Pittsburgh District Meeting, Spring 2021

The Pittsburgh District held its spring 2021 meeting at Antonelli’s Event Center in Irwin, PA.  The meeting was hosted by Branch S433, celebrating the branch’s 100th anniversary.

President Judy Fedor opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.  National President Cynthia Maleski led the members in God Bless America. Father Ed Mazich, District Chaplain, led the prayer before the meal. President Judy welcomed those in attendance, who were happy to be meeting for the first time since the pandemic began.

Following the luncheon, Father Ed conducted a prayer for all of the living and deceased members of branch S433. Branch Secretary Marian Gatto gave the members a brief history of the branch. The District expressed appreciation for the excellent lunch, and presented a check for the District’s contribution to the luncheon and a Mass for branch S433 members, and a gift for the 100th anniversary. Aimee Perry, Branch S433 President, was acknowledged for the creation of the beautiful fresh flower centerpieces on all of the tables.

Recording Secretary Linda Killeen took roll call and read the minutes from the last meeting. Financial Secretary Marian Gatto reported on the treasury.

Flowers were presented to our National President and CEO, Cynthia Maleski, to congratulate her on her re-election and in appreciation for her ongoing service. Flowers were also presented to Virginia Holmes in appreciation of all her years of service to the FCLSA. Virginia began her service to Branch S077 as a teenager, and is still Treasurer of the McKeesport branch. She was a National Trustee for 20 years and held positions on the Pittsburgh District board. She still serves as our Parliamentarian. Currently, Virginia is serving as President of Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance. Other national officers who belong to our district were not in attendance, but will be recognized at a future meeting.

In the midst of the pandemic, the Pittsburgh District undertook a major fundraiser for “FCSLA Distance Learning Center” at St. Vincent. The District raised $20,000.00 via mail, email, and telephone to supplement the grant given at the 2019 convention which fell short of the overall cost of construction of Distance Learning Center. President Judy recognized the Pittsburgh District board and all participating branches for raising funds for the completion of the project. Fraternalism is very much alive in Pittsburgh, even in difficult times.

Father Ed, who is the Rector at St. Vincent Seminary, addressed the members and expressed his appreciation for the District’s contribution, and gave an overview of the Learning Center.

National President Cynthia Maleski reported on National business. She complemented the home office employees and Board of Directors on how well they transitioned to working from home during the pandemic. The health and safety of the employees was maintained and business was conducted; no deadlines were missed.

President Maleski spoke about the new “FCSLA Life” designation and logo. She congratulated Harrison City Branch S433 for 100 years and presented a gift from her own branch. She recognized Virginia Holmes for her years of service to the FCSLA, and presented to her a hand-cut Slovakian crystal dish from the home office.

District drawings were held. Branch S433 held drawings for prizes and the beautiful centerpieces. The meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer led by Father Ed.

The next meeting will take place on July 25 at Salvatore’s hosted by Branch S177, Clairton.