OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL – MEMBERSHIP 28,000 – HOME OFFICE: 205 MADISON STREET, PASSAIC, N.J. 07055 – www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

Periodical Postage Paid at original entry of Passaic, N.J., 07055 and additional mailing offi ces

VOLUME C PASSAIC, N.J., FEBRUARY 23, 2011 NUMBER 4932

Slovensk¥ Katolícky Sokol

Za Boha a Národ For God and Nation

(Continued on page 11)

Continuing a fraternal tradi-tion of several decades, members of our organization joined their brother and sister Slovak Catho-lic fraternalists in participating in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 24. The march marked the January 22 an-niversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade deci-sion that legalized abortion na-tionwide. The date of this year’s march was moved to the 24th, a Monday, to allow more people to visit with their representatives on Capitol Hill. Billed as “Slovak Catholic Fraternals for Life,” the group included members of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, the First Catho-lic Slovak Ladies Association, the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union as well as the First Catholic Slovak Union. Heading the delegation of Sokol members from our organization was our Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic. Many Sokol mem-bers from Group 7 journeyed with the bus from Wilkes-Barre,

Affi rming our commitment to the sacredness of life

Sokol Members Journey to Our Nation’s Capital toparticipate in 38th Annual March for Life

Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, third from the left, is shown with some Sokol mem-bers in attendance including, l-r, Suzanne Horvath, Msgr. Peter A. Polando, Danielle Zablotney, Kelly Palchanis, and Heather Horvath. The Group 7 Sokolky came on the bus from Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Pa. and members from Group 9 in Johnstown, Pa. also joined the contingent. Upon seeing our so-ciety banners, the new Bishop of Scranton, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera stopped by and greet-ed the assembled Slovak Catholic fraternalists. Many of our members began their participation in this year’s pro-life events by attending the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Ba-silica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday evening, January 23. Car-dinal Daniel DiNardo, the Arch-bishop of Galveston-Houston, Texas was principal celebrant and homilist. Cardinal DiNardo is the Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activi-ties. A large number of bishops and priests concelebrated the liturgy. They also participated in the Rosary for Life in the shrine’s Crypt Church. The vast basilica

An opportunity to honor one of our own

2011 Fraternalist of the Year programsalutes volunteerism and outreach They are to be found in many communities across the United States and Canada, in our Groups, our Assemblies and Wreaths. They are sometimes behind the scenes individuals or they may be in leadership roles. What they all have in common is that they are individuals commit-ted to getting the job done. We’re speaking of Sokol members who, through example and accomplishment, provide outstanding volun-teer service to our organization and commu-nity over the years. They may be devoted to a variety of outreach and service projects which assist others in the best traditions of the fraternal benefi t system. Without such individuals, our organization would not have been so successful these past nearly 106 years. They are what makes the fraternal benefi t system unique. Each year, we ask our membership to nominate an individual who in their estimation refl ects such vol-unteerism and should be considered as our Slovak Catholic Sokol Fraternalist of the Year. Since 1985, we have annually honored an individual who is a mentor and model for others, an individual who we are all very proud of. There are a number of such individual members out there who should be considered for this award. The individual selected as our 2011 Fraternalist of the Year will receive a plaque, along with a gift of $200 as a small token of our gratitude for his/her fraternal efforts. The individual selected as our organization’s candidate is then recommended to the American Fra-ternal Alliance(formerly known as the National Fraternal Congress of America) for consideration as their 2011 Fraternalist of the Year. The 2011 Fraternalist of the Year award will be presented to the honoree at the 125th American Fraternal Alliance Annual Meeting

Past Slovak Catholic SokolFraternalist of the Year Recipients

1985 - Anna E. Hletko*, Chicago, Ill.1986 - Deacon John C. Matlon*, Minneapolis, Minn.1988 - Irene Matuschak*, Uniontown, Pa.1989 - Mary T. Sterbinsky*, Kingston, Pa.1990 - Eleanor Macko*, Baden, Pa.1991 - Amalia T. Burican*, Milwaukee, Wis.1992 - Julia M. Misencik*, Bridgeport, Conn.1993 - Stephen C. Burican*, Milwaukee, Wis.1994 - Dr. Stephen J. Hletko*, Chicago, Ill.1995 - Anne Z. Sarosy, Colorado Springs, Co.1996 - John J. Pavlica*, Clifton, N.J.1997 - Steve J. Hruska*, Youngstown, Oh.1998 - Andrew G. Tomasko*, Pittsburgh, Pa.1999 - Frank M. Manca*, El Cajon, Ca.2000 - Rev. Jerome J. Pavlik, O.F.M.*, Pittsburgh, Pa.2001 - Joseph A. Seliga, Chicago, Ill.2002 - Margaret A. Seman, Canton, Oh.2003 - Tibor T. Kovalovsky, Boardman, Oh.2004 - Frank E. Macey, Shillington, Pa.2005 - George W. Hizny, Pittston, Pa.2006 - George J. Kostelnik, Bethlehem, Pa.2007 - Joseph V. Gebura, Middleburg Heights, Oh.2008 - Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Beeda, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.2009 - Eileen Salamon Wilson, Stratford, Conn.2010 - John E. Jasenec, Toronto, Ontario, Canada * deceased

(Continued on page 6)

PAGE 2 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

SAT.FEB.26 Fraternal Insurance Seminar

hosted by Group 2 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish Center, 1950 Bar-num Ave., Stratford, Conn. begin-ning at 11 a.m.

SUN.FEB.27 Group 5 gymnastics classes in

preparation for the 45th Slet at the Perfect Balance facility in Portage Lakes, 30 Forest Mill Lane, Akron, Oh. from 4-6 p.m., call Steve Un-deration (216)570-6172.

14th annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by Group 1 at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall, 218 Ackerman Ave., Clifton, N.J. be-ginning at 4 p.m., adults $6.00, seniors $5.00 and children $3.00, call Peter Walentowicz (973)432-8841.

SUN.FEB.27 Assembly 180 meeting at St.

Mary’s Social Hall, 1602 Market St.,. S, Canton, Oh. beginning at 10:30 a.m.

THURS.MARCH 3 Wreath 39 meeting at the home

of Mary Ann Wells, 330 Harvest Ridge Road, Stratford, Conn. be-ginning at 6:30 p.m.

SAT.MARCH 5 Annual Pre-Lenten celebration

Fasiangy at the Knights of Colum-bus Hall, 3200 South 103rd St., Greenfi eld, Wis. from 6 - 11 p.m.; advance tickets $4.50, at the door $5.00; call Betty Valent (414)425-6137.

Rescheduled Group 12 annual meeting at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, 411 Crestmont St., Reading, Pa. beginning at 11 a.m. hosted by Assembly 261 and Wreath 155. Date changed due to remodeling at the Sokol Club.

Slovak Mardi Gras Dinner-Dance hosted by the Slovak Heritage Association of the Laurel Highlands at Christ the Saviour Education Center, 307 Garfi eld St., Johnstown, Pa. from 4:30 -

Sokol Calendar

8:30 p.m., $25.00 adults, $15.00 children(ages 6-12); call (814)255-5517.

SUN.MARCH 6 59th annual Florida Slovak Day

observance at The Slovak Gar-den, 4755 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, Fla. beginning with a Slovak Mass at 11 a.m. followed by a traditional Slovak luncheon and cultural program; $25.00 per person, for reservations and addi-tional information call The Slovak Garden at (407)677-6894.

MON.MARCH 7 Annual meeting of The Slovak

Garden at its social hall, 3110 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, Fla. beginning at 10 a.m.

Wreath 22 meeting at the Slo-vak Catholic Sokol Club, 2912 East Carson St., South Side, Pitts-burgh, Pa. beginning at 7 p.m.

Assembly 16 meeting at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, 2912 East Carson St., South Side, Pitts-burgh, Pa. beginning at 7:30 p.m.

TUES.MARCH 8 Wreath 1 annual meeting and

luncheon at Stella’s Restaurant, Stratford, Conn. beginning at 12 noon, call Eileen S. Wilson (203)378-8837.

WED.MARCH 9 Patronal feast day observance

of Wreath 1 beginning with 7:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Name of Je-sus Church, 1950 Barnum Ave., Stratford, Conn.; breakfast and gift-bearing visits to home-bound members to follow.

SUN.MARCH 13 Assembly 78 meeting in the

social hall of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, 617 Pierce St., South Side, Bethlehem, Pa. beginning at 1 p.m. to select delegates to the 31st national convention.

MON.MARCH 14 Wreath 93 meeting at the May-

fair North Tower meeting room in Wauwatosa, Wis. from 6-8 p.m.

Assembly 9 annual meeting in the meeting room of Holy Name of Jesus School, 1950 Barnum Ave., Stratford, Conn. beginning at 7 p.m.

Wreath 111 meeting at the

OUR NEXT ISSUE IS MARCH 9

In keeping with our bi- week ly publishing sched ule, the next is sue of the Slovak Cath o lic Fal con will be that of Wednes day, March 9th. Dead line for all pho tos and in for ma tion for this is sue will be Thurs day, March 3rd. View e-Falcon on our website: www.slovakcatho-licsokol.org. Thank ing you for your con tin ued co op er a tion in this mat ter, I re main Zdar Boh! Daniel F. Tanzone Editor

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American Slovak Club, 2540 Broadway, Lorain, Oh. beginning at 6:30 p.m.

SAT.MARCH 19 19th annual bowling tournament

hosted by Group 9 at the Lakev-iew Bowling Lanes, Ebensburg, Pa. beginning at 10 a.m., dinner to follow at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, Railroad St., Lilly, Pa. begin-ning at 6 p.m.

SUN.MARCH 20 Assembly 182 St. Joseph pa-

tronal feast day observance be-ginning with Mass in Slovak at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. John Nepomucene, 66th St. and First Ave., New York City followed by luncheon and fraternal program in the parish social hall, 406 East 67th St.

Group 2 Centennial Duckpin Bowling Tournament at Bar-num Duckpin Lanes, Barnum Ave.,Stratford, Conn. beginning at 11 a.m., call Eileen S. Wilson (203)378-8837.

MARCH 22-24 Annual audit of the Supreme

Auditors at the home offi ce in Pas-saic, N.J.

WED.MARCH 23 Lenten Fish & Chips dinner

hosted by the Marian Rosary So-ciety of SS. Cyril and Methodius in the church hall, 218 Ackerman Ave., Clifton, N.J. beginning at 5:30 p.m.; $15.00, takeout orders available; call Dot (973)772-3448.

MARCH 25-26 Annual meeting of the Supreme

Board of Directors at the home of-fi ce in Passaic, N.J.

SAT.MARCH 26 Eastern District Basketball &

Volleyball Tournament at Reading High School, Reading, Pa. hosted by Group 12.

SUN.MARCH 27 Group 1 Bowling Tournament

at Paul’s Bowling Academy, 377 Crooks Ave., Paterson, N.J. be-ginning at 12 noon. Call Eric Top-czij (973)985-0134.

SUN.APRIL 3 Group 5 bowling tournament

at Yorktown Bowling Lanes, Parma Heights, Oh. beginning at 12:30 p.m., call Marty Zemanek (440)233-6021.

MON.APRIL 11 Wreath 93 meeting at the May-

fair North Tower meeting room in Wauwatosa, Wis. from 6-8 p.m.

SUN.APRIL 17 Assembly 34, St. George patro-

nal feast day observance begin-ning with Mass at 9 a.m. at the

The highest governing body of our organization

The 31st Quadrennial Convention ofthe Slovak Catholic Sokol Dates: July 30 - August 3, 2011

Where: Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh Green Tree 101 Radisson Drive

Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaMark your calendars and plan to participate. Plan to

become a delegate by regularly attending your local Assembly or Wreath meetings.

Church of SS. Cyril and Metho-dius, Second Street and 13th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn., full breakfast to follow in the Father George Dargay Memorial Hall; call James Genosky (763)789-9196.

SAT.APRIL 30 Meeting of the Group 2 conven-

tion delegates at Holy Name of Jesus School meeting room, 1950 Barnum Ave., Stratford, Conn. be-ginning at 9:30 p.m.

SUN.MAY 1 5th annual Singles Bowling

Tournament hosted by Assembly 78 at the National Sokol Bowling Lanes, 613 Hillside Ave., Bethle-hem, Pa., showup time 12 noon, competition begins at 1 p.m., call Fran Blanar (610)866-8381.

A Sokol Annuity: Plan for Your Future It is no surprise that selling life insurance has become diffi cult during these tough economic times, especially to the bulk of our mem-bership base which are ages 35-55. Even though it is a necessary asset to possess, people fi nd it diffi cult to put money into something that will not take effect until, hopefully, many years from now. Does the Slovak Catholic Sokol offer another option, perhaps a product that can save your hard-earned money and secure your post-retirement benefi ts? The answer is yes. The Slovak Catholic Sokol offers two outstanding annuity op-tions. The fi rst is our Single Premium Deferred Annuity, in which there is one deposit due on the issue date. The minimum deposit is $2,000 and the age of the annuitant can be between 16-80. The second is our Flexible Annual Premium Deferred Annuity, in which the initial de-posit is due on the issue date and any additional deposits can be made anytime thereafter. The minimum deposit is $200.00 and the issue age can be between 16-80. Both annuities are currently paying a very com-petitive 4% interest rate annually. These annuities can help you meet some of your mid and long range goals, such as planning for your re-tirement or paying for a child’s college education. What are some of the advantages of owning a Sokol Annuity? Buying an annuity helps the investor enjoy a tax-free contract and the fl exibility of choosing the investment amount. The earnings that occur during the term of the annuity are tax-deferred. This simply means you are not taxed on them until they are paid out. Because of the tax defer-ral, your funds have the chance to grow more quickly than they would in a taxable investment. Another advantage of a Sokol Annuity is there are no sales charges or annual fees incurred during the ownership period. Most of the other post retirement programs charge various fees that seem to “just show up”, such as a morality fee or a maintenance fee. The Slovak Catholic Sokol incurs no such fees. Lastly, and probably the most important advantage of purchasing a Sokol Annuity, is the ability for those new to the Slovak Catholic Sokol, to be “Sokol Members”. They will be able to enjoy the same benefi ts that many of our members have enjoyed over the years, such as our various sporting events. Do not just work for your money; make your money work for you! Call the Home Offi ce today at 1-800-886-7656 for more informa-tion and I will be glad to assist you. Thank you and Zdar Boh!

Scott T. Pogorelec S.C.S. Underwriter

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 PAGE 3

ISSN: 0897-8107

Established April 15, 1911Official Publication of the Slovak Catholic Sokol

Issued Bi-Weekly

Daniel F. Tanzone, EditorEditorial office: (973) 777-4010

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Slovak Catholic Falcon,P.O. Box 899, 205 Madison Street,

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SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOLP.O. Box 899

205 Madison Street, Passaic, N.J. 07055Home Office: (973) 777-2605-06

WEB SITE –www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

Introducing ournewest members

Juliana Marie Hoeck, born Au-gust 30, 2010, is the daughter of Brad and Lisa Zeman Hoeck of Pewaukee, Wis. She was en-rolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Milwaukee, Wis.

They’re all kissin cousins!

Riana Suzanne Hoeck, born De-cember 24, 2008, is the daughter of Brad and Lisa Zeman Hoeck of Pewaukee, Wis. She was en-rolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Annalise Faith Romine, born March 19, 2010, is the daughter of Chris and Jennifer Zeman Romine of Franklin, Wis. She was enrolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Amber Elizabeth Schmeling Radtke, born August 29, 2007, is the daughter of Michael and Tricia Zeman Radtke of Graf-ton, Wis. She was enrolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Mil-waukee, Wis.

Evan Timothy Radtke, born September 2009, is the son of Michael and Tricia Radtke of Grafton, Wis. He was enrolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Andrew Timothy Peterson, born July 28, 2007, is the son of Ryan and Kristy Zeman Pe-terson of Wildwood, Mo. He was enrolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Kyle Ray Peterson, born Sep-tember 4, 2009, is the the son of Ryan and Kristy Zeman Pe-terson of Wildwood, Mo. He was enrolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Milwaukee, Wis.

From the Desk of the Supreme President

Thoughts on Fraternalismby Larry M. Glugosh

There is a new national holiday in Canada called “Family Day”. It will take place on the third weekend in February and is a national event to honor and celebrate our families. The idea origi-nated in 2009 and a bill was passed to create this national holi-day. The February date was selected by the Canadian government to align with Presidents’ Day in the United States, since our countries are often linked with national holidays. The new holiday was created to give thanks to our many blessings with our fami-lies. It is a wonderful opportunity to refl ect upon our cherished heritage and embrace some quality time and experiences with our family members. Many individuals will take advantage of the holiday weekend to plan for their future by investing in their children’s ed-ucation fund or buying a 401K fund for their retirement. Hopefully some of our members will think about adding more life insurance to protect their family members in the future. In addition to the above activities, many not for profi t organi-zations will conduct specifi c programs in their community by visit-ing a senior citizens home, a veterans center or completing some form of charitable work. After all these individuals are integral to our family and have contributed to our community. As a fraternal benefi t society, it is our mission to support these types of activities and a key purpose for our existence. I hope each member of our society will take a few moments to give back to their community by conducting a charitable act of kindness. It will enrich your own family experience. Along with our northern members, I sincerely hope our Slo-vak Catholic Sokol members south of the 49th parallel took the time with their families to enjoy the Presidents’ Day long weekend. It is important to always remember and honor our past, since it will offer us guidance and direction for our future. Many great leaders have left their legacy in our communities and hopefully we can learn from their contributions to build our future. Within our society, we also have an opportunity to help devel-op our future through our annual scholarship program. As a former recipient, I know how the contribution from the Slovak Catholic Sokol can help achieve your academic goals and objectives. The fi nancial assistance certainly helped my family and I hope our eli-gible members will take the time to complete an application before the deadline next month. It is a very worthwhile program and im-portant investment in our youth and our future. On behalf of my entire 100% Slovak Catholic Sokol family, I hope all of you experienced a wonderful, safe and enjoyable Presi-dents’ Day and Family Day long weekend.

May God Bless you all!

Sokols and Sokolky of Group 2, join us as we roll in our cen-tennial year by enjoying a day of Duckpin Bowling at the Barnum Duckpin Lanes, located on Bar-num Avenue in Stratford, Conn. on Sunday, March 20(the day af-ter the feast day of our protector, St. Joseph) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pizza, beverages and a spe-cial dessert follows the bowling at 1:30 p.m. COMPLIMENTS of the Group. There is no charge for Junior members, age 15 and younger. Those 12 and younger may bowl in socks. Junior mem-bers will be grouped according to age: age 4-5-6, 7-8-9, 10-11-12, and 13-14-15. Senior teams will be chosen by draw. Cost for Se-nior members bowling and mon-etary prizes is $12.00 per person. When making reservations by the RSVP deadline of March 14th, include name, Wreath/As-sembly number, and age of Ju-nior members. Call any of the following: Wreath 1, Eileen

Group 2 to host Duckpin tournament on March 20

Wilson (203)378-8837; Wreath 39, Larry Wells (203)375-2836; Wreath 86/Assembly 23, Bonnie Rossi (860)482-9062; Assem-bly 9, Judith Salamon (203)333-3716; Assembly 33, Joseph Dulla (203)734-5574; and Assembly 308, Paul Nemergut (203)732-1136. Checks made payable to SCS Group 2(non-refundable) and mailed to John Sinanis, Group 2 treasurer, 406 Erwin St., Trumbull, CT 06611. For non-member Senior guests the cost is $17.00 for non-member Juniors the cost is $8.50. Call Eileen S. Wilson (203)378-8837 for reser-vations. Looking ahead, we ask our members to mark their calendars for our 100th anniversary cele-bration set for Sunday, November 13. Details to follow.

Zdar Boh! Eileen S. Wilson President Larry Wells Sports Director

PAGE 4 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

The Wordof God ...

Gospel for the Eighth Sunday of the Year - February 27th

Matthew 6:24-34A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Matthew

Jesus said to his disciples:“No one can serve two masters.He will either hate oneand love the other,or be devoted to oneand despise the other.You cannot serve God and mammon.“Therefore I tell you,do not worry about your life,what you will eat or drink,or about your body,what you will wear.Is not life more than foodand the body more than clothing?Look at the birds in the sky;they do not sow or reap,they gather nothing into barns,yet your heavenly Father feeds them.Are not you more important than they?Can any of you by worryingadd a single moment to your life-span?Why are you anxious about clothes?Learn from the way the wildfl owers grow.They do not work or spin.But I tell you thatnot even Solomon in all his splendorwas clothed like one of them.If God so clothes the grass of the fi eldwhich grows todayand is thrown into the oven tomorrow,will he not much more provide for you,O you of little faith?So do not worry and say,‘What are we to eat?’ or‘What are we to drink?’ or‘What are we to wear?’All these things the pagans seek.Your heavenly Father knowsthat you need them all.But seek fi rst the kingdom of Godand his righteousness, andall these things will be given you besidesDo not worry about tomorrow;tomorrow will take care of itselfSuffi cient for a day is its own evil.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Gospel for the Ninth Sunday of the Year - March 6th

Matthew 7:2 1 -27A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to MatthewJesus said to his disciples:“Not everyone who says to me,‘Lord, Lord,’will enter the kingdom of heaven,but only the onewho does the will of my Father in heaven.Many will say to me on that day,‘Lord, Lord,did we not prophesy in your name?Did we not drive out demons in your name?Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’Then I will declare to them solemnly,‘I never knew you.Depart from me, you evildoers.Everyone who listensto these words of mineand acts on themwill be like a wise man

REFLECTOR ... Jotings fr om Sokol and Slovak life

Traditional Pre-Lenten Fasiangyin Johnstown, Pa. on March 5 The Slovak Heritage Association of the Laurel Highlands(SHALH) will host its annual Pre-Lenten cel-ebration Fasiangovu zabavu on Saturday, March 5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Christ the Saviour Education Center located at 307 Garfi eld Street in Johnstown, Pa. This Slovak Mardi Gras Dinner and Dance is a won-derful opportunity to enjoy some traditional merriment before the beginning of the Lenten Season. The eve-ning will include a delicious dinner featuring traditional Slovak culinary favorites. Music for dancing and listen-ing pleasure will be provided by Rosie & the Jammers and a highlight of the evening will be a performance by the popular Johnstown Folk Dancers. There will be two costume contests: one for Best Mardi Gras Costume and one for best Slovak Kroj (traditional Slovak dress). Tickets for Fasiangy are $25.00 for adults, $24.00 for members of the Slovak Heritage Association, and $15.00 for children ages 6 to 12. Make checks payable to SHALH and mail to P.O.Box 203, Johnstown, PA 15907. For additional information on the celebration, call tel. (814) 255-5517. Susan Kalcik, vice president of SHALH is serving as chairperson of this year’s Mardi Gras celebration. Group 9 Sokols and Sokolky are cor-dially invited to come out and celebrate Fasiangy in true Slovak tradition. An enjoyable evening is assured. The Slovak Heritage Association of the Laruel Highlands promotes Slovak culture and heritage in the Johnstown, Pa. area.

Matthew M. Blistan, Jr. to be honored by Pittsburgh fraternals The Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh (FSGP) has named GBU Financial Life’s National Vice President Matthew M. Blistan, Jr. as Fraternalist of the Year for 2011. The FSGP is comprised of 22 fraternal benefi t societies, including the Slovak Catholic Sokol, and nine business-associated groups representing over one million members, and has been serving the Western Pennsylvania area for more than 66 years. Each year, the FSGP chooses a member who dis-plays active participation in promoting the fraternal spirit and who has made invaluable contributions to the fraternal community. Matt, who is of Slovak ancestry and is active in the Western Pennsylvania Slovak community will be hon-ored by the FSGP at the annual Fraternalist of the Year ban-quet on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Sheraton - Station Square Hotel on Pittsburgh’s historic South Side. Matt has been a fraternalist from birth, as his fam-ily members were, and still are, very active in several fraternal societies. Prior to coming to GBU in 2001, Matt served as national president of the United Lu-theran Society(which resulted from the merger of the Slovak Evangelical Union and the Slovak Evangelical Women’s Union). Matt has been an integral part of the success of GBU, especially its fraternal programs. In 2000, Matt led the FSGP as its president and has served several terms as a member of the board of direc-tors of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress. Tickets for the Fraternalist of the Year banquet are priced at $55 per person. For reservations contact Karen A. Pintar at 1-800-843-7675. Our congratulations and fraternal best wishes go out to Brother Blistan who so beautifully mirrors our fraternal way of life and is a credit to the American Slovak community.

59th Florida Slovak Day setfor March 6 in Winter Park, Fla. The president of The Slovak Garden, Justine Wesnak extends a cordial invitation to Snow birds from both north and south of the Mason Dixon Line to come and celebrate our Slovak heritage in the Sunshine State at this year’s 59th Annual Florida Slovak Day scheduled for Sunday, March 6. The annual event, hosted by The Slovak Garden, billed as a Home for American Slovaks, is held on its spacious grounds and social hall located at (Continued on page 6)

3110 Howell Branch Road in Winter Park, located just outside Orlando, Fla. Doors open at 10 a.m. where guests may visit the interesting and colorful collections located in the Slo-vak Museum located on the grounds. Festivities begin with a Mass celebrated in Slovak with the Rev. Louis P. Luljak, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Milwau-kee, as celebrant and homilist. Following the liturgy, a delicious luncheon featuring a variety of homemade Slovak culinary specialities will be served in the social hall. A cultural program begins at 2:30 p.m. featuring the artistry of the PAS Slovak Folk Ensemble from Pittsburgh, Pa. PAS will provide a colorful display of some of the rich Slovak music and dance traditions of the various areas and regions of Slovakia. In addition, there will be music for dancing and listening pleasure provided throughout the day. Tickets for the luncheon are just $25.00 per per-son. For reservations send check, made payable to The Slovak Garden and send same to: The Slovak Garden, 3110 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792. For additional information on this year’s Florida Slovak Day, call (407)677-6894. We hope to see many Sokols and Sokolky from all parts of the U.S. and Canada at this year’s 59th annual Florida Slovak Day. The Slovak Garden was established in 1950 by a group of Slovak fraternalists to serve as a facility for American Slovaks in their retirement years to enjoy the sun and pleasant surroundings of the area. The facilities includes one and two bedroom apartments available to individuals age 55 and older. For information on these apartments, call The Slovak Garden at the telephone listed above or contact the President Justine Wesnak at justywesn@aol.com.

Youngstown Sister Cities sets 2011 Slovakia Tour The Youngstown Sister Cities’ 14th Heritage Tour to Slovakia has been set for July 4-18, 2011. The tour includes sites in Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Trencin, the High Tatra Mountains, Levoca, Kosice, and Spisska Nova Ves in Slovakia. Special features include Mass in the village of Lendak where villagers still wear traditional Slovak kroj(costumes) to Mass; a visit to the Kezmarok Street Fair where local artisans sell their homemade items at booths and where one can sit and enjoy Slovak folk music and dancing which is performed all day on stage(while you eat delicious Slovak food); the Pies-tany Spa; Slovak wood-carving of the complete scene of Bethlehem; gondola lift ride up the side of on the peaks of the Tatra mountains and dinner at a genuine koliba(shepherd’s hut), a raft ride on the Dunajec River which forms the natural boundary between Slovakia and Poland; as well as visits to many churches, muse-ums, and castles. A highlight special event of the tour is a champagne breakfast at the Town Hall hosted by the Mayor of Youngstown’s Sister City of Spisska Nova Ves. One day in Levoca is reserved to visit friends and relatives - English speaking guides(chauffeurs) will be available for personal visits for an added fee. Well-known Slovak American activists, Jim and Kay Bench, who have been guides on many previous Youngstown Sister City tours, will lead the group. They are knowledgeable about tours and sites to be seen dur-ing the 13-day stay. Total cost per person(airfare from Pittsturgh-Washington, D.C.-Vienna is approximately $3,500 per person based on double occupancy and includes airfare, thirteen nights in fi rst class hotel, two meals per day, and an air-conditioned bus with an English speaking guide for the entire tour. For information on the tour contact Jim/Kay Bench at (cell)(724)858-5843 or jm-bench@yahoo.com or Adventure International Travel Service (800) 542-2487 or Paul@aitswebmail.com or contact Bernie Demechko, secretary of the Youngstown Sister Cities at bdemechko@aol. com. Come join us for an unforgettable visit to the land of our ancestors!

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 PAGE 5

(Continued on page 12)

Attention Group 15 members

A Busy Sokol Sporting Season Ahead My name is C.J. Fogle and I was named the acting Sports Director of Group 15 “General Milan S. Stefanik” in 2010. Group 15 covers a

wide geographic area including Erie, Pennsylva-nia and Niagara Falls, New York as well as all of western New York state. My own earliest recollections of Sokol ac-tivity included my participation at the Interna-tional Slets in 2007 and in 2009, when I helped Group 14 take home the Championship Flag. The gymnastics training given to me in Pitts-burgh helped me stay in shape during my suc-cessful high school wrestling career and gave me a sense of belonging, especially when my family

moved to Western New York. More recently, I was given the opportunity to compete at the 64th International Bowling Tournament which was held at the Noble Manor Lanes in Pittsburgh, Pa. in May 2010 with my dad. The bowling ban-quet held at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club was a wonderful opportu-nity to return to my Sokol roots. It was a wonderful experience. In addition, I also enjoyed participating in the 55th International Golf Tournament held at Treasure Lake Resort in DuBois, Pa. in Au-gust 2010. This tournament was especially enjoyable in that I was able to participate with my uncles, William Fogle and Dr. William Kitsko as well as my dad and our good friend, Tom Molitor, who happened to be the B Flight Champion. Participating in various Sokol sporting events are always enjoyable, fi lled with good sportsmanship and fellowship. I would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to any members of Group 15 who would like to participate in some of this summer’s Sokol events. Give me a call at tel. (585)698-3441. The 2011 golf tournament is scheduled for August 19-21 at Peek N’Peak in Clymer, N.Y. which is located in the heart of Group 15 territory. Those interested in participating should give me a call and we will discuss the many benefi ts of participating in Sokol events. Zdar Boh! C.J.Fogle, Group 15 Sports Director

Lodge Jottings

BETHLEHEM, PAAssembly 78

Our lodge, under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua, will host a special meeting on Sunday, March 13 in the social hall of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish(formerly SS. Cyril and Methodius) located at 617 Pierce Street, South Side. Our meet-ing will begin promptly at 1 p.m. All members are invited to attend. At this meeting, we will select the delegates who will represent our Assembly at the upcoming 31st Quadrennial National Convention of our organization scheduled for

From the Supreme Physical Fitness Board

Don’t Forget to Stretchby Frank P. Laury, III

The winter season is a good time to began our physical prepa-ration for the coming spring and summer sporting and athletic pro-grams. Stretching is crucial at all ages. It is so benefi cial to make

stretching a part of your every day agenda. So many times, we see athletes at all levels pull muscles or become injured due to lack of fl ex-ibility from not properly stretching. How many times you have seen competitors in Sokol sport-ing events pull muscles, including myself. Most of the time this occurs from jumping in an event or game without properly stretching. The most important thing I can stress is that you need to start working on fl exibility now. Stretching just the day of the event is set-ting yourself up for an injury or lots of soreness

the next few days. This occurs because the muscle becomes shocked from the sudden over stretching. If you can start being more con-science to stretch at least three times a week, it will improve the qual-ity of your life. The best thing is you can stretch just about anywhere. Even at your desk! The benefi ts from stretching include, prevention of injury, im-proves range of motion in joints, improved circulation, helps posture and balance, supplies nutrients to the muscles, and it has been re-cently been found that stretching reduces stress. When you fi rst start off, stretch slow and evenly. Do not bounce or go to the point of pain. Make sure to stretch upper and lower body. Try to hold each move for at least 10-15 seconds and eventualy down the road try to make 30 second hold times. Breathe very relaxed while stretching. It is also a very good idea to warm the muscle up fi rst before you stretch. If you can start off with fi ve minutes of aerobic exercise such as jogging or walking fast, this will help the muscles to warm and loosen up, and prepares yourself for better results. If you want to get more serious about your fl exibility, add in a resistant band, which is like a giant rubber band or a stability ball. You might want to check into joining Pilates, Tai Chi or a Yoga class. There are so many ways to stretch, and lots of good information on the Inter-net with demonstrations of proper techniques. There are also many good books available on proper stretching techniques, and you might want to talk to someone at your local YMCA if you need advice. If you’re going to compete at the upcoming 45th International Slet this summer, start a stretching program now and save yourself a pos-sible injury. Group Physical Directors and Directresses should add in a proper warm up routine, including stretching. It’s like any other exercise, start slow, make it a habit every day and the benefi ts will be life long. Good luck and Zdar Boh!

Group 2 convention delegates set to meet in Stratford, Conn. Delegates elected to represent Assemblies and Wreaths in Group 2 at the upcoming 31st quadrennial convention in Pittsburgh will meet on Saturday, April 30 in the meeting room of Holy Name of Jesus School located at 1950 Barnum Avenue in Stratford, Conn. The meet-ing will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude when all busi-ness has been addressed. The meeting agenda will include, but not be limited to - a review of our organization’s Constitution and Bylaws for purposes of input/questions to the pre-convention committees of Constitution/Bylaws and New Motions. Transportation to the convention - as has been the practice of our Group, we will travel to the convention as a group with details on same to be presented at the meeting. In as much as we have the responsibility of representing our membership, any member of Group 2 who wishes us to present input to the pre-convention committees, please send same to the attention of Group 2 President Eileen S. Wilson, 395 Pilgrim Lane, Stratford, CT 06614 in writing and signed. RSVP deadline for all of the above is Monday, April 25. Coffee And will be available throughout the meet-ing. We hope to see all Group 2 convention delegates present at this important meeting. Zdar Boh! Fraternally, Eileen S. Wilson Group 2 President

Pittsburgh, Pa., July 30 to August 3. The national convention is the highest governing body in the life of a fraternal like our own and will guide our organization in the years ahead. Those interested in serving as a delegate are urged to attend the meeting. Looking forward to seeing a good turnout of members at our next meeting and with fraternal best wishes, may I remain Zdar Boh Susan Knoblauh Recording Secretary

BRIDGEPORT, CONN.Wreath 1

On Tuesday, March 8, we will host the annual meeting of our Wreath following our traditional luncheon to be held at Stella’s Res-taurant in Stratford beginning at 12 noon. All members are invited to at-tend. Reports of the offi cers will be presented and plans for a busy 2011 fraternal year will be fi nalized. Elec-tion of offi cers will take place. In addition, we will elect our delegates who will represent our Wreath at the upcoming 31st quadrennial con-vention set for July 30-August 3 in Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition, any other business for the good and better of the order will be on the meeting agenda. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Eileen S. Wilson at (203)378-8837 by March 4th. On Wednesday, March 9 will commemorate and celebrate the feast of our Wreath patroness, St. Frances of Rome(the actual feast day). We will attend the 7:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stratford which will be celebrated for the living and deceased mem-bers of our Wreath. Following the liturgy, we will enjoy breakfast fol-lowed by our traditional gift-bearing visits to our Sister Sokolky who are long-term, health care center and home bound. Families are asked to advise if there is anyone who would enjoy our patronal feast day visit by call-ing Eileen S. Wilson at the number listed above. The RSVP deadline is March 4. This is a wonderful fra-ternal outreach program that our Wreath has practiced for many, many years now. Join us Sister So-kolky of Wreath 1. Zdar Boh! Eileen S. Wilson President

CANTON, OH.Assembly 180

Our next regular Assembly meet-ing is scheduled for Sunday, Febru-ary 27 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall lo-cated at 1602 Market Avenue South beginning at 10:30 a.m. All mem-bers are invited to attend. As part of our care and share fraternal outreach project, we will be collecting donations for the lo-cal Hammer and nails organization. Members can go to hammerand-nails.org for a list of items that can be donated. Any questions, feel free to call Rose Croy at (330)495-4436 or Jim Knis (330) 494-9524. This year, our Assembly cel-ebrates its 89th anniversary. It was in the spring of 1922 that group of young Slovaks met at the former Sa-cred Heart of Jesus Slovak Church to organize a new lodge of the Slovak Catholic Sokol. Our founders chose St. Benedict as the lodge’s patron. We have enjoyed a proud and active past and we look forward to continued fra-ternal activity in the future. Zdar Boh! Rose Croy Recording Secretary

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.Assembly 34

The annual patronal feast day of our lodge honoring St. George will

be observed on Sunday, April 17. Mass will be celebrated for the liv-ing and deceased members of As-sembly 34 at 9 a.m. at the Church of SS. Cyril and Methodius where our lodge has been active for more than a century. Following the liturgy, we will as-semble in the Father George Dargay Memorial Hall of the parish where we will enjoy a full breakfast served by the members of the St. Cyril Slo-vak Men’s Club. The breakfast is free of charge for all members of Assembly 34 and Wreath 47. Come join us for an enjoyable celebration of Sokol fellowship and fraternal-ism. However, we remind our mem-bers that there is no parking in the school lot. This year’s observance marks the 102nd anniversary of the founding of Assembly 34. It was on April 4, 1909 that a group of young Slovak immigrant men met at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall with the in-tention of establishing a local lodge of the recently established Slovak Catholic Sokol organization. Our founders choose St. George, who was a popular saint among gymnas-tic and youth groups in their native homeland, as patron of the new As-sembly. And the rest is history. For all these years, our Assembly has remained faithful to the high ideals

of the fraternal benefi t system and has participated in many sporting and fraternal activities, on the lo-cal, Group and national levels. Over these many years, we have always promoted our faith and heritage traditions and have faithfully sup-ported SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish. This year, our lodge will be represented at the upcoming 31st quadrennial national convention in Pittsburgh and our youth will com-pete at this summer’s 45th Interna-tional Slet at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa. Looking forward to seeing a good turnout of our members at this year’s patronal feast day observance, may I remain Zdar Boh! James T. Genosky Financial Secretary

NEW YORK, NYAssembly 182

Our Assembly will host its tradi-tional St. Joseph’s Day celebration in honor of our patron on Sunday, March 20. We will attend the 11 a.m. Slovak Mass in a body at St. John Nepomucene Church which will be celebrated for the living and de-ceased members of Assembly 182. Following the liturgy, we will enjoy

PAGE 6 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

We are pleased to announce that the Slo-vak Catholic Sokol will make available a total of $60,500 in scholarship grants to eligible members in 2011. Previous recipients of Slovak Catholic Sokol scholarship grants may reapply for a 2011

grant; however, per Convention mandate - a student may receive a maximum of two (2) Slovak Catholic So-kol scholarship grant awards in each category. A total of 30 Slo-vak Catholic Sokol

college grants of $1,000 each, two Theodore and Mary Jane Rich Memorial Scholarships one for a male and female in the amount of $2,500 each, two Emil Slavik Memorial Scholarships one for a male and female in the amount of $2,500 each, one The Doctors’ Lesko Medical Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000, one Joseph and Mary Sper-noga Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 and two Slovak Catholic Sokol (SCS) Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500. With one application you may apply for all college scholarship grants for which you are eli-gible. Note that only one grant per applicant will be awarded.

College Scholarship eligibility requirements: Slovak Catholic Sokol (a total of 30, $1000 grants will be awarded) • Must have a minimum of $3,000 permanent Life Insurance Coverage • Must be a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol for at least fi ve years. • Must have completed one semester of un- dergraduate studies as a FULL TIME stu- dent at an accredited college, university or professional school, or be enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program. • Must have an accumulated grade point average of at least 2.5 or better • One parent must be a Slovak Catholic Sokol member • Essay- “How has being a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol infl uenced my life?”

Joseph and Mary Spernoga (1 grant in the amount of $500 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholar- ship

Theodore and Mary Jane Rich (one male and

one female grant in the amount of $2500 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship

AND • One parent must be of Slovak Ancestry • Must be majoring in medical curriculum

Emil Slavik (2 grants in the amount of $2500 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship

AND • Both parents must be members of the Slovak Catholic Sokol • Must be majoring in liberal arts, the sciences, pre-law, pre-medical or business curriculum.

The Doctors’ Lesko Medical Memorial Schol-arship (1 grant in the amount of $1000 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship

AND • Majoring in Nursing or Medical curriculum • One parent must be of Slovak Ancestry Slovak Catholic Sokol Memorial Scholarship (2 grants in the amount of $500 will be award-ed to the applicant that best exemplifi es the spirit of volunteerism) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship • Essay- “Describe the one volunteer experi- ence that made the biggest personal impact on you- how/why”.

Applications are ONLY available for download on our website @

www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

Completed applications for college scholar-ships should be sent to:

Julie DobbsSupreme Vice-President

Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee5314 Agatha TurnRacine, WI 53402

(262)681-1720 Deadline for return of all scholarship ap-plications is March 31, 2011 In addition to our college grant program, we make available 19 Catholic High School Grants in the amount of $500 each as well as 38 Catholic Grade School Grants in the amount of $250 each. Please fi nd these scholarship applications and di-rectives in each of the next issues of the Falcon.

A fraternal benefi t in support of higher education

Our Organization will offer $60,500 in Scholarship Grantsby Julie Ann Dobbs

Supreme Vice President

(Continued from page 1)to be held in Denver, Colorado, September 29-October 1, 2011. The honoree will be invited to at-tend the Fraternal Alliance’s An-nual Meeting with travel, lodging and meal expenses for the hon-oree and one guest paid for by the Fraternal Alliance. The American Fraternal Alliance will present a check for $1,000 in the name of the Fraternalist of the Year to the charitable/nonprofi t organization of the honoree’s choice. One win-ner and two runners-up will be se-lected. There will be no ties. So now is the time to think about who among your local lodge or Group is deserving of

recognition. We invite our mem-bers to submit the name of an in-dividual who in their eyes should be considered as our Fraternalist of the Year. An individual mem-ber, an Assembly, Wreath or Group can nominate an individ-ual for consideration as our 2011 Fraternalist of the Year. We have a nomination form available to those who would like to nominate an individual. A nomination form is available by contacting Editor Daniel F. Tanzone, who coordi-nates the program. Call him at the home offi ce at 800-886-7656. Deadline for receipt of the com-pleted nomination form is Friday, June 24, 2011.

2011 Fraternalist of the Year programsalutes volunteerism and outreach

In our 106th year of fraternal service

Annual Meeting of the Board of Directorsset for March 25-26 in Passaic, N.J. In compliance with section 3.2(f) of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, we hereby offi cially an-nounce the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, sched-uled for March 25-26, 2011 at the Home Offi ce in Passaic, N.J. The Annual Meeting will offi cially open with a Mass cel-ebrated by our Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic at 8:30 a.m. in the Home Offi ce Board Room. This liturgy will be celebrated for the living and deceased members of our orga-nization. Following the liturgy, the Annual Meeting of the Slovak Catholic Sokol Museum will be called to order. At the conclu-sion of this meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Board of Direc-tors will convene. Members wishing to submit business for the Board of Di-rectors to consider at this meeting are directed to send same to the attention of: Supreme Secretary Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C., Slovak Catholic Sokol, P.O. Box 899, 205 Madison St., Passaic, NJ 07055. All correspondence relative to the Annual Meeting must be received no later then March 4, 2011. From March 22-24, the Supreme Board of Auditors will meet at the Home Offi ce for the annual audit. As we embark on the 106th anniversary of our beloved organization, may we once again pledge ourselves to the up-holding of the high ideals of fraternalism which inspired our founders to establish what we today know as “America’s Great-est Slovak Gymnastic and Athletic Organization.”

Zdar Boh!

Larry M. Glugosh Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. Supreme President Supreme Secretary

Lenten Fish’n Chipsdinner in Clifton, N.J. The Marian Rosary Society of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish in

Clifton, N.J. will host their t r a d i t i o n a l Lenten Fish’n Chips dinner with all the t r i m m i n g s on Wednes-

day, March 23 in the church hall located at 218 Ackerman Avenue beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 per person and takeout orders are avail-able. For reservations call Dot at (973)772-3448 or Val at (973)72-8806. Tickets are also available following the weekend liturgies in the church vestibule.

(Continued from page 4)

who built his house on rock.The rain fell, the fl oods came,and the winds blewand buffeted the house.But it did not collapse;it had been set solidly on rock.And everyone who listensto these words of minebut does not act themwill be like a foolwho built his house on sand.The rains fell, the fl oods came,and the winds blewand buffeted the house.And it collapsedand was completely ruined.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Gospel for the Ninth Sunday of the Year

Continuing in its cultural and social program, the West-ern Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association(WPSCA) will host unique activities open to the gen-eral public in the Pittsburgh area. On Saturday, April 16 a special Slo-vak cooking class will be held at St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church hall located at 2005 Mohawk Drive in Upper St. Clair beginning at 1 p.m. Magda Lukac, a popular cook from Slovakia, will present a demonstration of various pre-Easter Slovak culinary favorites. On Sunday, May 1, the WPSCA will host it Spring Meeting at the Czechoslovak Nationality Room in the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning beginning at 2 p.m. A spe-cial highlight of this meeting will be a lecture by Richard Kocur titled “The History of Slovak Hockey.” This is a timely topic since the NHL playoffs will be taking place at this time and Pittsburgh anticipates its Penguins will

WPSCA to host interestingSpring cultural projects

be participating. Also, the World Cup will be beginning in Kosice, Slovakia. The Slovak Heritage Conversa-tion Group meets at the Mt. Lebanon Library on the fi rst Monday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. Interest-ing topics will include a fi lm on the Czechoslovak Legionnaires who fought on the Allied side in World War I at the March 7th session and a Show-N-Tell featuring members collection of Slovak memorabilia at its April 4th session. Slovak language classes meet ev-ery Tuesday, March 1 to April 26 from 7 - 8:45 p.m. also at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library which is located at 16 Castle Shannon Boulevard. Bozena Hilko is the instructor. Looking ahead, the WPSCA will host a Central European Beer Tasking event on Saturday, June 25 beginning at 1 p.m at the Gypsy Cafe located on Pittsburgh’s South Side. For informa-tion on any of these activities, call Pam at (412)531-2990 during offi ce hours.

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 PAGE 7

What's making headlines in our ancestral homeland

News and Views from Slovakia...

Banking sector profi ts doubled, year-on-year, in 2010 Slovakia’s banking sector posted profi ts totalling $710 million in 2010, which represents more than double the fi gure recorded the year before, the country’s central bank (NBS) announced on January 31. Net revenues from interest went up by $145 million for the year to reach $1.9 billion in 2010. Non-interest net revenues, for their part, rose by 16 percent to stand at $700 million. Net operating losses reached $162 million, a rise of $40 million compared to 2009. The NBS data also revealed that banks slashed their operating costs by $15.23 million, year-to -year, with the fi gure standing at $1.4 billion in 2010. Gasparovic: Slovak-Hungarian problemsshould be resolved by experts Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic suggested to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during the lat-ter’s offi cial visit to Bratislava on January 28 to resolve problematic issues such as Hungary’s law on dual-citi-zenship and Slovakia’s Language Act at an expert level within bilateral working groups. According to Gasparovic’s spokesman Marek Tru-bac, Orban accepted the tone with which Gasparovic began the discussion on this issue. “There are problems that we would resolve in different ways, but I agree that joint inter-governmental expert groups should deal with them,” said Orban, adding that he would be happy if Slovak-Hungarian relations were based on joint success. “We need more economic successes, improvements in highway connections, cross-border cooperation and the creation of more jobs,” Trubac quoted Orban as say-ing, adding that he “hopes for a successful Slovakia as a good neighbor that Hungary wants to help.” Gasparovic repeated Slovakia’s words of support for Hungary’s EU presidency, and again expressed plea-sure at the agreement on a north-south gas pipeline that is due to be signed on the same day. According to him, there’s also a need to complete the road link between Kosice and Miskolc(Hungary) and the long-promised bridges over the River Ipel. President Gasparovic also assured his quest that Slovakia has a positive attitude towards all represen-tatives of minorities living on its territory. “Minorities with their culture and language enrich our society. We shouldn’t resolve our relations only from the point of view of claims that the ethnic Hungarian minority in Slovakia is a bad position, “ he added. The Slovak head of state also told Orban that Slova-kia’s State language Act doesn’t threaten Hungarian-lan-guage speakers in Slovakia. Orban added that Hungary views its Slovak minority as an equal part of society with all due rights.

Orban: individual EU states shouldretain power to resolve Roma issues Powers linked to resolving Roma(gypsy) issues shouldn’t be transferred from individual countries to the joint European level, and individual EU-member states should still have primary responsibility, said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during his offi cial visit to Slovakia on January 28. These are the conclusions of a European-wide strat-egy for the Roma that is being prepared by Hungary. The

document should be ready by April so that representatives of individual member states can discuss it. Hungary’s EU presidency has scheduled its adoption for the EU summit in June. According to Orban, Europe needs the strategy be-cause it is aimed at persuading its western members that this is a serious and diffi cult issue regarding the way of life of the Roma communities. He claimed that if settled Roma communities aren’t given assistance in terms of integrating into society, they will return to a nomadic way of life and will move freely around the EU. “Every EU-member state should have an eminent interest in integrating settled Roma into society,” he said. Orban added that the Hungarian government has in-vested a great deal of fi nancial means into Roma issues, but without enough positive effect. There is a need to change existing practices, therefore, he said.

New camera system warns driversof traffi c jams via SMS The new one-of-a-kind camera system designed to monitor traffi c in a Bratislava bypass help drivers navigate the busy roads connected to the section spanning from the city’s west access road leading to Brno and the highway leading to Trnava. “We have 11 cameras installed close to the intersec-tions in both directions to monitor traffi c. Some cameras are located 35 metres above ground and heated, so that no ice will form on them,” mastermind of the TRAFFIC-BA project Eduard Radimak told TASR on January 31. According to him, the system is original and unique in Europe. The cameras are interconnected on-line, and by sending a text message from a mobile phone, a driver can fi nd out within just seconds whether or not their planned route is currently without undue delays. “If you go to work in the morning, you just send a text message in the appropriate form to the number 7776 while riding down the elevator from your apartment. Almost im-mediately, you get to know which route to take. This infor-mation costs you 20 cents,” said Radimak.

Israel honors 19 Slovaks with title of ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ Another 19 Slovaks have been recognized with the title ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ by the State of Israel and the Jerusalem-based memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust Yad Vashem. The award is given to individ-ual non-Jews who helped save the lives of Jewish people during World War II. The ceremony was held in the old par-liament building in Bratislava on February 2. In attendance at the ceremony were Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic and Prime Minister Iveta Radicova. The honorees and their relatives received the medals from Israel’s Ambassador to Slovakia Alexander Ben-Zvi and Israeli general and Minister without Portfolio Yossi Peled, who survived the Holocaust as a child thanks to a non-Jewish family that provided him with shelter. “The programmed hatred aimed against ethnicity, re-ligion or color is the most terrible one, and we need to deal with this,” said President Gasparovic in his address at the gathering. “Let’s be brave. We don’t need petty squabbles, we need peace and freedom” The concept of freedom and democracy was high-lighted also by Prime Minister Radicova. “This ceremony confi rms that historical memory goes hand-in-hand with freedom and democracy. It confi rms that victims, but also their heroes, who risked their lives in the name of humanity,

Many historic castles dot the landscape in Slovakia. Many of these date from the early Middle Ages. One of the most interesting and historic castles is located at Cachtice in western Slovakia shown above. The foun-dations of the castle date from the fi rst half of the 13th century. It was destroyed in 1708. There is hardly an in-dividual, young or old in Slovakia, who is not acquainted with the castle’s dark history. Its unfortunate fame was gained when Alzbeta Bathoryova, who lived in the castle at the end of the 16th and early 17th century. Legend has it that she killed young girls so she could bathe in their blood to keep her youth and beauty. In 1611, she was imprisoned and sentenced to life in prison in Bytca by Lord Thurzo. In 1708, the castle was burned down by the rebel army of Frantisek Rakoczi. Today the castle is a popular site for movie making. Hollywood used the location to shoot scenes for the movie Dragonheart. The castle continues to be a popular tourist attraction.

courage and bravery, must not be forgotten,” said Radi-cova. “Righteous Among the Nations were individuals who saved for us fundamental human values, our civili-zation and our world.” The title ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ was awarded to the following: Anna Knezova-Schonbrun-ova, Helena Cunderlikova-Kapustova, in memoriam to Anna Cunderlikova and Frantisek Cunderlik, Karol Halasz, Zuzana Hubinova, Stefan Hubinec, Anna Krch-nava-Huginova, Eva Kochlanova and Ondrej Kochlan, Maria Medvecka, Julius Medvecky, Michal Razus, Zofi a Rocekova, Anton Rocek, Maria Slobodnikova, Jan Slo-bodnik, Maria Kurovcova and Alexander Kurovec. The Slovaks who were honored will have their names inscribed on the Wall of Honor in the Garden of the Righteous at Vad Vashem. To date, more than 500 Slovak citizens have been honored with the Righteous Among the Nations honor.

SNS preparing Charter ofRights of the Slovak Nation The opposition Slovak National Party(SNS) is pre-paring a Charter of the Rights of the Slovak Nation, a document that the party expects to be signed by various Slovak personalities, SNS vice-chair Rafael Rafaj an-nounced on February 8. “It’s only being arranged according to a scheme for now,” said Rafaj, adding that the modern age calls for such a document, as “Slovaks seem to have vanished from this republic.” “Nobody speaks about them(Slovaks), there’s no-where you can fi nd their rights defi ned; not even in the Slovak Constitution, in which, however, and quite para-doxically, the rights of minorities are mentioned. I’m

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PAGE 8 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

News and Views from Slovakia...(Continued from page 7)

asking now where Slovaks are defi ned? Where have they disappeared to from the legislation?” said Rafaj. The SNS vice-chair went on to emphasize that Slovaks form an indigenous nation, which is why SNS is pushing for “these unsequestrable and inalienable rights to be defi ned in the spheres of language, culture, indigenousness, as well as original spiritual and Christian values.” Rafaj also said that SNS is planning to organize an in-ternational conference on multiculturalism. The event could take place in late April or early May.

Forty-fi ve Slovaks brought backfrom Egypt on government planes A total of 45 Slovaks and foreign nationals who have lived and worked in Egypt for a long time were brought back to Slovakia by the Slovak government’s special air-craft on February 3, TASR learned later that day. The aircraft landed at Bratislava airport shortly after 5:30 p.m. On board were thirty-four passengers who were Slovak, eight were Czechs, two Portuguese and one was a Hungarian citizen. The decision to dispatch the aircraft was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Mikulas Dzurinda on February 2, Dzurinda noted that there are about 100 Slovak citizens in Egypt. Dzurinda didn’t rule out the possibility that tourists will also be able to board the special airplane if there are vacant seats. He said that those who want to leave Egypt on Thursday were supposed to contact the Slovak Embassy in Cairo or the diplomatic service at the ministry in advance.

Ukraine wants Slovakia’s helpin introducing pension reform The Ukrainian government is interested in cooperation with Slovakia in the sphere of pension system reform, said Ukrainian Social Affairs Minister Serhyi Tyhypko on Feb-ruary 3rd after meeting with Slovak Finance Minister Ivan Miklos in Bratislava. According to Tyhypko, Ukraine wants to involve Slo-vak experts from both governing structures and non-govern-ment organizations in the process of carrying out reforms to Ukraine’s pension system. “We take a very positive view of the fact that Slovakia has carried out considerable reforms in this sphere. For the fi rst time since gaining independence, Ukraine has a con-solidated government that is directed at carrying out such reforms and is able to carry them out,” said Tyhypko. Representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are currently in Ukraine assessing the results of co-operation and whether the agreed conditions for providing another tranche of credit have been met. “We think that the stability of cooperation is very important and we’ll fulfi ll everything that concerns the agreement that we have with the IMF. A key measure that we have to carry out is the fi rst phase of pension reform,” said Tyhypko.

Sulik calls SaS nominee’s severance pay an outrage It’s plain outrageous that former head of the Kosice-based state-owned TEKO heating plant Ivan Zich(Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) should receive $112,000 in severance pay after holding the post for a mere few weeks, Parliamen-tary Chairman and SaS leader Richard Sulik said on Febru-ary 3. “I’m sorry to hear that it was an SaS nominee, Mr.(Ivan) Zich, who showed such greed and had himself paid $112,000. Perhaps he’ll fi nd some discretion in himself and won’t accept the money after all,” said Sulik, adding that he’ll explore ways to see that the severance payment to Zich does not materialize. Sulik also admitted that Zich wasn’t a good nominee. “As soon as we realized this, I personally insisted on Zich being replaced,” he added. Zich was appointed as TEKO board chairman after a crisis management team took over the company. He was re-called from the post on December 21, 2010 after the tenure of the crisis management team was over. According to the chairman of the leading Opposition Smer-SD party Robert Fico, Zich’s severance payment was designed to serve as an excuse for TEKO’s privatization. “I believe that they did it on purpose so as to have yet another reason for privatization...saying that something like this could never happen in a privately-owned company,” said former premier Fico.

According to Fico, the government has it eyes set on “one of the biggest robberies ever seen here in Slovakia,” namely the privatization of heating plants. He said that the move won’t translate into their more effi cient management but into massive increases in heat prices.

House overrules president’s vetoof Language Act amendment Parliament at its session on February 2 overrode Presi-dent Ivan Gasparovic’s veto and approved an amendment to the State Language Act with 78 votes, TASR learned later in the day. The piece of legislation was originally designed to be-come effective as of January 1, but has now been tweaked to come into effect as of March 1. Gasparovic returned the law to the House on the grounds that the amendment leaves the decision as to whether a fi ne will be imposed if the Act is breached to the Culture Minis-try. Gasparovic’s proposed change was turned down by the Members of Parliament, however. The opposition Slovak National Party (SNS) recently announced that it might challenge the law at the Constitu-tional Court if it were passed again. “The amendment has se-rious shortcomings. If the Coalition overrides the president’s veto, this law will end up at the Constitutional Court. We’ll strive for this,” said SNS vice-chair Rafael Rafaj, adding that the party wants to exhaust all legislative options before fi ling the complaint. SNS will need allies in this process, and is counting on Smer-SD members of parliament to support its initiative. The amendment, as submitted by the Culture Ministry, narrows down the number of situations in which sanctions vis-a-vis the use of Slovak or the failure to do so will apply. It was designed to tone down the law currently in effect after changes made by the previous cabinet headed by Robert Fico. Most importantly, penalties - the most criticized instru-ment in the law - will as of March only be imposed in cases in which information on the lives, health, security or property of Slovak citizens is concerned or in which information published by public administration authorities is not presented in Slovak.

Early estimate: Slovak economygrew by 4 percent in 2010 The Slovak economy grew by 4 percent year-on-year in 2010, according to a preliminary estimate published by the Statistics Offi ce on February 15. In 2009, the Slovak econo-my contracted by 4.7 percent. According to the statistics offi ce, gross domestic prod-uct in the fi nal quarter of 2010 reached $19.5 billion, which represents a 3.5-percent growth, year-on-year. This was the slowest rate of growth of all quarters of last year, however, with GDP growth decelerating continuously last year from quarter to quarter. The GDP grew by 4.7 percent, year-on-year, in the fi rst quarter of 2010, by 4.2 percent in the second quarter and by 3.8 percent in the third quarter. When seasonal infl uences are taken into account, the Slovak economy produced goods and services worth $14.5 billion during the fourth quarter of 2010, which represents a 3.4-percent growth, year-on-year. A more exact estimate will be published by the stats offi ce on March 3.

V-4: energy security is vitalissue in Central Europe Discussions between the Visegrad Four(Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland) on one side and its closest neighbors - Germany, Austria and Ukraine - on the other side, are vital for energy security in the region of Cen-tral Europe and the entire EU, premiers of the seven coun-tries agreed at a summit in Bratislava on February 15. The issue is key for the V4, according to Czech Premier Petr Necas. “Germany, Austria and Ukraine represent signifi -cant territories through which principal energy materials such as crude oil and natural gas are delivered. Therefore, looking for alternative delivery routes and close dialogue with these countries are vital for the energy security of the V4,” said Ne-cas. Austrian chancellor Werner Faymann expressed support for the two planned gas pipelines in southern Europe - the Nabucco(Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria) and the South Stream(Russia, Bulgaria, the Balkans, Hunga-ry and Austria). “We also support projects of renewable en-ergy resources. We’re convinced that they should be carried out not only by Austria but also the neighboring countries

and throughout the EU,” said Faymann, who reinterated his country’s negative stance towards nuclear energy. Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov confi rmed Ukraine’s interest in securing reliable deliveries of energy resources to Central Europe. He noted that the Ukrainian route is the shortest and cheapest one.(A dispute between Russia and Ukraine over the price of gas and alleged illicit withdrawal of gas from pipelines by the latter prompted the Russians to cut off gas deliveries in the midst of winter two years ago, causing a gas crisis in Central Europe - ed. note)

Gasparovic hip-replacementoperation without complications An operation during which surgeons provided a hip-re-placement for President Ivan Gasparovic went well on Febru-ary 14 at the Ladislav Derer Teaching Hospital in Kramare in Bratislava. During a press conference later that day, doctors from the facility indicated that the operation went well with no complications. President Gasparovic turns 70 in March. “There were no complications, he was smiling after the operation, claiming that he wasn’t suffering any pain,” said the head of the Injury Surgery Clinic, Dr. Peter Simko. Gasparovic had been struggling with a hip problem for almost ten years and had suffered severe pain for the past six years. “This indicated the need for an earlier operation, but the president waited until a later phase,” said Simko, adding that the doctors hope to have Gasparovic back on his feet with aid of crutches within a few days. The operation will not prevent the president from car-rying out his offi cial duties as head of state, the doctors con-fi rmed.

Average salaries grew inmost sectors in 2010 The average monthly salaries in Slovakia in 2010 grew in all monitored sectors year-on-year apart from the mining and quarrying sector, and rose most signifi cantly in selected market services( by 6.6 percent year-on-year) and in indus-try(5.3 percent), the Statistics Offi ce said on February 10. Salaries in wholesale grew by 4.9 percent year-on-year. Other increases were: in pubs and restaurants - 4.7 percent, in accommodation services - 4.2 percent, in in-formation and communication activities and in the sale and maintenance of motor vehicles - both 2 percent, and in transport and warehousing - 1.7 percent. The highest average nominal monthly salary in 2010 in Slovakia was paid to those in information and communica-tion services - $1,900, followed by industry - $1,000. Aver-age salaries in wholesale reached just under $1,000, while in retail the average salary stood at $750. When it comes to the data for December, the aver-age nominal monthly salary grew most rapidly in selected market services - by 8.4 percent year-on-year. Other in-creases were: in transport and warehousing - 6.3 percent, in construction - 5.1 percent, in industry - 3.1 percent, in wholesale - 2.8 percent, and in retail - 1.8 percent. Salaries in information and communications fell by 4.9 percent in December.

Activists call on Premier to sayno to pipeline through Zitny Ostrov The Civil Association ‘No to the Pipeline Through Zit-ny Ostrov’ is calling on Prime Minister Iveta Radicova to initiate a discussion on the Bratislava-Schwechat Pipeline project during a session of the meeting of the prime minis-ters of the Visegrad Four group(Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic), Austria and Ukraine on February 15, the chairman of the association Tomas Mikulec told TASR on February 14. “In our opinion, it is important that the prime min-ister at the premiers’ session clearly and directly tells her Austrian counterpart that Slovakia doesn’t agree with the oil-pipeline route in the way it has been proposed by the Austrian side,” read Mikulec’s statement. “At the same time, we’re pointing out that this oil link doesn’t resolve anything for Slovakia from the energy point of view. This link appears to be a short-sighted solution to us due to the threat posed to water resources, as clean water is becoming the strategic raw material of the 21st century,” he claimed. The association was set up by students of Bratislava uni-versities who are concerned about the future of Zitny Ostrov - the site of the most important drinking-water reservoir in Slovakia. The association began collecting signatures in Feb-ruary 2010 for a petition aimed at preventing the construction of a pipeline between Slovakia and Austria via Zitny Ostrov.

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 PAGE 9

Highlights of the Children’s Christmas Party Hosted by Assembly 28 & Wreath 18Sparetime Bowling Lanes + Slovak Catholic Sokol Club + Douglas, Mass. + December 5

Getting ready to serve the pizza to the youngsters are, l-r, Lori Cyr, Tori Landry, Deb Johnson and Judy Manyak.

Santa poses with the youngsters who enjoyed the afternoon.

Youngsters with their certifi cates for free bowing, compliments of Spartime Bowling Lanes.

All smiles on the faces of the youngsters as they begin to bowl.

PAGE 10 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

Scenes of the Annual Children’s Christmas Party Hosted by Group 17 “Rev. Francis Skutil”The Camelot Bowling Lanes + Youngstown, Ohio + Sunday, December 5, 2010

Santa fl anked by, l-r, Supreme Treasurer and Group 17 President James G. Jerek, and committee coordinators Edith Babik and Nancy Kropolinsky.

Andrew and Frankie Cimmentoi with a familiar “Santa.”

Mia Stana hugs a familiar “Santa.”

Kaitlyn and Haylie Rankin.Judy Babik with daughter, Lindsey Smith and grandson, R.J.Trimble.Terrie Williams and daughter, Sarah. Santa with Nick Olexia.

Emily Rose Snitzer, the youngest participant, is shown with her grandmother, Patti Snitzer.

R.J.Trimble waiting for San-ta to arrive.

Brianna Brammer, Candice Kraykovich, Jenna Troxil and Monica Shirilla.

L-r, Jackie Polchak with daughter, Michelle DiMuzio and granddaughter, Ava.

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 PAGE 11

was fi lled to overfl owing with thousands of young people, many of whom remained through the night, who came to demonstrate their respect for life from concep-tion to natural death. Beginning at 11 a.m. on January 24, thousands of march participants began to gather at the National Mall where they heard more than three dozen lawmakers address the crowd during the rally to start the annual March for Life. In addition to the speakers, a number of groups entertained. A number of U.S. Senators and Representatives were among the lawmakers who pre-sented spirited reasons why ‘Roe v. Wade’ must be overturned. There is

Slovak Catholic Fraternalists Participate in the 38th Annual March for Life in Opposition to AbortionWashington, D.C. + Monday, January 24 + Celebrating Life from Conception to Natural Death!

(Continued from page 1) renewed enthusiasm in many parts of the country given the present po-litical climate. Following the Mall activities at about 2 p.m., the par-ticipants, estimated to exceed more than 100,000, then began the offi -cial march along Constitution Ave-nue to the Supreme Court building. We are pleased that so many of our members from so many parts of the country braved the frigid weather conditions to affi rm our organization’s commitment to the sacredness of life and our opposi-tion to abortion. We join the ma-jority of Americans who oppose abortion-on-demand and want innocent human life to be pro-tected especially when it is most defenseless.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, the new Bishop of Scranton, Pa. along with the Rev. Thomas Muldowney stopped by to greet some of the Slovak Catholic fraternal-ists who participated in this year’s march.

Students from Benedictine High School in Cleveland, Oh.under the leadership of their principal, Rev. Gerard A. Gonda, O.S.B. joined the contingent of Slovak Catholic fraternalists in this year’s march.

Group 9 Sokolky from Johnstown, Pa., including Nancy Fesko and Francine Calpin, shown under our organization’s banner, stopped by to greet our Slovak Catholic fraternalists.

Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, third from the left is shown with fel-low Slovak fraternal leaders, including, l-r, Irene Dortleff, national secretary of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association(FCSLA); an unidentifi ed young lady; Dr. Deborah Brindza of the FCSLA, Therese M. Kluchinski, president of the Ladies Pa. Slovak Catholic Union, Mary Ann S. Johanek and Msgr. Peter A. Dora, president and national chaplain, respectively of the FCSLA.

Slovak Catholic fraternalists marching on the streets of our nation’s capital.

With the U.S. Capitol in the distance, the Slovak fraternalists march with the Slo-vak fl ag borne high by Sue Ann M.Seich. Shown with her are, from the left, Kelly Palchanis, Danielle Zablotney, Heather Horvath, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic and Suzanne Horvath.

PAGE 12 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

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a traditional luncheon and fraternal program in the social hall of the par-ish located at 406 East 67th Street. All members, as well as our Brother Sokols and Sister Sokolky from our neighboring lodges, are welcome to join us. Editor Daniel F. Tanzone will be the principal speaker at the luncheon. Following the luncheon, we will conduct our lodge’s annual meeting. At this year’s celebration, we will celebrate the 88th anniversary of the founding of our Assembly. It was in April of 1923, that a group of young Slovaks met at St. John Nepomu-cene parish and organized a new lodge of the Slovak Catholic Sokol. Over these many years, we have enjoyed active participation in the various fraternal, cultural and sport-ing events of our organization. In addition, we have supported many Slovak activities associated with our parish. Our St. Joseph’s Day obser-vance continues a wonderful frater-nal tradition of honoring the patron of our lodge as well as all of our “Josephs” and “Josephines” among us. This year’s patronal feast day observance will observe its 65th an-nivesary. It was in 1946 that we fi rst hosted such a celebration. We look forward to seeing a good turnout at this year’s observance as we celebrate Sokol fellowship and fraternalism in the Big Apple. Zdar Boh! Dr. Ladislav Korcek President Anna Korcak Financial Secretary

PITTSBURGH, PAAssembly 16

Our next regular meeting is set for Monday, March 7 at our Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, South Side, beginnning at 7:30 p.m. All mem-bers are urged to attend. At this meeting, we will select delegates who will represent our lodge at the upcoming 31st quadren-nial convention which is scheduled for July 30 to August 3 here in Pitts-burgh. Those aspiring to serve as a delegate must be members in good standing and qualify to serve ac-cording to the bylaws of our organi-zation. Further details of the national convention as well as other lodge business will also be on our meeting agenda. Come join us for a pleasant fraternal evening. Zdar Boh! Angelo Capozoli Recording Secretary

PITTSBURGH, PA.Wreath 22

Our next regularly scheduled meeting of our wreath is set for Monday, March 7 at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, South Side, beginning at 7 p.m. All members are invited to attend. At this meeting we will collect the delegate forms prepared for those representing our Wreath at

Lodge Jottings Group 9 “SS. Cyril and Metho-

dius” will host its 19th annual bowling tournament on Saturday, March 19 at the Lakeview Bowl-ing Lanes in Ebensburg, Pa. Host-ing this year’s exciting competi-tion will be Assembly 79 of Lilly, Pa. The fi rst group will begin ac-tion on the lanes at 10 a.m. The second group is scheduled to be-gin at 2 p.m. Teams which prefer the morning session should con-tact this year’s tournament direc-tor, Tom Muldoon in advance. The

Group 9 to host 19th Annual BowlingTournament set for Ebensburg, Pa.

tournament is open to all Group 9 Sokol members. An enjoyable tournament has been planned and will consist of men’s and women’s team com-petition. In addition, individual prizes will be awarded. Cost of bowling for Sokol members will be $25.00 - which includes bowl-ing, prizes and the traditional vic-tory dinner following the competi-tion on the lanes. Snacks will be provided during the competition and BYOB. However, Group 9

assumes no responsibility for the demeanor of any participants. Following the competition at Lakeview Lanes, we will travel to nearby Lilly, Pa. where the traditional victory dinner will be enjoyed at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club there. The Sokol Club is located on Railroad Street. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a cash bar available. Cost of the dinner for guests not bowling is $15.00 per person. Group 9 will subsidize the dinner cost for all bowlers. Deadline for all bowling entries is Monday, March 14, 2011. All dinner reservations must likewise

be made by the March 14 dead-line. Send all reservations to: Tom Muldoon, 1089 Main Street, Lilly, PA 15938. Each year, the number of bowlers participating has been increasing. Continuing in this tra-dition, we look forward to seeing a great turnout of bowlers from all our Group 9 Sokol lodges at this year’s tournament. Come join us for an enjoyable competition in the best traditions of Group 9 So-kol good sportsmanship and ca-maraderie. Zdar Boh! Thomas Muldoon Assembly 79 Sports Director

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, FEBRUARY 23, 2011 PAGE 13

Since 1922 Wreath 111 in Lorain, Ohio has been a beehive of fraternal activities. In recent years, its monthly meetings include a variety of presenta-tions and activities of a cultural nature. A particular topic is selected for each monthly meeting with follow-up ac-tivities. The monthly meetings held in No-vember and December 2010 were unique and attracted a good number of members. At the November 8th meet-ing, the Sokolky celebrated Italian culture with a talk on famous people, places of Italian heritage as well as an explanation of the meaning of the Ital-ian fl ag. Following the presentation, a lively discussion followed. In addi-tion, several Sokolky made traditional Italian biscuits and pizzelles for tasting pleasure. An enjoyable and fl avorful evening was had by all. On December 5th, members of Wreath 111 joined with the mem-bers of the United Slovak Societies

Celebrating cultural diversity in our midst

Wreath 111 Hosts Interesting and DiverseFraternal Outreach Projects in Lorain, Ohio

by Anna Gaydoshof Lorain in preparing a traditional Slovak Christmas Eve supper, Vilija or stedry vecer at the American Slo-vak Home. The Sokolky of Wreath 111 were asked to prepare the pirohy for the meal for the more than 200 guests expected. Our hardworking Sokolky prepared more than 600 po-tato-cheese pirohy along with enough sweet cabbage pagach for the guests. With the close of Holy Trinity parish, the Vilija was a wonderful opportunity for the former members of the Slovak church who now worship at a variety of parishes where they reside, to cel-ebrate this wonderful Slovak faith tra-dition together. At the dinner, all the culinary spe-cialities were served and the tradi-tions observed. We were privileged to have the talented and spirited Lucinka Children’s Slovak Folk Ensemble of Cleveland entertain us. It was also an honor to have Kaitlyn Knick, the Slovak Princess of the Lorain Interna-

Enjoying the “Italian” night are seated, l-r,Valerie Konecny, Chris Nedleman, Glenice Zelina and Ann Zuffa . Standing are, l-r, Marge Kurta, Helen Zemanek, Helen Virant, Michele Mager and Marcy Turton.

Kaitlyn Knick, who reigned as the Slovak Princess at the Lorain International Festival entertained at the Vilija dinner.

Members of the Lucinka Children’s Slovak Folk Ensemble of Cleveland entertained at the Vilija sup-per at the American Slovak Club.

Anna Gaydosh, treasurer of Wreath 111, displays some of the sweet cabbage pagach prepared by the Wreath 111 Sokolky.

Displaying some of the more than 600 pirohy prepared by the Sokolky for the Vilija dinner are from the left, Marge Kurta, Glenice Zelina, Michele Mager, Helen Zemanek, and Steve and Anna Gaydosh.

Annual raffl e committee pose for a photo and include front row, l-r, Helen Virant and Glenice Zellina, president of Wreath 111; second row, l-r, Marcy Turton, Fran Hobar, Dorothy Hobar and Marge Kurta; and third row, l-r, Bernie Steadman, Judy Hromada, Ann Zuffa and Anna Gaydosh.

tional Festival, sing several folksongs in Slovak. Finally, we wish to thank all our members who supported our an-nual raffl e which support our various charitable outreach projects. The win-ners included: 1st prize of $100 won by Kathy Trifi letti of Lorain, the 2nd prize of $75 won by Amy Grude of Wakeman, the 3r