The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of March 3, 2008
The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of March 3, 2008. 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.
Richard Sid Toleno
The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America
Umpqua-Roseburg Council #887
Roseburg, Oregon
Richard "Sid" Toleno has been a member of The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America's (UCT) Roseburg-Umpqua Council #887 for 24 years. Sid originally joined the organization because Council #887 helped to sponsor his men's softball team and he felt a sense of obligation. Through the years, that obligation has turned to respect for both UCT and its members.
Sid has served through the line of offices of Council #887, earning his Past Counselor honors in 1991, and has served through the line of offices of the Oregon-Washington-British Columbia Grand (regional) Council, earning his Past Grand Counselor honors in 2001. He currently is making his way through the Grand Council line of offices for a second time and serves on numerous committees on the local, Grand and Supreme (international) levels.
Becoming a UCT leader has been beneficial for Sid, helping him to develop the skills that have made an effective community leader, as well. Some of his projects include volunteering at a local dog park, serving as assistant coach for a high school lacrosse team and as coach for a junior high school team, assisting with making Braille books, restoring a local park, and participating in walk-a-thons for the American Cancer Society and the Diabetes Association. Sid and his wife, Dianna, who is also an active UCT member, also sponsor an annual high school scholarship in memory of their late son.
Sid has been a longtime supporter of the local Boys & Girls Club and recently worked with Council #887 to provide the club with a new portable electric scoreboard as well as a new pitching machine.
In addition, Sid is past president of the Lions Club and a past Board member of T.R.E.E.S. (Tree Resources Equal Economic Stability). He currently serves on the Board of S.O.D. (Sane Orderly Development), working for better community planning, sits on the steering committee for the designation of the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, and has joined an ad hoc committee to help Roseburg on its buildable-lands inventory and urban-growth boundaries.
Judith Shulin
CSA Fraternal Life
Lodge Groveton #4
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Judy Shulin’s friends declare that she is the “epitome of what fraternalism is all about.” Judy has been a loyal CSA member for 15 years and currently serves as the lodge’s secretary and District Council #8’s treasurer, never missing a lodge or council meeting.
She has been committee chair of the Lodge Recognition Program and is involved in the Czech Auction, JOIN HANDS DAY projects and Christmas parties. She helps at all lodge bowling functions. As an Avon representative, she donates Avon products to many fundraisers, for her lodge, the VFW Post 402 cancer program and the West Hills Meals on Wheels. She also donated a case of Avon’s Skin So Soft® bath oil (a well-known mosquito repellent) to the U.S. military in Iraq.
Judy has a son, Jim, and has been married to her husband, Vince, for over 40 years. Before retiring to be a full-time wife and Avon representative, she worked in the payroll department of a large company where she traveled extensively to job sites.
Judy is ready at any time to provide support and assistance to Lodge Groveton or community projects. She is always there for family or friends who need a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s office. Judy can never say “no” to anyone needing a helping hand.
Troy Hattery
Foresters
Bonanza Branch
Las Vegas, Nevada
Troy became branch president in the fall of 2005. A few weeks after taking over, he put together the first branch event in years … a Thanksgiving Dinner for the disadvantaged youth and families in Las Vegas. And his charitable giving has not stopped since. Troy has single-handedly resurrected the branch. Troy regularly rallies the branch members to support several local charities. Troy spends endless hours working with Boys & Girls Clubs, American Heart Association, Clarke County Schools, Police and Fire Emerald Society, just to name a few. Assistance is much more then writing a check to the charity. Troy’s passion for community service is inspiring.
Troy has spent a significant amount of time working with the Boys & Girls Clubs. He has sponsored events such as the Back To School Picnic, Back To School Program, meals for needy children, and purchased tickets to baseball games. The Emerald Society has received assistance with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, annual golf tournament and a baseball team sponsorship. Donations have been made to Clarke County Schools, helped sponsor the Junior Olympics Tae Kwon Do team, the Lions Club and the Shop with A Cop program. But you don’t have to be an organization to receive help from Troy. On a very regular basis, Troy supports members in need. He has purchased wheelchairs for members that could not afford to do so themselves. He also has purchased meals and other household necessities for those in need.
Troy has a very long history with Foresters. He has been a member for decades. In that time, he has sold Foresters policies and has held a number of officer and committee positions.
Troy is the general manager of a concrete, sawing and drilling company. He has been married for 18 years and has two sons. Troy and his family primarily volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club and the Police and Fire Emerald Society, but also help out wherever they can in their community.
Irene Vrabel
Catholic Life Insurance
Taylor Branch #47
Taylor, Texas
It is so rare to catch Irene Vrabel at home that one wonders when she has the time to bake the kolaches, cookies and other homemade items that she donates for St. Mary’s School fundraisers, takes to the nursing home in nearby Granger, and makes for her six grandchildren.
The recently retired banker spends her days giving generously to many area organizations. The nursing home in Granger is a frequent stop for the Taylor resident and her husband, Johnny. They visit each week, sometimes bringing her homemade items. She also sings in the St. Mary’s Folk Choir and participates in three polka masses, as well as at special parish occasions.
At Christmas, she and Johnny cook 34 pounds of black-eyed peas for the St. Mary’s New Year’s Dance and help prepare the meal for the annual Christmas Dance.
As Secretary-Treasurer of the Taylor Branch of Catholic Life, Irene helps organize the Back-to-School Hamburger Cookout, the Christmas party and the annual meeting. She helps fellow officers put together JOIN HANDS DAY events, Make A Difference Day projects, and their annual Flag Day activities.
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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