ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 109 Number 9
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★ Humanity
★ Brotherhood
May 10, 2021
ISSN —07458 800
Showered With Birthday Blooms Josephine Pflughaupt, center, is presented a bouquet of fresh flowers from the Birthday Club Sisters by past Lodge 88, Houston President Janice Jahns. In back is Lodge 88 President Aaron Rigamonti. Sister Pflughaupt was honored at the lodge’s meeting on April 19 for achieving the Grand Age of 96. More on page 43.
Happy Birthday Josephine
Working together to make a difference
plant a tree and plant hope for the future Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club member Makayla Newsom waters a tree that she planted for Earth Day. Lodge 48 youth were challenged with planting a tree for Earth Day. More on page 47. —Submitted by Michelle Newsom Youth Leader Lodge 17, New Tabor Youth Club and parents joined hands with adult Lodge 17 members to clean New Tabor Cemetery on Sunday, May 2. Trash was picked up, new flowers were placed on gravesites, and existing arrangements were straightened and freshened up. Pictured, from left, are Erin, Emmy, and Lila Supak. More in the next Vestnik issue. —Submitted by Holly Narro, Youth Leader
( ( ( ( ( Inside This Week’s Věstník ( ( ( ( (
Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Convention Information......................4 Supreme Lodge Meeting Minutes ....28 Insurance Department Updates .......32 Scholarship, Grant Winners .............33
Lodge Section....................................39 Youth Section ....................................46 In Memoriam ......................................49 Czech Culture ....................................51 Advertisements .................................53 Lodge Calendar .................................54
Lodge 20 Granger couple celebrates 60 years of marriage Page 41
Lodge 88 Houston hosts crawfish boil
Page 45
Lodge 84 Dallas youth excels in softball, academics
Page 48
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Monday, May 10, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
ˇ ´ VESTNIK SPJST HERALD
SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 Fax: 254-774-7447 www.spjst.org VĚSTNÍK EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) • Mobile: 254-534-0807 VĚSTNÍK Fax: 254-773-8087 email: vestnik@spjst.org melaniez@spjst.com melaniez@usa.com SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 139) • Mobile: 254-534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT DELISLE DOHERTY 254-773-1575 (ext. 240) • Mobile: 832-232-2049 email: delisled@spjst.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 149) • Mobile: 254-721-4739 email: leonardm@spjst.com CONTROLLER ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 (ext. 142) • email: royv@spjst.com DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, TX 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 email: dv.aggie71@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, TX 76574-2164 Home: 512-365-1110 • Mobile: 512-826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705-5330 254-799-4247 • email: john.engelke@hotmail.com DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM 1886 Pecos St, Ste 3, San Angelo, TX 76901-3268 Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC 10522 Will Lehmann Rd, Needville TX 77461-9164 Mobile: 979-739-2386 • Office: 979-793-7411 email: spjst@earthlink.net DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR ANNIE VAHALIK 2508 N Levi St, Victoria, TX 77901-4059 361-649-4888 • email: amvahalik@gmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR REGINA HOUSE 146 Deer Run St, Pleasanton TX 78064-1510 830-570-2046 • email: spjst202youth@gmail.com REGIONAL GENERAL AGENTS DISTRICT ONE - Jim Schroeder, LUTCF 936-661-2294 • jeschroeder.insurance@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO - Jim Schroeder, LUTCF 936-661-2294 • jeschroeder.insurance@gmail.com DISTRICT THREE - Sabino Garcia 817-909-8899 • garciasabi@att.net DISTRICT FOUR - Lydia Talamantez 325-262-9743 • lillyg636@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR - EL PASO AREA - Arnulfo Rivera 915-630-8074 • arnulfok5@yahoo.com DISTRICT FIVE - Kerry Herrington 281-704-5737 • kerryherrington@yahoo.com DISTRICT SIX - Carolina Covarrubia 281-779-9956 • covarrubia.carolina@yahoo.com DISTRICT SEVEN - Armando Perez, LUTCF 361-425-5543 • asperez6040@hotmail.com CAMP KUBENA • 2001 Waldeck Rd • Ledbetter, TX Rob Clift, Executive Director 979-249-5674 • robc@spjst.com
HUMAN RESOURCES LYNETTE TALASEK 254-773-1575 (ext. 146) • email: lynettet@spjst.com STATE FRATERNAL DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 (ext. 177) • Mobile: 254-534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Hannah Kovar, PO Box 28, Snook, TX 778780028 - 979-220-7904 - ladyjays@tamu.edu District Two (Acting) - Amber Bartek, 10745 Burgess Rd, Temple, TX 76501-7441 - 254-931-0295 - abartek002@yahoo.com District Three - Mary Steinman, 1136 Westgrove Dr, Saginaw, TX 76179-3463 - 817-731-2580 - appamary@sbcglobal.net District Four - Laura Pospichal, PO Box 253, Rowena, TX 76875-0253 - 325-365-6485 - yellowcar02@aol.com District Five - Melissa Victorick-Brown, 2324 Lakeway Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546-6196 - 832-274-7369 district5dyc@gmail.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide St, El Campo, TX 77437-6152 - 979-543-7120 - lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - April Howard, 814 Madison Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130-3918 - 830-624-9242 - aprhoward@gmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Bill Orsak, PO Box 252, Snook, TX 778780252 - 979-272-1243 - billorsak@gmail.com District Two - Bridget C. Bohac, PO Box 182, Granger, TX 76530-0182 - 512-694-1897 - brdgtbhc@gmail.com District Three - Mary Steinman, 1136 Westgrove Dr, Saginaw, TX 76179-3463 - 817-731-2580 - appamary@sbcglobal.net District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, TX 76875-4006 - 325-442-4841 - bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, TX 77008-6232 - 713-859-8976 - dotpflugh@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell Ave, Bay City, TX 77414-6944 - joesiptak@yahoo.com - 979-479-0056 District Seven - Oscar Korus, 2565 Bruce Rd, Poteet, TX 78065-5013 - 830-391-4169 - oscarkorus@gmail.com FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Debbie Kostelka, 1914 County Road 403 Dime Box, TX 77853-5379 - 979-540-8532 - debbiekostelka@yahoo.com District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501-7446 254-721-2887 edwinpechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen Dr, Robinson, TX 76706-5121 - 254-744-8973 - mlgaller54@gmail.com District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM 765, San Angelo, TX 76905-7461 - 325-651-8550 - hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Ashley Victorick, 26810 Sweetstone Springs Ct, Cypress, TX 77433-3500 - 832-577-5433 - ashley.victorick@gmail.com District Six - Karen Kaspar, 8550 N State Highway 71, El Campo, TX 77437-9819 - 979-332-1616 - k-kaspar@hotmail.com District Seven - Colleen Jenke, 211 Cottonwood Ln, Seguin, TX 78155-0697 - 830-303-4316 - jenkec@att.net INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, TX 77836-4300 - 979-272-3440 - spjst@aol.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S St Joseph Rd, Burlington, TX 76519-3108 - 254-985-2396 - patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Robert Sill, 400 Westview Ter, Arlington, TX 76013-1632 - 817-274-2783 - arlingtonsill@yahoo.com District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plain View Dr, San Angelo, TX 76905-7509 - 325-234-8117 - ljansa13@gmail.com District Five - Kerry Herrington, 18703 Ember Trails Dr, Houston, TX 77904-2617 - 281-704-5737 - kerryherrington@yahoo.com District Six - Elizabeth Holub, 4642 Freyburg Hall Rd, Schulenburg, TX 78956-5478 - 979-561-8640 - mikelizh@cvctx.com District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 County Road 430, Pleasanton, TX 78064-6113 - 210-535-4916 - poohbear78064@hotmail.com PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 County Road 403, Dime Box, TX 77853-5379 - 979-540-8531 - floydkostelka@yahoo.com District Two - Amber Bartek, 10745 Burgess Rd, Temple, TX 76501-7441 - 254-931-0295 - abartek002@yahoo.com District Three - Lynda Novak, 7153 Cornelia Ln, Dallas, TX 75214-3226 - 972-948-4456 - magiclady_46@hotmail.com District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Dr, San Angelo, TX 76903-9106 - 325-651-5884 District Five - Baley Stavinoha, 10522 Will Lehmann Rd, Needville, TX 77461-9164 - 281-912-9619 - baleystavinoha@gmail.com District Six - Marjorie Treumer, 1806 Laurel St, Bay City, TX 77414-8405 - 979-578-2762 - mtreumer@gmail.com District Seven - Trey Bielefeld, 518 County Road 210, Floresville, TX 78114-5215 512-917-0083 trey.bielefeld@gmail.com
Editor’s Note
56 pages of SPJST news and accomplishments This week’s Vestnik is a jampacked 56 pages and includes several features. The 33rd Convention is scheduled for August 13 to 15, 2021, in Killeen. Supreme Lodge by-law recommendations appear on pages 4 to 22. A tribute to Honorary SPJST Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas is on pages 25 to 27. Minutes from the April 20 and 21 Supreme Lodge meeting with reports and commentary from the district directors are on pages 28 to 31. Pages 33 to 38 include 39 scholarship/grant recipients. Congratulations to these members on their achievements! The Vestnik will celebrate the 2021 graduates with a special section in an upcoming issue. If you know an SPJST member who is graduating, please ask him/her to review the form on page 38 or submit the information at spjst.org. District Youth Achievement Days All SPJST youth with life insurance certificates are invited to participate in the 2021 SPJST District Youth Achievement Days contests. Register now at www.spjst.org/yad. All youth members who have completed kindergarten through high school senior are encouraged to enter up to five arts/crafts categories: constructed items, handicraft, hobby kits, needlework, photography, pictorial arts, science/education, and sewing. Youth may also participate in individual and/or group talents. Royalty (public speaking) is open to high school youth who have participated in a previous YAD or the 2020 youth showcase. Dis-
trict rounds of competitions will be held online. The state round of competition will be held live in person on Saturday, July 31 at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center in Temple. Complete details are at spjst.org/yad. Don’t delay . . . the deadline to enter your projects is June 13. Thanks for Your Help! The April 26 Vestnik included a list of almost 3,000 members with unknown addresses. These members have had mail returned to us as undeliverable, and attempts to contact these members have been unsuccessful. Special thanks to the many members who have reviewed the list for the names of family and friends and let them know to contact the SPJST Home Office with their updated contact information. We are hearing from many members on the unknown list, and we are happy to update their contact information. Please visit spjst.org to complete an easy online form to update your contact information. Thank you again!
Věstník Dates and Deadlines May 24 Věstník deadline is Mon., May 17 at 5 p.m. June 14 Věstník deadline is Mon., June 7 at 5 p.m. June 28 Věstník deadline is Mon., June 21 at 5 p.m. July 12 Věstník deadline is Mon., July 5 at 5 p.m. July 26 Věstník deadline is Mon., July 19 at 5 p.m. August 9 Věstník deadline is Mon., August 2 at 5 p.m. August 23 Věstník deadline is Mon., August 16 at 5 p.m. —SPJST—
VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month by SPJST, PO 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 Věstník 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 Controller Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, May 10, 2021
SPJST Family Fun and Important Dates (Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district.)
Please contact the lodge/district, prior to attending. May 17 Vestnik Deadline for May 24 issue May 18 Fraternal Focus Webinar • register at spjst.org May 28 SPJST sponsors National Polka Festival’s King and Queen Dance Contest • Sokol Hall, Ennis (3) May 29 SPJST Float: National Polka Festival Parade, Ennis (3) May 29 Lodge 25, Ennis: site of National Polka Festival dances (3) June 1 Deadline for SPJST Convention Souvenir Book June 6 District One Annual Meeting • Lodge 9, Snook (1) June 6 Lodge 47, Seaton Picnic (2) June 7 Vestnik Deadline for June 14 issue June 13 Deadline for SPJST District Youth Achievement Day Craft, Talent, Royalty Entries • enter at spjst.org June 13 District Two Annual Meeting • Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) June 13 District Six Annual Meeting • Camp Kubena, Ledbetter (6) June 14 Deadline to Submit Recommendations to the By-Law Committee and Finance Committee for the 33rd SPJST Convention June 21 Vestnik Deadline for June 28 issue June 23-27 Leaders-In-Training Camp Camp Kubena, Ledbetter June 27 District Five Annual Meeting • Lodge 81, Needville (5) July 5 Vestnik Deadline for July 12 issue July 7-11 Junior Camp Session One - Districts Three, Four, Five, Six Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 9-10 Lodge 47, Seaton Cookoff • Seaton Star Hall (2) July 14-18 Junior Camp Session Two - Districts One, Two, Seven Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 19 Vestnik Deadline for July 26 issue July 25 District Seven Annual Meeting Jourdanton Community Center (7) July 31 State Youth Achievement Day Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center, Temple Aug. 13-15 33rd SPJST Convention Killeen Civic and Conference Center
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Readers Write ✍ Family of Honorary Financial Secretary Jerry J. Mikulas, Jr. expresses appreciation First off, I just wanted to say how much we appreciate all the calls, texts, messages, and donations in honor of our father and husband, Jerry J. Mikulas, Jr. He loved the SPJST organization very much and always approached the position with pride, respect, and hard work. We especially want to thank Brian Vanicek and Leonard Mikeska for their thoughtful words during my dad’s service.
he took that while we were just kids in the 80s! Leonard also spoke of great memories of our families growing up as neighbors. I promise we (kids) were good! It was such a special time in our lives. One of my greatest memories was being able to come see my dad in his office. Our dad was also good friends with Bernie Gebala who served as the Vice President of SPJST until his passing in 1994. My dad greatly missed Bernie, and I know they are together enjoying great stories and hopefully, a cold pivo! The SPJST organization will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we thank you so much for allowing our father to be a part of it. We miss him. Sincerely, The Mikulas Family Betty, Donna, Wade, and Chad —SPJST—
Vet clinic set for May 22 in Westphalia
Brother Jerry Mikulas served as SPJST Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary from 1976 to 2010. He retired after more than 50 years of service to SPJST. Brother Mikulas passed away on April 15, 2021.
Brian eloquently spoke of the hard work our dad put into the new computer system in place within the organization. We certainly remember how seriously
The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a vet clinic at the Westphalia Hall Pavilion, located on State Highway 320 in Westphalia, Texas, on Saturday May 22, 2021. The clinic will be from 8 to 11 a.m. Dogs, cats, and other small animals can be vaccinated for rabies, parvovirus, and any other ailment they may have at a nominal cost. The vet services will be provided by Dr. Jared Ranly, DVM. For information, contact Ken Jezisek at 512-927-6581 or Dr. Jared Ranly at 254-760-4316. Submitted by, James Kahlig Westphalia Knights of Columbus Council No. 13902 —SPJST—
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Monday, May 10, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
Supreme Lodge hosts informational webcast for 2021 Convention delegates; presents by-law recommendations Editor’s Note: Every area of SPJST operations — from our fraternal outreach to communications, marketing and sales, investments, and accounting — has its unique challenges and opportunities. For this reason, it is important that the SPJST Supreme Lodge do its part — in the weeks leading to the convention — to inform SPJST’s 2021 Convention delegates — and the entirety of our membership — of the matters that will be brought to the floor of the 2021 Convention for discussion and action. On Saturday, May 1, 2021, the SPJST Supreme Lodge hosted a webcast to update 2021 Convention delegates on SPJST business operations as well as to brief them on the recommendations that the Supreme Lodge is making to the 2021 Convention. A transcript of the presentation delivered by Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek which addressed the Supreme Lodge By-Law Recommendations is reprinted here. Text of the 2021 SPJST Convention Delegates’ Webcast Delivered by SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek Saturday, May 1, 2021 Good morning, Brothers and Sisters. Thank you, SPJST Delegates, for your participation today and for your commitment to serve as delegates to the 33rd SPJST Convention that will take place Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. Your attendance today and your participation in the weeks, months, and years ahead are pivotal to the success of SPJST. Present and future generations of the SPJST family depend upon our cooperation and collaboration. Every aspect of SPJST operations — from fraternal outreach through our
lodges and Home Office, to communications, marketing and sales, investments, and accounting — has its unique challenges and opportunities. For this reason, it is important that the SPJST Supreme Lodge do its part — today and in the weeks leading to the convention — to inform you — and the entirety of our membership — of the matters that will be brought to the floor of the 2021 Convention for discussion and action. This will be an educational process for all of us. A process to be communicated through meetings such as this, through the Vestnik and through member forums — including our 2021 district meetings and delegate meetings that will be held in each of SPJST’s seven districts. One of the recommendations that the Supreme Lodge is making to the By-Law Committee and to the Convention is the establishment of the SPJST Advisory Council. That – in fact – is one of the reasons that we are all here today: To explain and to demonstrate how the SPJST Advisory Council would function – between conventions. With the passage of this recommendation, all SPJST Convention delegates – and not just a select few – will have the opportunity to serve as members of the SPJST Advisory Council. As SPJST Advisory Council members, you will have the opportunity – on an annual basis – to observe, discuss, and offer input into SPJST management processes. SPJST Officers, Directors, and our Editor/Director of Communication believe that this kind of interaction and regular feedback is important. Our members are SPJST’s most important stakeholders. By establishing this membership feedback loop through our delegates, and by revisiting the reoccurring themes that affect our members, lodges, and business environment, we
can ensure that SPJST, its products and services, the lodge system, and the member experience are satisfactory. SPJST Advisory Council members would serve on a volunteer basis and meet annually each spring with the Supreme Lodge. The primary objective: Keeping you engaged and responsive in matters relating to the growth and development of SPJST. Today’s meeting has been constructed to provide you with an idea of how this would work. Today, you will be receiving reports on SPJST financial and fraternal status as well as presentations from each of the department heads, who will be presenting an overview of their respective sections including plans for the future. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the items which are presented as well as sharing your ideas for making SPJST an even better organization. Our job as officers, directors, and delegates to the 2021 SPJST Convention is not to simply repeat the past but to employ the convention process to shape a positive future. A future where we rediscover, or maybe reinvent, new fraternal products and services that make a positive difference in the lives of our members and the communities that we serve. A future where the emphasis is on volunteerism and reinforces the values outlined in our SPJST vision statement and that is: to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members. With that introduction, I will present you with an overview of SPJST business operations for 2020. That will be followed by summaries from each department head, who will be presenting an overview of their respective sections along with plans for the future. Before I present you the overview of 2020 operations, I’m going to ask Melanie to roll the listing of 2021 SPJST scholarship recipients. (Editor’s Note: Please see scholarship winners on pages 33 to 38 of this week’s Vestnik.) I’m happy to say 39 deserving young men and women received $1,000 SPJST scholarships and leadership grants to support their pursuit of a college or technical degree. All seven districts are represented. The young people received their notification letters this week. If you know any of these great kids, please – when
you see them – offer your congratulations and best wishes. Supreme Lodge By-Law Recommendations As Supreme Lodge President, my driving objective is to ensure the financial security and fraternal relevancy of SPJST. Everything else plugs into that equation. To that end, six significant changes as well as other sundry amendments to SPJST’s governance structure were unanimously approved during the April 20, 2021, Supreme Lodge meeting and are being submitted to the SPJST ByLaw Committee and to you as delegates of the 33rd Convention for your consideration. “Corporate governance” in the life insurance industry — including fraternal life insurance — continues to be a growing focus among state regulators. Broadly speaking, “corporate governance” describes the processes, practices, and structures through which a Society manages its business and works to meet its financial and fraternal objectives and achieve long-term sustainability. The modernization of SPJST’s bylaws reflects a thoughtful and deliberative process. The Special Structure Committee designated by the 2008 Convention delivered a presentation to the 2012 Convention, the foundation of which was enacted by delegates of the 2016 Convention. We continue this dialogue leading into the 2021 Convention through the traditional rule-making process as provided for in our SPJST ByLaws. Six significant changes as well as other sundry amendments to SPJST’s governance structure were considered and discussed by Supreme Lodge officers and directors in the 18 months which preceded our April Supreme Lodge meeting. All of these recommendations were presented in the form of a motion which was unanimously approved during the April 20 Supreme Lodge meeting and are being submitted to the By-Law Committee and delegates of the 33rd Convention for consideration. The unanimous approval on the part of the Supreme Lodge gives evidence of a unity of purpose and a feeling which is especially gratifying! I will now review the six major recommendations. After that, Melanie will review our by-laws so you can see how these recommendations and others — if approved by the Convention — would affect the entirety of our by-laws.
VĚSTNÍK Six Recommendations The six recommendations are: (1) The Supreme Lodge hires the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the President/CEO will have the authority for overseeing the executive management team and society operations. Consequently, the Supreme Lodge will be responsible for the performance, evaluation, compensation, and overall direction of the President/CEO. Having a list of skills required to fulfill the job of President /CEO is an absolute must. Already, many fraternal benefit societies have successfully transitioned from convention election of the President/CEO to the board hiring the President/CEO. Best practices in fraternal governance as well as the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) Corporate Governance Model Act recognize that the board of directors should have both authority and accountability to provide appropriate oversight of the President/CEO. While the Supreme Lodge should not get involved in day-to-day management of SPJST employees, the Supreme Lodge does have an obligation to evaluate the President/CEO at least annually. This should be an interactive process and be tied in with the strategic goals of the society. The process must be open and transparent with clear objectives established and measurable results defined. (2) The following managerial positions will serve as non-voting members of the Supreme Lodge: Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller. The position of Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication will be designated Vice President of Communications because of the specialized expertise the position brings to the Society. The Vice President of Communications — working in concert with the Supreme Lodge President — will be responsible for developing and delivering a communications plan that will help to achieve SPJST’s vision and strategy. The Vice President of Communications acts as an ambassador for the organization and educates members and the general public about SPJST’s plans and activities.
Monday, May 10, 2021 (3) Convention delegates — between conventions — will have the ability to observe and examine and comment upon SPJST’s management processes. To that end, all convention delegates shall serve as members of the SPJST Advisory Council between conventions. You’ll recall, the Advisory Council was referenced at the outset of our meeting today. SPJST Advisory Council members would serve on a volunteer basis and meet annually each spring with the Supreme Lodge – online or face-to-face – with the goal being to keep SPJST Advisory Council members engaged and responsive in matters relating to the growth and development of SPJST. Establishing an SPJST Advisory Council effectively broadens the opportunity for lodge leaders to learn about and to express their views on a range of SPJST management areas, including financial performance, insurance and fraternal programming, and communications. I envision the annual meeting of the SPJST Advisory Council taking place in the Temple area in the month of May, following the completion of the preceding year’s annual statement and the April Supreme Lodge meeting. (4) A seven-member Convention Committee would be elected in caucus elections at the 2021 Convention. The Convention Committee will be responsible for setting the salary of Supreme Lodge directors and serving as tellers for the next SPJST Convention and as the
Convention Grievance Committee. Duties which were heretofore assigned to the By-Laws Committee, Finance Committee, Insurance Committee, and Publication Committee will be assigned to chartered committees of the Supreme Lodge. The reality is that very few standing committees need to exist in perpetuity. Task forces, ad hoc committees, and temporary committees all have specific tasks to accomplish in a specific timeframe. Being assigned to work on a project with a clear goal and a termination point is favorable to the prospect of indefinite service on a committee weighed down by a vague purpose. An added bonus resulting from the creation of the SPJST Advisory Council is the broad representation of team participants it will yield. So how would such a decision affect our Convention process? In the event that the recommendations come to pass, I would foresee the convention adhering to much of the same agenda as we have now, including reports of the Officers and Charter Committees of the Supreme Lodge; likewise, the reports of officers and of the Resolution Committee. The election of the District Director, Alternate District Director, and Convention Committee would take place in the caucus sessions. Additionally, I would like to see our SPJST Convention agenda expanded to include seminars and presentations that address the heart of our Society’s mission, including lodge management issues, fra-
Advertising deadline is June 1 for Convention souvenir book Members and friends are invited to place advertisements in the 33rd SPJST Convention Official Souvenir Program Book that will be distributed to approximately 300 delegates and visitors at the convention. All advertisers will also receive a complimentary book. Prices for advertisements in the Official Convention Souvenir Program Book are:
the ad and photos or clip art images. Digital images saved in TIFF, EPS, JPEG, or PDF files will work best. Digital-ready advertisements should be saved as PDF files. All text, photographs, or digital files must be received with payment by June 1, 2021. Please submit by email to melaniez@spjst.com or call 254-773-1575, ext. 169.
Full Page Ad (7.5”w x 10”h) - $150 Half Page Ad (7.5”w x 5”h) - $90 Quarter Page Ad - (3.75”w x 5”h) - $60 Eighth Page Ad (3.75”w x 2.5”h) - $30 In Memoriam (includes photo) - $20 Well Wish (one line of text) - $10
Already Submitted an Ad? Thanks to the districts, lodges, youth clubs, individuals, and businesses that submitted advertisements for the convention when it was originally planned for June 2020 and later, August 2020. If you, your lodge, or business submitted an advertisement in 2020 for the souvenir book, you will soon be contacted to review your ad for updates since last year. —SPJST—
Advertisements will be printed in full color. The SPJST Věstník/Communication Department is available to assist with ad design. Please include the text for
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ternal innovation as well as learning about the latest tools being used in our industry. Our convention can be a real learning experience! The idea is to bring together our delegates and come away from the convention having learned something new, as well as having made new connections and possibly collaborations with fellow lodge leaders. (5) The Supreme Lodge will be solely responsible for the consideration and distribution of any monetary gifts and/or assignments by SPJST. Under Texas law, directors and managers have a fiduciary responsibility to the organizations which they lead and direct. The word fiduciary comes from the Latin fiducia, meaning trust. Simply stated, the Supreme Lodge has a legal obligation to manage and protect the property and money of the Society. In particular, decisions relating to the gifting of organizational assets should be made only after it has been determined that the gift or grant is considered reasonable and warranted and in line with the mission of SPJST. (6) Voting. The number of delegates that a lodge may send to the Convention shall be based on the following scale: (a) One delegate for lodges with 20 to 200 adult members; and (b) One additional delegate for each additional 200 adult members. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates shall be entitled to one vote for every delegate. The big difference here is that SPJST would be making the shift to proportional representation versus the old way, which is defined as a majoritarian voting system which has a bias in favor of the larger lodges. Under proportional representation, more delegates’ preferences are taken into account. The system is straightforward and easy to understand — one delegate equals one vote: just like the voting that takes place by our elected officials at the state and national levels. This summarizes the six major recommendations of the Supreme Lodge. We will now go through the by-laws item by item — and along the way — discuss any questions and/or suggestions that you may have. Editor’s Note: The Supreme Lodge by-law recommendations appear on pages 7 to 22. To view a recording of the May 1 webcast, visit spjst.org (under Events and Convention). —SPJST—
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Convention Registration and Hotel Information Dear SPJST Convention Delegate, Congratulations on your election as a delegate to the 33rd SPJST Convention to be held in Killeen, Texas, on August 13 to 15, 2021. Registration Registration will begin in the lobby of the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on Friday, August 13 at 2 p.m. The Killeen Civic and Conference Center is located at 3601 South WS Young Drive in Killeen. The Howdy Party is scheduled for Friday evening, August 13. Late registration will continue on Saturday morning, August 14. Hotel information for the 33rd SPJST Convention Howdy Party - Friday, August 13 Convention - Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 Here is a list of hotels in the Killeen area at which we have blocked rooms at a special rate. These rooms are only available at these special rates until July 12, 2021, on a first come, first served basis. To guarantee the reservation, you will need to provide the hotel with your credit card number or prepay for one night’s lodging. (If you had a prior reservation, we urge you to call the hotel to confirm.) When making room reservations, please call the hotel directly and be sure to give them the Special Rate Code which is “SPJST”. Again, please note that the rooms at the listed rates will not be guaranteed after July 12, 2021. All room rates are subject to applicable tax, and prices are based on double occupancy. Shilo Inn Suites Hotel 3701 South WS Young Dr Killeen, TX 76542 254-247-3133 254-699-0999 Rate: $120 Special Rate Code: SPJST 105 rooms available
Best Western Plus 2709 Cunningham Rd Killeen, TX 76542 254-634-5560 Rate: $95 Special Rate Code: SPJST 40 rooms available Hampton Inn Killeen 2702 O.W. Curry Dr. Killeen, TX 76542 254-554-7110, dial 0 when you hear hotel greeting message Rate: $94 Special Rate Code: SPJST 25 rooms available Courtyard Killeen 1721 E Central Texas Expy Killeen, TX 76541 254-616-2000 Rate: $120 Special Rate Code: SPJST 100 rooms available Please note: If you had a reservation at Hilton Garden Inn, this hotel is temporarily closed due to a fire and will not be available for the Convention. The address for the Killeen Civic and Conference Center is 3601 South WS Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76542. Please call Linda at the SPJST Home Office if you have any questions or need assistance in making your hotel reservations. Linda can be reached by email lindah@spjst.com or by telephone 254-773-1575, ext. 162. We look forward to seeing you in August in Killeen! Fraternally, Leonard Mikeska Chief Financial Officer —SPJST—
Scenes from the 32rd SPJST Convention in June 2016 at Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas.
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Monday, May 10, 2021 ARTICLE II PRINCIPAL OFFICE
SPJST By-Law Recommendations as unanimously approved by the SPJST Supreme Lodge on April 20, 2021 to be submitted to the By-Law Committee and Delegates to the 33rd SPJST Convention The following document has been signed and submitted from the SPJST Supreme Lodge to the By-Law Committee for its consideration by delegates at the 33rd SPJST Convention set for August 13 to 15, 2021, at Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas. This document was reviewed at several Supreme Lodge meetings and was unanimously approved by all Supreme Lodge members at the April 20, 2021, meeting. All delegates and standing committee members (By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication) received a copy prior to the Convention Delegates’ Webcast on Saturday, May 1, 2021. The document is color coded: Black is the current by-laws. Red is the proposed change. Green signifies moving the text to the SPJST Operations Manual. Blue represents codification of the text.
PREAMBLE The main idea and purpose of this Society, as organized by fearless and peace-loving 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 Section 1. The name of this Fraternal Benefit Society is SPJST, originally chartered as Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas (Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas {SPJST}).
Section 2. The principal office (Home Office) of SPJST shall be located in Temple, Texas. ARTICLE III OBJECTIVES MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS Section 3. The objectives of this Society, as organized by fearless and peace-loving Czech pioneers in Texas, are: (1) To provide and promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members. (2) To endeavor to keep alive the cherished traditions, customs, heritage, culture, and language of our forefathers. (3) Generally, through moral, spiritual, and economic respect, to encourage benevolence and humanity through the Society with sound practical life insurance products for its members. (4) To operate under the lodge system. (5) To provide for the payment of life, sick, accident, or other benefits to its members. Section 4.
Mission. Insuring and enriching lives.
Section 5. Vision. Our vision is to provide financial security for our members; build a wholesome family environment; and encourage cherished Czech traditions. 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 Section 6. 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 valueadded benefits to its members. SPJST will conduct its affairs in a manner that is perceived as a good corporate citizen. ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP Section 7. 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, legal residents of the United States, or tax-paying non-residents with a legal Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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Section 7. 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 8. 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 9. Membership Classes. There shall be the following classes of members: (a) Adult Member. (1) A person of 18 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. (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. (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.
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(4) Members upon reaching age 18 automatically become adult members with all rights of adult members by complying with all requirements of adult membership. (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.
Section 10. 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 11. 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.
(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.
ARTICLE VI CONVENTION
(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.
Section 12. 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:
(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 age 18, the insured youth shall become an adult member. (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 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 Věstník if he/she desires to receive it. (4) An uninsurable child whose parent or guardian is a member can participate in the youth program.
(a) Adopt, amend, and supplement the by-laws of SPJST. (b) Receive and act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge officers and district directors and the Convention Committee, which must be published in the Věstník 30 days before the Convention. District directors may make one combined report if they so agree. (b) Receive and act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge officers and directors and all committees, which must be published in the Věstník 30 days before the Convention. Directors may make one combined report if they so agree. (c) Elect district directors, alternate district directors, and Convention Committee members. (c) Elect Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees. (d) Determine compensation of district directors. (d) Determine salaries of Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (SecretaryTreasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees. (-) Determine compensation for all delegates, Convention officers, and Convention Committee members, and Convention expense borne by SPJST. Delegates and Convention officers will be paid the week following the Convention. (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 13. Regular Conventions. Regular Conventions are held once every four years. The date and location of the next regular Convention shall be set by the Supreme Lodge and published in the Věstník no later than January of the Convention year. 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 Věstník no later than January of the Convention year. Section 14. Special Conventions. Special Conventions may be held upon a two-thirds 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 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. Section 15. Quorum. Two-thirds of delegates seated at any Regular or Special Convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business. Section 16. 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. Section 17. Order. All proceedings of the Convention will be conducted in the following order, unless decided otherwise by the Supreme Lodge and approved by the delegates: Section 17. 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. (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 Chair and Convention Vice Chair.
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(b) Credentials 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 by the Supreme Lodge. (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) from among the delegates. (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 the Convention Committee. (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 Committee’s report. (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. (h) District caucuses. The purpose of these seven, separate district caucuses is to nominate and elect a district director, alternate district director, and Convention Committee member. Each delegate will vote in accordance with Section 31 (Votes) of the by-laws. The district director will act as temporary chair of the district caucus until delegates elect a permanent chair. (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. (j) Select location for the succeeding Convention. (i) Install district directors and Convention Committee members. (k) Install elected officials and standing committee members. (j) Adjourn Convention.
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Section 18. 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.
(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.
Section 15. Convention Committees. The following committees appointed by the Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair will function during the Convention:
(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.
(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 19. 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 20. Discussions. All Supreme Lodge members and Convention 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. 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 Convention Committee and acted upon by that committee. (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 discussed and approved by a lodge or the Supreme Lodge and submitted to any member of the Governance Committee not later than 60 days prior to the Convention so that the Governance Committee could study such motion or amendment and deliver its opinion. Recommendations must be submitted in the English language. The Governance Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Věstník for publication. Rejected recommendations can be presented by a delegate of the representative body in the Convention during deliberation of the respective article. Between Conventions, recommendations can be submitted to the Governance Committee for consideration at Supreme Lodge meetings.
Section 21. 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. Section 21. 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 Officer (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 Officer (SecretaryTreasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, or District Director must announce candidacy at least 120 days prior to Convention. Section 22. Minutes. The Convention minutes should accurately summarize what was discussed and actions taken by the Convention. The minutes should be accurate, concise, objective, and to the point, but written in such a way that they do not leave out critical information and are easily understood and usable in the future. Minutes may include brief summaries of the discussions but should reflect a record of the exact wording of motions, amendments, and resolutions as well as who made the motions, who seconded them, and the outcome of any votes taken. The minutes shall be kept and approved in the English lan-
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guage. A copy of the Convention minutes shall be sent to each local lodge secretary, all Convention delegates, Convention Committee members, and all members, upon request. 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 -. Publicity. Supreme Lodge President and Vice President of Communications are responsible for appropriate publicity pertaining to Conventions. Section 21. Publicity. Supreme Lodge President and Editor/Director of Communication are responsible for appropriate publicity pertaining to Conventions. ARTICLE VII CONVENTION COMMITTEE Section 23. Composition. The Convention Committee shall be comprised of seven elected members (one from each of the seven districts). The Supreme Lodge shall fill any vacancy occurring in the Convention Committee by appointing an Adult Member to serve. Section 24. Eligibility. Supreme Lodge members, their spouses, and SPJST Home Office employees are not eligible for membership on the Convention Committee, but they are free to attend the Committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the Committee. (a) Convention Committee members are expected to attend their respective district meetings. If two meetings are missed during a four-year period, the Supreme Lodge will appoint an Adult Member to complete the remainder of the term. Section 25. Duties. The Convention Committee shall have the following duties: (a) Review all compensation and financial benefits of district directors. Gather relevant information and recommendations regarding reasonable compensation for district directors and present a proposal to the Convention. Any increase in compensation must be approved by the Delegates of the Convention. (b) Recommend to the Convention compensation of district directors. The Committee’s recommendations shall be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention. (4) Recommend to the Convention per diem of delegates and salaries of district directors. The Committee’s recommendations shall be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention. (c) Assist the Supreme Lodge President in the tabulation of votes during the election of the Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair.
(d) Assist the Convention Chair in the tabulation of votes of matters brought before the Convention. (e) Serve as the Grievance Committee at the Convention. Help resolve disputes at the Convention. Section 26. Committee Chair. The Convention Committee shall convene immediately following the Convention and elect a Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary from its membership. Section 27. Meetings. During the Convention year, the Convention Committee shall hold a minimum of two meetings, one at least six months and one immediately prior to the start of the Convention. The day and time shall be designated by the Convention Committee Chair after consultation with Convention Committee members. The Convention Committee Chair may call special meetings and shall call a special meeting upon written request of at least three Convention Committee members. 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. All non-electronic meetings shall be at the Home Office. Section 28. Quorum and Voting. A majority of the Convention Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of Convention Committee business except that a smaller number may adjourn a meeting for lack of a quorum. The Committee shall act by a majority of Committee members present. ARTICLE VIII LODGE DELEGATE ELECTIONS
tute 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 31. Votes. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every delegate. Section 24. Votes. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every adult member. Delegates from each lodge shall divide their lodge’s votes equally among themselves. In the event the votes do not divide equally among its delegates, the extra votes shall be assigned proportionally to all of the lodge’s delegates. (Example, a lodge with 4 delegates and 405 votes would result in each delegate having 101.25 votes). Section 32. 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 33.
Delegate Election Requirements.
(a) Qualifies as an adult member. Section 29. 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 30. 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 200 adult members; (1) One delegate for lodges with 20 to 100 adult members; (2) One additional delegate for each additional 200 adult members. (2) One additional delegate for each additional 150 adult members. (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 shall send the substi-
(b) Is present during the election or is absent due to unavoidable circumstances. (c) Attended at least 50 percent of the regular meetings of the lodge during one year preceding the Convention. Lodges meeting monthly, 50 percent is six meetings; lodges meeting bi-monthly, 50 percent is three meetings; and lodges meeting quarterly, 50 percent is two meetings. (When there is a conflict with the date of their local lodge meeting, Supreme Lodge members, district fraternal activities coordinators, on official business, may count as attending a regular meeting for this purpose. The state fraternal 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. (c) Attended a majority of the regular meetings of the lodge during one year preceding the Convention. Lodges meeting quarterly, majority would be two meetings. (When there is a conflict with the date of their local lodge meeting, Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, fraternal field
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managers, 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.
mittee during Convention registration. The credential form must contain:
(1) For any breach of the officer’s or district director’s duty of loyalty to SPJST or its members;
(1) A statement of the number of regular meetings held by the lodge the delegate is representing.
(2) For any act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law;
(2) The number of regular meetings attended by the delegate in the year preceding the Convention.
(d) Is a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election.
(3) The mileage from the delegate’s home to the Convention site and return.
(e) Is not an officer or director of another fraternal life insurance society.
(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.
(3) For any transaction from which the officer or district director received a benefit deemed improper by the Supreme Lodge, whether or not the benefit resulted from action taken within the scope of the officer’s or district director’s position; (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;
(f) Any member who desires to serve as a delegate who is an underwriter of any 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. Section 34. Term. Delegates and substitute delegates shall hold office until their successors are seated at the following Convention. The delegates and substitutes to 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 35.
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 designating 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 forwards to the local lodge secretary the required forms in duplicate that must be completed by the secretary and signed by the president and secretary of the local lodge, to certify the election of the delegate and substitute(s). After completion, one form must immediately be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer. The elected delegate must present the second form to the Credentials Com-
(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 IX SUPREME LODGE Section 36. Composition. The Supreme Lodge shall be composed of the seven elected district directors (one from each of the seven districts) and the President, who is appointed by the district directors. The other officers (Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller) shall serve as non-voting members of the Supreme Lodge. The President shall abstain from voting on any item of business relating to his/her personal compensation and/or employee benefits. The Supreme Lodge shall have the 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 29. Composition. The Supreme Lodge shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Controller, and seven elected directors (one from each of the seven districts). The Supreme Lodge shall have the 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 37.
Conflicts of Interest.
(a) No agent of any other life insurance company, or any officer or director of any similar fraternal order is eligible for 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 district director’s capacity as an officer or district director except in the following instances:
(4) For any act or omission for which the liability of an officer or district 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 38. 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. (-) Approve a contract on an annual basis, if deemed beneficial, for the printing of the Věstník, after consulting with the Vice President of Communications. (g) Approve a contract on an annual basis, if deemed beneficial, for the printing of the Věstník, after consulting with a member of the Publication Committee designated by that committee, and the Editor/Director of Communication. (g) 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.
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(h) 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.
(6) No new applications for membership will be accepted.
(i) Ratify compensation schedule and incentive programs for sales agents.
(8) All meetings and activities normally carried on by such lodge will cease.
(j) Fill vacancies for the Supreme Lodge President and Convention Committee members. (k) Fill vacancies in the Supreme Lodge and Editor/Director of Communication with the exception of the President, as specified in Section 41 (Vacancy).
(9) No local lodge dues will be collected.
(k) Employ a certified public accountant, upon recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), to prepare a detailed report concerning the condition of SPJST. (l) Prepare a report of its progress/accomplishments since the preceding Convention. Each Supreme Lodge officer must submit a report to be printed in the Věstník at least 30 days prior to the Convention. District directors may submit one combined report, if they so agree. (m) Investigate all irregularities, disorders, and incompetence in office of the President or any district director. 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 two-thirds vote. (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 two-thirds vote. (n) Suspend local lodges for not performing their local lodge duties and for irregularities deemed by the Supreme Lodge to be 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.
(7) No transfers into the lodge will be accepted. (x) Present report at district meetings.
(o) 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 twothirds of the Supreme Lodge. (-) 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. (p) Determine areas that can be outsourced or partnered for increased efficiency. (q) Select and give discretionary authority to an investment manager on recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer and ratify the sale and purchase of bonds and stocks by a majority vote. (r) Ratify the sale and purchase of bonds and stocks by a majority vote. (r) Ratify the operating budget of the Home Office. (u) Ratify the salary of Home Office employees, as proposed by Supreme Lodge officers and Editor/Director of Communication. (s) Assign further additional duties to any voting member of the Supreme Lodge. (t) Review proposed agenda items and agenda for the Convention. The agenda will be constructed by the Supreme Lodge. All proposed agenda items must be submitted to the Supreme Lodge at least 60 days prior to the start of the Convention to be included in the Convention agenda. (a) Review proposed agenda items and agenda for the Convention. The agenda will be prepared by the Supreme Lodge officers. All proposed agenda items must be submitted to the Convention Committee at least 60 days prior to the start of the Convention to be included in the Convention agenda.
(4) The loss of representation at district meetings and other functions of SPJST.
(u) Review resolutions submitted for consideration of the Convention and make recommendations to the Convention regarding such resolutions. Any proposed resolution must be submitted to the Supreme Lodge at least 30 days prior to the start of the Convention to be considered by the Convention.
(5) The loss of representation at all youth functions on the district and state levels.
(v) Examine and pass upon the credentials of the Delegates to the Convention.
(3) The name and number of the local lodge will be dropped from the roster of the lodges.
(w) Review the financial standing of the Society annually and ensure that a financial report is prepared and presented to the Convention.
(y) Participate in lodge and district events to inform the membership on matters pertaining to SPJST. Section 39. Supreme Lodge Chair. The Supreme Lodge shall elect a chair and vice chair for one two-year term from among its seven elected district directors. Multiple terms as chair or vice chair are permissible; however, they may not be successive. 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 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 40. 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 41. 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 voting members will constitute a quorum at special meetings. Section 42. 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 43. 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. Section 44. 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, online, or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other.
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Section 45. 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 46. 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 (SecretaryTreasurer) 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 Věstník 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 47. Committee Establishment. The Supreme Lodge may appoint committees 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 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 48. Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall be responsible for the oversight of the auditors of the Society, the audit of financial statements of the Society, review of investment transactions and performance of the investment portfolio, operational procedures, and such other responsibilities designated to it from time to time. Section 49. Communications Committee. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for determining what material proposed to be included in the Věstník may be harmful to and against the best interests of SPJST. Section 50. Governance Committee. The Governance Committee will review submitted recommendations for changes to the by-laws. The Governance Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Věstník for publication. The Governance Committee will consider, arrange, and recommend motions for amending by-laws of the succeeding Convention; elimi-
nate conflicts in the by-laws; codify and rearrange the bylaws; and deliberate and decide on all recommendations for amending the by-laws and, if necessary, prepare and present its own recommendations for changes to any articles. The Governance Committee will submit recommendations to the Věstník enabling publishing 30 days prior to the Convention. Immediately following the Convention, the Governance Committee will arrange and compile the newly-adopted by-laws with all changes and amendments. (-) Working with the Vice President of Communications, the Governance Committee will eliminate duplications, remove conflicting articles, and recodify all by-laws, in compliance with the Texas Department of Insurance. A neat, readable proof copy with a complete index will be forwarded 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 Committee within 10 days after receipt thereof and prior to final approval by the Committee. The Supreme Lodge will determine if copies will be printed or available digitally and will provide copies to lodges and members, upon request. A sealed package containing all of the Committee’s records from the Convention will be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge President. The sealed package may be opened in case of necessity only in the presence of the Supreme Lodge. The Home Office will provide assistance as needed to accomplish this duty. Section 51. Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy by the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, or Controller, such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the President with ratification by the Supreme Lodge. Section 41. Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy by the President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), or Controller, such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the Supreme Lodge. (a) In the event of a vacancy by the President, such vacancy will be filled 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 the Věstník Editor/Director of Communication, such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the Supreme Lodge after consultation with the Publication Committee. (b) In the event of a vacancy by a district director, the position shall be filled by his/her alternate. (d) 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.
Section 52. Removal of Supreme Lodge President and District Directors. A Supreme Lodge President or District Director may be removed from the Supreme Lodge “for cause” by a two-thirds affirmative vote of a majority of members of the Supreme Lodge at a meeting called for that purpose. Appointed officers and the Supreme Lodge member whose status is at issue shall not be entitled to vote in the matter. “For cause,” for purposes of this section, shall include: 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 X SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS Section 53. Officer Requirements. To be a Supreme Lodge officer, an individual must meet the following requirements: (a) Be a member of SPJST for at least one year preceding the appointment. Individuals who do not meet this one-year requirement may be hired; however, they shall not serve as a Supreme Lodge officer until they have been a member for one year. (a) Be a member of SPJST for at least one year 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.
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(e) Any other requirements that the Supreme Lodge may prescribe that take into consideration the nature of the position and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST. (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. Term. 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. (f) No officer can hold more than one office at a time, and no officer can receive more than one compensation at one time. (g) No Supreme Lodge officer or his/her spouse can receive commissions for services as a sales agent. (h) No Supreme Lodge officer may hold any position in the districts or lodges. Section 54.
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 Věstník. Section 55. President. The President shall be appointed by the Supreme Lodge. The President shall serve as the chief executive officer of the Society, shall have general supervision and direction of the day-to-day business and affairs of the Society, and shall perform all duties incumbent to the position and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Supreme Lodge from time to time. 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. Subject to such rules and policies as may be prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, the President shall have authority to appoint and terminate such other officers, agents, and employees and to delegate authority to them. 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 56. Reasonable Compensation. Reasonable compensation of the President shall be determined by the district directors. Reasonable compensation of all Supreme Lodge officers other than the President shall be recommended by the President and approved by the district directors. In its determination of reasonable compensation, the district directors or a committee delegated authority for officer compensation shall take into account, among others, the services rendered by the officer, the performance of the officer, the performance of the Society, market and industry standards, and compensation paid to officers of similarly situated fraternal benefit societies. Section 47. Vice President of Sales and Marketing. 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) At least 5 years of life insurance experience. (c) Management and marketing experience. (d) Annuity certification. 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. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Chief Financial Officer must have experience in corporate management and administration/accounting and knowledge in the mortgage lending and loan origination field, investment management, property management, and claims and annuity administration. Other requirements include: (a) Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business or equivalent work experience.
(b) At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the investment field. 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. Controller. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Controller 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) At least 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in the accounting field. Section 49. Controller. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Controller 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 of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller have the authority to hire employees working directly under the respective officer. Section 50. Staff. After consulting with the President, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (SecretaryTreasurer), and Controller have the authority to hire employees working directly under the respective officer. ARTICLE XI SPJST ADVISORY COUNCIL Section 57. Convention Delegates shall serve as members of the SPJST Advisory Council between conventions. SPJST Advisory Council members shall serve on a volunteer basis and meet annually each spring with the Supreme Lodge with the objective of keeping the SPJST Advisory Council members engaged and responsive in matters relating to the growth and development of SPJST.
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ARTICLE XII SUPREME LODGE DISTRICT DIRECTORS
(h) Reside within the bounds of director’s respective district.
Section 58. District Director Qualifications. 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.
(i) Candidates seeking election for one of the seven elected district director positions must indicate state their intention to seek election and submit information to the Věstník regarding their qualifications for a district director position in accordance with the procedures established by the Supreme Lodge at least 120 days prior to the Convention. The Supreme Lodge shall help identify and encourage well qualified candidates from each District to seek election as a district director and alternate district director. The Supreme Lodge shall review candidate information and may gather additional background information and shall submit the slate of candidates and qualification information to the an ad-hoc Credentials Committee comprised of Convention delegates who shall review and provide the slate of candidates and information regarding qualifications to the district delegates at the Convention.
(a) District directors are accountable to members and owe duties of loyalty and care to SPJST. District directors’ performance should be evaluated through SPJST’s long-term performance, financial and otherwise. (b) District directors must have high integrity and the appropriate competence to represent the interests of all members in achieving the long-term success of SPJST. Ideally, in order to facilitate engaged and informed oversight of SPJST and the performance of management, a subset of district directors will have professional experiences directly related to SPJST. At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that some of the best ideas, insights, and contributions can come from district directors whose professional experiences are not directly related to SPJST. (c) District directors should be business savvy and member-oriented, and have a genuine passion for SPJST. (d) District directors should have complementary and diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and experiences.
Section 60. Term. The terms of the elected district directors shall be for four years and commence upon the close of the Convention during which they are elected and terminate upon the close of the following Convention. No district director can hold any position in the SPJST Home Office or district. Section 52. Term. 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.
(e) District directors need to commit substantial time and energy to the role.
Section 61. General Duties. The Supreme Lodge district directors will:
Section 59. District 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 district director, an individual must meet the following requirements:
(a) Oversee the management and progress of SPJST.
(a) Be a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election. (b) Be an active member for at least one year prior to the time of election.
(b) Oversee the compliance of all by-laws and decisions of the Conventions and Supreme Lodge. ARTICLE XIII VĚSTNÍK – OFFICIAL PUBLICATION EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND VĚSTNÍK – OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
(f) Attend the Convention or have an excuse for not being present that is acceptable by two-thirds of the delegates.
Section 54. Qualifications. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Vice President of Communications 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 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.
(g) Be capable of assuming the responsibilities as outlined herein and as established by SPJST from time to time.
Section 55. General Duties. The Vice President of Communications will: Section 55. General Duties. The Editor/Director of
(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.
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Communication will: (a) Manage all aspects of the Věstník. (b) Manage all aspects of the SPJST internet website and social media. (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. Term. 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 Vice President of Communications has the right to hire employees working directly under the Vice President of Communications. 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. 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 Communications Committee has the obligation to see that the Vice President of Communications does not print articles inimical to the best interests of SPJST. The Vice President of Communications may be dismissed for any of the following offenses: 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 Society’s communications satisfactorily in a dignified and professional manner. (a) Incompetence, which means he/she does not manage the Věstník satisfactorily in a dignified and professional manner.
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(b) Willfully refusing cooperation with the Publication Committee. (b) Using the Věstník for personal promotion. (c) Promoting ideas harmful to SPJST.
(g) Any suggestions for the improvement of the contents of the Věstník should be referred to the Editor/Director of Communication or to the chair of the Publication Committee, and the committee will then direct the Editor/Director of Communication to make the changes accordingly.
Section 62. Official Publication Věstník. SPJST shall have an official publication. The name of the official publication shall be Věstník. The Věstník will be published twice monthly and in color.
Section 63. Objectionable Material. The Communications Committee will make decisions concerning objectionable contributions in the following manner:
Section 63. 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.
(1) If the Vice President of Communications considers any matter questionable or harmful to SPJST, he/she shall send a copy of the material in question to each member of the Communications Committee, who shall respond by return mail. The Committee may consult with legal counsel.
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 and Convention committee members. (b) Each Věstník shall include the contact information for Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, and all standing committee members.
(2) If the material is considered acceptable by the majority of the members of the Committee, the Vice President of Communications 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 Vice President of Communications. If the Vice President of Communications fails to submit material turned down by him/her, the writer may submit the letter to the Supreme Lodge President and the decision of the Supreme Lodge President will override the opinion of the Vice President of Communications. Section 63. Objectionable Material. The Publication Committee will make decisions concerning objectionable contributions in the following manner:
(c) The Věstník shall have lessons and articles in the Czech language. (c) The Věstník shall have lessons in the Czech language.
(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.
(d) Any notice, report, or statement required by law, including notice of election, may be published in the Věstník.
(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.
(e) During the month of May, names and addresses of district and local lodge secretaries will be published in the Věstník.
(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 Chair and the decision of the Publication Committee will override the opinion of the Editor/Director of Communication.
(f) At least 30 days prior to the convention, the Věstník will include pre-convention reports of the Supreme Lodge officers and district directors and Convention Committee and a list of delegates’ names and lodge numbers. (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 improving SPJST communications should be referred to the Vice President of Communications.
(-) The Vice President of Communications will 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. (1) Outline and report to the Convention the format, editorial policies, and general usefulness of the
Věstník, working in collaboration with the Editor/Director of Communication. This report will be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention. 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:
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(1) Consider, arrange, and recommend motions for amending by-laws of the succeeding Convention.
(2) The By-Law Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Věstník for publication.
(2) Eliminate conflicts in the by-laws.
(3) Rejected recommendations can be presented by a delegate in the Convention during deliberation of the respective article.
(3) Codify and rearrange the by-laws. (4) Deliberate and decide on all recommendations for amending the by-laws 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. (6) Arrange and compile the newly-adopted bylaws 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 bylaws 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.
Section 71. Finance Committee. (a) Purpose. The Finance Committee’s purpose is to: (1) Review the prior year financial statement. (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 2016 Convention. (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.
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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. (b) Meetings. The Publication Committee will meet annually. Special meetings will be held in exceptional cases when problems cannot be settled by correspondence. ARTICLE XIV DISTRICTS Section 64. 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, Bruceville-Eddy), 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, Pre-
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sidio, 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. (f) DISTRICT SIX: Aransas, Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, and Wharton. (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 65. District Meetings. Districts have the right to assemble for consultation, information, and administration within the limits of the by-laws of SPJST. (a) Members of every district must hold an annual business meeting each year, which may be combined with social and youth activities. (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 66. District Officers. The following district officers shall be elected during the during the first meeting of the year: annual meeting: 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 (where applicable); 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. (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. (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 Věstník and local newspapers. (2) Photograph and record district events for posterity and news articles. (3) Submit event photographs to the Věstník 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 Věstník and local media outlets (newspaper, radio, television, community bulletins, internet), when possible. (9) Submit an annual report to the State Fraternal 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 Fraternal Director. 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 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 $4,000 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 $1,000 per meeting with the balance being used to defray the expenses of the district and to promote growth for SPJST. Section 67. District Audit Committee. The district must elect or appoint an audit committee, consisting of three or more members. If appointed, the president appoints the
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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 68. 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) Convention Committee report (m) Supreme Lodge report (n) District 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 spring meeting (t) Adjournment of the meeting Section 68. 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 meetings (t) Adjournment of the meeting ARTICLE XV LOCAL LODGES Section 69. 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. A local lodge may, upon adoption of a proper resolution by its 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 Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. Section 70. 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 71. 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 72. 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.
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Section 73. 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 74. 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. (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 will be conducted in the English language. Section 75. 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 76. 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.
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Section 77. 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.
ferring 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.
Section 78. 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).
(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.
(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. (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 79. 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 80. 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 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 81. 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 trans-
(a) No lodge can be dissolved as long as 20 members are still in favor of its further existence.
Section 82. 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 XVI BENEFIT CERTIFICATES Section 83. 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, certificate 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. If SPJST’s reserves for any class of SPJST’s benefit certificates becomes impaired, the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors may require the certificate holders to pay SPJST an equitable proportion of the deficiency as determined by the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors. The aggregate amount for the impaired reserves may not exceed the total amount required to comply with section 885.408 of the Texas Insurance Code. Section 84. 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 85. 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 state 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, (1) the surviving spouse; (2) children; (3) grandchildren; (4) parents; (5) brothers and sisters; (6) grandparents; and (7) estate of the deceased.
(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, (1) the surviving spouse; (2) children; (3) grandchildren; (4) parents; (5) brothers and sisters; (6) grandparents; (7) 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 86. Reserves. If SPJST’s reserves for any class of SPJST’s benefit certificates becomes impaired, the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors may require the certificate holders to pay SPJST an equitable proportion of the deficiency as determined by the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors. The aggregate amount for the impaired reserves may not exceed the total amount required to comply with section 885.408 of the Texas Insurance Code. If such payment is not made, either: Section 86. 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 87. 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 88. 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.
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Section 89. 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 the 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. (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. ARTICLE XVII ANNUITY CERTIFICATES Section 90. Eligibility Requirements. SPJST members (life insurance certificate holders) are eligible and may purchase an annuity with a $100 minimum contribution. Section 91.
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 XVIII MORTGAGE LOANS Section 92. The Supreme Lodge sets policies and procedures on Mortgage Loans. 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 district 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. ARTICLE XIX INDEMNIFICATION Section 93. 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 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. Section 94. 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. ARTICLE XX FUNDS AND INVESTMENTS Section 95. There shall be established and maintained by dues and assessments collected from members and from all other income of the Society, a fund or funds for the payment of death and other benefits and for the accumulation of reserves on certificates as provided by law and/or the benefit certificates, and for the expense of management and extension of the Society. Section 96. The Supreme Lodge shall have supervision over the operations of the funds of the Society which shall be invested in accordance with the investment policies adopted by the Supreme Lodge and all applicable laws. ARTICLE XXI INTERPRETATION OF BY-LAWS Section 97. 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 XXII RULES OF PROCEDURE Section 98. 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 latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall control such procedure. ARTICLE XXIII WAIVER Section 99. 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 the Society. Such provisions shall be binding on the Society and every member and beneficiary of a member.
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ARTICLE XXIV AMENDMENTS Section 100. 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. Section 101. Between meetings of the Convention, the Supreme Lodge may by two-thirds vote of all Supreme Lodge members, amend these by-laws in any way necessary to clarify or give effect to Convention enactments, to remove or revise contradictions or ambiguities, or to make these Bylaws conform to the laws of the State of Texas. Section 102. Effective Date. Amendments to these bylaws shall take effect upon their adoption, unless another time is specified, and shall be submitted to Texas Department of Insurance. All amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST or a synopsis thereof shall be published in the Věstník within the time required by the laws of the State of Texas. The Chief Financial Officer 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 is prima facie evidence that the by-laws were legally adopted. Section 109. Effective Date. Amendments to these bylaws 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 (SecretaryTreasurer) 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. Section 103. Power to Correct Typographical Errors. The Convention directs the Supreme Lodge Officers to correct typographical errors that might appear in the foregoing bylaws and to renumber the articles, sections, subsections, and/or subparagraphs in codifying the same so as to place them in proper order but without changing the context, intent, and purpose thereof. Should any article, section, or part of these by-laws be held invalid for any reason whatsoever by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remainder or any part thereof. ARTICLE XXV RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES Section 104. The purpose of this article is to provide a method for fair resolution of disputes consistent with the fraternal nature of SPJST. Should a formal complaint be brought against any member(s), committee member(s), or officer(s), the provisions contained in this article shall be followed as these procedures have been structured to reflect the spirit of the disciplinary process as detailed in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
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(a) Local lodges of SPJST and their officers and members, as well as members of the Supreme Lodge, shall guide themselves according to all applicable laws and by-laws of SPJST; otherwise, they are subject to penalty for violation and non-observance of them. Punishments that a lodge can impose generally fall under the headings of corrective actions, censure, suspension, or expulsion. Members may be suspended from membership for the following reasons, but will not lose their insurance benefit except for nonpayment of premiums and dues:
(f) The severity of the action taken or recommended by a Lodge Grievance Committee should depend upon the nature and severity of the offense. Under most circumstances, it is recommended that upon first offense, that the Lodge Grievance Committee issue a discrete written warning to the accused, detailing the offense and the corrective action(s); moreover, SPJST seeks to ensure that a lodge doesn’t expel anyone from membership for reasons of race, religion, gender, or disability.
1. 2. 3. 4.
Members found to be guilty of immoral acts; Members convicted of felonious acts; Members derelict in their responsibilities; Members guilty of improper conduct and habitually failing to adhere to the by-laws, rules and regulations in the meeting; and Members whose actions are considered injurious to SPJST or its purposes.
(g) If the problem persists following this issuance of written warning — or if the individual cited protests the findings of the Lodge Grievance Committee — then the Lodge Grievance Committee may reconvene to reconsider the matter and — if deemed necessary — request that the accused member be brought before the general membership at a regularly scheduled lodge meeting for a trial to:
(b) Formal disciplinary procedures should be regarded as a drastic step reserved for serious situations or those potentially so. In the event that a grievance cannot be resolved informally, SPJST provides an orderly, confidential, and progressive procedure to deal with any serious differences of opinion which cause a member to believe that they have been dealt with unjustly.
(1) consider evidence and determine innocence or guilt by a two-thirds vote of eligible voting members present; and
(c) The grievance must be submitted in writing and signed by the person(s) making the charge. The grievance should be specific and should identify a desired outcome. Anonymous or unsigned grievances will not be considered. The grievance should be addressed to the lodge president — or if the lodge president is being cited — to the lodge vice president; and so on. Grievances dealing with matters on a district level or state level are to be directed directly to the Office of the Supreme Lodge President — or if the Supreme Lodge President is being cited — to the Supreme Lodge Chairman. The procedural process is essentially the same as outlined throughout this section.
(h) In the event of a finding of guilt by the lodge, the cited member may appeal, in writing, to the Supreme Lodge. Such an appeal must be made within 15 days after receipt of notice of action by the Grievance Committee; likewise, the aggrieved member, if not satisfied with the Grievance Committee’s ruling or sentencing, may appeal to the Supreme Lodge in the same manner as the accused member.
5.
(d) The lodge president shall appoint a Lodge Grievance Committee of at least three members who are not directly involved or named in the grievance. The lodge president shall serve as a non-voting member of the Grievance Committee. In the event that the grievance involves the lodge president, the committee shall be appointed by the vice president or another lodge officer not cited or affected directly by the grievance. The Lodge Grievance Committee may be a standing committee of the lodge; otherwise, the Lodge Grievance Committee shall be designated at the next lodge meeting following the written filing of the grievance. (e) The Lodge Grievance Committee will be instructed to make a determination that the allegations cited against the member are well-founded. In the event that the allegations are determined wellfounded, the Lodge Grievance Committee shall address the matter, including any corrective actions which are deemed necessary, discretely with the member in question.
(2) consider and vote upon disciplinary action(s) recommended by the Grievance Committee, subject to an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the voting members present.
(i) The appeal will be added to the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge. (j) The Supreme Lodge shall investigate thoroughly all facts pertinent to the ruling of the Grievance Committee. To facilitate in this process, the lodge Grievance Committee will furnish a transcript of all prior proceedings on the matter to the Supreme Lodge President. (k) The Supreme Lodge shall uphold, reject, and/or amend the ruling of the Grievance Committee, and this decision shall stand. (l) All grievance proceedings under the by-laws shall be held in executive session, and the name of the member under investigation shall not be disclosed in any public communication or to any person other than to persons whose testimony is necessary in connection with the initial proceedings and/or subsequent lodge intercession. All communications concerning disciplinary proceedings are to be marked “Confidential” and all disciplinary files are to be maintained in strict confidence. —SPJST—
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Recommendations previously submitted to the By-Law Committee and published in the Vestnik Editor’s Note: Please note that the Article and Section numbers may be based on the Supreme Lodge recommendations that were published in the March 23, 2020, Vestnik. From the April 13, 2020 Vestnik - page 5 The following is a recommendation that the By-Law Committee received, but did not act upon. Lodge 160 delegates - or any convention delegate - can bring up the recommendation for discussion on the convention floor, if they so choose. Implement term limits for directors. Method and terms to be decided. Submitted by, Lodge 160, San Angelo Charlene Dusek, Secretary February 26, 2020 •••••••••••••••••• The following recommendations were received by the By-Law Committee. However, we did not act upon them. We determined the issue in each recommendation was financial and should be handled by the Finance Committee. These recommendations have been forwarded to Mr. Dewyan Weise, chairman of the Finance Committee. Any officer or director living within 50 miles of the city limits of Temple or any other meetings within 50 miles of their home base, would not be paid overnight lodging. Submitted by, Lodge 160, San Angelo Charlene Dusek, Secretary February 26, 2020 ********* SPJST Non-Contractual Spending The SPJST Supreme Lodge (officers and directors) must reduce non-contractual spending by 10 percent annually, starting January 1, 2021, until an amount is achieved that does not exceed the revenue generated by the income of the surplus or unassigned funds. This amount is to be determined by the rate of return on all assets multiplied by the amount of unassigned funds of the proceeding year. Submitted to By-Law Committee by Herman Dewyan Weise Lodge 160, San Angelo February 22, 2020 •••••••••••••••••• The following are recommendations from the By-Law Committee for changes to the by-law recommendations received from the Supreme Lodge at the February 8, 2020, meeting held in Temple: Page 9, Section 21 - Method of voting by the delegates. Last sentence (starting on line 37) should read: “Delegates shall vote by voice, show of hands, standing, roll call, or due to the sensitivity of the subject matter, secret ballot where needed, as designated by the Convention Chair. No delegate shall vote by proxy.”
VĚSTNÍK Page 13, Section 28. Meetings. (starting on line 9) should read: “The Convention Committee shall meet annually in between Convention years or on an as needed basis.” Submitted by, Beverly Teplicek, Secretary District Four Ronnie Rieger, Chairman District Two Richard Ford District One Dorothy Pflughaupt District Five Joe Siptak District Six Oscar Korus District Seven —SPJST— •••••••••••••••••• From the June 22, 2020 Vestnik page 4 Following are the recommendations the By-Law Committee received that need to be published for our members. Some of these were sent to the Finance Committee as we felt they were not for us to decide. Fraternally, Beverly Teplicek, Secretary By-Law Committee •••••••••••••••••• Here is my list of recommendations for officer’s and director’s qualifications to be considered by the By-Law Committee. Thank you. Fraternally, Donnie Victorick March 30, 2020 By-Law Recommendations 1. Officer Qualifications a. President/CEO 1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from accredited university in management or administration. 2. Have experience in supervision and employee evaluation. 3. Have minimal knowledge of fraternal benefit organizations/nonprofits. 4. Exhibit leadership skills. 5. Be a self-starter and ability to motivate others. 6. Ability to exhibit self-confidence and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the organization. 7. Be open-minded and have a willingness to grow and improve on a daily basis. b. Vice President 1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in marketing/sales. 2. Have experience in supervision
Monday, May 10, 2021 and employee evaluation. 3. Have knowledge and experience in the insurance industry. 4. Exhibit leadership skills. 5. Be a self-starter and ability to motivate others.
7. Make business decisions without letting personal feelings interfere. 8. Be active in his/her local lodge 9. Be open-minded and have a willingness to grow and improve on a daily basis.
6. Ability to exhibit self-confidence and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the organization. 7. Be open-minded and have a willingness to grow and improve on a daily basis.
I am not advocating elimination of any existing requirements that are present in our existing by-laws, but some could be codified to make them work with the above proposed recommendations. Fraternally, Donnie Victorick District One Director Lodge 9, Snook
c. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in finance/accounting or investment. 2. Have experience in supervision and employee evaluation. 3. Have knowledge in processing death claims. 4. Have knowledge in real estate/ mortgage loan processes. 5. Exhibit leadership skills. 6. Be a self-starter and ability to motivate others. 7. Ability to exhibit self-confidence and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the organization. 8. Be open-minded and have a willingness to grow and improve on a daily basis. d. Controller 1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in accounting, preferably a Certified Public Accountant. 2. Experience in auditing and business procedures. 3. Have experience in supervision and employee evaluation. 4. Exhibit leadership skills. 5. Be a self-starter and ability to motivate others. 6. Ability to exhibit self-confidence and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the organization. 7. Be open-minded and have a willingness to grow and improve on a daily basis. e. Director 1. Meet to qualifications to be eligible to be a delegate to the quadrennial convention. 2. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university 3. Have knowledge of evaluation of management. 4. Exhibit leadership skills. 5. Be a self-starter and ability to motivate others. 6. Ability to exhibit self-confidence and make difficult decisions in the best interest of the organization.
•••••••••••••••••• May 28, 2019 By-Law Changes • No funding for the museum. • Cut scholarships to 25. • Cap fraternal spending to percentage on income made from investment income. • Term limits. • Redistrict based on membership. • Elect only President and Editor/Director of Communication. Supreme Lodge hire Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. • Stagger terms on board members, elect new two every year by district delegates at spring meeting. This keeps SPJST from possibly having 11 new Supreme Lodge members after the convention. Very scary to insurance regulators, AM Best, and TDI. • Change frequency of Vestnik. • Cut DYC pay. • Move museum back to the Home Office basement. February 5, 2020 New by-laws change all except term limits. Put off term battle till 2024. Try to still add capping fraternal expense to percentage of investment income. Try to get redistricting studied and tabled for 2024 Convention, especially now how we will be voting at convention - hurts bigger lodges like Lodge 88, Houston. Thanks, Bradley Stavinoha Lodge 81, Needville —SPJST— •••••••••••••••••• From the July 13, 2020 Vestnik pages 19 and 20 June 14, 2020 Recommendations to By-Law Committee for 2020 SPJST Convention Please see the attached recommendations for the upcoming SPJST Convention. These recommendations are being submitted by a group of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston delegates. Thank you to the By-Law Committee for serving. We look forward to seeing your recommendations to the Convention.
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Proposed Recommendations for 2020 Convention Article VI Section 12 (f) – Convention/Purpose - Add to the end of the sentence: Decide what donations will be made to various charities and educational institutions, etc. based on the financial performance of the Society of the year of disbursement. - Rationale: If the Society is not performing profitably, then either need to reduce or withhold disbursement. It is best to limit the amount of disbursements versus having an open amount. Article VI Section 14 – Convention / Special Conventions - Add the underlined portion to the fourth sentence: A call for a Special Convention shall be deposited in the United States mail or multiple forms of media currently in practice for commerce at least 30 days prior to the convening of such Special Convention, addressed to each delegate at his/her last known address or email address as shown by the records of SPJST. - Rationale: US mail is close but not an accurate form of communication. It should state that communications and notice will be given via multiple methods currently in practice for commerce. Article VI Section 20 (b) – Convention/Discussions - Add the underlined to the first sentence of the proposed amendment. - No motion to change by-laws or amendment thereto can be presented to the Convention unless the motion or amendment thereto has been discussed and approved by a lodge and submitted to any member of the Convention Committee, with copy of the approved lodge minutes indicating the decision, not later than 60 days prior to the Convention so that the Committee could study such motion or amendment and deliver its opinion. - Rationale: This will ensure there was a proper discussion with members at a meeting, and a true approval by the membership. Article VII Section 26 (i) – Convention Committee / Duties - Remove language: The Supreme Lodge will determine if copies will be printed or available digitally and will provide copies to lodges and members upon request. - Replace with: The Supreme Lodge will make the newly adopted by-laws available electronically to all members or to the public at their discretion - Rationale: Members should be able to have access to the rules that govern them without having to request them. Can be made publicly available or behind a password protected site.
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Article VIII Section 32 – Lodge Delegate Elections / Votes - Remove language - Replace with: A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every adult member. Delegates from each lodge shall divide their lodge’s votes equally among themselves. In the event the votes do not divide equally among its delegates, the extra votes shall be assigned proportionally to all of the lodge’s delegates. (Example: A lodge with 4 delegates and 405 votes would result in each delegate having 101.25 votes). - Rationale: Delegates are voted to represent the entire lodge membership; therefore, the existing voting allocation should remain in place. Article IX Section 37 – Supreme Lodge / Composition - Remove President as a voting member of Supreme Lodge, and add the position to be hired - Recommendation to reword: The Supreme Lodge shall be composed of the seven elected directors (one from each of the seven districts). The officers (President, who is hired by the directors, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller) shall serve as non-voting members of the Supreme Lodge. The Supreme Lodge shall have the 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. - Rationale: An effective board is a board of odd number versus even number. Should there be a tie, how does the Society progress? Article IX Section 40 (as proposed) – Supreme Lodge / Supreme Lodge Chair - Remove language: “however they may not be successive” - Rationale: Excessively burdensome. If someone is doing a good job and the rest of the directors want them to stay in office, why force a change? This position needs to have someone who knows parliamentary procedure and is a leader who can lead a group. Article X Section 53 (c) – Supreme Lodge Officers / Officer Requirements - Add to end of sentence: Home Office agent to forfeit commission. - Rationale: Who gets to write the policy? This would minimize this question by requiring the Home Office be the agent without commission. Article XV Section 71 – Local Lodges / Charter Withdrawal - At the end of the first sentence, add the following: “and the Society agrees with such determination by the Supreme Lodge. Such agreement shall be demonstrated via a majority vote at the next Convention or via calling
VĚSTNÍK a Special Convention as outlined in these bylaws.” - Rationale: Withdrawing a charter should not be left to seven officials. That should be determined by the entire Society. Article XV Section 76 – Local Lodges / Lodge Dues - Remove the following language: - First sentence “at the annual meeting” - Reword the last sentence: “Dues are to be paid to and according to the direction of the lodge treasurer.” - Rationale: If local lodges are allowed to determine their dues they should also be allowed to determine how they are approved and when they are due. Article XXV (c) (as proposed) - Reword: Grievances at a district or state level should be directed to the Supreme Lodge Chairman – or if the Supreme Lodge Chairman is being cited – to the Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman - Remove: President. - Rationale: If approved, President will be a hired position and not an elected one. Melissa Victorick Brown Adam Curley Alex D’Ambrosio John Douglass Ryan Epps Jeffery Hickl Jason Homrighaus Janice Jahns Wallace Jahns Ashley Victorick •••••••••••••••••• June 14, 2020 Rigamonti Proposed Lodge By-Law Amendments Article V Section 9 (a) (5) Membership Classes / Adult Member - Remove last part: and shall not be required to pay annual dues or assessment. - Rationale: Local lodges should be allowed to determine who pays what dues and assessments. Article VII Section 26 (h) – Convention Committee / Duties - Remove language: The Supreme Lodge will determine if copies will be printed or available digitally and will provide copies to lodges and members upon request. - Replace with: The Supreme Lodge will make the newly adopted by-laws available electronically to all members or to the public at their discretion. - Rationale: Members should be able to have access to the rules that govern them without having to request them. Can be made publicly available or behind a password protected site.
Article VIII Section 31 (b) – Lodge Delegate Election / Number of Delegates per Lodge - Delete this section. - Rationale: Excessively tedious. Determination of delegate count should come at the time of the annual meeting. Ignores that some additions may be because members transferred in which case you would also need to logically deduct delegates from other lodges
Article XV Section 76 – Local Lodges / Lodge Dues Remove the following language: - First sentence: “at the annual meeting” - Last sentence in its entirety: “Dues are to be paid to the treasurer before or at the end of the regular business meeting: - Rationale: If local lodges are allowed to determine their dues, they should also be allowed to determine how they are approved and when they are due.
Article VII Section 34 (c) Lodge Delegate Election / Delegate Requirements - Delete and replace with “Lodges shall determine any other participation based requirements as they see fit.” - Rationale: We have plenty of members who are very involved but cannot make monthly meetings. In many cases, they are married to other members and one goes to meetings while the other takes care of the kids. They are still very much actively involved in the lodge, its committees, and informed of lodge activities, they just cannot make the official meetings.
Article XXV (c) (as proposed) - Grievances at a district or state level should be directed to the Supreme Lodge Chairman, not the President. - Rationale: If approved, President will be a hired position and not an elected one. Aaron Rigamonti Lodge 88, Houston
Article IX Section 40 (as proposed) – Supreme Lodge / Supreme Lodge Chair - Remove language: “however they may not be successive” - Rationale: Excessively burdensome. If someone is doing a good job and the rest of the directors want them to stay in office, why force a change? Article X Section 53 (a) (as proposed) and (c) – Supreme Lodge Officers / Officer Requirements - Remove both - Rationale: If these are hired personnel and they are required to buy life insurance, this could be construed as a form of rebating. i.e. you get this job but you have to buy at least $50K of life insurance. Article XV Section 71 – Local Lodges / Charter Withdrawal - At the end of the first sentence, add the following: “and the Society agrees with such determination by the Supreme Lodge. Such agreement shall be demonstrated via a majority vote at the next Convention or via calling a Special Convention as outlined in these bylaws.” - Rationale: Withdrawing a charter should not be left to seven officials. That should be determined by the entire Society Article XV Section 74 – Local Lodges / Lodge Meetings - Replace first sentence with: Local lodges must conduct meetings at least quarterly so as to remain in good standing and have authority to elect delegates to the Convention. - Rationale: This is consistent with the legal requirement. Time and resources committed to meetings could be used in more fraternal and charitable purposes.
•••••••••••••••••• Dear By-Law Committee, We would like to submit this recommendation to the by-laws for the 33rd SPJST Convention: In the event that the Supreme Lodge proposal (corporate governance) does not pass, we would like to recommend that the Editor/Director of Communication serve as a non-voting Supreme Lodge officer and be referred to as Vice President of Communications. Fraternally, SPJST Publication Committee Floyd Kostelka, Chairman Regina House, Secretary Tammy Cannon Lynda Novak Sharon Hohmann Lorenda Baldwin Helen Kelner •••••••••••••••••• Article X Supreme Lodge Officers Section 53. Officer Requirements. To be a Supreme Lodge officer, an individual must meet the following requirements: (g) No Supreme Lodge officer or his/her spouse can receive commissions for services as a sales agent. (g) delete the words - or his/her spouse, and leave remaining of sentence. Reason: Sales are welcome and encouraged from district directors who are Supreme Lodge members so it should not be a conflict for spouses to serve as sales agents. Lisa Bubela Lodge 30, Taiton —SPJST—
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Remembering Honorary Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas July 24, 1940 - April 15, 2021
† My sincere sympathy to all of the family on the passing of SPJST Honorary Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas, Jr. I have fond memories of him asking about my mother through the years. Mom was a convention delegate many times as Jerry was Supreme Lodge Officer, and as I was at the Home Office with my State Field Representative duties. He would reminisce with me about the good ol’ days. I didn’t get the pleasure and privilege of working alongside Jerry through the Supreme Lodge Board as he retired in 2010, and I began serving as District Six Director in 2012. I was always, though, quite impressed with his excellent commitment and work ethics as he had more than 50 years of dedicated service to our organization. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences. With love, — Karen Kaspar Honorary District Six Director Lodge 30, Taiton
† I began working with SPJST in April 1991. After eight years working in the insurance department, I decided to leave and follow my dream of working in the school system. At that time, Jerry said that he hated seeing me leave the company as he saw potential in my work ethics. I was very appreciative of those encouraging words. About nine months after leaving, Jerry called me to ask if I would like to come work for him. At that time, I declined. He then called me a couple more times. Finally, I thought maybe I should give this a try! I started back working at SPJST for Jerry in August 2000. This was one of the best decisions I had ever made. He had such high confidence in me, and I was very thankful he was giving me this chance. It really meant a lot to me, and I am grateful he believed in me. That is why I am at SPJST after all these years and in the position I am in. He taught me well. Jerry was a very kind and caring soul. He truly loved his wife Betty, and I know he loved his children and grandchildren so much. We always shared stories of our children, his farm, and his classic car. Jerry loved SPJST. I heard many stories over the years, and I enjoyed listening to each one. Jerry’s office always had the most beautiful Christmas cacti. He prided himself on them and their beauty. I will miss his phone calls and how we would keep each other updated on our families. He will be dearly missed. — Lisa Kirby Executive Assistant to the Controller Lodge 24, Cyclone
† Brother Jerry was a fraternal leader who cherished and devoted his life to SPJST and his Czech ancestry. He was a man dedicated to his work and showed this through his never-ending time he gave to our organization. He always came in early for the day and never came into the office without wearing a suit and tie. His performance before the time of technology actually made him a walking computer. Never would someone ask him a financial question without him giving them a correct answer or right in the ballpark analysis. Jerry never was concerned about all the extra time he put in on weekends when it came time for the annual statement to be due to the Texas Department of Insurance. He took pride in saying he was never late in filing the report over the many years of his service. He was a true and dedicated man and leader of the SPJST. I also had the honor of coaching against him with the Texas Teenage Baseball League with his son, Chad, pitching. My greatest reward was to finally have my team beat his after many years of losses. Jerry was a true competitor and example of what it means to be a fighter and a successful individual. His dedication and loyalty to SPJST for more than 50 years is truly remarkable. I will miss our many conversations after his retirement. He was always concerned about SPJST and how things were going. His love for SPJST never wavered, and all who knew him will miss him. May he rest in eternal peace. — Donnie Victorick Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman/ District One Director Lodge 9, Snook
† I am honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside Jerry but also to call him my friend. When duty called, Jerry was a no-nonsense person who always meticulously performed his function. He always knew how to liven up the atmosphere with his jokes and warming personality. You loved your family, SPJST, and all those who had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. Thank you for all of the memories, Jerry. See you in Glory! — Drew Popelka Honorary Supreme Lodge Legal Advisor Lodge 47, Seaton † Jerry was a great officer for SPJST. He helped me any time I needed it even though I was not in his department. He will be greatly missed. — Cynthia Hutka Insurance Department Manager Lodge 47, Seaton
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VĚSTNÍK
Remembering Honorary Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas July 24, 1940 - April 15, 2021
† I worked with Jerry Mikulas for 44 years, and all 44 years - I enjoyed it. He was a lot of fun. Those 44 years went by fast. He was a very smart man who knew how to manage money for SPJST. No one ever ran against him at the convention. It is a big loss to his lovely wife Betty, children, grandchildren, sisters, friends, and to the SPJST Society. May he rest in peace. — Dorothy Stuchly Accounting Assistant Lodge 47, Seaton † I was fortunate to work for Jerry for many years and had great respect and gratitude for him. He was full of knowledge and very detailed on everything he did. I will miss him greatly. — Debbie Dohnalik Accounting Manager Lodge 47, Seaton † Brother Jerry Mikulas was a good man – a very good man – and I know he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed. Brother Jerry devoted his working life to SPJST. Those years were defined by his strong work ethic. A man with a strong work ethic . . . That may be the ultimate over-simplifi-
cation of an individual and a leader who did whatever it took to contribute and be an essential part of SPJST’s success for 50 years. Brother Jerry began his tour of duty with SPJST in 1960. That was the same year that Brother Raymond Urbanovsky was elected Secretary and Brother Ben Zabcik was elected Financial Secretary. Brother Jerry worked for Mr. Zabcik until June 1976 when he was elected SPJST Financial Secretary at the 22nd SPJST Convention held in Waco. Throughout his many years, Brother Mikulas skillfully navigated SPJST’s accounting and bookkeeping sections through a maze of regulatory and technical changes and innovations. All the while, he remained very accessible and close to the membership of SPJST and to the East Bell County community in which he was born and raised. One of the largest tasks that he undertook as Financial Secretary was converting all of the SPJST records to a computerized system. That project was completed in 1984. The basic foundation of that system remains in place to this day. During Brother Jerry’s tenure, SPJST’s assets increased 18-fold – from $11 million in 1960 to more than $196 million when he retired at the end of 2010. During that same time period, total life insurance in force in increased 27fold from $33 million to $919 million at the end of 2010. I started working with Brother Jerry in 1992 – somewhere in the middle of his tenure – and enjoyed working with him. He was very organized. That was reflected by his impeccable wardrobe and by the way he ran his department. Very professional. Oh, he had his dislikes, too.
Brother Jerry had a thorough disdain for inefficiency and waste. One of his sayings – which embodied the way he functioned as an effective manager – was “Plan your work and work your plan.” Jerry’s strong work ethic was an inspiration and one of the things that he passed on to those of us who worked with him and especially his employees, several who are with us today and who have also devoted their life’s work to SPJST. Upon Brother Jerry’s retirement in 2010, I had a conversation with him and made a few notes afterwards. Something that he said then I want to share with you now. I believe it embraces the kind of man that he was and why he was so very successful in the role he played at SPJST. And, I quote, “I have always emphasized to my staff to treat the certificate holder with respect and dignity,” Brother Jerry said. You see, Brother Jerry had two families in this life – his biological family – the family into which he was born and raised – and his SPJST fraternal family – which he grew into and embraced. That both of these families embraced and celebrated the Czech heritage and culture which he so dearly loved was the icing the cake. Knowing that Brother Jerry valued the strong fraternal foundation upon which SPJST was founded, I will share a passage from an early SPJST ritual book which included a solemn farewell to an esteemed member of our fraternal order. The final gavel has been sounded by the Supreme Architect and the curtains of fraternal love and fellowship have been drawn together on the life of our departed brother. The world session in
which he has taken part stands adjourned forever. To fulfill the sad obligation that we owe to him, we have come to pay our tribute of respect; and to the loved ones surviving we have come to extend our deep sympathies and to offer them our aid, comfort and consolation in their sad hours of bereavement. We have been deeply touched by Brother Jerry’s passing, but the sadness in our hearts and especially in the hearts of his loved ones, who survive him, should be moderated in that we know that he has lived a good and useful life of service. Those of us who were close to him and came in contact with him frequently, knew that he spent a great deal of his time in an earnest effort to lessen the hardships, sufferings, and various problems of the members of his immediate family as well as of his fellow members in our Order, and all of his lodge brothers and sisters. He lived and served according to the instructions and teachings he received in our Order on Benevolence, Humanity and Brotherhood. May honor be given to his memory now and forever. — Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President Lodge 24, Cyclone
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Remembering Honorary Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas July 24, 1940 - April 15, 2021 † I remember Jerry Mikulas and his wife attending our local lodge family day and our district meetings as well as officer workshops. He helped our lodge have a smooth transition to direct billing. He was easy to get along with and a good friend to my dad. Quite often, when our family would be in Temple for youth achievement day (YADs), we would see him and his wife eating out at Little Mexico. He was good with pencil and paper. I will always remember him as hardworking and very dedicated to SPJST. — Annie Vahalik District Six Director Lodge 4, Hallettsville
† Praying for comfort and peace for Jerry’s family. He will be missed. — Margaret Campbell Lodge 24, Cyclone † May God be with the family. We have lost a great man. — Ruth Hanusch Lodge 47, Seaton † My prayers are with Betty and the family. Jerry was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly. — Lynette Talasek Human Resource Administrator Lodge 47, Seaton
† I first met Jerry when I was finan† To me, Jerry was the best officer cial secretary for SPJST Lodge 48,
that SPJST ever had. I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments to have served with him and to have sat by him in each of the Supreme Lodge meetings. He never got upset or raised his voice. He will be remembered by the local financial secretaries for always helping them. My deepest sympathy to the family. — Bobby Wuensche Honorary District Two Director Lodge 48, Beyersville
† My condolences to Betty and the family. Jerry and I worked together from 1984 to 2004 when I served as Supreme Lodge President. I always appreciated his diligence to SPJST. May he rest in peace. — Howard Leshikar Honorary Supreme Lodge President Lodge 48, Beyersville
Beyersville. I attended many of his workshops for training on how to keep good records of payments and forwarding reports to his department . He always made me feel like I was the best in my work methods. Whenever I would call him about a problem collecting, he always had a kind, gentle way of solving the problem. His positive, friendly attitude will always be remembered. After Jerry retired, he would often call to wish Bobby and me a happy anniversary or just to say hello. My prayers are with Betty and his family. — Ruth Ann Wuensche Lodge 48, Beyersville
† Prayers for the family. I went to school with Jerry. He was a very good man. — Douglas Jakubik Lodge 47, Seaton
† My sincere thanks to Brother Jerry † I’m so sorry to hear about the loss Mikulas for his dedication to SPJST for
of Jerry. He was always such a super nice man. I really enjoyed all the years of friendship. Prayers for him and his family. — Sandra Dubcak Executive Assistant to the President Lodge 47, Seaton
† Jerry was one of my favorite friends. He collected Coca Cola memorabilia. Honest. Hard working. Always caring. — Richard Archer † Jerry was my neighbor for many years. He was such a sweet and wonderful man. My heart goes out to his family and his friends. Sending my prayers and blessings. — Emily Wiseman † We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry, May he rest in peace! Our sympathies to the family. He was a very dear friend for more than 60 years We will miss him. — Bernice Vrazel Lodge 15, Buckholts
more than 50 years. I enjoyed working with Jerry in the Home Office for many years. Jerry and his department covered several “human resources” duties at that time. On my first day of work, Jerry was reviewing policies and procedures with me. He was very personable and made me feel comfortable. We also talked about the “Rogers connection,” and how several employees - including Jerry and I - were graduates of Rogers High School. Jerry was very proud of that. Jerry will always be remembered for his dedication, diligence, and efficiency. He will also be remembered for his strong love for his beautiful wife and family. My heart goes out to wife Betty, daughter Donna, son Wade, and son Chad and their families, and to his sisters Janet, Sandra, Carol, Trudy, and Kim and their families. Jerry touched all of our lives in a wonderful way. May we keep the memories close to our hearts. — Melanie Zavodny Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point —SPJST—
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FROM THE SUPREME LODGE April 20 and 21, 2021 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SPJST Supreme Lodge held at the SPJST Home Office Temple, Texas PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Supreme Lodge Chairman John Engelke on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 8:10 a.m. ATTENDING: Brian Vanicek, President; Delisle Doherty, Vice President; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller; Donnie Victorick - District One/Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Supreme Lodge Chairman; Bobby Davis - District Four; Bradley Stavinoha (joining the meeting on a video conference call) District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven; Melanie Zavodny, Editor/Director of Communication; Janie Coakley, Recording Secretary. OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Supreme Lodge Chairman Engelke with a welcome to all. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed in respect to our departed members and in honor of our government officials, military troops, law enforcement, firemen, EMS, healthcare workers, and others affected by COVID-19, especially our members who have been affected. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska led the Supreme Lodge in an opening prayer. ANNOUNCEMENTS President Vanicek announced there will be three visitors on Wednesday - Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez of AQS Asset Management will be present at 11 a.m. to report on investments and Rob Clift, Executive Director of Camp Kubena, will be on a video conference call at 1 p.m. to report on the camp. APPROVAL OF SUPREME LODGE MINUTES After review of the minutes of the February 3, 2021, Regular Meeting and March 10, 2021, Special Called Meeting, Director House moved we accept all the minutes as written, seconded by Director Vahalik, and the motion carried unanimously. MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING NOTES The Management Team meeting notes were reviewed. Director Pospisil moved to accept the notes as written, Director Vahalik seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS The executive officers and the Editor/Director of Communication each presented a report on their old business, and each was accepted as presented.
VĚSTNÍK Recess for break was from 9:36 to 9:51 a.m. Recess for lunch break was taken from 12:11 to 12:45 p.m. NEW BUSINESS President Vanicek presented and reported on his new business. USSI CONTRACT ANNOUNCEMENT President Vanicek moved we stay with USSI at this time and engage in a three-month term contract at the hourly rate proposed in the written bid. The motion was seconded by Vice President Doherty, and the motion passed unanimously. SUPREME LODGE ALLOCATIONS FOR 2021 The SPJST Finance Committee submitted its pre-convention report in June 2020 for the 33rd SPJST Convention. Due to the 33rd SPJST Convention being advanced to August 13 to 15, 2021, and in the interest of supporting various longstanding SPJST initiatives, the Supreme Lodge considered and took action in the following areas: President Vanicek presented the proposed recommendation from the Finance Committee for payment of $150 per day for the District Youth Counselors, and all assistants as outlined by the by-laws, be paid $100 per day, mileage paid at the current IRS rate at time of travel less 20 cents per mile, 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. Per diems should only be paid one-half of the per diem if away from their home base for less than 4 hours. To be reviewed annually by the Finance Committee. Recommendation was accepted and approved unanimously. Director Victorick moved that any time the 20 cents mileage decrease payment per mile is mentioned, it be removed. President Vanicek seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Director Victorick moved to authorize the Supreme Lodge to allocate $195 per youth camper for each camper attending camp for 2021. These funds are to be used exclusively for the youth. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Director Vahalik moved to authorize the Supreme Lodge to contribute to the district 80 cents per year for every insured member who has attained the age of 16 years. This amount must be for the benefit of the youth. Director Victorick seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Director Victorick moved to remove the sentence “To be reviewed by the Finance Committee” from any and all proposed Finance Committee recommendations. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Director Stavinoha moved to authorize a $10,000 contribution plus will match a grant of monies raised up to $25,000 to the Czech Heritage Museum for operations. Vice President Doherty seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved to authorize the Supreme Lodge to contribute $25,000 per year to the Scholarship Fund. Controller Vajdak seconded the motion, and the motion carried with 10 in favor and one in opposition. Voting in favor: President Vanicek, Vice President Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, Controller Vajdak, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director Davis, Director Stavinoha, Director House, and Director Vahalik. Voting in opposition: Director Victorick. Recess for break was taken from 2:50 to 3:04 p.m. President Vanicek moved to reconsider the vote on allocation to the Scholarship Fund, as he had previously voted on the prevailing side noting that his “motion to reconsider” would require a two-thirds vote to pass. Vice President Doherty seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. Director Victorick moved we contribute $30,000 to the Scholarship Fund and any unused remainder go to the Endowment Fund. President Vanicek seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Director Victorick moved to authorize the Supreme Lodge to administer and disburse $600 per year per cemetery for the upkeep of each of the SPJST Cemeteries. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Director Victorick moved to authorize a $1,000 contribution to the Czech Heritage Society of Texas for its publication which promotes SPJST. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. There was a discussion about the recommended charter committees for the Supreme Lodge. Director Victorick moved to proceed and establish the three committees when the time comes. The three committees are the Governance Committee, Communication Committee, and the Compensation Committee. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. BY-LAW REVIEW The by-laws and recommendations for changes were reviewed extensively. SUPREME LODGE RECOMMENDATION REVIEW Controller Vajdak moved to add to the Operations Manual: The Investment Committee, by majority vote, approves all commercial first lien mortgages and investments not covered by a discretionary agreement with an Investment Manager. The members of the Investment Committee are the President, Vice President of Marketing, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller. Director Victorick seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
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Recess for the day was taken at 6:35 p.m., and session resumed on Wednesday, April 21 at 8 a.m. Janie Coakley was ill and absent on this day. NEW BUSINESS The executive officers and the Editor/Director of Communication each presented a report on their new business, and each was accepted as presented. RESOLUTION OF RESPECT Chief Financial Officer Mikeska presented a Resolution of Respect for Honorary Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas. RESOLUTION OF RESPECT WHEREAS, the Supreme Lodge and the SPJST membership was saddened to learn of the death Jerry Mikulas; and, WHEREAS, Brother Mikulas left surviving him to mourn his departure, his wife Betty; his three children, Donna Mikulas Heatherley Martin and husband Craig of Temple, Wade Mikulas and wife Michelle of Highland Village, and Chad Mikulas and wife Heather of Temple; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives, friends, and neighbors, all of whom, with all the members of the Supreme Lodge SPJST, mourn his departure: and, WHEREAS, the members of the Supreme Lodge SPJST desire to record their sorrow at the death on April 15, 2021, of Brother Mikulas, who had worked harmoniously and diligently for the good of the Society and served SPJST for more than 50 years, and 34 of those years in the capacity of Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary. Brother Mikulas was incredibly proud of his job and the people he worked with, and he will be missed and remembered by his many friends mourning his passing. Brother Mikulas leaves an enduring legacy of loyal service to the members of SPJST. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Supreme Lodge of SPJST meeting as a body in session on April 21, 2021, hereby gives its formal expression of sympathy and does hereby note in its records the passing from this life of a loyal member, who was respected by his associates and loved by his family and friends. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be tendered to the family as an expression of heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved approval of the resolution, Director Victorick seconded, and the motion received unanimous consent. INVESTMENTS Director Victorick moved ratification of investments for the period from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021. Director House seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Director Victorick moved approval of annuity payout rates for the period from May 1, 2021, to July 31, 2021. Director Vahalik seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Director Victorick moved approval of Universal Life accumulation rates for the period from May 1, 2021, to July 31, 2021. Director Vahalik seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. ACTUARY REPORT Actuary Glenn Tobleman joined the meeting by video conference and reviewed the Actuarial Opinion and Memorandum for 2020 with the Supreme Lodge. The Actuarial Opinion was prepared in accordance with the NAIC Annual Statement Instructions for Life and Health Insurance Companies. He reviewed his certifications of reserves and cash flow testing scenarios. Mr. Tobleman announced cash flow testing results are better this year than last, and he was able to issue a clean opinion for the company on cash flow testing. Brief recess was taken. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED Controller Vajdak gave his report on financials and the external audit progress by JRBT. Director Stavinoha reported for the internal audit committee. SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS The Supreme Lodge took up the matter of scholarships and announced that there were 39 scholarship and leadership grant winners. The Supreme Lodge drew names for the endowed scholarships with award designations. AQS INVESTMENT REPORT Larry White and Stephen Gonzalez were present and gave a report on investment progress. Recess for lunch was taken from 12:10 to 1 p.m. CAMP KUBENA Executive Camp Director Rob Clift presented a report on Camp Kubena via video conference. Controller Vajdak moved that beginning in 2022, we will charge a fee per SPJST camper after review and study by the Camp Kubena Advisory Committee for decision no later than the October Supreme Lodge meeting. Director Stavinoha seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Brief recess was taken. DIRECTORS’ NEW BUSINESS Director Victorick moved that there be a study conducted regarding the Scholarship Program to be presented in the October Supreme Lodge meeting and the committee should be headed by President Vanicek and members he selects. Controller Vajdak seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
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Director Victorick moved that Vice President Doherty’s probationary period be ended at this time. Director Davis seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Controller Vajdak moved that we approve full compensation for Vice President Doherty effective May 1, 2021. Director Pospisil seconded, and the motion carried. The results of a board assessment survey were reviewed. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Director Davis moved for adjournment. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion to adjourn carried unanimously. Supreme Lodge Chairman Engelke adjourned the meeting at 4:21 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge will begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Janie Coakley, Recording Secretary Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer —SPJST—
DISTRICT DIRECTORS’ REPORTS District One Director Donnie Victorick Activity Report February—Supreme Lodge meeting (online); Lodge 9, Snook meeting; marketing/branding planning session at Home Office; American Fraternal Alliance Enterprise Risk Management webinar. March—Lodge 9, Snook meeting; Lodge 38, Kovar meeting; Special Called Supreme Lodge meeting (online); Finance Committee meeting; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje meeting. April—Sales agents’ continuing education class on universal life in College Station; Lodge 13, Dime Box meeting; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; funeral service for Honorary Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary, Jerry Mikulas; AQS webinar reviewing fraternal peers; Supreme Lodge Audit Committee meeting; Supreme Lodge meeting. Commentary Our Supreme Lodge meeting has been a very successful endeavor. We were able to accomplish a great deal and also were informed of many things which all of us needed to hear. I look forward to the upcoming days ahead and the future of SPJST. We are making many right decisions and improving the efficiency of our organization. Technological advancement is a must, and a very strong marketing campaign is being put into place. Our investments are continually improving with a new emphasis on the philosophy of investing. We now have a uniform training program for all of our sales agents throughout the state. By unifying
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our efforts, working closely together with the same vision, goals, and objectives is a blessing for SPJST. I want to thank everyone for our team approach of conducting business and deliberating on the strategies to be developed for the future. We are definitely moving in the right direction to overcome the setbacks of the last several years. We must all continue to work together, respect one another, and lead by example with a vision for SPJST. It is great to have our new Supreme Lodge members who have added value to our deliberations, discussions, and decisions. For our membership, we ask you to be patient and help us continue moving in the right direction by giving us your input. Our future is bright. Donnie Victorick, FICF, CFFM District One Director •••
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil Activity Report January—Lodge 18, Elgin meeting and installed officers; sales meeting with Vice President Delisle Doherty, District Two RGA Sabino Garcia, and Sales Agent Albin Machu of Lodge 29, Taylor. February—Supreme Lodge meeting (online); marketing/branding planning session at Home Office; Audit Committee telephone conference; Audit Committee meeting (online). March—Funeral service for Curtis Wolf of Lodge 80, Holland; Supreme Lodge meeting (online); Finance Committee meeting; Lodge 187, Round Rock meeting and installed officers. Commentary This was a very productive meeting due to excellent information produced by the Supreme Lodge officers. I feel the future of SPJST is much brighter due to our present financial advisors (AQS) and the increase in insurance sales. I also want to thank the directors for their input for the many decisions we had to make. Fraternally, Jesse Pospisil District Two Director •••
District Three Director John Engelke Activity Report February—Fraternal Focus webcast; marketing/ branding planning session at Home Office; virtual meeting; webcast meeting. March—Lodge 6, Cottonwood meeting; visitation in Bartlett for Curtis Wolf of Lodge 80, Holland; insurance webinar; Finance Committee meeting; visit Pivovar Hotel with President Brian Vanicek in Waco; Lodge 66, Waco meeting; Fraternal Focus webinar;
VĚSTNÍK 81, Needville meeting; ERM training (online); Audit Committee meeting (online); youth webcast (online). March—Supreme Lodge meeting (online); Audit Committee meeting (online); Lodge 88, Houston; Supreme Lodge meeting (online); American Fraternal Alliance roundtable meeting (online); sales agents’ meeting in Sugarland; Lodge 81, Needville meeting. April—Equisoft demonstration (online); Lodge 81, Commentary Needville meeting; Audit Committee meeting; SuThank you to the officers and directors for a very informative meeting. Thank you to Melanie for the preme Lodge meeting. great job on the by-law changes. It was great to have a Commentary face-to-face meeting and exchange ideas with each For the April Supreme Lodge meeting, there were lots other. Please stay safe and help your lodges get back of positives to look at including increases in book yield in the swing of things. Please be prepared for a great since June 2020. This was driven by our new investment convention in August, and I hope everyone can attend. advisors and our diversification into more real estate inFraternally, vestments with ILS and commercial deals that AQS has John Engelke steered SPJST into that offer much higher yields. We see District Three Director/ almost $1 million increase in returns. Supreme Lodge Chairman Our vice president’s marketing and sales strategies are fruitful and seeing success. His detailed business plan has ••• been partly implemented. SPJST looks for a positive sales growth, and we are confident that by July 2021, we will have matched 2020 insurance and annuity sales figures. District Four Director Much time was spent on going over the by-law recommendations. These changes will make a positive impact Bobby Davis on the Society. SPJST will have better governance and become more efficient. Activity Report Our audit committee spent much time evaluating each February—Supreme Lodge meeting (online). March—Meeting with prospective member Eric department. We went over the BKD study and what each Morgan; meeting with Vice President Delisle Doherty department had implemented to become more efficient. and District Four sales agents; continuing education We also went over their key performance indicators (KPIs) class on understanding universal life; worked with to narrow down what items we can look at that quantifies member Slaton in Midland; Special Called Supreme how well each department is doing. Camp Kubena, as always, was discussed. We upgraded Lodge meeting (online); Finance Committee meeting. April—Set up booth for San Angelo Rodeo; con- the maintenance barn. With Rob running this facility, we tinuing education class on servicing orphan members see a very positive outlook. SPJST will need to invest more into the facility over the next few years to see a profit. I (online); work booth at San Angelo Rodeo. anticipate a quick return on investment (ROI) after all upgrades are done. There are several other camps operating Commentary I would like to thank the officers for their reports in Fayette County, and all are profitable. The Supreme Lodge is constantly looking at ways to and Delisle on his hard work and many hours of work to turn the insurance department around; also Delisle cut expenses and make SPJST more efficient. The Suworking with Brian in the fraternal department show- preme Lodge seems to be in some type of online meeting ing the agents it’s not just about insurance, but we have weekly. Supreme Lodge members have weekly contact the fraternal side of SPJST. Times are changing, and with each other with one-on-one communication either by we need to stay focused on the future and not look back email or phone calls. District Five continues to lead the way in insurance at the past on sales and fraternal activities. We are all working together for the betterment of SPJST and that sales. Jennifer, Kerry, and Janice are ‘selling machines’ out is one of the best things that has happened this year. in the field. Fraternally, We still have improvements to make, and it will take Bradley Stavinoha time. Thank you all for a good meeting. District Five Director Fraternally, Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM ••• District Four Director S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living meeting at SPJST Home Office in Temple. April—Sales agents’ meeting in Temple; funeral of Honorary Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas in Temple; Audit Committee meeting in Temple; Supreme Lodge meeting in Temple.
•••
District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha
District Six Director Annie Vahalik
Activity Report February—Supreme Lodge meeting; Fraternal Focus webinar; met with president of Lodge 40, El Activity Report February—Supreme Lodge meeting (online); market- Campo-Hillje to discuss upcoming strategic planning ing/branding planning session at Home Office; Lodge session; youth webcast.
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Monday, May 10, 2021
March—Lodge 151, Wharton quarterly meeting; Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje quarterly meeting and strategic planning session; District Six Cemetery Association meeting; delivered signed papers to attorney to complete cemetery donations to Diocese of Victoria (Moravia and Shiner); Lodge 4, Hallettsville quarterly meeting. April—Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje strategic planning session. Commentary It was a very productive meeting. Much thought, discussion, and consideration has gone into all the matters presented by the Supreme Lodge. I really appreciate all the presentations, detailed reports, and explanations. These are very helpful. Congratulations and best wishes to all the scholarship winners. We are all working hard to keep SPJST strong as we move forward. Fraternally, Annie Vahalik District Six Director •••
District Seven Director Regina House Activity Report February—Supreme Lodge meeting (online); Lodge 107, Floresville meeting; Fraternal Focus webinar; marketing/branding planning session at Home Office; Enterprise Risk Management webinar, hosted by American Fraternal Alliance; youth webcast. March—Lodge 117, Robstown meeting; Lodge 202, Jourdanton meeting; Special Called Supreme Lodge meeting (online) - request to approve Illustrate, Inc.; Finance Committee meeting at SPJST Home Office in Temple; Lodge 79, Corpus Christmas meeting. April—Fraternal peer review webinar, hosted by AQS. Commentary I want to thank everyone for such a productive meeting. We had a lot of ground to cover and because we are able to discuss and work together, I feel that we were able to accomplish a lot in the past two days. I have said before that I am amazed at how much I am learning, and I want to thank my fellow Supreme Lodge members for guiding me and their patience with me as I learn. I also want to thank Rob Clift for the great work he has been doing at Camp Kubena. I am extremely excited to be able to be a part of the 2021 camping season. Fraternally, Regina House District Seven Director —SPJST—
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From the Desk of SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty
It’s Your Life
My Children Don’t Need Life Insurance As a grandfather of five beautiful grandchildren, this may be one of the hardest articles I ever have to write. This is one topic that is sensitive to all parents and grandparents. Every day we hear someone say we don’t need life insurance on our children; they are very healthy. It’s not that the kids don’t need life insurance, we don’t want to think about such tragedy. When it comes to death in our youth, health rarely has anything to do with it. Truth of the matter is every day we either see a story on the news or read it in the paper about the tragic death of a child or young adult. Many of these deaths are sudden and unexpected. At the same time, we hear about funds being set up to help support the families . . . families who can’t afford to bury their child. As we go through our lives, the questions we really need to ask are: Are we ready to bury our child? Do we want to fight a financial issue during what may be the hardest time of our lives? That is a battle that does not have to be fought. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, in 2014, death rates for children between the ages of one and 14 were staggering . . . more than 200,000 fatalities between the ages of 1 and 14. Leading Causes of Death Males Ages 1 to 14 Texas Residents, 2014
Leading Causes of Death Females Ages 1 to 14 Texas Residents, 2014
The cost of children’s life insurance certificates (policies) are pennies on the dollar. They are at their healthiest, and the money is locked in for life. Buying life insurance certificates for children will save them money in the long run. For example, a two-year-old female can get a $50,000 whole life certificate for around $27 per month and a $100,000 for around $47 per month. At $100,000 and over, the costs per thousand are at its lowest point. That same female at age 37 would pay $59.85 for $50,000 and $113.31 for $100,000 in whole life, and that is if she is still healthy. The two-year-old will be locked in at the lower prices for life. At age 65, that two-year-old would still only be paying $27 per month or $47 per month. It is always best to buy enough for their whole life while they are young and healthy than to make them pay much more later. Little secret: I purchased a $100,000 universal life with increasing death benefit and $50,000 whole life on each of my grandchildren when they were less than one month old. If they decide to cash the universal life in for college or buy a house, get married, take a trip, etc., they still have the $50,000 whole life. If they get married, buy a house, have children, etc., they will have over $150,000 and may not need to buy any more. If you know anyone with children, please have them contact an SPJST sales agent, regional general agent (RGA), or me. We will be more that happy to educate them on the importance of coverage early on. If you have any questions, my door is always open, figuratively and literally. —SPJST—
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MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist. Apps. Written Certs. Issued Annualized Prem. 1 16 $1,531,066.00 7 $428,000.00 $4,947.24 2 7 240,805.00 5 120,805.00 1,303.68 3 6 240,000.00 4 220,000.00 906.24 4 11 1,385,874.00 12 560,874.00 7,087.62 5 33 3,361,598.00 21 657,865.00 7,035.66 6 15 885,000.00 10 360,000.00 3,618.72 7 9 512,383.00 9 512,383.00 5,351.28 9 0 0.00 0 0 0 Ann 19 0.00 19 0 0 Totals 116 $8,156,726.00 87 $2,859,927.00 $30,250.44 YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS INSURANCE WRITTEN, ISSUED, AND ANNUALIZED PREMIUM Dist. Apps. Written Certs. Issued Annualized Prem. 1 44 $3,106,649.00 34 $1,468,583.00 $24,297.02 2 28 643,405.00 23 458,405.00 13,380.86 3 34 1,658,000.00 29 1,215,000.00 16,646.30 4 67 4,706,845.00 60 3,246,709.00 49,525.70 5 83 8,986,401.00 64 5,637,668.00 29,623.47 6 36 2,812,585.00 31 1,518,573.00 19,919.51 7 50 1,988,383.00 44 1,873,383.00 26,289.96 9 0 0.00 0 0 0 Ann 41 0.00 41 0 0 Totals 383 $23,902,268.00 326 $15,418,321.00 $179,682.82
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District News
District One Annual Meeting Sunday, June 6 at Lodge 9, Snook The District One Annual Meeting will be held Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Lodge 9, Snook. Lodge 9 will host the meeting with registration starting at 12:30 p.m. Lodge 9’s hall is located at 457 CR 269W in Snook, Texas. A meal will be served from 12 to 1 p.m. The meeting will start at 1:30 p.m. This is also the time for election of officers and the directors of the 501(c)(3) organizations. Youth members are encouraged to participate in a decorated rock contest. Contest rules can be found in the youth handbook. With the SPJST Convention being held this year in August, I would like for as many delegates as possible to be at the meeting. There are a lot of things
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that need to be talked about. We need to be ready to find ways to keep SPJST moving forward. We hope to have a large turn out for our meeting. I hope to see you there. Fraternally, Randy Gaas District One President —SPJST—
District Two Annual Meeting Sunday, June 13 at Lodge 48, Beyersville The District Two officers have discussed the date and location for the annual meeting. We have selected Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Lodge 48, Beyersville. Since Lodge 48 has a new building, we thought it would be a good time to show it off.
As always, the meeting will begin at 2 p.m., and we encourage all members in the district to attend this meeting. As you know, we haven’t met in awhile, and we have a lot to discuss. We will also elect officers. Remember, that anyone can run for office. We will be electing a District Youth Counselor (DYC), and some of the officers have indicated that they wish to step down so please start thinking about running for an office. This is just to let everyone know what is going on within the district. Watch the Vestnik for more meeting details soon. Thank you, District Two Officers President Rita Spin Vice President/FAC Ruth Hanusch Treasurer Lyn Rieger Secretary Linda Johnson —SPJST—
District Six Annual Meeting Sunday, June 13 at Camp Kubena District Six has scheduled its annual meeting for Sunday, June 13, 2021. The meeting will be held at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter starting with a meal at noon. The pool will be open. Following the District Six business Meeting, an informational meeting will be held for convention delegates and guests. The agenda and additional information will follow as arrangements are completed. Please keep up with any updates in the Vestnik. Fraternally, Elizabeth Holub District Six Secretary —SPJST—
District One Annual Meeting Agenda Sunday, June 6, 2021 • Lodge 9, Snook Hall 457 CR 269W • Snook, Texas 12:30 p.m. - Registration 12 to 1 p.m. - Meal Served 1:30 pm. - Meeting Begins 501(c)(3) Directors’ Reports Camp Kubena.........................................................................................Sharon Russell Czech Heritage Museum.............................................................................Betty Suehs S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home and Assisted Living/Senior Living Centers.....Donnie Victorick Appoint Audit Committee............................................................................Randy Gaas Call Meeting to Order......................................................................................Randy Gaas Pledge of Allegiance.............................................................District One King and Queen Welcome by Lodge 9 President.......................................................................Donnie Hejl Roll Call of Officers, Lodges.........................................................................Sandra Stone Recognition of Guests......................................................................................Randy Gaas Reading of Minutes........................................................................................Sandra Stone Tribute to Departed Members (Reading of Deceased Members)..............Kyle Skrabanek Reading of 50- and 75-Year and Age 96 Members..............Randy Gaas/Kyle Skrabanek Treasurer’s Report.........................................................................................Sharon Kovar District Youth Counselor’s Report...............................................................Hannah Kovar Reports of Standing Committees By-Law......................................................................................................Richard Ford Finance.................................................................................................Thomas Cannon Insurance..............................................................................................Susan Skrabanek Publication..............................................................................................Floyd Kostelka Supreme Lodge Report................................................................................Lodge Official State Fraternal Director Report.......................................................................Frank Horak District Director’s Report.........................................................................Donnie Victorick Old Business Audit Committee Report New Business Election of District Officers for 2022 and 501(c)(3) Directors Selection of Site, Time, Date of Fall Fun Day and 2022 Annual Meeting Adjournment
—SPJST—
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SPJST Proudly Presents Its 2021 Scholarship Winners ★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★ Sid Pokladnik Scholarship Honoring the memory of Sid Pokladnik, longtime past SPJST District Three Director and SPJST Supreme Lodge Chairman
★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★ Joe B. Hejny Scholarship Honoring the memory of Joe B. Hejny, past SPJST Supreme Lodge Vice President and one of the organizers of the SPJST Youth Program
Riley Breanne Green
Kyleigh Marie Hruska
Snook High School Daughter of Amy Gill Texas A&M University Biomedical Science
Snook High School Daughter of Justin and Rebekah Hruska Texas A&M University Health Education/Allied Health
Lodge 9, Snook
★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★ Vernell Foyt Scholarship Honoring the memory of Vernell Foyt, longtime past Entertainment Chairman at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston
Lodge 9, Snook
★ SPJST Leadership Grant Winner ★ Nick A. Morris Scholarship Honoring the memory of Nick A. Morris, past SPJST Supreme Lodge President and Vestnik Editor
Karley Taylor Kieschnick
Kamree Paige Walker
Incarnate Word Academy Daughter of Keith and Amy Kieschnick Texas Tech University Nursing
Snook High School Daughter of Denna and Jason Ward Blinn Junior College Nursing
Lodge 142, Houston
★ SPJST Undergraduate Winner ★ Ben F. Trcalek, Jr. Scholarship Honoring the memory of Ben F. Trcalek, Jr., longtime past SPJST booster and member of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor
Lodge 9, Snook
★ SPJST Undergraduate Winner ★
Tabor Marshall Dowell
Alexander Paul Erickson
Caldwell High School Son of Mabrey Petty and Tye Dowell Texas A&M University Allied Health
Homeschooled Son of Jason and Kathern Erickson University of Texas, Arlington Architecture
Lodge 17, New Tabor
Lodge 76, Wichita Falls
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★ SPJST Undergraduate Winner ★
★ SPJST Undergraduate Winner ★ Gladys Yates Scholarship Honoring the memory of Gladys Yates, past SPJST State Fraternal Activities Coordinator
Christian Ross Goodson
Preston William Weise
Liberty Christian School Son of Mark and Sheryl Goodson Texas A&M University Economics
Wall High School Son of Dale and Shelly Weise Texas A&M University Rangeland Ecology/Management
Lodge 32, Victoria
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ District Six Scholarship Scholarship made possible by an endowment funded by SPJST District Six
Brittany Nicole Baker Lodge 30, Taiton
El Campo High School Daughter of Winston E. Baker, Jr. and Patricia A. Baker Wharton County Junior College Medical Field ★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ J.R. Kubena Scholarship Honoring the memory of J.R. Kubena, who served as past SPJST Secretary from the organization’s inception in 1897 until 1938
Lodge 160, San Angelo
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Bessie Petr Scholarship Honoring the memory of Bessie Petr, longtime past District Three Youth Counselor
Kathleen Rae Barton Lodge 54, West
O’Connor High School Daughter of Terry and Jill Barton Appalachian State University Exercise Science ★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Otto Hanus Scholarship Honoring the memory of Otto Hanus, past organizer and first curator of the SPJST Museum
Jaxson Wayne Brisco
Jaycie Paige Brisco
Snook High School Son of Kristine and Russell Brisco Texas A&M University Mechanical Engineering
Snook High School Daughter of Kristine and Russell Brisco University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Sport Management
Lodge 9, Snook
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Lodge 9, Snook
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Thomas Anthony Carlile
Hanna Lillie Chudej
Waxahachie High School Son of John Lee Carlile and Cynthia Ann Carlile Texas Tech University Undecided
Mountain Home High School Daughter of Chris Edward Chudej and Tracy Tronicek Chudej University of Central Arkansas Interior Design
Lodge 54, West
Lodge 4, Hallettsville
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Monday, May 10, 2021 ★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Shauna Lee Curran
Hope Faith Davila
Nashoba Regional High School Daughter of John Michael Curran and Cindy Lou Curran McKendree University Undecided
West High School Daughter of Karen Faye Davila and David Frank Davila McLennan Community College Radiologist Technician
Lodge 133, San Antonio
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Edward L. Marek Scholarship Honoring the memory of Edward L. Marek, longtime past SPJST Supreme Lodge President
Lodge 54, West
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Frank E. Klinkovsky, Sr. Scholarship Honoring the memory of Frank E. Klinkovsky, Sr., longtime past SPJST District Two Director and State Fraternal Activities Coordinator
Kaylie D’Ann Dewbre
Konnor Lane Eldridge
Richland High School Daughter of Michael Luke Dewbre and Holly D’Ann Dewbre Tarleton State University Nursing
Snook High School Son of Stacey Slovacek and Keith Eldridge Blinn Junior College Construction Management
Lodge 29, Taylor
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Otto Hanus Scholarship Honoring the memory of Otto Hanus, past organizer and first curator of the SPJST Museum
Logan Henry Erskine Lodge 47, Seaton
Rogers High School Son of Todd Logan and Amy Jo (Jezek) Erskine Texas A&M University Economics ★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Lodge 9, Snook
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Reese Ashton Gallant Lodge 160, San Angelo
Wall High School Daughter of Robyn and Kevin Brooks Angelo State University English ★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Birdie Hilsher Pech Scholarship Honoring the memory of Birdie Hilsher Pech of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston who was instrumental in organizing the SPJST Youth Movement
Brooke Alanna Henke
Savannah Marian Kobza
Floresville High School Daughter of Natalie Henke and Douglas Henke San Antonio College Nursing
Vista Ridge High School Daughter of Kirk Kobza and Paige Castaneda Austin Community College Hospitality
Lodge 107, Floresville
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Lodge 67, Schulenburg
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★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Alana Morgan Machac Lodge 54, West
Bruceville-Eddy High School Daughter of Brian and Jennifer (Kalina) Walker King University Exercise Science ★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Johnnie R. Krizan Scholarship Honoring the memory of Johnnie R. Krizan, longtime past SPJST District Three Director
Jacob Michael Mraz Lodge 25, Ennis
Ennis High School Son of Jeff and Julie Mraz Texas Tech University Electrical Engineering
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Jackson Milam Merck Lodge 30, Taiton
El Campo High School Son of John and Jean Merck Baylor University Business/Law
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Allison Renee Murphy Lodge 6, Cottonwood
Abbott High School Daughter of Jason Kyle Murphy and Anita Jane Murphy Hill College Accounting
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Sarah Danielle Norman
Blaine Benjamin Orsak
Needville High School Daughter of Todd and Sheryl Norman Texas A&M University Biology
Seymour High School Son of Tim and Tracy Orsak Tarleton State University Aeronautical Engineering
Lodge 81, Needville
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Lodge 73, Seymour
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Addie Klaire Marie Reisner
Davis Lane Schwartz
Rogers High School Daughter of Larry and Keely Reisner Temple College Construction Science
Wall High School Son of Todd and Kimberley Schwartz Angelo State University Business
Lodge 15, Buckholts
Lodge 160, San Angelo
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★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Denisse Wuensche Scholarship Honoring the memory of Denisse Wuensche, past active member, reporter, and youth leader of SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville
Mary Kate Skrabanek
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★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Ben and Martha Trcalek Scholarship Honoring the memory of Ben and Martha Trcalek, longtime past active members of SPJST Lodge 17, New Tabor
John Cameron Suehs
Lodge 47, Seaton
Lodge 17, New Tabor
Memorial Senior High School Daughter of Scott Edward Skrabanek and Teresa Ann Skrabanek Texas A&M University Biology
Caldwell High School Son of Bradley and Kristen Suehs Sam Houston State University Animal Science
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Aden Drew Supak
Hannah Christine Willberg
Navarro High School Son of Glenn, Jr. and Bobbi Supak Texas A&M University, Texarkana Wildlife/Ranch Management
Rosebud-Lott High School Daughter of Hollie Christine Furman Texas A&M University Allied Health
Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point
Lodge 186, Caldwell
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Ernest A. Wentrcek, Sr. Scholarship Honoring the memory of Ernest A. Wentrcek, Sr., past dedicated supporter of the SPJST organization and president of SPJST Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★
Keegan John Ross Wilson
Joshua Argyle Zucha
Franklin High School Son of Clint Alan Wilson and Leah Garrett Wilson Texas Lutheran University Biology
Pearland High School Son of Anthony and Joan Zucha Southwestern University Mathematics/Computer Science/ Engineering
Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station
Lodge 172, Pasadena
★ SPJST General Freshman Winner ★ Helen Fusig and King B. Hegwood Scholarship Honoring the memory of Helen (Fusig) and King B. Hegwood, longtime past active and beloved members of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston
Olivia Renee Zucha Lodge 172, Pasadena
Pearland High School Daughter of Louis Zucha and Francisca Zucha Sam Houston State University Nursing
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Monday, May 10, 2021 ★ SPJST Technical Scholarship Winner ★
Landon Pierce Lipscomb Lodge 25, Ennis
Ennis High School Son of Rel and Lisa Lipscomb Navarro College Electrical/Business
★ SPJST Technical Scholarship Winner ★
Hunter William Petty Lodge 17, New Tabor
Caldwell High School Son of Roxanne and Marshall Petty Blinn-Rellis Campus Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic
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Attention SPJST Graduates
and parents and grandparents of graduates!
Graduation looks a little different this year . . . and we want to make it special by providing a
★ ★ ★ Senior Spotlight ★ ★ ★ All SPJST high school or college seniors are encouraged to submit photographs and information that showcase them as a person and an accomplished graduate! Each graduate will be featured in a special section of the Vestnik. To be included, please complete the following information and submit along with up to 4 photographs no later than May 31, to: Online - www.spjst.org/graduates Email - vestnik@spjst.org • Text - 254-534-0807 Mail - SPJST VESTNIK Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish to have photo(s) returned.
Name ________________________________________________________ Lodge No. and Name _________________________________________ Graduating from (name of high school or college) ______________ ______________________________________________________________ Major/Degree (if applicable) ___________________________________ Parents_______________________________________________________ Grandparents ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Accomplishments (optional) ___________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Future Plans __________________________________________________ Message to Graduate/Additional Information (optional) __________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________Email___________________________ — Graduates must be SPJST members —
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Monday, May 10, 2021
SPJST Lodge Section The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send
/// Questions? Call 800-727-7578
Lodge 8, Weimar meets May 24 Lodge 8, Weimar, intends to meet on Monday, May 24, 2021, at 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg, Texas. A memorial service for Lodge 8, Weimar members who passed away during 2019 and 2020 will be led by Anton Machacek. All members are invited and encourage to attend. The meal will be complimentary of Lodge 8, Weimar. Carolyn M. Tobola Lodge 8, Weimar Secretary/Treasurer —SPJST—
Lodge 24, Cyclone: Ted Lange, Mollie B and Squeezebox returns May 21 Brush off your dancing shoes - which have most probably been in the closet for over a year now - and get ready to dance to Ted Lange and Mollie B and Squeezebox who are coming to Flag Hall SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone in a few weeks. Tables are really filling up with people who want to get out and get back to dancing. We were very happy that Mollie B called us and asked us to host her dance which will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, with dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the kitchen will be serving those delicious sausage plates, including green beans and parsley new potatoes. The bar will also have a variety of your favorite beverages cold and ready to quench your thirst. The smell of sausage cooking in the kitchen will fill the hall with that good
SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087
flavor. So come hungry, and plan to have a wonderful meal before you start dancing. Things are starting to look a little like “the good ol’ times.” Ted and Mollie B always put on a wonderful show playing some of your favorite tunes. Call Linda Wilde at 254-985-2258 for more information or to purchase your tickets in advance for only $15 per person. Children under 10 years of age are free of charge. Tickets will be $20 at the door that night if seats are available. It has been so sad to see the dark dance hall closed for more than a year. It will be so good to see it full of people having fun and dancing again. Linda M. Wilde, Treasurer —SPJST—
Next Meeting—May 13 The next meeting will be held Thursday, May 13 at 7 p.m. Fraternally yours, Margaret Krajca, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 29, Taylor meets May 12 The next meeting of Lodge 29, Taylor will be Wednesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—
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Lodge 30, Taiton honors members at appreciation banquet Dear Vestnik Readers, The SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton April meeting was called to order on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at Taiton Community Center by President Yvonne Marcaurele. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by youth members, and a moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members. Minutes for the March meeting were then read and approved. Five officers, five adult members, 15 youth members were in attendance. Guests were Taiton Community Center Board Members. Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported on the financial standing of the lodge. She reported that our yearly donations need to be sent out. Fraternal Activities Coordinator (FAC) Patsy Baker informed the members of upcoming events around the state. She told the members that April 10 is Texas Trash Off. It was discussed and decided that we would not be able to participate, but would do our annual highway cleaning at a later date.
CEFT presents Resolution of Thankfulness to SPJST home office
Lodge 25, Ennis meets May 13 Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis is participating in the 2021 National Polka Festival activities. The Mikulas followed by the Ennis Czech Boys are scheduled to play on Saturday, May 29 beginning at 4 p.m. The kitchen will be open serving food prepared by Joe Galetka and his crew. Plans are to have smoked barbecue plates along with klobase and sauerkraut boats. Betty will be making and serving her famous kolaches and strudels. Scholarship Opportunity High school seniors who are members may apply for a local lodge scholarship opportunity. Call Betty Macalik for eligibility information and the application. She can be reached by calling 469-2335514.
At its quarterly meeting on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at SPJST Home Office in Temple, Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT) presented a “Resolution of Thankfulness” to SPJST for providing a safe environment with social distancing for CEFT members attending meetings in person and an online venue for those unable to travel during the 2020-2021 era of Covid restrictions.
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New insurance, terminations, and lapses were then shared by Secretary Marjorie Treumer. She also shared that there was a request for transfer to Lodge 151, Wharton for Martin Ramirez, Jr. Youth Leader Lisa Bubela informed the members of the upcoming important dates. She let the youth know that the registration deadline has been extended for camp this year. District YAD will again be held online. Everyone will need to print the newsletter from the State Fraternal Director for any updates in regards to State YAD which is July 31.Vestnik projects are online. Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar shared that the Moravia and Shiner cemeteries have been deeded to the Diocese of Victoria and now will be cared for by them. The Velehrad cemetery is still being cared for by District Six. Under old business, the appreciation banquet date was discussed and verified for Sunday, May 2. We will honor graduating seniors Brittany and Andrew, sales agents, 50-year pin members, Karen Kaspar (Honorary District Six Director), and Debbie Krpec (outgoing officer of Lodge 30, Taiton). Set up will begin at 10 a.m. with a social at 11 a.m., business meeting and awards presentation will follow at 11:30. The meal will be served after the meeting has concluded. Everyone will participate or assist at
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Performance Food Service of Temple donates hand sanitizer to SPJST Home Office and Camp Kubena
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Performance Food Service of Temple (PFG) donated 48 cases of hand sanitizer to SPJST and Camp Kubena. Valued at $3,300, the donation includes four one-gallon bottles in each case along with one pump. Thank you, PFG! LEFT PHOTO: Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez, State Fraternal Director Frank Horak, center, and
the Taiton Community Center annual Easter egg hunt immediately following the meeting today. District Six Annual Meeting date and location was discussed. We will have the meeting at Camp Kubena on Sunday, June 13. The meal will be catered by the cooks at Camp Kubena. Under new business, convention
District Six gives to SPJST Foundation in memory of Jerry Mikulas and Albert Olsovsky
Maintenance Manager Rudy Constancio unload cases of hand sanitizer at SPJST Home Office in Temple. RIGHT PHOTO: State Fraternal Director Frank Horak, left, Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift, and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez are pictured with the cases of hand sanitizer at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter.
deadline to submit recommendations to the By-Law Committee is June 14. SPJST Leaders-in-Training (LIT) camp is June 23 to 27. SPJST youth camp is July 14 to 18. We need to schedule a scrapbook workday soon. We discussed purchasing a flag for the flagpole. Megan Riha made a motion to purchase the flag, and it was seconded by Kirby Lange. Motion carried. Happy birthday was wished to Brittany Baker and Yvonne Marcaurele. We hope they have many more to come. The next meeting will be Sunday, May 2 at Taiton Community Center with the adult meeting at 11:30 a.m. and the youth to follow. This will be our annual awards banquet. Social will begin at 11 a.m., and a meal will be served after the business meeting. Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 32, Victoria meets May 13 Yay! Great news! Lodge 32, Victoria has finally found a place to have a meeting! The next meeting will be at La Hacienda Restaurant on the patio on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. The address is 7702 North Navarro in Victoria. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone . . . it’s been way too long due to Covid-19. We hope to see you on Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. on the patio. Please wear a mask. Fraternally, Kathy Ahlstrom Reporter/FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 35, Elk to host May 14 hamburger social
District Six presented a donation to the SPJST Foundation in memory of Honorary SPJST Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry J. Mikulas, Jr. and Albert Olsovsky of Lodge 23, Moravia. Pictured are, left to right, District Six Director Annie Vahalik, District Six Treasurer Marjorie Treumer, State Fraternal Director Frank Horak (accepting the donation for SPJST Foundation), and District Six First Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele.
On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, President Randy Pavelka called the Lodge 35, Elk meetings to order at 7:14 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. A moment of silence was held in memory of our family member, Sabion Ramone Kubitza. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends on this loss of such a young man.
VĚSTNÍK On the sick list was Logan Hammer. He suffered burns on his hands and legs. He has now recovered nicely and is a happy little guy again. We are so happy for him and his family. Secretary Carla Price read the minutes of our March meetings, and with a correction made on the Elk Hall Inc., they were approved as read. Treasurer Cari Hammer gave her report, and it was approved. Floor Chairman Gene Pavelka reported on last month’s hall earnings. Bar Chairman Randy Pavelka reported on the earnings from the bar sales. We had a pretty good month from the two. Under old business, the guys haven’t been able to get to the replacement of the siding on the hall. Freddie Kubitza made a motion to have a hamburger social on Friday, May 14 at around 6:30 p.m. or whenever they get to cooking the patties. The motion was seconded by Gene Pavelka, and it passed. We are looking forward to seeing you all soon. Members who celebrated anniversaries this past April and May were Walter and Karen Kubitza (47 years on April 27) and Randy and Tammy Pavelka (9 years on April 7). Members having birthdays in April and May were Danny (Pete) Kubitza on April 17; Janie Brewer on April
Lodge 30, Taiton welcomes new member Lodge 30, Taiton welcomes new member Lexi Alayne Salas. Lexi was born April 14, 2021. She is the daughter of Ciara and Dewayne Salas. —SPJST—
Lexi Alayne Salas
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Lodge 20, Granger members Leslie and Rubie Loessin celebrate 60 years of marriage
Rubie and Leslie Loessin are pictured with their cake.
Congratulations to Leslie and Rubie Loessin of Lodge 20, Granger! A surprise celebration honoring their 60th wedding anniversary that included plenty of cake and punch was held at their home of 59 years with longtime neighbors, best friends, and family. They were married April 22, 1961, at Granger Brethren Church. Throughout their marriage, the couple has actively participated as members of their church, Granger Lions Club, and Lodge 20, Granger.
29; James (Dude) Mann on April 30; and Billy Kubitza on May 1. I hope you all had a fantastic celebration! The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Fraternally yours, Janie Brewer, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton picnic is June 6 11 a.m. till sold out Meal and Bake Sale A reminder to everyone that SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall will be having its annual lodge picnic on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Fried chicken and homemade sausage along with all the trimmings will be served from 11 a.m. until sold out. You can enjoy your meal in the comfort of the hall or outdoors. Once again, plates to-go will be available with the convenience of not having to get out of your vehicle. If you take advantage of the drive-through, please come back and enjoy an afternoon of a good time in East Bell County! A bake sale with kolaches, cakes, pies, home-grown vegetables, good home-canned items, and crafts will be held inside beginning at 11 a.m. till sold out. 1 to 3 p.m. - Music, Dancing, Games, Country Store We are looking forward to a day of good food, fun, and fellowship. High-
Leslie and Rubie enjoy their anniversary celebration.
lights of the day will be live music under the pavilion for your listening and dancing. Bingo will be held in the hall, and there will be a variety of things for the kids, a bounce house, train ride, and other activities. A wrist band will keep the kids busy for the entire afternoon. 3 p.m. - Live Auction The live auction will begin at 3 p.m. We are in need of live auction items. If you have any antiques or other items and would like to donate it for the auction, Lodge 47 would be most appreciative. It’s always a treat to see what neat items there are to be auctioned off. A prize drawing will be held with some really nice prizes which include: 50-inch television, a fire pit, kid’s scooter, $75 Walmart gift card, an instant pot, and a $50 Academy Sports gift card. Who knows? It may be your turn to be the lucky winner of one of these really nice prizes. Get your tickets from any lodge member or at the picnic that day. You do not need to be present to win. I know one of the most enjoyable things about the Seaton Picnic is getting to see friends from near and far and visiting with one another. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We hope to see you there! Save the date— Sunday, June 6 at Seaton Star Hall Picnic! Members and anyone who would like to help out this day, we are in need of country store items for the bingo, desserts for the meal, desserts and crafts for the sweet booth, and live auction items. Your donations for any of the above
mentioned will be greatly appreciated. Workers are needed in all areas. We would appreciate your call if you can help for an hour or whatever is convenient for you. Please give me a call at 254718-1606. We thank everyone in advance for your support of our lodge picnic. With your support, we are proud to be able to have fun gathering, awarding scholarships to youth members, and giving back to the community and other organizations. We hope to see you all at Star Hall on Sunday, June 6! Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky Secretary/ Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton seeks bake sale donations for June 6 picnic The annual Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall picnic is Sunday, June 6, 2021. Fried chicken, sausage, cole slaw, potato salad, dessert, pickles, and onions will be served for $10 per plate. Serving of plates will begin at 11 a.m. and will be available for dine-in or drive-through until sold out. The bake sale booth is seeking donations of kolaches, cheese braids, strudels, cinnamon rolls, cobblers, homemade
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• SP JS T Join Hands Day 2021 • SP JS T Join Hands Day 2021 • SP JS T Join Hands Day 2021 •
Lodge 81, Needville Joins Hands with Catholic Life, KJZT to Cook Hamburgers for Senior Citizens On Friday, April 30, 2021, SPJST Lodge 81, Needville joined hands with Catholic Life and KJZT to cook 150 hamburgers for Needville area senior citizens. LEFT PHOTO: Pictured are volunteers from Catholic Life and KJZT who boxed up the hamburgers, sides, chips, and ice cream. CENTER PHOTO: Site Manager Elaine is pictured with hamburger cooks
breads, pies, cakes, cookies, candies, and home-canned pickles, jellies, red beets, tomatoes, green beans, okra, etc. On the day of the picnic, beginning at 9 a.m., there will be someone at the bake sale booth inside of the hall to accept your donated items. Thanking you in advance for your donation. All proceeds will benefit the financial functions of the hall. Come enjoy the polka jam from 1 to 3 p.m. under the pavilion and live auction afterwards. We hope to see everyone at the picnic for a day of fun, food, and fellowship with friends. Fraternally, Joyce Skrabanek Lodge 47, Seaton Member —SPJST—
Lodge 66, Waco reports on April meeting The meeting of Lodge 66, Waco was called to order by Guide Michael Galler on Monday, April 26, 2021, at St. Paul’s Church at 6 p.m. with all officers present with the exception of President Douglas Galler, Vice President Ronald Neumann, and Reporter Dorothy Veselka. Five members were present. The Pledge of Allegiance and motto were recited by those present. Members stood for a moment of silence for deceased non-members Rome
Milan; Katie Neumann, grandmother of Ronald Neumann; and Honorary SPJST Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas. Sister Dana McAdams read the minutes of the March meeting, and they were approved as read. Brother John Engelke reported on upcoming events. The 50-year pins will be given to members at a later date. Sister Diana Engelke, bookkeeper, gave the bookkeeping report. The membership appreciation luncheon is on hold due to the pandemic until a later date in 2022. A donation in the amount of $100 for April is being made to the Macular Degeneration Association. Brother Michael Galler thanked the members for the $100 donation made to St. Paul’s Church. It was used for the Easter egg hunt. Upcoming events for May are May Fest to be held in La Grange on Sunday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. and National Polka Festival parade and activities with Lodge 25, Ennis on May 28 and May 29 in Ennis. On Saturday, June 19, the Great Race is coming through Temple. Many beautiful cars will be on display, and SPJST will assist with the event. Sister Diana Engelke won the door prize, and Sister Margaret Narovec won the 100 percent pot. The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. Thanks to Sisters Dana McAdams and Diana Engelke for taking the minutes for me during my absence.
Richard Kalisek, left, and Bradley Stavinoha of Lodge 81, Needville. RIGHT PHOTO: Pictured left to right are Fort Bend County Commissioner (Precinct 1) Vincent Morales, Site Manager Elaine, Edie Sinclair, Needville City Councilman Rick Sinclair, and Needville Mayor Andrew Bohac. —Submitted by Bradley Stavinoha
Next Meeting—May 24 The next meeting will be Monday, May 24 at St. Paul’s Church at 6 p.m. We will also celebrate Mother’s Day. Fraternally, Dorothy Veselka, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 79 Corpus Christi meets May 16 Lodge 79, Corpus Christi will celebrate a belated Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 16, 2021. A meal of barbecue furnished by the lodge will be served at 1 p.m., and the meeting will commence at 2 p.m. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 81, Needville meets May 16 Our next meeting will be back at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville hall on Sunday, May 16. We will have hot dogs provided by the lodge. Special Funds Chairman Marion Morales volunteered to grill the hotdogs. The lodge will provide the condiments. Members, please bring a dessert and whatever else you like to eat with hot dogs. See you at the next meeting! Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—
Wanted: Choral Director for SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Czech Chorus Resume and Audition: singing of a Czech Folk Song with conducting For information, contact: Ms. Carolyn Beseda Phone - 281-546-7941 Email - carolyn.beseda@att.net
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Monday, May 10, 2021
Lodge 142, Houston reports on April meeting
Lodge 84, Dallas meets May 16 Dear Readers, The next meeting will be held on Sunday, May 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, located at 10707 Webster Terrace in Dallas, Texas. Call 214-351-4214 for directions. We will enjoy a delicious svačina after the meeting. Hope to see you there! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 97, Placedo meets June 14 As Lodge 97, Placedo meeting has a small number of active members, we have not been holding meetings due to Covid-19 worries. The officers have been conferring virtually, and called our members. We will now hold the meeting on Monday, June 14, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of Victoria Mall. We hope to see our members get out again. Judy Bellanger, Secretary —SPJST—
Dear Readers, Lodge 142, Houston held its monthly meeting on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Lodge 88, Houston. Our social and lunch of Subway sandwiches, chips, and cookies was served at 1 p.m. Dennis led us in prayer. Everyone enjoyed the social and lunch. President Dennis Hermis called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Flag Bearer Zac Coleman and was recited by all. Present were 29 members and guest Megan Thompson. We observed a moment of silence for departed SPJST Honorary Su-
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preme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas. Roll call of officers showed all present except sales agents Connie Cater and Alexis Scott. Secretary Elizabeth Hermis read the March minutes. The minutes were approved as read. Financial Secretary/Treasurer Keith Kieschnick read the March financials and stated the lodge received our incentive award. The report was approved as read. Correspondence—President Dennis shared information from District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha: If anyone is interested in being paid staff employees at Camp Kubena this summer, please contact Bradley. Youth Leader Amanda Muzny reported on Join Hands Day. She said there are 13 youth eligible to go to Camp
Josephine Pflughaupt of Lodge 88, Houston Achieves Grand Age of 96
Congratulations to Josephine (Hilsher) Pflughaupt of Lodge 88, Houston who celebrated her 96th birthday on March 13, 2021. Sister Josephine was recognized at the Lodge 88 meeting on Monday, April 19. She was presented a special certificate and honored with a beautifully decorated cake. LEFT PHOTO: SPJST President Brian Vanicek presents the Grand Age of 96 recognition certificate to Josephine. CENTER PHOTO: Several of Mrs. Josephine’s family members joined in her special cele-
bration at the lodge meeting. Pictured, left to right, are grandson-in-law David Pittenger, granddaughter Cathy Pittenger, daughter Carol Globke, Josephine Pflughaupt, daughter-in-law Dorothy Pflughaupt, greatgrandson Evan Pflughaupt, and grandson Karl Pflughaupt. Back: Grandson Greg Goedeke, grandson Lee Pflughaupt, son Lynn Pflughaupt, and grandson Paul Pflughaupt. RIGHT PHOTO: Josephine with her cake.
LEFT PHOTO: Congratulating Josephine, front, are, from left, Caroline F. Beseda, Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny, Dorothy Pflughaupt, Carol Stayton, and Barbara Linney-Gonzales. CENTER PHOTO: Pictured with Josephine are SPJST President Brian
Vanicek, left, and Lodge 88, Houston President Aaron Rigamonti. RIGHT PHOTO: Past Lodge 88, Houston President Janice Jahns, left, is pictured with Josephine. On behalf of the Birthday Sisters at Lodge 88, Janice presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Josephine.
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Kubena. Junior camp is July 7 to 11. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Pat Schleider reported that district meetings will resume, and the District Five Annual Meeting will be Sunday, June 27 at Lodge 81, Needville. On Friday, May 28, SPJST will sponsor the king and queen dance contest at the National Polka Festival at Sokol Hall in Ennis. Sick committee reported that Mo and Holland Dunn are doing well at home. The audit committee reported youth club books have been audited and are in good order. New members/insurance were Genevieve Dumesnil and Gralin Dumesnil, Jr. They were approved by all the membership. Under old business, Catherine Manchack suggested additional recommendations for our Lodge 142 Getaway Weekend at Lake Livingston and rentals of jet skis and pontoon boats etc. This was tabled until next month by a motion from Mike Schleider, seconded by J.R. Coleman for more discussion. New business discussion was a motion to mail out the 75- and 50-year member pins to their respective homes. This was approved after a motion by Keith Kieschnick, seconded by Mike Schleider. Birthday celebrants for April were Callye Schleider on the 1st, Mary Jane Hue on the 4th, Debra Ngo on the 20th, Zac Coleman on the 28th, and Bob Schleider on the 29th. Anniversaries for April were Pat and Bob Schleider - 42 years on April 21. Congratulations! The quarterly capsule drawing was held, and winners were Jack Manchack, J.R. Coleman, Mary Jane Hue, and Mary Ann Kieschnick. Door prizes were given out. The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Next Meeting—May 16 The next meeting will be Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m. with a lunch at 1 p.m. at Lodge 88, Houston. Fraternally, Elizabeth Hermis, Secretary —SPJST—
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Lodge 160, San Angelo meets May 20 Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo will hold its quarterly meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place at Nacho’s Restaurant, 2502 West Loop 306 in San Angelo. Note the change of meeting location from previous meetings. Please RSVP to Sandra at 325-2341339 if you plan to attend. We hope you will be able to join us! Fraternally, Sandra Jansa, President —SPJST—
Lodge 202 Jourdanton offers scholarship Attention Lodge 202, Jourdanton Members Graduating High School— SPJST Lodge 202, Jourdanton is offering scholarships to its members graduating high school this year. Please contact Secretary Bettie House at bvhouse@att.net or 830-281-8246 for an application. Fraternally, Bettie House, Secretary —SPJST—
★ ★ Reunions ★ ★ Reunion notices are published at no charge and as a benefit to SPJST members. First-run announcements may be edited to fit the space. Thereafter, until the week prior to the reunion date - as space permits - notices will be run in an abbreviated form. Please include your SPJST lodge number/name, and your contact phone number. Thank you.
Vajdak families The Vajdak family will meet Sunday, June 13, 2021, at SPJST Lodge 9, Snook. A noon meal will be provided with dessert. Please wear a mask. We will not have a silent auction this year. For more information, call Carla at 979-229-3630. Submitted by, Carla Welch Lodge 9, Snook —SPJST—
Sefcik-Kubin families Descendants of George Sefcik and Frances Kubin Sefcik will not have a reunion in 2021. Due to the pandemic, it is felt the reunion should be rescheduled for June 5, 2022, instead of this year. We will continue the tradition of having the reunion on even-numbered years, first Sunday in June. The hosts of this event are families to Frank G., George A., and Albina Sefcik. We hope to see you all next year at New Tabor Church Fellowship Hall in Caldwell, Texas. Submitted by, Georgia Fritsche Lodge 17, New Tabor —SPJST—
The Little Things I Do by d.knape
The purpose of my life is annoying my wife it’s the little things I do that seem to always irritate I put in no effort to She says I’ll be the death of her in fact that may be true but then again she loves me for the little things I do. —SPJST—
Short Poem by d.knape
Time is always running out and all the things I mean to write never see the light of day life gets in the way of poetry so I write shorter and shorter poems that don’t take a lot of time you should be grateful. —SPJST—
Very Into Polka! SPJST is the proud sponsor of the King and Queen Dance Contest at the 2021 National Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas, on Friday evening, May 28 at 9 p.m. at KJT No. 35 Hall. The hall’s address is 1216 South Paris Street in Ennis. Since 1987, Johnnie I. and Margaret Krajca, have facilitated the annual National Polka Festival King and Queen Contest and this year will be one like no other. Dust off your dancing shoes and plan on competing this year. Couples should plan to register for the contest at the entrance of the KJT Hall before 8:30 p.m. A Czech costume or “fancy” dancing is not a requirement for the contest, but winners will need a Czech costume for the remainder of the weekend. The “Polka Princess” contest will be held. Contestants between the ages of 6 to 10 years old are eligible and must have their parents or guardian’s consent. Registration will be held at the entrance of the hall, and you must sign-up before 8:30 p.m. A Czech costume is required for the winner who will participate in the weekend festivities. Visit nationalpolkafestival.com for more festival details! Be sure to stop by the SPJST booth and sign up to win a barbecue pit!
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Lodge 88, Houston hosts Crawfish Boil
Well, Lodge 88, Houston is back! We started our opening process with the first very successful event, the crawfish boil. The weather was beautiful and encouraged many families to come out and enjoy the backyard and new playgrounds and to just socialize with other members.
It’s been a long year, and everyone was excited to get out and get together. The band ELC provided music for the day on the gazebo. The cooks did a fantastic job making sure more than 500 pounds of crawfish were ready and cooked to perfection. Pizza was available
for the non-mud bug takers. Special thank you to the new Men’s Club for their efforts organizing this event and to all those who donated their time, equipment, and expertise in various positions (including eating) to make this day successful and enjoyable for all.
The next event will be Saturday, May 15—A Day of Caring. Fraternally, Dorothy Pflughaupt Board Member —SPJST—
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VĚSTNÍK The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to:
Lodge 20, Granger Youth Club helps mother lodge get ready to rent hall
SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Questions? Call 800-727-7578 This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor (listed on page 2), or State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.
HEY YOUTH! SPJST 2021 District Youth Achievement Days are happening N W online! OW NO Youth can complete in the district level in Individual and Group Talents, Arts, Crafts, and Public Speaking contests. ANY youth with a current SPJST Life Insurance certificate who has completed kindergarten to incoming high school senior can participate! Get all the details and enter now at www.spjst.org/yad The deadline for entries is June 13. Don’t be late to submit your talents!
SPJST households with youth ages 6 to 16 are receiving postcards encouraging all youth to enter Youth Achievement Day. Visit spjst.org/yad for complete details or call the Youth Department 254773-1575.
SPJST Lodge 20, Granger hall will be open to rent after May 8! The SPJST Float will be among the entries at the Granger Lakefest parade on that Saturday. We are so grateful that we are able to meet again after the pandemic. Hopefully, everything can be back to normal soon. We look forward to Youth Achievement Day (YAD) this summer. James Teague, President and Sterling Marshall, Vice President —SPJST—
Lodge 25, Ennis youth learn “Krasna America”
Dear Readers, At the National Polka Festival, our youth club will sing several Czech songs Saturday at SPJST Lodge 25, Ennis at 7:30 p.m. Today, Maison, Misty, and I learned Krasna America. I can’t wait to go to the polka festival this year. Fraternally yours, Madison Holland —SPJST—
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Monday, May 10, 2021
There are two main types of scavenger hunts – a clue based one and a find all the things on this list based one. This scavenger hunt is the latter, and it’s perfect for splitting into teams and keeping people busy while the hot dogs are cooking or people are waiting to watch fireworks. • Give everyone (or each team) a scavenger hunt card. • Give everyone a pen. • Tell everyone to go try and find all of the items on the list. • If you’re doing this as a competition in teams, send someone with a camera or a phone and have them snap a photo of each of the items on their list to “prove” that they found it. • If you’re doing this with kids, just let them cross things off as they find them. • One thing to note about this scavenger hunt is that many of the things on the list (fireworks, a star, etc.) are left open to interpretation. It doesn’t necessarily say they have to see actual fireworks being shot off – they could see a fireworks table decoration and that counts. • The one rule is that they cannot use the scavenger hunt card itself to mark things off! Source: https://www.playpartyplan.com/red-whiteand-blue-scavenger-hunt/
—SPJST—
Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Plant Trees for Earth Day Lodge 48, Beyersville youth were tasked with planting a tree for Earth Day. Pictured are Brooke Newsom, Makayla Newsom, Tatiana Poldrack, and Della Miksch. Great job, girls! —Submitted by Michelle Newsom Youth Leader
Color the Patriotic Picture
Red White and Blue Scavenger Hunt
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All SPJST members ages eight and under can participate. All partici- Name Age ______ Name______________________________ ______________________________ Age ______ pants’ names will be entered in a drawing for prizes. All entries will be exhibited at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. Entries must be postSPJSTLodge LodgeNo No . ___________________________ SPJST . ___________________________ marked by May 31, 2021.
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VĚSTNÍK Judging Entries will be judged by a panel of writing specialists. Judging is based on the entry’s creativity, grammar, and neatness. Awards All participants will receive a participation certificate. Youth club members will also receive five* merit points in the Merit Point System.
Winning entries will be published in the Veštník. Grand Prize Winner $100 gift card and winning entry published in the Veštník. (Youth winning grand prize will not receive age category prize.)
Age Category Prizes Ages Entering Kindergarten or Age 5 to 8 Years $50 Gift Card Ages 9 to 11 Years $50 Gift Card Ages 12 to 14 Years $50 Gift Card Ages 15 Years to High School Senior $50 Gift Card
Lodge 84, Dallas Proud Granny: That’s My Girl SPJST Flag Day Contest What is it? Each year, SPJST sponsors a Flag Day Contest to promote patriotism and creative writing. Who can enter? All SPJST members who are entering kindergarten or age 5 to high school senior. Youth club membership is not required. The age group will be determined by January 1. 2021 Theme “United We Stand” The Rules a Write a Flag Day essay or poem with the theme “United We Stand.” Essay length must be between 150 to 500 words. a Entries must be typed. a Entries must be original and created by the youth member. a Entries become the property of SPJST and will not be returned. a Entries must include a cover sheet with participant’s name, address, phone number, and lodge number. a Entries must be received by May 31, 2021. a Send entries to: SPJST State Fraternal Director Frank Horak c/o SPJST Home Office PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503-0100 Email: frankh@spjst.com
I am a proud granny! I have four grandchildren, and I love them all in their own unique way. But today, I’d like to say how proud I am of my oldest granddaughter, Kendall Tucker. She is working hard at school and is in the collegiate BTech program which means that she is taking extra courses while attending school and she will an associate’s degree from college prior to graduating from high school. While maintaining her grades, Kendall served as a manager for the football team. She kept up with water bottles, repairs on the equipment, worked out with the team, and kept up with plays for the coaches. This was lots of work, but she is a very determined young lady. She is working towards getting a scholarship
playing softball while going on to finish her schooling. Kendall worked very hard from a young age playing softball and volleyball, but softball is her love. She worked hard on her skills not only through her school years but during summers, too. This year, as a freshman at “WTW” or W.T. White High School, she was able to walk on to the varsity Lady Longhorn team. Oh, did I mention that’s my old alma mater! Recently, Kendall was invited to attend a clinic at Texas Rangers Youth Academy. After the clinic was over, they extended her an invitation to try out for the Texas Rangers Youth Academy Softball Team. Tryouts are May 8. When she makes this team, it’s a select team spon-
sored by Texas Rangers and Demarini which gives each girl free shoes, glove, bat, and helmet. I wish her lots of luck on May 8. I have faith she will do good! If she continues with the program all through high school, there are scouts that work with the girls and help them find scholarships to colleges they want to attend. I know with her strong will and determination so she will go far with her love of the game. Congratulations, Kendall! She is an active lifelong member of Lodge 84, Dallas. We love you, Kendall! Love, Proud Granny and Papa Vicki and Gene Sims Lodge 84, Dallas —SPJST—
Congratulations to Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club member Kendall Tucker on her achievements both on and off the softball field. Kendall is excelling in academics, sports, and school and community activities. She is pictured above with her grandmother Vicki Sims of Lodge 84, Dallas.
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In Memoriam In Memory of Mary Hosek Mary Emilie Mikeska Hosek passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021, of natural causes at the age of 104 at the home of her daughter in California. Funeral service and burial were held at Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, March 18. Mary was born September 7, 1916, Mary Hosek in Seaton, Texas, to Anton and Mary (Chaloupka) Mikeska. She had two sisters, Anne Mikeska Hamusek and Ella Mikeska Hartwig. After graduation from Temple High School in 1934, her family moved to Houston for better work opportunities during the depression. She attended Massey Business College in Houston and worked in secretarial positions at an insurance company and then, for many years, at the Federal Land Bank. In 1950, she married Elvin Thomas Hosek. Their families both lived in the Houston Heights and participated in numerous Lodge 88, Houston activities. As a young man, her father Anton Mikeska was past president of Lodge 47, Seaton and Elvin’s father Tom Hosek was president of Lodge 88, Houston several times. His family also participated in the Hlahol Dramatic Club productions over many years. Elvin, his father Tom, and several of his sisters operated Hosek Food Market in the Heights over several years. After marrying Elvin, Mary assisted her husband in operating the business during the 1950s and early 1960s. Elvin was killed in a car accident in 1965. Mary and Elvin had two children, Nancy Lynn in 1951 and David Thomas in 1957. Both children attended Love Elementary School in Houston, and Mary was very invested in school activities. She was a room mother for each of the children and participated in PTA activities at the school. Mary was always very involved in her children’s lives and extracurricular activities.
In the late 1960s, Mary went to work at Joske’s Department Store and was employed there until her retirement at age 70. She was very active in her church and routinely assisted many people who were elderly and had no family to help them. She instilled a strong work ethic in her children and principles of service to others over convenience to self. After health problems in the late 1990s, Mary alternated living with each of her children. During the past 10 years or so, she has lived in California with her daughter. Although she had significant physical challenges toward the end, she loved traveling and enjoyed many wonderful road trips with her children. She loved the California coast and had many pleasurable vacations with beautiful scenery, including the majestic redwoods in northern California and camping in the Grand Canyon into her mid-90s. Mary was a member of SPJST Lodge 88, Houston. She was predeceased by her parents; both of her sisters and their spouses; and niece Carolyn Elsik Burr of Manchester, Missouri. She is survived by daughter Nancy Lynn Hosek of Loma Linda, California; son David Thomas Hosek and wife Valerie of Houston; niece Carole Hamusek Lindner and family of Glendale, California; nephew Dr. Ronald C. Hartwig and family of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and niece Denise Jamail Jamieson and family of The Woodlands, Texas. —SPJST—
In Memory of Rome Milan Rome Milan passed away Friday, April 23, 2021, after a three-year battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. His gymnastics-filled life began as a young gymnast competing for Sokol Fort Worth, then Euless Trinity High School, followed by being the captain of the gymnastics team at his beloved University of Texas in Austin. After graduating, he started his Rome Milan high school coaching career at Weatherford High School then Boswell High School. During those years, his teams qualified for the state championship 14 out of 18 years. After a break from coaching, he returned to finish his coaching career for the Birdville School District until his diagnosis with ALS. In addition to competing and coaching, Rome was also an international gymnastics judge and held numerous positions at state, national, and international competitions including the Pan American Games, Goodwill Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games. He served on the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors and Advisory Council, the Gymnastics Association of Texas Board, and the Texas High School Hall of Fame Committee. As an avid gymnastic historian, he curated a vast collection of vintage memorabilia which he loved to share and display. He was a lifetime member of Sokol Fort Worth and SPJST Lodge 154, Fort Worth. He filled many positions including serving as American Sokol Southern District Director of Men and on the National Board of Instructors. While attending the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, with his parents and brother, the Olympic flame ignited his lifelong love of gymnastics and all things Olympics. He attended a total of 12 Summer Olympic Games and had the honor of running a segment in the Olympic Torch Relay in Rome, Italy, before the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games. Of his many collections, his Olympic torch and pin collection were some of his favorites. Rome was a pin trader extraordinaire and
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was known internationally for his collection. While attending the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, he was recognized often while proudly wearing patriotic shirts and waving a large American flag at events. He had a knack for being in the perfect spot to show up on camera during television coverage. His many TV sightings prompted NBC to challenge viewers to “find this man every day” on one of its Olympic broadcasts. Rome was an established impressionist artist whose artwork was represented in several art galleries across the country. Many knew him as the artist that would paint in the window at Milan Gallery in Sundance Square, always wearing one of his many crazy hats and listening to The Beatles. A surprise performance was held in Rome’s honor on Sunday, April 18 at Sokol Fort Worth by a group of former gymnasts, friends, and family members. A special routine was choreographed for him with songs from The Beatles. He watched the routine and saw many friends and family who were there to show their support. Rome was preceded in death by infant daughter Matisse Milan. He is survived by wife Pauline; children Paris, Sydney, and Athens; stepson Matthew David and Caity Gregory; parents Jerry and Henrietta Milan; brother and travel companion Tal and wife Lesli; and special Czech sister Vera Janeba. Rome leaves behind a huge family of “favorite” cousins. Rome was truly one-of-a-kind. His infectious enthusiasm touched the lives of so many people in ways far greater than gymnastics or painting. Many, many will feel his loss. Remember Rome – A Tribute to Rome Milan will be held on Sunday, May 16 at 4 p.m. at Sokol Fort Worth. If you would like to honor Rome with a memorial donation, please consider Sokol Fort Worth Centennial Foundation, c/o 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76179; or IamALS.org. —SPJST—
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In Memory of Marie “Elsie” Perez Marie “Elsie” Perez, age 90, of West, Texas, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 20, 2021, at her residence. A rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Friday, April 30 at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 1 at the fuElsie Perez neral home, with Reverend Melvin Dornak officiating. Burial followed at West Brethren Cemetery. Marie was born May 23, 1930, in Abbott, the daughter of Joe and Annie (Koval) Marek. She grew up on a farm and in her younger days plowed and helped pick the cotton in the fields. Marie attended West Elementary and Denton Hill School. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Marie sold Avon and worked for Wolf Manufacturing, The Cotton Mill, Shadowland, and the Abbott Truck Stop. She also worked for Texas Home Health and Girling Community Care for many years. Marie enjoyed cooking, gardening, and taking care of animals. She was always a hard worker and enjoyed helping others. Marie visited with people in need and was especially known for taking them to get groceries. She was a member of SPJST Lodge 54, West Marie was preceded in death by her parents; brother Eugene Hromadka; sister Josephine Marek; son-in-law Frankie Caughenbaugh, Sr.; grandson Frankie Caughenbaugh, Jr.; and the father of her children, Joe C. Sulak. Survivors include children Barbara Mynar and husband Larry of Abbott, Doris Caughenbaugh of Waco, Raymond “Jake” Sulak of West, Bernice Sawyer and husband Steve of West, and Randy Sulak of West; sister JoAnn Matus and husband Herman of West; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; former husband Florentino Perez; helped raise Alphonso Perez; special friends Leonard Wiese and Willie McDonald, both of West; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
VĚSTNÍK Active pallbearers were Joe Caughenbaugh, Larry Mynar, Michael Sawyer, Leland Mynar, David Caughenbaugh, Mark Mynar, C.J. Sulak, and Brandon Sulak. Honorary pallbearers were Lori Miller, Misty Mynar, Ginger Buzan, and Rachel Sulak. Memorials may be made to West Brethren Cemetery. —SPJST—
In Memory of Shirley Kelarek Shirley Ann Kelarek, age 85, of Temple, Texas, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021, in a Temple living center. Graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 18 at Seaton Cemetery. Viewing was Wednesday, March 17 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at ScanioHarper Funeral Shirley Kelarek Home in Temple. Mrs. Kelarek was born November 24, 1935, in Meeks to Joe R. Schneider and Emma Marie Salac Schneider. She attended school at Cyclone and Rogers. She married Johnny Kelarek on August 23, 1958. He preceded her in death on September 15, 2017. She worked at Curtis Shoe Factory and was a farmer and homemaker. She was a member of Seaton Brethren Church and a member of SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone. Survivors include son Garry Kelarek and wife Valerie of Rogers; son Larry Kelarek and wife Kristie of Anderson; sister Linda Smetanka and husband Billy of Cyclone; grandson Keaton Kelarek and fiancé Madison Motal of Driftwood; and grandson Christian Kelarek of Anderson. Memorials may be made to Seaton Brethren Church. —SPJST—
In Memory of Melvin Steger Melvin Walde Steger, 81, of Taylor, Texas, went to be home with his Savior on Thursday, April 20, 2021. Melvin was born May 18, 1939, to Walde and Elsie Steger. Funeral service was Saturday, April 24 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor. Internment followed at St. John Lutheran Cemetery Melvin Steger in Bartlett. Melvin grew up in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bartlett, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married his bride of 61 years. He was a proud Bartlett Bulldog where he participated in every sport, and he graduated in 1957. He grew up on the farm, which is where he developed his hard-working ethic, and that is how he lived his life. He worked 38 years with Alcoa in Rockdale. In 1959, he married Geraldine Schneider, and they moved to Taylor in 1962, where they raised their three children. It was his dream to be a high school coach. He enjoyed coaching all sports for his children. He was the head coach of the first Pop Warner football team in Taylor in the 1970s. All those young athletes that had the privilege of being his players
in every sport were given a great foundation in athletics and sportsmanship. Melvin was also an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor and SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor, serving as the lodge president, hall manager, and youth leader for many years, having one of the largest youth groups in the state of Texas. Melvin took great delight in his grandchildren. He attended many football, softball, basketball, and baseball games, stock shows, and band concerts. “Popo” was there to support his grandkids. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Walde and Elsie; and daughter Tammy Sue Steger. He is survived by wife Geraldine; children Pam and John Harper, Donna and Tim Vanecek, and Mark Steger; grandchildren Ashley and Clyde Cupples, Dustin and Amanda Harper, Kyle, Connor, Collin, and Kacie Vanecek, and Maddison Steger; brothers Stevie and Marlene Steger, Stan and Ione Steger, and Dennis and Kathy Steger; brothersin-law Kenneth and Pat Schneider, Edward and Barbara Schneider, and Ronnie and Phyllis Schneider; and many nephews and nieces. Pallbearers were Dustin Harper, Kyle Vanecek, Connor Vanecek, Collin Vanecek, Clyde Cupples, and Stephen D. Steger. The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Taylor. —SPJST—
Bronze SPJST Cemetery Markers Bronze SPJST cemetery markers are available for purchase through the Home Office for $20 a piece. Price includes shipping and handling. The markers measure three inches in diameter and include a fourinch threaded post for mounting. To purchase or for more information, call the Home Office at 800-727-7578 and ask for Sandra.
ON LY $20
L UA T AC SIZE
VĚSTNÍK
Monday, May 10, 2021 Věty o věcech - Sentences about things:
Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas
Část
Česká
ROČNÍK 109 ČISLO 9 10.květen.2021
Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897
Věty - Sentences
Učme se česky Let Us Study Czech Lekce pátá Lesson 5 Read the following out loud.Get family or friends help with the pronunciation; do them together. Clip and save each lesson, and compile them into notebook form. Set aside a regular time each week for the study of these lessons. Slovníček - Vocabulary véta—sentence úkol—lesson vlak—train ředitel—director zák—student (male) žákyně—student (female) liška—fox vlk—wolf medvěd—bear ulice—street zvíře—animal tečka—period otazník—question mark vykřičník—exclamation mark dělník—worker kočárek—small buggy slavnost—celebration ovoce—fruit písmeno—letter hruška—pear S
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Vyslovené nebo napsané myšlence říkáme věta. — Spoken or written thoughts are called sentences. Přečtěte a opište tyto věty. — Read and copy the following sentences: Hana píše úlohu. Helena čte knihu. Robert kreslí loď. Karel skáče. Anička nese tašku.
Vpředu stojí stůl. Na stole leží knihy. Na zdi visí obrazy. (Translate) S
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Věty, kterými něco oznamujeme. — Sentences used to announce something, or state something: Příjmou se dělnici. Prodá se proutěný kočárek. Slavnost začíná v 8 hodin večer. Představení se ve středu opakuje. Za větou, kterou něco oznamujeme, píšeme tečku. (.) (Translate) S
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Věty, kterými se tážeme. - Sentences that ask a question.
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Věty o osobách - Sentences about people: Žáci se učí abecedu. Učitel je hodný, moudrý človék. Ředitel naší školy je pan Dvořák. (Translate) S
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Věty o zvířatech - Sentences about animals: Slon stojí v parku. Liška je chytré zvíře. Medvěd je veliký a chlupatý. (Translate) S
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Proč nemáš knihu? Kdo to napíše? Kde pracuje tatínek? Za vétou, kterou se tážeme, píšeme otazník. (?) (Translate) —SPJST—
Wanted: Choral Director for SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Czech Chorus Resume and Audition: singing of a Czech Folk Song with conducting For information, contact: Ms. Carolyn Beseda Phone - 281-546-7941 Email - carolyn.beseda@att.net
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TCGS offers cookbook The Kitchen is the Heart of Every Czech Home Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) is pleased to announce its newest cookbook Cooking with Czech Recipes. Filled with time-treasured Czech recipes preserved from generation to generation to recipes served at Czech gatherings and family get-togethers, we know deciding which recipe to prepare first will be a hard decision. You have read about cookbooks advertising recipes from soup to sandwiches. Within its 300-plus pages, Cooking with Czech Recipes contains recipes from appetizers to vegetables, with an added bonus of family tributes. When the holiday season rolls around later this year, recipes found in the “Holiday” section of the cookbook will add to your families’ delight. Everyone loves color photos, and TCGS offers a special feature which opens the “Czech Recipes” section – A progressive photo section showing the process of making a Countess Dessert recipe in color. The dessert, prepared by Petra Lesikar of Tatenice, Czech Republic, is filmed by her husband Jiri. As unique as this recipe and its presentation is, you will find many such items throughout the entire cookbook. Czech proverbs, inspirational thoughts, poems, and Biblical scriptures add additional reading pleasure throughout the cookbook. The 325-plus recipes in the cookbook is currently being offered for $32 plus free shipping and handling for the limited time period of April 26 to May 30, 2021. Pre-order now to receive your copy in time for Mother’s Day. To place your order, please send your check for $32 per book to Nancy Machu, 3337 Bianco Terrace, Round Rock, Texas 78665. Should you wish to charge your order, please call Nancy at 512-971-4284 and leave a short message for a callback. Shipping will begin on May 1. Charlene Hurta Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy —SPJST—
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Czech Heritage Museum; Beltonian Theatre present Miloš Forman film May 11 Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center and The Beltonian Theatre will present two showings of the 2009 film Miloš Forman: What Doesn’t Kill You on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The films will be shown at the historic Beltonian Theatre, 219 East Central, Belton, Texas - just off the courthouse square in Belton. Miloš Forman, What Doesn’t Kill You is an award-winning documentary about director Miloš Forman, who directed One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Amadeus, Hair, The People vs. Larry Flynt, Man on the Moon, and more. This film follows Forman as he returns to his home in the Czech Republic and explains how his experiences there informed his films. For example, in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, he saw the character of Nurse Ratched as communism. Rather than casting an older, harsher woman as was called for, he cast a woman who appeared tender and nurturing, which he felt characterized communism’s appeal as a caretaker masking the character’s “ratcheting” control of the patients, accruing in almost undetectable increments. (English and Czech audio, English subtitles.) For more information about this film, see CzechHeritageMuseum.org/events; or visit the Czech Heritage Museum Facebook page. Susan Chandler Museum Director —SPJST—
Slavnost is May 16 at TCHCC in La Grange Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC), located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road in La Grange, invites you to pay homage to spring with a family Sunday filled with music, food, laughter, and remembrance during the
VĚSTNÍK 19th Annual Slavnost - May Fest - on Sunday, May 16, 2021. Festivities begin with a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. paying tribute to all Czech-Texas Immigrants. If you would like to recognize Czech immigrants in your family, contact TCHCC for a recognition form. Your family will be named during the ceremony along with the presentation of a certificate. Forms are due by May 10. A delicious fried chicken dinner will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. Plenty of Czech-style desserts will also be available, along with refreshing beverages of all kinds. There will be live music from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the deck of the main center by Mark Halata and Texavia. The day’s activities also include a traditional May pole dance at 1:30 p.m. and demonstrations at the Zapalač Saw Mill and Czech Newspaper Museum at 2 p.m. You’ll also have a chance to shop in the Country Store and the Kopecky Gift Shop where you’ll find unique gifts for dads, grads, newlyweds, and Christmas ornaments in stock year-round. Have You Seen the Czech Village? During Slavnost, tour the TCHCC Czech Village, which includes structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s depicting what life was like for Czech Texans back then. See the latest additions – the Czech Newspaper Museum and SPJST Lodge 19, Velehrad. The village also features houses from the Kalich, Hoelscher, Migl, and Hluchanek-Salas families. The Hoelscher Haus is home to the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum, and the Kalich house serves as the Czech Music Museum of Texas. The village also includes the Hospoda (Tavern) and General Store, Zapalač Saw Mill, Janak Barn and Texas Czech Agriculture Museum, and a double log crib. Wanna Catch a Play? The Fayette County Community Theatre will also be having their spring performance at the Sanford Schmid Amphitheater of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily Friday, May 14 and Saturday evening, May 15 and a matinee on Sunday, May 16. This makes for a great weekend at our venues and gives time to visit the many sites in the La Grange area! Visit TCHCC and enjoy a family day full of culture and exciting history!
There is also a room block at Best Western Hotel - call for reservations 979968-6800 and be sure to ask for the TCHCC discount. TCHCC is located just north of La Grange on US Highway 77 adjacent to Fayette County Fairgrounds. For more information, call TCHCC at 888-7854500 or email info@czechtexas.org. The website is www.czechtexas.org. The mailing address is TCHCC, PO Box 6, 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas 78945. Retta Slavik Chandler TCHCC President Lodge 25, Ennis —SPJST—
Czech Center Museum Houston invites all to May Fest on May 23 The Czech Center Museum Houston, also known as the Czech Cultural and Community Center, invites members and friends old and new to May Fest on Sunday, May 23, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. With the weather warming up, Czech Center Museum Houston (CCMH) wishes to share joy and bring people together to enjoy Czech culture, music, and food. At this complimentary festival, CCMH will be featuring Czech music, food, and beverages. Diverse organizations from all parts of Texas and beyond are invited to come together to celebrate spring and new beginnings. May Fest will include a beer garden, live music from the Slavic Heritage Band, kolache eating contest, and Czech beer, sausage, and sauerkraut. Admission is free of charge. Covid precautions will be observed. For more information about Czech Center Museum Houston, visit www.czechcenter.org or call 713-5282060. Czech Center Museum Houston is a place for Czech and local culture, a place where artists and professionals, Czech and non-Czech alike, can celebrate our world’s art, music, dance, and diverse cultures. Sincerely, Sandra Samolik Managing Director Czech Center Museum Houston —SPJST—
Very Into Polka! SPJST is the proud sponsor of the King and Queen Dance Contest at the 2021 National Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas, on Friday evening, May 28 at 9 p.m. at KJT No. 35 Hall. The hall’s address is 1216 South Paris Street in Ennis. Since 1987, Johnnie I. and Margaret Krajca, have facilitated the annual National Polka Festival King and Queen Contest and this year will be one like no other. Dust off your dancing shoes and plan on competing this year. Couples should plan to register for the contest at the entrance of the KJT Hall before 8:30 p.m. A Czech costume or “fancy” dancing is not a requirement for the contest, but winners will need a Czech costume for the remainder of the weekend. The “Polka Princess” contest will be held. Contestants between the ages of 6 to 10 years old are eligible and must have their parents or guardian’s consent. Registration will be held at the entrance of the hall, and you must sign-up before 8:30 p.m. A Czech costume is required for the winner who will participate in the weekend festivities. Visit nationalpolkafestival.com for more festival details! Be sure to stop by the SPJST booth and sign up to win a barbecue pit!
VĚSTNÍK
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SoundCzech
Monday, May 10, 2021
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Welcome to SoundCzech - Radio Prague’s language series in which you can learn useful phrases through song lyrics. Today’s selection is a popular 1960s song by the much-loved duo Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr of the Semafor Theatre, who produced playful and lighthearted songs that were an instant hit with a public bored with so called “socialist realism”.
The song is called “Babeta šla do světa”- or “Babeta went out into the world.” And the phrase to focus on today is krk za to dám - literally - I will wager my neck or bet my life that this is so. “Babeta has gone out into the world and left me all alone. But I’ll bet my life she has no idea I can’t do without her,” Jiri Suchy sings. Krk za to dám meaning that you are ready to put your neck on the line about something - is just one way of expressing certainty about a given state of affairs. You can also say - za to dám hlavu na špalek - I am ready to put my head on the block over this - and may it get chopped off if it is not so. Other ways of expressing certainty about something are na to vem jed or to je na beton. Na to vem jed means you can be as certain of the result as if you
were to take poison - it is dead certain this will turn out in such a way. The phrase na beton refers to concrete; in other words, it’s a hard, rock-solid fact. And finally, if you are ready to vouch for someone then the expression to use is dám za něj ruku do ohně or “I am ready to put my hand in the fire for him or her.” The singer’s lament goes on throughout the song - as Suchý considers how long it may take his girl to tire of the world and come back to him. “Babeta has gone and left me all alone. But I know Babeta, and I’m ready to wager my neck that she will be back home by the summer maybe in seven years, maybe in eight and maybe in fifty. No matter I will be here waiting,” Jiří Suchý sings. I certainly hope you are not left
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waiting for anything that long - least of all your next SoundCzech. Until then, na shledanou . . . ~ Daniela Lazarová https://english.radio.cz/soundczech-8610985
—SPJST—
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Monday, May 10, 2021
VĚSTNÍK
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 on the first and third Mondays of each month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates to: VĚSTNÍK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: 254-773-8087. Email to: vestnik@spjst.org. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org. LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Lodge hall is located on Hwy 159 East, 3 blocks from the town square. Hall Rental Information: 979-9663795. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of even-numbered months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Sunday, June 13—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting, 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, August 8—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting, 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, November 14—Lodge 4, Hallettsville meeting, 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, December 12—Christmas party in Vsetin Lodge Meetings: Held every other month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville. For information/updates, call 361798-3347. LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Directions: From Interstate 35, take the West exit and stop at the blinking light. Go east at the blinking light and stay on Oak Street through downtown West. Take Farm Road 2114 East for 3 miles. Turn right on Czech Hall Road. Lodge hall is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road. Hall Rental Information: Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383 or Jeanette Beseda 254-717-7840. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383; or dataped@sbcglobal.net. LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Monday, May 24—Lodge meeting Monday, August 23—Lodge meeting Monday, November 22—Lodge meeting Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 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: 979272-3732. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Loree Lewis 979-220-4733.
LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Hwy 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles then turn left on CR 225. Go 1 mile, veering to the right. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 979272-3440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Holly Narro 979-218-4931. LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a nonsmoking facility. Hall Rentals/Band Bookings: FL Meyer 512-940-7970. Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Brenna Bohac 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the hall. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Brita Goodman for information 254-541-5344. LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg. Located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia. Directions: From Hwy 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West for 4 miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North; go 1 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. at the hall. LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Cyclone. Directions: Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville. Exit Hwy 53 at blinking light to FM 485; go 1 mile to FM 964. Hall Rental Information: Mark Maddux 254-721-1774; or Brenda Maddux 254-721-1682. 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. For information, call Kim Campbell 254-721-0586.
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: 979-8841451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. For information, contact Youth Leader Julie Schneider 512-269-8180.
LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) Lodge Hall: 1901 East Hwy 34, Ennis. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381. Mail: PO Box 129, Ennis, Texas 75120. Email: SPJSTennis@yahoo.com. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the lodge dining room with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary social in the game room. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, place, and more information, call Youth Leader Rita Holland 469-337-2284.
LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 190/Hwy 36, Buckholts (historic hexagon-shaped building with a stone entrance.) Directions: Hall is located on hHwy 36, east of Buckholts, 1/4 mile east of downtown Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: 254-217-2863. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly. For information, call 254-721-3902.
LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard.Call Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624 for information.
Due to the global pandemic, please contact the lodge/district prior to attending any event due to possible schedule changes, postponement, or cancellation. LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) Attention: The hall is open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 10 p.m. All dances on Fridays are from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., and admission is free of charge. Wednesday, May 12—Lodge 29, Taylor monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal follows meeting. Friday, May 14—Dance: Second Hand Rose, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 21—Dance: Les and the Leftovers, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 28—Dance: Dry Country 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 large, 2-story hall. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. 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 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. For information, call Youth Leader Lisa Bubela 979-5437120. LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Meetings: Held the second Thursday of every other month - January, March, May, July, September, and November, 2019 at Victoria Mall Meeting Room, at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact Secretary Linda Mozisek 361-220-7725. LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, May 15 - Nolan Pick Band Saturday, May 22 - Wedding Saturday, May 29 - Open Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From Interstate 35 in Waco, take Hwy 84 East exit. Stay on Hwy 84 East through Bellmead; go approximately 8 miles. On the right side of Hwy 84 will be a sign saying “Elk.” Take the Elk Road. Turn right on Elk Road; go approximately 1 mile; the road will dead end. Turn right at the dead end; go approximately 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 Agent: James (Dude) Mann 254-715-0275; mrdudemann@yahoo.com. 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, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512332-6758. LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR. Go 2 miles to Mumford Road; turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. Hall (white building) is at the bend of the road. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - watch for date in Věstník, 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 979-2183527; or FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158. 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: For meeting date, time, location, call Youth Leader Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614. LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room, Royal Road, Port Lavaca. For information, call lodge Secretary Mary Sitka 361-5525170 or email danmarysitka@yahoo.com.
LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is 7 miles east of Temple on Hwy 53. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Danny Stepan 254-760-7819; Hall Phone: 254985-2548. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com. 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.Call Youth Leader Amber Bartek for information 254-931-0295. LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Attention: Update - The new hall is complete. We are now taking bookings. Contact Bonnie Urbanek 512739-9324. Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: From Taylor, take the South Loop. Turn right on FM 112 and go about 0.8 mile. Turn right on FM 619; continue on FM 619 for approximately 4 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 512-739-9324. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Michelle Newsom 512-9130226. LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-442-4841 - Beverly Teplicek. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Becky Wood for information 325-6560029. 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. For information, call Calvin Hlinsky 979-378-2364. LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November, and the second Friday in September at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West, 7 p.m. For information, call Freddie Kaluza 254-709-2303. LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For meeting location or information, call Lodge Secretary Ann Moseley 361-781-2644. LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Date, time, location TBA in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. For information, call 254-799-4247. LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1) Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg, 2 p.m. To confirm meeting date/s, call Ernest Kutac 979-561-7190. LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For meeting location, call Alice Orsak 940-889-2391. LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Lodge Meetings: Sunday, September 13; and Sunday, December 6. Meetings are at 12:30 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls. For information, contact Dianna Ibarra 940-224-7383. LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Call Youth Leader Marcia Rew for information 361-563-6779. LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Hall: 12141 East FM 2268, Holland. Directions: On Hwy 95, south of Holland, turn east on FM 2268. Go 1/2 mile to hall, which is on the right. Hall Phone: 254-6572485. Bingo: Every Thursday, 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355. Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly. Watch the Věstník for dates/times. Board of Directors’ Meetings: Watch the Věstník for dates/times. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall, 6 p.m. Call Youth Leader Kelly Taisler 254-913-3309 for location, information.
VĚSTNÍK LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Hwy 36, Needville. Directions: Hall is located at the corner of Hwy 36 and FM 361, one mile from the traffic light in Needville. Hall Manager/Bookings/Rentals: Marion Morales 281-650-4466. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m.; meal at 12 noon at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Kristen Jones 936-5563248 or Assistant Youth Leader Krystle Bender 832-7921194. LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. - unless otherwise announced in the Věstník. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-948-4456. 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. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 254-773-2363. LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Directions: Hwy 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 is on the right. Hall Phone/Rental Information: Call 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org. Dances are held 8 to 11:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 713-8695767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress Code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. *Introductory pricing. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; games start at 7 p.m. License No. 17407503501. Lodge Meetings: Third Monday, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Zoom Meetings: Held second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. To join, please email spjstyouthlodge88@yahoo.com for link. For information, contact Youth Leader Vanessa Guerrero 281-745-1697. LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings - TBA in the Věstník. For information, contact Lodge Secretary Vonda Smesny 832-694-8762. LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road, Fort Worth 76114. Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North; it becomes Jacksboro Hwy (TX 199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cut Off, which is a right off of Jacksboro Hwy. Hall - also known as National Hall - is on the right about 2 or 3 blocks down the road. Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner. Hall Event/Rental Information: Call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-6241361. Visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Ladies Circle: Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall - unless otherwise noted. LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Monday, March 2; Monday, June 1; Monday, September 14 in the Community Room at Victoria Mall, 6 p.m. For information, call Secretary Judy Bellanger 361-576-2935. LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West for 3 miles to FM 1303; turn right and go 2 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. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, contact Youth Leader Lian Lynn 830-480-2737. 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, and location, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214906-3385 or email jvrla@cebridge.net. LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings are held in March, July, October, and December at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio. For information, contact President Jarolyn Popp 830-964-5135.
Monday, May 10, 2021 LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Hwy 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. Sokol Hall is on the left. LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at Main Street Steakhouse, 1802 Main Street in Danbury. Meeting at 12 noon, luncheon follows. For information, call Lonnie 979-922-1553. LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. For information, contact Secretary Bernice Stolarski 979-885-6786. LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month except in December which is the second Sunday at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted; meal served at 1 p.m. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights) in the annex building - unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Lodge142 President Dennis Hermis 713-826-2981; or Secretary Elizabeth Hermis 281-787-8717. Youth Club Meetings: Held the same date, time, and location as the adult lodge meetings - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Amanda Muzny 713-5605377.
LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, October, 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.) Lodge Information: Call Stephen Bliznak 979-251-4150; or Lenora Bliznak 979-277-8845. LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Lodge Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the lodge hall, 3609 Preston Avenue, in Pasadena. November and December meetings will be held on the third Sunday. For information, contact Jo 346-317-4412; or Helen 713-920-7172 LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River-Academy. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Please leave a message with questions. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kitchen is open. Board of Trustees/Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November - Board Meeting, 6:15 p.m. Regular lodge meeting, 6:30 p.m. LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. Location will be announced in the Věstník prior to the meeting each month. For information, contact Ricky Weyand 979-966-7138. LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at the Burleson Police Department Building - Community Room, 1161 S.W. Wilshire Boulevard, Burleson at 6 p.m. For information, call 817-905-2097 or 972-268-0022.
LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 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. Call Youth Leader Melissa Zielonka for information 979-618-1890.
LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. For information, contact Youth Leader Becky Beckendorf 254749-5732.
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. For information, call 979-532-5884.
LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North. Stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Turn right on Mayfield; go down and turn left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 682-8003485. Game Nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506. Lodge Meetings/Family Nights: Third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall.
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 Hwy 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 Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 817-731-2580. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Contact Youth Leaders CarrieAnn Jones 817-371-1727, carrieannjones@att.net; or Appa Burcie 817-614-2967, abburcie2015@gmail.com for information. LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: For dates time, and location of quarterly meetings, call Secretary Ginny Prasatik 512472-1721. LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Last Sunday of every other month of March, June, and September; then December - the first Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For meeting location, contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek - phone 806-763-7245; or email cyndynjerome@gmail.com. LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Wednesday of February, May, and August; and the November meeting is held the third Sunday. Watch the Věstník for meeting time/location. For information, contact President Sandra Jansa 325-651-8045; or sandra.jansa@hotmail.com. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, location, call Youth Leader Ryan Jansa 325234-5879. 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. For information, contact President Betty Crawford 713-594-5049. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center. For information, call Youth Leader Brenda Moyle 713-303-1471.
LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at Moulton VFD building in the meeting room. RSVP to Elmer Michna at 361-7723876 or Johnnie Hoffman at 361-772-5049. Please RSVP by Thursday of the week prior to the meeting. 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: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. (subject to change). Call Youth Leader Jessica McCoy for information 979-7778215. LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy 36, Caldwell. Directions: Hall 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. Call Youth Leader Yolanda Brinkman for information 979-5670637. LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Directions: From Taylor, take Hwy 79 into Round Rock until you get to Sunrise. There will be a 7-11 store on the right. Turn right and proceed past Hopewell School. Continue through the four-way stop. Luther Peterson Boulevard is the first street on the left. From Temple, take IH-35 South. Just past Georgetown, exit on University Boulevard. Proceed to stop sign. Take left on University Boulevard. The third street is Sunrise. Turn right onto Sunrise. The second street to the right will be Luther Peterson Boulevard. Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; or 512-771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2 p.m. at the hall, followed by entertainment and potluck meal.
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LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Quarterly business meetings are held in March, June, and September, and a social meeting in December. Location and dates will be announced in the Věstník. Contact President Henry Mayo for information 979-777-1426. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C and J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan. LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Lodge/Hall Information: George Scogin 936-875-2867. Lodge Meetings: Due to Covid-19, meetings are now held quarterly. LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Phone: 281373-9482; email spjstlodge196@gmail.com. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month. Potluck social at 1 p.m.; meeting begins at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Cadance Wager 713-5152835. LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month on even months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 100 4th Street, Eddy. For information, contact President James R. Hosch 254-718-4798. 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. For information, call Jenell 979-357-2181. LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Adult Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly, the first Sunday of March and June at 1 p.m.; and the second Sunday of September and December at 1 p.m. A meal will be served at each meeting. Meetings are at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. For information, contact Secretary Bettie House 830281-8246. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of every month at 1:15 p.m. except in September and December, meetings are held on the second Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. For information, contact Youth Leader Regina House 830-570-2046. LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Joyce Kotulek 940855-0882. LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Secretary Pam Lehmann 806-535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-632-5239. LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of March, April, and May at 6 p.m. at Puerto Vallarta Grill, 1611 Montana Avenue, El Paso. For questions, call President Aracely Quiz 915-999-2062. LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. For meeting location information, contact Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089. LODGE 232, HOUSTON MIDTOWN (5) Lodge Meetings: Held the third Tuesday of every other month in January, March, May, July, September, and November, 6:30 p.m. at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. For information, contact Secretary Catherine Anderson 713-726-1928. LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Unless otherwise announced, second Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, 11:30 a.m. For meeting location, call President Ingrid Petrik 254-760-1831 or Secretary Melanie Zavodny 254-534-0807. 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—
Protecting the Future
Life Insurance & More
Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501
Most couples diagree. And it was that way for Stephen and Katie. Most couples disagree. And it was that way for Stephen
Stephen Miller with his
Chase (left) and Reid and Katie. Katie was adament they get life insurance to protect each other andchildren, the family they wanted have—someday. Stephen thought it was a waste of money, given that they Katie wasto adamant they get life insurance to protect each other and the family they wanted to have—someday. were young and healthy. Katie won that argument.
Stephen thought it was a waste of money, given that they were young and healthy. Katie won that argument.
It’s a good thing she did. Just a year after their second son was born, an aggressive It’s a good thing she did. Just a year after their second son form of cancer took Katie’s life. She was just 30. was born, an aggressive form of cancer took Katie’s life. She was just 30.
While nothing can bring their wife and mother back, Stephen says the life insurance While nothing can bring their wife and mother back, hasStephen helped him in has their home and raise the boys as Katie would have wanted. says the life stay insurance helped him stay in their home and raise the boys as Katie would have wanted.
“Katie smarter Stephen. “Katie was was thethe smarter one,” saysone,” Stephen.says “She knew to plan for the future—our future—with life insurance.” “She knew to plan for the future—our future—with life insurance.”
800-727-7578 info@spjst.org www.spjst.org
