News

From the desk of the Supreme Secretary
by Scott T. Pogorelec, F.I.C.
GET HERE QUICK, SPRING!

Greetings from the Home Office! We hope everyone is staying warm during this cold winter. At least in New Jersey, the big snow has not followed the cold temperatures, but March always seems to bring some surprises. Hopefully, with our seasonal change to Daylight Savings Time on March 9th, combined with some warmer temperatures, we will have more hours to enjoy our outdoor activities.

Our Supreme President, Larry M. Glugosh, and I had the pleasure of joining our Supreme Physical Fitness Board at their annual meeting on January 25th. The minutes of the meeting are published in this edition of the Falcon. We were updated on the fraternal schedule for the year and learned of various changes to some events. I commend the SPFB on all their hard work and their willingness to make changes when necessary. They will be updating our membership throughout the year, and we all look forward to a wonderful fraternal schedule.

This March and April are not only busy for the Slovak Catholic Sokol, but also for all Catholic organizations.

Ash Wednesday falls on March 5th, which is the beginning of Lent. Lent is a special time for prayer, penance, and sacrifice as we prepare for the celebration of Easter. The forty days of Lent commemorate the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert where he encountered temptation from the Devil. Lent allows us the time to ponder and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. I urge all our members to use this valuable time to reflect and to remember to be thankful for all that you have.

We kick off the Spring Sokol calendar with the first Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors, which will be held in Wilkes-Barre, PA on March 29th. We will get a chance to hear from our hired professionals who will report on the 2024 results and 2025 projections. In this issue and the coming issues, you will get a chance to read the reports from our Supreme Officers. I recommend that you take the time to read each report to acknowledge the time and effort put in by each Officer. The first Quarterly Meeting will also coincide with our Fraternalist of the Year celebration for our 2024 recipient, Martin Degnan. We look forward to celebrating the life and service of Brother Marty.

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 extend my condolences to the Glugosh Family on the passing of Sister Helen Glugosh. Sister Helen meant so much to not only Group 19, but the entire organization. Her Family was her life, and we were fortunate that it extended to her “Sokol Family.” Rest in peace Sister Helen.

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 March and April, and good health to all.

Stay safe, stay strong,
and STAY POSITIVE!
Zdar Boh!