MARCH 2016VOL. 102, NO. 6

6 24 1

Hosanna

in the

Highest:

Blessed is He

Who Comes

in the Name

of the Lord.

2 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Fraternally Yours,ŽENSKÁ JEDNOTA®

6 24 1 ISSN0897-2958

Fraternally Yours,ZENSKAJEDNOTA,

is a monthly magazine published by the FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation.

NationalHeadquartersat24950ChagrinBlvd., Cleveland,Ohio44122EDITOR:CarolynBazik

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

Phone(610)373-2743•Fax(610)375-8333

Periodical Postage Paid at Cleveland,OH44101andadditionalentries

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

PrintedatTrianglePress6720AllentownBlvd.,Harrisburg,PA17112

Postmaster:Sendaddresschangesto ZenskaJednota,

FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation 24950ChagrinBoulevard,Cleveland,OH44122

Deadlineforallarticlesisthe15th ofthemonth,1½monthspriortotheissuedate.

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

BOARDOFDIRECTORSCHAPLAIN:

VeryReverendMonsignorPeterM.Polando,TheCathedralofSaintColumba,154WestWoodSt.,Youngstown,OH44503.Residence:(330)744-5233.Email:ppolando@youngstowndiocese.org.PRESIDENT:

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

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

SueAnnM.Seich, 24950ChagrinBoulevard,Beachwood,OH44122.(800)464-4642.Ext.1012.Email:sueann@fcsla.com.

LarryM.Golofski,1114SurreyLane,Vandergrift,PA15690.Residence:(724)845-8078.Email:Lar-ryGolofski@windstream.net.

JoannSkvarekBanvich,24950ChagrinBlvd.,Beachwood,OH44122.Residence:(219)322-8785.Email:btvendo@gmail.com.NATIONALTRUSTEES:

VirginiaA.Holmes,1625VermontAvenue,WhiteOak,PA15131.Residence:(412)672-1565.

Barbara NovotnyWaller, 24950 Chagrin Bou-levard,Beachwood,OH44122.Residence:(610)207-0747.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.

The Easter LilyFormany,thebeautifultrum-

pet-shapedwhite flowers sym-bolizepurity, virtue, innocence,hopeand life—thespiritual es-senceofEaster.

History,mythology, litera-ture,poetryandtheworldofartarerifewithstoriesandimagesthat speak of the beauty andmajesty of the elegant whiteflowers.Oftencalledthe“white-robed apostles of hope,” lilieswerefoundgrowingintheGar-denofGethsemaneafterChrist’sagony.TraditionhasitthatthebeautifulwhiteliliessprungupwheredropsofChrist’ssweatfelltothegroundinhisfinalhoursofsorrowanddeepdistress.ChurchescontinuethistraditionatEastertimebybankingtheiraltarsandsurroundingtheircrosseswithmassesofEasterLilies,tocommemoratetheresurrectionofJesusChristandhopeoflifeeverlasting.

Since thebeginningof time, lilieshaveplayedsignificant roles inallegori-caltalesconcerningthesacramentofmotherhood.RomanmythologylinksittoJuno,thequeenofthegods.ThestorygoesthatwhileJunowasnursinghersonHercules,excessmilkfellfromthesky.Althoughpartof itremainedabovetheearth(thuscreatingthegroupofstarsknownastheMilkyWay),theremainderfelltotheearth,creatinglilies.AnothertraditionhasitthatthelilysprangfromtherepentanttearsofEveasshewentforthfromParadise.

ThepurewhitelilyhaslongbeencloselyassociatedwiththeVirginMary.Inearlypaintings,theAngelGabrielispicturedextendingtotheVirginMaryabranchofpurewhitelilies,announcingthatsheistobethemotheroftheChristChild.Inotherpaintings,saintsarepicturedbringingvasesfullofwhiteliliestoMaryandtheinfantJesus.St.Josephisdepictedholdingalily-branchinhishand,indicatingthathiswifeMarywasavirgin.

ThelegendistoldthatwhentheVirginMary’stombwasvisitedthreedaysafterherburial,itwasfoundemptysaveforbunchesofmajesticwhitelilies.EarlywritersandartistsmadethelilytheemblemoftheAnnunciation,theResurrectionoftheVirgin:thepurewhitepetalssignifyingherspotlessbodyandthegoldenanthershersoulglowingwithheavenlylight.…

Amarkofpurityandgracethroughouttheages,theregalwhitelilyisafittingsymbolofthegreatermeaningofEaster.Gracingmillionsofhomesandchurches,theflowersembodyjoy,hopeandlife.Whethergivenasagiftorenjoyedinyourownhome,theEasterLily,alongwithotherEasterblooms,servesasabeautifulreminderthatEasterisatimeforrejoicingandcelebrating.

The following poem by Louise Lewin Matthews captures the spiritual essence of the Easter Lily:

UntilnextMonth, Warmly, Carolyn

Happy Easter!

Easter morn with lilies fairFills the church with perfumes rare,

As their clouds of incense rise,Sweetest offerings to the skies.

Stately lilies pure and whiteFlooding darkness with their light,

Bloom and sorrow drifts away,On this holy hallow’d day.Easter Lilies bending lowin the golden afterglow,

Bear a message from the sodTo the heavenly towers of God.

COURTOFAPPEALS:AnneM.SedlockRonaldSestakJudithA.FedorCynthiaOresik

BernadetteJ.Demechko

MARCH2016 3

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

YEAR OF MERCY:MERCY GIVES WAY TO ETERNAL JOY

My dear Sisters and Brothers,The winter season in my “neck of the

woods” here in the Mahoning Valley of Ohio has been relatively warmer than usual. We did not have the traditional “White Christmas” and generally speak­ing, January and February were not too cold, only a few days in both months that went below zero. The snowfall was light and now that we are in the month of March, we are able to see the prover­bial “light at the end of the tunnel” for the season of cold winter. I am not a winter person – any day below seventy degrees is too cold for me! But being a person who truly enjoys the changing of seasons, I have been blessed by pa­rishioners and friends to have a couple of drawers of sweaters to keep me safe from the brutality of harsh, cold days! Thanks to those who make me warm and happy!

As you receive this monthly commu­nication of Fraternally Yours, you and I are drawing closer to the annual cele­bration of the Sacred Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Resur­rection of the Lord. We are traveling through the last days of the Season of Lent. We continue to walk a path of

fasting and abstinence, almsgiving to the poor and extra prayer that Jesus our Savior demands of us not only in Lent but throughout our lives as His faithful followers (cf. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18). I be­lieve that Christ’s command of this way of life should never be cold or even luke­warm. He is emphatic that we be con­stant in our Christian ways highlighted in the Season of Lent. We are reminded during the annual Forty Days to repent, be faithful to the Gospel, and recognize that our good works, grace filled­words and spirituality lead us to eternal life. This path has been walked by Christians for over two thousand years, the same way in which Jesus exemplified to His followers on His way to Golgatha for the salvation of the world. This Way of the Cross is one of Divine Selfless Love, selfless love that leads to Eternal Joy.

The actions performed by Jesus on Good Friday exemplify the great mercy He had for all people of all time as the eternal gift of the Father’s love, i.e., the giving His own life on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins. The words resound endlessly as He cries out on the Cross in agony, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 24:34). After

which Jesus bows his head and dies on the Cross. This must be the saddest day in the world’s history – our Savior dies for our sins and exhibits the ultimate mercy of the Father.

But for us Christians, the human his­tory of Jesus may have abruptly come to an end but the divine interjection of eter­nal life comes to light on Easter Sunday. In the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we are introduced to this eternal life in the per­sons of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they go to the tomb of Jesus early on that great day. An earthquake occurred, the stone of the tomb rolled aside, the guards of the tomb became paralyzed, and an angel of the Lord ap­peared to the women and said, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.” Behold, I have told you.’ Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples” (Matthew 28:5­9).

The mercy of the Father was revealed to us on the coldest day on earth, Good Friday, in the death of Jesus. The great­est joy bestowed on the universe was the warmth of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning, that joy first experienced by those two women at the opening of the tomb and by the words of an angel. My sisters and brothers, my prayer is that your journey of Lent was filled with mercy, the mercy shown by Almighty God because of your fast­ing, almsgiving and prayers. During the Triduum culminating on Easter Sunday, may you experience the joy of Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, the Apos­tles, disciples and the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Požehnanú veľkú Noc!

Happy Easter!

When Easter time had come againWith Easter eggs to dye,

We chose to paint our eggs with thoughtsOf those who would be nigh.

For Dad we chose purpleWhich stand for royalty,

For he is head within the homeAnd pledged to family.

For Mom we chose a yellow shadeSo bright and sunshine warm,

She is the heart within the home…She shelters us from harm.

My sister’s egg was pastel pink,So feminine and gay,

The shade of ribbons and laceAnd apple bloom in May.

Message from our National PresidentCYNTHIA M. MALESKI

4 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Dearfellowmembers,Aswe reported toyouatour

October 2015QuadrennialCon-ventioninLouisville,Kentucky,oursocietyhasgrowntoover$800Minassets,over$1Bofinsuranceinforce andover 81,000members,with over 400 branches servinglocalcommunitiesinmanystates.Wearelicensedtodobusinessin48 states and theDistrict ofCo-lumbia.In2014alone,membersinourbranchesloggedover1million

hoursofcommunityandfraternalservice.Ourinsuranceproductsandannuitiesareexcellentways

toprovidefinancialsecuritytoourmembers.Weareencour-agedbyanupwardtrendinsales,bothforourannuityandinsuranceproductsin2015,whichresultedfromanumberofongoingandnewinitiatives.

Ourchallengemovingforwardistofindwaystogrowinafastpacednewage.Wearefortunateindeedtobeina strongposition to beable to invest in the innovations,

humanresourcesandtechnologiesneededtofuelgrowthfromanumberofperspectives.InMarch,2016,membersofourboardofdirectorswillembarkonarenewedstrategicplanningprocesswhere,hopefully,wewillfurtherdefineandaddresssomeofthesechallenges.

Ifyouwouldliketointroduceafamilymemberorfriendtothegreatfinancialandfraternalbenefitsofmembershipinourassociation,pleasecontactyourlocalbranchofficeroramemberofthehomeofficestaff,whocanputyouintouchwithoneofourlicensedproducers.

I’msuremanyofyouwilltakeanEasterBasketfilledwithhomemadeEaster foodsandcoveredwithaspecialcloth,toyourchurchtobeblessedontheSaturdaybeforeEaster.LetusnotforgetthebeautifulservicesthatwealsohaveinourchurchesonHolyThursdayandGoodFridayaswell,asweprepareourmindsandsoulsforthegreatFeastofEaster.Onbehalfofourboardofdirectors,andmyownfamily,IwishyouandyourfamilyandfriendsaHappyandJoyousEasterSundayonMarch27th!

Fraternally, Cynthia M. Maleski FCSLANationalPresident

Much like the nearby meadowed hills,My brother’s egg was dyed green,

For boys just love to romp outdoorsWhen spring is on the scene.

Our Grandma’s shade was lilac soft, and Grandpa’s shade was blue,For soft and gentle hues just fit

These fond and loving two.

When all our eggs have been prepared,How beautiful they were!

We found we’d painted them with loveThis special time of year.

Author unknown

Wishing you and your family a Happy & Blessed Easter!

Easter Eggs

MARCH2016 5

FCSLA Connects . . .

Albert Heiles

Albert E. Heiles Jr., CLU, ChFC, AEP, CRC, LUTCFNational Sales Manager

A REMINDER!Membersmay contribute to their qualified IRA

accounts throughApril 15, 2016 for tax year 2015.PleaseindicateTAXYEAR2015CONTRIBUTIONonyourcheck.ContributionsmustbepostmarkedbyApril15,2016toqualifyasa2015contribution.

FCSLAAnnuity RatesRatesforourEliteAnnuities:

Silver elite (5 YeAr)

3.00% APY*Gold elite (7 YeAr)

3.25% APY*PlAtinuM elite (10 YeAr)

3.50% APY**Thisrateisineffect1/1/2016thru3/31/2016.

ThecreditedrateisreviewedquarterlybytheBoardofDirectorsandwillnevergobelowtheminimumguaranteedrate.TheguaranteedminimumrateforEliteSilverandGoldcontractsissuedin2016is2%APYandforthePlatinumEliteis2.5%APY.

Purchasingalifeinsurancepolicyoranannuityfromafraternalbenefitsocietyprovidesalotmorethanjustasolutionto a life insurance need or a savingsneed.Itoffersmembershipandasenseofbelonging.FraternalBenefitSocietiessell insurance to members that share a commonbondorpurpose.ThroughFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation,ourcertificate holders are ourmembers.Eachmember has the opportunity tojoin a local branch to participate and

overseemutualaidprogramsfortheirmembersandtheircommunitiesatlarge.

Accordingtoarecentstudy,fraternalbenefitsocietiesgeneratednearly$19billion inmemberbenefitsbetween2007and2011.Countingonlydirectcontributions,theso-cietieschalkedup$2.4billionincharitableandcommunityassistance,anaverageof$478.3millionperyear.Membersof fraternal organizations volunteered nearly 400millionhoursoftheirtimeduringthefive-yearperiod.

FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationofferedphil-anthropiceffortstomanyinourcommunities.Ouroutreachto ourmember communities iswell recognized and ourscholarship program to elementary students up to graduate studentsisaverylargepartofourcontributiontosocietybeyondsimplyprovidingexcellentfinancialproducts.

In addition, FirstCatholicSlovak LadiesAssociationexercises diligence in appointing sales representativestosellourfinancialproducts.Ourcareeragentsandrec-ommendersarecarefullyscreenedandbackgroundsarecheckedtoassure,asbesttoourability,therepresentativeiscompetentandknowledgeabletorepresentourproducts.Weexpectourrepresentativehaveanappropriatebalancein commitment to professional, charitable and personalresponsibilities.We recognizeour representatives are in

businesstoprovideservicesandproductsforwhichtheyarefairlycompensatedbutat thesametime,weaskourrepresentativestocarryourmessageofbeingafraternalbenefitsociety.Manyofourrepresentativesofferlonglastingpersonalandprofessionalrelationshipswithourmembers.It’snotuncommonforrelationshipstobepassedfromonegenerationtoanotherwhenworkingwithinafraternalbenefitsociety; grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren allhavetheopportunitytobeincludedasmembersofourfraternalbenefitsociety.

ThemissionofFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationistoserveourmembers-certificateholders—notstockhold-ers.Thebottomlineisimportantinordertostayinbusinessandcontinuetoprovidefinancialsecurityandstability.Butatthesametime,westrivetomaintainabalancewhichassuresapositiveoutcomeintermsofserviceandmembersbenefits.

FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationcanaffordtotakealong-termviewofthebusinessbecausewearenotbeholdentoWallStreetandshareholders.Thisallowsustokeepoureyeonwhat’simportanttoourmemberstodayaswellasourmemberstomorrow.FCSLAwantstobeafinancial institution anda fraternal benefit society that isaround100yearsfromnowtobenefitourmembersandourmember’sgrandchildrenandfamilymembers.

Ifyouhavenottakenalookatourfullrangeoffinancialproductsinawhile,Iencourageyoutodoso.Ourlifeinsur-anceproductsofferoptionsastothetypeandthelengthofpaymentschedule.Someofourtraditionallifeproductsofferanoptionofdividendsandotherbenefits.Thetermlifeinsurancecertificateisavailablewithauniquefeatureandouryouthtermlifeinsuranceoffersanexcellentopportunitytobeginalifeinsuranceprotectionprogramataveryrea-sonablecost.Lastly,ourannuityproductsofferachoiceofoptionsdesignedtomeetyourspecificrequiredandtimetablewithverycompetitivecurrentcreditingrates.

FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationisheretoserveyou.Wewelcomeyourinquiryregardinganyofourprod-uctsorservices.Ifyouwouldjustlikeasecondopinionofyourcurrentlifeinsuranceorannuitycontracts,oneofourrepresentativeswouldbehappy to visitwith you. If yourbeneficiarydesignationshaven’tbeenreviewedinawhile,oriftherehavebeenchangesinyoursituationthatrequiresadjustments to your contracts, anFCSLA representativewouldbehappytoassistyou.

PleasefeelfreetocontactusattheHomeOfficeifwecanbeofanyserviceandwethankyouforyourloyaltytoourfraternalbenefitsociety.

Albert e. Heiles Jr.,CLU,ChFC,CRC,AEP,LUTCFNationalSalesManager

6 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

FCSLA ACCepting AppLiCAtionS

national Secretary and national treasurer PositionsAsmandatedbythechangestothebylaws(ap-

proved atOctober 2014SpecialConvention),TheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationisacceptingapplicationsfromqualifiedindividualsforthepositionsofNationalSecretaryandNationalTreasurer.

The National Secretary directs the operating activitiesof theAssociationona full timebasisandreportstotheNationalPresident.Theminimumquali-ficationsforsuchpositionincludeaBachelor’sDegreefromanaccreditedcollegeoruniversity,andtenyearsexperience,demonstratingcommunication,organiza-tionandmanagerialskills.Insuranceand/orfraternalbenefitsocietyexperienceaplus.

The National Treasurer monitors the financialconditionsoftheAssociation,overseestheAssocia-tion’sfinancesandinvestmentsonafulltimebasisandreportstotheNationalPresident.AllcandidatesmusthaveeitheraCPAorMBAinfinanceorrelatedfieldsfromanaccreditedcollegeoruniversityandshallhavetenyearsormoreexperienceinthefieldsofbusiness,financeorrelatedfields.

Parties interested in these full-timepositionsattheAssociation’s headquarters,meeting the abovequalifications,shouldsubmitadetailed resuméandcover letter toNationalPresidentCynthiaMaleski,Esq.,FCSLANationalHeadquarters,24950ChagrinBoulevard,Beachwood,OH44122.

Maria E. Grega Youngstown District Scholarships

StudentsbelongingtotheYoungstown,OHDistrictareeligibletoapplyforthefollowingscholarships:

KAtHerine l. SedlACKo SCHolArSHiP ($1000) – Catholic elementary and high school and college/graduatelevel.

AnnA S. GrAnCHAY SCHolArSHiP ($500) –Collegestudentswhohavecompletedoneyearofcollege.

deadline for both scholarships is May 1, 2016.For details and information on how to ap-

ply contact: BernieDemechko, 2634TaftAvenue,Youngstown,OH44502;Telephone:330-782-8638oremail:bdemechko@aol.com.

JESUSI AM THE

RESURRECTION,

AND THE LIFE.

John 11:25

Savior

BoArd oF direCtorSNATIONAL CHAPLAIN

Very Reverend Monsignor Peter M. Polando

NATIONAL PRESIDENTCynthia M. Maleski

NATIONAL DIRECTORSJeanette E. PalancaSue Ann M. Seich Larry M. Golofski

Joann Skvarek Banvich

NATIONAL TRUSTEESVirginia A. Holmes

Barbara Novotny Waller

NATIONAL AUDITORSBarbara A. SekerakDennis L. Povondra

Dorothy L. Urbanowicz

MARCH2016 7

Officers take the oath of office. L-R: President Jerry Holmes, treasurer virginia Holmes, recording Secretary/Junior Sec-retary Judy Fedor, Financial Secretary Marian Greenland, Auditor Mary Ann o’neill, Auditor Carol Yurechko and vice President Audrey Podlesny.

Branch77,McKeesport,PA,helditsannualChristmasPartyandmeetingonSunday,December6,2015at theSunsetRoominElizabethTownship.

PresidentJerryHolmescalledthemeetingtoorderandopenedwithprayerandthepledgeofallegiancetotheflag.Rollwastakenandallofficerswerepresent.PresidentJerryannounced thathehadappointedMaryAnnO’NeillVicePresidentofthebranchfortheremainderoftheyeardue

treasurer virginia Holmes extends Christmas greetings as President Jerry Holmes looks on.

Branch 77 annual christmas Party and meeting

tothepassingofIreneFedorwhohadheldthatposition.IrenediedinOctober2015.Shewaslovedbyallandwillbesorelymissed.

TheminutesoftheNovembermeetingwerereadandapproved.

ThefinancialreportwasgivenbyVirginiaHolmesandapproved.Correspondenceandthankyoucardswereread.The reportof theConvalescentCommitteewasgivenbyCarolYurechko.

AudreyPodlesnylitthememorialcandle.CarolYurechkosoundedthegongandthenameofeachmemberwhodiedin2015wasannounced.Familymembersofeachdeceasedmembercameforwardandlitavotivecandle inhonoroftheirlovedones.

Theelectionwasheldandtheofficerselectedwereasfollows:President-JerryHolmes;VicePresident-AudreyPodlesny;Treasurer-VirginiaHolmes;FinancialSecretary-MarianGreenland;RecordingSecretary/Jr.Secretary-JudyFedor;Auditor-CarolYurechko;Auditor-MaryAnnO’Neill.TheoathofofficewasadministeredbyFlorenceKeyes.

Themeetingwas closedwith prayer andadeliciousdinnerwas served. Entertainmentwas provided by theInternationalGypsy,GeorgeBatyi,whoplayedavarietyofsongs,includingourfavoriteSlovaktunes.

Drawingswereheldandprizesweregiven.

The Feast of St. Nicholas HeldOn Sunday, Decem-

ber 6, 2015, the feast ofSt. Nicholas, TheSlovakHeritageSocietyofNorth-easternPennsylvaniahelditsannual“St.NicholasCel-ebration” atSt.Matthew’sChurch,Wilkes-Barre,PA.Approximately60individu-als from near and far at-tended the SlovakHymnSing. Traditional SlovakAdventHymnsandChrist-mas Carols were sung.The storyGOD’SGIFTSTOTHESLOVAKStellsusGoddippedHisfingerintothewaterinParadise’swellandfromthereHetookthemost harmonious songs.“Iamgivingyou themostbeautifulsongsintheworld.Whenyouryounggirlssing,thebirdswillstopsinging,thestreamwillchatter,andthehillswill jump.ThesongofthegirlswillturnthelandintoParadise.”OnthatSunday,thechurchresoundedwithmu-sic.AftergreetingsfromBernadetteYencha,leaderofsong,voiceswereraisedinsongandpraisetoGod;PoslanýJeAnjel,andPrídeKristusSpasiteľNaš.OthertraditionalsongsweresungandtheprogramendedwithPánsčasov,thehymnthatwasalwayssungonNaposlednydenvroku(thelastdayoftheyear),andVeseľSaľudskéStrvorenie(theNaNovyRok,NewYear’ssong.)JohnSimkovichwastheaccompanist;Johnalsoperformedasolo,SpiDieta,Spi.MagdalenBenishsharedaverypoignantstoryandAnnaHudockrecitedthehumorousSlovakversionof“TheNightBeforeChristmas”.AVinš,inSlovakandEnglish,waspro-claimedbyHelenSavinski.WhatwouldaSlovakChristmasHymnSingcelebrationbewithoutavisitfromSt.Nicholas?Hearrivedinfullbishop’sregaliaandmadesureeveryonereceivedsome“gold”–chocolatecoins,thatis.(ThankyouMagdalenBenishforportrayingSt.Nicholas.)

8 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Thoughtheweatherwasnotyetcoldandwhiteas itstatesinthesong“It’sbeginningtolookalotlikeChristmas”,themembersandguestsoftheLouiseM.YashDistrictcametogethertocelebrateanotherseasonofgoodwilltowardmenonDecember5.AwonderfulmealwasenjoyedatAliotosRestaurant,withmusicbyBeverlyWhite.

Theprojectthisyearwasforthehungertaskforce.Themembersdugdeepandwecollected183poundsoffood.ThankyoutoallandthankyoutoPaulKimilickafordeliver-

Branches S161 and J192 Send Greetings to MembersAttheNovembermeetingofS161andJ192Branches,

Youngstown,OH,theOfficersdiscussedwaysinwhichtheJuniorActivitycouldbemoreinclusiveofits175membersresidingin22states.Itwasdecidedto send aChristmas cardwith a“Veselé Vianoce” greeting to allmembersandtoincludea$5billtoeachpersonasasmallgift.NancyClausen, Jr. BranchSecretary,tookresponsibilityfortheproject.ShemetwiththeprinterandtheydesignedandprintedtwoChrist-mascards:amangersceneandtheHolyFamily.Ontheinsideofthecardwasprinted“MerryChristmasSt.CeciliaJu-nior Branch 192, FirstCatholic Slovak LadiesAssociation.” From themany phone calls, emails, and notes received frommembers in many states, it was determined the “allinclusive”projectwasabigsuccess.

Officers of S161 and J192, President Virginia DeLuca; Junior Auditor and Chair of the Junior Event, Nancy Clausen; and treasurer, Melanie leonard, look over Christmas cards to be mailed to Junior Branch members. they also updated their mailing list to include six new members admitted into the Junior Branch in november.

Louise M. Yash District ceLebrates the hoLiDaYsing thefoodtothetaskforcewarehouse.ThishelpedmanyofourneighborswhodidnothavethefundsforgroceriesthisChristmasseason,“thetruemeaningofgoodwilltowardmen.”

Electionofofficerstookplaceduringtheannualmeeting.NewofficerelectedwasLaurieMufflerforVicePresident.LaurieisfromBranch23,shejoinsthereelectedofficers,Mary JoNoyes-President,BettyNovak-Treasurer,KathyValent-Secretary,EllenTavelaandBobMueller-Auditors.

ScholarShip application availableTheUnitedSlovakSocietiesoftheAmericanSlo-

vakClub,2915Broadway,inLorain,OHisofferinganon-renewablescholarshipof$1,000toeligiblegradu-atingseniorsenteringcollege.Theapplicantmusthavea3.5gradeaverageoutofa4.0andmusthavebeenamemberingoodstandingofSt.Ann’sLodge,FCSLASr.Branch114inLorainforaperiodofatleast5years.PleasecontactMargaretThomasforanapplication.Phone440-288-1492ore-mailatmugsann@gmail.com.DeadlineforapplicationsisMay30th.

MARCH2016 9

MonthsofpreparationgointoplanningourannualMarchforLifebustriptoWashington,DC.ForthesecondtimeininthepastfewyearsMotherNaturebroughtourtriptoascreechinghalt.IwasbecomingsortofanhourlyexpertonwhatwasgoingonwithWinterStormJonas.Iwascheckingthestorms’progressandpatternstartingWednesdaymorn-ingthroughthetimeIwenttobedthatevening.TheforecastsstartedoutwiththeDCareawassupposedtoget4-8”startingaround8p.m.Fridaynightthen5-8”then8-10”,etc.

Thefirst thingIdidwasput theWeatherChannelonThursdaymorningwhileIgotreadyforwork.ThenIaskedGodtoprovidemewiththeinformationIneededtomaketherightdecision.Itwasnotlookinggood.Theywerenowpredictingupto30”withitstartingaroundnoononFriday.TherewasnowayIcouldsend2busesdowntoDC.Iwasleaningtowardcancelling.Wewouldgetdowntherefine,butcominghomeIwasveryworriedaboutthebusesgettingstrandedonthePATurnpike.

Iputacallintomycousin,ChristhatlivesinAlexandria,VA–togetafirsthandreport.Ihadcalledmycaptainsandco-captainsofourbusestogettheirfeedback.OurPresidentCynthiaMaleskialsohademailsandcallsouttoFr.GerardGonda–BenedictineHighSchool,Msgr.Polando,ourNa-tionalChaplainandCarolynBazik,ourEditorofFraternally Yours.Istartedgettingcallsfromoursourcesrightawayand from thegroups thatweregoingonour buses.Theverdictwasforthesafetyofeveryoneweshouldcancel.Isharedall thefeedbackwithPresidentMaleskiandat10a.m.ThursdaymorningIstartedemailingandcallingtoleteveryoneknowwewereindeedcancelling.

IwenttoPlanB.Sincewecouldn’tgo,whatifwehada prayerservicefortheunborn?IaskedFr.Gondaandhesaid

FCSLA Washington DC Bus Trip Cancelled Kelly M. Shedlock, Fraternal & Youth Director

hewouldbehappytoputtogetheraprayerserviceandbringabusoftheyounggentlemanthatweresupposedtogoonthetripwithus.Itwasabeautifulprayerservice.Asyoucanseefromthephoto’swehadareallynicesizegroupattend.

Itwasareallygoodthingwecancelled.AsmostofyouhadprobablyseenonTV,therewereseveralbusesofstu-dentsthatwerestrandedonthePATurnpikecominghomefromTheMarchforupto20hours.

MotherNature threw a road block at us.And somepeopleaskwhydon’ttheychangethedateofTheMarch?WhydotheyhaveitonJanuary22nd?Theanswer:ItisthedatethatthedecisioncamedownfromtheSupremeCourtonRoevsWade,January22,1973(tolegalizeabortion).TheMarchforLifehasbeenheldeveryyearsinceregardlessoftheweather.SoinSeptember2016Iwillstarttheplanningofthe2017trip!MaybeMotherNaturewillbenicernextyear.

Kristi Jordan and Justin Lister Wed in Ohio

KristiJordanandJustin Lister wedAugust 15, 2015 atSt. Theresa ofAvi-la Church in Shef-fieldVillage,OH,herhomeparish.Thedaywas perfect and theblessed mother came throughwithbeautifulweather. FatherEd-wardSmithwas theofficiant. Theyweresurroundedwithfamilyandfriends.

KristiisahairstylistatElementsSaloninAvonLake,OH.ShestudiedattheAVEDASchoolinLosAngeles,CA.Herhusband,Justin isaStateTrooper inElyria,OHandgrewupinRodman,NY.

KristiisthegranddaughterofthelateMarySlimakKmetzandthedaughterofRitaJordan.SheisthenieceofthelateSisterMaryJamesSlimakandthelateSisterMaryMartinaSlimak.KristihasbeenamemberoftheFCSLASr.Branch128sinceshewasveryyoung.

10 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Outgoing FCSLA National Board Members HonoredThe outgoing FCSLA National Board members were honored with a dinner at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

in Beachwood, Ohio on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. President Cynthia Maleski presented each outgoing officer with thank you gifts.

Former national Secretary and now outgoing Vice-President irene drotleff with national President Cynthia Maleski.

L-R: National President Cynthia Maleski, national editor Carolyn Bazik and na-tional Secretary Sue Ann Seich. the national editor is no longer a board position but a hired one.

national President Cynthia Maleski with Steve Hudak, na-tional treasurer. the national treasurer is no longer a board position but a hired one.

L-R: Steve Hudak, National Treasurer, and former national treasurer and now outgoing national trustee John Janovec with Cynthia Maleski, national President (right).

outgoing national Secretary Sue Ann Seich (right) with national President Cynthia Maleski. Sue Ann will now serve the Association as a director on the Board.

outgoing Board Members with national President Cynthia Maleski L-R: Stephen Hudak, Irene Drotleff, President Cyn-thia Maleski, John Janovec, Carolyn Bazik, and Sue Ann Seich.

Joyce lechman and Barbara Sekerak presented the donation award to Mar-ian ruben, Marketing director at Jesuit retreat House, Parma, oH.

Barbara Sekerak presented the donation award to Father lawrence Jurcak, Pastor, Christine Kall, director of religious education and the eight Grade PSr Class at St. John Bosco Parish, Parma Hts., oH.

terese Joyce and her children Sean Patrick and Cailim Mary presented the donation award to Sr. Helen therese Scasny, SC at St. Barnabas Villa, Northfield, OH.

Convention Donation Presentations by Cleveland District Branches

MARCH2016 11

BranchW033,Spillville,IA,heldtheirAnnualChristmasPartyandMeeting,Sunday,December6,2015atSt.Wenc-eslausSchool.Afteradeliciouspotluckdinner,minutesofthepreviousmeeting,treasurer’sreport,andannualreportweregiven.Followingthereportsthebranchgaveoutfour$250scholarshipsandone$500scholarship.Recipientsofthe$250awardswere:MakenzieKuhn,TylerKlimesh,KellenKessler,andRachelStika.JoshuaStika,whoisaseminar-

Branch W033 Celebrates the Holiday Season

ian received the $500award.Donations andelection ofofficersfollowedwithallofficersremainingthesame.Afterthemeetingthechildrenwhoweremakingcraftscameouttojointheparty.Doorprizesforadultsandchildrenweregivenawayandwinnersofthe“CandyGuessingGames”werealsogivenprizes!Santaarrivedwithabagoftreatsforeveryone.EveryonethenenjoyedplayingbingoandthechancetowinprizesfromthelightedChristmastree.

Mom Sharon Kessler accepting the $250 scholarship from vice President Gerald Kuhn for her son Kellen Kessler.

$250 Scholarship winner Makenzie Kuhn (center) with treasurer rita Fjelstul (left) and vice President Gerald Kuhn (right) presenting the check.

Mom elaine Stika accepting two scholar-ships from vice President Gerald Kuhn, one for $250 for daughter Rachel; and one for $500 for son Joshua who is in the seminary.

Branch Officers L-R: Dan Silhacek, President; Rebecca Kuhn, Secretary; Rita Fjelstul, Treasurer; Gerald (Jerry) Kuhn, Vice-President; Richie Kuhn, Director; Alice Klimesh, Director; and donna ryant, director.

So many choices! the delicious potluck was served at the Annual W033 Branch Party in Spillville, iA.

Santa gives a bag of treats to Kaitlyn Klimesh.

Mom Janice Klimesh accepting a $250 scholarship from vice President Gerald Kuhn for her son tyler Klimesh.

Past Branch W033 President tom novak with daughter Jacquelyn Zillman and her two children Aiden and evelyn.

Find us on Facebook • FIRST CATHOLIC SLOVAK LADIES ASSOCIATION

12 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

“BeOurGuest”, the song from theBroadwayPlay,“Beauty and the Beast,”wastheheadlineontheflyerthatwassenttomembersofBranchS161invitingthemtobetheBranch’sguestsattheannualVilijadinnertobeheldatOurLadyofSorrowsSocialHall,Youngstown,OHonSunday,December13,2015.

BernadetteDemechko, Branch Financial Secretary,alsopublishedarticlesofinvitationintheparishbulletinofSt.Matthias,HolyName,andSaintsCyrilandMethodiusChurches,whichnowcompriseOurLadyofSorrowsParish.

BernadetteandGinnyDeluca,BranchPresident,tookreservations.Fifty-ninemembersrespondedandBernadettesentoutthe$20numberedticketsassigningseatssothatfamilymembers,choirmembers,andmostattendeeswereabletositinrequestedgroups.

L-R: Paul & Shelly Armour, Agnes Kachmer, Ann Hruska, nancy Hildebrand.

L-R: Roseann Pritchard, Melanie and Therese Leonard, Luke Hnida.

L-R: Mary Pyne, Mickey and Diane Yanek, Bob and Julie Mal-kovits, Agatha Fabiny.

L-R: Joanne Yurco, Mary Yurco, Nancy and Clem Clausen.

“BE OUR GUEST” at the Annual Vilija Dinner

TheVilijadinnerissponsoredbytheAmericanSlovakCulturalAssociation,whosePresident is LorettaEkoniak(Sr.Branch161Auditor).Theevent includesa deliciousmealfeaturingtheVilijadinnermenuourancestorssharedwiththeirfamilyandmanySlovakAmericansstillenjoy.ThemembersalsoenjoyedentertainmentbytheRevilakFamily,vocalistsandinstrumentalists.

TheS161officershaddecidedthissenioractivitywasaperfectfitforourBranchwhichstillholdsitsmeetingsandattendsMassat thisparish,whichwas founded in1914.Sr.Branch161,established in1903 in thearea,steppedforwardin1914andassistedtheparishfinanciallyandbyitsmembers’supportand involvement.Onehundredandtwoyearslater,BranchS161’sgoalsofperpetuatingSlovakheritageandsupportingitsSlovakparishhavenotchanged.

Marriage Vows ExchangedMelissaBilec,S77marriedRyanHolgersonon

August29,2015intheRoseGardeninRenziehau-sen Park inMcKeesport,PA.Thebrideis the daugh-terofMichaeland SusanEllen Bilec,PortVue.Thegroom is the son of SusieMo r r i s sey -

HolgersonofMunhallandJamesandDawnHolgersonofJeffersonHills.WhiteOakMayorInaJeanMartonofficiated.TheflowergirlwasMarleyHolgerson,thecouple’sdaughter.

Melissa is a graduate ofSouthAlleghenyHighSchoolandPennStateGreaterAllegheny,and isahistotechnician.RyanattendedThomasJeffersonHighSchoolandCommunityCollegeofAlleghenyCounty.Heisamachinist.

MARCH2016 13

OmahaBranchW018held itsannualJuniorMemberChristmasPartyonSunday,December6,2015atnoonattheMillardSocialHall.Eddie’sCateringpreparedadeliciousmeal for theBranch’s juniormembers, their parents andeventhegrandparents!

Afterlunch,theOmahaChildren’sMuseumentertaineduswithafun,hands-on,and,yes,educationalprogram—thescienceofbubbles.AllwhowantedtoseewhatitwaslikeINSIDEabubbleweregiventhatopportunity.ProbablythemostexcitedpersonexperiencingthebubblewasRoseannRozmarin,agreat-grandmaofseveraljuniormembers!Fol-lowingtheshow,aspecialvisitorfromtheNorthPolestoppedby,meteachchild(agewasnotimportanttoSanta),broughtasmallgifttoeachjuniormemberandwishedusallgoodtidingsbeforeheadingbacktoprepareforhis“busyseason.”

NeBrasKa BraNCh W018 hOLDs Christmas CeLeBratiON

one of our special guests this year was former Branch W018 Secretary emmanuel Shav-lik who attended the party with his son and grandson. emmanuel is welcomed by Branch President, Santa Bob Hladik.

Andrew Barry and noah Steinkraus help demon-strate the density of bub-bles.

roseann rozmarin waits for the Bubble lady to do her magic while her grandchildren provide moral support.

Families brought games and toys that were delivered to “toys for tots”.

Again, this year, theBranchasked that eachpersonattendingthepartybringanewtoyforthe“ToysforTots”program.Thissmall,butwonderfulgesturehelpedmanyofthechildreninourOmahacommunityexperienceabrighterChristmas.Almost100toysweredonatedbyBranchW018!

TheOmahaBranchwishes all FCSLAmembers apeace-filledNewYearandalife-givingandcharitableYearofMercy!

AdditionAl donAtionS For “FiGHtinG HunGer

one dAY At A tiMe” CAMPAiGn

donor loCAtionBranch140 Lansford,PABranch313 NatronaHts.,PABranch301 Canton,OHBranch140 Lansford,PABranch149 Oregon,OHBranch172 WilkesBarre,PABranch225 OrlandPark,IL

totAl donAtionS $34,510.00

have you checked out the FcSla website lately?

www.fcsla.org

14 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

YSC Sets Slovakia TourYoungstown-SpisskaNovaVesSisterCitieswill be

celebratingits25thanniversaryin2016.Their19thtourofSlovakiawilltakeplaceJuly8-22.TheannualluncheonwiththeMayorofNovaVeswillagainbeaspecialfeatureplusastayinathermalwaterspa,avisittoTichyPotek,avillageof324peoplewho transform their village intoSlovakiaof“olden”days,are-enactmentofaSlovakwedding,andmanymoreevents.Arrangementscanbemadefortransportationandinterpretertorelatives’homes.ContactJimBench(724)858-5843orKayBench(724)771-7900orJmbench@yahoo.comorAdventureTravel(800)542-2487fordetails.

BranchW018welcomedthosemembers who have held cer-tificatesfor50yearsintotheHalfCenturyClubonWednesday,Oc-tober7,2015.

Allmemberswho celebratedthismilestonein2014or2015wereinvitedfordinnerattheBohemianCafeasguestsoftheBranch.Thedeliciousfoodandthecamaraderiewerekeyingredientsforadelight-fulevening.

PresidentBobHladikpresentedeachmemberwithacertificatehonoringtheirloyaltytoandsupportofFCSLA.

Fifty Year Members, L-R: Mary Sobotka, Brennen Belik, Patricia Warsocki, and James Warsocki.

President Bob Hladik and James Warsocki with his certificate.

Branch W080 Holds Christmas CelebrationBranchW080 held its annualChristmas party

andmeetingonDecember5,2015,atthePineStreetPubinClarkson,NE.TabletreatswerefurnishedbystudentsofSt.JohnNeumannSchool.Memberswerefirsttreatedtoabuffetdinnerbeforebeingtestedabouttheir knowledge of everythingChristmas.A few ofthequestionsevenhadhonoredguestFr.RodKneiflstumped!Ashortbusinessmeetingfollowedwithre-portsanddiscussionofprojectsforthecomingyear.

Visits Area Nursing HomesFCSLAW130 ofClutier, IA delivered 300 boxes of

KleenextofiveareanursinghomesforChristmas.PicturedisKasonSvobodahelpinghismomKatieandAuntJillSvo-bodahandoutboxesofKleenex.Hisbigsmilebroughtjoyanddelighttotheresidents.

Branch 111 Annual Meeting and Christmas Gathering

ThirtymembersofBranch111,Charleroi,PAgatheredtogetherfortheirannualmeetingandChristmasparty.Thememberswereservedafullcoursemealandgivenamon-etarygift,candyandacandle.Ayearlyreportonthe2015donations and theQuadrennialConvention in Louisville,KYwasgivenbySecretary/TreasurerGracePopson.Doorprizes and gifts from theHomeOfficewere distributed.Beforethepartyendedmembersinattendancepausedtoprayforthedeceasedmembersofthebranch.

Recognizes 50 Year Members

MARCH2016 15

2016 FCSLA FrAtErnALiSt oF thE YEAr noMinAtion ForM~ PLEASE PRINT! ~

Nominee’sName: ________________________________________________ FCSLABranch#:__________

HomeAddress: ___________________________________________________________________________

Phone#: _____________________________________ E-MailAddress:______________________________

MaritalStatus:o Single o Married o Widowed IfMarriedSpouse’sName: ______________________

Occupation: _________________________________ Employer/School:______________________________

Pleasereviewthefollowingthreecategoriesandprovideyourresponseforeachcategory. Pleaseuseaseparatesheetofpaper(Please Print or Type)

1. Society Leadership:Describeyournominee’sinvolvementinthepast yearinFCSLA’slocalbranchanddis-trictgovernanceandactivities.Thiswouldincludeserviceasabranchordistrictofficer,orcommitteememberforanyandallFCSLAbranchmeetings,activities,dinners,blooddrives,MatchingFunds,JoinHandsDay,etc.atanybranchordistrictlevel.

2. Service to Others:Describehownomineehasprovidedsignificantvolunteerserviceinthepast yeartohis/hercommunityorparticipatedinoutreachprogramsandenvironmentalactivitiesonthelocal,stateorinter-nationallevel.(Examples:Participationinchurchgroups,mentoringprograms,schoolorcommunityactivities,disasterreliefefforts,communityorservicegroups.)

3. Innovative Leadership:Describehowthisnomineehasbeenaleaderoraninnovatorduringthepast year.(Examples:Engagedincross-generationalparticipationinaneventoractivity,updatedanoldannualactivitytomakeitmorerelevant,sawaneedandcreatedaprogramtoaddressit,etc.)

NameofNominator: ___________________________ Branch#:_______Phone#:____________________

SignatureofNominator: __________________________ E-Mail:_____________________________________

FCSLA 2016 FRATERNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARDTheFraternalistoftheYearAwardisanhonorpresentedbyFCSLAtorecognizeanindividualwithinourorganizationwho,throughexampleandaccomplishment,provideoutstandingvolunteerservicetohisorherbranch/society,churchandcommunityduringthepastyear.TheFCSLAwinnerwillreceiveacrystalvasefeaturedinFraternally Yours,onourwebsiteandbesubmittedasanomineefortheAmericanFraternalAlliance(AFA)FraternalistoftheYearAward.

GuIDELINES:♦ AllFCSLAOfficersandMembersareeligibletosubmitanomineeforthisaward.♦ ThenomineemustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFCSLAwithahistoryof

fraternalandcommunityservice.♦ NationalOfficers,HomeOfficeEmployeesandpreviousrecipientsofthisawardare

noteligible.♦ TheinformationrequestedonournominationformiseverythingthatweneedtoprovidetotheAFAwithour

nomineesubmission.♦ Includeaheadandshouldersphotoofnominee.♦ deadline for entries is APril 15, 2016.♦ Nominationformandphotoshouldbemailedto:FCSLA, Kelly M. Shedlock, Fraternal & Youth Director, 24950

Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122.♦ Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactKellyShedlockviaemailatkelly@fcsla.orgorattheHomeOffice

800.464.4642EXT1051.♦ Anindependentcommitteewillselectthewinner.♦ Youmayalsoprintthisformoffourwebsitewww.fcsla.org.

16 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

ThemembersofSr.Branch114inLorain,OHcelebratedtheirannualDecemberMeetingandChristmasDinneronSunday,December 20, 2015atAmericanSlovakHome.PresidentBernieDanevichwelcomedallmembersfollowedbyaprayerandmeetingwiththepreviousmonth’sminutesreadbyCindySamsandtreasurer’sreportgivenbyJoanneMrosko.Ayearlyreportoftheseniorandjuniorbrancheswasgiven.IncludedwasareportoftheactivitiesandeventsfromthequadrennialconventioninOctoberinLouisville,KYandthemanydonationsgiventohelpothers.

AnelectionofofficersfollowedwiththecurrentofficersagreeingtoserveforthenextyearandweresworninbyMarieSchweinberg.Memberswereremindedoftheyear’scomingsocialeventsheldonthethirdSundayofthemonth;July,scholarshipluncheon;October,Bingo;andDecember,annualmeeting andChristmas dinner.Allmembers arewelcomeatallregularmeetings.ThemeetingendedwithpoinsettiasandmonetarydoorprizesbeingraffledaswellasgiftsfromtheFCSLA.Membersthenenjoyedadelicioushotmealandvisitingwithfellowmembers.

Members enjoying the Sr. Branch 114 Christmas party!

Officers of Branch S114 L-R: Joanne Mrosko, Treasurer; Betty Boone, Junior Branch Treasurer; Cindy Sams, Secretary; Ber-nie Danevich, President; Marge Thomas, Financial Secretary; Marge Kurta, Vice-President.

Christmas Dinner Held for Sr. Branch 114 in Ohio

Branch W013Country Store and Quilt Raffle

BranchW013(NewPrague,MN)heldACountryStoreandQuiltRaffleinconjunctionwithSt.John’sAnnualBazaarastheirMatchingFundsProject.AllproceedswenttoSt.John’sParish.

Member Morgan Havlovic selects her pick at the Country Store. tina Paseka and Henri Kliment made the sale during the Matching Funds event.

Quilters who made the quilt for the Matching Funds Raffle. L-R: Bertha Musilek, Dorothy Coufal, Joyce Sousek, Marie Bilek, dolores Chadek, and Joyce Kuncl.

Matching Funds activities

MARCH2016 17

Branch 169 Members Attend Vilija Dinner in Youngstown, Ohio

Twenty-threemembersofBranch169ofYoungstown,OHattendedtheVilijaDinneratOurLadyofSorrows–St.MatthiasFatherSnockCenteronDecember13th,2015.MembersenjoyedsharingmemoriesofChristmasEve’spast,food,musicandconversation.

honors Scholarship Winners at Christmas Party in new York

FCSLABranchesS630andJ534,Buffalo,NewYork,awardedscholar-ships to member students at their annual Christmas Party held at thePolishVilla IIRestaurant onDecember15,2015.

L-R, first row: Kelly Ann Swartz, Scholarship Committee Member Linda Zurek, and Emma R. Pyrak; second row: James D. Weil and John P. Weil; third row: James Staszak, Scholarship Committee Chairman. Absent from the photo were Allyson e. olday and Christopher M. vail.

BrAdleY MiCHAel MArrA and BArrett JAMeS WAtSon are the newestmembersof Jr.Branch11 inSt.Louis,MO.

BradleyMichaelMarrawasbornonJuly26,2015weighinginat7pounds11 ounces while his cousin BarrettJamesWatsonwasbornonOctober15,2015weighing inat7pounds13ounces.

Their grandmother, Jeanette, is amember ofSr.Branch101and theircousinsKylieandDanielarealsomem-bersofJr.Branch11.

Barrett James Watson

Bradley Michael Marra

Cleveland Branches

Save the Date

Saturday, May 21, 2016 @ 2pm Playhouse Square

newest Members of Jr. branch 11

Cleveland Branches

~ Save The DaTe ~Saturday,May21

at2p.m.Playhouse Square

“Matilda”THEMUSICAL

18 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

AmAlie SwArtz, w013AmalieSwartz,90,ofPrague,NE,entered

intoeternalrestonJune15,2015atBryanEastMedicalCenterinLincoln,NE.ShewasbornonOctober30,1924onafarmthreemileseastofPraguetoCharlesandMollie(Kubr)Sedlacek.SheattendedSt. John’sCatholicSchool andgraduated fromPragueHighSchool in 1941.ShethenattendedMidlandCollegeinFremontandwasemployedattheASCSofficeinWahoo.

OnOctober28,1947,AmaliewasunitedinmarriagetoLeon-ardSwartzatSt.JohnCatholicChurchinPrague.Throughouttheyears,shewasadedicatedfarmwifethatlovedbeingamotherandhomemaker.ShewasamemberofSt.JohntheBaptistCatholicChurch,RosaryAltarSociety,PCCW,CatholicDaughters,LegionofMary,andtheAmericanLegionAuxiliary#254ofPrague.

Sheissurvivedbychildren,Gaylen(Vicki)SwartzofMalmo,GarlandSwartzofPrague,andGary(Annette)SwartzofWahoo;grandchildren,Len(Lolly)Swartz,HeatherSwartz,JustinSwartz,andJill(Ethan)Warren.

Helen mArie Humlicek, w013Helen Marie (Riepl) Humlicek, 91, of

Prague,NE,enteredintorestonJune20,2015,inLincoln,NE.HelenwasbornonNovember8,1923,toCharlesandTheresa(Solko)Riepl.ShewasagraduateofMalmoHighSchool.OnValentine’sDay,1946,shemarriedLeonardC.HumlicekinWahoo,NE.Leonardmanagedthe

PragueCooperativeGroceryStore,andinherlateryears,Helenworkedthereasabookkeeper.Helen’sfamilywasher life,andshetookgreatjoyinbeingagrandmotherandgreat-grandmother.HelenwasafaithfulmemberofSt.JohnCatholicChurch.ShewasamemberofCatholicDaughters,P.C.C.W.,RosarySociety,andtheAmericanLegionAuxiliary.Helenissurvivedbyhersons,RobertHumlicekofLincoln,JohnandMaryHumlicekofColumbia,MOandChampaign,IL,andJeraldandDeniseHumlicekofShelby,NE;daughters,PatriciaHersteinofLincoln,NE,TheresaHumlicekofLincoln,LindaandWaynePenneyofLakeZurich,IL,andKayandDaveDuncanofLincoln;daughter-in-law,WendyLewis(Jamesdeceased)ofSaltLakeCity,UT.Helenhas12grandchildren;7great-grandchildren.HelenisalsosurvivedbyhersisterBerniceClarkofBeatrice,NE;sister-in-laws,EdithRiepl,MaeSafranek,andDoloresJanecek;manyniecesandnephews,andherspecialgrandpupsandMiathecat.MemorialsmaybegiventoSt.JohnCatholicChurch inPragueorBishopNeumannHighSchool inWahoo.

ronAld e. cHAdek, w013Ronald E. Chadek, 78, of Prague, NE,

entered into eternal rest June22, 2015.RonwasbornonDecember7,1936 toRudyandLydia (Semrad)Chadek in Prague.Growingup,hehelpedonthefamilyfarmandworkedatWernsmanServiceStation.HegraduatedfromPragueHighSchoolin1955.AsaPanther,Ronplayedfirstbaseontheonlystatechampionship

teaminPraguehistory.OnMay28,1957hemarriedtheloveofhislife,DoloresVanek,inPrague.FollowingtheirmarriageRonandDoloreslivedandfarmedwestofPragueforover40years,raisingtheirfourchildren.Inthespringof1993,thecouplemovedinto town to thehome that spoiled8grandchildrenandhostedcountlessholidays,specialoccasions.Aboveallhewasknownforhispassionandloveofhischildren’sandgrandchildren’ssports,activities,andachievements.Hetraveledalloverthestate,andtheMidwestcheeringonhisfamily’ssportsteams,critiquingofficials,andrecordingeverytime,score,andstatistic.

Heissurvivedbyhiswifeof58years,DoloresChadek;chil-dren,LoriKunclofPrague,GailBeneschofColumbus,NE,TerryandKathyChadekofShelby,NE,DebiandJohnWadeofPrague;8grandchildren;sister,DarleneandLouisKavan;sisters-in-law,GeorgiaVyhlidal,andMarleneandJimFujan;andmanyniecesandnephews.

AgneS m. wozniAk, S200AgnesM.Wozniak,age91,ofGlassport,

PA,diedAugust8,2015.Shewasthedaughterof the lateCharles and Josephine (Deliman)Gaums; andwife of the late FrankWozniak,whomshemarriedNovember15,1945,atSt.Cecilia’sChurch.Sheissurvivedbyhersons,John(Cindy)WozniakofSouthParkandChuck(Lori)Wozniak ofGlassport; 7 grandchildren;

and12great-grandchildren;alsoniecesandnephews.AgneswasamemberofQueenoftheRosaryandformermemberofSt.Cecilia’sParish,whereshewasamemberoftheChoir,lectorandcantor.ShewasamemberoftheRosarySocietyandChristianMothersandwastheneighborhoodseamstress.ShewasintheGlassportRollerRinkSkatingReviewandmadefourappearancesonWilkinsAmateurHourbackinthe1940’s(radio)andwasamemberoftheCatholicWomen’sBowlingLeague.

Albert SAdowSky, w121AlbertpassedawayAugust9,2015atCHI

St.Joseph’sHealthinDickinson.AlbertwasbornMay29,1924inDickinson,ND,thesonofLouisF.andRose(Jilek)Sadowsky.HegrewupandattendedschoolthroughtheeighthgradeatNewHradec,ND.AlbertservedintheUSArmyfrom1946through1947,beinghonorablydischargedasaT5.AlbertmarriedElsieKarskyonJuly25,

1946inSts.PeterandPaulCatholicChurchofNewHradec.Tothisunion,Yvonne,YvetteandLaVonnewereborn.AlbertandElsiefarmednorthofGladstone(Emerson)until1968,whentheymovedintoDickinson.HethenworkedforCarlsonConstruction,TMIandbecametheownerofhisownbusinesscalledAl’sLockShop.Albertenjoyedagoodgameofcribbage,pinochle,whistor500rummy.Healsoenjoyedtravelingandhelovedplayinghisaccordion.Al-bertissurvivedbyhischildren,Yvonne(Gene)FicekofSpearfish,SD,Yvette(Lynn)GeffreofBismarck,andLaVonne(Ken)GroszofWestFargo;fivegrandchildren;fourgreat-grandchildren;onebrother,LouisSadowsky;threesisters,LillianBren(Albert’stwinsister),BeatriceRambousekandBeataHavelka,allofDickinson.

MARCH2016 19

2016 FCSlA Youth recognition nomination FormPleASe Print!Nominee’sName: _____________________________________________________________________________

FCSLABranch#: _________________________________________ DateofBirth:_________________________

HomeAddress: _______________________________________________________________________________

NameofSchool/College/University: _____________________________________________________________

Parent(s)Name(s): ____________________________________________________________________________

Phone#: __________________________ ParentsE-MailAddress:______________________________________

PleASe Print!

NameofNominator: ______________________________ Branch#:____________Phone#:________________

SignatureofNominator: __________________________________ E-Mail:_________________________________

YourRelationtonominee: ______________________________________________________________________

MAIL TO: Kelly M. Shedlock, Fraternal & Youth Director, FCSLA, 24950 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122

Fcsla 2016 Youth Recognition awardThe Youth Recognition Award is for Honoring the Spirit of Service by an individual youth within FCSLA.There are countless young FCSLA members who participate in many service projects in their branch, church, school or community. They are individuals who stand out in a crowd because of their achievements. This is your opportunity to nominate an outstanding young member from your Junior or Senior Branch.

GuidelineS NomineemustbeanFCSLAmemberforatleastthreeyears. Anomineemustbebetweentheagesof6-22years.(Receiveddatewilldeterminetheageeligibility.) AllfamilymembersoftheHomeOfficeStaffandNationalOfficersareeligibletobenominated. Previousrecipientsofthisawardwillnotbeconsidered,butpreviousnomineeswhodidnotreceivetheaward

areeligibletobenominated. Serviceprojects/volunteerismmustbebetweenJune1,2015throughMay1,2016. Onaseparatesheetofpaper,TYPEDorPRINTEDdescribein500wordsorlesswhattheindividualhas

donetodeservebeingnominatedforthisaward.Suchashis/herleadershipand/orservicetoothersintheirbranch,church,schooland/orcommunity.

Includeiftheyhavepets,siblingsorotheractivitiestheyenjoy. DeadlineforEntriesisMay13,2016. Aheadandshouldersphotoofnomineeshouldbeincludedattimeofentry. ThewinnerreceiveaStarAward,$100.00,willbefeaturedinanissueofourFraternally YoursMagazineand

onourwebsite. Anindependentcommitteewillselectthewinner. Youmayprintthisformoffofourwebsitewww.fcsla.org. IfyouhaveanyquestionspleasecallKellyat1.800.464.4642EXT1051orEmail:kelly@fcsla.org

20 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

email your Wedding, anniversary and Birthday announcements

to zjbazik@comcast.net

OnDecember 13, 2015, theDoors ofMercywereopenedattheBasilicaofSaintsCyrilandMethodiusinDan-ville,PA.TheBasilicawasnamedaplaceofpilgrimagefortheDioceseofHarrisburg,PAfortheJubileeofMercyHolyYear,December2015–November2016.TheBasilica,onthegroundsofVillaSacredHeartinDanville,isthemoth-erhousechapelfortheSistersofSaintsCyrilandMethodius.TheBasilicaofSaintsCyrilandMetho-diuswasnamedafterthespiritualpatrons of theSisters of SaintsCyrilandMethodius:themission-arybrothersCyrilandMethodius.TheBasilicaisthedailyplaceofprayer for theSisters of SaintsCyrilandMethodius,and isalsothesiteofecumenicalgatherings,pilgrimages,weekendandweek-longretreatsanddaysofprayer,notonlyfortheSisters,butforthegeneralpublic.DuringthisJubileeofMercyHolyYear, theBasilicawill also house special Jubileeevents, and welcome pilgrimsthroughouttheyear.

The chapelwas designatedasaBasilicain1989.Thedesignationofabasilicaisgiventocertainchurchesbecauseof theirarchitecturalbeauty,historicalsignificanceandimportanceascentersofworshipandpilgrimage.TheBasilica isvisited regularlybymanywhoadmirebeautifulbuildings,thestainedglasswindowsandthemosaics.However,theBasilicaofSaintsCyrilandMethodiusisprimarilyaplaceofprayer.

Since the dedication of the chapel onOctober 17,1939,theBasilicahasbeenusedforprayerbyhundredsofthousandsofpeople,andtheSistersofSaintsCyrilandMethodiushavegatheredhereforprayereverydayandhavebroughtthewholeworldwiththemintheirprayers.Pilgrims

More than 100 pilgrims attended the liturgy opening the Year of Mercy at the Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

the doors of Mercy through which pilgrims pass to enter the Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Fr. James lease, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in danville, was celebrant for the liturgy opening the Year of Mercy at the Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Jubilee of Mercy Holy Year

areespeciallywelcometotheBasilicaofSaintsCyrilandMethodiusduringthisJubileeofMercyHolyYear.

eventS to Be Held At tHe BASiliCA oF SAintS CYril And MetHodiuS, dAnville, PA

durinG tHe JuBilee YeAr oF MerCYTheBasilicaisopendailyfrom9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.forprivate

prayerandpilgrimage.GuidedtoursoftheBasilicaareavailablebycallinginadvanceat570-275-3581.

EveningPrayerandEucharisticAdoration–EverySundayeveningfrom4:00–4:30p.m.,January10,2016–November13,2016therewillbepubliccelebrationofEveningPrayeroftheLiturgyoftheHours,coupledwithEucharisticAdoration.

February2,2016–Closingof40HoursDevotion,coincidingwiththeendoftheYearofConsecratedLife.Servicesat4:00p.m.Retreat specifically for those discerning a vocation to religious life

• May27-29Series of Directed 24-Hour Retreats

• February19-20;March18-19;June10-11;• September9-10;October28-29

Series of Silent directed retreat Weekends• February19-21;March18-20;June10-12;• September9-11;October28-30

two taize Prayer Services• March11,7-8:00p.m.;April15,7-8:00p.m.

Two day-long Retreats• March5,10a.m.-3p.m.,“PeopleofthePassion”• April23,10a.m.-3p.m.,“CompassionateCaregiving:• DimensionsofReligionandSpiritualityinHealthCare• Settings”TheSacrament of Reconciliationwill be available at the

BasilicaofSaintsCyrilandMethodius for individualsorgroupsuponrequest.

Forinformationonanyevent,aboutvisitingtheBasilica,ortomakearrangementsforagrouppilgrimage,call570-275-3581.

MARCH2016 21

TheeightBranchesoftheYoungstownDistrictheldtheirjointChristmasParty at theALaCarteCateringCenter,Canfield,OH,onSunday,November22.HostingtheeventwereBranch169President,DoloresSonoga,CarolDumez,SecretaryofJ23,andBranchmembers.Doloreswelcomedthe163membersinattendanceandthankedtheBranchesforprovidingsomeofthe40doorprizesavailablefordistri-bution.Sheintroducedhercommitteeandthankedthemfortheirassistanceinplanningtheparty.TheyhadpreparedtheroomwithaChristmasatmosphere.Centerpiecesofhollyberriesandgoldglitteringleavesgracedthetables.Eachattendee receiveda 2016 two year pocket planner fromHeadquarters.SeveraloftheBranchesusedtheeventastheirSeniorActivity,hostingtheirmemberstoawonderfulafternoonoffriendshipandfraternalism.

DistrictPresident,BernadetteDemechko,openedthemeetingwithaChristmasprayerwhichexplainedthegiftsoftheMagitotheBabyJesus.Theyofferedgold-becauseHeisaKing;frankincensebecauseHeisaGod,andmyrrhbecauseHeisourRedeemer.

After a deliciousmeal andbriefmeeting,BernadetteupdatedthegroupontheOctoberconventionresults.Shereminded the members that each person can sell up to $200,000inlifeinsuranceinOhiowithalimitof$10,000acertificate.

SheagaininformedthegroupofthefourDistrictmem-berswhohaveOhiolicensesandcansellinsurancein48statesbyobtainingatemporarylicensefromHeadquarters.Sheannounced thenamesof thenewly-electedNationalBoardandthatMonsignorPeterM.Polando,Branch169,wasre-electedtothepositionasNationalChaplain.

Thereweretwosurprises.NationalPresident,CynthiaMaleskiandNationalChaplain,MonsignorPeterPolando,whoisamemberofhostingBranch169,haddonated75votivecandleswiththeinscription‘YouAretheLightoftheWorld.” Similar candles had been given toConfirmandiatSt.ColumbaCathedralbyRectorMonsignorPolando.Theseweregiven ina tablerafflesotwopeopleateachtablereceivedacandle.

YoUnGStoWn DiStrict holDS chriStMaS partY

The secondsurprise was thecelebrationofKayKovalchik’s l00thbirthday on De-cember 4. Kay’sniece,DoctorMaryLouDiPillo,Presi-dentofBranch30,providedtwocakesforthegroupwhichwere served as adessert in addition tothecateringCenter’sofferingof“cherriesinthesnow,”(Maraschino cherries in a “fluff” of cream cheese andwhippedcream.)

Afterthegroupsang“HappyBirthday”toKay,sheblewoutthe“100”(threecandles).Shewasovercomewithjoyandsurprise.BernadettepresentedherwithacrystalrosaryfromtheDistrictandaskedhertoprayforusallsince“shehasalotoffreetime.”ThePresidentalsoreadtheinscriptioninthecardwhichread,“ThankyouforyouryearsofservicetotheBranch,theDistrictandtheentireFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation.Weloveyou.”

The group then sangEnglish andSlovak carols tohelpputthegroupinaChristmasspirit.AtraditionattheChristmaspartyistheSlovakvincthatisgivenannuallybyMaryYurco.

ThemeetingadjournedwithprayersforthedeceasedmemberswhohavehelpedtobringourBranchesandDistricttoitssuccessfulstandingtothisdate.

L-R: Nancy Yurco Clausen, Gina Clausen Lozier, Marcy Yurco, and Sarah Yurco Grosso. Mary annually presents a Slovak vinc to the Youngstown district members.

Catherine Kovalchik admires her cake with her nephew, Kenny Kepko.

100th Birthday cake of Catherine Koval-chik shared by the Youngstown district members at their annual Christmas party.

22 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

BAlAnCe SHeet AS oF oCtoBer 31, 2015ASSetS Cash&ShortTermInvestments $ 13,254,310 Bonds 770,183,909 PreferredStock 2,105,553 CommonStock 4,778,953 InvestmentIncomeDue&Accrued 12,069,935 PropertyPlant&Equipment,Net 5,637,267 CertificateLoans&AccruedInterest 3,162,804 OtherAssets 113,021 TOTALASSETS $ 811,305,752liABilitieS LifeReserves $ 252,953,890 AnnuityReserves 442,941,869 DeathClaimsPayable 1,939,907 UnearnedPremiums 502,965 MaturedEndowments 368,312 ProvisionforDividendsPayable 1,941,945 AccumulatedDividends&Interest 4,357,895 AccruedConventionDonations 925,439 ProvisionforFutureConventions 503,454 AssetValuationReserve 7,017,971 InterestMaintenanceReserve 1,237,416 OtherLiabilities 1,382,255 TOTALLIABILITIES $ 716,073,317 Surplus $ 95,232,435 TOTALLIABILITIESANDSURPLUS $ 811,305,752

inCoMe StAteMent For the ten Months ending october 31, 2015

revenue InsurancePremiums $ 5,271,417 AnnuityPremiums 29,863,754 InvestmentIncome 33,407,499 AmortizationofInterestMaintenanceReserve 111,918 RentalIncome 327,424 OtherRevenue 9,697 TOTALREVENUE $ 68,991,709eXPenSe IncreaseinReserves—Life $ 2,079,101 IncreaseinReserves—Annuity 26,691,433 InsuranceBenefits 4,911,822 AnnuityBenefits 18,127,286 CommissionExpense 847,457 SurrenderBenefits 4,507,452 PostMortemBenefits 1,081,472 MiscellaneousMemberBenefits 76,611 MaturedEndowments 43,114 DonationExpenses 63,169 ChangeinAccruedConventionDonations 200,894 ConventionExpenses 123,933 BankServiceCharges 15,780 DataProcessingServiceFees 201,068 AccountingFees 71,551 ActuarialFees 170,285 LegalFees 61,871 ConsultingFees 101,370 BonustoBranches 708,330 FraternalActivities 99,138 OfficialPublications 346,296 ScholarshipAwards 216,426 MiscellaneousEmployeeBenefits 332,262 Fees—Directors 111,581 Salaries—Employees 1,200,606 Salaries—Officers 387,120 InterestExpense 277,057 TaxExpense 225,395 DepreciationExpense 214,404 UtilityExpense 65,989 PostageandPrinting 151,196 Advertising 110,191 TravelExpense 90,184 InsuranceDepartmentFees 95,017 SalesPromotion 151,128 RentalExpense 327,424 OtherExpense 389,804 TOTALEXPENSE $ 64,875,216

income (loss) from operations $ 4,116,493 DividendstoMembers 1,606,486 Subtotal income (loss) $ 2,510,007 CapitalGains(Loss) (56,659) net inCoMe (loss) $ 2,453,348

35th Midwest Slovak Pastoral Seminar in Chicago

The35thMidwestSlovakPastoralSeminar,undertheauspicesoftheSlovakCatholicFederation,tookplaceonSeptember20attheGardenChaletBanquetHallinWorth,IL.AbbotGaryHooverfromSt.AndrewSvo-rad Slovak Benedic-tineAbbey in Cleve-land spokeabout theabbey’srootsinLisle,IL;theirserviceatSt.Michael theArchan-gel Slovak CatholicChurchintheBackoftheYardsneighborhoodofChicago;andtheirestablishmentofthenewabbeyinClevelandinthe1920’s.

robert tapak Magruder, Publicity Chair

MARCH2016 23

1mediumgreenbellpepper,chopped1mediumzucchiniorsummersquash, quarteredlengthwiseandsliced2clovesgarlic,chopped2cans(15oz.each)redkidneybeans, drained, rinsed1can(15oz.)dicedtomatoes withItalianherbs,undrained½cupfinelyshreddedParmesancheese1teaspoonsalt¼ teaspoon pepper¼cuprefrigeratedbasilpesto

Heatovento350degrees.Cookanddrainpastaasdirectedonpackageusingminimumcooktime.Meanwhile,in10-inchskillet,heatoil overmediumheat.Addonion, carrots,celeryandbellpepper;coverandcook5to8minutes,stirringoccasionally,untilcarrotsarejusttender.Uncover;stirinzucchiniandgarlic.Cookandstir1minutelonger.

Place pasta in ungreased 2½-quartcasserole. Stir in carrotmixture, beans,tomatoes,¼cupof the cheese, the salt,pepperandpesto.Covercasserole.Bake40to50minutesoruntilhotincenter.Topeachservingwithremainingcheese.

Easy Bunny CakE RECipE 1boxmoistyellowcakemixWater,vegetableoilandeggscalledfor oncakemixbox2containers(1lb.each)Rich&Creamy vanillafrostingNeonpurpleand/orpinkfoodcolorConstructionpaper(inedible)2smallmarshmallows,cutinhalf,flattened2smalljellybeans,cutinhalf2(5-inch)stripsrainbow-colored sour candy, separated into strips2largejellybeansorcandy-coated chocolate-coveredpeanutcandies2rectangular-shapedwhitechewinggum, cutinhalf2largemarshmallows

Heatovento350degrees(325degreesfordarkornonstickpans).Make,bakeandcoolcakeasdirectedonboxfor2(8-inchor 9-inch) round cakepans, usingwater,oilandeggs.

Inmediumbowl,tint1containerfrostingwithneonpurplefoodcolor.Using1cakeround,cutinhalftoform2semicircles.Put

halvestogetherwith¼cupfrostingtoformbody.Placeupright on serving plate, cutsidedown.

Frostcakewithfrosting.Cutearsfromconstructionpaper;insertintocake.Usingtoothpickstoattach,use2smallmarshmal-lowhalvesand2smalljellybeanhalvesforeyes.Uselargejellybeanfornoseandsourcandystripsforwhiskers.Placegumhalvesjustbelownoseforteeth.Uselargemarsh-mallowfortail.Repeatwithremainingcaketomake second bunny, using pink neonfoodcolor.Frostanddecorateasabove.

EastER ChiCk CupCakEs 1boxyellowordevil’sfoodcakemixWater,vegetableoilandeggscalledfor oncakemixboxFrosting and Decorations2½cupsshreddedcoconutYellowliquidfoodcolor1containercreamyvanillafrosting48brownminiaturecandy-coatedchocolate bakingbits24smallorangegumdrops

Heatovento350degrees(325degreesfordarkornonstickpans).Placepaperbak-ing cup ineachof 24 regular-sizemuffincups.Makecakemixasdirectedonbox,usingwater, oil and eggs.Divide batteramongmuffincups.Bake17to22minutesoruntiltoothpickinsertedincenterscomesoutclean.Coolinpans10minutes;removefrom pans to cooling racks. Cool com-pletely, about 30minutes.Place coconutinre-sealablefood-storageplasticbag.Addabout8dropsyellowliquidfoodcolor;sealbagandshaketomix.Frostcupcakeswithwhitefrosting.Topwithyellowcoconut.Foreyes,addbrownbakingbits.Cutorangegumdrops to resemble beaks; place oncupcakes.

Bunny tail BonBons1½(4-oz.)whitechocolatebakingbars, meltedaccordingtopackagedirections1(8-oz.)packagecreamcheese,softened¾cupcrushedcoconutcookies1tablespooncoconutrum(orwater)¹/8 teaspoon saltParchment paper1½cupsshreddedcoconut

Beatchocolateandcreamcheeseatme-diumspeedwithaheavy-dutyelectricstandmixeruntilsmooth.Addcookiesandnext2 ingredients, beating just until blended.Spreadinaparchmentpaper-lined9-inchpieplate;coverandchill2hours.

Shapeinto1-inchballs(about2tsp.perball),andplaceinasinglelayerinaparch-mentpaper-linedjelly-rollpan.Coverandchill12to24hours.Rollballsincoconut;chill1hourbeforeserving.Refrigerate inasinglelayerinacontainerupto1week.

Hoppin’ Good Recipes!

apRiCot-BouRBon GlazEd ham

½cupapricotpreserves2 teaspoons ground ginger¼cupbourbonorpineapplejuice6-to8-lb.fullycookedsmokedbone-inham

Heatovento325degrees.Insmallbowl,mix preserves, ginger and bourbon untilsmooth.Placehamonrackinshallowroast-ingpan.Makecutsabout½inchapartand¼ inch deep in diamond pattern around top andsidesofham.Brushwith3tablespoonsofthepreservesmixture.Insertovenproofmeatthermometerinthickestpartofham.

Bakeuncovered45minutes.Brushre-mainingpreservesmixtureoverham.Bakeabout45minuteslongeroruntilthermom-eterreads140degrees.Removehamfromoven,coverwithtentoffoilandletstand10to15minutes foreasiercarving.Garnishwithslicedpineappleifdesired.

lamB & potato skillEt 1lb.groundlamb1mediumleek,chopped1garlicclove,finelychopped½cupbeefflavoredbroth (from32-oz.carton)1tablespoonchoppedfreshdillweed or1teaspoondrieddillweed½teaspoonsalt¼ teaspoon pepper3mediumpotatoes,cutinto¼-inch pieces(3cups)1driedbayleaf2smalltomatoes,coarselychopped(1cup)

Cook lamb, leekandgarlic in 10-inchskilletovermediumheat,stirringfrequently,untillambisbrown;drain.

Stir remaining ingredients except to-matoesintolambmixture.Heattoboiling;reduceheat.Coverandsimmerabout12minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes aretender.Removebayleaf.Stirintoma-toes;heatthrough.

minEstRonE CassERolE 2cupsuncookedminilasagna (mafalda)noodles(4oz.)3tablespoonsoliveoil1cupchoppedonion(1large)1cupslicedcarrots,(2medium)2mediumstalkscelery,sliced(1cup)

3/16

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.