Summer Picnic 2021

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The Pittsburgh District held its summer meeting on July 25, 2021.  The meeting was hosted by Branch S177, Clairton at Salvatore’s Event Center in Pittsburgh.  President Judy Fedor opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance to the flag and National President Cynthia Maleski led the singing of God Bless America.  Father Edward Mazich, District Chaplain, led the prayer before the meal.

Following the luncheon, Father Ed conducted a prayer service to our Patroness, St. Anne, in honor of her feast on July 26.

Jerry LaFrankie, President of Branch S177, addressed the members briefly.  The District expressed appreciation for the excellent stuffed cabbage lunch, and presented a check for the District’s contribution to the luncheon and a Mass for members of Branch S177.

Recording Secretary Linda Killeen took roll call, read the minutes of the April meeting and read correspondence.  Financial Secretary Marian Gatto reported on the treasury.

Dorothy Urbanowicz was congratulated on her re-election to National Auditor, as was Flora Funtal on her re-election to the Court of Appeals.  Dorothy gave the National Officers report, highlighting building our branches.

The District Officers have finalized the plans for the Pittsburgh District’s first Youth of the Year Award.  Many of our young members participate in projects their branches, churches, schools and communities. In an effort to involve more of our young people, we would like to recognize one of these special members.  Applications for nominees along with guidelines for nomination were given to branch secretaries to inform their members and copies will be mailed to secretaries not in attendance at this meeting.

Members were informed of a sales presentation which will take place in September.  Forms for registration were also passed out to branch secretaries.

President Maleski addressed the membership and updated them on Home Office activities.

District drawings were held.  Branch S177 held drawings for prizes and beautiful sunflower centerpieces.  The meeting was adjourned and closed with pray led by Father Ed and singing of Hey Slovaci led by President Maleski.

The next meeting will take place on October 31, 2021 and will be hosted by Branch 111, Charleroi.

 

Pittsburgh District Youth of the Year Award

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Pittsburgh District Meeting, Spring 2021

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The Pittsburgh District held its spring 2021 meeting at Antonelli’s Event Center in Irwin, PA.  The meeting was hosted by Branch S433, celebrating the branch’s 100th anniversary.

President Judy Fedor opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.  National President Cynthia Maleski led the members in God Bless America. Father Ed Mazich, District Chaplain, led the prayer before the meal. President Judy welcomed those in attendance, who were happy to be meeting for the first time since the pandemic began.

Following the luncheon, Father Ed conducted a prayer for all of the living and deceased members of branch S433. Branch Secretary Marian Gatto gave the members a brief history of the branch. The District expressed appreciation for the excellent lunch, and presented a check for the District’s contribution to the luncheon and a Mass for branch S433 members, and a gift for the 100th anniversary. Aimee Perry, Branch S433 President, was acknowledged for the creation of the beautiful fresh flower centerpieces on all of the tables.

Recording Secretary Linda Killeen took roll call and read the minutes from the last meeting. Financial Secretary Marian Gatto reported on the treasury.

Flowers were presented to our National President and CEO, Cynthia Maleski, to congratulate her on her re-election and in appreciation for her ongoing service. Flowers were also presented to Virginia Holmes in appreciation of all her years of service to the FCLSA. Virginia began her service to Branch S077 as a teenager, and is still Treasurer of the McKeesport branch. She was a National Trustee for 20 years and held positions on the Pittsburgh District board. She still serves as our Parliamentarian. Currently, Virginia is serving as President of Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance. Other national officers who belong to our district were not in attendance, but will be recognized at a future meeting.

In the midst of the pandemic, the Pittsburgh District undertook a major fundraiser for “FCSLA Distance Learning Center” at St. Vincent. The District raised $20,000.00 via mail, email, and telephone to supplement the grant given at the 2019 convention which fell short of the overall cost of construction of Distance Learning Center. President Judy recognized the Pittsburgh District board and all participating branches for raising funds for the completion of the project. Fraternalism is very much alive in Pittsburgh, even in difficult times.

Presenting the check to Father Ed for the FCSLA Distance Learning Center. Left to right as follows: Auditor Martin Hanyak, Auditor Jim Dubina, Father Ed Mazich, President Judy Fedor, Vice President Jerry LaFrankie, Recording Secretary Linda Killeen, and Financial Secretary Marian Gatto.

Father Ed, who is the Rector at St. Vincent Seminary, addressed the members and expressed his appreciation for the District’s contribution, and gave an overview of the Learning Center.

National President Cynthia Maleski reported on National business. She complemented the home office employees and Board of Directors on how well they transitioned to working from home during the pandemic. The health and safety of the employees was maintained and business was conducted; no deadlines were missed.

President Maleski recognizing Virginia Holmes.

President Maleski spoke about the new “FCSLA Life” designation and logo. She congratulated Harrison City Branch S433 for 100 years and presented a gift from her own branch. She recognized Virginia Holmes for her years of service to the FCSLA, and presented to her a hand-cut Slovakian crystal dish from the home office.

District drawings were held. Branch S433 held drawings for prizes and the beautiful centerpieces. The meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer led by Father Ed.

The next meeting will take place on July 25 at Salvatore’s hosted by Branch S177, Clairton.