The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of September 10, 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 September 10, 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.
Karen Brandl
The Catholic Aid Association
St. Boniface Council
Springfield, Minnesota
Karen has served as the Fraternal Secretary for St. Boniface Catholic Aid Council in Springfield for 21 years.
Karen is a member of the Brown County Extension Committee and served as President of the Prairie Samplers Quilt Guild, making baby quilts and knitted hats for the less fortunate, which are donated to “We Care,” Caring & Sharing Hands and area county social services.
Due to recent health problems, Karen has had to cut down on some of her commitments. She has been involved with the Council of Catholic Women (CCW) in various capacities—serving as group leader, parish president, parish scholarship coordinator, Region 2 Scholarship Coordinator and Region 2 Community Concerns Coordinator. In her community, Karen has been a 4-H Adult Leader for 15 years, has served on the 4-H Federation Advisory Board, served as 4-H Lunch-stand Committee Chair and assisted with fundraising for 4-H programs.
Karen grew up on a farm southwest of Clements, Minn. She and her husband, Richard, have been married for 29 years, and have four children and one grandson. Karen’s hobbies are spending time with family, friends, gardening, sewing and quilting.
Tammye Lange
Catholic Life Insurance
Gainesville Branch #25
Gainesville, Texas
Like most volunteers, Tammye is a busy person with a big heart. Besides working full-time, raising children and being active in her parish, she helps her husband out in his catering business. Still, she finds time to volunteer as a member of the Gainesville Branch.
The Gainesville Branch’s 2006 JOIN HANDS DAY project was one of 10 that received national recognition from the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA). The branch worked with students from St. Mary’s Church and Era High School to put together care packages for area soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.
The branch also gained national attention the year before when they helped prepare a meal for the Hurricane Katrina victims housed in the former Gainesville Hospital Building.
Caroll Kordus
National Mutual Benefit
Branch #734
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Caroll works with National Mutual Benefit and various other community organizations to further the well-being of others. She presently is serving her third term as Branch #734 President. She previously served as activity chairperson for various branch activities, including Brewers games, hockey games, pizza parties and annual dinners, just to name a few. Caroll organized this year’s JOIN HANDS DAY activity – a dance for handicapped young adults in conjunction with a local church.
Caroll helped establish the Wisconsin Branch of the National Stroke Association, and served as its secretary. She also was instrumental in establishing and organizing five stroke seminars for stroke survivors and their caregivers, and served as a peer visitor for stroke caregivers.
Caroll served as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader when her children were growing up – serving on the various boards in different capacities. She worked at annual church festivals many times serving as a booth chairperson, and cooked and served breakfast monthly for her church group. She was treasurer of the local high-school athletic association for four years. She also served as vice president of the 55-and-over group at her church, scheduling entertainment for their monthly meetings. Caroll also has worked with the Wilson Park and Humboldt Park 4th of July Associations in various offices to create a safe and active 4th of July for all participants.
Caroll worked at Fiserv, Inc., for 25 years. She has been very active in her local community with National Mutual Benefit and stroke groups.
Caroll and her husband, Bob, a stroke survivor, have five volunteer-oriented children and nine grandchildren.
Sharon J. Tebow
Woman's Life Insurance Society
Woman’s Life Club #1
Denver, Colorado
Sharon has been the secretary/treasurer for Woman’s Life Club #1, Denver, for eight years. As an active member of her club, Sharon has recruited several new members by inviting them as guests to annual fundraising activities and regular monthly meetings. She has been the coordinator for her club’s monthly collections to support community organizations. She collects and coordinates delivery of donated school supplies, canned and packaged food items, personal care products and Easter and Thanksgiving baskets to a diverse list of charitable organizations, including The Delores Project, Warm Hearts – Warm Babies, Inter-Faith Community Services, The Gathering Place, Jeffco Action Center and several local animal shelters. She also knits items used for infant burials.
Sharon is instrumental in the planning and organization of Club #1’s annual craft sale. She encourages all club members to get involved in craft making or assisting with supplies and sales.
Sharon has been a member of the Colorado Chorale, a community chorus, for 37 years. She performs in concerts given several times a year in addition to serving as the music librarian for this organization.
Sharon serves as the secretary-treasurer of two irrigation companies where she is responsible for daily monitor readings and cleaning grates of debris along a two-mile path, which delivers water to approximately 200 homes. She also is an active volunteer for several church functions.
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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