Vinobranie: Celebrating Wine in Slovakia
My previous articles discussed the harvest (žatva) and harvest festivals (dožinky). Another crop that was harvested were grapes, and Vinobranie was the celebration which took place once the grapes were picked and the first wines tasted. When I was younger, I never knew that wines even came from Slovakia. I first came into contact with … Continued
Facts for Life Insurance Awareness Month – September 2016
One of the most important purposes of life insurance is to replace your income for your family when you pass away. Keep in mind that insurance isn’t intended to guarantee that your spouse won’t have to work after you die. It’s to make your family as financially comfortable without you as with you. During September, … Continued
Žatva and Dožinky – The Slovak Harvest and Harvest Festivals
The harvest or Žatva was one of the most important events in the traditional life of Slovak peasants and farmers. Historically, Slovakia was mainly an agricultural area, so for most people, a good harvest could mean the difference between a bountiful or poverty-stricken year. Slovaks had to work hard and fast, and protect the fruit … Continued
Lazor/Lazúr Family Reunion
Fifty-four extended Lazor Family members re-united on the 23rd of July in Mammoth Park in Mount Pleasant Township, PA, for a celebration of a proud Slovak Family – Lazor/Lazúr. They came from as far south as Texas, as far East as Maryland, as far North as Connecticut and as far West as California in honor … Continued
2015 Youngstown/Spišská Nová Ves Tour: Unbelievable
A warm sunny day greeted us as we arrived in Vienna, a preview of the unusual heat we would experience for the next twelve days. Having an air conditioned bus waiting was convenient and although a little travel weary, the group was anxious to begin a combination walking and bus tour of Vienna prior to … Continued
In Search of Family and Craft Roots
Reconnecting with family on the 2014 Slovakia Heritage Tour meant more than returning to family villages and finding relatives who still live in Slovakia. For Dana Gerberi, her father Mike and Uncle Larry, as well as cousins Marian Pezdek and Margie Gipson it was a chance to rediscover their own family ties and memories. As … Continued
125th Anniversary and History of St. John the Baptist Society, Branch 10, FCSU
St. John the Baptist Society, Branch 10 of the First Catholic Slovak Union, Olyphant, Pennsylvania will celebrate the 125th Anniversary of its founding in 2014. Originally named, “The Olyphant Society of St. John the Baptist,” it is one of the oldest Slovak societies in America, organized on September 20, 1889. It was founded and chartered … Continued
How My Slovak Grandparents Continue To Inspire Me
My name is Fr. Jared Orndorff. I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cleveland, OH, on May 10, 2008. I believe that the witness of my maternal Slovak grandparents helped inspire me to enter into the vocation of priesthood! Branch 553 (and the adjoining Jednota Club) was founded in 1914. My great-great grandfather … Continued
Financial Friday – 401k Tips
Q: What are the 401k contribution limits for 2016? A: For 2016, you can contribute up to $18,000 if under the age of 50, and up to $24,000 if over the age of 50.
Financial Friday – Taxes
Q:When is this years tax deadline for 2016? A: You have 3 extra days to make your annuity or IRA contribution this year. Deadline is April 18, 2016. If you don’t have an annuity or IRA and would like to learn more about saving for retirement, please view our products.