April 21, 1954. "ZAJEDNIČAR" Page 9.

Minutes Of The Society's Supreme Board Meetings Held March 22-27, IQ54 —— • —— .. —

First Meeting, Monday Morning, March 22, 1954

Supreme President bro. V. I. Mandich opened the First Meeting of the Supreme Board at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 22. Present were all members of the Board and other officials of the Society stationed at the Home Office.

In opening the meeting, the Supreme President extended greetings and very best wishes to one and all for a short, constructive and harmonious semi-annual session of the Supreme Board, particularly in this, the Croatian Fraternal Union's 60th Anniversary Year.

Bro. Mandich also called the attention of the Board members to the fact that present at this meeting were bros. Nick D. Sarich and John M. Pavlovich, the Superintendent and Home Board President, respectively, of the Society's Children's Home at Des Plaines, Illinois. Both were in attendance to submit their reports to the Supreme Board.

The Supreme President then submitted the following Order of Business to the Board members for their pleasure:

Order of Business 1) Opening of the Semi-Annual Session 2) Reports

Executive Officers and Supreme Vice President Board of Trustees Croatian Editor Zajedničar English Editor Zajedničar Supreme Medical Director Legal Counsellor Director of Sports and Education Print Shop Manager Superintendent of Children's Home Children's Home Board of Trustees Miscellaneous Committees

3) Discussion on Reports 4) Communications and Resolutions 5) Miscellaneous for the Good of the Organization 6) Adjournment Bro. Milan Vranes moved and bro. Milan Skrtic second

ed that the Order of Business be adopted as submitted. Approved without dissent.

The various Reports to the Supreme Board were taken up next.

Supreme President bro. Mandich read his Report to the Board first. This was acknowledged as read and tabled for discussion at the proper time.

Bro. Vranes — I have no written Report to tender as the Supreme Vice President of the Society. In the absence of one, I take pleasure in advising you that I attended numerous functions of our Lodges during the past six months and represented both the Croatian Fraternal Union and this Board to the very best of my ability. I too urge that these meetings be constructive and harmonious for the good of the organization and pledge my cooperation in that direction throughout our stay here. Thank you.

There followed, in order, the Reports of Supreme Secretary bro. Joseph Bella, Sick Benefit Department Secretary bro. John Ovcarich, Supreme Treasurer bro. Martin Kra-sich, and Junior Order Director Michael Grasha. All were acknowledged as read and filed for discussion at a later meeting.

Speaking in behalf of the Trustees, Secretary bro. Milan Skrtic read the March 15 and March 22 Minutes of the Board of Trustees, which covered the examinations of the various Departments at the Home Office and the Trustees' recommendations to the Supreme and Executive Boards of the Society. Report acknowledged as read.

Inasmuch as Croatian Section Editor of the Zajedničar bro. Philip Vukelich was occupied at the time with preparing the Official Organ for publication, his Report to the Board will be taken up at the afternoon meeting.

Next to tender their Reports were English Editor of the Zajedničar bro. Stephen F. Brkich and Supreme Medical Director Dr. Francis J. Arch. Here too the Reports were acknowledged as read and tabled for later discussion.

The Supreme President advised the Board that the Reports of the Legal Counsellor and Print Shop Manager would be read at the afternoon meeting. Agreed.

The Supreme President next called upon Director of Sports and Education bro. Frank Braidic for his Report, which also was acknowledged as read.

Next to give Reports were bros. Nick D. Sarich and John M. Pavlovich, Superintendent and Home Board President, respectively, of the Children's Home. Again, both Reports were acknowledged as read and tabled for discussion at the proper time.

Concluding the reading of Reports for this particular meeting was Supreme Secretary Dro. Bella, who read a Report submitted by bro. Vladimir Bozich, Secretary of the Children's Home Board. Acknowledged as read and tabled for discussion.

It being 12:20 PM, Supreme President bro. Mandich declared a recess until 1:30 PM. It was so ordered.

Stephen F. Brkich, Recording Secretary

Second Meeting, Monday Afternoon, March 22, 1954

Supreme President bro. V. I. Mandich called the Second Session of the Supreme Board to order on Monday afternoon, March 22, at 1:15 PM and explained that since both the Editors were engrossed in the editing of the "Zajedničar" and would therefore be absent from this meeting, he requested that the Secretary of the Supreme Board of Trustees take the minutes for this session.

Bro. Mandich — We will resume with the unfinished business of the morning session, specifically that of the Import and recommendations of the Superintendent of the Children's Home, as well as the recommendations of the Children's Home Committee which is represented here by its President, bro. Pavlovic.

Bro. Pavlovic — spoke of the necessity of rebuilding the Dance Pavilion which was damaged by fire last year and, since the cost of doing so would run higher than the Children's Home Committee is authorized to approve payment, he is hereby submitting plans and various bids for our edification in order that we may be convinced of the expenditures and expense of rebuilding the pavilion.

The bids presented were as follows: The firm of Kla-rich, $6862.00; Buktenica, $6125.67; and finally, Grskovic and Company, $5687.73. All these bids are based on the intention to build the pavilion without a roof and repair the bar room. The sole bid of $2,125.00 to place a roof on the dance hall came from the Grskovic Company.

Bro. Verbanic — disagrees with the acceptance of any plans whatsoever until all the specifications are in with these bids so that we will know just what we are getting for our money.

Bro. Pavlovic — replies that the Childrens Home Board is in receipt of all these specifications but he did not deem it necessary to bring these minute details before the Supreme Board since he is only seeking the approval of the Board for making these expenditures and the Children's Home Committee itself, will be responsible for the contract and agreements, as well as overseeing that all the provisions of the contract are met.

At this point a discussion ensued in which all members of the Board participated, a discussion primarily dealing with the question of whether the dance platform should be built from hardwood or cement, and whether it would be necessary to provide a roof over the pavilion. After a lengthy discussion of the problem, bro. Vranesh made the motion, seconded by bro. Belanic, that permission be granted the Children's Home Board to proceed with the building of the dance pavilion with a cement platform and a roof. This motion was adopted by acclamation.

Bro. Pavlovic — further stated that the Illinois State Welfare Department recommends that we install new refrigeration equipment and new sink in the Children's Home kitchen and also that the dining room be furnished with new tables and chairs since the present equipment is over 25 years old.

Bro. Vranesh — It is my opinion that we should comply with this request of the Welfare Board immediately and modernize the kitchen completely so that the Welfare Board will not have justification to command us into further action again next year. Bro. Vranesh recommends this action since he is of the belief that procrastination at this time would only cost more money in the end.

Following a lengthy discussion in which all members of the Board participated, bro. Ovcarich proposed that we comply with the demands of the Welfare Board and proceed with the desired improvements immediately. Should the Board seek further changes, these will be discussed and taken care of later. His motion was seconded by bro. Niko-lac and unanimously approved.

Bro. Pavlovic — President of the Children's Home Committee, further stated that a problem has arisen wherein the man previously hired to perform the duties of farmer on the premises of the Children's Home, has violated the terms of the agreement which he had made with the Board, and has not complied with the requirements pertinent to his position. After all the facts of the case were made known and thoroughly discussed by all members of the Supreme and Executive Boards, bro. Goretta made a motion, seconded by bro. Verbanic, that this farmer be denied his March salary, and recommended to the Home Board that the man be discharged. The vote to do so was unanimous.

Bro. Goretta — On the basis of the issue which we have just faced, I move that we now lease out the farm located on the property of the Children's Home, or totally abandon the project. His motion was seconded by bro. Borich.

In answer, bro. Pavlovic and Superintendent of the Children's Home, bro. Sarich, explained that some crops have already been planted for this season and that they have located a man who attended agricultural school in the old country, who they think would suit our purposes. They ask that the Board reconsider drastic action at this time and grant permission to operate the farm one more year since they feel that conditions will improve and the results will justify our continued maintenance.

A vote was taken on bro. Goretta's motion which was defeated by a 7 to 6 vote.

Bro. Krasich — voiced a motion that the aforementioned farmer possessing the agricultural background be hired and placed under written contract. This man is to be under direct supervision of the Children's Home Superintendent, bro. Sarich. Bro. Nikolac seconded the motion which was carried with 7 to 5 votes.

Bro. Mandich — brought up the subject of the Children's Home License and reports that even though relations between the Children's Home Committee and the Executive Board are, in most cases, harmonious, in this matter the Children's Home Committee did, to some extent even if inadvertently, create some confusion and procrastination. Since we do not desire to give the State Welfare Board the impression that we are unwilling to comply with their requirements, bro. Mandich implores bro. Pavlovic to pay closer attention to these matters in the future. Bro. Paviovic assures the President that he will endeavor to prevent such occurrances in the future.

Since this completed their business at the CFU Home Office, bro. Pavlovic and bro. Sarich bid farewell to the Board and departed for home.

Noting the late hour of 6:00 PM at hand, bro. Mandich, on the motion of bro. Belanic, seconded by bro. Ovcarich/ adjourned the meeting until 9:00 AM on Tuesday, March 23.'

Milan Skrtic, Recording Secretary

Third Meeting, Tuesday Morning, March 23, 1954

Supreme President bro. V. I. Mandich opened the Third Meeting of the Supreme Board on Tuesday morning, March 23, with greetings and best wishes to the members of the Board and through them to the membership of the Society at large.

Present were all members of the Board and other officials stationed at the Home Office.

Bro. Mandich first called upon Recording Secretary bro. Stephen F. Brkich to read the Minutes of the First Board Meeting, held Monday morning, March 22. Bro. Matt Goretta moved and bro. Nikola Borich seconded that the Minutes be accepted as read. Unanimously agreed.

The Supreme President then asked Board of Trustees Secretary bro. Milan Skrtic to read the Minutes of the Second Board Meeting, held Monday afternoon, March 22, Minutes which the Editors were unable to keep in view of the fact that both were occupied with preparing the Official Organ for publication at the time.

On the motion of bro. Nikola Borich, seconded by bro. Charles J. Verbanic, the Minutes of the Second Meeting were adopted as read with minor corrections.

Bro. Mandich then called upon several officials to tender their Reports to the Board. Reading their Reports in person were Croatian Section Editor of the Zajedničar Philip Vukelich and Print Shop Manager Michael Bozic, whereas Supreme Secretary bro. Joseph Bella read the written Report of Legal Counsellor Thomas R. Balaban in the momentary absence of bro. Balaban.

All three Reports were acknowledged as readt and tabled for discussion later under Item 3 of the Order of Business.

This concluded the tendering of Reports of the Executives, Trustees and other Officials and attention was turned to the Reports of the Miscellaneous Committees operating for the welfare of the Society. '

Speaking in his capacity of Chairman of the 1954 Membership Campaign Committee, bro. Mandich spoke in brief on the results of the Campaign to date and stated that a more comprehensive Campaign resume would be made by Junior Order Director bro. Michael Grasha, Secretary of the Campaign Committee.

Bro. Grasha — Figures from January 1 to March 19, 1954, inclusive show that this Campaign has enriched the Society by 646 Junior and 369 Adult members, or a grand total of 1,015 new members in all for both Departments. This is an excellent mark for so short a period of time. Equally satisfying is the fact that one new Lodge and two new Junior Order Nests have been added to our family of subordinate affiliates since the beginning of the year: Lodge 982 and Nest 639 in Miami, Florida, and Nest 518 in Gerald-ton, Ontario, Canada, the latter representing a reactivated unit. All this speaks well for the progress of the Campaign and gives us every reasop to believe that it will serve as a successful and lasting tribute to the 60th Anniversary Year of our Society.

Bro. Vukelich followed with a Report on behalf of the Joint Committee for the Celebration of the Society's 60th Anniversary on July 25, 1954, a Committee comprised of the Society's Executive Board and its United Lodges of Western Pennsylvania Committee. Report acknowledged as read and tabled for later discussion.

This concluded Item 2 on the Order of Business and the Supreme President thanked all concerned for their Reports to the Board.

Taking up Item 3 — Discussion on Reports — bro. Mandich asked Supreme Vice President Milan Vranes to preside during discussion on the Supreme President's Report to the Board.

Bro. Mandich — I have nothing to add to my Report to the Board. The several recommendations and suggestions

I have in mind at this time will be brought before you when we get to the Miscellaneous part of our Order of Business.

Bro. Nikolac — I should like to know why bro. Mandich listed the travelling expenses of the Board of Trustees in his Report. We Trustees are governed by the By-Laws in this matter and receive only that to which we are entitled. Why. then, bring this before the membership in the Official Organ and create unnecessary agitation?

Bro. Mandich — Several members have raised the question of these and other travelling expenses in view of the fact that such are not listed in the Zajedničar as was the practice some time ago. My sole intention in listing them in my Report was to show that no one is doing unnecessary travelling, that we are trying to keep expenses down.

Bro. Verbanic — There is no reason whatsoever for bro. Mandich listing the travelling expenses of the Trustees in his Report, for no Trustee receives anything contrary to the By-Laws. To list the travelling expenses of the Executive Board and other Officials is another matter, for they travel much more in carrying out business of the Society. As for the assertion that these expenses are no longer carried in the Zajedničar as in the past, I want to make it very clear that all such expenses eventually appear in the Zajedničar for every interested member to judge as he sees fit.

Bros. Goretta, Belanic and Borich and sister Niksic also protested the listing as it appears in bro. Mandich's Report to the Board, but agreed that the actual travelling expenses could be published provided they were not lumped together with per diems paid members of the Board of Trustees, provisions for which are contained in the By-Laws.

Bro. Mandich explained that he had listed these figures in his Report only after reading Croatian Section Editor bro. Philip Vukelich's reference in the March 17, 1954, issue of the Zajedničar, to "some profitting on travelling expenses." Since this insinuation is not true, I included the travelling! expenses in my Report to assure the membership that no one is making any profit from travelling in behalf of the Society.

Bro. Krasich — Since the salaries of the Officers and the per diems of the Board of Trustees are set by Conventions, I see no reason why bro. Mandich lumped per diems and travelling expenses in the case of' the Trustees. I, for one, do not object to the publication of any travelling expenses paid me, for I never received anything to which I was not entitled legally by the By-Laws.

Sister Niksic and bros. Brkich, Verbanic, Belanic, Grasha, Nikolac and Borich agreed with bro. Krasich that no one receives any more than the By-Laws provide in this matter and that, to the best of their knowledge, no one profits from travelling.

Brps. Goretta and Verbanic were in agreement that the best way to remove any doubts in the mind of the members who read bro. Vukelich's article of March 17 is to publish articles in the Zajedničar clearly stating just exactly what the Society's various Officials are entitled to in the way of per diems and travelling expenses.

Bro. Nikolac again pointed out that his chief concern here is bro. Mandich's listed reference to the Board of Trustees, a reference uncalled for in view of the fact that the Trustees are governed by the By-Laws and obey them to the letter.

Bro. Skrtic expressed a similar opinion as a member of the Trustees and said that he could not understand why the Trustees should be singled out when none violated the By-Laws in any respect.

Bro. Mandich — I intended nothing personal against any member of this Board when I listed the figures in question in my Report to you. My only intention was to refute

ihe allegation that "someone is profitting from travelling expenses." I would agree with you that only actual travelling expenses be published in my Report and references to per diems, set by Convention decree, be eliminated therefrom. I am of the sincere opinion and belief that to publish these actual travelling expenses will clear away any suspicion in the minds of our members brought about by bro. Vukelich's article.

Bro. Vranes — Under no circumstances should any of us create the totally false impression that any part of these travelling expenses are spent on non-CFU business. Rather, let us make it plain that such are spent on business of the Society and paid in strict conformity with the By-Laws. I do not disagree with the publication of travelling expenses in the Zajedničar, but I cannot agree with this lumping of the Trustees' per diems and travelling expenses in bro. Mandich's Report. That is highly unfair to the Trustees, for they do not travel between meetings of the Supreme Board.

Bro. Goretta protested that the Supreme Secretary and not the Supreme President should be chiefly concerned with expenditures on the order of travelling expenses. Not that the Supreme President shouldn't show such concern, continued bro. Goretta, but that is the responsibility of the Supreme Secretary and his duty to report to us in his six-month report to the Supreme Board. If something is out of line, or open to possible question, the Supreme Secretary is duty bound to tell us. In this case, there is nothing out of line or remotely open to question. Furthermore, concluded bro. Goretta, I would suggest that the Supreme President devote more time to promoting good inter-departmental relations and make certain that there is genuine understanding and harmony in our ranks.

Bro. Mandich — I should like to remind bro. Goretta that every department at the Home Office is of genuine concern to the Supreme President, and that I would be derelict in my duties if I did not evidence such concern. Surely no one will argue that the current deficit of $63,525.77 in the Administrative Expense Fund should be of no concern to the Supreme President. I am concerned — and will continue to be concerned — with every single problem of the Society and cope with them as best I can. As for good will in the Home Office, I promote inter-departmental relations on a harmonious basis at all times and always cooperate with both the Official and Clerical Staffs.

The meeting was recessed at this point for luncheon. ' Stephen F. Brkich, Recording Secretary

Fourth Meeting, Tuesday Afternoon, March 23, 1954

Supreme Vice-President bro. Milan Vranesh called the Fourth Session of the Supreme Board to order on Tuesday afternoon, March 23, with greetings and best wishes. Present were all members of the Board and other officials.

The session opened with discussion on the Report of Supreme President, bro. V. I. Mandich.

Bro. Nikolac — Moved that the Report be approved with the exception of the reference made by bro. Mandich wherein he speaks of the eventual need of selling of the Children's Home. Bro. Nikolac also protested the necessity of listing the names of the Supreme Board members in relation to CFU travelling expenditures.

Bro. Goretta — Why concern ourselves with the sale of the Children's Home when such action is out of the question? I repeat, we do not wish to relinquish the Home. Further, I see no reason to discuss additional aid to our aged members since the maximum assistance is now being given to these affiliates. As a matter of fact, said bro. Goretta, we have already given assistance to our old members in the sum of $1,700,000 in order to bring their certificates under the 3% mortuary table, according to which we are operating at this time. They should take this into consideration.

Bro. Mandich — I am not recommending the sale of the Children's Home at this time but merely emphasizing

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the fact that the time is approaching when we shall be confronted with the problem in the future. Bro. Mandich again reads the reference to this from his Report.

Bro. Borich — In this issue bro. Mandich wishes to explain that the Children's Home is not up for sale at this time but when the time for action does arrive, the time when there are no more children for the Home, he recommends that the facilities be used for the aged.

Bro. (trasha — Bro. Mandich has every right to express his opinion in this matter, although I disagree with this opinion since I am against selling the Children's Home in any event. But, if it should be disposed of, the proceeds should be distributed to benefit each member both young and old, alike.

Bro. Krasich — I am also against selling the Children's Home. As the situation in the Home appears today, this institution can remain active for many years, certainly for the duration of my life time. This is a truly humanitarian institution which our members love and in which they take great pride.

Planning to sell the Home for the benefit of our old members, as brought out by bro. Mandich, is out of the question since our Society is not a pension organization, and we now assist our honored aged members to the limit of our resources.

I agree that bro. Mandich is within his rights in bringing forth his opinion in this matter before the Board. We, on the other hand, by reason of this expression, have the right to our sentiments, says bro. Krasich.

Bro. Belanie — I am certain that the Supreme Board will not underwrite the relinquishment of the Children's Home since we are all eager to protect and maintain this humanitarian institution. For our older members everything possible in the way of extending aid is being done and this is well and good. I, likewise, do not agree that bro. Mandich should list individual travelling expenses of the Supreme Board members since this is irrelevant to the issue. Ours is not a case of travelling from the Home Office to various CFU colonies, but is in accordance with our By-Laws which state that we journey to attend the semi-annual sessions of the Supreme Board for the purpose of examining the books and other matters pertinent to the welfare of our organization.

Sistnr Niksic— With reference to the sale of the Children's Home, I believe that there is no need for further discussion. Our members love and value this institution. As concerns our old members, this is also an unnecessary issue since the old members are now receiving pensions and Social Security. I know from past experiences that our older members have no desire to be buried away in som®, old folks home so long as they have the means and opportunity to live among their relatives and friends.

Bro. Ovcarich — I agree with the majority that we abandon the discussion on the sale of the Children's Home and further assistance for our old members, since this discussion is serving no worthwhile purpose.

Bro. Bella — It is my opinion that should we sell the Children's Home, and I am definitely against such action, the proceeds could not be channeled for any purposes such as we have discussed here but, rather, would fall under the jurisdiction of the Mortuary Fund from which the finances were originally obtained. This is merely my opinion.

Bro. Verbanic — Thoughts of doing away with the Chi Idr en's Home are simply out of order since this is undesirable to us. Concerning the itemizing of the Board of Trustees travelling expenses, and this is individual listing of such, we believe serves- no sound purpose. I move that the Report be accepted with reservations that the individual listing of travelling expenses be eliminated, although the total sum may remain if so desired.

Bro. Nikolac — I am absolutely against ^ellin^U!« Children's Home and second bro. Verbanic's motion relafiW to the listing of the Board of Trustees travelling expends.

Chairman Vranesh puts the motion to a vote with the result that the majority cast a ballot in favor of approving the Report, with reservations.

Vice-President Milan Vranesh states that he has no recommendations to offer at the present time. On the motion of bro. Skrtic, seconded by bro. Belanic, his Report is accepted without debate.

Next on the agenda comes the discussion of the Supreme Secretary's Report.

Bro. Bella — submits for discussion the financial standing of our Mortuary Fund and this brings up the question of dividend payments.

Bro. Goretta — Moves that dividends be paid on the same basis as that of the previous year. Bro. Borich seconds this motion.

At this point a discussion ensued and it was finally resolved that a decision on the question be reached after several matters were thoroughly investigated. Bro. Goretta stands on his motion.

Bro. Bella — The next order of business facing us is that of the Sick, Disability and Operation benefit funds. He states that as the situation stands at the present time, these funds are in excellent condition. Some changes in procedure could be advocated but, he believes, these can be set aside for revision at the next Convention.

All members of the Board are in unanimous agreement with this suggestion.

Bro. Bella — Next on the agenda is the matter of the National Fund from which we derive necessary funds to aid qur old and destitute members. He states that in accordance with the decision reached by the Supreme Board at its previous session, this matter was taken care of. The question now arises, says bro. Bella, what disposition should be made of the cases wherein our members are confined to mental institutions. Should this assistance be extended to these members in line with the aforementioned decision of the Supreme Board?

Bro. Goretta — Moves that all be given equal consideration and likewise when the member's reserve expires. Namely, if these members do not have the means to pay their dues, they should be placed on reserve. When this reserve expires they should be given, according to our decision, equal paid-up certificates as the others receive. Bro. Belanic seconds this motion.

An all embracive discussion developed on this subject with the explanation of the general procedure on the local Lodge level with respect to such cases. Board members Niksic, Nikolac, Ovcaric, Borich and others expressed their views on the matter while bro. Bella went into the matter in greater detail to acquaint all with its import.

Chairman Vranesh asks for a vote on the motion of bro. Goretta, which is consequently passed without dissent.

Bro. Bella — Relates situations where some of our members or their families wish to pay dues on lesser value certificates, because of financial stress, from $300 to $400,

(Continued on following page)

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June 30! IS THE DEADLINE for present day members of the Society to transfer to the Sick

Benefit Department's New Disability Plan on a Non-Medical Basis, regardless of age. Following that date, June 30, all members past 35 years of age must undergo a medical exam if they desire such protection, whereas members past 50 years will not be permitted to make changeover in question under any conditions. See your Lodge Secretary today for a changeover form and have him fill it out before it is too late.