News in GeneralLook inside for “Mickey” memories plus more JSP news you’ll want to know.

September-October 2009, Vol. 24, No. 5

President’s ColumnA personal memoir: getting to know my amazing mother-in-law. Please see page 2.

Local NewsPaluch Family Foundation continues its tradition and celebrates ’09 event in Mrs. P’s honor, page 3.

Margaret A. “Mickey” Paluch

June 4, 1922 to October 8, 2010

“May God hold you

in the palm of his hand.”

Margaret and Chester Paluch, married on May 22, 1944.

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Thirty-some years ago, in the mid 70s, Mary Lou and I began dating. I remember meeting Chester — her father — and his

first words to me, “So, you’re the guy who kept my daughter out until 3 a.m.” Fortunately it was uphill from there, particularly when I met Mary Lou’s delightful and fun mother, Margaret. It took awhile to get used to calling her ‘Mickey,’ as she preferred. And Chester and I actually came to enjoy talking business; I worked for a big bank at the time, and he had no problem telling me how screwed up banking was. Looking back, I agree: for the most part, he was right.

Most of my early Paluch family memories are the parties. My God, they had parties! First of all, this is a huge family: Mary Lou is one of nine children. Then there’s a flock of aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. Imagine a young me among them (plus other dates like me). Coming from a small family, I felt overwhelmed and certain I would never learn all their names. Second, they celebrated everything: birthdays (virtually every week), holidays (some pretty obscure), babies’ teeth falling out, the Cubs winning a game, etc. And always in the center of activity was Mick, directing traffic, and having a blast.

I came to learn that was only the tip of a “larger-than-life” woman. Over time I heard her sing what she called “barroom tenor” classics, often with her son John, Mick’s favorite piano player. They were stunning together. Add the church cantoring and choir, fundraisers, school plays, guilds, and countless other philanthropic causes. She had a comedic style exuding disorganization

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that included unfinished projects, late arrivals, lack of gas and pocket money, numerous fender benders, and plenty of traffic tickets (Mick and cars just didn’t mix well). Yet, despite her apparent lack of organization, Mick did so many positive things and she did them well — amazing.

But it wasn’t ’til later that I got a much better read on Mick’s strength and wisdom. Chester died in September 1980, one month before Mary Lou and I were to be married. (I sometimes wondered if he just couldn’t stand the thought of his daughter marrying an Irish guy.) Nevertheless, Mick moved forward with our wedding, her grace and strength — plus a new resolve — quite evident. At the same time, she assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc. Thus began a very new era in our company.

While Mick’s was not a business mind in the traditional sense, she managed with heartfelt visions and completely changed the “firm’s” (her favorite term for JSP) culture. JSP moved to nicer facilities, implemented greater employee benefits, and most of all, embraced Catholic priests and religious, often spending resources with absolutely no intention of gaining business benefits. She also elevated the “firm’s” commitment to music and liturgy publications while promoting vocations as well. J.S. Paluch became a more caring family business, dedicated to each other and those we serve.

In 1988 Mick asked Mary Lou and me to leave our Minneapolis home and return to Chicago. She asked me to consider getting involved in the company: “We need some younger blood.” For the next six years I worked among several aspects of management until, in 1994, after 14 years of leading JSP, Mick made perhaps the most surprising and difficult choice I’ve ever seen a parent make: she asked Mary Lou and me to buy the company.

Think about that. Certainly the easiest thing Mick could have done was leave matters be and have JSP’s ownership be inherited by her children. They could determine management and leadership when she was gone. No doubt she realized this surprise move would cause various degrees of hurt and conflict among those she

continued on page 7

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Participants at the 2008 PFF recognition dinner missed Margaret “Mickey” Paluch, who could not attend because of

her health. In 2009 all those present joined the Paluch family and the PFF Planning Committee in grateful remembrance of Mrs. Paluch, who died only two weeks earlier, and to honor the ministry of people she loved and respected.

The focus of the PFF dinner is always on the honorees and their service to the Church and their community. Our 2009 evening, held in Rosemont, IL on October 21, began with a tribute to Mrs. Paluch, featuring a video presentation prepared by the Paluch family and JSP/WLP staff members and accompanied by reflections from Fr. Jim Marchionda, OP. Mary Lou Rafferty then shared thoughts on her mom and offered inspiring words about her legacy and the Paluch Family Foundation’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who serve the Church in liturgy, stewardship, and vocations.

This year’s honorees are St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, represented by Fr. Dan Costello, pastor, and the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA), represented by Sr. Elyse Marie Ramirez, OP, coordinator. Sr. Elyse and Fr. Dan felt especially privileged to have enjoyed a festive lunch meeting on October 2 with Mrs. Paluch, Mary Lou, and several members of the PFF Planning Committee. Both accepted their awards — Fr. Dan, for Stewardship, and Sr. Elyse, for Vocations — with gracious words of gratitude and appreciative remembrance of Mrs. Paluch for her many years

of dedication to stewardship and vocations.

Most Reverend Francis Kane, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, gave the dinner invoca- tion and Fr. Terry Keehan served as M.C. Both men offered personal tributes to Mrs. Paluch with whom they had worked for many years.

Dinner guests shared favorite stories about Margaret as they celebrated the significant ministries of the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry and its essential care for those in need, and the exemplary leadership of CAVA in its service to vocation directors throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago.

While the hearts of those present felt the loss of Margaret Paluch, a great, gracious, and generous Catholic woman, her spirit filled the evening with joy, warmth, and humor. As the Paluch Family Foundation continues her vision of service and support, that same spirit will be here — cheering on all those who share her commitment and honoring those who serve.

Dolores Orzel, NVAD Creative Director

2009 Paluch Family Foundation Dinner

Margaret Paluch in her foundation’s early days.

Sr. Elyse (above with sculpture) is joined by CAVA members and Fr. Dan (right, with sculpture) is surrounded by St. Thomas friends.

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Mrs. Paluch

On October 21, 2009, the National Coalition for Church Vocations (NCCV) gathered for its autumn meeting, hosted at JSP’s

Franklin Park office. This meeting had a very special dimension: the NCCV board invited Mary Lou and Bill Rafferty to join them for lunch and presented them with a tabletop convention display piece boasting a special plaque, “Donated in Honor and Loving Memory of Margaret ‘Mickey’ Paluch —

National Coalition for Church Vocations Staff and Board.” (The Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago also contributed to this gift.) The first display items were particularly special, as board members filled it with “Mickey” and Paluch Family Foundation regalia, delighting a very grateful Bill and Mary Lou. This gift should prove a perfect memorial for it will travel to various JSP/WLP conventions and exhibits, and be used by many people who showcase our products and services.

NCCV Executive Board members include the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD), the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), the Priests of the Sacred Heart, the Rogationist Fathers, the USA Council of Serra International, and the J.S. Paluch Company. I serve as NCCV board Vice President. The board meets three times a year to discuss their annual goals and plans, review materials and office staff, and plan their budgets. Plenty of work gets done, but it’s also a good time for the board members, a great group of people. And they all knew and loved Mickey very well!

— Dolores Orzel,NVAD Creative Director

NCCV Gift Honors Mickey

I was 16 when I started with JSP, so I’ve been a “Paluchian” for 31 years. I didn’t get to know

Chester Paluch very well — he passed away about two years after I started. When “Mrs. P.” stepped in, I thought “How cool is that — a mother of nine is going to run the company!”

With the help of Mick’s vision, the company expanded and even acquired a couple competitors. In 1988, JSP’s 75th anniversary, she began the service award program and “HO HO HO” tour. Mick wanted to personally give employees their service awards — that meant a lot to her. I felt truly honored receiving mine from her.

Prior to our Schiller Park move, employees literally shared desks in some areas of the old — and cramped — Winnemac building. Later, when Mick’s Schiller Park office was remodeled, she needed new furniture. I got the task of helping her, so I showed Mick several catalogs and she pointed to some furniture, asking “Can I really get this?” I felt like she was asking MY permission!

On many an open-for-busi-ness New Year’s Eve, Mick showed up and shared in Accounting’s end-of-the-year champagne toast… ahhh, the old days! I think every “Paluchian” felt special around her. Her welcoming smile and encouraging words made people feel important — we all felt like Mick personally cared about each one of us. And she had such an infectious laugh!

I’ve always been proud to work for JSP, and I look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary (just three years away!), looking to the sky, and saying “Thanks Mick!”

— Linda Kaup, HR ManagerLinda, “Mick” and HR’s Kathie Thomas

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Fourteen years ago Bill Rafferty interviewed me for the position of executive assistant. He asked me to join Mrs. Paluch and him for lunch another day. Bill wouldn’t hire anyone without Margaret’s approval, as that assistant would also work for her and

Mary Lou Rafferty.I wasn’t particularly nervous the day we went to lunch. Mrs. Paluch made light conversation,

mostly about JSP; then she started to describe her family. (At this point Bill had excused himself for a few minutes.) As I began to realize just how many kids she’d raised (nine!), I said the first thing that came to mind: “What were you thinking?” OK, then I was nervous: “What was I just thinking?!” Mrs. Paluch smiled her impish grin and laughed, “That’s the problem — I wasn’t thinking. I was just being a good Catholic girl!”

That sense of humor came through most of our work together. Mrs. Paluch seemed to like just about everyone, particularly the clergy (I thought all religious were quiet and serious, but nope; with Mickey, they became fun-loving, even boisterous “buds”!). And she sure enjoyed the holidays. I remember one Halloween a witch (think Wicked Witch of Oz) virtually flew into the office, grabbed some candy, and left just as quickly, cackling with delight! “Who was that?” I called out. Sandy Gigliello, our receptionist, laughed, “You didn’t know? That was Mrs. Paluch!”

From the editor

Thanks, Mrs. Paluch, it was fun!

— Mary C. Klaus

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Tom Wheeler

Tom Wheeler, a JSP employee since 1984, passed away on Sept.

28, 2009. He was a dedicated employee for nearly 25 years. His anniversary was Oct. 24.

Tom began as an ad sales representative hired by Brad Rome, “the best decision I ever made,” according to Brad. His first bulletin was in Milwaukee, WI, and Tom traveled there daily from Dwight, IL. Because the commissions had yet to arrive in the

office, his first paycheck was $1.00.

In 1986, Tom became Area Sales Manager in Longwood, FL. He “pioneered” the state of Florida, acquiring new accounts and businesses for JSP. He also hired Pat Higgins, a decision he and many others were glad he made. Tom always said “yes” to any location the company asked him to work. He also delivered bulletins to churches every weekend “back in the day.” Every Friday and Saturday Tom and his wife would take bulletins to churches all over Florida. This wasn’t a hardship but “good customer service” according to Tom. The churches always had their bulletins for weekend masses. (Thank goodness for FedEx Ground now!)

The Ohio/Northern Kentucky area was Tom’s last relocation, as a PC under Mike Rome. Mike and Tom worked this territory together, signing new churches and servicing the

existing ones. Mike tells a story many can relate to if you ever joined Tom for a meal: “In the early years, Tom and I went to Denny’s for lunch. We ordered a Grand Slam. I was less than half finished eating when Tom asked the waitress for another “Slam.” If you aren’t sure what a Grand Slam is, it’s 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, 2 sausages, and 2 pancakes. Do the math!!” (Tom was tall and slim.)

Tom is so missed by his wife, co-workers, and clients. He had a particularly diplomatic way of working with priests and church office staffs. His favorite sales technique was “turning customer complaints into sales” for JSP. Margie Furlong, Parish Services Div. Coord., noted, “Tom was a friend to so many… he was well respected and admired. He had a quick smile and an even quicker wit. I truly miss him.”

— Marcia Benoit-Wheeler, Tom’s wife

J. S. Paluch just recently received word that Nick Freund (pronounced “friend”) passed away on September 13, 2009.

Nick gave WLP 17 years of service. A former teacher, Nick earned master’s degrees in philosophy, theology, and musical composition.

He was hired in February 1980 as an editor of We Worship: Seasonal Missal (published until 1994). Through the years, Nick contributed to the company’s musical repertoire and worship products as composer, arranger, and music editor. When JSP “went

computer” Nick was delighted, and he quickly learned how to create a database tracking all of WLP’s products. Nick’s knowledge, creativity, and efforts eventually earned him the position of WLP Editorial Director. He retired in November of 1997.

A few folks around here knew Nick, like NVAD Creative Director Dolores Orzel. She recalls, “Nick felt very strongly about the importance of quality in liturgical music, as well as the pastoral significance of worship resources that are user-friendly. He had a great sense of humor and valued camaraderie. He lit up when he talked about his garden.”

Our sympathy to his wife Katie, who lives in Wisconsin, as well as Nick’s brothers Daniel and Victor.

Former WLP Editorial Director Nick Freund

I remember walking down the hallway in high school and when a certain Holy Cross brother approached I tried to avoid his threatening

gaze. He always looked very stern. One time he snapped at me, “Did you ever try to smile?” Well, not with him. (By the way, Jerry Gugala, husband of Production’s Judy Gugala, sat in front of me while Mike Rome (Sales) was across the driveway at the girl’s high school, teaching history to HR’s Kathie Thomas.) Thankfully smiles in the workplace are more common.

Being in sales demands an outgoing personality and ability to smile. Recently, Texas PC John Schnaithman and I worked at the International Catholic Stewardship Conference in Dallas. For eight non-stop hours each day we practiced our smile, welcoming people to the booth and doing our best to sell them everything they needed (and things they didn’t realize they needed).

Of course there have been scientific studies

about smiles. We’ve all heard it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. But an unscientific observation is to notice how your mood can change when someone smiles at you. I had the honor of reviewing many pictures of Mrs. Paluch to create a presentation for the Paluch Family Foundation dinner. I don’t think I saw an image in which she didn’t have a radiant smile.

I believe Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, said it best, “Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’ Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life.”

Congratulations to these employees for celebrating their September & October anniversaries with J.S. Paluch!*

25 Years Nellie Pemberton Franklin Park

15 Years Theodore Kamins East Brunswick Steve Marvel Coral Springs Terance Paulson Houston Frank Tucker Franklin Park

10 Years Thomas Muir Coral Springs Patty Nowak Franklin Park

5 Years Glynn Thomas Coral Springs

S E R V I C E

*Service award anniversaries are celebrated for every five years of a person’s employment with JSP, i.e., 5, 10, 15, etc.

— by Tom Gull

President’s Column, continued from page 2

loved most — her family. Yet Mick made her choice, hoping that in the long run it would be best for both the company and her family.

It’s been over 15 years now and I like to think Mick made the right decision. I know she was proud of the company’s growth and accomplishments. She was also

mindful of her family’s difficult ad-justments. Mick instilled a strong commitment — in Mary Lou and me, as well as many others — to J.S. Paluch’s continuing success. She encouraged the same in employees and the churches we serve. Now, with Mick’s passing, it is up to us to continue this woman’s incredible legacy. And so I ask you to help us do that

to the best of our abilities… for Mick.

To Margaret: We miss you dearly, Mick. And by the way, you can now tell Chester and anyone else that deserves to hear it: they were wrong, you were not late for your own funeral.

’Til next time . . . Bill

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People to PeopleEditor: Mary C. Klaus

Photography: Staff ContributedLayout: Denise Durand, Tejal Patel

People to People, a bimonthly publication of the J. S. Paluch Company, Inc., shares news

about your company and its most important asset — its people.

Rep of

the RegionCongratulations to the follow-

ing sales representatives who excelled in sales performance in their respective region.Chicago/Minnesota:....................Frank KurashEast Coast:................. David HartmanWest Coast:Southern California..................... Paul AmwegNorthern California................... Jorge RosalesPuerto Rico:.......................Jose TorresFlorida:.....................Kathy BrownSouthwest:...................David Pecquet

INSURANCE NUMBERS FOR SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2009* September October

Pharmacy Claims: $ 30,633.00 $ 43,168.00Medical & Dental Claims: $311,018.00 $358,455.00

YTD Pharmacy Claims: $ 410,960.00YTD Medical & Dental Claims: $3,715,017.00TOTAL PAID TO DATE: $4,125,977.00

*Monthly Medical totals include administration fees paid to Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

AROUND THE WATERCOOLERFlorida PC Pat Higgins welcomed grandson Gavin in

September, born to daughter Stacy and her husband Lewis. Pat told me “With all my kids and grandkids within 20 minutes, my house is like the family’s weekend ‘Chuck E. Cheese’ hangout.” Well, isn’t there always room for more grandkids? SFS admin. asst. Cindy Roman is now mom to Dominic Anthony, born Oct. 12. He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. Franklin Park’s Marcus Allen (IS) celebrated the birth of daughter Mya Nicole, also born on Oct. 12. Mya weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. And finally, proud grandpa PC Luis Santiago in Puerto Rico told me his daughter Stephanie gave birth to his new grandson Abniel Jael on Oct. 30, weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. (Is there some kind of baby weight contest going on?) Congratulations to everyone!

Best wishes to our newly married Pittsburgh telemarketer Sue Chapski (now Novosel). Sue tied the knot with beau Art on Sept. 25. They honeymooned in sunny Punta Cana at the Dreams Hotel.

Franklin Park’s John Miller (PC) recently enjoyed an exciting 15 minutes of fame on Chicago radio station 97.9 FM, the Loop. A band member longer than he cares to admit, John submitted a song he wrote and recorded (in his basement)to the Love it or Shove it portion of the Loop’s program. DJ Jonathan Brandmeier (Johnny B WLUP) called John on October 29, then played his song, “Tax It” for Chicago listeners. (The song is a commentary on all of today’s taxes.) While numerous listeners voted “Shove it,” I thought it rather catchy — and perfectly stated! (You can hear “Tax It” online at www.plymouthcourtband.com, John’s band’s — Plymouth Court — website, and click on the appropriate link.) Perhaps we’ll soon be saying “I knew John when… .”

Dominic Anthony

Abniel Jael

Mya Nicole

— Mary C. Klaus

Wishing you and your family many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving