The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of December 17, 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 December 17, 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.
James “Kervin” Jupe
Catholic Life Insurance
Tours-West Branch #4
Tours, Texas
Although Kervin Jupe has been a branch officer for 38 years, he has never been one to sit back and rest on his laurels. Even as ill-health slowed him down last year, the Tours resident remained a man on a mission; promoting Catholic Life Insurance by helping where needed.
He and his fellow branch officers demonstrate the difference that a few people can make in a community. A special Branch Disaster Relief program they created aids Tours-West Branch members when tragedy strikes. The JOIN HANDS DAY beautification projects that they have undertaken with area youth have transformed the grounds of St. Martin’s Church.
At the same time, Kervin has coached Little League Baseball and Little League Football long after his own kids were grown. He has served St. Martin’s Church on the pastoral committee and has served as a Leroy City Councilman.
Kervin and his wife, Betty, are regulars at all the Catholic Life events.
Bonnie Theis
Catholic Aid Association
St. Boniface Council
Cold Spring, Minnesota
Bonnie is a Sacristan for St. Boniface Catholic and has helped teach a neighborhood CCD group for four years and also helps with the parish festival. She has volunteered as a chaperone, coordinated volunteers for the home show, and helped make props and uniforms for the Rocori Drumline. She currently is on the Rocori Band Booster Board and is involved with fundraising for the band programs. Bonnie’s family also is hosting an exchange student from Germany for the 2007-08 school year.
Bonnie is a member of St. Boniface Catholic Aid in Cold Spring, Minn., and serves as the fraternal secretary for her council. She schedules the meetings and events and helps with the organization of the council’s fundraisers.
Bonnie and her husband, Ray, have been married for 21 years and have three daughters: Alicia, Emily and Carrie.
Anne M. Schiring
CSA Fraternal Life
Lodge Brati od Sazavy #211
Little Ferry, New Jersey
Anne is an active participant in many activities of her lodge. She is more than willing to lend a hand in all activities. She assumed the responsibility for sending cards to members, and she and another member are spearheading a project to provide and send school bags to children in Appalachia.
She is an active member in St. James Episcopal Church in Ridgefield, participating in many church drives. She is involved in the American Sokol and serves as an Avon fundraising coordinator. She participates in fundraising endeavors on a local and national level for the fire department, the ambulance corps, St. Jude’s, the food pantry of Englewood, New Jersey, and for a local boy battling cancer.
Lori A. Stoklosa
Polish Falcons of America
Nest #6
Buffalo, New York
Lori Stoklosa has been a member of Polish Falcons of America (PFA), Nest #6 since 1996. Since she became a part of the club, she has been one of its most energized and active members. There has never been a Nest #6 activity or national activity that she has been hesitant to help with. The PFA is a very important part of her life; not a day goes by that she does not mention something about Polish Falcons.
For the last three years, Lori has served as a director and the recording secretary for Nest #6. She came up with the idea for the Nest #6 spaghetti dinner, which has been Nest 6’s biggest fundraiser for the last 10 years. Lori also helps out with all nest activities, including the anniversary dinner, steak and corn roast, Nest #6 golf tournament, the officer installations, and the Monday night gym and volleyball classes. Every year, she participates in the Hospice walk in gratitude for the help they gave one of their members, and she visits the nuns at the Villa Maria Infirmary with other members from Nest #6 for Make A Difference Day.
When it comes to the National PFA, Lori has been going to volleyball tournaments, national Zlots, track and field events, and national camp ever since she became a member and continues to help today.
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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