William Penn Life, 2010 (45. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2010-12-01 / 12. szám
For Starters A lifetime honored PA Fraternal Congress and state legislature salute WPA National Director Charles S. Johns HARRISBURG -- Charles S. Johns has lived his life guided by the fraternal spirit. His outgoing personality, friendly manner and generosity make him a walking, talking, non-stop advertisement for our Association, the fraternal benefit system and fraternalism in general. So, it came as no surprise to anyone who knows "Charlie" when the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress (PFC) recently presented him with its highest honor-the John Jordan Upchurch Award. And, it seemed fitting that on the night he received this honor, Mr. Johns also was presented a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives saluting him for a lifetime of promoting the fraternal spirit through community and social involvement. Mr. Johns received both honors Oct. 25 during the PFC's 99th Annual Meeting banquet held at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pa. During the business portion of the meeting, Mr. Johns was elected president of the PFC for the year 2011. The John Jordan Upchurch Award, presented annually by the PFC, is named after the man generally regarded as the father of the fraternal benefit system. The award recognizes those who receive it for their "distinguished leadership and service to the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress and the fraternal benefit system." Mr. Johns is the fourth WPA member to be so honored, joining the late Elmer Charles, former longtime National President; the late Albert J. Stelkovics, former longtime National Secretary; and E. E. (Al) Vargo, current Vice Chairman of the Board and former National President. The State House citation was sponsored by State Rep. and WPA Board member Nick Kotik. It outlines in greater detail Mr. Johns' achievements, including his 11 years as WPA National Director Charles S. Johns displays the citation awarded him by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives while Zita Prowse holds the 2010 John Jordan Upchurch Award presented to Mr. Johns Oct. 25 by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress. a member of the WPA Board and 15 years as a WPA sales representative. It also notes his many years of service to the Loyal Order of Moose, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the Lions Club and the Boy Scouts of America. "He stands as a role model worthy of emulation," the citation reads. Among those on hand at the banquet to congratulate Mr. Johns were WPA Chairman Steve and Donna Varga, Vice Chairman E. E. (Al) and Betty Vargo, National Director William J. Bero, National Director Andrew W. and Marguerite McNelis, National Vice President-Secretary Richard W. Toth and National Vice President-Fraternal Endre and Arlene Csornán. We join the PFC and State House in saluting Charlie and thanking him for his lifetime of devotion to fraternalism and our Association. □ MICHAEL R. KARA 1925-2010 National Director 1991-2004 National Auditor 1971-1991 Br. 34 President 1958-1988 In Memóriám WPA mourns passing of former National Director Michael R. Kara MONONGAHELA, PA — The members of Branch 34 Pittsburgh, WPA's Official Family and members across the country were saddened by the recent death of former National Director Michael R. Kara. Mr. Kara, 85, passed away Nov. 12,2010, in his home. Mr. Kara will be remembered for his nearly half-century of devoted service to the Association on both the local and national levels. Always an active and enthusiastic member, Mr. Kara took a leadership role at Branch 34 when he was first elected its president in 1958, an office he would maintain for 30 years. He also represented his branch as a delegate to the WPA General Convention in 1967. Four years later at the 1971 General Convention, Mr. Kara was elected as a member of the National Auditing Committee. He would be reelected as a National Auditor four more times, serving a total of 20 years on the committee. In 1991, while serving as Vice Chairman of the National Auditing Committee, he was elected as a member of the WPA Board of Directors. Mr. Kara would continue serving as a National Director for 13 years, before his retirement in 2004. He was born Feb. 15,1925, in Hungary. He was a retired employee of the A&P grocery Continued on Page 28 2 0 December 2010 0 William Penn Life
