LCUSA

Don Brain, husband of Charleen Brain, past National President and board member, passed away yesterday, December 27, 2009. Don is survived by Charleen and their two sons, Don Jr. and David. We ask all LCUSA members keep the Brian Family in their prayers during this difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements:
Wednesday, December 30th at 10:30 am at St. Thomas More Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO. Visitation and rosary will be from 9:00 to 10:30am at the church.

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Hospitality Ladies; from left to right: Kaye Martin, Donna Fuhrman, Bette Monson, Pat Mykins

A fun time for all those who attended the Ladies of Charity “annual holiday boutique”,  held on November 5, 6, and 7, fundraiser at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, KS. People attending the boutique enjoyed a delicious lunch while viewing a fashion show sponsored by Chico’s; they also had the opportunity to browse through many local retail booths, buying holiday gifts and decorations. The event supports non-profit groups like Duchesne Clinic, Seton Center and Villa St. Francis.

Photographs by John Caulfield

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Ladies of Charity, Holy Ghost, Issue, Maryland (Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.), decorated a 7-1/2 foot Christmas tree for Charles County Hospice. Decorations were purchased by the ladies and the proceeds from the tree and wreath sale benefit Hospice. This is an annual give-back event for the Ladies of Charity to their community.

As we all know Hospice is prmarily a concept of care, not a specific place of care. Today, Hospice offers a comprehensive program of care to patients and families facing a life threatening illness. Hospice of Charles County has been serving the terminally ill in our community since 1983.

Decorating a Hospice tree and wreath has been a tradition with the Holy Ghost ladies for the last eight years — tis the season to share with others. What better way to share than give time, talent and treasure to a group that gives their love and care all year round to those in need of rest and comfort?

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by Molly Siedlarczyk, LCUSA Historian

ACA presentation (from left), Molly Siedlarczyk, Andrew Baranoski, Exec. Dir.-CEO of ACA, Margaret Hanson, Lanie Cummings, and Sally Masters

The Diane Downey Reading Enrichment Grant was awarded under a very special circumstance in 2009. Since there were no applications from our local associations, an alternative method was used to present the award. It was brought to the attention of the national board that the American Civic Association of Binghamton, New York, a very worthwhile organization that has helped immigrants become citizens for 70 years, had suffered a terrible tragedy at their facility. On April 3, 2009, while the students were in class, a disgruntled former student who had lost his job, entered the building and fired 87 shots from his gun. Eleven students and two teachers were killed.; four others were wounded.

The $500.00 grant was accepted gratefully by Executive Director Andrew Baranoski on behalf of the American Civic Association. Mr. Baranoski assured the Ladies of Charity that the grant would help the organization in many ways. Not only does the association sponsor citizenship classes, they also help in the resettlement of immigrants and offers other community learning programs as well. Years ago immigrants came from Europe but today they come from as far away as the Ukraine and Burma. The Ladies of Charity asked that the funds be used to help immigrants learn to read English and in so doing, improve their chances to avoid living in poverty or perhaps even rise above.

Ladies of Charity of Binghamton Sally Masters (President), Lanie Cummings (President-elect), Margaret Hanson (AIC Vice President and past LCUSA President), Barbara Caveny (Historian and past Binghamton President), and Molly Siedlarczyk (LCUSA Historian and and past Binghamton President) attended the presentation.

It was an extraordinary experience to be present where so many people seeking the American way of life lost theirs just a few months ago. It was an honor to be able to give the check to the American Civic Association of Binghamton, New York, especially during the Christmas season.

LCUSA members with Mr. Andrew Baranoski

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