News

From the desk of the Supreme Secretary
by Scott T. Pogorelec, F.I.C.
HAPPY EASTER

Greetings from the Home Office! We are trying to thaw out here in New Jersey. As most of our membership is experiencing the same, the winter here has been frigid. The temperatures have been rising a bit, but March always does seem to bring some surprises. Hopefully, with our seasonal change to Daylight Savings Time combined with the warmer temperatures, we will have more hours to enjoy our outdoor activities.

This past February 14th was a special day on many fronts for our organization. Yes, it was Valentine’s Day, and I hope that all our members enjoyed the flowers, candy, and chocolate from all your special Valentines. But as a Slovak Catholic Fraternal, it also represented another notable event.

As a Slovak Fraternal, February 14th is always a day that is circled on our calendars. It is the Feast Day of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, who brought the gift of faith to our ancestors. We honor Sts. Cyril and Methodius, who are called the “Apostles of the Slavs” for their tireless work in spreading the Gospel throughout Eastern Europe in the 9th Century.

I again would like to thank all of you who continually promote our organization. As you gather to celebrate the Easter holiday, I ask you to look within your own family and circle of friends to find new members to share the Sokol experience with. Enrolling a new baby is an inexpensive way to give that child a financial head start in life. And if you think about all we offer with benefits, scholarships, etc., that policy will be paid for in no time. If you have any questions, please contact me at the Home Office at 800-886-7656 or email me at scott@slovakcatholicsokol.org, and I would be glad to assist you.

I would like to give a big congratulations to our 2025 Fraternalist of the Year, Arlene Most! As you can tell by the writeup in this edition of the Falcon, Sister Arlene has done and continues to do so much for Group 14, Wreath 22, and our entire Organization. We are looking forward to celebrating Arlene in April!

We are also excited to announce that our 35th Quadrennial Convention will be held on August 7th-10th, 2027 in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh. When deciding on a site, we try to make things as convenient as possible for as many delegates as we can. Pittsburgh is a familiar site for our Conventions, and we are looking forward to bringing the Sokols back to the Steel City!

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former General Counsel and Honorary Supreme Officer, John D. Pogorelec, Sr., Esq. Brother John’s contributions to the Organization are immense and the mark that he has left on our Society is enormous. He was a consummate professional and gentleman that always put his family and faith first. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, mentor, and Sokol.

I am fortunate to have a handful of mentors in my life and Uncle John was at the top of that list. He was just a phone call away, always willing to listen, and help in any way he can. I will miss him dearly and I know that our Organization was better because John D. Pogorelec, Sr. Esq. was a major part of it. Our hearts go out to Aunt Phyllis, John Jr., Pam, Jason, and the entire Pogorelec Family.

Finally, on behalf of my beautiful wife, Maggie, our sons, Reid and Cole, and my entire Family, I offer you prayers and fraternal well wishes for a joyous Easter holiday. Have a great month of March and good health to all!
Stay safe, stay strong, and STAY POSITIVE!
Zdar Boh!