The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVPs-Week of July 10, 2006

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of July 10, 2006. 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.

June Lenig
Gleaner Life Insurance Society
Rolling Prairie Arbor #557
LaPorte, Indiana
June currently serves as Supreme Chaplain for Gleaner, Rolling Prairie Arbor Secretary-Treasurer and co-chair of Indiana’s annual state picnic. She also is past president of Gleaner’s Indiana State Association. She and her late husband are long-time Gleaner fraternalists who have set wonderful examples for their children and grandchildren, who are now active Gleaner fraternalists, too.

While June volunteers much of her time to Gleaner, she’s also active with her local 4-H board and her church, namely the LaPorte County 4-H Council and the Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, in addition to many other organizations. For four years, June has been the Awards and Activities Chair for the LaPorte County “Relay for Life” for the American Cancer Society. She is the Superintendent of the LaPorte County 4-H Poultry Program, in which she heads a committee of 14 with 130 4-H members. June also serves on the LaPorte County Extension Board and previously worked on Rolling Prairie Farmers’ Fest Committee.

Mary E. Kebisek
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA)
St. Ann’s Society, Branch #376
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mary has been the Recording Secretary-Treasurer of St. Ann’s Branch #376 since 1991. In 1993, Mary was elected President of the Louise M. Yash District and, since then, has been representing the Wisconsin District and speaking at the FCSLA conventions. Taking a brief hiatus in 2000, Mary returned to FCSLA as President of her branch in 2003, and has been President of the District since that time.

Mary volunteered with employees of the P&H Mining Equipment Company in West Milwaukee, helping to refurbish a home for an ill gentleman with a disabled son. She also joined with the employees to serve lunches to the homeless, sponsored by The Gathering—an organization whose volunteers cook and feed homeless people throughout the city.

Through JOIN HANDS DAY, Mary has brightened the lives of nursing-home residents, retired nuns and disabled veterans by gathering volunteers of all ages to visit them and bring them small gifts. The conversation and gifts help to assure these people that they have not been forgotten.

Sylvia Weiler
National Catholic Society of Foresters (NCSF)
St. Mary Court #998
Rudolph, Wisconsin
When you say “fraternal,” that’s Sylvia. In 2004, Sylvia was president of NCSF Court #998 in Rudolph, WI, as she was for many years before. She headed the court benevolence pancake breakfast, raising $3,000 to help rebuild part of the church’s picnic grounds, and $1,000 for a house fire victim. She helped organize Make a Difference Day and JOIN HANDS DAY projects, and participated by helping a local handicapped group do crafts and play bingo. For Holy Week, she collected, sorted and delivered towels to needy organizations in the area. She is an active member of Catholic Daughters of America, where she judges a poetry and art contest annually. She is President of the Rudolph Homemaker Group, and serves as Treasurer of her county’s Homemaker Group.

Sylvia is very active in her local church. She’s a homebound Eucharistic Minister, taking communion to the people unable to attend mass. Sylvia also is a lifetime member of the adult choir, has served on church committees and helps decorate the church for Christmas and Easter. In addition, she is active in her local cancer walk and the United Way.

Dennis Zembrzuski
Polish Falcons of America
Nest #31
Troy, Michigan

Dennis has been a member of Polish Falcons, since he was five years old, joining as a midget member of the Nest #31 gym class. Dennis competed in district and national volleyball tournaments, zlots (competitions) and bowling tournaments. His love of running was acquired while practicing for competitions as a young boy, and he still is a runner today.

Dennis has been Nest #31 President since 1981. Before becoming Nest President, he served on the Board of Directors and was on the Bar Committee. As a young man, he was the Nest Instructor and then, eventually, the District Instructor. In 1990, Dennis became the Vice President of District XIII and still holds this office. He also is the District XIII Legion of Honor Secretary, attaining this position in 1992. The Legion of Honor is an elite group of Falcon members who have received awards on different levels due to their dedication and service to the organization. Even though Dennis currently is not an Instructor, he is very involved with the youth of Polish Falcons. He attends every event that involves the youth members of Nest #31 and District XIII, sometimes serving as a chaperone. Dennis is always there to support, encourage, nurture, guide and lead youth members into the future.

Lucille Komorosky
Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union (LPSCU)
St. Ann Lodge, LPSCU Branch #163
Youngstown, Ohio
Lucille is President of St. Ann Lodge, LPSCU Branch #163, and Treasurer of the LPSCU Rev. Baloga District. She is very active in her branch and district, and attends all meetings and activities. Lucille is a dedicated fraternalist, who is well-liked by her fraternal brothers and sisters.

Lucille also is active in her local parish, St. Matthias Church in Youngstown, Ohio. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister in her church and takes Communion to the sick and shut-ins of her parish. She is a member of the Rosary Society and leads the Rosary in church before mass. She also is President of the Infant Guild. Lucille volunteers at all monthly church dinners, and is a dedicated worker at the bingo fundraisers for her church and school. Every year, she chairs the parish’s Mother’s Day Breakfast and still finds the time to volunteer in the parish rectory.

In addition, Lucille participates in cultural events in her community. She is a kind and considerate person who is willing to help anyone in her church and community.

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.