The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVPs-Week of June 19, 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 June 19, 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.

Larry Zollinger
Foresters
Desert Valley Branch
Agua Dulce, California
Larry is involved with many charities and organizations, such as Special Olympics, Saddle Up, Boys & Girls Clubs and the Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley. Larry provides tickets to Lancaster JetHawks minor-league baseball games for the children of these various groups, in addition to making monetary donations to the organizations. Larry has been a volunteer coach/cheerleader/score keeper for various Special Olympic competitions. He also is selling cookbooks, which he wrote, authored, and published at various events to benefit Special Olympics.

For Saddle Up—a therapeutic recreational horseback-riding program designed for children with mental and physical disabilities—Larry sponsored and volunteered on a Walk-a-thon/Roll-a-thon fundraiser, in addition to being involved in the planning of this event as well. For Boys & Girls Clubs, Larry volunteered for two golf tournaments that raised $150,000 last year. He also donated 400 Halloween costumes and supplies, which he personally collected. Larry sponsored and volunteered at a Super Bowl Party for the kids, and will sponsor and volunteer at an upcoming Big-Rig Truck Racing fundraiser.

Larry also donates his time to the Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley, which provides a continuum of services to child victims of abuse, children at risk of abuse, and their families. Larry served on the committee for the Heartsounds Ball, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Children's Center, which raised more than $212,000 last year. He also acquired auction items, volunteered and secured 25 additional volunteers for the event. In addition, Larry provided the supplies and manpower for the “build a bookshelf” program for fathers and their children. He also sponsored a booth at Expectant Mom’s Fair, where he assisted with the set-up and manned the booth. Larry also sold his cookbooks at the booth and donated the proceeds back to the Children’s Center.

Foresters™ is a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters.

Julianne Cyr
Catholic Family Life Insurance
Chapter #37
St. Albans, Vermont
At just 18 years old, Julianne has already received Catholic Family’s 3,000-Hour President’s Volunteer Club award and was nominated by the Society as its Fraternalist of the Year. She currently serves as Vice President of CFLI Chapter #37, St. Albans, VT, and President of CFLI District 9.

After having served as a senate page in Washington, D.C., during high school, Julianne became very active in local and state government. She was named to the academic Dean’s list and is the captain of the equestrian team at Seton Hill University. And while she carries a double major in Pre-Law and International Business, she has not left behind her dedication to community service. She most recently has been involved in an ongoing project in which volunteers assemble and send care packages to the soldiers fighting overseas. She is also an active member of the Make-A-Wish Club, which raises money to help support the children who are a part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, is the teen representative on her parish council, and the teen representative on Vermont’s 4-H Horse Council.

Margaret (Peg) A. Paradise
Woman's Life Insurance Society
#59 Rochester
Rochester, New York
Peg has been active fraternally with Woman’s Life for more than 60 years. She has literally held every office and currently leads the Review in active community service with her excellent organizational and planning skills. It is evident that she truly loves her involvement and, over the years, has expanded membership to include spouses. She served as a Board Member on the Woman’s Life Insurance Society Board of Director’s from August 11, 1998, to retirement in August 2002.

As President of her Review, she plans a yearly calendar in which they support St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Juvenile Diabetes, Mercy Flight Central, and many hospices through collecting pennies in a penny fund. They annually visit a nursing home where they sing, serve cookies and punch and donate many handmade lap robes, walker bags and plastic crosses made by the members. At Christmas they pack more than 30 boxes for Samaritan Purse. Peg and her Review members are able to support these projects by having dinners, raffles and card parties.

Peg’s many volunteer projects include being her Church Treasurer for over 20 years, Sunday School Teacher, Bell Choir Director for young children, Vacation Bible School and doing regular cleaning for her church. She continues to drive for the Ecumenical Food Shelf, delivering boxes of food to needy families, and regularly takes a senior citizen shopping.

Robert (Bob) J. Alley
Workmen's Benefit Fund of the USA
WBF Branch #1
Manhattan, New York
Bob is a lifelong volunteer who has given time to his church, his community and to various organizations where people are in need. Bob is the Secretary/Treasurer of Workmen's Benefit Fund (WBF) Branch #1 and of the WBF Manhattan/Westchester District. In this capacity, Bob plans and implements events for the society members, so they can enjoy the theatre, ballgames or the gala annual picnic and holiday party.

Within the community, Bob is a past president of the Holy Name Society, whose ministry helps to raise funds for the church. He also is the president of the Social Relief Society, which is a community-based organization that provides funds to those in need. Bob spends much of his time volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping to distribute furniture, clothing and food to the underprivileged in his community, in addition to being a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Kings Park, and an usher at Christ the King Church in Commack, NY.

As the Vice-Commander of American Legion Post #944, Bob gives his time to those in need of a friend. He makes weekly visits to Pilgrim State Hospital spending quality time with the residents, making their stay a little easier.

RuthAnne Lemos
Supreme Council of S.E.S.
Council No. 25
National City, California
In 2005, RuthAnne stepped up to take the position of First Vice President when the office became vacant. The following year, she became Supreme President. RuthAnne was involved in the Cabrillo Civic Clubs’ scholarship program as a reader and grader for 32 years. She also participated in the March of Dimes Walks for many years. As a California School Employees Association member, she and her group would visit senior retirement homes to sing Christmas carols and take gifts to the senior citizens. Her school group also raised money for the needy. In 1995, RuthAnne became a member of S.E.S. Council No.25 of Modesto and has served as President of Council No.25.

Retiring in 2003 after 36 years of service in the Admissions and Records Office at Modesto Junior College, RuthAnne is now a member of the retired unit of the California School Employees. She was a member of the American Business Women of America. She was a Festa Sidemaid for the Crows Landing Festa. In 1974, she joined Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California and is active to this day. She has held many offices on the state and local level. She was a local president for two different terms, and on the state level, in 1999, she became State Second Vice President, working her way up to State Cabrillo President in 2001. While on the local level, she was Civic Affairs Chairman and Secretary. In 2001, she was honored at Modesto Junior College as a Woman of Distinction.

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.