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APRIL 2019VOL. 105, NO. 7

2 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Fraternally Yours,ŽENSKÁ JEDNOTA®

ISSN0897-2958

Fraternally Yours,ZENSKAJEDNOTA,

is a monthly magazine published by the FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation.

NationalHeadquartersat24950ChagrinBlvd., Cleveland,Ohio44122EDITOR:CarolynBazik

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

Phone(610)373-2743•Fax(610)375-8333

Periodical Postage Paid at Cleveland,OH44101andadditionalentries

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

PrintedatTrianglePress6720AllentownBlvd.,Harrisburg,PA17112

Postmaster:Sendaddresschangesto ZenskaJednota,

FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation 24950ChagrinBoulevard,Cleveland,OH44122

Deadlineforallarticlesisthe15th ofthemonth,1½monthspriortotheissuedate.

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

BOARDOFDIRECTORSCHAPLAIN:

Very Reverend Monsignor Peter M. Polando,CathedralofSaintColumba,159W.RayenAve.,Youngstown,OH44503.Residence:(330)744-5233.Email:ppolando@youngstowndiocese.org.PRESIDENT:

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

JeanetteE.Palanca,304W.ExchangeStreet,Crete,IL60417.Residence:(847)770-3508.Email:jeanetteeve@outlook.com.

SueAnnM.Seich,1433SaxonyCircle,NW,Can-ton,OH44708.(330)478-2949.Email:sams330@aol.com.

LawrenceM.Golofski,1114SurreyLane,Vander-grift,PA15690.Residence:(412)915-9035.Email:LarryG.FCSLA@gmail.com.

JoannSkvarekBanvich,Whiting,IN46394.Resi-dence:(219)322-8785.Email:btvendo@gmail.com.NATIONALTRUSTEES:

VirginiaA.Holmes,1625VermontAvenue,WhiteOak,PA15131.Residence:(412)672-1565.Email:Holmes7732@aol.com.

BarbaraNovotnyWaller,413OleyStreet,Read-ing,PA19601.Residence:(610)372-5750.Email:bnwaller@comcast.net.NATIONALAUDITORS:

Barbara A. Sekerak, 6312 Elmdale Road, Brook Park, OH 44142. (216) 676-9332. Email:bas7535@gmail.com.

DennisL.Povondra,102SouthJandaAvenue,Tabor, SD 57063. Residence: (605) 463-2571.Email:povondra@hcinet.net.

Dorothy L. Urbanowicz, 27 Crescent Drive,Monessen,PA15062.Residence:(724)684-8243.Email:doty8613@gmail.com.

COURTOFAPPEALS:AnneM.SedlockJudithA.FedorCynthiaOresik

BernadetteJ.DemechkoFloraJ.Funtal

Jelly Bean PrayerLittle jelly beans tell a story true.

A tale of Father's love, just for me and you. GREEN is for the waving palms. YELLOW is for the sun above.

BROWN is for the soft earth where people sat hearing of HIS love. A SPECKLED bean for fish and sand.

RED for precious wine and BLACK is for the sin He washed from your soul and mine.

PURPLE's for the sadness of HIS family and friends, and WHITE is for the glory of the day HE rose again.

Now that you've heard the story, you know what each color means. The story of our Father's love told by some simple jelly beans.

Dear Friends,May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace

and happiness to you and those you hold most dear. And may Christ, Our Risen Savior, always be there by your side to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide.

Until Next Month, Warmly, Carolyn

42nd Quadrennial Convention Announcements

Bylaw Changes:AnyPrincipalmemberwishingtosubmitabylawchangeforconsiderationmustdosoinwritingtotheattentionofCynthiaMaleski,NationalPresident,24950ChagrinBlvd.,Beachwood,OH44122. Allsubmissionsmustbesignedandpostmarked,deliveryservice,orelec-tronicmediadatedbyMonday,April29,2019.

Candidates for National Office:AnyPrincipalmemberwishingtorunforanationalofficemustreturnanintentform,alongwitharesuméandnon-refundableregistrationfee.IntentformsareavailablefromKimberlyGraham,NationalSecretary.AllmaterialsmustbepostmarkedordatedbydeliveryservicebyAugust2,2019.Pleasereviewtherequirementsforna-tionaloffice,includingCourtofAppeals,inthe2015ConstitutionandBylaws.

Convention Donation Applications: Convention donationinformationandapplicationcanbefoundonourwebsite.Applicationsaredue April27,2019.

Guests:Guestsareallowedtoattendtheconvention,butarerespon-sibleforalltheirexpenses(travel,room,meals).Moreinformationtofollow.

APRIL2019 3

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

ST. BERNADETTE

My dear Sisters and Brothers,St. Bernadette was born in Lourdes, France in 1844. Her

baptismal name was Marie Bernarde Soubirous but her pet name was Bernadette. She was the oldest of nine children, three of whom died shortly after birth. Her father was a miller by trade, but the family was extremely poor. They lived in a dungeon-like room in the basement of a dilapidated building that was a former jail, provided for free by the mother’s cousin. The children were uneducated. As a toddler, Bernadette contracted cholera after which she suffered extreme asthma. She lived her entire life in poor health and only grew to be 4’7” tall.

On Thursday, February 11, 1858, when Bernadette was fourteen years old, she was sent with her younger sister and a friend to gather firewood on the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. As Bernadette’s sister and friend walked on through the stream, Bernadette lagged behind to remove her shoes and stockings. She heard a rustling and looked up. A very beautiful lady appeared to Bernadette above a rose bush in the grotto above the riverbank. The woman smiled at Bernadette before making the sign of the cross with a rosary. Bernadette took out her own rosary and knelt to pray. Although her sister and friend were unable to see the woman, Bernadette could describe her vision in detail. Three days later Bernadette returned to the grotto with her sister and some friends, where Bernadette again saw the woman and fell into a trance before the apparition disappeared.

Bernadette continued to visit the grotto daily from February 18 through March 4. Her visits were drawing large crowds of people. Her parents were embarrassed and tried to stop her but were unable to do so. After visiting the grotto on February 25, Bernadette claimed the vision told her to drink of the water of the spring, to wash in it and to eat the herb that grew there.

The next day, fresh water flowed where once the grotto’s muddy waters had been. On March 25, Bernadette’s vision lasted over an hour. The vision told her she was the Immaculate Conception and that a chapel should be built on the site.

Although many townspeople believed Bernadette had indeed been seeing the Holy Virgin, her story created a division in the town. Some believed Bernadette had a mental illness and demanded she be put in a mental asylum. Church authorities and the French government thoroughly interviewed Bernadette. In 1862, after four years, they confirmed that she spoke the truth.

You can imagine how Bernadette’s life had changed with all the excitement surrounding her. While her family was relieved of some of their financial burden as work became available for her father, at the same time their privacy was continually invaded. People wanted to interview Bernadette at all hours of the day. They wanted her to bless them or their sick family members. When they wanted to give her money, she would always politely refuse. Although the visions had taken place over a course of less than two months, the invasion of privacy was unending. Bernadette decided she did not like the attention she was getting and went to the school run by the Sisters of Charity of Nevers, where she was taught to read and write. In 1866, she joined the same Sisters of Charity. Bernadette spent the rest of her life there, first as an infirmary assistant and later a sacristan. Eventually she was diagnosed with tuberculosis which made her unable to take part in convent life. She died in 1879 at the age of 35 while praying the holy rosary.

St. Bernadette’s body was first exhumed thirty years after her death. Two doctors claimed that her body remained preserved from decomposition. This incorruption was cited as one of the miracles supporting her canonization. Her body was exhumed two more times, and each time doctors were amazed at how well the body and organs were preserved.

St. Bernadette’s request to the local priest to build a chapel at the site of her visions eventually gave rise to a number of chapels and churches at Lourdes. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is now one of the major Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. A basilica at the site can accommodate 25,000 people. Millions of pilgrims have visited Lourdes, many seeking a miracle. Since St. Bernadette first caused the spring to produce clean water, 69 miracles have met the stringent requirements of the Vatican and have been verified by the Lourdes Medical Bureau, the last being in 2013, while more than 7,000 others have been reported. St. Bernadette is the patron saint of the poor and the sick and of those ridiculed for their faith. St. Bernadette, pray for us, that we may attain the vision of God and Mary in Heaven!

Lastly, as we continue our journey through this Lenten Season, I wish for its culmination to be a Holy and Happy Easter for all of you and your loved ones!

Applications for Scholarships Available Online

TheUnitedSlovakSocietiesattheAmericanSlo-vakClubinLorain,OH,announces2019scholarshipavailabilitytograduatinghighschoolseniorswhoareenteringcollegeandarefiveyearmembersofourlocallodgesthatinclude:NationalSlovakSocietyAssembly160,SlovakCatholicSokolWreath111,FirstCatho-licSlovakUnion#228,FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationBranch #114 and LadiesPennsylvaniaSlovakCatholicUnion#77.Theone-timescholarshipapplicationandrulesmaybeobtainedbyvisitingwww.americanslovakclub.com.Deadlineforcompletion isMay30,2019.

4 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Message from our National PresidentCYNTHIA M. MALESKI

FCSLA Annuity Rates

Rates for our deferred Elite Annuities:

SILVER ELITE (5 YEAR)

3.25% APY*GOLD ELITE (7 YEAR)

3.50% APY*PLATINUM ELITE (10 YEAR)

3.75% APY**This rate is in effect 4/1/2019 thru 6/30/2019.

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

FCSLA sponsored two buses (with FCSU) to Washington, D.C. for the Pro-Life March on January 18th. We thank Chris Kiggins, Father Frank Basa and Dr. Deborah Brin-dza for volunteering as co-captains. Thank you also to Donna Oros for her assistance as well as Father Michael Brunovsky for leading the Benedictine High School young men and reciting the rosary on the bus.

Dearfellowmembers,Wehavemanythingsgoing

oninthehomeofficeinprepar-ingforthequadrennialconven-tioninTampa,Florida,launchingour newestGuaranteed IssueProgram (see announcement in this issueand inyourmail),planningandhostingStrategicPlanningandVisioning forourboard of directors, preparingandfiling2018FinancialState-

ments andAnnualReports forYOU, our esteemed members,doingananalysisoftheimpactofthenew2017CSOMortalityTablesonourlifeproducts,anddelivering presentations to our top sales qualifiersandvariousdistricts.Thelistgoesonandonaswemove forward for thebenefitofourassociationandourmembers.

DuringtheselastfewweeksofLent,itisESSEN-TIAL thatwe take some timeout of our busy lives

toquietlyspendsometimewithourLord,meditate,thinkandpray.Itisawonderfulwaytoseparateoutwhatistrulysignificantinthislifeandwhatisnot.LetusnotforgetthatGodlovesusandforgivesusevenwhenwedon’thaveeverythingtogether.Manytimesweoverlookthingsandareunappreciative.YetGodacceptsusanddealswithourimperfections.

Canwedealwiththepeopleinourlivesinthesameway?Thisisthetestputbeforeus.

OnEasterSaturday, Ihopeyouandyour familytakeyourEasterbaskettochurchwiththespeciallypreparedfoodstohavethemblessed.Thisritualisacentury’soldtraditionandbindsustogetherasfamily,withfriendsandtheChurch.

Wehope that yourEasterDay is filledwith theJOYoftheResurrectionoftheLordandthattheJOYofChrist’sResurrectionfillsuswiththebrightpromiseofHislovethroughouttheyear!

ChristisRisen,Yes,HeisTrulyRisen! Cynthia M. Maleski NationalPresident

Pro-Life March in Washington, D.C.

APRIL2019 5

Mostofyouknowwehaveanamaz-ing program called Matching Funds – forthosethatdonot,itisawayforourbranchestoraisemoneyforacharitableor benevolent cause and FCSLAwillmatchup to $600ofwhat thebranchraises.

Thisprogramwasstartedattheendof2011andhasreallygrownbyleapsandbounds.Everyyearmorebranches

doprojects.In2018wehadaHUGEyear!Justlookatthese numbers:

Numberofbranchesthatdidaproject:11048branchesdid2projects(themaxthattheyareallowed)14branchesdidaprojectfortheveryfirsttime175projectswerecompletedin14statesThe110branchesraised$520,638.69FCSLAmatched$100,930.45DidyoujustsayWOW!?IknowIdidwhenIwascompil-

ingmyyearendnumbers.EveryyearIthink“wow”thereisnowaythebranches

aregoingtosurpasslastyear’stotals,buttheydo!Andtheyjustdon’tsurpassitbyoneortwoprojects,theydoitby10!In2017theydid165projects.

Iwanttocongratulatethe110branches(youknowwhoyouare)onaVERYsuccessful2018!YouareallamazingandIappreciateallthehardworkyoudoyearafteryearontheseprojects.Ialsowanttothankthebranchofficersthattakeextratimetohelpotherbranchesgetstartedindoingaproject.Iappreciateyouverymuch(andonceagainyouknowwhoyou are).

Pleasecheckoutourwebsitefcsla.orgforguidelinesonhowtodoaproject.Youcanalsoseealltheprojectsthatwerecompleted,notonlylastyear,butthepastseveralyearsaswell!Ifyouareamemberandwouldliketodoaprojectcontactyourbranchofficer.

Howmanywillwedofor2019?Ican’twaittosee!

TheblessingoffoodbasketsonHolySaturdayisalong-standingCentral/EasternEuropeantraditionthathasbeenbroughttotheU.S.by immigrantsfromSlovakia,Poland,Lithuania,etc.Manytimesthebasketsof foodarecoveredwithelaborate,handembroideredclothsthatareonlyusedonHolySaturday.

ThetraditioncelebratesourjoyoftheResurrection.ThefoodsinthebasketareourEastermealandrepresentfaretraditionallyabstainedfromduringLent(intimeswhenLentenregulationsweremuchmoreseverethantoday):meat,butter,richbreads,desserts.ThefoodisplacedinawickerbasketandbroughttothechurchonHolySaturdaywhereitisblessedinashortliturgy.

TherulesarerelaxedforthemodernEasterbasketatthepre-feastblessing,butSlovaktraditioncallsfornineitemstobeinit.They are:

Eggs:BrightlydecoratedeggsareasymbolofnewlifeintherisenChrist.

Pascha, or Easter bread:It’ssweetandrichineggsandbutter.It’sasymbolofChrist,Christians’“truebread.”

Kielbasa:AspicysausagethatindicatesGod’sfavorandgenerosity.

A piece of uncooked bacon, cured with spices: It symbolizestheabundanceofGod’smercy.

Salt: It remindspeopletoflavortheirdealingswithothersbyChrist’sexample.

Ham:ItwaspopularwithCzechoslovakiansbecauseofitsrichness,anditissymbolicofEaster’sgreatjoyandabundance.

Cheese: Acustard-stylecheese,shapedintoaballandhavingablandbutsweettaste,indicatesthemoderationChristiansshouldhaveinallthings.

Horseradish and beets:TheysymbolizethesufferingofChrist,whowasputtodeathonacrossandrosefromthedeadthreedayslater,defeatingthesinsoftheworld.

Butter:It’sshapedlikealamb,asmallcrossorplacedinaglassdish.ItremindspeopletohaveChrist-likegood-nesstowardallthings.

Blessing Baskets

6 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

2019 FCSLA FRATERNALIST OF THE YEARTheFraternalistoftheYearAwardisanhonorpresentedbyFCSLAtorecognizeanindividualwithinourorganizationwho,throughexampleandaccomplishment,provideoutstandingvolunteerservicetohisorherFCSLAbranch,churchandcommunityduringthepastyear.Thewinnerwillreceiveacheckfor$100.00;willbefeaturedintheFraternally YoursMagazine,onourwebsiteandFacebookpage.GUIDELINES: AllFCSLAmembersareeligibletosubmitanomineeforthisaward. ThenomineemustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFCSLA,age23andolder,witha

historyoffraternalandcommunityservice. NationalOfficers,HomeOfficeEmployeesandpreviousrecipientsofthisawardarenot

eligible. Includeaheadandshouldersphotoofnominee. NominationForm,additionalsheetofpaperandphotoshouldbemailedto:FCSLA,KellyM.Shedlock,Fraternal&

YouthDirector,24950ChagrinBlvd.,Beachwood,OH44122oremailto:kelly@fcsla.org. If you have any questions, please contact KellyShedlock via email at kelly@fcsla.org or at the home office

800.464.4642EXT1051. Youmayalsoprintthisformoffourwebsitewww.fcsla.org. Anindependentcommitteewillselectthewinner. Deadline for Entries is May 3, 2019.

2019 FCSLA Fraternalist of the Year Nomination FormPLEASE PRINT!

NOMINEE:

Nominee’sName:________________________________________________FCSLABranch#:_______________________

HomeAddress:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone#:______________________________E-MailAddress:_______________________________________________

MaritalStatus: o Single o Married o Widowed

IfMarriedSpousesName:_____________________________________________________________________________

Occupation:_____________________________________Employer/School:________________________________________Please review the following categories.

On a separate sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper (please type or print) provide your response for each category.

1. Society Leadership:Describeyournominee’sinvolvementinthepastyearinFCSLA’slocalbranchanddistrictgovernanceandactivities.Thiswouldincludeserviceasabranchordistrictofficer,orcommitteememberforanyandallFCSLAbranchmeetings,activities,dinners,blooddrives,MatchingFunds,JoinHandsDay,etc.atanybranchordistrictlevel.

2. Service to Others:Describehownomineehasprovidedsignificantvolunteerserviceinthepastyeartohis/hercommu-nityorparticipatedinoutreachprogramsandenvironmentalactivitiesonthelocal,stateorinternationallevel.(Examples:Participationinchurchgroups,mentoringprograms,schoolorcommunityactivities,disasterreliefefforts,communityorservicegroups.)

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

4. Finally,describeyourpersonalfeelingsofadmirationforyournomineeandwhyyoufeelhe/shedeservesthisaward.NOMINATOR:

NameofNominator:________________________________________________________ Branch#:________________

Phone#:____________________________________E-Mail:________________________________________________

SignatureofNominator:______________________________________________________________________________

APRIL2019 7

Jesus Christ sacrificed his life to save us all,

and on this day He was resurrected. May you have a blessed Easter

filled with joy and peace.

NATIONAL CHAPLAINVery Reverend

Monsignor Peter M. PolandoNATIONAL PRESIDENT

Cynthia M. Maleski

BOARD OF DIRECTORSNATIONAL DIRECTORS

Jeanette E. PalancaSue Ann M. Seich Larry M. Golofski

Joann Skvarek BanvichNATIONAL TRUSTEES

Virginia A. HolmesBarbara Novotny WallerNATIONAL AUDITORS

Barbara A. SekerakDennis L. Povondra

Dorothy L. Urbanowicz

Happy Easter to you and your family

SisterPamelaSmith,SS.C.M., representingBishopGuglielmoneand theDiocese ofCharleston,SC, joinedbishopsandclergy from theEpiscopal,Lutheran,AfricanMethodistEpiscopal,UnitedMethodist,ChristianMethodistEpiscopalchurcheswhoareinvolvedwiththeFellowshipofSouthCarolinaBishops.TheFellowshipofSouthCaro-

FELLOWSHIP OF SOUTH CAROLINA BISHOPSlinaBishopshavecommittedthemselvestoadvocatingforimprovingeducationintheruralandimpoverishedareasofSouthCarolina(sometimescalled“thecorridorofshame”).ThegroupheldalisteningsessioninAllendaleCounty,SC.Parents,grandparents,teachers,volunteers,formerschoolboardmembers,middleschoolstudents,theStateHouserepresentatives,andclergywereamongthoseinattendance.

While theDioceseofCharleston,SCiscommittedtoCatholicschoolsandhasastrategicplanforstrengtheningthemacrossthestate,theDioceseisalsoengagedinpublicactionandpolicyproposalsonbehalfofpubliceducation.Teachers’salaries,incentivestoretainexcellentteachers,parentingprograms,givingadditionalsupportforupdatedsuppliesandfacilities,alongwithafterschoolactivitieswereamongthetopicsdiscussed.Anextstepisformanyoftheparticipantsandleaderstointeractwithlegislatorsonbehalfofpublicschools.TheSistersofSaintsCyrilandMethodiussponsorSt.FrancisCenteronSt.HelenaIsland,SC.Thecenterprovidesavarietyofprogramssuchashousingre-pairassistanceandfoodprimarilyfortheelderlypoor,andprogramsformigrants.

NOW AVAILABLE!

FIVE VOCATIONAL TRADE/TECHNICAL SCHOOL

$1,250 SCHOLARSHIPSFirst Catholic Slovak Ladies Association is pleased

to announce a new scholarship opportunity in 2019

Vocational, Trade and Technical school scholarships are now available for the 2019 scholarship program

The Vocational/Trade/Technical Scholarship is intended to help members planning to attend a community college, vocational school, trade school or other short-term training program in fields such as automotive technology, plumbing, heating, construction, welding, advanced manufacturing, cosmetology, computer repair as well as other fields. To learn more about the scholarship see our Vocational/Trade/Technical School Scholarship Application available online at FCSLA.com.

The deadline for this scholarship category has been extended to Monday, April 1, 2019. Winners will be notified in May. If you have questions, call us at 800-464-4642 extension 1054 or email us at Scholarship@fcsla.com.

SLOVAKIA HERITAGE TOUR September 6-15, 20192019SlovakiaHeritageten-day,smallgrouptour

fromSeptember 6-15.We’ll explore age-old cities,medievaltownsandhistoricsitesaswellasfolk-lifemuseums, theTatrymountainsandpicturesquevil-lages.We’lljoininthewineandharvestfestivalsthatbringaliveSlovakia’slongmusicandcrafttraditions.Optionalgenealogicalresearch,andancestralvillageandfamilyvisitsavailable.Formoreinformation:Visitwww.slovakiaheritage.comorcontactJudithNorthup-Bennett, Slovakia Heritage Tours, 978-544-5144slovakiaheritagetours@gmail.com.

8 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

WPSCAand theStephanieHusakScholarshipFundare offering a scholarship to attend theSummerSlovakLanguageandCultureProgramatComeniusUniversityinBratislava,SlovakiafromJune30toJuly19,2019.WPSCAwillaward$3,000tocovertransportation,tuition,roomandboardtothesuccessfulcandidate.Applicantsmustmeetthefollowingrequirements:

• Mustbeafulltimecollegestudent• MustbeofSlovakheritage• Mustnothavepreviouslyattendedtheprogram• MustapplytoComeniusUniversityforacceptance• Mustbewilling toattendWPSCAeventswhenre-

questedtodiscusstheprogramTheSASSummerSchoolistheoldestsummerlanguage

school inSlovakiaand isdesigned toenablestudents toimproveandenhance theirSlovak languagecompetencyaswellasincreasetheirknowledgeofSlovakliteratureandculture.Moreinformationisavailableatwww.cdv.unlbaisk/en/summeruniversity.

Forfurtherinformationorforanapplication,contactJoeSenkoatjtsenko@aol.comor(412)956-6000.CompletedapplicationsmustbereceivedbyWPSCAonorbeforeApril15, 2019at:WPSCA,ManorOakTwo,Suite 500, 1910CochranRoad,Pittsburgh,PA15220.

SUMMER

SCHOLARSHIP

AVAILABLE

Branch W001 Makes Donation to St. Wenceslaus School

BranchW001, New Prague,MNmadeadonationtoSt.Wenc-eslausSchool inmemoryofJohnBisek, Sr. who passed away onDecember13,2018.Johnwasanofficerfor51yearsandaverydedi-catedmember.HewasfirstelectedasSecretaryofCatholicWorkmaninDecember 1967and served inthatpositionuntilDecember2005.HewasthenelectedVice-Presidentandservedinthecapacityuntilhis

deathinDecember2018.Thebranchisverythankfulforhishardworkandenthusiasmforsomanyyears.Mayherestinpeace.

All Cleveland, OH Members!

Join FCSLAat a

Lake CountyCaptains Game

(Class A Affiliateof the Cleveland Indians)

Classic Park35300 Vine Street, Eastlake, OH

Friday, May 31, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.Fireworks after the game

$20 per personIncludes: Ticket (3B side)

All you can eat buffet from 5-7:00 P.M.Left Field Picnic Area

Menu: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Chips, Cookies, Lemonade, Ice Tea and Ice Water

Limited Number of Tickets Available.Reserve your tickets now.Contact Kelly Shedlock

via email: kelly@fcsla.org

APRIL2019 9

W137 Wine TastingBranchW137heldanadult-onlywinetastingatCedar

RidgeWineryandDistilleryonSunday,February24,2019.Winesandbourbonswereavailabletosamplealongwithwood-firedpizzaandsnacks.Memberswereabletotourthewinery anddistillery facility.All attendingwent homewithgiftbags.

LUCCAS HALLOW graduated fromValparaisoHighSchoolinValparaiso,IN,May2018.LukeisattendingIndianaUniversityinBloomington, IN studyingMedia,Advertis-ingandMarketing.He is the sonofCindyandDaveHallowofValparaiso;grandsonofthelateMaryLouAdamandgreat-grandsonofthelateMaryBenak.AllaremembersofFCSLA,Branch452(Whiting,IN).

ZACCARY HALLOW graduated fromPurdueUniversitywithaBachelorofScienceinElectricalEngineeringdegreeinDecember2018.HeisthesonofCindyandDaveHal-lowofValparaiso, IN; grandsonof the lateMaryLouAdamandgreat-grandsonof thelateMaryBenak.AllaremembersofFCSLA,Branch452(Whiting,IN).

F F F

Hallow Brothers of Branch 452, Both Graduate in 2018

SLOVAKIA RECOGNIZES WORK OF AMERICANS

SlovakAmbassadorIvanKorcakpresentedgoldmedalsfromForeignMinisterMiroslavLajcaktoHonoraryConsulJosephSenkoandformerU.S.AmbassadorTheodoreRus-sellfortheiroutstandingworkinpromotingSlovakiathroughtheirnumerousprogramsinthe“FriendsofSlovakia”orga-nizationofwhichMr.SenkowasChairmanandMr.RussellwasFoundingChairman.

L-R: Ted Russell, Ambassador Korcak and Joseph Senko.

Questions regarding this offer should be directed to the New Business Department at 1-800-464-4642, extension 1062 or by e-mailing NewBusiness@fcsla.com.

JUST A REMINDER!THE FCSLA GUARANTEED ISSUE LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM is available for the period of March 1, 2019 through August 31, 2019

WHAT IS IT?WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER THIS GUARANTEED ISSUE

LIFE INSURANCE OFFER?First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, a fraternal benefit society with an A- Excellent rating from A.M.

Best and an outstanding financial position, offers this program to YOU, a loyal and dedicated member, to say THANK YOU and provide you with a way to better meet the rising costs of final expenses.

It is easy to apply for this program. Just complete the simple application you received by mail, indicate your choice of the amount of life insurance, and return it in the envelope with your check. That’s it! There are no health questions and no medical exams. It is a guarantee that you cannot be turned down for any medical reason. If you accept this offer, it does not alter your existing coverage.

This offer is made to select members only age 0 to 80 using our standard rate. This means that you are buying life insurance with NO EXTRA PREMIUM due to medical conditions. There are no future premiums and your life insurance will never decrease in value if you do no access the cash value (by taking a loan).

If you have not had a chance to participate in the past, please consider taking advantage of this offer now. It is an opportunity for you to purchase life insurance in an easy, affordable way. If you are not interested in this offer, no action is needed.

10 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

APRIL2019 11

Junior Member Caroline Kcenich Wins Gold Ribbon in Pie Baking Contest

CarolineRoseKcenich,amemberofJ207(Shamokin,PA)wonagoldribbon,manyprizesandgiftcardsinthe2018Kids’CategoryofCalifornia’sRadioStationKCRWGoodFoodPieContestwithherLemon,BlueberryIceboxPie.

Thisyearwasthefirsttimethecompetitionsportedthenewkids’categorythathad30buddingbakersages10andundervyingfortophonorsandCarolinewasawinner.Thebelovedeventreturnedafteraone-yearhiatustoUCLA’sRoyceQuadonSunday,May6,2018.CarolinelovestobakeandhelpherMomcook.HerfavoriteshowsonTVareonthecookingchannels.HerparentsCarolynandDavidaremembersofS350 (Shamokin,PA)andher “Baba”RitaKcenich isPresidentofthesebranches.Herwinningrecipeisbelow!

CongratulationsCaroline,maybeonedayyouwillhaveyourowncookingshow!

Sunday Service Lemon, Blueberry Icebox Pie

TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR TO MAKE PIE, 6 OR 7 HRS. COOLINGAND FREEZING – MAKES (1) 9” INCH PIE

INGREDIENTS14 whole graham crackers, broken¼ cup sugar¼ teaspoon salt8 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedTwo 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk1¼ cups fresh lemon juice, plus 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest8 large egg yolks

DIRECTIONSPreheat the oven to 325°. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers with the sugar and salt

until finely ground but not powdery. Add the butter and pulse until the crumbs are evenly moistened; transfer to a 9-inch pie pan and press into the bottom first and up the sides of the pan. Set the pan on a rimmed baking sheet.

In a medium bowl, whisk the condensed milk with the lemon juice. In another bowl, using a hand-held mixer, beat the lemon zest with the egg yolks until they are pale yellow. Beat in the condensed milk mixture into the eggs and lemon zest until smooth. Pour the filling into the crust. Bake the pie for 25 minutes, until the center jiggles slightly and the edges are set.

Transfer the pie pan to a rack; let cool for 1 hour. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and freeze the pie for at least 6 hours. Wrap a warm, damp kitchen towel around the side of the springform pan to release the pie; remove the ring. Using a hot knife, slice the pie, transfer to plates and serve.

Blueberry Layer (Optional)Empty a small bag of frozen blueberries or 2 pints of fresh blueberries

into a small saucepan. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice, a ¼ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of water to the saucepan. Heat the fruit mixture and mash the blueberries with a potato masher or fork. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat and stir until it thickens. Liquefy blueberry mixture in a blender and strain it and let it cool. Pour over the top of frozen lemon pie and freeze until frozen. Top pie with fresh whipped cream and sprinkle with lemon zest.

12 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Over60membersofBranchS156,Struthers,OHat-tended theannualbranchChristmaspartyonDecember8,2018atTavolainAustintown,OH.Tableswerecoveredwithwhiteclotheshighlightedwithredandgreennapkins,poinsettias and centerpieces ofChristmaspenguins andsnowmen.

AdeliciousdinnerwasservedwithhomemadedessertsincludinghomebakedcookiesmadebyAshleeHull,Leah

Jr. Branch 66, Struthers, OH mailed each member a Christmas card with a $20 inside. They have received many nice thank you notes and calls from children and parents. Branch President Patricia Granchay found that it is a great way to keep in touch with the young members and their families.

Struthers Sr. Branch 156 Annual Branch Christmas Party

HunterandPattiGranchay.TwojuniormembersfromJ66wereelvesandpassedoutthegiftsofMacy’sandHomeDepotgiftcardstomembers.

NinaPerkinsfromtheYoungstownVindicatorwasaspe-cialguestattheparty.ThebranchdonatesmoneyeachyearsothattheHardingElementarySchoolinYoungstowngetsthenewspaperfortheyear.InadditionthebranchdonatedmoneytomemberBrandonYunsisin,fortravelstoseveralcountriesthissummerwithhisschool.EveryoneleftsmilingwithagiftfromtheNationalOffice.

APRIL2019 13

St. Ann’s Lodge S153 Holds Annual Holiday Party

St.Ann’s LodgeS153, Farrell, PAheld theirAnnualChristmasPartyonSunday,November11,2018attheParkInnbyRadissoninWestMiddlesex,PA.

AfterSantacheckedhis“naughtyandnice”listhesaid,“ohmy,wehavesomequestionablemembershere.”Ha...Ha...Butwithabribeofafewextraspecialcookies,everyonemadeittothe“nicelist.”Membersweretreatedtoasitdowndinnerfollowedbybingoforprizes;doorprizesandaboxofcandyweregiventoeverymemberinattendance.Giftsfromthenationalofficewerealsogivenout.TheafternoonendedwiththesingingofChristmasCarolsinbothEnglishandSlovak.DeceasedmemberswererememberedinprayerandChristmaswisheswereextendedtoall!

BINGO WITH THE VETSAT HINES VA

ANNA HURBAN CHICAGO DISTRICT INVITES ALL CHICAGO AREA MEMBERS

TO JOIN HANDS DAY 2019Join members gathered together with residents

at the Edward Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, IL to play Bingo!

Saturday, April 27th from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

No RSVP needed! For more information please contact Lorraine Gibas, District President, 630-728-7518.

Convention Donation Information is Available

on Our WebsiteInformationregardingrequestsforconventiondo-

nationsisavailabletoprintoutfromourwebsite(fcsla.org)undertheQuadrennialConventiontab.Itmustbecompletedinfullinordertoreceiveconsiderationforfinancialassistanceatour42ndQuadrennialConven-tioninOctober2019.

Therequestmustbesubmittedonyourstationeryand receivedat thenationalheadquarters (addressbelow)byApril27,2019.

Toensurethatthenationalheadquartersreceivesyourrequestintime,youmaywanttosendit“returnreceiptrequested”orexpressmail.

Cynthia M. Maleski, National President First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association

24950 Chagrin Blvd. , Beachwood, OH 44122 Requestssentbyelectronicmediawillbeaccepted

at cynthia@fcsla.org.Ifyoureceivedaconventiondo-nationfromour41stQuadrennialConventionin2015,yourStatusReportfromthatdonationmustbeonfileat thenationalheadquarters inorder toapplyagain.ThePhilanthropic&ScholarshipCommittee,withtheapprovaloftheboardofdirectors,hasdeterminedthebudgetforconventiondonationswillbebasedon10%ofnetincomeforthefourcalendaryearsprecedingtheconventionor1%ofsurplusattheyear-endpriortotheconvention,whicheverisgreater,withacapof$1million.

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

15th Consular Tour of SlovakiaJULY 13-27–Visitthehistoricsitesofthreebeautiful

countriesforthepriceofonetour.BegininViennatotourthecity,avisittoSchonbrunnPalace.Bratislava,thecapitalofSlovakia,St.MartinCathedral,PrimatialPalace,DevinCastle.Visit nearby towns forwine tasting, folkmusic, atraditionalfolkweddingandthefamousCervenyKamenandtheTrencinCastle.Alsoanopportunitytoenjoyspatreat-mentsatTrencianskeTeplice.TownsinSlovakiaincludetheTatras,Cicmany,Levoca,Kezmarok,Kosice,BardejovandPresov.Demanovskacaves,raftingontheDunajec,anotherwinetastingintheTokajregionandmeetingwiththeMayorofPresov.WhileinPoland,wewillshopinZakopane,visitAuschwitz,PopeJohnPaul II formerhome,ShrineofSt.Stanislaus,ShrineofBlessedFaustina,OurLadyofCzesto-chowaandtheWieliczhasaltmine.Thetotalpackagepriceforthistouris$4,300perperson(DO).ThisincludesroundtripairfarefromPittsburghorNewYork,twomealsdaily,fourstarhotels,freeadmissiontoallthesites,airconditionedbus,aprofessionalguideandmore.Foradetailedcopyofthedailyitineraryormoreinformation,contactJoeSenkoat jtsenko@aol.comor412-956-6000.

14 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Submit form on page 15 by mail, fax or email

APRIL2019 15

SouthDakotaGovernorKristiNoemandtheSouthDakotaDe-partmentofTourismpresentedawardstotourismindustrymembersatthe2019Governor’sConferenceonTourisminPierre,SDonJanuary20.TheBenBlackElkAwardhonorsBenBlackElk,whopersonallygreetedvisitorsatMountRushmoreNationalMemorialformore than27years.Theaward ispresentedannually toanindividual(orindividuals)whomakesoutstandingcontributionstothestate’svisitorindustry.

The2019BenBlackElkAward recipients areDennis andSherryPovondra.Theirstoryactuallybegan145yearago,becausethat’swhenCzechoslovakianfamiliesimmigratedtosoutheasternSouthDakota.

Over time, the community ofTabor became the unofficialcapitolofSouthDakota’sCzechpopulation.And,forthelast71years,peoplehavecometogethertocelebratethatheritageintheformofCzechDays.Thistwo-daycelebrationbrings5,000-10,000peopletoacommunityofonly400.Parades,music,dancing,food,faith,andfamilyareallcelebrated.

DennisandSherrygrewuparoundCzechDaysandbegantakingaleadroleinthecelebrationstartingin2007.Sincethen,theyhavecoordinatedeventsthathavebroughtmorethan80,000peopletothetownofTaborovertheyears.

Dennis andSherry have danced theBesedaDance, heldleadership positions in church groups, overseen food stands,organizedlocalsubcommitteestotakeoncomponentsofthean-nualcelebration.TheybelongtotheTaborChamberofCommerce,TaborDevelopmentCorporation,CzechHeritagePreservationSo-

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem presents the Ben Black Elk Award to Dennis and Sherry Povondra. Governor Noem is assisted by Tourism Secretary James D. Hagen.

ciety,Inc.,andbothareFCSLAmembersinBranchW093.DenniscurrentlyservesasaNationalAuditorinFCSLA.

“DennisandSherrywearmanyhatsinTabor,andtheydoittobolsteralegacyforgenerationstocome,”saidNoem.“TheyhavebeenactivelyinvolvedinCzechDayssince1975.TheirrolewithCzechDaysandallaspectsof theircommunityarevaluedandappreciatedbymany.”TheSouthDakotaDepartmentofTourism,ledbySecretaryJamesD.Hagen,iscomprisedofTourismandtheSouthDakotaArtsCouncil.That iswhyDennisandSherryPovondrawerenamedthe2019BenBlackElkAwardrecipients.

Governor Presents the Ben Black Elk Award to Dennis and Sherry Povondra

16 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

MagdalenI.IskraDistrict,Wilkes-Barre,PAcelebratedChristmaswith a JuniorBranchChristmasParty held atTouchofClassonSunday,December2,2018.ThebranchesthatparticipatedinthecelebrationwereJ362-MarthaIskra,President,J168-JoAnnKlinesmith,President,J072Antoi-netteKravits,President,andJ042DianeGregor,President.

InvocationwasbyJoAnnKlinesmith,PresidentJ168.Abuffetmenufollowedwhichconsistedoffreshfruit,chickenfingers,hotdogs,macaroniandcheese,mashedpotatoes,corn,rollswithbutterandanicecreambar.

"The Christmas Story"was readbyJordanCekloskyJ362.ThechildrenplayedgamesandmadecraftsledbyLindaShemanskyS172.JingleBellswassungbyeveryoneasSantaarrivedbringinggiftsforallthechildren.

AMatchingFundsrafflewasheldbyJr.Branch72,An-toinetteKravits,PresidenttobenefittheMagdalenI.IskraDistrictEducationalFund.

Magdalen I. Iskra District Celebrates the Birth of Jesus

Magdalen Iskra, District President, Sister M. Madonna, SSCM, Martha Iskra, President J362.

L-R: Martha Iskra, President J362; Ann Dougher, District Fra-ternal Coordinator J168; Antoinette Kravits, President J073, District Auditor; Theresa Ceklosky, J362 Secretary; Barbara Ceklosky, J362 Treasurer.

Children with Santa Claus.

Having fun dressing like a Christmas tree.

Martha Iskra leads a sing-along with the children.

L-R: Noah Ceklosky, Lauren Shemansky, Jordan Ceklosky, reading “The Christmas Story”, Caleb Ceklosky and Brody Ceklosky.

APRIL2019 17

Joann Klinesmith is pictured giving the invocation along with Ann Dougher.

Junior members enjoy coloring at the party.

L-R: Sr. Catherine Ann Morris, SSCM; Martha Iskra and The-resa Ceklosky.

The Sierko family, children members of J362.

Council 27 of The Polish Women’s Alliance of America

(A PART OF THE FCSLA FAMILY SINCE 2017)

IS HOSTING A TREASURE SWAP CLOTHING PARTY & ART SALE FOR CHARITY

Saturday, April 27, 201912:00p.m.-4:00p.m.

MortonGroveAmericanLegionCivicCenter6140DempsterStreet,MortonGrove,IL

TheCommunityHall,2ndFloor

Here’s how it works:Foreverypieceofwomen’sclothing,accessories(hats,scarves, belts, shoes, purses, jewelry) outerwear,etc. thatyoubring,youget toselectuptothesamenumberof“newtoyou”items to takehome.Allitemsmustbein“gentlyused”,“likenew”ornewconditionortheywillnotbe accepted.All cloth-ing must be brought on throw-awayhangars sotheylooktheirbest.AllitemsremainingattheendoftheParty,willbedo-natedtotheAnawimShelterforWomen.

— ART SALE —Allpaintingsandotherworksofartwillbedisplayedthroughouttheafternoon.50%oftheproceedswillbedonatedtotheAnawimShelterforWomen.ArtistsaremembersofGroupZ822ArtPo.

• ComplimentaryWine&AppetizersWillBeServed• AllAreWelcome–BringYour FriendsForAFunAfternoon!

• Let’sDoSomeGood…Together!

For Information:BoPadowski(847-420-4070)orpadowski@ameritech.net

AntoinetteTrela(847-323-1005)orpolprin@aol.com

18 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

THERESA M. MARTIN, SZJHTheresaM.Martin, 90, ofHuntsville,AL

passed awaySeptember 27, 2018.Shewasborn inDetroit,MI to Louis,who immigratedfromCzechoslovakia,andAnnaZelenak.Oneof ten siblings,Theresagraduated fromhighschool inDanville,PAandmarriedGeorgeP.Martin in1949.TheresaandGeorgehadfourchildren,KathleenWeston (Miles, deceased),MarySchrenk(William),DianeRodgers(David),

andGeorge, Jr. (Judy).She has five grandchildren, and eightgreat-grandchildren.ShewasamemberofHolySpiritCatholicChurchsincemovingtoHuntsvillein1960andenjoyedsingingintheirchoir.Thefamilywishestothankallthenurses,caregivers,andsitterswhotookwonderfulcareofourmotheratHarborChaseandMadisonManor.

ROBERT L. STROHL, S230Robert L. Strohl, 83, ofN.Catasauqua,

passedawaypeacefullyonNovember25,2018athomesurroundedbyhislovingfamily.Robertandhiswife,JeanR.(Hutnick)Strohl,celebrated58yearsofmarriageonMay28th.BornJune17,1935inNorthampton,PA,hewasasonofthelateGeorgeE.andHannahE.(Dilliard)Strohl.RobertwasamemberofBranch230,Immacu-lateConception,Catasauqua,PA.

RoberthonorablyservedhiscountryintheUnitedStatesArmyandwasamemberofMacungieVFWPost9264.HeworkedasaforemanattheformerBethlehemFabricatorsaswellasDentManufacturing.

RobertwasamemberofSt.JohnFisherChurch.Survivors:wife,Jean;sons,DavidA.Strohlandcompanion,SandyYoungel-man,andJosephM.Strohl;daughter,Dr.SuzanneV.Strohlandfiancé,EugeneF.Downey;grandchildren,Nicholas,Sam,CharlieandMolly; and sisters,EmmaHartzell,NancyBirosik, ShirleyEberhardt, FernPletchen and JanetHagenbach.Robert waspredeceasedbyhisson,SamuelM.Strohl,andbrothers,George,CarlandErwin.

MERCEDES ROGERS, Z221Mercedeslostherfighttometastaticsarcomaofthesofttissue

onSeptember17,2018.Shewas76yearsold.MercedeswasbornonJanuary10,1942inBraddock,PA,toMichaelandCatherineMotkowski.Surroundedbyalargefamily,herPolishrootsandRo-manCatholicfaithwerethefoundationonwhichshedrewherun-usualstrengthandherloving,effervescentnature.Aconsummatenurturerinallfacetsofherlifeprofessionallyandpersonally,shemetlifeheadonandintentionally,withhumility,love,laughterandgrace.Herlovingsacrificesandwarmsenseofhumorweregiftstothosearoundher,andbywhichshewillalwaysberemembered.Mercedesenjoyedsports,withparticularaffinityforthePittsburghSteelersandtheMinnesotaVikings.Shewasawonderfulgardener,andsawthebeautyinalllivingthings.Duringherlife,shelivedinmanystatesandhadmanyhomes,andineverycase,sheleftthingsmuchmorebeautiful thanbefore.Hergenuinepresenceandneverendingencouragementwillbedeeplymissedbyall,butnonemoresothanthefamilyshetreasuredaboveallelse.She

issurvivedbyher treasuredhusbandof56yearsBill;children,Mark(Ann)RogersofSavage,MN,Mary(Jim)ReiffandMichelle(Jeff)HopkinsofSalisbury;brother,Michael(Jeannie)MotkowskiofGainesville,GA;tengrandchildren;onegreat-granddaughter;brother-in-law,Edward(Millie)Tirpak;aunts,ElizabethLawrence,Dolores(Vincent)SweatlockandStephanieFichtner;uncle,AndrewKolano;andmanynieces,nephews,cousinsandfriends.

GARY LEE WOITA, W017GaryLeeWoitadiedJanuary14,2019.He

wasbornNovember30,1955atDavidCity,NEtoLeonardandFrancesHavlovicWoita.In1981GarytookajobwithCurryFarmsNorthofAtkin-son.Heworkedinthecattledivisionandenjoyedworking cattle and calvingheifers. In Juneof1981hemethiswifeJanBarleanathiscousinswedding.TheyweremarriedNovember7,1981.

In1986GaryandJanpurchasedtheWoitaFamilyRanch.Garylovedbuildingtheirranchandworkedunlimitedhourskeepingtheranchontrack.Hemadesurehischildrenwerealwaysinvolvedwiththechores,learnedproperlivestockcare,andgoodworkethics.Hewillberememberedforhishonesty,integrity,andgreatsenseofhumor.Bestofall,Garywasalovinghusband,Dad,Grandpa,brother,friend,andneighbor.HelovedhisLordandSavior.WhenGarywasdiagnosedwithCMMLJuly3rd,2018,itwasthebegin-ningofhayingseason.Friendsandneighborsputupover1,100bigroundbalesfortheWoitaFamily.GaryissurvivedbyhiswifeJanofAtkinson;childrenLeeWoitaandhiswifeMaryofAtkinson,EricWoitaandhiswifeKatieofPlainview,NE,andLindyWoitaofAtkinson;fourgrandchildren;brothersKevinWoitaandhiswifeJoyofDavidCity,NEandMikeWoitaofLinwood,NE;andasisterKarenMossandherhusbandJoeofKansasCity,MO.

ADRIENNE DAINKO MILLER, S53AdriennePatriciaDainkoMiller entered

intoeternal lifeonSeptember16,2018.ShewasborninJoliet,ILonMarch5,1938toDr.EdwardA. andMarie (Hucek)Dainko. Shegraduated fromBaratCollegeof theSacredHeart in LakeForest, IL.She is survivedbyherhusbandof58years,Pierre“Val”ValcourMille;brother,Dr.EdwardA.DainkoII,DanaPoint,CA, children,PierreV.Miller II (Kelly,deceased),AlysonRau(John),Marc(Susan),

Collin, andErich (Jodi); grandmother of 13; numerousniecesandnephews.Adriennewasalongtimememberofthe“ChildrenofMary.”ShewasaparishionerofSt.FrancisXavierParishinMetairieandadevoutCatholicwhowaspresentedwiththeOrderofSt.LouismedalbytheArchdioceseofNewOrleans.Shewasdedicatedtoreligiouseducation;alongwithherhusbandshealsoworkedwithmanyengagedcouplespreparingthemformarriageinthe“EveningsfortheEngaged”program.SheservedasEu-charisticministeratSt.FrancisXavier.Shewillberememberedforherstrongdevotion to theLord,her loveofJesusandHisblessedmotherMaryandherloveforfamilyandfriends.Shewillbemissedbyallwhoknewandlovedher.MemorialcontributionsmaybeforwardedtotheWillWoodsCommunity,3900HowardAve.,NewOrleans,LA.

APRIL2019 19

“TheTragedyofSlovakJews,”anexhibitontheHolo-caustinSlovakiacuratedbytheNationalCzechandSlovakMuseumandLibraryinCedarRapids,IA,willbeondisplayattheTylerHistoryCenterinYoungstown,OHfromApril30throughMay31,2019.

Slovakia,undertheleadershipofJozefTiso,wastheonly country that paidGermany todeport its Jewish citi-zens.After thepassageofanti-Jewish legislation,Slovakfascistforcesgatherednearly60,000Jewsinghettosandwork camps.They then transported Jews to the borderand transferred them into the hands of theNazis,whomurdered them in industrialized death camps.AdditionalNazi-administereddeportationsandmurdersfollowedtheSlovakUprisingof1944.Bytheendofthewar,theNazis,Slovakfascists,andtheircollaboratorshadmurderedover67%ofthe85,950JewswhohadlivedinSlovakia.Manyof thosewhosurviveddidsobyfleeing thecountry.Thenon-Jewishpopulation responded in variedways.SomeaidedtheirJewishcompatriots,whileothersprofitedfromconfiscatedJewishproperties.Manydidnothingatall.OnlyafewthousandJewsliveinSlovakiatoday.

Theprimarysponsorsof theexhibit “TheTragedyofSlovakJews”includetheMahoningValleyHistoricalSociety,theAmericanSlovakCulturalAssociationoftheMahoningValley, and theCenter for Judaic andHolocaustStudiesatYoungstownStateUniversityandFCSLAHeadquartersinCleveland.Community organizations such asFCSLABranch161andYoungstownSokolsGroup17andothershavecontributedaswell.

Dr.RebekahKlein-Pejšová,anexpertonSlovakandJewishhistoryfromPurdueUniversity,willpresentalectureattheexhibit’sopeningeventonApril30.Doorswillopenfora receptionat5:30p.m.and the lecturewill beginat6:00.Therewillbetimetoviewtheexhibitbothbeforeandafterthetalk.Thiseventisfreeandopentothepublic.Lightrefreshmentswillbeserved.

“The Tragedy of Slovak Jews”

by Dr. Jacob LaBendz, Director of the Center for Judaic and Holocaust Studies Youngstown State University

In prepara-tionfortheexhib-it, theCenter forJudaic and Ho-locaust Studieswill screen The Shop on Main Street (Czecho-slovakia, 1965)at 5:00 p.m. onApril8intheKnoxBuilding (110W.FederalStreet,Youngstown).CenterdirectorDr.JacobAriLabendzwillleadadiscussionfollowingthefilm,reflectinghisresearchonCzechoslovakHolocaustcinema.Theeventisfreeandopentothepublic.

Thefilm,whichexploresissuesofinter-ethnicrelationsinSlovakiaduring theHolocaust,wontheOscar forbestforeign-languagefilmin1966.ThisfilmwillbeshownatleastoncemoreduringthemonthofMaywhiletheexhibitisstillbeingdisplayed.(Date and time to be announced, contact loretta.ekoniak@gmail.com for more information)

[A note from ASCA President, Loretta Ekoniak]A little about the postwar history of Jewish remem-

brance: theCommunist government obliged historianstoconform toMarxisthistoriography (preventingstudyoftheHolocaust),andCommunistmemorials to thevictimsof fascismdid notmention Jewsor theRomani people.Inthe1960s,whichwerecharacterizedbyaliberalizationknownasthePragueSpring,discussionoftheHolocaustbeganinSlovakia.ThepoliticalclimatewasmorefavorabletoexplorationoftheHolocaustinfictionthaninacademichistory,leadingtothepublicationofmemoirsandnovelsbyHolocaustsurvivors.Apopular1965film,The Shop on Main Street,focusedonSlovakculpabilityfortheHolocaust.Ac-cordingtoseveralsources,itwasonlyafterthefalloftheCommunist regime in 1989, that theHolocaust could bediscussedopenlybythepublicandinacademia.TheSlovakgovernmentviewedrememberingtheHolocaustasawayof demonstrating the country’sEuropean identity beforeit joined theEuropeanUnion in 2004.MemorialswereconstructedinmanySlovakcitiesduringthe1990stocom-memorateHolocaustvictims,andinOctober2001Slovakiacommemorated the victimsof theHolocaust, for the firsttimeeveronastatelevel,withtheparticipationofallheadsofgovernmentand in thepresenceofahigh-level Israelidelegationanddesignated9September(theanniversaryofthepassageoftheJewishCode)asHolocaustVictimsandRacialHatredDay.

ComejoinusforasoberinglookintoalittleknownpartofSlovakhistory.

ANNA HURBAN CHICAGO DISTRICTSATURDAY, JUNE 1

ALS WalkCantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL

SATURDAY, JUNE 22Chicago District Scholarship Luncheon

and District Meeting following11:30 a.m. – Camelot Banquets,

8624 West 95th Street Hickory Hills, ILContact your branch officer or District President

Lorraine Gibas, 630-728-7518.

20 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

FCSLA Executive Committee Second Quarterly MeetingNational Headquarters, Beachwood OH • May 9, 2018

Call to Order/Prayer/Pledge of AllegianceNationalPresidentCynthiaM.Maleskicalledthemeetingto

orderat9:26a.m.atthenationalheadquarters,Beachwood,OhioandaskedDirectorLawrenceGolofskitoopenthemeetingwithprayerandthePledgeofAllegiance.

Opening BusinessRoll Call

SecretaryDeniseMackurawasaskedtocalltheroll.Memberspresentwere:

CynthiaM.Maleski PresidentJeanetteE.Palanca DirectorLawrenceM.Golofski DirectorVirginiaA.Holmes TrusteeBarbaraNovotnyWaller TrusteeItwasnotedthatChaplainMonsignorPeterM.Polandowould

bejoiningthemeetingviatelephoneafterattendingtosomemin-isterialduties.TreasurerStephenC.HudakandSecretaryDeniseMackurawerealsoinattendance.Approval of the Agenda

PresidentMaleskicalledforapprovaloftheagenda.TrusteeWallermoved andDirectorPalanca seconded to approve theagendaaspresented.

MOTION ADOPTED

MonsignorPolandojoinedthemeetingviatelephone.Approval of the Minutes

PresidentMaleskicalledforapprovaloftheFebruary13,2018minutes.TrusteeHolmesmovedandDirectorPalancasecondedtoapprovetheminutesascorrected.

MOTION ADOPTED

National President’s CommentsPittsburgh Pact Ceremony

PresidentMaleskigaveahistoricoverviewofthePact.Sheencouraged board members to attend the upcoming ceremony in PittsburghonMay31st.Slovak League of America

PresidentMaleskigavethemainaddressatameetingoftheSlovakLeagueofAmericaonApril15th, inNewYorkCity.Themeetingwaswellattendedandtheaddresswaswellreceived.A.M. Best Interview

TheinterviewisMay16th.Thereisanewanalystandanewformat.Merger Update

Theoperationaltransitionsteamshaveprimarilycompletedtheirwork.Thesalesteamisputtingtogetheraproposalforseriesofclustermeetings.Thepurposeofthemeetingsisthreefold:lead-ership,fraternal,sales.Themeetingswillbeheldinkeyareasofthecountry.Thefraternalteamisworkingonabranchframeworkdocumentandtheadvisoryboardsareinformation.District Presidents Meeting

The17thAnnualDistrictPresidentsMeetingwillbeheldMay10th.Fourteenoutoffifteendistrictswillberepresented,aswellastwonewmembersfromthePolishAmericancommunity.Acasualdinnerwillbeheldpriortothemeeting.Variousreportsandupdateswillbepresentedtotheattendees.Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

PresidentMaleski thankedDirectorPalancaforproviding a

different document.The operationalERMcommittee reviewedtheprovideddraftonApril12th.Additionalcommentsonthedraftwererecentlyreceivedandwillbeforwardedtoappropriatepar-tiesforreview.Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) Quarterly Call

ThecallwasheldMay4thwiththeNationalPresidentandNa-tionalTreasureronthecall.Questionswereaskedandansweredontheintegrationofthemergers.Othertopicsdiscussedwerethedistrictpresidentsmeeting,annuitycreditingrates,andthenewlyhiredheadofhumanresources.TheregularODIfiveyearreviewbeheldin2019.Whistleblower & Hotline Policies

TheBoardpolicieswerediscussedwiththeoutsideemploy-ment/HRcounselandrecommendationswillbereviewedbytheappropriateparties.H.R. 10 – Fraternal Tax Exemption

TheNationalPresidentwaspartofadelegationthatvisitedvariousOhiocongressionalrepresentativesaskingfortheircon-tinuedsupportoftheresolution.

TrusteeWallermovedandDirectorGolofskisecondedtoac-ceptthePresident’sreport.

MOTION ADOPTED

Treasurer’s ReportTreasurerHudakpresentedtheTreasurer’sreport.Heindi-

catedagoodfirstquarter.Supplement 1

InvestmentsTreasurerHudakwentoverdetailsontheAcquiredSecurities

Reportanddiscussedvariousinvestmentstrategies.Anumberofquestionswereaskedandanswered.Annuity Reserves by Product

TreasurerHudakreportedonannuityreservesbyproduct.Heexplainedsignificantstatisticsonthereport.Severalquestionsonthecurrentandlegacyannuityproductswereaskedandanswered.First Quarter Budget vs. Actual

ControllerFrankRandowasinvitedtothemeetingtodiscussthereportandreviewedbothlifeandannuitysalescomparedtothedetailedbudget.Questionsonthereportwereaskedandanswered.ControllerRandowasexcusedfromthemeeting.

ThemeetingwasrecessedforlunchandaspecialmeetingoftheBoardofDirectors.TheExecutiveCommitteereconvenedat1:45p.m.

MonsignorPolandoreturnedtothemeetingviaphoneafterleavingduringthespecialmeetingoftheBoardofDirectors.

Treasurer’s Report (continued)TreasurerHudak distributed and reviewed the investment

watchlist.Supplement 2

TrusteeWallermovedandTrusteeHolmessecondedtoaccepttheTreasurer’sreport.

Unfinished/New BusinessYield Curve

TreasurerHudak reviewed theyieldcurveand the interestrateenvironment.

Supplement 3

(Continued on Page 21)

APRIL2019 21

Annuity Interest Yield (July 1, 2018 – September 30, 2018)AfterdiscussionandatTreasurerHudak’srecommendation,

MonsignorPolandomovedandDirectorGolofskisecondedthattheExecutiveCommitteerecommendtotheboardthattheannualannuityyieldratecreditedforthethirdquarter2018(July1,2018–September30,2018)remainthesame:

Eliteproducts SilverElite–5yr,3.00%APY GoldElite–7yr,3.25%APY PlatinumElite–10yr,3.50%APY MOTION ADOPTED

DOL Fiduciary RulePresidentMaleskistated thatsheandotherstaffmembers

willcontinuetofollowthestatusofthefiduciaryruletodeterminehowitimpactstheassociation.

Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure Act (CGAD)CGADisnowineffectinOhio.Thedisclosureisbeingworked

onandwillbefiledbyJune1st.Thedisclosurewillbesenttotheboardinadvanceofthefilingdate.

Meeting Dates3rdQuarterlyExecutiveCommitteemeeting:August08,2018,

9:30a.m.4thQuarterlyExecutiveCommitteemeeting:November 14,

2018,9:30a.m.

Adjournment and PrayerMonsignorPolandomovedandDirectorPalancaseconded

toadjournthemeetingat2:15p.m.MeetingendedwithprayerledbyMonsignorPolando.

MOTION ADOPTED

CynthiaM.Maleski,PresidentKatherineM.Bowes,InterimSecretaryATTEST:MonsignorPeterM.Polando,ChaplainJeanetteE.Palanca,DirectorLawrenceM.Golofski,DirectorVirginiaA.Holmes,TrusteeBarbaraNovotnyWaller,Trustee

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tabor, South Dakota

April 14—EasterParty,5p.m.—Potluckandmeet-ing at BesedaHall,Tabor.Wewill be electingdelegatestotheQuadrennialConvention.

May 1—DeadlinefornominationforFraternalistoftheYear.

June 2—CzechDaysFloatAssemblyatJoyceSestakShopat1:30p.m.Volunteersneeded.

June 14 & 15—CzechDaysinTabor,SD.BranchW093volunteersneeded.

July 1—Deadline for BranchW093HighSchoolSeniors toapply for local scholarships.ContactW093officerforapplication.

July 7—MonthlymeetingafterMassinTabor,SD.

22 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Annual Saints Cyril and Methodius AppealTheAnnualSaintsCyrilandMethodiusAppeal,which

raisesfundstoassistthePontificalSlovakCollegeofSaintsCyrilandMethodiustoassistwithitsdaytodayoperations,isprogressingwell.As of February 28, $8,450 has been received from 79 donors.OnbehalfofthePontificalCol-lege,thankyouforyourcontinuedgenerosityandsupport.

TheAppealreliesuponthegenerosityofindividualdo-norsinadditiontocollectionstakenupinpersonalparishesofSlovakancestry.AdirectmailingaskingfordonationswassentinJanuarytolocaldistrictandbranchleadersfromthefourCatholicSlovakFraternalOrganizations,membersoftheSlovakCatholicFederation,andpreviousdonors.

Anyonewhowishestocontributetothe2019Appeal,butdidnotreceivealetteraskingforadonation,isaskedtofillouttheinformationintheboxatthebottomofthisarticleandmailingitalongwithyourcheckpayabletotheSlovakCatholicFederationtotheaddressprovided.Donationsinanyamountaredeeplyappreciatedandareacknowledged.GiftsreceivedafterNovember30,2019willbecreditedto-wardthe2020Appeal.Thankyouagainforyourgoodnessandgenerosity.

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

BALANCE SHEET AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2018ASSETS Cash&ShortTermInvestments $ 16,870,884 Bonds 942,737,443 PreferredStock 2,212,846 CommonStock 6,511,299 InvestmentIncomeDue&Accrued 13,583,746 PropertyPlant&Equipment,Net 5,125,728 CertificateLoans&AccruedInterest 2,698,380 OtherAssets 940,695 TOTALASSETS $ 990,681,022LIABILITIES LifeReserves $ 298,759,644 AnnuityReserves 563,567,249 DeathClaimsPayable 3,415,009 UnearnedPremiums 425,218 MaturedEndowments 322,566 ProvisionforDividendsPayable 1,400,000 AccumulatedDividends&Interest 4,702,421 AccruedConventionDonations 777,000 ProvisionforFutureConventions 478,371 AssetValuationReserve 8,168,537 InterestMaintenanceReserve 1,163,219 OtherLiabilities 1,812,779 TOTALLIABILITIES $ 884,992,012 Surplus $ 105,689,010 TOTALLIABILITIESANDSURPLUS $ 990,681,022

INCOME STATEMENT For the Eleven Months Ending November 30, 2018

REVENUE InsurancePremiums $ 3,463,283 AnnuityPremiums 32,491,780 InvestmentIncome 42,399,742 AmortizationofInterestMaintenanceReserve 209,565 RentalIncome 340,864 OtherRevenue 30,318 TOTALREVENUE $ 78,935,552EXPENSE IncreaseinReserves—Life $ 1,121,644 IncreaseinReserves—Annuity 23,773,727 InsuranceBenefits 7,076,189 AnnuityBenefits 28,836,588 CommissionExpense 1,020,786 SurrenderBenefits 3,689,496 PostMortemBenefits 1,369,922 MiscellaneousMemberBenefits 120,658 MaturedEndowments 26,003 DonationExpenses 116,516 ChangeinAccruedConventionDonations 231,000 ConventionExpenses 183,337 BankServiceCharges 75,312 DataProcessingServiceFees 215,089 AccountingFees 174,472 ActuarialFees 225,252 LegalFees 52,293 ConsultingFees 134,313 BranchandDistrictFunding 742,911 FraternalActivities 117,382 OfficialPublications 436,237 ScholarshipAwards 268,448 MiscellaneousEmployeeBenefits 512,237 Fees—Directors 148,777 Salaries—Employees 1,853,294 Salaries—Officers 464,902 InterestExpense 362,413 TaxExpense (254,737) DepreciationExpense 203,097 UtilityExpense 94,628 PostageandPrinting 210,660 Advertising 104,287 TravelExpense 90,163 InsuranceDepartmentFees 94,633 SalesPromotion 224,498 RentalExpense 349,439 OtherExpense 633,670 TOTALEXPENSE $ 75,099,539

Income (Loss) from Operations $ 3,836,014 DividendstoMembers 1,246,714 Subtotal Income (Loss) $ 2,589,300 CapitalGains(Loss) 39,946 NET INCOME (Loss) $ 2,629,246

41st Annual Saints Cyril and Methodius AppealName_________________________________________

Address ______________________________________

City __________________________________________

State___________________Zip___________________

Amount$______________Please make check payable to

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

NationalFirstVicePresident,SCFSacredHeartCatholicChurch

120JeffersonStreet Swedesburg,PA19405

APRIL2019 23

Easter Treats!

EASTER EGG BREAD2cupsplus2teaspoonswater,divided4teaspoonswhitevinegar4differentfoodcolors4eggs1poundfrozenbreaddough,thawed¹/3cupconfectioners’sugar

Ineachof4cupsorsmallbowls,combine½cupwaterand1teaspoonvinegar.Addabout¼teaspoonofadifferentfoodcolortoeachcup.

Place1egg(inshell) ineachcupandallowtosituntilthedesiredcolorisattained,turning eggs occasionallywith a spoon.Remove topaper towels todrainanddrycompletely.

Divide dough into thirds.On a lightlyfloured surface, roll eachpieceof doughinto a 24-inch rope.Braid strips togetherthenplaceonabakingsheetandformintoaring,pinchingendstogethertoseal.Tuckcolored eggs into the braid, spacing them evenly.Coverlooselywithplasticwrapandletriseatroomtemperature1hour,oruntildoubledinsize.

Preheatovento375degrees.Bake25to30minutes,oruntilgolden;allowtocoolslightly.

Inasmallbowl,combineconfectioners’sugarandthe2teaspoonsremainingwater,stirringuntilthoroughlyblended.Brushwarmbreadwithsugarglaze,beingcarefulnottocoatthecoloredeggs.Servewarm,orcoverandchilluntilreadytoserve.

PERFECT EASTER HAM1goodqualitynamebone-insmokedham¼cupwhitewine¼cupvegetablestockFOR THE GLAZE1(6-ounce)canpineapplejuice½cupvegetablestock2½cupsbrownsugar¼cupDijonmustard

3tablespoonshoney1teaspoongrounddryginger1teaspoongroundcloves½teaspoondrysage½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper1cinnamonstick

Preheatovento325degrees.Placehamskinuponacuttingboardand

makehalf inchdeepcuts inacriss-crosspatternacrossthetopandsides.Ifusingacutham,placecutsidedownintoaroastingpan.Pourinwineandstock.Lifthamslightlysotheliquidgetsunderthebottomcutsothehamdoesn’tsticktothepan.Alsotheliquidwillkeepitmoistwhileitcooks.Tentwithfoilandcookfor1½to2hoursdependingonthesizeofyourham.

Whilethehamiscooking,placeallglazeingredients into medium sauce pan and bring to a boil.Reduce to a simmerandcooktoathicksyrup-likeconsistency.Whenhot,itshouldbethicklikemaplesyrup.Setthisaside.

Oncethehamisat130degrees,removefromovenandincreaseoventemperatureto425degrees.

Removefoilbutdonotdiscardfoilyet.Iftheglazehascooledandthickened,heatbacktoasyrupystateandusingaboutonethirdoftheglaze,slatherthehamandplaceuncoveredback in theoven.Set time for15minutes.

Remove and use onemore third toslatherallovertheham.Returntotheovenandsettimerfor15moreminutes.

Finally, slather the remaining glaze on thehamandplacejustinovenlongenoughtogetdesiredcrispycrustbutnotburned;approximatelyforfiveortenminutes.

Removefromtheovenandtentwiththereserved foil and let rest for 20minutes.Movehamtoacuttingboardanddiscardliquidleftinpan.

Carveand servewith pineapple raisinsauce.Recipefollows.

PINEAPPLE

RAISIN SAUCE4teaspoonscornstarch2(6-ounce)canspineapplejuice1(20-ounce)cancrushedpineapple1cupbrownsugar2tablespoonsDijonmustard½teaspoongroundcloves½teaspoongroundginger1cupraisins

Inasmallcup,dissolvecornstarchwithenoughof thepineapple juice tomakeaslurry.(Aslurryiscoldliquidmixedwithcorn-starchuntilsmoothandglossy.)Setaside.

Mixall other ingredients inamedium-sizedsaucepanandbring toaboil overlowheat.

Add slurrymixture and stir until thick-ened.Removefromheat.

Serveoverslicedbakedham.Note:Saucemaybethinnedwithaddi-

tionalpineapplejuiceifitbecomestoothick.

CHOCOLATE EGG NESTS¼cup(½stick)butter4¼cupsminimarshmallows¾cupsemisweetchocolatechips4cupspretzelsticks,coarselybroken1package(10ounces)candycovered chocolate egg candies

Line2bakingsheetswithwaxedpaper.Inalargesouppotovermediumheat,meltbutterandmarshmallowsuntilsmooth.Stirin chocolate chips untilmelted.Removefromheatandstir in pretzelsuntil evenlycoated.

Dropbyroundedtablespoonsontowaxpaper,making24nests.Press3chocolateeggcandies intocenterofeachnestandallow to cool until firm.Serve, or store inairtightcontainer.

Note:You’llwanttoworkquicklytobuildyournests,sincethechocolatemixturewillhardenprettyquickly!Ifitdoeshardenbe-foreyou’vebuiltallyournests,justwarmitoverlowheatforoneminuteandit’llsoftenbackup.

EASY COCONUTCREAM PIE

1rolledrefrigeratedpiecrust (froma14.1-ouncepackage)2cupsmilk3eggs1cupsweetenedflakedcoconut½cupsugar6tablespoonsall-purposeflour1tablespoonbutter1teaspoonvanillaextract¹/8 teaspoon salt2cupsfrozenwhippedtopping,thawed

Unroll1piecrust,pressinto9-inchpieplate,andfluteedges.Bakepieshellac-cordingtopackagedirections;letcool.

In amedium saucepan overmediumheat,whisktogetherremainingingredientsexceptwhippedtopping.Cook5to7min-utes,oruntilthickened.Pourintopieshell.Chillatleast4hours,oruntilset.

Spreadwhipped toppingover pie andserve,orcoverandkeepchilleduntilreadytoserve.

Optional:Sprinkleyourpiewith¼cuptoasted coconut to give it a nicegolden-toppedfinishedappearance.

4/19

PERIODICAL

The FCSLA Mission StatementWe provide financial security to our members

while embracing our Catholic values and Slavic traditions.

The FCSLA Vision is to:Be a Premier Fraternal Benefit Society

that offers quality financial products and benefits.