William Penn Life, 2004 (39. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2004-11-01 / 11. szám

Holiday Basket program spreads the fraternal spirit

PITTSBURGH - The holiday season is the perfect time to share with your community the true spirit which drives fraternalism. Many WPA branches are doing their share to spread the fraternal spirit by participating in our Association’s annual Holiday Basket program.

The idea is simple. Members donate non-perishable foods and other items, while the WPA supplies a turkey or ham to complete each basket. The Home Office will also donate $30 for each basket (up to three baskets per branch) to purchase additional items. Branch volunteers then prepare the baskets and deliver them to families in need living in the branch’s community.

A number of branches will start early and deliver baskets over the Thanksgiving holiday, while others will participate during Christmas. Some will prepare baskets during both holidays.

In 2001, 37 branches provided Holiday Baskets to 124 families. All told the WPA and its branches donated about $4,200 in cash, food and other items to neighbors in need last year. It is our goal to spread the fraternal spirit to even more families this year, and with your help, we know we can do it

Moreover, the spirit of the Holiday Basket program should not disappear after Dec. 25--we all know the need doesn’t Therefore, we encourage all branches to collect food and non-perishable items for donation to their local food bank or other family service agencies throughout the year. Let your community know the WPA truly cares.

For more information on participating in the Holiday Basket program, call us at I -800-848-7366.|m]

For Starters

Pennsylvania State Sen. Michael O’Pake was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Keystone Fraternal Legislator Award, presented by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress. Among those saluting Sen. O’Pake were (l-r) National Director Elmer W. Toth, Marguerite Beke, National Director Anthony C. Beke, Vice Chairman of the Board E. E. Vargo, Pennsylvania Lt Gov. Katherine Baker Noll, Chairman of the Board Steve Varga, State Rep. Nick Kotik, State. Sen. Michael O’Pake, National Director Ronald S. Balia, National Vice President-Secretary Richard W. Toth, National Director Charles S. Johns and Membership Activities Manager Endre Csornán.

WPA leaders discuss fraternal issues with state officials

by Charles S. Johns

HARRISBURG, PA - Leaders of the WPA joined representatives from 61 other fraternal benefit societies in May for a breakfast meeting with members of the Pennsyvlania state legislature. The meeting provided fraternal leaders the chance to discuss matters of importance to the fraternal insurance industry with those responsible for making the regulations which govern the industry.

Among the many Pennsylvania state representatives and senators in attendance was State Rep. Nick Kotik, a member of the WPA. Also attending the event were Lt. Gov. Katherine Baker Noll and Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner M. Diane Koken.

State Sen. Michael O'Pake of Berks County was honored as the recipient of the first-ever Keystone Fraternal Legislator Award. The award, presented by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress (PFC), recognizes legislators for their continued support for and dedication to fraternal organizations in the commonwealth.

Ms. Koken addressed the assembled fraternal leaders and, later, spoke briefly with WPA Chairman of the Board Steve Varga about corporate

governance in the state insurance department.

After the breakfast meeting, the fraternal leaders visited with their local state representatives and senators, seeking their continued support of fraternal activities.

WPA leaders accepted Lt. Gov. Noll's open invitation to visit her at her office and came away impressed with her warmth and knowledge. Association leaders also visited the State Supreme Court, a session of the state house and various legislators' offices.

The evening before the legislative breakfast, WPA Branch 336 Harrisburg hosted a meeting, reception and dinner for members of the PFC. Representatives from 14 fraternal societies joined WPA officers and directors for the evening.

The WPA National Director Charles S. Johns, a member of the PFC Board of Directors, introduced Chairman Varga for remarks. PFC President Jacqueline Sobania thanked the WPA for the continued support of the PFC and its efforts. Ms. Sobania then called upon E. E. (Al) Vargo, vice chairman of the WPA Board and former PFC president, for remarks. IffPLl

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William Pen Life, November 2004