The Oldest and largest serbian newspaper in america published semi-monthly Official Organ of SERB NATIONAL FEDERATION
НАЈСТАРИЈИ И НАЈВЕЋИ СРПСКИ ЛИСТ У АМЕРИЦИ ИСЛАСИ ДВОНЕДЕЉНО ЗВАНИЧНИ ОРГАН СРПСКОГ НАРОДНОГ САВЕЗА
www.snflife.org
VOL., MMVXV, 16750
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015
AMERICANSRBOBRAN (USPS 023-400)
938 Penn Avenue, 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
HRISTOS SE RODI! CHRIST IS BORN! Dear Brothers and Sisters, As we prepare to bid farewell to 2014, my hope and prayer is for a healthy and prosperous 2015 for each of our members. Please pause during this time of year and give thanks for our abundant blessings of family and friends. Although we may have unique opinions about many issues, I am confident we share a common love for our faith, heritage and culture. I am equally confident of our desire to perpetuate our beloved Savez for many future generations. We remain grateful for your membership, and your support of our cause – whether it is insurance/annuity based, athletic tournament based, or a simple love of being with other Serbs at one of our many social events. During 2014 the SNF experienced changes in the management and board of directors structure. I would like to thank Past President Michael Marjanovic for his years of dedication to our society and look forward to his input as a member-at-large on the board. I join the board of directors and office staff in wishing Brother Michael improved health in the coming years. As a result of the change and in accordance with the By-Laws, Brother Dane Medich was selected to fill the position vacated by former Second Vice President, Pete Raketic, who became First Vice President. Sister Cheryl Leydig was named Home Office Manager and continues to serve the Savez with her vivacious personality, intelligence, and efficiency in maintaining a professional operation. The award-winning American Srbobran continues as the information network linking Serbian colonies throughout the United States and Canada. English Section Editor Sandi Radoja can be found with her camera, note pad, and husband/bodyguard/chauffeur Ray at all major functions in the Midwest – and surprisingly, there have been countless sightings of our Sandi here in the Pittsburgh area as well. Sister Sandi is truly a gift to our society with her ambitious and effervescent journalistic approach toward keeping the American Srbobran in the forefront of fraternal newspapers in the country. Her dedication is a rare trait – to the point that she travels at her own expense – refusing her entitled reimbursement. Serbian Section Editor, Dr. Aleksander ‘Sasha’ Petrov, is a glowing example of true historical and literary intellect. He is diligent in his responsibilities dispersing the important facets of life in Serbia, as well as current news at the SNF in the USA and Canada. The Cyrillic Section continues as a vital component of our publication and Dr. Petrov is always grateful for input and suggestions to maintain a first-class production. His warmth and charm have endeared him to our members for many years. Ziveli na mnogaja ljeta Sandi and Sasha. As this edition goes to print, I received the sorrowful news that former Home Office employee, John Kasich, died tragically in an automobile accident in Youngstown, Ohio, not far from his native Farrell. Brother John’s exuberance and quick wit were always a welcome sight at many SNF social events. He was the consummate authority of many Serbian historical events, having recently served as chairman for St. George Serbian Orthodox Church’s 90th Anniversary Celebration. This year we also saw the passing of former Office Manager Sylvia Bonacci and part-time employee and long-time volunteer Tina Rebich as well as Brother Danny Kukich. May the memories of John, Sylvia, Danny and Tina be eternal. The financial position of the SNF is strong. This past year we experienced substantial growth in the investment portfolio. In May, Treasurer Greg Volitich and I were in Harrisburg to meet with representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance for a periodic review. During the meeting we fielded many questions from the eleven state officials assembled and presented a detailed business plan designed to drive the business into the future. Following the lengthy meeting, Deputy Insurance Commissioner Steve Johnson praised the Savez for its vision and growth potential. Also, the 5-year audit conducted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is nearing its conclusion; a detailed report will be presented at the convention in September 2015. As our population ages, so do the average ages of SNF members. As simple as it may seem the only way to continue our mission is to enroll members. Over the years there have been a myriad of ideas presented relative to membership growth. The hard fact is simple. For a variety of reasons we all need life insurance. During these difficult financial times where it is a regular occurrence continued on page 14
47th SNF MIDWINTER GOLF TOURNAMENT February 12-14, 2015 Details begin on page 8
23 To be eligible to play in the 2015 SNF Basketball Tournament, you must be a member in good standing by January 30, 2015. Call the Home Office for details TODAY! 800-538-7372