Giving Back Type: Member Spotlight

For many, skiing is a hobby or a winter escape. For Francis E. Pipak, Jr., Esq., it has been a lifelong passion—one that has now spanned an incredible 50 years as a professional ski instructor. A member of Branch 199 and a lifelong Jednota member, Frank balances a distinguished legal career with his enduring commitment … Continued

When you speak with Bishop Kulick, it doesn’t take long to recognize what fuels him. Woven through every story is something personal, an unmistakable enthusiasm for heritage, history, and the people and traditions that shaped him. A native of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, he became the first priest from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg to be … Continued

A Leap of Faith Across the Aegean: Karen Habian’s Grand Greek Adventure At 66 years old, Karen Habian of North Royalton, Ohio did something she had never done before—she traveled internationally. For someone who had never left the country, the decision was filled with uncertainty and fear. But it was also an act of courage. … Continued

A Branch 254 Member’s Lifetime Dedicated to Slovak Heritage; The Remarkable Journey of Joseph Senko For 90 years, Joseph Senko has lived a life defined by faith, service, and an unwavering devotion to his Slovak heritage. Few individuals have done more to build bridges between Slovakia and Slovak Americans or to enrich the cultural life … Continued

Professor Kopanic has always had a keen interest in history and this translated into a wish to learn more about his ancestors while attending college. He wanted to communicate in Slovak with his baba (grandmother) and Slovak-born mother, who emigrated before World War II. This inspired his wish to learn the Slovak language and culture. … Continued

Dinga Family Reunion Celebrating Family, Faith, and Slovak Heritage Submitted by Yvonne Dinga Horner, Branch 200 Member When three generations of siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, kids, and grandkids pack up from Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio to meet in an off-the beaten path Ohio state park, you know something special is happening. This wasn’t … Continued

September is National Honey Month, and Branch 24 members Fran Strekal and her sister, Rose Ivanec, have certainly been busy bees over the past year! Together, they launched their own beekeeping business, tending hives and harvesting golden honey. What began as a shared interest quickly grew into a small business, offering pure honey and a … Continued

Vince Stankay, 88, is a lifelong member of the FCSU and proud of his Slovak Catholic heritage. His parents were members of Branch 35, and Vince and his entire family belong to Branch 888. Three of his grandparents were from Slovakia, and one grandmother was from Poland. His father, Joseph Stankay, was born near Bretejovce … Continued

Stephen A. Rudinec, a native of Donora, Pennsylvania, and longtime member of Branch 670, has achieved something very few people on Earth can claim—he’s set foot on all seven continents! A 1975 graduate of Ringgold High School, Steve’s journey began not with wanderlust but with work. He didn’t travel much growing up—vacations rarely stretched beyond … Continued

Susan began her fraternal journey in 1979 as an eldress with the First Catholic Slovak Union and has since held leadership roles at both local and national levels. She has been actively involved with numerous Slovak fraternal organizations, including the National Slovak Society, First Slovak Wreath of the Free Eagle, and Slovak Catholic Sokol. Since … Continued

For the families of Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish in Central City, Pennsylvania, this summer will bring more than just a change of scenery. It will mark a life-changing journey of faith, culture, and history as a group of local students and their families embark on a pilgrimage to Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, … Continued