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National Slovak Society of the United States of America NÁRODNÉ NOVINY JUNE 2017 | NUMBER 3506 VOLUME 109 Youth Poetry Contest Deadline: August 15th, 2017 Fraternal Life Insurance Since 1890 National News PVR Scholarship Program Renewal Transcripts Due July 15th, 2017 NSS National Golf Tournament Friday-Sunday, July 14th-16th, 2017 See Pages 7-8 For Details

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Page 1: National Slovak Society of the United States of America ...nsslife.org/wp-content/uploads/NSSNatlNewJune17.pdf · NATIONAL SLOVAK SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Organized

National Slovak Society of the United States of America

NÁRODNÉ NOVINYJUNE 2017 | NUMBER 3506 VOLUME 109

Youth Poetry Contest Deadline: August 15th, 2017

Fraternal Life Insurance Since 1890

National

News

PVR Scholarship ProgramRenewal TranscriptsDue July 15th, 2017

NSS National Golf Tournament Friday-Sunday, July 14th-16th, 2017See Pages 7-8 For Details

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J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E2

Periodical Postage Paid at McMurray, Pennsylvania and Additional Mailing OfficesOwned and Published by the

NATIONAL SLOVAK SOCIETYOF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Organized February 16, 1890351 Valley Brook Road, McMurray, PA 15317-3337

USES 0371-140 - ISSN: 0027-7940Phone: (724) 731- 0094 -- E-Mail: [email protected]

NSS Web Site: www.nsslife.orgFax No: 724-731-0145

Founder and Honorary President, Peter V. Rovnianek

EDITORLORI CROWLEYPublished Monthly

Send articles for publication to:351 Valley Brook Road

McMurray, PA 15317-3337Deadline: 5th of preceding month.

“POSTMASTER” SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:NATIONAL SLOVAK SOCIETY

351 VALLEY BROOK ROAD, MCMURRAY, PA 15317-3337

NSS EXECUTIVE OFFICERSDavid G. Blazek, FIC, President, CEO & ElderJoseph Stefka, Jr., Chairman of the BoardLinda M. Strom, Secretary/Treasurer, CFO

NSS BOARD OF DIRECTORSAlan Burns

Michael CzarneyAndrea GarbonAbigail GrossRobert KatricakSusan OndrejcoJohn PayerchinJoseph Stefka, Jr.Drew Wesnak

NSS HONORARY OFFICERS

Sophia Hudak, Tribunal MemberAnthony Beno, Director

Dean Burns, Vice-PresidentMary Jo Holker, DirectorEdward Koches, Director

Joseph Tomaskovic, Jr., Director

FSWFE HONORARY OFFICERSJustine Wesnak, President

Reverend Monsignor Thomas V. Banick,Spiritual Advisor

PBU HONORARY OFFICERHenri O. Albert, President

ROCWMAS HONORARY OFFICEROlga Kasnot, President

FSWFE and PBU merged with NSS in 1997ROCWMAS merged with the NSS in 1998

Inside this Issue...

From the Executive Officers

Assembly Activities

NSS Financial Matters

President’s Column................................. 4Secretary/Treasurer ................................ 5

Activities at a Glance ............................ 3

Annuity Interest Rates ............................ 10

NSS News/Activities

Fraternal Activities Coordinator ............. 6Bowling Application ............................... 7Bowling Rules/Regulations .................... 8Assembly Activities/Photos .................12-13Spotlight on NSS Employee .................... 16NSS History ............................................ 16

Na;rodne; Noviny

Assembly News

Departed Members ................................. 15PVR Donations ....................................... 15Assembly Meetings .............................12-13

NSS Sales Department

National Sales Director........................... 11

94 Slovensky; den' Za;padnej Pennsylvanie ................................. 18Gratulujeme ................................... .18 Den' Otcov 18.6 ............................. .18Zo staroslovansky;ch tradi;cii; ........ 18

�ational �lovak �ocietyN A T I O N A L N E W S

CORRECTIONIn the May issue the phone numberfor the golf hotel was incorrect.The number for the Das Dutch Innis 330-482-5050. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Das Dutch Inn330-482-5050

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3w w w. n s s l i f e . o r g | N AT I O N A L N E W S

REGION 2 Assemblies L075, 0617

June 17 Assembly 0617, Meeting, Grotto Pizza, Edwardsville, PA at 1:00 pmJuly 27 Assembly 0617, Fraternal Day, Knoebels Amusement ParkAugust 6 Assembly L075, Picnic, Mercatelli-Segelia Park, Moosic, PA August 20 Assembly L075, Bingo/Pizza Party, Wilkes Barre, V A at 2:00 pmOctober 22 Assembly L075, Meeting, Grande’s Restaurant, Moosic, PA at 1:00 pm

REGION 5 Assemblies P38A, 0039, 0100, L105, 0108, 0123, L161, 0377, 0434, 0441, 0588, 0737, 0774

June 11 Assembly 0039, Picnic, (Summer Bar-B-Q) Knights of Columbus Picnic Pavilion at 1:00 pmJune 16 Assembly 0377, Meeting, PNC Park at 7:00 pmJune 16 Region 5, NSS Night at PNC ParkJune 25 Assembly 0123, Hartwood Acres Tour at 12 NoonAugust 5 Region 5, Picnic, Cedar Creek ParkSeptember 10 Assembly 0039, Meeting, (Stuffers Club-9/11 Dinner) Eat’n Park, Uniontown, PA at 6:00 pmSeptember 18 Assembly 0588, Meeting, Time/place to be announcedNovember 6 Assembly 0588, Meeting, Time/place to be announcedDecember 3 Assembly 0039, Christmas Party, Knights of Columbus Hall, Uniontown, PA at 2:00 pm

REGION 8 Assemblies 0004, 0070, 0160, 0432, 0595

June 25 Assembly 0004, Miniature Golf TournamentJune 20 Assembly 0432, Meeting, Pytel’s residence, North Olmsted, OH at 7:30 pm

REGION 14 Assemblies RO59, L102

July 30 Assembly R059, Meeting, Sawarynski’s residence at 1:00 pmOctober 1 Assembly R059, Meeting/Fundraiser, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, following Divine Liturgy

REGION 15 Assemblies L002, 0028

No activities at this time

AT LARGE Assemblies R019, L040, 0110, 0236, 0267, 0381, 0554, 0568, 0586, 0705, 0731, 0800, 0813

June 18 Assembly 0568, Father’s Day Mass/Meeting, John Paul II Polish Ct., Jorba Linda, CA @ 1:30 pmJune 25 Assembly 0705, Meeting, Buck residence, Seelyville, IN at 1:00 pmJuly 2 Assembly 0554, Meeting, Jim Stricek’s residence, DuBois, PA at 2:00 pmAugust 13 Assembly 0586, Summer Outing, Joliet BallparkSeptember 3 Assembly 0554, Meeting, Jim Stricek’s residence, DuBois, PA at 2:00 pmSeptember 17 Assembly 0705, Meeting, Buck residence, Seelyville, IN at 1:00 pmSeptember 17 Assembly 0110, Meeting, Bohemian Hall, Astoria, NY at 3:00 pmNovember 5 Assembly 0110, Christmas Luncheon, (Time/place to be announced)November 5 Assembly 0705, Meeting, Buck residence, Seelyville, IN at 1:00 pmNovember 5 Assembly 0554, Meeting, Jim Stricek’s residence, DuBois, PA at 2:00 pmDecember 24 Assembly 0705, Christmas Eve Party at Butwin Residence at 6:00 pm

Activities At A Glance

12th Consular Tour of Slovakia ------- July 29th to August 11th, 2017Slovak Honorary Consul Joe Senko and his Slovak born wife, Albina, have assembled a deluxe tour of Slovakia which in-

cludes history-rich cities of Bratislava, Sastin, Skalica, Trencin, Bojnice, Rajecke Teplice, Cicmany, High Tatras, Levoca,Kezmarok, Zdiar, Stara Lubovna, Kocise, Bardejov, Jedlinka and Presov. As you travel through the various regions of Slovakia,arrangements can be made for you to visit relatives or family towns and villages for an additional cost. At no extra cost, Joe and Albina have included a tour of Vienna and Poland. While in Poland, we will visit the famous shrine of Czestochowa, Zakopane and Krakow, as well as Auschwitz and Wieliczka salt mine.The tour includes airfare from Pittsburgh or Newark, two meals daily, four-star hotels, airconditioned bus, a professional guide

and more. For cost and a more detailed itinerary, contact Joe Senko at [email protected] or 412-956-6000.

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From The President’s Desk…

David G. Blazek, FICPresident, CEO

J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E4

Punography Of The Month:Broken pencils are pointless.

Greetings from the President's Officeof the National Slovak Society. We havereached the month of June which signalsthe beginning of Summer on June 21st.The first week of the month, the Board ofDirectors will meet at our Annual SpringMeeting. On June 16th, Region 5 willonce again host a night at the ballparkwhen the Pittsburgh Pirates will host theworld champion Chicago Cubs, and As-sembly 0039, Uniontown PA will hold apicnic on Sunday, June 11th. June 14thwe celebrate Flag Day which doesn't always get the respect it deserves. FlagDay celebrates the adoption of the flagitself, an event that happened early inAmerican history on June 14, 1777. Al-though the American flag became thecountry's official banner in 1777, it tookalmost 150 years for it to get its' ownholiday. There is some debate over whofirst suggested the holiday, but what isimportant is that a lot of people workedvery hard to make it happen. Flag Day is not considered a federal

holiday which is why we don't get a dayoff from work or school. The flag coinci-dentally shares the same birthday as theUnited States Army. America isn't the only country to cele-

brate the creation of their flag. Australiacelebrates Flag Day in September, Ar-gentina in June and Canada in February.The whole inspiration of our life as a na-tion flows out from the waving folds ofthis banner.

I Am Your FlagI was born on June 14, 1777.

I am more than just a cloth shaped into a design.

I am the refuge of the world's oppressed.I am the silent sentinel of freedom.

I am the inspiration of which Americanpatriots gave their lives and fortunes.I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the bloody jungles

in Vietnam.I walk in silence with each of your honored dead to their resting place.Beneath the silent white crosses,

row upon row.I have flown through peace and war, strife

and prosperity; and amidst it all, I have been respected.

My red stripes symbolize the blood spilledin defense of this glorious nation.

My white stripes signify the burning tearsshed by Americans who lost their sons.My blue field is indicative of God's

heaven under which I fly.My stars are clustered together, unifying50 states as one, for God and country.

"Old glory" is my nickname, and proudly I wave on high.

Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and your fortunes.

Never let my enemies tear me down formy lofty position, lest I never return.

Keep alight the fires of patriotism, striveearnestly for the spirit of democracy.

Worship eternal God and keep his commandments.

And I shall remain the bulwark of peaceand freedom for all mankind.

Author Unknown

News of NarodniarsHappy Birthday to Honorary Officers

Mary Jo Holker, Justine Wesnak, andOlga Kasnot, National Directors BobKatricak and Mike Czarney, Home Officestaffers Janine Harman and Jill Grover,former staff members Nina DiLelio andJune Comfort; also to Joey Palko, BlazeFarrell, Dave Jancisin, Karyn Chojnicki,Joshua Marshall, and Christina Eubank.Wedding Anniversary wishes go out

to Shannon and Edwin Woods, Justineand Bucky Wesnak, Mary Lou and TonyChojnicki, and to Marge and GeorgeLeasure. Congratulations to all otherscelebrating a special occasion thismonth.As you read in last month's issue, we

lost a longtime and dear friend in PaulGodor. My article for May was alreadywritten and I was out of town whenPaul passed on. I just want to extendmy condolences to Carol and the entireGodor Family at this time. Paul was mymentor when I first took the position ofPresident upon the passing of Joe Stefka Sr. in 1993. He inspired me during the short time we worked togetheras Officers of the Society and was al-ways there for me when I needed himover the years. May your soul rest inpeace Paul. We will never forget you.

Be Sure To Fly Your Flag ThisFlag Day and July 4th!

WHAT KIND OF A FATHER ARE YOU?Real fathers don’t run awayReal fathers are responsibleReal fathers don’t look awayReal fathers are nurturingReal fathers don’t walk awayWhat kind of a father are you?

They are selfless and not recklessThey are mentors and not cowardsThey speak more wisdom and less wordsThey are resilient and ambitiousThey obtain but not complainWhat kind of father are you?

Mentor me and guide meProtect and mold meTeach me and build meMake me smile and make me shine

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5w w w. n s s l i f e . o r g | N AT I O N A L N E W S

A Page From My Notebook...Linda M. Strom, Secretary/TreasurerEmail: [email protected]

2017 Winter BoardMeeting Minutes

The 2017 Winter Board Meeting wasopened and called to order at 9:00 a.m.on Friday, March 24, 2017 by Chair-man of the Board Joseph Stefka, Jr. atthe Home Office in McMurray, PA. Hethen turned the meeting over to Presi-dent David G Blazek for the remainderof the meeting. The roll call showedthat all Board members and ExecutiveOfficers were present. Also present wereLegal Counsel P. Ronald Cooper, CPADonald Reddinger and Sales DirectorGreg Felton. All Bond Sales, Exchanges and Pur-

chases through December 31, 2016were ratified and all Mortgages re-viewed. Minutes of the 2016 Fall BoardMeeting were also approved. Previousvotes taken by the Board of Directors fordonations to the Pittsburgh Slovakiansand the Slovak Gardens were ratified.On behalf of the Pittsburgh SlovakiansAnna Ondrejco thanked the Board fortheir generous donation that made itpossible for the group to travel toFlorida and perform at the Slovak Gar-dens and Disneyworld. She presented aframed picture of the group in Floridasigned by its members. On behalf of thePittsburgh Slovakians, Director SusanOndrejco also thanked the Board fortheir generous show of support.The report of the Fraternal Activities Co-

ordinator Pam Blum recapped 2016fraternal activities since the Fall BoardMeeting and those that are upcoming in2017. CPA Donald Reddinger presented an

overview of our 2016 Year End Resultsand once again congratulated the NSSfor surpassing $1 Billion in Assets inthe Third Quarter of 2016. Sales Direc-tor Felton followed with his report re-capping sales and membership andadded that there has been an increasein Agency interest in the NSS.AQS Investment Advisor Larry White

presented his report and spoke atlength about RBC and the data that af-fects various components of the RBC.This year’s RBC number increased to489. He also touched upon cash flowprojections, portfolio yield and currentcrediting rates. Legal Advisor P. Ronald Cooper fol-

lowed with his report on current litiga-tion.President Blazek reported on the sta-

tus of the family of the slain officerfrom Canonsburg, PA and that we havereceived acknowledgment of our offer ofsupport from the mother of the youngchildren.

Under New Business PresidentBlazek commented on the AssemblyOfficers Seminar and thanked thecommittee for their work in planningthe seminar and also those that volun-teered overall. A discussion was heldon the status of our Youth Ambassa-dors Program and the cost of the pro-gram to date. All petitions receivedwere presented and acted upon.Director Katricak moved to reaffirm

the interest rates stating that they re-main the same for the 2nd Quarter4/1/17 – 06/31/17. The motion wasunanimously carried.President Blazek stated that the AFA

Branding Project has gained theneeded support by member organiza-tions to move forward.

With nothing further to be actedupon the meeting was adjourned.

In closing…Happy Birthday to those of you

celebrating a birthday this month anda very special Birthday wish to mybrother Joe Palko and my partner-in-crime Ed Krall. Boy are you two getting old !! Happy Fathers Day to all “Dads”

everywhere, both near and far includ-ing those that we carry in our hearts.

Honorary Director Joseph Tomaskovic celebrates 92nd birthday

Assembly 586 met on April 30 at Hackney's in Palos Hills to meet and celebrate JoeTomaskovic’s 92nd birthday. A big crowd attended and birthday cake was passed aroundafter our business meeting.

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J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E6

Upcoming DeadlinesPVR Scholarship Renewals July 15thNSS Golf Entries June 20thYouth Poetry Contest August 1stPhoto Contest October 1stChristmas Ornament Contest December 1st

Fraternal Matters...By: Pam BlumFraternal Activities CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

6th United Slovak Fraternal Bowling TournamentThis year’s tournament was once

again a great success!! Kudos to RudyOndrejco, husband of NSS Board mem-ber Sue Ondrejco, who did a great joborganizing the tournament on behalf ofFCSU. Also, a huge thanks to the entireOndrejco family for all of their hardwork to make this event a success.Don’t know what we’d do without you!!The results of the tournament and pic-tures of the event will be in the Julyissue of the magazine. If you’d like asneak peak of the pictures check usout and “like” us on our Facebookpage www.facebook.com/nsslife.

NSS Fitness Matters……..Sign up for NSS Life’s Fitness Matters Walking Club by sending your name,

mailing address and Assembly number to Pam Blum, Fraternal Activities Coordi-nator at [email protected] or by calling me at 724-731-0094. You will receive afree NSS Life pedometer and a mileage chart to help you track your progress.You are responsible for keeping track of your own mileage.

Happy Father’s Day

“The older I get the more I can seeHow much he loved my mother and my brother and meAnd he did the best that he couldAnd I only hope when I have my own familyThat every day I see a little more of my father in me.”

—Keith Urban

THE LINKS AT FIRESTONE FARMS

6:00PM - 9:00PM

$55.00$110.00

$108.00 06-15-17

$30.00JULY 14 –16, 2017

NATIONAL

TIONALNANATIONAL

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16, 2017–Y 14JULJULY 14

16, 2017

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7w w w. n s s l i f e . o r g | N AT I O N A L N E W S

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8 8

Annual NSS National Golf Tournament Men s and Women s Official Rules and Regulations

1. The tournament is open to all members and guests of the National Slovak Society and its Youth Circles. There must be at

least four Youth golfers officially entered to have a youth class. To protect the amateur standing of these youth, no prize money will be collected from nor paid to them.

2. United States Golf Association (USGA) and host golf course rules will govern play.

Play ball as it lies. No improving lie. Lost Ball; play from area where ball was last seen and take 1 stroke penalty. Out of Bounds; play from where ball goes out and take 1 stroke penalty. Ball in Water Hazard; drop where ball went in and take 1 stoke penalty.

3. Handicaps will be determined as follows:

A. All male regular division golfers will play in three flights as determined by handicap. The golfer s first handicap will be determined after he has completed 72 holes of tournament play in the NSS National Golf Tournament. The golfer s handicap will be recalculated every year based on the golfer s best 72 holes in tournament play within the last five years. The handicap will be calculated on a 90% basis. The maximum handicap will be 40 strokes for 18 holes.

B. Any male golfer who has not completed 72 holes of tournament play in the NSS National Golf Tournament will be entered in the Callaway division using the NSS version of the Callaway scoring system.

C. Senior Men s Division (65 and over) will also play using handicaps as determined above. There will be only one flight in the Senior Division.

D. All female member golfers will compete with the handicap determined as above. The maximum handicap will be 40 strokes for 18 holes.

E. Any female golfer who has not completed 72 holes of play in the NSS National Golf tournament will be placed in the Callaway division.

4. Classifications:

A. A medal play champion will be determined for 18 holes and 36 holes in each of the following Divisions:* 1. Men s A flight 5. Women s B flight 2. Men s B flight 6. Senior flight (age 65 and above) 3. Men s C flight 7. Callaway Flight 4. Women s A flight *Flight handicaps will be determined by number of entries and their handicaps. Champion s for each flight will receive an NSS Jacket, and Prize money. Prize money will depend on the number of participants in each flight. An individual winning his flight in both the 18 hole and 36 hole tournament will only receive one jacket but will receive the prize money for both tournaments.

5. In case of a tie for first place in any flight, both in the 18 hole and 36 hole tournament, a sudden death playoff will be used starting on a hole acceptable to the golf course management. If weather or darkness does not permit an actual playoff, a match of cards will be used starting with the number 1 handicap hole and proceeding with number 2, 3, 4, etc. until the tie is broken.

6. All other ties will split the applicable prize money. (e.g., two people tied for second will split second and third prize

money. Three people tied for second would split second, third and fourth place prize money.)

7. The prize list will be determined by the tournament manager using the money contributed by the contestants and matching money contributed by the NSS for all member golfers. As nearly as possible, there will be one prize for each four entries. NSS does not match guest prize contributions.

8. The tournament manager will schedule tee times and pairings.

9. The Joseph Stefka Sr. Memorial plaque will be awarded to the low net winner of the 36 hole tournament. In case of a tie, the lower handicap will be the winner.

10. Golfers with long distances to travel will be given some preferential treatment for Sunday tee times, providing that the scheduling will not disrupt the efficiency of the tournament.

11. ENTRIES WILL CLOSE JUNE 20, 2017.

12. Please make checks payable to: NSS Attn: Pam Blum

351 Valley Brook Road McMurray, PA 15317

J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E

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9w w w. n s s l i f e . o r g | N AT I O N A L N E W S

Assembly L161 MemberCharles Boone wears his Boy Scout sash

with pride. In the history of the Boy Scouts,Charles did what only a handful of scoutshave done. Charles earned every merit badge– he earned 137 of them, plus 1. The plusone represents that Charles earned the Com-puter merit badge before it was discontinuedin 2014. He then earned its replacement,the Digital Technology badge, giving him anextra one. If you name a badge, he has it.Robotic, his first. Explorations, his last.Some fellow scouts started calling Charles‘Mr. Boy Scout’. By the time he was 14 hehad approximately 100 badges. He took acouple years off from working on badges ashe experienced other parts of scouting likethe high adventure camps. At 16, with theencouragement from his scoutmaster, Charlesaimed his sights to earn all the badges. Eachbadge provided him knowledge. A number ofbadges he would not have experienced if it

wasn’t for earning them. The Woodcarving badge showed that he needed to improvehis knife skills. For the Whitewater merit badge, in a split second and without realiz-ing how quickly you may not have a chance to respond, he fell out of the boat. Withhis life jacket holding him above water, and his fellow scouts pulling him back onboard, he gained a new respect for the water. Gardening proved to be a hard badgewhich he worked on for years. The first year, he didn’t realize how many animalswalked through our yard. They found the yard and garden as a good feeding ground,with only stems, if that, remaining.Pottery could be Charles’ new craft hobby. The bowl he made won a ribbon at

the Washington County Fair. Through rifle shooting and shotgun shooting helearned to respect fire arms. The Animal Study merit badge provided an opportu-nity of a lifetime when Charles helped and worked with the cows as he visited theTwin Brook Dairy Farm. Charles found that he was able to experience a ‘little bit ofeverything’, by working on the badges. People can encourage you on what theythink you should do, and merit badge counselors can guide you on how to work ona badge, but the only way he earned the badges was for Charles to put the hoursin, and sometimes months, to work on the badges. When Charles was a patrol leader, he organized a program so that his patrol can

earn the Horsemanship merit badges. It was completely different than their day today tasks and every scout loved working on this one. By the end of the program,each scout wanted to move the car out of the garage and move a horse in. Geneal-ogy was the badge which Charles learned a lot about his own family. In being a descendent of Squire Boone, brother of Daniel Boone, he learned much from a familymember who already did a long history of the family back to the 1700’s. Charlesresearching his Slovak maternal family immigration in the 1900’s, found shiprecords, naturalization papers, draft records and wrote down the stories to piecetogether interesting facts of the of coming to the States and the early life of a Slo-vak immigrant. With Charles being a second generation American Slovak, hewrote down the facts, heard and sang the songs, learned the translation of HejSlovaci and the hardships. He enjoyed learning of his heritage and the music anddance so much that he wanted to join the Pittsburgh Slovakians. His merit badgecounselor said that Charles’ family account was the most interesting one which heread, and to hold on to it. The memories of people may fade but the informationwas a treasure. Although the boy scouts do not keep a separate record on thenumber of badges each boy earns, one private website not affiliated with thescouts, lists under 350 boys in the history of Boy Scouts have earned all of thebadges. Millions of boys have been in scouts since it began in 1910. Charlesmade history by being one of the few to earn all of the current merit badges. Congratulations Charles on such a historic achievement.Charles is the son of Monica Rodacy Boone (Assembly L161) and Ronald

Boone of Dormont.

SCHOLARSHIP FORSENIOR MEMBERSA Fraternal Program

PURPOSE ~To encourage our older members to con-tinue their education and to make fulleruse of their leisure time.

MEMBER ELIGIBILITY ~Any life insurance or annuity member,fifty-five (55) years or older, who has en-rolled and successfully completed a con-tinuing education or adult educationcourse. Members may submit up to two(2) applications in one calendar year.

COURSE ELIGIBILITY ~Vocational schools, community collegesand universities offer a variety of short-term courses which may include areaslike computer training, cake decorating,photography, landscaping, small engine re-pair, ballroom dancing, etc. This programdoes not cover courses that assist you tomaintain your current full or part-time job.(Example: We will not reimburse life in-surance or real estate agents who takecontinuing education credits to maintaintheir licenses.)

PROCEDURE ~Members should enroll and pay for thecourse of their choice. Once the memberhas finished the class, they must submitan application, along with verification thatthe class was successfully completed, tothe Home Office for approval by a National Officer. If thescholarship application is approved, theNSS will reimburse one-half (1/2) of thetuition for the course up to, but not to ex-ceed, one hundred dollars.

INFORMATION & APPLICATION ~For an application or additional informa-tion on this NSS Scholarship for SeniorsFraternal Program, contact Pam Blum [email protected] or call the office at724-731-0094, ext. 1010. The NationalOfficers are the sole authority in any deci-sions regarding this scholarship program.Their decision is final in all cases.

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J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E1010

Access your account values 24/7 by going to the website:www.nsslife.org and log in/register as a member.

Advantages of an NSS Annuity/IRA................• Competitive interest rates

• Guaranteed minimum interest rate• Tax-deferred earnings

• Avoids Probate• Liquidity/Withdrawal features

• Flexible retirement income options• No sales charges or fees

Did you know....

You can add money to almost any Annuity withNSS-just send us a check. Any additional funds

will not increase the timeperiod on early withdrawalpenalties.

Current Interest RatesEffective since January 1, 2013

Preferred Choice 1.00%Optimum 3 2.00%Preferred 5 3.00%Preferred 8 3.50%

*Preferred 7 and Flex earning 4%, these plans are no longer available.Please contact your NSS Life financial service representative or

Joe Elliott in the Home Office at 1-800-488-1890.

Love comes in all shapes and sizes.

Life insurance protectiondoes too!

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w w w. n s s l i f e . o r g | N AT I O N A L N E W S 11

Estate Planning and You

Estate planning sounds like some-thing complicated but it doesn’t haveto be. This kind of planning is so im-portant. To prove this point we will lookat a recent story from the news. Theartist, known as Prince, was 57 yearsold and died in 2016. His estate is estimated to be around $100 milliondollars. Now it is hard to feel bad forsomeone that leaves a $100 milliondollar estate but let’s break this down alittle further. This estate would be sub-ject to federal estate taxes of approxi-mately $40 million. The state ofMinnesota also has a tax of 16% or $16million. Prince had no will, no spouseand no clearly defined heirs. After hisdeath, his only sister and five half-sib-lings filed a claim against the estate. Inaddition over 700 other people havecome forward filing a claim stating theywere relatives or descendants. Thisonce significant estate is already downto $46 million and after further deduc-tions by attorneys and years of adminis-trative costs it will be down a lot more.Could this disaster have been avoided?Absolutely – yes!First, a will and/or trust should be in

place. Next, a beneficiary(s) should benamed. This is so important and espe-cially so for retirement accounts andIRAs. Then a family meeting or discus-sion should take place to outline yourdesires and wishes. No one wants totalk about death but it is inevitable. Atleast face it head on and make it a lit-tle easier on your family.

From the Sales Department...By Greg Felton, CLU, ChFC

Sales Director

Thought for the Month: The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of thestrong.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948)

Finally, a life insurance plan would definitely be a smart move. For pennieson a dollar you can be insured for thou-sands - immediately. Insurance proceedsare really just money and therefore canbe used for anything. NSS has some ofthe best plans and rates available. Call your local representative or Joe

Elliott in the Home Office for more information. We would be glad to helpyou and your family.

Life Happens That’s why there’s life insuranceLife can take unexpected, unpredictable turns. Toward the amusing, annoying,

and unfortunately even the tragic. So every day, you take little steps to improvethe odds that good things will happen and to guard against the bad. You wearseatbelts and you lock your doors at home. You buy life insurance for the samereason-to protect your family financially. It ensures that your loved ones will havethe kind of lifestyle and opportunities you always hoped they’d have. Will yourfamily be okay when Life Happens?

Reasons to Open an Annuity Here is a great idea - open a non-

qualified (not an IRA) annuity with NSSand here is why. First, the interest earnedcan be as much as 3.5% on the Pre-ferred 8 product. We also have severalother options if a shorter time frame isneeded. The guaranteed minimum rate is2.0% on the Preferred 5 and 8 products.There are no taxes due on the interest until you make a withdrawal.And the number one reason to open anaccount is to get the surrender chargeclock running. So if you open a Preferred 5now, in five years the surrender chargesare done. A $1,000 minimum($83/month) is needed to open an ac-count. Deposit and withdraw at your con-venience. Here are some situations thatmay work well for an annuity.

� Your savings account or CDs are notearning much because bank rates are solow?

� While downsizing homes, the profitsfrom the sale should be deposited some-where.

� The required minimum distributionsfrom an IRA are not needed to live on -so a person would like to deposit thesefunds in a non-IRA account.

� You are the recipient of a financialwindfall (lottery, inheritance, gas well) A couple of key points to keep in mind.Any withdrawal prior to age 59½ may besubject to a 10% early withdrawalpenalty from the IRS. In addition theremay be an NSS early withdrawal penalty.When taking money out of your annuity itis always interest out first and of coursethat portion is taxable. Call us for an annuity information packet and review the material for yourself.

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J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E12

ASSEMBLY 039Uniontown, PAAs you plan your summer schedule,

be sure to mark on your calendar our annual “Summer Bar-B-Q” on Sunday,June 11th. We will meet at the Knights of Columbus Picnic Pavilion, on GallatinAvenue Extension at 1:00 pm. This is afree event to members and non-mem-bers alike. Members, now you have the opportu-

nity to view your insurance and annuityaccounts via the NSS website. Go towww.nsslife.org and log in/register as amember.Those assembly members who are

currently receiving an NSS scholarshipare reminded that the renewal deadlinefor this fall is July 15th. No renewalchecks will be issued after September15th for any reason.Seniors! Take advantage of the NSS

Senior Scholarship Program. The NSSwill pay ½ of your course fee up to$100.00. You can apply for two scholar-ships each calendar year. Rules and eli-gibility are on the NSS Website:www.nsslife.org.Our deepest sympathies go out to the

Paul Godor family. Paul was a formerSecretary-Treasurer of the society.Youth members become a member of

the NSS Ambassadors. More informationis on the NSS website.Remember dad on Father’s Day and

give thanks and prayer for those whohave died. Happy Father’s Day!

John PayerchinPresident

ASSEMBLY 123Coraopolis, PA

Have you heard the saying “The thirdtimes the charm”? Well, for the thirdtime our assembly members and guestsare certainly welcome to a tour of Hart-wood Acres. Actually, we will be touringthe furnished mansion which is the cen-terpiece of the park. The park itself is629 acres of scenic beauty located inHampton and Indiana Townships northof Pittsburgh. The date selected is Sun-day June 25th, 2017 at 12 noon. CallMary Maniecke at 412-264-3546 if youplan on coming. She will fill you in onall the details and directions. After thetour, we would encourage those attendingto gather for lunch at a fine local restau-rant for good food and fellowshipSummer begins June 21st, how time

flies, this should show the gardens atHartwood in full bloom. We would loveto have many members and their guestsjoin us for what should be a lovely day.It has to be mentioned that June 18th

is Father’s Day. Congratulations to allthe fathers in our assembly. As our cul-ture and life style changes, the duties offathers and mothers seem to be gettingblurred. I remember my father, now de-ceased twenty six years, as no nonsenseguy who worked hard long hours. Hisfamily was his number one priority andhe was a bit of a jokester and I miss himstill.Something you may not be aware of,

I certainly wasn’t, June 19th is WorldSauntering Day. You find many interest-ing things on the internet. I consider myself lucky, because I know what saun-tering means. A slow walk or stroll at aleisurely pace. Well how perfect is it thatthis comes right before a trip to HartwoodAcres. We can all saunter around thegrounds and the beautiful gardens atHartwood. Hope to see you there.

Bill KnollPresident

ASSEMBLY L075Duryea, PAOur fraternal summer picnic will be

held on Sunday, August 6th, 2017 at theMercateli-Segelia Park, Moosic, PA.Members will bring a covered dish anditems for the Chinese auction, conductedby Marlin Petro Wesnak Region 2 Presi-dent. Fraternal Director Bill Wesnak andPresident Gary Edwards will cook up ham-burgers and hotdog's for the members.The Margaret Pilosi Scholarship winnerwill be announced and bingo will beplayed for prizes. Any questions, pleasecall Lehrae Edwards at 570-457-8402.We will host a bingo and pizza party

for the veterans at the Wilkes Barre V A2nd floor recreation room on August20th, 2017 at 2:00 pm.Our final meeting of the year will be

on October 22nd, 2017 at the Grande'sRestaurant, Moosic, PA at 1:00 pm.

Lehrae Ann EdwardsSecretary

ASSEMBLY R059/RC59Whitehall, PAMark your calendars for our next

meetings:July 30, 2017 - Meeting at the

Sawarynski’s residence at 1:00 pm.October 1, 2017 - Hot Dog Fundraiser

to benefit the Allentown Rescue Missionat St. Nicholas Orthodox Church follow-ing Divine Liturgy.Call Nancy Sabol at 610-266-7346

for directions and/or additional informa-tion. Members are urged to attend.

Elizabeth SabolTreasurer

ASSEMBLY 0110New York, NYA meeting will be held on Sunday,

September 17, 2017 at the BohemianHall, Astoria, NY at 3:00 pm. Markyour calendars for November 5th, 2017for our Christmas luncheon, place andtime to be determined.

Richard DeSanctisSecretary

ASSEMBLY 377Curwensville, PAA meeting will be held on June 16,

2017 at PNC Park. The game starts at7:00 and food will be provided. We willdiscuss future plans for our assembly. Please call me for any questions.

Susan SkrypakPresident

ASSEMBLY 0070/C070Brooklyn, OH

A picnic and meeting will be held onSaturday, June 10th, 2017. Call John orMary Ann Karkosiak at 216 741-6990,if you plan to attend. Side dishes ordesserts would be appreciated.

John KarkosiakSecretary

How many new members did

you sign uplast month?

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w w w. n s s l i f e . o r g | N AT I O N A L N E W S 13

ASSEMBLY 554Curwensville, PAOur next meeting will be held on July

2, 2017 at the home of Jim Stricek,135 McCullough Street, DuBois, PA at2:00 pm. For information and directions con-

tact Jim at (814) 590-7021 [email protected]

Jim StricekSecretary

ASSEMBLY 617/C617 Ashley, PAIncludes Assembly 0146

Our assembly will hold our meetingon June 17, 2017 at the Grotto Pizza,Edwardsville, Pa. at 1:00 pm.We would like to invite and welcome

members from the former Assembly0146, Glen Lyon, to this meeting. Wewill discuss and plan for our futureevents including our Join Hands Day atSt. Vincent de Paul Kitchen and ourFraternal Day at Knoebels AmusementPark on July 27. All members of As-sembly 617 and new members fromthe former Assembly 146 are all wel-comed to join us.Reservations are required by calling

Rose Mary Strish at 570-825-3681 byJune 11th.

Rose Mary StrishPresident

ASSEMBLY 568LaCanada, CAA meeting and our Annual Father’s

Day Mass will be held on Sunday, June18th at John Paul ll Polish Center, 3999Rose Drive, Jorba Linda CA. Mass willbegin at 1:30 p.m. and a Slovak lunchwill be served after mass. Come and joinus in celebrating The Slovak Spirit ofFather’s Day.Also following the festivities members

will hold a meeting to review officers reports and discuss assembly activities.We hope to see you there and would

like to wish everyone very special FATHER’S DAY.

Milan Konkol President

ASSEMBLY 432Fairview Park, OH

A meeting will be held on Tuesday,June 20th, 2017 at the Pytel's, 25680Timber Cove, North Olmsted, OH44070. Our Assembly's youngest member,

Gabriella Pytel will be in attendance,and by then she will be 16 MONTHSOLD! It is time to start involving moreof our youth. If you know anyone withyoung children, there has never been abetter time then now to sign them upfor a policy! Hope to see more than the"regulars" on June 20th!

Shawn PytelPublicist

Assembly 432’s Matching Funds do-nation went to a VERY deserving causethis year. Senior Transportation Connection re-

ceived a check for $400.00. SeniorTransportation provides exactly as theirname states, transportation for seniors.

Assembly 432’s Elderess Marti Pytel presenting our check to STC's Executive

Director Janice Dzigiel.

Assembly 432Matching Funds Event

No matter what our senior citizens need aride for, STC provides affordable, reliableand safe transportation to and from theirdestination. Senior Transportation cur-rently provides their services for senior cit-izens and people with disabilities in 28cities, with over 12,000 enrolled passen-gers. If anyone is interested in STC's serv-ices, you can contact them at (216)265-1489 for more information, or toschedule a ride!

Shawn PytelPublicist

Volunteers of Assembly 588 Georgeand Margie Leasure assisted with the Toysfor Tots Campaign prior to the ChristmasHoliday. For the fourth consecutive year,the campaign was hosted by the Christianand Missionary Alliance Church of Wash-ington, Pennsylvania. Toys were collected,packaged, and distributed to children ofboth Washington and Greene County bythe volunteers. The children also receivedhot chocolate and cookies.George and Margie assisted with the

packing and distribution of the bags oftoys. They volunteered their time in thetrue fraternal spirit to make the ChristmasHoliday a more special time for the lessfortunate families of Washington andGreene County.In addition, George and Margie also

donated items and participated with theChurch and Lagonda Homemakers inpacking shoeboxes to send to needy children during the Holiday Season.

Assembly 588 MembersAssist with Toys for Totsand Food Drive

George and Margie Leasure, Assembly 588,preparing to distribute donated toys to needyfamilies in Washington and Greene Counties.

ASSEMBLY 586Chicago, ILA summer outing is being planned as

our next activity. Sam Tidaback, 586member, is catching for the Joliet Jack-

hammers baseball team and we will organize a trip to the Joliet ballpark onSunday, August 13. Hope to see many586’ers there!

Janet TomaskovicSecretary

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J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E14

Assembly 0004Scotch Doubles Bowling ResultsOn April 2nd our 7th Scotch Doubles Tournament was

held at Yorktown Lanes. We had 12 couples take part. Thescores again were lower. There were 3 games of 200 or abovethis year.

Total w/handicap1st Place Michelle & Angelo Samerigo 6642nd Place Ken & Rich Durcansky 6233rd Place Gail Di Giovine & Chris 6194th Place Stephanie & Bob Sir Louis 5875th Place Jan & Tony Lecznar 5846th Place Justin & Dick Topola 569The couples and guests enjoyed pizza, pop, coffee and

socializing after bowling. Prizes were given out. Thanks to all who participated and hope everyone comes back next year.When you read this our Sunday League will have completedanother season.Our Miniature Golf Tournament is tentatively planned for

June 25th. Anyone that is interested in playing can contactBob or Bud Sir Louis at (440) 845-2616.

Bob Sir LouisLeague Secretary

Assembly 0004Sunday Mixed LeagueOn April 9th the N.S.S. Bowling League concluded an-

other season at Yorktown Lanes. That day was the roll-off,singles tournament and banquet.The roll-off was between 1st and 2nd half winners. The

Rolling Pins, Violet Lunder, Ed and Tim Stawicki and DanRedmond won the 1st Half. The 2nd Half was won by TheMisfits, Sonia Vorell, Dick Topola and Stephanie and Bob SirLouis were defeated by The Rolling Pins.The Singles Tournament winners, for the women, Lauren

Hayek and Ed Stawicki was the top men's bowler.After bowling was the banquet, where the awards and tro-

phies were passed out. Thanks to Julie and Bud Sir Louisfor taking care of the banquet arrangements and MikeCottrell for a delicious meal.

Bob Sir LouisLeague Secretary

94th Annual Slovak Day at KennywoodJuly 20th, 2017

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w w w. n s s l i f e . o r g | N AT I O N A L N E W S 15

PVR Scholarship Fund Donations

� YES, I want to help our young members attain their academic goals.Here is my donation of $ ________.

Name:

Assembly:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Please issue your check to: NSS PVR Scholarship Fund

And send to: National Slovak Society 351 Valley Brook Road McMurray, PA 15317

In Memory of Paul J Godor from: James & Barbara Stoker 50.00Bettie & John Capets, Allan Quear, Louella & JayMiller, Carolyn Quear, and Brenda Gorski 100.00Charles & VirginiaLundquist & Bob & Ella Griffith 50.00Joe & Annette Stefka 100.00Ed & Nick DePersis 50.00The Good Family 100.00Millie Fulmer 20.00David & Fran Blazek 100.00Earl & Marlene Pottinger 25.00Andrew, Martha, & Andrea Garbon 75.00Paul & Susan Payerchin 50.00

NSS Life Board Member Donations 500.00

DONATE TO THE PVRSCHOLARSHIP FUND

NSS Heritage MuseumDonationsIn Loving Memory of Paul J Godor:From Assembly 0441 50.00

OUR DEPARTED MEMBERS April, 2017

Name City and State Date of Death Assembly

Adams, Wilson Colerain, OH 04/04/2017 P38ABeno, Emil Lakewood, OH 03/31/2017 0432Bolibrush, John Parma, OH 03/19/2017 0004Brown, Damien Avoca, PA 04/02/2017 L075Damiata, Mary Cromwell, CT 03/04/2017 0774DeLuca, James Aliquippa, PA 01/04/2017 0108Demma, Lenore Orland Park, IL 01/31/2017 0586Detar, Louise Turtle Creek, PA 02/23/2017 L105Dickenson, Elnore Bay City, MI 03/06/2017 0381Diesing,Leona Pittsburgh, PA 04/06/2017 0123Doak, Juanita Hurricane, WV 03/24/2017 0774Duchock, Bradley Birmingham, AL 03/03/2016 0100Erzen, Mary Ann Pittsburgh, PA 10/01/2016 L105Fech, John St. Petersburg, FL 03/07/2017 0813Friend, Roscoe Cottageville, WV 12/06/2016 0774Garretson, Elizabeth Woodbridge, VA 03/02/2017 0039Godor, Paul North Huntingdon, PA 04/04/2017 0737Good, Donna Chillicothe, OH 08/11/2016 0595Heintz, Carol Erie, PA 04/07/2017 0774Holleran, Robert Fredericktown, PA 03/25/2017 0377Horai, Robert Staten Island, NY 10/17/2016 0110Lemma, Francesca Lorain, OH 02/09/2017 0160Jarrell, Alma Naoma, WV 01/26/2017 0774Kudron, Tammy Brooklyn, MI 03/09/2017 0774Kwiatkowski, Eleanor New Castle, PA 03/03/2017 0731Lachhab, Sarah Turtle Creek, PA 04/03/2017 L105Lamy, Patricia Pittsburgh, PA 04/02/2012 0434Lang, Josephine Pittsburgh, PA 03/18/2017 0700McCormick, John Hurricane, WV 03/22/2017 0774McNansky, Mary Washington, PA 03/08/2017 0434McNeal, Mary Ann New Vienna, OH 03/20/2017 0731Milam, Joseph Charleston, WV 03/18/2017 0774Miller, Ruth Murrysville, PA 03/06/2017 0434Mroczenski, Edward Athens, WI 02/24/2017 0774Pellegrino, Carmen Pittsburgh, PA 03/22/2017 0434Penksa, William Old Bridge, NJ 03/08/2017 0110Pento, Donate Hicksville, NY 11/08/2016 0813Pingley SR., Randolph Berkeley Springs, WV 03/22/2017 0774Powell, Magdalena Apollo, PA 03/28/2017 0774Reed, Roy Chillicothe, OH 03/17/2017 0595Rimlinger, Joseph Pittsburgh, PA 02/27/2017 0100Rogacki, Steve Chicago, IL 06/20/2016 0586Rutter, Pauline Herminie, PA 03/18/2017 0737Sanchez, Alexander Pittsburgh, PA 12/13/2016 0377Semler, Gloria Allison Park, PA 03/16/2016 0434Sheptak, Anna Gary, IN 06/15/2012 0586Shero, Lois Pittsburgh, PA 12/21/2016 L161Skellie, Robert Cambridge, NY 11/18/2016 0110Smith, Edward Minersville, PA 03/27/2017 0774Smith, Evelyn West Palm Beach, FL 04/10/2017 0813Taylor, William West Middlesex, PA 09/17/2016 0731Turner Jr., George Wheeling, WV 03/02/2017 0774Vesely, Marcella Mosinee, WI 02/08/2017 0774Wolfe, Stella Weirton, WV 03/19/2017 0774Yurko, James Valencia, PA 03/31/2017 0123

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This Month in National Slovak Society HistoryJoseph Stefka, Jr. Chairman of the Board

June, 1903The Ninth Convention was held at Bayonne, New Jer-

sey, from June 8-11, 1903. The Convention reelectedAnton Ambrose as Supreme President. The Conventionalso mandated that the Supreme Recording Secretaryserve on a full-time basis at the Home Office in Pitts-burgh, Pennsylvania. All full-time officers would now beserving the Society from the Home Office.

June, 1969Assembly 432 member, Al Zbin, captured the Net Sin-

gles Title, Net Doubles Title, Net All Events Title, Gross AllEvents Title, and was a member of the winning team atthe Second Annual NSS Bowling Tournament.

June, 1969The Peter V. Rovnianek Scholarship Fund reached a bal-

ance of $5,247.43.

June, 1986Former Supreme President Thomas G. Gmiter died on

June 18, 1986. Brother Gmiter served as Supreme Presi-dent from 1975 – 1978 and as a Trustee (Director) from1979 until the time of his death.

June, 2014The 36th Quadrennial Convention was held at HersheyLodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the delegatesvoted to adopt new By-Laws changing the governancestructure of the National Slovak Society, incorporatingBoard Governance. The nine newly elected Board of Directors members would be responsible for hiring thePresident and Secretary-Treasurer for the next four years.

Hello, my name is RickToth and I work for NSS Life asan Underwriter. I have been work-ing in the Fraternal Benefit Sys-tem for the past 33 years andhave been a fraternal member myentire life. Prior to my employ-ment with NSS Life, I was em-ployed for 29 years as an Officer

and Chief Life Underwriter at another Fraternal Benefit Soci-ety. Over the years, I have received the following insurancerelated designations: Fraternal Insurance Counsellor (FIC)and Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI). I have beenfortunate to go through the chairs and become President ofthe Fraternal Society of Greater Pittsburgh (FSGP) and Presi-dent of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance (PFA). 00It wasalso an honor and privilege to have been chosen to receivethe distinguished FSGP Fraternalist of the Year Award andthe PFA John Jordan Upchurch Award for my services to thefraternal benefit system. As an Underwriter, we are responsible to underwrite life

applications in a timely, efficient, and professional manner.When underwriting, we gather necessary information to verifyevidence of insurability in order to make an insurance offer.With quality life underwriting, NSS Life continues to offercompetitive life insurance rates to you and your family. Wetruly value our sales force and our membership.I am happily married to my lovely wife Nancy for the past 31years. We have been truly blessed and grateful to have foursons Richard, Christopher, Matthew and Zachary. Our oldestson Richard recently graduated as a doctor and is doing Residency in Family Medicine, Christopher is employed as aUnited Airlines Mechanic, Matthew is a sophomore attendingSlippery Rock University in Accounting and Zachary is a junior in high school and presently working on his Boy Scoutsof America Eagle Scout Project. In my spare time, I enjoysports, the outdoors, and spending time with my family.It is such a great pleasure to work with innovative and suc-cessful leadership at NSS Life as evidenced by Total Assetssurpassing $1 Billion. What an outstanding accomplishment!Thank you for allowing me to share this with you and MayGod bless you!

Spotlight On Rick Toth,FLMI, FICUnderwriter

Members of Assembly 123 visiting Phipps Conservatory.

Happy Father’s Dayfrom NSS Life

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8 J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E18

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Youth Circle of National Slovak Society • 351 Valley Brook Road, McMurray, PA 15317

Youth Circle PagePVR ScholarshipRenewal Applicant Continuation RulesStudents must submit verification of

continuing education enrollment fromattending school by submittinga transcript of their grades indicatingyou have maintained a 3.0 GPA, to theNSS Scholarship Department at theconclusion of EACH school year beforethey will be considered eligible to re-ceive payment for a second, third, orfourth year grant. These transcriptsmust be received by JULY 15TH. NO EXCEPTIONS, THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBIL-ITY. Do not rely on parents, friends, oryour agent to get your information in. Ifyour paperwork is not in the home officeby the deadline you will not receive a check!If you are transferring to another

school, you MUST notify the NSS HomeOffice IN WRITING by sending in an ac-ceptance letter to prove you will be at-tending a new school full time, by JULY15TH, BEFORE checks are issued. No re-newal checks will be issued after Sep-tember 15th of each year for anyreason.

Don’t forget Dad onJune 18th

This is a great opportunity for parents and assembly officers to encourage ouryouth to utilize their thinking caps, sharpen those pencils and put those poeticthoughts on paper. The poetry submitted should display an honest and true effortof creativity and unique artistic vision. The rules are as follows:

1. Contest is open to all NSS Youth members ages 5 to 16.2. Poem may be any length up to two pages double spaced.3. Topic is chosen by individual. 4. Each poem submitted MUST be an original work created by the member

and should be typed or hand written clearly.5. All entries must include: name, address, phone number, age,

assembly/circle number, along with your t-shirt size chosen by the following sizes available:

Youth Sizes - YS and YMAdult Sizes - AS, AM, AL and AXL

6. Winners in each category will have their poetry printed in the National News, and on the NSS Website.

7. Contest shall be judged under the following ages:

Keats - Ages 5, 6, 7 Angelou - Ages 8, 9, 10 Frost - Ages 11, 12, 13Shakespeare - Ages 14, 15, 16

8. Prizes awarded in each level shall be as follows:

First Place- $50.00 & Certificate of AchievementSecond Place- $25.00 & Certificate of AchievementThird Place- $15.00 & Certificate of Achievement

9. Deadline for entries to the Home Office is August 15th. Entries must be mailed or delivered to:

National Slovak Societyc/o Fraternal Department351 Valley Brook RoadMcMurray, PA 15317

10. Entries will be judged by an outside professional. Decisions made by the judge will be final in all cases.

11. The National Slovak Society reserves the right to keep all the poems.

Please contact Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pam Blum at [email protected] or call the Home Office at 724-731-0094 if you have any questions.

2016 YOUTH POETRY CONTESTDeadline: August 15th, 2017

Junior PittsburghSlovakians

We’d like you to become a part of ourperforming ensemble!

* Learn to sing, dance and/or play the violin.

* No experience necessary, we’ll show you! * Meet new friends

* Learn about your Slovak Heritage!* Perform at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival,Slovak Day, Slovak Heritage Festival at Pitt

as well as other events!

We are now accepting new members andwould like to invite you to come and findout what we are all about! For more infor-mation, call Sue Ondrejco at 412-421-1204or e-mail: [email protected]

Congratulations to theGraduating Class of 2017

Page 20: National Slovak Society of the United States of America ...nsslife.org/wp-content/uploads/NSSNatlNewJune17.pdf · NATIONAL SLOVAK SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Organized

20 J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E

DEADLINE FOR PUBLICATIONPlease be advised that all articles, notices, etc.,MUST BE received by the Home Office no laterthan the 5th of the month. Every effort will bemade to publish the article and photos in a timelymanner and space permitting. Also, all articlesshould be typewritten in regular type.

National Slovak Society(USES 0371-140)351 Valley Brook RoadMcMurray, PA 15317-3337

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPittsburgh, PA

Permit No. 1166

Change of Address

Please use this form to register your change ofaddress for the National News and mail to the HomeOffice. Upon receipt of this form completed in itsentirety, the staff will immediately implement thechange. Thank you.

Name

Assembly No.

New Address

City

State Zip

Former Address

City

State Zip

Recommender Information:

Name:

Phone:

Prospect Information:

Name:

Phone:

Address:

City: State Zip

Could you use a little extra “green?”RecommenderAs a proud member of NSS Life, there is no better time than now to shareyour experience with family and friends. Best of all, you will receive a cashreward for recommending someone that we issue a policy to. You will receivea $25 recommender fee ($10 on the youth term product) for each personthat becomes a member.

Send form to Joe Elliott at the Home Office.

20 J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E

DEADLINE FOR PUBLICATIONPlease be advised that all articles, notices, etc.,MUST BE received by the Home Office no laterthan the 5th of the month. Every effort will bemade to publish the article and photos in a timelymanner and space permitting. Also, all articlesshould be typewritten in regular type.

National Slovak Society(USES 0371-140)351 Valley Brook RoadMcMurray, PA 15317-3337

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPittsburgh, PA

Permit No. 1166

Change of Address

Please use this form to register your change ofaddress for the National News and mail to the HomeOffice. Upon receipt of this form completed in itsentirety, the staff will immediately implement thechange. Thank you.

Name

Assembly No.

New Address

City

State Zip

Former Address

City

State Zip

Recommender Information:

Name:

Phone:

Prospect Information:

Name:

Phone:

Address:

City: State Zip

Could you use a little extra “green?”RecommenderAs a proud member of NSS Life, there is no better time than now to shareyour experience with family and friends. Best of all, you will receive a cashreward for recommending someone that we issue a policy to. You will receivea $25 recommender fee ($10 on the youth term product) for each personthat becomes a member.

Send form to Joe Elliott at the Home Office.

20 J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E

DEADLINE FOR PUBLICATIONPlease be advised that all articles, notices, etc.,MUST BE received by the Home Office no laterthan the 5th of the month. Every effort will bemade to publish the article and photos in a timelymanner and space permitting. Also, all articlesshould be typewritten in regular type.

National Slovak Society(USES 0371-140)351 Valley Brook RoadMcMurray, PA 15317-3337

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPittsburgh, PA

Permit No. 1166

Change of Address

Please use this form to register your change ofaddress for the National News and mail to the HomeOffice. Upon receipt of this form completed in itsentirety, the staff will immediately implement thechange. Thank you.

Name

Assembly No.

New Address

City

State Zip

Former Address

City

State Zip

Recommender Information:

Name:

Phone:

Prospect Information:

Name:

Phone:

Address:

City: State Zip

Could you use a little extra “green?”RecommenderAs a proud member of NSS Life, there is no better time than now to shareyour experience with family and friends. Best of all, you will receive a cashreward for recommending someone that we issue a policy to. You will receivea $25 recommender fee ($10 on the youth term product) for each personthat becomes a member.

Send form to Joe Elliott at the Home Office.

20 J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E

DEADLINE FOR PUBLICATIONPlease be advised that all articles, notices, etc.,MUST BE received by the Home Office no laterthan the 5th of the month. Every effort will bemade to publish the article and photos in a timelymanner and space permitting. Also, all articlesshould be typewritten in regular type.

National Slovak Society(USES 0371-140)351 Valley Brook RoadMcMurray, PA 15317-3337

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPittsburgh, PA

Permit No. 1166

Change of Address

Please use this form to register your change ofaddress for the National News and mail to the HomeOffice. Upon receipt of this form completed in itsentirety, the staff will immediately implement thechange. Thank you.

Name

Assembly No.

New Address

City

State Zip

Former Address

City

State Zip

Recommender Information:

Name:

Phone:

Prospect Information:

Name:

Phone:

Address:

City: State Zip

Could you use a little extra “green?”RecommenderAs a proud member of NSS Life, there is no better time than now to shareyour experience with family and friends. Best of all, you will receive a cashreward for recommending someone that we issue a policy to. You will receivea $25 recommender fee ($10 on the youth term product) for each personthat becomes a member.

Send form to Joe Elliott at the Home Office.

20 J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E

DEADLINE FOR PUBLICATIONPlease be advised that all articles, notices, etc.,MUST BE received by the Home Office no laterthan the 5th of the month. Every effort will bemade to publish the article and photos in a timelymanner and space permitting. Also, all articlesshould be typewritten in regular type.

National Slovak Society(USES 0371-140)351 Valley Brook RoadMcMurray, PA 15317-3337

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPittsburgh, PA

Permit No. 1166

Change of Address

Please use this form to register your change ofaddress for the National News and mail to the HomeOffice. Upon receipt of this form completed in itsentirety, the staff will immediately implement thechange. Thank you.

Name

Assembly No.

New Address

City

State Zip

Former Address

City

State Zip

Recommender Information:

Name:

Phone:

Prospect Information:

Name:

Phone:

Address:

City: State Zip

Could you use a little extra “green?”RecommenderAs a proud member of NSS Life, there is no better time than now to shareyour experience with family and friends. Best of all, you will receive a cashreward for recommending someone that we issue a policy to. You will receivea $25 recommender fee ($10 on the youth term product) for each personthat becomes a member.

Send form to Joe Elliott at the Home Office.

20 J U N E 2 0 1 7 | N S S L I F E

DEADLINE FOR PUBLICATIONPlease be advised that all articles, notices, etc.,MUST BE received by the Home Office no laterthan the 5th of the month. Every effort will bemade to publish the article and photos in a timelymanner and space permitting. Also, all articlesshould be typewritten in regular type.

National Slovak Society(USES 0371-140)351 Valley Brook RoadMcMurray, PA 15317-3337

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPittsburgh, PA

Permit No. 1166

Change of Address

Please use this form to register your change of address for the National News and mail to the HomeOffice. Upon receipt of this form completed in itsentirety, the staff will immediately implement thechange. Thank you.

Name

Assembly No.

New Address

City

State Zip

Former Address

City

State Zip

Recommender Information:

Name:

Phone:

Prospect Information:

Name:

Phone:

Address:

City: State Zip

Could you use a little extra “green?”RecommenderAs a proud member of NSS Life, there is no better time than now to shareyour experience with family and friends. Best of all, you will receive a cashreward for recommending someone that we issue a policy to. You will receivea $25 recommender fee ($10 on the youth term product) for each personthat becomes a member.

Send form to Joe Elliott at the Home Office.

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