69Th Atlantic District Conference held on UCONN Campus
The 69th Annual Conference of the Atlantic District, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America was held on Saturday, October 12, 2002 at the Alumni Center at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, sponsored by the Hartford "R" Club, chapter 80. Elected to serve the district in the ensuing year are Governor Frank Kaputa; Lt. Governor Keith Jenci, Recording Secretary Melanie Osuch, Treasurer Michael Stenko, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Natalie Kruchok, 2 year Nominating Committee Albin Kaimer Jr. Margaret Maxwell serves as Immediate Past Governor.
Highlights of the convention include the awarding the three $500 scholarships to Atlantic District members pursuing higher education. Recipients are Meredith Hendren, St. John's chapter #180, Lauren Hendren, St. John's chapter #180 and Steven Pronechen, Bridgeport chapter #73. Delegates approved allocation of three scholarships for 2003. As a district service project, members will again host a family day picnic to fund grants in-aid to three seminarians, with one recipient to be selected from each of three seminaries, St. Vladimir's, St. Tikhon's and Christ the Savior Seminary. This will be coordinated based on need with appropriate Deans. The district will continue sponsoring junior activities for parish youth under the direction of Lt. Governor Keith Jenci and Alexis Swan. To further recruit new junior members in parishes with insufficient numbers to form parish chapters, a district junior chapter was established by motion of the delegates. A membership committee was also established to recruit new members and approach parishes without chapters. The St. John's junior chapter was recognized for receiving the national membership award for the highest numerical gain.
Representing the National Executive Board was John Kruchok, National President and a Past Governor of the Atlantic District. The President highlighted efforts to increase communication in the organization including use of e-mails and websites and discussed the recently established youth movement by the Orthodox Church in America. It was emphasized that the district had much to offer the local deanery in fulfilling its mandate to provide three activities for its parish youth.
All chapters of the district were in attendance. During business sessions, a buffet luncheon was held and following sessions delegates visit many areas of the impressive University of Connecticut campus including the new Greek Orthodox chapel.
The 2003 Atlantic District Conference will be sponsored by the New Haven "R" Club. The annual religious program will be sponsored by the Ansonia "R" Club with a date and speaker to be announced.
