The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVPs—Week of August 13, 2007

Cletus O’Drobinak

Catholic Order of Foresters

Court St. Benedict #1325

Munster, Indiana

Revitalizing a court—all it takes is one dedicated individual, and, in 1990, that person was Cletus O’Drobinak. After learning that Court St. Benedict #1325 was about to be disbanded, Cletus recruited a former grade-school classmate and several other members to serve as officers. Today, the court is thriving with members involved in fraternal, charitable and social activities, including a well-attended annual luncheon.

In 1992, Cletus was elected Indiana State Court treasurer. In that capacity, he upgraded the record-keeping system using his accounting and computer knowledge, and recommended formalizing the state court’s charitable gift giving and educational award criteria. Cletus encouraged donations to worthy causes including Katrina disaster relief, St. Edward School in Lowell and St. Vincent DePaul Hope Center. He currently serves on a committee that recommends awarding monetary assistance to college-age members.

A retired accounting instructor, Cletus and his wife, Mary, enjoy spending time with their two children.

Philip L. Pietrus

Knights of Columbus

Council #2686

Pierre, South Dakota

Philip joined the Knights of Columbus in South Dakota in June 1946, and since then it just hasn’t been the same. Philip has held many offices in Council #2686, including Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight and District Deputy. He also served the state’s fourth degree province in the office of Marshall and faithful navigator. He served as a committee chairperson of the youth council, the church council and the building committee. He was crucial to the advancement of the Columbian Squires (the youth version—10-18-year-olds—of the Knights) and church building committee. He helped fund and lead the construction of a new rectory for the church, volunteering not only his time, but also his own farming equipment and materials. He did not stop with that project either, but went further to acquire a permanent home for Pierre Council #2686 in 1996. He never faltered when it came to leading or volunteering for events. Phil always could be found helping out with pancake breakfasts, funds for scholarships and various other council projects.

Philip was in the first group in the church to become a lay minister. He served and helped in any way possible. For more than 20 years, Philip devoted his Fridays to taking Holy Communion to the Catholic sick, shut-ins and elderly in his community. He committed his life not only to the council, but to the church and people of his parish, and branching out even further, to the community.

Philip was a leader in the community 4-H and donated a gorgeous, handmade saddle to the winner of the annual youth rodeo in the area. He served and volunteered for other service organizations including the Kiwanis Retired Members Organization, the Toastmasters, the Elks and the Boy Scouts.

In his 60 years as a Knight, Phil has strived to live up to the ideals and teachings of the Order’s founder. Philip has never refused any task or dismissed any challenge as too difficult. His aspiration as a Knight of Columbus was to always live up to the ideals of the order and give back to his church, community and council. Philip exemplifies not only the qualities of a great Knight, but also of a great person.

Evie Schwartzlow
National Mutual Benefit (NMB)

Branch #101

Rock Valley, Wisconsin

About 10 years ago, Evie became a trustee of Rock Valley Branch #101. She served two terms (four years) as vice president, and has been president of the branch for the past five years.

She strongly believes that individuals must give back to the community in which they live. Through mail, e-mail or telephone calls, she personally invites local, state and federal elected officials to attend Branch #101 activities and learn what the fraternal system does for its communities and country.

In June 2007, Branch #101 organized a matching-funds raffle for a self-employed man who has cancer and discovered his health insurance was not sufficient for his medical expenses. Evie picked up 4,500 raffle tickets from NMB’s national office, stapled them into packets, and delivered them for distribution and sale prior to the event. On June 30, she spent six hours selling the remaining tickets and holding the drawing for donated prizes. She expects that the branch will be able to give this man a check for at least $5,000, when the final count is taken.

Other activities she has been involved in with Rock Valley Branch #101 include: partnering with a local Boy Scout Troop and cleaning a three-mile section of the highway; painting trash barrels at parks; running a softball tournament and food stand to raise money for area individuals needing financial assistance; playing bingo at nursing homes; handing out American flags at parades; arranging trips to pro and semi-pro baseball games; cleaning up cemeteries; and doing games for kids at local festivals.

In September of 2006, Evie retired from the Tax Appeals Commission of the State of Wisconsin. She began her career with the Commission in 1970 as a court reporter, and was its legal assistant at the time of retirement.

Evie has served on church committees, and also has dealt with both the youth and elderly of the church community. Her husband of 33 years, Keith, is very supportive of her volunteer efforts, and they are passing down to their two grandsons, the understanding of "People Helping People In Time Of Need."

David Nauert

SPJST

Lodge #246

Morgan's Point, Texas

David has been a member of SPJST for 11 years. During this time, David has been a great asset to the organization and his community. He has helped organize many fundraisers and community events, and has donated and purchased items to support these fundraisers. David has served in many capacities in his local lodge. He also writes and submits articles for the Vestnik (SPJST’s newspaper), local newspapers and television stations.

At his lodge, David is always on hand to make necessary repairs and do any maintenance that is needed. He assisted a sister lodge with their 100^th anniversary celebration by helping shoot and edit the video that was presented at the celebration, outlining the history of the lodge from the day it was chartered.

David works very closely with the youth of the community and the organization. He mobilizes generations by his encouragement and involvement. He leads other volunteers by motivating them to make a positive difference in whatever they do, especially when it comes to setting good examples for children. At summer youth camp, he has assisted the youth in many activities ranging from roasting wieners, making campfires, baiting fish hooks, making s'mores at the campfire, stuffing teddy bears for the local police department and many more. Annually, David assists in setting up for the State Youth Achievement Day, which draws about 1,000 people to Temple. David helped organize the annual SPJST Easter Eggstravaganza, a community Easter egg hunt sponsored by the SPJST Home Office. David likes learning from the youth. He believes that involving youth in projects promotes a better understanding and a more positive relationship between youth and adults. By working together and listening to each other, David realizes that youth and adults can become closer and can contribute to a greater community and a better society.

David has been married to his wife, Melanie, for five years. Whenever he is not doing volunteer work in his community, he assists Melanie with some of her responsibilities as editor of the Vestnik. He is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove. He frequently visits the church cemetery and maintains graves by placing flowers before holidays. David is employed as a Maintenance Mechanic at the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System (VA Hospital). David enjoys people. This is very evident in his job at the VA as he goes the extra mile to visit and talk with veterans while he works with patient care.

David is a classic car enthusiast and a member of the Mid-Texas Corvette Club. He shares this enthusiasm by coordinating classic car shows and has participated in numerous fundraisers for charity. These organizations include Make A Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Children's Advocacy Center and COPS (Community Oriented Police Services). David supported the local youth at the Bell County Youth Fair, served as a judge in the home economic division and is a dedicated supporter of fundraisers for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire and local football teams, cheerleaders, band and yearbook.

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.


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