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

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

VOLUME CI PASSAIC, N.J., DECEMBER 12, 2012 NUMBER 4979

Slovensk¥ Katolícky Sokol

Za Boha a Národ For God and Nation

Father, source of light

in every age, the virgin conceived

and bore your Son who is called

Wonderful God, Prince of Peace.

May her prayer, the gift of a mother’s

love, be your people’s joy through all

ages. May her response, born of a humble

heart, draw your Spirit to rest on your people.

A Blessed Christmas to All Our Members

and Friends During this Year of Faith

NAŠIM ČLENOM A ČITATEĽOM PRAJEME POŽEHNANÉ A VESELÉ VIANOCE!

Christ is born for us;

come let us adore him!

PAGE 2 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Introducing ournewest members

(Continued on page 9)

BABY SPOONSNOVEMBER 2012

Assembly No. Name 28 Brayden Vaidya 79 Rylee Myers 79 Ethan Zumer 86 Haycee Bell312 Blake Hrudowsky

Wreath 22 Hailey Swift

Brayden Keith Vaidya, born May 17, 2012, is the son of Keith and Cheryl Ouillette Vaidya of Oxbridge, Mass. He was enrolled as a member of Assembly 28 in East Douglas, Mass.

Marek Donald Pettit, born May 26, 2012, is the son of Steve and Tricia Anderson Pettit of Per-ryopolis, Pa. He was enrolled as a member of Assembly 162 in Do-nora, Pa.

Blake Andrew Hrudowsky, born November 21, 2011, is the son of Nicholas and Michelle Middle-brook Hrudowsky of Virginia Beach, Va. He was enrolled as a member of Assembly 312 in Pas-saic, N.J.

Milena Margaret Holmes, born October 13, 2011, is the daughter of Keiran and Amanda Holmes of Baltimore, Maryland. She was enrolled as a member of Assem-bly 113 in Kenosha, Wis.

Kate Elizabeth Whitmer, born September 29, 2012, is the daugh-ter of John and Laura Frieko Whitmer of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was enrolled as a member of Assembly 82 in Dunlo, Pennsyl-vania.

Rylee Ann Myers, born Septem-ber 25, 2012, is the daughter of Stephen and Brittany Shedlock Myers of Smithsburg, Mary-land. She was enrolled as a member of Assembly 79 in Lilly, Pa.

OUR NEXT ISSUE The issue of December 26, 2012 will be our traditional Re-view of Fraternal Activities for 2012 in magazine format. Our next regular issue will be that of January 9, 2013. Deadline for all information and photos for this issue is Thursday, January 4, 2013. We thank all our members and friends for their continued coop-eration in promoting our offi cial publication during the past year. Our Slovak Catholic Falcon has served our organization since 1911 and continues to refl ect our many activities and projects. May I extend prayful best wishes for a joyous Christmas season and a happy and healthy New Year 2013, one fi lled with God’s continued blessings of good health and happiness. Zdar Boh!

Daniel F. Tanzone, Editor

Happy 20th Anniversary January 1, 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of the independence of Slovakia. We rejoice with the land of our ancestors, located in the very heart of Europe, as it commemorates this milestone in its history. All Ameri-cans who trace their ancestry to Slovakia are jus-tifi ably proud of its achievements and accomplishments as it stands among the free and independent nations of the world. We pray that 2013 may bring continued eco-nomic and social success. Happy anniversary and Zdar Boh!

“Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankin-cense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.” (Matthew 2:11b-12)Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Unless our celebration of the Christmas Season is refl ective of our intention to live the next year of our pilgrimage in service to the Lord, it will be just another holiday. It is unthinkable for us Christians that it be nothing more than just that. The Magi have been my favorite symbol of Christmas for a long time. We give gifts, - so did the Magi. We change the focus of our activity for the Season, - the Magi chose an alternate route for their journey. The difference is that the gifts of the Magi were for the Lord, whom they recognized as the Lord’s Anointed King. And, their choosing a different direction changed their lives as well as world history. Things were never the same for them after that encounter with the Infant Christ. Saint Gregory the Great, Pope, in one of his homilies in the Sixth Century, described the gifts of the Magi. Gold symbolizes wisdom, which we offer when making right choices. Frankincense symbolizes prayer, which prayer is acceptable to the Lord when it refl ects the good-ness of our lives. Myrrh symbolizes suffering, which we offer when we subject our desires to those of the Lord.

As for the Magi choosing an alternate route, that can symbolize our New Year’s Day resolu-tions. However, let us choose wisely and effective-ly. Let our resolutions be ones that will change the course of our life; but, resolutions that we can and intend to keep. This Christmas, may it not be merely an ob-serving of an event that changed world history; - may it not be a celebration of just another festive

time of the year. Rather, may it be one that changes us, as we associate ourselves with the Magi in their homage to the Divine Child laying in the manger at Bethlehem. I pray that all of you in our Society experience a very Blessed Christmas and a New Year of living that acknowledges Jesus as our God, the Christ, and King.

God bless each one of you!

Fraternally yours in the Lord,

(Most Rev.) Joseph V. Adamec Bishop Emeritus of Altoona-Johnstown Episcopal Protector, Slovak Catholic Sokol

Christmas Greeting from our ProtectorChristmas 2012

Ethan Michael Zumer, born June 14, 2012, is the son of Mi-chael J. and Jessica Shellhamer Zumer of Cresson, Pa. He was enrolled as a member of As-sembly 79 in Lilly, Pa.

THE MOST POPULAR exter-nal manner by which Americans keep Christ in Christmas today was originated over 750 years ago in Italy by a saint. Each year Christmas Crib sets - miniature representations of the Nativity in paper, plaster, ceramics or wood - grace many American homes. And no matter how de-luxe their craftsmanship and lavish their display, the traditional Nativ-ity scene recalls the reason for the fi rst one prepared at the direction of St. Francis of Assisi in 1224 - to show the poverty of the surround-ings through which the Son of God made His entry into the world. After a visit to Bethlehem, St. Francis devised his plan to show people “the want which the Son of God suffered, through the lack of all things necessary to a newborn, and the manner in which he was placed in a manger and lay on hay between the ox and the donkey.” The 13th century was a time

when many were illiterate and books were few; the saint knew that the graphic reproduction of what had happened in Bethlehem was the best way of teaching the people. ST. FRANCIS found near his hermitage in Greccio, Italy, a cave carved out of the rocky mountain-side, which recalled exactly the grotto he had seen in Bethlehem. He chose the poor and simple people of the Valley of Reiti at the foot of the hill to assemble the manger and the living animals. The

Christmas Crib Begun by SaintBrings Bethlehem to U.S. Homes

Cayden Carson Paczek, born December 18, 2011, is the son of Shane and Tiffany Desmond Paczek of Butler, He was en-rolled as a member of Assembly 54 in Lyndora, Pa.

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 3

From the Desk of the Supreme Secretary

My Fraternal Viewby Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C.

REFLECTING ON A GREAT YEAR As we come to the close of the 107th year in the life of our organization, may I offer some refl ections and observations. In our next issue, you will have the opportunity to view the many and varied activi-ties in which many of our members participated in during 2012 in the Annual Review of Fraternal Activities. When our founders met in Pas-saic, N.J. in 1905, they envisioned an active, member-oriented organiza-tion which would celebrate a variety of sporting, cultural and religious activities which would interest every member of the family. Much has changed and been accomplished over the years. However, the intention of our founders continues to inspire generation after generation of So-kol members. This is due much to the credit of the current generation of leaders of our organization - Supreme Offi cers, Honorary Supreme Offi cers, Group offi cers, as well as local Assembly and Wreath offi cers. The end of the year is an opportune time to express thanks and gratitude to each for their dedication and hard work. I salute all of them as well as our many individual members who turnout and support our various activities and especially those who share the message of fraternalism by enrolling new members. From our humble beginnings, our organization has grown and prospered and has enjoyed a proud past and with the help of our current members we hope to enjoy a bright and stable future. Today, we are a sound fi nancial institution with more than $64 million in assets. Our insurance and annuity plans can compete with the best of the insurance industry. While the commercial insurance industry may provide fi nan-cial security, we provide the same along with the benefi ts offered as a fraternal society. Our support for higher education among our members as well as the promotion of so many fi ne sporting events and other ac-tivities sets us apart from other fi nancial services providers. It’s what makes our organization truly unique. I am so proud of our members all across the country and Can-ada who give back to their communities. They continue to volunteer and be involved in various community projects that enhance the quality of life in the cities and towns where they reside. They strengthen the bonds between members and our organization in helping to build a better world for all of us. Their good works touch the lives of those in need in the best traditions of fraternal outreach. Fraternals are always there in times of need. Over the years, our organization has assisted many of our own members during times of distress. I hope you noticed that our Disaster Relief Fund is currently seeking donations to assist those of our mem-bers who have been affected by various natural disasters. At your local lodge annual meetings, I would ask that you consider making a donation to this fund. Details of the Disaster Relief Fund and other information

may be found in this issue. We are all aware of the current economic diffi culties affecting our country. One of the priorities of the new Congress will be the over-haul of the U.S. Tax Code. That means every organization with a tax-exemption - including fraternals - will have to make a case for keeping its exempt status in place. The facts are on our side. Fraternals deliver far more in direct fi nancial and volunteer support to fi ll gaps in government programs than would ever be generated by taxing our fraternal insurance operations - and to date no one has placed a target on our backs. But that doesn’t mean that our tax-exempt status is guaranteed. We can assist this cause by making sure that we let our lawmakers, especially those in the Congress, know about all the good we do. So when you plan your vari-ous activities in the New Year, make sure you let your legislators know about your projects and invite them to participate or send a representa-tive. In the past, we have always had friends in Congress and now more than ever we need to cultivate support of the newly elected members. REMINDER – For most of 2012, we have been announcing our plans to reduce the circulation of our offi cial publication, the Slovak Catholic Falcon in our quest to reduce expenses. The high cost of post-age and production has necessitated this decision. We have been asking our readers to respond to the question whether they want to continue to receive the hard copy via mail or receive it electronically. If you have not as yet taken the time to make this decision you need to do so this month. Please let us know whether you want to receive our publication via e-mail or the hard copy via regular mail. You need to return the form found in of this issue. If you have not yet responded, please do and let us know. Beginning in next year, only those who have returned the form and selected to receive the hard copy or those who submitted their e-mail address will continue to receive our publication. We live in an electronic age. Via e-mail you will receive the publication sooner and the quality will be better. If, however you still want the hard copy then we will con-tinue to send it to you by mail. We need to know your wishes this month. Please respond and thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Finally, as we approach the wonderful season of Christmas, may I take this opportunity to offer best wishes to all our members and thank them for their continued loyalty and love for our beloved organization. So in my name, as well as that of my lovely wife, Annie, our children and grandchildren, and our Home Offi ce staff, we extend joyous Christmas wishes to you and yours. May this holy season be fi lled with good health, happiness, love and good cheer and may God bless you today and always. Merry Christmas and may Christ’s peace be with you. Zdar Boh!

Sokol Calendar

SAT.DEC.15 Assembly 54 children’s Christmas

party at the Slovak club, Lyndora, Pa. beginning at 1 p.m.

19th annual Slovak Vilija Dinner hosted by the Slovak Customs Group of Prince of Peace Parish in the par-ish center, 81 South 13th St., South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. beginning at 5 p.m., $20.00 adults, $10.00 children, for reservations, call (412)481-8380.

Slovak Christmas dinner - Vilija at the Slovak Garden, 3110 Howell Branch Rd. #100, Winter Park, Fla., 2 p.m., $13.00 per person, (407)677-6894.slovakgarden@centurylink.net.

Assembly 201/Wreath 147 chil-dren’s Christmas party in St. Eliza-beth Ann Seton Church Hall, Hughes St., Swoyersville, Pa. 1-3 p.m., call

MON.DEC.31 New Year’s Eve celebration hosted

by Assembly 16 at the Slovak Catho-lic Sokol Club, 2912 East Carson St., South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. beginning at 8 p.m.

Traditional New Year’s Eve cele-bration “Silvestrovska zabava” host-ed by the Domovina Slovak Society in SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall, 213 Ackerman Ave., Clifton, N.J. beginning with reception at 7 p.m.

SUN.JAN.6 Christmas Benefi t Concert at Sa-

cred Heart of Jesus Church, Lakev-iew Drive and Cherry Street, West Reading, Pa. beginning at 3 p.m., free admission; reception to follow in the church hall.

FRI.JAN.11 Centennial Oplatek Dinner hosted

by the Holy Name Society of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in the church hall beginning at 7 p.m.,

HOLIDAY HOME OFFICE SCHEDULE

In observance of Christmas, the Home Offi ce will be closed on Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25, 2012. The Home Offi ce will reopen for business on Wednesday, De-cember 26, 2012. In obsevance of New Years, the Home Offi ce will be closed on Monday, December 31 and Tuesday, January 1, 2013. The Home Offi ce will reopen for business on Wednesday, Janu-ary 2, 2013. Regular Home Of-fi ce hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Best wishes to all our mem-bers and friends for a joyous Christmas observance and a New Year fi lled with God’s con-tinued blessings of good health and happiness. Zdar Boh!

Irene Kaschak (570)287-4929. Assembly 180 annual meeting and

Christmas celebration beginning at 2 p.m., Mass at 4:30 p.m., party to fol-low, call Amy I Nieporte (330)361-4488 or email amyinieporte@aol.com.

SUN.DEC.16 Assembly 162 annual meeting

and children’s Christmas party in SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall, 218 Ackerman Ave., Clifton, N.J. be-ginning at 12:30 p.m.

Traditional Slovak Vilija dinner hosted by St. John Nepomucene Parish, corner 66th Street and First Ave., New York, N.Y. beginning with Slovak Mass in church at 11 a.m. followed by dinner in the parish so-cial hall at 1 p.m. $20.00 per person, for reservations call the rectory at (212)734-4613.

Assembly 25 & Wreath 15 adult Christmas party at the Slovak Catho-lic Sokol, Perryopolis, Pa. from 1-3

p.m., refreshments will be served. Call Mike Matras (724)736-8363.

Traditional Slovak Christmas Eve Dinner - Vilija at St. Simon the Apos-tle Gymnasium, 5135 South Califor-nia Ave., Chicago, Ill. beginning at 3 p.m., $15.00 for adults, $6.00 for children, ages 2-12; for reservations call the parish offi ce at (773)436-1045, ext.1.

A performance of Lessons and Carols at Church of St. John the Evangelist, William Street, Pittston, Pa. beginning at 7 p.m. The pastor, Msgr. John J. Bendik and the associ-ate, the Rev. Richard Cirba extend a cordial invitation to area Sokol mem-bers to come and listen to some of the most-loved and cherished Christmas carols and hymns.

SUN.DEC.22 Assembly 79 children’s Christmas

party at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, 232 Railroad St., Lilly, Pa. be-ginning at 2 p.m.

$20.00 for adults, $10.00 for children; for reservations call Peter Walentow-icz (973)340-9078 or David Bulwin (973)546-4864.

SUN.JAN.13 Wreath 54 annual meeting in

Youngstown, Ohio, for details, con-tact Vice President Patty Gordulic at tel. (330)286-3130.

SUN.JAN.20 Assembly 78 annual meeting in

the social hall of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, 617 Pierce St., Bethle-hem, Pa. beginning at 1:30 p.m.*Assembly 113 annual meeting in St. Anthony of Padua School meeting room 2223-51st St., Kenosha, Wis. beginning at 2 p.m.

Assembly 219 annual meeting in Most Holy Trinity Rectory, 18 Trin-ity Plaza, Yonkers, N.Y. following the 9:30 a.m. Mass.

FRI.JAN.25 40th Annual March for Life com-

memorating the infamous legal-ization of abortion in our country, Washington, D.C. Slovak Catholic fraternalists meet at 11 a.m. at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 14th Street.

Keep it Merry and Safe... During the holidays all roads seem to lead home. Wherever that is, someone cares if you get here safely. Don’t let carelessness or un-due haste on the highway involve you in tragedy. Someone’s happiness depends on your safe arrival.

Stockings Replaces Shoes The early Dutch settlers brought their old world customs to America. At Christmas, they chose a burgherto dress as old St. Nicholas and distribute toys and sweets to the children. The children shortened the name Nicholas to Ni’Klaus or Claus. Spanish infl uence in the Netherlands changed Saint to San-ta. Hence: Santa Claus. The wooden shoes were left by the fi replace to dry and Santa Claus saw no better place to leave his cov-eted gifts. From shoes to stockings is a mere few inches. The result: “The stockings were hung by the chim-ney with care.”

PAGE 4 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

The Wordof God ...

REFLECTOR ... Jotings fr om Sokol and Slovak life

Gospel for the Third Sundayof Advent – December 16th

Luke 3:10-18A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Luke

The crowds asked John the Baptist,“What should we do?”He said to them in reply,“Whoever has two cloaksshould share with the personwho has none.And whoever has foodshould do likewise.”Even tax collectors came to be baptizedand they said to him,“Teacher, what should we do?”He answered them,“Stop collecting more than what is prescribedSoldiers also asked him,“And what is it that we should do?”He told them,“Do not practice extortion,do not falsely accuse anyone,and be satisfi ed with your wages.”Now the people were fi lledwith expectation,and all were asking in their heartswhether John might be the Christ.John answered them all, saying,“I am baptizing you with water,but one mightier than I is coming.I am not worthy to loosen the thongsof his sandals.He will baptize youwith the Holy Spirit and fi re.His winnowing fan is in his handto clear his threshing fl oorand to gather the wheat into his barn,but the chaff he will burnwith unquenchable fi re.”Exhorting them in many other ways,he preached good news to the people.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 23th

Luke 1:39-45A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Luke

Mary set out,and traveled to the hill countryin hasteto a town of Judah,where she entered the houseof Zechariahand greeted Elizabeth.When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,the infant leaped in her womb,and Elizabeth,fi lled with the Holy Spirit,cried out in a loud voice and said,“Blessed are you among women,and blessed is the fruit of your womb.And how does this happen to me,that the mother of my Lordshould come to me?For at the momentthe sound of your greetingreached my ears,the infant in my womb leaped for joy.Blessed are you who believedthat what was spoken to youby the Lordwould be fulfi lled.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Slovak Union and the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union and participate in the March for Life. Slovak Catholic fraternalists meet at 12 noon on Friday, January 25 at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street to participate in the march to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The blessing of homes is awonderful Epiphany tradition

Documentary fi lm featureslife of Pittsburgh Slovak Two Slovak companies - ARINA and ME-DIA TEAM are currently producing a documen-tary fi lm on the life of James Ragan, a great poet and screenwriter born in Pittsburgh of Slovak im-migrant parents. To date, parts of the fi lm have already been shot in Prague, in Bratislava and in Eastern Slovakia, where his parents were born. Shooting will continue in Los Angeles, where James Ragan currently resides with his wife, Debora and his children, Tera, Mara and Jameson. Filming will also continue in the Pittsburgh area where he grew up. James has enjoyed an interesting and color-ful career. During his years teaching creative writ-ing in Prague, he met and enjoyed a close rela-tionship with Vaclav Havel, the fi rst president of a free Czecho-Slovakia following the fall of com-munism in 1989. He gave poetry readings of his works in many popular Prague cafes. Traveling in Eastern Slovakia, where his parents were born, James had the opportunity to meet many of the area’s residents and interact with the beauty of the region especially around the region of Turcovce and Michalovce. He also met many friends from the Slovak fi lm industry in Bratislava. A highlight of the fi lm will be James Ragan’s return to Pittsburgh. James visited Duquesne High School which he attended 50 years ago. It was here that he fi rst read the poetry of Walt Whit-man, W.B. Yeats, T.S. Elliot, and Dylan Thomas. He later began writing his own fi rst verses at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. He was awarded his undergraduate degree at St. Vincent College and later earned his doctorate at Ohio University in Athens, Oh. James Ragan has enjoyed a successful ca-reer in Hollywood working in the fi lm industry. His work began through his playwriting and then as a reader and later as a screenwriter for Albert S. Ruddy, producer of “The Godfather” at Para-mount Pictures. He believes there is a need for “redemptive value” in a fi lm. This differs between the commercial and artistic movies and why so many of the current Hollywood productions are mostly superfi cial. Also, how there exists a great divide between the major Studio blockbusters and the artistically motivated independent production companies. Ragan has enjoyed a unique and col-orful life and the upcoming documentary looks to be most interesting. James Ragan, who is our So-kol of Assembly 295 in his native Duquesne, Pa., is a credit to the American Slovak community and all of us wish his well. We commend the Slovak companies ARINA and MEDIA TEAM for their efforts in producing this documentary which is expected to be completed in the coming months. The documentary is titled “Flowers and Roots of James Ragan, Portrait of a Cosmopolitan.”

2013 Marks 40 Years since Roe v. Wade Please come and join fellow pro-life propo-nents in our nation’s capital on Friday, January 25, 2013 at the 40th annual March for Life. The National Prayer Vigil for Life begins with a con-celebrated Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception located at 398 Michigan Avenue, North West, Washington, D.C. on Thursday evening, January 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Through the night, a variety of reli-gious devotions will be held throughout the shrine concluding with a 7:30 a.m. morning Mass in the upper church. Join fellow Slovak Catholic fraternalists from the Slovak Catholic Sokol, the First Catho-lic Slovak Ladies Association, the First Catholic

20 + C + M + B + 13 While the blessing of homes in honor of the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is not a distinctly Slovak tradition but is rather common to all of central and eastern Europe. The blessing of homes during the month of January takes place when we celebrate Christ’s Epiphany. This tradition was common in years past among our Slovak parishes. Some continue this beautiful faith tradition. We celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 2013. If a priest or deacon is not available to visit and bless an individual home, blessed chalk may be used by the residents themselves to mark the doorposts. Bring the chalk to church and ask your priest or deacon to bless it. When you are ready to consecrate your home for the New Year 2013 mark each doorpost with the chalk and the above numer-als. The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi - Caspar, Melchoir and Balthasar - and also stand for the Latin motto Christus Mansionem Benedicat (May Christ bless this house). The following prayer may be said to bless your home. Mark in your bible, Matthew 2:1-12. Pause for a moment to remember that God is near. Read the scripture slowly. Then say this prayer. You may then wish to inscribe your doorpost. With a piece of chalk, write 20 + C + M + B + 13. The Epiphany of the Lord God of Bethlehem and Cana, God of Jor-dan’s leaping waters, in baptism you bring us into your family. You wed us and embrace us as your beloved. May we fi ll our home with kindness to one another, with hospitality to guests, and with abun-dant care for every stranger. By the gentle light of a star, guide home all who seek you on paths of faith, hope and love. Then we will join the angels in pro-claiming your praise: Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever. Amen.

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 5

Wishing all our Members and Friends

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Grace-Filled

New Year from the

Home Office Staff Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C.Supreme Secretary

Peter DobkoOffi ce Manager

Clarissa SerranoSecretary to the

Supreme Secretary

Daniel F. TanzoneEditor

Scott T. PogorelecUnderwriter

Livia KarakEditorial Staff

Melanie M. SasielaBookkeeper

Lorrie PinckClerical Staff

Billie Lou MoakleyClerical Staff

Frank RevisoreCustodian

40th March for LifeWashington, D.C.

Friday, January 25Plan to participate!

Clifton, N.J. - Assembly 162 will host its annual children’s Christmas party on Sunday, De-cember 16 in SS. Cyril and Metho-dius Church Hall located at 213 Ackerman Avenue following the 12:30 p.m. meeting of the As-sembly. An enjoyable afternoon has been planned. Refreshments will be served and a visit from Santa will top off the afternoon of holiday fellowship. Parents are asked to call John Termyna at tel. (973)773-3818, indicating the names and ages of children who will be attending the annual event. As always, parents are encouraged to attend the meeting and join us for the festivities. Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, may I remain Zdar Boh! John J. Termyna Chairperson

Canton, Oh. - We extend a cordial invitation to all our junior Sokol members of Assembly 180, ages 12 and younger to join us for our annual Christmas party. Fes-tivities will be held on Saturday, December 15 at St. Mary’s Parish located on Market Avenue South. Our children’s Christmas party will follow our 2 p.m. meeting. We ask parents to call me at (330)361-4488 or email me at amyinieporte@aol.com indicating the names and ages of children who will attend. An en-joyable afternoon is assured with refreshments and gifts for all. Zdar Boh! Amy I. Nieporte Financial Secretary

Larksville, Pa. - Children who are members of Assembly 201 or Wreath 147 of Larksville, age 16 and younger are invited to par-ticipate in the annual Christmas get-together. The festivities will be held on Saturday, December 15 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Hall, formerly the Holy Trinity Slovak Church Hall, on Hughes Street in Swoyersville, Pa. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In order to make the necessary arrangements, parents are asked to send the requested in-formation on the invitation or call Irene at tel.(570) 287-4929 after 4 p.m., Debbie at (570) 287-1038 or Bob at (570)239-1580. Reserva-tions need to be made by Decem-ber 8th. There will be games and refreshments followed by a visit from Santa’s helpers. We look for-ward to seeing a good turnout at this annual fun-fi lled event. Zdar Boh! Dorothy Lapasnick Assembly 201 Irene M.Kaschak Wreath 147

Lilly, Pa. - Assembly 79 will host its traditional children’s Christmas party for junior Sokol members age 15 and younger on Sunday, December 22 at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club located at 232 Railroad Street in Lilly. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. and will continue until 4 p.m. Refreshments will be

Children’s Christmas Parties Set

served and a visit from Santa will complete the afternoon of holiday fun and fellowship. Parents and grandparents of our youngsters are welcome to join us for the annual festivities. An enjoyable afternoon is assured. Wishing all our mem-bers a joyous holiday season, may I remain Zdar Boh! Elizabeth Phillips Financial Secretary

Lyndora, Pa. - The annual chil-dren’s Christmas party for mem-bers age 13 and younger is sched-uled for Saturday, December 15 at the Slovak Club. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. We will enjoy pizza and beverages before the arrival of San-ta who will visit with us and bring along a big bag of goodies for the children. Games will be enjoyed and a fun time is assured. Parents and grandparents are invited to join us for this annual celebration of So-

kol fraternalism. In order to make the necessary arrangements, par-ents are asked to indicate the num-ber of children who will attend on the sign-up sheet found at the Slo-vak Club. Deadline for reservations is Sunday, December 9. Wishing all a joyous Christmas season, may I remain Zdar Boh! Cecilia George President

Supreme Physical Fitness BoardAnnual Meeting set for January 25-27

From the Desk of the Supreme President

Thoughts on Fraternalismby Larry M. Glugosh

As I write my fi nal message to our Slovak Catholic Sokol mem-bership for 2012, I have to pause and refl ect on the fact that another year is almost over. It is hard to believe that another 12 months of enjoyable fraternal activity has occurred and in just a few weeks, we

will celebrate our joyous Christmas Day. Like many, I hope you have concluded on your 2013 New Year’s resolutions. For me, it will be all about giving back to my community and en-joying my family more than ever. It is not really your typical resolution like enjoying less dessert or exercising more but for me it is what is important and what I want to strive to do more in my life. I would imagine that many of our Slovak Catholic Sokol members are quite busy preparing

for the Christmas holiday season with their shopping, wrapping, bak-ing and cooking. Like many of you, we will also begin to decorate our homes, Christmas trees and install our colorful house lights as we prepare to host some wonderful family events and memories through-out the holiday season. As part of this seasonal preparation, we should also take a mo-ment to appreciate all of God’s blessings and give thanks for our fam-ilies, friends and health. As part of this refl ection, we should thank our Supreme Offi cers, local offi cers and youthful leaders for their devo-tion and commitment this past year. We should also thank our home offi ce staff for all of their support and dedication to our membership. Everyone contributed and played a signifi cant role in our 2012 suc-cess and I would personally like to thank you for your support and commitment. As part of our commitment to our membership, we offer an an-nual sponsorship of $5.00 per child to any assembly or wreath who wishes to host a Christmas party for their youth. It is a special benefi t to our members and I sincerely hope that many of you took the time to host this special event and celebrate the Christmas season with your children and grandchildren. It is a beautiful way to fi nish a busy and active year! Now as the year comes to a close, we should take a moment to look ahead to the New Year and begin to consider changes in our daily lives to improve our quality of life. Recently the Board of Directors held our fi nal quarterly meeting. The board reviewed our overall fi nan-cial health, life insurance and annuity sales results, new products and our athletic fraternal programs. We also focused our attention to our fu-ture growth prospects, forecasts and discussed new improvements that we can incorporate into our society for the betterment of our member-ship. Hopefully you will all take a moment to read our meeting minutes and understand our longer term prospects and direction. Also, keep in mind that each Slovak Catholic Sokol member should ensure they have contacted the home offi ce to determine if your bi-monthly newspaper will continue to be mailed to your home or you will accept the publication online. This is both a cost saving effort and more effi cient way to communicate to our membership. Remember you must notify us directly about your intention. If any-one that does not contact the home offi ce, will stop receiving valuable information, since the paper will stop being delivered. So please take a moment and contact our home offi ce of your intentions by Dec 31st. We wish you continued good health and prosperity in the com-ing year and hope all of our members have a safe, joyous and memo-rable Christmas season and a happy New Year! May God bless all of you! Zdar Boh!

The annual meeting of the Su-preme Physical Fitness Board is scheduled for the weekend of January 25-27, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The meeting will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh. This meeting allows for the board to discuss the past year’s numerous accomplishments in our various sports activities. This meeting also affords the opportunity to discuss how future events can be improved. In preparation for this meet-ing, we ask any Group, Assem-bly, Wreath or member who has any thoughts as to how we can go about this task should forward their ideas in writing for changes or

improvements to the home offi ce prior to January 11, 2013. All cor-respondence should be addressed to our Supreme Secretary Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C., 205 Madi-son St., P.O.Box 899, Passaic, NJ 07055. We look forward to hearing your thoughts as to what went well this past year, along with ideas on how we can improve and increase participation at our various tourna-ments in 2013. Thank you again for being a part of the greatest Slovak Catholic athletic fraternal in the United States and Canada. Zdar Boh! Edward D. Moeller Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics

PAGE 6 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Held in Orlando, Fla., November 30, 2012

Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Supreme Board of Directors of the Slovak Catholic Sokol

F I R S T S E S S I O NFriday, November 30, 2012 - 9:00 a.m.

Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh Called to Order the Quarterly Meeting of the Supreme Board of Directors at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012 in the Volusia Meeting Room at the Doubletree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal Orlando in Orlando, FL and welcomed all the members of the Board. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic led the Directors in reading the Open-ing Prayer which was the Prayer to Practice the Golden Rule. A special prayer was also offered for all the deceased members of our organization. Supreme Vice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs led the Board in reciting the Pledge of Al-legiance to the Flag. Supreme Secretary, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. read the Roll Call and the following members were present: Supreme Chaplain ..............................................................Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic Supreme President ............................................................................ Larry M. Glugosh Supreme Vice-President ......................................................................Julie Ann Dobbs Supreme Secretary ............................................................ Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. Supreme Treasurer ............................................................................... Dennis J. Zifcak General Counsel .......................................................................John D. Pogorelec, Esq. Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors ............................................Michael J. Horvath Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics ..................................... Edward D. Moeller Supreme Physical Director ...................................................................... Dusan Dorich Supreme Physical Directress .........................................................Kathleen S. Watkins

The record will show that all then members of the Board of Directors are present.Acknowledged.

There being no corrections, additions, or deletions to the minutes of the Supreme Board of Directors meeting held September 22, 2012 via Conference Call and as published in the Slovak Catholic Falcon issue of October 3, 2012, General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. moved for the Acceptance of Minutes, seconded by Supreme Treasurer, Dennis J. Zifcak. Approved. President Glugosh inquired if any Communications were received for presentation. The Supreme Secretary reported that there were greetings received from the President of Group 2 headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Sister Eileen S. Wilson and the Presi-dent of Group 4, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Brother Tony L. Scuglik. On behalf of their Group’s offi cers and members extending prayers, greetings and best wishes to the Slovak Catholic Sokol Supreme Board of Directors for a successful and productive meeting in Orlando, FL along with wishes for a Holy, Happy, Healthy Christmas Season and New Year of 2013. Both Acknowledged. President Glugosh thanked Brother Steve for presenting the greetings and communica-tions. Brother Glugosh informed the Board members that the Director of Sales and Market-ing, Brother Albert J. Suess, Jr. F.I.C. was unable to attend the meeting due to a personal matter, however, he did forward to each Board member a written Sales and Membership Report. Brother Al reported that as of October 31, 2012, the organization has issued 389 life insurance certifi cates, 342 have been for new members and 47 are for existing members. The total face amount of insurance for these certifi cates was $6,548,540.00. The overall loss of certifi cates at the end of October, 2011 was 481, for the same period in 2012 the loss of certifi cates was 311 or 170 less than the previous year. Membership refl ects a loss of 185 members to date, our total membership stands at 27,843. There are currently 31,026 certifi cates in force. Of the 342 new members, 143 are Juniors and 199 are Senior members. New annuity members total 80 to date. The new business report was reviewed and broken down by type of business and plans. The average Face Amounts have improved to over $16,834 as compared to $9,910 in 2011. Premium Dollars increased $311,144 in 2012 as compared to $165,716 in 2011. Term insur-ance and annuity income have increased as well. The Board members reviewed the year end projections and discussed the Sokol Secure Fund. In addition the Sokol Heritage Campaign report was discussed and it was recom-mended by Brother Suess to extend the campaign for an additional three months. Other areas reported on were Orphaned Accounts, Agent Recruitment, website, Ad-ministrative Software, his activities and Annuity recommendations. The Board members offered comments regarding new products, 2013 goals and the need to let the Group Presidents know when new members are assigned to their Group. Lastly, our local assemblies and wreaths need to be more involved with their Groups and be better educated during these changing times. Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh then asked for a motion to accept the written re-port of our Director of Sales and Marketing and extending the Sokol Heritage Campaign for three months, so moved by Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, Edward D. Moeller and seconded by Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins. Approved. President Glugosh explained the reason why Brother Suess was not able to attend the meeting was due to the birth of his granddaughter and thanked the Director of Sales and Marketing for his written report. The Board members extended their congratulations and best wishes. Acknowledged. The Supreme Secretary distributed a communication received from CPS Actuaries ex-plaining the need to establish a new set of premium rates. The reason that new premiums are necessary at this time is because reserves on new policies issued beginning January 1, 2013 will be increasing. The Standard Valuation Law (SVL) has a formula that specifi es the maximum valuation interest rate that can be used for life insurance products. The valuation interest rate is tied to the “Moody’s corporate bond yield average.” As interest rates remain at historical lows, the SVL formula produced a new 3.5% maximum valuation interest rate

for policies issued beginning January 1, 2013. This change continues a 25-year downward trend in interest rates. Acknowledged. President Glugosh thanked the Supreme Secretary for bringing this to the attention of the Board members. President Glugosh and the Board members welcomed Mr. Thomas Calimano, Market Director/Vice-President, PNC Institutional Investments and our Portfolio Manager for a re-port on the Slovak Catholic Sokol Investment Portfolio. Mr. Calimano reviewed the investment account and as of October 31, 2012, the total assets in the Slovak Catholic Sokol investment account were $63,972,274.00. Bonds repre-sented 83.8% or $53,606,845; Stocks represented 14.5% or $9,295,342; and Cash Equiva-lents amounted to $1,078,088 or 1.7% of the portfolio. For the ten months ended October 31, 2012, the portfolio’s total return was 10.97% versus 5.07% for the Weighted Index. The total return on Bonds was 10.42% which out-performed the 4.20% return of the benchmark Barclay U.S. Aggregate Bond index. The continued fl ight to quality by investors into fi xed income obligations and their search for yield during the ten months ended October 31, 2012 of the year pushed bond prices higher and yields lower. The Federal Reserve’s program of buying longer dated bonds also pushed longer term interest rates lower. Stocks which benefi ted from positive third quarter earn-ings paused in October over concerns regarding the Fiscal Cliff in United States, slowing growth in China and a recession in the European Union countries. Equities had a total return of 15.49% compared with the 14.29% return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 for the same ten month period. Cash Equivalents returned 0.06% compared to the 0.04% return for the Citigroup 90 Treasury Bill index. The Portfolio’s total return on a preliminary basis through November 29, 2012 was 11.16%. PNC anticipates GDP growth in 2012 of 2.2% and infl ation to remain benign with the CPI increasing only 2.1% on a year over year basis. The unemployment rate should end 2012 at 8.1% as payroll growth improved in the third quarter after slowing in the second quarter. Improved job growth and the accompanying improvement income and consumer spending should support positive GDP growth for the balance of this year. We continue to believe that corporate profi t growth of mid single digits will provide support to equity gains while bond yields will remain challenging because of the Federal Reserve’s policy initia-tives. Similar to 2011 price appreciation has been the largest part of overall bond returns in 2012. Mr. Calimano also discussed the fi xed income portfolio, its cash fl ow requirements, the current level of interest rates effect on the portfolio and an outline for addressing the chal-lenges of a continued low interest environment. Mr. Calimano addressed several questions presented by the Board members regarding the portfolio and general observations. Supreme Vice-President Julie Ann Dobbs expressed our organizations thanks to PNC Bank and Mr. Calimano for the $2,500.00 donation that was received for the Museum Fund which is greatly appreciated. The Board members thanked Mr. Calimano for his report and we are hopeful that the year 2013 will continue to improve. He was then excused from the meeting.

Acknowledged. President Glugosh then called upon Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, Edward D. Moeller to present the Physical Fitness Board Report. Brother Moeller reported that all the 2012 events have concluded and the fi nancial reports have been forwarded to the Home Offi ce. He expressed his thanks to the Board of Directors for their fi nancial support as well as to all the members of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board for their cooperation throughout the year. Brother Edward stated that on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 he participated in a Con-ference Call with fellow Sports Directors, Fraternal Directors to discuss how they can work on their joint venture for our upcoming Bowling Tournament in May, 2013. In addition to the Slovak Catholic Sokol a representative from the First Catholic Slovak Union, First Cath-olic Slovak Ladies Association, Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union and National Slovak Society were in attendance. It was discussed as to how each fraternal handles their individual tournaments and what we can do jointly for the upcoming tournament. In addi-tion, the other fraternals decided it would be a good idea to send a survey to their members asking their opinions as to some proposed changes some would like to make. I chose not to do so stating that I felt that since this was only our Second Tournament as a group, we should leave the tournament itself alone and concentrate on the minor adjustments needed to make it better. Once the groups were in a comfort zone, other changes could be considered. The others felt the changes should happen now. Also, an invitation to the other fraternals who may want to join us was discussed. On Wednesday, November 14, 2012 a follow up Conference Call was held with Broth-er Moeller and representatives of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association and the Na-tional Slovak Society. The other representatives were unable to attend. At that time, it was decided amongst those in attendance that we would move forward without any changes. Since then some emails from representatives of the First Catholic Slovak Union have been sent pushing to add a Mixed Team and Mixed Doubles concept to the tournament. Final decisions have not been made. The Board members, after a discussion, mutually agreed that if any changes are made regarding mixed teams or doubles, our organization will not participate and we will conduct our own tournament possibly on May 17-19, 2013 in Buffalo if arrangements can be made. Brother Moeller will make every effort to carry out his and the Board members intentions keeping in mind the best interest of our member and organization. Agreed. The schedule of events for the year 2013 was presented.

May 3-5, 2013 Bowling Airport Lanes, Buffalo, NY OR May 17-19, 2013 Millennium Hotel, Buffalo, NY

June 28-30, 2013 Softball Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre, PA Genetti’s Best Western, W.B.,PA

July 16-20, 2013 Slet Slippery Rock University

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 7

(Continued on page 17)

Slippery Rock, PA

August 9-11, 2013 Golf Mountain Valley, Hazleton, PA (tentative)

The Proposed Schedule for 2014 is in progress and more information will be available for the March, 2013 meeting. Brother Edward further reported that the Supreme Physical Fitness Board will be con-ducting their Annual Meeting on January 25-27, 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA. Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins updated the Board members on the progress of the “background checks” being done by N.C.S.I. All members of the Board of Directors and most of the Physical Directors and Physical Directresses of the Groups have been verifi ed. Sister Watkins will be sending a letter to all the Group Presidents regarding anyone over the age of 18 who intends to participate at the Slet from their group, needs to have a “background check” before attending. This is mandated by many colleges. Supreme Physical Director, Dusan Dorich reported on the arrangements that are in place for the 2013 Slet at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA which will be held on July 16-20, 2013. Brother Moeller and Brother Dorich also commented on their attempts to apply for membership in the World Sokol Organization/World Sokol Federation. Brother Edward concluded his report indicating that he and Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins are looking into the opportunity of using a Sports Camp possibly in the future and will be gathering additional information in the future. After some additional comments and addressing questions from the Board, President Glugosh called for a motion to accept the Physical Fitness Board Report, so moved by Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath, and seconded by General Coun-sel John D. Pogorelec, Esq. Approved. President Glugosh thanked Brother Moeller for his report and called upon our General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. for the Legal Department Report. Counsel reported that there are several items to report on: l. Brother John updated the Board members regarding the recent developments with the continuing litigation between Assembly 206 Ambridge, PA and the Sokol Club which continues according to the Rules of Civil Procedure of the Common wealth of Pennsylvania. Depositions are to be taken on December 10, 2012. It is still unclear as to who will be deposed, however individuals from both sides will be. 2. Contracts have been reviewed, and amended for the use of Software and Hardware for the Society in the future with the two representatives. 3. Brother John reported on the foreclosure proceedings of one of the mortgages that continues to be delinquent, however payments are being received, but not in a timely manner. 4. Lastly, Counsel informed the Board members that many State Insurance Depart- ments are using a new measuring rule to review the viability of fraternal organiza tions known as “Risk Based Capital” (RBC) ratio. Fortunately the Slovak Catho- lic Sokol ratio is very high and stands at 12.5%. Many insurance departments con- sider a ratio between 2-3% to be questionable. After addressing some other questions, Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh asked for a motion to accept the report of our General Counsel, so moved by Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins and seconded by Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvoz-dovic. Approved. President Glugosh thanked our General Counsel for his report and called upon Su-preme Vice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs, Chairperson of the Scholarship Advisory Com-mittee for a report. Sister Dobbs reported that information regarding the College Scholarship Program is available on the Slovak Catholic Sokol website. An article has appeared in the Falcon explaining the online process of applying for the College Scholarship Grants. The Grade School and High School applications are also available and have been appearing in the Falcon. Sister Dobbs expressed her thanks and appreciation to Brother Albert Suess, Jr., F.I.C. and Mr. Lou Smeriglio the Slovak Catholic Sokol webmaster for setting up the total online process of applying for the college grants and working with her. The Supreme Vice-President informed the Board members that a donation of $2,500.00 was received from PNC Investment Advisors for the Museum Fund for scholarship grants. As of November 30, 2012 the Museum Account totals $10,512.03 and two $1,000.00 grants will be awarded in 2013. The deadline for fi ling for all of our scholarship grants is March 31, 2013. President Larry M. Glugosh informed the Board members that he is intending to estab-lish a Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of his wife Krista in 2013 effective in 2014 and he will work with our General Counsel to provide all the details necessary.

Acknowledged. After a brief discussion, President Glugosh asked for a motion to accept the report of the Chairperson of the Scholarship Advisory Committee, so moved by Supreme Chaplain Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, seconded by Supreme Physical Director, Dusan Dorich. Approved. The Supreme President thanked Sister Dobbs for her report. Having completed all the business on the morning agenda, Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh called for a motion to adjourn the morning session. Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, Edward D. Moeller moved to adjourn for lunch, seconded by Chairper-son of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath. Approved. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic closed the morning session with a prayer. The First Session was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.

S E C O N D S E S S I O NFriday, November 30, 2012 – 12:45 p.m.

Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh called the Second Session of the Supreme Board of Directors meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012.

Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic offered the afternoon prayer. President Glugosh thanked Father Andrew and asked the Supreme Secretary to take the Roll Call. Supreme Secretary, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. read the Roll Call and reported that the record will show that all ten members of the Board are present . Acknowledged. President Glugosh asked the Supreme Secretary to present the Mortgage Department Report. Brother Steve reported that as of November 30, 2012 the organization has 4 existing mortgages totaling $616,771.44 as compared to the report presented on September 22, 2012 at the last Supreme Board of Directors meeting of 4 mortgages totaling $622,031.05. Principal payments received as of November 30th total $28,062.50 and interest pay-ments total $33,919.16. All mortgage payments except for one are current and being re-ceived on time. President Glugosh asked for a motion to accept the Mortgage Department Report, so moved by Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, Edward D. Moeller, seconded by Gen-eral Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. Approved. President Glugosh thanked the Supreme Secretary for the report and inquired if any donation requests were received to be addressed at this meeting. The Supreme Secretary reported that one request has been received and distributed a communication received from Professor M. Mark Stolarik on behalf of the Chair in Slovak History and Culture at the University of Ottawa requesting fi nancial support. 2013 will mark the 20th anniversary of the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. To commemorate this dissolution, the Chair in Slovak History and Culture at the University of Ottawa is organizing an International Scholarly Conference for October 4th and 5th, 2013 to reassess the dissolution and the sub-sequent history of both republics over the past two decades. The Ambassadors of the Slovak and Czech Republics in Canada have agreed to co-sponsor the Conference. Brother Stolarik is requesting that our organization consider being a Patron, Benefactor or Supporter of the Conference. After a lengthy and lively discussion, General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. moved to approve a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 and be a Supporter of this conference, sec-onded by Supreme Treasurer, Dennis J. Zifcak. Approved. On another matter, Sister Dobbs commented that several donations have been received for the Disaster Relief Fund, and no requests have been made to date for any assistance.

Acknowledged. President Glugosh and the Board then discussed the issue of declaring a dividend for the year 2012 to be distributed during 2013. The 2011 dividend declaration issued in 2012 was $50,000.00. Most of our members are using their dividends to purchase “paid-up ad-ditional insurance.” After a very brief discussion with all of the Board members offering opinions, General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. moved that a dividend be declared for the year 2012 in the amount of $50,000.00 payable in 2013 for all qualifying certifi cates, this was seconded by Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins. Approved. Supreme President Glugosh thanked the Board members and then opened the fl oor for a discussion regarding the Slovak Catholic Sokol Annuity Interest Rate for the fi rst quarter of 2013. The Board members discussed the Annuity Interest to be offered for the 1st Quarter of 2013 taking into consideration the report presented by our investment advisor and rec-ommendations of our Director of Sales and Marketing; after a brief discussion, Supreme Treasurer, Dennis J. Zifcak moved that the interest rate for the fi rst quarter of 2013 be con-tinued at the current rates being offered, seconded by Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath. Approved. President Glugosh informed the Board members that several Unfi nished Business items need to be addressed. Supreme Secretary, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. reviewed the Income and Expense Ac-counts as of October 31, 2012 compared to the amounts that were set up for the proposed budget for the year 2012. Thus far the organization is experiencing a very positive year.

Acknowledged. Supreme Vice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs reported on “Make a Difference Day” which was held on November 15, 2012. Sister Dobbs continues to promote volunteer efforts through various articles in the Slovak Catholic Falcon. The Fraternal Societies of Northeast Pennsylvania, which our Society is part of, presented a donation to the Domestic Violence Service Center (DVSC) as part of their Make a Difference Day Project. Acknowledged. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, inquired if it is possible to once again have a Calendar List of events for the year 2013 for planning purposes. It was mutually agreed to continue with this practice and our Supreme Chaplain will handle compiling the list. The Board discussed tentative dates for the 2013 Supreme Board of Directors Quarterly meetings. Suggested dates were June 28-29, 2013 in Wilkes-Barre, PA in conjunction with the weekend of the International Softball Tournament which will be held in Wilkes-Barre, PA on Saturday, June 29, 2013. The September meeting would be held via a Conference Call and the date discussed was Saturday, September 21, 2013. The December meeting dates would be December 6-8, 2013 at a place to be determined. Mutually Agreed. Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath stated that the 2012 Annual Audit by the Supreme Auditors will be held March 12, 13, 14, 2013 at the Home Offi ce in Passaic, NJ. Acknowledged. Supreme Secretary, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. reminded the Board that the Annual Meeting of the Supreme Board of Directors will be held on March 15-16, 2013 also at the Home Offi ce. Acknowledged. The Supreme President questioned if there is any New Business to be presented. Brother Secretary informed the Board members that the IRS mileage allowance for 2013 has been set and beginning on January 1, 2013, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car for business miles driven will be 56.6. Acknowledged.

PAGE 8 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

ISSN: 0897-8107

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

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Slovak Catholic Falcon,

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WEB SITE –www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

Lodge Jottings

CANTON, OH.Assembly 180

Our Assembly will host its annu-al meeting and Christmas celebra-tion on Saturday, December 15 at St. Mary’s Parish located at Market Avenue South. The afternoon will begin at 2 p.m. with our annual meeting. At this meeting, reports of offi cers will be presented and plans for our various fraternal activities will be fi nalized. Input from our members will insure the success of our projects. At 4:30 p.m. we will attend Mass in church. This liturgy, which will be celebrated for the liv-ing and deceased members of our Assembly, satisfi es the Sunday ob-ligation. Following Mass, we will return to the parish hall where we will enjoy dinner and games. An enjoyable time is assured. We hope to see a good turnout of our members at this fraternal event. In order to make the necessary preparations, we ask those planning to attend to kindly RSVP and call me at tel. (330)361-4488 or email me at amyinieporte@aol.com at your earliest convenience. If I am not home, please leave a message indicating the number of adults and children who plan to attend. This will help with the planning for the menu, the gifts and the games. In keeping with our outreach pro-gram, we ask those planning to at-tend to bring along non-perishable canned goods or staples which will be given to a food cupboard. Also, kindly let me know if you would like to contribute a dessert for the party. On behalf of all the offi cers of Assembly 180, may I wish you a very joyous holiday season. May God continue to bless you and

yours. Zdar Boh! Amy I. Nieporte Financial Secretary

CLIFTON, N.J.Assembly 162

Our lodge, under the fostering care of SS. Cyril and Methodius will host it monthly meeting on Sunday, December 16 in SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall begin-ning at 12:30 p.m. All members are invited to attend. On our meeting agenda will be the reports of our president and other offi cers as well as the election of offi cers to serve our Assembly in the new year. Plans for our various fraternal and sporting activities in the new year will also be discussed. Input from our members will insure the success of our projects. In addi-tion, any other lodge business that needs to be brought up will be fi -nalized. In 2013, our parish of SS. Cyril and Methodius will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its establish-ment. Our lodge has played an im-portant role in the life of the parish over the past century and we look to a grand celebration in which many of our members will participate. Following the business meet-ing, as is our tradition, we will host our traditional Christmas party and raffl e drawing. An enjoyable af-ternoon is assured. Extending best wishes for a joyous Christmas ob-servance along with a happy and healthy New Year 2013, may we remain Zdar Boh! John D. Pogorelec, Jr. President David Bulwin Recording Secretary

For students currently attending a Catholic High School

Slovak Catholic Sokol Abbot Jerome M. Koval, O.S.B. Memorial

High School Grant

As per the decision of the delegates at the 26th National Convention held in New Haven, CT in August, 1991, and amended at the 28th National Convention held in Buffalo, NY in 1999, the Slovak Catholic Sokol is pleased to offer $500.00 grants to one young Sokol or Sokolka in each of our organization's nineteen Groups. These 19 Grants are available to any qualifi ed Sokol member currently attending a Catholic High School.

Eligibility

A. Applicant must be a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in good standing, holding a permanent Life Insurance Certifi cate in the amount of not less than $3,000, and has been a member for at least fi ve year. Application is also available on the Internet @

www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

B. One parent must be a S.C.S. member.

C. The principal of the Catholic High School must verify the enrollment of the applicant.

Application

ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION you must submit a typed or written essay DOUBLE SPACED in 100 to 200 words on the following topic: “WHAT DOES THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL MEAN TO ME?” This essay must be submitted along with the application. This application must be received on or before, March 31, 2013 with a clear, small (2"x3" wallet size) head and shoulders photograph.

Disqualifi cation An applicant who neglects to submit or com-plete any part of these requirements before the established deadline will automatically be disqualifi ed.

Acknowledgment An acknowledgment of the Grant should be made in writing by the recipient as soon as pos-sible, if you are awarded a Grant.

Return of Grant If for any reason the Grant is not used by the recipient, the entire (or portion of) grant not utilized must be returned.

✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄

(Detach here)

SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL ABBOT JEROME M. KOVAL, O.S.B. MEMORIALHIGH SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION

Group #_______________ Assembly/Wreath #_______________

Name____________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________

City________________________ State________________ Zip Code________________

Date of Birth_________________________________________ Current Age __________

Home Phone (_____)________________ High School Phone (_____)________________ area code area code

S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #______________ Face Amount_____________________ S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #______________ Face Amount_____________________

S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #______________ Face Amount_____________________

Father's name_____________________________________ Are you a member? ______

Mother's name_____________________________________ Are you a member? ______

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #_____________________ Face Amount___________

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #_____________________ Face Amount___________

Are you a previous Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Recipient? _________ If yes, please (yes/no)

indicate Grade School or High School. What year?_________

High School verifi cation (to be completed by High School Principal)

I,______________________________ Principal of________________________________ (Principal's signature) (Name of School)

Catholic High School, verify that__________________________________ is a student at (Name of student)

the above school and will be attending ______ ___ Grade in the 2013-2014 school year.

Are you currently participating in Slovak Catholic Sokol Activities? Yes_____ No_____

Deadline for receipt of this application is March 31, 2013. Return completed application to:

Slovak Catholic Sokol High School Grant205 Madison St., P.O. Box 899, Passaic, NJ 07055

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, december 12, 2012 PAGE 9

Christmas markets are popular in the downtown areas of many great cities in our own country as well as those in Europe. The Christmas market found in Bratislava’s main square is shown above. The scent of mulled wine, mead and roasted sausages as well as more than 100 stalls featuring homemade arts and crafts, and Christmas ornaments and gifts may be found in the Slovak capital’s main square throughout the Christmas season. The stalls offer a variety of traditional Slovak foods and delicacies. With its colorful exhibits and lights along with entertainment for children, the Christmas market attracts thousands of visi-tors throughout the season.

In support of our organization’s commitment to education, we are pleased to announce that the Slovak Catholic Sokol will make available a total of $62,500 in scholarship

grants to eligi-ble members in 2013. Pre-vious recipi-ents of Slovak Catholic So-kol scholar-ship grants may reapply for a 2013

grant; however, as per the conven-tion mandate - a student may re-ceive a maximum of two(2) Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship grant awards in each category. A total of 30 Slovak Catholic So-kol college grants of $1,000 each, two Theodore and Mary Jane Rich Memorial Scholarships, one for a male and one for a female, in the amount of $2,500 each; two Emil Slavik Memorial Scholarships, one for a male and one for a female in the amount of $2,500 each; one The Doctors’ Lesko Medical Me-morial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000; one Joseph and Mary Spernoga Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 and two Slo-vak Catholic Sokol(SCS) Memo-rial Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. With one application, you may apply for all college scholarship grants for which you are eligible. Note, however, that only one grant per applicant will be awarded. College scholarship eligibil-ity requirements: Slovak Catholic Sokol(a total of 30, $1,000 grants will be awarded) * Must have a minimum of $3,000 permanent life insurance coverage. * Must be

Our organization’s commitment in support of education

A Total of $62,500 in Scholarship Grants Will BeMade Available to Our Young People in 2013

by Julie A. DobbsSupreme Vice President

a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol for at lease fi ve years. * Must have completed one semester of undergraduate studies as a FULL TIME student at an accredited college, university or professional school, or be enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program.* Must have an accumulated grade point average of at least 2.5 or bet-ter. * One parent must be a Slovak Catholic Sokol member. * An essay “How has being a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol infl uenced my life?” must be submitted. The Joseph and Mary Spernoga Memorial Scholarship Grant(1 grant in the amount of $500 will be awarded) * Same requirements as for SCS scholarship. The Theodore and Mary Jane Rich Memorial Scholarship Grant(one male and one female in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded) * Same requirement as for SCS scholarship AND * One parent must be of Slovak ancestry. * Must be majoring in medical cur-riculum. The Emil Slavik Memorial Grant(2 grants in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded) * Same re-quirements as for SCS scholarship AND * Both parents must be mem-bers of the Slovak Catholic Sokol. * Must be majoring in liberal arts, the sciences, pre-law, pre-medical or business curriculum. The Doctors’ Lesko Medical Memorial Scholarship(1 grant in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded) * Same requirements as for SCS scholarship AND * Ma-joring in Nursing or Medical cur-riculum. * One parent must be of Slovak ancestry. Slovak Catholic Sokol Memorial Scholarship(2 grants in the amount

of $1,000 will be awarded to the applicant who best exemplifi es the spirit of volunteerism) * Same re-quirements as for SCS scholarship. * Essay - “Describe the one volun-teer experience that made the big-gest personal impact on you - how/why?” The process of applying for any of the above college-level scholar-ship grants is completely on-line. Applications and instructions are ONLY available on our website @www.slovakcatholicsokol.org. Questions regarding the Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Pro-gram may be directed to: Julie A. Dobbs, Supreme Vice President, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, vp@slovakcatholicso-kol.org, telephone (262) 681-1720. Deadline for submission of all scholarship applications is March 31, 2013. In addition to our col-lege-level scholarship program, we make available 19 scholarship grants of $500 each for students at-tending a Catholic high school as well as 38 scholarship grants in the amount of $250 each for students attending a Catholic grade school. You will fi nd applications for both the Catholic high school and the Catholic grade school grants in this issue of the Slovak Catholic Falcon. The Slovak Catholic Sokol takes pride in its commitment in supporting education among our youth. Since 1972, a total of 1,185 members have been recipients of a total of $1,307,250 in scholarship grants.

It was a colorful celebration at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J. on Saturday, October 20 marking the liturgical memorial of Blessed John Paul II as well as the 34th anniversary of his ascension to the throne of Saint Peter. The celebration was sponsored by the Polish/Slovak Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark. The Most Rev. Jan Sokol, Archbishop-Emeritus of Trnava in Slovakia was principal celebrant of the concelebrated liturgy. Pictured in the top photo, prior to the start of the Mass, are from the left, the Rev. Eugene Diurczak, pastor of Holy Family Slovak Parish in Linden, N.J. Arch-bishop Jan Sokol, the Most Rev. Tadeusz Bronakowski, Auxiliary Bishop of Lomza, Poland; and the Rev. Andrew Ostaszewski, Ph.D., pastor St. Casimir Polish Parish in Newark and the coordinator of the archdiocesan Polish/Slovak Apostolate. Archbishop Sokol presided at the liturgy while Bishop Bronakowski served as the homilist. Mem-bers of the local Polish and Slovak communities, carrying banners, singing and proudly displaying their colorful ethnic dress, processed through the Cathedral at the start of the Mass. (Photos courtesy of The Catholic Advocate, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Newark.)

Archbishop Sokol Welcomed in Newark

people themselves portrayed Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. The vividness and appeal of this Christian custom spread through-out Europe and the entire Christian world. Live animals were always used and it was this custom that began the legend that animals re-ceive the gift of speech at midnight, Christmas Eve. Even today, Nativ-ity scenes using live animals can be found in various communities. AT FIRST the Christmas Crib was confi ned to the church, where people would leave gifts for the Christ Child and the fi gures would be garbed in the robes and jewels of the wealthy. Handcarved wooden fi gures came into use, and noble-men engaged artists to produce elaborate manger scenes in their castles. During the 17th and 18th centu-ries, additional fi gures were intro-duced - representations of the no-blemen and their families, fi gures typifying the various social classes.

Christmas Crib Begun by SaintBrings Bethlehem to U.S. Homes

Soon the Christmas Crib found its way into the home, with the family making the fi gures and the celebration of the feast centering around the scene. In America there are few Nativ-ity scenes made by members of the family themselves. They are man-ufactured or made by craftsmen abroad. Occasionally children ap-ply themselves to the art of making a paper Christmas Crib. COMMENTING on the “Beth-lehem at Greccio” where St. Francis originated the Christmas Crib his biographer, Tommaso de Celano, wrote: “Simplicity is hon-ored here, poverty is praised, and Greccio is almost turned into a new Bethlehem.” The tradition of St. Francis is preserved. On modern mantlepiec-es, on tables in apartments, under decorated fi r trees in cozy living rooms - Nativity scenes recall the humility of the Newborn King, and Bethlehem is revisted. - Anne M. Buckleys

(Continued from page 2)

PAGE 10 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

NUT ROLLS - KOLAC6 cups sifted fl our3/4 teaspoon salt3 tablespoons sugar2 packages dry yeast1/2 cup warm milk1/4 pound butter1/2 cup vegetable shortening3 eggs beaten1 cup sour cream Dissolve yeast in warm milk. Sift together fl our, salt and sugar. Add shortening and butter. Mix as for

pie crust. Add beaten mixture and blend well. Divide dough in four parts. Let rise 30 min-utes. Roll each

part as for jelly roll. Spread with nut fi lling(follows). Roll and place on greased pan and allow to rise for one hour or until double in bulk. Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350F degrees.

Nut fi lling:1/2 pound chopped walnuts1/2 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla1 teaspoon melted butter1/4 cup scalded milk Mix together walnuts, sugar, va-nilla and butter. Slowly blend in scalded milk. Mix well.

SOUR MUSHROOM SOUP7 cups fresh mushrooms, chopped3 quarts water1 quart sauerkraut juicesalt and pepper to taste1 small onion3 tablespoons butter3 tablespoons fl our Cook mushrooms in water about

1 hour. Brown on-ion and butter; add fl our and brown well.

Add sauerkraut juice and boil this

for 5 minutes. Add to soup and boil 1/2 hour longer.

BOBALKY1 tablespoon butter2 tablespoons sugar2 1/2 teaspoons salt2 cups scalded milk1 yeast cake1/4 cup lukewarm water6 to 7 cups sifted allpurpose fl our Into a mixing bowl, place butter, sugar and salt. Add scalded milk; let cool until lukewarm. Add yeast dis-solved in water. Add enough fl our to make a soft elastic dough. Turn onto a fl oured board and knead. Place in a greased bowl and let rise until double in bulk(1 to 1 1/2 hours) in

a warm place, free from drafts. Punch dough down with fi nger-tips and let

rise again (about 45 minutes). Toss lightly on fl oured board, knead and shape into a roll(like a pipe) about 1/2 inch in diameter. Place on cook-ie sheet. Cut with edge of teaspoon into small pieces and let rise for 10 minutes. Bake at 357F degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly brown. When cool, break and place in col-ander. Pour water over bobalky. Place on serving dish, mix with pop-pyseed and melted butter, and serve. Poppyseed(1/2 cup) should be ground and cooked in 3/4 cup wa-ter for 10 minutes. Boil 3 cups milk and 1 cup sugar and mix with pop-pyseed. Instead of using sugar in poppy-seed mixture, honey may be used, poured over the bobalky.

PASKABasic dough:1 cake yeast2 tablespoons lukewarm water1 cup boiling milk

The Mixing Bowl1 1/2 teaspoons salt1/4 cup butter3 cups fl our, siftedCheese dough:1/2 pound dry cottage cheese1 cake yeast1 tablespoon sugar1/2 stick butter(melted)1/4 cup seedless raisins1/2 cup milk4 egg yolks1 teaspoon salt2 1/2 - 3 cups sifted fl our or enough to make a soft dough1/2 cup sugar Basic dough: Crumble yeast in water and set aside for fi ve minutes. Pour boiling milk over butter and salt. Cool to lukewarm salt. Add yeast mixture. Add half the fl our and beat until smooth. Add remaining fl our and knead until smooth. Let rise until doubled in bulk. Divide dough in half. Cheese dough: Soften yeast in lukewarm milk to which 1 table-spoon sugar has been added and let stand 5 minutes. Put cheese through strainer to remove lumps, add melt-ed butter and yeast mixture, then add the unbeaten egg yolks, remain-ing sugar, salt, fl our and rai-sins and knead as for bread. Set aside and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Divide this dough in half. Roll basic dough to a 10-inch circle, punch a small hole in center, then take one half the cheese dough and shape into a roll, place same in center of basic dough so that edges of basic dough may be completed folded over the cheese roll to the punched out center hole. Do not fl our board or dough. Place in 10-inch tube pan. Set in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk. Brush with beaten yolk of an egg. Bake 1 hour at 375F degrees. Makes 2 Paskas.

CREAM CHEESE COOKIES1/2 cup brown sugar, packed1/4 cup butter, softened1 cup buttermilk baking mix1/2 cup chopped walnuts1 package(8 oz.) cream cheese, soft-ened1/4 cup sugar1 tablespoon lemon juice2 teaspoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg Grease an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan. Beat brown sugar and butter un-til fl uffy. Stir in baking mix and walnuts until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup and press r e m a i n i n g mixture into pan. Bake 12 minutes at 350F de-grees. Mix cream cheese and sugar; beat in remaining ingredi-ents until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture over layer in pan. Sprinkle with remaining crumbly mixture. Bake until center is fi rm, about 25 minutes. Cut into 2-inch squares. Store cookies in refrig-erator.

Feel Christmas Blessings Faith is a blessing - It lets one’s soul trust in the goodness and mercy of the Supreme Being; and through that trust it gives one reason to believe that others, too, reason as you. Hope is a blessing - It lets one’s heart anticipate fulfi llment through reliance on His promise; and even in the daily affairs of living, it gives one confi dence in the possibilities of many more satisfying tomorrows. Charity is a blessing - It lets one’s mind reach out with love for others, a love fi lled with thoughts and acts of kindness and generosity so that one becomes part of all in peace and brotherhood. Faith, Hope, Charity: These are the spirits of Christmas that raise the human condition to its most beautiful and noble heights.

Extending Merry Christmasin different languages

Peace on Earth to those on whom God’s favor rests, we read in Luke’s Gospel. Not even language dif-ferences constitute a barrier. Living in our cosmopolitan society, it will be well to know a few of the ways of expressing “Merry Christ-mas” in various languages.

Slovak ...........Veselé VianocePolish.............Wesolych SwiatItalian ............Buon NataleFrench ...........Joyeux NoelGerman ..........Frohliche WeihnachtenSpanish ..........Felice NavidadRussian ..........Christos RazhdaetsyaRomanian ......Sarbatori FericiteHungarian ......Boldog Karacsonyi UnescketCroatian .........Sretan BozieLithuanian .....Linksmu KaleduUkrainian. ......Hristos RozdajetsiaSwedish .........Glad JulenSerbian ..........Kristos Se RodiHawaiian .......Mele Kalikimaka

Father Robert A. Grattaroti, pas-tor St. Joseph’s Parish in Charlton, Mass. was honored on November 25, the Solemnity of Christ the King, on the occasion of his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee. Father Bob, as he is affectionately known within his parish family, was principal cel-ebrant of a Mass of Thanksgiving in the beautiful church, built dur-ing his pastorate, at 1 p.m. Present at the capacity crowd liturgy were the Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester and the Most Rev. Daniel C. Reilly, Bishop-Emeritus of the diocese. In his homily, Father Grattaroti recalled the joy of his half cen-tury of priestly ministry among the people of God. How blessed he had been to be studying in Rome dur-ing the Pontifi cate of Blessed Pope John XIII and the Second Vatican Council one of whose deeds was reimagining the Church as the people of God. Pope John’s vision of a Church reborn inspired Father Bob and has been the mantra of his entire priesthood. He recalled that the seeds of his own vocation had been planted and nurtured within his own faith-fi lled family. He went on to recall the various faith communities in which he minis-tered and noted how impressed and privileged he was to encounter and serve so many wonderful men and women of faith. He encouraged the faithful to continue to be witnesses of their faith during these challeng-ing times. In the best Roman tradi-tions, the congregation rose and applauded Father Bob following his inspiring homily. At the conclu-sion of the liturgy, Bishop McMa-nus addressed the congregation and thanked our jubilarian for his exem-plary priestly example and ministry.

He prayed that God would continue to inspire and enoble Father Grat-taroti’s ministry among us. Following the impressive liturgy, Father Bob was honored at a par-ish reception. Later in the evening, more than 250 family, friends along with present and former parishio-ners honored him at a formal dinner at the overlook. A native of Leominister, Mass., he was born there the son of Antho-ny and Rosina(Matozzo)Grattaroti. He graduated from St. Bernard High School and from the College of the Holy Cross in 1958. He stud-ied at St. John Seminary, Brighton, Mass. and the North American Col-lege in Rome. He was ordained a priest on December 19, 1962 by Archbishop Martin J. O’Connor. Following ordination, he served as associate pastor in the parishes of St. Patrick, Rutland, Mass., St. Rose of Lima,Northboro, Mass. and Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Ann, Worcester, Mass before being appointed to the faculty of St. Peter Central High School. In 1971, he was appointed ad-ministrator of St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Fitchburg and later named pastor. In 1980, he was named pas-tor of St. Joseph the Good Provider in Berlin, Mass. Since June 30, 1989, he has been pastor of the Charlton parish. Under his leader-ship, the parish site was moved and an expansive parish plant was blessed and dedicated in 2005. Fa-ther Grattaroti is our Sokol member of Assembly 219. Our congratulations and prayer-ful best wishes go out to Father Grattaroti on the occasion of this milestone in his very dynamic and fruitful priestly ministry among us. Ad multos, gloriosque annos!

Rev. Robert A. Grattaroti Celebrates50th Anniversary of Priestly Ministry

Father Robert A. Grattaroti, center, of Charlton, Mass.,who was hon-ored on November 25 on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination, is shown on the above photo fl anked by the Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester and the Most Rev. Daniel C. Reilly, Bishop-Emeritus of Worcester who were present at the Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church.

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 11

KIDS’ CORNER “Detský kútik ” December, 2012

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European Traditions that have made their way Into the American holidays

Candy Canes These are really candy croziers (bishops staff) , which are shaped like a shepherd’s hook, one of St. Nicholas' symbols. All bishop’s carry staffs, hooked at the top like a shepherd's crook, showing they are the shepherds who care for, or tend, their people.

Gift-giving in secret, during the night Stockings are filled while children are sleeping. Nicholas did his gift giving secretly, under cover of darkness. He didn't want to be seen and recognized as he wanted those he helped to give thanks to God. Christmas stockings by the fireplace In the story of Nicholas rescuing the poor maidens from being sold into slav-ery, the gold money, tossed in through the window, is said to have landed in stockings left to dry before the fire.

By Dr. Michael Kopanic

Surprise your parents and grandparents by wishing them Veselé Vi-anoce, Merry Christmas, in Slovak. It would mean a whole lot to them.

Merry Christmas = Veselé Vianoce [ve-sell-leh vyah-knowts-saah] Baby Jesus = Ježiško [Yeah-zheesh-kow] ANGEL = Anjelový strom [Awn-yell] TREE = strom [strome, with a trilled “r”] HOLIDAY = sviatok [svyaw-toke] WISH = vinš [veensh] GIFT = dar [daar]

NEW YEAR = Nový rok [Know-vee roke]

What do you get when you cross Santa with a detective? Santa Clues

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? It’s Christmas, Eve

Why does Santa like to work in the garden? Because he likes to hoe, hoe, hoe

What happened when the snowwoman got mad at the snowman?

Easy Homemade Christmas Gifts Hot Chocolate in a Jar 1½ cups skim milk powder 1½ cups white sugar ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa ¾ cup non-dairy creamer Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well. For a finer mix, combine all ingredi-ents in a blender or food processor and mix well. Store in an air tight container. Decorate the jar and glue the directions on the back.

Cookies in a Jar Supplies to decorate the jar: Quart size canning jars with lids, scrap fabric, ribbon, glue, paper Cookie Mix: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup white sugar, chocolate chips Layer the ingredients in a quart size canning jar in the order listed. A small funnel works pretty well for most of the ingredients! Use enough chocolate chips so the jar is full to the top. Pack down all of ingredients, especially the brown sugar!

PAGE 12 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

What's making headlines in our ancestral homeland

News and Views from Slovakia...

Selected stories are provided by TASR-Slovakia, the Slovak Republic’s offi cial News Agency.

Census results confi rm that Slovakia’s population is aging People aged 65 and over accounted for 12.7 percent of Slovakia’s 5.5 million population as of May 21, 2011, which represents a rise of 1.3 percentage points in comparison to 2001, the head of Slovakia’s Statistics Offi ce, Ludmila Ben-kovicova told a press conference on November 26, citing fi gures extrapolated from last year’s census. Slovakia has therefore not avoided the general trend of an aging population, even though it isn’t among the worst cases of this in the European Union. The proportion of middle-aged and elderly people is also rising on the labor market. Over the past 20 years, there has been a notable rise in the number of people with second-ary and tertiary education in middle age(45-59), advanced (60-74) and old age (75-89). Old-age pensions claimed expenditures of $4.3 bil-lion last year, with this fi gure accounting for 71.4 percent of all kinds of pensions. “Expenditures of old-age pensions in 2011 rose by 29.6 percent compared to 2007,” said the head of the Statistics Offi ce’s department for social statistics and demography Ludmila Ivancikova. Close to one million old-age pensions were paid out as of the end of 2011, with a monthly average of $410 per pay-ment. The average early old-age pension stood at $385 per month.

Fico proposes closercooperation to Viktor Orban Speaking at the beginning of a joint Slovak-Hungari-an economic forum in Budapest on November 16, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico proposed talks between the Slo-vak and Hungarian governments. “We have full interest in the best possible and friend-ship ties with Hungary. If such a possibility exists, we’d consider whether this format of an economic forum couldn’t also be used for negotiations between the two governments. Such a format has proved useful in the past with the Czech Republic, and we plan to introduce it with Poland and Bul-garia as well,” claimed Fico. Broaching the issue of Slovak-Hungarian relations, the prime minister underlined the importance of building infra-structure and praised agreements on the joint construction of bridges across the Ipel River, a bridge over the Danube close to Komarno(Nitra region) and the interlinking of energy net-works. Fico claimed that good economic cooperation paves the way for discussions on any issue and stressed that no topic exists that Slovakia would eschew. In his address, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban asked how it is possible that the Slovak economy is capable of a growth exceeding 2 percent and the Hungarian economy is not; why the public debt in Hungary is currently close to 77 percent, while Slovakia is able to keep its debt squeezed under 50 percent. Orban emphasized that Hungary has an interest in being surrounded by successful neighbors. As for Slovak-Hungarian relations, Orban claimed that Hungary “doesn’t stick its collective head in the sand.” I know exactly which unresolved issues exist between Bu-dapest and Bratislava. We’re here because we’re convinced that good cooperation is within the realm of possibility, it’s mutually benefi cial and successful cooperation can help us to tackle bones of contention,” he added.

Figel: U.S. Steel may be motivatedto leave Slovakia due to new taxes Christian Democratic Movement(KDH) chairman Jan Figel rejects accusations raised by Prime Minister Robert Fico about the “fast and furious” privatization of Kosice steelworkers under the government of Mikulas Dzurinda.

“The fi rm was in collapse after the Meciar-Rezes duo brought it to its knees and to the verge of cross-default,” Figel said at U.S. Steel on November 23. The KDH party chairman pointed out that the fac-tory employs 11,000 base employees, with another 44,000 people holding jobs in daughter and subcontractor com-panies. “Of course, it’s also world prices for resources or the new, strict environmental rules of European legislation that represent a burden in the current situation,” said Figel, stressing that another complication factor are taxes in Slo-vakia. “The new extensive and high taxation of companies in some fi elds, particularly, pose a question mark for en-trepreneurs whether to stay, leave or react somehow to the new state of affairs.” Figel asked what had Fico done to have more strate-gic companies come to Slovakia, instead of abandoning it. “If U.S. Steel is considering to make such a move, it didn’t do it during the government of Mikulas Dzurinda or the government of Iveta Radicova, but it’s doing it now - dur-ing the government of Robert Fico,” he stressed, adding that Slovakia will become a country with the highest cor-porate taxes in the region as of 2013. When asked what made the corporation U.S. Steel consider selling its Slovak daughter, Figel replied that this question should be directed at the company’s management. “The Slovak government should talk with the investor. The steelworks in eastern Slovakia forms part of an industrial base, I perceive it as a strategic one and the government should, in this spirit, act appropriately.”

OECD cuts prediction for SlovakGDP in 2013 to 2 percent The Slovak economy will grow by 2.6 percent this year, according to the latest forecast by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD), which was released on November 27. “Economic growth, mainly driven by exports in the automotive sector, slowed in the second half of 2012, but was still among the strongest in the OECD area,” said the OECD. Compared to its previous outlook going back to May, the OECD has downgraded its forecast for Slovakia’s economic growth in 2013 - from 3 all the way down to 2 percent. A pick-up in global trade should then spur the economy on to recovery, with growth in 2014 projected to reach 3.4 percent. “Private consumption is likely to remain subdued due to the weak labor market and signifi cant fi scal consolida-tion,” said OECD. The organization believes that the government will deliver on its goal to squeeze the budget defi cit below 3 percent of the GDP in 2013, but points out that this will re-quire robust consolidation efforts. According to the OECD, however, cuts in spending should not concern “growth-en-hancing items such as education and active labor market policies.” In the OECD’s view, Slovakia’s defi cit will shrink from 4.9 percent in 2011 to 4.6 percent this year and down to 2.9 percent in 2013. Meanwhile, 2014 should see the indicator drop to 2.4 percent. The general government debt is estimated to soar from 43.3 percent of the GDP in 2011 to 52.2 percent this year. The years 2013 and 2014 should see the fi gure rise further to 54.9 percent and 56.2 percent of the GDP, respectively. Slovakia’s unemployment rate is foreseen to go up from 13.5 percent last year to 13.7 percent in 2012. A slight drop to 13.6 percent is projected for 2013, before a further fall, to 13 percent, in 2014.

Wood carving is a popular and unique artistic tradition of Slovakia. The Slovak Bethlehem, shown above, is perhaps one of the largest and most extensive wood carved tableau and creche depicting the birth of Christ. It is part of an exten-sive gallery and museum found in the village of Rajecka Tep-lice located in central Slovakia. Nestled in a forest area, a va-riety of woods provide an abundance of wood for the display. The Slovak Bethlehem is the work of Jozef Pekara who was born in the village of Borsky Peter in 1920. He learned the art of wood carving as a child. He began work on this project in 1980 and completed it in 1998. The work is unique in that in addition to the depiction of the creche scene, it contains de-pictions of prominent buildings and castles found throughout Slovakia, including the castles of Devin, Bratislava, Trencin, and Orava, as well as the cathedrals in Nitra, Trnava, Spisska Kapitula and Kosice. One of the peaks of the High Tatras, Krivan, crowns the work and includes a symbol of Slovakia. The artist passed away in 2005. Slovak Bethlehem is a popu-lar tourist attraction throughout the year.

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 13

For the past 20 years, the Chi-cago Region of the Slovak Catholic Federation has hosted its annual Midwest Slovak Pastoral Seminar. This year’s seminar was held on Sunday, September 23 at the Moth-erhouse of the Sisters of St. Casi-mir, located on Chicago’s South Side. A good turnout of participants interested in their Slovak Catholic heritage enjoyed this year’s gather-ing. Guest presenter at this year’s seminar was Eva Bustamante, an employee of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic cemeteries.Eva spoke about the rich history of Our Lady of Sorrows Slovak Cemetery located in Hillside, Ill.

The cemetery was founded in 1923 under the leadership of Monsignor Victor Blahunka, pastor of Sacred Heart Slovak Parish, located in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago. Msgr. Blahunka was a noted Slovak spiritual leader and was the fi rst priest of Slovak ances-try in the United States to receive papal honors. He was fi rst named a Papal Chamberlain by Pope Pius 11 in 1926. At the time of its establish-ment, the cemetery served the then 10 Slovak parishes of the Archdio-cese of Chicago. Mrs. Bustamante is a long-time parishioner of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish located at 24th and Western Avenue in Chi-

Hosted by the Slovak Catholic Federation

Midwest Slovak Pastoral Seminar Held in Chicagoby Robert Tapak Magruder

cago, which was founded by Slo-vak immigrants in 1903. In her ad-dress, Eva recalled the last Slovak pastor of the parish there, the late Rev. John J. Spitkovsky who was active in the Chicago Slovak com-munity for many years and active in the work of the Slovak Catholic Federation. He was also a founder of the Conference of Slovak Cler-gy. She thanked the seminar par-ticipants for the beautiful Church of the Assumption they’ve passed on to today’s Mexican parishioners. In her presentation, Mrs. Busta-mante noted that at present, Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery has only about 200 empty plots. Over the years, many prominent Slo-vaks have been interred at the Hillside cemetery. She offered other interesting and poinant facts about the rich history of the Slo-vak cemetery. Following the presentation, the participants enjoyed a deli-cious buffet dinner hosted by the Sisters. Sister Grace Ann Kalafut, SSC, a member of the Congrega-tion of the Sisters of St. Casimir and board member of the Board of directors of the Slovak Pastoral Seminar, offered a warm welcome on behalf of the Sisters. Sister Grace Ann, a native of St. Michael the Archangel Slovak Parish in the Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood of Chicago is our Sokolka of As-sembly 11. Her late aunt, Veronica Kalafut was a well-known Sokol-ka and served for many years as a Supreme Auditor of the Slovak Catholic Sokol. Among those present at the sem-inar was the Rev. Kristian Libant, C.M., a member of the Congrega-tion of the Mission. Father Libant, a Vincentian priest from Nitra, Slo-vakia is currently studying at De-Paul University and lives with his fellow Vincentians in Chicago. He is studying English and celebrates Mass in Slovak every Sunday at St. Simon the Apostle Parish in Chi-cago. Also present was Chicago Archdiocesan seminarian Matus Bohacik, a native of Banska Bys-trica in Slovakia who is a student at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein. Fluent in English, Ma-tus hopes to serve the Chicagoland Slovak community following his ordination. Also, among the Sokol mem-bers in attendance, in addition to Sister Grace Ann, were Theresa M. Buc, vice president of Chi-cago, Assembly 11 and former Supreme Treasurer of the Slovak Catholic Sokol and Robert Tapak Magruder, a member of Assembly 219 and a member of the Slovak Catholic Federation Board of Di-rectors, who was seminar publi-cist. The annual seminar brings together individuals interested in their Slovak faith traditions who gather to enjoy each others com-pany and learn more about our rich Cyrilo-Methodian heritage of faith. An enjoyable time was had by all. Zdar Boh!

Rosemary Macko Wisnowski, the Honorary Slovak Consul in Chi-cago, is shown fl anked by the Rev. Kristian Libant, C.M. from Nitra, Slovakia and Matus Bohacik, a native of Banska Bystrica in Slovakia, who is a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Enjoying the seminar are, l-r, Geri Hletko, president of the Board of Directors of the Slovak Pastoral Seminar; Maria Lukasova and the presenter, Eva Bustamante.

Well-known Chicagoland Slovak cultural activist, Ivan Kralik brought his colorful and interesting diorama display of Slovak history which was exhibited during the seminar.

Among those enjoying the dinner at the Slovak Pastoral Seminar in Chicago were well-known Chicago Sokolky, Theresa M. Buc and Judy Tybor-Knizer, shown upper right.

Thoughts for Christmas

Jesus, Our Gift Wrapped in Simplicityby Sister Maria Theresa Hronec, SS.C.M.

Jesus is the Joy of Christmas. His birth is a glorious promise-fulfi lled and contrasted by the paradox of the profound simplicity of His coming. Bethlehem - a most ordinary village, was His birthplace, the straw in the manger His unique cradle. But even the darkness of midnight could not hide the arrival of God’s Son on earth. A brilliant new star appeared to mark the place where he could be found. The silence of the hillside was broken by the Glory to God sung by the angels, guiding the shepherds to the stable. Now each year, we relive this mystery of Jesus’ birth. Slovaks enjoy an abundance of beautiful and mean-ingful Christmas hymns. This is one of the hymns that evokes the image of that holy night. These words and melody are undoubtedly the legacy of simple peasants. We treasure this gift as annually we recall the birth of Christ! May I extend to all of the members of the Slovak Catholic Sokol my warmest greeting of peace and joy during this wonderous Christmas season. CHRIST IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM NARODIL SA KRISTUS V BETLEME, - položený v jasliach na slame. - Ej, slama, slama premilá, - vzácnejšia nikdys’ nebola.

1. Christ was born in lowly Bethlehem, Laid upon the straw, where cattle fed. O blessed straw of manger-bed Favored to hold his precious head.

2. Tak prorokovali proroci - že sa nám narodí v polnoc svätá, premilá, - svätejšia nikdys’ nebola.

2. Th us the prophets spoke so long ago, Christ would come at midnight here below. O holy night and God’s own hour, Chosen and blest by His great power.

3. Na nebi sa hviezda zjavila - a nebeským svetlom žiarila - Ej, hviezda jasná, premilá, - jasnejša nikdys’ nebola.

3. Suddenly a wondrous star appeared, Radiant beauty, vast celestial sphere. O star most glor’ous, star so bright, Never was seen such brilliant light.

4. Pastieri hned’ zo sna povstali, - anjelský hlas z neba počuli. - Ej, pieseň krásna, premilá, - krajšie si nikdy neznela.

4. Quickly rose the shepherds from their sleep, Heard the angels’ song, so fi lled with peace. O song so beautiful and grand, Spreading great joy throughout the land.

5. Sláva bud’ vždy Bohu na nebi, - pokoj ľud’om dobrým na zemi! - Ej, doba slávna, premilá, slávnejšia nikdys’ nebola.

5. Glory be to God in heaven above, Peace on earth for all who truly love. Era of glory, sacred space, God’s gift ed time, so fi lled with grace.

(Sister Maria Theresa Hronec, SS.C.M., a native of Gary, Indiana was raised in the former Holy Trinity Slovak Parish there. Her childhood pas-tor was Father Andrew G. Grutka, who later became the fi rst Bishop of Gary. Sister Maria Theresa is currently assigned to Villa Sacred Heart, 580 Railroad St., Danville, PA 17821-1698. She is a frequent contributor to our publication.)

PAGE 14 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Sokol Birthdays

DECEMBER 15 Gregory Papcun , Holly, Mich., a member of Assembly 36, Detroit, Mich. Mary O’Reilly, Carteret, N.J., a member of Assembly 162, Clif-ton, N.J.

DECEMBER 16 Nicholas J. Babiak, Arlington, Va., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Robyn Noelle D’Agostino, Three Bridges, N.J., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Megan A. Harney, Mahopac, N.Y., a member of Asembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Jennifer N. Kudia, Palos Park, Ill., a member of Assembly 11, Chicago, Ill. Edward M. Metzinger, Can-fi eld, Oh., a member of Assembly 108, Youngstown, Oh. Thomas M. Stedina, Jr., Day-ton, N.J., a member of Assembly 182, New York City.

DECEMBER 17 Kevin M. Bly, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. a member of Assembly 59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Elizabeth M. Kealey, Harris-burg, Pa., a member of Assembly 59, Wilkes Barre, Pa. Christine Sienicki, Clifton, N.J., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J.

DECEMBER 18 Nina W. Holy, Pompron Plains, N.J., a member Assembly 282, Passaic, N.J. Mary R. Page, Newburgh, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Dennis J. Zifcak, Uxbridge, Mass., Supreme Treasurer and a member of Assembly 28, East Douglas, Mass.

DECEMBER 19 Joseph R. Benek, Jr., Holland, Pa., a member of Assembly 48, Philadelphia, Pa. Anna Kollesar, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Ladies Vice President of Group 7 and a member of Assem-bly 59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Joseph Edward Kostecke, Fargo, ND, a member of Assem-bly 162, Clifton, N.J. Victoria H. Kurak, Yonkers, N.Y., a member of Wreath 168, New York City.

DECEMBER 20Carly Elizabeth Buck, Dela-ware, Oh., a member of Wreath 54, Youngstown, Oh. Anne S. Costolanski, Dunedin, Fla., a member of Wreath 15, Per-ryopolis, Pa.

DECEMBER 21 Jason Hernandez, Home-stead, Fla., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J. Ashley Hess, Cedar Grove, N.J., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J. Stephanie Jandura, Drexel Hill, Pa., a member of Wreath 13, Philadelphia, Pa. Paula Ann Suess, Pittsburgh, Pa., a member of Wreath 22, Pittsburgh, Pa.

DECEMBER 22 Robert R. Begany, Yonkers,

N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Marilyn F. Montemurro, Yon-kers, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y.

DECEMBER 23 Barbara Bodenschatz, Sum-merhill, Pa., a member of Wreath 14 in Johnstown, Pa. Alexis Victoria Benjamin, Yonkers, N.Y., a member of As-sembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Roger J. Manyak, East Doug-las, Mass., Supreme Physical Director. Stephanie R. Kaczor, Wyo-missing, Pa., a member of Wreath 155, Reading, Pa.

DECEMBER 25 Frank A. Brincka, Wantage, N.J., a member of Assembly 1, Passaic, N.J. Anna Korcak, Waldwick, N.J., fi nancial secretary of Assembly 182, New York, N.Y. John Toskovich, Great Falls, Va., a member of Assembly 1, Passaic, N.J. Anthony C. Rasimas, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., a member of Assembly 59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Florence Skurka, Highland, Ind., a member of Wreath 81, Whiting, Ind.

DECEMBER 26 Peter Kolozi, Newfoundland, N.J., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J.

DECEMBER 27 Anne R. Kakos, Yonkers, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y.

DECEMBER 28 Jozef Bodo, Brooklyn, N.Y., Vice-President of Assembly 182, New York, N.Y. Daniel J. Driscoll, Bethle-hem, Pa., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Rita Mrosko, New Midd-letouwn, Oh., a member of Wreath 54, Youngstown, Oh.

DECEMBER 29 Eric R. Awramko, Little Falls, N.J., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J. Stephen J. Kubasek, Jr., Yon-kers, N.Y.,a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Patricia M. Pjontek, Pitts-burgh, Pa., a member of Wreath 22, Pittsburgh, Pa John Sipos, Estero, Fla., a member of Assembly 1, Passaic, N.J.

DECEMBER 30 Peter S. Costolanski, Dunedin, Fla., a member of Assembly 25, Perryopolis, Pa. Dr. Mary Z. Gasparik, New York City, our Honorary Supreme Offi cer and President of Wreath 168, New York City. Carl V. Gogolak, Basking Ridge, N.J., a member of Assem-bly 219, Yonkers, N.Y.

DECEMBER 31 Gail Jankowski, Yonkers, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Mary Madar, East Strouds-burg, Pa., a member of Assembly 32, Palmerton, Pa.

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At the most recent Board of Directors conference call, on September 22, 2012, we once again discussed the importance of cut-ting costs by encouraging our members to sign up to receive the Falcon electronically. Since the responses have been coming in slowly, the Board of Directors agreed to ex-tend the deadline to respond to December 31, 2012. For the betterment of the organization, we are committed to decreasing the number of mailings by requiring each member to re-turn a form if they wish to continue receiving the Falcon. By the end of this year, you will no longer receive the Falcon if you have not completed the enclosed form and mailed it back to home offi ce.

1. We are committed to deliver the Fal-con through electronic media, where possible; therefore, as of April 1, 2012, new members joining the society that provide an email ad-dress, will receive the Falcon by email, those without will receive a hard copy of the Fal-con, one per family.

2. We are requesting all members with an email address receive the Falcon through email. Please send your request to msasiela@slovakcatholicsokol.org or mail in the en-

closed form. Please reference the Falcon in the subject line and ask to have the regular mailed issue discontinued.

3. We understand that some of our mem-bers do not have e-mail or internet access. You can still request a mailed copy of the Falcon. Below you will fi nd a form to complete. You can decide whether you wish to receive the Falcon electronically or via the regular mail. YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM IN ORDER TO CONTINUE RECEIV-ING THE FALCON! We are asking you to respond by December 31, 2012.

NOTE: IF you have already signed up for e-mail or have already sent back the previ-ous request to have the Falcon mailed to your home, you can disregard the enclosed form. There are many benefi ts to receiving the Falcon electronically ….• You receive it sooner (especially helpful to our Canadian members who usually have to wait two weeks to receive the paper)

• It is easier to read and save.

• You will be doing your part to conserve our natural resources by eliminating the printing of paper and mailing.

• You will be helping the organization to re-duce the excessive cost of printing and ship-ping.

• The quality of the paper is better.

• Since it is electronic, it can also be accessed at the Slovak Catholic Sokol website www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 15

Benefi t set forPittston, Pa. parish The Holy Name Society of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston, Pa. hosts its traditional benefi t by promoting the sale of lot-tery tickets. Tickets are now avail-able at the Parish Center for Febru-ary 2013 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., tel. (570)654-0053. They are also available in the ves-tibule of St. John the Evangelist Church during the weekend litur-gies. Proceeds benefi t the Holy Name Society projects in the par-ish. Returns must be in before Janu-ary 31, 2013 in order to register all tickets. Monsignor John J. Bendik serves as pastor of the parish with the Rev. Richard Cirba as associate. Both are active Sokol members with Father Cirba serving as chaplain of Group 7. Area Sokols and So-kolky are encouraged to support this fund-raising effort which aids the parish community. Thank you and Zdar Boh! Stephen Vitek

On October 28, the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Danville, Pa. awarded the Servant Leader-ship Award to 37 outstanding high school juniors and seniors from the dioceses of Harrisburg, Pa., Scran-ton, Pa. and Bridgeport, Conn. The ceremony took place at the Basilica of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Dan-ville. Over the past 10 years, the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius have honored over 600 teens in the Dioceses of Bridgeport, Conn., Charleston, S.C., Gary, Ind., Scran-ton, Pa. and Syracuse, N.Y. as well as in the Archdioceses of Chicago, Ill., Milwaukee, Wis. and St. Louis, Mo. with the Servant Leadership Award. The Servant Leadership Award recognizes distinguished high school juniors and seniors who are joyful witnesses, compassion-ate proclaimers, and enthusiastic builders of the Kingdom of God. The focus of the award is on teens who remain active in their faith and parish beyond Confi rmation, and who actively serve in their parish, school and community. Receiving the award were: Ra-chel Amarante from Danville, Pa., Emma Batchelder from Lancaster, Pa., Paula Bauder from Chambers-burg, Pa., Olivia Braswell from Lititz, Pa., Monica Burke from Danville, Pa., Anthony Thomas Caruso from Miffi nburg, Pa., Thomas Allen D’Arcy from Me-chanicsburg, Pa., Tara Demko from Kulpmont, Pa., Katherine

Honoring the legacy of Father Matthew JankolaServant Leadership Award

Dibble from Waverly, N.Y., Alex Dishong from Lebanon, Pa., Wil-liam Charles Edwards from Shire-manstown, Pa., Kristen Gerzewski from York, Pa., Karen Gomez from Mechanicsburg, Pa., Tyler Kevin Holleran from Kulpont, Pa., Den-nis Jansen from Muir, Pa., Merlin Kalapurackal from Harrisbug, Pa., Zachariah Kuzo from Lebanon, Pa., Cassie Lark from Halifax, Pa., Jian Manganti from York, Pa., Andrew Moliski from Sayre, Pa., Christine Murphy from Danville, Pa., Gabri-ella Page from Bloomsburg, Pa., Gina Ricco from Seymour, Conn., Julia Robinson from Blooms-burg, Pa., Kieran Thomas Slattery from Mechanicsburg, Pa., Jennifer Southerton from Lewisburg, Pa., Alexander Wesley Swade from Mechanicsburg, Pa., Erin Switzer from Orrtana, Pa., Emily Williams from Mechanicsburg, Pa., Chris-tian Winstel from York, Pa., Megan wood from Lititz, Pa. and Challen Yanchuck from Lebanon, Pa. Each teen was given the op-portunity to honor one person as a mentor who has encouraged them to generously use their time and talents as a follower of Jesus. The mentors the teen selected were par-ents, grandparents, teachers, coach-es, youth ministers, scout leaders, Sisters and Priests, who have been role models for the teens. Mentors recognized by the teens have made a difference in their lives by model-ing servant leadership as a way of life in their family, parish and com-

munity. At the ceremony the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius also hon-ored four adults who received the Father Matthew Jankola Lifetime Commitment to Servant Leader-ship Award in the ministries of evangelization, education, elder-care and ecumenism. Father Mat-thew Jankola was a priest from the Diocese of Scranton who was instrumental in recognizing the need for religious sisters to edu-cate children and founded the Sis-ters of SS. Cyril and Methodius in 1909. Father Jankola, who died in Bridgeport, Conn. in 1916, served as the second supreme chaplain of the Slovak Catholic Sokol. The 2012 Father Matthew Jankola Lifetime Commitment to Servant Leadership Award went to: Evangelization: Dr. James and Dr. Agnes Dinn Education: Mrs. Bonnie Riegel Eldercare: Mrs. Peggy Evans Ecumenism: Sister M. John Vi-anney Vranak, SS.C.M. Following the ceremony in the Basilica of SS. Cyril and Metho-dius, a reception was enjoyed at Maria Hall.

2012 recipients of the Servant Leadership Awards pose for a photo at the Basilica of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Danville, Pa. on October 28.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in West Reading, Pa. will host a special Benefi t Christmas Con-cert on the feast of the Epiphany, Sunday, January 6 in the church beginning at 3 p.m. The church is located at the corner of Lakev-iew Drive and Cherry Street. The concert will feature several local parish choirs as well as the choir of Sacred Heart Church which is under the direction of Joseph N. Oros. Brother Oros, who serves as president of our Sokol, As-sembly 261 in Reading, is the Music Minister and Director at Sacred Heart Parish. While there is free admission to the concert,

a free will offering will be taken up. Proceeds realized from the concert will fund the Food Pan-try at St. Joseph’s Parish outreach program. A small reception will follow the concert in the church social hall. Area Sokols and Sokolky are cordially invited to attend the concert and hear the sounds of the season as well as help raise funds for St. Joseph Outreach. I hope to see many of our Sokol members at what looks to be a wonderful afternoon of music and outreach in the best traditions of the fraternal benefi t system. Zdar Boh! Joseph N. Oros

Benefi t Concert set in West Reading, Pa.

Slovak caroling...sharing Slovak memories....along with a visit from St. Nicholas highlighted the an-nual observance of the “Feast of St. Nicholas” by the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsyl-vania. The celebrated occasion, well-attended by the public, was held on Sunday, December 3 in St. Mat-thew’s Slovak Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. All in attendance enjoyed singing beloved carols of Slovaks everywhere, led by Ber-nadette Yencha, chairperson of the event, with accompaniment by pia-nist Darina Tuhy, both of Wilkes-Barre. Following the welcome re-marks by Slovak Heritage Society Chair, Professor Phililp R. Tuhy of Wilkes-Barre, Advent songs were sung, “Poslany Je Anjel” and “Pride Kristus Spasitel Nas”( two verses each). The traditional “Vins” or greeting of Christmas Eve, were offered by Society Board Mem-ber Andrew Sofranko of Wilkes-Barre; society member Anna Biros, resident of Slovakia; and Peter Kmec of Slovakia, current-ly a sophomore at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. Two of the four Koledy songs, “Co to za Krasne Dietatko”(fi ve verses) and “Svata Noc” (three verses) were sung. Afterwards, a piano solo was offered by Darina Tuhy, along with a background sto-ry on the reality of the journey by Mary and Joseph from Nazareth, comparing it to how it has become romanticized over the centuries. Several Shepherd Car-ols were sung including “Do Hory do Lesa”(verses one, two and four); and “Povedzte Nam

Slovak Heritage Society honorsSt. Nicholas in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Pastierovia”(four verses). In sharing memories, Magdalen Benish, Plains, Pa., refl ected on various incidents in a person’s life-style which could have been most serious, but thanks to last minute changes in place, often resulted in “Life-saving” results. Trust and faith were valuable beliefs, in all, she added. Songs of Joy sung included “Cas Radosti”(verse one, two and four); “Dnes Sa Kristus Narodil”(four verses) and “Dnesny Den sa Radujme”(three verses). “Svaty Mikulas”(Jolly Old St. Nicholas) was sung by all as St. Nicholas himself appeared to dis-tribute gold coins(actually choco-late). Peter Kmec portrayed St. Nicholas. Ms. Benish then distributed can-dy canes following the recitation of the “Christmas Candy Cane Poem About Jesus....Look at the Candy Cane, what do you see? Stripes that are red, like the blood shed for me. White is for my Savior, who’s sin-less and pure.” “J” is for Jesus, my Lord, that’s for sure! Turn it around and a staff you will see....Jesus my shepherd was born for me! Concluding the program, Ber-nadetta Yencha led in the singing of “Pan s Casov”(verses one, two and four)....Na posledny den v roku(song sung the night before the holy day and always sung for New Year’s Eve)...then, “Vesel’ sa, Lud-ske Stvorenie”(two verses)...Na Novy Rok(on the New Year, and sung on New Year’s Day). The Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania Board Members then wished all a Blessed Christmas and a happy New Year....”Vesele Vianoce a Stastny Novy Rok!”

The Holy Name Society of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Clifton, N.J. will host a Centennial Oplatek Dinner on Friday, January 11, 2013 in the church hall located at 213 Ackerman Avenue beginning at 7 p.m. The Holy Name annually hosts such a dinner, however since the parish is observing its 100th an-niversary in 2013, this year’s din-ner will enjoy a special Centennial theme. At the dinner, the traditional foods enjoyed during the Christ-mas season, beginning with the sharing of the Oplatky, the wafers eaten with honey which remind us of God’s love for us, recalling he Manna which God fed the Chosen People during their wanderings in the desert following the Exodus as

Centennial Oplatek Dinnerset at Clifton, N.J. parish

recalled in the Old Testament, and most importantly reminding us of the Eucharist which Christ left as a living memorial of his passion, death and resurrection. An enjoy-able evening has been planned. Tickets for the dinner are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children. Tickets will be sold in the church vestibule before and after each of the weekend liturgies. Reservations may also be made by calling our well-known Group 1 Sokols, Peter Walentowicz at (973)340-9078 or David Bulwin at (973)546-4864, who are serving on the dinner com-mittee. The Oplatek Dinner is one of several activities which the par-ish has planned during its centen-nial year observance.

YOUR BENEFICIARIES

When was the last time you looked at your des ig nat ed ben e fi - cia ries on your valu able Sokol insurance pol i cy? How im por tant is it? Just think about how much your life has changed. Have you mar ried, divorced, had chil dren, may be you lost a loved one? This is an item you should con sid er an nu al ly. If you do need to make chang es to any of your pol i cies, con tact the Home Of fi ce at 800-886-7656.

PAGE 16 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Obituaries...In Memoriam

Slovak Catholic Sokol extends sincere sympathy tothe bereaved families of deceased members

NOVEMBER 2012

Assembly/Wreath Member Age Date of DeathAssembly 1 Frank Brincka, Passaic, NJ 86 November 10, 2012Assembly 10 Joseph P. Stano, Farrell, PA 91 October 2, 2012Assembly 11 Johanna Bryla, Chicago, IL 87 January 12, 2012Assembly 16 Joseph A. Zemba, Pittsburgh, PA 88 November 3, 2012Assembly 25 Laddie Griglak, Perryopolis, PA 94 November 8, 2012Assembly 28 Joseph M. Ondrasek, East Douglas, MA 86 October 23, 2012Assembly 36 Anna Elizabeth Pescia, Detroit, MI 88 December 8, 2010Assembly 36 John Clionka, Detroit, MI 85 July 6, 2012Assembly 54 Helene Zaludek, Lyndora, PA 90 November 3, 2012Assembly 63 Katherine Ann Leist, Sleepy Hollow, NY 74 November 10, 2012Assembly 78 Mary Reilly, Bethlehem, PA 88 November 14, 2012Assembly 78 Andrew J. Vetrosky, Bethlehem, PA 82 October 27, 2012Assembly 82 George Susko, Dunlo, PA 85 November 2, 2012Assembly 104 Charles O. Bertges, Pittsburgh, PA 97 November 6, 2012Assembly 136 Julius Skvarek, Nanticoke, PA 92 October 3, 2012Assembly 162 John Petrasek, Clifton, NJ 86 October 23, 2012Assembly 162 Anna Scherback, Clifton, NJ 82 October 24, 2012Assembly 167 Wallace R. Clark, Barberton, OH 89 October 22, 2012Assembly 201 Gloria Marianne Dow, Larksville, PA 60 November 6, 2012Assembly 219 Mary Polcha, Yonkers, NY 86 August 29, 2012Assembly 219 Anna Kirchner, Yonkers, NY 77 November 5, 2012Assembly 261 Eugene Michael Markowski, Reading, PA 67 September 15, 2012Wreath 11 H. Frances Mikolajcik, Johnstown, NY 87 November 11, 2012Wreath 13 Mary Gunn, Philadelphia, PA 87 October 27, 2012 Wreath 15 Barbara P. Clark, Perryopolis, PA 65 August 20, 2012Wreath 15 Ann Kish, Perryopolis, PA 94 November 9, 2012Wreath 34 Robert Krajcik, Cleveland, OH 65 September 5, 2012Wreath 34 Mary Law, Cleveland, OH 89 November 134, 2012Wreath 54 Theresa De Capua, Youngstown, OH 82 October 19, 2012Wreath 81 George Yurkanin, Whiting, IN 91 January 10, 2012Wreath 85 Dolores Theresa Huwar, McKees Rocks, PA 65 October 28, 2012Wreath 93 Miacheal B. Bohringer, Milwaukee, WI 63 September 9, 2012Wreath 93 Bora Geneva Hornak, Milwaukee, WI 91 August 30, 2012Wreath 155 Dorothy T. Guzowski, Reading, PA 86 October 18, 2012

Gloria Habina Dow, 60former lodge offi cer Gloria Marianne Dow, a former resident of Kingston, Pa. passed away peacefully on November 6 at the home of her daughter in Fort Washington, Pa. with her two children by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 60. A native of Yonkers, N.Y., she was born August 12, 1952 daughter of the late John and Ethel(Mihalik) Habina. She was raised in Most Holy Trinity Parish there and was graduated from its former parochi-al school. She was a 1970 graduate of St. Cyril Academy in Danville, Pa. Following high school, Gloria went on to earn an undergraduate degree in sociology in 1974 at the College of Mount St. Vincent. In 1975, she was awarded a master’s degree from the College of New Rochelle. Prior to her retirement in 2008, Gloria was an educator in the

Sister Anne Kremenik, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth,(formerly known as Sister Loyola of Vincen-tian Sisters of Charity, passed away peacefully at the Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh on November 16. She was 90. Born of Slovak immigrant par-ents, Joseph and Cecilia Kremenik, in Blairsville, Pa. in 1922 and was a member of SS. Simon and Jude Parish there. She credited the deep faith and goodness of her parents as a factor in her vocation to reli-gious life. At age 15, she entered the community of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity in Pittsburgh. Throughout the next 75 years, she faithfully served God and others in the dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pa. Sister Anne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, spe-cializing in Library Science from Duquesne University, and a Mas-ter of Arts in English from Notre Dame University. For the next 31 years, Sister taught at both elementary and sec-ondary levels. She then served in congregational ministry as Major Superior for(8 years), as a Council member(4 years) and as Director of Retirement for 23 years. Sister Anne had a special interest in those of Slovak ancestry, their customs, traditions and history. For 18 years, she cherished her roles as the publicity offi cer of the Execu-tive Board of the Slovak Catholic Federation and editor of its an-nual, The Good Shepherd - Dobry Pastier. She was also active in the ministry of the Conference of Slo-vak Religious. Following a stroke in 2006 and the ensuing expressive aphasia, Sis-ter Anne lived out the remainder of her life in humility yet with a clear

understanding of all that was hap-pening around her. She exempli-fi ed the poet Milton’s words that “They also serve who only stand and wait.” She continued to make person-al decisions, had a keen sense of humor, was concerned about her religious community and demon-strated compassion to those who suffered. Of this period in her life she said “my hands may not write, my eyes may not see, my mouth may not speak, but my heart always prays, is ever grateful, and always loves.” Of all her ministry experiences, Sister felt that the ministry with the “senior sisters” was the most satis-fying and that she was blessed by their richness and wisdom. Sister Anne will especially be remembered for the impact she had in the spiritual development and prayer life of the community as well as the difference she made in the lives of individual sisters. In addition to her parents, Sis-ter Anne is pre-deceased by a sis-ter, Mary and by brothers Joseph, John and Steven. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Jan Kremenik, by nieces and nephews, by all the sisters in her religious community and by countless friends. The viewing took place on No-vember 18 at St. Louise Convent in Pittsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in the St. Louise Convent Chapel on No-vember 19. Interment followed in the Sisters’ Cemetery Sister Anne was very dedi-cated and devoted member of the American Slovak community. She was a credit to our Cyrilo-Methodian heritage of faith. May this great woman of faith now rest in peace.

Sister Anne Kremenik, Slovak spiritual and cultural activist, laid to rest in Pittsburgh

Diocese of Scranton for 33 years. Throughout her career, she taught at the former St. John Nepomucene School in Luzerne and the former St. Mary’s Grade School in Old Forge. She was a member of the National Catholic Education As-sociation. Gloria was a life-long mem-ber of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, having been enrolled as an infant in Yonkers, Assembly 219. She hailed from a prominent Sokol family. Her mother Ethel served for many years as the fi nancial sec-retary of the Yonkers lodge and her late aunt, Emma Mihalik served as a Supreme Offi cer. Over the years, she participated in numerous lo-cal and Group 1 Sokol activities. When she married and moved to Pennsylvania, Gloria took over our former Sokol, Assembly 223 in Swoyersville serving as its fi -nancial secretary for many years. At the time of her death, she was a member of Assembly 201 in

Larksville, Pa. Gloria was a faith-fi lled and committed individual dedicated to the promotion of service and outreach in the best traditions of fraternalism. She was an active member of St. Ignatius Parish in Kingston, Pa. where she served as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. Family always came fi rst to Gloria throughout her life and she treasured every moment she had with her loved ones. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and friend. Our Sokolka is survived by her children, Timothy M. Dow and his wife, Kristin of Kingston, Pa.; and Nicole Marie Dow-Macosky and her husband, Edward of Fort Washington, Pa.; her grandchil-dren, Haley Dow, Timothy Dow, Jr. and Laine Macosky. She is also survived by an aunt, Sister M. Ja-cinta Mihalik, SS.C.M. of Dan-ville, Pa. and many cousins. Family, friends and fellow fra-ternalists paid their fi nal respects to Gloria at the Wroblewski Funeral Home in Forty Fort, Pa. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church on November 7. Interment followed in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Car-verton, Pa. May our departed Sister Sokol-ka, a woman of great faith who so beautifully mirrored our fraternal way of life now rest in peace. Our sympathy goes out to her family.

Traditional fraternal outreach

Slovak Catholic Sokol Disaster Relief Fundby Julie Ann Dobbs, Supreme Vice President

As a fraternal benefi t society, one of our obligations is to come to the aid of our members who are in need. In the past month or so, many of you found yourself in the path or the aftermath of Hur-

ricane Sandy. The fl ooding left some without homes and others struggling with loss of prop-erty....it also left many of us wanting to directly help those members of the Slovak Catholic So-kol who were directly affected by these natural disasters. To this end, the Board of Directors recently approved the establishment of the Slovak Catholic Sokol Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will be used to offer fi nancial assis-tance to those who have suffered damages and

loss from natural disasters. This fund is not meant to replace relief assistance offered through FEMA; fl ood or disaster insurance. In re-sponse to past natural disasters, we have suggested and promoted donations toward Catholic Relief Services and the American Red Cross. While we do not want to detract from your normal donation pattern, we want to offer an avenue for assistance that will directly benefi t our members. In compliance with the Board of Directors re-quest, and in my role as the Supreme Vice President, I have estab-lished a separate account to administer this fund. Please consider donating and thus assuring that monies will be available to assist our members in need. You may do so by sending your check or money order made payable to SCS Disaster Relief Fund to: “SCS Disaster Relief Fund”, c/o Julie Ann Dobbs, Supreme Vice President, 5314 Agatha Turn, Racine, WI 53402. For those members who have suffered loss or damage to property due to natural disasters and are eligible for assistance, you can con-tact our Supreme Vice President at the contact information provided above. Inquiries and requests will be reviewed during the December meeting of the Board of Directors and assistance will be provided based on what has been collected through this fund. As always, the Board of Directors would request that the local Wreath or Assembly to which the member who applies for assistance, consider offering a matching donation. Thank you and Zdar Boh!

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 17

For students entering a Catholic Grade School (Grades 2-8)

Slovak Catholic Sokol Catholic Grade School Grants

Deadline for receipt of this application is March 31, 2013.Return completed application to:

Slovak Catholic SokolGrade School Grant

205 Madison St.,P.O. Box 899Passaic, NJ 07055

✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄

(Detach here)

SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL CATHOLIC GRADE SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION

Group #_______________ Assembly/Wreath #_______________

Name ___________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________

City________________________ State________________ Zip Code ______________

Date of Birth_________________________________________ Current Age __________

Home Phone (_____)________________ School Phone (_____) ________________ area code area code

S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #____________ Face Amount_____________________ S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #____________ Face Amount_____________________ S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #____________ Face Amount_____________________ Father's name_____________________________________ Are you a member?______

Mother's name_____________________________________ Are you a member?______

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate # ______________________Face Amount________

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate # ______________________Face Amount________

Are you a previous Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Recipient? ___________________ (yes/no)

If yes, what Year?____________

School verifi cation (to be completed by Grade School Principal)

I,______________________________ Principal of_______________________________ (Principal's signature) (Name of School)

Catholic Grade School, verify that_________________________________ is a student at (Name of student)

the above school and will be entering _________ Grade in the 2013-2014 school year.

Are you currently participating in Slovak Catholic Sokol Activities? Yes_____ No____

As per the decision of the delegates at the 28th National Convention held in Buffalo, NY in August, 1999, a fraternal benefi t is being offered to our young members attending a Catholic Grade School. The Slovak Catholic Sokol is pleased to offer $250.00 Grants to our young Sokols and Sokolky in each of our organization's nineteen Groups. Two grants per each Group are available to any qualifi ed Sokol member entering a Catholic Grade School (Grades 2 through 8).

Eligibility

A. Applicant must be a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in good standing, holding a permanent Life Insurance Certifi cate in the amount of not less than $3,000, and has been a member for at least fi ve years.

B. One parent must be a S.C.S. member.

C. The principal of the Catholic Grade School must verify the enrollment of the applicant.

Application This application must be received on or before, March 31, 2013 with a clear, small (2"x3" wallet size) head and shoulders photograph. Application is also available on the Internet @

www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

Disqualifi cation An applicant who neglects to submit or com-plete any part of these requirements before the established deadline will automatically be disqualifi ed.

Acknowledgment An acknowledgment of the Grant should be made in writing by the recipient as soon as pos-sible, if you are awarded a Grant.

Return of Grant If for any reason the Grant is not used by the recipient, the entire (or portion of) grant not utilized must be returned.

NEW BUSINESS SUBMITTED IN NOVEMBER

RECOMMENDERS CITY/STATE CERTIFICATES VOLUME POINTSHome Office Passaic, NJ 1 $ 2,500Mary Ann Hrudowsky Passaic, NJ 1 10,000 Mary Jane Ludwig Passaic, NJ 1 10,000Roger J. Manyak East Douglas, MA 1 5,000 114Stephen T. Phillips Lilly, PA 1 5,000 Robert J. Shedlock Lilly, PA 1 10,000 55Katie Jozwiak Swift Pittsburgh, PA 1 5,000 Totals 7 $47,500 169

ANNUITIES

RECOMMENDERS CITY/STATE CERTIFICATES VOLUME POINTSAnna Mae Gaydosh Lorain, OH 1 $ 1,000 30Albert J. Matia Parma, OH 3 60,000 300 Totals 4 $ 61,000 330

President Glugosh then asked the Supreme Secretary to leave the room for a few minutes. After being summoned to return, the Supreme Secretary was informed that the Board members, excluding the General Counsel, discussed a compensation review of his position as approved by the delegates at the Convention. The Board reviewed the performance ob-jectives and accomplishments of the Supreme Secretary and specifi c 2010, 2011 and 2012 achievements and highlights under his leadership. He was informed that the Board members mutually agreed to increase the base sal-ary of the position of the Supreme Secretary by 5% effective January 1, 2013, along with their thanks and appreciation for all the extra things that he does for a job well done. Agreed. Brother Steve acknowledged the Board members approval and con-sideration for this unexpected increase and assured the Board that he will continue to perform to the best of his abilities, thank you.

Acknowledged. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew s. Hvozdovic informed the Board members that he will conduct a Mass on Saturday December 1, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. for all the Board members to fulfi ll our Sunday obligation.

Acknowledged. The Board members toured the facilities available at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel as a possible 2015 Convention site. The organization previ-ously conducted the 2003 Convention at this site, however at that time it was a Radisson Hotel and many new improvements have been made.

Acknowledged. Having completed all the business items on the agenda, and after a general discussion, President Glugosh entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting, so moved by Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, Edward D. Moeller and seconded by Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Mi-chael J. Horvath. Approved. The members of the Supreme Board of Directors wish to extend to all the members of our organization and their families our best wishes for a Blessed Christmas, and a New Year fi lled with good health, happiness, love and peace. Acknowledged. Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh called upon the Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic to offer the closing prayer. Father Hvozdovic closed the meeting with a prayer and offered a blessing for a safe journey home to all the Board members. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m. “Veselé a požehnané Vianoce a v novom roku veľa šťastia a úspechov.” Zdar Boh! Respectfully submitted, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. Supreme Secretarty

(Continued from page 8)

Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Supreme Board of Directors of the Slovak Catholic Sokol

Symbols and meaning of Christmas ornaments Walnut - This is the traditional fruit of the Christmas season in Slo-vakia and central Europe. Corn - Symbolizes prosperity and fertility. House and Churches - These are traditional symbols of everyday vil-lage life. Birds - They are symbols of joy and cheerfulness. Swans - They are symbols of gracefulness. Musical instruments - These symbolize the joy that music and singing brings. Stars, moons and angels - The closest you can get to heaven!

Silent Night The origin of the Christmas car-ol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1916 by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf, it is rebutted that the organ of St. Nicholas Church had broken. Father Joseph gave the poem of Silent Night(Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was fi nished in time for Mid-night Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!

PAGE 18 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Report of the Supreme Secretary for the Month of September 2012REPORT OF THE SUPREME SECRETARY

SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOLActivity for the Month of September, 2012

ASSETS

YEAR-TO-DATE Cash - Senior Account $ 334,746.50 Cash - Bank of Montreal 17,971.85 Cash - Payroll Account 40,000.00 Petty Cash 180.00 Investments - Bonds & Bills 47,242,674.15 Investments - Stocks 8,306,841.55 Capital Reserve 774,192.06 Stock Adj. to Book Value 1,117,125.16 First Mortgage Loans 620,175.79 Loans on Certifi cates 228,965.38 Accrued Interest Receivable 689,741.00 Prepaid Expense 762.27 Sokol Building 2,687,146.11 Land 204,108.00 Furniture & Fixtures 158,287.14 Sokol Baby Spoons 10,075.00 Due From Groups 548.60 Accounts Receivable 20,300.95 Non-Admitted Assets -24,254.00

TOTAL ASSETS $ 62,429,587.51

LIABILITIES AND RESERVESLife Reserves $ 42,586,652.00 Reserve Dep. Furn. & Fixtures 149,373.34 Reserve Dep. Sokol Building 2,621,540.40 Asset Valuation Reserve 1,328,285.00 Interest Maintenance Reserve 85,774.00 Reserve for Supplemental Contracts 464,989.23 Reserve Emp. Retirement Plan 4,768,675.00 Reserve for Convention 92,250.00 Matured Endowments 99,125.09 Annuity Payable 76,715.00 Claims Payable 212,069.00 Conversion - Canadian Currency 337.00 Accounts Payable 108,636.64 Sokol Secure Fund 94,250.00 Mary Jane Rich Scholarship Fund 85,000.00 Joseph & Mary Spernoga Scholarship Fund 2,500.00 Emil Slavik Scholarship Fund 100,000.00 Dr’s Lesko Medical Scholarship Fund 20,000.00 Dividend Accum. At Interest 320,537.49 Dividend Payable 21,627.10 Advance Premiums 10,609.00 Premium Load 3,083.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 53,252,028.29 Undistributed Funds - Sokol $ 9,177,559.22

TOTAL LIABILITIES & SURPLUS $ 62,429,587.51

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES

Month of September, 2012

INCOME

SEPTEMBER YEAR TO DATE Interest on Bonds and Bills $ 218,559.52 $ 1,813,184.68 Amortization of IMR 4,672.00 14,016.00 Accured Interest Paid 36,077.00 70,832.00 Dividends on Stocks 43,294.32 183,515.73 Interest on Mortgages 2,772.23 29,824.01 Interest on Certifi cate Loans 0.00 6,979.63 Sale of Cookbooks 101.95 765.95 Rent Received - Sokol Building 7,425.00 75,445.00 Premium Income 49,432.70 449,640.35 Annuities 274,485.61 3,003,569.09 Miscellaneous Income 21.49 4,462.97 Gain on Securities Sold/Matured 1,276,416.00 1,428,666.64 Total Income $ 1,913,257.82 $ 7,080,902.05

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSESMonth of September, 2012

EXPENSES SEPTEMBER YEAR TO DATE

Operating Expense - Sokol Building $ 3,694.81 $ 41,687.84 Building Maintenance & Repairs 654.05 4,058.90 Rental Area Expenses 89.30 5,399.07 Property Taxes - Sokol Building 0.00 86,028.21 Depreciation Sokol Building 311.52 2,803.68 Rent for Space 1,250.00 11,250.00 Pension Plan - Print 563.14 6,385.78 Salaries - Offi ce Employees 39,749.50 379,659.25 Salaries - Editorial Employees 6,060.00 59,740.00 SS & Federal Income Tax - Offi ce 6,181.53 39,079.55 Hospitalization 9,209.91 80,465.45 Workmen’s Compensation Insurance 0.00 5,339.58 Pension Plan - Offi ce/Offi cers 58,028.28 207,603.87 Offi ce Expense 1,338.48 24,750.13 Supreme President-Offi ce Supplies 0.00 480.00 Supreme Offi cers Travel 3,268.37 12,538.94 Supreme Auditors 1,306.75 13,738.58 Actuarial Expenses 233.00 17,658.00 Accountant Expenses 2,550.00 23,900.00 Postage - Offi ce 1,111.25 12,455.75 Telephone - Offi ce 301.00 3,266.38 Telephone - Editorial 115.01 1,124.25 Printing - Katolicky Sokol 4,540.00 43,996.00 Postage - Sokol Paper 8,000.00 62,470.00 Misc. Publication Expense 512.00 1,286.15 Other Printing 0.00 5,108.51 Other Legal Expenses 3,278.64 28,597.76 Death Benefi t Claims Paid 47,036.00 573,411.81 Annuity Death Benefi ts 1,686.34 1,915.21 Cash Surrender Values Paid 12,050.59 150,126.47 Annuity Surrenders 0.00 373,663.68 Annuity Suppl. Contracts 190.33 1,712.97 Matured Endowments Paid 4,195.00 33,488.00 Reserve Increase 555,000.00 3,050,000.00 State Insurance Dept. Lic./Fee 0.00 4,259.62 Bank Charges - Bond Account 11,943.46 101,858.53 Supreme Offi cers Uniform Allowance 0.00 5,901.93 Dues & Subscription 0.00 7,472.95 Donations & Contributions 485.00 8,256.70 Clinic 0.00 28,568.61 International Bowling Tournament 0.00 6,112.89 International Golf Tournament 1,017.64 7,425.72 National Basketball Tournament 0.00 3,803.73 District Tournaments 0.00 3,825.00 Other Coaching, Insurance 650.00 2,904.15 International Softball Tournament -257.89 11,378.73 Convention Expenses 9,000.00 92,250.00 Group Assessments Paid 12,090.64 36,591.79 Commission Expense 5,872.46 46,527.19 Annuity Commissions 2,624.60 41,001.99 Advertising - Promotional 1,172.35 6,610.19 Marketing Expense 1,464.04 10,107.35 Agency Expenses 1,961.25 24,372.77 Board of Directors Expense 669.60 30,345.65 Physical Fitness Board Expense 0.00 20,662.14 Scholarship Expense 0.00 56,004.09 Salaries - Supreme Offi cers 9,387.50 28,162.50 Seminarian Grants 0.00 500.00 Supreme Offi cers Insurance Bond 0.00 1,315.00 Fraternal Congress Expense 6,400.89 18,140.57 Local Fees/Rebates -637.91 -4,976.43 Interest Expense 782.57 9,237.16 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 837,131.00 $ 5,973,810.29 TOTAL INCOME (LOSS) $ 1,076,126.82 $ 1,107,091.76

ZDAR BOH! Steven M. Pogorelec, FIC Supreme Secretary Slovak Catholic Sokol

SLOVENSKÝ KATOLÍCKY SOKOL, 12. DECEMBRA 2012 PAGE 19

ISSN: 0897-8107

Úradn¥ ™asopisSLOVENSKÉHO KATOLÍCKEHO SOKOLA

Zalo¢en¥ 15. apríla 1911 – Vychádza ka¢dú druhú stredu

Majitel« a vydavatel«:SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL

Daniel F. Tanzone, redaktor Telefónne ™íslo: (973) 777-4010

V£etky ™lánky, príspevky a správy treba posielat« na adresu:Editor, Slovak Catholic Sokol, P.O. Box 899

205 Madison Street, Passaic, New Jersey 07055

(Pokračovanie zo str. 20)

Informácie slovenských podujatiach v USA

na interneteInformácie o slovenských spo-ločenských, náboženských a športových podujatiach, vi-deo záznamy zo slovenských podujatí a d’alšie informácie nájdete na internetovej adrese:

www.slovaknewstv.com

Slovenský ples v New Yorku Slovensko-americké kultúrne stredisko v New Yorku (SAKS) oznamuje, že ples, ktorý usporiada každý rok, bude v sobotu 9. februára 2013 v New York Athletic Club. Organizačný výbor plesu pozýva slovenskú verejnosť. Bližšie informácie o plese na webstránke strediska: www.SlovakAmericanCC.org alebo u predsedníčky Zuza-ny Krčmárovej, tel. č.: 973-357-1209.

Správy zo Slovenska

Slovenská vodka dobila americký trh Keď sa americkí podnikatelia obzerali po mieste na výrobu novej luxusnej vodky, výber Slovenska nebol náhodný. Okrem unikátnej technológie výroby ich prilákala aj možnosť kompletne vytvoriť marketingový imidž prémiového produktu z malej kra-jiny. Aj keď bol produkt určený výlučne na americký trh, po veľkom domácom záujme sa rozhodli predávať ho aj na Slovensku. Úspech bol raketový. Na Slovensku takmer okamžite získala Double Cross Vodka dominantné postavenie vo svojej kategórii liehovín. V USA prvé tri roky zaznamenala viac ako stopercentné rasty a našla si cestu do luxusných hotelov a reštaurácií ako Hilton či Sheraton. Obľúbili si ju via-cerí prominentní americkí herci či speváci a dostala sa dokonca aj do domáceho baru Billa Gatesa. - hn.sk

Obsadenosť bratislavských hotelov rastie najrýchlejšie spomedzi všetkých európ-skych miest. Podľa prieskumu spoločnosti STR Global, ktorá sa zaoberá analýzami hotelové-ho trhu, v októbri tohto roku naplnili hostia vyše 60 percent kapacít hotelov v hlavnom mes-te, čo predstavuje medziročný nárast o 15 percent.

Štatistiky potvrdzujú, že Slo-vensko starne. Potvrdili to údaje vlaňajšieho sčítania obyvateľov. K 21. máju 2011 bolo na Slo-vensku 12,7 percenta obyvateľov vo veku 65 rokov a viac. Oproti roku 2001 došlo k zvýšeniu o 1,3 percenta.

Slovenské hospodárstvo pre-chádza zásadnou vlastníckou zmenou. Kým pred pár rokmi najväčšie slovenské podniky končili v rukách domácich podnikateľov či veľkých fi riem zo Západu, teraz sú na ťahu hráči z krajín ako Rusko či Ukrajina. Investori z východu na Slovensko vstupujú už do všetkých kľúčových sekto-rov. Najaktuálnejší je možný vstup Ukrajincov či Rusov do košických oceliarní, ktorých sa zvažuje zbaviť americký U.S. Steel.

November bol na Slovensku extrámne teplý a na viacerých miestach padli teplotné rekordy. Len v Bratislave zaznamenali meteorológovia osem extrámne teplých dní. 28. novembra name-rali v Bratislave 14 stupňov Cel-zia, teplota tak prekonala rekord z roku 1960.

Teplé počasie koncom no-vembra tak pomýlilo prírodu, že začali kvitnúť púpavy a iné druhy jarných kvetov, dokonca aj jarné plodiny na poliach. 25. novembra namerali teplotné rekordy aj na horách. Na Chop-ku padol 50-ročný rekord, ked’ tam namerali takmer 5 stupňov Celzia. V Stropkove na východ-nom Slovensku zdobili ulice roz-kvitnuté čerešňové stromy.

Najstaršia obyvateľka Sloven-ska Anna Balášová z Vrbového sa 6. decembra dožila 108 rokov. Rodáčka zo Smrečian prežila veľmi pestrý život, mala troch manželov a osem detí.

Na budove Ministerstva pô-dohospodárstva Slovenskej re-publiky odhalili 10. decembra pamätnú tabuľu obetiam kolek-tivizácie 50. rokov minulého storočia. Zhabanie domov, pôdy a poľnohospdárskeho majetku sa podľa odhadov dotklo počas ko-munistického režimu takmer pol milióna ľudí na Slovensku. Obete kolektivizácie boli často násilne vysťahované a väznené.

Oplátková večera v Clift one, NJ Spolok svätého mena Ježiš pri Kostole sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Clift one, NJ usporiada v piatok 11. januára 2013 oplátkovú večeru. Bude sa konať v kostolnej hale na 235 Ackerman Ave. Začiatok bude o 7.00 hodine. Vstupné je $20.00 za dospelých a $10.00 za deti. Líst-ky sú na predaj pred o po sv. omši. Bližšie informácie a rezervácie na tel. č.: 973-340-9078 alebo 973-546-4864.

Orechy si každý s privretý-mi očami vybral z koša. Hlava rodiny ich očistila a prezrela, či sú zdravé a podľa stavu napríklad predpovedala: je to veľmi dobrý orech, ty budeš dlho žiť! Každý dostal aj štiepku jablka,aby si spomenul naň, keď bude v núdzi. V minulosti bolo zvykom nosiť jedlá do kostola, kde ich aj posvätili. Po večeri chodili po domoch pastieri, zavinšovali domácim dobrú úrodu, zdravie,ženy pošibali prútoms vplet-enou zelenou vetvičkou, ktorý im nakoniec odovzdali. Týmto prútomvyháňali na jar dobytok,keď išiel prvý raz na pašu. Prichádzali aj jasličkári, men-šie deti, cigáni a iní koledníci, ktorých domáci obdarovali po-travinami alebo peniazmi. Samozrejme všetci sa zú-častnili polnočnej omše. Dvadsiaty piaty december bol prvým dňom nového obdobia, a nie náhodou ho cirkev určila za najväčší sviatok v roku ako deň božieho narodenia.

Na Nový rok sa mal každý vystríhať hnevu, plaču, zvady, lenivosti, mal si dať pozor, aby nič nepoškodil, nerozbil. Z domu ani teraz nemali nič požičať a gaz-diná stále mala mať u seba peni-aze. V dome musel byť poriadok, ale smeti sa nesmeli vyniesť von, pretože by vyniesli aj bohatstvo, prípadne by niekto do roka zom-rel. Zákaz sa vzťahoval aj na pra-nie a vešanie šiat, šitie a podobne. Nemala sa jesť hydina ani zajac, lebo by sa majetok „ro-zobral, rozletel alebo odbehol”. Radšej jedli bravčové mäso, ktoré prinášalo štastie a šošovicu, aby bolo v dome dosť penazí. Ako vinšovníci boli vítaní na-jmä cigáni, pretože mali priniesť štastie.

Vianočné zvyky na Slovensku

Vianočná kapustnica Potrebujeme: 400 g kyslej kapusty, 4 g sušených húb, 20 g údenej slaniny, 150 g domácej klobásy, masť, cibuľu, cesnak, mletú červenú papriku, mleté čierne korenie, soľ, hladkú múku, rascu, 12 %-nú smotanu, vodu. Postup: Umytú kapustu varíme s hubami do polomäkka. Za-hustíme paprikovo-cibuľovou zápražkou, dobre prevaríme, pridáme rascu, pokrájanú domácu klobásu, vyškvarenú slaninu, prevaríme do-chutíme soľou, korením a cesnakom. Pri podávaní do každej porcie pridáme polievkovú lyžicu smotany.

Orechové medovníčky Suroviny: 350 g hladkej múky, 200 g práškového cukru, 2 va-jíčka, 40 g pomletých orechov, 2 lyžice medu, 1 lyžička sódy bikarbóny, 1 lyžička mletej škorice Postup: Z prísad vypracujeme cesto a necháme ho odpočinúť do druhého dňa. Cesto rozvaľkáme na 5 mm hrúbku a povykraju-jeme medovníčky. Potrieme ich rozšľahaným vajíčkom a do ružova upečieme v dobre vyhriatej rúre.

Tradičné slovenské vianočné recepty

Slovensko zaradili medzi najlepšie destinácie budúceho roka

Americký internetový ma-gazín pre cestovateľov Budget Travel zaradil Slovensko medzi desať najlepších turistických des-tinácií v budúcom roku s ohľa-dom na cenovú dostupnosť. Magazín o svojom výbere náz-vom “10 Best Budget Destina-tions for 2013” napísal, že ide o miesta, v ktorých cestovateľom návšteva “hotelov svetovej úrovne, reštaurácií a obchodov umožní zabudnúť, že cestujú s obmedzeným rozpočtom”. Slovensko, u ktorého sa zdôrazňujú najmä Košice ako Európske hlavné mesto kultúry 2013, sa ocitlo na zozname po-pri kanadskom Toronte, tureckej Antalyi, francúzskom údolí rieky Loiry, amerických mestách Palm Springs a Nashville, thajských ostrovoch Phi Phi, Severnom Írsku, Bahamách a fi lipínskom ostrove Boracay. V súvislosti so sloven-skou metropolou Bratislavou magazín ako lákadlá spomína

vybudovanie luxusného päť-hviezdičkového komplexu pri Dunaji a nové židovské kultúrne centrum. Napriek hospodár-skemu rozvoju zostala Bratislava podľa BT prekvapivo cenovo dostupná, čo pre čitateľov ilustru-je asi polovičnými cenami oproti neďalekej Viedni. Budúci rok sú pre návštevníkov najlákavejším cieľom podľa BT Košice. “Dobre zachované mes-to, ktorého vznik siaha do 12. storočia, sa pýši najväčšou kated-rálou na Slovensku, Chrámom sv. Alžbety,” píšu autori.

Marta Husivargová Mašlejová VITAJ JEŽIŠ, BOŽIE DIEŤA

Keď meluzína tancujesnehové vločky padajúAnjeličkovia na nebislávnostnú pieseň spievajú.

Rozišli sa oni po zemina všetky strany svetaby zatrúbili na slávu.ň,že narodil sa Ježiš Božie dieťa.

Aj hviezda jasná žiarilana miesto narodenia,keď prišiel na svet v Betlehemenáš Boh a pán sveta.

Vítame Ťa tu Ježiško,na tejto Božej zemi,Ty si náš veľký spasiteľa my sme tvoje deti.

ÚRADNÝ ČASOPIS SLOVENSKÉHO KATOLÍCKEHO SOKOLA - 28 000 ČLENOV - HLAVNÁ ÚRADOVŇA: 205 MADISON STREET, PASSAIC, NJ 07055 – www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

VOLUME CI PASSAIC, N.J., 12. DECEMBRA 2012 ČÍSLO 4979

(Pokračovanie na str. 19)

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON

Za Boha a národ For God and Nation

V sobotu 24. novembra os-lávila osemdesiate narodeni-ny tajomníčka a pokladníčka Slovenskej ligy v Amerike Nina Holá. Oslava sa konala v reštaurácii Th e Grand Cha-let vo Wayne, NJ. Jej životné jubileum prišla osláviť rodina a blízky priatelia. Oslávenkyňu privítali a mali krátke prího-vory jej dcéry Luby Masi a Jane Konzelmann, vnučka a vnuk Jane a John Masi, vnukovia Mark a Andrej Konzelmann a jej manžel Ján Holý. Zať Tomáš Masi viedol program a zhod-notil obetavú prácu jubilantky v jej osobnom živote a v slo-venskom živote v Amerike. Nina Holá bola zvolená do funkcie tajomníčky a pok-ladníčky Slovenskej ligy na kongrese v roku 2002, kedy z tejto funkcie rezignoval jej manžel Ján Holý. V sloven-skom živote zastávala význ-amné funkcie už mnoho ro-kov predtým. Vyše 10 rokov

je spolupredsedníčkou Fes-tivalu slovenského dedičstva v New Jersey, desiatky rokov je aktívna v Prvej katolíckej slovenskej ženskej jednote. V šesťdesiatych rokoch minulého storočia ako tajomníčka Slo-vensko-amerického klubu spoluorganizovala prvé for-málne slovenské plesy v New Yorku. V rámci Slovenskej ligy iniciovala a viedla zbierku na Furdekovu sochu v Bratislave na budove Matice slovenskej. SLvA na tento projekt prispela sumou 10.000 dolárov. Obetavú prácu jubilantky ocenil aj prezident Slovenskej republiky Ivan Gašparovič, ktorý jej udelil štátne vyzna-menanie SR. V roku 2010 jej udelilo poctu aj Slovensko-americké kultúrne stredisko v New Yorku. Jubilantke želáme mno-ho rokov dobrého zdravia a vytrvalosť v jej národnej práci.

Tajomníčka a pokladníčka SLvA Nina Holá oslávila 80. narodeniny

Vianočné prípravy sa začali dávno pred Štedrým dňom. Dňom plným rôznych obradov bola Lucia. Ľudia verili, že práve v tento deň sa strigya iné zlé sily viac usilujú uškodiť ľudom, či už na zdraví alebo majetku. Už v predvečer tohoto dňa sa pred nimi chránili tak, že jedli cesnak, nad schodmi do obydlia i stajní ním urobili kríž. Ráno na Luciu nesmela cudzia žena prísť do domu. Vítaní však boli chlapci, ktorí už včas ráno cho-dili po domoch vinšovať. Na Lu-ciu sa z domu nič nedávalo ani nepožičiavalo. Večer sa niektoré ženyprestrojili za Lucky: zakrútili sa do bielej plachty a zamúčili si tvár. Chodili po domoch a husacím krídlom vymetali oby-dlia, pričom nesmeli hovoriť. Na stôl im pripravili chlieb, cesnak a vodu. Tieto postavy predstavovali škodlivé bytosti, ktoré však samy z domu vyháňajú nepriateľské sily, ak ich pohostia.V ten deň do pohára s vodou na-rezali vetvičky z rozličných ovoc-

Vianočné zvyky na Slovensku

ných stromov. Podľa toho, koľko púčikov vyhnali do Vianoc, usud-zovali úrodu v budúcom roku. Početné boli aj praktiky ľúbostnej mágie. Meno budúceho muža zisťovali dievčatá pomocou lístkov. Na desať lístkov sa napísa-li rozličné mená, na jedenásty „stará dievka”, na dvanásty „smrť”. Každý deň jeden lístok bez pozre-tia zničili. Posledný, čo ostal, ob-sahoval veštbu. Pred Štedrým dňom sa museli požičané veci vrátiť. Nič sa ne-smelo požičať, lebo by sa aj maje-tok „rozpožičal”. Črepy v tentodeň veštili neštastie alebo úmrtie v rodine. Celý deň sa každý usiloval kontrolovať a usmerňovať svoje konanie, pretože kto ako robil v tento deň, tak konal po celý rok. Statok opatrili ešte pred večerou.Dali mu lepšie krmoviny než inokedy. Tak ako na Luciu, aj ter-az chránili dobytok pred strigami cesnakom, cibuľou, petržlenom, ohňoma inými prostriedkami. Rozličnými spôsobmi sa mala zabezpečiť plodnosť, sila a vôbec úžitkovosť všetkých domácich zvierat.

Svetlo v izbe sa nesmelo zapáliť, kým nebolo všetko pri-pravené. Do kúta nad stôl zavesili na hra-du jedličku ozdobenú orechmi, jablkami, doma vyro-benými sa-lonkami a sviečkami. Pod stromčekomboli uloženéjasličky, v ktorých na slame ležal Ježiško. Pod stôl položili väčší železný predmet, najčastejšie sekeru: kto ho počas večera pris-túpil nohou, mal byť po celý rok zdravý. Kvianočnému stolu si sadli naraz, nikto nesmel od stola vstať. Večeru začal gazda modlitbou a želaním šťastných vianočných sviatkov celej rodine. Katolíci jedávalipôstne jedlá, ale vianočný stôl bol predsa „štedro” prestretý. Zvyčajne sa podávali oblátky s cesnakom a medom, sušené hríby s kapustou, opekance s ma-kom, pirohy, bryndzové halušky, vyprážaná ryba, rozličné koláče, orechy, jablká, sušené ovocie, víno a pálenka. Každé štedrovečerné jedlo malo svoj symbolický výz-nam.

Prajeme Vám požehnané a šťastné Vianoce a v novom roku veľa úspechovJubilantka Nina Holá s manželom Jánom. - Stojaci zľava: vnučka Jennifer a vnuk John Masi s rodičmi Lubkou

a Tomášom Masi, dcéra Jane Konzelmann so synmi Andrejom a Markom. Celá rodina sú členmi Slovenského katolíckeho sokola.