The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of August 20, 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 August 20, 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.
Mary Lou Galuppo
Woman's Life Insurance Society
Club #C-73
Syracuse, New York
Mary Lou Galuppo has been a member of Woman’s Life Insurance Society since she was a baby, and she has been an active community volunteer for as long as she can remember. She has been a member of Club #73-Syracuse for many years where she has helped organize many fundraisers enabling the club to contribute to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Francis House, which is a home for people with six months or less to live, Sarah House, which is like Ronald McDonald House, except for those who have adults in the hospital, and Ophelia’s Place for people with eating disorders. Mary Lou has represented her club at State Meetings and National Conventions many times throughout the years, and served as the first President of the New York State organization.
Mary Lou worked for Crouse Hinds, a worldwide manufacturer of electrical products, starting out in data processing before moving into sales and then on to the payroll department. After that she worked for a local radio station and then for an advertising agency, where she wrote radio and TV commercials, as well as newspaper and magazine advertising. She married her husband, Nick, at age 25 and had five children in seven years. After taking several years off to raise her children, she went back to work for a wine distributor and conducted wine tastings for one of the New York State wineries. She retired from there after 25 years and has been enjoying her retirement ever since, continuing with her involvement with Club #73 and within the community. She now has six grandchildren ranging from 6 to 26 years in age, and will soon be acquiring two step-great-grandchildren when her granddaughter gets married.
Wilfred J. Bell
Catholic Order of Foresters
Holy Rosary Court #1465
Caribou, Maine
Wilfred J. Bell’s fraternal roots date back to 1904, when his father became a Holy Rosary Court #1465 charter member. Carrying on that tradition, Will has filled several officer positions and is currently chief ranger of both Court #1465 and the Maine State Court. He chaired six state conventions and received Legion of Honor and Maine Forester of the Year awards.
As a member of Catholic Order of Foresters, Will has been involved in fundraisers supporting Holy Rosary Church. He chaired a committee that sponsored several annual variety shows and auctions, which raised money to help rebuild the church after it was destroyed by a fire. Other court fundraisers financed replacing underground fuel tanks and providing holiday food baskets for the needy.
A civic leader and volunteer, Will chaired, directed, or presided over as president of several community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, United Fund, Kiwanis, Senior Citizens Committee, Caribou Bicentennial Committee and Coalition for Affordable Energy, to name a few. He served two terms in the Maine House of Representatives and presently is Aroostook County treasurer and president of Maine’s county treasurers association.
Will, retired after more than 43 years in the supermarket industry, still maintains a hectic schedule. “I’m always eager to move on to the next adventure, to see what can be accomplished.” He remains involved in community, church, civic, and Catholic Order of Foresters activities.
He and his wife, Cecile, reside in Caribou and have seven children.
Rebecca L. Ott
Gleaner Life Insurance Society
South Fairfield Arbor
Jasper, Michigan
Rebecca’s association with Gleaner Life Insurance Society began when she assisted her father, Kenny, when he was Chief Gleaner in the early 1980’s. She has been the Arbor reporter, secretary and photographer. Through her communication skills, the small South Fairfield Arbor has been one of the most active in the society. She uses her skills and an event planner, organizer and net worker to bring quality programs and fundraising events to benefit the lives of many people.
Rebecca started a Flag Dag program at the Metamora Village Post Office. She is active with 4-H, her arbor partnering with the Goats & “Udder” Things Club for JOIN HANDS DAY community projects at the local library, where her arbor has maintained the flower beds for 14 years. This year’s project raised money to benefit the 4-H camp swimming pool renovation and the county fairgrounds fire station. Through her efforts, a goat barn was renovated on the fairgrounds, allowing the club to move out of a tent. Last year, Fulton County awarded her the “2006 Friend of 4-H Award.”
She has also supported the Evergreen Community Library by hosting fundraising teas with the proceeds going to construction of a new Community Room, used by many non-profit organizations. She has organized drives for the local food bank at the library, assisted in the summer reading program and helped when the library had to move to temporary quarters.
Rebecca also finds time to assist with summer Bible camps, help distribute free tree seedlings on Arbor Day and volunteer as a 5th-grade classroom assistant at the Evergreen Elementary School. She has implemented Safety Day at the junior high, covering topics like weather, farm equipment and lawn mowers, fire, CPR, boating, biking and downed power lines. She has headed fundraisers to benefit house fire victims and a farmer who lost his leg in a tractor accident.
As Jane Dominique, the Evergreen Community Library Director, puts it, “Rebecca Ott is a perfect example of the power of one person to make a difference.”
Richard M. Kueppers
The Catholic Aid Association
Saints Peter & Clemens Council
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Richard has served as fraternal secretary of St. Peter & St. Clemens Council since 1992, taking care of finances for the council as well as other duties. He also serves as chairman of Dorothy Day Volunteers for his council.
Richard has been a member of Assumption Parish since 1987, and has served as an usher since that time as well. He is the co-chair for planning casino trips with another volunteer at St. Francis de Sales. He takes care of contacts with the parish pertaining to their community breakfast, and any other activities being held at the parish. Richard also is a volunteer driver for seniors to their doctor appointments, shopping for groceries etc.
Richard lives in Inver Grove Heights with his dog, Angel. He worked in probate court for 24 years and currently is retired and enjoying life, by volunteering, playing golf, fishing and playing the piano or organ.
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.
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