Lodge 109 - Lyndora, PA
On June 13 Lodge 109 held its annual Flag Day observance and hosted the second quarterly meeting of District 15. We were honored to have in attendance National President George Juba, National Director, Mike Karaffa, GCU Fraternal Director Christie Petty and District 15 President Andy Zeedick.
The flag raising was conducted by the Honor Guard from American Legion Post 778 and V.F.W. Post 249 under the direction of Ben Rattigan while Arthur Lazar led the singing of the "National Anthem." American flags donated by the American Legion and the GCU Fraternal Department had been distributed to the crowd.
Lori Roma led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at the conclusion of the raising. Patriotic readings were rendered by two of the E.C.F students, siblings Taylor and Anthony Leone. Brief remarks on the significance of the Flag were given by George Juba and the main address on the importance of the Flag was given by Father Bob Oravetz of St. John the Baptist B.C. Church of Lyndora.
A short program including a 21 gun salute and the playing of "Taps" was conducted by Gary Kuhn, Commander of American Legion Post 778, and the Honor Guard. The ceremony ended with the singing of "God Bless America" led by Art Lazar.
Everyone was then invited to a picnic luncheon at the church which was prepared by Martha Sychak, Betsy Sychak, and Barb Nemcek. Those in attendance were given a GCU Flag Pin by Christie Petty. During the luncheon Joene Fair, agent, gave a brief description of the various annuities and products available from the GCU.
After the luncheon, the GCU members adjourned to the St. John's Parish Center for the District 15 meeting conducted by Andy Zeedick. George Juba gave a power point presentation on the proposed reorganization of the GCU districts. Lodge 109 turned over the donations collected for the District 15 Yellow Ribbon Girls Project to Fraternal Director Christie Petty.
Lodge 109's next project is their annual Blood Drive conducted in conjunction with the American Red Cross on August 27 at the St. John's Church Hall. We are also looking forward to the bus trip to Mt. St. Macrina in Uniontown and the Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.
Planned Lodge Activities for 2010
September 5 -Lodge Sponsored Bus Trip to Uniontown Pilgrimage at Mount St. Macrina
September 18 -Participation in Butler Fall Festival-Matching Funds Project
October 31 -Halloween Treats for E.C.F. students at St. John’s Religious Education Building
November 21 -Fourth Quarter/Annual Meeting, St. John the Baptist Church, Lyndora, PA