Volume 104 Number 26
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity ISSN —07458800
★ Brotherhood
June 29, 2016
Delegates revise by-laws, elect state, district officials at 32nd SPJST Convention held in Killeen, Texas
Elected at the 32nd SPJST Convention to serve in state positions are, left to right, Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek (24), Supreme Lodge Vice President Hiram Dixon (183), Supreme Lodge SecretaryTreasurer Leonard Mikeska (200), and Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny (246). RIGHT PHOTO: SPJST Supreme
elegates representing 73 lodges from across Texas convened in Killeen June 13 to 15, 2016, for SPJST’s 32nd Convention. Activities began on Sunday, June 12 with delegate registration followed by a howdy party that featured music by Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five. Refreshments were also served. Special thanks to Allen Bailey and Associates, Inc. Actuaries of Austin for sponsoring the band.
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Convention Highlights Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek of Lodge 24, Cyclone called
the 32nd Convention to order on Monday, June 13. Billy Rollwitz of Lodge 49, Rowena and Don Urbanovsky of Lodge 6, Cottonwood posted the colors. CarrieAnn Jones of Lodge 154, Fort Worth led the convention in the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, and Fred Buri of Lodge 88, Houston sang the Czech National Anthem, Kde Domov Muj? David Bucek of Lodge 151, Wharton then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman/District Six Director Karen Kaspar of Lodge 30, Taiton offered a convention prayer followed by greetings from Supreme Lodge Chairman/District One Director Donnie Victorick of Lodge 9, Snook. City of
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Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Election Results ..................................4 Standing Committees..........................5 By-Law Changes/Amendments..........6 Approved Finance Committee Rec..21
Lodge Directors elected at the 32nd SPJST Convention in their district caucuses are, left to right, Donnie Victorick (9) - District One; Jesse Pospisil (29) - District Two; John Engelke (66) - District Three; Billy Rollwitz (49) - District Four; Bradley Stavinoha (81) - District Five; Karen Kaspar (30) - District Six; and Bob Bayer (107) - District Seven.
Killeen Mayor Jose L. Segarra welcomed SPJST members to Killeen and issued a proclamation designating June 12 to 15 as “SPJST Days” in Killeen. A memorial acknowledgement was then presented by Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal of Lodge 47, Seaton in memory of departed members. Credential Committee Chairman Ben Trcalek, Jr. of Lodge 17, New Tabor reported that a total of 214 delegates, representing 73 lodges and 33,385 votes were seated for the convention on Monday morning, June 13. The final delegate count, by district, was:
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Resolution Committee Report..........22 District Caucus Results ....................23 Readers Write ....................................27 SPJST News.......................................28 Advertisements .................................29 Lodge Calendar ............................30-31
Youngest and oldest delegates recognized Page 12
District One....................3,060 Votes District Two ...................7,013 Votes District Three.................6,138 Votes District Four...................2,545 Votes District Five ...................7,351 Votes District Six.....................4,032 Votes District Seven ................3,246 Votes
Delegates elected Donnie Victorick of Lodge 9, Snook as Convention Chairman. Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor was elected Convention Vice Chairman. The following committees were assigned by Chairman Victorick and Vice Chairman Skrabanek:
Continued on Page 4.
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Pages 15-17
Convention scenes from district caucus meetings
Honoring our Veterans
Pages 26-27
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Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Editor’s Note
ˇ ´ VESTNIK
Happy Fourth of July!
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 (as of July 1) HIRAM DIXON, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-231-7722 email: hiramd@spjst.com
SECRETARY-TREASURER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: 254-773-1575 Mobile: 254-721-4739 • Home: 254-778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK Office: 254-773-1575 email: royv@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@gmail.com
DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR (as of July 1) BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC 10522 Will Lehman Road, Needville, Texas 77461 Mobile: (979) 739-2386 • Office: (979) 793-7411 email: bradley@needvilleinsurance.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 78114-6092 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
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 Campo, Texas 77437 - 979-543-7120 lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - Lian Pruski, 418 West Hunt Street Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 830-480-2737 lianpruski@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 - Dorothy Pflughaupt, 1243 Clovis Road, Houston, Texas 77008 713-859-8976 dotpflugh@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 - James House, 146 Deer Run, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 830-570-7750 - james.houseconstruction146@gmail.com
INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-272-3440 District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Robert Sill, 400 Westview Terrace, Arlington, Texas 76013 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-234-8117 District Five - Mark Childres, 14011 Laskey Manor Court, Cypress, Texas 77429 - 832-496-6646 mark@childresinsurancegroup.com District Six - Elizabeth Holub, 4624 Freyborg Hall Road, Schulenburg, Texas 78956 - 979-561-8640 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, 305 Bluehaw Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628-6367 - 512-948-5339 - tcannon4715@yahoo.com District Three - Lynda Novak, 7153 Cornelia Ln, Dallas, Texas 75214 - 972-948-4456 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76903 - 325-651-5884 District Five - Vonda Smesny, 2607 Wolcik Road, Crosby, Texas 77532 - 281-627-1375 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
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an you believe the convention ended two weeks ago? We planned and anticipated it for so long, and in what seems like the blink of an eye - it’s over! This week’s post-convention Vestnik features a summary of the convention. Changes and/or amendments to the by-laws are printed on pages 6 to 20. This reflects actions taken by delegates to the 32nd SPJST Convention. The official by-laws of the SPJST will require final review and approval by the By-Law Committee and will be published at a later date. Convention proceedings will also be published later this summer. Thanks to the convention secretaries who have been preparing the minutes from all of the sessions. A special Flag Day salute was presented at the convention. During the recognition, all veterans who were present were called to the front of the auditorium and honored for their service. These veterans are pictured on pages 26 and 27. Almost all of the pages in this issue are dedicated to a summary of the 32nd Convention held June 12 to 15 in Killeen, Texas, where more than 300 SPJST members and guests gathered. I encourage you to take some time to review this Vestnik. Photos from the convention also appear on several pages. Many more photos are available on SPJST’s Facebook page.
Fourth of July Parades Lodge 183, Arlington will host the SPJST Float in the Arlington Fourth of July Parade that begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 4. More than 150 entries will roll through downtown and the University of Texas at Arlington’s College Park District. The parade organizers estimate an attendance of more than 75,000 people. In Belton, the State Royalty and SPJST Float will participate along with close to 200 entries. We will be numbers 160 and 161 in the parade that begins on Main Street at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and travels through downtown. We will be in the front half of the parade as the numbers usually begin at 100. Be sure to watch our SPJST Facebook page for any updates and for photos from these parades. Get Well Soon, Brother Leonard! We send get well wishes to SPJST Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska who had knee replacement surgery on Wednesday, June 22. Brother Leonard is doing good and is at home recovering. We are wishing him a speedy healing process. —SPJST—
For SPJST updates, find us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/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, June 29, 2016
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Family Fun 4 and Important Dates
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July 1-2 July 4 July 4 July 4
July 7-10
July 9 July 13-16
July 15-16 July 16
July 16 July 16
July 17
July 17 July 19-21 July 21-24 July 24 July 24 Aug. 6
Aug. 10
Aug. 12-14 Aug. 20 Aug. 21
Aug. 27 Aug. 27
Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Bake Sale Rudolph’s Meat Market (3) SPJST Home Office Closed • Fourth of July SPJST Float • Belton Fourth of July Parade (2) Lodge 183, Arlington hosts SPJST Float Arlington Fourth of July Parade (3) Districts One/Four/Five Camp (1, 4, 5) SPJST Education and Nature Center, Ledbetter District Two YAD • Lodge 47, Seaton Districts Three/Seven Camp (3, 7) SPJST Education and Nature Center, Ledbetter Lodge 47, Seaton Barbecue Cookoff (2) District Four YAD Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Lodge 51, Ellinger Annual Picnic (1) Lodge 219, El Paso Pool Party Hawkins Swimming Pool (4) District Six YAD Taiton Community Center (6) Lodge 6, Cottonwood Picnic (3) Supreme Lodge Meeting • Home Office, Temple Districts Two, Six Camp (2, 6) SPJST Education and Nature Center, Ledbetter District One YAD • Caldwell Civic Center (1) District Five YAD • Lodge 88, Houston (5) State YAD Frank Mayborn Convention Center, Temple Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Annual Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo (3) Corpus Christi Getaway Lodge 84, Dallas, Youth Club Princess Ball (3) Lodge 4, Hallettsville Family Day Saint Mary’s Hall, Hallettsville (6) Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club Kolache Workshop (1) Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club Country Store Snook VFD Barbecue (1)
SPJST INTEREST RATES . . . 05/01/2016 - 07/31/2016
SPJST Farm/Residential/ Universal Life Commercial Property Universal Life 3 Information (plans 1203-1222 with a Call the SPJST Home Office guaranteed rate of 2.50%) 800-727-7578 for information. Credited Rate: 3.00% 75% Residential/Farm Whole Life/ Loans for 5 to 30 Years Universal Life 3 Commercial Property (plans 1223-1232 with a Loans for 1 to 10 Years guaranteed rate of 2.50%) and 11 to 15 Years Credited Rate: 3.50%
Annuities Annuity 5 (plans 8032-8039 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%
Annuity New 5 Year (plans 8040-8041 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) Credited Rate: 3.00%
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City of Killeen Mayor Jose L. Segarra, left, proclaimed June 12 through 15, 2016, as SPJST Days in Killeen, Texas. He presented the proclamation to SPJST President Brian Vanicek on Monday, June 13 at the 32nd SPJST Convention held in Killeen.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2016
32nd Convention
Continued from Page 1.
Credentials Committee Ben Trcalek, Jr., Chairman (17) Milton Peterson (6) Rita Spinn (80) Convention Secretaries Lisa Blum (17) Shirley Hoelscher (24) Regina House (202) CarrieAnn Jones (154) Risa Pajestka (80) Vonda Smesny (91)
Tellers’ Committee James Skrabanek, Chairman (47) Doris Bronikowski (88) Jeanette Kaminsky (28) Mark Rebecek (79) Arnulfo Rivera (219) Kyle Skrabanek (17) Mary Steinman (154)
Resolution Committee Lorenda Baldwin, Chairman (139) Cristy Girod (29) Gay Revel (97)
Convention Order Committee Yvonne Marcaurele, Chairman (30) Lynda Novak (84) Jarolyn Popp (133)
Grievance Committee Carol Stayton, Chairman (88) Ardis Bacak (40) Joyce Kotulek (207) Joe Liles (80) Jerry Sijansky (79) Don Urbanovsky (6) Ricky Weyand (179) Parliamentarian Roy Vajdak (88)
Timekeeper Brad Teplicek (49)
Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Beckendorf (196)
Convention Banquet Delegates and guests gathered at the convention center for an evening dinner on Monday. Many special guests attended the banquet, including 2015-2016 SPJST State King Brady Alexander and State Duke Seth Martinez, both of Lodge 47, Seaton, and State Queen Kacie Vanecek and State
Duchess Makayla Newsom, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville. Attendees enjoyed listening and dancing to music by Czech and Then Some. The band was courtesy of Allen Bailey and Associates, Inc. Actuaries of Austin.
By-Laws Revised By-Law Committee members led deliberations on Tuesday. By-law changes and amendments adopted by delegates at the 32nd Convention appear on pages 6 to 20 of this week’s Vestnik. The official by-laws of the SPJST will require final review and approval by the By-Law Committee and will be published at a later date.
Financial Considerations The Finance Committee presented its recommendations for delegates’ considerations on Wednesday morning. The report included recommendations regarding remunerations for convention participants and salary recommendations for individuals employed by SPJST. Recommendations for Youth Department allocations and allocations for various other outreach and charitable projects were also made. Other Standing Committee Reports Also on Wednesday, reports were delivered to the convention by the Insurance and Publication Committees. Reporting on behalf of the Insurance Committee was Chairman Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor. She recognized the sales agents who were delegates and challenged them to increase sales. She stated that premium income and certificates were up. Reporting on behalf of the Publication Committee was Chairman Jarolyn Popp of Lodge 133, San Antonio. She summarized the activities of the Vestnik/Communication Department in the past four years and stated that the new redesigned website will be unveiled this summer. She announced that 5,000 copies of the SPJST Tasty Traditions Cookbook were sold which raised $41,500 for the Czech Heritage Museum and SPJST Education and Nature Center.
Patriotic Tribute Wednesday afternoon’s agenda included a Flag Day patriotic tribute presented by Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek. Youth club member Tanner Wood of Lodge 49, Rowena
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was announced as the Flag Day Essay Contest winner. His winning essay was read by Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny. President Vanicek then invited all SPJST veterans to come forward and be recognized.
2020 Convention Delegates voted for the 33rd SPJST Convention to be held in Killeen, Texas, on June 14 to 17, 2020.
Delegate Recognitions President Vanicek recognized the delegates attending the most conventions—Bob Bayer of Lodge 107, Floresville; Josephine Pflughaupt of Lodge 88, Houston; and Elaine Berkovsky of Lodge 63, Sweet Home attending their 12th convention. The youngest delegate in attendance was Kyle Skrabanek, age 27, of Lodge 17, New Tabor, and the oldest delegate was Josephine Pflughaupt, age 91, of Lodge 88, Houston. Elections Elections for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, and SecretaryTreasurer, and Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication followed. After the lunch break, SPJST Home Office staff members were introduced.
District Caucus Following the elections for the four state positions, the convention recessed into district caucuses to elect district directors and district standing committee members. The convention then reconvened for district caucus result announcements and installation. The convention adjourned at 6:09 p.m. with CarrieAnn Jones of Lodge 154, Fort Worth leading the delegates in singing “God Bless America.”
The official proceedings of the 2016 Convention will include complete reports of the By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication Committees, Supreme Lodge Officers, and Supreme Lodge Directors. These proceedings and updated 2016 bylaws will be published and distributed to local lodges and convention delegates. Any member who would like to receive a copy can do so by contacting the Secretary-Treasurer’s office. —SPJST—
32nd SPJST Convention election results
Statewide election results of the 32nd SPJST Convention are as follows: Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone
Supreme Lodge Vice President Hiram Dixon Lodge 183, Arlington
Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy
Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point
District director election results of the 32nd SPJST Convention are listed below: District One Director Donnie Victorick Lodge 9, Snook District Two Director Jesse Pospisil Lodge 29, Taylor
District Three Director John Engelke Lodge 66, Waco District Four Director Billy Rollwitz Lodge 49, Rowena District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha Lodge 81, Needville
District Six Director Karen Kaspar Lodge 30, Taiton
District Seven Bob Bayer Lodge 107, Floresville
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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State positions elected at the convention are Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, second from left, with son Samuel, wife Joan, and daughter Stephanie; Supreme Lodge Vice President Hiram Dixon;
Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska; and Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny with husband David Nauert.
By-Law Committee
Finance Committee
Front, left to right, Beverly Teplicek of Lodge 49, Rowena; Ronnie Rieger of Lodge 29, Taylor; and Dorothy Pflughaupt of Lodge 88, Houston. BACK: Joe Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville; Kay Lynn Kovar of Lodge 25, Ennis; Oscar Korus of Lodge 107, Floresville; and Richard Ford of Lodge 13, Dime Box.
Left to right, Thomas Cannon of Lodge 186, Caldwell; Edwin Pechal of Lodge 47, Seaton; Michael Galler of Lodge 66, Waco; Dewyan Weise of Lodge 49, Rowena; Marceil Malak of Lodge 88, Houston; Glenn Kaminsky of Lodge 28, East Bernard; and James House of Lodge 202, Jourdanton.
Insurance Committee
Publication Committee
Left to right, Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor; Patsy Koslovsky of Lodge 47, Seaton; Robert Sill of Lodge 183, Arlington; Leonard Jansa of Lodge 160, San Angelo; Mark Childres of Lodge 196, Houston-West; Elizabeth Holub of Lodge 23, Moravia; and Wendy Pruski of Lodge 107, Floresville.
Left to right, Floyd Kostelka of Lodge 13, Dime Box; Tammy Cannon of Lodge 29, Taylor; Lynda Novak of Lodge 84, Dallas; Vonda Smesny of Lodge 91, San Jacinto; Helen Kelner of Lodge 28, East Bernard; Betty Schwartz (standing in for Sharon Hohmann of Lodge 160, San Angelo); and Jarolyn Popp of Lodge 133, San Antonio.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Scenes from the 32nd SPJST Convention in Killeen, Texas ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
2016 SPJST Convention Delegates pictured in front of the November 5th, 2009 Fort Hood Memorial
By-Laws of the SPJST As Approved in June 2016 by Delegates to the 32nd Convention
Changes and/or amendments contained herein reflect actions taken by delegates to the 32nd SPJST Convention. The official by-laws of the SPJST will require final review and approval by the By-Law Committee and will be published at a later date. Text in blue denotes changes/amendments. PREAMBLE
The main idea and purpose of this Society, as organized by fearless and peaceloving Czech pioneers in Texas, was and is: To provide and promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members.
To endeavor to keep alive the cherished traditions, customs, heritage, culture, and language of our forefathers.
And generally, through moral, spiritual, and economic respect, to encourage benevolence and humanity through the Society with sound practical life insurance for its members.
This Society operates under the lodge system and provides for the payment of life, sick, accident, or other benefits to its members. ARTICLE I NAME
The name of this Fraternal Benefit Society is SPJST, originally chartered as Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas (Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas {SPJST}). ARTICLE II PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal office (Home Office) of SPJST shall be located in Temple, Texas. Section 1.
ARTICLE III MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Mission. Insuring and enriching lives.
Section 2. Vision. Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.
ARTICLE IV FRATERNAL BENEFICIARY SOCIETY
SPJST is a 501(c)(8) non-profit corporation formed, organized, and incorporated under the fraternal benefit society laws of the State of Texas; and carried on solely for the mutual benefit of its members and their communities and beneficiaries; and having a lodge system, with a representative form of government. SPJST shall have all the powers granted to it by law. SPJST will strive to be a financially strong fraternal benefit society and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance and value-added benefits to its members. SPJST will conduct its affairs in a manner that is perceived as a good corporate citizen. ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP
Section 3. Application for Membership. Individuals may become members if they meet the requirements for membership established by SPJST, apply for membership upon a form in use by SPJST, and are accepted into membership in accordance with the rules, procedures, and rituals of SPJST. All members must be citizens or legal residents of the United States.
Section 4. Local Lodge Membership. The local lodge has the right to determine whether it will accept an applicant for membership into the lodge. Upon receipt of notification of a new candidate for membership, the local lodge must vote to accept or to reject the candidate no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting after application is accepted. The candidate for membership must receive a majority vote of those present and voting to be accepted as a member. The local lodge secretary notifies the candidate whether he/she is accepted or rejected. If rejected, the member may begin application to another lodge. No one may hold membership in more than one SPJST lodge. Section 5.
Membership Classes. There shall be the following classes of members:
(a) Adult Member.
(1) A person of 16 or more years whose application has been accepted and approved and to whom there has been issued a certificate of membership and insurance or annuity which is in force or who is receiving a settlement agreement benefit by reason of such insurance or annuity. It is expressly determined that in this latter event, the owner of the insurance or annuity, if different from the insured, shall have no privileges of membership and the insured will retain these rights.
(2) A person may become a member by purchasing an annuity in a minimum amount as set by the Supreme Lodge and pays his or her local lodge dues and assessments, if any, annually in advance.
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The 32nd Convention of the SPJST was called to order by Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, not pictured, at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2016. LEFT PHOTO: District Four Director Billy Rollwitz, left, of Lodge 49, Rowena and Don Urbanovsky of Lodge 6, Cottonwood posted the colors. PHOTO 2: CarrieAnn Jones of Lodge 154, Fort Worth sang the National Anthem. PHOTO 3: Fred Buri of Lodge 88, Houston sang the Czech National Anthem, Kde Domov Muj? RIGHT PHOTO: David Bucek,
(3) Further, it is determined that in the event that a third party owner surrenders the insurance or annuity, the insured who is the member shall have his/her membership privileges imparted by the surrendered insurance or annuity terminated immediately.
(4) Members upon reaching age 16 automatically become adult members with all rights of adult members by complying with all requirements of adult membership. (5) Adult members whose life insurance certificates have matured based on the applicable mortality table shall remain members of SPJST, with all the privileges and benefits of active members and shall not be required to pay any dues or assessments. (6) An adult member suspended for non-payment of premiums, dues, and assessments, if any, loses his/her right to vote and is not eligible for election.
(7) Adult members are eligible for election as officers of local lodges, in the district, delegates, as committee members, and as members of the Supreme Lodge.
(b) Youth Member. SPJST may insure the lives of children. Such insurance shall be issued upon the application of an authorized adult (who shall not by reason thereof, nor by reason of any benefit providing for waiver of premium, become a member) who has an insurable interest. At insurance (sic) age 16, the insured youth shall become an adult member.
(c) Associate Member. An associate member is a person who holds an SPJST certificate purchased through an outside agency under contract with SPJST selling group insurance. This member will not have SPJST or local lodge privileges, benefits, or voting rights.
(d) Social Member.
(1) A social member is a member whom a lodge votes in as a social member, who completes a social membership form, and who pays his/her membership dues and assessments, if any, to the local lodge.
(2) A social member is not eligible to vote or hold office; however, a social member may, at the discretion of the local lodge, serve on an appointed committee with the inherent right to deliberate and vote on that committee.
(3) A social member must pay for the Vestnik if he/she desires to receive it.
(4) An uninsurable child whose parent or guardian is a member can participate in the youth program.
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far right, of Lodge 151, Wharton led the Pledge of Allegiance. Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman/District Six Director Karen Kaspar of Lodge 30, Taiton then offered a convention prayer. Supreme Lodge Chairman/District One Director Donnie Victorick, second from right, of Lodge 9, Snook issued words of welcome to the delegation. Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal, second from left, presented a memorial acknowledgement in memory of departed members.
Section 6. Membership Guidelines. All members shall guide themselves according to the charter, constitution, and by-laws of SPJST; otherwise, they are subject to penalty as defined by these by-laws and as prescribed by the Supreme Lodge for violation and non-observance of them. No subordinate body, nor any of its subordinate officers or members, shall have the power or authority to waive any of the provisions of the by-laws of SPJST. Such provisions shall be binding on SPJST and every member and beneficiary of a member. Section 7. Induction of New Members. Induction of new members may be conducted at a time and date convenient to the local lodge and the new members. ARTICLE VI CONVENTION
Section 8. Purpose. The Supreme Governing Body of SPJST shall be known as the Convention and shall be composed of delegates elected according to the rules of these by-laws. The Convention is the sole judge of eligibility and qualifications of all delegates and substitutes. The Convention has the power to: (a) Adopt, amend, and supplement the by-laws of SPJST.
(b) Receive and act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge officers and directors and all committees, which must be published in the Vestnik 30 days before the Convention. Directors may make one combined report if they so agree.
(c) Elect Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Office (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees.
(d) Determine salaries of Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Office (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees.
(e) Determine compensation for all delegates, Convention officers, and committee members, and Convention expense borne by SPJST. Delegates, Convention officers, and committee members will be paid the week following the Convention. (f) Decide what donations will be made to various charities and educational institutions, etc.
Section 9. Regular Conventions. Regular Conventions are held once every four years. The date of the next regular Convention shall be set by the Supreme Lodge and published in the Vestnik no later than January of the Convention year.
Section 10. Special Conventions. Special Conventions may be held upon a twothirds vote of all members of the Supreme Lodge for an urgent matter concerning the welfare of SPJST. Such special Conventions shall be held at such time and place
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as may be determined by the Supreme Lodge. No business may be taken up at such special Convention except for the purpose for which called, which purpose shall be clearly and distinctly set forth in the call for the special Convention. A call for a special Convention shall be deposited in the United States mail at least 30 days prior to the convening of such special Convention, addressed to each delegate at his/her last known address as shown by the records of SPJST. At the special Convention, delegates from each lodge shall have the same number of votes as at the preceding regular Convention.
(i) District caucuses. The purpose of these seven, separate district caucuses is to nominate and elect a district director and substitute; By-Law Committee member and substitute; Finance Committee member and substitute; Insurance Committee member and substitute: and Publication Committee member and substitute. Each delegate will vote in accordance with Section 24 (Votes) of the by-laws. The district director will act as temporary chair of the district caucus until delegates elect a permanent chair.
Section 12. Ballot In Lieu of Special Convention. In lieu of calling a special Convention, the Supreme Lodge may send a ballot to all delegates by mail or by email. The ballot may include one or more resolutions that could be considered and adopted at a special Convention. The proposed resolution or resolutions must be mailed to the delegates at least 30 days before the ballots must be returned. Delegates from each lodge shall have the same number of votes as at the preceding regular Convention. A resolution shall be deemed adopted upon receipt of signed ballots with votes equal to the number of votes that would have been needed to adopt the resolution at a special Convention at which all delegates were present.
(l) Adjourn Convention.
Section 11. Quorum. Two-thirds of delegates seated at any regular or special Convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business.
Section 13. Order. All proceedings of the Convention will be conducted in the following order, unless decided otherwise by the Convention Order Committee and approved by the delegates:
(a) Supreme Lodge President convenes the Convention and appoints a temporary committee of seven tellers, one from each district, to tabulate votes during the election of the Convention Chairman and Convention Vice Chairman.
(b) Credentials Committee report. A list of names of elected delegates and number of votes each lodge and delegate is entitled to will be made available to delegates at the beginning of the Convention. At least 30 days prior to the Convention, the Supreme Lodge President will appoint three members to the Credentials Committee. (c) Elect Convention officers (Chair and Vice Chair) and name Convention committees (Resolution, Grievance, Order, Teller, other necessary committees) from among the delegates. (d) Act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge members and all standing committees (By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication). (e) Deliberate by-laws.
(f) Convention committees’ reports. (g) Miscellaneous business.
(h) Elect Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees.
LEFT PHOTO: Convention Chairman Donnie Victorick of Lodge 9, Snook and Vice Chairman Susan Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor. CENTER PHOTO: Credentials Committee. Left to right are Milton Peterson of Lodge 6, Cottonwood; Ben Trcalek, Jr. of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and Rita
(j) Select location for the succeeding Convention.
(k) Install elected officials and standing committee members.
Section 14. Convention Officers. The Supreme Lodge President shall convene the Convention and shall preside until a Convention Chair is elected. The Supreme Lodge President shall appoint the secretaries of the Convention. The Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair are the Convention officers.
Section 15. Convention Committees. The following committees appointed by the Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair will function during the Convention: (a) Resolution Committee – three members.
(b) Grievance Committee – seven members, one from each district.
(c) Convention Order Committee – three members.
(d) Election Teller Committee – seven members, one from each district. This committee has the authority to employ machine operators, if needed. (e) All other necessary committees.
Section 16. Proceedings. All proceedings in the Convention, unless such rules are not covered by the by-laws, are conducted in accordance with the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
Section 17. Discussions. All Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, and standing committee members may participate in the discussions at the Convention, but they do not have the right to make motions, vote, or nominate unless they are delegates. (a) No concern can be discussed in the Convention unless it was first presented to the Grievance Committee and acted upon by that committee.
(b) No motion to change by-laws or amendment thereto can be presented to the Convention unless the motion or amendment thereto has been submitted to the By-Law Committee 60 days prior to the Convention so that the committee could study such motion or amendment and deliver its opinion.
(c) Requests for donations, support, salaries, or increase of salaries must be presented to the Finance Committee 60 days prior to the Convention for consideration, approval, or rejection, or the request cannot be discussed in the Convention.
Spinn of Lodge 80, Holland. RIGHT PHOTO: Resolution Committee. Left to right are Lorenda Baldwin of Lodge 139, Danbury; Gay Revel of Lodge 97, Placedo; and Cristy Girod of Lodge 29, Taylor.
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Section 18. Voting. The enactment, deletion, or amendment to a by-law requires a two-thirds vote by authorized votes of delegates present. Unless otherwise required by law or the laws of SPJST, all other matters are decided by a majority of authorized votes of the delegates present. Delegates shall vote by voice, show of hands, standing, roll call, or secret ballot as designated by the Convention Chair. No delegate shall vote by proxy. All new by-laws become effective on the latter of July 1 or the date filed with Texas Department of Insurance following the Convention at which they were adopted. Section 19. Election of Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Office (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, and District Directors. Establish a screening process for the purpose of reviewing all qualifications of submitted candidates for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Office (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, and seven District Directors. The screening committee has the right to gather additional background information, submit the slate of qualified candidates to the delegates 90 days prior to Convention, and shall have the discretion to consult with personnel with legal and human resource expertise to assure compliance with current labor laws. The By-Law Committee will serve as the screening committee. Anyone seeking the positions of Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Office (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, or District Director must announce candidacy at least 120 days prior to Convention.
Section 20. Minutes. The minutes shall be kept and approved in the English language. A copy of the Convention minutes shall be sent to each local lodge secretary; all Convention delegates; members of all standing committees (By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication); and all members, upon request.
Section 21. Publicity. Supreme Lodge President and Editor/Director of Communication are responsible for appropriate publicity pertaining to Conventions. ARTICLE VII LODGE DELEGATE ELECTIONS
Section 22. Election of Delegates. Delegates and substitute delegates shall be elected no later than January at the local lodge meeting that precedes the Convention for the term from one Convention to the next Convention. Section 23. Number of Delegates per Lodge. Every lodge has the right to elect delegates in accordance with its membership.
(a) The number of delegates a lodge may send to the Convention shall be based on the following scale: (1) One delegate for lodges with 20 to 100 adult members;
(2) One additional delegate for each additional 150 adult members.
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shall send the substitute delegate or delegates with the most votes. A lodge losing the required number of members between such time shall not lose the delegate or delegates.
(c) New Lodges. A lodge chartered during the Convention year may elect its delegates and its substitutes any time before the convening of the Convention. A lodge chartered, merged, or reorganized less than three years preceding the election of its delegates may elect its delegates and substitutes from among those members having attended a majority of the regular meetings from the date of its charter, merger, or reorganization.
Section 24. Votes. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every active (sic) member. Delegates from each lodge shall divide their lodge’s votes equally among themselves. In the event the votes do not divide evenly among delegates, the extra votes shall be assigned to the delegate receiving the highest number of votes at the annual lodge meeting.
Section 25. Substitute Delegates. Substitute delegates shall be elected according to the procedures for election of delegates. No more than 10 substitute delegates shall be elected per lodge. A substitute delegate shall attend the Convention if one of the elected delegates cannot attend. The substitute delegate or delegates shall be chosen to fill vacancies according to which substitute delegate received the most votes at the annual lodge meeting. Section 26. Delegate Requirements.
(a) Qualifies as an adult member.
(b) Is present during the election or is absent due to unavoidable circumstances.
(c) Attended a majority of the regular meetings of the lodge during the three years preceding the Convention. (When there is a conflict with the date of their local lodge meeting, Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, state field representatives, (sic) and state and district fraternal activities coordinators, on official business, may count as attending a regular meeting for this purpose. The state youth director, district youth counselors and their assistants, on official business, may count as attending youth club meetings. Notification must be given to the local lodge secretary prior to the event with written confirmation made by the party within two weeks following the event.) Newly transferred members’ attendance record of the previous lodge shall be accepted. (d) Is a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election.
(e) Is not an officer or director of another fraternal life insurance society.
(f) Any member who desires to serve as a delegate who is an underwriter of any Old Line (sic) insurance company or an agent (underwriter) of any other fraternal life insurance society may be elected but must first disclose this information to the local lodge members prior to the election.
(b) Changes in Lodge Membership. If a lodge obtains enough new active members to qualify for an additional delegate to the Convention in the time period between the annual meeting and 60 days before the Convention, then that lodge
Section 27. Term. Delegates and substitute delegates shall hold office until their successors are seated at the following Convention. The delegates and substitutes to
LEFT PHOTO: Convention Secretaries. Front, left to right, CarrieAnn Jones of Lodge 154, Fort Worth; Lisa Blum of Lodge 17, New Tabor; and Shirley Hoelscher of Lodge 24, Cyclone. Back: Regina House of Lodge 202, Jourdanton; Vonda Smesny of Lodge 91, San Jacinto; and Risa Pa-
jestka of Lodge 80, Holland. CENTER PHOTO: Parliamentarian Roy Vajdak of Lodge 88, Houston. RIGHT PHOTO: Convention Order Committee. Left to right are Yvonne Marcaurele of Lodge 30, Taiton; Lynda Novak of Lodge 84, Dallas; and Jarolyn Popp of Lodge 133, San Antonio.
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the most recent regular Convention shall be the delegates and substitutes to any special Convention or for any ballot in lieu of a special Convention. If a delegate is not in the Convention by the second day, he/she will not be seated unless he/she has a good excuse, such as serious illness/emergency or death in immediate family. In the event of the merger of two or more lodges following the Convention, those delegates of each lodge shall be entitled to the same number of votes they had at the preceding Convention. Section 28. Delegate Selection Procedure.
(a) When a lodge is entitled to two or more delegates, the nomination and election of delegates is made by whatever procedure is deemed most convenient and expedient by the local lodge. If a nominating committee is used, nominations from the floor must be permitted. In the election process, a secret ballot may be used. Ballots containing more nominees than permitted are void and not counted. The nominees receiving the highest number of votes are elected. (b) The result of the election of delegates and substitutes shall be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) within 30 days after the election. Failure to do so will nullify the lodge’s delegates.
(c) The Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) forwards to the local lodge secretary the required forms in duplicate that must be filled out by the secretary and signed by the president and secretary of the local lodge, to certify the election of the delegate and substitute. After completion, one form must immediately be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer). The elected delegate must present the second form to the Credentials Committee during Convention registration. The credential form must contain:
(1) A statement of the number of regular meetings held by the lodge the delegate is representing.
(2) The number of regular meetings attended by the delegate in each of the three calendar years preceding the Convention.
(3) The mileage from the delegate’s home to the Convention site and return.
(d) Lodges failing to comply with all required lodge duties and obligations within 60 days prior to the Convention will lose their right to representation at the Convention. (e) In the event of a delegate’s death, incapacity, or transfer to another lodge, he/she shall automatically be replaced by the first substitute of such lodge. ARTICLE VIII SUPREME LODGE
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authority to provide rules and regulations for the extension and development of SPJST and shall have all other necessary and incidental powers to carry out the objectives of SPJST and such other duties as prescribed by these by-laws. Section 30. Conflicts of Interest.
(a) No agent of any other life insurance company, or any officer or director of any similar fraternal order is eligible to membership in the Supreme Lodge.
(b) No Supreme Lodge member shall receive commission for the sale of property belonging to SPJST. No Supreme Lodge member can buy property from SPJST. No Supreme Lodge member shall be personally liable to SPJST or its members for monetary damages for any act or omission in the officer’s or director’s capacity as an officer or director except in the following instances: (1) For any breach of the officer’s or director’s duty of loyalty to SPJST or its members;
(2) For any act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law; (3) For any transaction from which the officer or director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from action taken within the scope of the officer’s or director’s position;
(4) For any act or omission for which the liability of an officer or director is expressly provided for by statute or payment of a dividend.
(c) No person can be an employee of the Supreme Lodge if he/she is related to any member of the Supreme Lodge within the third degree, as construed under Section 573 of the Government Code of the Texas Revised Civil Statutes.
Section 31. Duties. The affairs of SPJST shall be managed under the direction of the Supreme Lodge between regular meetings of the Convention. The Supreme Lodge has the duty and authority to: (a) Provide leadership for all SPJST members and others. (b) Promote fraternalism between lodges.
(c) Learn and promote Czech heritage and language and the history of SPJST. (d) Employ legal counsel on an as-needed basis.
(e) Provide sufficient insurance coverage for the protection of SPJST.
(f) Conduct a strategic planning process and develop an annual business plan with clearly defined qualitative and quantitative goals.
Section 29. Composition. The Supreme Lodge shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Director of Accounting/Information Technology Services (Financial Secretary), and seven elected directors (one from each of the seven districts). The Supreme Lodge shall have the
(g) Approve a contract on an annual basis, if deemed beneficial, for the printing of the Vestnik, after consulting with a member of the Publication Committee designated by that committee, and the Editor/Director of Communication.
LEFT PHOTO: Tellers’ Committee. Left to right are Kyle Skrabanek of Lodge 17, New Tabor; James Skrabanek of Lodge 47, Seaton; Mary Steinman of Lodge 154, Fort Worth; Arnulfo Rivera of Lodge 219, El Paso; Doris Bronikowski of Lodge 88, Houston; Jeanette Kaminsky of Lodge
28, East Bernard; and Mark Rebecek of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi. CENTER PHOTO: Timekeeper Brad Teplicek of Lodge 49, Rowena. RIGHT PHOTO: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Beckendorf of Lodge 196, HoustonWest.
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(h) Adopt formulas to determine the amount of refund to lodges based on premium income from members and other incentive factors after a review of the annual statement and consultation with the actuary. (i) Adopt such additional plans and tables of insurance including annuities and universal life products, which appear to be beneficial, according to fraternal insurance laws of the State of Texas. (j) Ratify compensation schedule and incentive programs for sales agents.
(k) Fill vacancies in the Supreme Lodge and Editor/Director of Communication with the exception of the President, as specified in Section 41 (Vacancy). (l) Employ a certified public accountant, upon recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), to prepare a detailed report concerning the condition of SPJST.
(m) Prepare a report of its progress/accomplishments since the preceding Convention. Each Supreme Lodge officer must submit a report to be printed in the Vestnik at least 30 days prior to the Convention. Directors may submit one combined report, if they so agree.
(n) Investigate all irregularities, disorders, and incompetence in office of any Supreme Lodge member and Editor/Director of Communication (after consultation with the Publication Committee). Following a thorough investigation, including a hearing of such charges and 20 days advance notice to the accused, the Supreme Lodge may discharge the accused from his/her office by a twothirds vote.
(o) Suspend local lodges for not performing their local lodge duties and for irregularities detrimental to SPJST. In the event of suspension, and until the suspension is lifted by the Supreme Lodge, one or more of the following shall be in effect:
(1) The loss of representation at regular and special Conventions of SPJST.
(2) All official lodge records and papers shall be relinquished to the Supreme Lodge for examination. (3) The name and number of the local lodge will be dropped from the roster of the lodges.
(4) The loss of representation at district meetings and other functions of SPJST. (5) The loss of representation at all youth functions on the district and state levels. (6) No new applications for membership will be accepted. (7) No transfers into the lodge will be accepted.
Grievance Committee. Left to right are Ricky Weyand of Lodge 179, Warrenton; Joe Liles of Lodge 80, Holland; Don Urbanovsky of Lodge 6, Cottonwood; Joyce Kotulek of Lodge 207, Iowa Park; Carol Stayton of Lodge 88, Houston; Ardis Bacak of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; and Jerry Sijansky of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi. RIGHT PHOTO: 2015-2016 SPJST State
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(8) All meetings and activities normally carried on by such lodge will cease.
(9) No local lodge dues will be collected.
(p) Suspend or discharge local lodge officers and committees for irregularities in office detrimental to SPJST on charges filed by members of the local lodge or the Supreme Lodge, and after 20 days notice to the accused and due hearing thereon, by a vote of two-thirds of the Supreme Lodge.
(q) Employ the Director of Accounting/Information Technology Services (Financial Secretary).
(r) Determine the amount of application fee and rate of interest on mortgage loans according to prevailing conditions, and the demand for loans in the best interest of SPJST. (s) Determine areas that can be outsourced or partnered for increased efficiency.
(t) Ratify the sale and purchase of bonds and stocks by a majority vote.
(u) Ratify the salary of Home Office employees, as proposed by Supreme Lodge officers and Editor/Director of Communication. (v) Assign further duties to any member of the Supreme Lodge.
Section 32. Supreme Lodge Chair. The Supreme Lodge shall elect a chair and vice chair for a term of one year from among its seven elected district directors. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Supreme Lodge and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Supreme Lodge. The vice chair will preside in the absence of the chair.
Section 33. Regular Meetings. The Supreme Lodge shall meet quarterly during the third week or weekend in January, April, July, and October. In case of necessity, the President has the right to change the date of the meeting. Meetings are open to SPJST members except during executive sessions concerning personnel, disciplinary matters, litigation, or threatened litigation. Section 34. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Supreme Lodge may be called by the President, in case of necessity. In the event that two-thirds of the Supreme Lodge members determine a necessity for a special meeting, and the President refuses to call such a meeting, the two-thirds members may, by written notice, call all Supreme Lodge members to such a special meeting and hold the meeting. Two-thirds of the Supreme Lodge members will constitute a quorum at special meetings. Section 35. Location. Meetings of the Supreme Lodge shall be held at the Home Office, unless the President or the Supreme Lodge designates an alternative location.
Section 36. Quorum and Voting. Two-thirds of the Supreme Lodge members shall constitute a quorum. The act of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which quorum is present shall be the act of the Supreme Lodge, unless the act of a greater number is required by the Charter of Incorporation, by-laws, or applicable law.
Royalty are pictured at the convention banquet on Monday, June 13 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. They are, State Duchess Makayla Newsom, front, and State Queen Kacie Vanecek, both of Lodge 48, Beyersville, and State Duke Seth Martinez, front, and State King Brady Alexander, both of Lodge 47, Seaton.
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Section 37. Electronic Communication. The Supreme Lodge and any committee or sub-committee of the Supreme Lodge, or any other meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the Convention, may meet by telephone conference or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other.
Section 38. Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Supreme Lodge or any committee or sub-committee of the Supreme Lodge may be taken without a meeting by written consent of all of its members then in service. A written consent under this provision shall have the same force and effect as a vote taken at a meeting.
Section 39. Minutes. The Supreme Lodge will designate a Home Office staff member to record minutes of all transactions at all open Supreme Lodge meetings and special meetings. The Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) will maintain minutes and exhibits of the Supreme Lodge meetings and Investment Committee meetings. Written consent may be given electronically. (a) The minutes will be printed in the Vestnik within 30 days after each regular or special Supreme Lodge meeting.
(b) The minutes will include each item voted on at the meeting with a record of how each Supreme Lodge member voted on each issue. Matters concerning personnel, disciplinary matters, litigation, threatened litigation, and marketing plans will not be included.
Section 40. Committee Establishment. The Supreme Lodge may appoint an audit committee and other committees of the Supreme Lodge to have such authority as the Supreme Lodge may delegate. Each committee shall consist of three or more Supreme Lodge members. Additional committee members may be appointed by the Supreme Lodge. A majority of the members of each committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all committee business.
Section 41. Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy by the President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Director of Accounting/Information Technology Services (Financial Secretary), or Editor/Director of Communication (after consultation with the Publication Committee), such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the Supreme Lodge.
(a) The office of President shall be temporarily filled by the Vice President until a new President is appointed by the Supreme Lodge. (b) In the event of a vacancy by a district director, the position shall be filled by his/her substitute.
(c) In the event of a vacancy by a substitute director who succeeded the director, the district president shall call a meeting of the delegates of the previous regular Convention to a place centrally located for the purpose of electing a new director and his/her substitute for the term to the next Convention. This election shall be carried out within 30 days. The results of the election shall be announced to the Supreme Lodge without delay.
LEFT PHOTO: Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak and wife Becky. CENTER PHOTO: Youngest delegate Kyle Skrabanek, age 27, of Lodge 17, New Tabor and oldest delegate Josephine Pflughaupt, age 91, of Lodge 88,
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Section 42. Removal of Supreme Lodge Members. A Supreme Lodge member may be removed from the Supreme Lodge “for cause” by a two-thirds affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the Supreme Lodge excluding the Supreme Lodge member whose status is at issue at a meeting called for that purpose. “For cause,” for purposes of this section, shall include:
(a) inability or failure to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Supreme Lodge member; (b) engaging in conduct unbecoming of a Supreme Lodge member;
(c) absence from two Supreme Lodge meetings during the course of a calendar year, without good cause; (d) breaching a fiduciary duty owed to SPJST, its members, or beneficiaries;
(e) materially violating these by-laws, the Charter of Incorporation, or any code of ethics or conflict of interest policy adopted by SPJST; or (f) ceasing to be a member of SPJST.
A determination of cause shall be made within the reasonable discretion of the Supreme Lodge. All Supreme Lodge members, upon termination of their tenures, must deliver to their successors all property belonging to SPJST. ARTICLE IX SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS
Section 43. Officer Requirements. To be a Supreme Lodge officer, an individual must meet the following requirements:
(a) Be a member of SPJST for at least three consecutive years preceding the election or appointment. (b) Be a citizen of the United States of America.
(c) Must have at least $50,000 of SPJST life insurance or if uninsurable, then an SPJST annuity in at least the amount of $20,000. (d) Appreciate and promote the Czech language and culture and fluently speak the English language.
(e) Any other requirements that the Supreme Lodge may prescribe that take into consideration and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST.
Section 44. Terms. The term of office for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) and Supreme Lodge officers elected at the 32nd Convention is from July 1 of the Convention year to June 30 of the following Convention year.
(a) No officer can hold more than one office at a time, and no officer can receive more than one compensation at one time.
Houston. RIGHT PHOTO: Delegates attending the most conventions - 12 - are, left to right, Josephine Pflughaupt of Lodge 88, Houston; Bob Bayer of Lodge 107, Floresville; and Elaine Berkovsky of Lodge 63, Sweet Home.
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(b) No Supreme Lodge officer or his/her spouse can receive commissions for services as a sales agent.
(c) No Supreme Lodge officer may hold any position in the districts or lodges.
Section 45. General Duties.
(a) Coordinate and conduct workshops for the training of local lodge officers in the first quarter of each year.
(b) Submit a quarterly report of all services performed to the Supreme Lodge members prior to each Supreme Lodge meeting. (c) Submit reports regularly to the Vestnik.
Section 46. President. The President is the official head of SPJST and oversees all departments. The President is an ex officio member of all appointed committees within the Supreme Lodge. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the President must also have experience and knowledge in the fraternal life insurance field; demonstrated leadership capacity in the fraternal activities field; management skills; and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with others. Other requirements include:
(a) Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business or equivalent work experience. (b) Management and marketing experience.
Section 47. Vice President. The Supreme Lodge Vice President shall assist the President in activities promoting SPJST. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Vice President must also have experience and knowledge in the fraternal life insurance field; demonstrated leadership capacity in the life insurance field; marketing and management skills; and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with others. Other requirements include:
(a) Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business or equivalent work experience. (b) 5 to 10 years of life insurance experience. (c) Management and marketing experience. (d) Annuity certification.
Section 48. Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer). In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) must have experience in corporate management and administration/accounting and knowledge in the mortgage lending and loan origination field, investment management, and claims and annuity administration. Other requirements include:
(a) Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business or equivalent work experience. (b) 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the investment field.
Section 49. Director of Accounting/Information Technology Services (Financial Secretary). In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Director of Accounting/Information Technology Services (Financial Secretary) must have experience and knowledge in the accounting and information technology fields. Other requirements include: (a) Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business or equivalent work experience.
(b) 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible management experience in the accounting field.
Section 50. Staff. After consulting with the President, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), and Director of Accounting/Information Technology Services (Financial Secretary) have the authority to hire employees working directly under the respective officer.
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ARTICLE X SUPREME LODGE DIRECTORS
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Section 51. Director Requirements. These qualifications shall reflect the complexity and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST and shall therefore include expertise in corporate governance, financial accounting, and insurance, among others. To be a Supreme Lodge director, an individual must meet the following requirements: (a) Be a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election.
(b) Be an active member for at least three consecutive years prior to the time of election. (c) Have SPJST life insurance in force or, if uninsurable, have an SPJST annuity. (d) Meet the lodge attendance requirements for delegates.
(e) Appreciate and promote the Czech language and culture and fluently speak the English language. (f) Attend the Convention or have an excuse for not being present that is acceptable by two-thirds of the delegates.
(g) Be capable of assuming the responsibilities as outlined herein and as established by SPJST from time to time. (h) Reside within the bounds of director’s respective district.
Section 52. Terms. The term for directors is from July 1 of the Convention year to June 30 of the following Convention year. No director can hold any position in the SPJST Home Office or district. Section 53. General Duties. The Supreme Lodge directors will: (a) Oversee the management and progress of SPJST.
(b) Oversee the compliance of all by-laws and decisions of the Conventions and Supreme Lodge. ARTICLE XI EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND VĚSTNÍK – OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
Section 54. Qualifications. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Editor/Director of Communication must have experience editing and composing a newspaper; possess journalistic qualifications; have knowledge of the fraternal benefit system and English and Czech languages; and be well versed in media law, especially as it relates to privacy concerns and libel. Section 55. General Duties. The Editor/Director of Communication will: (a) Manage all aspects of the Věstník.
(b) Manage all aspects of the SPJST internet website.
(c) Coordinate public relations in the community and across the state to improve SPJST’s public image as directed by the Supreme Lodge President. (d) Submit a quarterly report of all services performed to the Supreme Lodge members prior to each Supreme Lodge meeting.
Section 56. Terms. The Editor/Director of Communication’s position will be elected by the delegates at the Convention. The term of office is from July 1 of the Convention year to June 30, following the Convention. The Editor/Director of Communication may not hold any position in the district or serve as an agent for any other life insurance company or any similar fraternal order.
Section 57. Staff. After consulting with the President, the Editor/Director of Communication has the right to hire employees working directly under the Editor/Director of Communication.
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Section 58. Supreme Lodge Discussions. The Editor/Director of Communication will be included in any Supreme Lodge discussions involving the Věstník/Communication Department.
Section 59. Dismissal. The Publication Committee has the obligation to see that the Editor/Director of Communication does not print articles inimical to the best interests of SPJST and that he/she otherwise fulfills his/her obligation. The Editor/Director of Communication may be dismissed after first being recommended for dismissal by a majority of the Publication Committee. Following a thorough investigation, including a hearing of such charges and 20 days advance notice to the accused, the Supreme Lodge may discharge the Editor/Director of Communication from office by a two-thirds vote. The authority of dismissal rests with the Supreme Lodge whose decision is by two-thirds vote. The Editor/Director of Communication may be dismissed for any of the following offenses: (a) Incompetence, which means he/she does not manage the Věstník satisfactorily in a dignified and professional manner. (b) Willfully refusing cooperation with the Publication Committee. (c) Using the Věstník for personal promotion. (d) Promoting ideas harmful to SPJST.
Section 60. Official Publication Věstník. SPJST shall have an official publication. The name of the official publication shall be Věstník. The Věstník will be published as a weekly newspaper and in color.
Section 61. Subscriptions. A Věstník shall be sent to SPJST members as shown on the records of SPJST, except that if SPJST records show that two or more members have the same mailing address, an official publication mailed to one of them is deemed mailed to all of them at the same address unless a separate copy is requested. Names and addresses of members requesting the Věstník must be furnished to the Home Office. Schools, colleges, and universities offering and instructing the Czech language for credit will receive the Věstník free of charge upon request. Section 62. Věstník Content. The Věstník shall contain material grouped in sections, including original editorial articles, various reports, a youth section, and a Czech heritage/cultural section. A portion of the printed material shall be in the Czech language.
(a) Letters should be of purely fraternal spirit, without political, religious, or anti-religious inclinations. (b) Each Věstník shall include the contact information for Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, and all standing committee members. (c) The Věstník shall have lessons in the Czech language.
(d) Any notice, report, or statement required by law, including notice of election, may be published in the Věstník.
(e) During the month of May, names and addresses of district and local lodge secretaries will be published in the Věstník.
(f) At least 30 days prior to the convention, the Věstník will include pre-convention reports of the Supreme Lodge officers and directors and standing committees and a list of delegates’ names and lodge numbers.
(g) Any suggestions for the improvement of the contents of the Věstník should be referred to the Editor/Director of Communication or to the chairman of the Publication Committee, and the committee will then direct the Editor/Director of Communication to make the changes accordingly.
Section 63. Objectionable Material. The Publication Committee will make decisions concerning objectionable contributions in the following manner:
(1) If the Editor/Director of Communication considers any matter questionable or harmful to SPJST, he/she shall mail a copy of the material in question to each member of the Publication Committee, who shall respond by return mail. The committee may consult with legal counsel.
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(2) If the material is considered acceptable by four members of the committee, the Editor/Director of Communication will publish the article in its entirety.
(3) No letter may be published in its censored form without consent of the writer. Objectionable material will be returned to the writer by the Editor/Director of Communication. If the Editor/Director of Communication fails to submit material turned down by him/her, the writer may submit the letter to the Publication Committee Chairman and the decision of the Publication Committee will override the opinion of the Editor/Director of Communication. ARTICLE XII STANDING COMMITTEES: BY-LAW, FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND PUBLICATION
Section 64. Composition. Each standing committee shall be comprised of seven members, one elected by each district. The committee members elected at the Convention will function through the succeeding Convention. Section 65. Committee Officers. Each standing committee shall convene immediately following the Convention and elect a committee chair, vice chair, and secretary from its membership.
Section 66. Eligibility. Supreme Lodge members, their spouses, and SPJST Home Office employees are not eligible for membership on any standing committee, but they are free to attend the committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the committees in every way possible. The committee has the right to deliberate and hold executive sessions during which the persons mentioned in this section will not be present. (a) Committee members must attend their respective district spring meetings. If two meetings are missed during a four-year period, the substitute will be appointed to complete the remainder of the term.
(b) In the event that neither the elected member nor his/her substitute can serve on the committee for which such member has been elected, the district delegates from the preceding Convention shall elect another member from the district membership to serve. The election procedure will be determined by the district officers. The district president shall notify the secretary of such standing committee and the Supreme Lodge of the results of the election without delay.
Section 67. Quorum and Voting. A majority of each standing committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of standing committee. The committee shall act by a majority of committee members present.
Section 68. Electronic Communication. Any meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the Convention, may meet by telephone conference or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other.
Section 69. Compensation. Committee members will receive compensation for attending meetings as adopted by the preceding Convention. Section 70. By-Law Committee.
(a) Purpose. The By-Law Committee’s purpose is to:
(1) Consider, arrange, and recommend motions for amending by-laws of the succeeding Convention. (2) Eliminate conflicts in the by-laws. (3) Codify and rearrange the by-laws.
(4) Deliberate and decide on all recommendations for amending the bylaws and, if necessary, prepare and present its own recommendations for changes, additions, or deletions of any articles. (5) Submit recommendations to the Věstník for publishing 30 days prior to the Convention.
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(6) Arrange and compile the newly-adopted by-laws with all changes and amendments immediately following the Convention. The By-Law Committee will eliminate duplications, remove conflicting articles, and recodify all by-laws, in compliance with the Texas Department of Insurance.
(7) Submit a neat, readable, finished product with a complete index to the publisher within 90 days after the Convention.
(8) Print the by-laws. The printer must forward one copy of the proof to each member of the committee for approval and one copy to each Supreme Lodge member for comments. Such comments shall be forwarded to the By-Law Committee within 10 days after receipt thereof and prior to final approval by the committee. The Supreme Lodge determines the number of copies to be printed and furnishes copies to lodges and members, upon request. (9) Forward a sealed package containing all of the committee’s records from the Convention to the Supreme Lodge President. The sealed package may be opened in case of necessity only in the presence of the Supreme Lodge. (10) The Home Office will provide assistance as needed to accomplish this purpose.
(b) Meetings. The By-Law Committee convenes not later than January of the Convention year. In the event additional recommendations are made in the Convention, and if the committee deems it advisable for the purpose of considering and deciding on such recommendations, the committee will convene during the Convention and present its recommendations. (c) By-Law Recommendations.
(1) Recommendations for changes to the by-laws must be signed and submitted to any member of the By-Law Committee not later than 60 days prior to the Convention. Recommendations must be submitted in the English language. (2) The By-Law Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Věstník for publication.
(3) Rejected recommendations can be presented by a delegate in the Convention during deliberation of the respective article.
Section 71. Finance Committee.
(a) Purpose. The Finance Committee’s purpose is to: (1) Review the prior year financial statement.
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(3) Recommend whether a bonus will be paid to Supreme Lodge members and Editor/Director of Communication. The Finance Committee will recommend a formula as how the bonus is to be paid. No bonus shall be paid without the consent of the Finance Committee.
(4) Recommend to the Convention per diem of delegates and committees; salaries of elected officials; donations; allocations; and expenditures. Requests must be signed and submitted to any member of the Finance Committee not later than 60 days prior to the Convention. Requests not submitted 60 days prior to the Convention cannot be brought up for discussion on the Convention floor. The Finance Committee recommendations shall be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention.
(b) Meetings. The Finance Committee shall meet annually. The committee will meet as necessary during the year of the Convention, after January 1.
Section 72. Insurance Committee.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Insurance Committee is to:
(1) Outline and report to the Convention the growth and progress of the Insurance Department. (2) Provide input to the Supreme Lodge Vice President on products and innovative ideas. (3) Represent SPJST by promoting insurance programs and products.
(4) Participate in lodge and district events to inform the membership on matters pertaining to the Insurance Department.
(b) Meetings. The Insurance Committee will meet as requested by the Supreme Lodge Vice President. One meeting must be held at least six months prior to the Convention to consider by-law recommendations.
Section 73. Publication Committee.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Publication Committee is to:
(1) Outline and report to the Convention the format, editorial policies, and general usefulness of the Věstník. This report will be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention. (2) Determine what material proposed to be included in the Věstník may be harmful to and against the best interests of SPJST.
(2) Review all compensation and financial benefits of Supreme Lodge members and Editor/Director of Communication. Any increase in compensation must be approved by the delegates of the current (sic) Convention.
(b) Meetings. The Publication Committee will meet annually. Special meetings will be held in exceptional cases when problems cannot be settled by correspondence.
LEFT PHOTO: Delegates lodging at Shilo Inn were able to view the November 5th, 2009 Fort Hood Memorial, which is located between the Killeen Civic and Conference Center and Shilo Inn. CENTER PHOTO:
Home Office staff members Tammy Martinez, left, and Janie Coakley serve kolaches during an afternoon break. RIGHT PHOTO: District One delegates gather in the district caucus meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
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ARTICLE XIII DISTRICTS
Section 74. Composition. Districts are subordinate bodies under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. SPJST is divided into seven districts across the state of Texas in which lodges are located. The districts are composed of the following counties:
(a) DISTRICT ONE: Austin, Bastrop (except Lodge 18), Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Cherokee, Fayette, Grimes, Houston, Lee, Leon, Madison, Panola, Robertson, Rusk, Trinity, Walker, and Washington.
(b) DISTRICT TWO: Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Coryell, Falls, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Lampasas, Llano, McCulloch, Mason, Menard, Milam, San Saba, Travis, Williamson, Lodge 18, Elgin (located in Bastrop County), and Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy (located in McLennan County).
(c) DISTRICT THREE: Anderson, Bosque, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Clay, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Grayson, Gregg, Hamilton, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Jack, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Limestone, McLennan (except Lodge 200, BrucevilleEddy), Marion, Montague, Morris, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Smith, Somervell, Tarrant, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wise, and Wood.
(d) DISTRICT FOUR: Andrews, Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor, Borden, Brewster, Briscoe, Brown, Callahan, Carson, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Comanche, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Culberson, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Donley, Eastland, Ector, El Paso, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Gains, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hansford, Hardeman, Hartley, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Hudspeth, Hutchinson, Irion, Jeff Davis, Jones, Kent, Kimble, King, Knox, Lamb, Lipscomb, Loving, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Midland, Mills, Mitchell, Moore, Motley, Nolan, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Pecos, Presidio, Randall, Reagan, Reeves, Roberts, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Shackelford, Sherman, Sterling, Stephens, Stonewall, Sutton, Swisher, Taylor, Terrell, Terry, Throckmorton, Tom Green, Upton, Val Verde, Ward, Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Winkler, Yoakum, and Young. (e) DISTRICT FIVE: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Tyler, and Waller.
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(a) Members of every district must hold at least one business meeting each year, which may be combined with social and youth activities.
(b) Every district formulates its own rules and regulations that must not conflict with the by-laws of SPJST. Any time a district desires to adopt a new activity program, which is not provided for in SPJST’s by-laws, it will present its proposal to the district director, who in turn, will present it to the Supreme Lodge for approval. (c) All deliberations and minutes must be conducted in the English language.
Section 76. District Officers. The following district officers shall be elected during the first meeting of the year: president; first vice president (to serve as fraternal activities coordinator for the district unless the district elects a fraternal activities coordinator as a separate position); second vice president (optional); secretary; treasurer; fraternal activities coordinator (optional); reporter (optional); district youth counselor; assistant youth counselor; and flag bearer. Section 77. Duties of District Officers.
(a) President. (1) Preside at all district meetings utilizing basic parliamentary procedure and conduct business according to an agenda. (2) See that all by-laws, rules, and regulations are observed by the members assembled. (3) Appoint the majority of all appointed committees. (4) Sign all letters and other documents. (5) Represent the district in public relations and official SPJST functions. (6) Work with other district officers to coordinate district activities. (7) Perform all duties and obligations as set out by the rules and regulations of the district. (b) Vice President. (1) Assist the president in meetings. (2) Appoint the minority of members on all appointed committees. (3) Serve as the fraternal activities coordinator for the district if a separate position is not elected. (4) Perform all duties and obligations as set out by the rules and regulations of the district. (5) Assume the president’s duties in the event of incapacity, absence, resignation, or death.
(g) DISTRICT SEVEN: Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Cameron, Comal, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Real, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Webb, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala.
Section 75. District Meetings. Districts have the right to assemble for consultation, information, and administration within the limits of the by-laws of SPJST.
(c) Secretary. (1) Maintain a record of attendance at all meetings. (2) Prepare and direct district correspondence. (3) Maintain correspondence with the Home Office on district changes and other important information. (4) Maintain accurate minutes of all deliberations in the meetings as provided in the constitution and by-laws. (5) Forward a list of district officers to the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) within 30 days after the district election. (6) Receive all mail and reply thereto at the request of the president of the district.
LEFT PHOTO: Tallying votes in District Two’s caucus. CENTER PHOTO: Delegates in the District Three caucus ask questions and lis-
ten attentively. RIGHT PHOTO: Delegates cast their ballots in the District Four caucus.
(f) DISTRICT SIX: Aransas, Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, and Wharton.
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(d) Treasurer. (1) Receive all money. (2) Pay all bills of the district. (3) Receive written report from all committees within 48 hours showing receipt and handling of all funds. (4) Render to the membership periodic reports of all district assets and resources, monetary, and other. (5) Submit his/her books, including all checks and statements, to the auditing committee at the district meeting. The books must be audited at least once per year. (e) Fraternal Activities Coordinator. (1) Suggest, plan, and coordinate all fraternal activities for the district. (2) Work with committee members to accomplish fraternal activities. (3) Keep and maintain accurate records of district fraternal services. (4) Work with the district officers to set goals. (5) Comply with requests from the Home Office for fraternal services and other reports on district fraternal activities.
(f) Reporter. (1) Write interesting articles and district news for the Vestnik and local newspapers. (2) Photograph and record district events for posterity and news articles. (3) Submit event photographs to the Vestnik and local newspapers. (4) Coordinate publicity for the district.
(g) District Youth Counselor. (Complete duties are defined in the current SPJST Youth Club Handbook) (1) Organize and conduct district camp. (2) Initiate and conduct all youth programs at district meetings. (3) Plan and coordinate at least one district-wide social for all youth members in the district per year, provided funds are available. (4) Conduct annual district youth leader training. (5) Organize and conduct District Youth Achievement Day. (6) Visit each youth club in his/her district at least once during the year. (7) Communicate with youth leaders in the district on a regular basis (at least once per quarter). The DYC will conduct an orientation with a new youth leader. (8) Publicize district youth events, including YAD and camp, in the Vestnik and local media outlets (newspaper, radio, television, community bulletins, internet), when possible. (9) Submit an annual report to the State Youth Director and Supreme Lodge President no later than 30 days following the district’s annual spring meeting. (10) Submit quarterly reports, including youth club contacts and district youth fund activity, to the State Youth Director.
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a person designated by a majority of the other district officers who will then seek ratification of their appointment at the next district meeting.
Section 80. District Annual Allocation. Each district will receive an allocation of $3,500 per year from the Supreme Lodge to be placed in the district’s General Expense Fund. This sum is to be used by the district to pay the lodge hosting the district meeting $750 per meeting with the balance being used to defray the expenses of the district and to promote growth for SPJST.
Section 81. District Audit Committee. The district must elect or appoint an audit committee, consisting of three or more members. If appointed, the president appoints the majority of the committee, and the vice president appoints the minority. This is to be done in the annual meeting. The duties of the audit committee are to audit at least once a year the income and expense of the operation of the district and the district youth. This information will be reported to the district. Section 82. District Meeting Order of Business. (a) Convening of the meeting (b) Pledge of Allegiance (c) Welcome by host lodge president (d) Roll call of officers (e) Roll call of lodges (f) Recognition of guests (g) Reading of minutes (h) Tribute to departed members (i) Reading of 50- and 75-year and Age 96 members (j) Treasurer’s report (k) District Youth Counselor’s report (l) Reports of standing committee representatives (By-law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication) (m) Supreme Lodge report (n) Director’s report (o) Old business (p) New business (q) Audit committee report (r) Election of district officers (s) Selection of site, time, and date of fall fun day/spring meeting (t) Adjournment ARTICLE XIV LOCAL LODGES
Section 78. District Planning Meetings. The district director may attend meetings of the district officers in an advisory or planning capacity but does not have a vote.
Section 79. District Officer Resignation. In the event of the resignation of the president between district meetings, the first vice president will automatically assume that office. Any other positions vacated between district meetings shall be filled by
Section 83. Charter. Lodges and youth clubs are subordinate bodies under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. Individual local lodges must receive their charters from the Supreme Lodge. Lodges are largely self-governing organizations but shall comply with these by-laws, the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order,” Local Lodge Officers’ Handbook, and all other requirements adopted by the Supreme Lodge. Local lodges may, upon adoption of a proper resolution by its (sic) membership, incorporate for fraternal, benevolent, and charitable purposes and make contracts, purchases, mortgages, lease and hold real and personal property necessary to carry out its purposes under the Non-profit Corporation Act of the State of Texas.
LEFT PHOTO: Newly-elected District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha, right, addresses the delegates and expresses thanks to outgoing District Five Director Larry W. Pflughaupt, left, during the caucus. CENTER PHOTO: Delegates in the District Six caucus wait for election
results. RIGHT PHOTO: Leading the District Seven caucus are, left to right, Jarolyn Popp of Lodge 133, San Antonio, Director Bob Bayer of Lodge 107, Floresville, and Jerry Sijansky of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi.
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Section 84. Rules and Regulations. Lodges shall have the right to make and adopt rules and regulations in conformity with the Charter of Incorporation and by-laws of SPJST and not in conflict with any regulations or requirements of the Supreme Lodge. Such laws, alterations, or amendments are to take effect only upon the written consent of the Supreme Lodge. Every lodge is authorized, at its will, to grant sick benefits as often as it sees fit to do in accordance with its own rules and regulations.
Section 85. Charter Withdrawal. The Supreme Lodge may withdraw the charter of any lodge in the event the Supreme Lodge determines that withdrawal is in the best interest of SPJST. The Supreme Lodge shall provide for the disposition of property of lodges that have been suspended or dissolved in a manner consistent with the purposes of lodges.
Section 86. New Lodges. A newly established lodge is free to adopt any name with Supreme Lodge approval. Prior to granting permission to designate a proposed lodge in an area, the Supreme Lodge shall review and consider the potential need for the area, and the proximity of existing lodges. (a) The application for permission to organize a new lodge must be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge on an appropriate form listing the names of not less than 20 respectable persons who were not members of SPJST at the time of application but who have applied for insurance and have been accepted as members in anticipation of forming a new lodge.
(b) The Supreme Lodge will then send a representative to the new lodge for the purpose of organizing the lodge, electing officers, and giving basic lodge organizational instruction and general information about SPJST.
(c) After a new lodge has sufficient members, other than transfers and juveniles, it must, after one year of its organization, be formally chartered in accordance with the wishes of the members and the Supreme Lodge ritual.
(d) If 20 members cannot be secured immediately, a proposed lodge can be designated and members can be accumulated over a period of up to 365 days into the proposed lodge in process of being formed. The Supreme Lodge has the authority to extend this period. If a lodge is not organized within the period authorized, the Supreme Lodge will assign any members in the proposed lodge to another lodge of the member’s choice or to the nearest SPJST lodge.
Section 87. Mergers. Two or more lodges wishing to merge or consolidate may do so if notice is given to the membership of both lodges in the Věstník at least twice before the meeting at which consolidation is to be considered. Each member who has attained the age of 16 years will be mailed a written notice that a merger will be voted upon at such meeting. The merger can become effective only if a majority of the members present of each merging lodge vote in favor of the merger.
Section 88. Lodge Meetings. Local lodges must conduct monthly meetings unless they have permission from the Supreme Lodge to meet every three months so as to remain in good standing and have authority to elect delegates to the Convention. Meetings are conducted on the day and hour specified by the regulations of the local lodge.
LEFT PHOTO: Home Office Staff member Susan Shofner, left, sells SPJST promotional merchandise in The SPJST Store at the convention. CENTER PHOTO: President Brian Vanicek, at podium, introduces
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(a) Presence of five members of a local lodge in good standing constitutes a quorum for valid transaction of all business of the local lodge, according to the by-laws and rules. (b) Discussions of political and religious matters of any kind are not allowed in lodge meetings. The president of the lodge is required to stop such discussions.
(c) Each member has the right to attend meetings of other lodges; however, he/she does not have the right of deliberation, unless called upon by the president. (d) Officers and committees are installed in the regular meeting following the annual meeting or at a time deemed most expedient to the lodge. (e) All deliberations and minutes may be conducted in the English language.
Section 89. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting is to be held in November or December, or the first meeting thereafter. The election of nominated candidates is held during the annual meeting at which time every member has the right to vote for any other candidate on his/her ballot. Whenever a lodge deems it necessary, with the consent of two-thirds of the members present, it may nominate candidates for officers, delegates, and committees in the meeting preceding the annual meeting.
Section 90. Lodge Dues. Every local lodge determines its own local dues, if any, at annual meetings. Every lodge has the right to levy special dues and assessments, if any, on its members when the regular assessments and funds of the lodge are not sufficient to cover the sick benefits and other purely lodge purposes and requirements. These assessments also apply to social members. Members who have their certificates paid up in due course, according to the terms thereof and who wish to remain active members, must pay the local lodge dues and assessments, if any, as prescribed by the lodge to which they belong, payable annually. Dues are to be paid to the treasurer before or at the end of the regular business meeting. Section 91. Suspension of Membership. Members may be suspended from local lodge membership but will not lose their insurance benefit except for nonpayment of premiums or if it occurs within the contestable period of the benefit contract and is for material misrepresentation in the application for membership or insurance. Section 92. Lodge Officers. The following officers will be elected: president, vice president (to serve as fraternal activities coordinator for the lodge unless the lodge elects a fraternal activities coordinator as a separate position), second vice president (optional), secretary, treasurer, fraternal activities coordinator (optional), reporter (optional), and youth leader (optional). Lodges will also elect or appoint a flag bearer (optional), assistant youth leader(s) (optional), and parliamentarian (optional).
(a) The offices of the local lodge president and secretary cannot be combined, but each other office may be combined with other offices.
(b) Election of officers is by ballot whenever more than one candidate is nominated for the same office. A majority of votes decides. Officers are elected for one year or until their successors are elected. All officers elected take office on January 1, except lodges holding annual meetings in January, in which case such officers take office immediately following election.
his staff members present at the convention. RIGHT PHOTO: Vice President Clifton Coufal, far left, is pictured with his staff members who were present at the convention on Wednesday, June 15.
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(c) All outgoing local lodge officers must turn over all records, reference material, booklets, etc., and money to their successor in good order at the end of their term.
Section 93. Board of Trustees. In case of necessity and if the size and volume of business warrants it, a lodge may elect a board of trustees. The board of trustees may consist of as many members as the lodge deems expedient. The board of trustees is responsible for all lodge property and gives a current account of that property to the members.
Section 94. Candidate Eligibility. In nominating a candidate for local lodge office, only those members who attend the lodge functions and meetings on a regular basis should be elected. A lodge may require in its rules and regulations that a member must have attended a majority of the meetings for the year of the election in order to be elected as an officer. An exception to the attendance requirement exists where an office has not been filled prior to the election. A member on suspension, for whatever reason, will not be elected to a position of responsibility in the lodge. Any member of the local lodge who desires to serve as a lodge officer who is an underwriter of any Old Line (sic) insurance company or an agent (underwriter) of any other fraternal life insurance society may be elected but must first disclose this information prior to the election.
Section 95. Dissolution. In the event of dissolution of a lodge, after the payment of all legally binding debts, the remaining assets and funds of the lodge, if any, shall never inure to the benefit of any member of the lodge and no funds or property of the lodge shall be distributed among or revert to any member. Nothing herein will prevent transferring such funds or property to another duly chartered SPJST local lodge, or from one duly chartered SPJST lodge merging with another duly chartered SPJST lodge. (a) No lodge can be dissolved as long as 20 members are still in favor of its further existence.
(b) In case a lodge is dissolved, it is the duty of the last officers to deliver all books and papers belonging to the lodge to the Home Office.
Section 96. Insurance. All lodges are encouraged to secure and maintain liability insurance in the minimum amount of $300,000 and workers’ compensation insurance (if the lodge has any employees) and have the carrier/insurer furnish proof of such coverage to the Home Office. This also includes those lodges that do not own their lodge facility. ARTICLE XV BENEFIT CERTIFICATES
Section 97. Contract. The certificate of membership and insurance or annuity, together with any riders or endorsements attached to it, the application, the declaration of insurability (if any) signed by the applicant, the Charter of Incorporation, by-laws of SPJST, and Operations Manual and all amendments to them, constitute the entire contract when it is issued. Any subsequent changes, additions or amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws shall be binding upon the applicant member, cer-
LEFT PHOTO: Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska, not pictured, introduces his staff members who were present at the convention on Wednesday afternoon, June 15. CENTER PHOTO: Financial Secretary
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tificate owner, beneficiaries and other persons affected, and shall govern and control in all respects, except that no changes shall destroy or diminish benefits promised in the certificate when it was issued.
Section 98. Terms. Any person upon whose life a certificate is issued prior to attaining the age of 16 years shall be bound by the terms of the application and certificate and by all the laws and rules of SPJST to the same extent as though the age of 16 years had been attained at the time of application. Section 99. Beneficiaries. Benefit certificates may be made payable to such person or persons, entity, or interest as may be permitted under the rules and regulations of SPJST and applicable laws.
(a) In the event a named beneficiary predeceases the insured or is otherwise not legally entitled to receive the certificate proceeds, the certificate proceeds shall be paid per stirpes to the family members of the insured in the following succession, as applicable, (a) the surviving spouse; (b) children; (c) grandchildren; (d) parents; (e) brothers and sisters; (f) grandparents; (g) other relatives in accordance to the laws of descent and distribution of Texas. In the event it is determined that the deceased insured has no living relatives, after a reasonable search, the certificate proceeds shall be paid to the estate of the insured. (b) A beneficiary shall not have or acquire any claim against SPJST whatsoever until the insured dies unless otherwise provided by law.
(c) If a member moves from his/her last known address and his/her absence cannot be accounted for, for a period of seven years, his/her beneficiary will be paid the proceeds accruing under the certificate (Section 133.001, Civic Practice and Remedies Code or its successor).
Section 100. Reserves. If the reserves as to all or any class of certificates become impaired, the Supreme Lodge may require that there shall be paid by the owner to SPJST the amount of the owner’s equitable proportion of such deficiency as ascertained by the Supreme Lodge. If such payment is not made, either: (a) it shall stand as indebtedness against the certificate and draw interest not to exceed the rate specified for certificate loans; or (b) in lieu of or in combination with, the owner may accept a proportionate reduction in benefits under the certificate.
Section 101. Certificate Loans. The policies and procedures for certificate loans shall be governed by the terms of the insurance certificate contract and laws of the State of Texas. Certificate loans are administered in accordance with policies and procedures determined by the Supreme Lodge and fully in compliance with the certificate contract. Section 102. Assignments. No assignment of the certificate shall be binding upon SPJST until the original or copy is filed with SPJST at the Home Office and the Home Office shall have made written acknowledgment thereof. SPJST assumes no responsibility for the validity of any assignment and any claim hereunder by an assignee shall always be inferior to those of SPJST to secure any indebtedness against this certificate, whether such indebtedness shall be created before or after any assignment.
Roy Vajdak is pictured with his staff members. RIGHT PHOTO: Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny, right, introduces her staff.
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Section 103. Change of Beneficiary. Any member desiring to change his/her beneficiary may do so.
(a) The request for change of beneficiary must be completed by the member on a form in use by SPJST. Change of beneficiary forms must be filed with SPJST at its Home Office. A person whose designation as a beneficiary is revocable may not have or obtain a vested interest in the proceeds before the certificate pays out.
ARTICLE XVIII INDEMNIFICATION
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Section 106. Indemnification. To the extent permitted by law, SPJST does hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Supreme Lodge member and Editor/Director of Communication serving the SPJST against liability for any claims or causes of action which may be made against any of the above stated individuals, of any kind or nature, for such acts or omissions which would arise in the performance of their duties. SPJST shall agree to pay any damages on behalf of any of the above stated individuals for which they may be held liable. SPJST shall agree to pay any and all expenses that may be incurred by any of the above stated individuals, including, but not limited to payment of reasonable attorney fees for defense of any claims or cause of action made whatsoever.
(b) No beneficiary change shall take effect unless received by the Home Office during the lifetime of the insured. When it is received, any change shall take effect as of the date the request for beneficiary change was signed, as long as the request for change was mailed or actually delivered to the Home Office while the insured was alive. Such beneficiary change shall be null and void where SPJST has made a good faith payment of the proceeds or has taken other action before receiving the change.
Section 107. Insurance. SPJST shall maintain insurance on each Supreme Lodge member and Editor/Director of Communication against liability for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties as determined by the Supreme Lodge.
Section 104. Eligibility Requirements. SPJST members (life insurance certificate holders) are eligible and may purchase an annuity with a $100 minimum contribution.
If any section of these by-laws should not be explicit, or in case of uncertainty or dispute as to its intent or meaning, the Supreme Lodge shall have the power to decide upon such situation; and its decision shall remain in force until such decision or section is duly amended.
ARTICLE XVI ANNUITY CERTIFICATES
Section 105. Exceptions.
(a) Any individual under 70 years of age must apply for an SPJST life insurance certificate, but if rated above standard, the individual may become a member with the purchase of an annuity in an amount of $1,000 minimum.
(b) Any individual under 70 years of age regardless of insurability may become a member with the purchase of an annuity in an amount of $5,000 minimum. (c) Any individual over 70 years of age regardless of insurability may become a member with the purchase of an annuity in an amount of $1,000 minimum. ARTICLE XVII MORTGAGE LOANS
ARTICLE XIX INTERPRETATION OF BY-LAWS
ARTICLE XX RULES OF PROCEDURE
If the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST are silent as to any procedural aspect of any action or meeting hereunder, the procedures of the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall control such procedure. ARTICLE XXI AMENDMENTS
Section 108. Repeal/Amend. These by-laws may be repealed or amended in whole or in part by a two-thirds majority vote at any regular or special Convention.
The Supreme Lodge is fully authorized to set policy and procedure in connection with members’ applications for loans on real estate. No one individual or corporation may have total loans exceeding $500,000. This limitation does not apply to SPJST lodge buildings and 501(c)(3) organizations. No director shall be permitted to evaluate a mortgage loan if he/she is related to the applicant either by blood, marriage, or business connections, or if he/she has any direct or indirect interest in the loan to be made.
Section 109. Effective Date. Amendments to these by-laws shall take effect on July 1 following the Convention at which they were adopted. All amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST or a synopsis thereof shall be published in the Věstník or mailed directly to members within the time required by the laws of the State of Texas. The Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) shall file with Texas Department of Insurance a certified copy of each amendment not later than the 90th day after the date of enactment of the amendment. A printed copy of the by-laws, as amended, that is certified by the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) is prima facie evidence that the by-laws were legally adopted. —SPJST—
LEFT PHOTO: Ashley Victorick, left, of Lodge 88, Houston visits with Supreme Lodge Vice President Clifton Coufal. CENTER PHOTO: Left to right are Honorary Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar and wife Nancy, S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Business Office Manager Diane Volek; S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Administrator (Taylor) Woody Richards; S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Marketing Director (Taylor) Julie Stermer;
S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Administrator (Hillje) Rowena Tabler-Smith; Sylvia Rollwitz of Lodge 49, Rowena; District Four Director Billy Rollwitz; and S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Assistant Business Manager (Taylor) Shelley Werchan. RIGHT PHOTO: Nancy Machu of Lodge 29, Taylor displays various Czech items at the Texas Czech Genealogical Society booth at the convention.
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Recommendations of the Finance Committee as Approved in June 2016 by Delegates to the 32nd Convention
The following is a summary of remunerations which were approved by delegates to the 32nd SPJST Convention.
Convention Remunerations Delegates .............................$220 per day Directors ..............................$230 per day Convention Chairman..........$305 per day Convention Vice Chairman.................$275 per day Convention Secretaries .......$345 per day (includes extra hours) Parliamentarian....................$230 per day By-Law Committee.............$230 per day Finance Committee .............$230 per day Publication Committee........$230 per day Insurance Committee...........$230 per day Members on All Other Committees ...........$230 per day Time Keeper........................$230 per day Sergeant-at-Arms.................$230 per day
Mileage.........................54 cents per mile or the IRS adjusted rate at time of travel for one round trip. Mileage will be paid only to the delegate furnishing the transportation. Delegates using commercial mode of transportation will be reimbursed for their expenses not to exceed 54 cents per mile or the IRS adjusted rate at time of travel. The District Director of each district will encourage the delegates to minimize expenses for the district by utilizing carpooling or bus transportation for a group. The District Director will review and approve the delegate’s claim voucher for the district prior to submission for payment by the Supreme Lodge. No individual may qualify for more than one per day “the higher per day” remuneration.
Present and past officers, directors, and Editor/Director of Communication of SPJST who are not delegates or paid a per day convention rate, shall be reimbursed meals, mileage, and lodging, and receive two tickets to all convention activities. Effective immediately.
Standing Committees After the 2016 convention, all standing committees shall be paid $200 per day, additional $40 per day for chairman and secretary of standing committees or vice chairman when acting in place of the chairperson. Committee members shall be paid for official meetings ONLY. The Standing Committees that meet on the day before the convention convenes be paid, per day, lodging for one night, and meals, as outlined by the previous conven-
tion, at the existing standing committee rate.
Other Committees The Credentials Committee will be paid for working the day before the convention convenes, as outlined by the previous convention, at the existing standing committee rate.
Officers’ Salaries 01/01/2017 - 12/31/2017...........$130,000
Compensation for 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be reviewed annually by the Finance Committee. No more than a 6 percent increase annually.
Members of the Supreme Lodge are to assume duties July 1 in the year of their election. Any incumbent officers being replaced shall be relieved of his/her duties June 30. A newly elected officer, replacing an incumbent officer in the Supreme Lodge, will be paid 75 percent of the scheduled salary for six months. After six months, the performance will be reviewed and the salary adjusted as deemed appropriate by the Supreme Lodge. The Supreme Lodge will review and make adjustments to the salary as necessary, but not to exceed the salaries authorized by the 2016 convention delegates.
Longevity Pay Officers will be paid annually $200 for each year of completed employment with SPJST, after the 20th year of employment, and adjusted for each year of service added.
Editor/Director of Communication 01/01/2017 - 12/31/2017...........$107,500
Compensation for 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be reviewed annually by the Finance Committee. No more than a 6 percent increase annually. The Editor/Director of Communication is to assume duties July 1 in the year of his/her election. Any incumbent Editor/Director of Communication being replaced shall be relieved of his/her duties June 30. Any newly elected Editor/Director of Communication replacing an incumbent will be paid 75 percent of the scheduled salary for six months. After six months, the performance will be reviewed and the salary adjusted as deemed appropriate by the Supreme Lodge. The Supreme Lodge
will review and make adjustments to the salary as necessary, but not to exceed the salary authorized by the year 2016 convention delegates. Directors 01/01/2017 - 12/31/2017.............$31,500
Compensation for 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be reviewed annually by the Finance Committee. No more than a 6 percent increase annually. Members of the Supreme Lodge are to assume duties July 1 in the year of their election. Any incumbent District Director being replaced shall be relieved of his/her duties June 30. In addition to the annual salary, Directors will be paid $200 per day for attending Supreme Lodge meetings and be paid $100 per evaluation, including final evaluations on real estate, plus mileage at 54 cents per mile, or IRS rate at time of travel, lodging, and cost of meals with receipts, not to exceed $35 per day. The salary includes delivery of scholarships and insurance certificates, attending lodge meetings within the district, District Youth Achievement Day, workshops, and all other duties performed for the Society.
District Youth Counselors $240 per day, and all assistants, as outlined by the By-Laws, be paid $180 per day, mileage 54 cents per mile, or IRS rate at time of travel, lodging, and actual cost of meals with receipts not to exceed $35 per day while on duty. Any other reimbursements will be recommended to and approved by the Supreme Lodge.
Youth Department Authorize the Supreme Lodge to provide quarterly reimbursements of $2 per youth to the local lodge youth clubs. Annual allocations of $160 for each camper attending camp for 2016. The allocation will be increased to $195 for campers attending four nights to cover the cost of one extra night and one extra meal. The Finance Committee will review the allocation for 2017, 2018, and 2019 at the annual meeting. All funds are to be accounted for and audited by the district audit committee, and a report given at the district spring meeting. The audit (income and expense) must be filed with the Supreme Lodge President within 30 days after the audit. The district youth counselor and district audit committee must see that the report is filed. Any unused revenue is to be placed in the district youth fund. Authorize the Supreme Lodge to contribute to the district $1.10 per year for every insured member who has attained the age of 16 years. This amount must be for the benefit of the youth.
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District Allocation The annual allocation to each district will be increased to $4,000 of which $1,000 will be paid to the lodge hosting the district meeting.
District Fraternal Activities Coordinators $100 per day and 54 cents per mile, or IRS adjusted rate at time of travel, lodging, and actual cost of meals with receipts, not to exceed $35 per day while on duty. Any other reimbursements will be recommended by the President of the Society and approved by the Supreme Lodge. Example: District teams to state tournaments.
Education and Nature Center No financial request was made, but the Finance Committee will review annually.
Czech Heritage Museum The Finance Committee recommends a $50,000 contribution for operations and $43,000 for the salary of the Administrator for 2017, thereafter to be reviewed annually by the Finance Committee.
Rest Homes $1,500 per year, per rest home. The funds are to be placed in the Rest Home Charity fund. Those funds are to be for the rest home residents. $1,500 annual allocation to the S.P.J.S.T. Assisted Living Home. These funds must be used for residents of the Assisted Living Home.
Scholarship Fund Authorize the Supreme Lodge to contribute $40,000 per year to the Scholarship Fund, $7,000 of the $40,000 per year to go into the SPJST scholarship endowment fund. Other Recommendations (1) Officers, Directors, Editor, Members on the Standing Committees, and other authorized personnel using a personal car for the use of the Society work, and are authorized to travel for the society, be paid 54 cents per mile, or the IRS adjusted rate at time of travel. (2) Per diems as authorized elsewhere in this recommendation should only be paid one-half of the per diem if away from their home base for less than 4 hours.
(3) Meal allowances authorized elsewhere in this recommendation may be increased from $35 to $50 for out-of-state travel. (4) Officers and Directors should not be paid a bonus until the earned surplus reaches the $24 million level.
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(5) An annual allocation for the upkeep of the SPJST cemeteries, a maximum of $600 per cemetery, and give the authority to disburse and administer.
(6) $1,000 annual allocation to the Czech Heritage Society of Texas (for the purpose of printing and mailing the Cesky Hlas newsletter to members of the society). (7) $1,000 annual allocations to the American Sokol Organization, Southern District.
(8) A one-time allocation of $3,000 to assist the first 25 SPJST lodges with original buildings, for the purpose of renovation or repair.
(9) Delegates and all other parties under remunerations and recommendations get paid for the actual days of attendance of
the convention, not to exceed three days.
(10) Any post-convention extraordinary request will be made to the Supreme Lodge and considered on a case by case basis by the Finance Committee at its annual meeting. Respectfully submitted: Finance Committee Members 2016 SPJST Convention Killeen, Texas Herman D. Weise, Chairman (District Four) Michael Galler, Vice Chairman (District Three) Marceil Malak, Secretary (District Five) Thomas Cannon (District One) Edwin Pechal (District Two) Glenn Kaminsky (District Six) Roy Haag (District Seven) —SPJST—
32nd SPJST Convention Resolution Committee Report
Whereas, the undersigned members of the Resolution Committee, for and on behalf of the entire delegation, convened in Killeen, Texas, on June 13, 2016, for the 32nd SPJST Convention, wish to express its appreciation to those persons responsible for making the Convention an enjoyable and productive gathering. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the delegation extends its sincere thanks to:
1. The 32nd Convention of the SPJST was called to order by Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek (24) at 8:30 a.m. SPJST District Four Director Billy Rollwitz (49) and Don Urbanovsky (6) posted the colors. CarrieAnn Jones (154) sang the National Anthem and Brother Fred Buri (88) sang the Czech National Anthem, Kde Domov Muj? David Bucek (151) led the Pledge of Allegiance. Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman/District Six Di-
rector Karen Kaspar (30) offered a convention prayer. Supreme Lodge Chairman/ District One Director Donnie Victorick (9) issued words of welcome to the delegation.
2. City of Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra welcomed everyone to the City and issued a proclamation naming June 13, 14 and 15, 2016 as “SPJST Days.”
3. SPJST Standing Committee Members, Supreme Lodge Officers, SPJST Home Office Employees, and SPJST Members who gave of their time in getting the Convention underway. 4. Thanks to Melanie Zavodny (246), Katherine Morris (47), and Brooke Hoelscher (47) for an excellent job on the Convention Program Book and thanks to the many well wishers who purchased advertisements as well as those organizations and individuals who sent letters of commendation.
5. Thanks for the Howdy Party entertainment by Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five on Sunday evening, June 12, 2016, at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center. The performance was sponsored by Allen Bailey and Associates, Inc., Actuaries.
6. Thanks to Congressman Joe Barton of Texas’ Sixth Congressional District and Chairman of the Czech Congressional Caucus for his video-taped greeting and words of encouragement to convention delegates.
7. Thanks to Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek (24) for officially convening the 32nd SPJST Convention.
8. Thanks to Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek (24) and Family for the kolaches provided on Monday, June 13 and Melanie Zavodny (246) for the daily goodies placed on the tables for each delegate. Thanks to District Two Director Jesse Pospisil (29) and District Seven Director Bob Bayer (107) for the kolaches provided on Tuesday, June 14 and Supreme Lodge Chairman/District One Director Donnie Victorick (9) for the kolaches provided on Wednesday, June 14, 2012.
9. Thanks to Donnie Victorick (9), Convention Chairman; Susan Skrabanek (17), Vice Chairman; Convention Secretaries; Parliamentarian; and the Standing Committee Members for their work, participation, and guidance during the deliberations.
10. We would like to recognize the youngest delegate, age 27, Kyle Skrabanek (17) and the oldest delegate, age 91, Josephine Pflughaupt (88). The average age of the delegates is 64 years of age. The delegates who are multi-generational in addition to those attending with siblings. The delegates who have attended the 12 past conventions were Bob Bayer (107), Elaine Berkovsky (63), and Josephine Pflughaupt (88).
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11. We would like to recognize the lobby presence of Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, SPJST Education and Nature Center, Texas Czech Genealogical Society, and The SPJST Store.
12. Thanks to “Let Us Do the Cooking” for providing lunches every day during the Convention; also for the formal banquet, Monday night, June 13.
13. Thanks to Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska (200) and Shilo Inn for the buffet breakfasts from 6 to 8 a.m.
14. Special guests at the banquet were Honorary Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar and wife Nancy; Honorary Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride and wife Frances; Honorary Supreme Lodge Legal Advisor Drew Popelka and guest Janie Valdez; Honorary Supreme Lodge District Two Director Bobby Wuensche; Honorary Supreme Lodge District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom and wife Kathy; President and Chairman of the Board of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, Inc. Retta Chandler and husband Charles; President of the Board of Directors of the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center Jerry Milan and wife Henrietta; Administrator of the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center Susan Chandler and daughter Marie Wilhelm; President of the American Sokol – Southern District Bob Podhrasky and wife Diane; Texas Polka Music Museum Board Member Glen Chervenka and wife Freda; President of the History of West Museum Georgia Hutyra and her husband; President of Texans Of Czech Ancestry Arlene Cloyd and husband Alan; Chairman of the Czech Education Foundation Of Texas Dr. Clint Machann and wife Dr. Ginny Machann; Membership Chair of the Texas Czech Genealogical Society
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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Merlene Bravenec; 2015-2016 State King Brady Alexander and parents Tarrant and Debbie Alexander (47); State Duke Seth Martinez (47) and parents Adam and Tammy Martinez; 2015-2016 State Queen Kacie Vanecek (48) and mother Donna Vanecek (48); State Duchess Makayla Newsom (48) and mother Michelle Newsom (48); S.P.J.S.T. Rest Homes Director Donnie Victorick (9) and wife Janice (9); President of the SPJST Education and Nature Center Donnie Howard (185) and wife April HaagHoward (185); Principal and Senior Portfolio Manager of Alpha Capital Management Buddy Ballard and wife Julie; President of RVOS Farm Mutual Insurance Wiley Shockley; Administrator of the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 1 in Taylor Woody Richards; Business Office Manager of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 1 in Taylor Diane Volek; Assistant Business Manager of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 1 in Taylor Shelley Werchan and husband Buster Pavlicek; Marketing Director of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 1 in Taylor Julie Stermer; Administrator of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home in Hillje Rowena Tabler-Smith; Member Engagement Director of Hermann Sons Jennifer Cernosek; and Director of Catholic Family Fraternal Of Texas Jean Ribar.
15. Thanks for the Convention Banquet entertainment by Czech and Then Some on Monday evening, June 13 at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center. The performance was sponsored by Allen Bailey and Associates, Inc., Actuaries.
16. The Convention recognized and expressed thanks to all Veterans for their military service and for their continuing service to their families, to society, and to SPJST.
17. Tanner Wood (49) for his winning Flag Day Essay.
18. The Resolution Committee thanks the Home Office Staff for their professional service.
19. The delegates for their devotion and diligence. Fraternally submitted, Lorenda Baldwin (139) Chairman Christy Girod (29) Gay Revel (97) —SPJST—
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Results of District Caucus Elections at the 32nd SPJST Convention
District One Director Donnie Victorick Lodge 9, Snook
Substitute Director Ben F. Trcalek, Jr. Lodge 17, New Tabor By-Law Committee Richard Ford Lodge 13, Dime Box
Substitute By-Law Committee William “Bill” Orsak Lodge 9, Snook Finance Committee Thomas Cannon Lodge 186, Caldwell
Substitute Finance Committee Ricky Weyand Lodge 179, Warrenton Insurance Committee Susan Skrabanek Lodge 17, New Tabor
Substitute Insurance Committee Henry Mayo Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station Publication Committee Floyd Kostelka Lodge 13, Dime Box
Substitute Publication Committee Marie Shelfer Lodge 9, Snook
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil Lodge 29, Taylor
Substitute Director Edwin Pechal Lodge 47, Seaton
By-Law Committee Ronnie Rieger Lodge 29, Taylor
Substitute By-Law Committee Rita Spinn Lodge 80, Holland
Finance Committee Edwin Pechal Lodge 47, Seaton
Substitute Finance Committee David Pechal Lodge 47, Seaton
Insurance Committee Patsy Koslovsky Lodge 47, Seaton
Substitute Insurance Committee Joe Liles Lodge 80, Holland
Publication Committee Tammy Cannon Lodge 29, Taylor
Substitute Publication Committee Amber Bartek Lodge 47, Seaton
District Three Director John Engelke Lodge 66, Waco
Substitute Director Mary Steinman Lodge 154, Fort Worth
By-Law Committee Kay Lynn Kovar Lodge 25, Ennis
Substitute By-Law Committee Justine Yeager Lodge 84, Dallas
Finance Committee Michael Galler Lodge 66, Waco
Substitute Finance Committee Kay Lynn Kovar Lodge 25, Ennis
Insurance Committee Robert Sill Lodge 183, Arlington
Substitute Insurance Committee Pam Durham Lodge 92, Fort Worth
Publication Committee Lynda Novak Lodge 84, Dallas
Substitute Publication Committee Appa Burcie Lodge 154, Fort Worth
District Four Director Billy Rollwitz Lodge 49, Rowena
Substitute Director Bobby Davis Lodge 160, San Angelo
By-Law Committee Beverly Teplicek Lodge 49, Rowena
Substitute By-Law Committee Joyce Kotulek Lodge 207, Iowa Park
Finance Committee Herman Dewyan Weise Lodge 160, San Angelo
Substitute Finance Committee Sandra Jansa Lodge 160, San Angelo
Insurance Committee Leonard Jansa Lodge 160, San Angelo
Substitute Insurance Committee Arnulfo Rivera Lodge 219, El Paso
Publication Committee Sharon Hohmann Lodge 160, San Angelo
Substitute Publication Committee Betty Schwartz Lodge 160, San Angelo
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Wednesday, June 29, 2016
District Five
Director Bradley Stavinoha Lodge 81, Needville
Substitute Director Don Fruin Lodge 196, Houston-West
By-Law Committee Dorothy Pflughaupt Lodge 88, Houston
Substitute By-Law Committee Melissa Victorick Brown Lodge 88, Houston
Finance Committee Marceil Malak Lodge 88, Houston
Substitute Finance Committee Ashley Victorick Lodge 88, Houston
Insurance Committee Mark Childres Lodge 196, Houston-West
Substitute Insurance Committee Janice Jahns Lodge 88, Houston
Publication Committee Vonda Smesny Lodge 91, San Jacinto
Substitute Publication Committee Lorenda Baldwin Lodge 139, Danbury
District Six Director Karen Kaspar Lodge 30, Taiton
Substitute Director Glenn Kaminsky Lodge 28, East Bernard By-Law Committee Joe Siptak Lodge 4, Hallettsville
Substitute By-Law Committee Yvonne Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton Finance Committee Glenn Kaminsky Lodge 28, East Bernard
Substitute Finance Committee Elaine Berkovsky Lodge 63, Sweet Home Insurance Committee Elizabeth Holub Lodge 23, Moravia
Substitute Insurance Committee Glenn Kaminsky Lodge 28, East Bernard Publication Committee Helen Kelner Lodge 28, East Bernard
Substitute Publication Committee Jeanette Kaminsky Lodge 28, East Bernard
District Seven Director Bob Bayer Lodge 107, Floresville
Substitute Director Donnie Howard Lodge 185, New Braunfels By-Law Committee Oscar Korus Lodge 107, Floresville
Substitute By-Law Committee Regina House Lodge 202, Jourdanton Finance Committee James House Lodge 202, Jourdanton
Substitute Finance Committee Colleen Jenke Lodge 258, Seguin Insurance Committee Wendy Pruski Lodge 107, Floresville
Substitute Insurance Committee Jerry Sijansky Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Publication Committee Jarolyn Popp Lodge 133, San Antonio
Substitute Publication Committee Kathryn Marek Lodge 117, Robstown —SPJST—
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32nd SPJST Convention Delegates District One
22 Delegates • 13 Lodges 3,060 Votes
Lodge 1, Fayetteville Sharon Fritsch
Lodge 9, Snook William (Bill) J. Orsak James Schoeneman Marie A. Shelfer Donnie Victorick Janice Victorick
Lodge 13, Dime Box Doris Ford Debbie Kostelka
Lodge 17, New Tabor Randy Gaas Kyle Skrabanek Susan Skrabanek Ben F. Trcalek, Jr.
Lodge 38, Kovar Edwin Zimmerhanzel
Lodge 39, Bryan Shirley Vytopil
Lodge 51, Ellinger Larry Marusik
Lodge 67, Schulenburg Adrienne Kobza
Lodge 141, Sealy Bernice Stolarski
Lodge 169, Brenham Lenora Bliznak
Lodge 179, Warrenton Ricky Weyand
Lodge 186, Caldwell Thomas Cannon Linda Cannon
Lodge 189 Bryan-College Station Henry Mayo
District Two
45 Delegates • 14 Lodges 7,013 Votes
Lodge 15, Buckholts Sandra Fischer Mary H. Rodriguez
Lodge 18, Elgin David Meyer F.L. Meyer Charles R. Wilson
Lodge 20, Granger Emilie Tischler
Lodge 24, Cyclone Robert (Bobby) Hoelscher, Jr. Shirley Hoelscher Barbara J. Macek Mark Maddux
Lodge 29, Taylor Tammy Cannon Cristy Girod Leonard Kaderka Sharon Kaderka Jesse Pospisil Linda Pospisil Frankie Pustejovsky Lynette Rieger
Lodge 47, Seaton Amber Bartek Terry Festa Patsy Koslovsky Joyce Kraatz David Pechal Edwin Pechal James Skrabanek Lynette Talasek Edwin Vasicek
Lodge 48, Beyersville Albert Filla Janet Filla Bobby Wuensche
Lodge 80, Holland Frank Horak Joseph W. Liles Frank Pajestka, Jr. Rita Spinn
Lodge 87, Temple Daniel Kacir George Sidney Kacir Lodge 155, Austin Albert J. Klinkovsky
Lodge 177, Academy Otis Beck Joanne Hutka William Hutka
Lodge 187, Round Rock Jim Tom Etheredge Rose Marie Etheredge Rubie Volek
Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy David Nauert Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point James L. Lee, III
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District Three
37 Delegates • 11 Lodges 6,138 Votes
Lodge 6, Cottonwood Patricia Dieterich Peggy Dobecka Barbara Hykel Irene Peterson Milton Peterson Don Urbanovsky Lodge 25, Ennis Michael Fowler Pat Fowler Kay Lynn Kovar Betty Macalik Lodge 35, Elk Gene E. Pavelka Randy Pavelka Lodge 54, West Mary Lou Mynar Terry Sefcik Marcela Vaculik Wilburn Willis
Lodge 66, Waco Diana Engelke John Engelke Michael Galler Dana McAdams
Lodge 84, Dallas James (Jim) Liska Jerry Manak Lynda Novak Vivian (Cheryl) Petr Vicki Sims
Lodge 92, Fort Worth Pamela Durham Kenneth Krivanek Mary Ann Krivanek Mary C. Krivanek Lodge 130, Dallas John Vrla
Lodge 154, Fort Worth Appa Hargiss-Burcie Jerry Milan Mary Steinman Lodge 180, Burleson Rhonda Hurtik
Lodge 183, Arlington Antonette M. Pustejovsky Patricia A. Sill Kay Weeks
District Four
19 Delegates • 9 Lodges 2,545 Votes
Lodge 49, Rowena Laura Pospichal Sylvia Rollwitz Brad Teplicek
Lodge 76, Wichita Falls Dianna Ibarra Lodge 157, Lubbock Cynthia Kristinek
Lodge 160, San Angelo Charlene Dusek Brenda Holik Leonard Jansa Sandra Jansa Betty Schwartz Herman Dewyan Weise Lodge 207, Iowa Park Joyce Kotulek
Lodge 215, South Plains Arnold Lehmann
Lodge 219, El Paso Adolfo Chabre Baltazar Nunez Alejandro Rivas Arnulfo Rivera Lodge 229, Abilene Janice Stevens
Lodge 230, Midland Jimmy Slatton
District Five
46 Delegates • 7 Lodges 7,351 Votes
Lodge 81, Needville Bradley Stavinoha Thomas (Tom) Stavinoha
Lodge 88, Houston Carolyn F. Beseda Betty Beyer Mel Beyer Doris Bronikowski Robert Bronikowski Melissa Victorick-Brown Patricia Bruce Fred Buri Jo Ann Buri Cindy Dobias-Mlcak Vernell Foyt Kathleen (Kathy) Green Carol Havemann Donald Havemann Mildred Holeman Janice Jahns Wallace Jahns Barbara Linney-Gonzales Marceil Malak Cynthia (Cindy) Messina Dorothy Pflughaupt Josephine Pflughaupt Larry Pflughaupt Lynn Pflughaupt Dennis Roeder Carol Stayton Ashley Victorick Lodge 91, San Jacinto June A. Smesny Malba Smesny Marie Stasney
Lodge 139, Danbury Lorenda Baldwin Eloise Diane Lostak Lonnie Lostak
Lodge 142, Houston Dennis Hermis Keith Kieschnick Catherine Manchack Jack Manchack Patricia Schleider
Lodge 172, Pasadena Jerome (Jerry) Dressler, Jr. Robert Mayfield
Lodge 196, Houston-West Donald Beckendorf DeAnn Beckendorf Mark Childres Don Fruin
District Six
26 Delegates • 12 Lodges 4,032 Votes
Lodge 4, Hallettsville Annie Vahalik Helen Zabransky Patricia Zabransky Lodge 23, Moravia Elizabeth Holub
Lodge 28, East Bernard Glenn Kaminsky Jeanette Kaminsky Helen Kelner
Lodge 30, Taiton Lisa Bubela Wanda Dorotik Karen Kaspar Debbie Krpec Yvonne Marcaurele Marjorie Treumer
Lodge 32, Victoria Kathy Ahlstrom Michael Ahlstrom
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Ardis Bacak Vlasta Bartos Gladys Cerny
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Mary Ann Cerny Cathy V. Garcia
Lodge 41, Port Lavaca Franklin Jurek
Lodge 63, Sweet Home Elaine Berkovsky Lodge 97, Placedo Gay Revel
Lodge 151, Wharton Charles Bucek David Bucek Lodge 184, Moulton Elmer Michna
District Seven 19 Delegates • 7 Lodges 3,246 Votes
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi Gerilyn Donnell Larry Elzner Marcus Rebecek Virginia Rebecek Jerry Sijansky Lodge 107, Floresville Robert J. (Bob) Bayer Elizabeth Bielefeld Oscar Korus Glen Pruski Wendy Pruski Lodge 117, Robstown Kathryn Marek Frank Sijansky
Lodge 133, San Antonio Valerie Harari Jarolyn Popp Vicki Reese
Lodge 185, New Braunfels Donald (Donnie) Howard Lodge 202, Jourdanton Bettie House James House Lodge 258, Seguin Chester Jenke, Sr. —SPJST—
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These Veterans were recognized on Wednesday, June 15 at the 32nd SPJST Convention in Killeen, Texas, during a Flag Day ceremony. We appreciate their participation in the day’s program and for their service to America.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Saluting Our Veterans. Thank You for Your Service.
26
VĚSTNÍK
SPJST President Brian Vanicek called all veterans in attendance to the front of the stage for a moment of recognition.
President Vanicek, front, visits with veterans, left to right, Bobby Wuensche (48), Howard Leshikar (48), Jerry Sijansky (79), Frank Sijansky (117), Eugene Dusek (160), Leonard Mikeska (200), Dennis Roeder (88), Jerome Dressler, Jr. (172), Robert Mayfield (172), Sidney Kacir (87), and Edwin Vasicek (47).
President Vanicek, far left, with veterans Edwin Vasicek (47), Bradley Stavinoha (81), Billy Rollwitz (49), Terry Festa (47), Jack Manchack (142), Leonard Jansa (160), Albert Klinkovsky (155), Elmer Michna (184), Wilburn Willis (54), Joe Liles (80), and Donnie Howard (185).
Veterans, left to right, are Donnie Howard (185), Kenneth Krivanek (92), Leonard Kaderka (29), Robert Sill (183), Hiram Dixon (183), Jesse Pospisil (29), and Frankie Pustejovsky (29).
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
VĚSTNÍK
27
Readers Write
Vice President candidate conveys appreciation for support
Veterans, left to right, are Charles Bucek (151), David Bucek (151), and Gene Pavelka (35).
President Vanicek introduces veterans, left to right, Philip McBee (204), Larry Elzner (79), Anton J. “Tony” Kelner (28), and Bobby Hoelscher (24).
District Three delegates proudly display the United States flag during the convention proceedings. BELOW: Delegates vote by show of hands.
I want to thank all those who supported me for my Vice President run. I also want to congratulate Hiram Dixon and all the other candidates from all positions. Although some have won and some have lost, I hope we all continue to help and support SPJST. In the SPJST Society, we may hurt a little when we lose, but we are all brothers and sisters in this endeavor. Like family, we may fight, but we should continue to love each other and stand together. May each of you winners be blessed with the hands of God and may He guide you forward. May each of us, who have lost, also find guidance in God’s hands to allow us to move forward, and continue to show love for our brothers and sisters of SPJST. As I promised, win or lose, I will see you all at the Corpus Getaway, Youth Achievement Day, and the annual banquet. Fraternally Delisle L. Doherty Lodge 196, Houston-West —SPJST—
Temple Convention and Visitors Bureau says thanks
Hello, Brian, I would like to thank you and the SPJST delegates for allowing the Temple CVB to make a presentation at the 2016 Convention. I understand that the group voted to keep the Convention in Killeen for 2020 and was told the discussion revolved around: • nearby hotel • restaurants in the area • ongoing construction on the interstate.
Once again, I would like to say thank you to you and your staff for your assistance in placing us on the agenda. We look forward, as always, to seeing you at the Mayborn for SPJST’s next event! Kindest regards, Diane Jones, CASE Sales and Marketing Temple Convention and Visitors Bureau —SPJST— Temple Convention and Visitors Bureau Sales and Marketing representatives Diane Jones, left, and Joni Lange presented information and shared a video to promote Temple, Texas, for the 2020 SPJST Convention. Joni served as SPJST State Youth Director in the 1990s.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Lodge 180 Burleson enjoys convention, meets July 5
Lodge 51, Ellinger Lodge 92 plans July 16 picnic Fort Worth to host July 10 Dear Member, You and your family (persons living polka dance at home) are invited to attend our homemade barbecue chicken and sausage supper on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall at 4:30 p.m. The meal will be served at 5 p.m. Bring a dessert, if desired. Come early for refreshments. Please make plans to attend. For more information, call Burdine Divin 979249-5554 or Calvin Hlinsky 979-3782364. Free-will donations will be accepted, and we will have door prizes. Also, please bring an item for the silent auction that is between $5 and $10 in value. Suggestions are canned items, noodles, crafts, etc. We hope to see you there! Burdine Divin, FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas youth to host bake sale this Friday
The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas will hold a bake sale on Friday, July 1 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Rudolph’s Meat Market, located at 2924 Elm Street in Dallas, Texas. Come get your homemade goodies for your Fourth of July celebration! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
We invite you to mark these upcoming meetings and activities on your calendar and plan to visit Lodge 92, Fort Worth’s National Hall, located at 3316 Roberts Cutoff Road. Get ready for a great time!
Sunday, July 3 Country/western dance with Randy and the 92nd Roadhouse Band from 2 to 6 p.m. Admission is $6 per person. Tuesday, July 5 Trustee meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, July 8 Tanglefoot ballroom dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Tanglefoot members - $10, non-members - $17.
Sunday, July 10 Sunday, July 10 is the big polka dance with Ennis Czech Boys Band. Lodge 92’s monthly meeting will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. A barbecue dinner will follow from 2 to 6 p.m. for $8 per person. Lodge members attending the lodge meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. will not be charged for dinner. Klobase sandwiches will be served until 6 p.m. The polka dance is from 3 to 7 p.m., and admission is $8. Ladies’ Circle will host a cake roulette during the band’s intermissions. Hall Rentals Rental information for National Hall and/or to obtain an event schedule, contact Events Manager Jon Durham at 817-624-1361 or visit www.nationalhallfortworth com. Fraternally, Angela Paprskar Casteel President —SPJST—
Oh, my goodness! What a month this June has been, and I can’t believe that it is almost over. We have been blessed by having eight birthday celebrants in June, and we wish all of them many happy blessings for now as well as into the future. They are Brandi Holder, Joe Hurtik, Dana Yates, Jerry Mabry, Theresa Levi, Philip Psencik, Fayette Tankersley, and Susan Heil. Again, happy birthday! As all are aware, the 2016 Convention has come and gone. Several of our officers accompanied our delegate, Lodge 180 Treasurer Rhonda Hurtik, to the Convention. Lodge 180 officers who were able to attend were First Vice President Joe Hurtik, Secretary Nancy Kelly, and Fraternal Activities Coordinator Leon Flusche. This was my first time experience to attend the Convention where I met some people that I already knew and was also able to meet some new people. What an easy way to become acquainted with our fellow SPJST’ers! I am already looking forward to the next one to be held in four more years. The Convention banquet was very nice with all of the festive and patriotic decorations abounding. I do believe that all in attendance had a great time We are inquiring into a facility where we might be able to establish all of our meetings in the future. Be sure to check the Vestnik for locations for future meetings as we would like to see all of our members at our next meetings. Next Meeting—July 5 Our next meeting is scheduled to be held at the Spring Creek Bar-B-Que in Burleson on Tuesday, July 5 at 6 p.m. Fraternally, Nancy S. Kelly Reporter —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK
District Five youth prepare for July 7 to 10 camp at SPJST ENC
Dear District Five Youth and Chaperones, Camp will be from Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10, 2016, at SPJST Education and Nature Center, 2001 Waldeck Road in Ledbetter, Texas 78946. Check-in time is 10:30 a.m. at the pavilion. We will be camping with Districts One and Four this year. We will also have horseback riding so please bring jeans or long pants to wear during that time. We are asking each of you to bring a refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated.
List of Items to Bring Once again, I have included the list of items you need to bring and not bring. There are a couple of items added to this one so please read carefully.
r 3 changes of clothes shorts and shirts socks and underwear extra clothes in case of accidents r Jeans for horseback riding r Pajamas or sleeping clothes r Tennis shoes (no open-toe shoes allowed - only Crocs or flip-flops for the pool r Towel, wash cloth, beach towel, towel for wet floor r Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, tooth paste, hair brush, deodorant, etc. r Suntan lotion r Hat or cap r Flashlight and extra batteries r Water bottle r Twin-size sheets and a blanket or sleeping bag to cover with and a pillow r 2 swimsuits (one for the pond and one for the pool) r Costume for party – pirate theme (not mandatory) r Any medications in prescription bottles to be turned into the nurse
*Please label all suitcases or bags. This makes it easier to get to the correct cabins. *Electronics are to be left at home. If electronics are brought to camp, they must be turned in to the DYCs. We are going to have a good time,
VĚSTNÍK
and remember to bring a good attitude with you. See you there! Fraternally, Michelle Wockenfuss, ADYC —SPJST—
CHM Svačina social June 28
The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center will host a Svačina Social on Tuesday, June 28 at 2 p.m. The museum is located at 119 West French Avenue in Temple. Call 254899-2935 for more information. Susan Chandler Museum Administrator —SPJST—
TCGS hosting open genealogy workshop July 15, 16
Have you thought about beginning your family history, but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you need to learn how to use internet sources to help with your genealogy research? Maybe you have done a lot of research, but need to have a Czech document translated or have an approximate timeline determined for a photo you have discovered? Need to refer to research books emphasizing Czech immigrants, Czech dictionaries, or maps of the Czech Republic? Would you like to be able to sit down and get individual help with your genealogy questions? Texas Czech Genealogy Society (TCGS) is offering an open workshop
Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org
Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”
For membership: Merlene Bravenec 254-778-7285
to try and meet your research needs. On Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, TCGS will be hosting “Tracking Ancestral Footprints: A Genealogy Workshop” at Caldwell Civic and Visitor Center, 103 Presidential Corridor (Highway 21), in Caldwell, Texas. TCGS officers, committee chairs, and other members will be available to help you in any way possible. The registration fee is $10 per person for one or both days. To serve you better, you are encouraged to register by July 11. Both TCGS and non-TCGS members are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Nancy Machu at nbmachu@aol.com or at 512-2181559. Registration forms are available at www.txczgs.org. Gladys Valchar Lodge 87, Temple —SPJST—
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HISTORIC Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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NATIONAL HALL
SPJST LODGE 92, FORT WORTH
BIG POLKA DANCE! Sunday, July 10 3 to 7 p.m.
1 to 2 p.m. Lodge Meeting 2 to 6 p.m. Barbecue Served $8 Plates 3 to 7 p.m. Dance $8 Tickets
Ennis Czech Boys Band
National Hall
3316 Roberts Cut-Off Road • Fort Worth, Texas 76114 817-624-1361
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Wednesday, June 29, 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 nonprofit 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 940-686-4429; 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 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, July 3—Lodge 6 meeting 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9—Hrabal family reunion Sunday, July 10—Sonnenberg/Radke reunion Sunday, July 17—Lodge 6 annual picnic: Watch theVěstník for details.
Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Note: The bridge on the road to the hall is out; but there is a detour 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: 254-2278759. 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 254799-8550; 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: 979-884-1451; Hall Phone: 979884-1451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 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: 979-272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) 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. Sunday, July 10—Glen Collins, country western, 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person Sunday, July 17—Fritz Hodde, polka/waltz, 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person Sunday, August 7—Glen Collins, country western. 3 to 7 p.m. $8/person
Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information, Country-Western Band Bookings: David Meyer 512-2170162; 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) Sunday, August 7—TPMM Fundraiser: Jerry Haisler and Praha Bros. Watch the Vestnik for details. Saturday, August 20—Reyna wedding
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) 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: 972875-8381; Hall Phone: 972-875-8381. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 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 (unless otherwise noted), at 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) • All Wednesday/Friday night dances - Free admission • Old-fashioned hamburgers, Fridays 6 to 9 p.m.
Friday, July 1—Sterling Country, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor Youth Club will hold its monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. at Taylor SPJST Hall. Contact Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512468-1347 if you have any questions. Wednesday, July 6—Taylor Made Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 8—Night Skies Band , 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13—Taylor SPJST Lodge 29 members will hold their monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal following the meeting Friday, July 15—Old Friends, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16—Sterling Country Band, 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 20—Taylor Made Band with guest musician Fritz Hodde, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 22—Edward Kopecky’s Czech Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, July 29—Second Hand Rose Band, 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: 512-352-9139; Hall Phone: 512352-9139. 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, live music, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday night dance, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. 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, July 30—Lost Heart Highway
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 254-749-3326; 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 254-749-3326. LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-8394353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.
LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR; go 2 miles to Mumford Road 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 979-406-0158.
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 (1) 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: 361-854-8423. 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: 254-6572485. 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 254-541-9165 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. Booking/Management: Seth Sacra 979793-7411; 713-588-0535; or email seth@needvilleinsurance.com. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha 979-739-2386.
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LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Friday, Saturday/July 1, 2—Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Bake Sale at Rudolph's Meat Market. Sunday, July 17—Monthly meeting, 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 10—Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Annual Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner - $5 per plate. Bingo follows dinner. Saturday, August 20—Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club Annual Princess Ball. Dance 7 to 11 p.m. with music by The Moravians. Admission $10; ages 12 and under free.
Lodge Hall: 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas. Directions: From iH-35 East in Dallas, take iH-20 East. From iH20 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: Contact Kelly Tucker 469-951-7396. 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. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-9484456.
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 254-947-3100 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, July 2—Moonglow Orchestra, big band. *Dress Code. $15 Saturday, July 9—Lost Cause, polka/variety. $10. Saturday, July 16—Gary Dossett, big band. *Dress Code. $15 Friday, July 22—Good, Bad and Ugly, country/western. $15 Saturday, July 23—Private party Saturday, July 30—Private party Saturday, August 6—Moonglow Orchestra, big band. *Dress Code. $15
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 713-869-5767, 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: 713869-5767; 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 713-8707114.
LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Tuesday, June 28—Game night, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 3—Country/western dance: Randy and the 92nd Roadhouse Band, 2 to 6 p.m. - $6 Tuesday, July 5—Trustee meeting, 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 8—Tanglefoot Ballroom dance, 8 to 11 p.m. Tanglefoot members - $8, non-members - $17 Sunday, July 10—Big polka dance at National Hall: Ennis Czech Boys, 3 to 7 p.m. - $8; lodge meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Barbecue dinner, 2 to 6 p.m. - $8 - Lodge 92 members attending the meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. will not be charged for dinner. Klobase sandwiches served till 6 p.m.; Ladies’ Circle cake roulette at intermissions. See ad on page 29.
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 Bernadette Bellanger 361-579-8331/ Bbbellanger2011@hotmail.com.
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 214-9063385; 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 979922-1553. 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) June, July, August, and October meetings will be held the third Sunday of the mont. September, November, and December meetings are held the second Sunday of the month - all at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston - 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). A complimentary meal is served at 1 p.m., meeting starts at 2 p.m. For information, contact President Keith Kieschnick 832-627-2842; or Secretary Alice Jochen 979743-3613. Youth Club Meetings: Held at the same time and place as adult lodge meetings. For information call, Youth Leader Catherine Manchack 832-443-0469. 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, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights) in the dining room or annex building - whichever is noted. Youth Club Meetings: Same time/location as adult lodge meetings. For information, contact Lodge 142, HousMton President Keith Kieschnick 832-627-2842; 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 806763-7245; 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. LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Tuesday, July 5—Lodge meeting at Spring Creek Barbeque in Burleson, 6 p.m.
Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Check Věstník for times or call one of the following: 972-268-0022 or 817-905-2097. LODGE 181, CONROE (5) Note: Watch the Vestnik for lodge meeting location/time to be announced.
Lodge Meetings: Lodge meeting location/time will be announced in the Vestnik. For further information, contact President Barbara Williams-Rash 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) Note: Lodge monthly meeting and family night are held together - the third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall.
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 and Family Night: Third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Game Nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506.
LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge 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
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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. 1-74-20733095-41002.
LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; 512-7714948. 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) Friday, July 15—American Pie - Hot Dogs and ice Cream: Glenn Lenderman and Friends
Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin 936875-2867. 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.
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 940-322-8503; 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 915-727-2048 for meeting location.
LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. Call Secretary Jerry Macek 325-672-0577 or 325721-5127 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 210-413-3053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke 210-215-9494. —SPJST—
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Insuring and Enriching Lives Since 1897 Home Office 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501 800-727-7578
info@spjst.org www.spjst.org