The Mission of the American Sokol Is to Provide Fitness and Community for Individuals and Families Through Physical, Educational, Cultural and Social Programs
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The mission of the American Sokol is to provide fitness and community for individuals and families through physical, educational, cultural and social programs. June 2016 | Volume 139 | Issue 5 AMERICAN SOKOL 9126 Ogden Avenue Brookfield, Illinois 60513 USA www.american-sokol.org 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS AMERICAN SOKOL TABLE OF CONTENTS ISSN 003-1259 Board Information ................................................... 2 Published nine times each year: Jan, Feb, March/April, May, June, July/Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov/Dec. The Presidential Address ........................................ 3 American Sokol, 9126 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL, 60513 Subscription: $12.00 per year The Sokol Educator ................................................ 4 Periodical postage paid at Brookfield, IL and additional Sokol Memories ..................................................... 5 mailing offices. Capital Campaign Grants ....................................... 6 American Sokol Gymnast ..................................7-10 2014-2018 Executive Board Jean Hruby President National Administrative Conference ..................... 11 Bob Podhrasky 1st Vice President Rising Star ............................................................ 12 Roger Martanovic 2nd Vice President Instructor's School ............................................... 13 Bev Domzalski Secretary Meribeth Tooke Treasurer 2017 Cedar Rapids Save the Date ....................... 14 Donna Tirva Financial Secretary Calendar of Events ............................................... 15 Maryann Fiordelis Physical Director Advertise with Us ................................................. 16 Ethna Flaherty Educational Director Lynda Filipello Public Relations Allen Cushing Foundation Kathy Barcal Board Member From the Editor... Howie Wise Board Member This summer will be more exciting than most. Well, at least as exciting as it was four years ago when the Fierce Five took home Allison Gerber Board Member team gold for the Women's Artistic Gymnastics team. I for one cannot wait to see how the returning and new team members perform under the unimaginable amount of stress associated with the entire world watching to see if you'll earn a 10. Umm, I mean code of points. Board of Governors Watching the Olympics is a great time to spend with family and Jean Hruby President, American Sokol friends cheering on the good old red, white and blues in any of Allison Gerber Western District the over 40 events. Let's all go for gold this summer! Irene Wynnyczuk Eastern District NAZDAR! Alice J. Khol Northeastern District Bob Podhrasky Southern District Yvonne Masopust Pacific District Lynda Filipello Central District Save a Tree... Save Our Organization. CLICK HERE: Bev Domzalski Secretary http://american-sokol.org/gogreen/ ASO Executive Board Meets every 4th Tuesday* at 7:00 pm CST To Submit Items for Publication: ASO Board of Instructors Email: [email protected] Meets every 2nd Wednesday* at 7:30 pm CST Postal Mail: American Sokol Editor, Julie Kaupert, 1333 W. Touhy Ave., #216, Park Ridge, IL 60068 *except in July and August National Office Administrator: Mary Cushing National BOI Office Secretary: Juanita Lo Giudice Postmaster: By-Laws Chairman: Jolene Dalton Send Notice of Undeliverable Periodicals to: National Publication Editor: Julie Kaupert American Sokol, 9126 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 The American Sokol provides fitness and community for individuals and families through physical, educational, cultural and social programs. EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT 3 The Presidential Address The Sokol Eye – Sokolským Okem There is this overwhelming rush of emotion that comes over me when something happens in our organization that connects the past with the present. One of those “things” that makes you go, “hmm.” I get the chills and feel as if Tyrs, or “someone” is watching over us. We are so connected to each other with our love and passion for Sokol, there is no doubt, our souls are somehow connected. As you have been reading, our Library Archives and Museum Committee has actively taken action to digitize our collection, find a physical location, and develop a fully working museum and library with programs and displays. For the summer we hired Julie Barcal to begin the digitization process and access the inventory. Some of you remember her father, Stanley Barcal who lived for the Sokol organization, contributed in more than amazing ways, collected his own Sokol artifacts and truly cared about preservation of our history. When I asked Julie if she would begin the process with our collection, she was nearly speechless and very emotional. Julie said to me, “you know Jean, this was my dad’s dream as well… to see that American Sokol build a museum and library… and here I am continuing his dream. I can’t believe this is really happening.” It was at that moment that I not only felt Stan Barcal in our presence but felt his pride through his daughters eyes. Again, that moment gave me new energy to know that we are doing a very good thing. Keeping our history alive, not by collecting alone but by giving it a destination and purpose for others to see. Our story should be told and available to others. It is up to us to make this happen. It will not happen just sitting in a room. It is a grand collection and is important in United States history. We will bring this collection digitally and physically to others through our new efforts and Julie will be a great asset helping to keep the momentum going. If you ever wonder how things happen or why they happen, you must believe that it comes from your own will to make it happen, chance that it can happen, and sometimes there is a part that gets a little extra push from those before us who are watching over us. Thanks Stan for your contributions, for Julie’s knowledge and preservation of your collections and for giving me another push to keep a good thing going. I hope you all agree that we are on a good path with our efforts. The new “Sokol Museum & Library” We have changed the name of our collection to the “Sokol Museum & Library”! We feel this is a simpler name that will be marketable and internet-friendly. We also decided that it defines our collection better because we have items from all Sokol organizations around the world. We hope to showcase different Sokol collections from outside organizations as well as personal collections someday soon. We have also finalized our mission statement and goals as you will find below. We look forward to more progress this summer. MISSON STATEMENT The Sokol Museum and Library is dedicated to preserving the history and accomplishments of the Sokol movement that was based, from its origin in 1862 in the Czech lands, on a program of systematic gymnastic training that cultivates a healthy body, sound mind and responsible citizenship. Sokol became a historic organization that established the Czech culture and Czech identity. The goal of the museum and archives is to demonstrate Sokol’s contributions to society as well as to gymnastics, physical fitness and sports. PURPOSE The not-for -profit museum is formed exclusively and strictly for educational, cultural, and scientific purposes as stated in the Articles of incorporation. Such purposes shall be carried out for the benefit of the public not for the special benefit of any private entity or group. The specific goals of the mission are to 1) provide, preserve and operate a library, museum, and an archives collection, and 2) restore and display artifacts, books, documents, continued on page 10 American Sokol June 2016 4 THE SOKOL EDUCATOR The Sokolfrom The NationalEducator Education Committee Summer Safety As you head off and begin summer fun in the sun, here are 10 tips for keeping kids (and adults, too!) safe this summer, courtesy of American Family Children’s Hospital. Block the Sun The sun's intensity is at its peak during the summer, so it is more critical than ever to apply lotion before going outside. Not just on sunny days either; the sun's rays can still damage your skin when it’s cloudy. Be sure to apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Stay Afloat Teach your children never to enter the water without an adult, and watch them at all times when you are near a pool or beach. Don't allow floaties or other flotation devices to take the place of close supervision. Wear a Helmet Unfortunately, many parents still do not insist that their children wear a helmet every single time they ride their bike. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 85 percent of bicyclists killed in 2003 reportedly were not wearing helmets. Roll with Caution In addition to helmets when inline skating, skateboarding and scooting, kids should always wear elbow, wrist and knee pads to prevent injuries associated with falls. Get Moving Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate. According to the American Obesity association, more than 15 percent of Americans ages six to 19 are obese. Summer is a wonderful time to head outside and get some exercise. Practice Car Care Don't ever leave your kids (or pets) in the car while you are running errands, even for just a few minutes. Stay Hydrated If spending time outside in hot weather is necessary, have your child drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in the shade. Watch for Traffic To promote safe pedestrian habits in your children, first set a good example. Your children learn from your actions, so if you walk out between parked cars, jaywalk or cross against a light, it is likely your kids will too. Prevent Bug Bites Never use insect repellent on infants. For older children, bug spray can be used sparingly, but wash it off as soon as your child comes indoors. Play Safely Always supervise your kids when they are playing on equipment. Teach them safe play habits, including sitting on the center of a swing and not twisting the swing chains, which can reduce their strength. The American Sokol provides fitness and community for individuals and families through physical, educational, cultural and social programs.