Slovensk¥ Katolícky Sokol
Transcription
Slovensk¥ Katolícky Sokol
For God and Nation Za Boha a Národ Slovensk¥ Katolícky Sokol OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL – MEMBERSHIP 28,000 – HOME OFFICE: 205 MADISON STREET, PASSAIC, N.J. 07055 – www.slovakcatholicsokol.org Periodical Postage Paid at original entry of Passaic, N.J., 07055 and additional mailing offices VOLUME CI PASSAIC, N.J., JULY 25, 2012 Preparing for our 46th International Slet Supreme Clinic - Kurz Attracts Representatives from 7 Groups at Slippery Rock University Shown above are the male and female representatives of six of our organization’s Groups who participated in the Supreme Clinic -Kurz at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa., June 27 - July 1 in preparation for next summer’s 46th International Slet. The Supreme Clinic or Kurz as it is known in Slovak, in preparation for our 46th International Slet was held from June 27 to July 1, 2012 at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa. Slippery Rock is a town located about one hour ’s drive north of Pittsbur gh. Slippery Rock University is a comprehen- sive university of fering a broad selection of hot foods, fried foods, a array of under graduate and select salad bar and a dessert bar. graduate programs. The Clinic opened on WednesThe campus of Slippery Rock day, June 27th with the arrival of the was a new site for the Clinic, held members of the Supreme Physical biennially in preparation for the Fitness Board. The Supreme PhysiSlet. The university boasts an cal Fitness Board includes Supreme eight-lane track, fully revamped Physical Director Dusan Dorich, residence halls and many amenities Supreme Physical Directress Kaththat enhanced the Clinic for the par- leen S. Watkins, Supreme Assistant ticipants. Physical Director The staff on John M. UnderaStory by campus was very tion, Supreme AsKathleen S. Watkins accommodating Supreme Physical Directress sistant Physical Diand put the Surectress Katie Swift Photos by preme Physical Fitand the following James C. Matlon ness Board at ease Supreme Assistant Director female Members, making themselves Denise DiMartino, of Sports and Athletics available to address Nancy Kropolinsky any questions or concerns we had. and Jennifer A. Romine and male The Clinic participants were housed members, Martin Degnan, Frank P . in the suites in Building B of the Laury, III and Damian J. Suess. residence halls. The suites consistThe Supreme Physical Fitness ed of either two or four bedrooms, Board arrived in the afternoon on including two bathrooms, a kitchen Wednesday to review the drills area and a living area as well. The and work on the choreography of a goal of the Supreme Physical Fitnew closing mass drill. Following ness Board for next year’s 46th Slet the drill review and practice, there is to house all participants in one was an opening meeting to discuss dorm building, since each dorm can the weekly schedule and finalize all hold up to 350 participants. events for the Clinic. Morrow Field House, consistOn Thursday, June 28th, the ing of a main gym and the dance Clinic participants arrived. Each studio was perfect for practicing participant was given a welcome and learning the drills. We were packet or folder which included able to utilize the Boozel Dining such things as a campus map, the Center, where all our meals were weekly schedule, the names and enjoyed. The dining hall had a large (Continued on page 8) NUMBER 4969 If you wish to continue receiving the Slovak Catholic Falcon, You must ACT NOW! At the most recent Board of Directors meeting inWilkes-Barre, PA on July 12-15, 2012, we once again discussed the importance of cutting costs by encouraging our members to sign up to receive theFalcon electronically. For the betterment of the organization, we are committed to decreasing the number of mailings by requiring each member to return a form if they wish to continue receiving theFalcon. By the end of this year, you will no longer receive the Falcon if you have not completed the enclosed form and mailed it back to home office. 1. We are committed to deliver the Falcon through electronic media where possible; therefore, as of April 1, 2012, new members joining the society that provide an email address, will receive the Falcon by email, those without will receive a hard copy of the Falcon, one per family. 2. We are requesting all members with an email address receive the Falcon through email. Please send your request to msasiela@slovakcatholicsokol.org or mail in the enclosed form. Please reference the Falcon in the subject line and ask to have the regular mailed issue discontinued. 3. We understand that some of our members do not have e-mail or internet access. You can still request a mailed copy of the Falcon. Below you will find a form to complete. You can decide whether you wish to receive the Falcon electronically or via the regular mail. YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM IN ORDER TO CONTINUE RECEIVING THE FALCON! We are asking you to respond by October 15, 2012. NOTE: IF you have already signed up for e-mail or have already sent back the previous request to have the Falcon mailed to your home, you can disregard the enclosed form. There are many benefits to receiving the Falcon electronically …. • You receive it sooner (especially helpful to our Canadian members who usually have to wait two weeks to receive the paper) • It is easier to read and save. • You will be doing your part to conserve our natural resources by eliminating the printing of paper and mailing. • You will be helping the organization to reduce the excessive cost of printing and shipping. • The quality of the paper is better. • Since it is electronic, it can also be accessed at the Slovak Catholic Sokol website www.slovakcatholicsokol.org How do you wish to receive the Slovak Catholic Falcon? IF YOU DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE HOME OFFICE BY OCTOBER 15, 2012, YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE A COPY OF THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON. Please write your name in the space provided and check one of the following options. Name: __________________________________________________ _____I wish to receive the Falcon electronically at the following e-mail address: _________________________________________________ I wish to continue receiving the Falcon via regular mail at the following address: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Mail to: Slovak Catholic Sokol --- EFALCON 205 Madison Street, P.O. Box 889, Passaic, N.J. 07055 PAGE 2 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Int roducing our ne we st members Ryan Michael Iskra, born December 17, 2010, is the son of David S. and Amy Lynn Reilly Iskra, Sr. of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He was enrolled as a member of Assembly 59 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Chase Edward Seifert, born April 11, 2012, is the son of Charles and Alaina Hawranko Seifert, III of Crofton, Md. He was enrolled as a member of Assembly 16 in Pittsburgh, Pa. BABY SPOONS MAY 2012 Assembly No. 28 78 Wreath 22 Name Jack Quillete Sohia Farris Shea Skwortz JUNE 2012 Assembly No. 16 16 48 64 86 Wreath 47 47 93 Name Sam Reichl Chase Seifert Andrew Ziska Adam Evanoff Rylee Silinski Alena Matlon Miriam Matlon Carissa Hoeck FOUR FREEDOMS: The first is freedom of speech and expression - everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God i his own way - everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want....everywhere in the world. the fourth is freedom from fear....anywhere in the world. - Franklin D. Roosevelt Carissa Nancy Hoeck, born April 13, 2012, is the daughter of Bradley and Lisa Zeman Hoeck of Pewaukee, Wis. She was enrolled as a member of Wreath 93 in Milwaukee, Wis. Group 17 Family Fun Day set for August 5th Group 17 “Rev. Francis Skutil” will host its first-ever Track & Field and Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 5 at the Austintown Fitch School Track located at 4560 Falcon Drive in Youngstown, Ohio. All Group 17 Sokols and Sokolky of every age are cordially invited to attend. Children will have the oppor tunity to practice their running skills, learn about track and field, and make new friends. With next summer’s 46th International Slet scheduled for Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa., it will be an opportunity for our Group 17 Physical Fitness Board to explain the role of track and field events at a Slet. Members of all ages are welcome either as a competitor or as a spectator. A day of track and field events as well as summer fun activities have been planned. Following the events at the track, a box lunch will be enjoyed by all. In order to make the necessary preparations for the Fun Day, we ask that those planning to attend contact any of the following: Group 17 President James Jerek at (330)718-2253, Group 17 Sports Director Mindy Shirilla (330)782-7989, or Group 17 Physical Fitness Board members Nancy Kropolinsky (330)7936061 or Edith Babik (330)7829555. When making reservations it is important that the names, ages and telephone numbers of all those planning to attend be provided for event planning and refreshment purposes. Our Fun Day will be a wonderful oppor tunity to enjoy a summer Sunday celebrating Group 17 Sokol fellowship and camaraderie at its best. Looking forward to seeing all our track stars out on the field, may I remain Zdar Boh! Nancy Kropolinsky Member, Supreme Physical Fitness Board Wreath 111 fraternal activists Stephen and Anna Gaydosh celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary in Amherst, Oh. Our well-known Group 5 couple, Stephen and Anna Gaydosh of Amherst, Ohio recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple renewed their marriage vows during a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated at St. Joseph Church in Amherst with the Rev. Lawrence Martello officiating. Following the liturgy, the couple was honored at a reception in the parish hall with family and friends. Stephen Gaydosh and the for mer Anna Meade exchanged their marriage vows on June 2, 1962 in the Church of St. Vincent dePaul in Elyria, Ohio. The Rev. Bernard Brady officiated at their wedding. The marriage has been blessed by God with three children and their spouses, Mark and his wife Kim Gaydosh, Marie and her husband Timothy DeRuchie and Nancy and her husband Lane Solak. In addition, Steve and Anna are the proud grandparents of Crystal, Nicole, Felicia, Kristina, Bryan, Austin, Samantha and Shannon. In addition they have two great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Madalin. Stephen served in the United States Army. He retired from the U.S. Steel Corporation in Lo- ing model airplanes, bowling and waxing his 1965 Mustang. Anna’s hobbies include baking, genealogy and photography Their most cherished memories are the time they spend with their family and friends. Our congratulations and fraternal best wishes go out to Steve and Anna, wonderful ambassadors of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, as they celebrate their golden wedding anniver sary. May God continue to bless them with good health and happiness. May their love for each other continue to grow as the years go by. Zdar Boh! - 1962 rain, Ohio. Anna retired from the Amherst Schools as a Teacher’s Aide. Both have been active in the Slovak Catholic Sokol on the local and Group 5 level. Both are active in Wreath 111 in Lorain and have held offices. They have served as delegates to several of our national conventions. They previously were active in the former Holy Trinity Slovak Parish in Lorain. They continue to cherish their Slovak traditions, especially at Christmas and during the Easter season. Steve uses his free time mak- - 2012 - Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania Newly elected officers and board members of the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania are shown above at the group’s annual meeting held recently at the Gus Genetti Hotel and Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The officers and board members were elected to serve the 2012-2013 term. Seated on the photo from the left, are: Financial Advisor Magdalen M. Benish, Plains, Pa.; Dorothy Sullivan, Nanticoke, Pa.; Society Chairperson, Professor Philip R. Tuhy, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Secretary Anna M. Hudock, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; and Dinner Chairperson Elaine Palischak, Plymouth, Pa. Standing, from the left: Constance Plewniak, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Corresponding Secretary Bernadette Yencha, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Michael Stretanski, Kingston, Pa.; Andrew Sofranko, Hanover Township, Pa.; Joseph Kowatch, Kingston, Pa.; society Chaplain, Rev. John Albosta, Waymart, Pa. Treasurer Jackson Hendershot, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Anthony Palischak, Plymouth, Pa.; Membership Chairperson Mary Migatulski, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Public Relations Director William A. Zdancewicz, Edwardsville, Pa. and Helen Savinski, Swoyersville, Pa. Founded in 1976 under the leadership of our Honorary Supreme Officer, Monsignor Francis J. Beeda, S.T.L. the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania has promoted numerous religious, cultural and civic projects celebrating our Slovak heritage in the Keystone State. SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Sokol Calendar JULY 27-29 Q Annual Pierogi Festival in downtown Whiting, Ind., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., for info visit www . pierogifest.net or tel.1-800 6590292. SUN.AUG.5 Q Group 17 Track & Field Family Fun Day at Austintown Fitch High School track, 4560 Falcon Drive, Youngstown, Oh. from 12 noon - 3 p.m.; for reservations call Jim Jerek (330)718-2253. Q 12th annual Slovak Day Picnic hosted by the Slovak American Cultural Center of New York at Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, Conn. beginning at 12 noon, $35.00 adults, $15.00 for children, 6-18, children age 6 and under free of charge; for reservations call (203)531-9532. Q Wreath 81 Summer Picnic at the Sacred Heart Rose Room, 1731 LaPorte Avenue, Whiting, Ind. beginning at 12 noon; free of charge for members; for reservations call Audrey Filipek(219)659-6444. AUG.9-11 Q St. John the Evangelist Parish Community street fair , Broad and Church Streets, Pittston, Pa., 5:3010 p.m. daily; food, entertainment games, etc. AUGUST 10-12 Q 57th International Golf Tournament at Treasure Lake Golf Resort, DuBois, Pa. SUN.AUG.12 Q Slovak Family Day picnic hosted by SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish and Jednota Msgr. Shuba District at Creditvale Park, Barbertown Rd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada be- ginning with outdoor Mass at 12 noon, cultural program and BBQ to follow, for information call (905)712-1200. Q Annual Slovak day pilgrimage at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians, Filors Lane, West Haverstraw, N.Y.; Slovak confessions begin at 10 a.m., Mass in Slovak at 1 1 a.m., luncheon to follow with afternoon Rosary devotions at 2:30 p.m.; for information call Jozef Bilik at (718)643-2084. Q 7th annual Mahoning Valley SlovakFest on the grounds of St. Matthias Parish, 2800 Shady Run Road, in the Lansingville section of Youngstown, Oh. beginning with Mass at 12 noon continuing throughout the day , for information call Loretta Edoniak (330)5493760. SUN.AUG.19 Q Annual Summer Festival of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, 1315 Second Street, N.E., Minneapolis, Minn., on the parish grounds beginning with Polka Mass at 10:30 a.m. with activities to follow until 5 p.m.; for additional information call James T. Genosky (763)789-9196. AUG.24-25 Q S.C.S. Supreme Auditors SemiAnnual Audit at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Headquarters, Passaic, N.J. SEPT.1-2 Q 77th annual Pilgrimage-odpust in honor of our Lady of Perpetual Help at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, Mount Macrina, Uniontown, Pa.; begins Saturday morning and concludes on Sunday evening; for information call (724)438-8644. TUES.SEPT.4 Q 29th annual session of Slovak language classes of fered by the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association at Brashear Association Hall, 2005 Sarah St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 6:30 - 8 p.m., for in- ISSN: 0897-8107 Established April 15, 1911 Official Publication of the Slovak Catholic Sokol Issued Bi-Weekly Daniel F. Tanzone, Editor Editorial office: (973) 777-4010 Annual Subscription Rates United States $40.00 – All others countries $45.00 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Slovak Catholic Falcon, P.O. Box 899, 205 Madison Street, Passaic, New Jersey 07055 Member of the Catholic Press Association and the Slovak Newspapermen's Association of America Proprietor and Publisher SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL P.O. Box 899 205 Madison Street, Passaic, N.J. 07055 Home Office: (973) 777-2605-06 WEB SITE –www.slovakcatholicsokol.org formation call (412)431-2236. SEPT.6-8 Q 126th annual meeting of the American Fraternal Alliance at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, New Orleans, LA. SAT.SEPT.8 Q Christmas in September craftmaking and cooking seminar at the National Slovak Society Museum, 351 Valley Brook Road, McMur ray, Pa. beginning at 10 a.m., for information call 1-800-488-1890. SUN.SEPT.12 Q 19th annual pilgrimage in honor of Our Mother of Sorrows, patroness of the Slovak people, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, North Lipkey Road, North Jackson, Oh. with devotions beginning at 3 p.m., Slovak Mass at 4 p.m. followed by dinner; for information call (330)782-9126. SAT.SEPT.22 Q Group 4 “Bishop Stefan Moyzes” annual meeting at the Casa Capri Restaurant, 2129 Birch Road, Kenosha, Wis. beginning at 1 1 a.m., for information call July Ann Dobbs at (262)681-1720. SUN.SEPT.23 Q Group 5 Golf Tournament at the Chippewa Golf Club, 12147 Shank Road, Doylestown, Oh. , Tee Time at 10 a.m., for information contact Joseph Underation (440)829-5942. Q 35th annual New Jersey Slovak Heritage Festival at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, N.J.; exhibits open at 10 a.m., Pontifical Slovak Mass at 1 1 a.m., cultural program at 2 p.m., free admission and parking. Q Annual Midwest Slovak Pastoral Seminar hosted by the Slovak Catholic Federation at the Mother house of the Sisters of St. Casimir , 2601 West Marquette Rd., Chicago, Ill. beginning at 1 p.m., buf fet dinner to be served at 3 p.m.; of fering $15.00 per person; for reservations call John Jurcenko (773)763-0810. SUN.SEPT.30 Q Group 2 annual meeting at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 116 Grove St., Torrington, Conn. beginning with Mass at 9 a.m.; meeting and luncheon to follow at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, 171 Franklin Street. SUN.NOV.11 Q 30th Annual St. Martin’s Day Celebation hosted by Group 2 beginning with attendance at the 11 a.m. Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1950 Barnum Ave., Stratford, Conn. luncheon and fraternal program to follow at the Grassy Hill Lodge, Derby, Conn. OUR NEXT ISSUE IS AUGUST 8TH In keeping with our biweekly publishing schedule, the next issue of the Slovak Catholic Falcon will be that ofWednesday, August 8th. Dead line for all photos and infor ma tionfor this issue will be Thursday, August 2nd. View e-Falcon on our website: www.slovakcatholicsokol.org. Thanking you for your continued coop eration in this matter, I remain Zdar Boh! – Daniel F. Tanzone, Editor PAGE 3 Thoughts from our Supreme Chaplain “Year of Faith” by Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic Pope Benedict XVI announced a special “Y ear of Faith” to help Catholics appreciate the gift of faith, deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to sharing faith with others. Celebrating Mass on October 16, 2011 with participants in a Vatican conference on new evangelization, the pope said the Year of Faith would give “renewed energy to the mission of the whole Church to lead men and women out of the desert they often are in and toward a place of life: friendship with Christ who gives us fullness of life.” The pope said the observance would begin October 1 1, 2012 - the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council - and conclude on November 24, 2013 - the feast of Christ the King. “It will be a moment of grace and commitment to an ever fuller conversion to God, to reinforce our faith in him and to proclaim him with joy to the people of our time, “ the pope said in his homily. Pope Benedict explained his intention more fully in “Porta Fidei”(The Door of Faith), an apostolic letter released October 17, 2011 to formally announce the special year . “Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy,” the pope wrote. He said the Catechism of the Catholic Church, first published in 1992, should serve as the handbook for helping Catholics rediscover the truths of faith and deepen their understanding of Church teaching. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he said, will publish a “note to help people live the year “in the most ef fective and appropriate ways at the service of belief and evangelization.” In his apostolic letter, the pope said the year’s focus will be on Jesus Christ because “in him, all the anguish and all the longing of the human heart finds fulfillment.” Pope Benedict said that in addition to studying the catechism and gaining a greater under standing of the creed, the Year of Faith also must be accompanied with more acts of charity. Faith helps people recognize the face of Christ in those who are suffering, and “it is his love that impels us to assist him whenever he becomes our neighbor along the journey of life,” the pope wrote. Pope Benedict said Catholics cannot “grow lazy in the faith.” What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life - life without end,” he wrote. TOP MONTHLY RECOMMENDERS IN JUNE RECOMMENDERS Bradley Hoeck Home Office Michael Horvath Robert E. Leso James C. Matlon Michael T. Matras Edward D. Moeller Maryanne Palkovic Janice Patterson Tony L. Scuglik Ann Marie Silinskie Albert J. Suess Jr. FACE CITY/STATE AMOUNT Milwaukee, WI 1 Passaic, NJ 2 Wilkes-Barre, PA 1 Philadelphia, PA 2 Boonton, NJ 2 Perryopolis, PA 3 Pittsburgh, PA 2 Erie, PA 2 Erie, PA 1 Kenosha, WI 1 Port Griffith, PA 1 Pittsburgh, PA 2 Totals 20 NEW MEMBERS $ 5,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 20,000 25,000 10,000 20,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 POINTS 54 130 49 138 160 245 115 204 55 78 55 124 $130,000 1,407 Group 5 Golf Tournament set for Sunday, September 23 The annual golf tournament hosted by Group 5 “Jan Holly” of Cleveland, Oh. is scheduled for Sunday , September 23. The competition will be held at the scenic Chippewa Golf Club located at 12147 Shank Road in Doylestown, Oh. with Tee times starting at 10 a.m. Food and refreshments will be served at the turn, followed by the traditional victory buf fet dinner following the competition on the greens. Following the evening meal, prizes and awards will be presented. Cost will be $50.00 per golfer and will cover golf, skins and meals. Format for this year ’s competition will again be a scramble/best ball. We will allow one non-member per four-some this year to increase attendance. We have ten(10) tee times reserved currently. Hopefully, we can blow away last year ’s number and fill all 40 slots...and hopefully add a few more. We ask that those planning to participate let the tour nament director, Joseph Underation at tel. (440)829-5942 know as soon as possible. If there are any further questions contact Brother Joe at the number above for tee times available. Needless to say , an enjoyable fraternal competition in the best traditions of Group 5 good sportsmanship and camaraderie is assured. We look forward to seeing many of our veteran golfers and anticipate many new faces among us. A wonderful time is assured. Zdar Boh! Joseph Underation PAGE 4 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 REFLECTOR ... Jotings from Sokol and Slovak life In Johnstown, Pa. Dolly Yankoski of Dunlo, Pa.voted as the “Face of Polka Fest 2012” Each year, in the Cambria City section of Johnstown, Pa., the annual Polka Fest is held. The weekend festivities include polka music from a variety of outstanding bands, fun, good cheer , old fashioned ethnic food to delight the palates of every Slovak or Pole in the area. The celebration af fords the opportunity for old friends and new from around Pennsylvania to celebrate the music traditions of polka. This year’s event, held over the Memorial Day weekend attracted thousands of polka fans from across the Key Stone State as well as neighboring states. At the annual festival, an individual is selected as “The Face of Polka Fest.” Honored as this year ’s winner was our own well-known Dunlo, Pa. Sokolka, Dolly(Dolores) Yonkoski. Our Dolly received a basketfull of prizes, merchandise and gift cards. Dolly has been a polka fan all her life and is certainly deserving of this tribute which included a half-page congratulatory note and photo in the local newspaper. Dolly, the daughter of the late Joseph and Susan Rubal Richnavsky, married John(Y unk) Yonkoski in 1965. The couple will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in September. They are the proud parents of two children. Dolly and John are avid polka lovers and attend polka festivals throughout the area. In fact, Dolly taught Yunk the fine art of polka dancing in the kitchen of their Dunlo, Pa. home and from then on, he was hooked. Now there’s no problem getting him on the dance floor. Dolly has been an active Sokolka all her life. She serves as an of ficer of Assembly 82 and is active in Group 9. She has represented her lodge at several national conventions. Over the years, Dolly has been active in our various membership campaigns. We join Dolly’s many friends and admirers throughout the or ganization in extending congratulations and best wishes on this well-deserved tribute. You go girl and Zdar Boh! 97th Annual Milwaukee Pilgrimage set for Labor Day Continuing in a time-honored tradition of nearly a century, the annual Holy Hill Pilgrimage by Milwaukee area Slovak Catholics honoring the Mother of God will take place on Labor Day , Monday, September 3. This year will mark the 98th annual pilgrimage. This faith tradition of Milwaukee Slovaks had its beginning in 1914 when the first pilgrimage took place at the Holy Hill monastery of the Discalced Carmelites. This year’s pilgrimage will be held at the Basilica of Holy Hill located at 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus, Wis., just outside Milwaukee. The gathering recalls the beloved pilgrimage traditions in Slovakia. For generations, the Milwaukee area Slovaks have honored Our Lady at Holy Hill. The program on September 3 begins with the celebration of outdoor Stations of the Cross beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the bottom of the hill. At 9:30 a.m., the pilgrimage liturgy will be celebrated in the basilica in Slovak. A beautiful ritual takes place during the recitation and singing of the Stations when several girls carry the statue of Our Lady on their shoulders bedecked with colorful streams of ribbons and rosemary. Area Sokols and Sokolky, as has been their tradition spanning many decades are invited to again participate in the beautiful pilgrimage of the Milwaukee area Slovak community . For additional information on this year ’s pilgrimage, call Betty Valent at (414)425-6137 or Emily Kosso at (414)464-1063. Slovak pilgrimage to Marian Shrine in West Haverstraw, N.Y. on August 12 The annual Slovak Day pilgrimage at the Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians in West Haverstraw, N.Y. is scheduled for Sunday , August 12. The wellknown Marian shrine, conducted by the Salesians of St. John Bosco, is located at Filors Lane. The annual event is hosted by the St. Stephen’ s Society, Branch 716 of the First Catholic Slovak Union along with other area Slovak Catholic fraternal societies and parishes in the Archdiocese of New York. The pilgrimage begins with the Sacrament of Reconciliation(confessions) at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. a concelebrated Mass in Slovak will Annual Slovak Pastoral be offered at the shrine’ s outdoor altar. Following the Seminar set for Chicago liturgy, a luncheon featuring traditional Slovak culinary The annual Slovak Pastoral Seminar hosted by the specialities will be available in the shrine’s dining hall. Midwest Region of the Slovak Catholic Federation will Beginning at 2:30 p.m. the traditional Slovak Robe held on Sunday , September 23 at the Motherhouse sary devotions will take place along the Rosary Walk of the Sisters of St. Casimir located at 2601 West Mar- outdoors. Sokols and Sokolky from across the New quette Road in Chicago, Ill. York metropolitan area are invited to join in this anAn interesting and enjoyable presentation will be nual pilgrimage honoring the Mother of God near the given by Eva Bustamante on the history of Our Lady of feast of the Assumption. The tradition of pilgrimage is Sorrows Slovak Catholic Cemetery in the Archdiocese very popular in Slovakia and attracts great throngs of of Chicago. The cemetery was founded in 1923 to serve the faithful to the country’ s many shrines throughout the needs of the then 10 Slovak parishes in the Archdio- the summer season. cese of Chicago. The presentation will be of particular A bus will depart from St. John Nepomucene interest to individuals doing genealogical research on Church, located at the corner of First Avenue and 66th their Slovak forebears. Following her lecture, Ms. Bus- Street in Manhattan. Those interested in traveling from tamente will answer any questions and distribute book- New York city on this bus or for other details of this lets. Many prominent Chicago area Slovak leaders are year’s pilgrimage, should contact Jozef Bilik at tel. buried in Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery. (718)463-2084. For travel directions, call the shrine ofRegistration for this year’s seminar will start at 1 p.m. fice at tel. (914)947-2200. Ms. Bustamente will be welcomed at 1:45 p.m. with her presentation following. A delicious buffet dinner will be 12th Slovak Day Picnic enjoyed beginning at 3 p.m. The offering for this event in Old Greenwich, Conn. is $15.00 per person. Pre-paid registration can be made The Slovak American Cultural Center of New York with John Jurcenko at tel. (773)763-0810. for additional will host its 12th annual Slovak Day Picnic on Sunday, information on this year ’s seminar, contact Geraldine August 5 at Greenwich Point Park located on the sceHletko at tel. (708)387-7812 or contact the Seminar nic banks of the Long Island Sound in Old Greenwich, Publicity Chairperson, our Sokol Robert Tapak Magrud- Conn. Festivities begin at 12 noon and will include all er at tel. (502)244-7743. The seminar is a must for those things Slovak - music, an abundance of delicious food, interested in their Slovak faith traditions while enjoying imported beer, homemade pastries, along with sports a wonderful afternoon of traditional Slovak fellowship activities for all ages. Tickets are $35.00 for adults and camaraderie. (Continued on page 5) The Word of God ... Gospel for the Seventeenth Sunday of the Year – July 29th John 6:1-15 A reading from the holy Gospel according to John Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat? He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone. The Gospel of the Lord. Gospel for the Eighteenth Sunday of the Year – August 5th John 6:24-35 A reading from the holy Gospel according to John When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, (Continued on page 15) SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 PAGE 5 To be held at the Treasure Lake Golf Resort Assisting the Church in Slovakia Slovak Catholic Federation Mid-Year Annual Appeal Report by Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic Appeal Coordinator Since 1978, the Slovak Catholic Federation has been conducting the SS. Cyril & Methodius Appeal which begins each year in the month of February during the closest weekend to the Feast of SS. Cyril & Methodius which is observed by the Universal Church on February 14th. To date I wish to report that this year ’s appeal has collected a total of $17,514.89. Unfortunately this is roughly $5,000.00 short from last year’s mid-year report. In its 34th year , the SS. Cyril & Methodius Appeal has primarily been taken up in parishes in the United States of Slovak heritage. As we are all very much aware, the days of “ethnic parishes” are becoming a thing of the past. More and more Slovaks now reside in different parts of the country and no longer claim to belong to a parish of Slovak heritage. For this reason many Slovaks may not have the opportunity to hear about, let alone participate in this Annual Appeal which assists the Church in Slovakia. If it were not for the wonderful cooperation of our Slovak Catholic Fraternal Societies and their publications, communication to American and Canadian Slovaks would not be possible. In recent years we have seen an increase in individual donations apart from the parish collections. Also most of the Slovak Fraternal Societies have also been making contributions to this collection from their National Board of Directors, along with a number of local branches, wreaths, assemblies, and lodges. The appeal continues during the entire calendar year 2012. For as you know, this appeal assists the Church in Slovakia by supporting the training mission of the Ponti fical Slovak College of SS. Cyril & Methodius in Rome, Italy (formally known as the Slovak Institute or Ustav). This fine institution was built a half century ago through the generosity of American Catholics of Slovak ancestry . In addition, funds are distributed to those Religious Communities of both men and women which share a counterpart which belongs to the Conference of Slovak Religious in the United States. These Communities include: the Vincentian Sisters of Charity (Ruzomberok); Dominican Sisters (Dunajska Luzna); the School Sisters of St. Francis (Zilina); the Daughters of St. Francis of Assisi (Bratislava-Prievoz); the Byzantine Catholic Sisters of St. Basil the Great (Secovce and Presov); Franciscan Friars Minor (Bratislava); and the Benedictine monks of the House of St. Benedict (Bacurov). As various groups will be holding summer picnics along with several Fraternal National Conventions, I ask that consideration be given to kindly taking up a collection in support of the Slovak Catholic Federation Appeal. All donations are tax deductible. In 201 1 this Annual Appeal totaled $40,049.25. Individuals, Groups, picnics, etc are all welcome to make a donation to this appeal, make all checks payable to: Slovak Catholic Federation and send directly to Dolores Evanko, National Secretary-Treasurer, 173 Berner Ave., Hazleton, PA 18201. I pray that Almighty God reward all of us who participate in the support of the Church in Slovakia through the Slovak Catholic Federation 34th Annual SS. Cyril & Methodius Appeal. Thank you and Zdar Boh! (Editor’s note: Father Hvozdovic, who serves as our Supreme Chaplain is pastor of the Parish of the Epiphany in Sayre, Pa. He also serves as the first vice president of the Slovak Catholic Federation and has been the appeal coordinator for the past fifteen years. 12th Slovak Day Picnic in Old Greenwich, Conn. (Continued from page 4) and $15.00 for children ages 6 to 18. Children, age 6 and younger are welcome free of char ge. Make check payable to S-ACC and send same to: Adelka Darula, 28 High Street, Greenwich, CT 06830. For additional information on this year’s picnic, call Adelka at tel. (203) 531-9532 or adelkadarula@ aol.com. An enjoyable afternoon is assured. Greenwich Point Park is located on Tod’s Driftway in Old Green- wich. The park is conveniently located off Exit 5 of I-95. Turn right at exit ramp/light. Turn right again at next light onto Sound Beach Avenue. Continue passing park on right. Turn right onto Shore Road. Follow Shore Road over causeway into Greenwich Point. Area Sokol members are cordially invited to join us for a wonderful summer afternoon with a distinct Slovak flavor. Zdar Boh! Rosemarie Golia 57th International Golf Tournament Set for the Weekend of August 10-12 in DuBois, Pa. by Edward D. Moeller Supreme Director of Sports & Athletics With the warm summer weather upon us, we find the traditional golf season in full swing. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that all is in readiness for our exciting 57th International Slovak Catholic Sokol Tournament which will be enjoyed on the weekend of August 10-12 at the ever -popular Treasure Lake Golf Resort in DuBois, Pa. A number of our golf competitions have been held at this popular facility over the years with our golfers enjoying the many amenities of fered by Treasure Lake. And this year’s competition will be no exception. We are looking forward to hosting a wonderful weekend of traditional Sokol fraternalism and good sportsmanship in August. The participants of this year ’s 57th annual golf competition will be housed at the Clarion Hotel and golfing enjoyed at the Treasure Lake resort. Over the years, Lodge Jottings WHITING, IND. Wreath 81 Summer is now in full swing and its time for our traditional Wreath 81 picnic. The festivities begin at 12 noon on Sunday, August 5 at the Sacred Heart Rose Room located at 1731 LaPorte Avenue in Whiting. The chairperson of the picnic, Audrey Filipek will be accepting reservations until the deadline of Sunday, July 29. Reservations are necessary in order that proper preparations might be made. Please contact Audrey at tel (219) 6596444. As is our fraternal tradition, the picnic is free of charge to all our members. Guests are welcome at the cost of $5.00 per person. An enjoyable afternoon is assured. Come out and enjoy good company and a pleasant afternoon of food and fellowship at this annual fraternal function. As is our custom and in keeping with our Care and Share project, we will be collecting monetary donations to be given to our local food pantry. The officers are grateful that our members are always generous and supportive of our Wreath’s community project which is in the best traditions of fraternal outreach. Our prayers go out to our members who can’t join us because of health or distance. Be assured you are always remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Happy summer - stay cool! Zdar Boh! Judy Strisko Recording Secretary many upgrades have been incorporated into this fine establishment. It will serve our members extremely well. This golf course facility is located just minutes of f of Inter state I-80 at exit 101. The Clarion Hotel is located off of I-80 at exit 97. The surrounding area of fers a selection of fine restaurants, shopping centers and other local amenities. Over the years, our gol fing event has evolved to become much more than a few simple rounds of golf, but rather a true fraternal family affair in the spirit of friendship and Sokol good sportsmanship. Many of our Sokol members now attend the tournament accompanied with their respective families, which has added to the richness of the event and exhibits true Sokol camaraderie. The tournament is shaping up to have a tremendous turnout of golfers and guests. The actual tournament deadline is (postmarked) Monday, July 9th. We therefore remind those planning to join us for a memorable weekend to complete the golf application form and return same as soon a possible to my home address: Edward D. Moeller , 2812 Waterman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. If there are any questions regarding this year ’s golf tour nament, feel free to contact me directly at my home telephone number at (412)881-3506. The cost of this year ’s golf event is $270.00 for golfers, which includes your three(3) full rounds of golf with carts, two nights lodging at the resort, two(2) breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings, one(1) wonderful victory dinner scheduled for Saturday night, a com(Continued on page 6) TOP MONTHLY RECOMMENDERS JUNE 2012 RECOMMENDERS Michael T. Matras Maryanne Palkovic James C. Matlon Robert E. Leso Home Office Albert J. Suess Jr. Edward D. Moeller Tony L. Scuglik Janice Patterson Ann Marie Silinskie Bradley Hoeck Michael Horvath CITY/STATE Perryopolis, PA Erie, PA Boonton, NJ Philadelphia, PA Passaic, NJ Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, PA Kenosha, WI Erie, PA Port Griffith, PA Milwaukee, WI Wilkes-Barre, PA FACE NEW AMOUNT MEMBERS POINTS $25,000 3 245 20,000 204 20,000 2 160 10,000 2 138 10,000 2 130 10,000 2 124 10,000 2 115 5,000 1 78 5,000 1 55 5,000 1 55 5,000 1 54 5,000 1 49 S.C.S Museum Donations for April – June 2012 We are pleased to acknowledge the following donations received during April through June 2012 earmarked for our Slovak Catholic Sokol Museum located at our home of fice in Passaic, NJ. The monies received from these donations fund our annual $500 Memorial Scholarships, which assist our young people in their educational endeavors. The number of these scholarship grants is dependent upon the amount of donations received. Because of the generosity of our members we will be awarding three scholarships for 2012. DONATIONS RECEIVED In Memory of Tom Wallace Tom Wallace Margaret Birek Robert Holan Laurie Burrows Krista Louise Glugosh Krista Louise Glugosh Krista Louise Glugosh Laurie Burrows Krista Louise Glugosh Krista Louise Glugosh Bruce Mazurkiewcz Margaret Drapp Theresa Hergan Theresa Hergan Total donations $ 760 Donated by Ed & Janice Moeller Assembly 16, Pittsburgh, PA Wreath 22, Pittsburgh, PA Assembly 16, Pittsburgh, PA Supreme Physical Fitness Board Supreme Physical Fitness Board Denise DiMartino Group 3, Douglas, MA Julie Ann Dobbs Group 14, Pittsburgh, PA Thomas Molitor, Marianne Nalli, Christine M. Sofranko Assembly 16, Pittsburgh, PA Wreath 22, Pittsburgh, PA Supreme Physical Fitness Board Julie and Jim Dobbs, Ed and Janice Moeller Thank you for your generosity. Zdar Boh! Dennis J. Zifcak, Supreme Treasurer PAGE 6 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 57th International Golf Tournament Set for the Weekend of August 10-12 in DuBois, Pa. (Continued from page 5) plimentary host bar on Saturday night, your entry fee and prize money. All taxes and gratuities are included. The non-golf weekend package for guests is $140.00. This is all inclusive and includes meals and lodging as listed above. Finally, for our local area Sokol members, who may not require the entire hotel accommodations and meal package, there is a golfonly package for $145.00, which includes the entry and tournament expense fees. All of these are outstanding packages for the service, quality of meals served and golfing that will be enjoyed throughout the weekend. As in the past, those planning to join us for the tournament must make their own hotel arrangements. They should contact the Clarion Hotel directly , leaving a credit card for all incidentals. This year a block of 75 rooms has been reserved per night at the Clarion Hotel on behalf of our organization. The telephone number at the hotel is (814)5038151. Golf reservations must be placed at the golf course pro shop at telephone (814)375-1808. The 2012 prize money entry fee will be $15.00 per golfer(included in the above package) and the Board of Directors of the Supreme Assembly has recommended providing $20.00 per golfer towards the tournament prize money . All monies will be distributed to the golfers and the allocation will be based on the number of golf entries per flight. A new option for women has been added and will be an oppor- tunity to participate in a Best Ball Style of play . This will enable some newer golfers to participate in a non-competitive way. Those wishing to participate in this option must declare their intentions in advance. Those choosing this option will not be eligible for prize monies in the Women’s division but will continue to contribute their share of fees into the overall pool. This year we will experiment with the option of bringing along a non-Sokol guest to join us at this year’s golf tournament. This hopefully will show these guests the Sokol hospitality at this event with the hopes of welcoming them as new members. These guests will not be eligible for prize monies. When filling out a golf application for a guest, those applying should be sure to mark guest on that application. All meals will be served at the Clarion Hotel. However, the Saturday evening banquet will be held at the Treasure Lake Resort. There will be a char ge of $25.00 for those members who would like to purchase additional banquet tickets for Saturday night only. The banquet will feature a wonderful four-course sit down meal with host bar. All of this is part of the golf or non-golf package. As is our tradition, Mass will be celebrated at approximately 5:30 p.m. prior to the Saturday evening banquet to satisfy the Sunday obligation. Prior to the dinner we will enjoy a cocktail hour. A short speakers program will follow dinner including the announcement of the tournament leaders and a welcome from our keynote speaker. Our Supreme Secretary Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. will once again present the 2012 Frank S. Petruf f Memorial Sports Award to a deserving Sokol golfer. The evening will conclude with a few hours of hospitality and shared Sokol fraternalism and fellowship. This summer’s 57th International Golf Tournament looks to be a great fraternal golf event. I hope to see many of our veteran Sokol golf enthusiasts as well as many new faces among us. I look forward to seeing you all in the beautiful and scenic community of DuBois, Pa. this August. Thank you and Zdar Boh! RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Every contestant must be a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in good standing at least one (1) year or three (3) months with Single Premium Life Insurance prior to the event with a minimum of $3,000.00 coverage. All new members who are enrolled in the or ganization after January 1st 2008 will require a new minimum of $5,000.00 worth of insurance coverage. No social members. 2. (A)The tournament will be held in six (6) flights as follows, prior to applying 75% to handicap: “A” Flight 0 to 12 Handicap “D” Flight Callaway System “B” Flight 13 to 20 Handicap “S” Flight Senior, 62 years and over “C” Flight 21 and over “W” Flight Women, Callaway System (B) Maximum Handicap: Men - 40; Women - 50. (C) Only the Slovak Catholic Sokol Handicap will be accepted for all flights. 3. The tournament shall be held with U.S.G.A. rules prevailing. 4. Callaway Flights: Golfers who do not have a Slovak Catholic Sokol Handicap (handicaps are determined after two years of Slovak Catholic Sokol play) Callaway Modified System with two blind holes both days will be applied. 5. (A)All handicaps are subject to review and possible re-rating by “Handicap Committee”. In the case of ties, lowest handicap will be declared trophy winner. (B)Women golfers will compete in a separate flight. Modified Callaway System will be used both days. (C)A new option for women will be the opportunity to participate in a Best Ball Style type of play. This will enable some newer golfers to participate in a non-competitive way. Those wishing to participate in this style must declare in advance this option. Those choosing this option will not be eligible for prize monies in the Women’s division but will continue to contribute their share of fees into the overall pool. 6. All play will be 36 holes. 18 to be played when scheduled starting, Satur day August 11, 2012 and 18 on Sunday, August 12, 2012. 7. Entry Fee is $15.00. Tournament Expense is $10.00. A Banquet will be held Saturday Evening. 8. Prizes: There will be a Championship Trophy in each flight. Other prizes will be awarded according to the number of entries received. All entry fees will be returned to contestants in the form of prizes, according to entries in each flight. 9. Foursomes will be paired at the discretion of the Tournament Committee, but those wishing for special starting times due to transportation issues should notify Tournament Director at time of entry. 10. Penalty for being tardy at the starting tee will be according to U.S.G.A. rules with loss of position. 11. Entries will close with a Postmark Date of July 9th, 2012.All tournament fees must accompany Entry Form. 12. Send all entries to: Edward D. Moeller 2821 Waterman Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15227 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Games of the XXX Olympiad to open in London on July 27th More than a half million people will travel to London from all parts of the world to participate in the 2012 international summer Olympic Games. The games of ficially open on July 27th and will include 19 days of competition, concluding on August 12th. While these individuals will physically celebrate at live sites, tens of millions more across the globe will enjoy the competition and ceremonies via social media sites. Some of the key facts of this summer’s Olympic Games include the fact that a total of 26 sports and 39 disciplines will be featured at 34 venues around London. A total of 8.8 million tickets have already been sold with a total of 1,490 athletes from 204 countries competing. More than 21,000 broadcasters and media of ficials will cover the games with a total of 5,770 team officials. More than 46,000 people have worked on the construction and preparation of the Olympic Park and Village. A total of 10,000 cur rently serving troops from the U.S. and Great Britain will attend the games for free. More than 10,000 Britons are involved in the opening and closing ceremonies. The Olympic Games, of ficially the Games of the XXX Olympiad continue the historic celebration of international athletic competition at its best. It recalls the first Olympic Games held in ancient Greece in 776 B.C. Those games were computed as the first year of the first Olympiad. In ancient Greece, the games were combined patriotic, religious and athletic festivals. These included various contests in athletics, poetry and music held ever four years at Olympia in honor of Zeus, one of the twelve major deities of the Greek religion. Originally , the games were simple - the first is said to have consisted merely of a foot race of approximately 200 yards on the plain near the small city of Olympia - but they rapidly gained both in scope and in popular acclaim as demonstrations of national pride. Competition was based on the highest ethical standards and only amateurs who also were Greek citizens were allowed to participate. Winners were awarded laurel, wild olive and palm wreaths, and were accorded many special privileges thereafter in their individual communities. Under the Roman emperors, the original concept of the games was lost and they deteriorated into professional carnivals and circuses until they were banned by the Emperor Theodosius(394 A.D.). In 1894, Baron Pierre de Cou- bertin, a French educator , to promote interest in education and culture, also to foster better inter national understanding through the universal medium of youth’s love of athletics, began his efforts to revive the Olympic Games. He was able to enlist nine nations to send their athletes to the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896. The team from the United States was the winner at those games. The first time the Olympics were held in the United States was in 1904 in St. Louis, Mo. The United States has subsequently hosted Olympic Games in 1932 in Los Angeles, Ca., in 1984, again in Los Angeles and in 1996 in Atlanta, Ga. The concept of the games expanded to include the Winter Olympic Games which began in 1924. Since then, the games have been held every four years in various parts of the world. The two world wars were responsible for cancellations of the games scheduled for 1916, 1940 and 1944. The first Olympics held in London took place in 1908, with the U.S. team again as the winners. They were again held in London in 1948, again with the U.S. team as the champions. Thus, this summer’s games are the third to be hosted by Great Britain in its capital. It is interesting to note that representatives of the Sokol movement have participated in the modern Olympics since their restoration in 1896. As a matter of fact, the ageless slogan of our organization “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body” has its origins in the ancient Olympics and continued to be promoted during the period of the Roman Empire. This wonderful slogan has re flected and mirrored our or ganization’s commitment to physical fitness since our founding in 1905. We salute those Sokols who will compete at this summer’s games as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sokol movement. It was during the summer of 1862 that Sokol was founded in Prague. A huge celebration marking this historic milestone in the history of the Sokol movement is taking place in Prague this month with Sokol participants from around the world. Finally, we salute our American athletes who will represent our country in London. The American team will include 271 women and 269 men. The oldest member of the team is 54 and the youngest is 15. We wish them all well. May they represent our nation’s great athletic traditions and good sportsmanship as they compete at this summer ’s exciting XXX Olympiad in London. YOUR BENEFICIARIES When was the last time you looked at your des ignated beneficiaries on your valuable Sokol insurance policy? How important is it? Just think about how much your life has changed. Have you married, divorced, had chil dren, maybe you lost a loved one? This is an item you should con sider annually. If you do need to make changes to any of your pol icies, contact the Home Of fice at 800-886-7656. PAGE 7 7th Annual Mahoning Valley SlovakFest Set for Sunday, August 12 in Youngstown, Oh. It’s so hard to believe that it is already time to start thinking about what’s going on in August! But the annual Mahoning Valley SlovakFest will be here before we know it! And it’s even harder to believe that this will be our seventh SlovakFest! But we are expecting a great turnout because there has been so much renewed interest in our Slovak heritage in this area. Between the Simply Slavic Heritage Festival in downtown Youngstown which just had its second successful celebration in June and the publishing of a new book about The Slovaks of the Greater Mahoning Valley, there has been a real resur gence in celebrating our heritage. This year the SlovakFest will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2012, on the grounds of St. Matthias Parish (now part of the newly merged Our Lady of Sorrows Parish which also includes two other Slovak churches, SS. Cyril and Methodius, the oldest Slovak parish in Youngstown and Holy Name of Jesus) at 2800 Shady Run Road in Youngstown Ohio. And with parishes being mer ged and churches being closed it is more important then ever to support our Slovak events! Monsignor Peter M. Polando, our well-known Slovak fraternalist, serves as pastor of the parish. The SlovakFest kicks of f as usual with a wonderful Polka Mass celebrated at St. Matthias Church, on Youngstown’s Southside, an area where many Slovak families settled in the early 1900s. This joyful Liturgy will be of fered at 12 noon with the music provided by the Eddie Vallus Band. After the celebration of Mass, the festivities will move to the church parking lot and the former school, in the Father Snock Center. And of course there will be plenty of Slovak foods and baked goods available all day long! All of these are made by the dedicated local men and women from our local Slovak parishes including St. Matthias, St. John the Baptist in Campbell, Holy Name of Jesus, Holy Trinity in Struthers and SS. Cyril and Methodius! There will also be indoor displays of Slovak arts and crafts, out fits, pictures, books and memorabilia. There will be information about various Slovak organizations and projects, cookbooks and recipes, and maps for you to locate your ancestral villages. Food will be available all day outside including halušky, klobasy, lamb, pirohy and much more. And of course, imported Slovak pivo (beer) will be available! Inside the school hall dinners will be served from noon till 3 p.m. with a choice of lamb, chicken or halubky (stuffed cabbage). There will also be wonderful Slovak baked goods for sale! Musical entertainment will be provided by the Eddie Vallus Band, the Del Sinchak Orchestra and the Living Traditions Folk Ensemble which has always put on great traditional Slovak singing and folk dances inside the hall after the dinners are finished. The SlovakFest also has many Slovak items on display or for sale including a selection of beautiful Slovak crystal and pottery . There will be a silent auction of baskets filled with all sorts of items, and a raffle of $2,000 worth of Get Go/ Giant Eagle gift cards for gasoline or food! There will be children’ s games and other activities throughout the day . If you remember the Slovak picnics of your childhood, or if you don’ t, but would like to make some new memories, plug us into your GPS, jump in your car, and join us on Sunday, August 12th for a wonderful time at the 7th Annual Mahoning Valley SlovakFest! We especially look forward to seeing many Group 17 Sokols and Sokolky as we celebrate our Slovak heritage in the Mahoning Valley. For more information: Loretta Ekoniak (330) 549-3760 or loretta. ekoniak@gmail.com Zdar Boh! Do....and Stay Young No one has a right to live in idleness and expect to live long and be happy. The ship anchored in the harbor rots faster than the ship crossing the ocean; a still pool of water stagnates more rapidly than a running stream. Our unused muscles are subject to atrophy much more rapidly than those in use. The unused cells in our brains deteriorate much faster than those which are continually exercised. Hence, to remain young we must remain active. Good Habits Better Than Good Medicine Simply by adopting good lifestyle habits, Americans are advancing their general state of health beyond even what medical science improvements can do for them, according to a report that examined the findings of 130 studies on health and wellness. The report, released by Bringham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, presented its data in light of a dramatic 21 percent decline in the national death rate from coronary artery disease. Major factors cited for the decline were reduced fat consumption leading to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduced smoking. PAGE 8 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Supreme Clinic - Kurz Attracts Representatives from 7 Groups at Slippery Rock University (Continued from page 1) e-mail addresses of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board and all Clinic participants, information about the drills, general rules, and information for next year’s 46th International Slet. Also included was a CD of the drill music. Lunch was then served after which the of ficial opening ceremonies of the Clinic took place. The Supreme Physical Fitness Board welcomed all in attendance and went over the schedule, which included dining times, drill practice times, evening activities, general rules and the layout of the campus. In attendance at the year’s Clinic were 13 Physical Directresses and their assistants and 12 Physical Directors and their assistants representing a total of seven participating Groups. The following represented their respective Groups: Group 1 “Msgr. Stephen Krasula, Passaic, N.J., Kevin Matlon and Gerard Freda. Group 3 “Rev . Edmund Mochak”, East Doublas, Mass., Judy Manyak, Mackenzie Cyr, Jaquelyn Manyak, Gary Manyak, Zachary Manyak and Timothy McConville. Group 4 “Bishop Stefan Moyzes”, Chicago, Ill., Tricia Radtke, Lisa Hoecke and William Gemoll. Group 5 “Jan Holly”, Cleveland, Oh., Chelsea Laury, Emily Underation, Steven Underation and Andrew Lipovsky. Group 7 “Rev. Joseph Murgas”, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Danielle Zablotney, Kelly Palchanis, Philip Walsh and Steven Hvozdovic. Group 11 “St. John Nepomucene”, Superior, Wis., Rachel Matlon, Nicole Matlon, Charles Matlon and Luke Matlon. Group 14 “St. Francis of Assisi”, Pittsburgh, Pa., Traci Walkowiak and Kaitlyn Weiland. The drill participants received a drill video one month prior to the Clinic so they could familiarize themselves with the drills. The first drill review session lasted approximately three hours. The boys’ drill session began with a review of the junior Slovak drill and the girls drill session began withe new senior Slovak Drill. After dinner, a seminar on gymnastics was presented at the Mor row Field House. Additional seminars were given throughout the week to inform Clinic participants of important information for upcoming 46th Slet as well as other Sokol sporting activities. After the gymnastics information was presented and questions answered, the male and female Clinic participants resumed their drill practice. Following the evening drill practice, all participants were assigned to serve on teams for the evening’s activity. The 25 participants were divided into six groups, arranged strategically with veteran directors and directresses with first time attendees. These groups were informed that they would compete against each other for the grand prize as the end of the week. The first competition was an egg hunt. The Supreme Physical Fitness Board hid plastic Easter eggs in the Gazebo area of the campus. Each egg contained a name of one of the members of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board. The object was to collect the names of all twelve members of the board. The top three teams would each be awarded points towards the activity total for the week. The participants ran around collecting eggs, laughing and “fraternalizing” while enjoying the friendly competition. Before finishing for the evening, each activity group was given a paper titled, “How Well do You Know the Supreme Physical Fitness Board?” Each Supreme Physical Fitness Board member wrote two facts no one knew about them. The groups had 24 hours to figure out what fun fact belonged to which board member. Facts included: won a bikini contest, performed a gymnastic routine on a local television show, a Criminology/Pre-Law major when starting college, once ate a guinea pig, does not have a middle name, collects kaleidoscopes, etc. Can you guess to whom these apply to? Friday, June 29th was a similar format to the Thursday program, but the day started bright and ear ly with a drill session. We began by teaching the new mass drill which is a music mix from Captain America and Avengers. Both the male and female participants practiced together in the Morrow Field House. Everyone helped each other, shared hints on what made some moves easier to do and by the middle of the first session of the day, the entire drill was complete and mastered. The morning drill session concluded with the men and women separating to review and practice their own drills. On Friday morning Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics Edward Moeller and Supreme Assistant Director of Sports and Athletics James C. Matlon arrived to meet with the university regarding the track and visit the track to access our needs for the Slet, etc. The afternoon drill session began with a review of the drills already mastered and continued with the teaching and practice of the new drills. The senior women’ s drills include: “Horehronie”(traditions of the Horehronie region of central Slovakia) by Kristina Pelakova and “Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson. The junior girls’ drills include: “Letne Rano”(summer morning) by Holki and “Who Says” by Selena Gomez. The senior men’s drills include: “Bo Zbojnik Unesie”(the Slovak robin hood) and “Batman.” The junior boys’ drills include: “Detstvo”(childhood) and “Clash of the Titans.” The afternoon session concluded with the men reviewing their marching skills while the female members of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board taught the women the new marching that will be implemented at the 2013 Slet. Over all, the female participants were very pleases with the new marching format. It is not as long as the previous marching, but it is just as challenging. Each girl had a chance to practice the commands with the other participants. Prior to the start of the evening seminars, Supreme Secretary Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. welcomed the Clinic participants and of fered some encouraging words. The seminars began with a few words by the Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics Edward D. Moeller . Immediately following the conclusion of each seminar , we were given an update and explanation of the new and current insurance products from our Director of Sales and Marketing Albert J. Suess, F.I.C. The participants had many insightful questions regarding our insurance options. The evening concluded with another team building activity for the groups. All groups met back at the dorm(Building B) to begin the scavenger hunt. Each group was given a clue that would lead them to a particular site on the campus whey would find the next clue and so on. This activity proved to not only fun and exciting but a workout for all since the campus is very spread out and the clues were all over the campus. Saturday morning, June 30th saw another drill session. We began by reviewing the new mass drill and then separated to review the male and female drills in preparation for the evening’ s exhibition. The morning was our time to tweak the drills and finish preparing for the exhibition. The Building B dorm on the campus of Slippery Rock University housed our Clinic participants. A Saturday evening dress rehearsal was scheduled after lunch in preparation for the evening’ s events. The afternoon concluded with the participants returning to the dorms to get ready for the evening and the Supreme Physical Fitness Board performing the drills for the video. The drill video is the final copy of all the drills and marching for the 46th Slet. This year, we decided to tape the exhibition, so that the DVD will include the exhibition, as well as the Supreme Physical Fitness Board performing the drills and marching. The drill DVD will be sent out to all the participants so they can refer to it when teaching the drills within their respective Groups. Our Saturday evening began by traveling to nearby St. Peter ’s Church in Slippery Rock to attend the vigil Mass to satisfy the Sunday obligation. Following the conclusion of the litur gy, the par ticipants reported to the stadium for the closing Clinic Exhibition. The men marched on the field and performed two junior and two senior drills and the women showcased their new marching routine and then also performed two junior and two senior drills. The highlight of the evening came with the perfor mance of the new mass drill. What an outstanding performance by all the participants! Following the conclusion of the exhibition, the participants were treated to a picnic style dinner at the “Fire Pit” located behind Building F. Not only did they enjoy the dinner, but they got to roast marshmallows and make smores. Part of the evening entertainment was the final team building activity. The participants did many skill challenges to earn points for their respective teams. The challenges included things like, a beanbag toss, a football toss, etc. When all the challenges were complete, the points were tallied and each member of the overall winning team was awarded a Subway gift card. Sunday, July 1st was departure day. The Clinic participants filled with enthusiasm and great Sokol spirit would return home to share what they had learned with their fellow Sokols and Sokolky in their respective Groups. All are looking forward to next summer ’s 46th International Slet which will be held at the Slippery Rock University Campus, July 16 - 20, 2013. As part of our traditional frater nal outreach, the Clinic participants along with several Sokol lodges donated over $400 to the Feed My Sheep Food Bank in Slippery Rock, Pa. A special thank you goes out to our Supreme President Larry M. Glugosh and our Supreme Secretary Steven M. Pogorelec, F .I.C. for all they support. Also, thanks and gratitude go out each member of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board as well as all the Clinic par ticipants for their hard work and dedication throughout the week. All of us look forward to next summer’s Slet where we hope to see many of our members enjoy Sokol good sportsmanship and fraternal fellowship at its best. So mark your calendars and plan to be with us. Zdar Boh! Attending the Vigil Mass on Saturday at St. Peter’s Church in Slippery Rock. SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 PAGE 9 Scenes of the Jubilee Day Observance of the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius Basilica of SS. Cyril and Methodius + Villa Sacred Heart + Danville, Pa. + June 23 Each year, the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius host an annual Jubilee Day celebration at their Moththerhouse, Villa Sacred Heart in Danville, Pa. honoring members who have achieved milestones in their religious profession. This year’s celebration took place on Saturday, June 23. The festivities began with a concelebrated Mass in the Basilica of SS. Cyril and Methodius at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Joseph Fennessy as principal celebrant and homilist. Assisting was Deacon Thomas Fedor. Serving as lectors at the liturgy were Sister M. Rita Polchin and Sister M. Marcellina Milec. Sister M. Marcellina Milec, our Philadelphia Sokolka, celebrated the 70th anniversary of her religious profession. She is shown with the Rev. Francis G. Lendacky, pastor of St. Agnes - St. John Nepomucene Parish in Philadelphia. Sisters honored this year included Sister M. Baptista Drdak and Sister Anna Marie Flesher, both Diamond Jubilarians(75 Years); Sister M. Marcellina Milec and Sister Mary Bernadette Dolchak, both celebrating 70 years of religious profession; and Sister M. Rita Polchin, Sister M. Mercedes Voytko, Sister Maria Goretti Hudak, and Sister Mary Paul Kurator, each celebrating 60 years of profession. Sister Merecedes is the former director of the Jankola Library and Slovak Museum located at the Motherhouse. At the conclusion of the festive liturgy, the General Superior of the Congregation, Sister M. Linda Marie Bolinski addressed the congregation and thanked all for participating in this tribute to the jubilarians who collectively has given a total of 525 years of ministry to the people of God. A luncheon followed honoring the jubilarians and their family and friends. This year, the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius celebrate the 103rd anniversary of their founding by the Rev. Matthew Jankola. It was in 1909 that the first three members professed their vows following the of ficial papal approbation of Pope St. Pius X. Their initial ministry was teaching the children of Slovak immigrants in parish schools in the East and Midwest. At one time, they staf fed a total of 33 Slovak parish schools from Torrington, Conn. to Chicago, Ill. Today, the congregation continues its educational apostolate along with evangelization, elder care, and ecumenism. Our congratulations to all 2012 jubilarians as well as the entire community. May their ageless motto “Thy Kingdom Come” continue to bear rich spiritual fruit within the American Church. Sister M. Mercedes Voytko a vocation of St. Joseph’s Parish in Hazleton, Pa., the oldest Slovak parish in America and who is our Sokolka, is shown with members of her family who traveled from Texas, Virginia and Illinois to participate in the jubilee day festivities. Editor Daniel F. Tanzone is shown far right. Representatives of the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania from Wilkes-Barre, Pa. who have assisted Sister M. Mercedes, seated, during her years as the director of the Jankola Library and Slovak Museum are shown above with the jubilarian and include, from the left, Anna Hudock, Magdalen Benish and Mary Migatulski. Sister M. Mercedes Voytko, second from the left, observed her 60th anniversary of religious profession while Sister Anna Marie Flesher, seated, celebrated her 75th anniversary as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius. Other Sisters on the photo include, from the left, Sister Carol Marie Walsh, Sister Maria Theresa Hronec, a frequent contributor to our publication; Sister Mary Ann Nemec and Sister Irene Marie Gaydos. The impressive Basilica of SS. Cyril and Methodius, the only basilica in the world dedicated to the Apostles of the Slavs, where the Mass of Thanksgiving honoring this year’s jubilarians was celebrated. Offering congratulations to Sister M. Mercedes at the luncheon honoring the jubilarians are Sister M. Pamela Smith, a former General Superior; and Sister Linda Marie Bolinski, who completed her term of office as General Superior on July 1. PAGE 10 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Highlights of the Supreme Clinic - Kurz in Preparation for Our 46th Slet Slippery Rock University + Slippery Rock, Pa. + June 27 - July 1 Female Clinic participants representing six participating Groups pose for a photo. Members of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board pose for a photo and include front row, l-r, Jennifer A. Romine, Nancy Kropolinsky, Supreme Physical Directress Kathleen S. Watkins, Supreme Sports Director Edward D. Moeller, Assistant Physical Directress Katie Swift and Denise DiMartino. Rear, l-r, Supreme Physical Director Dusan Dorich, Assistant Sports Director James C. Matlon, Assistant Physical Director John M. Underation, Frank P. Laury, III, Damian J. Suess and Martin Degnan. Group 4 sisters and leaders, including, l-r, Tricia Radtke, Lisa Hoecke and Jennifer A. Romine. Male members of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board along with the male Clinic participants are shown above. Female members of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board are shown above and include front row, l-r, Supreme Physical Directress Kathleen S. Watkins, Supreme Assistant Physical Directress Katie Swift and Nancy Kropolinsky. Rear, l-r, Denise DiMartino and Jennifer A. Romine. Group 5, Cleveland, Oh. was well-represented at the Clinic and included, from the left, Frank E. Laury, III, Andrew Lipovsky, Steven Underation, Emily Underation, Chelsea Laury and John M. Underation. SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 What's making headlines in our ancestral homeland reported a year ago, the Statistics Office announced on July 9th. Overall exports of goods from Slovakia reached $5.7 billion in May 2012, which represents a 7.5 percent growth, yearon-year. Total imports went down by 2.1 percent to $5 billion.When it comes to the first five months of the year, Slovakia’s foreign trade surplus stood at nearly $2.3 billion, which was $1.4 billion more than in the given period of 2011. Overall exports of goods were up by 9.3 percent, year-on-year to reach $27 billion, while total imports increased by 3.8 percent to $25 billion. News and Views from Slovakia... U.S. Ambassador Sedgwick hosts Independence Day reception United States Ambassador to Slovakia, Theodore Sedgwick at a reception marking the U.S. Independence Day at his residence in Bratislava on the Fourth of July expressed Americans’ pride in gaining freedom and independence 236 years ago. The reception was attended by Prime Minister Robert Fico, Foreign Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak and other senior figures from the government and parliament. Sedgwick also pointed to the special importance of the 236th birthday of the United States from his own personal perspective - he became ambassador to Slovakia exactly two years ago. He also noted that the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776 was co-signed by his ancestor William Ellery. The ambassador pointed to the role played by the United States in creating Czecho-Slovakia and in Slovakia’s later efforts aimed at independence and accession to NA TO and the European Union. He emphasized the fact that U.S. - Slovak relations remain strong regardless of which party is in government. Year of SS. Cyril and Methodius inaugurated at Nitra celebration During a special Mass on July 5th with the Most Reverend Stanislav Zvolensky , Archbishop of Bratislava and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Slovakia, the jubilee year honoring SS. Cyril and Methodius was inaugurated. Joining Archbishop Zvolensky at the liturgy were bishops from across Slovakia. Present at the outdoor litur gy celebrated in Nitra were senior representatives of the government, including President Ivan Gasparovic and the Prime Minister Robert Fico. The special jubilee year was announced to mark the 1,150th anniversary of the arrival of the Byzantine brothers, who are the Apostles of the Slavs, to Great Moravia, a state that included a significant part of the territory of modern-day Slovakia, in 863. Archbishop Zvolensky in his homily praised the accomplishments of the two saints, who laid the spiritual and cultural groundwork for the country . He recalled a sermon delivered by Cardinal Jan Chryzostom Korec, S.J., the retired Bishop of Nitra, who is currently recovering from an illness, in a ceremony exactly seven years ago on July 5, 2005. “He asked - as a nation, do we want to live without religion, Christianity, can we fully realize what this would mean? Don’t we see the terrible dimension that can be reached by a nation without a conscience, and with egoism, greed and hate? Can’t we see what avarice in the economy , bribery and terrorism can cause? Can’ t we see what boundless liberty and people without moral scruples are able to do?”, said Zvolensky. Prime Minister Fico, in an address made during the ceremony stated that Nitra is most closely connected to the tradition of Saints Cyril and Methodius. He described the mission of the two brothers from Thessalonika as demonstrating a unique ability to bolster Slovak spiritual richness that had existed in the country even before their arrival. “Archaeological finds from Bojna(Nitra region) have shown that SS. Cyril and Methodius didn’t come among pagans but among people whose hearts were connected to the ideas of Christian civilization,” said Fico. The prime minister further praised the contribution of the two brothers in the sphere of education, as “it’s education that is the key to Slovakia’s success.” Apart from serving as Christian missionaries among the Slavs, Saints Cyril and Methodius are also credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the ancestor of the Cyrillic, refining Great Moravia’s legal groundwork. The universal Church celebrates the feast of the holy brothers on February 14th while in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, their feast continues to is observed on July 5th. 100 foreigners to study the Slovak language during summer course More than 100 foreigners and people of Slovak ancestry from around the world will participate in the annual Slovak Language program at Comenius University in Bratislava according to Andrea Kucerova of the public relations department of the university. Participants in the 22nd edition of the course hail from a number of countries including the United States, Russia, Serbia, Thailand and Vietnam. The course is organized by the Center for Continuing Education at Comenius University located in the Slovak capital. “The significance and benefit of this course lies in one’s acquisition of the basic knowledge of the Slovak language or mastering one’s possession of it, as well as in one’ s getting familiar with Slovak culture and deepening ties with the country of one’s ancestors located in the picturesque area of the Small Carpathians,” said Klaudia Backaiova, head of the Institute for Language and Academic Preparation of Foreign Students at the center. The course, which began on July 9th, will run for three weeks. The age span of the students range from the youngest at age 18 and the oldest at age 68. The students will also enjoy trips to the High Tatras and Slovakia’s mining towns as part of the course. In addition to the Slovak Language Summer University, the faculty of Philosophy at Comenius University will or ganize the 48th edition of the Studia Academica Slovaca in August that includes classes in the Slovak language and culture. Volkswagen extends non-stop production for Touareg and Q7 Volkswagen Slovakia has extended the non-stop 24/7 regimen in the production of SUVs at the plant in Bratislava until the end of 2012, VW Slovakia spokesman Vladimir Machalik told TASR on July 6th. The reason for the extension is continuing global demand for SUVs produced at Bratislava. The car-maker is set to use its production capacities to the full, with the exception of a company-wide vacation and certain public holidays.The non-stop production concerns all facilities related to the production of SUVs - body shops, paint shops, assembly lines, logistics, and suppliers. Non-stop production of SUVs Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, and bodyworks for Porsche Cayenne at the plant was launched in September 2010. It has been extended three time already. Volkswagen Slovakia is one of the lar gest investors, exporters, and employers in the private sector in Slovakia, employing more than 8,400 people. The factory in Bratislava currently produces the following models: the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7 Volkswagen ‘up!’,Skoda Citigo, SEAT Mii and bodywork for the Porsche Cayenne and gearboxes. The factory in Martin in central Slovakia produces components for chassis and gearboxes, and in Kosice, Volkswagen assembles cars destined for the Russian market. The wellknown Hotel Zochova Chata in Modra, located in western Slovakia, will celebrate its 80th anniversary in April 1933. It was founded by members of a Slovak tourist club. The chalet was named for a prominent clergyman, public official and politician, Samuel Zoch. During the formation of the first Czecho-Slovak Republic, he served as the Bratislava district officer. The facility has grown and expanded over the years. After the fall of Communism in 1989 and the privatization which followed, the new owner who took over from the state and provided extensive restoration and expansion to the facility. By 2007, the Zochova Foreign trade posted surplus Chalet became one of the finest such facilities in all of Slovaof nearly $6.5 million in May kia. Today, the chalet is a four-star hotel facility and attracts Slovakia’s foreign trade surplus reached $6.5 million visitors from across Europe and North America all seasons in May 2012, which was $600 million more than the figure of the year. In 2011, the chalet was honored with the top construction award by the Slovak government. Located in Selected stories are provided by TASR-Slovakia, the the lush countryside, the chalet is a picturesque and unique Slovak Republic’s official News Agency. facility offering top-notch service and amenities. SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Sokol Birthdays JULY 23 Carol Smar Fleming, West Mifflin, Pa., president of Assembly 292, Duquesne, Pa. JULY 24 Stephen J. Knoblock,Yonkers, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. JULY 25 Kelly Connolly, Jensen Beach, Fla., a member of Wreath 22, Pittsburgh, Pa. TamaraAnn Kaplan, Hopewell Junction, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. JULY 26 Kim Graham, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., a member of Assembly 59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Rev. Elimir J. Mikus, Skalica, Slovakia, retired pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Sterling Heights, Mich., a member of Assembly 36, Detroit, Mich. Rev. Placid F. Pientek, O.S.B., Cleveland, Oh., a member of Assembly 303, Cleveland, Oh. Roseann Rakovan, Chardon, Oh., a member of Wreath 111, Lorain, Oh. Joseph P. Sroba, Trevose, Pa., a member of Assembly 48, Philadelphia, Pa. JULY 27 Julia Cernak, Windsor, Me., a member of Wreath 14, Johnstown, Pa. J. Kevin Conway, Douglas, Mass., financial secretary of Assembly 28, Douglas, Mass. Alaina Mondik, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., a member of Wreath 22, Pittsbugh, Pa. Martha Sipka Parry, Bronx, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. JULY 28 Judith Ann Glogovsky, Flushing, N.Y., a member of Wreath 168, New York City. Albert J. Suess, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa., President and Financial Secretary of Assembly 16, Pittsburgh, Pa. JULY 29 Leonard Malshefski, Nanticoke, Pa., a member of Assembly 136, Nanticoke, Pa. James G. Papcun, Livonia, Twp., Mich., a member of Assembly 36, Detroit, Mich. Anna M. Rollman, WilkesBarre, Pa., a member of Assembly 59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. JULY 30 Andrew G. Buck, Poland, Oh., a member of Assembly 108, Youngstown, Oh. Pamela Ann Hess, Cedar Grove, N.J., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J. John Janetka, Philadelphia, Pa., a member of Assembly 48, Philadelphia, Pa. John Yonkoski, Sr., Dunlo, Pa., a member of Assembly 82, Dunlo, Pa. JULY 31 Bradley A. Schostok, Libertyville, Ill., a member of Assembly 257, Chicago, Ill. Barbara Zalesny, Shickhinny, Pa., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. AUGUST 2 John Yonkoski, Jr., Dunlo, Pa., a member of Assembly 82, Dunlo, Pa. AUGUST 3 David G. Blazek, McMuray, Pa., a member of Assembly 16, Pittsburgh, Pa. Ruth Ann Cannell, Canfield, Oh., a member of Wreath 107, Youngstown, Oh. Rev. Anthony J. Pleho, New York, N.Y., a member of Assembly 182, New York City. AUGUST 4 Victoria A. Kurak, Peekskill, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Paul M. Papcun, Clinton Township, Mich., a member of Assembly 36, Detroit, Mich. Joseph A. Smak, High Point. N.C., a member of Assembly 182, New York City. AUGUST 5 Dr. Lindy A. Kona, Ottawa Hills, Oh., a member of Assembly 257, Chicago, Ill. AUGUST 6 Ryan W. Beil, Boardman, Oh., a member of Assembly 108, Youngstown, Oh. Evan R. Beil, Boardman, Oh., a member of Assembly 108, Youngstown, Oh. Ralph E. Crosby, Yonkers, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Kathleen Durham, Burton, Oh., a member of Assembly 127, Monessen, Pa. Rudy J. Krack, Chesterfield, VA., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J. Kenneth J. Razzano, Greenwood, Ind., a member of Assembly 127, Monessen, Pa. AUGUST 7 Andrew Sedory, Jr., Monessen, Pa., a member of Assembly 127, Monessen, Pa. AUGUST 8 Brian Durovic, Parker, Co., a member of Assembly 313, Winter Park, Fla. John A. Grovola, Clifton Heights, Pa., a member of Assembly 186, Drexel Hill, Pa. AUGUST 9 Michael Chuba, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Assembly 59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. AUGUST 10 John W. Veternik, Fox Lake, Ill., a member of Assembly 257, Chicago, Ill. AUGUST 11 Erica Mondik, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., a member of Wreath 22, Pittsburgh, Pa. AUGUST 12 Jason E. Banaszek, WilkesBarre, Pa., a member of Assembly 59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Clare S. Puskar, Pittsburgh, Pa., a member of Assembly 127, Monessen, Pa. Robert T. Sabol, McKinney, Tx., a member of Assembly 127, Monessen, Pa. Streetfest on August 9-11 at Pittston, Pa. parish St. John the Evangelist Parish Community of Pittston, Pa. will host a traditional Street Festival, Thursday, Friday and Saturday , August 9-11 outdoors on the parish grounds, located at Broad and Church Streets. Festivities begin each evening at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. The fest will include a flea market, Bingo, a Bake Sale, a lottery and grocery store voucher booth, traditional ethnic foods along with American picnic favorites along with games for children. An enjoyable evening is assured. Entertainment will be provided each evening featuring Somethin’ Else on August 9, Hillbilly D’Luxe on August 10 and Flaxy Mor gan on August 11. In addition the Pat Ward Magic Act will be featured. Monsignor John J. Bendik, the pastor and long-time Sokol and Father Richard Cirba, who serves as chaplain of Group 7, extend a cordial invitation to Group 7 Sokol members to come out and enjoy an evening at this year ’s parish street fest. Zdar Boh! Stephen Vitek Committee Scholarships available for New England members The New England Fraternal Alliance, formerly known as the New England Fraternal Congress, will again offer three(3) $500 scholar ship grants to deserving students in their sophomore, junior or senior year in college or in graduate school. The first scholarship grant is given in memory of Pearl Plante, a loyal and tireless worker in support of fraternalism in the New England States. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college/university or graduate school and must be a resident of one of the six New England States. They must have a cumulative grade average of at least 2.0(on a 4.0 system). Transcript of grades from the spring 2012 semester must be submitted along with the application. Deadline for submitting the completed application is September 15, 2012. Incomplete and /or late entries will be disqualified. Recipients of the 2012 grants will be notified by October 15, 2012. The $500 awards will be paid directly to recipients and presented to the winners at the annual meeting of the New England Fraternal Alliance scheduled for November 2012 in New Haven, Conn. Criteria to be used in judging include: overall merits of applicant, cumulative grade average, college activities/honors, community activities, financial need and content of an essay which is part of the application process. Any member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol residing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire may apply for these grants. For an application, call Group 2 President Eileen S. Wilson at tel. (203)378-8837. Members of our organization have been recipients of these grants in the past. PAGE 13 Five School Sisters of St. Francis note anniversaries of religious profession Five School Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis will celebrate anniversaries of their religious profession on Saturday , August 11 with a Mass of Thanksgiving and dinner at their provincial headquarters, Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. The liturgy will be celebrated at 1 1 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel with the Rev. Ray Bomberger as the celebrant. The homilist will be the Rev. Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta. A dinner will follow for jubilarians, their families and guests. Celebrating her 60th anniversary of religious profession will be Sister Bernadette Ann Bozak, formerly Sister Mary Thomas. A native of Shenandoah, Pa. she is the daughter of the late Michael and Anna Shalleck Bozak. She entered from St. Stephen’s Parish in Shenandoah. She entered the order Sept. 4, 1950 and professed her final vows Aug. 3, 1952 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Monocacy Manor . Sister served in CCD, music ministry and pastoral ministry at St. Peter ’s Parish in Westfield, Mass., Claremont and North Walpole, N.H. She also served as elementary teacher and in music ministry at parishes in Boonton, Clifton, Gutenberg and Jersey City , in New Jersey; at Bethlehem, Emmaus, Hellertown, Pittsburgh and Stowe in Pennsylvania; and as an elementary principal in Hellertown and Palmer ton. Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger will celebrate the 50th anniversary of her final profession of vows. Born Grace Elaine Bomber ger in Pottstown, Pa., she is the daughter of Frances Murgia Bomberger and the late Ray Bomberger. She entered the order in September 1957 and professed her final vows Aug. 3, 1962. Sister ministered as CCD teacher and choir director at St. Peter ’s in Westfield, Mass. 1962-64; elementary teacher at SS. Peter and Paul, Phillipsburg, N.J.; Assumption of the BVM, Northampton, SS. Cyril and Methodius, Bethlehem; secondary teacher at St. Francis Academy; caregiver, Villa Clare in Monocacy Manor; provincial minister of the Bethlehem Province, 1989-1998; assistant novice director , Intercongregational Franciscan Novitiate, Kearny, N.J. and provincial minister of her order in Rome from 2001 to 20011. She is now a caregiver. Sister M. Virginelle Makos, director of Villa Clare in Bethlehem, Pa. will celebrate the 50th anniversary of her final profession of vows. Born Darlene Makos in Bethlehem, Pa., she is the daughter of the late John and Mary Nakata Makos. Sister entered the order July 16, 1960 and professed her final vows Aug. 3, 1962. During her ministry, she served as a CCD instructor in the Diocese of Springfield, Mass.; as an elementary teacher in the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Allentown; and as a principal in the Archdiocese of Newark. Sister Jean Makovsky, formerly Sister Richard, will celebrate her 50th anniversary of her final profession of vows. Born Virginia Makovsky in Cementon, Pa., she is the daughter of the late Michael and Suzanna Makovsky. She entered from Assumption of the BVM parish in Northampton, Pa. She entered the order in August 1960 and professed her final vows Aug. 3, 1962. Sister served as a teacher and principal at schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; retreat team minister , at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pa.; on the leadership team of her order, as a pastoral associate at St. Gregory Parish in Hamilton Square, N.J. and in Somerset, N.J. She is now a caregiver. Sister M. Donna Pusch will celebrate the 50th anniversary of her final religious profession. A native of Bethlehem, Pa., she is the daughter of the late John and Mar garet Bednarik Pusch. She entered the order July 19, 1960 and professed her final vows Aug. 3, 1962. Sister served as an elementary teacher in the Diocese of Allentown and in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Newark; director of religious education and pastoral minister in the Dioceses of Allentown and Springfield, Mass. Our congratulations and prayer ful best wishes go out to all the jubiliarians of the School Sisters of St. Francis. The community began its American ministry in 1913 when a group of 12 sisters arrived from Slovakia to teach the children of Slovak immigrants in the Pittsbur gh Diocese. Their first school was opened that year at the former St. Gabriel Slovak Parish on Pittsburgh’s North Side. In 1928, they established their Motherhouse at Mount Assisi in Bellevue, Pa. Over the years, the community grew and they established a second province with headquarters at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. They taught in many Slovak parish schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey . Many have hailed from Sokol families in various communities. Their many Sokol alumni offer prayerful gratitude to them for all their ef forts among us. They continue to mirror our CyriloMethodian heritage of faith among us. Zdar Boh! Keep Your Slovak Catholic Sokol Home Office Numbers Handy TOLL FREE NUMBER HOME OFFICE DIRECTOR OF SALES UNDERWRITING EDITOR FAX NUMBER E-MAIL WEB SITE – 1-800-886-7656 – (973) 777-2605 or 777-2606 – 1-888-381-5431 or (412) 381-5431 – (973) 777-4704 – (973) 777-4010 – (973) 779-8245 – Sokol205@aol.com –www.slovakcatholicsokol.org PAGE 14 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Archbishop Peter Leo Gerety Celebrates 100th Birthday NEWARK, N.J., July 16, 2012 - In the past 100 years, the United States has seen 18 presidents, 2 world wars and 9 popes; all of which Archbishop Gerety has borne witness to. The time has come for Archbishop Emeritus Gerety to mark his own milestone as the oldest Catholic Archbishop in the United States with the celebration of his 100th birthday. Hosted at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Gerety was the principal celebrant and homilist for a Mass of thanksgiving on July 19th, his actual birth date. The Archdiocese of Newark invited all New Jersey residents and Catholics alike to the unique celebration of a century of devotion to the Catholic Church. Born in Shelton, Connecticut on July 19th, 1912, Peter Leo Gerety was the oldest of nine sons. Since there were no local Catholic schools in his town, he has credited his par ents as one of the major in fluences on his decision to become a priest. His mother introduced him to his boyhood parish, St. Joseph’s in Shelton, which served as another source of inspiration. The future Archbish- op entered St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT, and was selected to study abroad at St. Sulpice Seminary in Issy, France. Following his ordination, on June 29, 1939, Father Gerety returned to the United States and was assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish in New Haven, CT. There, in addition to his parish duties, he ministered to the sick at Yale New Haven Hospital. Throughout his long life, Gerety celebrated significant milestones within the Catholic Church including being appointed a curate at St. Brendan’s Parish and director of the Blessed Martin de Porres Center, an interracial social and religious organization that ministered to the African American Catholic community. In 1956 the Center became the St. Martin de Porres Church and Gerety was named its first Pastor. During his tenure he became an outspoken advocate for civil rights and supported programs to eliminate poverty . In 1966 he was ordained a bishop. He served as Bishop of Portland, ME until 1969. That year, he was appointed the third Archbishop of Newark. Numerous other milestones led to the Archbishop’s service to the ministry, which remained active until 1986. He remains an integral part of the life of the local Church of Newark, presiding over con firmation and Masses. Reflecting on his century of Catholic devotion, Gerety said of his long life that it has strengthened his faith and his belief in the Holy Spirit and its guidance of the Church. The Holy Spirit, he stressed, is “the soul” of the Church. Archbishop Gerety is an old friend of the Slovak community beginning during his ministry in the Archdiocese of Hartford, in the Diocese of Portland and then in the Archdiocese of Newark. When the Slovak parish of St. Stephen in inner-city Newark was closed, he allowed a sizeable amount of money to be given to Slovak Catholic charities. A large grant was given to the newly established Slovak Institute of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Rome, now known as the Pontifical Slovak College of SS. Cyril and Methodius. Those of Slovak ancestry join all Catholics of New Jersey in expressing prayerful good wishes to Archbishop Gerety on the centenary of his birth. He has been an outstanding Post-V atican II shepherd. May God continue to bless his ministry among us. Ad multos annos! Fixed Annuity – Part III Fixed Annuity – Part I & II Review In the initial series Fixed Annuity Part I, the discussion focused on what is a fixed annuity is, how annuities work and the advantages of tax deferral annuities. One particular features of the fixed annuity is assurance that this financial investment can never lose money! Your investment can only grow! Part II of our Fixed Annuity Series we explained the favorable treatment of federal taxes, that there are no associated char ges such for initial services, contract, transaction or premium fees. So what that translates to is that every dollar you pay in premiums goes directly into your annuity’s cash value and earns interest immediately. Early Surrender and Withdrawal Charges were discussed, along with the fact that after the 1st anniversary date of the annuity contract, the society allows for penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% annually. The final two items discussed were the two qualified plans currently offered the Traditional IRA and ROTH IRA, and many of the payout options available to the annuitant. Fixed Annuity – Part III Hopefully the information presented in Part I and Part II of this series has provided enough information to understand fixed annuities and their benefits. Here in Part III the objective is to explain our cur rent annuity of ferings the known as “The Vantage Collection of Annuity Financial Growth Products”. Our Vantage Collection of Annuities is specifically designed to meet the needs of our members. Short-Term Investment Oppor tunities, we currently of fer three annuity plans for someone who is looking for a short-term investment alternative. An individual who is anticipating the financial climate is due to improve within the next couple of years or an alternative to the low return of today’ s CDs market. Each of these short-termed plans the Vantage 1, Vantage 2 and Vantage 3 require an initial lump sum minimal deposit of $5,000 to establish the annuity contract. Each of these plans are considered as a Single Premium Annuity, however we do allow additional premiums within 30-days of opening the contract, in the event monies are in the process of rolling over from other accounts. Vantage 1: A one-year contract that currently is guaranteeing 1.25% APY for one-year. There are four options available at the conclusion of the 1st year of the contract, the entire value of the contract can be withdrawn without penalty , or open/transfer contract to a longer termed plan, or the contract can continue for an additional 4 years and will receive the same bene fits of the longer termed Vantage 5 contract. The fourth option available is to settle the annuity contract, choosing between the various options available. Vantage 2: Is a two-year annuity contract, that today guarantees an interest rate of 1.50% APY for two years. The Vantage 2 has three options available at the conclusion of the contract’s 2nd year. The entire value of the contract can be withdrawn without penalty , or open/ transfer the contract to a longer termed plan, or select from the various settlement options offered. Vantage 3: Our three-year annuity contract, that currently guar antees a very attractive interest rate of 2.00% APY for three years. Like the Vantage 2 annuity , the Vantage 3 has three options available at the conclusion of the 3rd year , the entire value of the contract can be withdrawn without penalty , or open/transfer contract to a longer termed plan, which typically earns a higher interest return or select from the various settlement options available. Longer-Term Investment Opportunities, offered by the Slovak Catholic Sokol include the Vantage 5 and Vantage 7. These two plans allow for savings, investments or retirement at a higher interest rate as compared to our shot-term plans. Both annuity plans require a longer term of commitment and are flexible annuities that allow for additional premium deposits that will not affect or extend the life of the contract or withdrawal penalty period. Vantage 5: Is a five-year annuity contract, that today guarantees an interest rate of 3.25% APY for the first two years of the annuity . After the initial two-year period the annuity will pay whatever the declared interest rate for the Vantage 5 is at that time and as of today will never earn less than 2% APY. There are three options available at the conclusion of the contract’ s 5th year. The entire value of the contract can be withdrawn without penalty , or open/transfer the contract to a longer termed plan, or select from the various settlement options offered. Vantage 7: A seven-year annuity contract, that currently guarantees a very attractive interest rate of 3.50% APY for the 1st two-years of the contract. After the initial twoyear period the Vantage 7 annuity will pay whatever the declared interest rate is at that time by the Board of directors and as of today will never earn less than 2% APY. The Vantage 5 has three options available at the conclusion of the 3rd year, the entire value of the contract can be withdrawn without penalty, or open/transfer contract to a longer termed plan, which typically earns a higher interest return or select from the various settlement options available. Early Withdrawal Penalties: Each of our Vantage Annuity Plans has a feature within the contract that allows for an annual penaltyfree withdrawal of up to 10% of the total account balance. Vantage 1 – If withdrawn during 1st year 6%. Vantage 2 - If withdrawn during 1st year 6% and during 2nd year 5% Vantage 3 - If withdrawn during 1st year 6%, during 2nd year 5% and during 3rd year 4%. Vantage 5 - If withdrawn during 1st year 6%, during 2nd year 5%, during 3rd year 4% and during 4thyear 3%. Vantage 7 - If withdrawn during 1st year 8%, during 2nd year 7%, during 3rd year 6%, during 4thyear 5%, 5th year 4%, during 6th year 3% and during 7th year 2%. For additional information or if you have questions, please contact your authorized Slovak Catholic Sokol agent, the Home Office (800) 886-7656 or the Sales and Marketing Office (888) 381.5431. SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Beloved Slovak Franciscan In Memoriam Rev. Richard A. Portasik, O.F.M. passes away peacefully in Pittsburgh, Pa. One of our best known and beloved spiritual leaders in the American Slovak community , the Rev. Richard A. Portasik, O.F.M., passed away after a brief hospitalization in Pittsburgh, Pa. on July 14. He was 85. A native of Ford City , Pa., Father Richard was born there November 16, 1926, of Slovak immigrant parents, Frank and Mary Lalis Portasik who came to the United States from Slovakia and were married in the former Holy Trinity Slovak Church in Ford City on July 16, 1918. Father Richard was nourished by the example of his parents who beautifully mirrored our CyriloMethodian heritage of faith. As a youth, he followed in the steps of his maternal uncle, Brother Florian Lalis, O.F.M. and joined the newly established Franciscan Vice Province of the Most Holy Savior with its center among the large enclave of Slovaks in the Pittsburgh, Pa. area. Following his philosophical and theological studies in the Assumption Province of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Father Richard was ordained a priest on June 14, 1952 at Stella Maris in Cedar Lake, Ind. After ordination, he pursued graduate studies at Duquesne University where he received an M.A. in English Literature and at Notre Dame University where he earned an M.A. in Liturgy. He was a popular bi-lingual preacher on the Franciscan missionband in both English and Slovak, he devoted more than 20 years preaching missions, forty hours devotions and special days of recollection at par ishes throughout the northeast and Midwest. There was hardly a Slovak parish in these states which did not have Father Richard as a guest preacher . With a pleasant personality, keen theological insight and traditional Franciscan spirituality, he beautifully mirrored the Poverello and brought the good news of the Gospel to countless thousands of the faithful. A prolific and gifted writer , Father Richard published many articles in both Slovak and English which appeared in many Slovak publications, including our Slovak Catholic Falcon. He completed an important history of the Slovak Franciscan in America, published in two volumes, encompassing the years 1926 to 2000. In 2005, the Slovak Vice Province of the Most Holy Savior mer ged with the Province of St. John the Baptist in Cincinnati. Most of Father Richard’ s years in ministry were spent at Holy Family Friary in Pittsburgh and St. Anthony Friary in Uniontown. He served in a number of the friaries of the Slovak Franciscans and devoted 21 years of special ministry to the members of the Secular Franciscan Order(Third Order). He was elected as Custos(superior) of the Vice Province of the Most Holy Savior in 1976, serving until in this position until 1982. During these years, he had the opportunity to represent the Province of the Most Holy Savior in Slovakia during two General Chapters of the world-wide Franciscan Order in Assisi, Italy. The Franciscans in Slovakia were unable to par ticipate due to the communist domination of the Church there. During the communist period, the Franciscans pursued a clandestine existence and Father Richard enjoyed close contact with them and together with his late brother, Rev. Joseph Portasik, O.F.M., provided American support for their ministry . During these years, Father Richard had the first opportunity to visit Slovakia, traveling as a teacher to insure his obtaining visa from the Czecho-Slovak government. He visited his ancestral village meeting with his relatives there. An active Slovak fraternalist, Father Richard was our Sokol of Assembly 69 in Smock, Pa. He served as the chaplain of Group 6 “Msgr. Andrew Hlinka” for many years. He participated as a delegate at our 30th national convention in Las Vegas, Nev. in 2007. He also was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association and served as their national chaplain from 1992 to 1995. He also enjoyed member ship in the First Catholic Slovak Union and was a member of the Executive Board of the Slovak Catholic Federation. The body of Father Richard was received on July 20 at Holy Family Friary with viewing taking place including a Wake Service. A concelebrated Mass of Christian burial was of fered on Saturday, July 21 at the chapel of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Pittsbur gh with the Very Rev. Jeffrey J. Scheeler , O.F.M., provincial of the Province of St. John the Baptist as celebrant. Interment followed in the friars plot at Christ the Redeemer Cemetery. So many of us have been blessed through the ministry of Father Richard. He so beautifully mirrored the Poverello throughout his life and touched hearts of so many of the faithful, especially those of Slovak ancestry. May the priestly soul of Father Richard now enjoy the beatific vision. May he rest in peace. Zdar Boh. PAGE 15 Slovak Catholic Sokol extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved families of deceased members JUNE 2012 Assembly/Wreath Assembly 1 Assembly 9 Assembly 11 Assembly 16 Assembly 32 Assembly 32 Assembly 39 Assembly 48 Assembly 64 Assembly 71 Assembly 71 Assembly 78 Assembly 78 Assembly 79 Assembly 79 Assembly 79 Assembly 108 Assembly 182 Assembly 219 Assembly 219 Assembly 255 Assembly 261 Assembly 282 Assembly 303 Assembly 312 Assembly 312 Wreath 11 Wreath 14 Wreath 14 Wreath 39 Wreath 85 Wreath 93 Wreath 93 Wreath 93 Wreath 107 Wreath 111 Member Age Peter Varga, Jr., Passaic, NJ 83 Andrew D. Nemeth, Bridgeport, CT 76 Irene Organiscak, Chicago, IL 79 Bruce A. Mazurkiewicz, Pittsburgh, PA 56 Irene Homyak, Palmerton, PA 87 Stanley J. Senesy, Palmerton, PA 87 John W. Filipek, Jr., Bellaire, OH 89 Joseph Gura, Philadelphia, PA 80 Sylvia J. Berdis, Erie, PA 75 Paula Oscielowski, Edwardsville, PA 56 Arma Brown, Edwardsville, PA 93 Patricia A. Duh, Bethlehem, PA 82 Stephen F. Balshi, M.D., Bethlehem, PA 91 Julie Anna (Wilk) Yeckley, Lilly, PA 42 Shirley J. Phillips, Lilly, PA 74 Mary Slebodnick, Lilly, PA 102 Michael Sonoga, Youngstown, OH 91 Michael Boldizar, New York, NY 91 Walter P. Campion, Yonkers, NY 47 Virginia Mildred Dabney, Yonkers, NY 72 Andrew Krempasky, Egypt, PA 84 Janine Carl, Reading, PA 82 Matthew S. Cangelosi, Passaic, NJ 35 Rev Albert M. Martlak OSB, Cleveland, OH 65 Mary Shver, Passaic, NJ 87 Bill Romanko, Passaic, NJ 76 John William Brown, Johnstown, NY 38 Rosanne (Blough) Sesack, Johnstown, PA 66 Margaret Cretin, Johnstown, PA 84 Anne Bernice De Santis, Bridgeport, CT 70 John Nemcik, Me Kees Rocks, PA 95 Thomas J. Moritz, Milwaukee, WI 73 Frank Bucek, Milwaukee, WI 86 Joseph Zemanovic, Milwaukee, WI 82 Elizabeth Froom, Youngstown, OH 81 Myra A. Krafcik, Lorain, OH 78 Fr. Joachim to lead 8th adult retreat The Lakewood, Ohio Cluster of Parishes, which includes the former SS. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Parish, now the worship site of the Parish of the Transfiguration, will host its 8th Annual Adult Retreat titled “We Remember How You Loved Us” on Tuesday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Clement Church and Hall located at 14401 Madison Avenue. The presenter of the retreat will be the Rev . Joachim J. Pastirik, O.S.B. a priest from St. Andrew Svorad Benedictine Abbey in Cleveland. Father Joachim also serves as chaplain of Group 5. The program begins at 9 a.m. with breakfast served in St. Clement Hall. Afterwards, Father Joachim will speak about for giveness and remembrance. Mass will then be celebrated in church including anointing of the sick. The program will conclude with a catered hot chicken lunch served in the church hall. Cost of the retreat, which includes the breakfast and luncheon is $10.00 per person. Reservations are necessary . For reservations call Sylvia Namitka at (216)228-1134. Deadline for reservations is September 7. Group 5 Sokols and Sokolky are cordially invited to participate in the retreat and enjoy a restful sojourn with the Lord. Norma J. Pohle publicity chairperson Date of Death June 5, 2012 May 19, 2012 April 28, 2012 June 2, 2012 May 24, 2012 June 13, 2012 January 25, 2007 June 7, 2012 May 26, 2012 May 24, 2012 June 5, 2012 June 7, 2012 December 15, 2012 June 15, 2012 June 6, 2012 June 15, 2012 May 29, 2012 March 6, 2011 March 8, 2012 July 2, 2010 May 28, 2012 June 12, 2012 December 25, 2008 May 26, 2012 June 13, 2012 May 24, 2012 May 4, 2012 April 19, 2012 June 3, 2012 May 6, 2012 September 1, 2009 May 22, 2012 April 7, 2012 June 7, 2012 June 11, 2012 May 16, 2012 Gospel for the Eighteenth Sunday of the Year (Continued from page 4) “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” So they said to him, “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” The Gospel of the Lord. PAGE 16 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 Held in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., July 13, 2012 Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Supreme Board of Directors of the Slovak Catholic Sokol FIRST SESSION Friday, July 13, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh Called to Order the Quarterly Meeting of the Supreme Board of Directors at 9:00 a.m. on Friday , July 13, 2012 in the Barre Room at the Best Western Genetti Hotel and Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and extended a warm welcome to all of the Board of Directors. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic was called upon to lead the Directors in the Opening Prayer which was the Prayer to Practice the Golden Rule. Supreme Vice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs led the Board members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Supreme Secretary, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. was called upon to read the Roll Call and the following members were present: Supreme Chaplain ...................................................................Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic Supreme President..................................................................................Larry M. Glugosh SupremeVice-President............................................................................ Julie Ann Dobbs Supreme Secretary .................................................................Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. Supreme Treasurer ....................................................................................Dennis J. Zifcak General Counsel ........................................................................... John D. Pogorelec, Esq. Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors................................................. Michael J. Horvath Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics ..........................................Edward D. Moeller Supreme Physical Director ...........................................................................Dusan Dorich Supreme Physical Directress ............................................................. Kathleen S. Watkins Brother Secretary reported that the record will show that all ten members of the Supreme Board of Directors are present. Also present is the Slovak Catholic Sokol Director of Sales and Marketing, Albert J. Suess, Jr., F.I.C. Acknowledged. There being no corrections, additions, or deletions to the minutes of the Supreme Board of Directors meeting held March 23-24, 2012 at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Home Office in Passaic, NJ, and published in the April 18, 2012 issue of the Slovak Catholic Sokol Falcon, Supreme Treasurer, Dennis J. Zifcak moved for the Acceptance of the Minutes, seconded by General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. Approved. President Glugosh inquired if any Communications were received for presentation. The Supreme Secretary reported that a written communication extending greetings and best wishes was received and presented from Brother Tony L. Scuglik, President of Group 4 in Chicago, Illinois on behalf of the officers and members of Group 4. Also, a written communication was received and presented from Sister Eileen Salamon Wilson on behalf of the officers and members of Group 2 in Bridgeport, Connecticut extending their prayers, greetings and best wishes for a successful, productive and beneficial meeting for the entire organization. Lastly, a written communication was received and presented from Sister Kathleen S. Watkins on behalf of the of ficers and members of Group 14 in Pittsbur gh, Pennsylvania extending their greetings and best wishes for a successful and productive meeting. All Acknowledged. The Supreme President and Board members expressed their thanks to the three Groups for their best wishes. President Glugosh then called upon the Director of Sales and Marketing, Albert J. Suess, Jr. to present the Membership Report. The Board members were informed that as of July 1, 2012 the Organization has 31,156 certi ficates in force being held by 27,935 members. For the first six months of the year there was a decrease of 181 certi ficates and 93 members. Brother Suess further reported that 206 new members have been enrolled for the year which included 95 juniors and 111 seniors. This is a great improvement from previous years and noted the progress the society is making to improve our membership ef forts. Also reviewed and discussed were the number of deaths, surrenders, lapses, matures and certificates that expired. The amount of premium income received for the first six months was $2,476,670.00. Life insurance premiums totaled $247,709.00 and the annuity income received totaled $2,228,961.00. Brother Suess then reported on the statistical growth andYear-End projections, the Sokol Secure Fund, marketing updates, agent recruitment, web-site, administrative software, and attendance at various meetings and participation in other business activities. He affirmed that due to lower returns on investments and to reduce our exposure on larger annuity deposits, it is recommended to reduce the maximum amount of deposits on the Vantage 5, Vantage 7, and SPIA to $200,000.00 as of August 1, 2012. Brother Suess reviewed the current maximum deposits on all the current annuity products. After a brief discussion, Supreme Physical Director, Dusan Dorich moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Supreme Director of Sports andAthletics, Edward D. Mo eller. Approved. Brother Suess reviewed the approved Annuity interest rates effective July 1, 2012 for the third quarter; For the Vantage 1 Annuity – 1.25%, Vantage 2 – 1.50%, Vantage 3 – 2.25%, Vantage 5 – 3.25% and for the Vantage 7 – 3.50%. Interest rates are declared quarterly as we currently do. The Director of Sales and Marketing asked the Board members to consider running another life insurance campaign similar to the Heritage Life Membership Campaign that met with great success in 2010. The only change to the original version would be to eliminate all commissions and recommender fees. After a brief discussion Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath moved to approve the recommendation and have our Director of Sales and Marketing conduct such a campaign, seconded by SupremeVice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs. Approved. Brother Suess reported that the responses to have the Falcon publication received via email versus a hard copy are coming in very slowly. To date there are only a total of 411 who are receiving it via e-mail and around 500 have responded and requested to have the S.C.S. publication sent to them in a hard copy format. Over 8,000 have not responded one way or another and it is necessary to extend the deadline beyond September 1, 2012 and consider at least to the end of the year before eliminating those who do not respond automatically. A very lengthy discussion followed which resulted in Supreme Chaplain, Rev . Andrew S. Hvozdovic moving that a general letter or request form be sent to the 8,000 or total amount of those who’ve yet to respond asking them to return the form or letter which will be used to indicate which way they would prefer the publication.Those who do not respond will be removed from the future mailing list for the Falcon ef fective January 1, 2013. Seconded by Supreme Treasurer, Dennis J. Zifcak. Approved. The Director of Sales and Marketing concluded his lengthy report with a review of a proposed statistical growth comparison for the next five years as it relates to asset growth, surplus, life insurance and annuity premium income and certificates in force. Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh called for a motion to accept the Membership Report/Sales Update for discussion purposes only . General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. so moved, seconded by Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins. Numerous questions were presented by all the Board members and addressed by Brother Suess. Some items will take time to put into place and will continue to be on-going. We are looking into a possibility of sharing software and other areas which would be in the best interests of the organization to consider for the future. Currently we are in the process of discussing this with a similar organization and we are waiting to see what such costs would be and if we should consider purchasing our own software if that proves too costly. After a lively and lengthy discussion, President Glugosh called for the question, the motion to accept the report was then approved. Approved. President Glugosh thanked Brother Suess for his report as well as the entire Board for all of their questions and suggestions. Acknowledged. Supreme President Glugosh and the Board members then welcomed Mr.Thomas Calimano, Vice-President/Marketing Director, and Portfolio Manager, from PNC Advisors who reported on the Slovak Catholic Sokol Investment Portfolio. Mr. Calimano’s presentation began by reviewing PNC’s Investment Policy Guidelines which covered the Asset Allocation, Equity Securities, Market Capitalization, Fixed Income Securities, Cash Equivalents and Benchmarks. For the first six months of 2012, for the period ended June 30, 2012, the portfolio returned 5.42%. The total return on Bonds was 4.90% versus 2.37% for the benchmark Barclay Aggregate Bond Index. For stocks, the portfolio returned 9.11% compared with the 9.49% return reported for the Standard & Poor’s 500. Cash and equivalents returned 0.02% compared to the 0.01% return for the Citigroup 90 day Treasury bill index. Mr. Calimano reported that the Portfolio’s market value is $59,938,429.00 as of June 30, 2012. The portfolio structure consists of 3.5% or $2,134,626.00 in Cash Equivalents, 82.1% or $49,119,864.00 in U.S. Government/Federal Agencies and Corporate Bonds, and 14.4% or $8,683,938.00 in Equities. Estimated annual income is $2,709,548.00 or a current yield of 4.55%. Mr. Calimano and the Board members discussed selling some stocks and purchasing others to capture some unrealized gains, in addition to several other options to improve the portfolio returns. The Maturity and Credit Quality of the Bond Summary were reviewed and comments were shared by the Board Members. After a general discussion and addressing several other issues, the Board members expressed their thanks to Mr. Calimano for his report and he was then excused from the meeting. Acknowledged. Supreme Director of Sports andAthletics, Edward D. Moeller was called upon to present the Supreme Physical Fitness Board Report. Brother Moeller reported that since the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, the 22nd International Basketball Tournament was held on April 13-15, 2012 at Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with five senior men’s teams from four participating Groups in attendance. The First United Slovak Fraternals Bowling Tournament was held on May 4-6, 2012 in Wickliffe, Ohio with 280 bowlers participating. The tournament was held jointly with The First Catholic Slovak Union, The National Slovak Society and The Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding both of the above tournaments and some of the improvements that should be considered in the future. It was mutually agreed that we should continue to support and promote similar joint events with our brother and sister fraternal organizations in the future. The International Clinic/Kruz was held on June 28 – July 1, 2012 at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Supreme Physical Director, Dusan Dorich and Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins both offered their comments regarding the event. A total of 25 individuals attended from 7 dif ferent Groups. There were 12 male and 13 female participants. The facilities and staff at Slippery Rock were excellent and this ensured for a successful event and we are looking forward to our Slet being held there on July 16-20, 2013. So mark your calendar now for next year. Brother Moeller then further reported that the 25th International Softball Tournament will be held the weekend of July 13-15, 2012 inWiles-Barre, PA hosted by Group 7,WilkesBarre, PA. A total of 14 teams from six different Groups have registered. There are nine Men teams and five Female teams. The Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics reported that the 57th International Golf Tournament will be held at Treasure Lake Resort in DuBois, PA the weekend of August 1012, 2012. A good number of golfers are expected. Lastly Brother Ed updated the Board on the sites and dates being considered for the 2013 sports program. Bowling – May 3-5, 2013 in Buf falo, NY. Softball – Wilkes-Barre, PA, June 28-30, 2013 and Golf – Peek-N-Peak Resort in Clymer, NY, August 9-11, 2013. Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins reported on the progress of conducting background checks for our Board members and individuals involved with our youth and sports programs. Sister Watkins will proceed with the necessary process to have this accomplished and received the total support of the Board of Directors. Brother Moeller thanked the Supreme Physical Directress for her efforts and concluded his report by thanking the Board of Directors for all of their support throughout the year. President Glugosh asked for a motion to accept the report of the Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, so moved by Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, and seconded by Supreme Vice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs. Approved. President Glugosh thanked the Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics for his report SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 and comments. President Glugosh called upon General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. for theLegal Department Report. Brother Counsel reported on the Assembly 206 Ambridge, PA and the Sokol Club litigation which is proceeding according to the Rules of Civil Procedure of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He brought the Board members up to date with the most recent events. Additionally, Brother John reported that as directed by the Board of Directors in March regarding the Slovak Catholic Sokol Mortgage with Assembly 261/Wreath 155 in Reading, PA he has received a copy of the Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2012. Counsel distributed copies of the pro fit and loss report to each Board member and offered his comments. We will receive these reports every six months. Lastly, Counsel reported on the foreclosure proceedings with the one mortgage that is in default with the organization; however we do continue to receive monthly payments even though they are not being received in a timely manner. President Glugosh asked for a motion to accept the report for discussion purposes, so moved by Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, Edward D. Moeller, seconded by Supreme Physical Director, Dusan Dorich After a brief general discussion regarding the report the motion to accept the report of the General Counsel was approved. Approved. President Glugosh thanked Brother John for his report and called up Supreme VicePresident, Julie Ann Dobbs for the Scholarship Committee Report. Sister Dobbs reported that the committee met on Saturday, April 28, 2012, via a Conference Call, and made their selections. The winners appeared in the May 16, 2012 issue of the Falcon publication. Checks were mailed out from the Home Office on July 10, 2012 to the applicants who were selected for a grant. Sister Dobbs, reported that 30 Slovak Catholic Sokol College Grant winners were selected, 2 Theodore and Mary Jane Rich Memorial Grants were awarded, 1 Joseph and Mary Spernoga Memorial Grant, 2 Emil Slavik Memorial Grants, 1 Doctors Lesko Medical Memorial Grant and 3 Museum Memorial Grants were awarded. In addition 15 Slovak Catholic Sokol Abbot Jerome M. Koval, O.S.B Memorial High School Grants and 27 Slovak Catholic Sokol Grade School Grant recipients were selected. Thank you letters acknowledging individual selections have been received at the home office and Sister Dobbs, as in the past, has forwarded the “essay quotes” received from the winners to be included in the Falcon publication. After a brief discussion, Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins moved to accept the Scholarship Committee report, seconded by Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic. Approved. President Glugosh thanked Sister Dobbs for her report and thefine work performed by the selection committee. Having completed all the business on the morning agenda, Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh called for a motion to Adjourn the morning session. Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath so moved, seconded by Supreme Director of Sports and Athletics, Edward D. Moeller. Approved. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic closed the morning session with a Prayer and Grace before lunch. The First Session was adjourned at 12:05 p.m. SECOND SESSION Friday, July 13, 2012 – 12:45 p.m. Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh Called the Second Session of the Supreme Board of Directors meeting to Order at 12:45 p.m. on Friday July 13, 2012. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic offered the Afternoon Prayer with a special prayer for all the deceased members of our organization. Supreme Secretary, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. read the Roll Call and reported that the record will show all ten members of the Supreme Board of Directors are present. Acknowledged. President Glugosh called upon the Supreme Secretary for the Mortgage Department Report. Brother Steve reported that as of July 1, 2012 the Or ganization has 4 existing mortgages totaling $627,701.44. Principal payments received for thefirst six months of 2012 total $17,132.50 and interest payments total $21,079.02. The Supreme Secretary also reported that no new mortgage applications have been received for presentation. After a brief discussion, Supreme Director of Sports andAthletics, Edward D. Moeller moved to accept the Mortgage Department report, seconded by Supreme Treasurer, Dennis J. Zifcak. Approved. Brother Glugosh thanked Brother Steve and called upon Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath to report on the Independent Auditor’s Report. Brother Horvath informed the Board members that they were all sent a copy of the CPA Audit Report for the years ending December 31, 201 1 and December 31, 2010 as prepared by our Certified Public Accountants, Vision Financial Group, CPA’s, LLP. Vision Financial Group through a written communication along with the report informed the Board that they have audited the financial statements of the Slovak Catholic Sokol for the years ending 12-31-11 and 12-31-10 and issued their report thereon received at the Home Office on May 28, 2012.The seventeen page report was discussed at length and it is intended for the information of the management of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, the State of New Jersey, and other state audit agencies. Brother Horvath further informed the Board members that the Supreme Auditors will conduct the Slovak Catholic Sokol 2012 Semi-Annual Audit at the Home Office on August 24-25, 2012. There being no questions, Supreme Physical Directress, Kathleen S. Watkins moved to have the minutes re flect that the Board members reviewed the report and accept it as presented, seconded by Supreme Physical Director, Dusan Dorich. Approved. President Glugosh thanked Brother Michael and inquired if any Donation requests were received at the Home Office to be addressed at this meeting. The Supreme Secretary happily reported that no petitions or donation requests were received for the Board members to consider. Acknowledged. PAGE 17 President Glugosh thanked the Supreme Secretary and the next item on the agenda was the Analysis Comparison received from the American Fraternal Alliance (the Alliance) as it pertains to our society. Each Board member was previously sent the analysis for their review. It is designed to calculate and evaluate the Slovak Catholic Sokol results for eleven relevant financial ratios. The analysis also compares our organization’s financial ratios to a fraternal bene fit society benchmark and a commercial life insurer benchmark. The objective of the analysis is to provide the Board members with objective and impartial information to better understand our society’s financial condition, identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, and take the steps necessary to enhance the fiscal health of our organization where needed. The Board members reviewed and discussed the report at length. Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath moved to have the minutes reflect our review of this analysis, seconded by General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq. Approved. Unfinished Business included the Chairperson of the Supreme Auditors, Michael J. Horvath discussing the progress on the selection of the male Supreme Of ficers uniform as approved per the Board of Directors. Several samples were presented for review. It was mutually agreed that the male Board members would visit a distributor on Saturday and agree on a selection. Agreed. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic informed the Board members that the Slovak Catholic Federation is sponsoring a Pilgrimage of Faith to Rome, Italy and Slovakia. The dates of the pilgrimage are April 14-26, 2013, the Supreme Chaplain reviewed the itinerary and addressed some questions. Acknowledged. The members of the Supreme Board of Directors extend their congratulations and best wishes to Sister Joan J. Yanosick, a member of Wreath 22 in Pittsburgh, PA on being selected as the 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol “Fraternalist of the Year.” She is very active in Group 14 and Wreath 22 and other organizations. She is an example and mentor for all. A beautiful article appeared in the July 11, 2012 issue of the Slovak Catholic Falcon for all to see. Acknowledged. Lastly, Supreme Vice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs informed the Board members that the Slovak Catholic Sokol Disaster Relief Fund balance is now at $1,000.00 and thanked all the contributors to date. Acknowledged. New Business discussed included hosting a Group Presidents meeting in 2013 and sites that we should consider for our 2015 National Convention. Areas being looked into are Las Vegas, NV, Florida, Buffalo, NY, Cleveland, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, New Orleans, LA, Bethlehem, PA, and several other cities. This will be further discussed at our September meeting, however each Director is asked to research any of the above areas presented or any other sites they’d like considered. Acknowledged. President Glugosh expressed his thanks to all for their suggestions and informed the Board members that the next Meeting of the Supreme Board of Directors will be on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. via a telephone Conference Call. Acknowledged. Having completed all the business items on the afternoon agenda, the Supreme President inquired if there is any other business to be presented before the Board, there being none, Brother Glugosh entertained a motion to Adjourn the meeting, so moved by General Counsel, John D. Pogorelec, Esq., seconded by Supreme Vice-President, Julie Ann Dobbs. Approved. Supreme Chaplain, Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic closed the meeting with a Prayer, thanking the Good Lord for all of the many blessings we have received, which we are very thankful for. The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C. Supreme Secretary (Editor’s note: We have noticed a number of returned copies of our Falcon due to incorrect addresses of our members. We ask that when individuals move, that they complete the form below for a change of address or call the home office. We thank you for your continued cooperation) CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR REQUEST FOR SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON P.O.BOX 899 • 205 MADISON STREET PASSAIC, N.J. 07055 T NEW T CHANGE T CANCELLATION Certificate No._____________________________________ Name____________________________________________ New Address_____________________________________ City_________________State____________ Zip_________ Old Address_____________________________________ City__________________State____________Zip_________ PAGE 18 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JULY 25, 2012 2012 Sokol Scholarship Recipients Express thanks and gratitude.... COLLEGE RECIPIENTS Dear Mr. Pogorelec, I am con firming that I received your letter dated May 14, 2012 regarding this year’s Slovak Catholic Sokol scholarship program. I also currently attend Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I would like to thank you for awarding me with one of the 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grants. It is truly an honor to be awarded with such a prestigious award. Sincerely, Jaclyn Ulichney Wilkes-Barre, Pa. To whom it may concern, In regards to the Emil Slavik Memorial Scholarship Award of the Slovak Catholic Sokol , I would like to extend my upmost thanks. To have someone supporting my pursuit of Catholic education, to the extent of providing me with the money necessary to do so, is a comforting and reassuring feeling. This Catholic education has been a blessing in many ways, leading me to pursue degrees in Theology as well as Peace and Justice. Thanks to your support, my education has taken me to new heights, giving me the opportunity to study , volunteer, and enrich my life experiences in South Africa for the past six months. I cannot express the gratitude I have for this generosity . Thank you so much for your support in what is the most important foundation for my future life and career. I owe a lar ge part of my present and future success to you. Sincerely, Emma Scuglik Waukegan, Ill. Dear Steven M. Pogorelec, I received your letter in the mail, and I am honored to have been chosen as a recipient of a 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grant. This award has instilled great pride in me and my family members, especially those who are part of our Slovak Catholic Sokol family. I will be attending the University of Miami in the fall and this grant will certainly help in furthering my education. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to represent our organization in the best way possible! Sincerely, Julia Giampaolo Torrington, Conn. Dear Mr. Pogorelec, I just received your letter informing me that I have been selected as a recipient of a 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grant. I want you to know how grateful I am to you and the Board of Directors/Scholarship Advisory Selection Committee for choosing me to receive this generous gift. I will be a senior in September at Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit in Pittsbur gh, Pa. I am a student in the McAnulty School of Liberal Arts. My major is Media Management and Production as well as Film Studies. Again, thank you for all the support you have given me in the past and for this gift toward my college education. Sincerely, Jeremy A. Lynch Greencastle, Pa. Dear Mr. Steven M. Pogorelec, I wanted to thank you for selecting me as a recipient of a 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grant. I am very grateful to have been chosen, for this will help me greatly as I prepare for my fall semester at Monmouth University . My letter will be coming in the mail shortly. I am very excited. Thank you again. Sincerely. Victoria Day Parsippany, N.J. Dear Slovak Catholic Sokol, I was notified that I have earned a 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grant. I thank you very much as it will help tremendously with my college costs. I again will be attending The Ohio State University at its Main Campus in Columbus, Ohio. Sincerely, Carson Cunningham Brecksville, Oh. Dear Mr. Pogorelec, Good afternoon. I am excited to have received a 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grant. It is an honor and a privilege. I am acknowledging receipt of your letter and con firming that I will be attending The College of William and Mary next year . If any further information is required of me, my contact information is listed below. Have a great day. Best, Adam Flore West Mifflin, Pa. Dear Mr. Steven M. Pogorelec, Thank you so much for selecting me as a 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grant recipient. I have received noti fication of the grant and will be attending The College of New Jersey for the fall semester. Thank you again. Sincerely, Jeannine Termyna Clifton, N.J. Dear Mr. Steven M. Pogorelec, Thank you for awarding me a 2012 Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Grant. The money is well received and will be put towards a good cause. Also, I would like to con firm that I will continue to attend the University of Scranton for the 2012-2013 school year. Sincerely, Theresa E. Iannuzzi Shrewsbury, Pa. SLOVENSKÝ KATOLÍCKY SOKOL, 25. JÚLA 2012 Slovenské letné podujatia Piknik v Old Greenwich Point Park, CT Slovensko-americké kultúrne stredisko v NY usporiada v nedeľu 5. augusta v Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, Connecticut piknik. Začiatok bude o 12.00 hodine. Počas popoludnia budú podávané slovenské jedlá, slovenské pivo, domáce zákusky a koláče a bude hrať slovenská hudba. Vstupné je $35.00 za dospelých a 15.00 za deti vo veku od 6 do 18 rokov. Deti do 6 rokov majú vstup bezplatný. Rezervácie vstupeniek (do 24. júla) a bližšie informácie na telefónnom čísle: 203-531-9532, e-mail: adelkadarula@aol.com. Šeky majú byť vystavené na S-ACC a odoslané na adresu: S-ACC, c/o Adelka Darula, 28 High Street, Greenwich, CT 06870. V prípade, že piknik bude pre nepriaznivé počasie zrušený, šeky budú vrátené. Púť vo West Haverstraw, NY V nedeľu 12. augusta sa bude konať púť do Mariánskej svätyne vo West Haverstraw, NY. O 10.00 hodine bude spoved’ a o 11.00 hodine začne svätá omša. Po omši bude obed. O 2.30 bude nasledovať ružencová modlitba. Autobus bude odchádzať od Kostola sv. Jána Nepomuckého v New Yorku na rohu First Avenue a 66th Street. Záujemcovia, ktorí chcú na púť cestovať autobusom sa majú skontaktovať s Jozefom Bilikom na tel. č.: 718-463-2084. Slovenský festival v Youngstown, OH Slovenský festival (SlovakFest), ktorý usporiada farnosť sv. Mateja na svojich pozemkoch na adrese 2800 Shady Run Road v Youngstown, OH, bude v nedeľu 12. augusta. Svätá omša, ktorú bude celebrovať Mons. Peter Polando, začne o 12.00 hodine. Po omši budú podávané domáce slovenské jedlá, zákusky a slovenské pivo. Počas popoludnia si návštevníci budú mať možnosť prezrieť a kúpiť výrobky slovenského umenia, krojov, obrazov, kníh a ručných prác atd’.. Náladu spestria viaceré hudobné skupiny a vystúpi aj folklórna skupina. Bližšie informácie o podujatí: Lorreta Ekoniak, tel. č.: 330549-3760; email: ekoniak@gmail.com Vianoce v septembri Múzeum Národného spolku slovenského dedičstva 351 Valley Brook Road v McMurray, PA pripravuje podujatie, počas ktorého bude ukážka výroby a zdobenia tradičných slovenských vianočných ornamentov. Bude sa konať v sobotu 8. septembra od 10.00 do 2.00 hodiny. Účastníci podujatia budú mať možnosť sa naučiť ako sa vyrábajú vianočné ozdoby, ako sa pečú medovníky, ako sa robia známe slovenské vianočné cukríky - salónky a ako ozdobiť vianočný stromček v slovenskom štýle. Vstupné je $20.00 za osobu. V cene ja započítaný materál a občerstvenie. Záujemcovia o toto podujatie sa majú prihlásiť na tel. č. 1-800-488-1890. Slovenský festival v NJ bude 23. septembra Výbor Festivalu slovenského dedičstva v New Jersey už pripravuje program na 35. festival v Holmdel, NJ. V programe vystúpi folklórna skupina PAS z Pittsburghu a dve mládežnícke skupiny z New Jersey a New Yorku. Na festivale sa zúčastnia aj prominentní hostia zo Slovenska. Slovenský festival v NJ je už mnoho rokov najväčším slovenským podujatím v Amerike. Záujemcovia o predávanie potravín a nápojov sa môžu prihlásiť u Milana Daita, tel. 201-641-8922. Záujemcovia o vystavovanie alebo predávanie rôznych folklórnych výrobkov, kníh, atď., sa majú hlásiť u Zuzany Krčmárovej, tel. 973-357-1209. ISSN: 0897-8107 Úradn¥ ™asopis SLOVENSKÉHO KATOLÍCKEHO SOKOLA Zalo¢en¥ 15. apríla 1911 – Vychádza ka¢dú druhú stredu Majitel« a vydavatel«: SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL Daniel F. Tanzone, redaktor Telefónne ™íslo: (973) 777-4010 V£etky ™lánky, príspevky a správy treba posielat« na adresu: Editor, Slovak Catholic Sokol, P.O. Box 899 205 Madison Street, Passaic, New Jersey 07055 Výročie Deklarácie SNR o zvrchovanosti Slovenskej republiky (Pokračovanie zo str. 20) ktoré boli hlavným medzníkom začatia pokojného rozdelenia Českej a Slovenskej federatívnej republiky (ČSFR). 5. - 6. júna 1992 - Parlamentné voľby sa skončili v Českej republike zdrvujúcim víťazstvom koalície Občianska demokratická strana (ODS) a Kresťanskodemokratická strana a v SR ešte prenikavejším víťazstvom Hnutia za demokratické Slovensko (37,26 %). Druhá skončila SDĽ (14,70 %), KDH (8,88 %), SNS (7,93 %), MKDH - Spolužitie (7,42 %). 8. júna 1992 - V Brne sa začala séria rokovaní vedúcich predstaviteľov ODS a HZDS, víťazných subjektov volieb. Medzi predstaviteľmi jednotlivých delegácií došlo k rôznym dohovorom. Doteraz sa presne nevie, o čom diskutovali obaja lídri Václav Klaus a Vladimír Mečiar. Niektorí predstavitelia HZDS predložili návrh štátoprávneho usporiadania oboch republík na úrovni únie, respektíve konfederácie s medzinárodnou subjektivitou. 11. júna 1992 - Uskutočnilo sa druhé rokovanie medzi predstaviteľmi HZDS a ODS v Prahe. 14. júna 1992 – V Bratislave sa konal míting spojený s podpisovou akciu za zachovanie spoločného štátu. 16. júna 1992 – Predstavitelia českých opozičných strán sa stretli v Brne, kde sa zhodli na požiadavke, aby sa o existencii spoločného štátu rozhodlo prostredníctvom referenda. 17. júna 1992 – Uskutočnilo sa tretie stretnutie medzi predstaviteľmi HZDS a ODS, na ktorom viacerí zúčastnení dospeli k názoru, že federácia je na dlhší čas neudržateľná. Z týchto dôvodov Václav Klaus odmietol funkciu premiéra, ktorý bol poverený zostavením federálnej vlády. Došlo k dohode medzi Václavom Klausom a Vladimírom Mečiarom o zostavení vlády ČSFR s dočasným mandátom. 19. – 20. júna 1992 – V Bratislave sa uskutočnilo štvrté rokovanie medzi predstaviteľmi HZDS a ODS. Zhodli sa, že myšlienka federácie na českej strane sa nezhoduje s predstavou konfederácie, respektíve nejakej formy únie na slovenskej strane. Výsledky rokovaní akceptovali existenciu federatívneho spoločného štátu, ale nevylučovali možnosť jeho zániku. Vedenie oboch strán sa zároveň zhodlo, že štátoprávne usporiadanie vyriešia do 30. septembra 1992. 23. júna 1992 - Konala sa PAGE 19 Na Sliač priletí americký gigantický bombardér B-52 Na medzinárodných leteckých dňoch SIAF 2012, ktoré sa uskutočnia na letisku Sliač v dňoch 1. a 2. septembra, bude mať slovenskú premiéru legendárny americký bombardér Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. Lietadlo, ktoré má dĺžku takmer 49 metrov, rozpätie krídiel viac ako 56 metrov a ktoré dokáže niesť približne 32 ton bômb, priletí na Sliač z domovskej základne v Louisiane. Spolu s ním priletí aj 14 leteckých odborníkov, ktorí sa s návštevníkmi leteckých dní podelia o skúsenosti s prevádzkou lietadla. Počas 90. rokov boli tieto lietadlá vypustené do niekoľkých operácií, ako napríklad Operácia Desert Storm a Operácia Iraqi Freedom. Celkovo bolo vyrobených 744 kusov tohto lietadla. Je veľmi ťažké získať tento legendárny bombardér na letecké dni. Flotila B-52 je plne vyťažená a ich účasť na leteckých dňoch je dlhodobo plánovaná. Ide o hlavné lákadlo. V histórii leteckých dní je to po prvý krát, čo bude americký bombardér na statickej ukážke. Doteraz sa to žiadnemu organizátorovi nepodarilo. Prílet B-52 na Leteckú základňu Sliač je logisticky veľmi náročný. Organizačný tím, Veliteľstvo Vzdušných síl a Letecká základňa Sliač sa pripravujú už niekoľko mesiacov. B-52 totiž nemôže pristáť hocikde. Letisková dráha musí uniesť veľkú nosnosť a byť dostatočne široká a dlhá. Letecká základňa Sliač po modernizácii tieto kritéria spĺňa. B-52 bude na leteckej základni Sliač najdlhšie zo všetkých účinkujúcich lietadiel. Keďže rozmery lietadla sú gigantické, musí ako prvé priletieť a posledné odletieť. Medzičasom bude stáť na statickej ukážke, aby si ju mohlo pozrieť čo najviac návštevníkov. Záujem o vozidlá vyrábané na Slovensku rastie Napriek šetreniu ľudí v neistých časoch rastie záujem o kúpu vozidiel vyrábaných na Slovensku. Automobilky tento rok vyrobia 925–tisíc vozidiel. Nastavený trend by mal pokračovať i naďalej a tak všetky tri slovenské fabriky momentálne naplno využívajú výrobné kapacity. Prekvapením je najmä trnavská automobilka PSA Peugeot Citroën. Tá na začiatku roku plánovala vyrobiť 180–tisíc automobilov, no po spustení výroby nového modelu Peugeot 208 zvýšila odhad výroby až na 240–tisíc áut. Podľa vyjadrenia Júliusa Činčala, obchodného riaditeľa Slovenskej marketingovej a informačnej spoločnosti, utomobilky plánujú zvýšiť ročnú produkciu v porovnaní s mi- nulým rokom o 45 percent a v tomto roku sa na Slovensku vyrobí 925–tisíc nových automobilov, Hlavnou výhodou slovenských závodov je, že dokážu za nižšie výrobné náklady poskytovať rovnakú kvalitu vyrobených vozidiel ako závody na Západe. Najväčšie investície na Slovensku má bratislavský Volkswagen, ktorý v 2. júla položil základný kameň novej karosárne. Výroba automobilov sa tak stala hlavným motorom slovenskej ekonomiky. Na porovnanie, kým v Taliansku minulý rok vyrobili 485–tisíc automobilov, na Slovensku až 639–tisíc. Najväčším výrobcom automobilov v SR je Volkswagen, ya ním nasledujú Kia Motors Slovakia a PSA Peugeot Citroen. Viete, že... ... reštauráciu rýchleho občerstvenia Burger King založili v roku 1954 James W. McLamore a David Edgerton otvorením prvej reštaurácie v Miami, FL. Celosvetovo je druhou najväčšou reťazou reštaurácií rýchleho občerstvenia. Vo svojich prevádzkach obslúžia denne 11 miliónov zákazníkov v rámci 82 krajín sveta. ...sčítanie obyvateľov v SR v roku 2011 potvrdilo len 0,33-percentný prírastok obyvateľov. Za posledných desať rokov bol najnižší v histórii sčítania ľudu na Slovensku. ustanovujúca schôdza nového slovenského parlamentu. Za predsedu Slovenskej národnej rady (SNR) bol zvolený Ivan Gašparovič. 4. júna 1992 - SNR schválila novú vládu SR na čele s Vladimírom Mečiarom. Oficiálne to bola menšinová vláda, ale de facto ju podporovala SNS, ktorej jeden člen bol jej súčasťou. Do určitej miery mala podporu aj SDĽ. 25. júna 1992 - Za predsedu Federálneho zhromaždenia bol zvolený Michal Kováč (HZDS). 2. júla 1992 - Václav Havel vymenoval novú vládu ČSFR na čele s Janom Stráskym (ODS). Predsedom novoustanovenej českej vlády sa stal Václav Klaus. 3. júla 1992 – Poslanci FZ po dvoch kolách nezvolili prezidenta republiky. 17. júla 1992 - SNR prijala Deklaráciu o zvrchovanosti SR. Václav Havel odstúpil z postu prezidenta ČSFR. For God and Nation Za Boha a národ SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON ÚRADNÝ ČASOPIS SLOVENSKÉHO KATOLÍCKEHO SOKOLA - 28 000 ČLENOV - HLAVNÁ ÚRADOVŇA: 205 MADISON STREET, PASSAIC, NJ 07055 – www.slovakcatholicsokol.org VOLUME CI PASSAIC, N.J., 25. JÚLA 2012 V Martine vyvrcholili Národné matičné slávnosti V Martine vyvrcholili v sobotu 7. júla Národné matičné slávnosti. V programe bol zahrnutý aj pestrý sprievodný program - ukážky tradičných ľudových remesiel, ľudový workshop, ukážky historického šermu, ukážka historických vozidiel, razenie mincí s logom Matice slovenskej, prezentácia matičnej a vydavateľskej činnosti, tvorivé dielne, Matičná kvapka krvi atď. Okrem predstaviteľov Matice slovenskej (MS) sa slávnostného vyvrcholenia Národných matičných slávností zúčastnil aj predseda vlády SR Rober Fico a mnohé osobnosti slovenského politického, spoločenského a kultúrneho života. V kultúrnom programe sa predstavili Umelecký súbor Lúčnica, orchester Zlaté husle a sólisti opery SND Ján Babjak, Jolana Fogašová a d’alší umelci. Pri príležitosti 150. výročia Matice slovenskej snem MS 17. septembra 2011 vyhlásil Rok Matice slovenskej. Počas jeho trvania sa v programovej časti uskutočnia viaceré celoslovenské, oblastné i miestne podujatia (medzinárodná vedecká konferencia, semináre, umelecké programy, výstavy, akadémie, besedy, stretnutia s význam- nými osobnosťami matičného, umeleckého a vedeckého života, kultúrno-spoločenské podujatia a pod.). Rok Matice Slovenskej Podujatia v rámci Roku Matice slovenskej 2012 – 2013 sa začnú 5. februára 2012 a ukončia sa v auguste 2013. Budú sa orientovať na poslanie a postavenie Matice slovenskej v slovenskom národnom, kultúrno-spoločenskom a vedeckom živote v jej histórii, súčasnosti a budúcej orientácii. Podujatia oslovia všetky vrstvy slovenskej spoločnosti bez rozdielu politickej príslušnosti, náboženského vierovyznania a sociálneho postavenia. Počas Roka MS sa uskutočnia aj iné významné podujatia, a to 1150. výročie príchodu sv. Cyrila a Metoda na naše územie, 150. výročie vzniku Prvého slovenského gymnázia v Revúcej, 250. výročie narodenia a 200. výročie úmrtia Antona Bernoláka, 200. výročie narodenia Jonáša Záborského, 20. výročie druhej Slovenskej republiky, Matičný svetový festival slovenskej mládeže. Osobitná pozornosť v rámci Roka MS sa bude venovať Slovákom v zahraničí, slovanským Maticiam a ich účasti na podujatiach na Slovensku. Výročie Deklarácie SNR o zvrchovanosti Slovenskej republiky Dňa 17. júla bolo 20. výročie Deklarácie Slovenskej národnej rady (SNR) o zvrchovanosti Slovenskej republiky, ktorá bola predzvesťou rozpadu bývalého Československa a vzniku dvoch samostatných krajín Slovenskej republiky a Českej republiky. Na hlasovaní, ktoré sa konalo 17. júla 1992, sa zo 150 poslancov SNR zúčastnilo 147. Z nich 113 hlasovalo za a proti bolo 24 poslancov. Hlasovania sa zdržalo 10 poslancov. Deň prijatia Deklarácie o zvrchovanosti Slovenskej repoubliky je na základe zákona NR SR z 20. októbra 1993 pamätným dňom Slovenskej republiky. Slovenská národná rada (SNR) ju schválila v roku 1992 v rámci bývalej Českej a Slovenskej Federatívnej Republiky (ČSFR) a vyhlásila ňou zvrchovanosť Slovenskej republiky (SR). Text deklarácie My, demokraticky zvolená Slovenská národná rada, slávnostne vyhlasujeme, že tisícročné úsilie slovenského národa o svojbytnosť sa naplnilo. V tejto historickej chvíli deklarujeme prirodzené právo slovenského národa na sebaurčenie tak, ako to zakotvujú aj všetky medzinárodné dohody a zmluvy o práve národov na sebaurčenie. Uznávajúc právo národov na sebaurčenie, vyhlasujeme, že aj my si chceme slobodne utvárať spôsob a formu národného a štátneho života, pričom budeme rešpektovať práva všetkých, každého občana, národov, národnostných menšín a etnických skupín, demokratické a humanistické odkazy Európy a sveta. Touto deklaráciou Slovenská národná rada vyhlasuje zvrchovanosť Slovenskej republiky ako základ suverénneho štátu slovenského národa. Od volieb k deklarácii Chronológiu udalostí od parlamentných volieb v roku 1992, (Pokračovanie na str. 19) ČÍSLO 4969 Správy zo Slovenska W Počas túry na Slavkovský štít vo Vysokých Tatrách zasiahol blesk 18-ročného Belgičana, ktorý bol na túre so skupinou d’alších turistov. Po zásahu bleskom zostal mladý muž v bezvedomí a nepomohla ani restitúcia jeho kolegov. Zachranná služba po príchode pokračovala v oživovaní postihnutého, ale nepodarilo sa im ho už oživiť. W Letisko Milana Rastislava Štefánika v Bratislave prešlo rozsiahlou rekonštrukciou, ktorú ukončili 13. júla. Kapacita sa tak zvýši z pôvodných 2,5 milióna cestujúcich na 5 miliónov. W Spotrebiteľské ceny podľa údajov Štatistického úradu SR vzrástli v júni 2012 medziročne o 3,6 percenta a medzimesačne o 0,2 percenta. Hlavným faktorom rastu celkovej cenovej hladiny v porovnaní s májom 2012 bol predovšetkým rast cien nespracovaných potravín. Pričinil sa o to hlavne nárast cien zemiakov. W Ceny potravín na Slovensku budú v dôsledku nižšej úrody nad’alej rásť. Hlavným dôvodom výpadkov v úrode boli extrémne výkyvy počasia. Na základe predbežných odhadov poľnohospodárov príde hlavne k zdražovaniu mäsa o 5 až 7 percent a múky o 3 až 5 percent. W V období od januára do júna 2012 zaznamenala Národná banka Slovenska najväčší výskyt falzifikátov bankoviek nominálnej hodnoty 20 eur, ktoré spolu s 50-eurovými bankovkami tvorili viac ako polovicu z celkového počtu. Percentuálny podiel falzifikátov 100 a 200 eur meziročne výrazne vzrástol na 114 kusov. W Po mimoriane horúcich júlových týždňoch, na vcholoch Tatier padal od 14. do 16. júla sneh. Meteorológovia zaznmenali na celom Slovensku aj výrazné ochladenie. Skoro 40-stupňové teploty vystriedali podstatne nižšie teploty. Napríklad v Bratislave namerali len 15,8 stupňa. Na Chopku vo Vysokých Tatrách na- merali 16. júla 4 stupne Celzia, na Lomnickom štíte jeden stupeň. W Od začiatku tohto roku do konca mája podalo žiadosť o udelenie azylu v Slovenskej republike 184 cudzincov. Pre porovnanie, v roku 2005 žiadalo o azyl 3549 cudzincov. W Počet liečených narkomanov na Slovensku rastie. Ich počet stúpol v minulom roku oproti roku 2010 o 2313. Najväčšiu skupinu tvoria užívatelia drog vo veku od 20 do 34 rokov. Mierne sa znížil počet drogovo závislých detí do 14 rokov a nad 55 rokov Najviac prípadov je v Bratislavskom kraji (684). W Polícia a colníci odhalili na slovensko-ukrajinskej hranici 700-metrový tunel, ktorým sa minimálne rok pašovali na Slovensko tabakové výrobky a pravdepodobne aj osoby. Tunel medzi Vyšným a Nižným Nemeckým a ukrajinským Užhorodom je v hĺbke asi 6 metrov. W Nezamestnanosť na Slovensku v júni po predchádzajúcom trojmesačnom poklese stúpla na 13,34 percenta. Počet registrovaných nezamestnaných, ktorí mali nastúpiť do práce, v júni presiahol hranicu 360 000 ľudí. W Do Bratislavy prichádza tento rok viac turistov z Ruska, Ukrajiny, Srbska, Spojených štátov a Slovinska. Počet turistov z Mad’arska, Španielska a Česka sa znížil. W Od septembra tohto roku sa má počet slovenských vojakov podieľajúcich sa na výcviku Afganskej národnej armády a Afganskej národnej polície zvýšiť o d’alších 10 príslušníkov Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky. V súčasnosti už v Afganistane pôsobí 15-členný slovenský operačný a výcvikový tím, pod ktorého vedenie spadajú aj piati vojaci Americkej národnej gardy a dvaja príslušnící austrálskej armády. Úlohou tímu je skvalitniť výcvik a činnosť afganského logistického práporu.