The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of May 28, 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 May 28, 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.
Fabiola B. Small
Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society
Lodge #6192
Port Arthur, Texas
Fabiola has been a tireless member of Woodmen of the World since she became a member 12 years ago. She has organized joint activities with the #4640 youth lodge for JOIN HANDS DAY projects, adopting nursing homes, cooking at the Triangle Soup Kitchen, organizing the Kwanzaa celebration and hosting a picnic for Port Arthur city employees. She spearheaded the Woodmen efforts in Port Arthur after Hurricane Katrina, including organizing a citywide clean-up, freeing funds to purchase needed goods, such as chainsaws, diapers and formula, for use by victims. She is an avid volunteer in her community, involved with Make A Difference Day, the “Community for the Handicapped,” VISA Healthy Neighborhood Program, St. Thomas Food Program Board, Port Arthur Independent School District Head Start Policy Council, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Weed & Seed Strategy Task Force, and acts as a special advocate against domestic violence through the Port Arthur court system. She also has been the recipient of many community service awards, in addition to being named the 2006 NFCA Fraternalist of the Year.
Fabiola also founded, Love People, Inc., a non-profit organization in her hometown of Port Arthur. Through this organization, she is able to assist local adults and youths with a variety of projects, including providing free childcare training for targeted Port Arthur residents.
“Fabiola Small is a true fraternalist who serves her lodge and her community with compassion and boundless energy,” said Woodmen of the World President and CEO James Mounce. “Her desire to help those in need is truly inspirational.”
In her spare time, Fabiola delivers meals to the elderly and sick; sends letters of hope to local crime victims, such as battered spouses; facilitates a healing of racism program; and sponsors a community awareness program for Black History Month at the Port Arthur Public Library.
“Fabiola inspires all the youths she comes in contact with to follow her example and become involved in community and charitable projects,” said Diana Lewis, Woodmen of the World Lodge #6192 Secretary. “She demonstrates to them the need for people to participate as much as possible and shows them how doing this can help them accomplish whatever they strive to do—to make themselves better people, better Christians and better world citizens.”
Frank Bucar
KSKJ Life, American Slovenian Catholic Union
Lodge #171, St. Elizabeth
Duluth, Minnesota
Frank is very active in his community as a volunteer. He is Past President of his local Community Club. He performs with a musical group at nursing homes and senior centers, as well as local schools. He also visits and brings gifts to the children’s wards at his local hospitals.
Frank annually participates in his lodge’s JOIN HANDS DAY event. He also volunteers as a translator, host/escort for Slovenian and Croatian military members when they visit the United States in participation of the Partnership for Peace Program. In addition, Frank has participated and/or chaired fundraising projects for local schools, churches, nursing homes, Special Olympics and athletic buildings for youth programs.
Frank is retired after completing a 29-year career with the Minnesota Air National Guard as the Superintendent of Recruiting and Retention for the State of Minnesota. He has been married for 35 years with four children and two grandchildren.
Josephine Moczygemba
Catholic Life Insurance
Cestohowa Branch #29
Cestohowa, Texas
Josephine has had a long and varied association with Catholic Life Insurance. A member since childhood, she currently serves as a Branch Vice President. Most recently, she served eight years on the Board of Directors. Previously, she served as a sales representative. Through it all, she has been an active volunteer in her branch and her tiny Polish-American community.
As a longtime branch officer, Josephine has helped the branch focus on maintaining their small parish. Since the JOIN HANDS DAY observations began, Josephine has brought the religious-education students and branch members together each year to perform a beautification project on the church grounds. They have trimmed trees, painted benches, installed new landscaping and erected a new community center sign.
Additionally, through her leadership, the Branch has held an annual Easter egg hunt on the parish grounds. This hunt grows larger and larger each year. The Branch also helps underwrite the parish Christmas party, which benefits the senior citizens of the parish.
Fifty years ago, Josephine helped found the Altar Society and today, still serves as an officer. A true patriot, she is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
She and her husband, Lucian, have four grown sons.
Doris L. Martin
National Catholic Society of Foresters
Augustine Tolton Court #391
Chicago, Illinois
Doris was the substitute of record for the Court’s secretary and upon the secretary’s death, was elected secretary. She works diligently in promoting Hearts and Hands projects. She also is very supportive of the Junior Director.
At her parish, St. John de la Salle, Doris has served on the parish council, school board and currently is serving on the advisory committee to the Pastor and the Alter and Rosary Sodality. She served on the board of directors of the Chicago Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women for 18 years. As president of the Chicago Archdiocesan Association of Foresters, Doris has worked very hard to keep the remaining courts actively involved. The encouragement to all members—whether they are shut-ins or just unable to attend meeting—is that they are an important asset to the organization.
She has been Parent President of the Parents Club of Mendel Catholic High School and established a Parent’s Alumni Club.
She is an active member of AT&T Telephone Pioneers (now Telecom Pioneers), serving as president, vice president and secretary of council clubs. Upon retiring, she worked as manager of the Pioneer Store and currently is the Life Member Representative, sending birthday cards to retired members throughout Illinois and Indiana.
She has been an active member of the Rosemoor Community Association, where she has resided since 1968. She also has worked with the Little League baseball team and held positions on the association board.
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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