Society Leadership

Kathy has been a faithful member since joining LCBA. Over the years, if she missed a meeting it was because she would take her special needs sister Carolyn to her medical appointments or take care of her other needs. Even when Caroline had to go into a nursing home, Kathy never stopped helping care for her sister until her passing.

Any time our Branch has a fundraiser be it a soup sale, bake sale, Christmas cookie sale, or luncheon, Kathy volunteers to a be a baker, cook, helper, and active participant. She is always one of the first people to ask, “How can I help?”, or, “What do you need me to do?”. Despite her very busy schedule and her devotion to her 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren (for whom she babysat for 14 years!) she still manages to give of her time in a variety of service organizations.

Service to Others

It is very evident that Kathy has led a lifetime of dedicated service to her school and community. In addition to having taught senor high vocal music (chorus) for 35 years, she volunteered to direct over 25 musicals for the school and community. An accomplished vocalist and pianist, Kathy has taught private piano and vocal lessons for 40 years and has also given of her talents on many occasions – singing for weddings and numerous events.

Prior to the merging of parishes, Kathy was very active as a member of the former Holy Trinity Church- having served in a variety of capacities. Her many hats included being a member of Parish Council, the Christian Mothers organization, the chairperson for the annual church festival, a CCD instructor to high school students, and a volunteer for all church related activities.

As a current member of Christ Prince of Peace Parish, Kathy has been a member of the Christian Mothers organization, a church cantor, a member of the church choir, and a church greeter. Most recently, hearing that the church secretary had retired, and aware that the parish office needed assistance until a new secretarial position could be filled, Kathy volunteered to offer her services at the office several days a week. Even though a new secretary has been hired, when she is unavailable to come to work or is away for a conference or training, Kathy answers the call and is happy to cover the office. Also, Kathy and her husband both volunteer every Friday at the St. Vincent de Paul store in Kittanning and have done so for the past 15 years!

Kathy and her husband of 53 years started a tradition decades ago with their family that has blossomed over these many years. They are a very musically talented family and, together with their children and grandchildren (not to mention an invite to anyone in the community to join them), the Valaseks go to several of the senior living centers in the area Christmas caroling for the elderly. For years, many people have joined them walking through town from center to center with lighted candles, singing carols and spreading joy to those who can’t be out and about. I had the privilege of joining them several times and it was such an inspiring, rewarding, and magical experience to see how much it means to people.

Kathy is a member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma – an educator’s honorary organization. This group, through state and local service projects have aided many groups over the years such as H.A.V.I.N. (Helping Abuse Victims In Need), Blessings in a Backpack, and Christmas Angels to name a few. Kathy has always been extremely involved in all service projects and has spearheaded many of them.

Currently, as well as in past years, Kathy accumulates volunteer hours working at the Ford City Fireman’s Festival selling tickets and donating baked goods. She is a member of the Ford City Garden Club, dedicated to the beautification of our town by planting flowers. She also helps with their annual fundraiser. For her years of service to her school, her church, and her community Kathy was nominated and elected to the Ford City Hall of Fame! Kathy plays hostess at her home every year (other than the two pandemic years) to all retired lady teachers and secretaries from Ford City High School, giving these women a warm and welcoming place to reminisce and socialize.

You can always count on Kathy to show up at your door with a homemade lasagna if a member of your family has passed away along with a big hug and her constant question, “What do you need?”.

Innovative Leadership

Kathy’s Christmas Caroling Night over the holidays is most definitely a cross-generational activity, as is her work at the Garden Club – not only in preparing for their annual fundraiser at the local library but planting in town with a variety of ages of women in the club and working together each season to make our community more beautiful and welcoming. Volunteering at the parish office and St. Vincent de Paul is also most definitely a cross-generational experience.

Kathy also makes sure that her grandchildren learn her Polish heritage and traditions by teaching then the art of noodle making, sauerkraut making, baking, and holy supper traditional food. She also rarely misses any of her grandchildren’s musical performances, sporting activities, plays, etc. With 7 active grandchildren it is amazing to me that she manages to fit in anything extra, but she does it all so effortlessly!

Kathy is the true definition of a lifetime friend and is one of the most positive, caring, and optimistic people I have ever encountered. She is a true Christian in every sense of the word!

2021
Sara Green
Branch 1425

2020
Stacy Klukan
Branch 1425

2019
Dr. Michele A. Oleksak
Branch 1425

2018
Charlene Herzig
Branch 867

2017
Carmella Shirley
Branch 1425

2016
Marcia Orton
Branch 1425