Vestnik 1976 04 14

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Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order 0 The State Of Texas, Founded 1897 BENEVOLENCE

HUMANITY

BROTHERHOOD

Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501 VOLUME 64, NUMBER 15 APRIL 14, 1976

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Due to limited space much material has been deferred to a later publication. We hope to be able to include all the letters.

The second paragraph of Article 47(a) of our by-laws states: " . . . one issue of the Vestnik be published 2 months before the convention which will be exclusively for the reports of the officers, directors, publication committee, and other standing committees, so that every delegate may have all pre-convention reports together."

In this issue, therefore, are published pre-convention reports of SL officers, directors, medical director, publication committee, SYD and other committees. There are reports dealing with income and expense so read them carefully and save this issue as well as others dealing with information pertaining to the forthcoming XXIInd convention. We hope to be able to publish our back log of material and pictures next week. Some of the reports are rather lengthy, and probably somewhat 'boring, however, you are asked to read them and consider the pertinent facts. * * In the Publication Committee report you will note that they agreed to have bid forms sent out to varlets publishers for bids on printing the SPJST Vestnik for the years in the future. It is your editor's un-

QUOTATIONS Prejudice is a great time saver.

You can form opinions without having to get the facts.

One of the most beautiful compensations of life is that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. * * Progress — Go as far as you can see. When you get there you'll see further. * Public sentiment is everything.

With public opinion nothing can fail; Without it nothing can succeed.

—Abe Lincoln derstanding that the bid forms to be sent out will be agreed upon and approved as final in conjunction with our PC Chairman Ed Mazanec and then sent out. The sealed bids are to be sent to the PC Chairman by the companies making bids and will be opened when the PC meets at the convention. Then the PC will make a recommendation on the bids to the delegates to the convention. Article 3 of our by-laws states that the Convention of the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST) has the power to: (h) review the recommendation of the Publication Committee as to bids of the publisher of the official or-

gan, etc. Here we see that the PC is acting according to the definite decigion of the last convention and will review the sealed bids after they are opened and discussed by them and then make their recommendation and allow the delegates to voice their opinions.

Probably the PC may even wish to publish the bid form in our Vestnik; that is something yours truly does not know about at the present time.

At any rate, our PC is looking out for the best interest of our SPJST where the future of our official Vestnik is concerned. * * The SPJST By-Laws do not require the editor to give a preconvention report, however, I will recap very briefly the 4 years since the 1972 convention.

I feel that the general membership has been satisfied with this publication and have not been complaining. The work continues to increase as our Society grows.

Last week we sent out 13,411 Vestniks and this issue we are sending 13,428 — a gain of 17 in one week!

That is plus the 100 or so paid subscriptions direct from the publishing company. When I became editor in 1969 the amount of Vestniks mailed out weekly was 9,800, so you see, we are growing.

In 1973 I sent 3 questionable let-

PRE-CONVENTION REPORTS IN THIS ISSUE

VbSTNIK PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

VESTNIK Entered as Second Class Matter January 3rd, 1933, at West. Texas, under the Act of Congress of Au gust 24, 1922.

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SLAVONIC BENEVOLENT ORDER OF THIt STATE OF TEXAS EDITOR -- R. J. SEFCIK P.O. BOX 85, WEST, TEXAS 76691 RES. 1204 N. DAVIS STREET

Res.: (817) 826-5989 — Office: 826-3312 PUBLISHERS: CECHOSLOVAK PUB. CO ., WEST. TX Subscri ption: 55.00 Per Year

SUPREME LODGE SPJST 520 N. Main St. — Temple Tx 76501 Phone: AC 817 773-1575 P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501 NICK A. MORRIS, President Res. 985-2115 JOE B. HEJNY, Vice President Res. 778-1785 LEONARD MIKESKA, Secy.-Treas.

Res. 778-3720 BEN ZABCIK, Financial Secretary Res: 985-2472 R. B. LESIKAR, Legal Adviser Temple National Plaza, Suite 323 Temple, Texas 76501 Telephone (AC 817) 773-2171 EDWARD L. MAREK Honorary President 2603 North 13th, Temple LIBRARY, ARCHIVES, MUSEUM Otto Hanes, Curator Res: '773- 5294— Office: 773-1575 DIRECTORS: JOHN A. KUBENA, Dist. I AC 713; 968-3251 (Office) Res; 968-3937 P.O. Box 308, La Grange 78945 HENRY VITEK, Dist. II AC 512; 859-2549 P.O. Box 67, Granger 76530 CYRILL (SID) POKLADNIK, Dist. III—AC 214; 741-1874 (Office) Res. 824-8072 2924 Elm St., Dallas 75226 STANLEY BROZ, Dist. IV AC 915; 442-3271, Lowake, Tx 76855 A. L. HILSHER, Dist. V Phone 869-5831 — 861-7083 2020 Washington Ave. Houtson 77007 P. 0. Box 7885 MATT S. VANEK, Dist. VI AC 512; 578-2687 1009 Northgate, Victoria, Tx 77901 FRANK VESELKA, Dist. VII AC 512; 853-6137 4633 Stonegate Way, Corpus Christi 78411

DISTRICT III — Edward Mazanec, Chula Route 9, Box 387, Waco 76705 DISTRICT VI — Wm Miculka, V.-Chula PO Box 297, Moulton 77975 DISTRICT I — Melvin Skrabanek, See'y Box 270, Caldwell 77836 DISTRICI II — E. J. Cleistraan.

Rt. 1, Burlington 76519 DISTRICT IV — Angeline Kristinek Route 7, Box 834, Lubbock 79401 DISTRICT V -- Louis Harms, 2525 IS T.C. Jester Blvd., Houston 77008 DISTRICT VII — J. liranicky, Drawer "A' Orange Grove 78372 BY-LAW COMMITTEE

JERRY MILAN, Chairman 6208 Lakeside Dr., Ft. Worth 76135 Mrs. THELMA RRNCIR, Secretary 10610 Stonewall Blvd., Corpus Christi 78410 STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR

MRS. DOROTHY MASSEY, Box 100 Temple, Tx. 76501 — Ph. Res. 773-3101 STATE FIELD MANAGER Mr. Silas H. Smith, Box 100 Temple, Tx. 76501 — Ph.: AC 817; 773-1575 Home: 817 756-3427 DISTRICT SALES REPRESENTATIVES

DISTRICT I Bennie F. Trcalek, Rt 3 Caldwell, Tx. 77836 — Ph:. AC 713; 272-8146 DISTRICT II Lad. J. Zatopek, 2605 W. Avenue Z Temple, Tx. 76501 — Ph.: AC 817; 778-3007 DISTRICT III Alvin Nesuda, Sun Ridge Rd., Rt. 5, Ennis, Tx. 75119 — Ph. • AC 214 875-7730 DISTRICT IV Victor Brenek, Jr.,' Wall Route, San Angelo, Tx. 76971 -- Ph. • AC 915 653-9282 DISTRICT V Mrs. Evelyn Mikeska, .,0126 )Vloorberry Lu. Houston, Tx. 77055 — Ph.: 713; 468-3126 DISTRICT VI Edwin Smajstrla, 305 Birchwood Dr., Victoria, Tx. 77901; Ph.: AC 512 573-7679 DISTRICT VII Mrs. Tillie Valehar, Route 1, Box 55, mrdanton, Tx '8026 Ph.: AC 512; 784-3201.

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS DISTRICT I

Mrs. Lola Vavra, 3806 Woody Lane, Bryan Tx. 77801 — Ph.. AC 713; Res. 822 6642 DISTRICT II Frank Klinkovsky, 1503 E. Central T( al/31e, Tx. 76501 — Ph.: AC 817; 773-4801 DISTRICT III Ed Kamas, 11012 Genetta Dr. Dallas, Tx 75228 Phone: AC 214; 270-3176 DISTRICT IV Mr". Ed. Heisler, Route 1 Seymour, Tx. 76380 — Ph.: AC 817; 838-3309 DISTRICT V Richard S. Wahlberg, 10506 Mayfield Road, Houston, Tx 77043 — Ph (AC 713) 468-2497 DISTRICT VI Mrs. Frank Brdecka, Route 1, Box 150 Rosenberg, Tx 77471—Ph: AC 713, 232-2085 DISTRICT VII Mrs. Maxine Payliska,, Route 2, Box 151 Flormail7e, Tx. 78114 -- AC 512; 393-2036 Unsolicited materials for publicatbn cannot be returned unle:-,s sufficient postage is attached. This includes pictures Exy..ense for publlcatiou of engagement and wedding pictures must be born by tilt sender.

Changes of address and correspondence concerning delivery of Vestnik must be scut to Supreme Lodge, Box 100, Temple Texas 76501. raid subscriptions and advertising mat ter should be addressed to Vestnik, West 'Texas, 76691.

Deadline for material to be accepted fof the following Mau. la Thursday.

Wednesday, April 14, 1976 ters to the PC; in 1974 there were 2, and in 1975, only one — a total of 6 in 3 years. I feel that, with a true fraternal spirit, your editor can settle most of the questions directly with the writers and they all have been very understanding and cooperative and the problems have been settled very easily.

I will be contacting you via the editorials each week and keep you abreast of things as the convention nears. Your editor is in a unique position of being informed of much that goes on in our Society because so many members contact the Vestnik office weekly.

It is also a position where fraternalism is so very important because the trestnik is almost a mirror of our activities.

I will 'be in a position to give a more detailed explanation and answer any questions at the convention.

Since the last convention I have approached the SL for a salary for clerical help and the SL decided that our by-laws did not provide for that. This convention should consider that aspect of the editor's office and position.

The September 12, 1973 issue of the Vestnik was printed by the offset method and it has continued to be printed that way since.

Publisher Linn Pescaia felt our membership deserved better print and pictures and I feel that the membership approves. It took extra effort but it was worth it. * * In conclusion . . . my wife and I take this opportunity to wish ALL OF YOU the best of health and, very fraternally, wish the XXII SPJST Convention the deserved productive success it has earned.

"-SPJST-

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of The United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice to all."

Wednesday, April 14, 1916

SUPREME LODGE 1,1

PRESIDENT'S PRE-CONVENTION REPORT To The Members Of The SPJST And Delegates To The XXIInd Convention: Pursuant to Article 36(t) of our by-laws, I wish to submit this report for your consideration in the coming convention.

These Past few years have been eventful years for all of us. Many changes have taken place in our Society, and a number of our fine members have departed from our midst and gone on to their eternal reward. God rest their souls!

On behalf of the entire Supreme Lodge, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the general membership for their efforts, understanding, and loyalty to our Society.

One of the things I have worked very hard at is building the proper image for our Society among the general public, and I believe that this has been accomplished to a considerable degree. Good public relations are an essential part of any business such as ours.

Growth and Progress. During the intervening years since the last convention, the SPJST has continued in its overall growth, both in increased membership and in insurance in force. Since net gain is the only real measure of a company's growth, I wish to submit that for the year 19'75 we had a net gain of 1,508 members and $8,199,891 net increase in insurance in force. A special tribute and gratitude for this effort, of course, goes out to the entire organizational department, headed by the vice president. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of all our sales representatives for these fine results.

Our solvency stands at $125.99.

Our assets now total in excess of $22 million, an increase of 5.55% over last year. Our total number of certificates now stands at almost

VEST lit K 51,000 for a total of almost $100 million in life insurance coverage.

Our surplus fund for the protection of certificate holders is in the amount of $4,622,903.67. (Please understand that the net figures above represent our gains after you subtract the number of members lost due to death, expirys, lapses, surrenders, etc.)

Looking at our progress over the last four years, we find that at the end of 1971, prior to the 1972 Convention, we had 45,047 certificates in force and $70,026,358 insurance in force. You can readily see that our overall financial posture is very stable and sound and becoming more so each year. The SPJST has established an enviable reputation among fraternals in Texas and throughout the US Fraternal Family.

New Lodges Organized. Since the last convention, six new lodges were organized, namely, Lodges Nos. 176 in Houston, 177 in Academy, 178 in Longview, 179 in Warrenton, 180 in Burleson, and 181 in Conroe.

New Lodge Buildings. Since the last convention seven lodges built new lodge homes: Lodge 74 Lovelady, near Crockett, 81 Needville, 142 Houston, 177 Academy, 154 Fort Worth, 13 Dime Box, and 18 Elgin.

Three of the lodge buildings were built and dedicated in 1975. This is a wonderful achievement and denotes progress heretofore unachieved in the history of the SPJST over a comparable period of time. The members in these lodges deserve our commendation and recognition for their progressive spirit, hard work, and cooperative efforts. It is for the good of us all and the entire SPJST. Additionally, several of our lodges made extensive renovations and improvements in their existing lodge buildings: Lodge 80 Holland, 47 Seaton, 24 Cyclone, 74 Lovelady, 17 New Tabor, 84 Dallas, 54 West, and 29 Taylor. Several lodges have installed refrigerated air-conditioning since the last convention.

Several lodges are discussing and planning new lodge buildings to be built in the next few years.

Delegate Number. In the coming convention about 104 lodges should be represented out of 129 and the number of delegates should be about 230. (For various reasons, 18 lodges will not be represented in

3 this convention, as of the date this report was prepared — April 2nd. Seven lodges will not be represented because of not having at least 20 members over 16 years of age.) This delegate figure reminds us that the number of delegates is growing, along with the Society.

It has been recommended that this growing number of delegates be checked by adjusting the ratio of delegates to membership, namely, 1 delegate representing 20 to 150 members instead of 20 to 100 members. This would make some difference in the number of delegates.

Later on, further adjustments might be made. At the present rate, our conventions might become almost unmanagable, meaning for one thing, that future conventions will almost have to be held in convention centers rather than hotels, etc. The delegates to the coming convention will need to make the decision on this.

Youth Department. Things are going well in this department.

Based on reports from local lodge youth leaders, membership and interest is increasing. Our State Youth Director, Sister Dorothy Massey, works well in the work of the Youth Department. I appreciate the interest of both the youth and their parents. It takes the support of all concerned to make the youth program a success: This year, as has been the case in the last few conventions, we will be selecting a new Miss SPJST to reign during the convention. We hope that all seven districts will be represented in this competition.

As the youth program has moved along in the intervening four years, certain changes have been made as experience and needs arose. We have devoted district youth counselors and local lodge leaders, interested and loyal parents, and a corps of enthusiastic young people who keep the youth program alive and vibrant. For all this, we are grateful. I have said many times that I have faith in and admiration for our young people and that we must place our faith and trust in them (in who else?) because they will be operating not only our SPJST, but will be guiding our public lives at all levels in the years to come.

Enjoyed Serving. I feel greatly honored and privileged to have served you as your president during

4

this term. As I stated in my New Year's message and report, I will be a candidate for re-election to the presidency in the coming convention. I have worked very hard to serve you well. I'm asking and would appreciate the members' sup port and the delegates' votes at the coming convention.

I am not perfect and I do not mind criticism when it is motivated by the proper intentions and spirit.

Criticism is something one could avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, and accomplishing nothing. As the great Confederate General Robert E. Lee said: "I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor."

I have tried to keep all channels of communications with the membership open. As in the case of other such positions, the "buck" often stops in the president's office. It goes without saying that some of the problems have been vexing, but after weighing all the factors, we have tried to settle on a just course of action. This is not always easy.

I try to operate with an open mind. I certainly have not and do not contend that I have all the answers to all the problems, but after being in the "bull pen" for a few years and dealing on a daily basis with some of our problems, things look a little different than they might to someone who does not have the responsibilities of the office.

I stand on our record and performance of the past few years. It has been my duty and pleasure to have served with Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska and Vice President Joe B. Hejny on the Investment Committee, which passes on all applications for mortgage loans to the SPJST. Like the other two officers, I have tried to be very careful in passing on these applications in the interest of making good loans for the SPJST. I am grateful for the cooperation and loyalty of my fellow Supreme Lodge officers and directors. The Society has chosen its leadership well and they are all very competent. The Society has benefited and prospered under their leadership. We are also mindful of the good work of our local lodge officers, supported by the membership. We could not func-

V

2STNIK

tion without them. Many of them devote much of their time (free time, in most cases) to activities and affairs of their lodge. These people keep the lodge system working and responsive -- and we must continue to strengthen the lodge system, one of the main pillars of our existence as a fraternal benefit society under state and federal statutes.

I am also grateful for the excellent cooperation of the Supreme Lodge employees and staff. No one could ask for a more competent and loyal group of employees. In this regard, appreciation must be expressed to Brother Silas Smith, State Field Manager, and Brother Otto Hanus who has done such a wonderful job with our Library, Museum and Archives.

Workshops. We were especially pleased with the success of our workshops in 1974 and 1975. I hope it works out that we will have additional workshops in the years to come because I feel that they have been very helpful to the local lodge officers. We have already noticed the results here in the Home Office. They also serve to strengthen the fraternal link between the lodges. members and the Supreme Lodge.

Travel. I have tried to move around among the membership in the lodges and the districts as much as possible, in fact, I don't see how anyone could have travelled much more than I have during the past four years -- even considering the fact that I had two minor operations during this time.

The total miles travelled are considerable by any standard. However, I feel that travel, on SPJST and related business, is a legitimate part and function of our positions, and I do believe that the membership likes to see its leadership from time to time. We hay very few weekends with our families and we therefore enjoy the free time that we do occasionally have. I want to express my-sincere appreciation for the kindness and reception we have been accorded during the course of travelling among you, and that also goes for my wife and other members of my family. We have regretted not being able to make all of the things we have been invited to because of conflicting or previous commitments.

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

Czech And Proud Of It. My knowledge and proficiency in the use of the Czech and English languages, both written and spoken, is well known to the general membership. (See my Czech version of this report in the Czech section of this issue.) I have never hesitated using the Czech language when circumstances were appropriate, both in local lodge meetings, and at other functions around the state. am not ashamed of my 100% Czech ancestry and my Czech background. On behalf of the SPJST and personally, I have been actively involved in cooperating with the various universities and other schools in preserving and promoting instruction in the Czech language.

My wife, the former Dorothy I.iska of Ennis, and I have five children, ranging in ages from 5 years to 18 years. Our oldest son, Nicholas, is graduating from high school this spring and has already made plans to join the US Air Force. All have been members of the SPJST since birth, have been and are members of the youth club at Lodge 47, Seaton. Dorothy and I have our membership at Lodge 66, Waco.

Brother Zabcik To Retire. The leadership of this Society is devoted to their tasks and are performing them very ably. I wish to pay tribute to Brother Ben Zabcik, Supreme Lodge financial secretary, who has announced publicly his intention of retiring at the end of this term. Brother Ben has served in that capacity since his election in the 1960 San Antonio Convention and his tenure in office since 1 January 1961. He has served loyally and well and we will miss him.

His replacement? We have a young man who has served with Brother Zabcik in the financial secretary's office for 16 years in the person of Brother Jerry Mikulas, Jr. Brother Jerry is a very competent, dependable and devoted young man. He has missed one day out of 16 years due to personal illness. He knows that department inside out, in addition to being a very productive sales representative. He is married and has two children. Jerry has the qualifications for the job.

79th Anniversary. I am sure all of you are aware that this convention year also marks the 79th

Wednesday, April 14, 1976 Anniversary of our Society. We have come a long way since the founding days in La Grange in 1897. As I have said many times previously, we owe so much to the early members and leaders who helped guide our Society in the critical early years of our existence. Much has been changed in these intervening 79 years, but as Honorary President Edward L. Marek has frequently pointed out, one thing that has not changed is the Heart, Spirit, and Mind of Man. Much of what we see in our Society today can be attributed to the foresight and diligence of our pioneer forefathers who nurtured this Society and guided it through the earlier years. At the same time, credit is due to those who inherited the mantle of leadership and have taken our Society to where it is today, with the help and cooperation of subsequent generations of members. It has truly been a labor of love and unity. True, there have been some "rough spots" and periods, but those adversities have come and gone. To both the past and present, let us, in this 79th anniversary year, give thanks and pledge our unceasing loyalty for the continued prosperity of the SPJST. The By-Laws Committee has met several times and their pre-convention work is nearing completion. The chairman, Brother Jerry Milan, has prefaced every meeting with the statement that whatever is done will be done with the good of the entire Society in mind.

They have given careful consideration to and had ample discussion on every proposal.

This just about completes my pre-convention report, and if I have anything else to report I will prepare a supplement report and pass it out at the convention to the delegates. You might also refer to the president's New Year's Message and Report in the Vestnik of December 31, 1975 and my more recent report in the Vestnik of March 10, 1976.

For detailed information from the other departments, please re fer to the other officers' reports in this issue of the Vestnik.

Our actuary, Mr. David Huff, will be present at the convention to answer any questions pertaining to his actuarial duties for the SPJST. Finally, my wife and I and five

V ES TNIK children wish to extend our best wishes for a successful convention and for an even greater four years to follow. May all of you enjoy an abundance of good health. The Good Lord and the SPJST have been good to us and we're grateful.

Fraternally,

Nick A. Morris, President Supreme Lodge, SPJST SPJST ---

PRECONVENTION REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, SPJST: The time is here for the members of the Supreme Lodge to make their preconvention report to our members and it is indeed a pleasure to be able to give a report of the great progress we have had in the past four years in all departments of our Supreme Lodge.

In the Insurance Department, we have made record after record in securing members and writing life insurance. We are expanding and growing rapidly, as you will notice that we have written 3,718 applications for $15,347,500 of life insurance in 1975. We are proud of this record and we intend to do even better in the future.

At this point it might be of interest to make a quick review of our sales progress for the past 20 years.

Insurance Certificates Written Year Written 1956 1,083 $1,302,250 1960 1049 $2,021,500 1964 1,800 $4,020,030 1968 3,216 $7,371,520 1971 3,180 $9,211,590 1975 3,718 $15,341,500 This indicates an increase ratio of better than 11 to 4 in insurance sales over certificates. This is in accord with today's needs in protection and security for our members, both in case of premature death and also in case of retirement.

Here, I would like to give credit to our state field manager, district sales representatives, local lodge sales representatives, office personnel and all our membership for this great progress. We must keep

5 in mind that we have members who never write an application, but do sell their friends our SPJST Life Insurance. We appreciate your kind help in promoting our SPJST Society.

As I mentioned before, we are writing more and larger certificates every year. This, in part can be attributed to ceding part of our business for reinsurance and thereby we can write larger amounts of insurance. This also enables us to place substandard risks with our reinsurance company which otherwise would have to be declined. We reinsure only the liability at risk, the reserves are kept and, invested by the home office and any interest earnings above 3% which we may experience are credited to our surplus reserves.

As of December 31, 1W75 we had 50,956 members with $98,008,444 of life insurance with an A-plus rating. As of today, the insurance in force is over a hundred million dollars. We have $125.99 of resources for each $100 of liabilities.

During the past four years, we have organized new lodges in Spring Branch, Academy, Longview, Warrenton, Conroe and Burleson. They are all making good progress. We also reactivated several lodges and had some to merge with others. We are in process of organizing new lodges in Irving, Rockdale, New Braunfels, and Marlin.

The duties of the vice president are many, too many to go into detail. He has four secretaries, the state field manager, plus the seven district sales representatives and the local lodge sales representatives under his supervision. In addition, there have been many duties passed on to the Insurance Department since our past president, Brother Marek, retired.

Brother Marek used to supervise the change of beneficiaries, change of names, issue of certificates, commission to local sales representatives, commission to district sales representatives, renewal and overriding commission. For example, we had in 1975 alone, 765 beneficiary changes, 280 changes of names and 145 DI supplements added to policies already in force.

We had 207 JT policies converted to permanent life insurance and 145 term renewals or conversions and 50 duplicate policies issued.

6 Now all of this is done by the Insurance Department and supervised by the vice president.

In addition to the above, the last convention went on record that all non-medical applications for insurance will be reviewed by and accepted, or if questionable, submitted to our Supreme Medical Examiner by the Supreme Lodge.

This big responsibility also fell under the duties of the vice president's office, but with the capabilities of my assistant, Sister Norma Andel, this task has been made much easier for me. In 1975 we had 3,274 applications on which decisions had to be made.

There have been many new laws passed in the last four' years, both by the federal government and the State Board of Insurance which we have to abide by. In some instances this has placed a hardship on the Insurance Department, but with the help of our actuary, we have been able to comply with all the rules and regulations that have been passed.

The life insurance business is very interesting as well as challenging and with our rapid growth and expansion, we are well on our way to being among the top ranking fraternal societies in the State of Texas.

I enjoy my work very much. I love to assist my fellow members and with the help and cooperation of my fellow officers, directors, office personnel, especially my devoted secretaries, Norma Andel, Doris Tyroch, Ruth Hanusch and Diana Bartek, State Field Manager Silas H. Smith, the district sales representatives, all local lodge sales representatives, youth directors, local lodge officers and all the members of our, SPJST Society, they have made my job most pleasant and enjoyable.

During the past 19 years of my tenure of office, my wife, Stacie, and I have made many friends whom we now and always will cherish. I feel very humble that I have been given the opportunity and pleasure to serve you as vice president of our SPJST Society.

I wish to thank each and everyone of you for your kind cooperation and may the XXIInd Convention go on record as one of the most progressive and harmonious

VESTNrIC conventions we have ever had.

God bless you all.

Fraternally yours, Joe B. Hejny, Vice Pres.

Supreme Lodge SPJST SPJST -

SECRETARY-TREASURER'S PRECONVENTION REPORT TO: THE SPJST MEMBERSHIP AND XXII CONVENTION DELEGATES Dear Delegates and Members: In Compliance with Article 3 (d) of our by-laws, I submit this report for your consideration.

How the time flies! It seems just yesterday that I was reporting to you as treasurer but another four years have again passed. In fact it seems such a short time ago that I began my employment at the Home Office — it is now some 17 years ago. They have been pleasant years. One cannot help but be appreciative of having had the opportunity to work with so many good faithful members, officers, directors, and employees. Our Society is indeed fortunate to have so many dedicated people at all levels.

The duties of the secretarytreasurer are many. In addition to the customary duties such as taking of minutes and attesting of all legal documents, he is responsible for general administrative work of the Society. The responsibilities can be briefly summarized as follows: 1. Custody of matters pertaining to investment of all Society funds and handling all transactions involving purchase of stocks, bonds and other securities.

2. Management and collection of our real estate loan portfolio, tax records, and processing of all new loan applications.

3. Supervision and management of all real estate owned by the Society.

4. Depositing of all income in the various designated banks.

5. Processing and payment of all death claims, matured endowments, certificate surrenders and certificate loans.

6. Submission of various reports in the Vestnik.

7. Acting as purchasing agent for office supplies and building maintenance supplies and equipment.

8. Handling of all general cor-

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

respondence and matters not specifically assigned to other departments.

The remainder of this report will primarily be concerned with giving you some specific information concerning each of the previously mentioned areas of responsibility. Space will not allow much detail but I will try to touch on some of the more important items.

One of the most important areas of responsibility involves duties relating to the investment and reinvestment of monies received from our certificate holders. Our Society acts as a trustee of th'e funds which actually belong to our members. With this comes the responsibility to make safe, stable and good income producing investments. Before making a recommendation to the Investment Committee, I have studied and evaluated each individual loan and each investment and have always based my decision on the action in the best interest of the Society.

There is a constant turnover of our monies, new funds must be invested and maturing investments must be reinvested. During the period covered by this report, I supervised the investment and reinvestment of $3,875,000 on the short - term and $12,284,575.88 on the long-term, handling all totaled the sum of $16,159,575.88.

Over the past four years, our assets on the cash basis have increased some 21% from $18,006,986.06 to $21,904,946.17, an increase of $3,897,960.11.

Net interest earning on our total assets increased from 4.92%, January 1, 1972 to 6.09% in 1975. According to 1975 Fraternal Statistics, our net • interest earned is above the average of the 15 fraternal benefit societies in America in our size category. I feel this is especially good when taking into consideration several factors: 1. We had, $1,093,298.99 loaned to 23 SPJST lodges and $430,363.94 loaned to S.P.J.S.T. Rest Homes, Inc., on December 31, 1975. The interest being collected on the major portion of this over 1.5 million dollars is only 5%. We feel that the benefits accruing to the Society by lending the money to lodges, of course, far outweighs the added amount of interest we could earn, but this does, nevertheless, serve to lower our net interest earnings.

Wednesday, April 14, 1976 2. The rate of interest members pay on certificate loans is only 5%.

3. Some of the investments on our books made 10 to 20 years back when rates were low still are earning low rates on interest. These are being slowly replaced with higher interest earning investments.

The following is a percentage breakdown of our assets as of December 31, 1975: 81.0% Mortgage Loans Bonds and Securities 8.8% Home Office & Equipment 4.1% 2.7% Certificate Loans Short-Term Investments 1.9% .2% Common Stocks 1.3% Cash • 100.0% Our largest block of assets is our 1,220 real estate loans which as of December 31, 1975 amounted to $17,756,438.75. The amount invested in real estate loans has increased over 3 1/2 million dollars during the past four years.

Managing a loan portfolio of this size and handling the collections is in itself a sizable task. Title papers for each loan including 383 abstracts and over a thousand fire and extended coverage policies are in my custody.

Our system of collection has kept our loans in excellent condition.

At the time of our January, 1976, Supreme Lodge meeting, only 15 loans were delinquent three or more months. The status of delinquent loans is reported in each regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge. I have sought to manage our mortgage loans in a. businesslike manner and have done my best to keep abreast of trends and laws affecting the loan business.

It is also the duty of the secretary-treasurer to handle all new loan applications. Approval of an application is vested in the appraising director(s) and the Investment Committee composed of President Nick A. Morris, Vice President Joe B. Hejny and the secretary-treasurer. Legal work and approval of the title is handled by our attorney.

During the period covered by the report, we closed 455 loans for $11,259,529.10 and processed 372 full and partial releases.

It has been our position that when we make real estate loans to our members, we are making good investments for the Society

VtSTNIK and at the same time are helping the members purchase homes, farms or businesses.

The secretary-treasurer has in his custody all real estate belonging to the Society. I try my best to settle loan delinquencies without foreclosure. But if the delinquency is clearly due to negligence or it appears that the Society's funds are in jeopardy, prompt legal action is always recommended. Since the last convention, the following loan securities were foreclosed and/or sold: REO 149 — Commercial building in Brazoria County foreclosed on December 7, 1971 and sold October 26, 1972, for a profit of $13,667.95.

REO 151 — Dwelling in Brazoria County foreclosed on August 1, 1972 and sold September 14, 1972 at a profit of $66.96.

REO 152 — Apartment building in Tarrant County, Texas, foreclosed on February 6, 1973 and sold on June 24, 1974 at a loss of $1,140.78.

REO 153 — Dwelling in Travis County, Texas foreclosed on November 6, 1973 and sold at trustee's auction for amount of our indebtedness at no profit or loss.

REO 154 — Dwelling in Milam County, Texas, foreclosed on February 5, 1974 and sold at trustee's auction for amount of indebtedness at no profit or loss.

REO 125 — A very small parcel of land in Harris County, Texas, foreclosed in 1952 and carried on our books for no value sold on April 19, 1973 for a net profit of $179.60.

Quite a bit of work and negotiation was involved in the above transactions. The Society was quite fortunate in being able to recoup its investments and wind up showing a net profit of $12,773.73 from the above foreclosures and property sales.

The old six-story former SPJST home office building, REO 150, was sold on July 1, 1972. The property had been valued an our books at $77,500. Although much time and effort was expended toward the sale of this property, we were not able to sell it for book value and finally sold it for $62,500.

It was the opinion of several local real estate agents that the property had been overvalued on our books and a sale at book value was not possible.

7 The only real estate on our books at this time is the new SPJST Home Office building which is valued at $836,360.22. I have set up its depreciation over a 40-year period.

When property is foreclosed and later sold, the Supreme Lodge has followed the policy of retaining royalty and mineral rights. As a result, the Society has royalty and mineral interest in numerous properties over the state and the income derived from such interests having oil and gas production during the years 1972, 1943, 1974, and 1975 has amounted to $434,796.19.

It is the duty of the secretarytreasurer to manage and oversee these interests.

The Society has thirteen banks over the state designated as depositories. As specified in our bylaws all income received has been deposited daily as received.

During the past four years, our Society paid out a vast amount of money to members and beneficiaries. We settled and paid death claims on 1613 certificates for $2,004,309.66 of benefits including double indemnity and minor's claims. We paid 504 matured endowments for $555,413.76. We also processed 839 surrender values for $256,749.33. All totaled, this amounts to $2,816,472.72 of member benefits paid by this department.

This amount should be considered "member benefits" rather than expenses.

We processed and paid 601 certificate loans for a total of $268,639.46. Daily accounting of payments and administration of over 2,100 certificate loans for $592,922.08 is the responsibility of this department.

An of us are somewhat resistant to making changes, but change we must if we wish to improve our procedures and service to our members. The following are but a few more important changes and projects that I have undertaken: 11. The most time consuming change has been the combination of the offices of secretary-treasurer as enacted by the last convention. Much time and thought have gone into this task. The combination did much to streamline the operation of this department and it has worked out even better than had been expected. It has resulted in the saving of a large sum

V2STNIK 8 Fair Credit Reporting Act, the of money.

2. We have revised and updated Truth in Lending Act, the National in excess of 50 different forms in Flood Insurance Program, Occupaan effort to improve our image and tional Safety and Health Act to comply with various changes in (OSHA) and the Internal Revenue laws. Much of our contact with the Service. Systems have also been membership and public is by way set up to comply with new requireof correspondence. I realize that ments of the State Board of Inour forms and letters must be surance.

9. The Secretary-Treasurer's Demodern and appropriate to project a favorable image of our partment took over the daily postSociety. We realize that it is im- ing to individual account sheets of portant to keep up with the times' all payments on certificate loans in all our contacts with those whom and on all payment of monthlyannual installments of our real we serve.

3. I have simplified and modern- estate loans.

10. Workshops were held with ized numerous procedures in the department and have sought to the local lodge secretaries two eliminate needless duplication of separate years since the last convention to help them with their efforts.

4. A 41-page handbook has been duties in serving the members of prepared and distributed to the their lodges. It is hoped that such local lodge secretaries to assist workshops will again be held durthem in their local lodge duties in ing 1977.

11. An intensive effort has been serving their local members.

5. One lengthy project was the made to settle a number of unpaid indexing of the last two volumes claims some pending since 1941. To of the minutes of the Supreme date, we have settled claims for Lodge meetings to make it possible 12 such beneficiaries.

12. The procedure is distributto quickly locate specific actions in those minutes. Any item can ing 50-year membership pins has now be located within minutes 'been changed to allow the local where previously it might have lodges to request that the pins be taken hours. sent to them for special presenta6. I have set up a minute book tions. The response of the lodges to record minutes of all officers has been excellent. meetings wherein action is taken 13. One of the most important on the purchase or sale of securi- changes which always concerned ties or investments. me was setting up an active short7. At the suggestion of our last term investment policy rather insurance examiner, we have set up than having large sums in the bank separate files to keep a record of drawing no interest. To eliminate the tax status on all properties the need of holding large non-inwhich are security for our real terest earning checking accounts estate loans. Each harrower is now in the banks, the practice of buying annually required to send us interest earning short-term secopies of his tax receipts. This in- curities has been set up. We travolves considerable additional time ditionally invest most of our assets but with rising taxes, the amount in real estate loans and sometimes of unpaid taxes could well mean have up to two million dollars of the difference between a profit or loans in process and are subject to loss on a loan if we must foreclose periodically needing large amounts our lien. of cash on very short notice. By 8. Several new laws have gone investing these funds in securities into effect or have been revised such as 30 to 180 day U.S. Treasury considerably the past four years. bills coordinated to meet our anThe new government regulations ticipated, unexpected cash needs, were probably initiated for laud- we can earn interest on virtually able purposes but these have hn- all of our assets except a bare posed inordinately complex and Minimum for immediate needs. time-consuming paperwork on this Then in the event we have a large department. number of loans closing or have Procedures and necessary report- other unanticipated needs for cash, ing have been set up in connec- the treasury bills can be very tion with the Real Estate Settle,- quickly sold and converted to cash. nent Procedures Act (RESPR), the This change has earned the So-

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

ciety thousands of dollars of additional interest income during these past three years and it has provided us with the safety of having liquid assets available for unanticipated needs. It results in additional work and constant vigilance but this is well worth the extra effort.

14. Another important project was a trade of low interest earning bonds purchased in the early '60s when interest rates were very low for higher interest paying bonds.

There were tax advantages and incentives' for those in high tax brackets to purchase low interest paying bonds, but these advantages did not apply to our Society as there were no tax advantages for us to hold low interest-producing bonds. I recommended that the Supreme Lodge authorize sale of these bonds and then take the proceeds and purchase bonds at current interest rates and this was approved and accomplished. As a result of these transactions the value and additionatt income generated to their maturity will exceed $100,000.

The actual additional income will be more than double that amount if consideration is given for the earnings we received on the additional income.

It has been a great pleasure to work with the other Supreme Lodge officers and directors. They are devoted to the SPJST and hold their positions in high esteem. One could not wish to be associated with a finer body of men. I sincerely appreciate the fine cooperation each of them has extended to me.

I am deeply appreciative of the manner in which the employees in my department have attended their duties. My sincere thanks go to my capable assistant, Dorothy Tomasek and to my secretaries, Irma Klinkovsky, Linda Smetanka, and Sherry Smith. I also appreciate the cooperation of the yard and the building custodial workers who keep our 'building and grounds clean and beautiful. Otto Hanus is additonally due high compliments for the extraordinary manner in which he has set up and maintained our library, archives and museum.

I appreciate the cooperation extended to me by the lodge officers over the state — especially secretaries and financial secretaries

Wednesday, April 14, 1976 with whom I deal most frequently.

The progress that our Society has made these past four years is indeed impressive. As one travels over the state, he cannot help but be impressed by the feeling of optimism. These past few years have been exciting years — years of challenge and positive action. Most heartening is the feeling that we have not yet reached our peak.

There is still much work to be done — work that will require cooperation of those at all levels of responsibility. One can only visualize in his fondest dreams the challenges that the future holds in store.

In conclusion, I want to say that I am indeed indebted to you for having allowed me to serve on the Supreme Lodge these past '71/2 years. I have given my job the best of my abilities. I am again a candidate for the office of secretary-treasurer and if you will grant me the opportunity to continue to serve you I will try even harder the next term.

In behalf of my wife, Dorothy, and my children, Mark and Denise, I extend to you our best wishes for a !fruitful and harmonious convention.

Fraternally yours; Leonard D. Mikeska Secretary-Treasurer SPJST -

SUPREME LODGE FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S CONVENTION REPORT Dear Sisters and Brothers: It is my pleasure to present you my XXII Convention report, as required by Art. 36, Section (t) of our 1972 By-Laws.

I am now serving my sixteenth year as financial secretary of our Society. In all these years, it was my desire to improve our working schedule, to maintain better and more accurate records, and to help our Society keep a steady forward pace. To maintain this steady forward pace, it takes a well-organized Society with all officers and departments working for one common goal. I am happy to report that I have received excellent cooperation from all officers, directors, and office personnel.

It always is my desire to work very closely with our 129 lodges.

Lodges are, our future, therefore I

VtSTNIK was always ready to give them all the assistance •possible. It is my policy to take care of all correspondence daily and I trust that, so far, no lodge officers have been neglected.

The 1968 Convention added the premium refund checks to my department. Beginning January 1, 196 through February 1976, we have issued 213,847 premium refund vouchers. Every week, we receive the cancelled checks from our bank and the bank statements are reconciled. The checks are assorted numerically and filed. At present, the earlier issued checks were moved into the basement to make room for new issues. These checks have to be filed in such a way that they are readily available for reference. After seven years of premium refunds to members, we still receive a number of letters every week requesting evidence that they received said premium refund checks. Perhaps these refund checks may have added extra duties to our lodge officers but I am in favor of continuing this program. At present we are paying 1.25 percent on the cash reserve value.

Our unassigned reserves reveal a steady gain — perhaps someday the Supreme Lodge officers may want to increase the percentage of refund. I also favor the 7 percent refund to lodges and also the rebate for handling the premium refund checks. This is a small aid that we give our lodges but it proves to be money well invested.

Lodge membership rosters are made available to lodge officers upon written request. The rosters are a must for a financial secretary's use, because this gives the lodge officer an accurate print-out of all their members. There are many other ways that my department can assist our lodges and they have priority above any other duties in my department.

Besides the many varied duties such as receipting all payments daily, issuing receipts, accounting for all bank statements, making out the weekly and monthly pay roll, etc., we also have a number of other important duties.

Every Thursday we make address changes for the Vestnik and print the addresses to mail to the publisher. We are mailing 13,411 copies this week (April 6th) and that figure changes almost every

week.

Regarding the Vestnik, the home office pays the postage direct tO the postmaster in West, Texas. We all know that the Post Office Department raised the price of postage, likewise the cost went up on mailing our official paper. In schedule "A" we show that in 1972 the postage amounted to $9,300 per year and increased to $12,000 per year by the end of 1975. Effective December 28, 1975 the postage was increased again, therefore we are faced with another increase for 1976.

Perhaps the forthcomIng convention delegates may need to consider the publication committee proposal to have our publication on a semimonthly basis.

All this detail work would be impossible without efficient office help, plus maintaining a proper work schedule. Brother Jerry Mikulas is my assistant and head bookkeeper. He is also on his sixteenth year in my department.

Sister Dorothy Stuchly is my secretary and has worked in my office since February, 1966. I also have a new employee, Brother Pat Geistman. He started on January 1, 1973 and, in the short time, he has made my department a valuable employee.

Here I wish to comment on the workshops that were held in 1974 and again in 1975. These workshops proved to be very valuable in all departments and especially in the financial secretary's department.

I realize that we were limited in time spent but the results were very good. I trust that the Supreme Lodge officers will again make arrangements to hold more workshops.

The financial reports that follow are designated by schedules "A", "B", "C" and "D" and are referred to as such. Schedule "A" income and expenses is probably read and referred, to more often than the other schedules, however, study all the schedules, because they reveal a four-year progress report of our Society.

Under schedule "A", recapitulation, we show a four-year gain of $3,897,960.11 on cash basis. Compared to our Convention report for 1972, this is an increase of (Written report continues on page 12. Tables: next page).

V2STN1K

10

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

Statement of Income and Expense From January 1, 1972 to December 31, 1975 SCHEDULE 'A' Balance 1-1-72

Ineome Annuities Dividend on Stock &crow Premiums Royalties and Minerals Interest on Bonds Interest on Certificate Loans Interest on Mortgage Loans Interest on Certificate of Deposit REO Rents and Other Income Bond Increase by Accrual Reinsurance Recovered Refund on Reinsurance Profit on Sale of REO Rent on Home Office Building Appraisal Fee Sale of Lodge Supplies Youth Camp

$18,006,986.06

1972

1973

1974

1975

Totals

2,481.29 $ 2,150.40 $ 3,795.20 $ 4,290.88 $ 12,717.77 1,222.32 1,353.42 1,593.04 1,888.10 6,056.88 3,523.76 1,761.00 22,699.78 1,702A9 29,687.03 1,210,060.64 1,270,008.03 1,422,053.64 1,471,619.17 5,373,741.48 29,164.00 28,539.93 360,479.20 16,613.06 434,796.19 91,489.10 127,470.77 161,450.10 222,994.98 603,404195 32,490.01 33,453.03 33,043.43 33,235.16 132,221.63 923,692.53 959,055.71 1,029,269.55 1,140,408.58 4,052,426.37 1,440.53 6,643.68 8,084.21 15,588.17 2,737.07 18,325.24 5,204.78 2,501.00 3,993.45 5,943.76 17,642.99 58,998.21 16,876.66 1,623.52 94,030.52 171,528.91 5,632.34 6,972.88 7,501.13 22,225.67 42,332.02 13,734.91 13,734.91 30,000.00 24,000.00 26,000.00 36,000.00 116,000.00 17,967.50 19,670.00 24,800.30 22,251.85 84,689.65 96.97 155.78 175.72 128.42 556.89 31.48 180.21 208.44 569.46 989.59 2,442,818.54

2,494,148.82

3,103,373.88

3,078,595.47 11,118,936.71

Expenses

1972

1973

Annuities Paid-off Actuary Advertising Appraisal Expense Legal Expense Audit Bond Expense Commissions Commissions — Renewal Commissions — JT Commissions — Over-Ride Contributions Convention Expense Death Claims Death Claims to Minors Death Claims to Minors Interest Double Indemnity District Meeting Per Capita District Youth Counselors Emblems Furniture and Fixtures Fraternal Activities Furniture and Fixtures (Adjustment of Book Value) Liability Insurance Matured Endowments Medical Expense Non-Medical Expense Membership Dues Museum Operating Expense Office Maintenance Office Rent Organization Expense Premium Refund to Members Publication Committee Meetings

4,355.20 9,058.14 29,614.25 14,468.74 21,207.27 1,280.00 67.87 93,451.29 23,591.22 2,436.93 19,264.47 10,643.60 102,037.12 500,988.16 576.56 56.95 20,000.00 1,303.00 5,523.51 2,483.65 5,174.24 6,1 .52

8,231.87 8,452.17 10,236.25 17,093.04 21,391.43 2,100.00 1,389.87 95,375.06 25,594.10 2,388.31 21,348.16 5,033.00' 2,018.04 429,177.59 5,681.42 1,086.30 19,000.00 2,381.38 6,157.51 4,122.60

8,378.04 8,404.95 4,591.45 20,109.93 26,219.81 2,100.00 2,616.15 107,672.62 28,311.44 1,830.31 23,609.08 5,542.50 264.20 460,965.83 1,947.78 437.00 5,000.00 1,050.00 7,412.93 6,547.69

8,378.04 8,425.12 10,185.29 19,981.21 31,795.12 1,050.00 1,728.70 108,363.88 28,297.12 1,707.98 27,351.56 5,958.23 3,232.80 551,935.12 1303.74 153.21 6,000.00 1,050.00 6,688.08 8.44

7,764.94

11,078.13

13,282.48

29,343.15 34,340.38 54,627.24 71,652.92 100,613.63 6,530.00 5,790.59 404,862.85 105,793.88 8,363.53 91,573.27 27,177.33 107,552.16 1,943,066.70 9,509.50 1,733.46 50,000.00 5,784.38 25,782.03 14,052.38 5,174.24 38,295.07

5,429.39 2,697.83 136,890.04 5,624.35 11,101.35 768.61 2,393.36 3,660.05 24,000.00 7,338.07 190,060.01 1,234.21

5,334.78 512.00 148,399.93 7,679.85 11,629.85 1,306.43 2,562.51 6,010.66 26,000.00 9,988.19 179,246.66 2,176.09

8,374.74 3,665.00 162,730.79 10,700.95 16,480.89 1,093.97 3,422.95 7,052.08 36,000.00 6,337.18 1'70,159.36 1,586.53

17,138.91 9,489.75 555,413.76 38,092.75 50,797.30 3,922.01 10,174.06 22,354.38 116,000.00 28,404.63 709,998.12 6,139.71

2,614.92 107,393.00 14,087.60 11,585.21 755.00 1,795.34 5,631.59 30,000.00 2,141,19 170,532.09 1,142.88

1974

1975

Totals

Vt S TNt

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

- 5,827.93

Postage 7% Refund to Lodges and Bonus Reinsurance Loss on Sale of REO RMO Taxes and REO Taxes Salary — Editor Salary — Employees Salary — Directors Salary — Officers Salary — State Youth Director State Examination Stationery and Supplies supreme Lodge Meetings ;Surrender Values Home Office Building Expense Taxes -- FICA, FUTA, and TEc Telephone Travel — Editor Travel — State Field Manager Travel' Officers Travel — State Youth. Director Youth Activities Hospitalization Insurance Vestnik Vestnik Postage Transfer to Youth Camp Decrease in Bonds by Amort.

Postage on Premium Refund Checks Adjustment of Book Value on Home Office Building Workshops Escrow Paid-Off TOTAL EXPENSES

80,737.79 47,891.25 15,000.00 19,238.75 12,000.00 52,955.24 8,400.00 67,600.00 6,750.00 4,615.88 10,509.73 6,679.83 53,649.05 28,807.84 7,002.23 4,347.42 301.04 1,094.76 1,224.80 15,806.16

11 6,719.13 85,249.49 56,177.78

9,739.16 89,621.13 77,302.45

4,348,92 12,650.00 70,794.67 10,500.00 59,600.00 7,260.00

3,340.31 13,350.00 82,418.68 10,500.00 62,600.00 7,800.00 9987.37 12,291.76 5,987.93 57,385.34 36,305.51 10,167.80 4,670.38 626.05

10,418.44 6,048.46 67,850.19 31,730.56 8,884.07 4,103.27 938.96

7,005.77 99,829.37 66,399.12

29,291.99 355,437.78 247,770.60 15,000.00 1,147.93 28,075.91 14,100.00 52,100.00 100,983.27 307,151.86 10,500.00 39,900.00 65,800.00 255,600.00 21,810.00 14,603.25 9,906.38 43,124.31 5,635.28 24,351.50 '77,864.75 256,749.33 35,619.60 132,463.51 10,432.37 36,488.47 6,837.26 19,958.33 1,171.44 i3 ,035.49 2,382.55 2,382.55 4,666.81 10,014.47 2,306.33 7,337.88 19,748.77 72,342.07 9,874.2'7 18,386.62 56,542.72 193,856.71 12,000.00 42,750.00 17,256.00•64,020.00 165.31 103,114.97 3,108.80 6,107.90

39,989.33 9,300.00 14,760.00 195.71

1,376.65 1,902.43 17,216.55 477.07 46,980.43 11,000.00 15,570.00 177.16

2,876.25 1,904.32 19,570.59 8,035.28 50,344.23 10,450.00 16,440.00 102,576.79 2,999.10

27,624.20

18,374.20 3,086.24

16,374.20 1,718.60 17,758.13

16,374.20 2,056.60 8,842.66

76,748.80 3,775.20 29,687.03

1,044,648.98

1,880,078.15

1,931,920.02

7,220,976.60

1,764,329.45

$ 7,220,976.60 $21,904,946.17

TOTAL ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1975 RECAPITULATION 4-YEAR TOTAL INCOME Less FOUR-YEAR TOTAL EXPENSE

$11,118,936.71 $ 7,220,978.60 $ 3,897,960.11

ASSETS 12-31-75 ASSETS 1- 1-72

$21,904,946.17 $18,006,986.06 $ 3,897,960.11

SCHEDULE B STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR: ASSETS: Cash Bonds Mortgage Loans Certificate Loans Stock SPJST Building Real Estate Owned Furniture and Fixtures Certificate of Deposit TOTAL Interest Due and Accrued

1972 $ 650,160.76 1,602,309.86 14,837,238.37 594,140.94 48,655.89 885,382.82

1974 $ 230,838.86 2,908,148.82 16,057,017.49 597,357.93 48,646.46 852,634.42

1975 $ 276,412.70 2,161,904.55 17,756,438.75 593,922.08 48,646.46 836,260.22

67,588.51

1973 $ 619,515.30 2,069,578.24 15,230,526.31 586,097.37 48,648.21 869,008.62 46,275.61 65,325.33

63,626.74

62,260.22 150,000.00

$18,685,475.15 404,611,14

$19,534,974.99 410,650.80

$20,758,270.72 431,892.85

$21,904,844.98 444,530.18

VESTNfK

12

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

121,732.35

160,750.05

125,084.47

139,852.59

$19,211,818.64 71,402.84-

$20,106,375.84 71,804.34-

$21,315,248.04 81,433.01-

$22,489,227.73 -76,226,98

$19,140,415.80

$20,034,571.50

$21,233,815.03

$22,413,000.75

Certificate Reserves Unpaid Claims Advance Premiums 7% Refund to Lodges General Expense Due and Accrued Unearned Investment Income Accrued Interest on Minors' Claims Provision for Premium Refund Unrealized Real Estate Profit Escrow Funds

$15,080,072.00 93,532.63 248,617.68 81,883.87 35,833.81 6,394.38 2,495.26 213,672.99 32,371.00 3,523.76

$15,675,727.00 87,033.12 271,273.81 88,741.98 31,913.75 7,436.44 2,107.30 200,525.98 31,838.00 2,198.52

$16,286,231.00 90,963.51 . 289,335.25 99,065.63 38,936.91 2,198.12 7,945.09 204,963.23 30,800.00 7,140.17

$16,949,085.00 106,959.73 310,552.68 102,598.01 54,374.92

TOTAL Unassigned Reserves

$15,798,397.38 3,342,018.42

$16,398,795.88 3,635,775.62

$17,057,578.91 4,176,236.12

$17,790,097.08

$19,140,415.80

$20,034,571.50

$21,233,815.03

$22,413,000.75

Premiums Due from Lodges TOTAL ALL ASSETS Assets Not Admitted LIABILITIES:

.2,560.47

6,989.48 227,350:81 29,626.00

4,622,903.67

SCHEDULE 'C' 4i••■ 0

0 4;

DA

V

N

•

• 14 0 0)

4,t

g

a

2

January 1, 1972

$18,006,986.06

45,047

)-4 $70,026,358.00

December 31, 1972 December 31, 1973 December 31, 1974 December 31, 1975

$18,685,475.15 $19,534,974.99 $20,758,270.72 $21,904,946.17

46,750 48,431 49,448 50,956

76,969,415.00 84,258,742.00 89,808,553.00 98,008,444.00

121.15 122.17 124.48 125.99

3,342,018.42 3,635,775.62 4,176,236.12 4,622,903.67

5.19% 5.48% 5.75% 6.09%

Four-Year Increase or $ 3,897,960.11 Decrease

5,909

27,982,086.00

4.68

1,387,958.24

1.17%

$1,375,017.56.

Schedide "B" gives you an account of assets for four years on the cash and accrual basis.

Schedules "C" and "D" brings you up to date on assets, number of certificates, insurance in force and also a breakdown of terminations and net gains. You will note that our Society is in big business by adding in new insurance and working out all terminations.

I recommend that the delegates to the XXII Convention keep this copy of the Vestnik because you will not receive this report in your convention folder. This will be my final convention report because I am ending my tenure of office as of January 1, 1977. During these sixteen years my wife and I have made many, many good friends in the SPJST Society. I can truthfully say that I enjoyed my stay in the office and I do not remember ever having a long day in the

office. I can also say that I hardly ever had a day that I did not get more work than I could take care of that day. I also realize that in these sixteen years our Society has made great gains in all phases of our operations. For instance, our assets on cash basis were $10,888,185.79 as of January 1, 1961 and now exceeded 22 million. I can also foresee many changes that will happen in the near future and also many regulations that the State Department requires now and surely will require more in days ahead. One of the big duties of this office is to file a complete report to the State Board of Insurance each year. For the last four years, Brother Jerry has made these reports for my department and I can assure you that he made these reports in record time. These reports were accepted by the State Board of Insurance without any comments or corrections. I was very

r

121.31

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4.92%

fortunate to find a young man with the ability that he has. He made the Supreme Lodge a very valuable man and therefore, I have always encouraged him to stay with the SPJST in hopes that some day he will have the opportunity to step up to a better paying position.

That time is here and Brother Jerry Mikulas will go before you, the delegates of the XXII Convention in Waco, asking you to promote him to the position of financial secretary of the Supreme Lodge.

It is my pleasure to recommend him for this position and I encourage the delegates to support this young brother. You will not regret the help you give this young man.

In conclusion, I want to again say that it was my pleasure to have served these past sixteen years as your financial secretary of the Supreme Lodge. This sixteen-year term was a career in my

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life that I will not forget.

My wife and I wish the XXII SPJST Convention much success and to my successor, the very best.

I remain Fraternally, Ben Zabcik SPJST

PRE-CONVENTION REPORT OF DIRECTORS Conforming to our by-laws, we are submitting a joint report of some of our present and future observations, which we believe would be beneficial to our Society.

As directors, we are ever,mindful of our responsibilities, as they now exist under the constant changing of rules and regulations. Contrary to the leniency of the law four years ago, the board of directors are now assessed full responsibility of the operation of the Supreme Lodge. The new ruling is the same that applies to any and all boards of directors affecting a corporation, a bank or fraternal societies.

We are conscious of the fact and we assume our duties with pleasure, but we are aware of committees being formed which tend to minimize the authority of the directorship. We are a bonded body and we must comply not only to the State Board of Insurance of Texas, but to our entire Society.

We would like to suggest to the delegates of the XXII Convention to be held in Waco, June 14th, 15th and 16th, 1976, that you consider the committee appointments in lesser number. We feel that the old process of a three (3) member committee would be more effective, excluding the By-Laws Committee, which should remain at seven.

The duties of the board of directors are many .... we accept that.

We are respected by the officers of the Supreme Lodge and our relations are good. A director makes loan appraisals, but his main challenge comes at the time the Supreme Lodge convenes in special or regular quarterly board meetings in Temple.

A director is and he should be best informed on all phases of the operation of the Society. The directors should be consulted on such matters as the setting of salaries, which in fact, should be a part of the duties of a director. !This simply conforms to what many other fraternal societies are

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

Vt S TN IK

14

Year 1972 1973 1974 1975

INSURANCE New Certificates 3,585 3,564 3,272 3,691

Insurance

$11,456,008.00 11,635.075.00 11,075,163.00 13, 498,220.00

Jan. 1, 1972 New Cert. 4 years

14,112 45,047 14,112

$47,664,466.00 $70,026,358.00 47,664,466.00

Terminated

59,159 8,203

117,690,824.00• 19,682,380.00

Balance 12-31-75 50,956 5,909 Gain ASSETS: January 1, 1972 Total Gain to December 31, 1975

98,008,444.00 27,982,086.00 18,006,988.06 3,897,960.11

doing.

The formation of too many permanent committees is not a good precedent. We do appreciate the fact that most people want to get involved. However, too many committees could be confusing. Effective oversight . .meaning watchful care . . . or management requires coordination between committees and the governing body.

With complete• knowledge of our responsibilities, we submit for your consideration a breakdown of our statistical report of the officers of the Supreme Lodge for the four year period ending December 31, 1975.

•

SPJST -

21,904,946.17 Ledger assets Cash Bonds Mortgage loans Certificate loans Stock SPJST Building Furniture and Fixtures Certificate of Deposit

ATTORNEY'S PRE - CONVENTION REPORT TO THE XXII CONVENTION

276,412.70 2,181,904.55 17,756,438.75 592,922.08 48,646.46 836,260.22 62,260.22 150,000.00

TOTAL Interest due and accrued Premiums due for lodges

21,904,844.98 444,530.16 139,852.50

TOTAL -- ALL ASSETS Assets not admitted

22,489,227.73 —76,226.98

Dear Delegates and Members: I respectfully submit my report Of legal services rendered to the Supreme Lodge, districts, local lodges, and members for the period from January 1, 1973. The report is not a complete and detailed report of all of the activities and duties performed by the attorney's office. I have tried, however, to include some of the highlights so as to give you a better understanding of the duties of the office of attorney.

Our firm has three attorneys, namely Sidney Kacir, Dane Everton and myself. We employ four fulltime and one part-time legal secretaries. We have and maintain a complete workable law library, and all equipment necessary to operate an up-to-date law office.

Legal work for the SPJST, like any other business, comes in very unevenly. It is best characterized as heavy and sporadic. It is important, however, to get the work done with the least amount of delay. That is why, at times, it becomes necessary for the entire office, attorneys and secretaries, to work on SPJST matters. Normally, an average of one full-time secretary devotes time to the SPJST work. It is the policy of our office to give priority to the work of the Society.

Since January 1, 1973 to and including December 31, 1975, our office has closed 360 loans, aggregating a total investment of $8,608,764.

ASSETS:

Admitted assets 22,413,000.75 Recap of Mortgage Loans January 1, 1972 14,245,111.65 Four-year increase 3,511,327.10 December 31, 1975 17,756,438.75 Income from Royalty Holdings January 1, 1972 to December 31, 1975 434,796.19 SPJST owns royalty interests in 8,543.40 acres.

Invested Funds: Four-Year Average Net Yield from 1-1-64 to 12-31-68 was — 4.32 from 1-1-69 to 12-31-71 was — 4.93 from 1-1-72 to 12-31-75 was — 5.62 3olvency Dec. 31, 1972 — 121.15 Dec. 31, 1973 — 122.17 Dec. 31, 1974 — 124.48 Dec. 31, 1975 — 125.99 We wish the XXII Convention a most successful session.

Respectfully submitted, John A. Kubena Stanley Broz Henry E. Vitek A. L. Hilsher Cyrill Pokladnik Matt S. Vanek Frank W. Veselka

Wednesday, April 14, 1976 We have handled seven law suits filed against the Society, including one suit which was finally concluded in favor of the SPJST when the Supreme Court of the United States refused the plaintiff's application for a writ of certiorari.

We have handled nine foreclogure of real estate mortgage liens of which four were later reinstated and three were paid off just prior to sale date, and two were sold at foreclosure sale. We had researched the law, by-laws, and administrative regulations, both State and Federal, in rendering in excess of 60 opinions, involving many different, and sometimes difficult, questions regarding by-law interpretations; litigation and possible law suits against the Society; our corporate charter, our corporate name; employees retirement plan; ad valorem and admission taxes; rules and regulations of the Texas Liquor Control Board; the Federal National Flood Disaster Protection Act; the Federal Truth in Lending Act; the Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA); death claims; copyright laws; income tax laws; and others.

I also attended all quarterly Supreme Lodge meetings, as well as all officers' meetings during this time. I have consulted with the officers daily.

According to our by-laws, the legal advisor must study the laws pertaining to the life insurance societies; represent the lodges and the Society in their legal matters; transact all loans from receipt of application, commitment and appraisal forms, together with all correspondence in connection with the loan; prepare all loan papers, examine abstracts, title commitments and close the loans; and attend to all legal matters pertaining to the SPJST, etc. Additionally, the attorney must attend all meetings of the by-law committee, officer meetings, and Supreme Lodge meetings; confer with the directors and officers at any time any problem arises; file and/or defend law suits; handle foreclosures; confer with the insurance department; and, at times, confer with the actuary, as well as the medical director.

The bulk of our real estate loans are made to our members.

A majority of those loans are made to finance the borrower's home.

VtSTNIR Most loans on homes are made on newly constructed homes; that is, a loan commitment is made subject to the home being completed in accordance with plans and specifications submitted with the application for a loan. Because of such construction loan commitments and the time it takes to build a house, it takes, on an average of six months or more to close a home improvement loan from the time the application, appraisal report and loan commitment reaches the attorney's office to the time the loan file is finally closed and all loan papers delivered to Brother SecretaryTreasurer's office. A number of loan applications are processed wherein land and/or real property is conveyed. Very often title requirements are necessary to clear the title before the loan can be closed. This does consume time as far as the borrower and our office is concerned. The average number of loans pending amounts to more than one and one-fourth million dollars. (At this time we have $1,112,946.16 of pending loans.)

We had a state legislative session in 1973,, and in 1975. Many laws were proposed that would have adversely affected our mode of operation. Fortunately, they Were not passed. The Congress of the United States meets annually.

'It is very important to familiarize our legislators and Congressmen with our fraternal organization, because this is the only way to prevent adverse legislation. I might add that even now, members of the legislature are considering legislation, which would affect our Society, for the coming legislative session in 1977.

I have enjoyed working with the cooperation of the members, directors, officers, the editor, actuary and the medical director.

I wish the XXII Convention of the SPJST much success.

I sincerely appreciate having had the honor and privilege to serve as your legal advisor. I respectfully solicit your support and your vote for re-election to the office of attorney.

Fraternally yours, Reuben B. Lesikar

16 REPORT FROM THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE The seven-member Publication Committee that was elected at the last convention met two times in 1973, three times in 1974, two times in 1975 and in March, 1976.

The highlight of the present Publication Committee was the formulation of a set of guidelinei for the editor. The guidelines are to supplement the present SPJST By-Laws.

The Publication Committee authorized Supreme Lodge officers to use the front page of the Christmas and the New Year's issue of the Vestnik for their use.

The committee also recommended the reduction in the size of the masthead in the Czech section.

The committee approved moving the Supreme Lodge section from the middle of the Vestnik to page three.

The committee reviewed and acted on six objectionable letters.

The Publication Committee at their March 20, 1976 meeting recommended that the Vestnik be printed in the tabloid form.

The publisher suggested to the committee that if the Vestnik was printed in the offset printing process that it would have a neater appearance and the committee agreed to have the Vestnik printed in offset.

The committee voted to discontinue the printing of the "Roman" to conserve space.

The editor has the approval of the publication committee to put good pictures on the front page of the Vestnik when pictures are available.

The Publication Committee, by common consent requested the SL to contact the various publishers, submitting specifications and requesting bids for publishing of the Vestnik.

The publishers are requested to send sealed bids to the chat of the Publication Committee. The bids will be opened at the convention by the PC. The PC will review all of the bids and make their recommendations to the convention delegates.

The delegates then will vote and decide who the publisher of the Vestnik will be.

The Publication Committee has enjoyed its work the last four years and we feel that much has

V.ESTN/IC

16 been accomplished. We wish SPJST continued growth and a meaningful and fruitful convention in Waco, in June, 1976.

Melvin H. Skrabanek Secretary - SPJST PRE-CONVENTION REPORT OF THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR Dear Members: It is an honor and a privilege to serve you as medical director. I appreciate the effort that each of you make to complete the insurance application as thoroughly as possible. This is extremely important in evaluating the insurance risk of the applicants and, by your thoroughness, we are often able to issue a policy without furthar investigation.

We are a growing fraternal organization and we should justly be selective in our choice of applicants.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Fraternally, Jack S. Weinblatt, MD SPJST —

LIBRARY, ARCHIVES, MUSEUM Dear Readers: Many of you wonder about our Library, Archives and Museum, whether it is worth the small expense to keep it going, so I am going to give you a report on what we have in each division of our LAM department.

Our library is composed of 10,187 books on practically any subject such as novels, short stories, politics', agriculture, gardening, medical books, cook books, educational books, religious books, song books, about 90 percent of our books are in the Czech language, the balance of the books are in English, Slovak, Polish, Russian, German, Spanish, and a few in Portugese. All of these books are available to any reader on a loan basis at no charge. Readers who live out of the Temple area can borrow our books simply by paying the postage both ways which is the lowest cost of any mail, being only 20c for the first pound and 9c for each additional pound. We fill all orders the same day they are received.

Often we are asked, "Does anyone read those books?" You bet they do! We have many readers but the most active reader is Mrs.

Agnes Bren, of Corpus Christi, who has read 243 books, Esther Zajicek of Holland, 67 books, Martha Postupalsky of Warren, Mich., 78 books, Stephen Taylor of Temple, 36 books, and more who just got started recently and it is a pleasure to serve them. Our readers are n11 considerate and return the books they borrow on time; very seldom do we have to remind them that their books are• due to be returned.

We have U.S. Department of Agriculture Year Books for most of the years since the department started the year books in 1903 and these contain some very valuable information on our everyday living and for these we are thankful to our congressmen the Honorable W. R. (Bob) Poage and we would like to see more of our members take advantage of learning something from these fine books; they are yours to read for two weeks or longer, if needed, free of charge.

ARCHIVES: In this department we have everything SPJST; a complete set of by-laws, from the first set written in 1896 to the latest, we have most of the convention proceedings, all of the convention pictures taken in past conventions, and many other pictures of lodge buildings, officers, and many mementos of the past, all the Vestniks that we have been able to find; from 1932 the file is complete, but up to 1932 we were not so fortunate to get all of them and any of you who might have any issues of JEDNOTA, OBZOR and the early VESTNIKS and would be kind enough to donate them to our archives department where they will be safe and available to the donors at any time would do our SPJST a very fine service. We also have many old lodge record books of our lodges that we have repaired.

MUSEUM: In our museum we have over 1,400 artifacts of every kind, some with great historical value. Our museum has the most complete medical doctor's display of any museum in Texas and possibly the whole nation due to the late Dr. J. J. Shiller of Rowena, who so generously donated all his equipment which he used during his lifetime of serving the people of our great state. There were many other large donors to our museum

Wednesday, April 14, 1978 such as Mr. Vaclav Pultar, Richmond, who donated 764 various papers, books, magazines, and pioneer time tools and equipment, Jerry J. Baletka of Houston, who donated many military type artifacts, Agnes jurica, of Corpus )Christi, who donated many of her pioneer artifacts; Hermina Chlumsky, who donated all her family's relics including items going as far back as the year 828; including the Chlumsky family seal which goes back to the year 1300 and many other rare items.

Hermina was the daughter of Rev. Adolf Chlumsky, a pioneer minister in Texas; and many, many more donors.

Our museum has been visited by thousands with 8,887 who registered and there were thousands who did not register. In all cases, visitors have to be asked to sign the visitors' register before they will sign it. Visitors from foreign countries were: Czechoslovakia, 10; Canada, 5; Guatemala, 1; Holland, 2; Iran, 2: Japan, 1; Mexico, 6; Saudi Arabia, 2; and we have had visitors from 33 states of the Union, with California leading with 32. Oklahoma is second with 18, Michigan has given us 15 visitors. We hope to eventually register visitors from every state in the Union.

We are especially proud of the school children who visit here and learn. If any of you have any doubts about the value of our museum and its value, all you have to do to convince yourself is to escort just one group of children through, most of whom are the nicest visitors we have. They come to learn and it is the most heartwarming feeling to be able to tell them about the great past of our great country. We get many letters of thanks from those visitors sometimes individual letters sometimes signed by the whole group.

Recently, a group sang a song at the end of their tour through the museum which was specially composed for the occasion.

The U.S. Government spends millions of dollars on museums, so does the State of Texas. Why do they spend this money? The reason is obvious: museums are considered major educational systems on every level. We are proud of our museum which we hope we can make even better and with the help of our wonderful people we

Wednesday, April 14, 1•6 can make it better.

In closing I will make you a promise that as long as I am able to keep going I will strive to make it the best in Texas.

Fraternally yours, Otto Hanus Curator SPJST

LODGE NO. 84, DALLAS Dear Members: Just about everyone is enjoying the spring weather.

On Saturday, April 17th, the Ennis Country Polka Boys are at our lodge --- who could ask for more.

May 1st, Charlie Adamcik will be at Our lodge for your dancing pleasure. This is a free dance and our entertainment committee invites everyone to attend and asks you to invite your friends, too.

Regretfully, two of our new members' names were left out of one of my articles. Welcome to Jason McBride and Ade11 Marie Marek.

Fraternally, Rose Scott SPJST —

LODGE NO. 178, LONGVIEW Dear Members and Friends: The regular meeting of Pinewood Heritage 178 was called to order

by President Hugo Kocian at 2 p.m. on March 21st at the Elderville Community Hall.

Following the pledge of allegiance, President Kocian asked for a moment of tribute to our departed members and to the late Congressman Wright Patman, who was a supporter of our fraternal organization.

The minutes of the February meeting were approved as read.

Correspondence was acknowledged.

Treasurer Loma Harris made the monthly report. The transfer of funds to a savings account was voted on and passed by the members,

V2S TN um*

IK

Val Steele, co-chairperson of Fund Raising Committee No. 1, presented a report. She noted that the attendance has been increased since the game nights were moved to the KC Hall. She also presented a handsome check to Treasurer Loma Harris. Members applauded signifying a great big "Thank You!" President Kocian read the report of Fund Raising Committee No. 1 Chairman Bob Stevenson. The report dealt with the meeting of the committee on February 25th.

The Audit Committee reported that a CPA had been employed to file the lodge's 1975 income tax report.

The Cheer Committee reported that get-well cards had been sent to Don Koble and Marvin Mikeska, Sr. Flowers were sent to the funeral of the mother of Brother Ray Fause.

Sister Viola Kocian reported for the youth club. The cakes auctioned at the game nights helped their treasury nicely. The club will use two quilts as drawing prizes.

Floyd Snider reported on the telescope project meeting. He stated that the telescope that was set up really made everyone more interested in building a telescope.

Bernard Budnick, youth club assistant, ordered the instruction books for the telescope.

Floyd Snider volunteered as youth club leader. He was elected with no opposition.

Imogene Snider reported on our Beseda dancers. The costumes are being made. The dancers are practicing twice a week. Mr. and Mrs. Oates will return to help the dancers polish up. The dancers are planning to perform at the Longview Bicentennial Festival April 10th and 11th. They have been invited to perform in the. Ennis Polka Festival and at the State Fair in October.

Three new members were accepted into the lodge. They are: Betty Alvis, Barbara Sue and Edward Kane.

President Kocian stated that the next scheduled meeting is Easter Sunday. It was voted that the next regular meeting be held April 14th, at the Schlitz Hospitality Room, beginning at 7 p.m.

Members voted that a Show-andTell be purchased to entertain the

17 children at the game nights.

Members voted that the lodge purchase space in the convention souvenir book.

The meeting was adjourned.

Refreshments were available. The Beseda practice followed the meeting.

Fraternally, Janice Vrana Secretary SPJ ST --

LODGE NO. 5, TIOGA Dear Members and Friends: Our regular lodge meeting will be held on the fourth Sunday in April (the 25th) at the home of Mrs. Mary Hejny, beginning at 2 p.m.

The ladies are asked to please bring sandwiches and dessert to be served after the meeting.

Fraternally yours, Lorene Schroeder SPJ ST --

LODGE NO. 154, FORT WORTH Dear Members: I didn't realize Easter is just around the corner.

We will have our annual Lodge 154 and Sokol Picnic at Tirk's farm also known as Brother and Sister Roy and Lydia Alholm's farm, on Easter Sunday, April 18th, starting at 11 a.m.; egg hunt at 2 pm. followed by games. Prizes will be given in the hunt. It will be as in the past, each bring their lunch, beverages and a dozen colored eggs if you have children.

The location of Tirk's farm is out old 121 Highway to Colleyville, turn left on Pleasant Run Road (Burrus Super Market, on the right) and it's the first house on your right after you cross the railroad tracks.

Everyone looks forward to this occasion, so let's hope for a nice day and from all of us, to all of you: A happy Easter!

I would also like to ask the sisters if they would bring a pastry for our District III dinner on Sunday, April 25th, at 11:30 a.m.

We extend a cordial invitation to all our Supreme Lodge officers and their families, editor and his family and to all our district members, plus other districts that would like to join as, including retired SL officers, all are very welcome.

Looking forward to seeing you

Vt ST N'I1C all.

S until ... Keep Smiling.

Fraternally, Mary Pavey - SPJST Brenham, Texas April 5, 1976 Dear Brother Editor: After reading some of the resolutions, or suggestions for changes in the by-laws of our Society, I cannot help but make some remarks, pertaining to some of those suggestions especially since they pertain to a fraternal society. It seems to me that we should work to preserve freedom of choice.

In referring to, let us say, the case of social members, are we to deny social membership to a fellow because, let's say when he was single he purchased insurance with other companies and is over-insured in proportion to his income, but when he marries his wife and c hildren all become members of our SPJST, for whatever reason (maybe family background, etc.)?

According to some of these suggested articles, if they become a part of our by-laws, we would have to go through some bureaucratic channels if said fellow should be allowed to become a social member.

As fraternalists we should not only talk about fraternalism but we must practice it also and not allow our expressions and actions to be two different things.

Fraternally, Ed G. Vavra Member of Lodge 14 SPJST — LODGE NO. 79, CORPUS CHRISTI President Frank C. Sacky called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 4th. All officers were present. There was a total of 35 members present.

After the officers' reports, we moved to the reading of applicants.

There were two new applicants for insurance policies: Randy F. Sijansky and Jill Sijansky They were accepted.

Our main concern for this month is the Political Rally, sponsored by Lodge 79, Corpus Christi, scheduled for April 24. Everyone is doing their best to make this rally a success.

There is more information in the SPJST calendar.

After our discussion on the rally, we then elected an additional dele-

gate and alternate for the convention in June which will be held in Waco. Brother Frank C. Sacky was elected delegate, and first alternate is Sister Libbie Peters; Brother Edwin Jurica is second alternate.

The meeting then adjourned since there was no further business.

Our next meeting will be May 9th at 2 p.m.

Nazdar!

Randy Sijansky Reporter - SPJST — LODGE NO. 141, SEALY SPECIAL NOTICE Dear Members: This is to notify all of you that a special meeting of the membership is planned for Friday, April 30th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ameriean Legion hall. Representatives of the Supreme Lodge will be present to exchange important information with us, so we urge all of you to be present. The general purpose of the meeting is to make an effort to re-activate our lodge and hear the views and opinions of some of the members on matters pertaining to the lodge. A light luncheon and refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Supreme Lodge. Regular lodge reports will be given.

Fraternally, Lodge 141 Officers - SPJST — TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE SPJST (YL's Retreat) Youth Leaders' Retreat is over, but not finished. It was held at Camp Val Verde, April 3-4. All of the ideas that were shared will now be spread across the state to our youth. This is another step forward.

My wife, Polly, and I enjoyed this year YLR very much. We have learned many new things to take back to our youth. I believe that YLR is needed by our youth leaders, especially our new youth leaders. I hope that YLR will never be discontinued, for it would be a great loss to our youth. This was one of the best and largest YLRs that I have attended. I am sure everyone learned something to take back home to their respective clubs. Every year we have some new youth leaders taking office. YLR is one place where they can come to

Wednescia,y, April 14, 1976 share, learn, teach, show, or help others with new ideas.

You may say, what is YLR? It is a type of workshop. At YLR, crafts, outdoor cooking!, games, square dancing, discussion groups, and new SPJST Youth Rule Book sessions are held.

SYD Dorothy Massey, I commend you for the speaker you invited to hold two sessions. Dr. John Wise had an excellent program on youth development with discussion as he went along.

Sister Massey and the seven district youth counselors are LW to be commended for a job well done at YLR, 1976. I know that Dorothy's schedule for March and April was very busy.

Our DYCs also held small workshops in their respective districts.

Fraternally, Bob Bayer District VII SPJST --

LODGE NO. 174, ROCKDALE Dear Members and Readers: Our regular monthly meeting of Lodge 174 was held on March 20th, with President Daniel Marek presiding.

Roll call of officers showed Vice President Lambert Skubal and Secretary Florian Skubal were not present.

The minutes were read by Zephyr Marek. Treasurer Marcia Sulak gave the financial report.

A discussion on changing the meeting night to have a larger attendance, is to be discussed thoroughly at the next meeting.

April 23rd is the next meeting and social to follow, since our regular date will fall on Good Friday; refreshments consisting of wieners and snacks along with cold beverages to be served during the social, also the drawing for the prizes at this meeting will take place on which tickets are being sold by the members.

A land committee was appointed composed of Brother Dan Kubiak, chairman; Donald Shuffield, Alvin Sulak and James Ferguson.

Visitors were Lad Zatopek and Dolfina Chavance. Come visit us again.

New members accepted into the lodge are Laura Jean Waters, Elizabeth Sue Waters, Margaret Jane Waters; additional policy was taken out by Matthew D. Zaskoda.

Premium refund cheeks were

Wednesday, April 14, 1976 given to Claudia Summers and Florian Skubal.

I hope to see all members present at our next meeting and social on April 23rd, beginning at 7 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Rockdale.

Fraternally, Florian Skubal Secretary - SPJST LODGE NO. 88, HOUSTON Dear Members: Receipt of contribution of $30 to the Youth Memorial Fund in memory of Brother Weldon Othold from Nester and Trinidad Rivera is gratefully acknowledged.

Fraternally, Harriette Allison - SPJST --ATTENTION, MEMBERS OF LODGE NO. 81, NEEDVILLE This is to remind you of our Country Store that our lodge is having at the Czech-Fest on April 23, 24, and 25, at the Fort Bend County Fair Grounds on Highway 36.

We are in need of kolace, homemade bread, homemade noodles, pickles, sauerkraut and also homemade bonnets, aprons, and crocheted items. Any of these items will be highly appreciated. Ask your friends and ask them to ask their friends to come and join us at this festival for a pleasant time.

If you have a Czechoslovakian costume, wear it, please.

We are inviting friends and members of other lodges to visit our booth during the festival and kindly asking for their support in our project.

Fraternally, Emily Kolaja, Reporter — SPJST — LODGE NO. 15, BUCKHOLTS Dear Members and Friends: Our meeting was called to order

by President Edward Svoboda. The minutes from the previous meeting were read and signed.

We had one visitor, Dan Balusek.

On our sick list were Brother John Kuzel, and our lodge was saddened by the death of Sister Janie Dohnalik.

I think we should congratulate Brother and Sister Douglas William, Brother and Sister Anton Svetlik and Brother and Sister Edward Svoboda, for doing a fine jab, and all who have helped, including sister Mary Krause, Sister

VtSTNtK Gladys Allison and Brother Willie Orsag, plus everyone else who have done their share. Thanks!

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 14th, at 7:30 p.m. Do plan to come to the meeting because we miss you when you don't attend.

Louise Johnson Reporter -SPJST-

LODGE VESELI (WESLEY) NO. 14 Dear Members and Friends: Our February 15th meeting was held at the home of Brother Leroy Kamas with 42 members and visitors present.

There was also a delicious chicken stew dinner served, with Brothers Leroy Kamas and Larry Huebner serving as chief cooks.

After the noon meal our meeting opened with our new chairwoman, Sister Marian Adamek, presiding.

The minutes were read and approved. In old business, we elected another alternate delegate because Brother Buddy Janes will not be able to attend the convention.

The new alternate is Sister Sylvia Vavra.

In our new business, we voted to send $10 to the Guatemala Relief Fund.

The door prizes were donated by Mrs. Milada Kamas and won by Sister Erna Pomykal and Nancy Adamek.

Our next meeting will be held on April 25th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Adamek.

We thank the Kamas family for their wonderful hospitality.

Hermina Vavra Reporter SPJST — LODGE NO. 54, WEST Dear Members: April 7th was the date of our monthly meeting, which was called to order by President Ernest Zahirniak, at 7:30 p.m.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of our departed lodge members, Brother Alois Svacina, and Sister Millie Girard. May they rest in peace.

The standing rule of our meeting procedure followed, including the officers' reports. However, the financial report was not given due to the absence of Brother Bob Wright, who had a previous commitment for Tuesday night.

Secretary Frank Cocek read the minutes. After a minor correction

19

they were approved.

President Zahirniak read the list of new members — James Richard Neckar, Jr., Jennifer Marie Neckar, James Richard Neckar, Julie Castro (a conversion) and Richard J. Hlavenka (additional insurance).

A vote of appreciation was given sales representatives John Mynar and Raymond Volcik for securing the members into the lodge. A fraternal welcome is extended to these folks. If we may be of service to you, do not hesitate to call on us.

In addition to the chairman's report, he stated that the kitchen was painted as well as a portion of the refreshment room; also new curtains for the kitchen were made

by Mona Zahirniak, which enhanced the interior's appearance.

Youth Club Report: Youth Leader Maxine Sefcik gave the highlight report of the past and future activities. She also pointed out to the membership that since the last quarterly report and allocation, the club's attendance has increased nearly 100 percent. Her informative report was complimented and very much appreciated.

The membership approved the purchase of an ad in the XXIInd Convention souvenir book. President Zahirniak appointed Brother Sefcik to compose the ad in both languages.

Editor Rudy Sefcik attended our meeting and spoke briefly on SPJST matters and praised Lodge 54 for using wise judgment on decisions that confronted it concerning our fraternal Society.

The mefribers also voted to recommend a certain new by-law which will be forwarded to the ByLaw Committee secretary, Sister Thelma Hrncir. A motion to this effect was made by Maxine Sefcik and seconded by Mona Zahirniak.

Motion carried.

Before adjournment, the lodge president announced the next meeting for Sunday, May 2nd, at 2 p.m., instead of 3 p.m. Please keep this new time in mind only for this meeting.

Maxine Sefcik was the door prize recipient.

A fraternal social followed after the meeting.

Fraternally, Mona Zahirniak

VESTNIK LODGE NO. 88, HOUSTON Deal Brothers and Sisters: Easter is this Sunday, so don't forget the Easter egg hunt at the lodge, beginning at 2 p.m. Please, remember that it's only for lodge members, their grandchildren, or nieces and nephews of lodge members. There will be special prize eggs to be found and special prizes.

The special game will be played at 3 p.m. and a dance will follow the games. I hope ever yone has a pleasant and happy Easter and reMember the meaning behind Easter.

Brother Ernie Hanka was feeling a little under the weather but is doing fine now. Stop in and see him at Golden Age Manor on the North Loop West Freeway. Frank Tymel underwent a serious operation at Spring Branch Hospital and is about to undergo another serious one. Please say an extra prayer for Mr. Tymel and his family.

Mr. Thomas Stephens passed away last week and he is survived by his wife, Margaret. Kindly remember this family and his friends in your thoughts.

For the Friday, April 2nd Texas Dutchmen dance, Rose Bezdek, Mary King and David Holub had a birthday; Jim and Elma Jones celebrated 18 years to g e t he r; .Tirn and Cynthia (no laaL name given) 3 months; Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Foyt, 35 years; Mr. and Mrs. C. Hrachovy, 25 years; Ken and n Lundgren, 34 years. Visitors Included George and Ann Boriskie from Bryan. I hope everyone had a at time and come back and see us again soon.

Here is the lineup for the next two weeks: April 15 — Social night April 17 — Dance by Gold Banners April 18 — Easter egg hunt, !games and dance April 22 — Social night April 23 — C/W dance by Gaylen Ackley and the Good Times April 24 — Dance by Lee Roy Matocha That's the schedule folks, so take advantage of all the good times happening at Lodge 88 for these next two weeks.

Smile . summer is just around the corner!

Fraternally, Susan Schenburn

CONVENTION MEMORIAL BROCHURE Many of you have asked me if we are going to have a division in our convention brochure in which individual members can wish the convention success. It, has been decided that we will have such a section which will be headed: "Best Wishes to the XXII SPJST Convention."

You can be listed as (example): Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, or Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Family, as you wish. The cost will be $2.50 per lin or per couple. If you want to extend your best wishes to the con(i,i and have your family listed in tii,s brochure please send your name and $2.50 to me, at P.O. Box 160, Temple, Texas 76501, and we will have it placed in the Convention Memorial Brochure. The convention is approaching fast, so don't delay sending in your name.

DO IT NOW! Otto Hatius, Chinn.

Convention Arrangements Comm.

YOUTH SECTION Youth Activity Calendar August 29, 1976 — State YAD, Temple High School September 25, 1976 — State Royalty at Lodge 177, Academy April 30 -- District III Volleyball Tournament, Dunbar Gym in West, 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available.

DISTRICT I YAD — June 20 — Elgin, Lodge No. 18 Camp — July 23-26 — Camp Val Verde DISTRICT II YAD — July 11 — Academy, Lodge No. 177 Camp — July 28-31 — Camp Val Verde DISTRICT III YAD — June 27 Royalty — July 31 — Ennis, Lodge No. 25 Camp — July 19-22 — Camp Val Verde DISTRICT IV YAD — August 8 — Seymour Camp — July 6-9 — Palo Duro Canyon

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

DISTRICT V YAD — August 1 — Houston, Lodge 88 Camp — August — Definite date and location later DISTRICT VI YAD — July 18 Camp .— June 28 - July 1 — Bastrop DISTRICT VII YAD — July 25 - SPJSFrom

The

State Youth Director It is a pleasure to make this quarterly report. This is the largest report for a quarter that the Youth Department has had.. This shows that our youth are interested in attending the meetings and are active in the lodge activities. I am sure the youth leaders are proud of this too, because they are responsible for keeping the children interested in the Youth Program and attending the meetings. The checks sent out this quarter total $539.75.

Tn June 1972 the checks amounted to $504, this was the largest amount that my records show since 1969.

This shows an average monthly attendance of 719 youth who attended, the meeting for the months of December, January, and February. Let's keep up this good work. All it takes is for the youth to attend the meetings and the youth leaders to report their attendance on their quarterly reports. There were 10 youth clubs that did not send in a report this time; think what the average attendance could have been if all youth clubs had made a report!

I hope this is an indication that we will have a large participation at the District YADs and camps this summer. Last summer there were 509 campers from the seven districts; wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have every eligible youth participate in YAD and camp! Camping is the highlight of the year for our children. They enjoy the association with the youth from other lodges and all of the activities for them at camp.

The following is the third quarterly report: Fraternally, (Mrs.) Dorothy Massey State Youth Director

Wednesday, April 14, 1918

THIRD QUARTERLY REPORT (December 1975, January and February, 1976) Lodge Location Average Monthly Attendance Hallettsville No. 4 No. 6 Cottonwood Snook No. 9 No. 13 Dime Box Buckholts No. 15 Caldwell No. 17 No. 18 Elgin No. 20 Granger No. 24 Cyclone Ennis No. 25 East Bernard No. 28 Taylor No. 29 Talton No. 30 Victoria No. 32 Bleiblerville No. 33 Elk No. 35 No. 39 Bryan No, 40 Hillje No. 47 Seaton Beyersville No, 48 No. 54 West No. 58 Hungerford No. 66 Waco Lovelady No. 74 No. 77 Bomarton Corpus Christi No. 79 No. 73/95 Seymour No. 84 Dallas (Juniors) (Teens) No 88 Houston (Juniors) (Teens) No. 92 Fort Worth No. 107 Floresville No. 117 Robstown No. 130 Dallas San Antonio No. 133 Ennis No. 135 No. 142 Houston No. 153 La Salle Fort Worth No. 154 Austin No. 155 Lubbock No. 157 No. 169 Brenham No. 172 Pasadena Galveston No. 173 Rockdale No. 174 Houston No. 176 No. 177 Academy Longview No. 178 Conroe No. 181

21

V 13TNTE

From The listT'ct Youth Counselors DISTRICT H REPORT

This is a report of the youth activities at our spring District II meeting which was held on March $12.75 17.0 28th, 1976 at Seaton Star Hall. $12.75 17.0 The cake auction with eight $11.00 14.67 youth clubs participating, had 16 $16.50 22,0 cakes and these cakes sold for a No Report total of $362.50 and besides this $ 8.50 11.33 the youth clubs had a bake sale of $27.75 37.0 their own so it seems that they No Report did all right. $ 7.75 11.33 The Miss SPJST Contest showed $11.50 15.33 four contestants competing and $ 8.25 11.0 they were Mary Cavanaugh from. $13.00 17.33 Lodge 20, Granger; Marie Grieger $31.50 42.0 - Lodge 29, Taylor; Becky Swan$ 7.50 10.0 son - Lodge 48, Beyersville; and No Report Jody Bobalik - Lodge 74, Lovelady $11.00 14.67 Each of these four beautiful girls 4.67 Not Eligible presented a talent and a speech; • $ 9.75 13.0 all of these girls did a wonderful $29,25 39.0, job and I am proud that I did not $12.25 16.33 have to be a judge. $23.00 30.67 The results of the Miss SPJST $10.00 13.33 competition were Mary Cavanaugh $28.75 38.33 (20) first place winner and Jody $10.00 13.33 Bobalik (74) runner-up, therefore Not Eligible Mary Cavanaugh will represent 3.33 $8 75 11.67 District II at the convention in $ 9.75 13.0 June and compete for the • State $27.50 36.67 Miss SPJST of the 1976 Convention. $ 9.50 12.67 Congratulations to Mary and to the $16.00 21.33 other contestants because I feel $14.50 19.33 you all were winners. Thank you No Report or competing and for being good $34.50 46.0 sports. $15.00 20.0 In the Poster contest, we only $13.00 17.33 had six youth clubs participating.

No Report The three top winners will be repNo Report resented at the convention and $13.00 17.33 they are: Lodge 177, Academy; $ 9.25 12.33 Lodge 47, Seaton (tied for first $ 9.75 13.0 place); Lodge 174, Rockdale came $ 7.50 10.0 in third place. Other entries were $ 8.00 10.67 Lodge 74, Lovelady; Lodge 29, Tay$16.25 21.67 lor; Lodge 20, Granger, and some No Report of the scores on these posters were No Report very close. Thanks to these youth $ 9.50 12.67 clubs for their poster entries.

No Report I would like to thank all of the $15.25 20.33 District II officers, especially Frank No Report Pajestka, for their help in these No Report contests also the tabulating committee which consisted. of Lad $539.75 TOTAL Zatopek, Anton Motl and Frank 37 Checks Pajestka. A thank you to Brother 10 No Reports Dan Balusek for auctioning the 2 Not Eligible cakes. I would also wish to thank everyone who attended and helped Disbursement

VtSTNYK

22 in any way in registration or any other way; it is the work of all that makes these contests go over.

I also wish to thank the membership of Lodge 47 for the use of their wonderful facilities and their help, good meal, and for being such good hosts. A special thank you to the youth leaders and their assistants for coming, bringing the pastries, the children, and for their help. And, last of all, a big thank you to the wonderful judges for giving us their time and talent.

During . March 21st and 26th, I attended LRL at Glen Rose, and on April 3rd and 4th, we had our SPJST Youth Leaders' Retreat at Camp Val Verde; both of these functions were very interesting and helpful.

We will hold a District II youth leaders' training class at Lodge 177, Academy on Monday, April 19th. We hope that each youth leader will be able to attend this )class. There will be rule book changes discussed, points, entry blanks for YAD and camp; also a question and answer session. We will teach craft that we plan to use at camp; quarterly reports to be discussed, and all forms will be available for the new youth year which begins on June 1st, 1976.

Sister Massey will be at this training class and will be able to answer all questions for you.

Our YAD will be held July 11th with a deadline for entry blanks on June 22nd for the contestants for talent, craft, and royalty. Please start now to make plans to enter these contests.

Fraternally, Frank Klinkovsky (4-7-76)

DYC $P./6"1 -

From The Lodge Youth Leaders LODGE NO. 13, DIME BOX Dear Members and Vestnik Readers: The youth club held their last meeting on March. 21st, with 20 members and four adults attending.

Due to the absence of the president and vice president, the meeting was called to order by acting President Heyti Hosea. The pledge of allegiance was led by Sharla Nimtz.

Bonnie Tydlacka, club secretary, gave her report from the last meeting and finding no corrections, the minutes were accepted as read.

Rusty Bay did not have his treasurer's report quite in order, but promised us he would have a report by our next meeting.

There was no old business to discuss.

The youth club received an invitation from the Brenham Youth Club to participate in a tennis tournament in May, It was decided that Kim Brinkrnann and Theresa Zgabay represent our club at the tournament. We are counting on you, girls! Good Luck!

We discussed going to Birch Creek Park for an outing on April 3rd. This had to be cancelled because my assistant, Mrs. Spitzenberger and her husband, Glynn, will be gone at this time; they planned to attend the Leaders' Retreat at Camp Val Verde.

Rev. Isadore • was our guest speaker at this March meeting. He showed slides of how our country has progressed over a period of time. Some of these slides included a trip to Disneyland and to Ireland. Everyone enjoyed his talk very much. We want to thank him for taking his time to visit our club. We hope you will attend again.

David Krenek won our door prize. After the meeting a birthday party was held in honor of our club members Keith Spitzenberger, Dobe Beamann, and Lee Dobos.

I want to remind the youth members that YAD is getting close.

If you haven't started on your craft or talent, be sure to start soon. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Our next meeting wil be Sunday, April 11th at 3 p.m. See you then.

Fraternally, Nellene Spacek (4-7-76) Youth Leader - SPJST — LODGE NO. 29, TAYLOR Dear Members and Readers: We want to say thank you to Sister Dorothy Massey, the district youth counselors, and all their assistants for the successful youth leaders' retreat at Camp Val Verde.

The retreat was very informative and educational to both of us.

We, being new youth leaders for Lodge 29, Taylor, felt we needed

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

the training very much.

We were so enthused over meeting so many friendly, fun-loving people; it was a very heart-warming experience for us. Speaking of fraternalism, it really was shown at this gathering.

I hope to meet with all you nice people again.

Fraternally, Melvin and Geraldine Steger (4-8-76)

Youth Leaders - SPJST -

Letters From The Youth LOD.2E NO. 30, TAITON Dear Readers, Sunday, March 28th the SPJST District VI held their district spring meeting at the KC Hall in Wharton.

At the meeting many youth clubs had fund-raising booths. Thert were also two contests: Poster and Miss SPJST. In the poster contest, our poster from Lodge 30, Talton, placed third and will compete in the Publicity Contest at the convention; also Monica Merta from Lodge 30 placed first in the Miss SPJST competition. She will compete with the other finalists at the convention in Waco. Congratulations to Monica and good luck!

Fraternally, Clare Dorotik (15) (4-3 -76) Vice President - SPJST LODGE NO. 47, SEATON Dear Members and Friends, We held our regular monthly meeting on April 4th. at 2 p.m.

Donna Kohutek called the meeting to order. Beth Vanicek led in the pledge of allegiance and the club motto. Kim Mikulas called the roll and there were 29 members present. The secretary also read the minutes of the March meeting, which were approved as read.

We had two visitors, Michael Morris and Mark Franklin who are members of our lodge, but too young to be youth club members.

Come again!

Mrs. Allen then reminded the club members to thank the following people: Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Klusacek for paying for the Easter eggs and prizes for the egg hunt; Elaine Zavodny for making the second place poster at the District II meeting (we received

Wednesday, April 14, 1976 $10 for her efforts); thanks, also go out to Mrs. Kiusacek and Mrs. Woodrow Marek for baking cakes for the cake auction for the District II spring meeting; to the members who bid on the cakes; to Mr. Klinkovsky and Mr. Marek for buying the cakes which helped out the youth club, and the ones who bought our baked goods.

Our sincere thanks to Alice Banning for making a $25 cash donation to purchase games for the youth club; to Mr. Pechal for the use of his truck for the hayride; and to the Zavodnys for the use of their premises for the hayride.

Birthdays in the month of April are for Shana Patterson, Karen Stella and Alison Stefka. Happy birthday to these members!

We then elected a Nominating Committee which consists of Donna Kohutek, Ellen Lucko and Kim Mikulas.

Door prize winners were Alison Stefka for the juniors and Stephen Morris for the teens.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Our next meeting will be held May 2nd, at 2 p.m. Make plans to attend because of the election of officers.

Until next time . . . Happy Easter to all!

Fraternally, Joyce Pechal (15) (4-6-78) LODGE NO. 169, BRENHAM Dear Members, At the District I meeting held Sunday, March 28th, the election of officers was held. Two members of our lodge were elected. They are Dolores Kocurek, district secretary and Kellen Kocurek, flagbearer.

The time before the meeting was held, the members of District I sold tickets for a hand-crocheted red bedspread. I am happy to say that one of our members, Clarence Majewski, won the bedspread. He was not present, so Youth Leader Dolores Kocurek accepted it for him. He was happy that he won it.

Our adult lodge had their meeting on March 30th with President Emil Kocurek opening the meeting.

We are sponsoring a circus which was scheduled for April 3rd. There were two performances, at 2 and 8 p.m.

Our members in the youth club

Vt8TNtIE are having a contest. The person who sells the most tickets will get an AM-FM portable radio.

Fraternally, Kellen Kocurek (11) (4-6-76) Reporter — sFJEIT -.

LODGE NO. 169, BRENHAM Dear Readers, Our SPJST Lodge No. 169 Youth Club attended the District I spring meeting in Snook on Sunday, March 28th. There were five youth club members from our lodge attending.

We presented the flag ceremony at the opening of the meeting.

Kellen Kocurek was elected flag bearer of District I. Mrs. Dolores Kocurek, our youth leader, was elected district secretary.

Jennifer Giles represented our lodge in the Miss SPJST Contest, and she did real good. Congratulations!

Fraternally, Virgina Bednar (11) (4-3-76) SPJST

LODGE NO. 66, WACO Dear Readers, On Friday, April 2nd the southern portion of District III Youth Clubs had its volleyball playoffs.

The senior division teams were from Lodges 0, 35, and 66. The lodges participating in the junior division were Lodges 6, 35, 54, and 66.

The winners were Lodge 85 seniors and Lodge 66 juniors.

Afterward, everyone enjoyed cold drinks.

The district tournament will be held Friday, April 30th at the Dunbar Gym. Remember to attend the District III meeting on Sunday, April 25th.

See you then!

Fraternally, Steven Stanislav (14) (4-8-76) - SPJST -

LODGE NO. 30, TAITON Dear Vestnik Readers, The Talton SPJST Youth Club held their regular monthly meeting on April 4th, at 2:30 p.m. at the Taiton Community Center.

President Glenn Kahanek called the meeting to order. The pledge was led by Diane Dluhos and the prayer was led by Yvonne Krpec.

We had 14 guests and 32 mem-

23 hers present.

Under new business we discussed our youth club's selling Stanley products. Anyone wishing to buy any of these products, please get in touch with Mrs. Pete Merta, Jr. Under old business, we discussed our bake and rummage sale on April 23rd, from 9 to 5 at the Talton Community Center.

Easter poems were recited by Clara and Vicki Dorotik, Karen Kahanek and Brenda Kresta.

Door prize winners were Pat and Mark Krpec, Kurt Yockel, Sherry Krepec, Roxanne Yockey and Clara Dorotik.

We held an Easter Poster contest. The winners were Group I (69) Rudy Laitkep, 1st; Jean Doratik, 2nd. Group II (10-13) Vicki Dorotik, 1st; Melissa Zboril, 2nd; Karen Kahanek, 3rd: Group III (14-17) Clara Dorotik, 1st.

We then held an Easter egg hunt We also worked on Easter baskets for the rest home.

I attended our District VI spring meeting which was held at Wharton.

I would also like to congratulate Miss Monica Merta for winning the Miss SPJST contest and who will represent District VI at the convention in Waco in June. Good luck, Monica!

Fraternally, Karen Kahanek (11) (4-8-76) - SPJST LODGE NO. 54, WEST Dear Members, What an exciting volleyball playoff at Dunbar Gym on April 2nd!

It was a lively evening with lots of fun and good sportsmanship.

Too bad our team lost by one point.

Lodge 66 Juniors and Lodge 35 Teens go to the tournament, April 30th in Wegt.

Our thanks to the ladies who were in charge of the refreshments because those cold drinks hit the spot.

We started practicing the Moravian Beseda a few weeks ago.

My partner is Helaine Wernet. We put a lot of time into the dance but we have fun and enjoy a social with it.

Don't forget the District III YC meeting April 25th at Lodge 154, Fort Worth.

Edwin Sefcik (4-7-76) Historian

PODPORA LIDSKOST BRATRSTVI Ceski cast tiedni organ Slovanske Podporujiei Jednoty Statu Texas, zaloiene roku lar ROtNiK 64 — OSLO 15

Z redakce V tondo 'isle Vestniku jsou uvetejnene zpravy od natich Utednikt Hlavni Utadovny SPJST a zprava tiskoveho vStlx)ru. Zpravy jsou vettinou v anglicke teat Prosim, pteetete si je vtechny pozornk zvlatte zpravu bratra 2abeika a te ditelft ktere se tYkaji pkijmu a vydani a uschovejte si toto eislo. * • Moje nahledy yam ftem pociam v ptittich eislech. * * Hlavne yam vtem s mantelkou pfejeme to nejlepti zdravi v bratrskem duchu a ftem ye sjezdu i XXII. sjezdu SPJST nejleptiho a nejprospetnejtiho zdaru!

—t. PJST — Piedsjezdova zpriva hlavniho *dandy tienove SPJST a delegati XXII. sjezdu!

Dle natizeni elanku 36(t) natich stanov chci podati tuto zpravu pro uvateni ptittim sjezdem.

Od posledniho sjezdu, videli jsme zase nekolik zmen a throveli odchod intioha dobrYch a vernYch 61e kteti oddli tam, odkud neni no.vratu. best jejich pamatce!

Ve jmenu celeho Hlavniho sboru chci zde projevit miij uptimny dik celemu elenstvu za jejich snahy, uznani a vernost nag mile Jednote.

Behem poslednibh par let jsem se snatil vybudovat ptiznivou povest mezi vetejnosti pro nal Jednotu a vetim, to toto bylo docileno do znaene miry. Dobra, povest je inutna mezi vefejnosti a u bratrske Jednoty jako jsme my.

Vzrfist a pokrok. Poslednf 'dobou nate Jednota udelala velkY postup jak v poetu Menu tak i v pojitteni. Jelikot jedine skuteene metitko nateho vzrfistu je tzv. eistY \ TYtetek (net gain) chci udat, ke minuly rok 1975 jsme melt eisty ptirOstek 'lent 1,508 a v pojitteni

14. DUBNA 1976

$8,199,891. Solvence je ted' 125.99, totit $125.99 pro katdYch $100 za,vazkil (liability.) Zato jsme povcied ni organisaenimu oddeleni jehot hlavou jest miStoptedseda Hlavniho tadu a vtechnYm organizato• jak mistnim, tak I okrskovYro. Jmeni ted' mame pies 22 • cot jest 5.55% nad lonskYm rokem. Certifikatil maxne ted‘ celkern skoro 51 tisic a pojitteni skoro sto milionu dolaru. (Doufam, to chapete, to t yto eislice eisteho vYtetku jsou po odeeitani tech ele• kteri odumteli, kterYin pojistka vyprtela, kteti pk)jistku pustili, a mail pojistky vyplacene, /surrenders!, atd). Pfebytek penez pro ochranu Menu obnati $4,622,903.67 Timto vidite, to nate vteobecna finaneni postava jest velmi stab4lni a ptizniva.

Nova fatly. Od posledniho sjezdu zalotili jsme test novych ;Mat, jmenovite tad'. 176 v Houstone, 6.

177 v Academy, 6, 178 v Longview, 6. 179 ye Warrenton, C. 180 v Burle son a 6. 181 v Conroe.

Nova fadove budovy. Od posledniho sjezdu, sedm tachl si postavilo nove faclove budovy a to tady 6. 74 Lovelady pti Crockett, C. 81 v Needville, 6, 177 v Academy, 6. 154 ve Pt. Worth, 6..13 v Dime Box, 6. 18 v Elgin a eislo 142 v Houstonu.

Tti z techto byly postaveny a venovany v roce 1975.

Je to hezkY postup a elenove techto tadd si zaslouti =law za jejich pokrokove einy. Je to ye pro spech nas vtech a cele Jednoty.

Poet delegatii. V ptittim. sjezdu ,budou zastoupeno asi 104 tadu ze 129, c elkovy poeet delegatil bude asi 330. Toto ptipomina, to podet delegatt stale roste, zaroveri s Jednotou. Bylo jit ptedtim navrteno, aby tento poeet, (pomer) byl sniken, jinak sjezdy budou brzy neovladatelne, jak ve vYlohach tak Wei ziskavani mistnosti pro tyto sjezdy. Podal jsem navrh stanovnimu vyboru, aby tento pomer byl

zmenen na jednoho delegata pro 20 do 150 'lent, namisto 20 do 100 Pozdeji se to mate upravit, eili zmenit. (Z rianych dilvodil 18 ;radii nebude zastoupenO a sedm du neni opravneno na delegata, ne majic 20 dospelYch 'dent.)

Jednota SPJST se tell dobre povesti mezi bratrskYmi jednotami v Texasu a bez pOchyby jsme ted` obe znameni a pkijati tirokou vetejnosti po celem Texasu a pa celem Sou stati.

Odbor mladete. V odboru mladete vtechno pokraeuje dobte. Na zaklade spray od naistnich vedoucich mladete poCet mladYch Merit a zajem stale stoups. Nate statni vedouci mladete, sestra Dorothy Massey se dobte zapracovala v jeji einnosti v tomto oboru a ptiuduje se velmi rychle.

Jsem vdeeen natl. mladeti a rodiet= pro jejich podporu a zajeM. Vezme to podporu nes vtech, aby celY program mladek se stal iispet nYm. Tenth rok, jakot i v poslednich sjezdech se bude volit "MISS SPJST", ktera bude kralovat behem sjezdu. Jsem jistY, to vtechny okrsky budou zastoupeny v Veto souteti.

Prace v odboru mladete pokraeovala pinYm proudem od posledniho sjezdu, jiste zrneny byly ueineny na zaklade zkutenosti a potteby.

Jsem ptesved6en, to ptitte nebude me muset delat venire zmeny v torn to odboru. NevYhoda stalYch match zmen jest v tom, to lide v tomto odboru nemohou zjistit kdy a ktera, pravidla jsou v platnosti.

Mame *creme okrskove vedouci a mistni vedoubi mladete, verne a obetave rodiee, kteti berou zajem v tomto odboru a velkY poeet nadtenych mladYch lidi, kteti tuto 6innost tak horlive podporuji a za to jsme vtem velmi vdee'ni.

Jsem vdeeen. Citim se velmi pocten a vdeeny za ptiletitost sloutiti yam jako hlavni ptedseda poslednich par let. Jak jsem jit referoval v me novoroenf zprive, u-

Ve sttedu 14. dubna 1976 chazim se o znovuzvoleni v tomto sjezdu. Pracova.1 jsem vtdy a einil jsem to nejlepgi, co jsem mohl a budu tak t nadale Cinit. Zadam budu vdednY za podporu 'Menu a hiasy delegatit v tomto sjezdu.

Nikdy jsem netvrdil a netvrdim, ze jsem bezehybnY. Jsem elovek ja ko jinY, delam chyby a nebojim se vystaviti se kritice, kdy tato kritika je podana v dobrem duchu a rnyslf. Kritice by se vyhnul elovek, ktery nic netika, nic nedokate a ni dim neni. Vzpominam °pet slova slavneho generala Kkmfederaeni strany, Roberta E. Lee, kdy tekl: "Dela' jsem vidy to, co moje povin nest vytadovala. Nemohl jsem jinak Cinit bez hanby a kdybych mu sel vgeehno delat znovu, einil bych zrovna tak, jak jsem jit Zinn."

Chci take 11c1, ze vidy jsem se snail praeovat spravne a s otevie nou mysli. Nebudu konstatovat, ze vim vgecko a ze mam te geni pro vgechny otazky a problemy. Neni v torn tacina zvlagtni ctnost, kdy Clo leek tvrdi neco nebo ma nazory a drti se jich vzdor tomu, ze skuteenost ukazuje jinak. Myslim, ze neni hitichem, kdy elovek meni sve nazory dle okolnosti. Pro tato ptiz pilsobeni se nem& elovek stydet a elovek, ktery rika, ze nikdy nezme ni sve nazory, dle meho, neni realis tou.

Vicly jsem, konal moji praci tak, jak jsem si myslel, ze elenove by si pfali; bohutel, ale neni moine Vyhovet katclemu v Ica:Mem ntiPa de. Nevahal jsem pied novYmi zkouget nove ptistupy a nade vge dodrtovat stalY styk mezi may nirn tadem a Cleny. V tomto eineni vkly jsem si vain rady a pomoci myth spoluuredniku, teditelii a Cie nu viibec. 12 ad neptedstavuje vela nYbrt elovek pfedstavuje Stojimlne za tim, co jsme behem poslednich par let udinili.

Mel jsem to povinnost sloutiti s hlavnim mistopfedsedou HejnYm a tajerninikem-pokladnikem Mikeskou na investidnim vYboru, jeho tkolem jest schvaliti nebo neschva liti tadosti pro pujeky od flak Jed noty. Salo tito dva druzi jsem se vkly snail bYt opatrnYrn pill (Mani piljeek pro dobro nagi Jednoty.

Me eastvi. Moje znalost eeskeho jazyka, jak pisemne, tak itstrie. je Vgeobecne znama, na gim elenbm.

Vt8TN

tic

Nikdy jsem nevahal poutit Ceske i.e Ci u mistnich radu, na okrskovych scinizich a nebo kdekoliv pti na ygtevach v naei Jednote. Nestydim se za intij desicy puvod a za moji Ceskou vYchovu.

Osobni. Moje mantelka, bYvala Dorothy Ligkove, z Ennis; mame 5 deli y e staff od peti do osmnaicti let. Nejstargi syn se nedavno dal k letectvir a narukuje nekdy po dokoneeni ekoly. Vg _chni jsou elenoy e SPJST od narozeni a take eleny kiubu mladete u tadu e. 47, Seaton, Mantelka a ja jsme Cleny u , tadu C. 66 ye Waco.

Rratr Zabcik na odpoeinek. Hlav ni utednici i teditele jsou verni sySr'm ,iikoliam a konaji je spravne.

Chci zde podat zy lattni Cest hlavnimu freetnimu, bratru Ben ZabCikovi, slow& Jednote od 1. ledna 1961 po sjezdu v San Antonio kdy prvne nastoupil onen Ufad.

Slouzil nag i Jednote *Verne a schop ne. Pfed rokem hlas1 vetejne, pOjde na odpoeinek pa ukoneeni teto lhuty, totit od 1. ledna 1977.

V nem ztracime velmi •ompetent niho fitednika a budeme ho postra dati.

Nahradnik. Kdo ted` na jeho mis to? V oddeleni hlaviniho freetnfho pracuje jit 16 let miadY, zkugenY a velmi schopny mladik bratr Jer ry Mikulag, ml. Zria., tento odbor dilkladne od "a" do "z", zkratka, jako pro tento ittad stvofeny.

79. vYrodi a nagi piedkove. vgichni vite, 2e tento sjezclovy* rok take znamend 79. vYrodi, tat' trvani mei Jednoty. Jest to dlouha doba od nas'eho zaloteni v La Grange. Jsme vdeeni nagim stargim prdicopnikilm-elenfim vildeum, kteti zalotili a vedli nag Jednotu v jejich kritickYch zaeatcich. Mnoho se zmenilo za tech 79 let ,ale jak vysloutilY ptedseda br.

Edw. L. Marek east° upomina, jedna vec, ktere, se nezmenila jest — srdce, duch a mysl eloveka — Mno ho toho, co dnes vidime v nagi Jed note, muteme dekevat pilnosti a proziravosti na gich ptedkii, kteti dbali o nagi Jednotu, ale zaroven vzdavame test a uznani pozclejgim litedniktm, kteti nastoupili fitady a dovedli ji k dnegnimu stavu. oslavb..ch tohato 79. vYrodi vzdejme dik no:Sim prilkopnikiim a sPlame jim nagi vernos• pro dobro a dalgi postup nagi SPJST a projevme dik nynej gim ttednildm-vildcirm za je

25 jich dobrou vfili a obetavost.

Timto asi koneim moji p •edsjezdovou zpravu a budu-li mit neco dalgiho, napiSi dodateenou zpravu a rozdam ji ye sjezdu delegattun.

Pan David Huff, aktuar na gi Jednoty bude ptitomen sjezdu a odpovi na otazky tYkajici se jeho dinnos ti a prate pro nagi Jednotu., Zpravy ostatnich nfednikti raCte Si ntedist v tomto Cisle Vestniku.

Ku konci chci projevit me ptani pro fispegny a zdatily sjezd a aby vg e bylo vykonano pro nastavajici dtyti roky ye proSpeeh a dobro nagi Jednoty.

Vgem elenum, pfa•elfun a delegatilm pteji mnoho zdravi a osobnilio Uspechu.

S bratrskYm pozdravem Nick A. Morris ptedseda Hlavniho tadu SPJST

ODDIL DOPIMATELI faD

C in° 79, CORPUS CHRISTI Cteni bratti a sestry SPJST: °pet ptichazim mezi Vas, abych Varn oznamil, jak byly nage schOze navgtiveny 4. dubna 1976. OW scht ze mely rekordni navg tevu jaka, davno nebyla. Nevim, co tam ptivedlo tak velke mnotstvi &en& Die meho pozorovani byla volba pateho zastupce do sjezdu a nihradnika. Bratr. Frank C. SackY byl zvolen patYm zastupcem, sestra.

Libby Peters zvolena jako prvni nahradnice a br. Edwin Jufica jako druhY nahradnfk. Od doby vYrodni schtize bylo ptijato hodne novych elenu, take jsme opnivneni od nynej g ka na pet zastupcir a dva nahradniky.

Tn samou nedeli bylo jednano 0 pofadani vYroeni spolkove slavnosti, ktera ptipada na nedeli 24. dub na, zadatek v 11:30 dopoledne; bude podavan spoleeny °bed, kterST bude portstavat z hovezi peeene (barbecue), s dostatkem rfiznYich peeiva a kavy. V nalevne bude velka zasoba studenYch napojii. Bratr Jos. DucitinskY za pomoci dalg ich Mena fgechny vlidne obslouti a ptIvita. Sestra Frances, jeho mantelka, za pomoci dal g ich elenek a Menu Vas ptivita v kuchyni. Vg em pfeji dobre chutnini a pobaveni; po obecie budou mit politiCti kandidati "Portico.'

Rally". Kald'y bude pfedstaven a promluvi kratii tee.

Veg keti elenove i ctena vetejnost

26

VtSTNXX

je timto uctive zvana, aby mezi nas se najist, obeerstvit, pobavit, ptivitat se se starYmi znamYmi a udelat si nove znamosti.

K tomu vkmu take podpotit na'Si dobrou snahu o udr2eni na:t'eho spolku SPJST a tadu 79 v Corpus Christi.

V nedeli dopoledne zaealo volne prS'et a prklo i odpoledne. U nas spadlo 1.10 palce vody na yypralilou zem ,ktera nebyla dobte zavlaZena od 24. prosince 1975. V pon deli naprklo 0.60 palce vody, ale misty toho milionoveho de gte dosta li vice. Zachranilo to na ge zemedel ce i dobytkate pied Apadkem, ktery hrozil nakmu statu Texas.

Piisti schtze bude druhou nedeli it kYetnu se spoleenou weer{ na ucteni Dne matek a otcti. Naposledy jsem opomenul piipsat jmeno Henry Ku gel, ktery zemtel v Buckhalts, Tx. a 17. &Lora mel polifeb.

S bratrskYm pozdravem John Sta:sa

Worth, Tx. Pak potalla zpravou, ge za posledni rok se zvetS1.1 podet Menu klubu mlade ge na 92 mladYch lidi, cog' je vice ne g sto procentni zvetkni, co g je velikY ilspech a elenstvo blahopteje sestte Sefeikove a dekuje za jeji °betayou praci s mladegi.

Bratr president oznamil, ge ptiS ti schfize se bude konat jako obvykle v nedeli, ale o hodinu ditive.

Dale upozornil na opravu stfechy a na mognost vyegteni prostranstvi za sini a vyugiti tohoto prostoru na parkovig te. Bratr Kacif doporueil, aby bratr president ugil vlastni Asudek a provedl pottebne apravy za sini. Po dergim zhodnoceni Menove tadu zaplaceni pul stranky v pametnim yydani brogurky k biizici se konvenci v Ceskem a anglickem jazyce.

Sestra 8efekova pak navrhla, aby elenove schvalili zaplaceni kvetinove ozdoby pro sestru D. Haberlovou, ktera bude na gi zastupkyni SPJST v soutegi o "Miss SPJST".

54, WEST RAD Bratr Kacit podal dobrY navrh Cteni broth' a sestry, na menu nasi bratrske spoleenosPravidelna schtze tadu Jarornir ti a tento navrh bude zaslan jme SPJST eislo 54 byla zahajena, v nem &exit nakho tadu a royneg pul osme y eeer dne 6. dubna 1976 ptipomnel, a je tteba uspotadat vzdanim Ucty americkemu praporu zylaAni schazi, kde se sejdou nal Pak eleno ye tadu chvili ticha ucti delegati a nahradnici a poradi se li pamatku na§1. sestry Millie Gizmenach ye stanovach a o spoleeIrardove a bratra Aloise Svaelny, nem postupu. kteti odali na yeenost v tomto me Sestra gefeikove., vyhrala losovasici. Vyslovujeme soustrast nf a na zaver jet iednou opakustale rodine a yeeny klid zesnu/Ym. ji. ze ptig ti shfize se bude konat Pak bratr Ooeek-pfeeet1 zapis z mi 2. kvetna 19776 ye dye hodiny odpo nule schaze, kterY byl sch ydlen po ledne. male oprave.

S bratrskym pozdravem lenove. ,fadu pkijali do sveho Jan Vaculik sttedu nekolik novYch Menu, ktere SPJS r ziskal pro elenstvi a poji*Steni. bratr TAK VftLICOS John Myna'', ktery se osvedenje ja Pik Aneika, Houdkova ko dobrY zastupce nakho kadu a Obdrgela jsem smutnou zprivu jig ziskal nekolik novYch Menu a od na§i elenky, sestry Adely Letentokrat to byla cela rodina jeho g karove z Taylor, ze zemtel jeji zete Neckate. Blahoptejerne bru. bratr Josef Chalvpa ye WisconsiMynatovi za jeho obeta you praci nu po deLs'i nemoci . Pan Chalupa a doufame, ze bude i nadale po- pry byl yyslou'illcem z I. svetove kraeovat it ziskavani novYch valky a jig delgi dobu pry byl Sestra g efelkova ptednesla zpra, veteranske nemocnici. Vyslovujeme vu o einnosti mladek a oznamila, uptimnou soustrast sestte LeAikage elanek a obrazek ze slavnostni rove a jejim sourozenctirn nad od ho ptedani odznaku 50 let elenstvi chodem bratra a jemu pfejeme ve'e s SPJST sestte Poppove byl uve- ny klid. Legikaroyi jsou 'deny s? tejnen ye v§ech yYznamn$rch novi JST v Taylor jig" dal/no. nach v naem okoli. Mlade g" se seV patek m, nuleho tYdne jsme byznamila s taneem mora yske Reseda li ge v Ennis zesnula prostkednictvim taneeni skupinv z nahle pant Emilie Trpakova, rozeAbbott, Tx, kterYm srdeene podeko nd Honzova. s kterou jsme v pkiva4. Dale upozornila na blizici se buzenstvu — tteba ge vzdalen6. sortfa" tvotivosti mladele ye Ft smrti sveho mankla gila sama na

eta°

Ve sttedu 14. dubna, 1976

sve farme u Ennis, kterou pied lety vlastnil rnaj dedaek Houdek. Zaeastnili jsme se jejiho pohtbu a sesli se s innohYmi ptibuznYmi Po ders)." dobe. Nasi ptibuzne ptejeme ten veenY odpoeinek po livotnim boji a jejim detem a sourozen cam vyslovujeme na, gi uptimnou soustrast. Take na tom pohitu jsem se segla s manlell Joe Pata.kovYmi (ona byla za svnbodna Mary BouSkova) a nevideli jsme se vice jak dvacet let. Telilo me je uvidet, ale lituji, ge to muselo bSt pti takove ptilekitosti. Tined po tomto pohtbu byl tam druhy poWeb v kostele sv. Jana, neb tam zeinkel pan Milton Mica, jute v tak mladem veku 37 let po deaf nemoci. I jemu ptejerne lehke odpoCinuti a portistalYm patti na.te soustrast.

Kdyi jsme vySli z kostela ,tak pied kostelem jsem se seg a s day nou ptitelkyni, ktera za svobodna se jmenovala Van Gordon a pied lety bydlela v tom vysokem dome naproti katolickeho kostela.

Sdelila me te2 smutnou zpra,vu, prase pied tYdnem odeSla do nezna, ma jeji stargi sestra pani Virginia Crane, ktera onen dam vlastuila a byla znama mnohYm natim krajanum. Ten diun je pry asi 86 let start a etyti ze gest' sestet. Van GordonovYch se tam narodily a znaly na8e krajany a cele okoli kolem kostela. Byly to hodne teny a jeji rodide te g. Znala. jsem je debnebot` jsme vedle nich bydleli za meho mladi. Tak odchazime jeden za druhYm a neat se proti tomu nic delat neb je to na4 osud.

Sestra Anna Omelinova-Kingova se podrobila operaci v Mesquite nemocnici minuly tYden, ale snad pry jig je doma a citi se dobte, col jiste elenky nacho Kroutiku rady uslySely. Pfejeme rn, i 16 sestte mnoho zdravi a Oeho dobreho do 'budouc na. Sestra Kingova jest elenkou u tadu 84 ja mnoho let.

V Denver, Col. dva ttinactileti roznateei novin nalezli pohozenou oba.lku podle 2elezni6ni trati ye kte re bylo celkem $2300 ve stodolarovYch a dvacetidolarovYch bankovkach. Hog ihned zanesli penize na policejni stanici, kde ji odevzdali.

Otec jednoho toho hocha se vyslo vil, ge hoSi chteli penize navratit piivodnimu majiteli, obzvleAte, jell to chudobnY &ova. V plipade, ze penize ztratil nejakt zamoinY

Ve stiedu 14. dubna 1970 dlovek, 'te se radi spokoji s petidolarovou odmenou. Jiste je to chvali tebny skutek a le videt, ze hog byli spravne vychovani a dle toho se ridi.

VYbor pro Csl. den me noiadal, abych se zeptala krajana, jestil ne ktery z nich ma hudbu irekordy ne bo dobre "tapes") It prodeji, by je koupili. 'Ma se to hudby ke cvideni tanca Ceske narodn.i besedy, Slovenske besedy a Hanacke besedy, ktere oni zauduji po deskYch osadach, ale nemaji k tomu hudbu. Kdo by nem takoveho mel, necht' napiSe na Mrs. Helen Oates 9819 Match Point Place, Dallas, Tx. 75231 a vYbor by byl za to vcleenY. Polka Festival se blizi, ale pfitom zadina.me pracovat i na programu pro Ca den 10. fijna take nezahalime. $PJST -

RAD (iSLO 47, SEATON Mile sestry a brattl: Btedseda Jerry Pechal zahajil na Si posledni schazi 4. dubna ye 2 hodiny odpoledne. Nevadilo, ie bylo deftly& podasi, navAteva dlenu byla pekna.

Po vzdani eti naSim vlajkam (no sidi vlajek byli bratfi Stephan Mor ris a Vincent Schiller) jsme zastali stat a tichou modlitbou jsme uctili pamatku zesnule sestry, Milady (Mot Payne. Po gistale rodine vyslovujeme hluboce eitenou soustrast a zesnule sestfe pfejeme vedny pokoj!

NavStevou jsme men feditele II. okrsku Henry Vitek a Ann Balusek od tadu Oslo 15 Buckholts a nova dlenka sestra Mary Ann Gilleland NavSteva je u rids, jako vkly, vita

ná.

viesTraz Ray Pausewang.

Vita.me vySe jmenovane dleny me zi nas a doufame, 2e se Va,m vSem bude u naSeho facia libit.

Zpravy vSech vYbora byly veiice dobre. ftáci RVOS dislo 5 daroval sto doiara naSemu itadu. Diky!

Bratr Anton Vitek podal zpravu za neetni vYbor a bratr Bob VaSidek za dozordi vYbor. Bratr Johnie L. Vanidek podal zpravu, ktera se tYkala nageho "Bicentennial pikniku." Bude se potadat zde neco noveho. Sestra Mary VaSidek podala nove navrhy, ktere mail bYt pouMte na tomto pikniku.

VSak to bude podrobne oznameno pozdeji. fteditel IL okrsku, Henry Vitek promluvil par slov. Zajima se znovu o zvoleni do II. distriktu. Bratr Dan Balusek od fadu C. 47 se take zajirna pro tento samY nrad, jako Sestra Emi ly Stuteville oznamila, zda se kdo zajima o ljzdu autobusem na "Czech Fest" do Rosenberg.

27 Tato slavnost se kond po tfi dny a sice 23.-24. a 25. dubna. Jestli se nas dolt prihlasi, pojedeme 24. dub na.

Bratr Willie Kohutek podal zpra vu za vYbor pro adr2bu. Bylo odhlasovano, aby se postavila nova budova na vYchodni strane salu. Tato budova ma.. slont'it jako skladiSte a ma, se zadit se stavbou co nejdfive.

Vedcuci mlada'g e ses .Ca,ralou AlAen podala jeji zpravu. "Easter Egg Hunt" nerneli, podasi to nedovolilo; ma se poildat v sabotu odpoledne 10. dubna jestli podasi dovoli.

Prvni dvefni cenu dostala sestra Adeline Kohutek a druhou dostal bratr Woodrow Marek.

Pfiati schaze se bude konat 2. kvetna ye 2 hodiny odpoledne. Po schuzi jsme dobrou svadinu a spolederiskou hodinku.

Na shledanou v pfiSti schtizi a se sesterskYm pozdravem Annie Jakubec dopisovatelka

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Tajemnice sestra Lillian Kosarek pfedetla zapisky z minule schtize, ktere byly pfijaty jak sepsany. Ko Mail Orders -- Detach and return this lower portion to respondenci jsme nemeli.

Na listku nemoenYch jsme men ANNA KUBACAK, RT. 1, BOX 163, SLATON, TEX. 79364 (Ph. 745-2060) sestry Binnie Orsak a Marie Mi- Dear Mrs. Kubatak Date hatch. Pfejeme Vam rychle uzdraEnclosed is my check or money order for to $ veni. book(s). Please send to the address below: Pfijati novi dlenove, dospeli: Ma purchase (No.) ry Jo Jez, Al Shorre, Jr. Gordon Name Lee Kohutek, Ernest R. Janacek, Address Patricia Ann Vargeson, Bobby Jack Nobles. Do detskeho odboru: Brian City Christopher Sammon, Todd Chas. .Zip Code State Vargeson, Michael C. Vargeson, Jr. Army Michelle Vargeson, Amber Signature Melanie Vargeson,Wm Ray Pau- Thank you.

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Liberty Savings

Officers and Directors L. A. Kucera President and Director W. E. Crozier Ex. Vice President and Director Henry 0. Halamicek Vice President Mildred Holeman Treasurer John L. Huff Secretary C. H. Chernosky, Jr. Director Dr. R. E. Maresn Director (Honorary) Judge Madison Rayburn Director Gordon Smith Director Earl .1. Wood Director Phil D. Woodruff, Jr. Director

The one for your money Home Office: 3501 Fannin St. • P. 0. Box 8345 • Houston, Texas 77004 • 524-9093 Southwest Branch: 3401 W. Holcombe (Bellaire Blvd.) • Houston, Texas 77025 • 666-4041 Northwest Branch: 1503 W. 18th St. • Houston, Texas 77018 • 864-9650 Richmond Branch: 5901 Richmond Ave., (Suite A) • Houston, Texas 77027 • 784-4574

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Cechoslovak Publishing C West, Texas

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SPJST CALENDAR FOR SPJST LODGES ONLY NOTICE: Standing announcements of lodge meeting dates are found in the Bulletin Board section.

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Lodge No. 6. Cottonwood Friday, April 16 — Social Night, 7:30 p.m.; public is invited Saturday, April 17 — Public Dance, Blackey and The Country Gentlemen, 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by James Maler Friday, April 23 — Social Night, 7:30 p.m. Public is invited Friday, April 30 — Social Night, 7:30 p.m. Public is invited Saturday, May 1 — Public Dance — Billy Uptmor and The Makers, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 2 — SPJST Lodge 0 meeting, 3:30 p.m.

Friday, May 7 — Social Night, 7:30 p.m. Public is invited —SPJST-

Lodge No. 13, Dime Box

Sunday, April 18 — The Moods Friday, April 23 — Telstars — SPJST — Lodge No. 18, Elgin Friday, April 23 — Leo Heinrich Orchestra Saturday, April 24 — Country Express Friday, April 30 — Good Vibrations —SPJST-

Lodge No. 24, Cyclone (Flag Hall)

Saturday, April 17 — No dance Saturday, April 24 — Cross Country Saturday, May 1 — Gregar-Wilde wedding dance; Jerry, Butch, and The Gentres Saturday, May 8 — (open) Friday, May 14 — Private party Saturday, May 15 — Payilca-Foster wedding dance; Jerry Haisler and The Melody Five Saturday, May 22 — Kountry Kings (Dress Re gulations: Dresses and pantsuits for women; men: no blue Jeans).

Lodge No. 29, Taylor Sunday, May 2 — Bicentennial May Fete, crowning ceremonies; big dance, featuring Fritz Hodde and The Fabulous Six; 6 to 10 Saturday, May 15 — Joe Patek Saturday. May 29 — Vrazels

Lodge No. 35, Elk

Lodge No. 74, Lovelady

Saturday, April 17 — The Social Combinations Saturday, 'April 24 — Journeymen Saturday, May 1 — Otis and The Best Yets Saturday, May 8 — Jerry and The Melody Five Saturday, May 15 — The Social Combinations Saturday, May 22 — The Marines Saturday, May 29 — The Fiddle Swingsters

Saturday, April 17 — The Social Combinations Saturday, April 24 — The Ramrods of Country Music Saturday, May 1 — Ted Hardin and The New Sounds Saturday, Mny 8 — The Crockett Westerneers Saturday, May 15 — R. H. & The Trail Riders Saturday, May 15 — R. H. & The Trail Riders Saturday, May 22 — The Centurlams

SPJST

Lodge No. 39, Bryan Saturday, April 17 — No dance Saturday, April 24 — New Sounds —SPJST-

Every Friday night, Social stud Games 7 p.m.

(All of our regular Saturday ni ght done** are from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Lodge phone: 544-8200; president's: 544-7414 or 544-7292).

— SP •ST

Lodge No. 47, Seaton

Lodge No. 79, Corpus Christi

Saturday, April 17 — No dance Tuesday, April 20 — Trustees' meeting Saturday, April 24 — Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Langes' 40th anniversary dance: Western Swingers of Bremond (1st time in Temple area) Tuesday, April 27 — Choral Group meets

Saturday, April 24 — Political Rally, barbecue beef dinner, 125 p.m. ($2.50 pre-sale, $2.75 at the door; live music. Public is invited Sunday, May 9 — Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

— SPJST —

(Dress Policy: Ladles, dresses only; men, no blue jeans.

--SPJST-

Lodge

No. 54, West

Saturday, April 17 — Rejcek wedding reception Saturday, April 24 — HolecekPustejovsky wedding reception and dance Sunday, April 25 — KJZT King and Queen dance Lodge No. 66, Waco (Linden Hall) Saturday, April 17 Johnny Mensik's Orchestra Saturday, April 24 — Hi-Toppers Saturday, May 1 — Vrazel Polka Band Saturday, May 8 — Otis Beck and The Best Yet (wedding dance) Saturday, May 15 — Gilbert Kautz Orchestra Saturday, May 22 — Harold Strand Orchestra Saturday, May 29 — Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five (wedding dance) Saturday, June 5 — Edna Polka Boys Saturday, June 12 — Jodie Mikula Orchestra Saturday, June 19 — Hi-Toppers Orchestra

Lodge No. 80, Holland Saturday, April 17 — A. J. and The Debonaires Friday, April 30 — The Moods —SPJST--

Lodge No. 81, Needville Social night at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Public is invited.

Lodge No. 84, Dallas Saturday, April 17 — Dance; Ennla Country Polka Boys Saturday, May 1 — Free Dance; Charlie Adameik's Polka Tones —SPAM-

Lodge No. 88, Houston Saturday, April 17 — Gold Banners Friday, April 23 — Gaylen Ackley and The Good Times Saturday, April 24 — Lee Roy Matocha Friday, April 30 — Nick Navarro Saturday, May 1 — Ray Jurecka Friday, May 7 — Sunnyland Cowboys Saturday, May 8 — Knights of Dixie Saturday, May 15 — Hi-Toppers Sunday, May 16—Three Big Bands: Sunnyland Cowboys, The Texas Dutchmen and Knights of Dixie Friday, May 21 — Gaylen Ackley and The Goodtirnes Saturday, May 22 — Joe patek

VtS T NIX

Wednesday, April 14, 1976

(Dress Code: Women — no street slacks or hot pants without skirt; men — no jeans, shirts inside trousers, unless the dance is a special occasion).

Concert Orchestra of Lod ge 88 has rehearsals every Wednesday at 8 p .m. Interested Parties are welcome.

Choral Grou p Practice every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Social every Thursday night at 8 p.m.

Supper served from 5 to 8 p .m. Breakfast is served at our Frida y and Saturday night dances and special dances.

SPJST —

Lodge No. 92, Fort Worth Saturday, April 17 — CountryWestern dance: The Beggars Saturday, April 24 — St. Thomas Ladies's Guild Dance: Panther City Polka Boys —SPJST-Lodge No 130 Dallas & Sokol Ebbs, (Dress corm Women — dresses, evening

Pantsuits; men — coats, leisure suits. shirts inside trousers, no blue jeans).

Lodge No. 135, Ennis Saturday, May 8 — Charlie Patak Saturday, June 12 — The Ellinger Combo

Entertainment every Friday ni ght at 8 p.m.

SPJST —

Lodge No. 154, Fort Worth Saturday, April 17 — Private party Saturday, April 24 -- Private party Sunday, April 25 — District In meeting Game Night each Friday — 7 p.m.

—SPJST-

Lodge No. 172, Pasadena Saturday, May 8 — Alvin Linhart and the Sugarlanders Saturday, May 22 — Weinhart Grohman

Reg. lodge meetin gs every 2nd Wednesday of each month. Dances 9 p .m. to 1 a.m.

Socials every Thursday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.. Executive meetin gs 4th Wednesday of month, 7:30 p.m. Lodge location 911 E. Shaw, Phone 472-9356 —SPJST-

SPJST

Lodge No. 174, Rockdale Friday, April 23 — Lodge's 6th anniversary and meeting, 7 p.m. at VFW Hall, Rockdale; prizes will be given away.

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Jerry Haisler and The Melody Five; and The Brothers of Country Friday, May 7 privite dance Saturday, May 8 — Battle Dance: Otis Beck and The Best Yets; A. J. and The Debonaires of Country Music Game Ni ght every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.; kitchen open Second Wednesday of each month: youth club meeting at 8:30 P.m.; adult meeting, 710 p.m.

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SPJST —

Lodge 178, Longview Family game night every Sunda y at 7:00 P.m. in the American Legion Hall, next door to the National Guard Armory in Tuttle Park.

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— SPJST —

Lodge No. 177, Academy Saturday, April 17 — Jerry Butch and The Gentres Thursday, April 22 — Dist. ETA Banquet Friday, April 23 — Academy Athletic Banquet; supper catered

by Vincel Mares. Adv. tickets to the public $2.50 (supper) Saturday, April 24—Ralph Wilson's private party Thursday, April 29 — Belton FHA Banquet (no dance) Saturday, May 1 — Battle Dance:

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ELECT —

Eddie CC

Mazanec, Jr.

0

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

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Precinct 3 — McLennan County —THE QUALIFIED MAN-

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FOR MORE INFORMATION JUST FILL IN THE COUPON BELOW AND MAIL TO

SPJST Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas Phone AC 817 7731575

Temple, Texas 76501

P. 0. Box 100

Fraternal Life Insurance Since 1897 Name Date of Birth Address

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