Valentine's DayHAPPY

Valentine's DayHAPPY

8 26 1

FEBRUARY 2018VOL. 104, NO. 5

Valentine's DayHAPPY

2 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Fraternally Yours,ŽENSKÁ JEDNOTA®

8 26 1 ISSN0897-2958

Fraternally Yours,ZENSKAJEDNOTA,

is a monthly magazine published by the FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation.

NationalHeadquartersat24950ChagrinBlvd., Cleveland,Ohio44122EDITOR:CarolynBazik

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

Phone(610)373-2743•Fax(610)375-8333

Periodical Postage Paid at Cleveland,OH44101andadditionalentries

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

PrintedatTrianglePress6720AllentownBlvd.,Harrisburg,PA17112

Postmaster:Sendaddresschangesto ZenskaJednota,

FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation 24950ChagrinBoulevard,Cleveland,OH44122

Deadlineforallarticlesisthe15th ofthemonth,1½monthspriortotheissuedate.

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

BOARDOFDIRECTORSCHAPLAIN:

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.SedlockRonaldSestakJudithA.FedorCynthiaOresik

BernadetteJ.Demechko

Life’s Mysteries ….When all the words have been written, and all the phrases have

been spoken, the great mystery of life will still remain. And who among us would have it otherwise? Who would wish to take the mystery out of the experience of looking into a newborn infant’s eyes; of viewing a beautiful sunrise and sunset; of holding the hand of a loved one as they pass away into the next life? These are the events that make us human, that define the distance between the stars and us. The answers to these mysteries await us when we one day come face to face with our God.

Still, this life is not easy. Much of its mystery is darkness. Trag-edies occur, injustices exist. Bad things befall good people and suf-ferings are visited upon the innocent. At times it all seems too much, impossible to accept. We must stand against this. The world is a great mysterious place, and its possibilities are infinite, governed only by what our hearts can conceive. If we incline our hearts towards the darkness, we will see darkness. If we incline them toward the light, we will see the light.

Those of great heart have always known this. They have under-stood that, as honorable as it is to see the wrong and try to correct it, in and of itself, a life well lived is a celebration of the promise that life provides. The darkness at the limits of our knowledge; the darkness that sometimes seem to surround us is merely a way to make us stronger, to reach beyond certainty, to make our lives a witness to hope, a testimony to possibility, an urge toward the best and the most honorable impulses that our hearts can conceive.

It is not hard. There is in each of us, no matter how humble, a capacity for love. Even if our lives have not taken the course we had envisioned, even if we are less than the shape of our dreams, we are part of the human family, the family of God. Somewhere, in the most inconsequential corners of our lives, is always the opportunity for love. And love is the answer to the darkness.

If I am blind, I can run my hand across the back of a shell and celebrate beauty. If I have no legs, I can sit in quiet wonder before the restless murmurs of the sea. If I am wounded in spirit, I can reach out my hand to those who are hurting and in doing so help them and help myself. If I am lonely, I can go among those who are desperate for love. There is no tragedy or injustice so great, no life so small and inconsequential, that we cannot bear witness to the light in the quiet acts and hidden moments of our days.

And who can say which of these acts and moments will make a dif-ference? The universe is vast and is a magical membrane of meaning, stretching across time and space, and it is not given to us to know her secrets and her ways. Perhaps we were placed here to meet the chal-lenge of a single moment; a single defining event in our life; perhaps the touch we give to another will cause the touch that will one day change our world.DearFriends,

Youcannotbegratefulandbitter.Youcannotbegratefulandunhappy.Youcannotbegrateful andwithout hope.Youcannotbegrateful andunloving.Sothismonthjustbegratefulandrememberthatyouractionsalwaysspeaklouderthanyourwords;youractionswillforeverbecomepartoftheimprintyouleaveuponthisearthandarepartoflife’smysteries.

Untilnextmonth, Warmly, Carolyn

FEBRUARY2018 3

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

CANONICAL ISSUES — IRREGULAR MARRIAGES

The annulment process is specifically for those persons whether Catholic or non-Catholic who have validly entered into the state of Marriage. What is an annulment? An annulment, or in Church language, a declaration of matrimonial invalidity, is a decision of the Tribunal of the Diocese (the Church Court) concern-ing the invalidity of a particular union. It means that in the eyes of the Catholic Church, an essential element was missing for the union in question from the very beginning, e.g., coming before God and the community without coercion, the in-tention of having a lifelong commitment to marriage, and being open to having

children, thus invalidating the marriage from the start. This declaration does not deny that a real relationship may have existed, nor does it always imply that the union was entered into with ill will or moral fault. Rather, an annulment states that the union lacked at least one of the elements seen as essential for a true, valid Christian marriage. An annulment does not seek to establish guilt or innocence but rather validity or invalidity.

In the United States, a Church annul-ment has absolutely no civil effect. The granting of an annulment will not affect anything that is determined by civil law such as alimony, child custody, visitations

2018 CONSULAR TOUR OF SLOVAKIA AND ITS NEIGHBORS

AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 26, 2018SlovakHonoraryConsulJoeSenkohaspreparedadeluxe15daytour

ofSlovakia,Vienna,PolandandHungary.TheitineraryforSlovakiaincludesthehistorictownsofBratislava,SvatyJur,Devin,Bojnice,Tatras,Levoca,Kezmarok,SpisskaSobota,SpisskyHrhov,Zdiar,StaraLubovna,Kosice,Bardejov,JedlinkaandPresov.SomeofthehighlightsinSlovakiaincludesixcastles,amockwedding,twowinetastingsandrafting.ThisistheonlytourthatalsoincludeswelcomereceptionsbytheU.S.AmbassadorinBratislavaandbytheMayorofPresov.

AsyoutravelthroughvariousregionsofSlovakia,arrangementscanbemadeforyoutovisityourancestrialvillagesandfamilies.

Atnoextracost,JoehasincludedtwonightsinPolandandtwonightsinHungary.WhileinPoland,wewillvisittheshrinesofBlessedFaustinaandtheBlackMadonna.WewillalsotourPopeJohnPaulII’sbirthplace,thefamousWieliczkasaltmineandAuschwitz.Andofcourse,wewillshopinZakapane.

InBudapest,wewill visit theancientarchitectural sites including theRoyalPalace,CitadellafortressandParliament.

Thetotalpriceforthisfantastictourisjust$4,300perperson(doubleoccupancy).ThisincludesroundtripairfarefromeitherPittsburghorNewYork,twodeliciousmealsdaily,fourstarhotels,freeadmissiontoallthesites,airconditionedbus,aprofessionalguideandmore.Comparethisitinerarywithothertourpackages.Foradetailedcopyofthedailyitineraryormoreinformation,contactJoeSenkoatjtsenko@aol.comor412-956-6000.

rights, division of property, and the like. Church law itself ensures the legitimacy of children born of a marriage that has been declared invalid (canon 1137). While recognizing that divorce occurs, it is most important to realize that not every marriage can be declared invalid. In fact, the Catholic Church law protects the marriage bond and favors it.

The person seeking reconciliation with the Church will be asked to submit some public documents such as civil marriage application forms, divorce decrees, and baptismal certificates along with a case history. A case history may include a typed report drawn up according to an outline presented by the parish contact person that is a brief biography of the couple. Church law requires that the tes-timonies of both parties be corroborated by witnesses. These four to six witnesses are individuals who knew the parties before the marriage and can testify to the allegations concerning the union from its beginning. The witnesses will be sent questionnaires from the Tribunal staff. The answers given by the witnesses to the various questions concerning the couple seeking the annulment should be several statements long or more that will enable the Judge(s) of the case to make a fair and balanced decision. The more quickly the witnesses respond to the Tribunal, the quicker the case proceeds.

The Tribunal is unable to promise that a case will be completed within a specific time frame but it is usually within a year. Moreover, not every petition results in an affirmative decision. Many different factors may delay its conclusion, such as the ability to secure the testimonies of witnesses. The better prepared your case is and reviewed by the personnel at the parish level, the more efficiently it will proceed at the Tribunal. Inquiries regarding a case should be made through the parish contact person. It is the prayer of those who work in the Tribunal along with the Bishop and the Church that those in invalid marriages make an effort to reconcile your marriages within the Catholic Church.

(To be continued)

4 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Message from our National PresidentCYNTHIA M. MALESKI

We begin 2018 and our126th year with the goals ofreaching out to our members, bothnewandlongtimetoworkwith them in fulfilling ourmis-sion across the nation;ANDstrengthening our staff, infra-structures, systems, processes and governance so that ourassociation may continue to growstrongly, swiftly andwithopen arms to those around us in

need.Wecannowlookbacktoour125thanniversarycelebrationswithprideandrenewedenergyformanyyears to come!

Wecontinueourleadershipinprovidinghopeandinspirationforindividualstomoveforwardinbuildingcommunity, touching lives and helping form thosearoundussothattheymayalsobemodelsofstrength,mercyandconstancyinothers’lives.

Duringour 125th anniversary year, in 2017,webeganwhatwillbeanongoingenhancedscholarshipprogram, TheAnnaHurbanScholarshipFund.Dona-tionsmadetothisfundcanbemadebyindividuals,branchesordistrictsandwilladdtothecurrentamountof$250,000,whichtheassociationalreadyallocatesfromannualoperation funds for thisprogram.EventhoughwepubliclyrecognizedalldonationsupuntilthetimeofourNationalGalaonJuly29th,2017,wewillcontinuetopublishandacknowledgedonationsinFraternally Yoursalongwithgratefulthanks.Onbehalfofourwelldeservingstudentsandtheirfamilies,wearegratefulforthegenerosityofourdonors.

InFebruary,wecelebratemanyFeastDays,impor-tantlythefeastdaysofSaintsCyrilandMethodius(onFebruary14th,Valentine’sDay).OurLadyofLourdes(February11th)andSt.Bernadette(February18th).

SaintsCyrilandMethodiuswerebrotherswhore-ceivedthetitle“ApostlesoftheSlavs”forChristianizingtheDanubianSlavsand for influencing the religiousand cultural development of all Slavic people.Bothwereoutstandingscholars, theologiansand linguistsandwerehonoredbySaint(Pope)JohnPaulIIinhis1985encyclicalSlavorumApostoli.

Formany,manyyearswehavebeenfriendsoftheSistersofSaintsCyrilandMethodiuswhoseMother-

houseisinDanville,Pennsylvania.ManyoftheSistersareourmembers.MyfamilyandIhaveparticipatedinanumberofpilgrimagestotheBasilicaofSaintsCyrilandMethodiusinDanville;itisuniqueinthewesternhemisphere as it is dedicated to SaintsCyril andMethodius.ThepeoplewhosedonationspaidfortheBasilicawereworkingclassimmigrantswhoworkedincoalmines,steelmills,factoriesandfarms.ManyyearsagoFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationdonatedsubstantialfundsforoneoftheexquisitestainedglasswindowsintheBasilica.IencourageyoutotakethetimetogoonyourownpilgrimageandvisittheBasilicaandsacredgroundssoon.

Fraternally, Cynthia M. Maleski NationalPresident

FCSLA Annuity Rates

Rates for our Elite Annuities:SILVER ELITE (5 YEAR)

2.75% APY*GOLD ELITE (7 YEAR)

3.00% APY*PLATINUM ELITE (10 YEAR)

3.25% APY**This rate is in effect 1/1/2018 thru 3/31/2018.

The credited rate is reviewed quarterly by the Board of Directors and will never go below the minimum guaranteed rate. The guaranteed minimum rate for Elite Silver and Gold contracts issued in 2018 is 2% APY and for the Platinum Elite is 2.5% APY.

FEBRUARY2018 5

FCSLA Connects . . .

Albert Heiles

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

February is themonth when weseemtosettledownandperhapsrelaxalittlemore.ThehecticpacewefollowedinDecember, alongwith the followingcatch upmonth of January, really putastrainonournormal livingactivities.Now,isthetimetoregroupandputourlifebackintoanorderandpacethatismorenormal.However,alongwith thenewmonth,somethingnewcomesalongforustothinkabout:LOVE.

That’sright,FebruaryisValentine’smonth.It’stheonemonthayearwesetasidetotellsomeonespecialwelovethem, perhaps in an extraordinaryway.Valentine’sDaycelebrationsbeganoveronehundredyearsagoandithasbecomeafavoritedayforpeopletakingtimetodisplaytheirthoughts,affectionsandlovetowardssomeonespecialintheirlives.

Valentine’sdaysarenotmeantjustforpeopleinlove,butratherforpeopleweconsiderspecial.It’sadaywesetasidetodisplayhowwefeelandtellthemwhattheymeantous.Howaboutauniqueideatoshowyourfeelings?Iwouldliketosuggestyouconsiderbeginninganewlifeinsurancepolicyonyourselforsomeoneyoulove.Whatbetterwaytosayweloveyouthanbygivingthemsomethingthatcouldpossiblylastalifetimeandhavebenefitsfarbeyondthelifeofadozenofroses,oraboxofchocolate.

AFCSLAlifeinsurancepolicyoffersvaluenotjustforonedayorforonemonth,butperhapsforaverylongtime.Ourwholelifepolicieshavecashvaluesthatcanaccumulateovertimewhichwillofferadditionalbenefitsinlateryears.Intheuntimelydeathofaninsured,thebeneficiarymaybecomfortedinthebenefitsofthepolicy.FCSLAoffersseveraltypesofpermanentwholelifeinsurancepolicies.Weofferapolicythatcanbepaidonforonly10or20yearsandbefullypaidup.Wealsoofferapolicythatofferslowerpremiumsinwhichpremiumsarepaidoveranindividual’sentirelifetime.Andfinally,fortheindividualwhowouldliketomakeonlyonepremium,withnorenewingpremiums,weoffersinglepremiumwholelifepolicies.

Ourpoliciesareavailablefortheveryyoungtothemoreseniormember;fromage0toage80insomecases.Pricesandvaluesdiffer,butonethingremainsthesame.ThepolicyisbackedbyoneofthefinestFraternalBenefitSocietiesintheUSA.FCSLA,withnearlyabilliondollarofassetsandahistoryofservingover120,000membersinover125years,isheretohelpinyourlifeinsurancequestions.

OurRecommendersandprofessionalagentsareavail-abletomeetwithyoutodiscussapolicythatwillmeetyourobjectives.Grandparentsbeginningapolicyonayoungone(grandson/daughter,nieceornephew),parentbeginninganewpolicyontheirchildren,husbandorwifebeginningapolicytoprotecttheirspouse,whateverthepurpose,FCSLAistheretohelp.

Apermanent cash value life policy ona young childcancostaslittleas$120ayear.Apolicyonayoungadultcanbestartedforaslittleas$15amonth.Ahusbandorwifecanbeginapolicyoneachotherwithafaceamountofover$100,000forthecostofamonthlymealoutatafamilyrestaurant.

Ithasbeensaidalifeinsurancepolicyisaloveletter.Afewdropsofinkandapromisetopayprovideatruestate-mentoflove,caringandaffection.

PleasecontacttheFCSLArepresentativeyouarenowworkingwithorcontactthehomeofficeandwewillbehappytoarrangearepresentativetomeetwithyou.

Wecanbereachedbycalling:800-464-4642,askfortheLifeInsuranceDepartment.

Nancy Clausen, J192 Auditor, Youngstown, OH, displays the Christmas card that was sent, with a $5 bill, to 151 Jr. Branch 192 members in twenty states. Nancy worked with the printer to design the cover of the card which states “Vesele Vianoce” (Merry Christmas). It should help members to remember their Slovak heritage.

Annual Holiday Mailing to Jr. Branch 192 Members

WPSCA Beginner Slovak Language Classes

TheWPSCAwillonceagainofferSlovaklanguageclassesforbeginners.TheclasswillbeeveryTuesdayfromFebruary20 toApril 10at 6:30-8:00p.m.TheclasseswillbeheldattheBrashearAssociation,2005SarahStreet,Pittsburgh,PA15203.Thetuitionisfreeand the instructor isBozenaHilko.To reserve yourspotpleasecontactJoeSenkoatjtseonko@aol.comor(412)956-6000.

6 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

TheYoungstownDistrictcelebratedthe125thanniver-saryoftheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociationwithaMassanddinneronSunday,October29,atOurLadyofSorrowsParish,Youngstown,OH.MonsignorPeterPolando,NationalChaplain andmember ofYoungstown’sBranch169,celebratedtheMass.MillieKustandNancyClausen,Branch161,andCarolDumez,Branch169,servedasgreet-ersanddistributedspeciallyprintedMassbooklets.Astheentrancehymnbegan,theBranchPresidentsandDistrictBoardmembersledtheprocessionintochurchfollowedbylectors,TheresaandJeffLeonard,Branch161,andNationalPresident,CynthiaMaleski,andDistrictAuditor,ShellyZura,Branch344,whopresentedtheOffertorygifts,YoungtownDistrict President, BernadetteDemechko, Branch 161,proceededinbeforetheserversandMonsignorPolando.

AfterMass,MonsignoraddressedthecongregationandcitedalltheworkthatisdonebytheeightBranchesintheirownchurchesfromtheirearlybeginningsoverahundredyearsagoandcontinuingtoday.

The143peoplewhoattendedtheaffairwalkedtotheschoolauditoriumwheretheyviewedapanoramaofblueandwhite,inhonoroftheBlessedMother,OctoberbeingthemonthoftheQueenoftheHolyRosary.Thetablesweresetwithblueandwhitenapkinsandcenteredwithaglassglobeofbluemarblesandalitvigilcandle.MelanieLeonard,PresidentofBranch161,volunteeredtoplanthebanquetdecorationssinceitwasheldinherBranchparish.

EachsettinghadanFCSLAanniversarycalendar,pen,giftfromtheNationalPresident,CynthiaMaleski,anniversaryholycardand theprogrambookletwhichcontainedcon-gratulatoryletterssenttothegroupbyYoungstownDioceseBishopGeorgeV.Murray,S.J.,andYoungstownMayor,JohnMcNally.A special feature in thebookletwas thehistoryof theYoungstownDistrict from1928to thepresent.Thesecretaries’minutesinthosejournals(upuntil1981)werewritteninSlovakandAgathaFabiny,pastDistrictPresident,andBernadettetranslatedthemandcompiledanextensivehistoryoftheYoungstownDistrict.

Bernadettewelcomed themembers and guests andnotedthatthemajorreasontheFCSLAissosuccessfulis

becauseofitsmemberswhohaveworkeddiligentlythroughtheyearsonitsbehalf.ShealsoaskedCynthiatothanktheBoardfortheirdecisiontoassisttheDistrictsfinanciallyforanniversaryevents.

MonsignorPolandogavetheinvocationandthegroupwasaskedtohavewineorwaterintheirglassesforthetoast.Monsignorhadgenerouslydonatedthewineforeachtable.DoloresSonoga,PresidentofBranch169andDistrictsec-retarygavethetoast:“ThankfulforthedeterminedwomenwhofoundedtheFCSLA,gratefultothosememberswhoareinvolvedinitsworktoday,andexcitedaboutitsbrightfuture.”

Justbeforethemeal,BernadetteturnedtoMonsignor,andjokinglysaid,“SincethismealisbeingpaidbytheHomeOffice,whyaren’twehavingsteakandlobster?Insteadweareeatinghaluskiandhalupki!”Butthefoodwasexcellent.

Afterthemeal,BernadetteintroducedtheBranchPresi-dentsandDistrictOfficers.ShemadespecialmentionofMaryLouDiPillo,ShellyandShirleyZura,PatriciaGranchay,andDoloresSonogawhosemothersandgrandmothershadbeenDistrictOfficers.Shetoldananecdoteabouteachonewhich brought backmany smiles and happymemories.Membersfromtheaudiencealsocametothemicrophonetosharetheirstoriesofpastofficersandevents.

ThePresidentintroducedspecialguestsincludingFrankFabinywhowascelebratinghis98thbirthdaythatveryday.AspecialgiftwasasurprisevisitandattendanceatthedinnerofhisdaughtersBarbaraMonittofromSouthCarolinaand

National President Cynthia Maleski addresses the members and guests gathered for the celebration.

Readers at Mass — L-R: Theresa Leonard, Shelly Zura, Cynthia Maleski, Monsignor Polando and Jeff Leonard.

District Officers and Branch Presidents — L-R: Shelley Zura, Dolores Sonoga, Mary Lou DiPillo, Patricia Granchay, Shirley Zura, Frances Chervinko, Bernadette Demechko, National President Cynthia Maleski, Sandi Saluga, Emma Burin, Mela-nie Leonard.

YOUNGSTOWN DISTRICT CELEBRATES FCSLA’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

FEBRUARY2018 7

Theresa and Melanie Leon-ard, (S162) in charge of dinner arrangements.

Past District President Agatha Fabiny and National President Cynthia Maleski .

L-R: Marian McCleery, Frank and Agatha Fabiny and Barbara Monitto.

Members raise their glasses to honor the 125th anniversary of the FCSLA.

MarianMcCreeryfromFlorida.ShementionedthatFrankalongwithLeafyHueywhois92andKatherineKovalchikwhois102nevermissDistrictmeetings.“HappyBirthday”wassungtohim.

MonsignorPolandointroducedtheguestspeaker,Presi-dentMaleski,whogaveadynamictalkontheimportanceofBranchesandDistrictsinthestructureoftheFCSLA.

Monsignor thanked the attendees and gave specialreligiousgiftsblessedbyPopeFrancistoFrankFabiny,theoldestpersoninattendance,RoseEliseClausenateigh-teen months the youngest person present and Cynthia and Bernadette,thetwoPresidents.CynthiaalsopresentedgiftstoAgathaandBernadette.

ThedinnerendedwithLorettaEkoniak,Branch161,leading the singing of theSlovakNational anthem “NadTatrouSaBlyska”and“HejSlovaci.”

Epilogue:WhenBernadettehadpaid thebills for theevent,shehadabalanceof$200thatwasnotspent.Manycoupleshadleftacalendarandprogrambookonthetableandtherewerealmost50ofthem.Sheusedthemoneytosendacalendar,programbookandpento41memberswhowere“shut-ins”,memberswho liveoutof townbut “keepintouch”,andnewadultmembers.TheremainderswereplacedonatableattheVilijadinnerandallweretaken.Truefraternalism.

Graduation AnnouncementAnne Catherine Set-

ter Sheard graduated fromSt. JosephHighSchool inKenosha,WI.

During her high schoolyearsAnniewasamemberof theNationalHonorSoci-ety, Retreat Team, playedon the school’s volleyball,basketball,andsoftballteam,andwenttoWashingtonD.C.fortheannualMarchForLiferally.AnniewasteamcaptionherjuniorandsenioryearforsoftballandwasintheannualspringmusicalproductionofWorking.

LastMay,AnniewentonamissiontriptoChinandega,Nicaraguawithmembersofherseniorclass.Sheisare-cipientoftheFCSLAscholarshipwhichsheisverygratefulfor.AnniealsoreceivedascholarshipfromtheWisconsinSlovakHistoricalSociety.AnnieisnowafreshmanatUW-Milwaukeestudyingarchitecture.

Annie isamemberofSt.AnthonyofPaduaCatholicChurchinKenoshawhereshehasbeenanaltarserverformanyyears.Sheandherbrother,AnthonyaremembersofBranch196.Annie’s parents areCraig andSusanSetterSheard.Hermother and grandmother,Helen (Bruchaty)Setter, aremembers ofBranch273.Anne’s great grand-mother,Anna(Secansky)BruchatywasalsoamemberofBranch273.

8 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

OnDecember2,2017,theEpiphanyChapelHallwastransformed intoWinterWonderland.Awesome,beautifulandamazingwere just someof the commentsmadebythe children, their parents, grandparents and guests as they entered theChurchHall.Greetingswere extendedbyPresidentDorothyUrbanowicz andRosemaryBetza,Jr.Branchsecretary.EachchildreceivedacraftandglowstickandproceededtoassembletheirChristmasornament.PicturesofallthebeautifuldecorationswerebeingtakenbytheparentswiththechildrenposinginfrontofthevariousscenesconsistingofdecoratedChristmastrees,afireplace,Santa’ssleighandatalkingSanta.Giantsnowflakeswerehungfromtheceilingalongwithballoonswhichweretobereleasedlater.Throughouttheafternoon,thegameswereledbyCindyPawelec,andcreatedmuchexcitementasthechildrenhadsomuchfunbyparticipating.

TristanToddgavetheinvocationfollowedbylunchwhichconsistedofsalad,pizzaandhotdogs,withafudgebrowniefordessert.Thechildrenfoundtheirwaytothecandytable

Jr. Branch 157 Annual Christmas Party in Monessen, PA

wheretheyfilledtheirbagswithvariouscandy.NextcametheNewYearcelebrationwiththereleaseoftheballoonsandachampagneglassfilledwithapplejuice.

UponSanta’sarrival,eachchildwaitedtogiveSantatheirwishlistandreceivedatreatbag.Theyleftwithsmilesastheyanxiouslywentthroughtheirgiftbag.

ThecommitteeconsistedofCindyPawelec,Chair-per-son,RuthTodd,Co-chairperson,RachaelFuntalandOfficersDorothyUrbanowicz,FloraFuntalandRosemaryBetza.

Celebrating New Years Eve with the release of balloons.

Children with Santa in the Church Hall.

Officers of Jr. Branch157 posing with Santa.

FCSLA MEMBERSRING IN THE NEW YEARFCSLAmembersenjoyingamemorableevening

celebratingNewYear’sEveattheSilvesterSteakFryattheAmericanSlovakClubinLorainhostedbyUnitedSlovakSocieties.

Sitting from L-R: Michele Mager of Sr. Branch 114, Joyce Lechman of Sr. Branch 119, Johanna Oros of Sr. Branch 557. Standing from L-R: Dr. Debbie Brindza, Sr. Branch 176 and Donna Oros of Sr. Branch 557.

FEBRUARY2018 9

OnSunday,December3,2017McKeesportSr.Branch77hosteditsDecemberMeetingandannualChristmasPartyatAntonelli’sEventCenterinIrwin,PA.

PresidentJerryHolmesopenedthemeetingwithprayerand thepledgeof allegiance to the flag.Rollwas calledandallofficerswerepresent.TheminutesoftheNovembermeetingandtheTreasurer’sreportwerereadandapproved.

VirginiaHolmes,BranchTreasurerandNationalTrustee,reportedonthebranchactivitiesfor2017andthePittsburghDistrict’s celebration for the 125th anniversary, a dinnerandrideontheGatewayClipperonabeautifulsunnydayinSeptember.ShealsoinformedthemembershipthatourNationalPresident,CynthiaMaleski,waspresentedtheveryprestigiousPopeFrancisCharityandLeadershipAwardfromCaritasinVeritateInternational.

Amemorialservicewasconductedforallofthemem-bersSr.Branch77whopassedawayin2017.TheAuditors

Newly elected officers — L-R: President Jerry Holmes, Trea-surer Virginia Holmes, Vice President Mary Jo Matta, Auditor Mary Ann O’Neil, Jr. Secretary/Recording Secretary Judy Fedor, Auditor Kathleen Cicak, and Financial Secretary Mar-ian Greenland.

Jerry Holmes, Virginia Holmes and Mary Ann O’Neil preparing the memorial table.

McKEESPORT SR. BRANCH 77 CHRISTMAS PARTYreportwasgivenbyAuditorsCarolYurechkoandMaryAnnO’Neil.TheConvalescentCommitteereportwasgivenbyCarolYurechko.

Retiringofficers,VicePresidentAudreyPodlesnyandAuditorCarolYurechkothankedthemembersfortheirsup-portoverthelast19years.

PresidentJerryannouncedthattheHomeOfficewasrecommendingbranchofficersserveatwo-yearterm.ThiswasdiscussedattheNovembermeetinganditwasagreedthatthispracticewouldcommencewiththiselection.Thefollowing officers were elected for the next two years:President, JerryHolmes;VicePresident,Mary JoMatta;Treasurer, VirginiaHolmes; Financial Secretary,MarianGreenland;Jr.Secretary/RecordingSecretary,JudyFedor;Auditor,MaryAnnO’Neil;Auditor KathleenCicak. JudyHornfeckadministeredtheoathofoffice.

Themeetingwasadjournedwithprayeranddinnerwasserved.EntertainmentwasprovidedbyGeorgeBatyiandtheInternationalGypsies,aBranchfavorite.PresidentJerrythankedGeorgeforthegreatentertainmentandAntonelli’sforthewonderfulfoodandservice.Drawingswereheldandprizeswereawarded.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

• Didyourchildren,grandchildrenreceivespecialawardsorachievementsinschool?

• Baptisms?Confirmations?NewMembers?• ParticipatedinVolunteerandCommunityProjects?

IftheyaremembersoftheFCSLA please send us a photo and short article

abouttheirspecialachievements!E-mail: zjbazik@comcast.net

10 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

On a beautifulsunnySunday,De-cember 3, 2017,theSr.Branch409ofEastChicago,INhostedtheirAnnualChristmas party withJr.Branch317as their primary guests at theOurLadyofConsolationFatherVamosHallin Merrillville, IN.Members and allguestsweregreetedbyAgnesChervenak,President,JeanetteBramer, Financial SecretaryandJaniceVasquez,Jr.BranchFinancialSecretary.Theafter-noonbeganwithguestshavingtimetosocializewithfamilyandfriends.

Priortodinner,AgnesaskedJoann Skvarek Banvich, Na-tionalDirectortoprovideabriefdiscussion on an upcoming MatchingFundproject thatSr.Branch409issponsoringfortheDio-cese ofGary.TheTaborHouse is aprojectbegunbyBishopHyingtomeetaneedinthecommunity.Thisprojectis the constructionof a home that isacrossthestreetfromtheCathedralinGaryforaneedyfamily.Thismatchingfund project whichwill conclude onDecember14willassistinthepurchaseof furnishings for this home that isscheduled to be completed in the end ofJanuary.Thememberswereadvised

Sr. Branch 409 Hosts Annual Christmas Festivities

thatacashraffleheldatthispartywouldalsobenefittheTaborHouse.

JohnZaborske,anAgentfortheHel-enKocanDistrictspoketothemembersandguestsregardingthebenefitsofbe-longingtotheFirstCatholicLadiesAs-sociation.Johnmadehimselfavailabletospeakprivatelywithanyoneneedingadditional information.AndrewYure-chko,amemberoftheGaryJr.Branch289 led themembers in saying thegracepriortotheluncheon.Themenu

consistedofchick-en, sausage and sauerkraut,tossedsalad,veggie tray,green beans, corn, potato salad, and jello.Followingtheluncheon buffet asweet table ap-peared consisting of cake, cookies,breads, and home-made apple slices and pumpkin rolls

made by JimWagner, fatherof juniormembersOlivia andSophia.

The juniormembers led bySherryAndersonsangavarietyofChristmascarolsalongwithaukuleleaccompanimentbyEllie,Sherry’s daughter. Everyonewas excited by the talent oftheseyoungpeopleandenjoyedtheentertainment. Finally, themaineventfortheyoungmem-berswas the arrival of Santa

Claus(MikeDeRolf),whohandedoutpresentsdonatedbytheSr.Branch409leadership.Thepresentsrangedfromdolls,Legos,superheroes,Disneyprin-cessdolls,toSlinkys.ColoringbooksandpuzzlesfromtheHomeOfficewerealso given to these children. Seniormembersandguestswerepresentedwith gifts from the officers and theHomeOffice.Everyonewas gratefulforthefestivepartyandgifts.

FEBRUARY2018 11

TheChicagoGroupsChildren’sChristmasPartyofthePolishUnionUSAwasheldonSunday,December3,2017attheMayfieldBanquetsinWestchester,IL.

EnjoyedbyallwhoattendedwasaPizzaBuffetandSweetTablefollowedbyavisitfromSantaClausandfacepaintingandballoonmakingbyMrs.Claus.

ThechildrenreceivedgiftsfromSantaandpicturestotakehomeoftheirSantaexperience.Abig"thankyou"toallwhomadethiseventanenjoyableafternoon.ToniStortsandJoanWisinski,IllinoisDistrictDirectorsandGroupSec-retaries,HelenLeja,BarbaraKowalski,GregFetro,RobynCarpenterandhelpersKarlLeja,JoannaLeja,TomWisinskiandallwhobroughtSweetTableitems.

L-R; Toni Storts, Robyn Carpenter, Barbara Kowalski, Helen Leja, Joan Wisinski, and Greg Fetro.

Polish Union USA Holds Children's Christmas Party in Illinois

(Please Print)

Name ___________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________

City _____________________________________________________

State ______________________________ Zip Code _____________

Phone __________________________________________________

Email ___________________________________________________

Enclosed find $ _____________ (Money Order)

(Check) for ______ copies of the Cook Book.

The 23rd Edition of Our

SLOVAK-AMERICAN COOK BOOK

No books are sold or delivered C.O.D.

ALL ARE SOLD FOR CASHThe cost of each book is $9.00. A carton of 18 books is $144 ($8.00 per book). Canada residents $11.00 U.S. money order per book. Send only money order or check payable to: First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, Attention: Cook Book Department, 24950 Chagrin Boulevard, Beachwood, OH 44122.

12 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Jr. Branch 138 of Natrona Heights, PA held their Christmas Party on Sunday, December 10th. The event was held in conjunction with Our Lady of Most Blessed Sacrament School Breakfast with Santa. The festivities were enjoyed by all who attended.

Jr. Branch 138 Celebrates the Holidays

A table of Jr. Branch 138 members with officers at top of photo.

National President Cynthia Maleski with some of our young members.

Officer Suzy Rapp with some young members.

FEBRUARY2018 13

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP A NEW MEMBER RECENTLY?

Wisconsin Branch 376 Christmas Party

TheWisconsinmemberofBranchS376&J334weregreetedbyVicPresidentMaryJoNoyeswhoalongwithmanymembersweredeckedoutintheirHolidayfinery,toshareawonderlunchatMeyersRestaurantonDecember9th,2017.MaryJohadreviewthepastyearseventsandfutureeventstobesetwiththemember.MemberhadbeeninformedthatPresidentKathyDorfnerwouldbesteppingdownaspresidentbutwouldliketocontinuetheboarddur-ingherrecoveryprocess.RonBrownproceededovertheelections,andanewboardisinplacewithMaryJoNoyes–President,KathyDorfner-VicPresident,DanielLoudah-Secretary,KathyValent–Treasure,BettyNovak–Auditor,andbringonboardnewAuditorMaryPeterson.

Afterthemeetingportionconcludedmemberdinedonameal fit for a kingof roasted chicken, pork tenderloin,andsausagewithsourkraut,alongwithsidesofmashedpotatoes, veggies, andawonderful chocolate cake fromSimma’sbakery.

AfterwhichtheJuniorordermemberreceivedavisitfromnon-otherthanSantaandreceivedsmallgifts.TheysenthimonhisChristmas journey withsinging we wish you aMerryChristmas.

Funwas had by alltheSeniorordermemberreceived door prizes ofthetablecenterpieces.

Branch W001 Awards Five Scholarships

BranchW001ofNewPrague,MN recently awardedscholarshipstothefollowingmembersJadeFumo,RiverlandCommunityCollege;DanielKroeger,NashvilleStateCom-munityCollege;AlexBrezina,UniversityofNorthDakota;ChloeColdagelli, IowaStateUniversity;MeganRynda,CollegeofSt.Benedict.

Jade Fumo Daniel Kroeger Alex Brezina

Chloe Coldagelli Megan Rynda

Slovak Heritage ProgramTheWesternPennsylvaniaSlovakCulturalAs-

sociationwillonceagainpresenttheSlovakHeritageProgramsonthefirstMondayeveningofeachmonth,startingat7p.m.attheMountLebanonPublicLibrary,16CastleShannonBlvd.,Mt. Lebanon,PA15228(412-531-1912).Itisfreetobothmembersandnon-mmbers.Hereistheagendafor2018:

February 5, 2018—Interesting Sights in SlovakiaEmmaMoser,PresidentofthePittStudentSlovak

ClubwillonceagainshareherinsightsofherlifeinSlovakia.

March 5, 2018—Decorating Slovak honey cookies (Medovniky)

LarryKozlowski,aperennialpresenter,willdem-onstrate and talk about the history of the populardecoratedhoneycookiesofSlovakia.Decorateyourowncookietotakehome.

April 2, 2018—Slovak Castles and Castle RuinsOtiliaGoliaswill showanddiscuss the famous

CastlesinSlovakia.

May 7, 2018—Weddings in SlovakiaBackbynumerousrequests,OtiliaGoliswillrepeat

herpresentationofaweddinginSlovakia.

14 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

MATCHING FUNDS ACTIVITIES

Branches 630 and 534Annual Golf Tournament and Mini-Golf Outing

OfficersfromtheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssocia-tion(FCSLA),Sr.Branch630andJr.Branch534,Buffalo,NY,presentacheck for$1,532.98 toMrs.AnnSuchyna,Headmaster at theChestertonAcademyofBuffalo.Thefundswere raised this summer at FCSLA’s annual golftournamentandamini-golfouting.Thelocalamountraisedwas$932.98andtheNationalOfficecontributedmatching

Jr. Branch 14Christmas Gift-Giving Program

Jr.Branch14,Cleveland,OH,togetherwithSt.LeotheGreatParishhadaverysuccessfulmatchingfundsactivityduringDecember 2017.More than500gifts and$2,910weredonatedbyparishionersandother lodgememberstothe“AdoptaChildforChristmas”gift-givingprogramforneedychildrenintheClevelandarea.Juniorbranchmem-berswouldliketothanktheFCSLAforthe$600matchingfundscontribution.

Jr. Branch 14 members (left to right) Louisa, Emily, Sammy, Andrew and Evan Sabol, grandchildren of Jeanne Sabol, Sr. Branch 141, program coordinator.

Adopt a Child for Christmas program volunteers helped to wrap, sort and deliver gifts.

Jr. Branch 170Soup and Bake Sale

J170,Charleroi,PAandConfraternityofChristianMoth-ers ofMaryMother of theChurch, also inCharleroi,PArecentlyheldaverysuccessfulhomemadesoupandbakesale,raising$1,000.80.Theythankallwhoparticipatedinallaspects.

fundsof$600.00.ChestertonAcademyisanindependenthigh school in the Catholic tradition, located on the campus ofFourteenHolyHelpersParishinWestSeneca,NewYork.Picturedabove,fromlefttoright,are:FCSLARegionalSalesManagerJohnGonsiorek,FCSLAPresidentLynnZakowicz,ChestertonHeadmasterMrs.AnnSuchyna, andFCSLARecordingSecretaryTomFranczyk.

FIRST CATHOLIC SLOVAKLADIES ASSOCIATION

  

  

FEBRUARY2018 15

Branch W016Brunch Benefit

BranchW016heldanAutumnBrunchforthebenefitoftheBrainardCommunityClubonOctober29,2017.

CommunityClubandbranchmembersworkedtogethertoserveabout120peoplesouffle,hashbrownpotatoes,afruitcupandhomemadebakeryatthe“matchinggrant”event.A“splitthepot”rafflewasalsoheld.

Branch W016 officers Joyce Rezac, Carolyn Dvorak, Com-munity Club President Deb Behne, and W016 President Mary Lou Meister preparing for the Autumn Brunch.

Guests enjoy the Autumn Brunch sponsored for the benefit of the Brainard Community Club.

PLEASE NOTE!Annual Branch Christmas Party ar-

ticles and photos will be in this issue or March 2018 issues. Any articles and photos received after February 10th, 2018 will be held for use only if space allows in futures issues of Fraternally Yours.

60th Wedding Anniversary Observed

Edwin andHe l e n ( B r u -chaty) Setter,o f Kenosha ,WI, celebratedtheir 60thwed-dinganniversarythis past sum-mer.ThecouplewasmarriedonJune 22, 1957atSt.AnthonyofPadua Church in Kenosha,bytheRev.MichaelS.Dutko.

E d w i nserved in the

U.S.Armywiththe24thInfantryDivisionintheoccupation of Japan.After graduating fromtheWisconsin StateCollege atWhitewa-ter he taught at the American Boy ChoirSchool in Princeton,NJ,theMilwaukeeUni-versity School and in

Puente,CA. Ed retired from theKenoshaUnifiedSchoolDistrict in1990.Duringhis teachingcareer,Edwin received theTeacherof theYearAwardandtheDistinguishedServiceAward. In recognition ofEd’smilitaryservice,EdwinwentontheHonorFlighttoWashington,D.C.in2015.

Helen,ahomemaker,workedatSnap-on-Toolsin Kenosha until 1958.Over the yearsHelen hasbeen involved inherparishasa lector,Eucharisticminister,choirmember,CCD teacher,scout leader,andcoordinatorofWomen’sMorningsofReflection.SheisamemberoftheWisconsinSlovakHistoricalSocietyandtheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssocia-tionBranch273.

Edwin andHelen are currentmembers of St.MaryCatholicChurchinKenosha.TheSettershavethreechildren,allofKenosha:Theresa,Susan(Craig)SheardandJohn(Theresa)andfivegrandchildren.AllofEdwinandHelen’schildrenandgrandchildrenaremembersoftheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAs-sociation.

Edwin andHelen attribute the success of theirmarriagetofaith,trustsinGod,loveandrespectforeachother,andbeingblessedwithawonderful,car-ing,family.

16 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Age:______

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________________ State: __________ Zip:_________________

Branch: ________________________________________ Phone #____________________________________

PUZZLES MUST BE IN THE HOME OFFICE FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018!YOU MUST BE A FCSLA MEMBER TO QUALIFY.

200 WINNERS WILL BE RANDOMLY DRAWN FROM ALL THE ENTRIES RECEIVED.Mail to:FCSLAFraternalDepartment

24950ChagrinBlvd.,Beachwood,OH44122

Words may be found up and down, side to side, diagonally or words

may share letters.

T T B X R Y B Y O T T L W S S P S P T T R H K E C A H E A H U C R S D R M A A H O E I A L I C E N C A E M O R E R R I O N R G R A M W E I W V L S T O A A I R R E E A K T S O E H O T W Y T C K F S A O L T D E E Y N N C O E Y R G E N E K T U T J T I Y L O E T L R I H T R E N E E G J U D O A E N N L S P S H K K S R N R H S D N U C I H V E L T E E B C S O T C B E S R T Z R I T E L M A O W A S B U E R Q I B A S R U C F E E R K G R T I C S E N Q G Y G E R T A O N N M E T A A K B D W A R I K O H D N S E V G D S K L Y O E M C N R W Z O C Q O Y S N T V E C F L R D I L N N W Y Q X P R X R U H S V Y D G A L A Y O R G N I H T E M O S S U P R I K E N T U C K Y D E R B Y H H E J B U B Y R E N E H C Y N N E P I C X W X K L T E L I Z A B E T H H A M G M W H D H E I K T R E M E N D O U S M A C H I N E R N

BELMONT STAKES BIG RED BOLD RULER father CHESTNUT CLAIBORNE FARMS place of death DOSWELL VIRGINIA the meadow EDDIE SWEAT groomer ELIZABETH HAM secretary HORSE OF THE YEAR KENTUCKY DERBY LEGACY LUCIEN LAURIN trainer MAGAZINE COVERS PARIS KENTUCKY CLaiborne farms PENNY CHENERY owner PREAKNESS STAKES RACEHORSE RON TURCOTTE jockey SECRETARIAT SOMETHING ROYAL mother THE MEADOW birthplace THIRTY ONE LENGTHS THOROUGHBRED TRACK RECORDS TREMENDOUS MACHINE TRIPLE CROWN 1973

Secretariat March 30,1970 – October 4,1989

Words may be found up and down, side to side, diagonally or words may share letters.

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Age:__________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________ State:_________________ Zip:_____________

Branch:_______________________________ Phone#___________________________________

** Puzzles must be in the home Office Friday, MARCH 9, 2018 **

*** You must be a FCSLA Member to qualify ***

**** 200 winners will be randomly drawn from all the entries received ****

MAIL TO: FCSLA Fraternal Department, 24950 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122

BELMONTSTAKES BIGRED BOLDRULERfatherCHESTNUT CLAIBORNEFARMSplace of death DOSWELLVIRGINIAthe meadowEDDIESWEATgroomer ELIZABETHHAMsecretary HORSEOFTHEYEARKENTUCKYDERBY LEGACY LUCIENLAURINtrainerMAGAZINECOVERS PARISKENTUCKYClaiborne farms PENNYCHENERYownerPREAKNESSSTAKES RACEHORSE RONTURCOTTEjockeySECRETARIAT SOMETHINGROYALmother THEMEADOWbirthplaceTHIRTYONELENGTHS THOROUGHBRED TRACKRECORDSTREMENDOUSMACHINE TRIPLECROWN1973

SecretariatMarch30,1970-October4,1989

FEBRUARY2018 17

FCSLA 2018-19 ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM More than $248,250 in Scholarship Awards!

TheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation(FCSLA) ispleasedtoannounceits2018-19 Scholarship Program, which is in fulfillment of one of the objectives of the organization. An eligible candidate for anFCSLAFraternalScholarshipAwardshallbeamemberofgoodstandingforatleastthreeyearspriortodateofapplicationandholda$1,000permanentlifeinsurancecertificate,a$5,000termcertificateoranannuitycertificate(nominimumamountrequired).IfapplyingforaSeminaryorDeaconScholarship,itisnecessarytocompletealldocuments.

Winnerswillbechosenbyacommitteeofimpartialjudgesfromtheeducationalfield,basedonthefollowing:AcademicStanding–40%;Church/CommunityServiceValue–30%;andSchoolInvolvement/Essay–30%.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS - $1,250 EACH59Freshmen●28Sophomores●17Juniors●17Seniors

GRADUATE AWARDS - $1,750 EACH19Full-TimeGraduateAwards

36 HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS - $1,000 EACH9Freshmen●9Sophomores●9Juniors●9Seniors

32 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AWARDS - $750 EACH8forGrade5●8forGrade6●8forGrade7●8forGrade8

32 EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AWARDS - $750 EACH8forGrade1●8forGrade2●8forGrade3●8forGrade4

Applicationsandsupportingdocumentsmustbecompletedandsubmitted to theHomeOfficeandreceivedno later than4:30p.m.ESTonTuesday,February27,2018.Applicationsreceivedafterthatdateandtimewillnotbeconsidered.Electroniccopies(preferablyPDFfile)andfaxedcopiesofapplicationandsupportingmaterialswillbeaccepted.

Applicationsandfurtherdetailsforthisprogrammaybeobtainedby:• Visitourwebsiteatwww.fcsla.org• E-mailusatScholarship@FCSLA.org• CalltheNationalHeadquartersat800-464-4642, ext. 1054• Completetheformonthispageandmailitto:

FIRST CATHOLIC SLOVAK LADIES ASSOCIATIONScholarship Department ● 24950 Chagrin Blvd ● Beachwood, OH 44122-5634

2018-2019 FCSLA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUESTPleasesendascholarshipapplicationformby:____USPostalMail____Email

(PLEASEPRINT)BranchNo._______________

Name___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________________________________

City ______________________________________________________________State___________Zip____________

Phone ____________________________________________ E-mail_________________________________________

□ College □ Graduate □ HighSchool □ SeminaryorDeacon□ Grades1-4 □ Grades5-8

18 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

BranchW033,Spillville,IAheldtheirannualChristmasParty formembersandtheirfamiliesonSunday,Decem-ber3,2017,from11:30a.m.-3:30p.m.

There were over 60 adults andchildren present.Attendees enjoyedrefreshmentsandvisitinguntilthepotluckdinnerwasservedwithFr.RobertGrossleadingthegroupinprayerbe-

Branch W033 Holds Annual Christmas Celebrationforemeals.Afterdinnerameetingwasheldwiththeadultswhilethechildrenmadecraftsinthelunchroom.Branchscholarshipswere awarded— threeCollegeawardsat$250eachandtwoelementaryawardsat$100each.San-taClausarrivedandhandedoutbagsof treats toeveryonepresent.Candyguessinggames,oneforchildrenand

one for adultswere playedwith thewinners receiving the container fullof candy.Doorprizes,monetaryandwrappedgiftswerealsogivenout toadultsandchildreninattendance.ThedayendedwithgamesofBingoandtheprizesforthewinnerswerebothonandunder theChristmas tree.Everyonehadawonderfultimeandleftlookingforwardtonextyear’sfestivities.

Santa Claus visits and gives a bag of treats to Bristol Lowery. She is sure taking it all in!

L-R: Lincoln Kuhn, Rory Kuennen, Shayla Kuennen, Alayna Kuennen and Makenzie Kuhn are junior members who helped to set-up and clean-up after the party.

Members and their families enjoying dinner at St. Wenceslaus Gym.

Branch W033 President Dan Silhacek and his wife Gwen at the annual Christ-mas Party.

Branch VP Jerry Kuhn presents Eliza-beth Bohr her $100 elementary scholar-ship; she also accepted a $100 award for her brother Jacob Bohr who could not attend the party.

Branch VP Jerry Kuhn presents a $250 college scholarship to Kade Klimesh.

Branch VP Jerry Kuhn presents a $250 college scholarship to Sharon Kessler for her son Trace Kessler and her niece Marissa Macken who could not attend the party.

Branch Treasurer Rita Fjelstul present-ing Reverend Robert Gross and $100 check for Christmas from the officers and members of W033.

Feasts of Sts. Cyril & MethodiusFebruary 14th

FEBRUARY2018 19

Mary LaVerne Wacho, S376MaryLaVerne(NeeBartos)passedaway

peacefullyonMarch3,2017,attheageof100.LovingwifeofthelateEdwardPaulWacho.Car-ingmotherofGeralynMarieWestandherlateinfantson,JamesAllenWacho.GrandmotherofMuhajir“Jer”Olsen,Lua(Eric)Carlson,LindsayRuhiyyih (Philip)Olsen-Bradley, andDorothy“Dorey”JamieOlsen.SisterofRudolph(Carol),Robert(Carol),Donald(Joanne).Sister-in-lawof

CarolineBartos.Alsosurvivedbynieces,nephews,otherrelativesandfriends.MarywasaparishionerofSt.MargaretMaryCatholicChurchandaformerparishionerofSt.Stephen’sCatholicChurch.ShewasamemberoftheFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation,theNationalSlovakSocietyandworkedatSquareD.Marywillberememberedforhergenerousandselflesssoul,thiswasespeciallyevidentwithhergiftsofhand-sewnitems.MemorialsappreciatedtotheLupusFoundationofAmerica.

Richard Tieskotter, W33RichardH.Tieskotter, age 70, of Fred-

ericksburg, IA diedMarch 13, 2017.HewasbornonAugust25,1946.Heattendedgradeschool throughhighschoolatTrinityCatholicSchoolinProtivin,graduatinginMayof1964.RichardthenattendedIowaTeacher’sCollege(nowUniversity of Northern Iowa) inCedarFallsbeforebeingdraftedintheU.S.Armyin1965.While in theArmy,hewasstationed in

GermanyworkinginCommunicationsandreceivedanhonorabledischargein1969.OnApril28,1969hemetthesoulmateandloveofhislife,MarleneNovak.RichardandMarlenewereunitedinmarriageonAugust25,1973atHolyTrinityCatholicChurchinProtivin.RichardpurchasedthefarmandstartedfarmingfivemilesnorthofLawlerin1973,ownedandoperatedTieskotterTV&RepairandworkedatFeatherliteinCrescofor15yearsbeforeheretiredin2009.WhileRichardenjoyedfarming,andtinkeringwithjustaboutanything,hisprideandjoywasspendingtimewithhischildrenandgrandchildren!ThecouplemovedtoFredericksburg,IAinJuly2012.RichardissurvivedbyhislovingwifeMarlene;hisdaughter,Karen(Christian)fromNashua;sonCharles(Andrea)fromRochester,MN;hissixgrandchildren;hissiblings:Dennis(Kathy)Tieskotter,Lawler,Mark(Diane)Tieskotter,LimeSprings,Mary(Joe)Roybal,Platteville,CO,Marti(Marv)Andera,Cresco,RoyTieskotter,NewHampton,DanielTieskotter,Guttenberg,Maxine (Robert)Friedman,St.Ansgar,JerryTieskotter,Lawler;sisters-in-law,CharleneZweibohmerofOssian,Arlene(Bob)ScottofWilton;alongwithaunts,unclesandmanyniecesandnephews.

Lawrence W. Dzurilla “Larry”, S177LawrenceW.“Larry”Dzurilla,74,ofUnion-

town,PApassedawayMarch29,2017.HewasbornAugust11,1942inUniontown.LarrywasagraduateofNorthUnionHighSchoolClassof 1961 and amember of St.MaryNativityRCChurch.HewasamemberoftheSecularFranciscanOrder anda devoutCatholic andmemberofFCSLA.LarrywasaTrusteeofthe

SouthUnionVolunteerFireCompanyforover40years.Despitehisphysicalchallengesheledaproductivelifefilledwithhopeandfaith.Heenjoyedclassiccarshowsandespeciallymusclecars.LarrywastheproudownerofaclassicgreenGTOwhichwashisprideandjoy.HeenjoyedwatchingSteelergameswithhisgoodfriendMartyReaganandhavingbreakfasteachmorningatEatNParkwithanothergoodfriendJosephKukan.Survivingaretwosisters,MaryTorreyofPoland,MEandFrancesV.PrahofUniontownandmanyniecesandnephewsandgoodfriends.

Pamela Ann (Maky) Boyarsky, S522OnMay 14, 2017 PamelaAnn (Maky)

Boyarskyleftus.ShegraduatedfromDenisonUniversityatage21andwasamemberofPhiBetaKappaandPiBetaPhi.PammarriedRonBoyarskyin1965andtheystayedmarriedforthenext52years;theywerebestfriends.Shespent 32 years as a teacher ofHighSchoolSpanishinSouthEuclidandinMapleHeights,

OHandofPreschoolersinSolon,OH.Shespent17yearsasaninsuranceunderwriterwithFirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssocia-tion.Shewatchedher3boysgrowuptobeteachers,inoneformoranother,thenmoveawaytoAlaska.Pamvisitedthem20sum-mersand lovedherAlaskanAdventureswithher “youngmen.”Shereveledinher2grandchildren’ssmiles.She(Mom)wasthesmartestwomaninanyroomsheentered,andshewillbemissedbyeveryonewhoknewher.

Blanche A. Tomecek, W133BlancheA.Tomecek,87,Timken,Kansas,

January11,2017,inLaCrosse,Kansas.Mrs.Tomecekwas born June 29, 1929, in ruralRushCenter,Kansas,thedaughterofJosephandAnna(Oborny)Jecha.Shewasalifelongresident of Rush County, Kansas.A 1947graduateofLaCrosseHighSchool,LaCrosse,Kansas,shewasahomemakerandfarmwife.Later,shewasemployedasacookattheRush

CountyNursingHome,LaCrosse,Kansas,andGreatBendManor,GreatBend,Kansas.ShewasamemberofHolyTrinityCatholicChurch,St.Ann’sAltarSociety,HolyTrinityParishCouncil,andwasatrusteefortheBohemianNationalCemetery,allofTimken,Kansas.OnApril23,1952,shemarriedJamesE.TomecekatHolyTrinityCatholicChurch,Timken,Kansas.HeprecededherindeathOctober24,1992.Survivorsinclude:twosons,EdwardTomecek,Timken,Kansas, andFrankTomecek,Raytown,Missouri; fourdaughters,JulieHuber(Randy),LaCrosse,Kansas,MarthaTo-mecek(MichelCavigelli),Greenbelt,Maryland,LorettaVerhaeghe(Mel),BaldwinCity,Kansas,andJoAnnTomecek,Timken,Kansas;eightgrandchildren;threegreatgrandchildren;onebrotherinlaw,EdwardSchwindt,LaCrosse,Kansas;andonesisterinlaw,Ro-sarieJecha,LaCrosse,Kansas.Inlieuofflowers,memorialsaresuggestedtotheBohemianNationalCemtery,Timken,Kansas,orHolyCrossCemetery,Timken,Kansas.

20 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

MarianBruce,LorraineTrapp,andIreneMorsegrewupassisters,andlong-termFCSLAmembers(S289)intheDreyovichfamilyinGary,IN.TheircousinBettyYurechkoistheFinancialSecretaryofS289andproudlyservedasaNationalAuditorforFCSLAformanyyears.AschildrentheylearnedabouttheirSlovakheritagefromtheirparentsJosephandAnna,and theirmaternal grandmotherAnnaVargaSohovicwho lived inSouthern Illinois.While theirparents insistedthateveryonespeakEnglish, theyheardalotofSlovakduringsummervisitswiththeirgrandmotherwhoneverlearnedtospeakEnglish.

Over the years, they thought about visiting Slo-vakia, but this pastyear they put their plan in action, step-pingbackintimetoexplore their fam-ily roots together on September’s10-daySlovakia HeritageTour.Thethreehadalways been close,raising their children together in Indiana, until life took themtoGeorgia, Florida

andCalifornia.Nowintheir80’sand70’s,theydecideditwastimetofindthevillageswheretheirparentshadspenttheirchildhoods,andgettoknowtheirancestrallandbetter.And,whatbetterwaytodoitthantoshareitandrelivetheirchildhoodmemories.

Whenasked topickahighlightof theHeritageTour,Lorraine respondedveryquickly, “Everything!” She saidshewassurprisedhowbeautifulthecountrysideisandthatshelovedmeetingthepeopleastheytraveled.TheSlovakiaHeritageTourprovidedlotsofopportunitiestomeetSlovaks,youngandold,andtheydid.Thesisterssang,danced,and

FCSLA Members Explore Family Roots on Slovakia Heritage Tour

listenedtoSlovakmusic;admiredSlovakfolkcraftsaswellasthenewwineatthefestivals;marveledovertheancient,butverylivablecities;aswellascrosseddramaticandever-changinglandscapes.

T h e s i s t e r sworkedwithaHeri-tage Tour genea-logical researcher before the trip toclarify some of themysteries around their father’s heri-tage. Their father,Joseph,focusedonbeingAmericanandhardlyeverspokeofhis interesting child-hood. They didn’tevenknowwhatvil-lagehis familywasfromorwhyhispar-entstookhimbacktoSlovakiaasachild.Bothofthesisters’parentswereborninPennsylvaniaandtakentoSlovakiaaschildren.

SinceDreyovich(DrejovicinSlovak)isnotacommonnameinSlovakia,theresearchersearchedforfamilytiesoverEasternSlovakiaandturnedupacoupleoffalseleads.Finally,itlookedlikeUdavskenearHumennewashislikelyvillage.Accompaniedbyaguide/translator,thesisterssetoutonafreeday inKosicetofindboththeirmotherandfather’sroots.Theyconfirmedtheirfather’sfamilyfirst-handwithavisittothesmalltown’s(350people)registryoffice.HeretheyweresurprisedtofindthattheirfatherhadthreemoresiblingsborninSlovakiawhoremainedtherewiththeirparents.Theyfoundtheiruncles’gravesitesinthecemetery.TheirfatherandhisothertwoAmerican-bornbrothersre-turnedtotheUnitedStatesassoonastheycouldattheend

At the weaver’s house. Front row (l to r) Irene, Lorraine, and Anna, the weaver. Back Row(l to r) Marian and Anna’s grand-daughters.

Selecting rugs at the weaver’s house.

A break at the top of the Tatry Mountains. L-R Lorraine, Irene and Marian.

Joining in the Bryndzove Halusky cooking lesson. L-R Irene, Lorraine & Marian.

FEBRUARY2018 21

A morning break for music and kolace at the weaver’s house.

Marian and Irene learn about lace mak-ing on a small village walk.

ofWorldWarI.Although they

knewmoreoftheirmother ’s familyhistory, it was im-pressive to walkthe streets ofDri-enov (be tweenPresovandKosice)that their mother walked as an el-ementary school student, and visitthecemeteryoftheirancestors.Theyweresurprisedtostopinthesmalllocalgrocerytobuyasnackandfindthesamecookiesthattheirmotherpreferredastheygrewup.Afterseeing thebeautyofSlovakiaand itsculture, theybetterunderstoodwhytheirgrandmother,missingherfamilyandlifeinSlovakia,madethelongtripback.

Theirgrandmother,AnnaVargaSohovicwhowasborninLubovec,hadcometotheUnitedStatesatage17andmarriedacoalminerinPennsylvania.ShereturnedtoSlo-vakiapregnantwithhertwoyoungdaughters,hopingthatherhusbandwouldsoonfollowher.Sheputallthemoneyhesentherintobuildingahouseforthefamily,butheinsistedonstayingintheStates.Sevenyearslatershereturnedtoherhusbandandtheirnewlifewith5morechildreninthecoalminesofSouthernIllinois,whereMarian,LorraineandIrenefondlyrememberingvisitingher.

ThetourhadanaddedbonusforIrene,thebabyofthefamily.Marian andLorrainewere already in high schoolwhenIreneenteredkindergarten,soshelovedtohearthestoriestheytoldabouttheirSlovakfamilyandvisitstotheirgrandmother’shouse.Asthemuchyoungersibling,Irenesaidshewas“justthere”soshemissedalotofthefamilyculture thather fiveolder siblingsexperienced.ShewasdelightedtolearnmoreaboutherDadwhodiedyoungwhenIrenewastwelve.

Shelovedsharingthisimportantlookintotheirfamily

andherownpastwithheroldersistersonthetour.“TheSlovakiaHeritageTourwasfirst-classalltheway…beautifulcountry,greatfood,wonderfulhotels,aswellasfascinatingandhistoricalsites,”shesaidwhenaskedwhatshelikedaboutthetour.“ItalsohadatasteoftrueSlovakculture,awesomepeople,andthemostwell-versed,top-rated,in-terestingandfunnytwotourguidesanddriverthatonetourcouldpossiblyhave.”

Ifyouwouldliketoexploreyourfamily’sSlovakhistoryand tieson the2018SlovakiaHeritageTour,September7-16,2018,contactJudithNorthup-Bennett,978-544-5144or slovakiaheritagetours@gmail.com; and check out ourwebsiteatwww.slovakiaheritagetours.com.

USE THIS FORM FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND MAGAZINE

CANCELLATIONSCHANGE THE ADDRESS ON ALL FCSLA

POLICIES AND COMMUNICATIONS FOR: INDIVIDUAL — NAME

________________________________________________

 ENTIRE FAMILY — LIST NAMES

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Old Mailing Address ___________________________________________________

City _______________________________________________

State _______________________ Zip __________________

New Mailing Address____________________________________________________

City _______________________________________________

State _______________________ Zip __________________

Phone # ___________________________________________

____________________________________________________Signature Required (Insured, Annuitant, Owner)

Date of Birth _______________________________________(for ID purposes)

____________________________________________________Today’s Date

 CANCEL MAGAZINE

MAIL OR FAX TO:First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association

24950 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122FAX: (216) 464-9260

22 ŽENSKÁJEDNOTA

BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017ASSETS Cash&ShortTermInvestments $ 30,980,767 Bonds 885,308,659 PreferredStock 2,534,873 CommonStock 7,441,505 InvestmentIncomeDue&Accrued 12,986,552 PropertyPlant&Equipment,Net 5,244,947 CertificateLoans&AccruedInterest 2,719,175 OtherAssets 7,278,029 TOTALASSETS $ 954,494,506LIABILITIES LifeReserves $ 297,602,101 AnnuityReserves 532,901,455 DeathClaimsPayable 2,433,402 UnearnedPremiums 476,596 MaturedEndowments 340,750 ProvisionforDividendsPayable 1,400,000 AccumulatedDividends&Interest 4,570,985 AccruedConventionDonations 483,000 ProvisionforFutureConventions 366,053 AssetValuationReserve 8,816,144 InterestMaintenanceReserve 1,593,005 OtherLiabilities 1,735,547 TOTALLIABILITIES $ 852,719,038 Surplus $ 101,775,469 TOTALLIABILITIESANDSURPLUS $ 954,494,506

INCOME STATEMENT For the Nine Months Ending September 30, 2017

REVENUE InsurancePremiums $ 3,151,560 AnnuityPremiums 29,837,528 InvestmentIncome 34,733,617 AmortizationofInterestMaintenanceReserve 215,133 RentalIncome 440,597 OtherRevenue 23,887 TOTALREVENUE $ 68,402,322EXPENSE IncreaseinReserves—Life $ 1,583,063 IncreaseinReserves—Annuity 23,915,437 InsuranceBenefits 5,097,475 AnnuityBenefits 21,539,997 CommissionExpense 886,862 SurrenderBenefits 2,932,052 PostMortemBenefits 984,519 MiscellaneousMemberBenefits 67,219 MaturedEndowments 20,131 DonationExpenses 97,324 ChangeinAccruedConventionDonations 189,000 ConventionExpenses 267,942 BankServiceCharges 74,939 DataProcessingServiceFees 191,531 AccountingFees 65,618 ActuarialFees 228,964 LegalFees 100,446 ConsultingFees 96,762 BonustoBranches 620,950 FraternalActivities 113,413 OfficialPublications 339,659 ScholarshipAwards 243,047 MiscellaneousEmployeeBenefits 350,791 Fees—Directors 129,615 Salaries—Employees 1,522,203 Salaries—Officers 422,697 InterestExpense 222,697 TaxExpense 263,104 DepreciationExpense 199,164 UtilityExpense 97,548 PostageandPrinting 182,731 Advertising 85,585 TravelExpense 98,330 InsuranceDepartmentFees 216,078 SalesPromotion 168,590 RentalExpense 486,166 OtherExpense 515,559 TOTALEXPENSE $ 64,617,208

Income (Loss) from Operations $ 3,785,114 DividendstoMembers 1,038,132 Subtotal Income (Loss) $ 2,746,983 CapitalGains(Loss) (89,861) NET INCOME (Loss) $ 2,657,122

2018 Saints Cyriland Methodius AppealThankyoutoallwhomadeadonationtothe2018Saints

CyrilandMethodiusAppeal.Asmanyofyouknow,thefundsraisedinthisannualAppealaresenttothePontificalSlovakCollegeofSaintsCyrilandMethodiustoassistwithitsdaytodayoperations.TheCollegeistheresidenceofpriestsfromSlovakiawhoaresenttoRomebytheirbishopsforgraduatestudies.Afterreceivingtheirdegrees, thesepriestsreturntotheirdiocesestoworkasseminaryteachers,Tribunalofficials,andinotherministries.

Donations to theAppeal are received from leadershipgifts fromthe fourSlovakCatholic fraternalbenefitsocieties(FirstCatholicSlovakLadiesAssociation,FirstCatholicSlovakUnion,SlovakCatholicSokol,andLadiesPennsylvaniaSlovakCatholicUnion),theirdistrictsandbranches,clergyofSlovakheritage,collectionsfromSlovakparishes,andindividualgifts.Donations to the2017Appealamounted to$36,553.39.OnbehalfofthePontificalCollege,thankyouforyourgenerosityandcontinuedsupport.

Thosewhoreceivedadirectmailingforthe2017Appealshouldhavereceivedtheirlettersforthe2018AppealbytheendofJanuary.

Donationsinanyamounttothe2018AppealaredeeplyappreciatedandcanalsobemadebyfillingouttheinformationintheboxatthebottomofthisarticleandmailingitalongwithyourcheckpayabletotheSlovak Catholic Federation to the addressprovided.Onceagain,thankyouforyourgoodnessandgenerositytotheAnnualSaintsCyrilandMethodiusAppeal.DonationsreceivedafterNovember30,2018willbecreditedtowardthe2019Appeal.

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 Epiphany 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.

40th 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

FirstVicePresident,SlovakCatholicFederationSacredHeartCatholicChurch

120JeffersonStreet Swedesburg,PA19405

FEBRUARY2018 23

Game NightOREO STUFFED

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1cup(2sticks)softenedbutter¾cuppackedlightbrownsugar1cupgranulatedsugar2 large eggs1tablespoonvanillaextract3½cupsflour1teaspoonsalt1teaspoonbakingsoda2cupssemi-sweetchocolatechips1packageDoubleStuffOreocookies

Preheatovento350degrees.Inalargebowl,creambutter,brownsugar,andgranu-latedsugartogetherwithamixeruntilwellcombined.Beatineggsandvanilla.

Inmediumbowlmix the flour, salt, andbakingsoda.Slowlyadd towet ingredientsalongwithchocolatechipsuntiljustcombined.

Withacookiescoop,formballswiththedough.Placeoneballon topofanOreocookie,andanotherballonthebottom.Sealedges together by pressing and cupping in handuntilalargeballisformedandOreocookieisfullyenclosedwithdough.

Place onto parchment lined bakingsheetsandbakecookiesforapproximately13minutesoruntilgoldenbrown.Letcoolfor5minutesbeforetransferringtocoolingrack.

TURKEY TACOS 2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil¾ cup thinly sliced onion 2teaspoonsmincedgarlic(2cloves)Koshersaltandfreshlygroundpepper1½cupsshreddedcookedturkey¼ cup spicy red or green salsa, plusmoreforserving8(6-inch)corntortillas¾cupmashedsweetpotatoes,heated

Sourcream,gratedextra-sharpcheddar,friedeggs(optional),andlimewedges,forserving.

Heatoilinamediumskilletovermedium-high.Addonionandgarlic;seasonwithsaltandpepperandcook,stirringoccasionally,untilonionistranslucent,about5minutes.Addturkeyandcook,stirring,untilheatedthrough,about2minutes.Stirinsalsaandheatthrough,about1minutemore.

Placea tortilladirectlyonagasflameorinaheavyskilletoverhighheat.Whenedges begin to char, about 15 seconds,turn;cooksecondsideuntilbubblesformalloversurface,about15secondsmore.Wrapinacleankitchentowel.Repeatwithremainingtortillas.Layereachtortillawithmashedsweetpotatoes,thenturkeymix-ture.Topwithsalsa,sourcream,cheese,andeggs.Serve,withlimewedges.

BUFFALO CHICKEN & BLUE CHEESE PASTA

BAKE WITH CAMPANELLE1boxCampanellepasta1jar(15oz.)CreamyAlfredosauceNonstickcookingspray1tablespoonextravirginoliveoil3cupsshreddedrotisseriechicken½cupbuffalowingsauce1½cupsshreddedmozzarellacheese, divided2 ounces crumbled blue cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees; spray a13x9-inchbakingdishwithcookingspray;setaside.

Inalargepot,bring4to6quartsofwatertoa rollingboil;addsalt to tasteand thepasta.Stirgently,thencookpastaaccord-ingtodirectionsonbox;removefromheat.Drainwell,andtosswitholiveoil.

In a largemixing bowl, combine thepasta,chicken,Alfredosauce,½cupbuf-falowingsauce,and1cupofthemozzarellacheese.Stiruntilwellcombinedandtransfertobakingdish.Topwiththeremaining½cupshreddedmozzarellaandthebluecheese.Bake15to20minutes,uncovered,oruntilmixtureishotandcheeseismelted.

Before serving, topwith sliced greenonions,choppedfreshparsley,mincedcar-rot,mincedcelery,and/oradditionalbuffalowingsauce,ifdesired.

ZUCCHINI-PARMESAN BREAD WITH POPPY SEEDS1stickunsaltedbutter,melted, plusmoreforpan2¼cupsunbleachedall-purposeflour, plusmoreforpan3cupsshreddedzucchini2 tablespoons sugar1teaspoonkoshersalt½teaspoonfreshlygroundpepper

1¾teaspoonsbakingpowder½teaspoonbakingsoda1tablespoonpoppyseeds3½oz.Parmesan,shredded(1½cups)3largeeggs,roomtemperature¹/3 cup sour cream

Preheatovento375degrees.Brushastandard9-by-5-inchloafpanwithbutteranddustwithflour,tappingoutexcess.

Placezucchini in thecenterofacleankitchentowelorafewlayersofcheesecloth.Gatherintoatightbundleandsqueezeoutasmuchexcessliquidaspossible;setaside.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherflour,sugar,salt,pepper,bakingpowder,bakingsoda,andpoppyseeds,30seconds.Add1cupcheese;tosstoevenlycoatinflourmixture.Inanotherbowl,whisktogetherbutter,eggs,sourcream,andzucchiniuntilsmooth.Makeawellinflourmixtureandpourzucchinimix-tureintoit.Stirtogetherjustuntilcombinedandnodryflourremains(donotover-mix).Transfertopreparedpan.Topevenlywithremaining½cupcheese.

Bakeuntil a tester inserted into centercomesoutclean,1hourto1hour,10min-utes.Letcoolinpan10minutes,thentransferloaf toawirerackandletcoolcompletely.Breadcanbestoredatroomtemperature,wrappedinparchment-linedfoil,upto3days.

CHOCOLATE ‘CRACK’51saltinecrackers(approximately)1cupunsaltedbutter1cupdarkbrownsugar1teaspoonvanillaextract12oz.highqualitydarkchocolate (70%orgreater)Flakyseasalt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a12"x17"inchjellyrollpanwithfoil.Placesaltinecrackerssalt sideupandside-by-sideinthepanastightlyaspossiblewithoutoverlapping.Usesaltinepieces tofill anygapsat thebottomof thepan.Setaside.Chop chocolate so pieces are about the size ofstandardchocolatechipsandsetaside.

Inamediumsaucepanmeltbutterovermediumheatstirringfrequentlywithaspatu-la.Oncebutterhasmelted,addbrownsugarand vanilla, stirring to combine.Cook forabout5minutesoruntilmixtureisanevendarkbrowncolorandhasbeguntobubble.Removefromheatandpouroversaltinesusingspatulatospreadsauce.

Bakecrackersfor5minutesoruntilbut-termixturebeginstobubble.Removefromoven and sprinkle evenlywith chocolateallowing the heat tomelt the chocolate.Spreadchocolateevenlywiththespatulasoallofthecrackersarecompletelycovered.Sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate untilchocolate sets andhardens.Breakapartandserve.

2/18

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.