The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVPs-Week of June 26, 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 26, 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.

Gerard (Art) Sheehan
Knights of Columbus
Council #5987
Monroe, Connecticut
Art is the consummate Knight of Columbus and has been a Knight for 39 years. He is a charter member of the Blessed Pope John XXIII Council and has served in numerous official capacities, including Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight and Trustee. Art is active in every aspect of council activities, regularly attends monthly council meetings and the council’s monthly Rosary.

Seeing a newscast about two young, American women who were injured while in combat, and how their once athletic lives were forever changed due to their injuries, Art felt compelled to offer support to them and to other wounded veterans. Art sent notes and letters to them to express his deep appreciation of their service and sacrifice. Hearing about his idea, others expressed interest and excitement about writing letters, as well. Art presented his “Messages of Cheer” idea to his council, and it was fully endorsed. Art then contacted local schools to encourage elementary grade students to write letters to wounded soldiers. Inspired by Art’s example of compassion, both parochial and public school educators instructed their students to write cheerful memos to hospitalized service personnel, especially to those who had been injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. Upon receiving the letters and notes, Art worked with the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., to distribute all correspondence. To date, because of Art’s efforts, more than 5,000 Messages of Cheer have been sent to Walter Reed Hospital and the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Art also is very active in his community and the cancer support group, Swim Across the Sound (SAS). Art became active in the SAS movement as a result of his personal experience with prostate cancer, and sees his contributions to this organization as opportunities to “give back.” Art is integral to the SAS “Buddy” program, which is a support group for prostate cancer patients. In addition to offering encouragement and guidance to newly diagnosed prostate patients, Art was asked to be an “advocate” for early prostate screening. Working with SAS executives and the organization’s public-relations department, he has served as one of its spokespersons, appeared on local radio and featured in informational videos about the disease.

Irvin Adelman
The Catholic Aid Association
St. John’s Council #349
Ortonville, Minnesota
Irvin’s selection as a Fraternal MVP will come as no surprise to the Catholic Aid employees who have grown accustomed to seeing his name accompanied by the word “president.” He has been in charge of one Catholic Aid Council or another for two and a half decades. He was the president of the St. Anthony Catholic Aid Council in Rosen, MN, for 20 years before retiring from his farm and moving to Ortonville, MN. Upon his resettlement, he and his wife, Veronica, decided to start a council in their new town as well. Irvin has been president of the St. John’s Council #349 in Ortonville since its charter in March 2002.

Irvin’s community involvement is centered on his membership in the Catholic Aid Association, the Knights of Columbus and the parish of St. John in Ortonville. At St. John’s Church, Irvin can be found at the altar as a communion distributor, and guiding people to their seats as an usher. He has been on the parish council since moving to Ortonville in 2002, and before that, in 2001, he sat on the finance committee for building the parish rectory. At the weekend masses in May, he coordinated the praying of the Rosary throughout the month.

Irvin and his wife deserve much of the credit for the creation of the St. John’s Council, which now has 80 members. He also recently took part in a member-assistance fundraiser, earning money for a St. John’s employee who had back surgery and could not work.

Kathy Gore
Equitable Reserve Association
Neenah Assembly No. 1
Neenah, Wisconsin 
Kathy has been an assembly officer and leader for more than 15 years. She has helped many families in need in her community and helped raise large donations for them.

“I try to always think of others and help in any way I can,” Kathy said. She has helped organize many assembly functions such as fundraiser “brat frys,” donations to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort for an affected member, matching funds projects for the Salvation Army and food pantry, and getting donations for an Adopt-a-Family at Christmas time. She also demonstrates her concern for animals by organizing donations to the local humane society.

Outside the assembly, Kathy helps out with many benefits for different causes. She also has volunteered with the Special Olympics and visited local nursing homes to play bingo with the residents.

William (Bill) Kocman
American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
St. Joseph #7
Pueblo, Colorado
Crediting his parents for teaching him the importance of his American-Slovenian heritage and Roman Catholic religion, Bill continues to believe that these wonderful gifts are the driving forces in the way he lives his life. And living his life is exactly what he’s doing, by playing golf in his spare time—when he’s not promoting activities to help the young people in his community. Retired from his teaching career of 34 years, Bill continues to serve his community by volunteering with school and church, but especially with activities that involve the recreation of community youth.

Bill still serves his Lodge as an officer and, from 1996 to 2002, was the Region 8 Director on the KSKJ National Board. He also recruits new members to his society as a sales representative.

Bill is an excellent example of a true fraternalist, as he always looks to do good for others and gives of his time in the true spirit of fraternalism.

Elva E. Silay
Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union (LPSCU)
Branch #64
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Elva was awarded the LPSCU 2005 Fraternalist of the Year Award due to her extraordinary acts of fraternalism, outstanding volunteer service in the community and uncommon leadership in the Branch and District. Elva has been a member of the LPSCU for 45 years. Currently, she is president of Branch #64 and treasurer of the Pittsburgh District. Her dedication in sponsoring new members for the LPSCU has been rewarding, as she won an award for sales in the 2004 campaign.

Elva’s volunteer service within her community and church has been commendable. She received the 2004 Volunteer of the Year Award, by the H.J. Heinz Company VIP Organization of Pittsburgh, for participation in the most projects. Some of these projects include work on behalf of cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Lupus Foundation, Alzheimer’s Foundation, Visiting Nurses Association, Brother’s Brother Foundation, Allegheny General Hospital, Children’s Festival, Carnegie Science Center, Community Outreach, Youth Ministry Book Sale, Pressley Ridge Home, and Presents for Patients, among many others. Elva is treasurer of the 27th Ward Senior Center and Judge of Election in her community. She is a member of Risen Lord Parish, North Side, Pittsburgh, where she volunteers at various activities. Providing leadership and ways to motivate others are prized qualities of Elva. She has motivated many friends to go out and volunteer. She has organized bowling parties for youth in her fraternal district and bingo socials for the elderly in assisted-living facilities. Elva is truly a “Fraternalist-in-Action.”

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.