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The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action" 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 29, 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. Laura Hollister Two years ago, Laura joined Catholic Knights and immediately accepted a leadership role, eager to revitalize the branch and find ways to serve others. Currently, Laura is the vice president of her lodge, Branch #299 in Pulaski, WI. This past February, she was a key leader in organizing a fundraiser for a 5-year-old girl with a rare skin disease—one of the most successful fundraising events in the history of Catholic Knights, raising $35,000. Laura’s knowledge, commitment and connections in her community were instrumental to the success of that event. The event was successful in terms of the funds it raised, as well as its effectiveness in uniting a community to support a family in need. Laura already is working with her branch on their next community fundraising event for autistic children. Coral Grout Even though Coral has a very busy career as Superintendent of Public Schools in Acushnet, MA, she is a dedicated volunteer and community activist. Her community involvement has included the Clara Barton Camp for Diabetic Children, Greater Gardner AIDS Task Force, American Cancer Society Board of Directors, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames XVII Century, the Winchendon Historical Commission and the Winchendon Cultural Council. She also serves as a lector and Eucharistic minister for Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Much of her volunteer time is devoted to the American Legion Auxiliary. She is a Gold Life Member and has held numerous posts at the state, Eastern Division and national levels. Her dedication to helping veterans also has inspired her chapter to offer its support by holding an annual veteran recognition event. Jo Ann Hood Through her church, First United Methodist of Portland, Jo Ann volunteers in the Hands of Christ program, in which volunteers go to the homes of disadvantaged people in the Portland area and perform repairs that they are unable to do for themselves or cannot afford to have done, such as roofing, replacing windows and painting. She also volunteers with the Texas Department of Human Services in the Child Abuse Case Worker Program, providing for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Jo Ann finds sponsors for this program and makes sure that these children have back-to-school clothes, Christmas presents, Easter baskets, etc. Throughout her volunteer hours, Jo Ann also finds time to work within the fraternal lodge system. She has been a member of Corpus Christi Hermann Sons Lodge #34 for almost 30 years. She currently is serving as the lodge’s financial secretary, a position she has held for four years. She regularly attends lodge meetings and special functions. Jo Ann regularly takes part in her lodge’s two trash pick-ups each year along its adopted stretch of highway in Corpus Christi. She was part of the Welcoming Committee for the past two Grand Lodge Conventions, which were held in Corpus Christi. She also helps plan special parties for the lodge, such as the annual Christmas party and summer social picnic. Alice Diemer Alice is currently employed at Putnam Acres Care Center, a local nursing home, and also volunteers countless hours at the facility. She mends and sews garments for the residents and their families, splitting the clothing and attaching Velcro to make it easier for residents to dress themselves. She also assists with dinners and their annual picnic, plus she volunteers at their booth at the county fair. Within her community, Alice is a former disaster chairman for the American Red Cross and continues to man the phones and radios in emergency situations. She has served on Glandorf Village Council for 16 years, plus was an officer in the Glandorf Volunteer Fireladies organization. Alice is a Eucharistic Minister at St. John’s Catholic Church and takes communion to the residents of the nursing home monthly. Nancy Cunha On the local level, she is actively involved in coordinating annual food, clothes and toy drives, as well as neighborhood clean-ups. Nancy also participated with several volunteer organizations including Catholic Social Services; Good News Soup Kitchen; Visalia Rescue Mission and Abused Family Services; Visalia Emergency Aid; and the Altar and Rosary Society. She also is involved with Catholic Religious Education program for primary grades, as a teacher and principal. Nancy is responsible for organizing the annual UPPEC Visalia Council Halloween Carnival. She also coordinated the “Pennies from Heaven” campaign for the Religious Education program, raising funds to purchase trees for the parochial school grounds. During her long career as a volunteer, she has been involved with coordinating visits to convalescent homes, assisting with drug and alcohol awareness programs, serving on the Tulare County Museum Board, and being a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 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. |
In Laura’s own words, “I listened to the message from the pulpit that we need to take care of our neighbors.” Taking that message to heart, Laura has committed herself to leading volunteer efforts in her community. Through her employment with US Bank, Laura oversees many volunteer initiatives. She’s the coordinator of US Bank Eve, a family-oriented, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration, in Green Bay, WI. In addition, she has been the bank’s 
Coral is a fourth-generation fraternalist from Massachusetts and has been involved in her chapter since her youth. Coral, her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents have a long fraternal history. In fact, her great-grandfather was President of the local council of the then Union Saint-Jean-Baptitste (USJB), shortly after the fraternal benefit society was founded in 1900. USJB later merged with Catholic Family in 1991. Today, Coral holds the office of Vice President and is very involved in all chapter activities, including a very successful 
Jo Ann is an all-around fraternalist. Community service is nothing new to her. In the past year, she has made an impression in her community by working with the Kairos Prison Ministry. She and her husband, Paul, are part of a team that conducts a three-day program, designed to change the lives of those incarcerated long-term, at the state prison in Beeville, Texas. Held twice a year, this ministry program includes small-group discussion, meditation, music, skits and many other opportunities for fellowship. Each time, the prison chaplain selects 42 men to go through the program. The program is so successful that there are five times more applicants than there are openings, and 
As a past director of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia, Alice has worn many fraternal hats within her society. She has helped plan their quadrennial convention and has organized 
If you are in need or there’s a job to be done, you can bet Nancy will be at the helm of it all. Her character of “why can’t it be done,” began her role as a volunteer at a very young age and has not stopped to this day. She currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for her council, a position she has held on two previous Board terms; as council treasurer; as a committee member of the By-Laws, Jurisprudence, Ritual Revision, Council Workshops, Council Support, and Jr. College Scholarship committees, in addition to serving as State President for the term 2003-2004. For a number of years, she served on the UPPEC State Youth Committee and was Assistant Youth Advisor for Visalia Council for over 25 years. Recently, she reorganized the Visalia youth council and serves as its mentor. She has promoted numerous fundraisers, social activities, and chaired many committees, including the UPPEC Centennial convention in 2001 and anniversary celebrations.  |
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