19 minute read
District News
from VESTNIK 2021.07.12
by SPJST
Dear District Two Delegates,
We will meet Monday, July 26, 2021, at Lodge 24, Cyclone at 6:30 p.m. to discuss and review the by-law recommendations to the 2021 SPJST Convention and address any questions that you may have. All delegates are encouraged to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Fraternally, Bridget Bohac Lodge 20, Granger By-Law Committee District Two Representative —SPJST—
Dear District Five Delegates,
A delegates’ meeting has been scheduled at Lodge 88, Houston on Monday, July 19, 2021, following the 7 p.m. monthly meeting. Please try to come. A light dinner of hot dogs and watermelon will be available after the meeting.
Please review proposals prior to the meeting, and be ready with any questions or concerns you may wish to discuss.
Thank you, Dorothy Pflughaupt, Chair By-Law Committee —SPJST—
District Six presents June 13, 2021 meeting minutes
District Six did not hold a spring 2020 business meeting due to COVID19 and CDC restrictions. District Six Director Karen Kaspar (30) did not seek reelection in 2020. Annie Vahalik (4) was elected District Six Director. With Annie serving as district director, she was no longer eligible to serve as an officer for the district. A text/phone meeting was held with the officers to elect an interim vice president. Yvonne Marcaurele (30) was elected to fill that position.
The District Six Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas. Lodge 30, Taiton hosted the event with 51 members and guests present.
After registration and the morning social, SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty led the blessing. Lodge 30 had Camp Kubena kitchen staff prepare hamburgers with all the trimmings. Immediately following the meal, District Six President Joe Siptak (4) asked for special reports from representatives of the Czech Heritage Museum, Education and Nature Center (Camp Kubena), S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers, and District Six Cemetery Committee.
Philip Vahalik (4) reported that the Czech Heritage Museum is now open again for visitors. He said that the Museum board would be meeting in the near future. Mr. Vahalik welcomed everyone to come visit the Czech Heritage Museum in Temple.
Lisa Bubela (30) introduced Rob Clift, executive director for Camp Kubena, to report on activities, events, and improvements taking place at the camp. Rob said that with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, there were no camp activities. 2020 was used to upgrade camp safety areas and make needed improvements. Camp Kubena now has a new maintenance building which was an old structure that has been remodeled and refurbished to house equipment and gave the camp the ability to fence off equipment for camp safety. The project was completed under budget expectations. The camp now has a store that will help raise funds for Camp Kubena. The store was built with refurbished/reused items, such as the store door which was donated by David Wagner. Camp Kubena’s barn is now the activity barn which houses an area for leatherwork, stage, and other activities for groups to enjoy.
Rob reported that the 2021 winter storm made a winter wonderland on the property. Fortunately, Rob - alternating his schedule with the assistant - director allowed them to monitor the Camp Kubena property for affects of the storm. The only damage was to a small pipe near the pool. Recovery from last summer is going well. With no one here in 2020 to this year holding family adventure days, 160 children coming next week, and the remaining of the summer is booked.
Rob then reported on the positive effects of Camp Kubena:
• Supporting SPJST youth - development of leadership, outdoor activities, challenge themselves, and making lifelong relationships. • Support membership - more access to Camp Kubena, family and group lodging. • Head Chef Dustin Motley is a former camper - this shows a future for our youth. SPJST youth are running the camp, including Shelby and Jacob Horak. Purchasing insurance products for youth helps build fraternal aspect of SPJST and longtime leadership and friendship goals.
Rob reported that the future goal for Camp Kubena is being available and open year round. Mission of Camp Kubena is “Impacting lives through positive outdoor experiences.”
Joe Siptak (4), District Six Director for S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers, reported on rest homes and assisting living facilities in Taylor, Needville, and Hillje. Mr. Siptak reported that all facilities were doing well. With the pandemic, there were no positive COVID-19 cases reported. Taylor reported the most damage from the winter storm. To date, visitor restrictions are being lifted and residents have been vaccinated and 50 to 60 percent of staff have been vaccinated.
Staff continue to be screened daily along with all visitors. District Six President Joe Siptak (4) then opened the floor for nominations for the District Six Director for S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Centers since he was temporarily voted into the position with the resignation of Charles Bucek (151). Lisa Bubela (30) nominated Joe Siptak (4), and Marjorie Treumer (30) seconded the nomination. With no other nominations, Joe Siptak (4) was elected by acclamation. Joe Siptak (4) thanked the members for electing him. He will continue to do his best to represent District Six on the Senior Living Centers Board.
Johnnie Hoffman (184) reported for the District Six Cemetery Organization. He stated that the District Six Cemetery Organization has deeded the SPJST Shiner Cemetery and the SPJST Moravia Cemetery to their neighboring Catholic cemeteries. SPJST Velehrad Cemetery will remain under the care of District Six Cemetery Organization. The road for the Velehrad Cemetery sustained some damage during the May heavy rainfalls. Repairs are scheduled to be taken care of.
President Joe Siptak (4) called the District Six Annual Meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Hosting Lodge 30 President Yvonne Marcaurele led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lodge 30 President Yvonne Marcaurele then welcomed the District Six membership and guests. She thanked everyone for their attendance and hoped they enjoyed their visit to the wonderful facilities that SPJST had to offer with Camp Kubena. She encouraged everyone to look around if this was their first visit.
Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele (30) welcomed Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny (246), FIC, Vice President Delisle Doherty (196), Camp Kubena Executive Director Rob Clift and Staff, District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4), and Honorary District Six Director Karen Kaspar (30).
Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23) called the roll of officers, lodges, and standing committees. She reported that Second Vice President Helen Zabransky (4) was not able to attend due to her health. All other officers were present, and all committees had representation. Seven lodges were in attendance: Lodges 4, Hallettsville; 23, Moravia; 30, Taiton; 40, El Campo-Hillje; 63, Sweet Home; 151, Wharton; and 184, Moulton.
Under old business, Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23) provided copies of the minutes from the 2019 spring meeting for members to read. Debbie Krpec (30) moved to approve the 2019 spring meeting minutes, seconded by Ardis Bacak (40). Motion passed.
Roll call of deceased members was presented by Yvonne Marcaurele (30). Following the presentation of deceased members, a moment of silence was held. Before youth were dismissed from the business meeting to the swimming pool, District Six Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30) presented awards to winners of the rock decorating contest. Sixteen rocks were entered with two not being judged due to members not present. First place winners in the rock contest will be sent to Temple with Vice President Delisle Doherty to be displayed at the SPJST Home Office. Contest winners were:
Ages Kindergarten to 8 Years 1st - Millie Garrett (30) 2nd - Nay-Eli Garcia (40 3rd - Grady Lange (30)
Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brett Bacak (30) 2nd - Abigail Garrett (30) 3rd - Noah Garcia (40)
Ages 12 to 14 1st - Brooke Bacak (30) 2nd - Shelby Krpec (30)
Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Grant Bubela (30) 2nd - Emily Kresta (30)
Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to all who entered the contest.
District Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30) discussed activities taking place in preparation for the summer camp season. Lisa reported that the teen camp will be the week of June 23 to 27, which will be Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Camp. District Six Junior Camp will take place the week of July 7 to 11.
Lisa (30) reported that District Six Youth Achievement Day would be held virtually this year. June 13 at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline for Youth Achievement Day entries. The State Youth Achievement Day will be held on July 31 in Temple.
Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23) announced Age 100 and Age 96 honorees, and the 75- and 50-year members.
Treasurer Marjorie Treumer (30) gave the financial report for District Six. The last year was a challenge due to District Six’s bank account being established many years ago. Account number was low, and Marjorie encountered several errors on statements. Treasurer Marjorie Treumer closed the old checking account and opened a new District Six checking account. Today is the first day she is writing checks on the new account. She reported $7,883.06 in the District Six treasury. The audit committee reviewed the books to be in order. The treasurer’s report was accepted.
Adult ornament contest 2020 was held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. District Six had entries in the Christmas Ornament Contest with winners as follow:
1st - Lisa Bubela (30) 2nd - Ardis Bacak (40) 3rd - Philip Vahalik (4)
President Siptak (4) asked for reports from the Standing Committees. Joe Siptak (4) represents District Six on the ByLaw Committee. He reported that the By-Law Committee has had a couple of meetings. Deadline for recommendations to the by-laws is midnight on June 14. The July 12 Vestnik will include the final By-Law Committee recommendations for Convention 2021. After adjournment of today’s meeting, delegates to the convention are asked to remain to review and ask questions in regards to changes being recommended to the bylaws.
Marjorie Treumer (30), District Six Publication Committee representative, stated the committee held a virtual meeting in the fall to elect officers for the committee. Reduction in the number of issues of the Vestnik per month and increase in electronic subscriptions has shown a savings to SPJST.
Karen Kaspar (30) represents District Six on the Finance Committee. She brought greetings from the Finance Committee which met in March 2021. The Finance Committee reviewed financial areas and are in process of finalizing recommendations from March to end of June 2021. The Committee evaluated financial aspects of SPJST. SPJST has a $13,000,000 surplus, and SPJST death claims are increasing. But, as members, this is the reason for our organization. The SPJST Supreme Lodge must continue to be proactive.
Annie Vahalik (4) was elected District Six Director in September 2020. SPJST By-Laws require that directors and standing committee members be elected every four years. Congratulations to Annie. We appreciate that she has stepped up to the challenge.
Karen Kaspar (30) gave her thanks for all the support she had as District Six Director. Sister Kaspar was not able to give her final farewell and best wishes in person to District Six membership due to the spring 2020 meeting being canceled with COVID-19 and CDC restrictions. She stated that due to no inperson membership meetings in 2020, her final farewell and District Six report were printed in the September 2020 Vestnik. She wished well to District Six Director Vahalik and knows she will do her best for the members of District Six. Karen again thanked everyone for their support during the past years as District Six Director.
Elizabeth Holub (23) represents District Six on the Insurance Committee. She reported that a virtual meeting was held to elect officers for the committee. Lots of changes are taking place in the Insurance Department with Vice President Delisle Doherty.
SPJST Vice President Delisle Doherty presented a check for $2,000 to District Six for expenses incurred for the meeting. Lots of changes are being made in the Insurance Department. In 2020, SPJST showed a loss of $2.2 million. SPJST is working on new products and repricing to make products profitable. Changes to the agent program using quality over quantity. Of 312 agents, only 30 percent wrote business. He has several opportunities for agents to attend training sessions in person or virtually. Delisle reported that a new final expense plan will be available on June 14, for ages 40 to 80, and coverage is from $5,000 to $30,000. SPJST technology is not with current standards. SPJST has approved customizing technology for agents to give quotes onsite. Programs that are offered will be respecified such as the Family Value Universal Life, to be not undersold.
Vice President Doherty reported that the 5-Year annuity rate is set at 3.25 percent to take members into the next presidential administration. Annuities are a wonderful product because they do not have any fees or are not affected by the stock market. With all the changes, as of June 1, we are in the black.
For help in marketing existing lodge halls and lodge meeting places, SPJST is investing $50,000 in marketing materials, which includes two 4-foot by 8foot signs that can be placed near lodge halls or on walls where meetings are taking place. Marketing SPJST is best way to make community aware of our organization. If communities have Founders’ Days or community events, SPJST can make themselves available and be a part of the event.
There are 196 agents which work for SPJST. Any agent will work for any lodge. Bringing business is how to grow membership. New referral program will include a $25 gift card. Lodges to refer business; lodge contest; lodges need to grow, with posters for members, annuities, and benefits posted, members will be more aware of benefits.
SPJST is working on new brochures in English and Spanish. New member benefits include the Member Services Directory which will be online by Labor Day. This directory will be free of charge to any member who owns a business. Businesses will have a plaque from SPJST to display in their business. If photo is taken with the sign, an article on business could be printed in the Vestnik or on social media.
Vice President Delisle Doherty concluded stating, “We are one state, not seven districts.”
DYC Lisa Bubela (30) was presented a check for District Six Youth Achievement Day (YAD).
Director’s Report
District Six Director Annie Vahalik (4) welcomed everyone and said it was literally great to see everyone’s face. She thanked Lodge 30 for hosting and complimented the facilities at Camp Kubena. She was glad to report that lodges were meeting again and thanked them for keeping things going through the pandemic. She stated that she became director in October and has enjoyed the challenge and working with the lodges. She has prepared a poster with some events and miscellaneous information for everyone to see, and if anyone had any questions about anything, she would be glad to help. SPJST Scholarship Fund awarded 39 scholarships this spring. District Six had four recipients. The State Convention will happen on August 13 to 15 in Killeen. Delegates were asked to stay for a meeting on the upcoming by-law recommendations. She thanked Supreme Lodge Vice President Delisle Doherty and Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny for coming today. Anyone needing assistance or having questions can always call or email her. She wished everyone a safe trip home and looks forward to visiting them at their upcoming lodge meetings and activities.
Under new business, the audit committee - Debbie Krpec (30) and Janie Bucek (151) - audited the youth books and the treasurer’s books. They found that the District Six books were in good order. Yvonne Marcaurele (30) made a motion to accept the audit committee’s recommendation. A second was made by Lisa Bubela (30). The motion passed.
Before opening the floor to the nominating committee, Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele read communication from Second Vice President/FAC Helen Zabransky. She wishes us a good and informative meeting. She is unable to attend due to recovering from an autoimmune disease. She is under doctor’s care and unable to go out among crowds. This is the first district meeting she has missed in many, many years and will miss seeing everyone. She will not be seeking reelection for her officer position. She hopes to see everyone at the convention in August.
Nominating committee members Elaine Berkovsky (63) and Johnnie Hoffman (184) - presented the nominations for district officers:
President Joe Siptak (4) Vice President Yvonne Marcaurele (30) Second Vice President/FAC Susan Siptak (4) Secretary Elizabeth Holub (23) Treasurer Marjorie Treumer (30) District Youth Counselor Lisa Bubela (30)
There being no other nominations for any office, a motion was made by Karen Kaspar (30) to elect the slate of officers by acclamation. Ardis Bacak (40) seconded the motion, and the motion passed. Congratulations was wished to all the officers of District Six.
Under new business, District Six Director Annie Vahalik discussed the possibility of District Six participating in the Victoria County Czech Fest as a fall fun day event. The date would be Sunday, September 26. Director Vahalik stated she would keep membership informed when more information was received. It would be a wonderful event for promoting SPJST due to their Czech heritage roots.
The meeting concluded with the installation of District Six officers by Director Vahalik (4). Elaine Berkovsky (63) moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Debbie Krpec (30). Motion was passed. Door prizes were presented to the membership attending. Fraternally, Elizabeth Holub District Six Secretary —SPJST—
District Seven Annual Meeting at Jourdanton Community Center on July 25
SPJST District Seven Spring Meeting, hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton, will be Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Jourdanton Community Center, located at 1101 Campbell Avenue in Jourdanton, Texas.
RSVP for Lunch
Registration begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be furnished by Lodge 202, Jourdanton. The lunch served at 12:15 p.m. will consist of a lasagna or King Ranch chicken plate with salad, garlic bread, and dessert for $5. Members are asked to report the number of plates needed to your lodge secretary by Friday, July 16.
The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Members are asked to bring items for the silent auction. Members are also asked to bring glasses and cases, hearing aids, and aluminum can tabs.
Delegates’ Meeting
A delegates’ meeting will follow the district meeting, and all delegates are encouraged to attend.
Your attendance and support will be appreciated. Bring a friend. Please see the agenda on page 7. Fraternally, Wendy Pruski, District Seven Secretary —SPJST—
District Seven Annual Meeting Agenda
Sunday, July 25, 2021 • Hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton 1101 Campbell Avenue • Jourdanton, Texas
10 a.m. - Registration Refreshments and drinks provided by Lodge 202, Jourdanton Decorated Rock Contest (Youth)
10:30 a.m. - General Discussion Czech Heritage Museum............................................Director Roxanne Bertrand Senior Living Centers (Rest Homes)......................................Director Val Barta
Meeting Begins...................................................District President Donnie Howard
Presentation of Colors/Pledge of Allegiance.................District Youth Members
Welcome........................................................Lodge 202 President James House
Introduction of Guests.................................................District President Howard
Announce Committees.................................................District President Howard
Roll Call of Officers/Lodges.................................District Secretary Wendy Pruski
Memorial Ceremony...................................District Seven Director Regina House
Minutes.............................................................................District Secretary Pruski
Correspondence.................................................................District Secretary Pruski
Financial Report............................................District Treasurer Sandra Hoggard
Recognition of 50-Year, 75-Year
Age 96, and Age 100 Honorees............................................District FAC House
District Youth Report............................................................DYC April Howard
Standing Committee Reports
Publication.....................................................................................Trey Bielefeld
Finance...........................................................................................Colleen Jenke
By-Law.............................................................................................Oscar Korus
Insurance.........................................................................................Wendy Pruski
12:15 p.m. - King Ranch Chicken or Lasagna Plate - $5 Youth will leave for outing off the premises at 11 a.m. Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Lunch will be provided for the youth.
Meal Prayer .................................................................................Director House
1 p.m.
SPJST Home Office..................................State Fraternal Director Frank Horak
District Director................................................................Director Regina House
Audit Committee Report
Old Business
New Business
Nominating Committee Report/Election of Officers
Site of Fall Fun Day Youth Contest Winners..............................................................DYC April Howard Youth Prize Drawing Winners Announced Split-the-Pot Winners Announced Silent Auction results Door Prizes Adjournment
Fraternally, Wendy Pruski, District Seven Secretary
District delegates’ meeting will be held after the meeting for all convention delegates. —SPJST—
The Great Race
Saturday, June 19, 2021 • Temple, Texas
Temple, Texas, hosted an overnight stop on the 2021 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty on Saturday, June 19, 2021. The City of Temple reached out to SPJST to help with the event. SPJST State Royalty greeted the entries, and volunteers parked the cars. SPJST also coordinated six award-winning Central Texas vehicles to be displayed on the pavers in front of the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum. The Great Race, the world’s premiere old car rally, brought 100 of the world’s finest antique automobiles to town. In all, participants in the event cover more than 2,300 miles in nine days. The start was at the Alamo in San Antonio on June 19 and the race ended June 27 in Greenville, South Carolina.
LEFT PHOTO: State King Koby Stone with a 1965 Chevy Corvette owned by John Hughling. PHOTO 2: State Duke Everhett Bartek with a 1956 Ford Thunderbird owned by James Staats. PHOTO 3: State Queen Holly Jones with a 1937 Ford Truck owned by John Hughling. RIGHT PHOTO: State Duke Everhett, State King Koby, and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak with a 1965 Pontiac GTO owned by Tory and Kim Webster.
LEFT PHOTO: State Fraternal Director Frank, State Queen Holly, and State Duchess McKenzie Burcie with a 1956 Pontiac Safari owned by Stephen Blythe. PHOTO 2: Duchess McKenzie with a 1940 Ford Sedan owned by Bob and Deborah Shafer. PHOTO 3: SPJST State Royalty with State Fraternal Director Frank Horak. RIGHT PHOTO: The Great Race Volunteers are, left to right SPJST Supreme Lodge Chair John Engelke, Diana Engelke, Joan Vanicek, SPJST President Brian Vanicek, SPJST Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny, and David Nauert.
