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S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
Humanity
ISSN —07458800
Brotherhood
March 16, 2011
Clownin’ Around in Houston!
Polka Dancin’ in Victoria
Lodge 88, Houston Secretary Ana Latigo clowns around at the lodge’s booth at the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Annual Crawfish Festival held Saturday, March 5. More pictures on page 27.
Lodge 32, Victoria youth member Sara Buccigrossi gets a dance lesson at the lodge’s Polkafest held Sunday, February 27 at Inez Hall. The event was a success. More pictures on page 21.
S a il ab ra t i o n 2 0 1 1 Fe b r u a r y S t ate To p P ro d u c e r s
As the grass starts to grow, And the flowers start to bloom, The clouds become low, For it’s about to rain a Spring shower, Wet drops will be on every flower.
A r d i s M a x we l l
Vincent Hegwood, FIC
Lodge 234, Luling District One
Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Supreme Lodge Meeting Minutes ......4 Sailabration 2011 Updates ................11 District News......................................16 Lodge Section....................................20
C a re e r Age n t
A s s o c i a te Age n t
By Sophie Milan Lodge 154, Fort Worth Youth Club
E a r n e d P re m i u m
A s s o c i a te Age n t
Spring Shower
I n s u ra n c e I ss u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d
Lodge 88, Houston District Five
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Reunion ..............................................29 In Memoriam ......................................29 Youth Section ....................................30 Czech Culture ...................................35 Advertisements .................................37 Lodge Calendar .................................38
Page 20
Lodge 13 Dime Box hosts firemenʼs fundraiser
L eo L o ngo ria
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi District Seven
Page 23
Lodge 81 Needville hosts Czech soup tasting supper
Page 30
Lodge 17 New Tabor youth advance to Washington, D.C.
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011
SPJST HERALD
SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578 • (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-7447 www.spjst.org
VESTNIK EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0807 VESTNIK Fax: (254) 773-8087
email: m e l a n i e z @ v v m . c o m
SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 • Home: (254) 985-0007 email: vanicek@spjst.com
VICE PRESIDENT GENE McBRIDE, FICF, CFFM Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-1450 • Home: (254) 534-1930 email: genemc@spjst.com SECRETARY-TREASURER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 721-4739 • Home: (254) 778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com
DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878-0085 Home: (979) 272-3265 • Mobile: (979) 224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net
DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR BOBBY WUENSCHE 2451 County Road 405, Taylor, Texas 76574-5421 Home: (512) 365-3013 DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHNNIE R. KRIZAN 11500 Heritage Pkway, West, Texas 76691-2017 Home: (254) 826-5882
DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875-0195 Home: (325) 442-3141 • Mobile: (325) 277-5362 Office: (325) 442-3038 • email: brollwitz@verizon.net DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR LARRY W. PFLUGHAUPT, FIC 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, Texas 77008-6232 Home: (713) 864-2163
DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. AHLSTROM, FIC, CFFM 407 Taos Dr, Victoria, Texas 77904-3777 Home: (361) 578-3279 • Mobile: (361) 676-3279 email: ahlstrom@suddenlink.net
DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd, Floresville, Texas 78114-2912 Home: (830) 393-9073
COMMITTEES BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-1451 - email: dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - (512) 365-2000 - (512) 848-2416 cell - email: RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Al Kercho, 2444 Stonegate Dr. North, Bedford, Texas 76021 - (817) 282-5065 email: alkercho@sbcglobal.net District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 - email: bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 1006 Chantilly Lane, Houston, Texas 77018 - (713) 683-0018 email: mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - (979) 244-4415; (979) 479-3430 cell District Seven - Bettie House, 1721 Continental Drive, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (830) 281-8246 email: bvhouse@att.net
FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372., Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 567-4264 District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2282 District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - (254) 662-4934 District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Hwy. 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 651-8550 District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - (979) 249-5940 District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Ct., East Bernard, Texas 77435 - (979) 335-4461 District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - (830) 625-8262
INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Hwy. 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2344 District Three - Daniel Roznovsky, 2513 Custer Court, Irving, Texas 75062 - (972) 252-6763 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 234-8117 District Five - Helen Hegwood, 6702 Lindy Ann Lane, Houston, Texas 77008 - (713) 864-0489 District Six - Jerome Hlavaty, P.O. Box 174 Lolita, Texas 77971 - (361) 874-4461 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (210) 535-4916
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 884-0112 District Two - Tammy Whatley, 139 Tanner Circle, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - (512) 948-5339 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Dr., San Angelo, Texas 76903 - (325) 651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 CR 47, Angleton, Texas 77515 - (979) 922-1279 District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Ave. K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - (281) 342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - (830) 964-5135 ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT MANAGER/ INTERIM FINANCIAL SECRETARY DEBBIE DOHNALIK (254) 773-1575 email: debbied@spjst.com
STATE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICTS ONE/FIVE Delisle Doherty Mobile: (832) 232-2049 • Home: (281) 855-2841 email: delisled@sbcglobal.net DISTRICT TWO Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 231-7722 email: lifeagent01@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE Philip McBee, FICF, CFFM (325) 784-9800 • Mobile: (325) 647-1949 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICT FOUR Bobby G. Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (325) 450-3748 Home: (325) 947-0027 • Office: (325) 657-8400 Email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICT SIX Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM Mobile: (979) 332-1616 • Home: (979) 543-2532 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN Contact SPJST Home Office for assistance. (800) 727-7578 • email: genemc@spjst.com
STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR CHESTER JENKE, SR., FICF Home: (830) 303-4316 Mobile: (210) 413-3053 email: cejenke@wmconnect.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com
DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836-4300 • (979) 272-3440 District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 (254) 985-2396 - email: patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside Ave, Dallas, Texas 75206-5840 • (214) 826-3557 District Four - Janice Stevens, P.O. Box 613, Hawley, Texas 79525-0613 • (325) 537-9224 District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 • (713) 649-6138 District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El Campo, Texas 77437 • (979) 543-7120-6152 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 • (210) 535-4916 - email: poohbear78064@hotmail.com
Editor’s Note
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Send Us Your Business Card
Have you submitted your business card for the 2011 SPJST Mem-
ber Services Directory? Complete details about the directory appear on the back page of this week’s Vestnik. Send your business card/information in today. The deadline is Monday, April 4.
It Just Gets Better In Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek’s report that appears in last week’s March 9 Vestnik, he stated that net gain from operations was more than $416,000 in 2010. He stopped by the office last week to share another exciting figure—actual net income for 2010 was $1.428 million. Great job in 2010, SPJST!
Lodge 15, Buckholts Warmly Welcomes Guests David and I had the pleasure of visiting the State Straight Domino Tournament at Lodge 15, Buckholts on March 5. Lodge 15 members are always so warm and welcoming. The hall was filled with many tables of serious — but fun — domino players! A delicious lunch was catered by Lodge 15 members Jere and Jim Wallace. And, homemade desserts topped off the wonderful meal. I was really impressed to see so many city dignitaries visit the tournament including the mayor, city secretary, police chief, and police lieutenant. Hats off to Lodge 15 members, under the leadership and direction of President Douglas Williams, for a great job! And, thank you, Brother Doug, for the special invitation! Congrats, Lodges 9 and 29! And, we enjoyed attending fundraisers recently at Lodge 9, Snook and Lodge 29, Taylor. These were both well-organized events that I know took a lot of time, effort, and
energy to produce. Thanks to Lodge 9 and Lodge 29 for your work on these successful events.
Bloominʼ Temple SPJST Car Show — April 16 SPJST will once again sponsor the car show on Saturday, April 16 at Bloomin’ Temple Festival. The car show will feature 35 classes of cars with more than 100 awards presented. An entry form appears on page 17 or can be downloaded from www.spjst.org. You can also give us a call (800) 727-7578 or (254) 5340807, and we will mail you an entry form. We are offering a special SPJST member discount entry fee of $15 to SPJST members by April 14. Plus, we will present an “SPJST Award” to one of our members who shows their vehicle. It is a fun event, and we hope that you will be a part of it. This is the sixth annual threeday festival, and this year’s headliner is The Charlie Daniels Band on Saturday evening. Intensive Czech Language Study at University of Texas Thanks to Al Kercho of Lodge 92, Fort Worth; Honorary Supreme Lodge Legal Advisor Sidney Kacir, and Czech Educational Foundation of Texas Chairman of Advisory Committee (UT at Austin) Roger Kolar for sharing information about an upcoming intensive language study at University of Texas in Austin that will include Czech. The program is for any college students, not only UT students. Instruction will be intensive. Students will live in a block in the dorm with a Czechspeaking dorm counselor to facilitate conversation and night study. This is the first year for the program. The application deadline is April 1. See more information on page 37 of this week’s Vestnik. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of August and the fourth week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Membersʼ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501. Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the Vestnik do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VĚSTNÍK c/o Interim Financial Secretary Debbie Dohnalik, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.
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Readers Write
Lodge 47, Seaton member seeks silent auction donations
Dear Members and Friends, If you have not already heard, District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky’s husband Albert has recently had some health problems that put him in the hospital. He spent three weeks in the hospital—seven of those days were in ICU. He has had several surgeries on his leg. He is now home recuperating. With all that has happened, Albert will be out of work for several months, which is a significant financial burden for Patsy and Albert. Some SPJST families and community leaders have come together and are hosting a benefit for the Koslovsky’s on Saturday, April 2 at SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall. All funds will go to the Koslovsky family for medical and personal expenses. I have been asked to assist with the silent auction. At this time, I am asking for donations for this silent auction. I will be accepting donations until April 1. For those of you who live close to the Temple area, donations can be dropped off at Ratibor Grill, located at 10226 FM 2086 in Ratibor - phone (254) 984-2255, or
SPJST Farm/ Commercial Property Rates
John Hoelscher c/o Albert and Patsy Koslovsky 2001 Waldeck Road Ledbetter, Texas 78946
All funds will be presented to the Koslovskys on April 2. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thanks in advance for any help you are able to give the Koslovskys. Also, if you know of anyone who could help the Koslovskys as well, please feel free to forward this information to them. Fraternally, John Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton —SPJST—
SPJST INTEREST RATES
Farm/commercial property rates are subject to change without notice. Call the SPJST Home Office (800) 7277578.
Farm/Commercial Property Rates
the SPJST Home Office, locate at 520 North Main in Temple - phone (254) 773-1575. Lodge 47 Youth Leader Lynette Talasek has also volunteered to pick up donations. Lynette’s phone is (254) 931-0639. Or, give me a call (979) 325-9831 so we can make arrangements. For those of you who may live too far to bring an item for the silent auction, financial donations are greatly appreciated. Please make your checks payable to Patsy Koslovsky and send them to me:
75% Owner Farm Property 5.50% for 1 to 10 years 6.00% for 11 to 20 years Commercial Property 6.50% for 1 to 10 years 6.75% for 11 to 15 years
Universal Life
Universal Life 4.50% for Annualized* Annuities
Annuity I** 5.00% for Annualized* Annuity II** 3.90% for Annualized* Annuity III** 3.90% for Annualized*
**Not currently being marketed.
Annuity IV 3.90% for Annualized* * Rates effective 02/01/11 through 04/30/11.
Five-Year Annuity
When purchased, current interest rates are guaranteed for 5 years.
Band 1—$10,000 to $24,999 Current Rate: 3.95% Band 2—$25,000 to $49,999 Current Rate: 4.10% Band 3—$50,000 and up Current Rate: 4.20%
Family Fun and Important Dates
March 17 March 19 March 19 March 20 March 20
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Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club Bake Sale (2) SPJST State Tarok Tournament • Lodge 84, Dallas Lodge 28, East Bernard 113th Anniversary (6) District Two Spring Meeting • Lodge 29, Taylor District Six Spring Meeting • Holman Hall Hosted by Lodge 8, Weimar March 22 Lodge 181, Conroe Special-Called Meeting (5) Ryanʼs Family Buffet, Conroe March 25 Lodge 54, West Special-Called Meeting (3) March 26 - 27 Youth Leaders Workshop • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm March 31 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Ends March 31 Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club Bake Sale (2) April 1 Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club Membership Drive/Lock-in (2) April 2 State 42 Domino Tournament • Lodge 48, Beyersville April 2 Youth Development Workshop • Lodge 183, Arlington April 2 SPJST Float • Smithville Jamboree Parade (1) April 2 Fundraiser Benefit for Albert and Patsy Koslovsky Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall (2) April 2 - 3 District Three Lock-In/Membership Rally April 3 Lodge 6, Cottonwood Easter Party/Meeting (3) April 3 Lodge 9, Snook Turkey Shoot Gunsmoke Shooting Range (1) April 3 Lodge 47, Seaton 50-/75-Year Pin Presentations Easter Egg Hunt (2) April 6 SPJST Financial University • Lodge 9, Snook (1) April 8 Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club Membership Drive Holland ISD Cafeteria (2) April 9 District Four Spring Meeting Coyote Ranch Resort, Wichita Falls Hosted by Lodge 207, Iowa Park April 9 Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Garage Sale (3) April 10 District One Spring Meeting • Lodge 186, Caldwell April 10 District Five Spring Meeting • Lodge 88, Houston Hosted by Lodge 142, Houston April 10 District Seven Spring Meeting Lodge 79, Corpus Christi April 10 Lodge 92, Fort Worth Easter Party (3) April 16 SPJST Car Show at Bloominʼ Temple Festival Downtown Temple April 16 Lodge 88, Houston Easter Party (5) April 17 Lodge 30, Taiton Membership Drive/ Community Easter Egg Hunt Taiton Community Center (6)
District Lodges of the Month Number in ( ) is certificates issued during the month of February.
District One—Lodge 234, Luling (4) District Two—Lodge 47, Seaton (4) District Three—Lodge 66, Waco (3) District Four—Lodge 49, Rowena (2) District Four—Lodge 219, El Paso (2) District Four—Lodge 229, Abilene (2) District Five—Lodge 88, Houston (9) District Six—Lodge 28, East Bernard (5) District Seven—Lodge 79, Corpus Christi (8)
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Minutes of the January 18, 19, and 20, 2011 Regular Meeting of SPJST Supreme Lodge Held at the Home Office, Temple, Texas
PRESIDING: The meeting was called to order by Supreme Lodge Chairman Donnie Victorick at 8 a.m.
ATTENDING: Supreme Lodge—Brian Vanicek, President; Gene McBride, Vice President; Leonard Mikeska, Secretary-Treasurer; Donnie Victorick - District One/Supreme Lodge Chairman; Bobby Wuensche - District Two; Johnnie Krizan - District Three; Billy Rollwitz - District Four; Larry W. Pflughaupt - District Five; Michael Ahlstrom - District Six/Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman; and Robert J. Bayer - District Seven.
OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened with a welcome and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed in respect to our departed members and in honor of our armed forces. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska led the Supreme Lodge in an opening prayer.
Supreme Lodge Chairman Victorick welcomed everyone to the meeting. Announcements were made, and the list of guests scheduled to visit the meeting was announced.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 19 TO 21, 2010 REGULAR MEETING October 19, 20, and 21, 2010, regular meeting: The minutes were considered page by page. On page 146, “Structure Sub Committee” was changed to “Restructure Sub-Committee.” On page 148, a correction was made to correct “Fall Fun Day” to “Fall Fun Day at New Tabor.” Minutes were approved with corrections on motion by Director Bayer, seconded by Director Rollwitz, and carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 6, 2010 SPECIAL MEETING The minutes of the December 6, 2010, Special Meeting were considered. On page 156, re-structuring committee report, language was added: “Director Bayer presented several questions about the report.”
The time of executive meeting on page 157 was corrected to “3:25 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.” Minutes approved with corrections on motion by Vice President McBride, seconded by Director Wuensche, and carried. The Supreme Lodge went into executive session on January 18, 2011, at 8:20 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. to consider the executive minutes from October 19 to 21, 2010, and December 6, 2010.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES The minutes of the 23 officers’ meetings concerning investments were considered. They are: October – 5, 6, 13, 22, 25, 28, 29 November – 5, 17, 18, 19, 22, 29 December – 1, 7, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 21, 28, 30
Officers’ investment meeting minutes were unanimously acknowledged on motion by Director Bayer, seconded by Director Pflughaupt. Motion carried unanimously.
MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING NOTES Various matters discussed during the weekly officers’ and team meetings were explained in detail. Officers elaborated on numerous items of business that came up during team meetings. Management Team meetings are normally held weekly to handle various matters and improve management communications. There was a general discussion about sales of annuities by unlicensed sales agents.
OLD BUSINESS
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT The Audit Committee is composed of Director Bayer, Director Pflughaupt, Director Rollwitz, and Director Victorick. Their audit report was presented by Director Bayer.
The Supreme Lodge requested a breakdown of actuarial expenses separating out non-recurring items.
Director Bayer reported that automobiles should have a separate account and not be included under office equipment. There was a question about what is paid to a sales agent assisting with handling of Universal Life certificates needing to be restructured. All categories need to have a grand total for each sub-groups of expenses. Recess was taken from 10:02 until 10:15 a.m.
Expenses for Fraternal Ritual Activities were explained to be items such as 50year pins.
There was a question about the term of the Social Security Building lease, and it was explained the 15-year lease expires in May 2018. Taxes are paid on the land, but not the building. There was a question about paying judges at State YAD, and explanation was given. Payment of recruiter bonuses was questioned and explained.
The expense of printing business cards was reviewed, and it was suggested to look into a source that may be able to print the cards at a better price.
It was explained that to receive a recruiter year-end bonus, an employee must have eight hours of volunteer time and 12 referrals. Question was asked about paying per diem for float appearances, and it was explained that payment was made for each appearance.
There was discussion about the Society sick leave policy for employees. The HR Administrator is asked to do a study of how other companies handle vacation and sick leave. Suggestion of allowing a carryover of 40 hours of vacation into another year was discussed and will be looked into. The annual rate of payout to end of the year accumulation over 66 days of sick leave was reviewed. The cost of jackets for first place winners at tournaments was reviewed. It was suggested that we consider a lighter, less expensive jacket.
Director Bayer discussed audit committee conferences with President Vanicek, Vice President McBride, Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, and Accounting Department Manager Debbie Dohnalik. These individuals responded to all questions satisfactorily.
Director Pflughaupt discussed the linking of personal information to various functions and processes from department to department. Department heads do not have the priviledge of having individual information from other departments. There was a review of a listing of changes that could reduce our actuarial cost.
RETIREMENT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY President Vanicek reviewed the recent retirement of Jerry Mikulas who retired with more than 50 years service to SPJST. President Vanicek reported on arrangements that were made to continue all functions of the Accounting Department. President Vanicek stated that Accounting Department Manager Debbie Dohnalik and Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska have done a good job of attending to the needs
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of arranging for filing of the annual statement to the Texas Department of Insurance and other accounting needs. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska discussed in detail the arrangements that have been made. He stated that we are fortunate to have a lot of talent and expertise in Debbie Dohnalik and other key staff. He also appreciates Jerry Mikulas spirit of cooperation in answering technical questions that come up.
Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska outlined plans that will likely be implemented over the near future. Recess for lunch was taken from 12 noon until 1 p.m.
President Vanicek reported that members in Lodge 271, Laredo and Lodge 93, Hobson have been reassigned to Lodge 107, Floresville. He is working with Lodge 54, West concerning operation or sale of their hall. Lodge 171, Lockhart is in process of reorganization. There was extensive discussion about reorganizing a number of lodges including some mergers. Director Krizan asked to be excused from the meeting for the remainder of the day.
STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR CHESTER JENKE’S REPORT State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Jenke reviewed the reporting status of lodges and lodge meetings and activities. State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Jenke gave an extensive review of his goals for the coming month. Suggestion was made to hold future tournaments in the Temple area.
TOURNAMENTS Director Bayer moved that all state tournaments be held within a 60-mile radius of Temple. Director Wuensche seconded. Motion carried. The Home Office will continue to facilitate local lodge-sponsored tournaments. STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK’S REPORT State Youth Director Horak reviewed the September, October, and November 2010 quarterly report. He presented an extensive report of plans and direction for youth activities.
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS State Youth Director Horak discussed plans for the Saturday, February 26 one-day workshop consisting of three segments: parliamentary procedure, public speaking and performance, and community service. A workshop will also be held in District Three. A youth leader workshop will be held at Cooper Farm on March 26 and 27. The leader-in-training workshop is scheduled for June 10 to 12 at Cooper Farm.
YOUTH CAMP There was extensive discussion about how funding will be handled with the ENC for youth camp. It was concluded a deposit goes directly to the ENC, and the remaining percentage will be paid to the DYC. Recess was taken from 2:35 until 2:45 p.m.
COST ANALYSIS OF FRATERNAL PROGRAMS AND INCENTIVES President Vanicek distributed an extensive report of fraternal programs and a Fraternal Department expense report.
FORT HOOD NOVEMBER 5TH, 2009 MEMORIAL President Vanicek gave a detailed report of plans for the memorial project. An event will be held in Killeen on March 17, and KCEN-TV will hold a telethon benefiting the project.
SPJST FOUNDATION President Vanicek updated the Supreme Lodge on progress in setting up the SPJST Foundation.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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SALES REPORT FOR 2010 Vice President McBride reviewed a comparative report of sales. Some 1,324 certificates were issued for over $69 million of insurance and over $700,000 of premium income.
AGENTS’ PENDING REPORT Vice President McBride reviewed a detailed agents’ pending report. A total of 49 sales agents have been recruited and trained.
WRITTEN APPLICATIONS AND PERSISTENCY REPORT Vice President McBride reviewed a report of agents who are below 80 percent persistency on their production. The report also indicated we have a total of 392 agents as of December 31, 2010. PERSISTENCY REPORT UPDATED BY DISTRICTS AND COMPANY Vice President McBride reviewed the persistency by district. SPJST is currently at 79.76 percent persistency statewide. The persistency continues to improve and is expected to continue to show improvement in the future. LODGE COMPLIANCE Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that all lodges were in compliance in furnishing their officer listings and providing copies of their IRS 990 forms or filing of 990 e-cards. Recess was taken from 3:40 until 3:45 p.m.
Accounting Department Manager Debbie Dohnalik presented the Financial Secretary Department report.
VESTNIK Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reported Vestnik subscriptions are 10,189, and weekly cost of the subcriptions is $1,900. CALENDARS – 2011 Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reported calendars were sent to 26,734 households. Mailing cost was $0.21 per calendar. BUDGET – 2010 Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reviewed the budget item by item. There was a comparison of the amount budgeted with amount actually disbursed. There was a discussion of various items in the report.
REFUND TO LODGES Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reviewed a listing of refunds by lodge and by district. Directors went through the list and noted those lodges not entitled to receive a refund. APPROVAL OF REFUND TO LODGES A recommendation for a formula to determine refunds was received from Actuary David Ramsey. The formula provides $1 per paid-up certificate and $8.50 per premium-paying certificate. Annuities are excluded. The formula was unanimously adopted on motion by Vice President McBride, seconded by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska. Recess for the day was taken at 4:50 p.m. until 8 a.m., January 19, 2011.
Supreme Lodge Chairman Victorick asked Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska to lead the Supreme Lodge in an opening prayer, and he did lead the invocation.
EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION REPORT Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny presented her detailed travel report and reports on the Vestnik, SPJST website, SPJST parade floats, annual lodge mailings, lodge and youth media assistance, Communication Department activities, and the Publication Committee meeting.
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SPJST FLOATS The plans and theme for the floats during 2011 was discussed. The response to the floats this past year was excellent. VESTNIK COMMUNICATIONS Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny highlighted the following:
The Vestnik Salute to 100 Percent SPJST families received a very good response.
The Vestnik Czech Heritage Month activities, Czech Feszt, and Vestnik Veterans Tribute all received a very good response.
Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny reviewed work on special events and assignments, such as the November 5th Fort Hood Memorial, the SPJST Special Structure Committee and sub-committee, and the Sailabration 2011 membership campaign. COMING ACTIVITIES Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny discussed upcoming plans such as Vestnik Valentine issue, SPJST Awards Banquet, November 5th Fort Hood Memorial, and Bloomin’ Temple SPJST Car Show.
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny reviewed the recommendations of the Publication Committee agreed upon during their meeting of January 11. Promotion of SPJST Facebook friends was discussed.
The Publication Committee recommended purchase of a high quality digital video camera to ensure that SPJST events and member activities are preserved for historical purposes. Options for purchase were reviewed.
Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska moved that the SPJST purchase a Canon XH-A15 HDV camera for $3,699, which includes a 5-year warranty. Director Ahlstrom seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
VESTNIK 100TH ANNIVERSARY The Vestnik will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012. There was discussion about setting aside funding to digitize past issues of the Vestnik. It was decided on motion by Director Bayer, seconded by Director Pflughaupt to obtain more details about proceeding with this project. MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTORY It was agreed on motion by President Vanicek, seconded by Director Ahlstrom, to print a 2011 membership directory in lieu of a Vestnik issue.
SPJST SUMMER CAMP President Vanicek reported on a conference call with the District Youth Counselors. The question that came up was “Does the Society pay a district for camp if they choose not to go to the ENC?”
There was an extensive discussion about the camp and funding. Among the response that came up was review of the commitment the Society made in supporting the ENC. The idea came up that everyone should have a free choice to attend or not attend the SPJST ENC Camp or to choose to use another camp in lieu of the ENC. The consensus among the Supreme Lodge appeared to be that if a district chooses to go to another camp, SPJST will not fund it.
DISTRICT TWO Director Wuensche reported attending the following activities: Czech Feszt; Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial Design Unveil; Denisse Wuensche’s Memorial Scholarship Fund Fundraiser; John Troy’s funeral; Supreme Lodge special-called meeting; Temple Christmas parade; SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House; and Home Office Christmas party/conference.
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He reported attending meetings at Lodge 18, Elgin and installed officers; Lodge 48, Beyersville; Lodge 80, Holland; Lodge 87, Temple; Lodge 155, Austin; Lodge 177, Academy and installed officers; and Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point.
DISTRICT THREE Director Krizan stated that as we begin 2011, we shall continue to be vigilant in carrying out our fiduciary responsibilities and continue to display good Czech frugality. He urged that we maintain our fiscal conservative philosophy.
DISTRICT FOUR Director Rollwitz attended Texas Fraternal Congress in Austin; participated in fall fun day, hosted by Lodge 230, Midland; attended the Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial Design Unveil in Killeen; attended Lodge 230, Midland Christmas party; attended Lodge 49, Rowena Christmas party; attended SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House; attended Lodge 76, Wichita Falls Christmas party; did loan work in San Angelo; went with Bobby Davis to Tahoka to visit with prospective sales agents; attended Lodge 229, Abilene Christmas party; and participated in a conference call. He reported attending meetings at Lodge 49, Rowena; Lodge 157, Lubbock; Lodge 160, San Angelo; Lodge 229, Abilene; rest home director’s meeting in Taylor; and attended Supreme Lodge special-called meeting.
DISTRICT FIVE Director Pflughaupt reported on the following activities: participated in Temple Czech Feszt; attended Lodge 88 annual Czech Day celebration; attended Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial Design Unveil in Killeen; attended Czech Heritage Society (Harris County Chapter) annual meeting; gave director’s report at annual lodge meeting for Lodge 88, Houston; gave director’s report at annual lodge meeting for Lodge 196, Houston-West and installed officers; attended Czech Center Museum Houston special presentation on Czech Legionaires; attended Fraternal Insurance Counsellor (FIC) meeting; gave director’s report at annual lodge meeting for Lodge 81, Needville and installed officers; attended Lodge 88, Houston Christmas party; gave director’s report at annual lodge meeting for Lodge 91, Crosby and installed officers; attended Supreme Lodge special-called meeting; participated in Temple Christmas parade and SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House; gave director’s report at annual lodge meetings for Lodge 88, Houston and Lodge 172, Pasadena and installed officers; participated in Supreme Lodge teleconference call; attended SPJST Home Office Christmas party; gave director’s report at lodge meeting for Lodge 88, Houston; conducted Supreme Lodge internal audit; and attended January quarterly meeting of the Supreme Lodge. DISTRICT SIX Director Ahlstrom reported attending the following: El Campo Christmas parade with SPJST Float; Temple Christmas parade and SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House; Bay City Christmas parade with SPJST Float; Lodge 32, Victoria Christmas social; and SPJST Home Office Christmas party.
He reported attending meetings at Lodge 8, Weimar and social; Lodge 28, East Bernard; Lodge 32, Victoria and installed officers; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; Lodge 97, Placedo and Christmas social; Lodge 151, Wharton and Christmas social; Lodge 184, Moulton and social; and attended Supreme Lodge special-called meeting at SPJST Home Office.
DISTRICT SEVEN Director Bayer reported on the following: attended Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial Design Unveil; presented check from Texas Fraternal Congress scholarship to Travis Barta; cut up veggies for Lodge 107, Floresville for Floresville VFD supper on November 10/fixed a Cajun supper for them—this was for Make A Difference Day; helped at Cajun supper for Floresville VFD by Lodge 107 on November 15—there were 21 firefighters, one priest, seven SPJST members, and three volunteers in attendance; attended combined Christmas party of Lodges 202, Jourdanton and 107, Floresville and installed officers; attended Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Christmas party and installed officers; had surgery on shoulder on December 22; conference call; attended annuity class in Sealy; also did in-house audits at Home Office.
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He reported the following meetings: Lodge 26, Skidmore and installed officers; Lodge 93, Hobson and voted to reassign to Lodge 107, Floresville; Lodge 107, Floresville; Lodge 133, San Antonio; Supreme Lodge special-called meeting at Home Office; SPJST Home Office Christmas Open House; and attended January Supreme Lodge meeting.
DISTRICT ONE Director Victorick reported attending the following: Czech Day at Lodge 88, Houston; Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial Design Unveil in Killeen; Darlene Engelke’s rosary in Waco; fundraiser for the Denisse Wuensche Memorial Scholarship Fund at Lodge 48, Beyersville; Temple Christmas parade and Home Office Christmas Open House; Lodge 47, Seaton Christmas social; and SPJST Special Structure Committee meeting at Home Office. He reported the following meetings: Lodge 1, Fayetteville; Lodge 9, Snook; Lodge 13, Dime Box; Lodge 51, Ellinger meeting and Christmas social; Lodge 169, Brenham; Lodge 171, Lockhart reorganizational meeting; Lodge 186, Caldwell; Lodge 189, Bryan/College Station meeting and Christmas social; attended Youth Leader Fall meeting in Brownwood; attended Restructuring Sub-committee meeting in Temple; and attended Supreme Lodge special-called meeting at Home Office. The Supreme Lodge went into executive session from 9:27 until 10 a.m.
Recess was taken from 10 until 10:15 a.m.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW Investment Consultant Buddie Ballard of Alpha Capital Management was present to review a comprehensive report of investment performance. Time weighted return for 2010 was 10.48 percent.
Consultant Ballard recommended a comprehensive review of the Society IPS to confirm our agreement with its provisions. It was agreed to do a comprehensive review and affirmation in the April Supreme Lodge meeting. The review of our equities and bond portfolio and its performance included interactive participation of Supreme Lodge members and responses by SecretaryTreasurer Mikeska and Consultant Ballard. Consultant Ballard was complimented on the thoroughness of his report.
Recess for lunch was taken from 11:50 a.m. until 12:35 p.m.
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW President Vanicek reviewed upcoming fraternal activities, meetings, and events for 2011. On motion by President Vanicek, seconded by Director Bayer, it was agreed to make a $1,000 contribution to the Czech Educational Foundation (CEFT).
RETIRING A LODGE NUMBER President Vanicek reviewed a document defining guidelines for designating marginal lodges and reassignment of members. He reviewed the provisions of the guidelines.
Motion was made by Director Bayer, seconded by Director Pflughaupt, to accept the guidelines for designating marginal lodges. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion by Director Ahlstrom, seconded by Director Bayer, it was agreed to retire Lodge 19, Velehrad. Motion carried unanimously.
On motion by Director Pflughaupt, it was agreed to present the retired lodges at the convention for historical purposes. The motion was seconded by Director Bayer and carried unanimously. The Supreme Lodge went into executive session from 1:02 until 1:30 p.m.
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SERVICE AWARDS Karen Kaspar was present and was honored for 10 years of service to SPJST. She currently serves as State Field Representative. She was presented with a special service pin. Vice President McBride complimented her on her excellent service, and she responded.
ANNUITY CERTIFICATION Vice President McBride discussed the requirements for annuity certification. The requirements of the Insurance Code were reviewed, and the Vice President has no option but to notify unlicensed agents of the requirements. LICENSING OF AGENTS Vice President McBride presented information about a training source for pre-licensing education. There was discussion about how much of the cost should be paid by SPJST.
Vice President McBride recommended that on new recruits, we will reimburse the cost of the training class after one year if their quota is met as stated in the contract. On existing agents, proven producers will be extended the offer, and we will reimburse them after their license is issued. Vice President McBride moved adoption of recommendation. Director Ahlstrom seconded. It carried unanimously. Director Krizan moved, based on general consensus of interpretation of Texas Department of Insurance guidelines and to protect SPJST from non-compliance penalties, that only licensed agents with annuity certification will be able to sell annuities. Director Pflughaupt seconded, and motion carried unanimously. AGENTS NOT SIGNING A NEW CONTRACT Vice President McBride referred to a list of agents who have not signed a sales contract. A contract is required for an agent to continue selling for SPJST.
2010 INCENTIVE WINNERS AND MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCERS Vice President McBride reviewed a list of 10 qualified million dollar producers.
SALES RECOMMENDATIONS Vice President McBride reported we currently have 258 licensed agents.
Vice President McBride reviewed information about a firm that sets up interviews with available agents. He will seek more information on the firm and will report back in the April Supreme Lodge meeting.
Vice President McBride presented a proposal for a two-day training course at the Home Office for all newly recruited agents. He requested authorization to pay one night hotel accomodations and meal allowance. The class would include a onehalf day training segment on lodge and fraternal information. Director Pflughaupt moved that the new agent training course be approved utilizing Trainer Bill Moore for professional training; that lodging for one night and two meals be reimbursed; that Hiram Dixon be given the additional responsibility as State Field Representative Coordinator (SFRC). Vice President McBride seconded. Vote was taken, and the motion carried with nine in favor and one opposed. Voting in favor: President Vanicek, Vice President McBride, Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, Director Victorick, Director Wuensche, Director Rollwitz, Director Pflughaupt, Director Ahlstrom, and Director Bayer. Voting in opposition: Director Krizan. Recess for the day was taken at 5:35 p.m. until 8 a.m. January 20, 2011. Opening prayer for the day was led by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska.
DELINQUENT LOANS Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska presented a list of eight delinquent loans and reviewed the collection history and responses on each loan. The recommendations and options on each loan were considered. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska moved adoption of the recommendations as amended. Director Rollwitz seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
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RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGES Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reviewed the tentative agreement with Brandon Sparks and Pat Patton to handle RMLO requirements on residential mortgage applications. He reviewed the fact that since August 2010, SPJST must comply with the SAFE ACT and the state and national regulations being implemented. He stated that at some point, we may want to establish SPJST as a MU-1 state and federal lender whenever the changes in rules and regulations have stabilized. Currently, we do not have the time and personnel to monitor frequently changing compliance issues. On motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Director Rollwitz, it was agreed to pursue a written arrangement with an RMLO lender. Motion carried unanimously.
QUARTERLY INVESTMENTS Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska presented a list of five mortgages and 193 securities transactions for consideration. The transactions were ratified on motion by Director Rollwitz, seconded by Director Pflughaupt, and carried unanimously.
INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT (IPS) The Society IPS was briefly reviewed. On recommendation by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, the IPS will be placed on the agenda for the April Supreme Lodge meeting for a thorough review.
INTEREST SENSITIVE PRODUCTS Universal Life - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reviewed the spread on Universal Life certificates. He recommended a payout rate of 4.50 percent on UL-1 and UL-2, and 4.50 percent on UL-Whole Life for the period from January 31, 2011, through April 30, 2011. The recommendation rate was approved on motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Director Ahlstrom, and carried unanimously. Annuity I – Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska recommended the payout rate on Annuity I be set at 5 percent for the period from January 31, 2011, through April 30, 2011, and the payout rate on Annuity II, III, IV, and Roths and the Immediate Annuity be set at 3.90 percent for the period from January 31, 2011, through April 30, 2011. The recommendation was approved on motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Vice President McBride, and carried unanimously.
Five-Year Annuity: Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska recommended the rate on the Five-Year Annuity be set for the period from January 31, 2011, through April 30, 2011, as follows: Band 1 – 3.95%; Band 2 – 4.10%; and Band 3 – 4.20%.
The recommendation was approved on motion by Director Rollwitz, seconded by Director Ahlstrom, and carried unanimously. Minors’ Claims – The rate on minors’ claims is a daily compounded rate equivalent to 3.90 percent until such time the minors’ claim rate is reconsidered.
IRS E-CARDS Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported we would soon begin filing IRS 990 ecards for lodges that have authorized us to do so.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST The following Conflict of Resolution was unanimously adopted on motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Director Pflughaupt:
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of January, 2011, at which meeting a quorum was present and voting, the following Resolution was adopted:
RESOLVED: That the SPJST, a Fraternal Life Insurance Society, (1) believes that the insurance business is affected with a public interest and is dependent upon public confidence, and (2) expects employees, officers, and directors to conduct their personal financial interests and affairs so as to avoid placing such interests in conflict, direct or indirect, with those of the Company and to avoid conduct which might impair their judgment with respect to the business of the Society. The following are regarded as illustrative of the principal situations where such conflict may be involved:
1. Financial Interest Employees, officers, directors, or members of their families having a material interest in any corporation or incorporated enterprise which sells goods or services to, buys from, competes with the Society in the sale of insurance, or borrows from the Company and who are in a position to influence any decision by the Society with respect to such transactions. 2. Inside Information Employees, officers, or directors directly or indirectly using or divulging inside confidential information with respect to the Society for the purpose of securing personal profit or advantage for themselves or others or in a manner prejudicial to the interest of the Society.
3. Gratuities and Entertainment The receipts of loans, gifts, gratuities, entertainment, and favors of more than nominal value by employees, officers, directors, or members of their families, either directly or indirectly, that may influence any decision with respect to the Society.
While the above are illustrative of ways in which conflict may arise, the entire subject is so far-reaching and the interrelationships possible within the insurance business so complex that the avoidance of conflict rest basically upon each individual’s ethical standards, integrity and judgment. Annually, on or about the time of the January Supreme Lodge meeting, a request will be made of all directors, officers and responsible employees to state in writing any activities which conflict with the policy. The statement will be as stated on the attached Exhibit “A.”
However, if any officer, director, or responsible employee at any time believes he may be engaged in activities described, he should immediately report such activities to the President. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the President, Brian Vanicek, and the Secretary-Treasurer, Leonard Mikeska, of SPJST, be and they are hereby directed to execute in the name of and on behalf of SPJST, the Statement of Policy concerning Conflict of Interest. TO: The Secretary-Treasurer of the SPJST, a Fraternal Life Insurance Company
RE: State of Conflict of Interest
STATE OF TEXAS
I have read the Resolution and the Statement of Policy respecting “Conflict of Interest” adopted by the Supreme Lodge of the SPJST on January 20, 2011, and wish to inform you that I do not have any material interests that are or are likely to be in conflict with my duties as a responsible employee, director, or officer for the SPJST, except as noted below, and in the event that such should arise in the future, I shall so inform you as required by such Resolution and Statement of Policy.
BE IT REMEMBERED that at a regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge of the SPJST, held at its regular place of meeting at Temple, Texas, on the 20th day
Each Supreme Lodge member was given the opportunity to report any conflict
RESOLUTION
Statement of Policy Concerning Conflict of Interest COUNTY OF BELL
_____________________ Date
_______________________________ Signed
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of interest, and none was reported. Each Supreme Lodge member and SPJST employee will be required to sign and return a statement that they have read the resolution and report conflict of interest, if any.
AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER FUNDS Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska referred to Article 33(b) of our By-Laws which provides that any two or more Supreme Lodge officers may make transfers of funds and pay all general expenses of the Society. A motion was adopted to so authorize any two Supreme Lodge officers. The motion was made by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Vice President McBride, and it carried unanimously.
Recess was taken from 9:30 until 9:45 a.m.
Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik was present to give the new business report for the Financial Secretary’s Department.
COMPARISON OF INCOME AND EXPENSES FOR 2010 AND 2009 Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reviewed a comprehensive report comparing 2010 expenses with 2009. There was a general discussion about how the budget is utilized and the need for each department head to do a more itemized reporting of expenses.
INDEPENDENT AUDIT The audit by Henry L.S. Jezek is underway and should be completed by June 30, 2011.
INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR LODGES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2010 Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik distributed a listing of lodges receiving incentive awards.
SCHEDULE OF ANNUITIES Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reviewed reports showing the amount of deposit balances in each of the annuity plans we offer to our members.
LODGE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reported that the total balances amount to over $2.2 million. PREMIUM-PAYING AND PAID-UP CERTIFICATES Accounting Department Manager Dohnalik reviewed a report of premium-paying and paid-up certificates by year for the past 10 years.
UL MATTERS There was extensive discussion and information given about measures that have been taken to settle any Universal Life certificates with guideline premium violations.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY Debbie Dohnalik was named Interim Financial Secretary on motion by Director Rollwitz, seconded by Director Pflughaupt. It carried unanimously. The Supreme Lodge went into executive session at 11:35 until 11:50 a.m.
Recess for lunch was taken at 12 noon until 12:45 p.m.
AWARDS BANQUET President Vanicek handed out the proposed program for the Awards Banquet scheduled for January 29, 2011.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY Debbie Dohnalik was present and was informed that she has been appointed Interim Financial Secretary. She thanked the Supreme Lodge for the appointment and pledged she would do the Society a good job. Executive session was convened from 1 until 1:55 p.m.
DIRECTORS’ NEW BUSINESS
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DISTRICT TWO Director Wuensche discussed the manner in which we recognize agents. He presented the following report:
“For years, we have been recognizing and honoring our sales agents for the amount of insurance written or issued. In other words, we recognize agents for million dollar sales. I would like to suggest that we start recognizing our agents for the two most important factors that affect our company that being earned premium and applications.
“Earned premium is the most important for it brings in dollars for investment and to support our programs. “Applications issued are also very important as they bring in new members. This not only helps the company grow, but also the local lodges grow. This not only increases membership but replaces those members who die or leave for other reasons. “To me these are the most important items to reward our agents for their efforts. These are assets to the company.
“The amount of insurance issued is only important because some people look at this as a measure if the company is productive. To me, the amount of insurance issued is a liability. If a person who purchases a large amount of insurance dies, it means a lot of money is going out. That certainly is not a good thing. So we need to recognize our agents more for producing assets rather than liability. “Maybe we should come up with a new way to recognize agents by doing a study using a formula such as this: “For each $1,000 of earned premium, they would get 5 points. For each application, they would get 5 points. For each $50,000.00 of insurance, they would get 5 points. The agent sold 20 apps for $1,000,000 with $20,000 of earned premium. 20 apps x 5 points = 100 points 20 ($1,000 EP) x 5 = 100 points 20 ($50,000 Ins) x 5 = 100 points agent’s total 300 points
“I would again like to suggest that we consider doing more to help those lodges that own their own building.
“The lodges that own buildings are in a lot of cases the center of the community where they are located. Not only are they an organization that provides social activities for their members, but it serves the community as a place to have weddings, reunions, and other functions. The lodge building also advertises the existence of SPJST. When people pass by, they see the lodge building and if they are familiar with SPJST they realize that SPJST is active here. If they are not familiar with SPJST, it makes them wonder what is this SPJST organization. So a lodge building gives a feeling of SPJST’s presence.
“I think we all know it takes a lot of work from the lodge members to keep a lodge building maintained. As the years have gone by, we see more and more lodges selling their building and property. In some cases, it is due to financial problems. In some cases, it is because of a lack of dedicated members who are willing to give of their time and efforts. Sometimes it is difficult to get members to come to meetings because they are afraid they will be asked to help with some of the work at the hall or serve as an officer.
“Then you have a number of lodges that have no building. They meet at some place like McDonald’s or a bowling alley. When they are through with the meeting, they leave. They don’t have to clean up or see that the AC units are shut down and the building is locked up. No responsibility. No worries. They don’t have to come during the week to do some repairs or prepare the building for some upcoming function or rental. They don’t have or show any presence in the community. There is nothing that tells someone driving by that SPJST exists here.
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“I don’t know about you, but when I am driving along the highway and I see an SPJST lodge I know that there are some fellow SPJST members living in that community.
“Yet the lodge that has no building or financial responsibility receives the same amount of help from the Supreme Lodge as the lodge that does have a building and the responsibility of keeping it up through the annual refunds. I think we need to give this some serious thought or I am afraid that as the years go by we will see more and more lodges selling their property. And the presence of SPJST in those communities will begin to slip away.”
After concluding his written report, Director Wuensche moved that we only give the lodges that do not own buildings a refund of $6.50 per premium-paying certificate and those with a building should receive the full $10.50 per premiumpaying certificate. Director Bayer seconded the motion. During discussion, there was a consensus that a model lodge system be used to determine their refund to lodges. Director Ahlstrom moved the motion be tabled until the April Supreme Lodge meeting. Director Rollwitz seconded, and the motion was tabled. A vote was taken to reconsider. Director Wuensche withdrew his motion, and Director Bayer withdrew his second. Director Wuensche moved the President’s Department develop a concept based on a Model Lodge Program for premium refunds. The motion was seconded by Director Bayer and carried unanimously.
DISTRICT THREE Director Krizan congratulated Director Ahlstrom and Director Pflughaupt on each attaining 10 years of service with the Supreme Lodge.
Director Krizan discussed increasing our sponsorship at Westfest to take advantage of the opportunity to promote SPJST on the back cover of the Westfest promotional brochure. Director Krizan moved that Supreme Lodge officers have the authority to pursue this, seconded by Director Ahlstrom, and passed unanimously. Director Krizan then made the following announcements:
February 2, 2011 – State Tarok Tournament at Lodge 84-Dallas May 1, 2011 – District Three Meeting at Lodge 84-Dallas May 28 - 29, 2011 – National Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas June 26, 2011 – District Three YAD at Lodge 25-Ennis July 17, 2011 – 114th Annual Picnic at Lodge 6-Cottonwood
DISTRICT FOUR Director Rollwitz congratulated Director Ahlstrom and Director Pflughaupt on 10 years of service with the Supreme Lodge.
DISTRICT FIVE Director Pflughaupt congratulated Director Ahlstrom on 10 years service with the Supreme Lodge. He expressed his opinion that there were advantages of the award banquets being held at the district level and indicated he would like to see us go back to district awards banquets.
Director Pflughaupt discussed how being on the Supreme Lodge is a learning process. Director Pflughaupt discussed training and suggested the FIC program be extended to sales agents.
Director Pflughaupt discussed the benefits of sharing services and products with other fraternal societies and how this could be beneficial to both. He suggested we look into setting up director’s fees on direct deposit.
He announced that the District Five meeting is set for Saturday, April 10, sponsored by SPJST Lodge 142 at SPJST Lodge 88.
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Director Pflughaupt thanked all for their best wishes for his 10th anniversary of service as an SPJST director and the dinner honoring him and Director Ahlstrom the previous evening.
DISTRICT SIX Director Ahlstrom thanked everyone for the 10th anniversary party honoring him and Director Pflughaupt.
Director Ahlstrom announced the Lodge 32, Victoria’s Polka Fest in Inez and the District Six meeting set for March 20 in Weimar. DISTRICT SEVEN Director Bayer congratulated Director Ahlstrom and Director Pflughaupt for their 10 years of service with SPJST Supreme Lodge.
Director Bayer encouraged lodges to be productive.
Director Bayer thanked his colleagues on the Audit Committee. He spoke of the positives of meeting with the officers and the HR Administrator prior to this meeting. He was positive of what Vice President McBride had going in the area of sales.
Director Bayer suggested that all directors be invited in for the afternoon session of the July audit.
DISTRICT ONE Director Victorick thanked everyone for their contributions to make this a good meeting.
Director Victorick thanked the officers for the excellent job they did in making the past year a very good year. He stated he really enjoys working with the officers and fellow directors. A meeting was set on Saturday, February 5 at 10 a.m. for the State Field Representatives and Directors.
ADJOURNMENT The next meeting of the Supreme Lodge was set for April 19, 20, and 21, 2011, to begin at 8 a.m.
There being no further business, Supreme Lodge Chairman Victorick adjourned the meeting at 3:05 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Leonard Mikeska, FIC Secretary-Treasurer
—SPJST—
SPJST Financial University
SPJST Financial University workshop Wednesday, April 6 at Lodge 9, Snook
SPJST Financial University is kicking off the spring season with a financial workshop on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 9, Snook. Lodge 9, Snook is located at 457 CR 269 in Snook, Texas. All SPJST members and their invited guests are cordially invited to attend the 40-minute program that will include desserts and refreshments. The topic is “An Overview of College
Planning and Financial Aid.” Seating is limited, so please RSVP by calling toll free (877) 323-3875. You can also email James.Lee@RaymondJames.com. The program will be conducted by James L. Lee, III, CPA, Wealth Advisor. His office is located at 2100 Trimmier Road, Suite 105, in Killeen, Texas. —SPJST—
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S a i l a b r a t i o n 2 0 1 1 M e m b e r s h i p P ro g r a m P ro g re s s R e p o r t • G o a l : 2 , 0 1 1 C e r t i f i c a te s I s s u e d • T h ro u g h Fe b r u a r y : 1 5 9 C e r t i f i c a te s I s s u e d D I S T R I CT O N E
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
1 9 13 17 38 39 51 67 94 106 141 169 171 179 186 188 189 201 234 283
Fayetteville Snook Dime Box New Tabor Kovar Bryan Ellinger Schulenburg Wheelock La Grange Sealy Brenham Lockhart Warrenton Caldwell Centerville Bryan-College Station Bleiblerville-Nelsonville Luling Trinity*
D I ST R I C T T WO
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
15 18 20 24 29 47 48 74 80 87 89 155 177 182 187 200 237 246
Buckholts Elgin Granger Cyclone Taylor Seaton Beyersville Lovelady Holland Temple Rosebud Austin Academy Falls County Round Rock Bruceville-Eddy West Austin* Morgan’s Point
D I S T RI C T T H R E E
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
5 6 25 35 54 66 84 92 130 135 154 178 180 183 204 205 206 210 226 264
Pilot Point-Tioga Cottonwood Ennis Elk West Waco Dallas Fort Worth Dallas Ennis Fort Worth Longview Burleson Arlington Stephenville Terrell Tri-Counties Fairfield* Corsicana* Plano*
C e r t i f i c at e s Iss ued
0 4 0 -3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
C e r t i f i c at e s Iss ued
2 2 0 1 0 12 2 0 2 5 0 -1 0 -7 1 0 0 1
C e r t i f i c at e s Iss ued
0 -1 1 1 4 5 4 1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 1 0 0 0
DI S T R I CT F O U R
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
49 73 76 157 160 207 215 219 229 230 238 242 256 265 272
Rowena Seymour Wichita Falls Lubbock San Angelo Iowa Park South Plains El Paso Abilene Midland Goldthwaite* Amarillo* Denver City* Odessa* Del Rio*
DI S T R I CT F I V E
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
65 81 88 91 139 142 162 172 175 191 196 232 255
Crosby Needville Houston Crosby Danbury Houston Iowa Colony Pasadena Rosenburg Lufkin Houston-West Mid-Houston* Katy
D I ST R I C T SI X
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
4 8 10 23 28 30 32 40 41 63 97 125 143 148 151 153 184 223 240
Hallettsville Weimar Shiner Moravia East Bernard Taiton Victoria El Campo-Hillje Port Lavaca Sweet Home Placedo Westhoff Inez El Maton Wharton La Salle Moulton Palacios Bay City
D I S TR I C T S E V E N
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
26 79 93
107 117 133
C e r t i f i c at e s Iss ued
14 0 2 0 -2 0 0 -4 2 1 0 2 0 0 0
C e r t i f i c at e s Iss ued
0 2 5 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 1 0 2
C e r t i f i c at e s Iss ued
1 0 0 1 5 0 -2 2 0 0 -8 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0
C e r t i f i c at e s Iss ued
Skidmore Corpus Christi Hobson (all members reassigned) Floresville Robstown San Antonio
0 10 0 1 0 -3
164 185 202 247
Rio Hondo New Braunfels Jourdanton San Marcos (all members reassigned) Seguin Laredo (all members reassigned)
258 271
0 0 -2 0
-1 0
H O M E OF F I CE
L o d g e N o. L o d g e N a m e
C e r t i f i c at e s Is sued
999 0 • Denotes lodge has not been chartered. 1
S PJ S T Yo u t h C l u b s ’ Fe b r u a r y U p d a te
Yo u t h C l u b N a m e
9 17 186
DI S T R I CT O N E YO U T H C L U B S
Snook Youth Club New Tabor Youth Club Caldwell Youth Club
D I ST R I C T T W O YO U T H C L U B S
L o d g e N o. Y o u t h C l u b N a m e
18 20 24 29 47 80 87 187 246
C e r t s. I s s u e d
2 0 0
C e r t s. I s s u e d
1 0 1 0 8 0 3 1 1
D I S T R I CT T H R E E YO U T H C L U B S
6 25 54 84 183 204
L o d g e N o. Y o u t h C l u b N a m e
215
South Plains
DI S T R I C T F I V E YO U T H C L U B S
L o d g e N o. Y o u t h C l u b N a m e
Elgin Youth Club Granger Youth Club Cyclone Youth Club Taylor Youth Club Seaton Youth Club Holland Youth Club Temple Youth Club Round Rock Youth Club Morgan’s Point Youth Club
L o d g e N o. Y o u t h C l u b N a m e
DI S T R I C T F O U R YO U T H C L U B
C e r t s. I s s u e d
Cottonwood Youth Club Ennis Youth Club West Youth Club Dallas Youth Club Arlington Youth Club Stephenville Youth Club
0 1 0 3 0 0
88 142 162
L o d g e N o. Y o u t h C l u b N a m e
C e r t s. I s s u e d
L o d g e N o. Y o u t h C l u b N a m e
Lodge 160, San Angelo District Four $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card
0 0
Listing reflects youth clubs whose quarterly reports were received by Dec. 15, 2010.
- Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 1 -
Jo Eubanks
1 1 0 0
C e r t s. I s s u e d
New Braunfels Youth Club Jourdanton Youth Club
Ho me O f f ic e R e c r u i te r of the Month
S a i la b ra t i o n 20 11 M o n t h ly P r iz e D ra w in g W i n n e r - Fe b r u a r y
0 1 0
C e r t s. I s s u e d
Hallettsville Youth Club Taiton Youth Club El Campo-Hillje Youth Club El Maton Youth Club
D I S T RI C T S E V EN YO U T H C L U B S
185 202
0
Houston Youth Club Houston Youth Club Iowa Colony Youth Club
D I ST R I C T SI X YO U T H C L U B S
4 30 40 148
C e r t s. I s s u e d
Ann P aruzinsk i
Mortgage Loan Processor Lodge 246, Morganʼs Point 7 Referrals
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P ro d u c t i o n P e r s i s te n c y P ro fe s s i o n a l s’ Fe b r u a r y H o n o r R o l l
VӖSTNÍK
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h e s e a ge n t s fo r a c h i ev i n g a t l e a s t 9 0 p e rc e n t p e r s i s te n c y f ro m Fe b r u a r y 1 , 2 0 0 9 t o Fe b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 1 . L o d ge n u m b e r i s l i s te d f i r s t .
1 9 9 13 17 38 38 51 67 106 169 171 171 171 171 171 179 186 186 186 188 188 189 189 189 189 234 234
15 18 18 18 20 24 24 29 29 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 48 80 80 80 87 87 155 155 177 187 200 200 246 246 246 246 246
D i s t r ic t O n e Ronald Pflughaupt Stacey Eldridge Bill Orsak, CFFM, FIC Dorothy Rackel, FIC Susan Skrabanek, FIC Katherine Maney Heather Wilhelm Fausta Kaiser Adrienne Kobza Clarence Matula Donald Strickland Kenneth Schawe Clint Roberts, FIC Bill Cleveland Emily Plant Carrie Staton, FIC Ricky Weyand Thomas Cannon Victor Mendez, Jr. Michelle Mendez Sharon Carrigan Belinda Liner Charles Munday, FIC Henry Mayo William Miller, Jr. Pamela Vestal Boyd Maxwell Ardis Maxwell
D i s t r i c t Two Jack Brown Evelyn Gustafson Dolores Greinert Betty Gaskamp Irene Santiago Jason Hoelscher Roberta Amos Felix Pavlicek, Jr. Albin Machu, CFFM Frank Klinkovsky, FIC Dolores Skrabanek, FIC Corinne Popelka David Coufal David Pechal Jaclyn Zabcik Brandon Bruton Patsy Koslovsky, FIC Bobby Wuensche Vicki Benner Slye Janet Lyon, FIC Frank Horak Keifer Marshall, Jr. Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Doris Plagens Jack Mosley Linda Johnson Rubie Volek, FIC Margaret Santana Dan Ferguson David Nauert, FIC Don Miller Ronnie Gaines James Hutto Blake Fleming
5 5 6 6 6 6 25 25 25 25 54 54 54 54 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 84 84 84 92 92 92 92 92 135 154 178 178 183 183 183 183 204 204 204 206 210 226 226
49 49 49 49 49 49 49 73 76 76 157 157 157 157 160 160 160 160 207 215 215
D i s t r i c t T h re e Dean Carender Elise Koerner, FIC Johnnie Krizan Ruth Krizan Jerry Kucera, FIC Lydia Dobecka Kay Lynn Kovar, FIC Linda Jurik Margaret Krajca Oscar Smith, III Freddie Kaluza Wilburn Willis, FIC Janice Kaluza Jean Martin Johnnie Gaidusek, Jr. Larry Matula MariaVasquez-Mendoza John Kocian Justin Gaidusek Christine Galysh Vanessa Johnson Joel B. Gay Thomas Athas Bessie Petr Rosa Alaniz Kenneth Krivanek Sherrie Kubala Watkins, FIC Bob Tacker Thomas Brown David Ford Larry Laznovsky Joseph Steinman Vicki Ballard Russell Pharris Daniel Roznovsky, FIC Rhonda Steelman Eugene Havran Onzie Belvin Joyce Russell, FIC Floyd Pierce Philip McBee, FICF, CFFM David Cooper Jack Patterson Denise Brown Oda Ruth Martin D i s t r i c t Fo u r Billy Rollwitz, FIC, CFFM Loretta Schaefer Joan Halfmann Kenneth Rooke Thomas Kirkpatrick Lisa Galvan Sylvia Rollwitz, FIC Marty Bufkin William Waddle Beth Calhoun Lee Meurer Paul Harwood Francisco Devasquez Mickey Mullen Leonard Jansa, FIC Martha Broz, FIC James Baker Joe Gonzales Joyce Kotulek Janeece Williams Jo Della Turpen
219 219 219 219 219 229 229 230 230 238 242 265 265
81 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 139 142 172 172 191 191 196 196 255 255 255
4 4 28 30 30 30
Ana Ahumada, FIC Alejandro Rivas Gilberto Aldaz Guadalupe Rangel Nancy Martinez Janice Stevens Jesusita Hudson Jimmy Slatton Velia Mestas Kimberly Wesson Lesa Browning Cristina Bowen Carl Carson
D i s t r i c t F i ve Bradely Stavinoha Mildred Holeman Edna Wehring, FIC Carolyn Filipp Beseda, FIC Vincent Hegwood, FIC Fred Buri, FIC Linda Wehring, FIC Ana Latigo Victor M. Medina Helen Filipp Catherine Manchack Ursula Delgado Julie DeLeon Tucker Weems Calvin Anderson, II Michael J. Moore Jefferey Barcak, FIC Delisle Doherty Mary Granberry, CFFM, FIC Linda Williams D i s t r i c t S ix Joe Siptak, FIC Shirley Kalmus Glenn Kaminsky, FIC Thomas Drapela, FIC Leroy Kaspar, FIC Margaret Kulcak
30 32 32 32 63 97 97 143 148 151 151 151 184
26 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 107 107 107 107 133 133 133 133 133 133 133 185 202 202 202 258 258
Karen Kaspar, FIC, CFFM Renae Pierce Mary Monclova Robert Solis, Jr. Donna Zabransky Diana Redd, FIC David Bellanger Otto Mozisek, FIC Gay Thurmond, FIC Charles Bucek, FIC Ray Pilgrim, FIC Joe Preisler, Jr. Maynard Wagner
D i s t r i c t S eve n Magaly Reyna Jerry Sijansky, FIC Paige Watson Mary Rodriguez Lance Morck Larry Wyatt Roberto Salinas Rosario Aguiar Eva Vasquez Ignacia Castillo Wendy Pruski, FIC Bob Bayer, FIC Melvin Strey Miguel Rodriguez, Jr., FIC Jarolyn Popp, FIC Jose Marchan Hector Vallejo Victor Ramirez Adilia Giron Jesse Martinez Marisol Hernandez April Howard Linda Ramey, FIC Chester Gail Lee Juan Perez Chester Jenke, FICF Colleen Jenke
S a l e s Age n t s’ Fe b r u a r y R o l l o f H o n o r
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h e s e s a l e s age n t s fo r w r i t i n g a t l e a s t o n e a p p l i c a t i o n i n Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 1 ! 206 Melissa Pew D istr ict O ne D i stri ct Six 226 Oda Ruth Martin 1 Ronnie Pflughaupt 4 Shirley Kalmus 17 Susan Skrabanek 264 Denis Muforsi 28 Glenn Kaminsky 171 Carlos Eureste 30 Carolina Covarrubia D i s t r i c t Fo u r 32 Silvia Perry D i s t r i c t Two 49 Thomas Kirkpatrick 29 Albin Machu 97 Gay Revel 76 Ray Esparza 47 Frank Klinkovsky 143 Otto Mozisek 160 Patti Pool 47 Corinne Popelka 151 Ray Pilgrim 219 Hilda Escajeda 48 Bobby Wuensche 229 Jesusita Hudson 223 Al Pena 87 Hiram Dixon 87 Keifer Marshall, Jr. 230 Velia Mestas 182 Johnna Beckendorf D i s t r i c t S eve n 200 Sandra Garrett D i s t r i c t F i ve 79 Leo Longoria 246 Roger Price 81 Bradley Stavinoha 79 Javier Mora 246 Ronnie Gaines 88 Helen Hegwood 107 Miguel Rodriguez, Jr. 88 Vincent Hegwood D i s t r i c t T h re e 133 Jesse Martinez 88 Edna Wehring 66 Robert Satchell, Jr. 133 Leticia Sanchez 172 Julie DeLeon 84 Ben Jarma 133 Hector Vallejo 255 Delisle Doherty 204 Philip McBee
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YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND EARNED PREMIUM
Dist. Certs. Written 1 11 $ 301,215.00 2 49 2,888,814.00 3 28 1,989,033.00 4 35 2,014,705.00 5 25 2,980,532.00 6 26 1,140,000.00 7 22 1,423,376.00 9 1 2,843,971.00 Totals 197 $15,581,646.00
Certs. Issued Earned Prem. 14 $ 1,836,728.00 $ 12,376.25 43 903,814.00 16,628.62 19 609,033.00 12,819.04 32 1,045,666.00 15,096.41 20 1,322,649.00 14,230.65 15 495,000.00 4,637.31 16 278,984.00 11,737.90 0 2,833,971.00 0 159 $9,325,845.00 $87,526.18
S PJ S T re c o r d s 9 2 re fe r ra l s i n S a i l a b ra t i o n 2 0 1 1 p ro g ra m t h ro u g h Fe b r u a r y
Through the end of February, the following members made referrals during Sailabration 2011 Membership Drive. Lodge Memberʼs Name
Margaret Campbell Lori Slack Margaret Krajca Elaine Machu Adam Mehevec Monica Mehevec Lyn Rieger Ruth Hanusch Debbie Klinkovsky Lisa Mills
Fe b r u a r y To p S a l e s P ro d u c e r District To p C a re e r Age n t
2 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 4 6
Abbey Mitchan Bayley Mitchan Katherine Morris Edwin Pechal Dorothy Stuchly Donica Zabcik Carol Wolf Tammy Martinez Jo Eubanks Linda Johnson Margaret Santana Karen Franklin Tamara Gettys Ann Parazinski Marissa Salinas Susan Shofner
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
24 24 25 29 29 29 29 47 47 47
Referrals
47 47 47 47 47 47 80 89 160 177 200 246 246 246 246 246
L eo L on g o ri a
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi District Seven
4 4 2 2 1 7 3 1 1 4 3 1 10 8 16 2
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
Issued Earned Prem. $1,423,000.00 $ 5,397.84 555,491.00 10,894.48 391,000.00 4,046.93 118,556.00 7,865.64 1,187,166.00 9,166.59 470,000.00 2,748.62 210,552.00 5,830.62 1,483,296.00 0 $5,839,061.00 $45,950.72
A r d i s M a x we l l Lodge 234, Luling District One
Albin Mach u, CF FM Lodge 29,Taylor District Two
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
Certs. 7 19 7 8 14 13 11 0 79
Lodge 54, West District Three
Jesusit a Hud son
Vincent Hegwood, FIC
G l e n n K a m i n s k y, F I C
Ja ni c e K alu z a
Lodge 229, Abilene District Four
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
Written $ 117,123.00 2,145,491.00 1,706,000.00 1,229,396.00 1,275,049.00 1,030,000.00 339,552.00 1,493,296.00 $9,335,907.00
Lodge 88, Houston District Five
Lodge 28, East Bernard District Six
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
Certs. 4 22 15 11 14 21 14 1 102
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
Dist. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 Totals
MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS
D i s t r i c t To p A s s o c i a te Age n t s
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
Through February 28, 2011
Fe b r u a r y To p S a l e s P ro d u c e r s
I n s u ra n c e I s s u e d E a r n e d P re m i u m
S PJ S T M o n t h l y I n s u r a n c e R e p o r t
13
Jesse Martinez
Lodge 133, San Antonio District Seven
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SPJST Home Office Staff Health Fair
Thursday, March 10, 2011 • “Health is Your Greatest Wealth!”
Thanks to:
st! onte c ” h c “Crun
Scott & White Blood Bank • Scott & White Benefits Scott & White Cardiac Clinic Scott & White Bone Marrow Clinic Body Firm • Amys’ Massage Healing Spirit Scott & White Health Plan Wellness Center “Cru nch” cont est
winn e
rs!
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From the Supreme Lodge President
Lodge 181, Conroe members, guests invited to join in March 22 meeting
Dear Fellow Fraternalist, As a valued member of SPJST, you and your family are invited to join in the excitement of building an active lodge in Conroe. Please make plans to join us for a special-called meeting of Lodge 181, Conroe from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at Ryan’s Family Buffet, located at 1413 North Loop 336 West in Conroe. Dinner will be provided in appreciation for your attendance. Door prizes will also be awarded. SPJST is a family organization that cherishes the idea of service to each other and the community. With your help, we will be successful at reactivating your lodge and helping to make Conroe an even better place to live, work, and play. As active lodge members and leaders, you will have the opportunity to build youth programs that enable your young people to earn valuable charitable hours, qualify to attend camp, and apply for scholarships. Adult lodge programs can be
designed to provide an active and enjoyable environment for both young and old. As active members you will also have the opportunity to participate in various SPJST charitable and social events, including Join Hands Day in May and the Corpus Christi Get-Away in August. The opportunity to get involved and give back to your community is exciting! Your lodge can do it. All we need is you! Make a positive difference by coming to the meeting and learning more about SPJST and the benefits of your membership. You provide your presence, and we’ll provide the fun! Please RSVP on or before 5 p.m. March 21 by calling SPJST Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez (800) 727-7578. Thanking you in advance for being part of this exciting evening. Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—
From the Supreme Lodge President’s Department
State Tarok Tournament rescheduled for this Saturday at Lodge 84, Dallas Due to extremely bad weather conditions on February 5, 2011, the SPJST State Tarok Tournament was postponed. The tournament has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 19 at Lodge 84, Dallas, located at 2625 Floyd Street. All participants who registered for the February tournament will be notified by mail about the new date. If you did not register for the tournament in February and would like to participate in March, you can go online to the SPJST website at www.spjst.org. Click on fraternal activities, then on upcom-
ing fraternal activities, and on February 5 Tarok Tournament to download an entry form. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Registration the day of the tournament will be from 8 to 8:45 a.m. with play starting at 9 a.m. For additional information, you may call me (210) 413-3053 or email cejenke@wmconnect.com. Fraternally, Chester Jenke, FICF State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—
15
Lodge 48, Beyersville to host State 42 Domino Tournament April 2
SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville is the site of the 2011 SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament on Saturday, April 2. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and play begins at 9 a.m. The state tournament is open to everyone—both SPJST members and non-members, ages 16 and above. The entry fee is $7 for members and $15 for non-members. The entry fee includes snacks and lunch. Lodge 48, Beyersville is located at 10450 FM 619. Go east on alternate Highway 79 south of Taylor. Take a
right on FM 619; go about four miles. Hall is on the right. Please register by Monday, March 28 by mailing your name, complete address, phone number, email, and entry fee to SPJST State 42 Dominoes, PO Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. Participants may also register online at www.spjst.org in the fraternal section. For more information, call (800) 727-7578 or email tammym@spjst.com. —SPJST—
From the Supreme Lodge Vice President’s Department
Districts One, Five Sales Agents Invited to Attend Important Meetings
Dear Districts One and Five Sales Agents, Four agent meetings have been set up in March for sales agents in Districts One and Five. Please try to make one of these meetings. They are not mandatory for anyone who has been an agent with SPJST for over a year, but it is advisable that you attend at least one meeting. If you have been with the company for less than a year, it is mandatory to make one of these meetings. We will discuss 2011 goals for the new program we will be rolling out in the two districts (you don’t want to miss this), Sailabration 2011 incentives, SPJST and Insurance Department news, and selling the differences between the life products. We will also be talking UL 101 to help you better understand where, when, and how to sell this product. When we are finished, we will have everyone on the same page and hopefully, earning money for you and your
lodges. Two meetings are scheduled in each district. You may attend any meeting: District One Wednesday, March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. Schulenburg—Frank’s Restaurant IH 10 and Highway 77 Saturday, March 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. Lodge 186, Caldwell 937 Highway 36 in Caldwell
District Five Thursday, March 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. Lodge 196, Houston-West 17810 Huffmeister Road in Cypress
Please RSVP to me (832) 232-2049 to which meeting you will attend so I can have a head count. I look forward to seeing each of you! Fraternally yours, Delisle L. Doherty State Field Representative —SPJST—
District Two Sales Agents Continuing Education Class this Saturday in Temple Dear Agents, I will be conducting continuing education classes this Saturday, March 19 at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. The starting time will be 9 a.m. and will continue until around 4 p.m. We will provide a light lunch and sodas. Please bring your laptops and rate books.
The continuing education classes will be two hours of ethics and four hours of all about annuities. If you have any questions, please give me a call (254) 231-7722. Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM State Field Representative —SPJST—
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District News
District Two Spring Meeting this Sunday at Lodge 29, Taylor
Dear District Two Members, Your district officers met with the officers of Lodge 29, Taylor on February 10, 2011, at Ratibor Grill. We discussed the upcoming District Two Spring Meeting set for Sunday, March 20. Lodge 29, Taylor will host the meeting, and the members are planning a great meal of barbecue and all the trimmings. Your officers have decided it would be fun to have a hat decorating contest. We are asking that all adults decorate a hat and wear it to the meeting. I just know we will see some great decorated hats! Also, we will again have the Easter egg decorating contest for both the adults and children. DYC Patsy will be holding a silent auction to raise money for the youth club, so be sure to bring her some items for the auction. The youth club will be dancing the beseda for our enjoyment,
and I believe there will be at least three circles. Wow! Patsy is doing a fantastic job in teaching our children this dance. Way to go, Patsy! We will have our usual door prizes, and we will be selling tickets for prizes of $25, $50, and $75. Also, we will be selling meal tickets for $3, and the district will pay the remainder. All drinks will be paid for by the district. Registration is from 1 to 2 p.m. The meeting begins at 2 p.m. Remember that at this meeting is election of officers. Anyone interested in running for any position is welcome to put his/her name in for the position. We hope to see all of you in Taylor on March 20 at 2 p.m. Fraternally, Ruth Hanusch District Two Vice President/FAC —SPJST—
District Seven Plans Join Hands Day Project
District Seven is sponsoring a Join Hands project in conjunction with our spring meeting on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at 3:30 p.m. District Seven is the first district to do this! We are asking lodges to report this project to the Home Office as their Join Hands Day event. You will be joining hands with nine adult lodges and three youth clubs in our district along with several organizations in South Texas. Contact the State Fraternal Activities Coordinator’s Department. Once you have registered your project with them, you must also report it to www.joinhandsday.org. When the State FAC receives confirmation that you have registered your project with them, the Home Office will send your lodge a check for $100. You can donate all or part of those funds to help with this project. If you don’t receive this check before April 10, you may have to take $100 out of your treasury and replace it when you do get your check. If your lodge already has a project planned, you can do this in addition to your project by bringing some
groceries to the district meeting. Our Join Hands project will benefit the Food Bank of Corpus Christi by collecting non-perishable items, cash, or checks. Our goal is $1,000 and/or 1,000 pounds of food. The Food Bank of Corpus Christi is a member of FEEDING AMERICA. It serves 11 counties in South Texas. For every dollar donated, the food bank can distribute $16 of food. Approximately 19,000 people receive assistance in any given week. They deliver food to 56 agencies in nine surrounding counties. For more information, go to their website www.foodbankof corpuschristi.org. Since Easter is only two weeks later, this is an excellent time for this project. Please help us attain our goal by donating generously for a worthy entity. You can contact me any time (210) 215-9494 or email jenkecw1@aol.com. My mailing address is 211 Cottonwood Lane in Seguin, Texas 78155. Fraternally, Colleen Jenke, President —SPJST—
District Six Spring Meeting this Sunday in Holman
Dear Members, The District Six Spring Meeting will be Sunday, March 20, 2011, at Holman Hall in Holman, Texas. SPJST Lodge 8, Weimar will host the event with registration starting at 11 a.m. A delicious catered meal will be served at 12 noon, and the District Six business meeting will begin immediately following. All lodges attending are asked to bring two desserts and a door prize. The audit and nominating committees will meet at 10:30 a.m. Members of the audit committee are Eddie Vrana of Lodge 23, Moravia; Glenn Kaminsky of Lodge 28, East Bernard; and Debbie Krpec of Lodge 30, Taiton. Members of the nominating committee are Joe Nezval of Lodge 28, East Bernard; Tommy Drapela of Lodge 30,
Taiton; and Albert Olsovsky of Lodge 23, Moravia. Youth members will have prize drawing booths and an Easter egg decorating contest. Reports will be given by the Standing Committees, including By-Law, Publication, Finance, and Insurance. Special reports will be given from the Czech Heritage Museum, Education and Nature Center, Rest Homes, Cemetery, State Field Representative, District Six Director, and Supreme Lodge. Holman Hall is located approximately six miles northwest of Weimar on FM 155 in Holman, Texas. Fraternally, Wanda Dorotik District Six Secretary —SPJST—
District Six Spring Meeting Hosted by Lodge 8, Weimar Sunday, March 20, 2011 • Holman Hall • Holman, Texas 10:30 a.m. — Audit and Nominating Committees Meet 11 a.m. — Registration Begins 12 noon — Catered Meal Served All lodges are also asked to bring two desserts and a door prize.
Tentative Agenda
The business meeting will begin immediately following the meal. Call to Order ..........................................................................President Joe Siptak Posting of Colors..........................................................................Lodge 40 Youth Memorial Service ...........................................First Vice President Annie Vahalik Welcome...................................................................Lodge 8, President Leo Jares Response/Introduction of Guests..............................Second Vice President/FAC Helen Zabransky Minutes/Roll Call of Officers, Lodges and Standing Committees/ Recognition of 50- and 75-Year Members/Age 96 Honorees/ Fraternalists of the Year............................................Secretary Wanda Dorotik Treasurer’s Report................................................................................A.J. Kelner Youth Report and Program........................................................DYC Lisa Bubela Standing Committees and Special Reports By-Law........................................................................................Joe Siptak Publication..............................................................................Helen Kelner Finance .............................................................................Glenn Kaminsky Insurance.............................................................................Jerome Hlavaty Czech Heritage Museum ...................................................Philip Vahalik Education and Nature Center...................................................Lisa Bubela Rest Home Director..............................................................Charles Bucek Cemetery Report.....................................................................David Bucek State Field Representative.....................................................Karen Kaspar Supreme Lodge Report................................Vice President Gene McBride District Six Director Report/Activities Report ..............Michael Ahlstrom Awards and Special Presentations Old Business New Business Announcements Report of Audit Committee Report of Nominating Committee and Election of Officers Fall District Meeting Information Installation of Officers Adjournment
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Saturday Ap r il 16 , 201 1 Downtown Temple, Texas
On Avenue C between 2nd and 6th Streets
Registration - 9 to 11 a.m. Judging - 12 noon Awards - 4 p.m. Many Trophies!
2010 Best of Show - Tom and Mary Lancaster
First, second, and third place awards in 35 independently judged classes. Benefitting Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial
Other awards include Best of Show People’s Choice • Mayor’s Choice Club Participation • Distance Best Engine • Best Paint Best Graphics • Best Interior
2011 Car Show Theme: “Saluting the Red, White and Blue!”
“Saluting the Red, White and Blue!” Awards for Best Vehicle Display and Best Dressed Vehicle Owner Awesome Prize Drawings • Entertainment • Music • Food • Fun Car Show Proceeds Benefit Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial - visit www.forthoodmemorial.com A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M.
Pre-1948 Street Rod - Open Street Rod - Closed 55-57 Chevy Chevrolet Camaro (67-81) Chevrolet Camaro (82-newer) F-Body Chevrolet Chevelle Corvette C1 (53-62) Corvette C2 (63-67) Corvette C3 (68-82) Corvette C4 (84-96) Corvette C5 (97-04)
• • • • • CAR SHOW CLASSES • • • • • N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. V. W. X. Y. Z.
Corvette C6 (05-newer) Other Chevrolet GM (not Chevrolet) Ford Mustang (64-93) Ford Mustang (94-newer) Ford Thunderbird Other Ford Mopar Pontiac Imports Foreign Chevy Truck Ford Truck
AA. BB. CC. DD. EE. FF. GG. HH. II. JJ.
Dodge Truck 4x4 El Camino Open Class - Cars Open Class - Trucks Special Interest (race cars, police, farm, etc.) Under Construction Unrestored (vehicles 25 years and older) Youth (ages 18 and under) Display Only (vehicle not judged)
Vehicles will be judged on interior, exterior, engine, and wheels/tires.
S PJ ST Ca r S how Entr y For m
circle size
Name_____________________________________ Class_______________T-Shirt: M L XL 2X 3X Address____________________________ City__________________ State______ Zip____________ Email Address ________________________________________ Phone (_____) _________________ Year_________ Make of Car________________ Model________________ Color________________ Club Affiliation_________________________________ Club Location ________________________
In consideration of the acceptance of the right to participate, registrants and accompanying persons, by execution of this form, release and discharge SPJST, the City of Temple, its officers, directors, members, agents, representatives, and anyone else connected with management or presentation of this event of and from any and all known or unknown damages, injuries, losses, judgments, and/or claims from any causes whatsoever that may be suffered by any registrant, or his accompanying person or persons, to his/her person or property. T-shirt and goodie bags to the first 125 entries.
Early Registration received by April 14 — $20 • After April 14 and Day of Show — $30 • • • SPJST Members Receive $5 Discount • • • Mail form and payment to: SPJST c/o Bloomin’ Temple Car Show • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, TX 76503-0100 Questions? Call David (254) 534-0809 or Melanie (254) 534-0807 or email melaniez@vvm.com • Visit www.spjst.org
Texas Fraternal Alliance invites high school seniors to apply for scholarship
Established in 1948, the purpose of the Texas Fraternal Alliance (TFA) is to coordinate the statewide outreach efforts of Fraternal Benefit Societies in Texas in cooperation with the National Fraternal Alliance. The TFA Scholarship Program is intended to recognize commitment to the fraternal ideal and to encourage and assist graduating seniors in furthering their education and helping them to achieve career goals. Two scholarships in the amount of $200 each will be awarded to graduating high school seniors belonging to the following fraternal benefit societies: Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas (KJZT), Catholic Life, Catholic Union of Texas (KJT), Grand Court Order of Calanthe, Knights of Columbus, Order of the Sons of Hermann, SPJST, Thrivent for Lutherans, Western Fraternal Life, and Woodmen of the World. Scholarship recipients may only be awarded one scholarship from
TFA. Scholarships will be presented in the spring of 2011. Eligibility Requirements TFA scholarship applicants must:
• Be classified as a high school graduating senior or equivalent at the time of application.
• Have an active fraternal life insurance certificate in force for at least one year prior to January 1 of the year in which the scholarship is being applied.
• Enter college in the fall term following the announcement of their award. Application Instructions Applications are available for download at www.spjst.org. • Application must be completed and signed.
• SAT/ACT Scores. All applicants must submit an official verification of SAT or ACT scores. These scores should be submitted along with a current, official high school transcript.
• Applications must be received by March 1, 2011. Late applications will
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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not be accepted. Send completed application and any attachments to: Texas Fraternal Alliance Scholarship Program P.O. Box 1941 San Antonio, Texas 78297 —SPJST—
SPJST Financial University
Life Insurance as a Gift By James L. Lee, III, CPA
There are many financial and estate planning benefits to gifting away life insurance policies. Some of these advantages include: 1. Life insurance gifts incur a gift tax on only the lifetime value of the policy, while serving to remove the death benefit from the insured’s James L. Lee, III gross estate.
2. If the donee pays the premiums (or a portion thereof), it increases the donor’s spendable income.
3. By transferring life insurance, there is a greater piece of mind (although no guarantee) that the donee will not surrender the policy, since it’s worth so much more by holding onto it until the donor’s death.
4. Giving life insurance creates instant liquidity to help replace wealth lost to expenses. 5. Giving life insurance provides income tax free cash at the donor’s death.
There are, however, some important items to keep in mind when giving life insurance. First, the donee must have an “insurable interest” in the donor. Second, the donor must survive the gift by at least three years, or the proceeds will be includable in his/her gross estate. Third, the donor must give up ALL rights to the policy. Finally, the gift is valued at the cost to replace the policy with an identical policy at the time of the gift, not merely the cash value. Although gifts of life insurance are subject to federal gift taxes, these can be reduced or eliminated in a couple of ways. First, the gift will qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion ($13,000) which can be expanded (to $26,000) if
the donor’s spouse elects to act as if the gift was made one-half by each of them. By giving the policy to a spouse or to a public or private charity, the gift can usually qualify for the gift tax marital or charitable deduction, respectively. The most important advantage of giving life insurance is the wealthtransferring benefits. Life insurance has a very low present value compared to its estate tax value. Therefore, by giving the policy (and living three years) the donor can reduce his gross estate by an amount substantially larger than the amount of the taxable gift. Let’s look at an example. Fred owns a $500,000 insurance policy on his life. His daughter, Pebbles, is the named beneficiary. His annual premium is $2,300 per year. Fred has over $4 million of other assets, all of which will be left to Pebbles at his death in 2009. If Fred retains the ownership of this life insurance policy, his estate will be in the 45 percent estate tax bracket in 2009 and it will owe $205,000 of estate taxes on the life insurance proceeds. If Fred gives the policy to Pebbles now, on the other hand, and lives three more years, he will remove the future value of the policy from his gross estate and increase the amount that Pebbles will receive by $225,000.
Of course, this brief article is no substitute for a careful consideration of all of the advantages and disadvantages of this matter in light of your unique personal circumstances. Before implementing any significant tax or financial planning strategy, contact your financial planner, attorney or tax advisor as appropriate. This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by James L Lee, III, CPA, Wealth Advisor of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. —SPJST—
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Lodge 24, Cyclone Duo Wins SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament On Saturday, March 5, 2011, a total of 29 members and three non members gathered at Lodge 15, Buckholts to participate in the SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament. The members represented Lodges 13, Dime Box; 24, Cyclone; 25, Ennis; 29, Taylor; 47, Seaton; 48, Beyersville and 66, Waco. The fellowship and fraternalism among the players was great. There was a tie for first and second place as well as for third and fourth place. These tie breakers were determined by total points scored. Congratulations to the winners: 1st — Bill Smetanka and Edwin Malcik Both of Lodge 24, Cyclone Seven wins and two losses with 2,630 total points
2nd – Jimmie Coufal and Alan Tschoerner Lodge 47, Seaton/non-member Seven wins and two losses with 2,295 total points
3rd — Doris Svoboda and Jerry Cabla Both of Lodge 24, Cyclone Six wins and three losses with 2,795 total points
Saturday, March 5, 2011 • SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts Hall 4th — Demetra and Gilbert Shiller Both of Lodge 48, Beyersville Six wins and three losses with 2,785 total points
Thanks to Lodge 15, Buckholts for hosting the tournament. The members did an outstanding job preparing for the tournament. Thanks to the kitchen crew for serving coffee, sweets, and for preparing a wonderful barbecue brisket and sausage dinner with all the sides and the wonderful homemade desserts. We would like to thank all the players who participated in the tournament. It all ended in a fraternal way. Thanks to President Doug Williams and all the members of Lodge 15 who worked behind the scenes to make the tournament a success. Thanks to Mrs. Peevey for providing beautiful accordian music before the start of the games and during lunch. Fraternally, Chester Jenke, FICF State Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—
Congratulations to, front, left to right, second place team - Alan Tschoerner and Jimmie Coufal of Lodge 47, Seaton and first place team Edwin Malcik and Bill Smetanka, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone. BACK: Fourth place team - Gilbert and Demetra Shiller, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville, and third place team - Jerry Cabla and Doris Svoboda, both of Lodge 24, Cyclone.
Domino players concentrate on their games.
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Scenes from SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament Saturday, March 5, 2011 • SPJST Lodge 15, Buckholts Hall
LEFT and CENTER PHOTOS: Domino players. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 15, Buckholts President Douglas Williams, center, visits with State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez. BELOW LEFT and RIGHT PHOTOS: Play-
ers and guests enjoy a delicious lunch of barbecue brisket and sausage, baked potato, salad, beans, and bread with homemade desserts! BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Regina Peevey entertains attendees with beautiful accordion music.
LEFT PHOTO: Seated are, left to right, Lodge 15, Buckholts President Doug Williams and Frank Tomascik. Back: A.W. Zajicek, Levi Ashworth, Arthur Peevey, and Lodge 15 Secretary Dorothy Tomascik. CENTER PHOTO: Buckholts Police Chief James Blackmon, Mayor Hal Senkel, and Lietenent Carlos Paniagua welcome players to Buckholts, Texas. RIGHT PHOTO: Thanks to the kitchen crew! Left to right are Levi Ashworth, Dorothy Tomascik, Jim and Jere Wallace, and Linda Ur-
banek. Jim and Jere Wallace of Lott catered the delicious lunch. They are members of Lodge 15, Buckholts. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Dessert time! Serving the delicious homemade desserts made by Lodge 15 members are Linda Urbanek and helper Addie Risner. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny and husband David Nauert prepare their plates. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO City of Buckholts Secretary Carolyn Senkel and Mayor Hal Senkel.
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SPJST Lodge Se ct ion
Lodge 6 Cottonwood plans April 3 Easter egg hunt
President Milton Peterson called the meeting to order on Friday, March 4, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. The youth led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST motto. Sister Georgie Soukup reported 24 members present. Sister Barbara Hykel read the minutes and a thank you note from Evelyn Reynolds. Sister Peggy Dobecka gave the treasurer’s report and youth report. The youth made valentine bags for the rest home. They are also selling candy and will make Easter bags for the rest home. They will have a prize drawing and an Easter egg hunt at the Easter party. Sister Evelyn Stuckly gave the FAC report reminding the lodge about Join Hands Day on May 7. Brother Jerry Kucera had no report. The Sunshine Committee sent get well cards to C.W. Cernosek, Lou Blahuta, and Ernest Bezdek. Sympathy cards were sent to Ernest Kutscherousky, Paul Polansky, Jerome Polansky, and Lori Eisma. Next Meeting—April 3 The next meeting will be April 3 There will be an Easter egg hunt and meal to follow the meeting. The progressive door prize winner of $3 was Marla Dee Mahan. Since she was absent, next time, the drawing will be for $4. Jerry Kucera was the only birthday for March. I surprised him with a big cookie baked by Sister Barbara Hykel. Since I surprised him, now he told me to look out for my birthday! Attendance door pize winners were Ernest Bezdek, Georgie Soukup, and Jerry Kucera.
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The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:
SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: (254) 773-8087
Email: melaniez@vvm.com
Questions? Call (800) 727-7578
Looking ahead, the May meeting will be on Friday, May 6 with a meal at 6:30 p.m., and meeting to follow at 7:30 p.m. Jerry and Dorothy Kucera prepared the meal. Dorothy Kucera, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 9, Snook gives to 100 pennies fund
Donnie Hejl called the March 7, 2011, meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. James Schoeneman led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held for William C. Elsik and Raymond Henry Kovar. Ann Schoeneman read the minutes of the January meeting, and they stood approved as read. Bonnie Walker gave the fraternal activities coordinator’s report. David Kovar gave the hall manager’s report. Donnie Victorick gave the treasurer’s report. Marie Shelfer gave the youth club report. There were 60 youth club members and 15 adults present. Some of the youth and parents will work at the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce Banquet. April 10 will be the District One Spring Meeting in Caldwell. May 7 will be Join Hands Day. Youth and adults will participate in cleaning Snook Cemetery. There will be a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. before the cemetery cleaning. Everyone is welcome to come and help. June 10 to 12 will be the leaders-in-
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training workshop at Cooper Farm. Lodge 9 voted to make a donation to the Koslovsky Family Benefit to be held April 2. We accepted four new members. We will have the 50-year member pins mailed to the individuals. No meeting was held in February due to bad weather. This meeting was moved to March 7 at 6 p.m. due to school activities. The lodge voted to send a $100 to the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. Lodge 9 will host a turkey shoot on Sunday, April 3 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Gunsmoke Shooting Range near Snook. Lodge 9 will sponsor a girls’ little league softball team, and a boys’ little league baseball team. Lodge 9 paid a fee to the City of Snook for the upkeep of the billboard. Next Meeting—April 6 The next meeting will be April 6 at 7:30 p.m. The youth will meet at 6:30 p.m. James Schoeneman, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 13, Dime Box Hosts Firemen’s Fundraiser
The Annual Dime Box Volunteer Firemen’s Fried Chicken Fundraiser was held at Dime Box SPJST Hall on February 27, 2011. Over 950 plates were served,
and a silent auction was held. The event was a big success. —Submitted by Debbie Kostelka, Treasurer
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VӖSTNÍK Thanks to everyone who volunteered with our Polkafest this year. Everyone pitched in and did his/her share . . . and that resulted in a great time for all. The day was a perfect day in Inez . . . beautiful sunshine . . . great music by the Dujka Brothers and the Red Ravens! Add the best dancers in South Texas (also our “Winter Texans” friends) plus delicious kolaches -
Scenes from Lodge 32, Victoria Polkafest it doesn’t get much better than that! The lodge thanks Mike and Kathy Ahlstrom, Franklin and Lois Elles, Al and Kay Haisler, Alfred and Evelyn Horelka, Theo and Sylvia Kocian, Mary Raska, Richard Raska, and Mary Tijerina for their help — we could not have done it without all of you. Thank you so much! An extra big thank you to our outof-town members - coming all the way from LaVernia - what a huge help all
LEFT PHOTO: In front are Sara, left, and Darla Buccigrossi. In back are, left to right, Lois Elles, Sylvia Kocian, and Mark Buccigrossi. CENTER PHOTO: Silent auction. RIGHT PHOTO: Evelyn Horelka, left, and Theo Kocian. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Left to right are Al and Kay
four of you were. So we give a special thanks to Mark, Darla, Simona, and Sara Buccigrossi - thank you - thank you - thank you! In addition, we also want to thank Nyle Leshikar for helping with ticket sales at the door - she is our “honorary” member . . . Nyle is the sister of Lois Elles and has been volunteering for a few years now - we truly appreciate your help, Nyle! And, of course - once again -
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Franklin and Lois Elles did an outstanding job of putting it all together and “spreading the word” . . . thank you! Don’t forget our next meeting on April 12 at 6:30 pm at the lodge building. Hope to see you then! Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom FAC/Reporter —SPJST—
Haisler and Evelyn and Alfred Horelka. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Future polka king and queen? Sara Buccigrossi, right, with new friend. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right are Lois Elles, Mary Tijerina, Darla Buccigrossi, and Mike Ahlstrom.
LEFT PHOTO: A salute to our veterans — thank you! RIGHT PHOTO: Dujka Brothers and Red Ravens on stage together. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Mark and Simona Buccigrossi. BELOW PHOTO 2: Theo and Sylvia Kocian. BELOW PHOTO 3: Mark Buccigrossi and Nyle Leshikar. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Lois and Franklin Elles.
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Lodge 9, Snook plans April 3 turkey shoot
SPJST Lodge 9, Snook invites everyone to a turkey shoot on Sunday, April 3, 2011, beginning at 3 p.m. at Gunsmoke Shooting Range, located on Highway 60 east of Snook. Participants will shoot 15 rounds with 10 shooters per round (for meats). Money rounds and jackpot round will be determined. The cost is $4 per round. Factory ammunition only is allowed. Shells will be provided. Prizes include $25 gift card to Slovacek’s. Prizes are donated by Citizens State Bank (Somerville, Brenham, Caldwell, Deanville, Navasota, and Snook) and Shooting Stars Shotgun Sports (Joe Janac, Snook, Texas). Snacks and sausage wraps will be available. For more information, contact Donnie Victorick (979) 224-3124 or email dv.aggie@verizon.net. —SPJST—
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Lodge 47, Seaton Lodge 13, Dime Box Hosts Sportsman Banquet Fundraiser to honor longtime members
These photos were taken at the annual Dime Box Sportsman Banquet held at SPJST Lodge 13, Dime Box. The 10th anniversary benefit was held to raise money
Lodge 26 Skidmore welcomes guests
SPJST Lodge 26, Skidmore, met at the Skidmore Fire Station on Sunday afternoon, March 6, 2011. State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke, District Seven President Colleen Jenke, and District Seven Director Bob Bayer were in attendance. State FAC Jenke and Director Bayer gave presentations. Mrs. Jenke gave a presentation on Join Hands Day.
Lodge 48, Beyersville Members Assist with Domino Tournament
Forty-eight senior citizens competed at the Fred Switzer Senior Center Progressive 42 tournament. Winners were, left to right, first place Raymond Raesz, second place - Aline Kidwell , and third place - Maxine Bird of SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville. Helping organize and man the tournament were Margie Faltesek, Alice Bracewell, Donna Machac, Bobby and Ruth Ann Wuensche, and Fred Switzer, all members of Lodge 48, Beyersville.
for college scholarships to benefit local students, and it was a big success. —Submitted by Floyd Kostelka Vice President
After the meeting, everyone enjoyed a snack.
Next Meeting—June 5 The next meeting will be June 5 at 3 p.m. at the Skidmore Fire Station. Fraternally, Edwin Wallek, Jr. President —SPJST—
Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard meets this Sunday
Dear Members, Lodge Karel Jonas will hold its March meeting in conjunction with the District Six Meeting in Holman this Sunday, March 20. It will be held before the district meeting starts and will be brief. To the faithful: Hope to see you in Holman this Sunday. Fraternally yours, Joseph D. Nezval, FIC President —SPJST—
The March 6, 2011, meeting of Lodge 47, Seaton was called to order by President Pechal at 2 p.m. at Star Hall. Flag Bearers Jerry Pechal and Justin Kraatz brought in the flags and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed in memory of deceased members Evalyn Jakubik and Doris Milian and a good friend Fred Frerichs, Jr. Roll call showed all officers, board members, and agents present except Patsy Koslovsky and James Skrabanek and board member LaVerne Vanicek. Joyce Skrabanek reported the following on the sick list: LaVerne Vanicek, Adolf Vacha, Donnie Pechal, and Albert Koslovsky. We wish these members a speedy recover. The February minutes were read by Dolores Skrabanek in the absence of Patsy. Dolores Skrabanek served as secretary for the March meeting. Patsy was absent because her husband was released from the hospital on Saturday, March 6. Albert Koslovsky has been in Scott and White with a very rare and serious infection. According
Lodge 84, Dallas member celebrates 1st birthday
Lodge 84, Dallas member Ryan Grier celebrated his first birthday on January 25, 2010. He is the son of Jeff and Kathryn Grier and the grandson of Betty and James Grier. He also has three brothers, Ian, age 10; Colin, age seven; and Hayden, age five. They are all members of Lodge 84, Dallas.
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to Scott and White, they are considering Albert to be a “Miracle Man.” This proves that God was in control and has other plans for Albert. All prayers were answered as he began to recover, but he still has a long road ahead of him before he will be completely recovered. All credit goes to Scott and White doctors and staff for all their care. Praise God for helping this family through this difficult time. New members accepted were Caleb Scott Day, Alice P. Mares, and Martha Paysse Dubcak. Thank you for choosing our lodge, and we are looking forward to seeing you at the meetings, etc. Correspondence received was a thank you card from Doris Goldman for the flower arrangement sent to her husband’s funeral service. Secretary to the Board Lynette Talasek read the unofficial minutes for the months of January and February meetings.
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Lodge 81, Needville Hosts CHS Soup Tasting Supper
Lodge 81, Needville hosted the Czech Heritage Society’s annual soup tasting supper on March 4, 2011. LEFT PHOTO: The lodge set up a table to promote
President Pechal reported that the picnic is just around the corner, and it is not too early to start making plans for the picnic. Picnic items are on the agenda for the next board meeting.
SPJST. RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 81 member Genevieve Elliott is pictured in her kroj with her grandchildren. —Submitted by Jeanette Newman, Reporter
Time is going by too fast for me; it seems that Christmas was just yesterday and now it is March. The Easter Bunny is getting ready for the Easter egg hunt at the next meeting on April
3. Make plans now to come and bring all the children to help hunt the eggs. This should be a lot of fun. At the next meeting, we will be honoring the 50- and 75-year members. Congratu-
Lodge 80, Holland Hosts Chamber of Commerce Banquet
The Holland Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet at SPJST Lodge 80, Holland. The guest speaker was Gaylon “Corncob” Christie who gave an excellent inspira-
tional and humorous presentation. He was a radio personality for many years and the former owner of 105.5 FM. The Man, Woman, and Student of the Year Awards were presented by
LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club members, left to right, Allison Jenke, Alexis Festa, Nichole Festa, and Brienna Correll, and Youth Leader Christine Festa. CENTER PHOTO: Yum, those desserts look good. Serving them are Allison Janke, left, Jacob Horak, and Connie Horak. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured are Cyril Pajestka - Student of the Year; Shirley Liles - Woman of the Year; and Larry Coufal - Man of the
Chamber President Stanley Koonsen. Lodge 80 Youth Club members did an excellent job of serving iced tea and desserts at the banquet. The meal was roasted chicken, potato salad, peas and
carrots, cole slaw, bread, tea, and peach cobbler with ice cream. Shirley Liles and Cyril Pajestka are both members of Lodge 80, Holland. —SPJST—
Year. Cyril and Shirley are both members of Lodge 80, Holland. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Serving dessert are Brienna Correll, left, and Nichole Festa. BELOW PHOTO 2: The banquet was well attended. BELOW PHOTO 3: Lodge 80, Holland member Cyril Pajestka, Student of the Year, gives a great thank you speech. RIGHT PHOTO: Tea servers Alexis Festa, left, and Shelby Horak.
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lations to those who will be receiving the pins this year. The Salem Lutheran Church will be sponsoring the annual Relay for Life along with Lodge 47, Seaton on April 26 and 27. Please come out and help raise funds for this organization. This organization helps save lives. If it was not for organizations like this, more lives would be lost. Vice President/FAC Frank Klinkovsky gave a report on upcoming events. The District Two Spring Meeting will be held at Lodge 29, Taylor on March 20. This will be a business meeting. There will be an Easter egg decorating contest held for adults and children. Bring your decorated eggs and enter the contest. This should be fun to see who has decorated the best egg. Also, you should decorate a hat and wear it to the meeting. This sounds like a lot fun. I am sure you will see some spectacular hats. The State Tarok tournament has been rescheduled for March 19 at Lodge 84, Dallas. The tournament was rescheduled because of the ice and snow in the Dallas area. Join Hands Day is May 7. This is where youth and adults and community join hands to do a well worth project. Bloomin’ Temple is on April 16 to be held in Temple. SPJST is in charge of the car show. Registration fees in advance are $20 per car. You must register before April 14; otherwise, the late registration fee will apply which is $30 per car. Frank reported that the End of Summer Getaway in Corpus Christi is scheduled for August 13 and 14. This seems like it is so far away. Who wants to think about the end of summer when winter is about over. Right now, the water makes me cold, but it won’t be long before we are going to appreciate a dip in the ocean. It will be a refreshing change. This is the fifth anniversary of the End of Summer Getaway. A lot of wonderful activities are planned. Hotel rates have been set for the members who are planning to attend. The Holiday Inn on the water has some very good rates. Please check with Tammy at the Home Office for details. Treasurer David Pechal gave the treasurer’s report. Youth Leader Lynette Talasek gave the youth report. She reported that the youth will be joining with the Lodge 48, Beyersville youth to help with the benefit for Albert and Patsy Koslovsky on April 2. Beyersville Youth Leader is Donna Vanecek. District Two Beseda dancers will be performing at the District Two Spring Meeting in
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Congratulations, Emil and Evelyn Matula, on 65 Years of Marriage!
Lodge 133, San Antonio members Evelyn and Emil Matula were honored by Lodge 133 on their 65th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
Taylor. The youth will be sponsoring a booth at the Bloomin’ Temple Festival. Their booth will be Slovacek sausage. Board Chairman Woodrow Marek reminded that the meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. Mark your calendars. All chairpersons gave their reports; they were all good. Keep up the good work. Audit Committee Chairperson Lucy Mihatsch called for an audit of all books on April 11 at 7 p.m. If you have books that are audited, please have your books available on April 11. The lodge and many other organizations have joined together and scheduled a fundraiser benefit for Albert and Patsy Koslovsky on April 2. Albert and Patsy have done a lot for the lodge and SPJST. Patsy is District Two Youth Counselor and at present, she is serving as secretary and sales agent for Lodge 47. Most of us all know that Albert developed a very serious infection and has had several surgeries and a long stay in the ICU at Scott and White Hospital. We all know that doctor and hospital bills and other household bills are piling up. Lodge 47, SPJST, and other lodges are joining to help raise funds for this cause. With God’s help, we can help them with some of the expenses. For more information, you can contact President Pechal at Ratibor Grill (254) 984-2255. Any donations large or small may be dropped off at Ratibor Grill. Anything you may want to donate will be appreciated. Let’s all join together and make this benefit a huge success. You never know when you may need help. Albert is home now,
but needs a lot of care. The home health nurse comes daily, and Patsy and the children all are taking turns helping. It will be a long time before Albert can return to work and maybe never. Time will tell. Pray that God will light at path for them as they struggle with this difficult time in their lives. Dear God, wrap Your loving arms around this family and give them comfort, strength and healing each day. Birthdays observed in March are Woodrow Marek, Joyce Kraatz, Jerry Pechal, Adeline Kohutek, and Marcus Psencik. There were no wedding anniversaries in March. The blessing was given by Joyce Skrabanek. Next Meeting—April 3 The next meeting will be held on April 3 at 2 p.m. We will honor the 50- and 75-year members as well as host an Easter egg hunt for the children. I am writing this letter to help Patsy. I hope she finds it okay. It has been a long time since I have written a letter in the Vestnik. Hope all you reader out there are doing well and your health is good. I am looking forward to spring. This is my favorite time of the year. Everything is all new, and fresh trees are budding out and grass is greening up. Farmers are out planting corn and tilling the soil. The fresh smell of tilled soil is a sign that spring is here. Fraternally, Dolores Skrabanek (Reporting for Patsy Koslovsky, Secretary) —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton to host Koslovsky Family Benefit Saturday, April 2
SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton will host a benefit for Albert and Patsy Koslovsky on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Doors open at 5 p.m. A $10 donation is requested at the door. A barbecue plate meal will be served (freewill donations accepted). Activities include a live auction, silent auction, and prize drawing. The band Wild Horses will play from 7 to 11 p.m. Monetary donations can be mailed to Albert and Patsy in care of Tammy Pechal to 10598 State Highway 53 in Temple, Texas 76501. Make checks payable to Patsy Koslovsky. Both Albert and Patsy are longtime members of Lodge 47, Seaton. Patsy currently serves as Lodge 47 Secretary. She is also District Two Youth Counselor. For more information about the event, contact Tammy Pechal (254) 721-5718 or Lynette Talasek (254)
Annie Braden Celebrates 90 Wonderful Years
Annie Braden of Lodge 160, San Angelo celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Fellowship Hall in Wall. A party was given to her by her children. Almost all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance. She got to visit will family from out of town as well as numerous local friends. We hope she has many more birthdays. “Grandma, We love you very much.” — Love, Becky
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931- 0639. All proceeds benefit the Koslovsky family financially and medically. —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West announces specialcalled meeting Friday, March 25
Dear Members of Lodge 54 West, The officers of the lodge have been meeting in regards to the future of the Lone Star Hall. All members please know that there will be a specialcalled meeting of Lodge 54, West on Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at Lone Star Hall. The purpose of this meeting will be to consider and vote on a motion to sell Lone Star Hall. Thank you for your attention. Fraternally, Jana M. Vaculik, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 79 Corpus Christi appreciation lunch this Sunday
SPJST Lodge 79, Corpus Christi invites members to the monthly meeting on Sunday, March 21, 2011, for a catered meal which will be served at 1 p.m. It is important that you call to RSVP to let the committee get a count for the caterer. Call Lodge 79 Secretary Virginia Rebecek (361) 723-0557 or FAC Jerry Sijansky (361) 853-1227 before March 14. Fraternally, Jerry E. Sijansky Vice President/FAC —SPJST—
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Lodge 80, Holland to host St. Patrickʼs Day bingo
SPJST Lodge 80, Holland met March 5, 2011, at 4:05 p.m. President Rita Spinn called the meeting to order. The membership stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for departed members. All officers were present. Sales Agents Joe Liles and Janet Lyon were absent. Secretary Linda Hill read the minutes of the February meeting. They were approved with one correction. Thank yous were read from the Darrell Weir family, First United Methodist Church, Gordon Smith family, Estelle Coker, and Tillie Barabas family. Virginia Benner expressed her thanks in person. Treasurer Jewel Wolf gave the financial report. Youth Leader Christine Festa gave her report stating that the youth will have a membership drive on April 8. On March 17 and 31, they will have a bake sale on bingo nights. FAC Frank Pajestka, Jr. stated the District Two Spring Meeting will be March 20 at Lodge 29, Taylor. Also, Lodge 80, Holland will have St. Patrick’s Day bingo on March 17. Sister Rita congratulated Cyril Pajestka on being named Student of the Year and Shirley Liles being Woman of the Year at the recent Holland Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Two 50-year pins will be awarded to Lodge 80 members at the April 2 meeting. The board of directors will meet at 3:15 p.m. that day. Bell-Milam-Falls water rates are going up which will affect Lodge 80. Lodge 80 received $3,718 from the Home Office. Sister Rita said the inventory remains the same as last year. A rebate of $574 was received from insurance on the cooler that went out. Sister Rita stated that Nelda Mucha is involved with the Czech Cemetery as is Lodge 80. She suggested a cleanup committee be formed to take care of the cemetery. Coleman Benner and Frank Pajestka, Jr. are to measure the length of the property east of the hall and possibly put up a new fence. The youth club will paint the entrance to the lodge. In a motion by Coleman Benner and seconded by Curtis Wolf, hamburgers will go up 25 cents due to increased prices of meat and veggies. Motion carried.
In a motion by Vicki Slye and seconded by Cyril Pajestka, Lodge 80 will donate $100 to Holland Corn Fest 5K run. Motion carried. Connie Horak moved, seconded by Vicki Slye, to give the youth club $300. Motion carried. Coleman Benner moved, seconded by Christine Festa, to give the youth baseball association a donation of $350. Motion carried. Rita Spinn was the only one having a birthday in March. On the sick list was Darrell Weir, who will undergo surgery Monday, March 7. You are in our prayers. Door prizes were won by Regina Peevey, Arthur Peevey, Barbara Taisler-Hill, Rita Spinn, and Tony Sladecek. The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Next Meeting—April 2 The next meeting will be April 2 at 4 p.m. The board of directors will meet at 3:15 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m. Fraternally, Estelle Coker, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas meets this Saturday
Dear Members, Lodge 84, Dallas will meet this Saturday, March 19, 2011, in conjunction with the SPJST State Tarok Tournament to be held the same day at the lodge hall. The lodge meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the conference room. Please note that this is a change in our normal meeting date. All members are invited to attend the meeting — or come earlier and participate in the tournament. Tournament details are on page 15 of this week’s Vestnik. See you this Saturday, March 19! Fraternally yours, Rose Scott, Reporter —SPJST—
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Lodge 107 Floresville seeks old photos
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Attention, Members: We are looking for old photos of Lodge 107, Floresville events of the past. If you have any, we could sure use them for our upcoming 100th year anniversary in 2012. You can take them to Floresville Flower Shop or contact Bob Bayer (830) 393-9073. Thank you. Bob Bayer, FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 133 San Antonio meets this Sunday
Our next meeting will be this Sunday, March 20. We will be celebrating the anniversary of our lodge. We will meet at El Tipico on Goliad Road for lunch at 12:30 p.m. Information can be obtained by calling Vicki Reese (210) 698-1525 or Jarolyn Popp (830) 2145228. Please RSVP to one of these officers. We hope to see you there. After lunch, we will go to the hall for our games’ party. Jarolyn Popp, President —SPJST—
Lodge 181, Conroe members, guests invited to join in March 22 meeting
Dear Fellow Fraternalist, As a valued member of SPJST, you and your family are invited to join in the excitement of building an active lodge in Conroe. Please make plans to join us for a special-called meeting of Lodge 181, Conroe from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at Ryan’s Family Buffet, located at 1413 North Loop 336 West in Conroe. Dinner will be provided in appreciation for your attendance. Door prizes will also be awarded. SPJST is a family organization that cherishes the idea of service to each other and the community. With your help, we will be successful at reactivating your lodge and helping to make Conroe an even better place to live,
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work, and play. As active lodge members and leaders, you will have the opportunity to build youth programs that enable your young people to earn valuable charitable hours, qualify to attend camp, and apply for scholarships. Adult lodge programs can be designed to provide an active and enjoyable environment for both young and old. As active members you will also have the opportunity to participate in various SPJST charitable and social events, including Join Hands Day in May and the Corpus Christi Get-Away in August. The opportunity to get involved and give back to your community is exciting! Your lodge can do it. All we need is you! Make a positive difference by coming to the meeting and learning more about SPJST and the benefits of your membership. You provide your presence, and we’ll provide the fun! Please RSVP on or before 5 p.m. March 21 by calling SPJST Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez (800) 727-7578. Thanking you in advance for being part of this exciting evening. Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President —SPJST—
Lodge 202 Jourdanton enjoys catered meal, meeting
Lodge 202, Jourdanton met March 6, 2011, at the Jourdanton Community Center with 37 members and guests present. President Lloyd House presided. Special guest was District Seven Youth Counselor Wendy Pruski. Flag Bearer Miranda Wiederhold presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Silence was observed for the deceased. A thank you note and photo were received from Michelle House for contributing to the sale of her goat at the Atascosa County Livestock Show. ACCEPT also expressed appreciation for the monetary, food and toys donations. FAC Mary Ann Barta displayed photos from the Texas Fraternal Alliance bowling tournament. March 31 is the deadline for the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. The lodge will donate $100 and non-perishable food to the District
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Seven Join Hands project benefitting Food Bank of Corpus Christi. Food may be brought to the next meeting or may be taken to the District Seven Spring Meeting. DYC Wendy Pruski commented that the Youth Development Workshop at ENC Cooper Farm was great! Kraslice egg decorating contest for youth will be April 10 at the District Seven Meeting in Corpus, Christi. Deadline to order plates for the district meeting is April 3. Contact Bettie House. James House was presented a $25 gift card for being named the lodge fraternalist for 2010. James was also selected the SPJST State Fraternalist. Celebrating birthdays in March are Gussie Spacek, Liliana Wiederhold, Donna Herschap, Ciara Popham, V.J. Holub, and Stephen Wells. “Happy Birthday” was sung. R.D. and Minnie Polasek are celebrating their 18th anniversary. The meeting adjourned. Lane Hoggard gave the table prayer. A barbecue brisket and sausage meal was served. In addition to the brownies, other delicious desserts were enjoyed. Next Meeting—April 3 Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m. is the next meeting at Jourdanton Community Center. Bring non-perishable food for the district Join Hands project. Contact Bettie House for number of plates needed for the district meeting. Fraternally, Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—
Happy 90th Birthday,
Carrie Milan!
Lodge 154, Fort Worth! March 16, 2011
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Texas Attorney General offers tax season tips
by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott
Technologyʼs Predecessors
Submitted by State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Chester Jenke Lodge 258, Seguin
LOG ON: Making a wood stove hotter. BYTE: What them flies do. LOG OFF: Don’t add no more wood. CHIP: Munchies fer the TV. MONITOR: Keeping an eye on the wood stove. MICRO CHIP: What’s in the bottom of the munchies bag. DOWNLOAD: Getting’ the farwood off the truck. MODEM: Whatcha did to the hay fields. MEGA HERTZ: When yer not keerful. DOT MATRIX: Old Dan Matrix’s wife. LAP TOP: Where the kitty sleeps. FLOPPY DISC: Whatcha git from tryin to carry too much farwood. KEYBOARD: Where ya hang the truck keys. RAM: That thing what splits the farwood. SOFTWARE: Them plastic forks and knives. HARD DRIVE: Gettin’ home in the winter time. MOUSE: What eats the grain in the barn. MOUSE PAD: That’s hippie talk fer the mouse hole. PROMPT: What the mail ain’t in the winter time. MAIN FRAME: Holds up the barn roof. WINDOWS: What to shut when it’s cold outside. ENTER: Northerner talk fer “c’mon in, y’all.” SCREEN: What to shut when it’s black fly season. —SPJST—
With the April 18 federal income tax filing deadline fast approaching, many Texans will undoubtedly encounter billboards, emails, and direct mail that advertises tax preparation services. As with any contractual agreement, Texans should carefully read the fine print before entering into a financial transaction involving their income taxes. Taxpayers who understand the nature of these agreements are more likely to make informed decisions that just might save some of their hard-earned money. For example, Texans should always avoid tax preparation services that “guarantee” the largest possible tax return. Under federal law, any deductions tax preparers make for their clients must be accurate and legally permissible. Tax preparers that submit false information in order to obtain larger refunds for a client (and higher fees for the preparer), put their clients in legal jeopardy. Competent, legitimate tax preparers will not hesitate to sign their clients’ tax return, so Texans should always avoid preparation services that refuse to sign their clients’ tax returns. Taxpayers who believe a tax preparer is not complying with the law should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office. Many businesses market “instant cash” to taxpayers seeking quick access to their income tax refunds. Tax preparation services, automobile dealerships, furniture outlets, and other vendors typically market tax refund anticipation loans as an “instant cash advance” against a borrower’s expected tax refund. Frequently, the “instant cash” is actually a loan that the taxpayer must repay. Refund anticipation loans often carry processing fees and high interest rates, so the amount of advance cash the taxpayer receives is typically less than the refund they are owed by the federal government. Under Texas law, refund anticipation loans are legal as long as lenders fully and clearly disclose certain details to borrowers. Refund anticipation lenders must provide the estimated fees charged for the loan, the annual interest rate and the loan fee schedule, in writing. Lenders who advertise in Spanish must provide the same required disclosures in Spanish.
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Refund anticipation lenders must also inform borrowers about the average time it takes to receive a refund directly from the IRS, which now offers electronic tax filing and direct deposit refunds. Both options significantly speed up the refund process. According to the IRS’ website, electronic refunds can be processed and deposited into taxpayers’ bank accounts within 10 days or less. With that in mind, taxpayers should carefully consider which option is in their best interest: instant cash refunds reduced by interest and lender fees – or a full refund from the IRS at a slightly later date. Although many Texans would prefer not to pay their taxes, it is well settled law that federal income taxes are NOT voluntary. Any tax professional claiming to uniformly exempt taxpayers from their federal income tax liability should be viewed with caution. U.S. courts have repeatedly rejected the argument that taxes are voluntary or optional. Finally, taxpayers should beware of unsolicited telephone calls and emails from individuals claiming to be IRS agents. During these fraudulent telephone calls, fake federal agents may claim tax refunds are available via direct deposit. The scam artists’ goal is to
Happy 25th Anniversary, Jerry and Patsy Felkins!
Lodge 133, San Antonio members Jerry and Patsy Felkins celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in February. The members of Lodge 133 wish you many more years together!
trick Texans into providing their bank account information and Social Security numbers. Texans who receive calls or emails from these imposters claiming to be IRS employees must recognize that the callers are just attempting to steal taxpayers’ identities. The IRS does not unexpectedly call taxpayers to demand their personal information. Taxpayers
solicited in this manner should immediately hang up or delete the emails. Additional information on tax-related scams and questions is available directly from the IRS at www.irs.gov or by calling (800) 829-1040. To report a tax preparer who is not complying with the law, or to report fraudulent telephone solicitations, file a complaint with the Attorney Gen-
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eral’s Office online at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov or by calling (800) 252-8011. —SPJST—
Throw a birthday party on a budget
(NewsUSA) - A birthday celebration can be anything from a quiet dinner to an extravaganza with party hats, games, and noisemakers - and you can pull off either one even if you are on a budget. Here are some tips:
Set a budget. Before you do anything else, set a budget for food, drinks, decorations, and other party-related costs. To avoid buying more than you need, confirm your guest list. If you don’t want guests to spend a lot on gifts, write a suggested spending limit on your invitations. Find affordable gifts. Retailers like Dollar General (www.DollarGeneral.com) offer many gift choices for both children and
Lodge 88, Houston Hosts SPJST Booth at Crawfish Festival
Lodge 88, Houston hosted a booth at the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Annual Crawfish Festival on Saturday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sterling Bank parking lot at 414 West 19th Street between Shepherd and Yale. The event included food, fun, and festivities. LEFT PHOTO: At the festival. CENTER PHOTO: SPJST
banner. RIGHT PHOTO: Booth fun. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: SPJST poster board. BELOW PHOTO 2: SPJST apron. BELOW PHOTO 3: Spinning wheel for prizes. BELOW PHOTO 4: Lodge 88, Houston Sales Agent Mildred Holeman. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Basket donated by SPJST Home Office to Heights Chamber of Commerce.
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adults. Many children’s toys are priced under $10, and birthday cards are always two for $1. Grown-ups love getting personalized gifts, like framed pictures. You might also want to consider purchasing an item that will brighten up the birthday boy or girl’s home or office. Decorative clocks, lamps, and other home furnishings are useful as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Give back to the community. Announce plans to donate gifts to a good cause, and you’ll relieve your guests of the pressure and money that can go into choosing the perfect gift. Ask guests to bring cans for a donation to your local food pantry. For a child’s party, have guests bring a children's book or stuffed animal that can be donated to a local children’s hospital.
Let them eat cake. Saving room for dessert is never more important than when you’re at a birthday party. Stock up on an assortment of options, including cake mixes, pie crusts, fruit fillings, ice cream, cake decorations and more at a discounters such as Dollar General. That way, you’re prepared to create the perfect dessert (or two).
Leave guests with a favor. Thank your guests for coming by surprising them with a little something to take home. Start with plastic fold-top sandwich bags, and fill them with sim-
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ple goodies such as mini candy bars or homemade cookies. For kids, pencils, stickers, or animal crackers are popular and inexpensive favorites. Tie up each bag with colorful ribbons. —SPJST—
Interesting Information
“Stewardesses” is the longest word typed with only the left hand. And “lollipop” is the longest word typed with your right hand. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple. “Dreamt” is the only English word that ends in the letters “mt.” Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. The sentence: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter of the alphabet. The words “racecar,” “kayak,” and “level” are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes). There are only four words in the English language which end in -dous: tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous. There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: abstemious and facetious.
Lodge 133, San Antonio Welcomes Brussels Visitor
Jerry and Patsy Felkins, left, enjoyed a visit with their daughter Becky Mattes. Becky lives in Brussels and will soon embark on an archaeological study in the Middle East. What an adventure! Becky will send information about her experiences to the Vestnik. Pictured also is her grandmother Doris Moczygemba. They are all members of Lodge 133, San Antonio.
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Lodge 202 Jourdanton member receives 50-year pin
Lodge 202, Jourdanton member Raymond Vrana was presented his 50-year pin. Congratulations, Raymond! —Submitted by Regina Wilson
TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. A cat has 32 muscles in each ear. A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds. A jiffy is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second. A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes. A snail can sleep for three years. Almonds are a member of the peach family. An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don’t appear until the child reaches two to six years of age. February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon. In the last 4,000 years, no new ani-
mals have been domesticated. If the population of China walked past you, eight abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction. Leonardo DaVinci invented the scissors. Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite! Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated. The average person’s left hand does 56 percent of the typing. The cruise liner, QE 2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid. There are more chickens than people in the world. Women blink nearly twice as much as men. —SPJST—
Lodge 187, Round Rock Supports The Shepherd’s Heart
Lodge 187, Round Rock donated funds to The Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry. District Two Director Bobby Wuensche matched the donation from the SPJST director’s discretionary fund. Pictured are, left to right, Director Wuensche, Lodge 187 President Red Oman, Shepherd’s Heart Representative Karen Keene, and Lodge 187 Trustee Janie Barron.
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Reunion
Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to our SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, and until the week prior to the reunion date and as space permits, notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge name/number and your contact phone number. Thank you!
April 9, 10 Descendants of Joseph and Theresa Wick Dobecka and Theresa Wick Dobecka and Joseph Pratka—at Dubina Parish Hall, Dubina, Texas. Included are children and families of Frank and Mary (Naizer) Dobecka, Joe and Mary (Dobecka) Kubesch, Rudolf and Agnes (Dobecka) Hollek; Cyril and Anna (Dobecka) Sassin; Joe and Antonio (Peter) Dobecka; Joe and Anna (Pokulda) Dobecka; John and Albina (Bartosh) Dobecka; Louis and Adela (Marak) Pratka; and Emil and Angline (Parma) Pratka. Contact Shirley Dobecka Caesar (817) 9807501; or visit www.dobecka.com for more information. Submitted by Toni Akers, Lodge 130, Dallas. —SPJST—
Oh dad what little of you we knew
Oh dad wish I had more of you. —SPJST—
the only thing we have to cope is the virtue of eternal hope
within our lives few things approach the comfort of enduring hope. —SPJST—
In Memoriam
In Memory of Jerome Dornak
Jerome James Dornak, age 81, of El Campo, passed away on March 5, 2011. He was born in Hillje on September 24, 1929, to the late John P. and Rosie Shimek Dornak. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion Post 251 and Knights of Columbus Council 2490. He was co-owner of Walzel Office Supply and specialized in office equipment repair. He was a member of SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. He is survived by daughter Susan Frankson and husband Sam of Bay City; son Kenneth Dornak and wife Traci of Spring; grandchildren Matthew, Megan, and Mary Katherine Frankson and Brandon, Austin, Camryn, and Madison Dornak; sisters Bernice Buss of El Campo, Florence Paladino of Lumberton and Norma Lee Treybig of Victoria; brothers Victor Dornak of El Campo and Johnny Dornak of Wharton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Buss Dornak; infant son Jerome James Dornak Jr.; and brother Robert Dornak. Visitation began at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 6 with a rosary being recited at 5 p.m. at Triska Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 7 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with the Reverend Gary Janak officiating. Entombment followed at Holy Cross Memorial Park with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post 251. Pallbearers were Matthew Frankson, Brandon Dornak, Austin Dornak, Joe Ray Dornak, Kevin Dornak, and Darrell Hoffer. Memorials in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Submitted by, Charlene Linhart-Smith —SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
On behalf of the members of Lodge 186, Caldwell, we extend our deepest and sincerest sympathy to the family of our sister, MILDAY HOVORAK “LOTTIE” DRGAC. Milday “Lottie” Hovorak Drgac, 92, of Cooks Point, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, February 19, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of life service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 22 at Cooks Point United Methodist Church. Interment followed at Masonic Cemetery in Caldwell, under the care and direction of Strickland Funeral Home of Caldwell. A visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, February 21 at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, with the family present from 5 to 8 p.m. Lottie was born February 6, 1919, to Joe F. and Albina Luksa Hovorak near Caldwell. She attended Cooks Point Public School and spent her entire life in the Caldwell and Cooks Point area. Lottie married Frank F. Drgac on December 27, 1937, in Caldwell. They were married for 53 years. She worked alongside Frank and was a good steward of the land as they farmed, ranched, and raised poultry. Lottie always enjoyed being outdoors on her land whether it was picking dewberries, gardening, fishing, or checking her cattle. She especially enjoyed her great-grandchildren and was affectionately called “Grandma” by her family and close friends. Grandma loved to bake kolaches and make jelly and shared both with many. Her favorite past time was playing dominoes with her friends and family. Lottie was a member of Cooks Point United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women’s Group, Burleson County Czech Heritage Society, and SPJST Lodge 186, Caldwell. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister Martha Trcalek; and brother Raymond Hovorak. Lottie is survived by daughters and son-in-law Carolyn Homeyer Brinkmann of Caldwell and Lorene and Alvin Bormann of College Station; grandchildren Craig and Rhonda Homeyer of Caldwell, Carl and Sheila Homeyer of Haskell, David and Penny
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Bormann of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Diane and Scott Copeland of McKinney; great-grandchildren Chandler, Megan, Madison, Abby, Ernie, and Tess Homeyer, Andrew and Brett Bormann, and Kyle, Kristen, and Kendall Copeland; sister-in-law Doris Hovorak; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family requests that memorials be made to Cooks Point Methodist Church, 4902 East State Highway 21, Caldwell, Texas 77836; Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803; or to the charity of your choice. —SPJST—
Expression of Sympathy
We, the members of the Resolution Committee of Lodge Hvezda Texasu, No. 47, Seaton, Texas, on behalf of our membership, wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of our departed sister, EVALYN JAKUBIK. Funeral service for Evalyn Jakubik, age 88, of Bell County was held on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at Seaton Cemetery at 1 p.m. Mrs. Jakubik died Sunday, February 27 in a local nursing home. Evalyn was born April 2, 1923, in Cyclone, Texas, to Josef and Albina (Manak) Reznicek. She married Henry A. Jakubik on June 10, 1943 in Temple. He preceded her in death on September 11, 1970. She and her husband worked at Seaton Grocery store and farmed in East Bell County until they moved to Temple to work at American Desk. She was member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton. She was also a member of Temple Brethren Church. Survivors include son Douglas Jakubik of Peaster; daughter LaVerne Popelka of Abilene; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Temple was is in charge of arrangements. Resolution Committee Ruth Kohutek Joyce Skrabanek La Verne Vanicek —SPJST—
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SPJST Youth
Section Youth Development Workshop set for April 2
Dear Members, The first Youth Development Workshop, held at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm on Saturday, February 26 was quite successful. Both attendance and participation were high, and all participants seemed to enjoy themselves while gaining helpful information and perhaps a new perspective. If you or any youth were unable to attend, another workshop will be held at Lodge 183, Arlington on Saturday, April 2. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. If planning to attend, please call us as soon as possible at the Home Office with your name, lodge number, number of youth attending, and number of adults attending. Lunch will be provided. Also, youth clubs are selling tickets for the Patsy and Albert Koslovsky Benefit, also to be held on Saturday, April 2 at Lodge 47, Seaton. Patsy Koslovsky is the District Two Youth Counselor. Her husband Albert was hospitalized for several weeks. He was recently sent home. As you know, the Youth Leader Workshop is to be held on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm. We are hoping to give everyone a little practice judging this year’s food category—pies. For this delicious activity, we are requesting some help. Please ask among your youth and see if any-
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The deadline for all Vestnik items is 5 p.m. the Wednesday before the publication date. Send your news and photos directly to:
SPJST Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: (254) 773-8087
Email: melaniez@vvm.com Questions? Call (800) 727-7578
one is interested in baking a pie for the workshop. We need some “good” pies that follow the rulebook, and some “bad” pies that may be delectable but do not meet the requirements of the handbook. If anyone is interested, please have them call or email State Youth Director Frank Horak by March 18. Thank you, and have a great day. Fraternally, Amber Penn Fraternal Department Assistant —SPJST—
District Two youth encouraged to enter kraslice this Sunday
Dear Members, The District Two Spring Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2011, at SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor. Registration of your kraslice—Czech Easter egg decorating contest will be from 1 to 2 p.m. All entries must be registered by the participant before 2 p.m. You can find the rules on page 39 of your handbook. I do hope each of you will participate, and this includes adult members also. A big treat for all who attend will be the performance of three — possibly four — youth beseda groups. Many of these participants are new dancers and have practiced only a short time. I am so proud of these
youth. Dancers, remember to wear your beseda shirts. If you do not have one, please contact me immediately. The District Two Youth Club will have a silent auction at the meeting. Proceeds will go toward snacks for our summer camp which will be held at Cooper Farm July 28 to July 31. Items will be appreciated. We thank those of you in advance who will be bidding on these items. We appreciate the great support the members of District Two have always given to our youth. I would like to thank our SPJST Family for the many prayers, cards, calls, concerns, and everything you have done for my family during Albert’s sudden illness and three-week hospital stay. He is home now recovering with the aid of home health, and he is getting stronger each day. My favorite verse, “I Am So Blessed To Be
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Blessed,” has really shown light these last few weeks and continues to shine. I thank those of you have filled in for me in so many aspects. To those of you who attended the skating party and sent food, gift certificates, and money, thank you. Again, thanks to all you and may God bless each of you as He has blessed us. Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Members Headed to Washington, D.C.
Congratulations to Caldwell High School’s BPA Administrative Support Team who earned first place at the state leadership conference. They now advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C. The team includes, left to right, Rebekah Smith, Taylor Roche, Colby Havemann, and Grace Dusek. Colby and Grace are members of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club.
Well, we did it . . . and I am so excited! Grace Dusek and I will be traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend the Business Professionals of America National contest in May. I advanced in Desktop Publishing with a second place finish and our Administrative Support Team that Grace and I are on received first place. It was a lot like SPJST Youth Achievement Day because they would call the names for places first to eighth and you hope and wait that your name would not be called.
Our team worked so hard and to finish in first place was great. It was such a fun week. I got to meet so many people and see lots of interesting sites. A big thanks to Ms. Dusek and Mr. Sanders, our sponsors, and to Susie for getting us to and from Dallas safely and being our chaperone. Hard work does pay off; you just have to put in the time, and you get great results. Fraternally yours, Colby Havemann —SPJST—
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Lodge 24, Cyclone Lodge 80, Holland youth enjoys Youth Club sets Lodge 40 meeting, skating membership drive El Campo-Hillje On Sunday, February 20, 2011, Dear Readers, Lodge 24, Cyclone Youth Club had a Youth Club reports Come one! Come all! You are inbrief get-together meeting before the on January meeting vited to join us for an evening of lots of District Two Skating Party. We endancing and fun at SPJST Lodge 80, joyed getting to see all our friends again—not to mention we had a blast skating. Our next youth club meeting is Sunday, March 13 at Flag Hall starting at 12 noon. Pizza will be provided. Also, don’t forget to bring your creative side because we will be working on our scrapbook. See you there! Ty Stock, Reporter —SPJST—
On Sunday, January 9, 2011, Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Youth Club met at 1:15 p.m. Vice President Craig Cerny called the meeting to order. Flag Bearer Colby Cerny led the youth in saying the Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST motto. All of the officers were present except President Zakary Smith. The minutes from the December meeting were read by Secretary Cynthia Garcia. They were approved as read. Treasurer Sky Garcia gave the financial report. Mrs. Bacak, Youth Leader, welcomed everyone who attended the meeting. The youth worked on a Věstník project. They also worked on a craft designing snowmen snowflake faces on a dark blue background. Everyone had a great time attending the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by Vice President Craig Cerny at 1:59 p.m. Ardis Bacak, Youth Leader —SPJST—
Holland Youth Club’s membership drive on Friday, April 8, 2011, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Holland ISD Cafeteria. Activities include a dance. A craft area will be available for younger children. Entrance fee is two canned goods or a monetary donation benefitting the local food bank. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, please contact Youth Leader Christine Festa (254) 541-2374. —SPJST—
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Lodge 84, Dallas youth deliver valentines
Dear Readers, On Sunday, February 6, 2011, Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club went to St. Joseph’s Residence. We go every year around Valentine’s Day. We performed a Valentine’s Daythemed program. Rachel and Zachary McManus each read a poem; Scott and Elisabeth Cowan with Jason Sims and Kendall Tucker read together; and I danced to “Valentine” by Martina McBride. After the program, we handed out valentines. To finish the day, we had our monthly meeting in the dining area. Fraternally, Melinda McClellan —SPJST—
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Presents March Meeting Scenes Fraternally Submitted by Tabor and Maylee Dowell
TOP LEFT PHOTO: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Happy March birthday! TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Left to right, Logan, Tyler, and Tabor enjoy their door prizes.
BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Congratulations, door prize winners! BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Alexia is all smiles with her snack!
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Lodge 87, Temple youth: muddinʼ with Barley in doggles
After the last rain we had, my parents and family friends all went mudding. We own Rangers and so do a lot of our family. We all met at “the meeting place” and enjoyed a day of riding trails and mudding. It’s a lot of fun. We take t u r n s splashing through water and mud, cheering each other on. At the end of the day, we are covered from head to toe with mud. This time, we took my dog Barley. He’s a
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boxer. He loves to ride in the back of our Ranger. My mom and dad bought him some awesome doggles! They are goggles made for dogs. Barley loves to wear his doggles when we go riding. It was a fun day! I really enjoyed this wet/messy day with my parents. Ryan Davidson —SPJST—
Lodge 202 Jourdanton youth: playing in tune!
I have played in the Bradley Middle School Band for three years now. I am first chair (best player) baritone in the symphonic band. I have been getting really excited recently because my band is preparing for UIL Concert and Sight Reading competition. UIL is kind of like YAD (youth achievement day) but at school. We have been practicing our music for UIL for a while
now, and I think we’ll do great! But playing our music isn’t even my favorite part - I really enjoy the sight reading portion of the contest! Sight reading is where we are given a new piece that we and our band director have never seen before and are asked to perform it. Our band director only has a few minutes to give us some information on the music. On March 5, my band participated in a UIL tape clinic. The tape clinic is meant to give us some feedback before we head off to competition. Three judges record our performance then talk about what was good and what needed improvement. The tape clinic was a lot of fun, and the judges said we did great! On the 7th, we listened to the tapes from the judges and learned what we needed to work on. This past week, we’ve been improving in the areas we had some trouble in, and I think we’re ready for UIL. Wish us luck! Fraternally, Sammy Hoggard —SPJST—
Just Texas!
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Pep, Texas 79353 Smiley, Texas 78159 Paradise, Texas 76073 Rainbow, Texas 76077 Sweet Home, Texas 77987 Comfort, Texas 78013 Friendship, Texas 76530 Love the sun? Sun City, Texas 78628 Sunrise, Texas 76661 Sunset, Texas 76270 Sundown, Texas 79372 Sunray, Texas 79086 Sunny Side, Texas 77423
Want something to eat? Bacon, Texas 76301 Noodle, Texas 79536 Oatmeal, Texas 78605 Turkey, Texas 79261 Trout, Texas 75789 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Salty, Texas 76567 Rice, Texas 75155 Pearland, Texas 77581 Orange, Texas 77630
Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Delivers Valentine Greetings Fraternally Submitted by Dillon and Macy Narro
On February 14, 2011, Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club delivered valentine cards and banana bags to residents of Burleson St. Joseph Manor Nursing Home and Copperas Hollow Nursing Home in Caldwell.
The residents were so happy to see us. I think we truly made their Valentine’s Day! —SPJST—
LEFT PHOTO: Youth and adults make goodie bags. CENTER PHOTO: Adult lodge members assemble banana bags. RIGHT PHOTO: Youth members make final valentine cards. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Our group is pictured at Copperas Hollow Nursing Home. BELOW CENTER
PHOTO: Lodge 17 youth gather at Copperas Hollow Assisted Living with some of the residents. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Macy and Dillon Narro are pictured with Ms. Ruth Paul, who is member of Lodge 17, New Tabor.
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Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club Presents February Meeting Scenes Fraternally Submitted by Tabor and Maylee Dowell
LEFT PHOTO: Youth recite the Pledge of Allegiance. PHOTO 2: District One Youth Counselor Susan Skrabanek presents Tabor with a Wal-
Mart gift that he won at the SPJST Awards Banquet. PHOTO 3: Door prize winners. RIGHT PHOTO: Kadie enjoys her snack.
Why travel to other cities? Texas has them all! Detroit, Texas 75436 Cleveland, Texas 75436 Colorado City, Texas 79512 Denver City, Texas 79323 Klondike, Texas 75448 Pittsburg, Texas 75686 Newark, Texas 76071 Nevada, Texas 75173 Memphis, Texas 79245 Miami, Texas 79059 Boston, Texas 75570 Santa Fe, Texas 77517 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75861 Reno, Texas 75462 Pasadena, Texas 77506 Columbus, Texas 78934
For the kids . . . Kermit, Texas 79745 Elmo, Texas 75118 Nemo, Texas 76070 Tarzan, Texas 79783 Winnie, Texas 77665 Sylvester, Texas 79560
And, top it off with: Sweetwater, Texas 79556
Feel like traveling outside the country? Athens, Texas 75751 Canadian, Texas 79014 China , Texas 77613 Dublin, Texas 76446 Egypt, Texas 77436 Ireland, Texas 76538 Italy, Texas 76538 Turkey, Texas 79261 London, Texas 76854 New London, Texas 75682 Paris, Texas 75460 Palestine, Texas 75801 No need to travel to Washington D.C. Whitehouse, Texas 75791
We even have a city named after our planet! Earth, Texas 79031
We have a city named after our state: Texas City, Texas 77590 Exhausted? Energy, Texas 76452
Cold? Blanket, Texas 76432 Winters, Texas 79567
Like to read about history? Santa Anna, Texas 76878 Goliad, Texas 77963 Alamo, Texas 78516 Gun Barrel City, Texas 75156 Robert Lee, Texas 76945 Need office supplies? Staples, Texas 78670
Want to go into outer space? Venus, Texas 76084 Mars, Texas 79062
You guessed it. It’s on the state line. Texline, Texas 79087
Other names in Texas, to make you smile . . . Frognot, Texas 75424 Bigfoot, Texas 78005 Hogeye, Texas 75423 Cactus, Texas 79013 Notrees, Texas 79759 Best, Texas 76932 Veribest, Texas 76886 Kickapoo, Texas 75763 Dime Box, Texas 77853 Old Dime Box, Texas 77853 Telephone, Texas 75488
Welcome, Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club!
State Youth Director Frank Horak visits with newlyelected Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Leader Beverly Teplicek on March 2, 2011. SPJST welcomes Lodge 49 as a new youth club.
Telegraph, Texas 76883 Whiteface, Texas 79379 Twitty, Texas 79079
And, our favorites . . . Cut and Shoot, Texas 77303 Gun Barrel City, Texas 75147 Ding Dong, Texas West, Texas (it’s in Central Texas ) . . . and, of course, Muleshoe, Texas 79347
Here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about folks from Texas: If someone in a Lowe’s store offers you assistance, and they don’t work there, you may live in Texas.
If you’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Texas. If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Texas.
If ‘vacation’ means going anywhere south of Dallas for the weekend, you may live in Texas. If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Texas.
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Texas.
If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Texas.
If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Texas.
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If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph — you’re going 80 and everybody’s passing you, you may live in Texas.
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Lodge 204, Stephenville Youth Assist with Auction
If you find 60 degrees ‘a little chilly,’ you may live in Texas; Here are some little known, very interesting facts about Texas:
• Beaumont to El Paso: 829 miles • Beaumont to Nashville, Tennessee: 770 miles • El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas. • The world’s first rodeo was in Pecos on July 4,1883. • The Flagship Hotel in Galveston is the only hotel in North America built over water. It was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008. • The Heisman Trophy was named after John William Heisman who was the first full-time coach at Rice University in Houston. • Brazoria County has more species of birds than any other area in North America. • Aransas Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of North America’s only remaining flock of whooping cranes. • Jalapeno jelly originated in Lake Jackson in 1978. • The worst natural disaster in United States history was in 1900, caused by a hurricane in which over 8,000 lives were lost on Galveston Island.
LEFT PHOTO: SPJST Lodge 204, Stephenville Youth Club members help with the Zonta Penny Auction with a donation of staples and a cookbook. Pictured are Katie and Hannah Pierce. RIGHT PHOTO: Hannah and
• The first word spoken from the moon, July 20, 1969, was “Houston,” but the Space Center was actually in Clear Lake City at the time. • King Ranch in South Texas is larger than Rhode Island. • Tropical Storm Claudette brought a United States rainfall record of 43 inches in 24 hours in and around Alvin in July 1979. • Texas is the only state to enter the United States by Treaty, (known as the Constitution of 1845 by the Republic of Texas to enter the Union ) instead of by annexation. This allows the Texas flag to fly at the same height as
Lodge 80, Holland Youth: Member of Winning Team
Holland Junior girls made it to the basketball finals at Ralph Wilson Youth Center in Temple on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. They played Salado Junior girls for first place. The winning score was 10 to 6 Holland. They had a great year. Pictured second from left is Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club member Shelby Horak. Shelby is the daughter of Frank and Connie Horak and the granddaughter of Curtis and Jewel Wolf and Ed and Hazel Horak, all of Lodge 80, Holland. Shelby’s dad Frank serves as SPJST State Youth Director.
Katie help their Gran (Sandra Pierce) buy concession items for the Zonta Penny Auction held on March 5, 2011. —Submitted by Hannah and Katie Pierce
the United States flag and may divide Texas into five states. • A live oak tree near Fulton is estimated to be 1,500 years old. • Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state. • Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. There is no period in Dr Pepper. • Texas has had six capital cities: Washington-on-the Brazos, Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco, West Columbia, and Austin. • The Capitol Dome in Austin is the only dome in the United States, which is taller than the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. (by seven feet). • The San Jacinto Monument is the tallest free standing monument in the world, and it is taller than the Washington Monument. • The name ‘Texas’ comes from the Hasini Indian word ‘tejas’ meaning friends. Tejas is not Spanish for Texas. • The state mascot is the armadillo. An interesting bit of trivia about the armadillo is they always have four babies. They have one egg, which splits into four, and they either have four males or four females. • The first domed stadium in the United States was the Astrodome in Houston. Cowboy’s 10 Commandments Posted on the Wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas : (1) Just one God. (2) Honor yer Ma and Pa. (3) No telling tales or gossipin’. (4) Git yourself to Sunday meeting. (5) Put nothin’ before God. (6) No foolin’ around with another fellow’s gal. (7) No killin’. (8) Watch yer mouth.
(9) Don’t take what ain’t yers. (10) Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff. Editor’s Note: Thanks to Lodge 88, Houston Assistant Youth Leader Michelle Wockenfuss for sharing this. —SPJST—
Lodge 80, Holland youth wins at track meet
Lodge 80, Holland Youth Club member Jacob Horak is a seventh grader at Holland Middle School. He participated in his first track meet on Friday, March 4, 2011, in Troy, Texas. Jacob placed second in the 24-meter, second in the mile, and second in the mile relay. Jacob is the son of Frank and Connie Horak and the grandson of Curtis and Jewel Wolf and Ed and Hazel Horak, all of Lodge 80, Holland. Jacob’s dad Frank serves as SPJST State Youth Director.
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Podpora
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BENEVOLENCE
ROČNÍK 99 CISLO 11
~ Cze c h Al ph abe t ~
Czech is written in Latin script, with few additional Latin characters containing special diacritics. The diacritic symbols are: ˇ - háček (hook) ´ - čárka (length mark) ˚ - kroužek (ring)
The characters specific to Czech are: á, č, ď, é, ě, ch, í, ň, ó, ř, š, ť, ú, ů, ý, ž
Note that ch is considered to be a single letter in Czech. The full Czech alphabet is therefore:
a, á, b, c, č, d, ď, e, é, ě, f, g, h, ch, i, í, j, k, l, m, n, ň, o, ó, p, q, r, ř, s, š, t, ť, u, ú, ů, v, w, x, y, ý, z, ž
However, letters g, q, w, and x usually do not appear in Czech words (by origin). Also, for dictionary purposes, the letters á, č, ď, é, ě, í, ň, ó, ť, ú, ů, ý (i.e. all letters with diacritics except č, ř, and ž) are treated only as variants of the corresponding letters without diacritics.
Czech Pronunciation Although most Czech vowels and consonants are pronounced similar to English, there are several differences.
Stress Stress is always on the first syllable in Czech; a monosyllabic preposition (if any) counts as the first syllable of the following word. A vowel in any syllable can be either long or short. The length of Czech vowels is completely independent on the stress. (See more in the next section on vowels.)
Vowels An important thing to remember about Czech vowels is that they are always pronounced fully, no matter
Lidskost
Česká
Část
HUMANITY
Bratrstvi Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas
BROTHERHOOD
16.brezen.2011
Uředni orgán SPJST Založené roků 1897
where they are in the word. There are six vowel letters in Czech, but only five vowel sounds. a - like a in barn e - similar to e in ten i - similar to y in happy; or i in machine o - roughly like o in hot, and mole u - similar to oo in put, but shorter y - the same sound as Czech i
All vowels are either short or long. Long vowels are marked by the čárka symbol and are pronounced about longer than short vowels. It is impor-
tant to pronounce long vowels clearly as longer than short ones since the length can change meaning of words (compare, for example, byt - apartment and být - to be). The length of vowels does not depend on stress. Try not to pronounce the long ones as diphthongs.
The long vowels ú and ů are pronounced the same. The different spelling reflects historical differences in pronunciation. You do not need to worry about this since there is no way to distinguish these two variants in speech and, for all practical purposes,
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switching these two in writing does not change the meaning of the word.
The vowels ě and i soften the preceding consonant. See the section on consonants for an explanation.
Diphthongs There is one native diphthong and two foreign ones in Czech. The native diphthong is ou, the foreign ones are eu and au. The vowels creating these diphthongs are pronounced in roughly equal proportions.
Czech Cultural Calendar
Wednesday Evening Czech Language Class (extemporaneous)—at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home, No. 1, Taylor, 500 East Lake Drive, Taylor, 6 to approximately 8 p.m. Informal gathering for the purpose of listening to Czech, and reading and speaking Czech.
March 18 to 19 Classic Car Road Show—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center Fairgrounds, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas 78945. Cars will be parked in the area of TCHCC Fairgrounds Friday night and on Saturday beginning at about 8:15 a.m. until 10 a.m. For information, call (888) 785-4500; or (979) 968-9399; or visit www.czechtexas.org. March 26 Dance Auditions for Heart of the Tin Trunk—at City of LaGrange Randolph Center, 653 E. Pearl Street, LaGrange Texas. Ages 14 and up. For information, call (979) 250-1843; or visit www.heartofthetintrunk.com.
March 26 Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) Awards Dinner—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas 78945. For information, call (888) 785-4500; or (979) 968-9399; or visit www.czechtexas.org.
Through March 30 Czech Language Class in Ennis— in the kitchen area of KJT Hall, 1216 South Paris Street, Ennis, 7 to 9 p.m. Course is presented by SPJST Lodge 180, Burleson members Joe and Alice Janecka and Ellis County Chapter of CHS. Email joejanecka@att.net; or call (817) 295-3068. Submitted by Joe Janecka, Lodge 180, Burleson.
April 7 Czech Childrenʼs Hour—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, La Grange Melnar Library, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas 78945. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Author/Illustrator Pavel Cech program for children four to eight years old. Limited seating. Call (888) 785-4500; or (979) 968-9399; or visit www.czechtexas.org.
Through April 2 Vintage Quilt Exhibit—at TCHCC, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas 78945. Exhibit includes vintage quilts, dolls, textiles, and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call (888) 785-4500; or (979) 968-9399; or visit www.czechtexas.org.
Through May 10 BVCHS, CEFT Czech Language Class—in Saint Joseph Catholic Church Parish Activity Center, 700 East 26th Street in Bryan, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $35 tuition fee. Classes accommodate beginners, advanced speakers. Open to anyone who is interested. Instructor is Mr. Petr Antene. For information, contact Lou Zaeske, BVCHS President, by phone (979) 846-2035; or by email louzaeske@aol.com. Submitted by Lou Zaeske, Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station.
Through April 1 “A History of the Brave Czech Nation” Exhibit—at Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, temple, on the corner of Third and West French Streets. Exhibit is a large rendition - over six feet tall and 80 feet long - of the book “The History of the Brave Czech Nation” by Lucie Seifertová, one of Czech Republicʼs bestknown childrenʼs book authors/illustrators. CHM hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Submitted by Sandi Wicker, CHM Executive Director/Lodge 177, Academy.
April 30 Holly Heinsohn Kropp, Beginning Genealogy—presented by Bill and Betty Melnar Genealogy Research Library, Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas 78945. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reserved seating. Call (888) 785-4500; or visit www.czechtexas.org.
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Consonants Pronunciation of Czech consonants can be divided into three subgroups:
consonants that are same in Czech and in English; consonants that are similar to some in English; consonants that do not exist in English 1. Consonants pronounced the same in both Czech and English: b, d, f, g, l, m, n, s, v, z
There are few more sounds that are in both languages, but represented by different letters: Czech c is spelled in English as ts (its). Czech č is spelled in English as ch (chocolate). Czech j is spelled in English as y (yes); Czech š is spelled in English as sh (shock).
2. Consonants with sounds similar to some in English:
Czech k, p, t are never aspirated - they are pronounced without the puff of breath you can hear in English. The Czech pronunciation is closer to English pronunciation of these sounds in the middle of a word (try skip, spit, stick). Czech h is always voiced (as in ahead or ham). Czech ž is a sound similar to English s in vision or pleasure. Czech r is rolled like r in, e.g., Scottish English, Spanish, German.
3. Sounds that do not exist in English: There are five sounds that exist in Czech but not in English: ch, ď, ť, ň, ř
ch - like ch in Scottish loch or German Bach; it is always an unvoiced sound in Czech; press the very back of your tongue against the sides of your palate and breathe out ď - roughly as d in dune; press the tip of your tongue against your lower teeth and the back of your tongue against the back of your palate and try to pronounce d ť - roughly as t in tune; follow the steps above, but try to pronounce t ň - roughly as n in onion; follow the steps above, but try to pronounce n ř - rough approximation is r with simultaneous sh or zh; pull your tongue back a little, press your jaws together, the tip of your tongue should vibrate
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loosely The vowels ě and i soften some of the preceding consonants. i/í - softens only consonants d, t, n so they are pronounced as ď, ť, ň (dílo, ti, nic) ě - consonants d, t, n before ě are pronounced as ď, ť, ň; consonants b, p, f, v are pronounced with an added j as [bj, pj, fj, vj]; consonant m is pronounced with an added ň as [mň] (dělat, tělo, něco; běžet, pět, věc; město). Consonants can be voiced or voiceless (see below), and hard, soft or neutral. The latter distinction is important since sometimes a declension ending can change a hard consonant into a soft one (or vice versa). Hard consonants are h, ch, k, g, r, d, t, n; a potentially following [i] sound is written y, with the exception of foreign words (e.g., hymna = anthem). Soft consonants are ž, š, č, ř, c, j, ď, ť, ň; a potentially following [i] sound is written i, with the exception of foreign words (e.g., židle = chair). Note that ď, ť, ň in front of i (or ě) is always written as d, t, n. Neutral consonants are b, f, l, m, p, s, v, z; a potentially following [i] sound can be written either i or y.
Assimilation Consonants in Czech are vulnerable to voicing assimilation (actually there are other languages that assimilate consonants more than English). Voiced consonants (b, v, d, ď, z, ž, g, h; dz, dž) become voiceless (p, f, t, ť, s, š, k, ch; c, č) or vice versa. (Note: Sounds dz, dž are written with two letters, as seen here; however, dz is uncommon in written Czech.) 1. Voiced consonants are pronounced voiceless at the end of words (e.g., lev [lef] = lion). 2. If there are two or more consonants in a group, the whole group is pronounced according to the last consonant in the group (e.g., kdo [gdo] = who, tužka [tuška] = pencil).
There are few exceptions to the assimilation rule: 1. v following a voiceless consonant has no effect on it - svět [svjet] = world 2. h following s can either leave it unchanged (preferred in Bohemia) or change it according to the assimilation rules into a voiced consonant (preferred in Moravia). Therefore you can hear the greeting na shledanou (good bye) pronounced as either [naschledanou] or [nazhledanou]. You
should probably follow the former pronunciation. 3. ch followed by a voiced consonant becomes voiced, but often not as h but rather as a true voiced ch (you can ignore this phenomenon happily). Consonant Clusters Czech (and other Slavic languages) has a tendency to cluster consonants, compared to English. There are words with 4, 5, 6 or even 7 consonants in a row. Some Czech words lack vowels completely. This feature is possible thanks to an ability of consonants r, l, and sometimes even m or n to become a syllable nucleus. Some examples: vlk (wolf), smrt (death), zmrzlina (ice cream), scvrklo se (it shrank), čtvrthrst (quarter-handful). There is also a tongue-twister containing only consonants: Strč prst skrz krk — Stick your finger through your throat.
This overview of Czech pronunciation should not scare you as it looks more difficult than it actually is. With practice, you will internalize the rules.
http://www.unilang.org/wiki/index.php/Czech_pronunciation
—SPJST—
CHMGC to celebrate Czech culture April 6
Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple will host a Celebration of Czech Culture on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the Santa Fe Depot, located at 315 West Avenue B in Temple. A social hour is planned from 6 to 7 p.m. with dinner and program following from 7 to 9 p.m. The evening celebration will feature guest speakers Clinton Machann, author and professor in the Department of English at Texas A&M University, and Ray Snokhous, Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic for the State of Texas. Proceeds will benefit the CHMGC. For admission costs and to RSVP, call (254) 899-2935. —SPJST—
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Heart of the Tin Trunk is musical theater from the heart of Texas
In the summer of 2011, musical theater from the heart of Texas will bring the joy, pride, sorrow, and history of the people that settled South Central Texas to the stage at Festival Hill in Round Top, Texas. Much like the Texas Panhandle heritage play, Texas, Backstage, Inc’s production of Heart of the Tin Trunk celebrates the history of the Czech and German people who settled between Austin and Houston in the 1800s. The goal of the playwright, Virginia Leech, is to encourage today’s elders to pass on their stories and traditions, but to also remind the contemporary youth of immigrant descendants to hold on to that past and history. It is in their heritage where character, morals, and ethics lay. Texas pride is made up of so many histories and cultural influences, but certainly the music, hard work, joy, and friendship of the Czech and German people is legendary! Musical theater can be a tricky thing to pull off, but in today’s fast paced entertainment atmosphere, it will probably take a little singing and dancing to get people to show up and absorb the greater message. During the performance, the heart of Texas, as it was settled by the Czech and Germans, is revealed through the contents of an old tin trunk. The heirlooms inside each hold a story that juxtaposes a young college graduate’s need to move on with the future with that of a young Czech immigrant mother who must keep her eye to the future to simply survive in an uncertain new world. Where the elder characters of Heart of the Tin Trunk admonish their grandchildren for ignoring a past that made them who they are today, they ironically tell a story about leaving the past behind. Aside from this little twist of thematics, the play’s overlying message is that we all should take pride in who we are, where we came from, and those who made it possible for today’s young people to excel. It is the quintessential immigrant story that continues to tell itself even today. Veteran artistic director, Carolyn Franklin, and composer, Dick Smith, will direct the musical. Both are longtime theater professionals from the Houston area. Heart of the Tin Trunk will premier July 30 and 31 and August 6 and 7 in the concert hall at Fes-
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tival Institute in Round Top, Texas. More information can be found at http://www.heartofthetintrunk.com. —SPJST—
Czech language program planned at University of Texas
The 2011 Summer Language Institute, coordinated through the Texas Language Center in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, is offering students an exciting new opportunity in intensive language learning: the possibility of fulfilling the two-year foreign language requirement in just three months — from June 1 to August 15. Students can receive the first two years of credit in their choice of four languages: Czech, Modern Greek, Portuguese, or Vietnamese. They may also choose to receive one year of credit in second-year Russian. This intensive “jumpstart” provides a solid and thorough foundation in the language basics, allowing future specialists to enroll in advanced classes that delve even deeper into the language and culture, future CEOs to tackle a non-linguistic degree from a global perspective, or speed demons who want to clear up their schedules to get out into the world that much faster and more cheaply. At $3,700, plus UT tuition, this is one of the least costly summer language programs available nationally. And, everything is included: room, board, excursions, extracurricular activities, and tutoring. This unique, semi-immersion program provides the next best thing to a study abroad experience — without the 10-hour flight! Students will live in dormitory language clusters on the UT campus with their peers, together with a graduate teaching assistant who will assist in their language development through daily study sessions, homework assistance, and everyday interactions in the language and culture. Courses will be taught by members of the award-winning language teaching staff at the University of Texas, who are leading scholars and researchers in language pedagogy, literature, cultural literacy, and area studies. Students in the Summer Language Institute will have extended daily contact with these instructors,
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and gain much from their knowledge, insight, and counsel. In addition to weekday classes, students will enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities in the foreign language, including regional cooking demonstrations, a tour of the Blanton Museum of art, language game nights, a scavenger hunt, weekly movie nights, and weekly lectures from native speakers and area scholars on a wide variety of topics. When they’re not studying, students can also take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Austin. Wellknown as the live-music capital of the world, Austin is also home to the LBJ Presidential Library, hike and bike trails around three beautiful lakes, Barton Springs, and a diverse, fun-loving population from all over the world. So, take in some live bluegrass music, grab some Tex-Mex, go canoeing on the Colorado River, or enjoy it all! Just remember: The best way to “Keep Austin Weird” is to keep it multilingual! Courses in the Czech Language Program include CZ 601C: Intensive Czech I and CZ 611D: Intensive Czech II. CZ 601C has an emphasis on speaking, reading, and singing. In addition to the textbook itself, music, video, and the Internet will be used not only to increase proficiency, but also to expose students to Czech culture. CZ 611D is the second semester of an introduction to the Czech language with an emphasis on speaking and reading. In addition to the textbook, videos will be used not only to increase comprehension, but also to expose the student to Czech culture. The instructor will be Mark Hopkins. Admission form deadline is April 1, 2011. For more information, contact The Texas Language Center, Homer Rainey Hall (HRH) 4.196; email tlc@austin.utexas.edu; or call (512) 471-6574. —SPJST—
The Fable of the Two-Tailed Lion
Once there was a knight named Bruncvik. He set out with his fellow knights to win for himself and his country a great prize, which he could then bear on his coat of arms as an emblem. During their travels, Bruncvik came upon a fierce fight between a dragon and a lion. The lion was near defeat. Bruncvik did not hesitate, rushed to help the lion. When the dragon was dead, Bruncvik tended to the lion’s wounds. The lion followed him from then on.
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The Two-Tailed Lion is found on the Sokol Dress Uniform and on many other places that depict the Bohemian heritage.
Editor’s Note: This article is from “Noviny Sokol Cedar Rapids,” May/June 2010. —SPJST—
Bruncvik was fortunate to have a lion friend because there were many dangers ahead as he continued his quest. Together, they fought the powers of evil. They beat them all, until one day they came to a mighty sorcerer with a magic sword that could crush anything. The lion distracted the sorcerer and was struck by the power of the sword, and split his tail while Bruncvik used his shield as a mirror, blinding the Black Sorcerer, who dropped his magic sword. Bruncvik turned the magic against the sorcerer, and the Black Rock of Darkness crumbled into little pieces. Since that day, the Bohemian lion has had two tails and to this day, Bruncvik and his two tailed lion stand guard next to Charles Bridge in Prague.
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On the writing of poems it’s always best be as brief as you can saying more with less
Unlike March winds that seem to never end a poem is loved more when it’s not long of wind. —SPJST—
Last Europe Trip in 2011 • June 29 - July 11 •
Austria, Czech Republic Germany, Luxemburg France, Paris, and Normandy Beach, 2 River Cruises Dinner Party in Frenstat MUST HAVE DEPOSIT BY March 29, 2011 Alaska Cruise/Denali Tour • Sept. 2 - 13, 2011 • Polka Cruise, Red Ravens • Feb. 12 - 19, 2012 •
ABCATS Travel (361) 578-0828 www.abcatstravel.com
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Fraternal Activities and Entertainment
Post your upcoming fraternal activities and entertainment dates and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is Wednesday at 5 p.m. Send your updates directly to: VESTNIK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: (254) 773-8087. Email to: melaniez@vvm.com. Advertising rates are $3 per column inch for lodge ads; $6 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $10 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at (800) 727-7578 or email melaniez@vvm.com.
LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Hall Rental Information: (979) 966-3795. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of even-numbered months February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. Potluck served after meeting. Youth Club Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at the lodge hall.
LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at American Legion Tap Room, 107 East Park Street, Hallettsville. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at American Legion Tap Room.
LODGE 5, PILOT POINT-TIOGA (3) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 2 p.m. at PointBank Community Center, 739 East Liberty Street, Pilot Point. For directions/meeting information, contact Brian Heitzman (940) 686-4429; or Jack and Dean Carender (903) 564-7359.
LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Friday, March 18—Social night, 6 p.m.; trustees meeting, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1—Social night, 6 p.m. Sunday, April 3—SPJST Lodge No. 6 meeting/Easter Party, 2 p.m.; SPJST No. 6, Inc. Annual Meeting, 3 p.m., Easter program, egg hunt, and supper afterward Friday, April 15—Social night, 6 p.m. Saturday, April 16—Rural school reunion, 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 24—Marek family day
Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Directions: From IH35, take the West exit and stop at the blinking light. Go east at the blinking light, stay on Oak Street through downtown West. Take FM 2114 east 3 miles. Turn right on Czech Hall Road. Lodge hall is on the right, 1/2 mile down the road. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: (254) 826-0005. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 503 Park Drive, Weimar.
LODGE 9, SNOOK (1) Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook. Directions: From Snook, turn on FM 2155 to downtown. At Snook School, stay right on Spur 2155. At “T”, turn right on CR 269. Go 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (979) 272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1) Lodge Hall: 425 CR 424, Dime Box. Directions: In Dime Box, turn left from FM 141 on CR 424. Go east on CR 425 for 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (979) 884-1451; Lodge Hall: (979) 8843211. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Please join us! LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 36, Buckholts. Directions: Hall is located on Highway 36, east of Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: (254) 593-2222. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Refreshments served after meeting, and door prizes awarded. LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1)
Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Hwy 36 east onto FM 166. Go 2.1 miles, turn left on CR 225. Go one mile, veering right. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (979) 272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Irene Helgren (512) 281-4534; band bookings-Artie Monson (512) 281-3711; Hall phone: (512) 285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davila, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Rita Marburger (512) 859-2584. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg. Directions: 12 miles south of Schulenburg in Moravia. From Highway 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West four miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North; go one mile. Hall is on the right. Lodge Meetings: Tuesday after the second Sunday in March, June, and September, 7:30 p.m.; and the first Sunday of December, 2 p.m.
LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Burlington. Directions: Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville. Exit at blinking light on Hwy 53 to FM 485; go one mile to FM 964. Hall Rental Information: Wilbert Mikeska (254) 9852484; Hall phone: (254) 985-2393; wmmike@peoplepc.com. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Visit www.spjstflaghall.com. LODGE 25, ENNIS (3)
Sunday, March 20—Rental Saturday, March 26—Rental
Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit and stay on until you come to Ennis. Go through downtown Ennis, under the overpass/IH45. Go approx. 3/4 mile on Hwy 34. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (972) 875-8381; Hall Phone: (972) 875-8381. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Game room open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. LODGE 26, SKIDMORE (7) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of March, June, and September, 3 p.m. at Skidmore Fire Station. Call Secretary Patricia Thompson (361) 364-1266 for December meeting date, time, and location.
LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 12 noon at Wharton County Library, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard.
LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) Friday night dance, March 18—Night Skies with A. P. Patschke, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Fish burgers will also be sold during lent. Sunday, March 20–Taylor SPJST will host the District Two Spring Meeting at Taylor SPJST Hall. Registration begins at 1 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 2 p.m. A meal will be served following the meeting. Silent auction items are needed, with the proceeds going to the
District Two Youth Fund. Wednesday, March 23—Live music by the Bobby Jay Five Band, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 25—Edward Kopeckyʼs Czech Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Parents of Thrall 4-H/FFA make oldfashioned hamburgers from 6 to 9 p.m. ***Fish burgers will also be sold during lent. All Friday night dances have free admission.
***Thrall 4-H Booster Club will be serving Fish Burgers on the Fridays during Lent which includes the following dates: Friday, March 11 through Friday, April 22. As always, they will be selling grilled cheese sandwiches and old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, turn from Hwy. 95 onto East 11th. Turn left on Washburn at the “T”. Veer right on Thorndale Road. Go 1.8 miles on FM 619 to the hall. (From Hwy 79, turn left on FM 619, go .8 mile to the hall.) Hall Rental Information: (512) 352-9139; Hall Phone: (512) 3529139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Music: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month/music by Bobby Jay Five Band; Fridays, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.; grilled cheese sandwiches and old-fashioned hamburgers every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.; Senior Citizensʼ Dominoes: First Wednesday of the month, 2 p.m. followed by covered dish meal. LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo
LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Hall: 3502 North Laurent, Victoria. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall
LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, March 19—Texas Style Saturday, March 26—Cherokee Rose Saturday, April 2—Cherokee Rose Saturday, April 16—Heart of Texas Road Gang
Saturday, April 30—Smokinʼ Gun
Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From IH35 in Waco, take Hwy 84 East exit. Stay on Hwy. 84 East through Bellmead; go approx. 8 miles. On the right side of Hwy 84 will be a sign saying “Elk.” Take Elk Road. Turn right on Elk Road; go approx. 1 mile; road will dead end. Turn right at dead end; go approx. 1/2 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (254) 875-2156; Hall Phone: (254) 863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: (512) 237-2438/day; (830) 8394353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR; go 2 miles to Mumford Road, turn left. Go 1.1 miles, turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. Hall (white building) is at the bend of the road). Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. For information, call President Wade OʼShields (979) 324-5961; FAC Dianna Everett (979) 693-5287. Insurance certificates info, call Secretary Lillie Matejka OʼShields (979) 324-5961. LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59, Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Brenda Cox (979) 543-7171; Hall Phone: (979) 648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:15 p.m. at the hall. Bingo every Monday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. $100 games every week; jackpot every week is $400. License #17600539641.
LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: First Thursday of February, May, August, and November, 6:30 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church on Royal Road, Port Lavaca.
LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Saturday, March 19—Red Ravens Saturday, March 26—Private Saturday, April 2—Open Saturday, April 9—Private Saturday, April 16—Private
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Saturday, April 23—Closed. Happy Easter Saturday, April 30—Private
Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple. Directions: Star Hall is 5 miles east of Temple Hwy 53 (Adams Avenue). Seaton Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Edwin Pechal (254) 984-2255; Hall Phone: (254) 985-2548. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Doors open at 6 p.m.
LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: Go east on alternate Hwy 79 south of Taylor. Take a right on FM 619; go about 4 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (512) 365-3733. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Youth Leader Donna Vanecek: (512) 365-5717 donnavanecek@yahoo.com. Lodge 48, Beyersville holds ladiesʼ Bunco night on the second Tuesday of each month. A light meal is served at 6:30 p.m. followed by Bunco games then wrap up with the distribution of prizes, and eating desserts. LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: (325) 442-4841. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at the hall
LODGE 51, ELLINGER (1) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Department, Ellinger.
LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Hall: 1201 North Davis Street, West. Directions: From IH35, take the West exit; go to blinking light, take a right onto Oak Street. Go two blocks to Davis Street, turn left. Continue on Davis Street and after you pass the middle school, Lone Star Hall is in the next block on the left. Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November; and the second Friday in September, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. Call Youth Leader Lisa Darnell (254) 6442896 for location.
LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. and on December 5 at a place to be announced at a later date. Call for meeting location.
LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Hall: 722 Leroy Parkway, Elm Mott. Directions: From IH35 at Elm Mott, take FM 308 East exit. Go over the railroad tracks approx. 1/2 mile. Hall is on the right sitting back from FM 308 East. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 3 p.m. Call for meeting location.
LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. Call for meeting location.
LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday in March and June, 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lakeside City Fellowship Hall; second Sunday in September and December, 1 p.m. at Cunningham Center.
LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Hall Phone: (361) 854-8423. Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi.
LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Hall: 12141 East FM 2268, Holland. Directions: On Hwy 95, south of Holland, turn east on FM 2268; 1/2 mile to hall on the right. Hall Rental Information: Frank Pajestka (254) 657-8176; Hall Phone: (254) 657-2485; Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month 2:30 p.m. at the hall. Board of directors meetings are the first Saturday of the month, 3:30 p.m. Bingo every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355.
LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Violet Street, Needville. Directions: Hall is south on Hwy 36, one mile from the traffic light in Needville. Hall Rental Information: (979) 793-4313; td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall Phone: (361) 7934742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall.
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LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Hall: 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. Directions: From IH35 East in Dallas, take IH20 East. From IH20 East, take the IH45 exit toward downtown Dallas. IH45 runs into Hwy 75. From Hwy 75, take a right at the Bryan Street exit. From Bryan Street, turn right on Cantreal Street and go until you come to Floyd Street and turn right. Hall is the second building on the right. Hall Rental Information: (214) 826-3557. Hall Phone: (214) 8230072. Band Bookings: Cherri Petr (214) 352-4397/Ben Jarma (214) 348-1514. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2) Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street, Temple. Directions: From East Adams Avenue, turn north on 50th Street and go 2/10 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Bertha Capps (254) 778-4371; Shop (254) 773-6164. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Saturday, March 19—Knights of Dixie Orchestra, big band.*Dress Code. $11 per person Saturday, March 26—No dance Saturday, April 2—Moonglow Orchestra, big band. *Dress Code. $11 per person Saturday, April 9—River Road Boys, western swing. $8/person Saturday, April 16—Leonard Duckworth Orchestra, big band. *Dress Code. $11 per person
Saturday, April 23—No dance Saturday, April 30—No dance
All dances are 8:30 p.m. to midnight, unless otherwise noted. Reservations suggested, but not required, unless otherwise noted. For reservations, call (713) 8695767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Directions: Highway 290—Take Magnum Dacoma exit; stay on frontage road. At third traffic light, turn left onto 18th Street. Go under freeway at third traffic light, turn on Beall Street. Hall Rental Information: (713) 869-5767; Lodge Hall: (713) 869-5767. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Bingo every Thursday evening: Early bird special starts at 7:15 p.m. Regular games start at 7:45 p.m. License No. 3-00-621-2077-41001.
LODGE 91, CROSBY (5) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings will be announced in Vestnik. LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Friday, March 18—Dave Alexander, western swing Sunday, March 20—Don Peachey Orchestra of Burnett, Wisconsin. Midwestern party time. 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 27—Ballroom dance: Sponsored by Tanglefoot Dance Club
Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From IH35 West in Fort Worth, take IH20 West exit. Stay on IH20 West until it comes to 820. Get on 820 and stay on 820 until you come to Jacksboro Highway and Azle Street exit. Take Jacksboro Highway East, turning right on Jacksboro Highway East. Go to the first traffic light and take a left. Hall is on the right about 3/4 down the block. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone (817) 624-1361. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Family Nights—first and third Tuesdays. Ladies Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday and most third Friday nights. The other Friday nights will be live ballroom type music. Dressy casual. Listen to KNON 89.3 FM on Sunday at 2 p.m. for up-to-date announcements. Tune in to KAAM 770 AM for some easy listening music. Visit www.nationalhallspjst92.org.
LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Friday in March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Gay Revel (361) 573-4443 for meeting location.
LODGE 106, LA GRANGE (1) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at Subway Sandwich Shop, 109 South Jefferson Street (south of the red light at Hwys. 71 and 77 crossroad), La Grange. LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West 3 miles to FM 1303, turn right, go two miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: (830) 393-7796; Hall Phone: (803) 393-
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6500. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at the lodge hall.
LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN (7) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of March, June, September, and December, 1:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Center, 11425 Leopard, Corpus Christi.
LODGE 130, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: For monthly meeting date/time/location, call Secretary Stanley Vrla (214) 826-2670/email mvrla@sbcglobal.net or Sales Agent John Vrla (214) 906-3385/email jvrla@cebridge.net.
LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio.
LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 2622 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit; and stay on until you come to Ennis. Go through downtown Ennis, under the overpass/IH45. Go approx. 3/4 mile on Hwy 34. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: (972) 878-5987. Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at Danbury City Hall, Danbury.
LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m., meal served at 1 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Annex Building, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Annex Building, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights).
LODGE 143, INEZ (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Friday of March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. at 508 Charleston Drive, Victoria.
LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Frank Hahnʼs Camphouse in El Maton. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting at Frank Hahnʼs Camphouse in El Maton. LODGE 151, WHARTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 7 p.m., in the meeting room of Hinzeʼs Bar-B-Que Catering, Hwy. 59, Wharton.
LODGE 153, LA SALLE (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Mary Jane Sralla (361) 782-3374 for meeting location.
LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From IH35 West in Fort Worth, take IH20 West exit. Stay on IH20 West until you come to 820; stay on 820 until you come to Jacksboro Highway and Azle Street exit. Take Azle Street exit; go to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light. Go to the second traffic light, then turn right onto Boat Club Road and follow approx. 2 1/2 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: (817) 237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of March, June, September, and December. Call Secretary Ginny Prasatik (512) 472-1721 for meeting time/location.
LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of every other month, 1 p.m. Call Secretary Cyndy Kristinek (806) 7637245 for meeting location. LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of January, April, July, and October, 12 noon at Wall Volunteer Fire Department, Wall.
LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony.
LODGE 164, RIO HONDO (7) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2:30 p.m. Call FAC Diane Busse (956) 743-5455 for meeting location.
LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday of February, April, June, August, and October, 7 p.m. and the first Sunday of December at Bilskiʼs Camphouse, 2577 Old Chappell Hill Road, Brenham.
LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Saturday, March 26—Variety dance: Frank
Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Hall Rental Information: Jo (713) 993-6878; Hall Phone: (281) 487-3297. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of January through October, 1 p.m. at the lodge hall with the exception of November and December. Executive Board/Trustees Meetings and Workdays: First Monday of each month, (unless the first Monday is a holiday) at 2 p.m. Dances: Held the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Variety dances are held the fourth Saturday of the month, unless noted.
LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy on Hwy 95. Hall Rental Information: (254) 982-4530. Hall Phone: (254) 982-4434. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Trustees meet at 6:30 p.m. Bingo every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the kitchen is open.
LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Lions Club Building, 201 Centennial Street, Carmine.
LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Hall: 1150 South Burleson Boulevard, Burleson. Directions: IH35 West, one-quarter mile south of Hidden Creek Parkway exit in Burleson. Hall Rental Information: (817) 558-2400; (817) 295-3483; (972) 435-2286. Hall Phone: (817) 295-9665. Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin.
LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH20 East exit. Proceed on IH20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North; stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Take a right on Mayfield; go down and take a left on Pleasant Valley. Hall Rental Information: (817) 465-8538; (214) 876-9029; Hall Phone: (817) 465-8538. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Game nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506.
LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Theresa Haag (830) 625-8262 for meeting date/time/location.
LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy 36, Caldwell. Directions: Hall is just off Hwy 36 on the south side of Caldwell. Hall Rental Information: (979) 567-4264. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the hall. Social games at 7:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-74-20733095-41002
LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Directions: From Taylor, take Hwy 79 into Round Rock until you get to Sunrise. On the right is a 7-11 store; turn right and proceed past Hopewell School, and through the four-way stop. Luther Peterson Boulevard is the first street on the left. Hall Rental Information: (512) 255-1554; (512) 771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall followed by a covered dish meal. Board meeting, 2 p.m.; entertainment, 2:30 p.m. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall.
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LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at Charles Mundayʼs office, 416 Oak Street, Bryan (behind the Kettle Restaurant on Texas Avenue).
LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Street, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information: Andy or Maria Anderson (936) 634-1962; Lodge Hall: (936) 637-2706. Dance Reservations: Andy Anderson (936) 634-1962. Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Regular Dances: Third Saturday night of each month, 8 to 11 p.m. LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Rental Information: (281) 351-1045; (281) 373-9482. Hall Phone: (281) 373-9482. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall with a potluck meal served. Lodge provides the meat.
LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall/Bruceville-Eddy Senior Center.
LODGE 201, BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 3948 FM 2502, Bleiblerville. Directions: Hall is across the street from the post office in Bleiblerville. Hall Rental Information: James Balke (979) 830-0796; (979) 830-0118. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. LODGE 204, STEPHENVILLE (3) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, contact Norman Kneschk (254) 386-3222/ or via email normk_82@hughes.net.
LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Mary Hatter (940) 322-8503 for meeting location.
LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: Every third Sunday of January, March, May, July, and September, 6 p.m. at The Center in Tahoka, corner of Avenue K and South Third Streets. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at The Center.
LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. Call Secretary Edna Rivas (915) 727-2048 for meeting location.
LODGE 223, PALACIOS (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Palacios Eagles Lodge, 204 Fourth Street, Palacios.
LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call for meeting location. Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader Janice Stevens (325) 537-9224 for meeting date/time/location. LODGE 246, MORGANʼS POINT (2) Monday, April 4—Lodge meeting, 6 p.m.
Lodge Meetings: First Monday of each month at Best Quality Meats and Sausage Shop, 2610 South General Bruce Drive, Temple. Meal at 6 p.m. followed by meeting at 6:30 p.m. LODGE 255, KATY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday, 6:30 p.m. at NBD Graphics, 19424 Park Row, Suite 100, Houston.
LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, 4 p.m. at Alumni Student Center, conference rooms A and B, on the Texas Lutheran Campus, Seguin. —SPJST—
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2011 SPJST Member S e r v iic ces Directory It’s all about members helping members! Submit your business card today!
If you are an SPJST member and you have a business — large or small — get it listed in the 2011 SPJST Member Services Directory. The directory provides a comprehensive listing of SPJST sales agents and free listings to members who can provide goods and services to other SPJST members. The idea is based on the fraternal concept of members helping members. In addition to these free listings, members will have the opportunity to place a free display advertisement/coupon in the directory. Free display advertisements/coupons will be provided to businesses that offer SPJST members discount products and/or services. And, something new this year— if you, the owner, employ SPJST members, take a photo, send us the names, and we will publish it in the directory. Photo must feature SPJST members and some aspect of the business. To be listed in the 2011 directory, you must be an SPJST member. Send your business card, SPJST lodge number, SPJST member discount information (optional), and photo of SPJST members in the business (optional) to: SPJST Member Services Directory c/o Vestnik Editor Melanie Zavodny PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503-0100 You may also email your information to the Editor: melaniez@vvm.com All materials must be submitted no later than Monday, April 4, 2011.
Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 (800) 727-7578
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