Fraternalists-In-Action

2007 MVP Fraternalists-In-Action

December 3, 2007 - Bernadette Yencha, S172 Wilkes-Barre, PA

Bernadette is the Secretary of FCSLA Senior Branch #172 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She volunteers at all the Branch S172 functions, including visits to St. Vincent De Paul and other activities such as luncheons sponsored by the branch. She prepares the programs for most of S172 and J362 functions. She also prepared a presentation and exhibit on Slovakia for a Join Hands Day project for FCSLA Branch S615.

Bernadette volunteers at the Jankola Library, where she serves as a member of its advisory board. She also volunteers at the Slovak Museum of the Sisters of St. Cyril and Methodius in Danville, PA. She is a member of the Telecom Pioneers which is an organization of telephone-company employees that do voluntary projects. She also is a member of the St. Mary Immaculate Conception Church Choir, the St. Joseph Slovak Church and is a cantor for Sunday mass and funerals. What is more, Bernadette is the program director for the Slovak Vilija held at St. Joseph's Slovak Church. Congratulations Bernadette!

October 1, 2007 - Dennis L Povondra, W093 Tabor, SD

Dennis is our Fraternalist of the Year for 2007 and MVP for this week. His outstanding fraternal participation spans 58 years as a Catholic Workman and FCSLA member. He served 4 years as a Catholic Workman State Historian, 1 year on the Catholic Workman National Fraternal Advisory Committee, 6 years as a Catholic Workman Youth Scholarship Fund Raiser and 3 years as a Catholic Workman Youth Regional Meetings Chaperone.

April 30, 2007 - Judy Tybor-Knizner, S287 Chicago, IL

Judy continues the work of her grandmother, her mother, and now works with her daughter, who is Secretary of Junior Branch #J339. Judy has lent her time and dedication over the years (since the 1970's) to the Oak Forest, Illinois, Benedictine Auxiliary at Our Lady of Sorrows Convent. She chaired the Sisters' Annual County Fair many times—raising $25,000 during this one-day event in just one year. Fraternally, Judy has chaired the FCSLA Chicago District's St. Ann's Day, Join Hands Day, bingo and holiday events. Her Chicago District membership and roles of Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President date from the 1980's.

March 19, 2007 - Johanna Oros, S557 Cleveland, OH

Johanna has created and directed the Cleveland Slovak Radio Program for over 15 years. She received awards and recognition for this effort from the mayor of Cleveland, the Governor of Ohio and was invited by First Lady, Hillary Clinton to the White House with the Ethnic Radio Announcers Group. Johanna serves the Slovak Dramatic Club, Lucina Slovak Folk dance group and the local and state-wide Catholic War Veterans. She is a very "hands-on" volunteer and was hailed by the Cleveland-Bratislava Sister Cities Inc. for her long and loyal activism.

January 15, 2007 - Joseph Miklovic, S101 Saint Louis, MO

Joseph Miklovic has kept the Slovak heritage alive and well in Missouri by leading his branch for years and merging with the Bonne Terre Slovak group. He is active in his Neighborhood Block group and, as a CPA, Joe has spearheaded land acquisition and thousands of dollars for the South St. Louis City Parish Youth. For more than 15 years, Joe has served the Boy Scouts of America as a religious coordinator, merit badge counselor and Eagle Scout mentor.

See other Fraternalists-In-Action.