tavern that were

off limits for me. Stanley’s is still operated by the Misevicius family for 80 years now. We had a large garden that Bernice and I had to spade, plant and weed. We had chickens and it was my task to clean the coops and had our organic eggs and when the hens stopped laying eggs they landed in Mom’s pot. Pop also raised rabbits, Mom would bake them or make a delicious stew. One year father raised a pig but the neighbors complained of the odor, it was a one-time deal. I remember during the Jewish high holidays I would turn on and off the Synagogue lights as it was forbidden by their laws. Their stores were also closed. The Gardner Jews were called Litvaks as they originated from Lithuania. In later years Rabbi Frilick, a holocaust survivor approached Brone and told her crosses could not be next to their house of worship. Brone said they were clothes lines made with cross beams and used by the tenants and could not be taken down. That was the end of that. By the way, their daughter, Hadasha, married Senator Liberman of CT. The area once fashionable, the years have taken their toll and now is somewhat deteriorated. Our family home is no longer there, we sold it to a bank and it was torn down to make a parking lot and entrance to the bank on Main Street. Happy memories.


St. Francis Parish Marks its 100th in Athol, MA received from Vincukas

The first Lithuanians arrived in Athol in the late 1890’s. The first two were Antanas Andraliunas and a Braskas; they left their Russian dominated homeland to avoid being drafted in the Czar’s army, to better their living standard and to enjoy freedom of the press. Many followed, mostly from the Vabalninkas area. On arrival they were a close knit group and basically remained together in a Lithuanian colony. The earlier settlers found jobs in the local factories and the women, noted for their cleanliness and culinary skills were sought as domestics. Realizing the need for aid in time of sickness and death they organized mutual sick and death societies; the Ašros and St. Francis societies. The Lithuanians attended Mass at Our Lady Immaculate, the Irish Parish on the hill. The language barrier being difficult they began a fund drive for their own church. In 1906 Bishop Beavan of Springfield agreed but no priest was available. Fr. John Jakaitis came from Clinton from time to time and held Mass in the Aušros hall on Jones Street; they longed for their own pastor. Father Juozas Montvilas agreed to come to their aid but went down with the Titanic, the ship that even God couldn’t sink, when he refused a seat on a life boat refused and stayed on board hearing confessions and consoling the passengers until the Titanic sunk on April 14, 1912. In 1913 Fr. Francis Meskauskas came to Athol and became their 1st pastor. The parishioners held picnics and dinners, quickly paying off their debt. The church is beautiful, the gem of Worcester County. It was a vibrant parish with dedicated priests and people, they loved their church. Today

they are down to one weekly Mass because one priest has three churches in the cluster to administer to. We have a great Knights of Lithuania, Women’s Guild, and a beautiful choir. A weekly supper serves about 15 to 100 needy people. The beautiful Centennial Mass was con-celebrated with Bishop McManus as main celebrant. Fr. Joseph Jurgelonis, former pastor and Knights of Lithuania Spiritual Advisor delivered a beautiful Homily about the devotion we Lithuanians have for Mary, Our Lady of Šiluva, and the Hill of Crosses. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, in full dress led the procession into Church, followed by six women in national costumes, a huge Lithuanian Vytis banner, K of L’ers and Women’s Guild. A framed Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis I and

The Main Altar of beautiful St. Francis Church,

the gem of Worcester County.


Blessed picture of Our Lady of Vilnius, Patroness of Lithuania, graced the 100th Anniversary Mass. The celebration continued after Mass with 250 persons attending the banquet held at the Elks in Orange. A sincere ačui is extended to Dr. Marie Shatos, whose grandfather was one of the first two Lithuanians to arrive in Athol and a founder of the parish, and to Jackie Doherty co-chairperson, who worked for months to put on the anniversary with such pomp and the large committee. I am sure the long gone deceased parishioners looked down proudly.

In Bishop McManus’ closing statement he stated, “Please make this celebration a time of renewing your faith and recommitment to the Lord.” The Catholic Free Press published a lengthy article including pictures as did the Athol Daily News.

Concelebrants of St. Francis’ 100th

Anniversary.

The Birzelis Folk Group performing at the 100

th Anniversary of St. Francis Parish.

Knights of Lithuania members in national costume at the 100

th Anniversary of St.

Francis Parish.


Knight Life

Top left: Vivian Rodgers, HM (C-26), Past President of the New England District, handing over the gavel to the new President, Shirley Musumeci (C-6). Top right: Vivian Rodgers, HM and her husband, Al, were celebrating their 64

th Wedding Anniversary as they attended the New

England District Meeting. Congratulations to a great couple! Bottom: A special Mass was held at St. John’s Church in Worcester honoring Our Lady of Šiluva. Some of the participants involved were (L to R) Deacon Eduardas Meilus, Father John Madden, Danute Miner, Brone Wisnauskas, Deacon Paul Dacri and Ruth Sarafinas.


Knight Life

Vivian Rodgers, HM, giving gifts to the children from the Lithuanian School who entertained the attendees at the

New England District Cultural Festival.

Council 26 member, Al Bulejik and his friend, Marzena Warzewska, admiring the raffle prizes being collected at the New England District Cultural

Festival.

Council 26 members enjoying themselves at the New England District Cultural Festival at Maironis Park, L to R: Ed Palilunas, Charlie Witkus, Emily Witkus and Vito Gadilauskas.


District & Council News Mid-Central District C-96 Dayton, OH Fran Petkus Closing out 2013 saw members as busy as ever. Once again, Council President/Social Chair Andrew Berczelly began the meeting with a light lunch and coffee to keep us awake following the 10:30 a.m. Mass. We learned that Draugas is now printed in English. Following the meeting, some members headed to Alice Schumaker Hall, where the Four-Parish Committee held its Annual Veteran’s Day Luncheon. There, lunch was followed by singing of the National Anthem and the songs of each service. The veterans shared many stories, some sad, some funny. For the first time, a retired Air Force lady attended. Veterans were thanked for keeping us safe. Many council members belong to the Lithuanian Anglers of Holy Cross Church, which held a successful Annual Turtle Soup/Kugelis Sale on November 10, 2013. On November 17, our Ways and Means Chairs, Anne Louise Tucker and Danny Tucker, held a very successful Super Koffee Klatch. Anne Louise is always very successful at rounding up plenty of prizes for the event. On December 1, members gathered in the church undercroft after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. With her guitar, MaryAgnes Mikalauskas led us in a practice session before our annual K of L Christmas caroling. We covered more than 66 miles, as our members and parishioners are in various rehab centers. Our last stop was at Emeritas in Fairborn, OH, where HM Elinor Sluzas and her sister, Rita Ambrose, are living. We had some good treats,

and Mark Berger, Elinor’s son-in-law, shared krupnikas he had made. Sure warmed us up on the cold day. It is always so special seeing faces light up as we sing. When we sing in Lithuanian, some residents follow by singing in English. Each receives a poinsettia plant from the council. Thanks to Frances and MaryAgnes Mikalauskas for arranging this special council activity. Members attended the council’s annual Christmas party on December 13 at Michael and Norma Petkus’ spacious home. Everyone brought a great variety of good food in covered dishes. Alex Fletcher whipped up his special egg nog. Holy Cross’s Lithuanian Cultural Committee held its annual kucios on December 15. Elinor Sluzas is the general chair but has turned over all information to the Petkus family. Reservations came in as soon as word went out about the date of the kucios. The food was prepared by the Petkus' and their many helping hands, especially the Vangas family, Helen, Phyllis, and Barbara. Andrew Berczelly handled the coffee, tea, and bar necessities. As Erin Petkus lit the candle, MC Judy Petrokas introduced Fr. Eric Bowman, who led in the prayers before dinner. Once everyone shared their plotkeles and apple, guests partook of the meal, which was set on a white tablecloth over straw, representing Jesus’ manger. Following dinner, Andrew Berczelly and Erin Petkus led everyone in the singing of Christmas carols in Lithuanian and English. Then those who wanted their fortune told were encouraged to pick a piece of straw from the table. Michael Petkus and Nerijus

Arcikauskas told each their fortune—a fun time, especially for the children. We closed with a prayer and were wished a safe trip home. We send our condolences to Judy Petrokas and family on the passing of her brother Robert (Bob) Petrokas. You would have met Bob if you had had dinner at the Amber Rose; he was their bartender with a great dry sense of humor. Sympathies are extended to HM Anne Wargo’s family in Pennsylvania. She was a hard-working K of L member who started Anthracite C-144 and was head of St. Casimir’s Guild Inc. for years. Anne was a national president of the K of L and held other positions, leading to honorary membership. May she and Bob rest in the peace of our loving God. New England District C-6 Hartford, CT Agnes Gagnon At our October 8, 2013, meeting, President Carol Spakauskas offered a prayer for Joe Krancunas, who passed away on September 9, 2013. He was the brother-in-law of Irene and George Petkaitis. My last report failed to mention Teresita Petravicius, who also visited the Shrine of Divine Mercy. Following the dinner honoring the 100th anniversary of the K of L at St. Joseph Church in Waterbury, attendees were allowed to remove posters of St. Casimir taped to the walls. Shirley Musumeci did not hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity and subsequently framed one for C-6. Sue Gudaitis reminded us of the historical value


Knight Life

Council 26 winners of the Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus helper contest; Maria Tamulevichiene and Vito Gadilauskas.

Elfus, Louie Gouin, and Santa Claus, Sharon Gouin, getting ready to deliver presents to the Council 26 members and guests at the annual Christmas Party.

Vivian Rodgers, HM, lining up her “volunteers” to sing the Twelve Days of Christmas, Council 26’s traditional sing-a-long.


of our Lithuanian language, which has existed for more than 4,000 years. Despite all the occupations and war, it has and, we hope, will continue to survive. Kenya seems so far from the United States—who would desire to go there? And Sudan? Leona Gwaz was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya in 1981–1983 and a UN volunteer from 1989 to 1992 in Sudan. She related the adjustments she had to make adapting to the politics and foreign lands. What I would consider a sacrifice, she chose honor. We are lucky to have her as our member and current secretary. At the November 11 meeting, Kay Urban reported on attending the 100th anniversary of the K of L at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Athol, MA. She was joined by our president. She further reported that C-6 had a net profit of $58 from the NED Cultural Fair. Brian Daigle reported on a humanitarian effort that he would like our council to consider. It involves a town in Poland--Seinai-- a town that was on the Lithuanian border before the borders were changed. A priest who serves at an orphanage/school in the area is in need of financial help. A computer was also on his list of needs. Brian will provide a donation jar in which members can place contributions for this cause. In the meantime, he will get more information from Sister Igne. As the saying goes, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”—an apt description of Janina Nawarskas. Her physical appearance is petite, and her manner is gracious and personable. Yet, as the author of her memoirs, along with her fiancé Charles D’Angelo who assisted her, she reveals the strength and courage she needed to overcome great adversity in her life. Janina

tells an educational, inspirational, and true personal story of hellish conditions, tragedy, survival, divine intervention, determination, and tenacity in her book A Child Lost. She is a member of C-7 Waterbury. If one would like to travel with Janina throughout her life, her book can be purchased for $20 plus $3 mailing fee. Contact Janina B. Nawarskas, 20 Wolf Hill Road, Unit 10-D, Wolcott, CT 06716. Email: [email protected] C-10 Athol-Gardner Vincukas Words cannot express the praise and honor we all owe Vivian Rodgers, NED president the past 10 years. All of her adult life she was an active member of St. Casimir’s parish, she chaired the annual bishop’s fund, served on the parish council and its finance committee, headed the annual retreat at the Franciscan Monastery, and was instrumental in her council in helping the restoration of the Kedainai church, my parents’ home parish. She exemplifies our K of L motto, For God and Country. She does volunteer work at St. Vincent’s Hospital, serves as lector, and sings at the Lithuanian Masses at St. John’s. Wishing you and Al, on behalf of the K of L, more years of devotion and service in all your endeavors and health and blessings from the Lord. Ačiū labai! We wish Shirley Musumeci, our newly elected NED president, success as she takes on the tremendous task ahead of her. We had a warm, beautiful summer and fall in our neck of the woods but a poor year for mushrooms–not looking forward to the cold and snowy winter predicted for our north country.

St. Francis celebrated its 100th anniversary with pomp and majesty. Dr. Marie Shatos and Dr. Jackie Doherty chaired the large committee that outdid themselves in every aspect. More on the celebration later. Condolences are extended to the family of the late Alvin Rodski. Alvin was very active in our K of L in past years and a past council president. Al of happy memory, rest in peace. Brone and Vincukas hosted the NED fall board meeting at the Lithuanian Country Club in Gardner. As it was the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, all in attendance placed a carnation at the altar of Our Lady of Šiluva. Father Joe read the appropriate prayers and the gospel of the feast. Little Anna LaRoche, dressed in Lithuanian costume read a feast-day prayer. A Lithuanian custom on this Marian feast is to bless field, herbs, and garden flowers at Mass and then, after drying, keep them in the home as protection from storms and lightning. The following year, they are burned and the ashes scattered in the garden and fields. This custom should be revived in our parishes. The Gardner Relay for Life raised $614,000 this year–again it ranked No. 1 in New England and No. 10 out of 5,000 events worldwide. In the past 20 years, Gardner has raised $12 million. This year, 167 teams with 2,500 participants, including 538 survivors, walked the 24-hour event. Bravo, Gardner! The following officers were elected at our December meeting: Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Joseph Jurgelonis; President, Richard Gatautis; Vice President, William Wisnauskas; Recording Secretary, Pamela Bouthillier; Treasurer, Nellie Melaika; Financial Secretary,


Knight Life

Council 6 members, Teresita Petravicius and Gene Ziurys, Jr., Sitting down enjoying soup and conversation

Council 6 member, Brian Daigle stirring soup at a recent Council 6 meeting. Wanda Kruk prepares to enjoy holding soup bowl. Leona Gwaz pointing to the crucifix donated by her mother.

Irene Petkaitis walks to her table With a hearty bowl of homemade soup.


Jackie Doherty; Ritual Chair, Armand Bouthilier; Cultural Chair, Brone Wisnauskas; Sergeant-at-Arms, Peter Kolik. We welcome Peter Kolik as a new member. Wishing all a Happy New Year. Bring in a new member! C-26 Worcester, MA Ruta Our members are to be congratulated again for their generosity to our annual food and canned goods drive for the Pernet Family Services holiday food baskets. Large bags of groceries and money donations were collected for this worthy cause. It gives one a warm feeling to be able to contribute and help others to have a wonderful meal during the holiday season. Our prayers go out to those on our sick list: Rev. Richard Jakubauskas (our spiritual advisor), Terry Jakubauskas, and Genevieve Naras. We wish them a speedy recovery. Robert Statkus recently passed away. He was the brother of our member, Frank Statkus. Our condolences to his family. The St. John’s Lithuanian Choir, which is composed of most of our C-26 members, sang at St. John’s Church for one of the Christ the King Masses. Some of the songs that were sung were “O Kristau, Pasaulio Valdove”; “O Jezau, Amzinoji Tu Meile”; “O Jezau, Nesu Vertas”; and “Kristau, Karaliau is Dangaus.” Anna Leseman and Barbara Thompson were cantors and Vivian Rodgers, the lector. It was truly a beautiful Mass and a joy to hear our Lithuanian language again in church. A reception followed at the church’s St. Francis Xavier Center. Our choir was also invited to participate in a Lithuanian Christmas Mass. We are looking forward to this.

Several of the Lithuanian Choir members participated in the Sacred Heart/St. Catherine of Sweden parish’s multicultural Advent festival for the Worcester dioceses. They sang three Advent carols and one Christmas carol. There were also choirs that participated representing other nationalities and different religions. Our group was well received, especially by those of Lithuanian descent who were in attendance, including Fr. Ridick, who was in charge and is also Lithuanian. Our annual Christmas Party held at Maironis Park was a huge success through the gigantic efforts of Vivian Rodgers and members of the board. There were centerpieces and red and green favor bags on all the tables. Members, their guests, and nonmembers attended in their Christmas finery. The delicious hors d’oeuvres were prepared by the members with a great variety of selections. The staff at Maironis again outdid themselves in preparing the buffet. After everyone had finished eating, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus’s helpers had to be selected. The winners were Maria Tamuleviciene and Vito Gadilauskas. Vivian Rodgers presented them with their Santa hats and gift bags. It was then time to participate in our traditional sing-a-long, starting with the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Vivian should have been in the Army. She has a way of selecting the ‘volunteers’ so they cannot refuse her. Alan Bulejcik, who was number 5–golden rings–really was very animated as he sang his part. He was a good example to get everyone else to participate and do their parts with emphasis. Everyone enjoys this song, and all participants and attendees have a lot of fun with it. Then we could hear “Ho, Ho, Ho,” and Santa

Claus, Sharon Gouin, and Elfus, Louie Gouin, came in with bags of small gifts and distributed presents to everyone. There was a lot of laughing and hugging. Then, the singing of Christmas carols followed. Melanie LaFountain, Ruth Miller’s granddaughter, who has a beautiful voice, led everyone in the English carols. Then Melanie, along with Aldona Kibelkstis, Irene and Edmund Markevicius, and Vivian Rodgers led everyone in singing Lithuanian carols. This really got all attendees in the Christmas mood. Vivian had another surprise: She had a table with wrapped packages of various sizes. Using the meal tickets with everyone’s names on them, each attendee’s name was drawn and that winner selected a gift. No one was allowed to open their gift until all gifts had been selected. As the gifts were opened, everyone excitedly compared their gifts. Unfortunately, all good things have to end and it was time to go. You could hear “Merry Christmas” and “Linksmu Kaledu” as people left. C-27 Norwood, MA Carol Treciokas Marcy Couitt of C-103 Providence, RI, invited us to a workshop on making straw ornaments on December 1. Four from our council attended this intriguing workshop: Betty Skricki, Marcia Perednia, and Carole Richard and her daughter. It was quite a fascinating experience. Council 17 South Boston invited us to their Christmas party on January 4, 2014, at the South Boston Lithuanian Club. We look forward to going. They also invited us to their St. Casimir’s Day Mass and kavute on March 2, which a few of us plan to attend.


We will have our annual Communion Breakfast at Raphael’s in Walpole, MA, on January 19 and have extended invitations to other councils. We

plan to increase our treasury, so we are working on plans for a yard sale in May. We are also working on plans for our centennial celebration to be held at the

Venice Café in Norwood, MA, on September 13. Imagine—Norwood C-27 has been around for a century!

Knight Life

Council 26, (L-R) Alan Bulejcik giving his all as the 5 Golden Rings singer, with Vivian Rodgers, HM, leading the song and Sharon Gouin looking on.

Council 26, (L-R) Irene Markevicius, Aldona Kibelkstis, Vivian Rodgers, HM, Melanie LaFountain, and Markevicius leading the attendees of the Council 26 Christmas Party in Lithuanian Christmas Carols.


Knight Life

The Knights of Lithuania Council 143, Pittston, PA celebrated the feast of their patron Saint Casimir, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, PA. Rev. Peter Tomczak presented Peggy Yanklunas with her 4th Degree. Dennis Polladino was the day’s chairman. A luncheon was held at Agolino’s in West Pittston, following the Mass. Pictured above: 1st Row (L-R): Marilyn Fitzgerald, Council Historian; Yvonne Branas, President; Peggy Yanklunas, 4th Degree Recipient; Jean Mihalick; Council Public Relations; Mary Ann Cipolla, Council Member; and Janice Perfetto, Council Member. 2nd Row (L-R): Helen Karpovich, Council Member; Diane Azaravich, Council Financial Secretary; Mary Claire Voveris, Council Lithuanian Culture; and Janet Polladino, Council Member. 3rd Row (L-R): Ronald Voveris, Trustee; Rev. Peter Tomczak; and Rita Craze, Council Member.


Knights of Lithuania Scholarship Application

APPLICANT INFORMATION

1. Last Name: First Name: DOB: Sex: M F

Address: City: State: Zip:

Phone #: Cell #: Email:

2. Council #: Member Since: Lithuanian Heritage: Yes No

Parish: Clergy:

3. College/University: Program Degree: Associate Bachelor Master


Major: Tuition Cost:

Financial Aid Anticipated: Room & Board Cost:

4. Honors, Scholarships & Awards:

5. Employed: Yes No Salary: $

Employer Name: Supervisor:


6. Name of High School(s) Address Major / Program of Study

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 7. Military Experience Yes No if so which branch Air Force Army Marines Navy Rank:

Responsibilities:

8. Character Reference: Contact Information:

9. Hobbies & Interests: (please list)

10. Knights of Lithuania Council Activities Participated in: Positions Held Junior Membership & Activities

11. Professional Memberships:

Application forms WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER June 30th, 2014. All references and school transcripts MUST be received by Chair in one complete submission.

Please forward all application materials, references and transcripts by mail to: Elena Mikalauskas, Scholarship Chair, c/o Knights of Lithuania Scholarship Program

4929 Arrowhead Drive / Kettering, OH 45440 Note: All information is strictly confidential.

2014-2015 Deadline: June 30th, 2014 Scholarship Committee


12. ESSAY

Please write a brief statement of your future career plans. Also you should provide any statements that you feel would be beneficial for the committee to assist them in their evaluation. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. AFFIDAVIT

By signing and submitting this document, I testify that all information is true and correct. I also affirm that I am not in default and do not owe a refund or repayment on any Federal or State financial aid including, state grants/scholarships, Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Perkins Loan and Federal Stafford Loan. Any false information provided by the student or any attempt to expend any scholarship funds for unlawful purposes or any purpose other than in payment or reimbursement for the cost of attendance at the institution authorized to award the scholarship and/or grant will be cause for immediate disqualification for disbursement of funds previously awarded. X _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Applicant Date In support of this application, please provide the following material:

Official Transcript of your most recent academic year and all institutions (high school and/or college)

Recent Photograph – Formal Portrait preferred

APPLICANT’S CHECKLIST: Knights of Lithuania Membership – Requirement of at least 2 years. This should be noted in the K of L

Reference letter from your Council President, Financial Secretary or, if Junior, Junior Council Advisor (Council’s 3rd Vice President).

Application – Completed, signed and dated. Professional Portrait Reference Letters Transcript(s) from all colleges and schools attended. Forward these documents to the Supreme Council Scholarship Committee chairperson, Elena Mikalauskas by DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2014.


Knights of Lithuania Supreme Council Scholarship Committee

2014-2015 Scholarship Program

Confidential Reference Form – Character Reference Name of Applicant: _________________________________________________________________________________

The aforementioned individual is an applicant for one of our scholarship awards to be granted through the Scholarship Committee of the Knights of Lithuania, and has given us your name as a reference. Our Committee would be grateful for your thoughtful evaluation of the applicant’s academic capabilities and preparation for additional studies and the qualifications of the applicant in terms of intellectual ability, integrity, community service, and personality. Instructions: Please generate a formal letter of recommendation for the applicant listed above and sign and date this certificate for tracking purposes. Please place the recommendation letter in an envelope, sign the back of the envelope and seal yourself. The letter should be given back to the candidate, who will forward the envelope to the Scholarship Committee Chairperson along with the required application materials. You may contact Elena Mikalauskas with any questions or concerns. Phone: 1.937-434-8367 Email: [email protected].

Confidential Reference Form – Teacher Name of Applicant: _________________________________________________________________________________

The aforementioned individual is an applicant for one of our scholarship awards to be granted through the Scholarship Committee of the Knights of Lithuania, and has given us your name as a reference. Our Committee would be grateful for your thoughtful evaluation of the applicant’s academic capabilities and preparation for additional studies. Instructions: Please generate a formal letter of recommendation for the applicant listed above and sign and date this certificate for tracking purposes. Please place the recommendation letter in an envelope, sign the back of the envelope and seal yourself. The letter should be given back to the candidate, who will forward the envelope to the Scholarship Committee Chairperson along with the required application materials. You may contact Elena Mikalauskas with any questions or concerns. Phone: 1.937-434-8367 Email: [email protected].

Confidential Reference Form – Council President Name of Applicant: _________________________________________________________________________________

The aforementioned individual is an applicant for one of our scholarship awards to be granted through the Scholarship Committee of the Knights of Lithuania and has given us your name as a reference. Our Committee would be grateful for your thoughtful evaluation of the applicant’s capabilities and preparation for academic studies, and the qualifications of the applicant in terms of intellectual ability, integrity, community service, and personality. For Council President References, please refer to the applicant’s contributions to your local council, district, or involvement at a national level. Instructions: Please generate a formal letter of recommendation for the applicant listed above and sign and date this certificate for tracking purposes. Please place the recommendation letter in an envelope, sign the back of the envelope and seal yourself. The letter should be given back to the candidate, who will forward the envelope to the Scholarship Committee Chairperson along with the required application materials. You may contact Elena Mikalauskas with any questions or concerns. Phone: 1.937-434-8367 Email: [email protected].

Confidential Reference Form – Pastor or Council’s Spiritual Advisor Name of Applicant: _________________________________________________________________________________

The aforementioned individual is an applicant for one of our scholarship awards to be granted through the Scholarship Committee of the Knights of Lithuania, and has given us your name as a reference. Our Committee would be grateful for your thoughtful evaluation of the applicant’s involvement in local parish activities, Knights of Lithuania activities, or your personal knowledge of the applicant. Instructions: Please generate a formal letter of recommendation for the applicant listed above and sign and date this certificate for tracking purposes. Please place the recommendation letter in an envelope, sign the back of the envelope and seal yourself. The letter should be given back to the candidate, who will forward the envelope to the Scholarship Committee Chairperson along with the required application materials. You may contact Elena Mikalauskas with any questions or concerns. Phone: 1.937-434-8367 Email: [email protected].


Knights of Lithuania Supreme Council

Scholarship Formalities

Note: Please read all requested information thoroughly.

The Knights of Lithuania Scholarship Program is intended to help a worthy and deserving Knight obtain a college education. Applicants must be a member of the organization for at least two years in order to be eligible to apply for a scholarship award. (This will be verified with the National Financial Secretary.) The Scholarship Program is intended to be a stimulus for young Lithuanian-Americans to join and be active in our organization.

Service to the Knights of Lithuania organization is of prime importance to be considered for this award. Scholarships are awarded annually and are paid to the recipients in two installments. Applications must be complete (e.g., photo, transcript, recommendations, etc.) to be considered by the Scholarship Committee.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may apply for a scholarship more than once, but are limited to receiving a scholarship TWICE.

There are various scholarships available with individual amounts decided upon by vote of the Scholarship Committee each year.

Each applicant is responsible for completing the application and securing entrance to the college of his/her choice. If the recipient of an award drops out of college, or if his/her academic standing becomes unsatisfactory to the college, the unexpended balance of the award may be forfeited at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.

Scholarship awards may be made to a person for undergraduate or graduate work. There is no age limitation. Organizational activity within the Knights of Lithuania is one of the most important criteria for obtaining a scholarship along with the following requirements and stipulations:

An applicant will be scored based on recommendations made by his/her 1) Council President or Council 3rd Vice President; 2) Spiritual Advisor or Pastor; 3) Former Teacher; 4) Character Reference. Applicants will be evaluated based on their scholastic records, financial need, and most importantly, K of L involvement. The Scholarship Committee will carefully study the applications. Decisions of the committee are final.

Recipients of the Scholarship Awards will be announced at the next National Convention of the Knights of Lithuania.

The current scholarship chair is Elena Mikalauskas and all documentation and application materials must be submitted directly to her via US MAIL.

Knights of Lithuania Supreme Council

Scholarship Application Instruction Guide

Applicant Information: 1. Be sure to include your name, date of birth, gender,

address, and contact information. 2. Please provide your council and parish information

and indication whether or not you have Lithuanian heritage.

3. List the college or university that you will be attending and the location as well as all fees associated with your tuition expenses.

4. Indicate all scholarships and awards that are anticipated.

5. Note your employer information and provide salary details as requested.

6. List high school(s) and address information as well as degree program studied.

Background Information: 7. Please list military experience and provide rank and

duties. 8. Provide character references, one being a teacher or

principle and the other a non-family member. 9. Hobbies 10. Knights of Lithuania participatory activities and

positions held. 11. Professional Memberships 12. Please write a brief essay of your career plans

indicating your area of study and any other pertinent character information you feel would help the committee in determining awards.

13. Understand that signing this document the information furnished is true and correct and provide your signature indicating this.

14. Check List: It is imperative to confirm that each and all of the

application materials are contained prior to submission and that all materials be furnished together.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Please give the enclosed certificate to the appropriate reference. They should sign and date the certificate for tracking purposes and submit a signed and sealed letter of recommendation to the applicant to be formally submitted with the application prior to the deadline of June 30

th,

2014. SUBMISSION: Submissions will ONLY be accepted by US Mail, and all application requirements must be received in a single submission.

Please send to: Elena Mikalauskas, Committee Chair, c/o Knights of Lithuania Scholarship Program / 4929 Arrowhead Drive / Kettering, OH 45440

Questions? Please call 937-434-8367 between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm EST.


Looking ahead 2014! received from Carol A. Luschas

The members of Knights of Lithuania Council 144 are pleased to announce that this summer the Lithuanian population of the Anthracite; PA area will hold their 100th Annual Lithuanian Days Celebration. They invite ALL their fellow Knights to join them in celebrating on Saturday/Sunday, August 16/17, 2014 at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, PA. This year’s theme will be “Amber: The Gold of the Baltics”. Please visit the Knights of Lithuania Council 144 webpage and/or their Facebook page for additional information and future updates. Hope to see you there!

Looking ahead 2015!

The planning of the tenth North American Lithuanian Song Festival is well underway. Mark your calendar for July 3-5 in 2015 for a trip to Chicago to experience this unique event. For more information please visit their website at http://www.dainusvente.org/en/ or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ltnews.net/posts/10151960715555337.


Knights of Lithuania Calendar of Events

March 2014 4th St. Casimir’s Day 8th New England District Board Meeting @

Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Convent in Putnam, CT

15th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m.

April 2014 19th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m. 26th New England District Spring Convention @

St. Peters Church, South Boston, MA @ 11:30a.m. Council 17 hosting.

May 2014 3th Supreme Council Meeting in Chicago, IL 4th MAMD Dedication of Our Lady of Šiluva

Monument in Chicago, IL 11th Mother’s Day 17th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m. 18th Council 6, 100th Anniversary celebration

27th Memorial Day June 2014 14th Flag Day 15th Father’s Day 20th-22nd New England District Annual Retreat at

the Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunkport, Maine with Msgr. Al Contons, HM. Reservations to be made directly with the Franciscan Guest House. Special rate for K of L members. Any questions contact Shirley at 860-633-3127 or by email at [email protected].

23rd K of L Tour Lithuania Begins July 2014 4th Independence Day – God Bless America! 6th Coronation Day - Lithuania 7th K of L Tour of Lithuania Returns 24th-27th 101st National Convention – Host Council 133, Los Angeles, CA August 2014 16th-17th The 100th annual Lithuanian Days,

Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, PA. Sponsored by Council 144.

September 2014 1st Labor Day 8th Feast of Our Lady of Šiluva 20th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m October 2014 18th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m 31st Halloween November 2014 1st All Saints’ Day 2nd All Souls’ Day 15th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m 27th Thanksgiving Day

December 2014 6th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m 24th Christmas Eve 25th Christmas Day 31st New Year’s Eve January 2015 1st Happy New Year 17th Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m. February 2015 14th Valentine’s Day 16th Lithuanian Independence Day – Valio Lietuva! 21st Mid-America District Bowling @ El-Mar

Bowling Alley, Burbank, IL @ 4:00p.m. Reminder: We can’t include it on the calendar if you don’t let us know!


The members of the Knights of Lithuania Mid-America District invite all Knights of Lithuania Members to join us on Sunday, May 4, 2014 as we dedicate the Our Lady of Siluva Monument at Chicago’s St. Casimir

Catholic Cemetery, 4401 West 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655. We will gather at the Cemetery’s Chapel and procede as a group to the monument .

Following the dedication a luncheon will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel, 5000 West 127th Street, Alsip, IL 60803. Tickets/Reservations for the luncheon are available by contacting Georgianna Macke at 1.630.416.0658 or via email at [email protected] by Saturday, April 26, 2014.

We look forward to welcoming all those that are able to

join us.

"Our deepest joy comes from

Christ: remaining with him,

walking with him, being his

disciples." ー Pope Francis I

PERIODICALS

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vytis - the knight january/february 2014

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