OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL – MEMBERSHIP 30,000 – HOME OFFICE: 205 MADISON STREET, PASSAIC, N.J. 07055 – www.slovakcatholicsokol.org Periodical Postage Paid at original entry of Passaic, N.J., 07055 and additional mailing offi ces VOLUME CVII PPASSAIC,ASSAIC, NN.J.,.J., MMARCHARCH 114,4, 22018018 NUMBER 5112 Jesus is Risen as He said 2018 Fraternalist of the Year Program by Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, Happy Easter from celebrates volunteerism and outreach Supreme Chaplain our Protector Life insurance benefi ts may be of Sokol fraternalism and outreach. Happy Easter! There is breaking fi fty days until Pentecost. It was fi rst LENT/EASTER 2018 purchased from either a commercial Such individuals often do so quietly news! Jesus has risen from the dead! lit last night during the Easter Vigil REFLECTION insurance company or a fraternal and without much acclaim. Well, We hear all sorts of news every day symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection. benefi t society. Both provide fi nan- now is the opportunity for an As- but there is one news item more im- During every Mass until Pentecost cial security, however a fraternal sembly, Wreath or individual mem- portant than we will read a portion of the Acts of What does Lent mean for you? benefi t organization provides much ber to take the time to nominate an all others – the Apostles which shows us the ef- There are as many responses as there more than fi nancial protection. individual member who in their Jesus’ resur- fects of Jesus’ resurrection spreading are people. Sin, sacrifi ce, fasting, Founded after the American Civil estimation serves as a role model rection - and out as the Church grows and grows more prayer, ab- War, fraternals in the United States and mentor for others and who is yet we do not and spreads and spreads. When you stinence, meat- offered an important extra not found worthy of such recognition. There hear much throw a stone into a pond, the ripples less Fridays, in commercial suppliers - a vision are many such individuals out there about Jesus’ from the impact spread out and out, works of charity, and history of service and outreach and they should be recognized. So resurrection and during the next seven weeks we dieting, confes- to the community. The presence of at your next lodge or Group meet- in the news will see the impact of Jesus’ resur- sion, contrition, fraternalists in churches, educational ing, discussion of the Fraternalist of bulletins. We rection spreading out more and repairing a bro- institutions and outreach projects en- the Year program should be on the have studied history and there are more as we listen to excerpts of the ken relationship, hance the quality and effectiveness meeting agenda and an individual various different interpretations of Acts of the Apostles every day. service to those of these groups which help to make should be nominated. history but like news bulletins most Since no one else has risen, Jesus’ in need, alms- a difference in the lives of countless This year’s honoree will be pre- of them miss the most important words are the most important words giving, ashes, individuals and communities. Often sented with an appropriate plaque event of history, Jesus’ resurrection. of all time in the whole world. So Jesus carrying the Cross, suffering, fraternalists are movers and shakers along with a gift of $200 as a small But Jesus’ resurrection is the break- anyone looking for answers to ques- crucifi xion, death. who champion particular and noble token of our gratitude for his or her ing news. tions about life and the meaning of All these various aspects of Lent causes. They are able witnesses of efforts in promoting Slovak Catho- When there is big news you hear life and what to do with one’s life help us to re-think, re-focus, and the high ideals of fraternalism and lic Sokol volunteerism and outreach. about it for a few days or more. But ought to look to Jesus’ words for re-discover the meaning of Lent are pleased to serve the needs of oth- The presentation of the Fraternalist because Jesus’ resurrection is such the answer. The entire Bible is the which includes the strengthening ers. of the Year plaque will tale place at big news, we celebrate it in a par- word of God, but the four Gospels our relationship with God as well as Over the years, our organization a dinner hosted by our organization ticular way for the next fi fty days contain the words of Jesus which is with others. By going through the has been blessed with individu- for the honoree’s family and friends. during the entire Easter Season. We why we give the Gospels special im- discipline of Lent, whatever that is als who have championed a spirit A special nomination form is spend the next seven weeks unravel- portance. There are no other words for you, we discard all the extra bag- of caring and sharing among our available from the home offi ce. ing the meaning of Jesus’ resurrec- in the world like these words of the gage in our lives which has accumu- members and within the communi- Contact Daniel F. Tanzone who co- tion for our lives and the Church. Gospels. I once heard someone say lated over the years, that baggage of ties in which we reside. Since 1985, ordinates the program at 800 886- We see Jesus’ resurrection symbol- he would love to know what God worldly things which turn our gaze we have taken the initiative to honor 7656. A recent photo of the nominee ized by the Paschal Candle lit during thinks. There is a way to fi nd out and focus away from Christ. With such members with our Fraternalist should be included along with the every Mass throughout these next what God thinks. Read the words each step, as we walk with Christ of the Year designation. Each year completed nomination form. Dead- of Jesus. The words of Jesus come through His crucifi xion, Christ leads we ask the membership to recom- line for receipt of the completed from his heavenly Father. The words us out of the darkness of our world mend an individual member who in nomination form at the home offi ce of Jesus are the words of God. If you (Continued on page 10) their mind refl ects the vibrant spirit is Friday, July 6, 2018. want to know what God thinks, you have no further to look than the Bi- ble and especially the words of Jesus in the four Gospels. Not only is Jesus’ resurrection the biggest breaking news of all time, news that we continue to celebrate specially for the next seven weeks of Easter, news that shows us we have to listen to Jesus for the truth if we are looking for answers to questions about life, but Jesus’ resurrection is only the beginning. Before his death, he was in Galilee but since his resur- rection he is with us everywhere and in every time. The empty tomb tells us the body of Jesus was not there. A Joyous and Holy Easter Season Where was he? He appeared many to All Our Members and Friends times to his apostles and disciples during the next days. One of the things Jesus taught after his resurrec- Radostné a požehnané vel’konočné sviatky tion is that the place to look for him všetkým našim členom a priatel’om! is at Mass. On the road to Emmaus (Continued on page 10) PAGE 2 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, MARCH 14, 2018

Pittsburgh Agreement From the Supreme Phusical Fitness Board Message from our Supreme President Centennial Celebration A Healthier You! on April 15 in New York by Michael J. Horvath With the summer fast approach- your overall sugar and carbohydrate The Slovak League of America, a ing, I am sure everyone is looking intake. When you are shopping for civic and cultural federation of orga- attain that perfect beach body. I am food make a conscious effort to read to increase membership participa- Valentine’s Day 2018 was to be nized Americans of Slovak ancestry, sure that many people committed the labels and see how many grams tion. This brought a level of excite- a day to express our love, appreci- will host a special celebration mark- to a New Year’s resolution to lose of sugar are in the item. For exam- ment and was support by those at ate, honor and begin our 40 days of ing the 100th anniversary of the weight or ple, Greek yogurt is a great source the meeting. I believe this is a good lent, instead it signing of the Pittsburgh Agreement have a health- of protein and probiotics. However, start for the Assembly and hope turn out to be a on Sunday, April 15 in New York ier diet. As some companies pack it with sugar other Assemblies will do the same. day of tragedy. City. It was the Slovak League of we move into - up to 18grams! Try and fi nd that As you are reading this article Future Val- America along with the Czech Na- March, may- Greek yogurt or whatever food you your Board of Directors is holding entine’s Days tional Alliance, the representatives be the burden like that has less sugar, preferably its 1st quarterly meeting of 2018, will now re- of organized American Slovaks and of our every- 9-14 grams, because this in turn will March 16-18, 2018. The Board member Val- Czechs, which called and hosted day lives have help you keep the fat off. Carbohy- will be reviewing the results of entine’s Day the historic meeting in Pittsburgh in put our New drates are great sources of energy 2017 and hear the annual reports as the day that May 1918 and invited Thomas G. Year’s resolu- for the body that is because the body of the Slovak Catholic Sokol pro- young school Masaryk to the gathering. Masaryk tions on the turns them into glucose. Glucose is fessional advisors. Our investment students and would become the fi rst president of back burner. We make convenient a simple sugar that provides your advisor, PNC Investments, actuary, teachers lost their lives in a horrible Czecho-Slovakia in October 1918. excuses such as, “I will lose weight body with energy. However, if you CPS Actuaries and accountant, Vi- act of violence. Let us continue to The Pittsburgh Agreement spelled once I do fi nish my work project or I intake too many carbs and do not sion Financial will be giving us the prayer daily and each Valentine’s out in detail the rights of autonomy will exercise when the kids are done exercise the body takes the excess data on the fi nancial conditions of Day for all victims of violence and for the Slovaks who would partner with school.” Since I am newly ap- glucose and turns them into fat. If the Society and their recommenda- their families and continue to pray with the Czechs in the new state. pointed to the Supreme Physical Fit- you do consume carbohydrates it is tions on how to improve it in 2018. that this violence will stop. Unfortunately, Masaryk later failed ness Board, and given that my cur- important to buy whole wheat pasta Our Director of Sales and Market- On Sunday, March 4, 2018, I at- to honor the promised autonomy rent studies are in Physical Therapy, I and breads with grains. It is impor- ing, Albert J. Suess, Jr., F.I.C. will tended Assembly 59, Wilkes-Barre, and instead presided over a strong thought it would be benefi cial to give tant to try and avoid refi ned fl our. provide the Board with the results PA, annual meeting. It was one of centralist regime in Prague. The hy- you some helpful tips and advice to Dieting does no good without of 2017 and his plans for 2018. The the several meetings Assembly 59 phen found in the original spelling help you stick to your diet and lose exercise. I am not saying that you Physical Fitness Board will intro- holds in the year but it is the most of the new republic would disappear that weight for the beach body, or have to train like an Olympian, but duce their 2018 list of ideas and important meeting of the year. The in 1923. simply, healthier body, you want. moderate exercise along with diet- activities for the Boards approval. Assembly offi cers went through the The celebrate this historic docu- The most important thing when ing will reap benefi ts. The days are The Board then will make its rec- normal agenda items and then start- ment in the history of the liberation losing weight is to stay hydrated. getting longer and the weather will ommendation on the goals and ob- ed a discussion on how to get more of the Slovaks and Czechs, the Slo- Water is key to helping your body start to get warmer. A helpful hint jectives it wants to achieve in 2018. members interested in the Assem- vak League, will host the celebra- keep its metabolism going. Your me- to get some extra exercise is going All of the reports and minutes of bly and its meetings. The discus- tion at St. John Nepomucene Parish tabolism is important for turning all for walks as a family after dinner. the meeting will be published in sion led to activities and commu- located at the corner of East 66th the food you consume during the day Even if it is just 15 minutes! When a future issue of the Falcon. Anny nications. The members attending Street and First Avenue in Manhat- into energy. It is recommended that you drop your son or daughter off member having any questions re- the meeting were asked come to tan. The Rev. Richard D. Baker you drink 6 to 8 cups of water each for practice, maybe stay and walk or garding the reports of the meeting the next meeting with ideas for ac- serves as pastor of the United Parish day. However, with exercise it is im- run while they are practicing. Walk- tivities the Assembly can sponsor (Continued on page 4) of St. John Nepomucene, St. John portant to drink even more than those ing or running are great ways to also the Martyr and St. Frances Xavier 6 to 8 cups. Keep in mind that sug- help manage or prevent other dis- Cabrini. Slovak Mass will be cel- ary drinks such as juice and soda or eases such as high blood pressure, ebrated at 10:15 a.m. in church and pop are not good for you. That extra diabetes or high cholesterol. the luncheon and cultural program sugar you intake, if not burned, gets Hopefully the helpful hints I pre- begins at 1 p.m. in the parish social converted to fat right away, which is sented will help you get back on hall located at 407 East 67th Street then stored in your body. Am I tell- track with that New Year’s resolu- . Principal speaker at the luncheon ing you to not have your daily cup of tion, and get you to that ultimate will be Cynthia M. Maleski, Esq., orange or apple juice? No. Rather I beach body, or more realistically, a national president of the First Catho- am saying do not have that second or healthier you. lic Slovak Ladies Association and 3rd cup because that is unnecessary. Zdar Boh! our Sokolka. A cultural program Another valuable tip is to watch Kevin Matlon will feature the talent of the young tenor and star of the Metropolitan Opera, our Sokol of Assembly 182, FFunun FactsFacts AboutAbout EasterEaster Andrew Pulver who will present an YYouou ProbablyProbably Didn’tDidn’t KnowKnow array of beloved Slovak folk songs. The art of painting eggs is called to circle the globe not once, not A spirited display of Slovak folk pysanka, which originated among twice, but three times. dances will also be presented by a the Slavic nations. It involves using During the holiday, more than 90 local New York area Slovak folk wax and dyes to color the egg. million chocolate bunnies, 91.4 bil- ensemble. Area Sokol members are The term Easter gets its name lion eggs and 700 million Peeps are invited to attend the program which from Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon god- produced each year in the United includes a luncheon free of charge to dess who symbolizes the hare and States alone. all participants. An enjoyable after- the egg. Next to Halloween, Easter is the noon is assured. The exchange or giving of Easter biggest candy-consuming holiday of eggs actually dates back to before the year. Good thing they are almost SEZ YOU... Easter and the giving of eggs is actu- six months apart, perfect for your Letters to the Editor OUR NEXT ISSUE ally considered a symbol of rebirth yearly dentist check-ups! in many cultures. An estimated $14.7 billion is IS APRIL 18 Peep peep… did you know spent in total for Easter in the US. In keeping with our monthly Americans buy more than 700 mil- Easter is the oldest Christian holi- publishing schedule of the Slovak lion marshmallow Peeps during day and one of the most important Catholic Falcon, the next issue will Easter? This makes Peeps the most days of the year. be that of Wednesday, April 18. popular non-chocolate Easter candy. The White House of tradition of Deadline for all photos and infor- Americans consume more than the Easter Egg Roll started back in mation for this issue will be Mon- 16 million jelly beans during this 1878, with President Rutherford B. day, April 9. holiday. That is enough jelly beans Hayes.

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FFromrom tthehe ddeskesk ooff tthehe SSupremeupreme SSecretaryecretary Scenes of the 13th Annual Sokol Children’s TTAKEAKE AADDVVANTAGEANTAGE OOFF TTHESEHESE RRATESATES Bowlingfest Hosted by Group 1 bbyy ScottScott T.T. Pogorelec,Pogorelec, FF.I.C..I.C. The Garden Palace Bowling Lanes – Clifton, N.J. – February 18

As usual, the month of March brings some rather interesting weather. It can be 65 degrees with sunshine one day and 30 degrees plus a nor’easter the next! This March has been no different as we are dealing with some winter snowstorms here in New Jersey. We hope all our east coast Sokols are staying safe and are keeping faith that warmer times are near. The month of March here at the Home Of- fi ce allows us an opportunity to review our past year results and to look forward to our future. The fi rst Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Di- rectors will be held at the Home Offi ce on March 16th and 17th. Our Board, which is the highest governing body of our organization between Conventions, will be making the important deci- sions to ensure our successful future. We will get a chance to hear from our hired professionals who will report on our 2017 results and 2018 projections. I am very pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, we will be seeing an increase in Surplus! The Home Offi ce and Board of Directors will continue to look for ways to increase our income and minimize our expenses in this volatile environment. In the coming issues of the Falcon, you will have the opportunity to read the reports of our Directors, as well as the Offi cial Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting. I recommend that you take the time to read each report to acknowledge the time and effort put in by each of our Offi cers. March also gives us a reminder that Uncle Sam will be looking for us! I am, of course, speaking about the dreaded Tax Day. This year, taxes aren’t due until Tuesday, April 17th. That is the deadline for submitting individual tax returns to the federal government for tax year 2017. The reason Tax Day does not fall on the 15th in 2018 is two-fold: First, April 15th falls on a Sunday this year. And sec- ond, Monday, April 16th is Emancipation Day, a holiday celebrated in Washington D.C. I hope that a giant refund will be in order for all our Sokol members! If in fact a refund is coming, have you thought about what you will do with the extra cash? I would like to urge all our members to look into purchasing something that will secure not only your future, but also the future of your Family. This year, why not invest in a Sokol Annuity? Our Vantage Collection of annuities offer fi nancial protection and supplies you with the same fraternal benefi ts that a Legacy Life product would offer. The current rates are extremely competitive and certainly more attractive than any bank CDs currently available. Your investment can grow rapidly since there is no initial service, contract, or premium fees. Every dollar you pay in premium goes directly to your account’s cash value and starts earning interest imme- diately. Another important factor is that our annuity products are tax deferred, meaning your gains are accumulated tax free and only gets taxed upon constructive receipt of the gain. This allows for the growth to be compounded on the portion of earnings and not subjected to investment taxation. As you can see, the benefi ts of investing in our products are plentiful. So, think about using that tax return in one of the smartest ways possible in securing your future and