2011 Writing Contest Winners
Congratulations to the lucky winners of this year's Writing Contest on the theme Your"Dream" For The Future. The entries were a lot of fun to read. We appreciate the time and effort spent by these young members. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to enter again next year.
Check out our winners and their entries here!
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Update
The Czech immigrant home has been moved to the new permanent site of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Built in the 1880s, it was originally located at 1217 1st St. SE in Cedar Rapids. It was rescued from demolition in 1984 when a volunteer group moved it across the Cedar River. According to Diana Baculis, museum spokeswoman, the 540 square foot house sits 11 feet higher in its new location. Restoring it took 5000 hours of volunteer help, and the staff will refurbish it with different furnishings to reflect the 1880s time period.
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library held a media tour day recently inside the new, permanent National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Click here for photos.
Additionally, Gail Naughton, president/CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, recently received the 2011 Bridge Builder Award from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for her exceptional leadership with restoration of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. The award included her collaboration with community volunteers, neighbors, citizens and government agencies at home and abroad in the historic revitalization of Czech Village.
To stay informed about the NCSML move, see the webcam on their site
New Youth Activities Director
Hello! My name is Kelsey Wegner and I am the new Youth Activities Director for Western Fraternal Life Association. I recently received my Masters degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services with an emphasis in Youth and Human Services Administration from the University of Northern Iowa. I have a background in nonprofit work, specifically with youth programs and special events.
Fraternalist of the Year Daniel Stursa
Western Fraternal Life Association (wfla) named Daniel Stursa of Owatonna, MN the 2011 wfla "Fraternalist of the Year" at the 27th National Convention in Frankenmuth, MI on August 25-26. He was chosen from among 121 lodges in 18 states for this national honor.
2011 Photo Contest Winners
Thanks to all of our members who took the time to share their photographs with us. We received over 56 entries this year.
Our judge was John Thomas, a partner at Fisheye LLC, a well-known commercial photography studio in Hiawatha, IA. Over the last 35 years, John has worked for many national and local clients.
WFLA’s 27th National Convention
WFLA’s 27th National Convention was held at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, MI on August 25-26 in Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.” The Pre-Convention Committee and Board of Directors convened prior to that. Edward J. Fornusek presided as convention president. President Howard J. Wolfe was re-elected Association president. Directors retiring after October 1 are District 2 Joseph Kuzma, District 5 Thomas Bradley, and District 6 Alois Ruman. On October 1, 2011, the newly elected Board of Directors will be District 1 Terry Hynek, District 2 Brenda Osterman, District 3 Donald Krall, District 4 Duane Jirik, District 5 Mary Bradley, District 6 Bonita Fillmore, District 7 Bradley Evans. Delegates also voted on two changes to the bylaws. Michigan lodge youth provided the color guard procession, memorial candle lighting, and banquet dances, in colorful kroj outfits. The “Blue Shirts” team assisted arriving and departing members and guests. Several delegates and members commented that it was the best convention they had attended.
Click here to view some photos from the convention.
Howard J. Wolfe
Re-Elected As WFLA President
Howard J. Wolfe was re-elected president of Western Fraternal Life Association (wfla) at the 27th National Convention on August 25-26 in Frankenmuth, MI. Two hundred thirty-five delegates and 100 guests attended. President Wolfe has been with the Association since 1968.
Howard J. Wolfe was first elected wfla president in 2007 at the 26th wfla National Convention in Cedar Rapids, IA. Prior to that, he was appointed wfla vice president by the Board of Directors in February 2000.
Congratulations to our 2011 Art Contest Winners!
Our theme this year was: Favorite Animal. We received many excellent entries from our talented youth. Thank you to all of our youth members who took the time to share their ideas and talents with us. Click here to take a look at our winners.
Congratulations 2011 Scholarship Recipients!
We are always thrilled to announce another round of wfla national scholarship winners. With college expenses increasing each year, it becomes more difficult for students to reach their educational goals. That is why wfla is proud to offer 25 scholarships to ease the financial burden of college expenses. Click here to see our 2011 Scholarship winners.
WLFA Education and Charitable Foundation Cookbooks Are Now Available!
The WFLA Education and Charitable Foundation cookbook—Food, Friendship and Fraternalism: Recipes of Our Heritage—has arrived. Click here for your order form.
New Family Benefit
WFLA Family Benefit covers the costs associated with senior care, child care, respite care, elementary and secondary education, or extracurricular activities.
Up to five $1,000 Family Benefits will be awarded each August. Applications will be accepted between May 1 and July 1 each year. Applicants must be members in good standing for two years prior to the application and remain a member in good standing to receive the award. Applicants are asked to write a 150 word or less essay on how this will help their family. All applications will be considered and an independent third party will select the winners. Members may apply for this benefit each year. For an application and more information click here.
