The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVPs—Week of April 23, 2007

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of April 23, 2007. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time, energy and compassion to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors.

Maurice L. Pilotte

Catholic Family Life Insurance

Manchester Chapter NH-91

Manchester, New Hampshire

Maurice is a committed fraternalist who has been involved in Catholic Family Life Insurance (CFLI) and the former Union Saint-Jean-Baptiste since 1968. He has been a president and vice president of both the CFLI Manchester Chapter NH-91 and District 8. He has been a delegate to five quadrennial conventions and chaired the Constitution and By-Laws Committee in 1986. Deeply committed to his Franco-American heritage, he was on the Society’s Mallet Library Relocation Committee. The library is a research and genealogy facility donated by Catholic Family two years ago to Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.

Through his chapter, he was been involved in a variety of community projects including blood drives; the feast day celebrations honoring Saint John the Baptist, patron of North Americans of French descent; the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester; the Holy Cross Sisters’ Fair; Saint Anthony Elementary School; and Presentation of Mary Academy Elementary School.

A retired high school foreign language teacher, Maurice has taught at Bishop Bradley High School, Hollis Junior/Senior High School, and Pinkerton Academy, all in his home state of New Hampshire. He served as department head at Pinkerton from 1995 to 2001. He began his teaching career in 1964 and retired in 2002. A devote Catholic, he is active in his parish as a lector, greeter and a member of the finance council.

Since 2002, Maurice has been elected three times as a New Hampshire State Representative. He serves on the Executive Departments and Administration Committee and is the Hillsboro County Executive Committee vice chair.

He is a graduate of the Seminaire de St. Hyacinthe, Province of Quebec, Canada. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore, Maryland, and a master’s degree from Rivier College in Nashua, NH.

Tamara (Tammy) Conn

Catholic Order of Foresters

North Star Court #588

Red Lake Falls, Minnesota

Intrigued by the possibilities offered through Catholic Order of Foresters’ FirstVantage/ Pathways Program, Tammy joined the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF) in 1998. She has proven to be an enthusiastic and supportive member and currently serves as North Star Court #588 chief ranger and youth director and Minnesota State Court trustee.

Through Pathways, COF partners with participating parishes to provide educational funding for Catholic school and religious education programs. But besides the financial benefits, Tammy recognized the potential for providing young people with quality social and volunteer opportunities. As court youth director, Tammy used the program to single-handedly sign up 200 youths and rejuvenate the dormant North Star Court.

As youth director, Tammy plans monthly activities with the goal of creating wonderful childhood memories. Events range from simple playground outings to an All Saint’s Day Carnival, Peace Dove and Empty Bowl projects and holiday parties. This approach has proven so successful, parents now approach her about their children joining COF.

While having a good time is always paramount, the young Foresters also reach out to the community, clearing walking trails, sponsoring a St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Bike-a-Thon, holding a Peace Carnival and putting together seniors’ Saint Sacks. As state trustee, Tammy coordinates the northwest Minnesota bowling tournament and water-park excursion. Appointed to COF’s National Youth Committee, she serves as chair with responsibility for defining youth court policy and making recommendations to the national convention.

Besides her COF involvement, Tammy is a member of several community and school organizations including the Merchants Committee, County Health Coalition, Women of Today and Parent Teacher Organization. At her church, she serves as a Eucharistic Minister, guild leader, religious education teacher, Pastoral Board member and Youth Ministry core team leader. She uses her food and nutrition college degree while working at the Women, Infant and Children Program.

Over the years, Tammy, her husband Michael, and daughter Lora have hosted seven international exchange students.

George A. Strish

National Slovak Society of the USA

Assembly #617

Ashley, Pennsylvania

George, an active fraternalist, is a member of the National Slovak Society, the Holy Name Society, the Alter and Rosary Society, the Men's Retreat League and the Knights of Columbus. He is a regular delegate to the conventions, served as treasurer and is proud to have participated on every project his local assembly has completed.

George is a charter member of the Holy Name Society of Holy Rosary Church and was instrumental in its formation. He served as the society's first president and has served many times. He was the chairman of his church's festival and annually works the festival making his famous steak sandwiches. He was the Chairperson of Holy Rosary Church's 90^th and 100^th Anniversaries. He is a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #12814, serving as Grand Knight and secretary. He also is a fourth degree member of Council #302.

George is a pillar in the community. He helps those in need by working for the American Red Cross fundraisers, serving meals at the St. Vincent De Paul's Soup Kitchen, and performing outreach work with the men of V.I.S.I.O.N. He helps and supports the Ashley/Hanover Township Little League by sponsoring a team and participates in the opening of the season each year. He was a Little League baseball coach from 1977-1990. George also was an assistant basketball coach while his sons were in school sports.

George is a prominent funeral director who has attained respect through his many years of service, compassion and commitment to all those whom he comes in contact with. He currently is serving his second term as President of the Luzerne County Funeral Directors Association, and previously served on its Board of Directors and as a delegate to its conventions.

George and his wife, Rose Mary, have been married for 38 years. They have three married sons, George III, Kenneth and Eric, and five grandchildren, Maria, George IV, Anthony, Donato and Noah, who are all members of the National Slovak Society.

Estelle Coker

SPJST

Lodge #80-Holland

Holland, Texas

Estelle, a member of SPJST Lodge #80, has served as reporter and ex-officio publicity agent for her lodge many years. She constantly volunteers her time to support bingo at American Legion Post #526 and SPJST Lodge #80 in support of these organization's charities. She shares her wisdom and advice whenever asked, and never appears to be overbearing or dictatorial. She spends many hours to support the ambulance fundraiser in her community, so that residents are ensured medical assistance in time of need. She serves on the bereavement committee at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett. St John's main fundraiser each year, which Estelle chairs, is making over 200 cream-cheese braids from scratch to support local needs, disaster relief and Lutheran World Relief efforts. The community can always count on Estelle for financial and physical support when fundraisers are held.

Estelle serves on the Women's Study Club, which sponsors numerous fundraisers to support the Kuhlmann Civic Center, the B.J. Hill Library, the Mayfield Dobbs museum and local scholarships for students in the Holland community.

Being a 27-year cancer survivor, Estelle always finds time to support the Temple Relay for Life fundraiser. She is a major motivator to provide GED classes for residents in the community. She serves as an officer of the Chamber of Commerce to promote growth and improvement in the community.

Estelle is an officer of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #526. The Auxiliary's mission is to raise money for scholarships, Ronald McDonald House and the VA Hospital in Temple, which provides assistance to patients who wish to purchase Christmas gifts for families who are financially unable to do. She serves on the board of the Will O'Bell Nursing Home in Bartlett and on the board of the Holland Cemetery Association.

Estelle's community-service activities support youth scholarships, activities and education in her community. Her most recent endeavor was coordinating youth and adults in the community to prepare and serve dinner at the Chamber of Commerce banquet.

The NFCA salutes these outstanding Fraternalists-in-Action for their dedication, kindness and generosity. They embody the heart of fraternalism through their volunteer efforts and commitment to their communities.


To view previous week's MVPs, click here.