Fraternity-Testvériség, 1978 (56. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1978-10-01 / 4. szám
From the OFFICE of the SECRETARY During the Labor Day weekend, Ligonier, Pa. was the scene of many meetings. We held our Field Force seminar on Saturday, Sept. 2nd. This was a well attended, informative and instructive session for all in attendance. Training slides and presentations were made by the Secretary and more such meetings will be planned for the future. By motivating our Field Force, it will lead to even greater production accomplishments. The National Fraternal Congress of America was held in Toronto the later part of September and was attended by the President and Secretary. Highlights are written elsewhere in this publication. The State Fraternal Congresses were attended by the Federation officers in New Jersey and Ohio. Both of these Congresses were well attended and the programs presented were excellent. These State and National Fraternal Congress meetings are very informative and we are always represented to keep up with the many changes in the rules and regulations governing the Fraternals. A hearty welcome is extended to the following newly appointed Branch Managers: Joseph Edgar Benedek 1227) Warren, Ohio, Mrs. Barbara Szuch (252) Niles, Ohio and Mrs. Elizabeth Kish (156) Wyandotte, Mich. Our members in these areas should contact them for their additional insurance requirements and it is hoped that they will help increase our membership rolls. For their past services and fine cooperation, our thanks are extended to Mrs. Donna Vespremi (156) and Mrs. Elizabeth Shimp (252). Our heartfelt sympathy is offered to the families of Mr. Joseph Bardi who was a dedicated worker of our Federation in Joliet, 111. for many years and Mrs. Frank Torzsok of Homer City, Pa. May their memories be blessed among us. I would like to ask all of our membership to assist our Branch Managers in soliciting new business. A membership drive is being conducted by and for the benefit of our Branch Managers. Please help them by giving them prospects to join our Federation Family. This is your organization and only with your help can we continue the work of our many fraternal, charitable and benevolent acts. FRATERNALISM STRENGTHENS FAMILY LIFE The National Fraternal Congress of America held their annual convention in the beautiful city of Toronto on September 15-16-17. Participating in the sessions were representatives from our Fraternal Benefit Societies gathered together from throughout the United States and Canada. The combined membership of the 96 member societies is over 11 million. All of these societies are dedicated to their various fraternal, religious, ethnic and civic activities and offer and extend the helping hand of FRATERNALISM to all in time of need. The outgoing president, David L. Springob, Catholic Family Life, had as his theme “Fraternalism is a Family Affair” which was continued from the presidency of William R. Wenger, National Mutual Benefit, during his term of 1976-77. This year our president, George E. Owen, Woodmen of the World, chose as his theme something that is just as appropriate as the previous one and keeping with it the meaning of the Family in our society of today. His theme is “Fraternalism Strengthens Family Life.” As we have progressed through these past few years, the emphasis of each incoming president is stressing the importance of the Family in each of our respective societies. This year the Family Life Committee presented another award to a person that had been helpful in some way to continue to preserve our Family unity. The award was presented to John E. Makkai of Tuscon, Arizona who is a General Agent for the Knights of Columbus. He worked very diligently in getting the Governor of his state to proclaim the first Sunday in August as American Family Day. This is now being actively promoted to become a National Holiday, again stressing and showing the importance of our Family in this changing world in which we live. All of the societies are urging their membership to contact their respective elected officials to support an American Family Day. This observance and dedication to the Family would not be a commercial holiday for exchanging of gifts. Instead it would be a day in which Families could come together and give each other their time, love and understanding and share a day together. We are proud to he a part of the NFCA and will continue to do our part in promoting Fraternalism— tliis for the benefit of our membership and all mankind. The various sessions of the Congress were well attended and the programs, speakers and accommodations were excellent. The hospitality of the Canadian brethren will long be remembered. (EEV) 7
