Vesele Vianoce A Stastny Novy Rok Merry Christmas

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DECEMBER 8, 2011
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Vesele Vianoce
A
Stastny Novy Rok
Merry Christmas
And
Happy New Year!
To All Our Members
From the
Supreme Lodge
of Sokol USA
12-08-11
Page 2
SOKOL TIMES
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Upcoming Sokol Event
at Lodge 32 Boonton, NJ
official organ of the
SLOVAK GYMNASTIC UNION SOKOL
OF THE USA
January 13 – Slovak Dinner
Seatings at 4 or 6 PM
Adults $12, Children $6
Featuring Homemade Pierogies, Stuffed
Cabbage, Chicken Paprikash, Kielbasa &
Kraut, Salad, Rolls, Dessert, Coffee And Tea.
Eat in or take out. Snow date: Saturday
January 14. Reservations Required.
For reservations, call Alison at 973-361-5325
Published monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
SOKOL OFFICE:
Telephone: (973) 676-0280
Toll Free: (888) 253-0362
FAX (973) 676-3348
E-mail: [email protected]
All communication for publication should be sent
to Editor at P.O. Box 189, East Orange, NJ 07019
by the 22nd of the previous month.
Second Class postage paid in East Orange, NJ
Annual Subscription for non-members is $10.00
Bring your friends !!!
FROM THE
SUPREME SECRETARY
Got Insurance?
To Members and Lodge & District Officers,
As we fast approach the end of another year, many Lodges will
hold annual meetings to elect the officers for the coming year.
Please remember to complete the form listing the Lodge Officers
and address information. The form was sent with the previous
assessment. If there are no changes in Lodge leadership, the
form should still be completed and forwarded to Headquarters. I
thank you for your attention to this detail.
At this time of the year, many lodges will provide monetary
support to local and national charities. We encourage this support.
As Sister Jennifer Moulton has advised, a food pantry contribution,
adoptions of a family in need for the holidays are a means of
bringing Sokol to the public eye. It also demonstrates our fraternal
spirit of assisting people within our community. By the same token,
we remind each lodge, if able, to not forget their “shut in” Sokol
members. Sometimes a simple greeting or holiday card will
brighten someone’s day.
I certainly would be remiss if I did not mention the need to
support our own National Gymnastic Fund and the Milan Getting
Scholarship Fund. Donations to these funds are always graciously
accepted.
I wish everyone a Very Happy Thanksgiving and ask that we
remember our Men and Women serving our Nation throughout the
world. Their dedication and sacrifice allow us to celebrate and be
thankful for what we have received.
Milan S. Kovac
Supreme Secretary
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th
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at 888-253-0362 or [email protected]
SOKOL TIMES
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Page 3
From the President’s View
“Fast away the old year
passes…” is one of the verses
from a popular holiday carol.
How true they are! The year
2011 has literally flown by so
quickly! There has been a great
deal of Sokol activity. Our
Supreme Lodge committees
have had many meetings and
discussions regarding important
issues facing our society.
In July, Sokol USA hosted the
Sokol Fest in Independence,
Ohio. It brought together many
lodges and members from all
over the United States, Canada
and Europe. The result was
several days of great gymnastic
competitions
and
sporting
events, camaraderie, reunions,
social events and fun for all!
Our lodges have been busy
with their athletic, social and
fraternal activities. Braddock
th
celebrated its 110 anniversary
by doing 110 fraternal acts of
kindness. Leechburg reactivated
its gymnastics program. Other
lodges have been engaged in
sports as well as fraternal
activities and are vibrant.
The 150th anniversary of the
founding of the Sokol movement
by Dr. Miroslav Tyrs will be
celebrated in Prague in 2012
with an all Sokol worldwide
gathering. There will be huge
mass scale rhythmic gymnastic
events, performances and a host
of
interesting
activities.
I
encourage our members to mark
this
anniversary
by
doing
something special in their local
lodges and districts. It is a major
milestone anniversary and is a
perfect opportunity to promote
Sokol and Sokol values!
I urge our lodges to be active
in the New Year 2012, to hold
meetings, to come together and
to experience the great benefits
of fraternalism!
Sokol has a
great deal to offer. Our society
offers physical fitness. It offers
friendship and fraternalism. It
offers financial security for our
members and their families
through Sokol insurance and
annuity
products.
It
has
something for everyone.
Let us resolve to celebrate
Sokol in 2012! In conclusion, on
behalf of the Supreme Lodge
and myself, I send to each and
everyone of our Sokol USA
members warm wishes for a
happy and joyful holiday season
and much health, wealth and
happiness in the New Year 2012!
NAZDAR!
Joe Bielecki
President-Sokol USA
Milan Getting
Scholarship Recipient
Bethany Moffit
During my freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh, I
volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I was able to work with a
special needs boy each week and found it to be a very fulfilling
experience. As my second year in school resumes, I was informed
that his parents and his teacher requested that I work with him
again this year. I was thrilled to return to volunteering with him and
I was also asked to take on a second child each week, which I did.
So, every Tuesday and Thursday, I volunteer with these wonderful
two young boys in the community.
I am also involved with the SPSEA, Student Pennsylvania State
Education Association on campus. I was inducted into this
organization last fall. This group coordinates various activities
each month for children in our community. I actively participate
with all monthly group activities.
Over the past summer and on my holiday breaks from school, I
continue to work and volunteer at our Lodge 47 Monessen. I
continue to teach and coach the children at the gym and continue
to have a passion for gymnastics. I want to thank the Milan Getting
Scholarship Committee for renewing my scholarship this year. This
will help me continue on my path to becoming a Visual Therapist. I
am truly grateful and appreciative of the selection committee and
this scholarship. Thank you.
Joseph Bielecki
Reflections
NOTICE TO LODGE
AND DISTRICT SECRETARIES
Recently Headquarters mailed to each Lodge and District a
form to list the names of the Lodge and District Officers’ names,
address and telephone number. It is requested that these forms
be completed and returned to Headquarters as promptly as
possible. This information will be used in the event we need to
contact or communicate with officers through means other than
the Sokol Times. Your cooperation is extremely appreciated.
Thank You.
Milan S. Kovac
Supreme Secretary
Winter is finally here! This is the best time of year to stay inside
and keep bundled up by the fire. While you are doing this, we can
start to take the time to reflect on the year that has just past.
There have been many good events throughout the year for the
lodges and Sokol USA. Many lodges completed the New Year’s
resolution that I prorposed. Examples of our accomplishments:
--Braddock Lodge finished celebrating their 110-year
anniversary. They celebrated an entire year by doing 110 acts of
charity.
--MCT District held a meeting and collected food to be donated
to the local food bank.
--Bethlehem Lodge hosted a bowling tournament for Relay For
Life bowling tournament.
--At the end of June, Sokol USA hosted the Cleveland Slet
2011.
--The Healthy Heart Club hosted its first mile walk together at
the Slet.
--On September 17th, our Chicago Lodge 306 and Monessen
Lodge 47 participated in setting the new world record for
simultaneous handstands.
I am sure there are even more accomplishments that happened
this year. Please try and communicate your Lodge’s positive
accomplishments. You could inspire more people to participate
and get involved.
After reflecting on all of our accomplishments, we now can look
to the future and where we want to be next year. Now is the time
to learn from the past and to set the goals to get us to the future
that we all want for Sokol USA.
Nazdar
Jennifer Moulton
ATTENTION BOWLERS
& GOLFERS
Slezak family and friends who are all Sokol Farrell members were in attendance at Brother
Melvin Slezak’s 80th birthday celebration.
Farrell President Brother Slezak
Celebrates 80th Birthday
Saturday, October 22, 2011,
was a time for a milestone
celebration. It was a festive
evening from the beginning to
end as friends and family of our
Sokol USA Farrell President,
Brother Melvin Slezak, gathered
at Jess’s Steak House in
Hermitage, Pa., to celebrate his
th
80 birthday. Approximately 70
people were in attendance.
Brother Slezak introduced many
of those present and explained
how they were connected to his
life and the roles they have
played in it.
One thing Brother Slezak
made a point to do was to have a
picture taken of those in his
family who were Sokol Farrell
members along with other Sokol
Farrell members in attendance.
In the accompanying photo are
(from left) Ellie Slezak, Dorothy
Slezak, Alex Banjak, Jacob and
Derek Konopski, Kaitlyn Slezak,
Sasha Banjak, Martin Banjak,
Elmer Slezak, Rick Benka,
Daniel Konopski, Betty Banjak,
Stephen Banjak and Mel Slezak.
Brother
Slezak
is
also
Chairperson of the Steve Banjak
Memorial
Scholarship
Fund
which to date has given six
$1,000 university scholarships to
deserving
Sokol
Farrell
members. He thanked the many
friends, Sokol members, and
relatives who have generously
contributed to the scholarship
fund.
Wishing
Brother
Slezak, Nazdar and
birthday!!
Melvin
happy
The National Directors would like to better communicate
with our Sokol Bowlers and Golfers. We would like a
contact person from each lodge with whom we can
communicate. Individuals who would like to share ideas
and brainstorm about how to increase participation in our
national tournaments are also encouraged to forward their
contact information. We hope to communicate by e-mail
and schedule a conference call discussion in the future.
Please send your name, address, phone number and email address to:
Todd Yatchyshyn
341 Old Allentown Road
Wind Gap, PA 18091
[email protected]
Page 4
SOKOL TIMES
The Development Conference opened with a session that focused on the importance of
mentoring to develop future Sokol leaders.
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Sokol Fort Worth hosted the American Sokol Development
Conference held October 22-23.
Directors Attend American Sokol BOI Meeting
and Development Conference
By Chris Yatchyshyn
Directors Todd Yatchyshyn
and Chris Yatchyshyn accepted
an invitation to attend the annual
American Sokol BOI meeting on
st
in Fort Worth,
October 21
Texas. Attendees included the
American Sokol National Staff
and their District Directors. The
meeting lasted into the evening
and included a detailed agenda
and many committee reports.
Some of the topics covered were
Attendance
Reporting,
Tournament Rules, Handbooks,
Resource List and Fundraising.
There were also discussions and
updates
on
their
National
Programs, including one on
Nutrition and Wellness.
The
upcoming
Slet
in
Milwaukee
in
2013
was
discussed and it began with a
review of Sokolfest 2011.
Director
Maryann
Fiordelis
suggested that Sokol USA’s
revised Team Marching rules
that allowed for more creativity
be in utilized 2013 and possibly
the field events competition that
was offered during the Slet
rehearsals
could
also
be
repeated. A new idea that will be
tested at the Slet in Milwaukee
will be to open some of the
competitions
to
non-Sokol
groups in the area. This will help
promote Sokol and hopefully
increase
the
number
of
participants in the competitions.
A report was given by the
National School Board and a
discussion was held regarding
changes to the bid process and
the
responsibilities
of
the
school’s host. A location for the
2012 school has not yet been
decided since the bid forms are
being revised.
The National Gymnastics
Skills Program was reviewed and
the invitation to participate was
extended to Sokol USA. There
are Tots, Boys, Girls, and Senior
II skill cards. December is
earmarked as Skills Month.
Last summer a three-day
weekend National Sokol Summer
Camp was held in place of the
traditional
week-long
camp.
Plans for 2012 include a change
of focus, placing more emphasis
on leadership skills, though it
was recommended that many of
the fun activities that seem to
attract kids to the program be
retained. A discussion about how
to encourage more units and
districts to utilize the Traveling
Summer Camp was also held.
Participants were urged to
participate in the World Sokol
Federation
(WSF)
Show
Competition, but it was decided
that the WSF Fitness Test skills
did not fit as well with the
American Sokol Program, so
they will utilize their own Fitness
Skills Program this year. Sokol
USA was again extended the
invitation to participate in this
program. There is a small fee per
participant.
The upcoming XV All-Sokol
Slet was discussed. American
Sokol is hosting a tour to the
th
Anniversary Slet and
150
presently there is room if anyone
would like to join them.
Information can be obtained from
the American Sokol website at
www.american-sokol.org/
The well-run meeting was
very informative. American Sokol
has many excellent programs in
place and their willingness to
include Sokol USA offers many
opportunities. Interested lodges
can contact the Sokol USA
National Directors for more
information on these programs.
The two-day Development
Conference held on October 22
and 23 at Sokol Fort Worth was
another worthwhile experience.
Following
an
orientation,
everyone participated in the first
session entitled Leadership –
Mentoring Process. American
Sokol
has
developed
an
excellent set of guidelines and is
encouraging utilization of the
mentoring process to ensure
there will be Sokol leaders in the
future.
There were three choices
offered during all of the rest of
the sessions. There were two
strands of sessions that were
offered in the gyms and the third
strand offered lectures on some
very interesting topics including
Social
Media,
Week-long
Summer Camps, Paving the Way
for Tomorrow, The Private Party
(keeping Sokol a secret), Family
Fun Nights, Starting a Wheel
Program, Unit Growth Programs,
Instructor/Student Relationships,
and the upcoming 2012 and
2013 Slets.
The sessions in the gyms
offered
demonstrations
on
routines, spotting variations,
coaching techniques for specific
skills, fun warm ups, games and
activities, creative ways to do
circuits, jazzercise, wheels skills,
adult class activities and the
Group II Prague Cal taught by
Ellie Babka. The other sessions
were taught by Sokol instructors
and
local
coaches
who
enthusiastically
shared
their
expertise. Barb Vondra also
offered a neat session entitled
Tips and Tricks I learned at
Congress (USA Gymnastics).
The
final
session
“Motivational Surprise” was a
great presentation by Mark
Sherman, a close friend of Rome
Milan. “Applying Psychology in
the Gym” was brought to life with
Sherman’s hand-on examples
and humorous yet pointed stories
about passion and goal setting.
The entire conference was
jammed packed with great ideas
and strong instruction. The final
session was a great surprise and
certainly ended the weekend
event on a high note. The
American Sokol Development
Conference is an excellent
opportunity for personal growth
and professional development,
offered at a reasonable cost. All
Sokol instructors should attend
whenever possible.
Instructor Kandi Pager (left) explains the basics of beginner
wheels skills.
More photographs on Page 5
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Everything is bigger in Texas, including the falcon!
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Page 5
SOKOL TIMES
From the
Supreme
Secretary…
AMERICAN SOKOL BOI
MEETING – Directors Todd
Yatchyshyn
and
Chris
Yatchyshyn attended the
annual American Sokol BOI
meeting on October 21st in
Fort Worth, Texas. The
conference
was
very
Above left,
informative.
Sister
Ellie
Babka
demonstrates the Group II
Prague Cal. Above right,
Attendees
attentively
watch a demonstration of
lead up skills in a session
entitled Development of
Handspring Vault. At left,
Though gymnastics was
never
Director
Todd
Yatchyshyn’s
preferred
sport, he decided to give
the low p-bars a try. Story
and more photographs on
Page 4.
90th Birthday Wishes to Sister Anna Sopoci
On October 28th, a milestone
birthday was celebrated by a
special lady, as well as a special
“Sokolka.” Sister Anna Sopoci of
Brookfield, Ill., was able to
th
celebrate her 90 birthday with
her husband Jan and three
children, son Jan Andrew, and
daughters Elena and Anne
Marie. Because Sister Sopoci
has had various health issues,
especially over these last few
years, she was not up to being a
celebrant at a large gathering of
family or friends. However, her
children and their spouses as
well as 11 grandchildren, two
great-grandchildren with a third
on the way, and various nieces
and nephews enjoyed sending
photos, cards and messages to
be included in a special birthday
album the family compiled, and
which Sister Sopoci continues to
enjoy!
Sister Sopoci was born in the
village of Mosovce, in what is
now Slovakia. When she was
only 16, she traveled to America
by herself. There, she joined her
much older sister who had
married and come to America
when Anna was only a young
girl. At the time, they lived in the
village of Stickney, just outside of
Chicago. Although Anna at first
was sad to leave her homeland,
she quickly embraced her new
homeland, as many other
Sister Anna Sopoci, with her husband Jan, celebrated her 90th birthday on October 28th.
immigrants did as well. She
became
active
in
many
organizations, including Sokol,
the
Slovak-American
Charitable Association, and the
United Lutheran Society. In all
of these organizations, she
took on leadership roles. She
was the Financial Secretary of
Lodge 40W in Chicago (now
Berwyn) for many years and
was known as a most
persuasive “ad book” collector,
Chicago area by bus getting
business owners to put their
advertisements in the many
program books printed over the
years. Sokol USA was the
organization that meant the most
to her, and she has always been
very proud that she was a
member of Sokol as a child in
Europe, and that she and Brother
Sopoci enrolled all their family
members in Sokol USA.
In 1971, she moved to East
Orange, N.J. when her husband,
Brother Sopoci, was elected
Supreme Secretary of Sokol
USA. There she eventually
became the Editor of the Sokol
Times, work which she enjoyed a
great deal.
Two pastimes Anna enjoyed
for many years when her health
allowed were sewing and baking.
She made many krojs over the
years, and helped many a Bes(Continued on Page 6)
It is now December, and
again the year has gone by so
quickly. I was reminded that last
year I had made a “Thank You”
list and thought it appropriate
that I express my thanks to
everyone again. But let me make
a few general comments.
Your Society still maintains a
very
high
solvency
ratio
(190.0%+) and continues to have
gains (profits) from operations.
Though we still have a month to
complete the year, we do not
anticipate any major economic
event that would deter our having
positive results for the full year
2011. We are able to have
positive results primarily due to
our investment income. I believe
that everyone is aware that
investment income is declining,
particularly due to the low
interest rates for CDs, bonds and
other investment vehicles. As
bonds with coupons or interest
rates of 6, 7 or 8% mature or are
called, we are finding we cannot
re-invest at those high rates any
longer.
The
markets
for
investment grade securities now
only offer coupons of 5% or less.
So, declining investment income
has a direct effect on our bottom
line. What can we do to offset
this decline? We must sell more
insurance certificates.
And,
thankfully, we are doing that.
Our premium income for 2011 is
greater than it was in 2010. Now,
I don’t want folks to sit on their
duffs and think that we have
done enough. We must continue
to sign up those family members,
neighbors and friends.
As a member, the most
important task you can perform
for Sokol USA is to get your
friends or relatives to become
members and purchase an
insurance certificate. How about
getting
the
grandchild
or
grandchildren a Sokol benefit
certificate? Do you have money
for your “final expenses?” A
Sokol Single Premium certificate
would be appropriate.
There are many things that go
on in the course of Sokol life and
we take many for granted. There
are many “Thank You” notes that
never get mailed, so here is my
list of “Thank Yous” for 2011.
Thank you to the Lodge and
District
Officers
for
your
involvement, leadership and
dedication.
Thank you to the Lodges,
Districts and individual donors to
the Milan Getting Scholarship
Fund. The grants provided by the
scholarship fund are provided
solely from donations. No
organizational funds are utilized.
A special thank you to Lodge
36, Binghamton, N.Y., Barbara
Fronko
Froehlich,
and
“Anonymous” for their very
substantial contributions to the
Scholarship Fund this year. The
total
donations
for
2011
exceeded all previous records.
Thank you to the contributors
to the Sokol Times of articles,
lodge activities, announcements,
social news, etc.
Thank you if you signed up a
new member this year. Do it
again, and again, next year!
Thank you to the leaders and
members of our Gymnastic
Department for keeping our
programs
humming.
The
National
Directors,
their
assistants, and local lodge
leaders deserve our thanks and
(Continued on Page 6)
Page 6
SOKOL TIMES
FROM THE
SUPREME
SECRETARY
(Continued from Page 5)
gratitude for organizing and
implementing
a
wonderful
Sokolfest 2011. A great venue, a
great program and a wonderful
time for all those that attended or
participated.
Thank you to the Supreme
Lodge Officers and members for
their conscientious efforts in
leading and managing this
Society.
Thank you to the Lodges that
have
demonstrated
their
fraternalism beyond Sokol, by
conducting food drives, raising
funds for charitable causes and
collecting clothing or other items
for the less fortunate in their
communities. I believe that there
are more lodges that participate
in these type efforts, however,
we don’t hear from them. Please
don’t be afraid to blow your own
horn in doing “random acts of
kindness.” Here is a list of lodges
that have conducted community
service activities, from my
memory: Lodge 16, Braddock,
Pa., Lodge 2, Bridgeport, Conn.,
Lodge 32, Boonton, N.J., Lodge
47, Monessen, Pa., Lodge 306,
Chicago, Ill., and Lodge 39/40W,
Berwyn, Ill.
Thank
you
to
the
Headquarters staff of Alba and
Evelyn who put up with me.
Thank you to Anthony
Puglisi, our Sokol Times Editor,
for laying out this paper even
though we deluge him with
material on the very last day of
deadline, or in my case, a day or
two later.
Thank you all for having
confidence, trust and faith in me
as your Supreme Secretary.
Thank you to all the women
and men in service for this our
United States of America.
I wish everyone a Very Merry
Christmas, Happy Holidays, and
a Joyous, Healthy and Happy
New Year!
Nazdar!
Milan S. Kovac
Supreme Secretary
90th Birthday
for Anna
Sopoci
(Continued from Page 5)
eda circle be appropriately
dressed. She enjoyed hosting
the Supreme Lodge officers
when they would come to East
Orange for their meetings, and
they especially enjoyed her
delicious baking. Upon Brother
Sopoci’s retirement, they moved
back to their home in Brookfield,
where for a short while she was
able to resume some of her
activities, including briefly serving
as the Lodge 40W Financial
Secretary again. Her greatest joy
now is her family, and so it was
very special for her to receive
such loving wishes from her
loved ones from all around the
country.
Her Sokol friends also join in
wishing Sister Sopoci a Happy
90th
Birthday,
with
many
blessings in the coming year!
DECEMBER 8, 2011
PITTSBURGH LODGE 276
SENDS HOLIDAY GREETINGS
The November 2011 meeting of Lodge 276 was opened by
President Carolyn Coleman. The pledge of allegiance to the Flag
and a moment of silence in memory of deceased members were
conducted.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary
Patricia Blistan and approved as read. Lodge delegates to the
District M.C.T. meeting of October 30, 2011 presented their
reports.
Plans were made for the upcoming yearly Holiday outings as
follows:
A social and dinner was held December 4th in the Grant Bar &
Restaurent in Millvale, Pa.
The Yearly Meeting will be held December 11th at 2 p.m. in the
Church Auditorium – North Shore. A luncheon will be held at
Silvionis Restaurant.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Brother Melvin Slezak, President of Sokol USA Farrell and
Chairman of the “Steve Banjak Memorial Scholarship,”
presents a check for $1,000 to Bibiana Murcko, the sixth
recipient of the award.
Murcko Awarded Banjak
Memorial Scholarship
The 2011 recipient of the 6th Annual “Steve Banjak Memorial
th
Scholarship” was announced at the 105 Anniversary Celebration
th
of Sokol USA Farrell Lodge 103 on May 14 of this year at Oak
Tree Country Club.
Bibiana Murcko, or Bibi, as she is known by her parents and
friends, was born in Slovakia and immigrated with her parents
Zuzana and Marian and her two sisters to the United States in
2000. Almost immediately she, her mother and her sisters Suzie
and Lucia, also a 2009 recipient of the award who is transferring to
Slippery Rock University this winter semester, became members
of Sokol and began participating in their respective classes each
week.
Bibi is currently teaching children’s classes in the Sokol Farrell
gym. As a member of Sokol Farrell groups, she participated in the
II Sokol na Slovensku Slet in Skalica Slovakia in 2004, in the XIV
Pan Sokol Slet in Prague in 2006 and is preparing to participate in
the
XV Pan Sokol Slet in Prague next summer. Bibiana was a 2010
graduate at West Middlesex, Pa., High School and is currently
attending Youngstown State University, where she is majoring in
pre-pharmacy.
DISTRICT M.C.T.
MEETS IN OCTOBER
The meeting of District M.C.T was held October 30, 2011, with
President Matt Milan Blistan presiding. Brother Blistan welcomed
the delegates and expressed his appreciation for the large number
of delegates in attendance.
The minutes of the April 2011 District meeting were presented
by Secretary Patricia Blistan and were approved. In addition,
reports were presented by the Treasurer and District Trustees and
all reports were approved. There were comments and discussion
concerning all reports.
Brother Joseph Bielecki, Supreme President, was in
attendance and again indicated the Supreme Lodge and
Gymnastic Department were very appreciative of the large
monetary donation District M.C.T. gave to the 2011 Sokolfest. The
funds greatly assisted in presenting a very successful Slet. Brother
Bielecki also reminded everyone of the importance of obtaining
new members as each day we lose a member. In order for the
Society to survive into the future, it is imperative that we talk to our
family and friends into joining our ranks.
Lodge reports were presented. Various lodges support
activities in their communities, such as food pantries and after
school youth physical fitness programs.
Upon the conclusion of the meeting, all enjoyed a very “tasty”
luncheon buffet as usual in the Clarion dining room.
NAZDAR !
Amelia S. Blistan
Reporter for District M.C.T.
IS YOUR FAMILY COVERED?
Insurance coverage for all family members is an essential part
of personal financial planning. Don’t put off taking care of this
responsibility.
See your lodge Financial Secretary or call Sokol Headquarters
toll free at 1-888-253-0362 for additional information or
membership applications.
Nazdar!
Amelia Blistan
Lodge 276 Reporter
DONATIONS GRATEFULLY
ACKNOWLEDGED
To the Sokol USA Gymnastic Fund
.
From Sokol Lodge 74, Plymouth, Pa.
$50.00
Best Wishes for the Holidays and the Coming Year
From Sokol Lodge 17, Perth Amboy, N.J.
$50.00
May your Holidays be Filled with Joy and Laughter
And May you have a Happy New Year
From Deborah J. Golden, Woodstock, Ill.
To all my Sokol Friends, Merry Christmas
And Best Wishes for 2012. Nazdar!
From Milan Kovac, Supreme Secretary
Wishing All a Very Merry Christmas
and a Happy, Healthy New Year
$100.00
$50.00
To the Sokol USA Milan Getting Scholarship Fund
From Sokol Lodge 74, Plymouth, Pa.
Wishing All a Very Merry Christmas
$50.00
From Deborah J. Golden, Woodstock, Ill.
$100.00
To all my Sokol Friends, Merry Christmas
And Best Wishes for 2012. Nazdar!
.
From Sokol Lodge 39/40W, Berwyn, Chicago, Ill. $100.00
To our members and Sokol Friends,
“Vesele Vianoce a Stastny Novy Rok”
and in Memory of our deceased members,
Brother Stephen Kovicky and Sister Blanche Stvrtecky
From Sokol Lodge 12, Newark, N.J.
Happy Holidays and a Peaceful New Year
$50.00
From Milan Kovac, Supreme Secretary
$50.00
In lieu of cards, Best Wishes for this Holiday Season
From Brandi Kovac, New York, N.Y.
$50.00
Wishing Everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year
From Andrew W. Zachar, Sr..
In Memory of Andrew and Ludmilla Zachar
$100.00
Sponsor a Gymnast
Anonymous donation
$425.00
Editor’s Note: Donations for the Sokol USA Gymnastic
Fund, the Milan Getting Scholarship Fund and Sponsor a
Gymnast with “Holiday Greetings” will also be published in
the January issue. Thank you for your support.
DECEMBER 8, 2011
SOKOL TIMES
Page 7
Sokol Social News
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy 90th Birthday
Joan Kubanik, a member of Sokol Lodge 26 in Guttenberg, N.J., and resident of Cliffside
Park, N.J., celebrates her 90th birthday on December 23rd. Sending birthday wishes to Mom,
Babka and Great-Grandma are Elaine and Hank O’Brien; Ken, Kim, Shannon and Liam
O’Brien; and Judy, John, Tyler and Aydan Sorrentino. With Joan are her husband Steve,
also a member of Sokol Lodge 26, and their four great-grandchildren Tyler, 8, Liam, 4,
Aydan, 5, and Shannon, 6.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The officers and members of Berwyn, Ill.,
Lodge 39-40W extend warm birthday wishes to
two of our members. Sister Emily Brower, former
long-time Recording Secretary of Lodge 40W,
and Sister Anna Sopoci, former long-time
Financial Secretary of Lodge 40W. They both
celebrated their 90th birthdays in October! Happy
birthday wishes to them both!
Stephen Horecky, a member of Sokol USA
Lodge 114 and a resident of Elmsford, N.Y.,
celebrates his 70th birthday on December 25th.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Josef Lukacovic, a member of Sokol USA
Lodge 114 and a resident of Ossining, N.Y.,
celebrated his 66th birthday on November 20th.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Martin Kavicky, a member of Sokol USA
Lodge 114 and a resident of Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.,
celebrated his 86th birthday in November.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Ed Cusack, a member of Sokol USA Lodge
114 and a resident of Lagrange, N.Y., celebrates
his 41st birthday in December.
Sister Josephine “Zabby” Zabadal Tomik
LODGE 15W - BINGHAMTON, NY
I am happy to announce that our Sister Josephine
Zabadal Tomik, known to most of us as "Zabby," celebrated
her 85th birthday on September 17th.
The "Sokol Way of Life" has been with her for 72 years
and still continues. At present, Sister Tomik is Vice President
of Ladies Lodge 15W. She also holds the office of Financial
Secretary of Lodge 15W. Sister Tomik is a member of
Sokol's Healthy Heart Walking Club. She remembers Leva Prava as she does her walking.
Panbicek has blessed her! At 85, Sister Tomik is still very
active. She mows and trims her lawn, maintains her own
home and is an active member of John Hus Presbyterian
Church. I mustn't forget to mention that Zabby is the best
zazvornicky baker, also known as Zazzys – or Slovak Ginger
Cookies.
th
Happy belated 85 Birthday, Zabby. From the officers of
Ladies Lodge 15W. Spejme Dal!
Nazdar
Anne Perham, Secretary
SHARE YOUR FAMILY EVENTS WITH YOUR “SOKOL FAMILY”
The Sokol Times Social Page is a new way to keep up
with your old and new friends! Share your families’
events with your Sokol family. We want to hear from
you. Only news regarding members of our lodges will be
printed.
Complete one of the attached forms and mail the
information and a photograph of clear quality to Sokol
USA, 276 Prospect Street, P.O. Box 189, East Orange,
NJ 07109-0189. Information and photographs also may
be e-mailed to: [email protected]
ENGAGEMENTS,
WEDDINGS &
ANNIVERSARIES
BIRTHDAYS
PROMOTIONS,
HONOR ROLLS &
OTHER EVENTS
NAMES: _____________________
NAME: _____________________
NAME: _____________________
_____________________
BIRTH DATE: _________________
PHONE #: ___________________
PHONE #: ___________________
AGE: _______________________
HOMETOWN: _________________
HOMETOWN: _________________
PHONE #: ___________________
SOKOL LODGE: ________________
SOKOL LODGE: ________________
HOMETOWN: _________________
EVENT: _____________________
YEARS MARRIED (IF APPLICABLE): ___
SOKOL LODGE: ________________
_____________________
Photographs are not required, but they do add to the presentation.
Please include a self addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your photograph returned.
Page 8
SOKOL TIMES
DECEMBER 8, 2011
National Museum &
Library rebuilds while
planning for the future
The National Czech & Slovak
Museum & Library has been
delivered from a disaster. The
epic Flood of 2008 and an
economic slump were not
enough to take the museum off
course, and the new Museum
and Library is expected to open
in Summer 2012. Perhaps you
have seen media coverage of the
successful move and raising of
the 1,400-ton flood affected
building, which now sits above
the 2008 flood line atop its new
foundation. You can read more
information and see videos of the
Monumental
Move
at
www.ncsml.org.
For over 35 years, the
National
Czech
&
Slovak
Museum & Library has collected,
preserved an interpreted the
stories of Czechs and Slovaks.
Did you know that the NCSML is
preserving
our
history,
in
particular?
The
museum’s
collection contains about 200
Sokol artifacts from around the
United States, including photos,
exercise equipment, pennants,
uniforms and more. No other
museum dedicated to Czech and
Slovak history and culture has
the scope or reach of the
NCSML – or the ability to bring
this preciouis history and culture
to so many people around the
world.
When the new Museum and
Library opens, it will serve as a
place where visitors of any age
and from any location can
connect with the stories of
Czechs and Slovaks. In learning
about others, they will learn
about themselves. They will be
inspired to question: Who am I?
Where did I come from? What
makes me unique? What do we
have in common? What do I
stand for? The universal nature
of these questions, and the
themes of freedom and identity,
family and community, and
human rights and dignity, will
make the National Czech &
Slovak Museum & Library an
important , relevant and viable
institution for many years to
come.
Do you want to get involved?
Making financial and artifact
donations
or
becoming
a
member are great ways to
forward the mission of the
NCSML. Through the end of
December 2011, all Sokol
members receive $10 off an
annual individual or family
membership (regularly $35 and
$45, respectively). Memberships
include admission to all exhibits,
as well as a subscription to the
NCSML’s biannual Slovo journal
and more. To take advantage of
this membership offer, simply
visit
the
NCSML’s
Online
Museum Store at store.ncsml.org
and click “Memberships” in the
top left corner. During check out,
enter the coupon code “SOKOL”
and your $10 discount will be
automatically applied. You can
also call Lindsey Buchheit at
319-362-8500 to learn more or
join by phone.
An exciting future lies ahead
for the National Czech & Slovak
Museum & Library. You can stay
informed
on
construction
progress, as well as learn more
about donation or visit planning,
at www.ncsml.org. Stay tuned for
news of the 2012 grand opening
date!
Looking for a fun way
to burn off calories?
Join Sokol USA’s
Healthy Heart Walking
Club
Benefits include:
Reducing your stress level
Controlling your weight
Lowering your risk of heart disease
Controlling your blood pressure
Sign up for Sokol’s Healthy Heart Walking Club
by sending your name, mailing address and
home lodge to:
Brandi Kovac
280 East 2nd Street, Apt. 9A
New York, NY 10009
OR email: [email protected]
You will receive a free Sokol pedometer and a Healthy Heart
mileage chart. You are responsible for recording your mileage.
Walk with fellow Sokol members, or on your own.
Contact Brandi when you reach a milestone and get a reward!
SPONSOR
A GYMNAST
150 YEARS
2012 is the 150th anniversary for Sokol. All of Sokol is
celebrating by having a seven-day Slet in Prague from July 1 to
July 6, 2012. This will be a landmark celebration and we want to
be a part of it.
I would like to put a scrapbook together of well wishes, pictures
and short letters of good memories. I encourage everyone to
participate. I would love to get at least 150 or more entries into the
scrapbook.
Please take your time now while we are reflecting on the past
year to share your memory about Sokol. Send your memory to me
by May 15th. (Jennifer Moulton, 4521 Emerald View Court, Eureka,
MO 63025 or e-mail me at [email protected])
th
Help me put a scrapbook together to honor the 150
Anniversary of Sokol and I will make sure that it will get to Prague
in time for the celebration.
Nazdar!
Jennifer Moulton
IN MEMORY
Of our deceased Brother and Sister Sokols with a
sincere expression of sympathy to their families
from the Supreme Officers of Sokol U.S.A.
VILMA SCHENEMAN – (1910-2011) A member of
Lodge 33/500 Newark, N.J. She is survived by her niece.
MARY J. GILLETTE – (1923-2011) A member of Lodge
130/45 New Kensington, Pa. She is survived by her son
and daughter.
MARTIN SLABEY – (1931-2011) A member of Lodge
30, Danbury, Conn. He is survived by his four daughters.
JOHN KRALOVENEC JR. – (1914-2011) A member of
Lodge 7, Byram, Conn. He is survived by his son.
ROSEMARY APARICIO – (1955-2011) A member of
Lodge 26, Guttenberg, N.J. She is survived by her children,
brothers and sisters.
JULIA PLACKO – (1916-2011) A member of Lodge
306, Chicago, Ill. She is survived by her children.
FRANCES KOSCILLA – (1912-2011) A member of
Lodge 114, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. She is survived by her
daughter.
Sponsor a Gymnast is a new program designed to encourage parents to enroll their
children in Sokol USA by purchasing a Single Premium Life Insurance Policy. Since this
type of insurance policy is a significant financial investment, the goal of the program is to
provide a one-time sponsorship for the yearly gymnastics fee, which is an added expense
in excess of the cost of the policy.
In the past, all you needed to participate in Sokol gymnastics classes was to be a member
of a Sokol lodge. With the rising costs of gymnastics equipment, liability insurance, facility
maintenance or rental, our gym programs have to charge an additional yearly gymnastics
fee, on average about $85.00 per gymnast.
Selling a Single Premium Life Insurance Policy is a great advantage for Sokol USA. It
makes the child a member for life, whether or not the child continues to participate in the
gymnastics program. It also allows Sokol USA to invest funds more quickly when the total
payment is made at the time of purchase.
This program is the perfect opportunity for you to show your Sokol Spirit by welcoming a
new lifelong Sokol member to our family by making a contribution of $85.00 to the Sokol
USA “Sponsor a Gymnast” Fund. As funds become available, gymnastically active lodges
will be notified and sponsorships will be divided equally among gyms with candidates
interested in purchasing Single Premium Life Insurance Policies.
For more information about this program, please contact the National Directors or Sokol
USA Headquarters. While $85 is the recommended sponsorship level, sponsorships in any
amount are welcome. Checks are payable to Sokol USA; include “Sponsor a Gymnast” in
the memo line.
Checks can be mailed to:
Sponsor a Gymnast
Sokol USA
P.O. Box 189
East Orange, New Jersey 07019-0189
Sponsor a Gymnast today - Nazdar!
Directors: Chris Yatchyshyn, [email protected]
and Todd Yatchyshyn, [email protected]
Sokol USA Secretary: Milan Kovac, [email protected]