Vestnik 2016 02 24

Page 1

Volume 104 Number 8

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence

H E R A L D

★ Humanity

ISSN —07458800

★ Brotherhood

February 24, 2016

Annual Banquet Celebrates Lodges, Agents, Members wards were presented at the SPJST Awards Banquet held Saturday, January 30, 2016, at the Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple. During the afternoon event, lodges, lodge fraternalists, top-producing sales agents, and youth clubs were recognized in accordance with the terms of the “Let the Good Times Roll!” 2015 membership campaign. The day began with the presentation of colors by District Four Director Billy Rollwitz of Lodge 49, Rowena and Jerry Sijansky of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Supreme Lodge Chairman/District One Director Donnie Victorick. Supreme Lodge SecretaryTreasurer Leonard Mikeska then led the invocation. Temple Mayor Danny Dunn of Lodge 87, Temple read a proclamation announcing January 30 as “SPJST Awards Day” in the City of Temple. Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek introduced SPJST officials and welcomed all to the banquet. American Fraternal Alliance President/CEO Joe Annotti delivered the keynote presentation about the relevance of fraternals in the 21st century. Supreme Lodge President Vanicek and Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal then honored lodges,

A

Congratulations to 2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year Kathleen Polasek, far left, of Lodge 202, Jourdanton. Recognized at the SPJST Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 30 in Temple were Honorable Mentions Donnie Howard, left, of Lodge 185, New Braunfels and Brandon Bartek, second from left, of Lodge 47, Seaton; State Fraternalist of the Year Kathleen Polasek (standing in is Regina House) of Lodge 202, Jourdanton; and Honorable Mentions Coleman Benner of Lodge 80, Holland and Karin Bryant of Lodge 87, Temple.

sales agents, youth clubs, and fraternalists with medals, plaques, certificates, and monetary awards. Eighty-one lodges across Texas were recognized for their life insurance sales and community service activities in 2015. Lodges received a total of $205,847.99 in incentive awards. SPJST honored 19 youth clubs around Texas for achieving youth certificates issued in 2015. Top Youth Clubs in the District Award were pre“Seeking the Treasures of SPJST” cakes baked and designed by Judy Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton.

sented to Lodges 17, New Tabor; 47, Seaton; 154, Fort Worth; 88, Houston; 30, Taiton; and 185, New Braunfels. Districts One, Two, Three, Five, Six, and Seven Youth Clubs also received monetary awards for their efforts. Youth Program awards totaled $4,340. Several members were honored for their recruiting efforts in 2015. Five names—Marlene Clark and Betty Macalik, both of Lodge 25, Ennis; Norma O’Canas of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; Alexis Festa of Lodge 48, Beyersville; and Gracey Grimm of Lodge 48, Beyersville—were drawn for $100 Wal-Mart gift cards. The 2015 sales agent incentive was a trip to New Orleans based on annualized premium and persistency. Three agents were recognized as “Best of the Best” for their annualized premium David Nauert, FIC of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy; Mike Rodriguez, Jr., FIC of Lodge 107, Floresville; and Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM of Lodge 160, San Angelo. Thirteen SPJST sales agents received honorable distinction and recognition for being Million Dollar

Producers. To be recognized, an agent had to have written at least $1 million of insurance in 2015 that was issued and in force on December 23, 2015. The agent must also have maintained at least 85 percent persistency over the preceding 13 months. These 13 sales agents have a total of $24,402,436 insurance in force. They are Pamela Pruett; Susan Skrabanek, FIC; Donnie Victorick, FIC, CFFM; Sabino Garcia; Janice Kaluza; Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM; Ray Esparza; Baltazar Nunez, FIC; Delisle Doherty; Helen Hegwood, FIC; Kerry Herrington; Javier Mora; and Mike Rodriguez, FIC. Nine sales agents also received persistency bonus awards. Following the awards presentations, Janice Kaluza of Lodge 54, West delivered the benediction and Laura Pospichal of Lodge 49, Rowena led the dinner prayer. A catered steak dinner and cake were then served. Door prize drawings concluded the day. Congratulations to all sales agents, lodges, and youth clubs on their awards. —SPJST—


2

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Editor’s Note

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

Congratulations!

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 CLIFTON COUFAL, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-931-5231 email: cliftonc@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 JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, Texas 76574-2164 Home: 512-365-1110 • Mobile: 512-826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.com

DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Road • Waco, Texas 76705-5330 254-799-4247 email: john.engelke@hotmail.com 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 • email: lpflugh@aol.com DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR KAREN KASPAR, FIC, CFFM 8550 N. State Highway 71 El Campo, Texas 77437-9819 Home: 979-543-2532 • Mobile: 979-332-1616 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com

DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 4188 FM 1303, Floresville, Texas 78114-2912 Home: 830-393-2872 email: blackbayer39@hotmail.com FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/TWO/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-647-1949 • Fax: 325-784-7448 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICTS FOUR/SEVEN Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICTS FIVE/SIX Delisle Doherty Mobile: 254-239-9616 • Mobile: 832-232-2049 email: delisled@spjst.com

FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR LYNETTE TALASEK Office: 254-773-1575 • Mobile: 254-931-0639 email: lynettet@spjst.com

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Sharon Russell, 1292 CR 441, Dime Box, Texas 77853 • 979-884-0807 - sharonrussell28@yahoo.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Weeks, 4203 Treehaven Ct, Arlington, Texas 76016 • 817-896-5277 - kgweeks@att.net District Four - Pam Lehmann, PO Box 637, Tahoka, Texas 79373-0637 - 806-561-5105 - plehmann@poka.com District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 - 713-649-6138 - district5dyc@aol.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El 77437 - 979-543-7120 Campo, Texas lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Theresa Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive 78130 - 830-625-8262 New Braunfels, Texas theresa.haag686@gmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-884-1451 - dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - 512-365-2000 - 512-848-2416/cell - RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Lynn Kovar, 3303 West Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 - 972-875-6827 District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - 325-442-4841 - bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 4001 North Shepherd, Suite 112, Houston, Texas 77018 - 713-683-0018 - mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - 979-244-4415; 979-479-0056 cell District Seven - Oscar Korus, 2565 Bruce Road, Poteet, Texas 78065 - 830-391-4169 - oscarkorus@gmail.com FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-567-4264 - jtcannon60@hotmail.com District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - 254-985-2282 Edwin_Pechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - 254-662-4934 - mgaller@brazoselectric.com District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Highway 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-651-8550 - hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - 979-249-5940 - marceil@cvctx.com District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Court, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - 979-335-4461 - gkamink@live.com District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - 830-625-8262 39roha@gmail.com

INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - 254-985-2344 District Three District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-234-8117 District Five - Helen Hegwood, 6702 Lindy Ann Lane, Houston, Texas 77008 - 713-864-0489 District Six - Charles Bucek, P.O. Box 147, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - 979-335-4118 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 - 979-540-8531 District Two - Tammy Cannon, 141 Meadow Park Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - 512-948-5339 - tcannon4715@yahoo.com District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - 214-826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, 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 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - 281-342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - 830-964-5135 HUMAN RESOURCES DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY 254-773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com

VĚSTNÍK

his week’s Vestnik is a very special one. It recognizes the efforts of our sales agents, lodges, and youth clubs in 2015. Special thanks and a to these members for their contributions to SPJST. We appreciate your efforts in working to grow SPJST. And, congratulations for your achievements!

T

SPJST Principles of Performance The Home Office recently adopted “SPJST Principles of Performance” that staff members will be striving for in their daily tasks and job performance. Staff members autographed a poster displaying the 10 principles to express their commitment to achieve these very important goals. The poster, which also includes SPJST’s mission and vision statements, is displayed in the lobby of the Home Office, and a photo of it appears on the back page of this week’s Vestnik.

As an employee of SPJST, I will adhere to the following Principles of Performance and expectations: Attitude I am here to serve our members with the utmost of care remembering that the member is always right. I will maintain a positive attitude and lead by example.

Appearance We only have one chance to make a first impression. I consider the expectations of our members in how I present myself and my environment. Cheerfulness I will greet everyone - whether in

person or by telephone - with a smile, addressing everyone by name when possible, and showing a sense of care and helpfulness.

Commitment to Co-Workers We are linked by a common purpose: serving our members and our community. I am committed to being a team player.

Communication I am committed to understanding our members and each other so I may fully understand - seeing first to understand before being understood. This commitment is reflected in my verbal and non-verbal messages. Privacy I understand the importance of the right to privacy of our members and my co-workers. I will maintain a secure, respectful, and trusting environment. Respect and Equal Treatment I will treat all people equally regardless of position or station and know that each person is vitally important to our mission. Sense of Ownership I take pride in what I do for our members. I recognize that my work is a reflection of who I am.

Commitment to Excellence I recognize the need to pay attention to detail and do more than my part with necessary.

Sense of Mission I am committed to our statement of purpose and the vision of the SPJST. —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the third week of October 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. Members’ 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 Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Presenting the Colors

District Four Director Billy Rollwitz, left, of Lodge 49, Rowena and Jerry Sijansky of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi present the colors to open the SPJST Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at the Mayborn Civic and Conference Center in Temple.

SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, right, presents a Texas flag that flew over the State Capitol on Czech National Day (October 28) to American Fraternal Alliance President/CEO Joe Annotti. Mr. Annotti presented the keynote address at the banquet.

Approximately 300 lodge officers, youth leaders, and sales agents attended this year’s SPJST Awards Banquet.

3

City of Temple Mayor Danny Dunn, left, presents a proclamation to SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek at the awards banquet. Mayor Dunn is a member of SPJST Lodge 87, Temple.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

4

VĚSTNÍK

Looking Back . . . Looking Forward

Welcome Address Delivered by Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek SPJST Awards Banquet • Saturday, January 30, 2016 • Temple, Texas eeking the Treasures of SPJST: That’s the title — and the rallying call — of the SPJST’s 2016 incentive program. What does that mean? To me, it’s an adventurous way of saying, “There’s no place like home!” Really! Now think about it . . . Seeking the Treasures of SPJST: It’s saying that within SPJST — within this wonderful 118-year old fraternal giant — exist some impressive treasures! Treasures — like our lodges, like our rest homes, like our Czech Heritage Museum, like our SPJST Education and Nature Center . .. And, I save the greatest treasure for last: within the body of our 41,000 plus devoted members. The keys to unlocking these treasures are relevance and communication. It applies to everything we do: To getting more people involved. To selling more insurance. To getting more people to attend lodge meetings and events. The key is relevance and communication . . . Remaining relevant. It’s a challenge. A challenge that SPJST — that all of us — have been meeting on many fronts . . . The Vestnik. It never ceases to amaze me: 24-, 32-, 40- pages — each week — profiling the activities and people that comprise the SPJST. Sixty-plus fraternal organizations nationwide — and SPJST is the only Society with a weekly newspaper . . .

S

That tells me something: That SPJST is a community of friends unto the state of Texas. It also tells me that SPJST takes its commitment to fraternal service seriously! That obligation takes people. People who are involved. People who are creative. People who want to make a positive difference. And it takes money. Money for maintaining lodge buildings raised in so many creative ways by devoted lodge members. And money for statewide programming, district events, charitable giving, and enhanced premium refunds that is raised through the sale of life insurance. I’d like to take just a little while and share with you a closer look at the path that SPJST has traveled in recent years and — at the end — share with you some of the organizational objectives that we are seeking to achieve in the year ahead. I am going to start out with six slides that I believe will help you see how SPJST has evolved — and in some cases — progressed — over the last few years. Membership Let’s begin with membership (see Membership slide below). At the end of year 2000, SPJST had 43,226 members. Fifteen years later — as of December 31, 2015, we have 41,516 members. That represents a decline in membership of just about 4 percent over the past 15 years. Two primary MEMBERSHIP

factors contribute to that — insurance lapses (you know, that’s people not keeping up their coverage) and death, of course. In 2015, SPJST paid 742 death claims totaling almost $5 million. That’s to be expected: That’s the business we’re in; however, we want to work to reverse the trend lines you see here. I believe we can do that: I’ll elaborate on that just a bit as we bring up the next slide . . .

Life and Annuity Certificates This is closely related to the previous slide on Membership. This slide at the top of page 5 shows the total number of life and annuity certificates in force. Look and you see there’s two bars side by side. The long green bar — that’s life insurance certificates; and the short purple bar — that represents annuities. Combine the two and here’s what you get: total life/annuities. In 2001, that number was 49,785. Now total life and annuities through December 31, 2015 — 50,059 . . . Up by 274 — not that much different. . . Essentially flat . . . Some business texts would call it a “plateau.” For the sake of this discussion: I refer to it as our “base.” I believe that it will be largely from our loyal and devoted base — the 41,000 members that we saw on the previous Membership slide — that will help to fuel SPJST’s new sales growth in the months and years ahead. A tremendous number of these 50,000 certificates now in force are considered “paid-up.” When you read in the

Vestnik or hear somebody say, SPJST is seeking to grow organically, it means that the Supreme Lodge — your officers and directors — want to make sure that the insurance needs of our devoted membership base are being met . . . That their needs, the needs of their children, grandchildren, extended families, and circles of friends are being addressed . . . That means contact — personal contact — with our members to make sure that their records are up-to-date, that their coverage is up-to-date, and that they are aware of the many and varied financial as well as fraternal benefits afforded by their membership in SPJST ... That is an idea now taking root. It’s not where it needs to be. Not yet. For it to grow, it will take an investment in new fraternal sales agents and a commitment to continuing education for our existing agents as well as our new agents. In Force Business Even as SPJST is experiencing flat line growth in terms of new members, the amount of in force insurance and annuities continues to increase — thanks, of course, to the larger face value of most certificates issued in recent years . . . Whereas total insurance in force at the end of year 2000 was just about $481 million, the amount of insurance in force has more than doubled over the past 15 years to more than $938 million in force at the end of 2015. Based on current production levels, we anticipate that SPJST will have $1 billion of life insurance in force later this spring . . . If you factor the annuities into the picture — currently about $125 million, total in force business at the end of 2015 was just over $1 billion, $64 million. Many of the sales agents at the awards banquet have been a part of that dynamic growth.

Lapse Percentage Here’s another positive trend line — at least in recent years — from the sales side of the equation. The chart (see top of page 6) reflects the lapse rate on first year life insurance sales since year 2000 . . . Whereas that number was extremely high — in excess of 12 percent in 2008 — It has im-


VĚSTNÍK

proved significantly to right around four percent in both 2014 and 2015 . . . Quite frankly, the emphasis in recent years has been on writing solid insurance business. Business that stays on the books — that’s the kind of business that does a service to the member and to the SPJST . . .

25-Month Persistency Even more telling perhaps is this chart (see bottom of page 6), which shows the 25-month persistency over the last 15 years . . . 25-month persistency — as the name implies — reflects the new business that is still on the books, two years after it was written . . . That percentage — you’ll see

LIFE AND ANNUITY CERTIFICATES

— was at low tide in the mid- 2000s — right around 40 percent . . . At the end of last year, 25-month persistency was an upstanding 91.3 percent . . . That’s thanks to our SPJST sales agents putting good business on the books. My sincere thanks to you for working to dramatically improve the quality of the new business that is being written and issued.

Surplus Another positive trend line — surplus. SPJST’s unallocated surplus represents the assets that exceed SPJST’s certificate holder reserve requirements and the Society’s liabilities. It isn’t a cash account — but rather it represents a composite of

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

SPJST’s investment portfolio valuations in excess over our anticipated future obligations. As you see here, volatility in the financial markets can result in some dramatic shifts within a short period of time. I call your attention to the period between 2007 and 2008, when the Society’s surplus declined from $24 million to $13 million in the span of a year. Since 2008, SPJST’s unallocated surplus has been increasing — thanks to more favorable market conditions and thanks to the implementation of a conservative investment policy, which seeks to efficiently allocate assets to match obligations. You can see here (see chart on page 7) that since 2008, that the unallocated surplus number

IN FORCE BUSINESS

5

has been increasing —incrementally/slow and steady. As you would expect, the surplus increases when SPJST posts gains from operations or when the Society posts better than average returns in its investment portfolio — which has been the case over the past seven years. The annual statement for 2015 won’t be completed for a month or so; however, I anticipate that SPJST’s unallocated surplus will be fairly consistent with where we ended last 2014, in excess of $19 million.

Achieving Sustainable Growth Achieving sustainable growth isn’t something you should leave to chance. That applies as much to our local


6

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

lodges and youth clubs as it does to the Supreme Lodge. The SPJST Supreme Lodge has identified six strategic objectives that it is seeking to achieve in the year ahead.

LAPSE %

VĚSTNÍK

1. To establish a five-year business plan for growing SPJST.

2. To increase premium income inline with business plan objectives.

3. To remain a relevant fraternal force in the lives of our members. 4. To enlist the services of qualified new sales agents and to address their continuing education needs.

5. To celebrate Czech heritage and promote strong family values; and

6. To invest in technology that helps to attract and to engage new members as well as meets the needs of our current members.

It’s important for you to know that. In addition to these broad organizational objectives, each individual department also has very specific qualitative as well as quantitative goals that plug into these six main items. There’s a few more numbers that I’d like to share with you from our 2015 year-end balance sheet: Premium income was up for the year — from $6.85 million in 2014 to just under $7.40 million in 2015. Annuity deposits were also up for the year — from $7.44 million in 2014 to $8.18 million in 2015.

Total investments as of December

31 were $232.84 million. As a result of a volatile financial market in 2015 — and conservative investment strategy — that represented only a slight increase over the previous year of $231.92 million.

Total assets as of December 31 were $236.35 million. That reflected an increase of approximately $2.5 million over the previous year of $233.85 million.

And, while it isn’t a number that appears on the balance sheet — the number of certificates issued in 2015 was up appreciably from 888 in 2014 to 1,160 in 2015. SPJST’s statutory annual report will not be completed until March; however, I have every reason to believe that SPJST’s unallocated surplus will remain consistent with the $19.2 million recorded as of December 31, 2014. Throughout the course of 2015 and through 103 lodges throughout the state, the SPJST sought to deliver relevance to its fraternal mission which 25-MONTH PERSISTENCY

is — and you can read along on your placemat — to provide a wholesome family environment and promote our common bond by keeping alive and encouraging the cherished traditions of the Czech history, culture, heritage, and family. Based on the fraternal hours that our local lodge Fraternal Activities Coordinators submitted, SPJST members contributed more than 101,000 hours in charitable hours in 2015. (Deliberately.) That’s impressive. Even more impressive is reading the Vestnik each and every week and seeing the grand spectrum of how SPJST lodges and youth clubs are engaging members in meaningful causes that define the character of the SPJST in their local communities. On a related note: Forty-four lodges participated in Join Hands Day last year. Men, women, boys and girls working together — oftentimes with other organizations — to make good things happen. SPJST has been a big advocate of the National Join Hands Day for a while now. Since 2006, we’ve been

keeping statistics. And here’s a neat one for you: Over the past 10 years, SPJST lodges have hosted at least 416 Join Hands Day events . . . The numbers do add up and the events do make a world of difference for SPJST in our communities. The Youth are our future. Obviously. SPJST’s Youth Program remained second to none within the fraternal realm for what it offers our young members: This was notably evidenced on the statewide level at the 2015 State Youth Achievement Day held at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple which attracted more than 500 members. Thanks to all of our adult youth leaders and helpers, District Youth Counselors and Assistant DYCs who helped to keep the SPJST Youth Program strong. That’s such an extensive and overlapping program — from local youth clubs and all they do to all of the district activities including Youth Achievement Days, trips and even the summer camping program. In fact, the DYCs and Assistant DYCs will be meeting here in Temple on January 31 with State Youth Director Lynette Talasek and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez to make sure all systems are “go” for the spring! The District Presidents and District FACs will also be meeting with State FAC Frank Horak, plotting their spring and fall objectives. For more than 30 years now, the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive has been helping to make a positive difference in the lives of our young members in pursuit of a higher education. The program is funded through your voluntary contributions, memorial donations received throughout the year and SPJST’s annual allocation. Our endowed scholarship program also continues to grow. The


VĚSTNÍK

number of scholarships awarded annually depends on how much we receive in donations and the annual allocation. In April, a total of 66 $1,000 scholarships and leadership grants were presented to deserving young members. An additional nine scholarships were presented at the 2015 State Youth Achievement Day celebration. The SPJST 2015 Corpus Christi Get Away Weekend further exemplifies the capacity of the SPJST to remain current and in tune with the changing needs of its members. A total of 368 members signed in for the August 7 to 9 fraternal celebration, which included activities ranging from bay fishing, sand sculpting and horseshoes to dominoes, bunco and the ever-popular Czech spelling bee and Kolache Eating Contest. The Friday night Aloha Party with entertainment by Chris Rybak was also a hit. In 2015, the SPJST Home Office demonstrated support for a multitude of annual public events. This included the National Polka Festival in Ennis, Westfest in West, Caldwell Kolache Festival in Caldwell, Czech Heritage Celebration in Temple, Heritage Day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, Czech Heritage and Muziky Celebration in La Grange, the Slavic Heritage Festival in Houston, and wrapping up with Christmas Open House at the SPJST Home Office. SPJST extended its support to an array of cultural and heritage groups including the Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS), Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT), Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA), Czech Heritage Society (CHS) of Texas, Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) in La Grange, Czech Cultural Center Houston, and the Sokol gymnastics organization. It was an honor for us to work with and to be affiliated with each of these fine organizations and the projects that they championed. For the past six years, the SPJST has been involved in raising awareness and funding for the November 5th, 2009 Fort Hood Memorial. The project pays tribute to the 12 American soldiers and civilian contractor gunned down at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009. The memorial will serve to honor the victims and provide a historic record of this tragedy in order to deliver a message of vigilance for generations to come. As of the end of January, $337,140.37 in cash has been raised. The monument will be

SURPLUS

dedicated on Friday, March 11, 2016, at 3 p.m. SPJST’s statewide emphasis in months ahead will be to work through the SPJST Foundation to generate support for the SPJST Education and Nature Center in Fayette County and for the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple. Both are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations established by SPJST members. Located in Fayette County, the SPJST Education and Nature Center embodies the ideas of wildlife preservation, conservation, and personal achievement. The Czech Heritage Museum offers a tribute to Texas pioneers of Czech descent. The museum is located in its recently remodeled art deco building located on the corner of Third Street and French Avenue in

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Temple. It will be three years in April since a devastating explosion shook the Central Texas city of West. Since that time, the close-knit community has experienced an outpouring of compassion and assistance from both near and as far away as the Czech Republic. As a result and through the determined efforts of the community, the City of West is experiencing a dramatic recovery. The West Benevolence Fund was established by the SPJST on the day after the West explosion to address the short and longterm needs that were certain to emerge. To date, more than $94,000 has been received. A committee consisting of the presidents of the four West-area SPJST lodges continued in its efforts in 2015 to identify projects

2016 SPJST Supreme Lodge Strategic Objectives 1. To establish a five-year business plan for growing SPJST. 2. To increase premium income in-line with business plan objectives. 3. To remain a relevant fraternal force in the lives of our members. 4. To enlist the services of qualified new sales agents and to address their continuing education needs. 5. To celebrate Czech heritage and promote strong family values. 6. To invest in technology that helps to attract and to engage new members as well as meets the needs of our current members.

7

needing attention and submitting requests to the SPJST Home Office for the disbursement of funds. To date several worthy causes received benefits from the fund. These have included: West Sokol, the West Parker Park Project, the History of West Museum, the West Emergency Medical Service, West Rest Haven, and the new West Sokol Hall which was dedicated on November 20, 2015. As we proceed into this New Year, the Supreme Lodge encourages our lodges to continue their strong support for The SPJST Scholarship Fund, The Czech Heritage Museum in Temple and The SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm. The SPJST Foundation is also expected to gain traction in 2016. The Foundation, you may recall, was established two years ago to administer to the growth of the Museum and ENC. The Foundation board is on its way to designating a Director of Development for that project. That will be an exciting day, and it is coming soon! Watch the Vestnik for details. With that preamble, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our special guest for today’s program. He’s Joe Annotti, President and CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance. The organization represents more than 60 fraternal benefit societies domiciled in the U.S. and Canada. He’s responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization and serving as the voice of and advocate for the fraternal industry. His true mission, though, I would have to say, is that he has made it his job these last eight years to help Alliance members create a future environment in which strong, vibrant, and relevant fraternals can prosper. —SPJST—


8

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

LEFT TO RIGHT: Supreme Lodge Chairman/District One Director Donnie Victorick opens the banquet with the Pledge of Allegiance; Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska delivers the invocation; City of Temple Mayor Danny Dunn issues a proclamation; Supreme

★★★★ Local Lodge Fraternalists of the Year

SPJST local lodges are encouraged to nominate a Fraternalist of the Year to be recognized on the statewide level. Since 1987, SPJST has selected a State Fraternalist of the Year. The state recipient then competes for national recognition. Congratulations to this year’s 20 local lodge nominees. The 2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year is selected by an outside, independent judging team and based on the nominee’s accomplishments, including volunteer service to his or her lodge, society, and community in 2015.

Local Lodge Incentive Awards

Enhanced Premium Refund The formula for calculating the Enhanced Premium Refund is: 1. $1.00 for each paid-up certificate; and 2. 2.80 percent of the lodge’s annual earned premium.

To receive the Enhanced Premium Refund, lodges must meet the following three-point criteria:

1. Hold regular lodge meetings in accordance with Article 50 of the SPJST ByLaws and offer a well-rounded fraternal program. Every lodge is required to hold regular meetings to discuss lodge business with their members. Service to each other — as fellow SPJST members — and service to the community that we serve is an important part of the SPJST mission. Rather than mandating a specific number of fraternal activities that your lodge must accomplish in a given year in order

Lodge President Brian Vanicek welcomes attendees; American Fraternal Alliance President/CEO Joe Annotti addresses attendees with a keynote talk; Janice Kaluza of Lodge 54, West presents the benediction; and Laura Pospichal of Lodge 49, Rowena leads the dinner prayer.

2015 SPJST Awards to remain in good standing and qualify for incentives, the greater focus is on lodges working to host a healthy mix of “quality” events that bring value to SPJST’s community presence.

2. Return all requested paperwork on time by the due date. Every lodge is required to send in all requested paperwork that is needed from the lodge. This includes 990; 990-Ts; and fraternal activity summaries.

3. Submit regular letters/photos to the Vestnik. Every lodge is required to routinely submit news of upcoming events, lodge meetings, and/or meeting/event summaries and/or photographs to the Vestnik. Of course, the lodge may contribute to the Vestnik more frequently than once a month.

level. Lodges who are receiving this award earned the award through the Friendship 2013 incentive and are receiving the remainder of the award.

Member Referral Incentive Awards

All referral cards received during the year will go into a drawing for five $100 Wal-Mart gift cards.

Youth Awards District Youth Club Award Requirements—Host district youth membership rally and meet requirements needed to qualify for Youth Program Incentives. Award—$100 for each youth club in respective district that achieves its youth club goal. Funds must be used for the benefit of the youth.

Enhanced Premium Refund will be distributed to a lodge deemed to be “non-compliant” provided that requested paperwork attesting to the lodge’s active status is received by the Home Office before May 1, 2016.

Top Youth Club in District Award Requirements—Top active youth club in each district with most certificates issued in 2015 that remain in force. Must have a minimum of five certificates issued in 2015. Award—Party for youth club members, families, and friends. Cost not to exceed $200.

Friendship 2013 Award The lodge incentive award in 2013 was $25 per certificate issued. Additional $15 per certificate if lodge has 85 percent persistency over previous 25 months - begins January 2013; additional funds paid at 2015 awards banquet. Fraternal acts must also be completed for respective incentive

Youth Leader Incentive Requirements—Meet requirements needed to qualify for Youth Program Incentives. Award: Youth club increases average attendance for the year by 5 members, youth leader receives $100; youth club increases average attendance for the year by 10 or more members, youth leader receives $200.

Gold Star Lodge In addition to receiving an Enhanced Premium Refund, qualifying lodges that generate at least $10,000 in earned premium — excluding dump-ins and 1035 exchanges — on new business issued in 2015 will receive designation as an SPJST Gold Star Lodge.

Youth Club Incentive Requirements—Meet requirements needed to qualify for Youth Program Incentives. Award: $10 for each certificate issued, ages 0 to 17, in the respective lodge. Additional $10 for each certificate issued that joins the youth club.

★★★★

Sales Agent Awards

Mardi Gras Annual Incentive Mardi Gras Award is a trip to New Orleans. Carnival Award is the Mardi Gras Award plus $1,000 cash and recognition as “Best of the Best” at the annual SPJST Awards Banquet. To qualify, the agent must have at least 12 certificates issued. Annuities and dump-ins are excluded. Any lapses or terminations from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015, will be deducted from the qualifying totals. Agents who do not achieve an annual award will be entered into a drawing for one of two Mardi Gras trips. Agents will receive one chance for every $1,000 in annualized premium throughout the year. (Persistency and annualized premium charts appear in 2015 Membership Program.)

Million Dollar Producers Agents who achieve $1 million of life insurance issued between January 1 and December 23, 2015, and who maintain at least 85 percent persistency over the preceding 13 months will receive 2.8 percent of annualized premium.

Persistency Bonus Award Persistency is based on certificates issued January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014. Annualized premium is calculated for active certificates on the date range entered into two groups: January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Premium from annuities, plans 808, 809, 1095, 1096, 1192 through 1196 are excluded. To receive the bonus, the agent must have 10 certificates still active during one of the two periods. 2014 premium rate is 5 percent, and 2013 premium rate is 10 percent. If the combined bonus is less than $10, the agent will not receive a bonus. This calculation is also calculated for only those agents with 90 percent or greater persistency. —SPJST—


VĚSTNÍK

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

★★★★★★ 2015 SPJST ★★★★★★ ★★★ State Fraternalist of the Year ★★★ Kathleen Polasek

2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year Kathleen Polasek, center, is presented her plaque, certificate, corsage, and sash by Regina House, who accepted the award in Kathleen’s absence at the banquet, and District Seven Director Bob Bayer. —Photo by Sandra Hoggard

Lodge 202, Jourdanton • District Seven

Kathleen has been an SPJST member for four years. She is married to Roy, and they have one daughter, Katlyn.

SPJST Lodge Support • Fraternal Activities Coordinator presented fraternal activities at meetings, maintained attendance records, completed state-required reports and submitted, and requested and presented Everyday Hero pins to lodge members • Coordinated with Community Civic Center Facility Coordinator in confirming lodge meeting dates, delivering rental payment, and monthly obtaining the key, setting up the facility, cleaning it up, and returning the key • Actively participated in lodge meetings and represented lodge at district meetings • Prepared paper goods, serving items, side dishes, and desserts as needed for quarterly lodge meal meeting • Donated silent auction items and bid at District Spring Meeting to benefit the Czech Heritage Museum and Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm • Donated silent auction items at district fall fun day benefiting district youth fund • Donated items for Join Hands Day and assisted the youth in packing backpacks for distribution by Bus Stop Ministries to refugees traveling through San Antonio • Donated to SPJST Scholarship fund • Assisted with District Youth Achievement Day in donating food, recommending judges, assisting youth leader in get- ting supplies, set up, registration, working concession stand, and clean up

• Assisted with youth raffle ticket sales at district spring meeting • Assisted with District Youth Development Workshop • Assisted youth leaders and helped youth members with monthly projects as needed • Assisted and supervised youth in preparing a Czech meal that was served on Grandparents Day • Registered youth at State Youth Achievement Day and encouraged participation • Chaperoned district youth camp, lodge youth outing, and district youth outing • Represented lodge and district at End of Summer Get Away and sold fundraiser tickets

Community Service • Worked a booth at American Pride Day at the county seat • Set up, served cake, and cleaned up at Saint Andrew Catholic Church Picnic • Set up, provided refreshments, and cleaned up at various church meetings • Donated and delivered two wrapped Christmas shoeboxes of small toys and hygiene items to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) service recipients • Donated and delivered school supplies to county’s Stuff the Bus campaign • Donated canned goods and new toys to ACCEPT for distribution to families in need • Donated clothing and household goods to the church to benefit various community outreach projects • Coordinated with county judge to ensure recognition of Czech Heritage Day with the signing of a proclamation • Responsible for student sign at junior high volleyball and basketball away game • Purchased fundraising items for high school FFA program [ x \

9

Lodge 202, Jourdanton President James House, left, and District Seven Director Bob Bayer recognize Kathleen Polasek as the 2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year. —Photo by Sandra Hoggard

Honorable Mention 2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year

Brandon Bartek

Lodge 47, Seaton • District Two

Brandon has been an SPJST member for six years. He is married to Amber, and they have four children, Hunter, Dannikka, Camdon, and Everhett.

SPJST Lodge Support • Vice President • Board Member • Served on Maintenance, Building, and Improvements Committees • Assisted with picnic in setting up, cooking meat, and coordinating youth basketball shootout • Assisted with Outdoor Extravaganza fundraiser in getting sponsors, purchasing prizes, preparing food, and running event

• Organized judges for barbecue cookoff

Community Service • Downs But Not Out Down Syndrome Committee Member • Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church Hospitality Committee Member and extended session nursery volunteer • American Water Work Association Member • Academy FFA Booster Member • Chaperone for Beseda Dancers and District Youth Camp • Assistant in coaching t-ball and 12 and under softball • Organized memorial service and planted a tree in memory of a youth member who lost his life in an auto accident [ x \


10

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Honorable Mention 2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year

Honorable Mention 2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year

Karin Bryant

Coleman Benner

Lodge 87, Temple • District Two

Lodge 80, Holland • District Two

Coleman has been an SPJST member for 50 years. He is married to Virginia, and they have three children, Vicki Benner-Slye, Kevin Benner, and the late Ricky Benner. SPJST Lodge Support • Member of Board of Directors • Attended monthly lodge meetings • Worked at weekly bingo and in the bar when needed • Assisted with cooking meat, selling tickets, and more on Join Hands Day • Assisted with Summer Fun fundraiser in preparation and selling tickets • Assisted with Christmas party • Grounds worker at lodge hall and SPJST National Cemetery in Holland including shredding and spraying

Community Service • Holland Volunteer Fire Department Chief and Member • First Baptist Church of Holland Member • Holland Chamber of Commerce Member

• Germania Insurance local chapter President • Bell County Fair and Livestock Show Judge • Provided fire prevention demonstrations and materials to elementary school students • Judged fire prevention posters at local school and delivered winning posters to Bell County level for judging • Distributed smoke detectors at annual Lowe’s Smoke Detector Give Away • Voluntarily did fire inspections required at day cares, Head Start, and foster care homes in Holland • Voluntarily shredded areas in Holland as needed • Assisted with Old Time Christmas annual event in Holland and made treat bags to be distributed to children • Assisted with fire truck at school homecoming pre-game and during game activities • Brought Santa into town on fire truck • Distributed turkeys to the needy at Thanksgiving through the fire department • Distributed groceries and gifts to the needy at Christmas [ x \

Jared Wayne.

Karin has been an SPJST member for three years, and she has one son,

SPJST Lodge Support • Vice President • Fraternal Activities Coordinator • Attended all monthly lodge meetings and numerous events • Organized members in helping the lodge land lease agreement come into compliance and making cuts in the electrical bill for the lodge hall • Personally showed the hall to possible rentals • Advertised in Thrifty Nickel and set up lodge Facebook page • Informed members of numerous events to attend

• Prepared German desserts at monthly meeting • Planned annual Christmas party for Lodges 87 and 246 • Finalized plans for lodge appreciation dinner

Community Service • Organization of Eastern Star (OES) Chapter 589, Belton; Member provided support to Child Advocacy Center, Christian Youth Group, and Belton ISD • Volunteered with Veteran motorcycle group Patriot Guard Riders during Christmastime to place/retrieve wreaths at the Veterans Cemetery in Killeen • Delivered meals to Killeen women’s shelter • Prepared meals to be given to the Killeen Battered Women’s Shelter by Killeen Masonic lodge meetings and fundraisers [ x \

Honorable Mention 2015 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year

Donnie Howard

Lodge 185, New Braunfels • District Seven

Donnie has been an SPJST member for eight years. He is married to April, and they have seven children, Brent, Britani, Shelby, Clay, Jordan, Zachary, and Lilyanna.

CONGRATULATIONS, KATHLEEN! Pictured are, left to right, 2008 SPJST State Fraternalist and National Fraternalist Sandra Hoggard; 2014 State Fraternalist Samuel Hoggard; 2004 State Fraternalist Bettie House; 2013 State Honorable Mention Regina House; 2015 State Fraternalist Kathleen Polasek; 2010 State Fraternalist James House; and 2011 State Fraternalist Lloyd House, all of Lodge 202, Jourdanton. Pictured with them is District Seven Director Bob Bayer, far right. —Photo by Donnie Howard

SPJST Lodge Support • President • Party and Food Committee Member • Donated to youth club’s Join Hands Day project • Worked on projects to help fund lodge • Chaperoned youth camp and helped with youth club activities

Community Service • Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Member and supporter • SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm Board Member • Texas Polka Music Museum Board Member and Master of Ceremonies • Goodtime Polka and Waltz Club of New Braunfels Board Member • District Youth Achievement Day Master of Ceremonies • Served as youth club chaperone in other districts • Donated to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Thrift Store • Donated to and supported New Braunfels Food Bank • Donated to and supported Habitat for Humanity [ x \


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

11

★ ★ ★ 2015 Local Lodge Fraternalists of the Year ★ ★ ★ District One Lodge 17, New Tabor Holly Narro

District Two

Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy Gene McBride

Lodge 92, Fort Worth Garland Ellsworth

Lodge 30, Taiton Crystal Bacak

Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point Susan Hutton

District Five

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Felix T. Garcia

Lodge 18, Elgin David Meyer

Lodge 88, Houston Vernell Foyt

District Three Lodge 6, Cottonwood Selby E. Holder

Lodge 47, Seaton Brandon Bartek Lodge 80, Holland Coleman Benner

Lodge 54, West Mary Lou Mynar

Lodge 87, Temple Karin Bryant

Lodge 84, Dallas Jerry Manak

District Seven

Lodge 142, Houston Mary Ann Kieschnick

Lodge 117, Robstown Frank Sijansky

Lodge 191, Lufkin George Scogin

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Donnie Howard

District Six

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Kathleen Polasek

Lodge 28, East Bernard Helen Ann Kelner

DONNIE VICTORICK FIC, CFFM Lodge 9, Snook $2,310,000 Insurance Issued

SABINO GARCIA Lodge 183, Arlington $1,027,974 Insurance Issued

District Four

District Five

District Three

District Three

SUSAN SKRABANEK, FIC Lodge 17, New Tabor $1,013,023 Insurance Issued

District Four

District One

PAMELA PRUETT Lodge 9, Snook $2,851,484 Insurance Issued

District Four

District One

District One

2015 SPJST Million Dollar Producers

HELEN HEGWOOD, FIC Lodge 88, Houston $1,005,000 Insurance Issued

KERRY HERRINGTON Lodge 142, Houston $4,720,839 Insurance Issued

JAVIER MORA Lodge 79, Corpus Christi $1,249,913 Insurance Issued

DELISLE DOHERTY Lodge 196, Houston-West $1,275,000 Insurance Issued

District Seven

BALTAZAR NUNEZ, FIC Lodge 219, El Paso $1,535,000 Insurance Issued

District Seven

RAY ESPARZA Lodge 76, Wichita Falls $1,032,130 Insurance Issued

District Five

District Five

BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM Lodge 160, San Angelo $2,323,630 Insurance Issued

JANICE KALUZA Lodge 54, West $1,295,000 Insurance Issued

MIKE RODRIGUEZ, JR., FIC Lodge 107, Floresville $2,763,443 Insurance Issued


12

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

RAY ESPARZA Lodge 76, Wichita Falls

District Seven

District Six GAY REVEL, FIC Lodge 97, Placedo

District Four

District Four DORIS HORNE Lodge 226, Corsicana

ARMANDO PEREZ, LUTCF Lodge 79, Corpus Christi

BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM Lodge 160, San Angelo

District Seven

KAY LYNN KOVAR, FIC Lodge 25, Ennis

District Seven

ALBIN MACHU, CFFM Lodge 29, Taylor

District Three

District Two

District Three

Congratulations, 2015 Persistency Award Winners!

WENDY PRUSKI, FIC Lodge 107, Floresville

MARIE GARCIA Lodge 133, San Antonio

★ ★ ★ Sales Agents’ Mardi Gras Incentive Winners ★ ★ ★ David Nauert FIC

Lodge 200 Bruceville-Eddy District Two ★★★ “Best of the Best” ★★★ ★ Carnival Award ★ $43,634.73 Annualized Premium

Sabino Garcia

Lodge 183 Arlington District Three ★ Mardi Gras Award ★ $19,282.56 Annualized Premium

Bobby Davis FICF CFFM

Mike Rodriguez, Jr., FIC Lodge 107 Floresville District Seven

Lodge 160 San Angelo District Four

★★★ “Best of the Best” ★★★ ★ Carnival Award ★ $31,880.19 Annualized Premium

★★★ “Best of the Best” ★★★ ★ Carnival Award ★ $28,264.16 Annualized Premium ★★★ Mardi Gras Award Drawing Winners ★★★

Susan Skrabanek FIC Lodge 17 New Tabor District One

★ Mardi Gras Award ★ $18,940.73 Annualized Premium

Carlos Benavidez Lodge 117, Robstown District Seven

Doris Horne

Lodge 223, Corsicana District Three


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

2015 SPJST SALES AGENT WINNERS. Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal, back, left, congratulates winning sales agents at the awards banquet. Front, left to right, are Delisle Doherty of Lodge 196, Houston-West; Maria Garcia of Lodge 133, San Antonio; Gay Revel of Lodge 97, Placedo; Wendy Pruski of Lodge 107, Floresville; and Kay Lynn Kovar of Lodge 25, Ennis. BACK: Vice President Coufal, David Nauert of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy; Albin Machu of Lodge 29, Taylor; Kerry Herrington of Lodge 142, Houston; Bobby Davis of Lodge 160, San Angelo; Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and Donnie Victorick of Lodge 9, Snook.

MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCERS. Congratulations to these 2015 Million Dollar Producers who attended the banquet! Pictured are, front, left to right, Helen Hegwood of Lodge 88, Houston; Janice Kaluza of Lodge 54, West; Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and Donnie Victorick of Lodge 9, Snook. Back: Baltazar Nunez of Lodge 219, El Paso; Delisle Doherty of Lodge 196, Houston-West; Kerry Herrington of Lodge 142, Houston; and Bobby Davis of Lodge 160, San Angelo. They are pictured with Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal, front, far right.

MARDI GRAS INCENTIVE WINNERS. Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal, left, congratulates Mardi Gras Award winners, David Nauert, second from left, of Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy; Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and Bobby Davis of Lodge 160, San Angelo. They all received a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana.

PERSISTENCY BONUS AWARD WINNERS. Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal, back, right, congratulates the 2015 Persistency Bonus Award winners. They are, front, left to right, Marie Garcia of Lodge 133, San Antonio; Gay Revel of Lodge 97, Placedo; Wendy Pruski of Lodge 107, Floresville; and Kay Lynn Kovar of Lodge 25, Ennis. Back: Albin Machu, far left, of Lodge 29, Taylor and Bobby Davis, second from right, of Lodge 160, San Angelo. Kerry Herrington is also pictured.

2015 Member Referral Incentive Award Winners Marlene Clark Lodge 25, Ennis District Three

Betty Macalik Lodge 25, Ennis District Three

Alexis Festa

Lodge 47, Seaton District Two

13

Norma O’Canas

Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje District Six

Gracie Grimm

Lodge 48, Beyersville District Two

MEMBER REFERRAL AWARD WINNER. Congratulations to Gracie Grimm of Lodge 48, Beyersville. Her name was drawn at the banquet, and she received a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. The award was presented by Honorary District Two Director Bobby Wuensche.


14

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Congratulations, 2015 Lodge Award Recipients! District One LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE Award - $1,382.51 Total Premium Collected - $43,446.79 291 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,382.51 ★★★ LODGE 9, SNOOK Award - $3,820.53 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $10,308.72 32 Certificates Issued in 2015

[ x \ Total Premium Collected - $106,626.13 760 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,445.53 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $375.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 13, DIME BOX Award - $1,623.25 Total Premium Collected - $49,080.39 369 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,623.25 ★★★ LODGE 17, NEW TABOR Award - $3,608.38 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $17,523.29 35 Certificates Issued in 2015

[ x \ Total Premium Collected - $105,835.03 951 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,608.38 ★★★

LODGE 38, KOVAR Award - $716.49 Total Premium Collected - $20,910.42 206 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $716.49 ★★★

LODGE 179, WARRENTON Award - $419.05 Total Premium Collected - $11,787.36 129 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $419.05 ★★★

LODGE 39, BRYAN Award - $695.16 Total Premium Collected - $17,791.26 250 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $695.16 ★★★

LODGE 186, CALDWELL Award - $1,781.22 Total Premium Collected - $55,722.20 350 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,781.22 ★★★

LODGE 51, ELLINGER Award - $428.14 Total Premium Collected - $11,076.28 151 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $428.14 ★★★

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION Award - $1,481.89 Total Premium Collected - $48,460.25 273 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,481.89 ★★★

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG Award - $565.50 Total Premium Collected - $16,767.73 137 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $565.50 ★★★

LODGE 201 BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE Award - $791.62 Total Premium Collected - $12,950.87 481 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $791.62 ★★★

LODGE 141, SEALY Award - $433.81 Total Premium Collected - $12,278.98 138 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $433.81 ★★★ LODGE 169, BRENHAM Award - $483.11 Total Premium Collected - $13,503.94 156 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $483.11 ★★★


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

District Two LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS Award - $1,199.70 Total Premium Collected - $29,417.95 400 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,109.70 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $90.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 18, ELGIN Award - $2,311.18 Total Premium Collected - $70,327.89 597 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,311.18 ★★★ LODGE 20, GRANGER Award - $1,132.96 Total Premium Collected - $26,498.45 514 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,132.96 ★★★ LODGE 24, CYCLONE Award - $3,955.72 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $32,690.04 8 Certificates Issued in 2015

[ x \

Total Premium Collected - $119,525.57 940 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,955.72 ★★★ LODGE 29, TAYLOR Award - $6,649.35 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $21,920.37 31 Certificates Issued in 2015

[ x \

Total Premium Collected - $181,833.93 1,662 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $6,109.35 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $540.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 47, SEATON Award - $7,853.72 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $22,297.11 47 Certificates Issued in 2015

[ x \

Total Premium Collected - $220,347.02 2,017 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $7,403.72 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $450.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE Award - $1,123.31 Total Premium Collected - $27,725.44 472 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,123.31 ★★★ LODGE 80, HOLLAND Award - $3,493.45 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $14,118.04 13 Certificates Issued in 2015

[ x \

Total Premium Collected - $107,123.19 780 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,403.45 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $90.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 87, TEMPLE Award - $4,376.51 Total Premium Collected - $128,732.33 728 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,986.51 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $390.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 155, AUSTIN Award - $2,178.65 Total Premium Collected - $57,630.36 246 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,713.65 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $465.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 177, ACADEMY Award - $3,107.38 Total Premium Collected - $97,584.99 551 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,017.38 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $90.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY Award - $691.59 Total Premium Collected - $23,913.96 98 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $691.59 ★★★ LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK Award - $2,185.22 Total Premium Collected - $68,793.47 448 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,185.22 ★★★ LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY Award - $1,646.22 Total Premium Collected - $56,936.25 183 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,646.22 ★★★ LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT Award - $1,788.02 Total Premium Collected - $62,357.93 230 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,788.02 ★★★

15


16

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

District Three LODGE 5, PILOT POINT-TIOGA Award - $851.15 Total Premium Collected - $27,755.26 178 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $851.15 ★★★ LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD Award - $4,345.01 Total Premium Collected - $134,679.06 1,038 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $4,345.01 ★★★ LODGE 25, ENNIS Award - $2,991.48 Total Premium Collected - $73,374.16 996 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,796.48 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $195.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 35, ELK Award - $1,098.76 Total Premium Collected - $26,848.71 481 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,098.76 ★★★ LODGE 54, WEST Award - $4,088.66 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $18,920.37 19 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $120,380.80 921 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,938.66 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $150.00 ★ ★★★

VĚSTNÍK LODGE 66, WACO Award - $5,177.93 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $16,406.43 31 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $144,711.69 1,306 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $4,847.93 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $330.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 180, BURLESON Award - $551.80 Total Premium Collected - $14,635.65 187 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $551.80 ★★★

LODGE 84, DALLAS Award - $2,792.24 Total Premium Collected - $65,508.64 1,148 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,702.24 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $90.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON Award - $2,978.12 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $18,035.56 72 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $84,825.66 429 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,513.12 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $465.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH Award - $2,020.78 Total Premium Collected - $49,063.40 894 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,020.78 ★★★

LODGE 204, STEPHENVILLE Award - $507.07 Total Premium Collected - $17,109.82 77 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $507.07 ★★★

LODGE 130, DALLAS Award - $450.87 Total Premium Collected - $9,530.98 248 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $450.87 ★★★ LODGE 135, ENNIS Award - $380.18 Total Premium Collected - $7,899.40 214 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $380.18 ★★★ LODGE 154, FORT WORTH Award - $1,375.46 Total Premium Collected - $29,302.08 674 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,375.46 ★★★

Thanks to Lodge 47, Seaton members Edwin and Judy Pechal, owners of Ratibor Country Grill, for catering the meal. Judy also made the cake.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

District Four LODGE 49, ROWENA Award - $5,158.76 Total Premium Collected - $165,741.37 660 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $4,843.76 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $315.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 73, SEYMOUR Award - $1,480.15 Total Premium Collected - $45,969.49 307 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,480.15 ★★★ LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS Award - $1,741.54 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $12,089.75 61 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $61,090.55 208 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,741.54 ★★★ LODGE 157, LUBBOCK Award - $1,493.75 Total Premium Collected - $51,419.62 190 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,493.75 LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO Award - $8,367.07 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $26,797.39 63 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $271,002.60 1,091 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $7,977.07 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $390.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 207, IOWA PARK Award - $254.37 Total Premium Collected - $8,263.23 55 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $254.37 ★★★ LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS Award - $1,830.29 Total Premium Collected - $63,188.97 212 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,830.29 ★★★ LODGE 219, EL PASO Award - $6,710.69 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $30,207.52 143 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $221,846.23 555 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $6,230.69 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $480.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 229, ABILENE Award - $1,549.99 Total Premium Collected - $51,178.21 158 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,444.99 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $105.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 230, MIDLAND Award - $1,265.55 Total Premium Collected - $40,555.29 96 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,145.55 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $120.00 ★ ★★★

17

District Five LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE Award - $3,305.17 Total Premium Collected - $86,541.96 956 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,140.17 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $165.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 88, HOUSTON Award - $12,653.70 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $29,895.56 47 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $299,596.27 5,301 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $12,338.70 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $315.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO Award - $1,426.23 Total Premium Collected - $38,865.43 510 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,426.23 ★★★ LODGE 139, DANBURY Award - $1,865.51 Total Premium Collected - $52,839.70 390 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,745.51 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $120.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 142, HOUSTON Award - $1,949.19 Total Premium Collected - $50,364.06 629 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,874.19 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $75.00 ★ ★★★


18

Wednesday, February 24, 2016 LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY Award - $491.78 Total Premium Collected - $13,492.16 102 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $416.78 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $75.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 172, PASADENA Award - $2,341.96 Total Premium Collected - $64,570.12 832 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,341.96 ★★★

VĚSTNÍK

District Six LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE Award - $1,231.32 Total Premium Collected - $26,154.28 582 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,231.32 ★★★ LODGE 8, WEIMAR Award - $375.26 Total Premium Collected - $9,366.54 157 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $375.26 ★★★

LODGE 181, CONROE Award - $1,605.63 Total Premium Collected - $51,772.39 139 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,485.63 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $120.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 23, MORAVIA Award - $888.92 Total Premium Collected - $25,639.88 272 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $888.92

LODGE 191, LUFKIN Award - $612.15 Total Premium Collected - $18,612.46 248 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $612.15 ★★★

LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD Award - $1,734.81 Total Premium Collected - $48,564.82 408 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,629.81 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $105.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST Award - $5,048.84 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $13,063.11 35 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $166,780.05 599 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $4,868.84 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $180.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 30, TAITON Award - $5,533.98 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $21,254.07 70 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $174,392.09 915 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $5,308.98 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $225.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 32, VICTORIA Award - $4,156.56 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $11,574.99 26 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $125,591.50 706 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,946.56 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $210.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE Award - $5,723.44 Total Premium Collected - $178,444.24 1,166 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $5,558.44 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $165.00 ★ ★★★ LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA Award - $347.14 Total Premium Collected - $10,112.09 88 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $347.14 ★★★ LODGE 63, SWEET HOME Award - $758.25 Total Premium Collected - $20,509.06 262 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $758.25 ★★★ LODGE 97, PLACEDO Award - $2,588.88 Total Premium Collected - $77,424.39 277 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,258.88 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $330.00 ★ ★★★


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK LODGE 148, EL MATON Award - $828.26 Total Premium Collected - $21,473.56 306 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $828.26 ★★★ LODGE 151, WHARTON Award - $2,044.19 Total Premium Collected - $62,792.34 439 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $2,044.19 ★★★ LODGE 184, MOULTON Award - $430.59 Total Premium Collected - $8,235.47 227 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $430.59 ★★★

District Seven LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI Award - $11,244.40 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $33,896.77 148 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $318,728.62 1,594 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $9,609.40 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $1,635.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO Award - $3,497.86 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $11,093.30 53 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $117,923.51 528 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $3,497.86 ★★★ LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS Award - $1,069.03 Total Premium Collected - $29,608.31 184 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $889.03 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $180.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE Award - $6,607.70 ★★★ GOLD STAR LODGE ★★★ First Year Premium - $28,525.82 37 Certificates Issued in 2015 [ x \ Total Premium Collected - $208,810.58 1,000 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $6,247.70 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $360.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON Award - $1,934.77 Total Premium Collected - $53,027.58 516 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $1,784.77 ★ Friendship 2013 Award - $150.00 ★ ★★★

LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN Award - $590.19 Total Premium Collected - $13,792.52 227 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $590.19 ★★★

LODGE 258, SEGUIN Award - $801.51 Total Premium Collected - $27,875.53 103 Certificates Enhanced Premium Refund - $801.51 ★★★

19


20

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2015 Lodge Incentive Winners ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

DISTRICT ONE - LODGE 9, SNOOK. Seated, left to right, Assistant Youth Leader Sheila Orsak, Secretary Sharon Kovar, Hannah Kovar. Back: Bill Orsak, Janice Victorick, Sales Agent Pamela Pruett, Sales Agent/Treasurer Donnie Victorick.

DISTRICT ONE LODGE 38, KOVAR. President Alfred J. Hellinger.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS. Treasurer Sandie Fischer.

DISTRICT ONE - LODGE 17, NEW TABOR. Seated, left to right, Sales Agent/Assistant Youth Leader Susan Skrabanek, Treasurer Evelyn Henry. Back: President Randy Gaas, Fraternalist of the Year/FAC/Youth Leader Holly Narro, Ralph Narro.

DISTRICT ONE LODGE 39, BRYAN. Left to right, President Wade O’Shields, Secretary Shirley Vytopil.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 18, ELGIN. Left to right, President/Youth Leader David Meyer, Secretary/Treasurer Charles Wilson, Vice President/FAC Mike Mogonye.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 24, CYCLONE. Left to right, President Daniel Wilde, Treasurer Linda Wilde, Secretary Shirley Hoelscher, Reporter Bobby Hoelscher.

21

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 29, TAYLOR. Left to right, Youth Leader Cristy Girod, Leonard Kaderka, First Vice President/FAC Sharon Kaderka, Secretary/Reporter Linda Pospisil, Sales Agent Albin Machu.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 47, SEATON. Front, left to right, Jerry Pechal, Assistant Youth Leader Amber Bartek, Youth Leader Joyce Kraatz, Secretary/Reporter Patsy Koslovsky, FIC, Sales Agent Dolores Skrabanek, Ruth Hanusch, Joyce Skrabanek, Brooke Hoelscher. Back: Sales Agent David Pechal, Justin Kraatz, First Vice President/Fraternalist of the Year Brandon Bartek, Danny Stepan, Calvin Skrabanek, Parliamentarian James Skrabanek, Tammy Pechal, FAC Tammy Martinez, Lynette Talasek, Katherine Morris.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE. Left to right, Bobby Wuensche, Ruth Ann Wuensche.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 80, HOLLAND. Front, left to right, Fraternalist of the Year Coleman Benner, Curtis Janke, President Rita Spinn, Youth Leader Connie Horak, Risa Pajestka. Back: Virginia Benner, Vicki Slye, Jewel Wolf, Curtis Wolf, Carol Wolf, First Vice President Joe W. Liles, Frank Horak, FAC/Treasurer Frank Pajestka, Jr.


22

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

DISTRICT TWO LODGE 87, TEMPLE. Left to right, Fraternalist of the Year/President/ FAC Karin Bryant, Secretary Judith Little.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 155, AUSTIN. Left to right, President Albert Klinkovsky, Joe Motl, Treasurer/Reporter Jean Motl, Vice President Ashley Tullos.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 177, ACADEMY. Left to right, FAC Bill Hutka, Secretary/Reporter Joanne Hutka, President Otis Beck.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY. Front, left to right, Tynlee Beckendorf, Paetyn Beckendorf, Bailee Beckendorf. Back: Secretary/Reporter/Youth Leader Becky Beckendorf, Vice President/FAC Curtis Treat.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK. Left to right, Treasurer Rubie Volek, President Johnnie Haak, Janie Barron, Rose Etheredge, Tom Etheredge.

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY. Left to right, President Allen Trigg, Sr., Vice President James R. Hosch, Secretary/Reporter Michael D. Hosch, Frances McBride, FAC Gene McBride, Treasurer/Sales Agent David Nauert.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

DISTRICT TWO - LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT. Left to right, President James L. Lee, III, Secretary/Reporter Melanie Zavodny, Vice President Charlie Herendon.

23

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD. Front, left to right, Treasurer/Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka, Irene Peterson, Assistant Youth Leader Pat Dieterich, Mary Neckar, Secretary Barbara Hykel. Back: Fraternalist of the Year Selby Holder, President Milton Peterson, Karen Hykel, Jeanette Beseda, Second Vice President Don Urbanovsky.

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 54, WEST. Front, left to right, Treasurer Mary Lou Mynar, Secretary/Reporter/Sales Agent Janice Kaluza, FAC Linda Kaluza, Ronnie Kaluza. Back: President Freddie Kaluza, Marcella Vaculik, Jeannie Maler.

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 25, ENNIS. FAC/Sales Agent Kay Lynn Kovar, FIC.

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 66, WACO. Left to right, Kevin Galler, Vice President Michael Galler, Treasurer/Financial-Secretary/FAC Diana Engelke, President John Engelke.

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 84, DALLAS. Front, left to right, Vice President/FAC Vicki Sims, Secretary Cheryl Petr, Theresa Liska. Back: Fraternalist of the Year Jerry Manak, Joann Manak, Treasurer Jim Liska.


24

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 92, FORT WORTH. Left to right, Debbie Akins, Financial Secretary Bessie Ellsworth, Cherish Ellsworth, Fraternalist of the Year Garland Ellsworth, Lisa Ellsworth.

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 183, ARLINGTON. Left to right, President Ann Pustejovsky, FAC/Financial Secretary/Assistant Youth Leader Kay Weeks, Vice President Tom Weeks, Pat Sill, Sales Agent Sabino Garcia.

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 154, FORT WORTH. President Jerry Milan, Secretary Mary Steinman.

DISTRICT THREE - LODGE 226, CORSICANA. Sales Agent Doris Horne.

DISTRICT FOUR - LODGE 49, ROWENA. Left to right, Secretary/Reporter Laura Pospichal, President Nancy Schwertner, Maynard Schwertner, Sylvia Rollwitz, Billy Rollwitz.

DISTRICT FOUR - LODGE 157, LUBBOCK. Left to right, Secretary/Treasurer Cynthia Kristinek, FAC Jerome Kristinek.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

DISTRICT FOUR - LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS. Left to right, Reporter Carson Lehmann, Secretary Pam Lehmann, Youth Leader Janeece Williams, Vice President Keith Williams.

DISTRICT FOUR - LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO. Sales Agent Bobby Davis.

DISTRICT FOUR - LODGE 219, EL PASO. Left to right, President Arnie Rivera, Norma Rivera, Vice President/Reporter Baltazar Nunez.

25

DISTRICT FOUR - LODGE 229, ABILENE. Left to right, President/Assistant Youth Leader Janice Stevens, Vice President Susie Hudson, Treasurer Tammy Copeland.

DISTRICT FIVE - LODGE 88, HOUSTON. Front, left to right, Sales Agent Helen Hegwood, Fraternalist of the Year Vernell Foyt, 2016 President Janice Jahns, 2015 President Patricia Bruce, Secretary Carol Stayton, Youth Leader Barbara Linney-Gonzales. Back: Treasurer Ashley Victorick, Wallace Jahns, First Vice President Nell Stautberg, Assistant Youth Leader Michelle Wockenfuss, Allison Wockenfuss, Jerry Wockenfuss, Keith Wockenfuss, Dorothy Pflughaupt.

DISTRICT FIVE - LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO. Left to right, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Malba Smesny, Robert Smesny.


26

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

DISTRICT FIVE - LODGE 142, HOUSTON. Front, left to right, Debra Ngo, Youth Leader Catherine Manchack, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider, Treasurer/Financial Secretary Mary Ann Kieschnick. Back: Sales Agent Kerry Herrington, Assistant Youth Leader Jack Manchack, Bob Schleider.

DISTRICT FIVE - LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST. Left to right, Lester Childres, Secretary DeAnn Beckendorf, Amelia Fruin. Back: President/Sales Agent Mark Childres, Vice President/FAC Donald Beckendorf, Reporter Don Fruin.

DISTRICT SIX LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE. Left to right, Reporter Patsy Zabransky, Secretary/Treasurer Helen Zabransky.

DISTRICT SIX - LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD. Left to right, Fraternalist of the Year/FAC/Secretary/Reporter Helen Kelner, Treasurer Anton “Tony” Kelner.

DISTRICT SIX - LODGE 30, TAITON. Left to right, Karen Kaspar, Treasurer/Youth Leader Lisa Bubela.

DISTRICT SIX LODGE 23, MORAVIA. Left to right, President Elizabeth Holub, Michael Holub.

DISTRICT SIX - LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE. President/Youth Leader Cathy Garcia.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

DISTRICT SIX LODGE 97, PLACEDO. Left to right, President/Sales Agent Gay Revel, Ken Revel.

DISTRICT SEVEN - LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI. Left to right, President Marcus Rebecek, Secretary Virginia Rebecek, Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky, Jill Sijansky.

27

DISTRICT SIX LODGE 151, WHARTON. Left to right, Secretary/FAC Janie Ann Bucek, David Bucek.

DISTRICT SEVEN - LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE. Front, left to right, President Glen Pruski, Secretary/Sales Agent Wendy Pruski, Financial Secretary Liz Bielefeld, Roxy Bertrand, Polly Bayer, Trey Bielefeld.

DISTRICT SEVEN - LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO. Left to right, President Jarolyn Popp, Sales Agent Marie Garcia.

DISTRICT SEVEN - LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN. Left to right, President Frances McDonald, Fraternalist of the Year/Vice President/FAC Frank Sijansky, Treasurer Kathryn Marek.


28

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge Incentive Awards

DISTRICT SEVEN - LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS. Left to right, Treasurer April Haag-Howard, Fraternalist of the Year/President Donnie Howard, Youth Leader Theresa Haag, Roy Haag.

DISTRICT ONE - LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE. Left to right, Rose Rohde, Ruth Martinek, Secretary Debbie/Reporter Pflughaupt, Vice President Eugenia Havis, Treasurer Ronnie Pflughaupt, President Sharon Fritsch, District One Director Donnie Victorick.

DISTRICT SEVEN - LODGE 202, JOURDANTON. Left to right, Youth Leader Regina House, President James House. DISTRICT ONE - LODGE 141, SEALY. Left to right, Second Vice President Bennie Stolarski, District One Director Donnie Victorick, President Rick Martinez, Secretary/Reporter/FAC Bernice Stolarski, First Vice President John Simpson, Treasurer Freda Jemela, Dora Martinez.

DISTRICT SEVEN - LODGE 258, SEGUIN. Left to right, President/FAC Chester Jenke, Treasurer Colleen Jenke.

DISTRICT SIX - LODGE 184, MOULTON. Left to right, District Six Director Karen Kaspar, Vice President/Secretary Terry Stevenson, President Elmer Michna, Patsy Michna, Treasurer Johnnie Hoffman, Mark Pilat.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

VĚSTNÍK

29

Youth Club Awards District One LODGE 9, SNOOK YOUTH CLUB Award - $190 15 youth certificates issued 4 new youth club members ★★★ DISTRICT SIX - LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA. Front, left to right, Alton Lange, President Franklin Jurek, Shirley Jurek, Secretary Mary Sitka. Back: Vice President/FAC Larry Rokyta, J.R. Lange, District Six Director Karen Kaspar, Fraternal Field Manager Delisle Doherty, Lorene Pustejovsky, Jimmie Pustejovsky, Dan Sitka, Carolyn Rokyta, Darlene Baker, and Jack Baker.

District Youth Awards

Accepting the awards are, left to right, District One Assistant Youth Counselor Holly Narro ($200); District Two Youth Counselor Patsy Koslovsky ($100); District Three Youth Counselor Kay Weeks ($400); District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzales ($100); District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela ($100); and District Seven Youth Counselor Theresa Haag ($100).

Youth Leader Awards

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR YOUTH CLUB Award - $270 23 youth certificates issued 4 new youth club members District One Top Youth Club - $200 ★★★

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH YOUTH CLUB Award - $80 5 youth certificates issued 3 new youth club members District Three Top Youth Club - $200 ★★★

District Four

LODGE 186, CALDWELL YOUTH CLUB Award - $20 2 youth certificates issued ★★★

LODGE 49, ROWENA YOUTH CLUB Award - $40 3 youth certificates issued 1 new youth club member ★★★

District Two

District Five

LODGE 24, CYCLONE YOUTH CLUB Award - $30 3 youth certificates issued ★★★

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE YOUTH CLUB Award - $70 4 youth certificates issued 3 new youth club members ★★★

LODGE 29, TAYLOR YOUTH CLUB Award - $50 3 youth certificates issued 2 new youth club members ★★★ LODGE 47, SEATON YOUTH CLUB Award - $420 30 youth certificates issued 12 new youth club members District Two Top Youth Club - $200 ★★★ LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE YOUTH CLUB Award - $40 3 youth certificates issued 1 new youth club member ★★★ LODGE 80, HOLLAND YOUTH CLUB Award - $50 4 youth certificates issued 1 new youth club member ★★★

District Three

Congratulations to Lodge 9, Snook Youth Leader Loree Lewis (standing in is Assistant Youth Leader Sheila Orsak, left, who accepted the award) and Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Leader Joyce Kraatz. Lodge 9 Youth Club gained six new youth club members in 2015, and Lodge 47, Seaton Youth Club welcomed 14 new youth club members in 2015.

LODGE 84, DALLAS YOUTH CLUB Award - $30 3 youth certificates issued ★★★

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD YOUTH CLUB Award - $50 5 youth certificates issued ★★★ LODGE 25, ENNIS YOUTH CLUB Award - $50 5 youth certificates issued ★★★

LODGE 88, HOUSTON YOUTH CLUB Award - $180 16 youth certificates issued 2 new youth club members District Five Top Youth Club - $200 ★★★

District Six LODGE 30, TAITON YOUTH CLUB Award - $120 11 youth certificates issued 1 new youth club member District Six Top Youth Club - $200 ★★★ LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE YOUTH CLUB Award - $10 1 youth certificate issued ★★★

District Seven LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS YOUTH CLUB Award - $30 2 youth certificates issued 1 new youth club member ★★★ LODGE 202, JOURDANTON YOUTH CLUB Award - $110 9 youth certificates issued 2 new youth club members District Seven Top Youth Club - $200 ★★★


30

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment

Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST 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., unless otherwise posted. Send 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 $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 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. Directions: Directions: Lodge building is located on Highway 159 East, three blocks from the town square. Hall Rental Information: (979) 966-3795. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of even-numbered months February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the lodge hall. Potluck served after meeting. Youth Club Meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Ronnie Pflughaupt 979-249-6702; rpflughaupt@hotmail.com. LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Note: Lodge meetings are held at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville, the second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m.

Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville.

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 940686-4429; or Dean Carender 903-564-7359.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; but good news; there is a detour to get to the hall. Directions: Take Farm Road 2114 East for 5 miles. Turn right on Adair Road and immediately veer right onto Marek Road. Marek Road runs into Czech Hall Road. Turn right onto Czech Hall Road. The hall is on the left about 1/2 mile. Sunday, March 6—Lodge meeting and 50-year pin presentations, 2 p.m.; SPJST 6 Inc. annual meeting; youth club Easter program and egg hunt for all ages. Fried chicken and trimmings served 4:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 18—Social Sunday, March 27—Marek Family Day Sunday, April 3—Lodge 6 meeting, 2 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; there is a detour to get to the hall. Directions: Take Farm Road 2114 East for 5 miles. Turn right on Adair Road and immediately veer right onto Marek Road. Marek Road runs into Czech Hall Road. Turn right onto Czech Hall Road. Hall on the left about 1/2 mile down. Hall Rental Information: 254-799-8550; Hall Phone: 254-227-8759. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254-799-8550; or dataped@sbcglobal.net

LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg.

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 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: 1081 County Road 425, 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: 979884-1451; Hall Phone: 979-884-1451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the hall.

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 Highway 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles; turn left on CR 225. Go one mile, veering to the right. Lodge building is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 979272-3440. 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) Note: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

Sunday, February 28—Glen Collins Band, country western. 3 to 7 p.m. $8 per person Sunday, March 6—Glen Collins Band, country western. 3 to 7 p.m. $8 per person Sunday, March 13—Fritz Hodde, polka/waltz, 3 to 7 p.m. $8 per person. Kitchen will be open Sunday, April 3—Glen Collins Band, country western. 3 to 7 p.m. $8 per person

Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information/Country/Western Band Bookings: David Meyer 512-217-0162; Polka 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: Until further notice, youth club meetings will be held with the adult meetings, which are held on the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader David Meyer 512-217-0162.

LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Rita Marburger 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall - unless it’s a holiday then the meeting will be held on the second Monday. 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: Located 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, 3 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:  Mark or Brenda Maddux 254-985-0002; Hall phone: 254-985-2393. 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. LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Saturday, February 20—Hall rental Saturday, February 27—SPJST Lodge 25 Annual Fundraiser, 6:30 p.m. $10 per person. Sunday, March 6—Youth club meeting/Easter party Thursday, March 10—Lodge meeting, 7 p.m.; meal at 6:30 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 1901 East Highway 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay on Hwy 287 East until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and go under the overpass at Interstate 45. 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

CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law

• ESTATE PLANNING • WILLS • TRUSTS PROBATE • REAL ESTATE • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL FARM AND RANCH • MORTGAGES • LAND USE EMINENT DOMAIN • CONTRACTS • LEASES • FRANCHISES BUSINESS SALES AND ACqUISITIONS • CORPORATION • PARTNERSHIP • LLC • INSURANCE CLAIMS • TRIAL • MEDIATION

254-778-1824

COURT CUBA EXTRACO BANK BUILDING 18 S. MAIN, SUITE 802, TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501

Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard. For information, contact Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624.

LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) Friday, February 26—Sterling Country Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2—Live music: Sam and Bobby Band, 7 to 10 p.m. Guest musician: Fritz Hodde. Friday, March 4—Second Hand Rose (Pat Kelly), 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10—Lodge 29 meeting 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal follows. Friday, March 11—Texas Pioneers, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, at intersection of State Hwy 95 and US 79 Business (4th Street), turn east on Hwy 79. Proceed to FM 619, turn north (left) and go about .8 mile to the hall. Hall Rental Information: 512-3529139; Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512-468-1347. Music: First and third Wednesday each month, music by Bobby Jay Five Band, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday evening, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. All Wednesday and Friday night dances are free admission. Oldfashioned hamburgers served every Friday beginning at 6 p.m.; fish burgers also sold during Lent.

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: First 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. LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, February 27—Steve Dansby and the Tailgate Philosophers Saturday, March 5—Lost Heart Highway Saturday, March 26—Brett Hendrix Band

Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From IH-35 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.” Turn right onto Elk Road; go approx. 1 mile; road will dead end - turn right; go approx. 1/2 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Gene Pavelka 254-7493326; Hall Phone: 254-863-9320. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Sales Agents: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275 and Gene E. Pavelka 254749-3326.

LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-839-4353/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 and turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. The lodge hall is at the bend of the road (white building). 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 O’Shields 979-218-3527; FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-4060158.

VĚSTNÍK

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59 in Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone: 979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at the hall.

LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Presbyterian Church, Royal Road, Port Lavaca.

LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Highway 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is five miles east of Temple on Highway 53 (Adams Avenue). Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Michelle Porubsky 254-493-8020; 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. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com.

LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: From Taylor, take the South Loop. Turn right on FM 112. Go about 1/2 mile. Turn right on FM 619. Go about three miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 512-450-8310. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.; except for the following months, the meeting time will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11; Monday, June 15; Monday, July 13; and Monday, August 10 at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the lodge hall.

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. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the lodge hall.

LODGE 51, ELLINGER (1) Lodge Meetings: Third Friday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Department, West Main Street in Ellinger.

LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November; the second Friday in September at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West.

LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. For meeting location, call 361-594-8429 LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Location, date, and time to be announced in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. Call 254-799-4247 for more information.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg at 2 p.m. Call Ernest Kutac to confirm meeting date 979-561-7190.

LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. For meeting location, call 940-256-2263.

LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday in March and June at 1 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls; second Sunday in September and December at 1 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls.

LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Hall Phone: 361-854-


VĚSTNÍK

8423. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 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 onto FM 2268; go 1/2 mile to hall on the right. Hall Phone: 254-657-2485. Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Youth Leader Connie Horak’s home; call 254-5419165 for address. Board of Directors’ Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 3:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355.

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Highway 36, Needville. Directions: Lodge building is located at the corner of Highway 36 and FM 361. Hall Rental Information: 979-793-4313; email td_stavinoha@yahoo.com. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha 979-7392386. LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Note: Youth club meetings are held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the lodge hall unless otherwise noted.

Lodge Hall: 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. Directions: From IH-35 East in Dallas, take IH-20 East. From IH-20 East, take the IH-45 exit toward downtown Dallas. IH-45 runs into Hwy 75. From Hwy 75, take a right at Bryan Street exit. From Bryan Street, turn right on Cantreal Street and go until you come to Floyd Street; take a right on Floyd Street. Hall is the second building on the right. Hall Rental Information: 469-9517396. Hall Phone: 214-823-0072. Band Bookings: Cherri Petr 214-352-4397. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Held one hour before the adult lodge meeting at the lodge hall unless otherwise noted.

LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2) Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street, Temple. Directions: From East Adams Avenue, turn north onto 50th Street; go 2/10 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Karin Bryant 254-9473100 or Judith Little 254-913-8568. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall.

LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Saturday, February 27—private party Saturday, March 5—Moonglow Orchestra, big band. *Dress Code. $15 Saturday, March 12—Red Ravens, polka/variety. $10 Saturday, March 19—private party Saturday, March 26—no dance

All dances are held from 8 to 11:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Reservations suggested, but not required, unless otherwise noted. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. For reservations, call 713-8695767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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 Mangum 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: Lodge Hall: 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Lodge Meetings: Third Monday, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; early bird special starts at 7 p.m. Regular games start at 7:30 p.m. License No. 17407503501.

LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: quarterly meetings—TBA in the Věstník. Contact Secretary Vonda Smesny 713-870-7114.

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Sunday, March 6—Texas Independence Day: Country/western dance, 2 to 6 p.m. Randy and the 92 Roadhouse Band, $6 per person Tuesday, March 8—Ladies Circle, 10:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday March 8—Game night at Lodge 92, 7 p.m. Wednesday March 9—Sportsmans’ Club meeting, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 11—Tanglefoot ballroom dance, 8 to 11 p.m. Members $10, non-members $17

Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From Interstate 35 West in Fort Worth, take Interstate 30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North, and it becomes Jacksboro Highway (TX199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cutoff which is a right off of Jacksboro Highway. The lodge also

known as National Hall is on the right about 2 or 3 blocks down the road. (A Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner.) Hall Event/Rental Information: For hall rentals and upcoming events information, call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-624-1361. Also visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. 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. Game Nights: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Ladies Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Friday in March, June, September, and December, 6 p.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Diana Redd 361-649-4388.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West three miles to FM 1303; turn right and go two miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 830-393-7796. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the 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, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214-906-3385; or via 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 IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy. 287 East exit. Stay Hwy. 287 on until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and under the overpass at IH-45. Then go approximately 1 3/4 miles on Hwy. 34. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Larry Valek 214-794-7674. Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at the Sokol hall.

LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. at The Smith Group Building, 1718 Main Street, Danbury. For information, call 979-922-1279; or 979-922-1553. LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Second or third Sunday of each month - whichever is noted, at 2 p.m., meal served at 1 p.m.; held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston dining room or annex building whichever is noted, at 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Youth Club Meetings: Same time/location as adult lodge meetings. For information, contact Lodge 142, Houston President Keith Kieschnick 832-6272842; or Secretary Alice Jochen 979-743-3613.

LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton.

LODGE 151, WHARTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 South Sunset Street, Wharton.

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-20 West exit. Stay on IH-20 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. Go 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 Sunday 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. Contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek 806-763-7245; cjkristinek@yahoo.com 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: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony.

LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, October at 6:30 p.m. at Texas Seafood and Steakhouse, 2209 South Market Street, Brenham. (December meeting/social information will be announced at a later date.) For information, contact Nello and Dorothy Strickland 979-836-2609.

LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Reservations/Hall Rental Information: Jo 713-993-6878; Hall Phone: 713-487-3297. Country/western dances held the first Saturday of each month, 7 to 11 p.m., except when noted. Variety dances are held the fourth Saturday of each month, 7 to 10 p.m., except when noted. Beer, soft drinks, and ice are available at the bar. (Do not bring them inside the hall.) Regular Lodge/Covered Dish Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, meal at 1 p.m. followed by meeting at 2 p.m. with the exception of November and December, as noted. Lodge Executive Board Meetings/Trustee Meetings and Workdays: Second Monday of each month, (unless the second Monday is a holiday) at 2 p.m. Dances: Held the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Variety Dances: 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, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Rental Information: 254-982-4530. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall; Board of trustees meet at 6 p.m.; lodge meeting follows at 6:30 p.m. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; kitchen is open.

LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Carmine Lions Club Building, 201 Centennial Street, Carmine.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Hall: FM 532 West, Moulton. Directions: From Texas 95 in Moulton, take FM 532 West four miles. Lodge hall is located on the right. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 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: Lodge building is just off Hwy. 36 on the south side of Caldwell, next to Burleson County Fairgrounds. 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: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-7420733095-41002.

LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; 512-771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 to 3 p.m. at the hall followed by entertainment and potluck meal.

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C and J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan.

LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin 936-875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Monday night before the third Friday night of the month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall. Regular Dances: Third Friday night of each month, 7 to 10 p.m. Please continue to bring finger foods for the snack table.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Rental Information: 281-351-1045; Hall Phone: 281-373-9482. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, at 1 p.m. at the hall. Covered dish meal will be served. LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at Bruceville-Eddy City Hall.

31

LODGE 201 BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 3948 FM 2502, Bleiblerville. Directions: Hall is across the street from the post office in Bleiblerville. 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 at 1:15 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, call Norman Kneschk 254-386-3222; or email normkneschk@gmail.com.

LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Mary Hatter 940322-8503; or any sales agent for meeting location.

LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Saturday of January, March, May, July, and September at 6:30 p.m. at Tahoka Housing Authority (small room - 1400 Ave K). For any questions, call Secretary Pam Lehmann 806-535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: For location/time, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-990-3351.

LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. Call Secretary Edna Rivas 915727-2048 for meeting location. LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089 for meeting location.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at SPJST Home Office, 520 North Main Street, Temple, 12 noon. For information, contact President James L. Lee, III 254-289-6816.

LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date, location, and time, contact President Chester Jenke 210413-3053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke 210-2159494. —SPJST—

LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Tuesday, March 1—Lodge meeting, 6 p.m. at Antonio’s Tuesday, April 5—Lodge meeting, 6 p.m. at Spring Creek Barbecue

Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Check Věstník for times or call one of the following: 817-295-6497; 817-371-0255; 972268-0022; or 817-905-2097. LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Note: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik.

Lodge Meetings: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik. For further information, contact President Barbara WilliamsRash 936-295-7778; email b.d.willrash@att.net; Vice President Chuck Toney 281-362-9062; email cdtiii@toney.us; or Treasurer Patsy McClelland 936-788-5714; or email pmcclelland@consolidated. LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Same time and place as adult lodge meeting.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North and stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Take a right on Mayfield; go down and take a left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information: Hall Phone: 817-465-8538; 214-876-9029. Lodge Meetings: Third 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.

SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis | 1901 East Highway 34 | Ennis, Texas

Cash Bar | Snacks Available | Additional Prizes For more information, call 214-837-9490

Prizes: John Deere Zero Turn Mower, $1,000 Cash, and a trip for two to Las Vegas

C 214-8 all 37 for mo-9490 re info.


Life Insurance and More Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578

info@spjst.org www.spjst.org


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.