William Penn Life, 2010 (45. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2010-02-01 / 2. szám
Branch News Santa and Mrs. Claus pay a visit to children attending Branch 296’s Christmas party. Branch 296 Springdale, PA by Diane M. Torma Branch 296 held its monthly meeting and election of officers where the following members were reelected to serve our branch for the year 2010: Ron Balia, president; Tom Santoriello, vice president; Diane M. Torma, secretary-treasurer; and Margaret Kosheba and Audra Balia, auditors. The officers were sworn in by Noreen Fritz. On Dec. 5, the branch Christmas party was held at the Springdale Veterans Association. President Balia welcomed everyone and extended holiday greetings on behalf of the WPA. The children and adults alike were entertained by an amazing ventriloquist, Cindy Speck. Cindy included various characters in her show, as well as members of the audience, and got everyone in the Christmas spirit by singing Christmas carols via her characters. As the children sang "Jingle Bells," Santa and Mrs. Claus came for a visit. Each child took a turn to sit on Santa's lap to convey his wish lists. Gift bags filled with candies and toys were distributed by Mrs. Claus to all children in attendance. The afternoon was complete with a delicious buffet and Christmas cookies. We appreciate the financial assistance from the Home Office and Board of Directors. Also, many thanks to the branch officers and members who made this year's party successful through your planning, preparation, clean-up and contributions to the Christmas cookie table and Christmas raffle. Branch 296 holds its monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at the King's Family Restaurant in New Kensington at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting is on March 11. We encourage and welcome all branch members to attend. All of us at Branch 296 were deeply saddened upon the recent passing of George S. Charles. George was not only the devoted branch coordinator of Branch 296 in title, but also a mainstay at the Springdale branch for as long as anyone can remember. For years, he quietly made sure that everything was in order at the Hungarian Reformed Church where we held our meetings and events. No one else had to think about anything. The door was always open, the hall was always clean, the trash was always empty. He never looked to be thanked or recognized. He only did it because he cared about the betterment of the WPA and furthering its mission. George was proud of his WPA membership and was a true fratemalist in every sense. He was gentle in his ways, but when he spoke, you listened. His message was always meaningful. George will be truly missed at our branch meetings and activities. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to George's wife Irene; his son Jim; son and WPA National President George S. Charles Jr. and his wife Dianne; grandsons Jim, Matt (Lynn) and Steven; and greatgranddaughter Teagan. We will greatly miss George and will strive to follow his example of fraternalism, hard work, commitment and living a good life. May he rest in peace. Branch 8114 Clarion, PA by Noreen Fritz, FIC, LUTCF (in Pittsburgh) February, the love month. St. Valentines Day is celebrated by people around the world, the traditional day when people express their love. Happy Valentine's Day and lots of love to all our members. Remember: Love is a gift from God. Because of the busy December, I was not able to meet the deadline for the branch news in the January issue. I received a brief summary report of the branch's Christmas Party from Art Aaron. There were 50 adults and Continued on Page 19 All articles and photographs for the March issue of the William Penn Life are due in our office by February I 9, 20 I 0. 18 William Penn Life, February 2010
