The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of November 13, 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.

Harold D. Fipps
Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society
Lodge #130
Cerro Gordo, North Carolina
 Harold Fipps routinely bends over backwards to assist those in his community that need a helping hand. Harold reaches out to the sick, shut-ins and needy in his community; he presents flags, history awards and plaques on behalf of his Woodmen of the World lodge; and he serves in many leadership roles in his community.

For 13 years, his fellow Lodge #130 members in Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, have elected him to be their president. Harold also serves as president of the local American Legion and is an active member of Gideon, traveling to about 24 North Carolina churches each year to speak on behalf of the organization.

In addition to his many duties as president of Lodge #130, Harold also is the chairperson of the annual golf tournament sponsored by the lodge and the North Carolina Annual Strawberry Festival Committee of Chadbourn, North Carolina. This event is a big responsibility and took a lot of time, energy and dedication, and even with his other important commitments, Harold handled this highly visible position with confidence. The event was acknowledged as a huge success by many important people and organizations in the community, and it raised funds for the lodge’s fraternal projects.

Harold has won numerous awards for his volunteer work, and he was elected as an Alternate National Representative for Woodmen’s National Convention. He has been described as the “mainstay” of Lodge #130, playing a major role in all of its successful projects. Not only does he fully participate in his church, lodge and other community organizations, he encourages others around him to do so, as well. His leadership sets a strong example for all that are lucky enough to encounter Harold Fipps.

Diane Symanietz
The Catholic Aid Association
Annunciation Council #360
Mayhew Lake, MN
 A family tradition of fraternalism is not only something Diane Symanietz learned growing up, it’s also something she’s making a point of passing on to her kids. Diane grew up as an active member of the Catholic Aid Association (CAA). When she moved away from her home council in Gillman, MN, she helped start a new one in 1992 in Mayhew Lake, MN, the Annunciation Council. Diane helped charter the Annunciation Council as its first fraternal secretary, a post she held until 2000, when she resigned to be with her children, as they were getting very active in after-school sports. In 2003, she came back as vice-president and has since been elected president.

Diane’s current service efforts support a range of issues she finds important. She’s taken the lead on her parish’s Ministry program, where CAA pays members of the parish who volunteer to satisfy unmet needs like grounds maintenance, assistance to seniors, or help with school chores. She also handles many of the social events at her parish, including matching-grant breakfasts, bingo, bake sales and church cleanings. In addition, Diane, her family and other Catholic Aid members serve as lay ministers at Mass.

Throughout her career and her work with her CAA council, Diane has been active in her community for her children, her church and her county. She’s a member of the Minnesota Financial Workers Association, the Minnesota Eligibility Workers Association, Christian Mothers, and was on the PTA for her children’s elementary school. She also volunteers for Birthline, a nonprofit pro-life group that reaches out to mothers during unplanned pregnancies. She has taught religious education at Annunciation Parish since 1998, and has just finished a season of campaign volunteering for the Republican Party.

John Reynolds
Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA)
Branch #V001
Buffalo, New York
 John accepted an Advocate position to start a new LCBA branch in his church, in addition to recruiting branch officers and members. He worked to activate the branch for the purpose of supporting the church and school, and is an active volunteer for both the church and school.

Thomas S. Janik
Polish Falcons of America
Nest #307
Southington, Connecticut
 A 23-year member of Polish Falcons, Thomas is very active in his local Falcons’ chapter or “nest.” He has been the Trustee of Nest #307 since 2000, and a member of its Advisory Board since 1998. He has served as Chairman of the Nest #307 Scholarship Committee since 1989, as Chairman of the Kielbasa Open Raffle Committee since 1987, and as Chairman of the 13-run pool since 1997. He also serves as a member of the nest’s Audit Committee, the Set Back Nest #307 Committee, Men’s Golf League Committee, and has participated in the National Gold League since its beginning. In addition, Thomas has been a Bronze Legion of Honor member since 2004.

Thomas also is active in his local community. He is a member of the local Lions Club Board of Directors, and serves as Chairman of the Lions Scholarship Committee. In addition, he serves as a member of the Lions Committee Cooking for Kids National Trails Day. Thomas worked at National Trails Day, by cooking from 4:00 a.m. to Noon, for youths up to age 12. He also serves as a committee member for his local Rotary Golf Tournament, for fundraisers for the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society, and for Tunxis Community College Education Charity fundraisers.

Thomas is an active member of education programs for youths with the Falcons and Lions. He encourages continuing education with scholarship funds, by traveling to high schools to promote higher education. He also organized a dinner at a local restaurant to honor high-school seniors who had participated in sports and/or clubs, while maintaining a high grade point average.