Vestnik 1992 05 13

Pre-Convention Reports In This Issue "CHANGING TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF FRATERNALISTS" * 4/'Erdi

VESTNIK SPJST Herald

"Joining Hands Td Touch Lives— Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation"

BENEVOLENCE

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

BROTHERHOOD

111111110111,

Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 00, Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800 VOLUME 80 NUMBER 20

May 13, 1992

District VII Meeting Hosted B y Lodge 185, N (More Photos Later)

ELECTED OFFICERS of District V: for 1992, L to R: Elizabeth Bielefeld, assistant DYC; Maxine Pavliska, DYC; Ernest Jasek, treasurer; Viola Cabla, second vice president; Betty Jurica, secretary; Glenn Pruski, first vice president; Jarolyn Popp, president; and Thelma Hrncir, district director and installThig, oZicer.

CI-.=ECKS were presenteo, L to Jarolyn MS[IC Popp, district president; Thelma Arncir, district director, Leonard Mikeska, Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer who presented the checks to Ernest Jasek, district treasurer.

Roy Haag, president of Lodge 185, New Braunfels welcomes the District VI attendees to the Bavarian Village meeting room.

DISTRICT VII COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES, L to R: Dominic Netek, By-Law; Pauline Bayer, Insurance; Monta Foster, chairman of Finance; and Betty Jurica, Publication.

THE YOUTH OF DISTRICT VII participated in an opening program and presentation of colors.

Young Little Miss SPJST Cassandra McDonald is interviewed by DYC Maxine Pavliska. She is the daughter of Edwin McDonald and represented Lodge 79. She is the granddaugter of Frances McDonald and greatgranddaughter of Betty and Edwin Jurica.

District VII Miss SPJST Con.estar..

Angie Hrncir. Angie will compete with other district winners for the title of Miss SPJST. She also won Miss Central Texas and will be competing in the Miss Texas U.S.A. competition on July 20th.

2/VESTNiIC-Wednesday, May 13, 1992 en-.411te.

'Se

Editor

VESTNIK VESTNIK (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the second week of June and third week of August by VESTNIK, P.O. Box 85, West, TX 76691-0085. Subscription rates are $14 per year beginning July 1, non-members only. Members fee is paid as part of the insurance fee collected by the Supreme Lodge SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501.

Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VESTNIK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 765030100.

EDITOR: R.J. Sefcik P.O. Box 85, West, TX 76691 Res. 1204 N. Davis St. Res. Phone (AC 817) 826-5989 Publisher: Hill County Press, Inc. P.O. Box 569, 335 Country Club Road Hillsboro, TX 76645

OFFICERS HOWARD LESHIKAR PRESIDENT Office Phone: (817) 773-1575 Home Phone: (817) 771-1359 BERNARD M. GEBALA VICE PRESIDENT Office Phone: (817) 773-1575 Home Phone: (817) 778-3872 LEONARD MIKESKA SECRETARY-TREASURER Office Phone: (817) 773-1575 Home Phone: (817) 778-3720 JERRY MIKULAS FINANCIAL SECRETARY Office Phone: (817) 773-1575 Home Phone: (817) 773-2950 SIDNEY KACIR LEGAL ADVISOR (817) 778-5228 P.O. Box 5220 Temple, Texas 76505

DIRECTORS ANDREW VAVRA DISTRICT I Home Phone: (409) 272-8043 Rt. 2, Box 37, Caldwell, TX 77836 WILLIE E.KOHUTEK DISTRICT II Home Phone: (817) 593-4115 Rt. 2, Box 320, Buckholts, TX 76518 CYRILL (SID) POKLADNIK DISTRICT III Office Phone: (214) 741-1874 2924 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75226 Home Phone: (214) 686-8604 Home: 3924 Barnes Bridge Rd. Dallas, TX 75228 STANLEY BROZ DISTRICT IV Home Phone: (915) 442-3271 P.O. Box 33, Lowake, TX 76855 LOUIS HANUS DISTRICT V Home Phone: (713) 686-6160 4006 Ascot Ln., Houston, TX 77092 MATT S. VANEK DISTRICT VI Home Phone: (512) 578-2687 1009 Northgate, Victoria, TX 77904 THELMA HRNCIR DISTRICT VII Home Phone: (512) 241-3114 3102 Vicksburg, Corpus Christi, TX 78410 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE DISTRICT I - MELVIN H. SKRABANEK, SEC. - P.O. BOX 490, CALDWELL, TX 77836 - (409) 567-3664 DISTRICT II - DOROTHY PECHAL, ROUTE 3, BOX 748, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817) 985 2545 DISTRICT III - ALBERT L. BANIK, V. CHMN., ROUTE 1, BOX 283, WEST, TX 76691 - (817) 826-5683 DISTRICT IV - ANGELINE KRISTINEK, CHMN., ROUTE 7, BOX 834, LUBBOCK, TX 79401 - (806) 763-0047 DISTRICT V - TOMMIE LOSTAK, P.O. BOX 194, DANBURY, TX 77534 - (409) 922-1244 DISTRICT VI - SOPHIE DYBALA, H.C.R. 61, BOX 72A, GANADO, TX 77962 - (512) 7712598 DISTRICT VII - BETTY JURICA, ROUTE 2, BOX 899, CORPUS, CHRISTI, TX 78410 (512) 265-9018 BY-LAW COMMITTEE DISTRICT I - DONNIE VICTORICK, P.O. BOX 85, SNOOK, TX 77878 - (409) 272-3265 DISTRICT II - LAD J. ZATOPEK, 2605 W. AVE. Z, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817) 778-3067 !STRICT HI - JERRY MILAN, V. CHMN.,

6208 LAKESIDE, FT. WORTH, TX 76135 (817) 237-4237 DISTRICT IV - ERNEST KRISTINEK, JR., ROUTE 2, BOX 99, LITTLEFIELD, TX 79339 (806) 299-1264 DISTRICT V - MILDRED HOLEMAN, CHMN., 1006 CHANTILLY LN., HOUSTON, TX 77018 (713) 683-0018 DISTRICT VI - LEONA MACHA, SECRETARY, 501 SHROPSHIRE, EL CAMPO, TX 77437 - (409) 543-3746 DISTRICT VII - DOMINIC F. NETEK, SR., 3907 SKYLARK, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78210 (512) 532-3916 FINANCE COMMITTEE DISTRICT I - ERNEST WENTRCEK, V. CHMN., 1530 BENNETT, BRYAN, TX 77802 (409) 822-4226.

DISTRICT II - JERRY E. VALCHAR, 12 E. YOUNG, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817) 773-5784 DISTRICT III - LARRY LAZNOVSKY, ROUTE 7, BOX 48, ENNIS, TX 75119 - (214) 875-5987 DISTRICT IV - LILLIAN HOLUBEC, 1809 A&M AVE., SAN ANGELO, TX 76904 - (915) 944-1709 DISTRICT V - ALVIN J. SEFCIK, 1409 AUSTIN, LaMARQUE, TX 77568 - (409) 935-3919 DISTRICT VI - RITA VANEK, SECRETARY, P.O. BOX 901, EL CAMPO, TX 77437 - (409) 543-6220 DISTRICT VII - MONTA FOSTER, CHMN., 911 E. GONZALES, YOAKUM, TX 77995 (512) 293-5471 (H); (512) 293-5624 (Ranch) INSURANCE COMMITTEE DISTRICT I - SUSAN SKRABANEK, ROUTE 2, BOX 13, CALDWELL, TX 77836 - (409) 272-3440 DISTRICT II - LADIS NAVRATIL, 1 E. YOUNG, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817) 773-4644 DISTRICT III - BEN JARMA, CHMN., 9512 LEASIDE DR., DALLAS, TX 75238 - (214) 348-1514 DISTRICT IV - RAYMOND PAVLISKA, 505 SO. CEDAR, SEYMOUR, TX 76380 DISTRICT V - HELEN HEGWOOD, SEC., 6702 LINDY ANN LN., HOUSTON, TX 77008 - (713) 864-0489 DISTRICT VI - JEROME J. HLAVATY, BOX 174, LOLITA, TX 77971 DISTRICT VII - PAULINE BAYER, RT. 4, BOX 166, FLORESVILLE, TX 78114-(512) 393-2600 STATE FRATERNAL A.C. FRANK KLINKOVSKY, P.O. BOX 100, TEMPLE, TX 76503 - (817) 773-1575 STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR JONI LANGE, P.O. BOX 100, TEMPLE, TX 76503 - (817) 773-1575 DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS DISTRICT I - SUSAN SKRABANEK, RT. 2, BOX 13, CALDWELL, TX 77836 - (409) 2723440 DISTRICT II - PATSY KOSLOVSKY, 1309 E. CENTRAL, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817)7748488 DISTRICT III - BESSIE PETR, 5406 MORNINGSIDE, DALLAS, TX 75206 - (214) 826-3557 DISTRICT IV - SANDRA JANSA, 6617 PLAINVIEW, SAN ANGELO, TX 76904 (915) 658-8045 DISTRICT V - MARIE STAYTON, 206 AMUNDSON, HOUSTON, TX 77009 - (713) 694-2734 DISTRICT VI - ANITA ROYE, 1600 LYNN, EL CAMPO, TX 77467 - (409) 543-4884 DISTRICT VII - MRS. MAXINE PAVLISKA, RT. 2, BOX 151, FLORESVILLE, TX 78114 (512) 393-2030 LIBRARY, ARCHIVES, MUSEUM Dorothy Pechal, Museum Curator Office: (817) 773-1575, P.O. Box 100 Temple, TX 76503 Sales Representatives Assistance Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1-800-72-SPJST After Office Hours and/or Weekends Call DISTRICTS 1 & 2 Gene McBride (817) 859-5855 DISTRICTS 3 & 4 Keith Gatewood (817) 939-7058 DISTRICT 5 Helen Hcgwood - (713) 864-0489 DISTRICTS 6 & 7 Jerome Hiavaty - (512) 874-4461

UNSOLICITED MATERIALS FOR PUBLICATION CAN NOT BE RETURNED UNLESS SUFFICIENT POSTAGE IS ATTACHED. THIS INCLUDES PICTURES. THE EXPENSE OF PUBLISHING ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING PICTURES MUST BE BORNE BY THE SENDER. CHANGES OF ADDRESS AND CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING DELIVERY OF THE VESTNIK MUST BE SENT TO THE SUPREME LODGE, BOX 100, TEMPLE, TX 76503.

PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS AND ADVERTISING MATTER SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE VESTNIK, P.O. BOX 35, WEST, TX 76691.

DEADLINE FOR MATERIAL TO BE ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING ISSUE IS THURSDAY.

THE

COMMENTS

A Reminder!!!

We have mentioned this subject a number of times since October 1991 and we repeat again: we have only received a few lodge histories for the XXVI Convention issue thus far, and we are wondering what in the world is happening that we are not receiving more of this important information, because TIME is fleeting by and, it is, only about a 1 1/2 until the SPJST Convention will take place. WE ASK FOR YOUR COOPERATION!

***

Your Vestnik today contains pre-

convention reports of the four SPJST Standing Committees (By-Laws, Finance, Insurance and Publication), Supreme Lodge Officers, Directors plus other items of importance to our Society.

The By-Law Committee report is of great importance because it sets the standards which we will be ruled by for the next four years; of course, all the other reports are of equal importance for all of our members to study very carefully.

In the case of these reports, this being our 26th Convention, are even more important than they would be otherwise, because we are also nearing our 100th Anniversary to follow soon after our next convention and, therefore, we are actually planning even further than the next four years. The cooperation of all of our members is even more important now as we near that 100th Anniversary. All the members, especially delegates are urged to study all of these proposals and reports and discuss them in the next four weeks prior to our forthcoming convention in June.

These are some important and even far-reaching proposals being submitted on which our delegates will be asked to act upon so everyone is urged to study these proposals carefully so that when they are brought up on the floor for discussion, they (proposals) do not catch you by surprise, as is sometimes the case.

In these discussions, everyone should be ALERT and FOLLOW the course of the discussion in order to be able to make correct comments and/or ask sensible questions pertaining to the subject being discussed. If you let your mind wander during the discussion of some subject, you will surely lose the subject of discussion and your thoughts will be left behind and the topic will be acted upon before you realize it.

The reason that the by-law stipulating that these reports be published thirty (30) days before the convention, is to give the membership and delegates time to think about these proposals and reports so they wouldn't be handed to you at the last minute while you arrive at the convention and come to you as a surprise all of a sudden. This gives everyone time to discuss these changes in your meetings as well as among yourselves as individuals; in this manner, you come to the convention more prepared to discuss anything which comes up on the floor with your thoughts having been prepared for the subjects being brought up for discussion. The main thing in attene i rf, a convention probably would be to use

the correct phrase: "STAY ALERT!" In Supreme Lodge President Leshikar's report, you will notice that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is going to release a report on the status of seven of the largest fraternal societies which they have been studying for some time. There is no question that this report will have some bearing on ALL fraternal societies to a certain extent and, as stated, it will take more effort on all of our part to show what all our societies are doing to deserve and retain our tax exempt status.

Sometimes we don't realize how much our everyday deeds, donations, neighboring acts, hospital and rest home visits, plus other community activities, etc., really help our community, city, county, state and nation in dealing with problems that would have to be done by civic agencies costing our various governments from the community to the nation tax dollars.

The more we make our various governing authorities realize just how much the fraternal organizations help in relieving countless human problems, the better off we will be so let us continue reporting individual deeds to our local lodges which, in turn, submit reports to the Home Office so that Supreme Lodge can forward the official voluntarily/contribution annual report to the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA). *** It has been stated by our officers, directors, editor and several members many times that our society is owned by the membership and that the membership should know what is going on in this organization at all times. That is the way it should be; however, we must ask the question: "Is it that way?"

As an example, does our average membership know that the Christmas bonuses for the five officers and seven directors of our Supreme Lodge amounted to $13,500 in 1988? We are also led to understand and believe that our by-laws are always observed and adhered to; however, our directors audit our records and vouchers once every six months. This, in a way, is a case of our directors auditing themselves. The outside auditors do not concern themselves with our in-house rules pertaining to our Society and, therefore, would not be looking for voucher discrepancies.

INTEREST RATE FOR UNIVERSAL LIFE: 8% annualized effective through 7-31-92

INTEREST RATE FOR ANNUITIES 7.1% annualized effective through 7-31-92

SPJST MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Home or Farm Mortgages: 8 1/4% for 1 to 7 years 8 1/2% for 8 to 15 years 8 3/4% for 16 to 20 years

Mortgages on Qualified Owner-Operated Business Real Estate 9 1/2% for 10 years 9 3/4% for 11 to 15 years Mellir77_,

Wednesday, May 13, 1992—VESTNiK/3 When in the Minutes the term:

By-Law Committee's Recommendations (Editor's Note: We are printing only the articles and/or subsections thereof where there are changes to those articles and/or subsection. PLEASE TAKE NOTE!) The By-Law Committee strongly feels that the following recommendations should be considered very carefully and appropriate action should be taken as soon as possible.

1) That the SPJST automobiles should proudly display the logo of our Society. In addition, it is felt that except for State Field Managers, all autos should remain at the site of the Supreme Lodge when not in use for official business. No more than five motor vehicles be owned or leased by the Supreme Lodge.

2) Emphasize and enforce Article 34 (a) regarding depository bank or banks must be approved in advance by the Supreme Lodge.

3) That the SPJST by-laws have been chosen by our members to govern this Society and that SPJST is a membership Society. Accordingly, the by-laws are to observed and enforced diligently and consistently at all levels of our Society.

4) Goal to meet right away--an active sales representative in every lodge before our 100th Anniversary celebration!

5) Review the feasibility of the Finance Committee meeting annually.

6) The Supreme Lodge conduct a thorough study of the retirement plan in order to reduce escalating costs.

7) Encourage continuing education programs on a regular basis for officers, directors, State Field Managers, Fraternal Activities Coordinator, and State Youth Director.

8) All Supreme Lodge officers shall have inquiry access privileges to computer data.

rFona Macha, Secretary

"No change" means that the by-law remains the same that it was in the 1988 By-Law booklet.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of the

SLAVONIC BENEVOLENT ORDER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS (SPJST) Founded at La Grange, Texas July 1, 1897 XXVIth Adopted in the XXVLionvention Held June 29 22, 1988

15-17, 1992 Victoria,

Templ,:"Fexas Main Administrative Body: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST P. 0. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Phone-773-1575 Area Code 817

Fax--774-7447

SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS All of 140/Box 100. Temple, Texas 76503 Phone: 817-773-1575

P.O.

SUPREME LODGE DIRECTORS DISTRICT 1 Andrew Vavra Route 2. Box 37 Caldwell. Texas 77836 409-272-8043

rnes Kristine-, onn e ictorick

DISTRICT II Willie E. Kohutek Route 2, Box 320 Buckholts, Texas 76518 Phone: 817-593-4115 DISTRICT III Cyrill (Sid) Pokiadnik 2984-E4m-Street(Dallas, Texas 76226 Phone: 214: Office 741 . 1874: Res. 686.8604 DISTRICT IV Stanley Broz Box 33, Lowake. Texas 76855 'Phone: 915-442-3271 DISTRICT V Louis Hanus 1100"' T.C. Houston, Texas 77000 Phone: 713-862-6866 DISTRICT VI Matt S. Vanek 1009 Northgate. Victoria, Texas 77904 Phone: 512-578-2687 DISTRICT VII Thelma Hrncir 3102 Vicksburg Corpus Christi, Texas 78410 Phone: 512-241-3114

01 111 C ***

BY-LAWS OF THE

Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST) X-HtftrireiT Cor l

"approved as revised" means that the recommendation of the By-Law Committee was approved as revised as folio ws: --the "revised to" and state the revised wording

HowIrd B. Leshikar, President Bernard M. Gebala. Vice-President Leonard Mikeska, Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Mikulas, Jr.. Financial Secretary Sidney Kacir. Attorney P. 0. Box 5220 Temple. Texas 76505 Office Phone: 817-778-5228

Mildreg ioleman, Chairman

Mildred Holeman, Chairman Leona Macha, Secretary Jerry Milan, Vice-Chairman Lad Zatopek Ernest Kristinek, Jr. Donnie Victorick Dominic F. Netek, Sr.

"approved" is used with reference to the by-laws. It means that the recomendation of the By-Law Committee was ap proved.

3924 Barnes Bridge Road 75228

4006 Ascot Lane 77092

TABLE OF CONTENTS

XXVIth Convention 1992

Preface Definitions and Observing By-laws Convention Standing Committees By-Law Finance Insurance Publication

Page Nos. 2 4 5 15-20 15-20 15-20 .15-20

4/VESTMIE—Wednesday, May 13, 1992 Supreme Lodge Officers, Supreme Lodge Directors youth Department Districts Local Lodges New Lodges and Lodge Mergers Members Admission, Applications, Classes Insurance, Transfers Assessments, Dues and Premiums, Suspensions and Expulsions Beneficiaries Vestnik Medical Examiner Loans, Real Estate and Certificates, and Assignments Miscellaneous Index

20 31 38 41 41 45 60

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Department

61 64 65 69 72 73 78 81

MEMBERSHIP All persons can become members if they are insurable, are within the specified age limits, and live a decent and respectable life. All members must be citizens of the United States.

or legal residents

SUPREME LODGE The Supreme Lodge is composed of a secretarypresident, president, vice legal financial secretary, treasurer, advisor, and seven directors. The body -is-- delete delete elected by the convention responsible for administration of all business affairs of the Society according to the constitution and by-laws as approved by the delegate-body in the convention.

ARTICLE 4. (a) The convention of the SPJST is composed of delegates elected from among active members of the local lodges. Every lodge has the right to elect a delegate on a numerical basis from its membership, according to the following scale: 1. From 20-100 members over 16 years of age, one delegate.

2. For each additional 100 members, one additional delegate if the lodge achieves its insurance goal; if goal not reached, for each additional 150 members, one additional delegate.

Note: A' lodge meets its insurance goal when it achieves a 15 percent increase of net premium income (excluding annuity premiums) on base year 19.8.7V for the year of the convention and the two years following the convention.

3. A lodge attaining enough new members for an additional delegate between the annual meeting and 60 days before the convention will fill that position under the provisions of Art. 4 (g) 3. Transfer of membership will not be counted as additional new members and terminations will be subtracted.

4. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every active member and every member over 16 years of age belonging to the Society and local lodge at least 60 days before the convention and who has his premiums and dues paid in full. (b) A lodge organized during the convention year may elect its delegates and substitutes any time before convening of the convention. (c) A lodge organized or merged less than three (3) years preceding the election of its delegates may elect its delegates and their substitutes from among those members having attended a majority of the regular meetings from the date of its organization or merger. (d) A lodge losing the required number of members between the time of the election of delegates and convention will not lose delegate or delegates due to such change. (e) Qualifications: Only that member may be elected delegate or substitute delegate who: 1. Qualifies as an active member as defined under Art. 1 of these by-laws.

2. Is present during the election or is absent due to unavoidable circumstances.

3. Attended a majority of the regular meetings during each of the three years to'conpreceding the cicctien of vention. The State Youth Director, District Youth Counselors and their assistants

attending youth club meetings may count as attending a regular meeting for this purpose. Supreme Lodge members attending official functions of the Society qualify as attending a regular meeting for this purpose. New transferred members' attendance record of the previous lodge shall be accepted.

ARTICLE 12.

All proceedings of the convention will be conducted according to these by-laws in the following order, unless decided otherwise by a two-thirds vote: (a) Convening of the convention by the president of the Supreme Lodge. He also appoints a temporary committee of seven tellers to tabulate votes during the election of the chairman and co-chairman of the convention. (b) Report of the three-member committee on credentials. (c) A list of the names of elected delegates and the number of votes each lodge and delegate is entitled to will be made available to the delegates at the beginning of the convention. (d) Election of convention officers and naming of various committees from among the delegates. (e) Act on all reports as directed in Articles 3d and 36a. (f) Deliberate on by-laws. (g) Reports of convention committees.

No complaint can be discussed in the convention unless it was first presented to the Grievance Committee and acted upon by that committee.

No request for donations, support, salaries or increase of salaries may be presented to the convention until considered, approved or rejected by the Finance Committee.

delete

4ke-ledgt—crffrcrrs: No motion to change by-laws or amendment thereto can be presented to the convention unless the motion or amendment thereto has been submitted to the committee on by-laws so that the committee could study such motion or amendment and deliver its opinion. (h) Miscellaneous business. (i) Following the elections of the 1991 Supreme Lodge officers and editor in the convention the delegates of the respective districts will convene in separate district meetings. The purpose of these meetings will be to nominate and elect the district director and substitute, member of the committee on By-laws and substitute, member on the Insurance Committee and substitute, member on the Publication Committee and substitute and a member of the Finance Committee and substitute.

Each delegate will vote in accordance with Article 4 (a-4) of the by-laws.

All members of the Supreme Lodge, the editor and members of standing committees may also attend and may participate in the discussions, but they do not have the right to vote or to nominate unless they are delegates. (j) Selection of place for the succeeding The convention shall be held in convention. (k) Installation of all members of the Temple every other convention.

Supreme Lodge, editor, and all committees.

(1) Adjournment of the convention.

ARTICLE 18.

A seven member by

law

L.1.1111111/4./CC

15

delete laws, codifying, -ar-anging, and having -4-11e-b"—Ittverp-ririted.

Members of the Supreme Lodge or employees of the Society are not eligible for membership on any standing committee, but they are free to attend the committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the committees in every way possible.

The committee has the right to deliberate and hold executive sessions during which the persons mentioned in this section would not be present. Effective immediately.

Wednesday, May. 13, 1992-StSTNIK/5 ARTICLE 19.

prpcent. (b) The legal advisor must attend all meetings of this committee and shall-give the committee legal advice.

Moved: (a) A seven-member By-Law Committee is elected for the purpose of considering, arranging and recommending of motions, for amending by-laws by the succeeding convention, eliminating conflicts in the by-laws, codifying, rearranging, and having the bylaws printed.

ARTICLE 21. (a) Upon adoption of the by-laws with all changes and amendments, the sevenmember committee on by-laws, immediately arranges and compiles the newly-adopted by-laws. The committee on by-laws is charged with the responsibility of eliminating duplications in the by-laws; removing conflicting articles; recodifying all the by-laws. The committee has the responsibility of completing all its work-- with a complete index and submitting a neat, readable finished product to the publisher within 90 days after the convention, in compliance with delete State Department regulations, sand corn (b) After completion of its work all records of the convention shall be sealed and forwarded to the secretary-treasurer of the Supreme Lodge. The sealed package may be opened in case of necessity only in the presence of the Supreme Lodge. (c) The printer must forward one copy of the proof to each member of the committee on by-laws for approval and one copy to each member of the Supreme Lodge for their comments. Such comments shall be forwarded to the committee on by-laws within ten days after receipt thereof and prior to final approval by the committee on by-laws.

ARTICLE 25.

(1-)--Thc Finance Corfirrrittet-shad}--mert a t-least--bieranially-to-reyiew-the-retirement plan-a ncl-r.ecornrnend-eha nges-t o-t he Supreme-Lodge-and-w ill-m ee t--as-necessa ryduring-the-year-of-the-convert tion-;-aft er january-1 , for the•purpose-of-reviewing-the overall-financial posture-of-the-Society. (b) The Finance Committee recommends to the convention per diem of delegates and committees, salaries of members of the Supreme Lodge and editor, donations, allocations, and expenditures. The recommendations of this committee shall be published in the Vestnik 30 days prior to the convention.

(a) The Finance Committee shall meet annually to review all compensation and financial benefits, review the overall financial posture and report their findings to the Supreme Lodge and to all standing committees. The committee will also review the retirement plan and recommend changes to the Supreme Lodge. This committee will meet as necessary during the year of the convention, after January 1.

SUPREME LODGE ARTICLE 27.

To be an officer of the Supreme Lodge. an individual must meet the following requirements: (a) Be an active member of this Society for at least five (5) consecutive years prior to his election, (b) At the time of the convention has all his premiums, dues and assessments, if any, paid. (c) Is present at the convention or has an excuse acceptable by two-thirds (2/3) of the delegates for not being present. (d) Have a knowledge of both the Czech and English languages. (e) Is a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election.

ARTICLE 28.

Members of the Supreme Lodge assume duties of their respective offices on January 1 following their election; however, any newly elected officer elected by the Convention in a contested election involving the incumbent will assume duties July 1 of

election. Also have met local lodge attendance requirements same as delegates. Supreme Lodge members attending Supreme Lodge meetings, district meetings and local lodge meetings on this same date qualify as attending a regular meeting for this purpose.

(f) Must have at least $10,000 of insurance or if uninsurable then an annuity in at least that amount.

Such insurance or annuity to be with SPJST.

ARTICLE 31. (a) No member of the Supreme Lodge shall receive commission for the sale of property belonging to this Society. (b) No member of the Supreme Lodge can bu y pro erty from this Society.

No officer or director of the Su(c)/4 preme Lodge nor the spouse nor can be a sales representative for the home office employees this Society and receive compensation for services as sales representative.

ARTICLE 32. (a) Regular meetings of the Supreme Lodge are held quarterly, the r. In case of necessity, the president has the right.to change .the date of the meeting.

Eight (8) members of the Supreme Lodge will constitute a quorum at regular meetings. (b) After each regular or special Supreme Lodge meeting, each item voted on at the meeting will be listed in the minutes with a record of how each Supreme Lodge officer and District Director voted on each issue, excepting only personnel disciplinary matters and matters concerning litigation and threatened litigation. This will be published in the Vestnik as part of the board minutes. (c) The president calls special meetings of the Supreme Lodge in case of necessity.

In the event that seven (7) members of the Supreme Lodge determine a necessity for a special meeting, and the president refuses to call such a meeting, the seven (7) members may, by written notice, call all members of the Supreme Lodge to such a special meeting and hold the meeting.

Seven (7) members of the Supreme Lodge will constitute a quorum at special meetings.

ARTICLE 33. (a) The Supreme Lodge is the governing and executive body of the Society between conventions and is authorized to amend any by-law which is in conflict with State or Federal law. The Supreme Lodge has the duty and authority: 1. to adopt such additional plans and tables of insurance including annuities and universal life products, which appear to be beneficial for the Society, according to fraternal insurance laws of the State of Texas. 2. to compensate its sales representatives monthly, or on any other basis, for procuring new members, and occasionally to grant rewards to its sales representatives for successful insurance sales.

3. to discharge employees for incompetence in service and for unbecoming conduct; fills vacancies in the Supreme Lodge, editor, and Chief Medical Examiner, with the exception of the president, as specified in Article 38a, and directors as specified in Article 45 (h). The Supreme Lodge has the authority to hire any assistants or any subordinates to any Supreme Lodge officer and the editor and also the authority to set their salary and remuneration.

4. to investigate all irregularities, disorders, and incompetence in office of any member of the Supreme Lodge, and editor (after consultation with the Publication Committee), and after thorough investigation and after twenty days' advance notice to the accused, and after a hearing of such charges. may discharge the accused from his office by a 2/3 vote of the members of the Supreme Lodge.

5. to suspend local lodges for nonpayment of premiums, for not performing their local lodge duties, and for irregularities detrimental to our Society. In the event of suspension, and until the suspension is lifted by the Supreme Lodge, one or more of the following shall be in effect: .

I. The loss of representation at regular and special conventions of the Society.

II. All official lodge records and papers shall- be relinquished for examination to the Supreme Lodge.

III. A check for the mortuary premiums on hand must be turned over to the Supreme Lodge.

IV. Billing and collection of all premiums will be handled directly from the Supreme Lodge.

V. The name and number of the local lodge will be dropped from the roster of the lodges.

VI. The loss of representation at district meetings and other functions of the Society.

VII. The loss of representation at all youth functions on the district and state levels.

(d) No officer of the Supreme Lodge may hold any position in the districts. third week in January, and the second week in April, July and October.

This will be done after recommendation by a committee composed of the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer together with two directors (who rotate on an annual basis) which will include studying new products and profitability of new and existing products and after consulting with the actuary will report to the Supreme Lodge their findings. This will be done on a regular basis and this committee will be chaired by the president.

6/VESTNIK—Wednesday, May 13, 1992 VIII. No new applications for membership will be accepted.

IX. No transfers into the lodge will be accepted.

X. All meetings and activities normally carried on by such lodge will cease.

XI. No local lodge dues will be collected.

6. to suspend or discharge local lodge officers and committees for irregularities in office detrimental to the Society on charges filed by members of the local lodge or the Supreme Lodge, and after twenty (20) days' notice to the accused and due hearing thereon, by a vote of 2/3 of the Supreme Lodge.

7. to assign further duties to any member of the Supreme Lodge.

8. to determine the amount of application fee and rate of interest on real estate loans according to prevailing conditions, and the demand for loans to the best interest of the Society.

9. to provide sufficient insurance coverage for the protection of the Society.

10. to set the date of the next regular convention and must publish the date of the convention in the official organ of the Society no later than January of the convention year.

11. to select the person or persons to record the proceedings of each convention in a manner most suitable under the circumstances.

12. to apportion annual premium refunds on certain certificates to be paid to the members from the Mortuary Fund.

The premium refund scale shall be made in view of the current operations and financial condition of the Society, and shall be recommended by the actuary of the Society. The Supreme Lodge may exclude certain classes of certificates from premium refunds or certificates on which less than five full years' premiums have been paid and may place any other limitation on the premium refund scale it may deem necessary and equitable. An alternative option of premium refund distribution will be in the form of paid up additional insurance. The amount will be such that can be purchased by the cash amount of the refund at the attained age and for the class of risk for which the original certificate was issued. Such additional amounts will be carried and accounted for on the certificate records of the original certificate as a trailer record for the additional amount of paid up insurance. A special request from each certificateholder must be received requesting this option. After such request, all future premium refunds will be applied to this option. The manner and time of payment of premium refunds shall also be approved by the Supreme Lodge. Th e So-pre y;—to local---a-n—freleetu-afe—a-rtre,trnt—per refund _theck-to-cover--mailing expenses, Suc-h-oheck t1-. t C fAiGt nn

do whatever else uired in the efficient administration of the af airs of the Society. (b) 1. The Supreme Lodge is authorized to adopt formulas to determine the amount of refund to lodges based on premium income from members and other incentive factors after a review of the annual statement and consultation with the actuary.

2. The Supreme Lodge is obligated to notify the legal advisor of every violation of the by-laws and request his assistance to effect an appropriate remedy.

3. The Supreme Lodge officers determine the sale or puchase of bonds and stocks by a majority vote (3).

4. All government bonds, government agent'-bonds, and U.S. Tre-ast certificates at--reeeipts-themfa • r-tteeept-ttb-ie -antlet--T-ex-as i nsu r a nee-I a-ws-,---toge t her-with . a lLs tocks-and-othe-r-secaritie-boug h t - by-the Supr-eme-Ledge-r-must-be-kept-on-depositit toof-sa.fe ty deposit vault-rented b y-the-Su p re-me-Lod ge-,-,Sti c h-s a fety -vault-in the-bank,--wher-e-the-b.ands-aia-d-stoc-ks-at--e eti-tirrless--ar reme Lodge -are—present—when—such-vault- is opened-and-while-it-remains-open. At such opening ,—a—sta temen t-must --be—signed revealing rh

• • •

at

•

, •

held-lay-such-h-aMel 5. The president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and financial secretary devote all of their time and efforts to the service of the Supreme Lodge.

delete

final maturity n

payab le,_withou t atefest-t-o-the-clesig Hated beneficia accordance-with the by:taws.

13. to hold workshops for the training of local lodge officers in the first quarter of each year.

14. to announce annually, after determining the solvency of the Society, the aid in the form of a 25 percent reduction of premiums to be given to all members of the certificates in Classes "A" and "B" whose certificates were in force 35 years or more and who have attained the age of 70 years, and an additional 25 percent reduction when they attain the age of 75.

15. to allow all Class "B" policies to become paid-up whenever the amount of premiums paid equals the face amount of the policy.

16. to implement the retirement plan between conventions, upon recommendations of the Finance Committee.

17. to negotiate a contract for the publishing of the Vestnik, after consultation with a member of the Publication Committee designated by that committee, and the editor.

18. to define the duties of the State Youth

delete

su

Such check that cannot be delivered shall be applied to purchase paid up additions.

New # to appoint the Secretary-Treasurer with two other officers who shall have access and maintain data in the computer at all times. One of the three with access will be rotated annually. The security code will be changed on a regular basis.

Director who will be under the supervision of the president. He will submit a written report to the Supreme Lodge quarterly meetings.

6. Every officer of the Supreme Lodge must publish his convention report in the Vestnik 30 days before the convention.

Directors may submit one joint report if they so agree.

7. No agent of any other life insurance company, nor any officer or director of any similar fraternal order, is eligible to membership in the Supreme Lodge of this Society, nor as editor or publisher.

8. When the Supreme Lodge orders any supplies, acts on bids or applications for loans or any other matters, a member thereof related to such bidder, contract° or applicant, shall abstain from voting.

9. The amount of the bond for th members of the Supreme Lodge shall be a least the minimum prescribed b regulatory guidelines.

10. All members of the Supreme Lodge, upon termination of their tenure of office, must deliver to their successors all property belonging to the Society. (c) The Supreme Lodge will plan, provide and direct leadership and activity programs for all SPJST members and others, to promote fraternalism between lodges, to learn the Czech heritage, language and the SPJST history. (d) Supreme Lodge meetings are open to the members except during personnel disciplinary matters and executive sessions concerning litigation and threatened litigation.

19. to define the duties of the State Fraternal Activities Coordinator who will be under the supervision of the president. He will submit a written report to the Supreme Lodge quarterly meetings.

20.

4 The Supreme Lodge is authorized to determine if stocks, bonds, and other general securities, certificates or receipts are held in physical form or under a bank custody account agreement in accordance with the Texas Insurance Code as it applies to a Fraternal Benefit Society. If stocks, bonds, other general securities or certificates or receipts are held under an approved custody account agreement, the bank with corporate trust powers and the custody account agreement must be approved by the Supreme Lodge.

All such stocks, bonds, and other general securities or certificates that are held in physical form, must be kept on deposit in a bank safety deposit box rented in the name of the Society in the bank where the stocks, bonds, general securities or certificates are stored and shall not be opened unless at least two or more officers of the Supreme Lodge are present when such vault is opened and while it remains open. At such opening, a statement must be signed revealing the object of such entry in a book kept in the safety deposit box, so long as stocks, bonds, general securities or certificates are held either in physical form or under an approved custody account agreement.

(e) No member of the Board of SPJST shall be personally liable to SPJST or its members for monetary damages for any act or omission in the officer's or director's capacity as an officer or director except in the following instances: (1) of any breach of the officer's or director's duty of loyalty to SPJST or its members; (2) for any act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law; (3) for any transaction from which the officer or director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from action taken within the scope of the officer's or director's office; (4) for any act or omission for which the liability of an officer or director is expressly provided for by statute or payment of a dividend. (f) The Supreme Lodge shall employ a certified public accountant to prepare a detailed report concerning the condition of the SociARTICLE 34. ety annually. (a) General Income Fund. All money received by the Supreme Lodge in accordance with the laws of the Society governing payment of premiums, as well as all other income, shall be deposited in the Society's name, in an approved depository bank or banks, where same shall be held. retained, handled, disbursed, and allocated in accordance with the laws of the Society, as herein set out and prescribed. Such depository bank or banks must be approved in advance by the Supreme Lodge.

Wednesday, May 13, 1992—VESTI4K/7

purpose of ri pfrayi ng the expcnacs .,f -sper-a-tio44-4.414e-S.ii her tion—e-xpe4Ises7--a.n4—a-Fiy—a miscellaneous.expeizses- in connection with t he-admi fair of-'.delete. Effective immediately. the Society-r--whic-h---sei _fun -tained by having pl-aeeel—t-her-eift----the • followsa-m•s-ef--m,efietr-to-wit: preini-u-ms-ofte-lta-lf Al-l-erf-the-Ftrs y

(4)-I The financial secretary and secretary-treasurer, with the advance consent of the members of the Supreme Lodge, have the authority to transfer such money from the general income fund into the expense fund of the Society. (tit All checks issued by the Su reme Lodge must be signed by any two ofleers.

(b) Any two or more officers with the advance consent of the Supreme Lodge have the authority to make transfers of funds and pay all general expenses of the Society.

Effective immediately. (c)

OFFICERS, SUPREME LODGE ARTICLE 37. President (a) The president is the official head of ead of all departments the Society and the, a ffnirc He is an ex officio member of all appointed committees within the Supreme delete Lodge. He Czec-h-and-Englis-h-Fangtrages7--tettel- must have previous experience in the fraternal insurance field Effective immediately. (b) The president is charged with the responsibility of seeing that the affairs of the Society are properly conducted accordint7 to the by-laws: (1) He prepares the agenda with the , presides at all Supreme Lodge cooperation of other officers/for Suprerrre LIICCli lin. and can call special meetings, E.i.f444,..e Effective immediately. necessary. meetings if irame-iateir (2) He renders to the Supreme Lodge reports on his activities. plus other reports that he deems fit to submit or which may be required by the body.

(3) He informs the Editor of all newsworthy events.

(4) He is responsible for public relations in the community and across the state to improve public image.

(5) He should also make periodic reports to the membership in the Vestnik.

(6) He signs all official instruments and all documents pertaining to conveyance of property belonging to this Society.

(7) He requests, when necessary, reports or opinions from any officer of this Society in matters under the supervision of and within the duties of such officer.

(8) He visits local lodges to maintain cordial and fraternal relations among their members and sees that official affairs of the lodge are properly carried out. He takes the initiative in advising lodges about increasing their membership.

(9) He arranges for respectable representation of the Society.

(10) He convenes and conducts the convention up to the time of the election of the convention chairman.

(11) After consulting with the president, each Supreme Lodge officer has the right to employ employees working directly under such officer, who is personally responsible for the performance of such New Ws ernloyss, ( ) The president appoints a State (12) The president must appoint two (2) Youth Director with the approval members to a three (3) member committee on credentials at least 30 days prior to the of the Supreme Lodge. convention.

(13) The president and vice-president are responsible for appropriate publicity pertaining to conventions.

(14) He is chiefly responsible for promoting a vigorous public relations program on behalf of the Society.

(15) He prepares and outlines programs for group initiation of members of local lodges.

(16) He is responsible for the ritual regarding chartering and dedication of new lodges and new lodge buildings.

(17) He promotes merging of inactive lodges and the organization of new lodges.

( ) The president appoints a State Fraternal Activities Coordinator with the approval of the Supreme Lodge.

ARTICLE 38. Vice President (a) The vice president of the Supreme Lodge assists the president and is his successor in case of vacancy and would vacate the office of the vice president. (b) He is in charge of the Insurance Department and has direct control of the state field managers and local sales representatives. n areas where more sales re resen tatives are needed, t e vice ores) ent as the right to appoint new sales representatives whenever he feels it is in the best interest of the Society. He must contact local lodge officers before appointing a new sales representative for any one lodge.

After a new sales representative is appointed, he must be active in Lodge activities, namely, attend lodge meetings, and regularly scheduled sales representative seminars. If this requirement is not met to the satisfaction of the local lodge, a letter from the local lodge president would be sent to the Supreme Lodge vice-president notifying him that the sales representative is not fulfilling his obligation to the lodge.

The vice-president will contact the sales representative in question and re-define his responsibilities. If the sales representative cannot comply with what his obligations are, he will be dismissed as a sales representative. (d) He reviews all insurance applications.

The questionable applications are referred to the Chief Medical Examiner. (e) He prepares necessary material and sales aids for insurance work. (f) He directs and conducts educational sales programs in every district at least once a year. (g) He publishes, once a month, in the official organ a report of the progress of the Insurance Department. (h) Together with the president, promotes appropriate publicity for the Society. (i) He appoints, with the approval of the Supreme Lodge, one, or more if needed, state field managers whose primary duties shall be to assist the vice president in the discharge of all duties in the Insurance Department/The state field manager shall receive such salary and expense allowance as may be fixed by the Supreme Lodge. A person, in order to be considered for appointment as state field manager. must be an active member of this Society and does not have all of his insurance with the Society prematurely exchanged for paid up insurance. ) The vice president must appoint one (I) member to a three (3) member commit-. tee on credentials at least one (1) month prior to the convention.

district (c) He is responsible for securing active sales representatives from every local lodge and, if necessary, make personal visits to accomplish this requirement. Effective immediately. (d)

by traveling in the field and assisting the lodges and districts in recruiting and training new sales representatives. Effective immediately.

New # ( ) He appoints with the approval of the Supreme Lodge, seven district sales representatives, one for each district, whose compensation is based on his insurance sales and override commission from sales of local sales representatives.

ARTICLE 40. Financial Secretary (f) He publishes annually, but not later than June first, an annual valuation report of thep,Szipi: based on the report of the State o Insurance.

' Department

DIRECTORS election. Also have met local lodge attendance requirements same as delegates. Supreme Lodge members attending Supreme Lodge meetings, district meetings, and local lodge meetings, on this same date qualify as attending a regular meeting for this purpose.

ARTICLE 42. (a) To be a director of the Supreme Lodge, an individual must meet the following requirements: I. Be an active member of the Society for at least five (5) consecutive years preceding his 5. Has a knowledge of both the Czech and English languages. (b) No rn.m 1 ,r1Z51-177Su reme Lode. no r Ifv. editca may 0 a ny. Aat.laa.0 position in the districts.

director delete

6. No director can serve more ARTICLE 43. than two four year terms consecu(a) The directors shall have constant tively. control and supervision over the manlgemei . t and prowess of the Society.

Directors require that all of the by-laws, all decisions of the convention and decisions of the Supreme Lodge be strictly complied with. tstrict diFeet.er-s by -4k. Supreme Ecd-ge-and-strat

delete. Effective immediately.

-presidatlSuf.-Ledgmtisv

(c) The directors require that a report be given of all the services performed by all Supreme Lodge officers before every quarterly meeting of the Supreme Lodge.

8/VILSTNiK—Wednesday, May 13, 1992 ARTICLE 92.

(g) The directors examine all books and have the authority to point out errors to office help and the principal officers. dicecwis CLUJ'S 111 pC(..A. WIC'S and

( ) The directors conduct a semiannual inspection and inventory all General Securities held by the Society in physical form in the bank deliver-an-irry LL/ tit y CIS of L IE' safety deposit box. They provide a verified inventory of all General Suprerne-hodge,-( i ) The directors are obligated to notify Securities owned by the Society in the legal advisor of every violation of the physical form and under bank cusby-laws and request his assistance for the tody account agreements and report necessary remedy. the results of their inspection to all (j) Before any real estate belonging to members of the Supreme Lodge. the Society is sold, the president and secretary-treasurer of the Supreme Lodge, together with the director in whose district the land is situated, shall appraise the land and recommend the price for which the land should be sold. (k) The directors present a report to the members, through the Vestnik, of their investigation and supervision every six months. delete (moved to Art. 33 (f) (+):Fhethict_tan-shaff-emptlera-eeinified public-account-ant-to--preparedeta iledreport-concerning-the-condition -of - the Society annually: (m) Each director shall cooperate with all the lodges and the members in his district, shall represent the district that elected him in all conferences of the Supreme Lodge, and shall present to the Supreme Lodge all the affairs and recommendations of his district. He shall report to the district on all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Society. (n) The director shall assist Oae.-4.4rae--- all officers, if and when reP..r.gsi4e.RI--a-s-rrertrestrti- within his District. quested •

the.44asai-F-a-R.ee-per-egra-t (o) The director shall reside within bounds of his district.

YOUTH DEPARTMENT ARTICLE 44.

The State Youth Director and district youth counselors formulate rules and regulations for youth activities at all levels. subject to the approval of the Supreme Lodge.

The State Youth Director will report to the president between the quarterly meetings: DISTRICTS ARTICLE 45. (a) The Society is divided into seven districts, composed of the following counties in the State of Texas in which lodges are located: FIRST DISTRICT: Austin, Bastrop, except Lodge No. 18, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Gonzales. Lee, Caldwell, Washington. and Leon.

SECOND DISTRICT: Bell, Falls, Houston, Milam, Travis, Williamson, and Lodge No. 18, Elgin, located in Bastrop County: THIRD DISTRICT: Cooke, Dallas, Ellis, Grayson, Hill, Kaufman, McLennan Tarrant, Gregg, and Johnson.

FOURTH DISTRICT: Baylor, Foard, Haskell, Jones, Knox, Lubbock, Runnels, Tom Green, and Wichita.

(a) Funeral expenses where the member so designates in his application for membership or in change of beneficiary, and to and the face amount of the certifthe extent of $4,000 where the member icate not to exceed does not mention any sum for his funeral expenses in -his application for membership, or in any change of beneficiary, may be paid for his funeral expenses. (b) Obligations owed the Society and local lodge may be deducted from the proceeds of the certificate. (c) Should the local lodge be unable to locate and contact the beneficiary when a certificate matures because of death of the insured, or in the event the designated beneficiary pre-deceases the insured or is not legally entitled to receive the proceeds of the certificate, then the local lodge or the Supreme Lodge may guarantee payment of expenses of burial of such a face amount of the certificate not deceased insured up to the amaraueikour to exceed thousand dollars ($4,000). This amount shall become a charge against this certificate of the deceased insured, and such amount shall be deducted from the proceeds of said certificate and be retained by the Society and paid to the local lodge or to the person, firm or corporation to whom such guarantee was made. Upon request,. the beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be shown a statement of the funeral expenses of the deceased-insured.

VESTNIK ARTICLE 94.

The official organ of the Society is called the "Vestnik." It is published each week and is mailed to all premium-paying members and to all members, except Fr_, on request. The Supreme Lodge bears the expense in connection with the publication. Where more than one member resides in one family only one issue is mailed there. Names and addresses of members who wish to receive the "Vestnik" must be furnished to the Supreme Lodge.

Schools, colleges and universities offering and instructing the Czech language for credit will receive the Vestnik free on request.

and furnish written reports for the Supreme Lodge quarterly meetings. ARTICLE 95.

I 1 he contents of the "Vestnik" are managed by the editor, elected by the FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COConvention,Joalamust be a SPJST memORDINATOR DEPARTMENT ber, possess journalistic qualifications, ARTICLE 44-A have knowledge of the Czech and English The State Fraternal Activities Colanguages, be a Czech and ordinator works with the District English section in the Vestnik, and have a and the local Fraternal Activities general education.

Coordinators under the supervision of the president in all fraternal activities and submits interesting and informative news items to the editor of the Vestnik on a regular basis. He will furnish written reports for the Supreme Lodge quarterly meetings.

LOANS: REAL ESTATE AND , and Lodge 200, Eddy, located in CERTIFICATE;AND ASSIGNMENTS McLennan County.

(i) The Supreme Lodge contributes to the District Youth Fund of each district fifty cents (500 a year for every insured member who has attained the age of 16 years, but not less than $500 annually.

This amount must be used for the benefit of the youth. Further financing is left up to each district. Effective immediately. (j) Each district will receive an allocation of $8*0"per year from the Su p reme Lodge to be placed in toe district's General txpense Fund. This sum is to be used by the district to pay the lodge hosting the District Meeting $250 per meeting with the balance being used to defray the expenses of the district. (k) The Lodge in each district hosting a District Youth Achievement Day will receive an allocation of $250 from the Supreme Lodge. This will be placed in the fund.

-F4f-oc-4lve-expense district's

(except Lodge 200).

delete $1,000

delete

de ete

ARTICLE 68.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator. The fraternal activities coordinator c.cuar-clina-ie-s---- implements and reports all fraternal activities for the lodge.

JR,

(a) . The editor responsible for

(b) The editor is responsible for public relations in the community and across the state to improve our public image as directed by the president. (c) The editor shall be headquartered in the Supreme Lodge building. (d) The editor may not hold any positions in the districts.

ARTICLE 103 (a) Application for real estate' must be filed on forms prepared by the Supreme Lodge, containing detailed information concerning the real estate, whether rural or urban, present market value of the real estate, value of the improvements thereon. number of acres in cultivation, if farming land, acreage subject to cultivation, condition of all improvements on the farm, including present value thereof, and in con- r— The borrowers must sign the apnection with applications for loans on city plication property, the correct legal description of — forward it the lot or lots on which improvements are s i tua-ted. T-14e-a-p.p.14.64a.i.o4a-must..-be-signed-i before a notary public and thei44e .p...a-fsieci-- along with copies of the current to the secretary-treasurer of the Supreme `tax receipts for such proposed seLodge. curity. Effective immediately. (b) The secretary-treasurer of the Supreme Lodge' is required to have such inspected offered security appraiicet by the director --and such director is to forward in whose district the security is situated. the written inspection report to(c) No director shall be permitted to make inspection if he is related to the gether with two photos of the proapplicant either by blood, marriage, or posed security to the Home Office business connections, or if he has any direct imimmediately.

Effective or indirect interest in the loan to be made. mediately.

Wednesday, May 13, 1992—VESTMI/9 --....,(d) Each director is responsible for seeing that there is ample and sufficient security to justify any loan that is applied for in his/her respective district. (e) The director, secretary-treasurer, or Investment Committee may request and obtain an appraisal by a State certified real estate appraiser or a State licensed real estate appraiser or an appraiser with another designation or accreditation or realtor or broker with I such designation approved by the Supreme Lodge whenever deemed necessary or advisable. An appraisal by a State certified real estate appraiser or a State licensed exceed $60,00-0, such inspection shall b real estate appraiser or an appraiser made by the direct° within wliuse disiiis with another designation or accredthe-offered-security is situated, togcthc itation or realtor or broker with --w-ith-one--ot-heF-direetor. If the a ex ceeds-5607000-7thL ,al such designation approved by the Supreme Lodge shall be required in be - made- la_ all new property loan situations districttheoffcreLLseei recl. that exceed $20,000 on which there together-with-two other directers=Stre is not now an existing SPJST loan.

-a Effective immediately.

Supreme (b) Any member in good standing Su on—a^y—ap who applies for a loan and receives re tit deems necessa able.

Effective a loan with SPJST must keep their life insurance certificate(s) in force during the life of the loan. Failure ARTICLE 105. to do so will result in an automatic (a) Application two percent (2%) increase in the are appraised by-the-ciiicaor of the district interest rate on the loan. Effective on forms_a pproved_b_y_the S.u.prPmr I.n(ige: immediately.

Each-director-is-responsible f r seeing chit there-is dill pit-aild s-uffieieitt--s-ecurity to justify any luau c-liat-is--a-p-plied for in his respective disEF-iet-. The application, properly endorsed, is sent to the Supreme Lodge without delay. The final approval of the application is made by the Investment Committee of the Supreme Lodge, composed of the president, secretary-treasurer and vice-president. Any member whose application for a loan has been rejected may appeal to the Supreme Lodge at its next meeting.

ARTICLE 104. (a) No one individual or corporation may have total loans exceeding $100,000.

This limitation does not apply to SPJST Lodge Buildings and present S.P.J.S.T. Rest Homes.

ARTICLE 106. (b) The procedure and forms required for processing a certificate loan shall be determined by the Supreme Lodge. The procedure approved by the Supreme Lodge must be in compliance with the State Insurance laws and must be in accordance with the provisions specified in the member's life insurance certificate. If the certificate is not paid-up and is still a premium raying certificate. the secretarytreasurer of the Supreme Lodge must make the loan check payable to the local lodge and the applicant unless he has a written statement from the local lodge requesting that the check be made payable to the applicant only. The Table of Values in the member's life insurance certificate will be used to determine the maximum amount of the loan.

The Supreme Lodge, with the consent of Commissioner of the State Dethe t • ottr,s, may discontinue making certificate loans. partment of Insurance, Interest on certificate loans shall be payable in advance from the date of the loan to the end of the current certificate year and annually in advance thereafter.

MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLE 111. (a) If a member disappears from his last known habitat and his absence cannot be accounted for for a period of seven (7) years, his beneficiary will be paid the proceeds accruing under the certificate. t e-of---(Section 133.001, Civil Practice & Remedies Code.)

Tex a3. (b) If a member dies as a result of a willful act on his part or commits suicide within the first year of his membership, the Supreme Lodge will refund the mortuary premiums paid to his beneficiary and nothing more. except for Universal Life certifi(c) The application for membership. cates. On Universal Life certifimedical examination, Charter of Incor- cates, for the first two full years poration. constitution and by-laws of the from the certificate date, the SociSociety (as may be amended), and benefit ety will not pay if the insured comcertificates constitute the contract between mits suicide except as provided in the member and the Society. the certificate.

ARTICLE 116.

If a member is judicially adjudged to be a person of unsound mind and is confined in a hospital for the insane, the Society pays his premiums and dues for him and the certificate remains in force. If he recovers and is discharged from the hospital, and is judicially adjudged to be of sound mind, then it is his duty to pay his premiums and dues the same as before going to the hospital. This also pertains to all ex-servicemen who were confined in veterans hospitals for the purpose of recovering their sanity, provided official certification is given the Supreme Lodge.

This article applies only to those members who were confined in the hospital before June 18, 1972.

In accordance with Article 21 of the bylaws of the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST) we, the members of the committee on by-laws, certify by our signatures, that these by-laws are arranged truly and correctly according to the proceedings of the convention as voted on, adopted and approved by the convention of our Society, in session on lune 20 exas. through June Donnie Vietoriek.,._C_hairman Leona Macha, Secretary Jerry Milan, Vice-Chairman Lad Zatopek Ernest Kristinek,.jr.

T-illie-HeIrneamp Dominic Netek

15 17, 1992, Victoria, Mildred Holeman,

Donnie Victorick —SPJST--

Pre-Convention Report of the Finance Committee Our Committee has worked harmoniously and diligently for four meetings. Our meetings were opened to everyone interested in the SPJST and all recommendations made by lodges and individuals were taken into consideration. Our committee is pleased to present the following recommendations and remunerations to the delegates of the 26th convention of the Slavonic Benevolent

Order of the State of Texas.

Respectfully submitted: Members of the Finance Committee 1992 SPJST Convention, Victoria, Texas

Rita J. Vanek, Secretary Monta Foster, Chairman (Dist. VII) Ernest Wentrcek, Sr., Vice Chairman (Dist. I) Rita Vanek, Secretary (Dist. VI) Jerry E. Valchar (Dist. II) Larry Laznovsky (Dist. III) Lillian Holubec (Dist. IV) Alvin Sefcik (Dist. V)

***

Remunerations and Recommendations: Delegates Convention Chairman Convention Vice Chairman Convention Secretaries Parliamentarian Committee on By-Laws Finance Committee Publication Committee Insurance Committee Members on all other committees Timekeeper Convention Runner

$150.00 per day $235.00 per day $190.00 per day $225.00 per day $175.00 per day $160.00 per day $160.00 per day $160.00 per day $160.00 per day $160.00 per day $155.00 per day $150.00 per day

Mileage, 30 cents per mile, round trip.

No individual may qualify for more than one per day "the Higher Per Day" remuneration.

Officers, Directors, all past Officers and Directors, Legal Advisor, and Editor who are not delegates be reimbursed meals, mileage, and lodging, and two tickets to all the convention activities.

Home Office personnel working at the convention receive two tickets to all convention activities.

STANDING COMMITTEES: Additional $25.00 per day for Chairman and Secretary of standing committees and Vice Chairman when acting in place of the Chairperson. Committee members shall be paid for Official Meetings ONLY.

10/VESTNiK--ednesday, May 13, 1992 The standing committees that meet on the day before the convention convenes be paid per day, lodging for one night, and meals, as outlined by the previous convention.

headquartered in the Supreme Lodge and be able to devote full time to the Society's business activities.)

EDITOR:

OTHER COMMITTEES: 1-1-93 to 6-30-93 The Credentials Committee will be paid for working the day before the convention convenes, as outlined by the previous convention.

OTHER RECOMMEDATIONS:

$30,000.00

The annual salary of the Editor not to exceed $30,000 if for any reason the Editor's position were to become vacant and filled by the Supreme Lodge prior to 1-1-93.

(1) Officers, Directors, Editor, Members on Standing Committees, and other authorized personnel using a personal car for the use of the Society work, and are authorized personnel to travel for the society, be paid 30 cents per mile.

Salary beginning July 1993, 1994, 1995, to be reviewed and adjusted by the Finance Committee each year at the annual meeting after the year and figures are complete. The committee at that time will recommend for ratification to the Supreme Lodge adjustments to the Editor's salary.

(2) Officers, Directors, Editor, Members on Standing Committees, and other authorized personnel doing work for the Society, be paid actual cost of meals, not to exceed $25.00 per day, plus lodging expenses.

EFFECTIVE 7-1-92.

DIRECTORS:

(3) A lump sum allocation not to exceed $5,000 for the upkeep of the SPJST cemeteries, and give the authority to disburse and administer these funds to the Supreme Lodge.

7-1-92 to 6-30-93

$12,000.00

$100.00 per inspection, $45.00 for final inspection on real estate, plus mileage at 30 cents per mile, lodging and actual cost of meals, not to exceed $25.00 per day.

(4) Authorized the Supreme Lodge to reimburse hosting entities for preconvention activities and refreshments during the convention. Arrangements to be coordinated with the Supreme Lodge.

Salaries beginning July 1993, 1994, 1995 to be reviewed and adjusted by the Finance Committee each year at the annual meeting after the year end figures are complete. The committee at that time will recommend for ratification to the Supreme Lodge adjustments to the Directors salaries.

(5) The Supreme Lodge shall adopt formulas to determine the amount of refund to lodges based on premium income from members and other incentive factors after a review of the annual statement and consultation with the actuary and the Finance Committee. Article 33 (b).

The $12,000 per year includes: Supreme Lodge meeting, delivery of scholarships and insurance policies, attending lodge meeting in the district, etc., workshops and all other duties performed for the Society. Effective immediately.

(6) Delegates and all other parties under remunerations and recommendations get paid for no more the 3 in session convention days. Reason: (To keep the expenses within the reserved amount).

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELOR:

(7) The Board of Directors shall employ an outside consulting firm to develop job descriptions for the Board of Directors, Officers, Editor, Legal Advisor, and the Employees of the Supreme Lodge. This information shall be complete for implementation by January 1, 1993.

(8) The Board of Directors shall employ an outside consulting firm to evaluate the salaries of the employees of the Supreme Lodge and develop a pay schedule according to the duties and responsibilities of the employees of the Supreme Lodge.

(9) $2,500 lump sum allocation to be used for: 1. Team Building by an outside consultant for the elected officers to provide better harmony and promote growth of the organization.

2. Hire a group facilitator to meet with the Supreme Lodge Officers and Directors to define priorities of the Society and establish management methods to achieve these goals. Effective immediately. To Be Completed by 7-1-93.

The following recommendations will be delayed until the By-Law Committee's recommendations have been accepted by the Convention.

$100.00 per day, and all assistants, as outlined by the By-laws, $50.00 per day. Mileage 30 cents per mile, lodging, and actual cost to meals, not to exceed $25.00 per day while on duty. Any other reimbursements will be recommended to and approved by the Supreme Lodge.

YOUTH DEPARTMENT: Authorized the Supreme Lodge to provide quarterly reimbursements of 50 cents per youth member to the local lodge youth clubs.

An annual allocation of $46,000 for 1992; $48,000 for 1993. (1994, 1995, and 1996 will be reviewed by the Finance Committee at the annual meeting.) These funds are to be used EXCLUSIVELY for the YOUTH. All funds are to be accounted for and audited by the District Audit Committee, and a report given at the District Spring Meeting. The Audit (income and expenses) must be filed with the Supreme Lodge President within 30 days after the audit. The District Youth Counselor and the District Audit Committee must see that this report is filed. Any unused revenue is to be placed in the District Youth Fund. Effective Immediately.

Authorized the Supreme Lodge to contribute to the District 50 cents per year for every insured member who has attained the age of 16 years, but not less than $500 annually. This amount must be used for the benefit of the Youth.

OFFICERS SALARIES: 7-1-92 to 6-30-93

$58,000.00

Salaries beginning July 1993, 1994, 1995 to be reviewed and adjusted by the Finance Committee each year at the annual meeting after the year and figures are complete. The committee at that time will recommend for ratification to the Supreme Lodge adjustments for the salaries of the elected officers of the Supreme Lodge.

Any replacement or newly-elected officer in the Supreme Lodge will be paid 80% of the scheduled salary for 6 months and then the performance will be reviewed and salary adjusted deemed appropriate by the Supreme Lodge. Further reviews and adjustments may be performed by the Supreme Lodge as necessary, but not to exceed the salaries as authorized by the convention.

DISTRICT FRATERNAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR: 30 cents per mile, lodging, and actual cost of meals not to exceed $25.00 per day while on duty. Any other reimbursements will be recommended to and approved by the Supreme Lodge.

EDUCATION: CZECH LANGUAGE EDUCATION FUNDS: $8,000 annual allocation to institutions teaching the Czech language, with or without credit. $1,500 per year to lodge sponsored school classes, teaching the Czech langauge, with the authority to disburse and administer the funds to the Supreme Lodge.

Any replacement officer elected by the convention in a contested election involving the incumbent will assume duties July 1, in the year of his/her election or as soon as possible thereafter, but in no event, no later than September 1.

Any such incumbent officer being replaced shall be relieved of his/her duties on June 30, and be paid 90 days, pre-convention salary as termination pay.

$1,500 annual allocation to the American Sokol Organization, Southern District.

LEGAL ADVISOR:

CULTURAL EXCHANGE FUNDS:

The Finance Committee has elected to delay its recommendations for the Legal Advisor until the Finance Committee's recommendations to the By-Law Committee have been acted upon by the convention. (The Legal Advisor no longer be an elected position. The Legal Advisor be a full time employee hired by the Supreme Lodge and salary set by the Supreme Lodge Officers and Directors.

The Legal Advisor to be headquartered in the Supreme Lodge and work with the Officers of the Supreme Lodge.)

$5,000 lump sum allocation to exchange and promote Czechoslovakian activities or projects. These funds are not to be used for TRAVEL EXPENSE. Reason: (Recent changes in Czechoslovakia provide an opportunity to enhance the Czech culture. These funds shall be administered by the Supreme Lodge.

Effective 7-1-92.

Reason: (The rapid growth in complexity and volume of legal matters in the society, some of which need immediate decisions require a legal advisor to be

AMERICAN SOKOL ORGANIZATION:

REST HOMES: (A) Authorize the purchase of a new van or new vehicle, per rest home, when the old vehicles can no longer be of service.

Wednesday, May 13, 1992—VESTNIK/11

for the rest homes, includes charity, maintenance and upkeep, and for other uses as deemed necessary by the S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home Directors.

(B) $10,000 total per year,

—SPJSTPre-Convention Report Of The Insurance Committee

submitting its recommendations sixty days prior to the convention to the committee on by-laws, these recommendations must be reviewed by the actuary.

Members of this committee will receive compensation for attending such meetings as adopted by the preceding convention, and will function during the succeeding convention.

ARTICLE

38. (b)

(b) He is in charge of the Insurance Department and has direct control of the state field managers and local sales representatives.

Present:

March 7, 1992

The Insurance Committee has reviewed and discussed -a great volume of statistical data and procedures regarding our Insurance Department operation. We want to inform you, the member, that we have found our SPJST Insurance Department to be functioning in a very efficient manner, having a good portfolio of products, offering competitive yields on interest-sensitive products, and adequately rewarding our sales representatives for their production.

One area that we researched quite thoroughly is that of sales representatives, their production, and local lodge involvement with attaining new members.

The members of this committee unanimously agree that the local lodge in most cases does not assist the sales representatives in attaining leads for new members. In most lodges, insurance and/or insurance sales is not even discussed.

We find this disheartening because the premium refund furnished the lodges is based on insurance premium collected by that lodge. What better way does a lodge have to earn funds for fraternal activities?

The Supreme Lodge and this committee endorses the concept of an all-volunteer sales force. There are certain shortfalls that we must accept by making this decision. Some facts we would like to make you aware of from our findings are: 1. 30% of our sales representatives attend the training seminars.

2. 75% of the leads sent from the Home Office to the sales representative of record do not respond.

3. Approximately 5% of the sales representatives prospect for new members.

(The rest wait for someone to call.)

4. Because the sales representative is part-time, he gets to his client at convenience.

his

5. Aggressive sales representatives are criticized for selling to a member who hasn't been contacted in recent years by the original sales representative.

To try to overcome these shortfalls, the Insurance Department continuously tries to motivate the sales force to sell. Critics complain that this is an attempt to commercialize the SPJST but we can assure you, by our findings, that this is not true. We must make money to maintain our fraternal/social programs.

Money is earned and SPJST's money is earned through insurance premium and investments.

We have submitted the following By-Law changes to the appropriate committees for action: ARTICLE 1. (1) Present: (i) The word "active" shall mean a member who is still paying premiums, dues and assessments, if any.

Proposed: (i) The word "active" shall mean a member who has a paid-up certificate, annuity, or who is still paying premiums and also pays dues and assessments, if any.

ARTICLE 19. (a) Present: (a) Members of the Supreme Lodge are not eligible for membership on the By-Law Committee, but they are free to attend the committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the committee in every way possible. The committee has the right to deliberate and hold executive sessions during which the persons mentioned in this section would not be present.

Proposed: (a) Members of the Supreme Lodge are not eligible for membership on the By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication Committees but they are free to attend the committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the committee in every way possible. The committee has the right to deliberate and hold executive sessions during which the persons mentioned in this section would not be present.

ARTICLE 19. (b) Present: (b) The legal advisor must attend all meetings of this committee and shall give the committe legal advice.

Proposed: (b) The Supreme Lodge officers may attend these meetings on request of the committee.

Proposed: (b) He is in charge of the Insurance Department and has direct control of the state field personnel and sales representatives.

ARTICLE

38. (c)

(c) In areas where more sales representatives are needed, the vice president has the right to appoint new sales representatives whenever he feels it is in the best interest of the Society. He must contact local lodge officers before appointing a new sales representative for any one lodge. After a new sales representative is appointed, he must be active in the lodge activities, namely, attend lodge meetings, and regularly scheduled sales representative seminars. If this requirement is not met to the satisfaction of the local lodge, a letter from the local lodge president would be sent to the Supreme Lodge vice president notifying him that the sales representative is not fulfilling his obligation to the lodge. The vice president will contact the sales representative in question and re-define his responsibilities. If the sales representative cannot comply with what his obligations are, he will be dismissed as a sales representative.

Present:

Proposed: (c) In areas where more sales representatives are needed, the vice president has the right to appoint new sales representatives whenever he feels it is in the best interest of the Society. He must contact local lodge officers before appointing a new sales representative for any one lodge. After a new sales representative is appointed, he should be active in lodge activities, namely, attend lodge meetings, and regularly scheduled sales representative seminars. If this requirement is not met to the satisfaction of the local lodge, a letter from the local lodge president would be sent to the Supreme Lodge vice president notifying him that the sales representative is not fulfilling his obligation to the lodge. The vice president will contact the sales representative in question and re-define his responsibilities. If the sales representative cannot comply with what his obligations are, he will be dismissed as a sales representative.

ARTICLE

38. (i) Present: (i) He

appoints, with the approval of the Supreme Lodge, one, or more if needed, state field managers whose primary duties shall be to assist the vice president in the discharge of all duties in the Insurance Department. The state field managers shall receive such salary and expense allowance as may be fixed by the Supreme Lodge. A person, in order to be considered for appointment as state field manager, must be an active member of this Society and does not have all of his insurance with the Society prematurely exchanged for paidup insurance.

Proposed: (i) He appoints, with the approval of the Supreme Lodge, state field personnel whose primary duties shall be to assist the vice president in the discharge of all duties in the Insurance Department. The state field personnel shall receive such salary and expense allowance as may be fixed by the Supreme Lodge. A person, in order to be considered for appointment as state field personnel, must be an active member of this Society.

ARTICLE 46. (b) Present: (b) All premiums and dues and assessments, if any, are paid monthly or for a longer period, according to the wishes of the payor.

Proposed: (b) All insurance premiums will be billed and paid directly to the Supreme Lodge. Dues and assessments, if any, are paid monthly, or for a longer period to the local lodges.

REASON: There are still lodges which have not initiated the direct billing, and it is felt that all lodges should comply and avail themselves of this service.

ARTICLE

75. (a)

(a) The petition for permission to organize a new lodge must be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge on an appropriate form signed by not less than 20 respectable persons who are insurable and who were not members of the Society, at the time of application, but who have applied for insurance, and have been accepted as members, in anticipation of forming a new lodge.

Present:

Proposed: (a) The petition for permission to organize a new lodge must be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge on an appropriate form signed by not less than 20 respectable persons who are insurable.

ARTICLE

75. (b)

(b) Every petition shall be submitted on a form prepared by the Supreme Lodge and shall be accompanied by the 20 applications for new membership.

Present:

Proposed:

ARTICLE

(b) delete

23.

Present: The Insurance Committee has the right to meet as requested by the Vice President with the approval of the Supreme Lodge with one meeting six (6) months prior to the convention. Before submitting its recommendations sixty days prior to the convention to the committee on by-laws, these recommendations must be reviewed by the actuary. Members of this committee will receive compensation for attending such meetings as adopted by the preceding convention, and will function during the succeeding convention.

Proposed: The Insurance Committee has the right to meet as deemed necessary with at least one meeting six (6) months prior to the convention. Before

ARTICLE

75, (c)

The Supreme Lodge will then send a representative to the new lodge for the purpose of organizing the lodge, electing officers, and giving basic lodge organizational instruction and general information about the Society.

Present: (c)

Proposed: (b) The Supreme Lodge will then send a representative to the new lodge for the purpose of organizing the lodge, electing officers, and giving basic lodge organizational instruction and general information about the Society.

12/VESTMK—Wednesday, May 13, 1992 ARTICLE 75. (d) Present: (d) After a new lodge has sufficient members other than transfers and juveniles, it must, within 90 days of its organization, be formally chartered in accordance with the wishes of the members and the Supreme Lodge ritual.

Proposed: (c) After a new lodge has sufficient members, it must, within 90 days of its organization, be formally chartered in accordance with the wishes of the members and the Supreme Lodge ritual.

The Insurance Committee made the following recommendations to be presented to the convention: 1. MEMBERSHIP BY ANNUITY CERTIFICATE: Under the present procedure, the only way to become a member is by puchasing a life insurance certificate unless uninsurable and then by an annuity. The Society has had numerous opportunities for large amounts of money to be deposited in annuities or IRS from prospective members who had no insurance but were insurable. The Society had to refuse this business and thereby lose the profit from this plan. Recommend that delegates study this procedure and incorporate possible change to allow membership by annuity certificate if no insurance certificate is held by individual.

2. Recommend that Supreme Lodge Officers, District Directors, and members of the standing committees of the SPJST Society should have at least a $5,000 certificate prior to the year 2000.

In conclusion, we can report to you that we as a committee feel the Insurance Department is operating in an efficient well-managed manner. We do feel that the general membership must be more involved in helping the local lodge sales representative procure more new members. With this cooperation, we feel the SPJST will attain new heights of achievement.

June 8, 1990 election. After some discussion, it was decided that the letter be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge for consideration.

In 1990, Editor Rudy Sefcik stated that the old printing machine that was printing the Vestnik was skipping words and the publisher has purchased a new laser printer and that the Vestnik is being printed by laser.

The committee discussed whether the editor should be elected by the convention or appointed by the Supreme Lodge. The committee was unanimous in its deliberations that the editor should be elected by the convention.

Editor Rudy Sefcik stated that the deadline for pictures to appear in the Vestnik is by noon Wednesday and that the deadline for articles is by noon on Thursday.

The committee discussed that pictures that are sent to be used in the Vestnik are to be black and white and not colored pictures.

The committee feels that the Vestnik should be printed weekly as a service to its members. We feel that the SPJST is a people organization. The editor, if elected by the convention delegates, is more responsible to the members.

The Publication Committee feels that the editor is doing a good job and is cooperating with the Publication Committee and Supreme Lodge officers satisfactorily.

Melvin Skrabanek Secretary —SPJST-

Respectfully submitted, Helen Hegwood Insurance Committee, Secretary This report is respectfully submitted for Vestnik publication Article 3 (d) by the Insurance Committee.

Susan Skrabanek - District 1 Ladis Navratil - District 2 Ben Jarma, Chairman - District 3 Raymond Pavliska - District 4 Helen Hegwood, Secretary - District 5 Jerome Hlavaty - District 6 Pauline Bayer - District 7 —SPJSTHoward B. Leshikar Publication

Committee Report May 6, 1992

This is a report of the Publication Committee for the last four years.

The 1988 Convention elected the following members to the Publication Committee: District I -- Melvin H. Skrabanek District II -- Dorothy Pechal District III -- Albert L. Banik District IV -- Angeline Kristinek District V -- Tommie Lostak District VI -- Sophie Dybala District VII -- Betty Jurica The new members on the committee are Dorothy Pechal, Tommie Lostak and Betty Jurica.

Following the 1988 Convention in Temple, the committee elected the following officers: Chairperson -- Angeline Kristinek Vice Chairman"-- Albert L. Banik Secretary -- Melvin H . Skrabanek The Publication Committee met once each year since the last convention for their annual meeting.

During the past four years, the Publication Committee received letters with objectionable material and several letters complimenting the Vestnik. The committee acted on all letters.

The Publication Committee and Editor Sefcik saw a need for four extra pages in the Vestnik to be used for the children's poster contest and other special occasions. The 1988 Convention approved the four extra pages and Editor Sefcik printed a twenty-page Vestnik seven times in 1990, six times in 1991 and four times so far in 1992.

There are no Vestniks printed during the second week of June and the third week in August per Supreme Lodge contract with the publisher.

Chairperson Angeline Kristinek received a letter from Mrs. Irene Vylupek, Lubbock, Texas requesting the Publication Committee to donate a copy machine to the City Government of Nachod, Czechoslovakia to be used for the

President's Pre-Convention (XXVIth) Report Dear Members, In just five short years we will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary as a fraternal benefit society. We can be proud that we have been able to serve our members for 95 years. Every member can be proud of the benefits offered through our insurance programs, our mortgage programs, and our many other fraternal programs. Our success, even in difficult economic times, can be attributed to the effort of many people working together for the benefit of the whole. In difficult times the devotion of loyal members has made the difference.

As we approach the XXVIth Convention there is the excitement in the air that comes with making the preparations for this important opportunity, where members chart the course our organization will follow the next four years. Because your deliberations will provide the groundwork for the continued growth and prosperity of our fraternal benefit society, it is extremely important that you be well informed.

We have been notified by the Executive Director of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), that on July 1, 1992, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), will release its study of the seven largest fraternals (the study was initiated in 1985). We can expect this report to be somewhat negative on the fraternal system. Although we cannot predict its ramifications, all the member societies are aware of the possibilities; and we plan to work together to maintain our non-profit status.

We feel that the SPJST truly merits its non-profit status. For the last eight years, our local lodges have been more accurately documenting their fraternal activities and have been engaging in a wide variety of fraternal programs to benefit members and the communities they serve. It is indeed encouraging to see the growing enthusiasm and broad support for our many programs. We know that for our programs to work there must be member support and participation. At the Local Lodge Officers' Workshop held at the SPJST Lodge in Elgin, in February 1992, many new ideas for fraternal projects and activities were advanced by our lodge leaders from across the state. In order to serve our members better, we must continually encourage input and make use of the ideas and talents of our members to improve our organization. Being able to capitalize on the ideas of our members is truly our most valuable asset.

As we help our local lodges implement programs that promote the involvement of our members, our lodge system will be strengthened. We must not forget the importance of maintaining our existing lodges and organizaing new ones. According to law, we must have a lodge system to be a fraternal benefit society. In essence, our very survival depends on being able to retain members and provide the kind of programs that will interest and involve them in lodge activities. In this manner our emphasis on family involvement strengthens our society and the communities we serve. Therefore, we must continue to facilitate activities that benefit all members from youth through adult.

Since our last convention, our youth program has expanded with newlyformed youth clubs being organized and a dramatic increase in our scholarship program. With the start of our "100 Pennies" scholarship drive and the generosity of our members, we were able this year to give 75 scholarships to our college age members.

Helping our young members gain confidence and skills through participation in our youth activities, or attending the school of their choice is a significant investment in our society and our country. Again, this success depends on the combined efforts of the many working for the good of the whole.

As we build and move toward our 100th Anniversary, we must enlist and reward the efforts of dedicated members who work with our youth, includ-

Wednesday, May 13, 1992—VESTNtlE/13

ing parents, local Youth Leaders, District Youth Counselors and our State Youth Director. Our State Fraternal Activities Coordinator (SFAC), is working to recognize our volunteers and elected leaders who accept the responsibilities for the fraternal programs in our lodges and in our districts. Our volunteers who serve our society as sales representatives must be given the support and the incentives to continue the work of bringing our programs to prospective new members.

Also our professional staff, including our Officers and Directors, at the Home Office who give themselves daily to the routine business of serving members, must be commended for their talent and their dedication to our organization, its goals, and purpose.

During this term as your President, my family and I have attended over.

280 society functions of all types: lodge meetings, fund raisers, anniversaries, May fetes, summer camps, seminars, workshops, heritage festivals, parades, and tournaments. We want to commend the many members who worked together, contributing time and effort to make these events successful.

Your enthusiasm and hard work has been inspiring to us.

At this XXVIth Convention, many decisions will be made which will shape our society well into the 21st Century. Therefore, I urge you to adopt those proposals which will preserve the democratic aspects of our society and those which will bind us closely together. Always preserve your right to elect the officials who will be serving you. Let us continue to merit our fraternal status, both in our governance and in our program of member benefits.

I am proud of the SPJST. It has been my pleasure to serve you as your President. Therefore, as a 50-year member, I would like to ask your support for another term of office. Together with hard work, and with love of our fraternal heritage we can design and implement programs to carry the SPJST proudly into the 21st century, as a leader of the fraternal benefit societies. Together we can continue to grow.

Fraternally, Howard B. Leshikar President —SPJST--

Bernard M. Gebala

Pre-Convention Report Of The Vice President This report is submitted in accordance with Article 36 (a) of the 1988 SPJST By-Laws.

To help you follow in detail our growth pattern, may I call your attention to my annual report to the SPJST membership that were published in the following Vestniks:

ANNUAL REPORT FOR: 1991 1990 1989 1988

VESTNIK ISSUE DATE February 26, 1992 February 13, 1991 February 7, 1990 February 8, 1989

The SPJST has functioned in a professional and outstanding manner that has allowed our members the distinct privilege of our Society being secure and solvent. The SPJST is one of twenty-one fraternal societies rated A or A+ by A.M. Best, a respected life insurance evaluating company. I do want to bring to your attention that this examination by A.M. Best is voluntary and the SPJST must pay to have this evaluation completed. We have subjected SPJST to this scrutiny for the benefit of our membership so you are aware of our current financial position in comparison to other life insurance organizations (both commercial and fraternal).

cial. Fraternalism is the frosting on the cake of an SPJST life certificate---SPECIAL, you bet!! With Financial Services and Faternalism being the two oars powering the SPJST boat, by pulling together, we will maintain our path of success.

The SPJST sales representative is a very unique person in our Society.

They have performed well for us and we try to assist them as much as possible to be successful. Due to the fact he/she is a volunteer and SPJST sales is not his/her primary income is what makes our sales force different. I want to restate now what I have previously reported to you about our sales representatives.

During the last four years, economic conditions have changed drastically in the life insurance industry. With the onset of a large life insurance carrier scam in California, the insurance industry has come under much scrutiny.

Many people who took life insurance companies' solvencies for granted all of a sudden began worrying about their policies (or in a fraternal's case, the certificate). A.M. Best has had to restructure its analysis of insurance organizations and in many cases, ratings have dropped. The SPJST and its members can be proud of our organization in that its rating has remained an A (Excellent). This illustrates our constant stability, strength, and dedication to our members to provide not only a means of financial support through its insurance products but also a safe, "solvent" organization which will be here in the future for us, our children, grandchildren, and so forth.

It is understandable for anyone to be concerned about the solvency of their life insurance carrier but I can assure you that every audit and exam the SPJST has been subjected to, whether it be the State Board of Insurance, IRS, private auditing firm's annual audit, Board of Directors' Semi-annual Audit, and Finance Committee review of audit, we have passed with "flying colors."

As a fraternal organization, you as a member have a right to know exactly where your company stands financially and in all aspects of operations. After all, it's your company. Your concerns about SPJST, if you have any, can be answered by a simple WATS call or a home office visit would be better so you can be shown all documents that substantiate our very enviable financial position. For anyone by innuendoes or inference to mislead their fellow members into believing something other than the exceptional financial shape we are in exists, is certainly a disservice.

One area I hope we could improve in would be the securing of new members. The Supreme Lodge and the Insurance Committee has given this much attention, and I believe we have some common direction. An area we plan to concentrate on will be the use of the Vestnik in helping to procure new members. When people read of all the good things going on within our Society, they will want to join hands with us. That's what makes fraternal benefit societies different than commercial insurance companies. In 19851986 when I had the honor of being President of the Fraternal Section of the National Fraternal Congress, I became cognizant of the fact that that is why fraternal life insurance is so spe-

SALES REPRESENTATIVES The SPJST sales representative is in most cases elected at his/her local lodge meeting. His job function is to enroll new insurance members in SPJST and to sell and service life insurance as a representative exclusively for SPJST. He is also asked to develop and maintain a growing clientele of certificate holders, to further the insurance and fraternal objectives, and promote growth of the SPJST. That is a very sizeable job function and responsibility that each SPJST sales representative agrees to upon accepting his/her position. To ask or even expect someone to accomplish this on a part-time basis is a very ambitious goal. Currently, of the approximately 450 sales representatives we have on board, there is a wide range of commitments to the SPJST. No matter how active or passive the sales representative activity is, everyone of them is important to us, and we appreciate whatever they do for the good of the Order. The Insurance Committee has gone on record endorsing the all-volunteer sales force as did the Supreme Lodge.

No one appreciates their office staff any more than I. The Insurance Department personnel are all positive thinkers and very talented people. The SPJST and I are fortunate to have them on our team. Their ingenuity and dedication are above question.

In conclusion, I will restate some items I've mentioned to you before. I recognize my responsibility to our members. Those of you who have believed in SPJST by purchasing a life product with us know that your investment with us will be taken care of.

There is not one fraternal domiciled in the State of Texas with a higher solvency rating than SPJST. We have and will continue to foster excellent communicative relationships with all other fraternal organizations within the NFCA. The SPJST, by virtue of my being elected vice president of the Fraternal Field Managers Association, can be proud of our involvement in marketing trends within the fraternal insurance industry. I can tell you that the SPJST is in a very enviable position. I'm proud to be a part of our achievements.

I solicit your support for another term as vice president of the SPJST. Evelyn and I and our children thank all of you for your cordial friendship you have afforded us in the past, and I look forward to serving you in the future.

Fraternally, Bernard M. Gebala, FIC Vice President —SPJST-

Leonard D. Mikeska

Secretary-Treasurer's Pre-Convention Report May 6, 1992 TO: XXVI CONVENTION DELEGATES AND SPJST MEMBERSHIP Dear Delegates and Members: This is my pre-convention report submitted for your consideration. The report covers the past four years of activities and is required by our ByLaws.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES AND HAPPENINGS - In beginning my preconvention report I want to share with you what I feel are some significant changes observed during the past four years, and what has taken place that may have an impact on the focus of management for the next four years.

(1) The insurance industry has and is going through a period of testing.

People are understandably looking for reliable evidence of financial strength and stability.

The SPJST successfully came through this period and continues to hold an A.M. Best & Co. rating of A (excellent). This experience underlines the fact that we need to continue a conservative investment policy.

(2) The amount of SPJST funds attributed to interest-sensitive products has increased from near $14 4 million at year-end 1988 to near $27 million at yearend 1991. The interest-sensitive products offered by the SPJST are annuities and Universal Life.

(3) On a cash basis, assets have increased from $59,429,944.69 at yearend 1988 to $77,789,113.08 at yearend 1991.

(4) There appears to be a "back to the roots" movement in the SPJST. There appears to be a healthy resurgence of interest among our members for information and an indication that our members want to be more involved in deciding the direction of the Society. This is healthy and indicates that our Society is alive and well and that our members want a greater role in shaping the SPJST of the future.

14/'VESTNiK-Wednesday, May 13, 1992 INVESTMENT RESULTS - I am pleased to report that our net return on assets for 1991 stood at 8.8%. Due in part to the concentration on quality of investments, the market value of our bond portfolio exceeded its book value near $1.5 million at yearend.

Interest rate risk is managed by a relatively short average maturity of approximately 5 years.

There is a need to continue to place emphasis on the following investment objectives:

quality standards.

(2) To maintain good liquidity.

(3) To manage interest rate risk by limiting the average maturity life of the portfolio.

realtor for $43,900. (Property sold on April 30, 1992 for $39,000. Book value at sale $49,831.36. Loss of property $10,831.36.)

(15) REO #181 - Residence in Tarrant County, Texas foreclosed 2-4-92.

Book value $57,360.13. (Listed with realtor and price set on February 12, 1992 was $74,900.)

nature promptly and efficiently in compliance with State and Federal regulation, to file various reports timely, and to keep the records in order.

IN CONCLUSION - You as a member have an important voice in the operation of the SPJST. In a sense, you as members of the SPJST operate the (4) To maintain high standards for Society through the delegates and the making well-secured mortgage elected officials. loans.

Those of us who are chosen to CLAIMS AND CERTIFICATE manage must never forget that this is The following is a 1991 yearend SERVICE - Over the past four years, comparative analysis of our assets on a death has claimed 1,354 of our mem- membership organization which (1) To closely monitor the quality of cash basis by percentage, showing how bers. We have paid their beneficiaries provides benefits shaped around your your funds are invested: investments and maintain high near $3.3 million in benefits. When a needs. Our goal must be to serve our family suffers the loss of a loved one, members and improve their quality of we provide simplified, efficient han- life.

Mortgage Loans $30,190,741.47 38.811% I appreciate the opportunity to serve dling of their claim.

Lodge Loans 1,209,983.38 1.556% you these past six terms and appreciate Bonds & Securities 42,729,808.10 54.930% the courtesies and cooperation of the Certificate service covers a broad Common Stock 526,811.77 .677% Supreme Lodge officers and directors. area of responsibility which includes Home Office/Equipment/ 1,211,330.46 1.557% I thank the employees in my departdeath claims, servicing annuities, hanReal Estate Owned ment for their efforts and for striving dling I.R.A.s, surrenders, certificate Certificate Loans 1,481,093.97 1.904% for excellence; Dorothy Tomasek, loans, assignments, immediate annuity Certificates of Deposit 117,161.62 .151% Lanita Anglin, Ann Paruzinski, Magpayments, I.R.S. reporting, etc.

Cash 322,182.31 .414% dalen Jez White, Christy Benson and The Home Office is here to serve Total $77,789,113.08 100.000% you. We fully realize this and want to Ed Mokry. *** My thanks are extended to the lodge handle member requests promptly, officers, and all other local and district courteously and efficiently. officials and to the members for their (3) REO #169 - Residence in BurREAL ESTATE LOAN DEPARTcooperation and uncountable acts of leson County, Texas foreclosed 1-5GENERAL CORPORATE ADMENT - Many of our member families have been helped by our mortgage 88. Book value $40,286.53. Sold for MINISTRATION - This broad kindness.

You have my assurance and pledge general area of responsibility conloan department. This is a valuable $6,000.00. Loss $34,286.53. sumes a substantial amount of time. that I will attend to the duties of this service and provides a good alternative (4) REO #170 - Residence in Ellis The demands of handling general ad- office and offer the best of my for investing some of the funds of the County, Texas foreclosed 2-2-88. ministrative matters seem to increase abilities. I am again a candidate for the SPJST. We have had an average of just Book value $135,370.49. Sold for each year as our Society grows and as office of Secretary-Treasurer and ask doing business as a corporation be- for your support. under four foreclosures per year for $85,000.00. Loss $50,370.49.

My wife, Dorothy, and I extend to comes more complex. The general the past four years. The foreclosures can be attributed in part to a bad econ(5) REO #171 - Residence in Austin duties include the managing of various you best wishes for a good convention, omy and a bad real estate market. A County, Texas foreclosed 3-1-88. liability and other insurance and hearty and warm good wishes for detailed listing of foreclosed proper- Book value $95,740.37. Sold for coverages, risk management, accounts your good health, happiness and God's payable, facility management, cor- Blessings. ties follows: $105,000.00. Profit on sale $9,259.63.

Fraternally yours, porate minutes, record keeping, comLeonard D. Mikeska pliance, IRS Reports, etc.

FORECLOSED/CONVEYED REAL (6) REO #172 - Residence in Live Secretary-Treasurer Every attempt is made to handle the ESTATE SOLD Oak County, Texas foreclosed 5-2-89.

-SPJSTBook value $87,686.68. Sold for general matters of an administrative REO #163 Lodge Building in (1) $55,000.00. Loss $32,686.68.

Longview, Gregg County, Texas. by companies that rate life insurance Original loan was made 4-27-78 and a (7) REO #173 - Residence in Tarrant companies. These rating companies second loan on 5-19-81. Property con- County, Texas foreclosed 6-6-89. have become strict and have become veyed to Society on 1-1-87. Principal Book value $101,370.73. Sold for very hesitant in issuing ratings of any balance at conveyance $287,160.36. $69,500.00. Loss $31,870.73. kind. All factors contribute to this rat(Interest as of 1-1-87 in the amount of ing and our rating with A.M. Best $47,508.32 was written off by the (8) REO #174 - .5 -acre tract and Company remained as A (excellent) in Supreme Lodge.) dwelling in Travis County, Texas 1990. Rating for 1991 will be forthIn December 1987 the Supreme foreclosed 8-1-89. Book value coming. The following statements will Lodge and local lodge officials entered $62,039.84. Sold for $68,000.00. reflect our positive position in the life into a lease-purchase contract on the Profit on sale $5,960.16. insurance industry. All official figures property for $308,000.00, subject to are taken from annual statements as the option if the lodge meets the terms (9) REO #175 - Residence in Wharsubmitted to the State Board of Insurof the lease-purchase agreement for a ton County, Texas foreclosed 12-2-89. ance. All figures will appear on an acperiod of one year, the Society would Book value $59,892.64. Sold for crual basis. consider deeding the property back to $54,900.00. Loss $4,992.64. Financed the lodge. The terms of the agreement for $47,900.00.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT provided that: (10) REO #176 - Residence in BurI have submitted a financial stateLodge was to pay $1,000.00 monthly leson County, Texas foreclosed 3-6Jerry Mikulas ment of the Slavonic Benevolent Order beginning 2-1-88, all insurance and 90. Book value $31,692.09. Sold for of the State of Texas (SPJST) for a liability premiums on building and all $7,000.00. Loss $24,692.09. four-year period which includes 1988, taxes.

1989, 1990 and 1991. This financial Two payments of $1,000 each were (11) REO #177 - Residence in Bell statement enables you to compare asreceived and ten were missed during County, Texas foreclosed 5-1-90. sets, liabilities, income, expense and the year, and the insurance, taxes, and Book value $12,123.39. Sold for surplus. Assets have increased by aprepairs were not paid thus, the contract $12,749.68. Profit on sale $626.29. proximately 24 million dollars. We was not renewed. have also seen our liabilities increase Property was again listed with a real(12) REO #178 - Residence in Pursuant to Article 3 (d) and Article by approximately 20 million dollars. tor in June of 1989 and remained listed Nueces County, Texas foreclosed 11- 33 (b) of our 1988 SPJST By-Laws, I The difference between assets and liato the date of sale.

6-90. Book value of $41,244.68. Sold submit this four-year report for bilities gives us the unassigned funds Property sold on 4-10-91 for for $41,500.00. Profit on sale $255.32. your consideration. or surplus which increased by 4 mil$162,500.00. At time of sale, book lion dollars bringing total surplus to 17 value of property was $327,312.50. FORECLOSED REAL ESTATE Article 40 states that the Financial million dollars. To assure that our SoLoss on sale was $164,812.50.

FOR SALE NOT SOLD AS OF 12- Secretary is responsible for all ac- ciety remains safe and secure, our surMajor factors affecting sale were: 31-91 counting functions of our Society. I am plus must continue to show a steady Poor local economy with many empty very pleased to report that the SPJST growth. Good surplus growth is attribcommerical buildings; rural location (13) REO #179 - Residence in Bur- has continued to show increased uted to the following: several miles form Kilgore or leson County, Texas foreclosed 8-6- growth throughout this four-year peLongview; limited potential for kind of 91. Book value $81,923.66. Listed for riod. We have seen many banks, sav1. Superior management sale for $78,000.00 with realtor (Price ings and loan associations and use.

Accurate actuarial assumptions 2. reduced on Feb. 18, 1992 to $72,900.) insurance companies become insolvent 3.

Sound investments (2) REO #168 - Residence in Burand I wish to assure all certificate Low operating costs 4. leson County, Texas foreclosed 1-5(14) REO #180 - Residence in Tar- holders that our Society remains safe 5. Good underwriting techniques 88. Book value $27,463.58. Sold for rant County, Texas foreclosed 9-3-91. and secure. The American people have 6. Good persistency $12,000.00. Loss $15,463.58.

Book value $45,367.80. Listed with become more aware of ratings issued

Pre-Convention Report Of The Financial Secretary

Wednesday, May 13, 1992--VESTNiK/15 Earnings on our assets make it possi- to members. My financial statement ble to support all fraternal programs, follows. refund to lodges and individual refund

85% of our certificate holders and 33% of total insurance in force.

REFUND TO LOCAL LODGES

Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas (SPJST) Financial Statement A Four-Year Comparison

The Supreme Lodge Officers and Directors were pleased to declare refunds to local lodges for the past four years.

Total refund to lodges for the past four years amounted to approximately $750,000.00. We continue to adopt

Statements of Financial Condition

formulas that enable local lodges to receive a substantial portion of refunds determined by first year premium income. The purpose of this formula is to receive full support of local lodges in appointing new sales representatives and providing them with leads. It is very important that each local lodge increase new insurance sales so that they continue to receive significant refunds.

Top Fifteen Lodges Top Fifteen Lodges as of December 31, 1991 were as follows:

1988 $23,995,627 687,727 31,121,534 1,248,093 1,400,481 587,448 1,163,395 $60,204,305

ASSETS Bonds Stocks Mortgage Loans Certificate Loans Real Estate Cash Other Assets TOTALS

LIABILITIES AND RESERVES $44,914,292 Certificate Reserves 156,227 Certificate Benefits Payable 652,894 Surplus Refunds Payable Premiums on Deposit & Unearned 325,777 345,046 Accrued Liabilities $46,394,236 TOTALS Certificate Holders' Surplus 13,810,069 $60,204,305 TOTALS

1989 $28,755,509 1,678,427 30,383,788 1,322,267 1,500,806 786,287 1,103,666 $65,530,750

1990 $34,234,234 1,437,906 31,389,669 1,412,611 1,199,612 566,002 1,202,676 $71,442,710

1991 $42,666,763 605,360 31,313,725 1,481,094 955,281 436,252 1,382,591 $78,841,066

$49,265,479 156,582 660,770

$53,867,572 171,284 689,823

$59,751,088 201,319 664,022

302,274 335,322 $50,720,427 14,810,323 $65,530,750

280,329 295,673 $55,304,681 16,138,029 $71,442,710

234,214 305,620 $61,156,263 17,684,803 $78,841,066

Statements of Operations INCOME Insurance & Annuity Premiums Net Investment Income TOTALS

1988

1989

1990

1991

$5,710,132 5,166,005 $10,876,137

$4,981,733 5,219,442 $10,201,175

$4,813,270 5,898,358 $10,711,628

$6,392,992 6,329,458 $ 2,722,450

$2,699,899 660,770 4,351,187 1,656,333

$2,114,530 689,823 4,602,093 1,572,392

$2,583,799 628,275 5,883,516 2,042,910

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME Life Benefits $2,247,156 Refunds to Members 652,894 Additions to Reserves 5,106,139 Operating Expenses 2,030,139 Net Realized Capital Gains or Losses 136,843 TOTALS $10,173,171 NET INCOME $702,966

CERTIFICATES LODGE NO. 8,577 1. 88, Houston 2,064 2. 47, Seaton 1,823 3. 29, Taylor 1,755 4. 66, Elm Mott 1,398 5. 84, Dallas 1,136 6. 25, Ennis 1,108 7. 24, Cyclone 1,100 8. 92, Ft. Worth 1,068 9. 154, Ft. Worth 1,038 10. 40, El Campo 1,011 11. 17, New Tabor 964 12. 172, Pasadena 906 13. 74, Crockett 903 14. 142, Houston 888 15. 79, Corpus Christi As of December 31, 1991, we showed $296,808,704.00 amount of insurance in force. We continue to show an increase in this amount due to our sales representatives selling larger certificates. Our Society's growth depends directly on our sales, representatives. All lodges must review their growth pattern so that their membership may set goals and objectives for the future.

STATE EXAMINATION/INDEPENDENT AUDIT

The State Board of Insurance Audit for years 1987 through 1989 was completed on 7-24-1990 and the official examination report was reviewed by the Supreme Lodge. I am pleased to report that no discrepancies of any Statements of Changes in Certificate Holders' Surplus magnitude were found. Copies of these reports were mailed to all lodges. The 1988 1989 1990 1991 State Board of Insurance has informed Balance Beginning $13,054,874 $13,810,069 $14,810,323 $16,138,030 our office that an examination will be 702,966 831,995 1,684,759 Net Income 1,301,688 conducted during 1992. Our indepen52,229 168,259 Investment Transactions 357,052245,085 dent audit for 1991 is being conducted BALANCE ENDING $13,810,069 $14,810,323 $16,138,030 $17,684,803

by Brockway, Chupik, Gersbach and Niemeier. P.C. This audit began on 12-1992 and should be finished by 6DIRECT BILL INDIVIDUAL REFUND TO MEM- 10-1992. Independent audits for 1988, 1989 and 1990 were conducted by Peat BERS Direct Bill was implemented in 1985 Marwick Main and Company. All inand my department has continued to We continue to pay a premium re- dependent audits were reviewed by our place lodges on Direct Bill up to the fund at a rate of 3% of the mid-termi- board and no discrepancies were present time. As of this report, we nal reserve on all permanent life noted. These independent audits were have completed 98 lodges with a cer- certificates excluding all certificates also filed with the State Board of Intificate count of 47,860 to "Direct Bill- issued under the 1980 CSO Mortality surance as prescribed by the code. ing." This accounts for 92% of our Table. Each certificate holder has the Cost of audits for the past four years certificate holders and 84% of our option to receive a refund check each have amounted to approximately lodges. All lodges who have converted year or convert this refund to paid-up $88,000.00 have indicated that they are extremely insurance, better known as paid-up adpleased with the results. We have been ditions. This refund program was first IN CONCLUSION able to render more prompt service to started in 1969 and up to the present our certificate holders by having cur- time we have refunded over 7 million At this time, I would like to thank rent information in our Home Office dollars to our members. Please bear in the employees of my department for a Computer. Being that only 8% of cer- mind that our premiums charged were job well done. All of this detailed tificate holders remain on group bill, I not set up to pay any refund. Our Soci- work would be impossible without an have asked the By-Law Committee ety has continued to show a net gain efficient office staff. My employees that our by-laws be changed making it from our operations even though our include Dorothy Stuchly, Debbie mandatory that all lodges change to refunds have continued. Approxi- Dohnalik, Linda Johnson and Sue "Direct Bill." Collection of premiums Jaramillo. Debbie and Linda, my assisthrough direct bill is being made forty- mately 67% of our membership opted tants, have proven their capabilities five days ahead of premiums collected to receive paid-up additions in lieu of and dedication to their positions over through group bill. We continue to in- premium refunds. Over the past four the past 16 years. Dorothy and Sue vest all funds on a daily basis. Direct years, we increased life insurance in have also performed their duties very Bill has definitely increased the work force by approximately 4 million dol- efficiently and have become a valuable load of my department, however, I lars through the paid-up additions pro- asset to my department. I must not forhave only added one additional em- gram; otherwise, we would have get the other team members of the ployee since the inception of this pro- forwarded over one and one-half raf.:.- Home Office. It has been a pleasure gram bringing total employees in my lion dollars in cash to our certificate working with the employees and with holders. This product line represents department to four. the Supreme Lodge Officers. I cer991 $9,369,180 $831,995

48,031 $9,026,869 $1,684,759

282,262 $11,420,762 $1,301,688

AMOUNT OF INSURANCE $35,681,111.00 16,022,627.00 8,964,957.00 7,844,276.00 10,864,111.00 9,043,711.00 9,483,050.00 6,437,987.00 4,279,102.00 8,897,713.00 7,961,830.00 3,831,400.00 5,161,492.00 7,858,242.00 4,816,585.00

tainly appreciate the fine cooperation each has displayed towards me.

I'd like to tell you that I find much pride in representing the SPJST. My wife, Betty and I and our children try our best to represent you well. I have devoted all of my time and effort for the past 32 years in making our Society a sound and safe Fraternal Benefit Society. I thank the delegates and membership for allowing me to serve as a member of the Supreme Lodge. I will again be a candidate for the office of Financial Secretary and ask your support.

Fraternally, Jerry Mikulas Financial Secretary -SPJST-

Sidney Kacir

Attorney's Pre-Convention Report to XXVI Convention Dear Delegates and Members: I respectfully submit a short summary of the legal services rendered to this Society, local lodges, members, borrowers from the SPJST, and all parties dealiu with the SPJST for the period begir.zing with January 1, 1989.

Our SPJST enjoys a favored position under the law as a fraternal life insurance society.

16/VESTNtK—Wednesday, May 13, 1992 Our SPJST is able to provide or assist its members in providing many benefits such as the lodges, insurance, district programs, youth programs, educational scholarships, and many other benefits because of the privileges we enjoy under State and Federal law.

Along with the privileges we have, we have the obligation to assure that we operate in strict accordance with State and Federal law.

The efforts continue by some members of the United States Congress and by the IRS at the federal level to revise Section 501 (c) (8) of the Internal Revenue Code. This is the basic section of the federal law that grants the Society its exemption from federal income taxes. It is very important that we all continue to operate strictly within the law and to make the facts known in any matters concerning this vital section of federal law so that we may continue to be exempt from the federal income tax. It is these tax savings that provide much of the funds for our member benefits.

The Society operates in a very changing environment. The legal advisor's work is demanding and challenging in many areas where we are being brought into federal level and nationwide problems that require federal library reference materials and the ability to work and analyze problems on a federal level.

Over 31 million of the Society's assets is invested in mortgage loans, and with over 960 loans currently on the books, there is a lot of activity. There is always something happening that needs to be tended to quickly and efficiently.

The interest income received from mortgage loans in the year 1991 was $3,101,437 and the interest income received for the years covered by this report through December 31, 1991 is in excess of $9,292,569.

Since we have much of the Society's assets invested in mortgage loans, it is to be expected that we will have some borrowers who do not make the payments and it becomes necessary to foreclose our lien. Some borrowers will file for bankruptcy and some borrowers will be sued over property taxes. We are fortunate that we have only had a few foreclosures. We do have bankruptcies in federal courts that are currently pending in the northern, western and southern districts of Texas that affect SPJST. The bankruptcy chapters involved are Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 1,3. During the time covered by this report, we opened 82 files involving bankruptcies, foreclosures, and tax suits. Of the 37 foreclosures started, 11 temporarily ended when the borrowers filed bankruptcy a few days before the scheduled foreclosure.

When this occurs all of the work on the foreclosure must start from the beginning when the bankruptcy stay is lifted or we can otherwise proceed.

These proceedings are always quite technical, tedious and complex.

I especially want to thank Margaret Agnew and Donna McEntire for their loyalty, efficiency and talented assistance in working with our fellow workers and members, and for their ideas and assistance to the legal department.

We consistently put forth our best efforts to settle disputed matters on a reasonable basis so that the Society will not be involved in needless litigation. Still it often takes more time and effort to work out a settlement than it would take to litigate a matter, but it is felt that it is in the best interest of the Society to work to settle disputed matters where this can be done fairly to all concerned.

Your legal advisor has a legal assistant, legal secretary and various parttime help. These parties have greatly assisted me in doing the necessary work and I again thank them for such assistance. The SPJST pays part of the salary of one legal secretary and this legal secretary devotes all of her time to the SPJST work. We appreciate the Society paying part of one legal secretary's salary. One attorney and one legal secretary cannot do all of the work that is required. Though I frequently call on technically qualified people for assistance, I remain solely responsible for all of the work that is done.

While some arguments can be made to have the legal advisor in the Home Office, it would certainly be expensive and it would not be efficient. It is accepted in the profession that the most efficient and cost-effective services are performed by the lawyers where the lawyers are actively involved in the general practice of law on a daily basis, making contacts and regularly working with people in the system throughout the State. If the attorney were only in the Home Office, the cost would greatly increase and the quality of the service would go down.

When the attorney or the full time legal secretary, who is paid partly by SPJST, is out of the office for whatever reason, the attorney, at his own expense, provides the necessary legal and secretary backup to keep the work flow moving. The attorney also pays for all of his own office space, computer equipment, library, professional liability insurance and the multitude of other expenses that are necessary to have a prompt and efficient legal department.

The most difficult and expensive part of the attorney's work and responsibility is that the attorney must handle and maintain a capability to immediately handle a wide variety of matters involving time urgency and deadlines.

The attorney must have the personnel, library, computer equipment and technical ability to promptly handle the most demanding situations which arise. On the same day and on a priority basis, we may have to handle a complex legislative matter that involves over 500 pages to review and brief, prepare and transmit time-deadline bankruptcy motions, work out technical questions, and turn out two sets of time-deadline loan instruments.

The next day the work may be routine.

The workload fluctuates greatly. The legal advisor does not have a 40-hour week. He devotes the time that it takes to get the job done, and our office devotes preferred time in service to our Society.

Most of the work that the attorney performs is included in his salary which is set by the delegates at the Convention. This work includes: Consulting with the officers and directors of the Supreme Lodge on a daily basis; giving written opinions regarding a multitude of legal questions ranging from interpretations of by-laws and state and federal laws to state and federal rules and regulations on our life insurance contracts, beneficiary designations, and payment of death certificate proceeds. Also included is preparing or approving documents for the sale of mineral and/or royalty reservations, subordination agreements relative to oil, gas and mineral leases, eminent domain proceedings, easements and partial releases, real estate loans and many other contracts, as well as consulting with, reviewing rules and regulations for advising and frequently giving written opinions to local lodges on fraternal lodge related

matters and answering all inquiries from all members and local lodges.

The legal advisor also attends quarterly and special-called meetings of the Supreme Lodge, By-Law Committee meetings and meetings of other standing committees, when requested. None of this work is billed separately. The legal advisor bills separately only for litigation and threatened litigation matters and legislative work--all of which is reviewed by and subject to the approval of the Supreme Lodge.

Of course, you are always welcome to call or come by and observe and visit and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

We are glad to report that progress continues to be made in the National Fraternal Congress in the forming or acquiring of a separate liability insurance company that will serve fraternal benefit societies. It is planned that this separate company will be able to provide various liability coverages including general liability and liquor liability for the lodges and for the Society. In the legal liability area, our best procedure is to make sure that our insurance is adequate and our best defense is a positive education approach where the lodges run clean ships and consequently do not have problems in this or other areas.

In the legislative area, we have had serious problems to overcome with the past several sessions of the legislature and we fully anticipate another rough session. We appreciate members' and lodges' help when these legislature matters come up, and we look forward to calling on you again in the near future for assistance.

The strength of the SPJST and the power of the SPJST is in the hands of its members and through its members and their elected delegates. Many bylaws and other changes are being proposed by the by-law and other committees. We are fortunate that we have dedicated and highly qualified members who devote the time and effort to

become fully informed of the facts and who serve on these committees and deliberate on these matters that affect the Society. I urge you to take the time and spend the effort to review the bylaws and other matters affecting the Society and express your view to the committees that have been elected by your districts to serve you and be an active participant in the Convention. It is through this critical review and expression of ideas that our Society continues to adapt, grow and prosper.

We are delighted that after just one more Convention after the Victoria Convention and one year our Society will be celebrating its 100th birthday.

This is proof that our system of members' control works.

We have a good system that has stood the test of time. This has been a busy time and one that has many interesting changes and challenges.

I am optimistic about the future of our SPJST. It is a viable and dynamic Society that responds to its members and I wish the XXVI Convention much success. It is my recommendation that the attorney continue to have an office in Temple, Texas, with space available for his use at the Supreme Lodge Building. Because of the nature of the work and space requirements (for example library and assistants and legal backup) and expense that would be involved, I feel it would not be in the best interests of the Society for the attorney to be in the Supreme Lodge Building.

We appreciate the whole-hearted cooperation of all of the members, officers, directors, staff, and Home Office staff for their assistance, advice and work.

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

Fraternally, Sidney Kacir Legal Advisor

—SPJST-

Pre-Convention Report Of The Directors To The XXVI Convention Held In Victoria, Texas June 14-17, 1992 We, the District Directors of the SPJST submit our report to the delegates and membership of our Society.

In spite of the many changes that have occurred in our economy during the past four years, we are pleased to report we have maintained stable growth in our assets, profits and activities.

Because of careful management of insurance products, investments and mortgage loans, our company ranks in the top thirty among all fraternals and with A.M. Best Rating of A Excellent, a position which should give us great pride in our 95 years of operation. Records show our assets have grown by $24,000,000 the past four years with $296,000,000 of insurance in force with 52,000 member certificates.

We initiated a comprehensive Missions and Goals plan which helps us chart and guide our future growth and progress in all phases of Society business and activity.

We have increased our fraternal activities through an expanded college scholarship program, youth and adult participation and many fraternal projects. We encouraged and promoted more local lodge activities with better statistical information to help maintain our tax-free status.

The training program for our 336 all-volunteer sales force has been upgraded with six hours of insurance sales instructions required each year, as well as a requirement of eight policies written each year to maintain active status.

Because of the increased life expectancy of Americans, plans of insurance based on newer CSO tables have offered more protection and savings for our membership.

Even though many leading institutions have experienced losses in their loan and investment portfolios, we are pleased to report our investments show continued growth. This is due to careful planning and management on a daily basis.

Wednesday, May 13, 1992—VESTNiK/17 A yearly budget has been implemented for better control of income and expenses. Direct billing has proven to be successful, and we encourage all remaining lodges to convert as soon as possible. All required audits, which include State Board of Insurance examinations, independent audits, IRS audits and in-house checks, continue to reflect a sound and efficient operation.

I believe the office of Vice President is a position of responsibility that is both moral and ethical in nature. Our By-Laws imply that members should be given the best life insurance protection at the lowest possible cost. My dedication and commitment to that goal, and to the principles of fraternalism, benevolence, and humanity, are the reasons I am offering myself as your candidate for Vice President of the Supreme Lodge, SPJST. Your support and vote is appreciated.

Fraternally, Larry W. Pflughaupt —SPJST-

We keep informed about changing national, state and local laws affecting fraternal organizations.

We are pleased to report that the business operation of our Society continues to be sound, stable and progressive. We appreciate the dedication and loyalty of the Home Office staff of the SPJST and feel our relationship with them is both professional and supportive.

We urge the delegates to act with caution in any large appropriation of funds so that we can maintain a strong base on which to operate successfully.

We as your directors appreciate the cooperation and support of the local lodges, the districts and the entire membership.

May we all enjoy a successful and harmonious convention with years of sustained growth ahead.

Respectfully submitted, Andrew J. Vavra, District I Willie E Kohutek, District II Cyrill Pokladnik, District III Stanley Broz, District IV Louis Hanus, District V Matt S. Vanek, District VI Thelma Hrncir, District VII --SPJST-

Cyrill "Sid" Pokladnik

District Director Candidacy Announcement To the 26th Convention of the SPJST which will be held in Victoria, Texas and delegates of District III: I, Cyrill "Sid" Pokladnik officially announce that I will again ask for your support to be re-elected as your director.

I'm looking forward to the next four (4) years of service to my district and the entire membership of the SPJST. Fraternally, Cyrill "Sid" Pokladnik

—SPJSTAnnouncing Candidacy For District IV Director

Dear Brothers and Sisters of District IV: I am announcing my candidacy for your District IV Director at the XXVIth SPJST Convention in Victoria, Texas June 14-17, 1992.

It has been a privilege and honor to have served on the Board of Directors and represent District IV for 20 years.

Stanley Broz I am well aware of the Society's responsibilities and functions. I have seen our Society grow from 17 million to over 70 million dollars in assets.

I am now retired from farming and will devote full time to SPJST and my respective district regardless where the need may be.

My motto is: "I am never further away than your phone."

Fraternally, Stanley Broz

—SPJSTAnnouncing Candidacy For Vice President Fellow Members and Delegates: Thank you for your hospitality at the Spring District Meetings and for allowing me the opportunity of introducing myself as a candidate for Vice President of the Supreme Lodge. For those of you who do not know my personal background, I am 48 years old, and have been an active member of the SPJST, Lodge Pokrok Houston No. 88, for thirty-two (32) years. My parents are Leander and Josephine Pflughaupt.

Other family members include my sister Carol and brother Lynn. I have been married to Dorothy Struckmeyer Pflughaupt for over 26 years, with the blessing of three sons, Lee (21), Karl (17), and Paul (15). All are members of Lodge 88.

Larry W. Pflughaupt My 126 hours toward a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Houston has afforded me a highly analytical background. Strategic planning, computer program development, statistical analyses, contract negotiations, and public relations are just a few of the elements of my position as Traffic Safety Specialist with the Texas Department of Transportation. Approximately 18 of my 27 years with the Department has been in a supervisory capacity.

While serving as President of the Tirabergrove National Li ttle League in 1981 and 1982, I super ised the planning and building of new baseball fields. Working with neighborhood youth carried over into 1983, when I assisted my wife for four (4) years in her position as District V Youth Counselor. Other management skills include serving as 1991-1992 President of the Timbergrove Manor Civic Club, a 1200-home organization.

I was elected to the office of President of Lodge 88 in 1982, and again in 1983. The Czech language instruction, which first started during my tenure of office, has grown and continues today.

Other positions of responsibility at Lodge 88 have included working on such committees as Auditing, Rules and Regulations, in addition to serving on the Board of Trustees.

I have been an SPJST Insurance Sales Representative for the past ten (10) years; however, my knowledge of the insurance world began much earlier. My mother, Josephine Hilsher Pflughaupt first worked for South Coast Life Insurance Company prior to being elected Financial Secretary of Lodge 88. My wife's business in providing employee benefits through company health insurance programs, has broadened my perspective of insurance even further.

I strongly support those resolutions to our SPJST By-Laws that mandate compliance with the State Board of Insurance and those regulations promulgated by the Texas Non-Profit Corporations Act. If adhered to, and enforced, conflicts of interest will not exist in our day to day operations.

As your Vice President, I will structure and promote insurance and annuity sales at the local level in order to promote bonding of new members to their area lodges. Local Sales Representatives are important to the fraternal well being of our society, and good communication to all is a MUST. Products will be updated and reduced in cost, where possible, to facilitate local sales and the generation of new members. By law, no licensed professional insurance agent can sell fraternal insurance. Electronic payroll deductions will be added, like the bank draft option, as another method of paying premiums. These are just a few of the innovations that I have planned for the Insurance Department when I am elected.

Leona Macha

Announcement This is to announce my candidacy for the office of director, District VI at the XXVI Convention in Victoria, Texas June 14-17, 1992.

I believe I can promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members because I believe in the lodge system and membership control.

It is my feeling that we need constant control and supervision over all management, business transactions, and general progress of our Society.

All by-laws and decisions of conventions must be adhered to. As your director, I will address any irregularities.

Communication is of utmost importance to all lodges and its members. I propose to represent the district in all conferences of the Supreme Lodge and to present the wishes and recommendations of the district. Likewise, all information will be reported to the district pertaining to the welfare of the Society.

Believing this to be a conflict of interest, I will not receive commission or financial gain for selling insurance. I will direct all leads to sales representatives within the area of the prospect on an equal basis.

I can bring to this position a broad experience in accounting and business that gives me the background to study and analyze statements and financial posture of the SPJST. I will give full time to this position of director.

Sincerely and fraternally, Leona Macha —SPJSTLodge

No. 66, Waco

Dear Members: Lodge 66 will hold the May meeting on Sunday, May 17th. The adults will meet at 2:30 p.m. and the youth at 2:00 p.m.

At this meeting, the mothers and fathers will be honored.

We will present 50-year pins at our meeting.

The lodge will furnish a ham meal.

The members are asked to bring desserts.

Bonnie Pruitt, Secretary —SPJST-

PODPORA LIDSKOST BRATRSTVI 'east 1 ljredni organ Slovanske Podporujici

Jednoty Stitt' Texas. zaloIene'roku 1897

13. kvetna 1992

ROtNiK 80 tiSLO 20

Oddil Dopisovatelit 14.9 ad

eislo 133, San Antonio

Mile sestry a bratfi: Na g e 75 lete v9roei fadu SPJST 133 San Antonio se ilspe g ne vydafilo. Bylo pfitomno kolem 250 elenii a pfatel.

Velmi nas pote g ilo, le president Hlavni fifadovny Howard Leshikar poctil nas jeho nav g tevou. Take feditelka 7 okrsku sestra Thelma Hrncifova byla pfitomna. Zapsini zaealo v 11 hodin, y e 12 hodin byl podavan ()bed a v 1 hodinu odpoledne bratr Don Netek ohlasil, ie schuze bude nasledovat.

Nejprve elenove klubu na g i mladde (Youth Club) pfinesli vlajky. Vgichni pritomni vzdali Best na g i vlajce a pak jsme spoleene zpivali narodni hymnu.

Don Netek pfedstavil presidenta na g eho fadu Anthony Trilicka, kter9 zahajil schfizi a uvital na g e hosty a eleny.

Polestrikm hostem byl bratr Joe Jansky, kter9 je 98 rokfi mlady a je elenem fadu SPJST eislo 4 v Hallettsville. Jeho 3 dcery pani Ruth Tarrillion, Leona Guenther a Josephine Fentsch ho doprovazely.

Bratr Emil Matula podal krdtkou historii na g eho fadu byl zaloien 18.bfezna 1917, obfad se pofadal v sale W.O.W., 822 Houston ulice v San Antonio, kde se ty schitze konali kaldou tfeti nedeli v mesici al do zafi 1961.

Byli jsme nuceni zmenit mista nagich schuzi eas od easu a nyni od roku 1985 v listopadu schazime se v aktivnim stfedisku St. Margaret Mary.

President Hlavni ilfadovny Howard Leshikar k ndm promluvil. Gratuloval na g emu fadu 133 k dosaleni na g eho 75 leteho v9roei jako dfildit9 a aktivni cast SPJST spolku. Tento v9kon je zrcadlem venovani a sjednocenim elenfi fadu minul9ch a nynej g ich kde pracovali,1 dohromady pro radost a fispech co tento den pfinesl.

Sestra Thelma Hrneirova pfinesla tei pozdravy a blahopfani od 7 okrsku, kde ona je feditelka.

Bratr Emil Matula pfeeetl jmena v g ech zesnul9ch eleml fadu 133 a zvla g te podotkl, ze serlant George Toboly padl v druhe svetove \rake. Uctili jsme jejich pamatku jednou minutou ticha a bratr Don Netek zazpival znamou hymnu "How Great Thou Art".

President fadu bratr Trilieek ipodal ukoneeni programu a u klubu lnladae odnesl vlajky. Vylosovali jsme dvetni ceny a "Split the Pot". Potom nag peveck9 sbor zazpival pisnieky.

Ve 2 hodiny zaeala taneeni zabava, hudba byla od Helmer Dahl od Hutto, Texas. Sal byl pane upraven, za col dekujeme na v9zdobu v9boru.

Uprostfed velkeho stolu, kde sedeli hlavni iltednici byla krasna velika kytice a jedna trochu menu kytice zdobila still kde byl zapis.

Po ukoneeni na g ich oslav president fadu bratr Anthony Trilieek s jeho bratrem odnesli tu velkou kytici do domu odpoeinku na Judson Rd., kde

Jarka a Marcella Kleprlik b "yvaji.

Udelalo jim to velkou radost a nel bratr Trilleek pfi g el meli je g te jine pfekvapeni, nav g tivil je president Hlavni ilfadovny Howard Leshikar s jeho manlelkou a tak Jarka a Marcella byli g tag tni a citili se, le oslavovali s nami to Diamantove Jutileum nageho fadu 133.

Ja jsem odnesla tu druhou kytici sestfe Mary Blanarove, ktera je v dome odpoeinku na Rice Rd., v San Antonio. Byla veLmi pfekvapena a delcuje v gem fifednikilm a eleniim, le si na ni vzpomileli. Rikala, ie v pondeli rano jeji mul ji pfijde nav g tivit a tak uvidi jeji krasne kvetiny.

SPJST fad 133 se zileastnil od zaeatku roku 1987 programu zvolit nejzaslouleriej giho bratra kaideho roku (Fraternalist of the year). tlenove ktefi byli zvoleni "Fraternalists" minul9ch let jsou: Bratr Dominic Netek 1987, Sestra Viola Mazac Kurtz 1988, Bratr Bill Mare g 1989. Bratr Emil E. Matula 1990, Bratr Joe Spacek 1991. lenove ktefi maji odznak (pin) 50 rokit, jsou: Bratr Otto Hurta, bratr Jerome Sliva, sestra Viola Fajkusova, bratr Charlie Kurtz, sestra Mary Blanarova a bratr August Blanar.

Pfi gti schfize na g eho fadu bude v nedeli 17.kvetna ve 2 hodiny odpoledne v aktivnim stfedisku St. Margaret Mary. Dostavte se v hojnem poetu a ulijte pekne odpoledne s eleny a pfately va g eho faciu.

Se sestersk9m pozdravem, Miloslava Phelpsova eeska dopisovatelka.

FAC Ruth Hanusch oznamila, May Fete bude 17. kvetna 1992 ye Seaton Star sini; statni royalty bude 15.srpna v fadu e. 177 v Academy a statni den mladeie bude 16.srpna v Templu.

Narozeniny budou slavit Mary Vag ieek, Ann Hejl, Henry Mareg, Lillie Mikulag , Ralph Kohutek, Patsy Koslovsk9, Theresa Kleeka a Lillian Hejl.

V9roei sriatku budou slavit George a Marie Pavelka, Judy a E.J. Pechal, Tom a Margaret Gibson.

Losovani v9hraly Dolores Skrabanek, Elvira Frezel, Ann Hejl a Della Mareg.

Posledni schuze pled piknikem bude 30. kvetna 1992 o 7 hodin veeer a o 8 hodin bude rodinny veeirek (family night).

Pfi gti schrize bude v patek 12. eervna o 7 hodin veer a nebudeme mit zadne jidlo.

Potom jsme meli dobrou svaeinku a v gichny se pobavali. Schilze byla ukoneena v 5 hodin.

Na zdar!

Emily Stuteville dopisovatelka.

SUPPORT NEED

$700,000

•$667,000

$600,00

$500,000-

$400,00

$300,000-

$200,000-

$100,00

THE CZECH CHAIR

geky vypInujte na The Czech Educational Foundation of Texas, cio Ben Trealek, Jr., treasurer, Rt. 3, Box 111-A, Caldwell, TX 77836. Tato prosba neni omezena jen do statu Texas, ale nadace pfijme kaldou eastku odkudkoliv na teto zemekouli.

kid eislo 47, Seaton Mile sestry a bratti, Schfizi byla zahajena y e 2 hodiny odpoledne 3. kvetna 1992 pfedsedou Tim Reesem.

Vlajky nastolili Erin Skrabanek a Jennifer Reese.

Na listku nemocn9ch byli Anton Vitek, Juanita Bartek, Edna Bolton a Henry Haisler.

Gertrude Kahlig, Elvira Frezel a Lonnie Schroeder nav g tevily nagi schfizi.

Tajemnice Dolores Skrabanek pfeeetla protokol a byl pfijat tak, jak byl napsan.

Darek byl darovan do fondu mlad9ch (youth fund) od Betty Hejl.

Sestra Judy Pechal podala zpravu v dozoreim v9boru a promluvila nam o eeskoslovenskem ministrovi Marian Calfa, kter9 byl tady na na g teve ve Texasu.

Zpra y 9 ilfedniktii byly dobre a pfedseda fekl, le velika mesta jako Dallas nejsou proneho, on ma rad Temple ''a take promluvil o"Missions a goals."

Na g piknik bude 7. eervna a budeme mit zabavu, jidlo a obeerstveni bude pro v g echny. V 8 hodin 30. kvetna 1992 rano bude pracovni den na fiklid (work day).

Pfivitali jsme palm Frank Shenkir (on je Adeline a Franklin Shenkir tatinek a Adeline je lena Willie E. Kohutek a cela jeji rodina. Pan Shenkir mel 96 let a pfezil svou pojistku (outlived his policy). Stal se elenem SPJST 21. fijna 1923.

)

SP.IST LODGE NO. 88 SWIMMING POOL Opening Weekends: May 23-24, May 30-31, June 5-6 4IIPP Daily: June 7-September 1

) ) )

1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. $2.00/Members - $4.00/Guests (All Guests Must Be Accompanied By a Member and Member Must Remain In the Pool With The Guest

SWIMMING LESSONS VVILL BE AVAILABLE For Additional POOL Information, Please Call 869-5767 For Additional LESSONS Information, Please call 862-1022 SUNDAY, JUNE 7 LODGE 88 HOMECOMING WITH A SPLASH The Lodge 88 Youth Club Will Sponsor a BEAUTY CONTEST and a BIG SPLASH CONTEST. Interested Persons May Register at Poolside June 7.

Wednesday, May 13, 1992-VESTMK/19

SPJST CALENDAR FOR SPJST LODGES ONLY LODGE NO. 6, COTTONWOOD Friday, May 15-Social, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 22-Social, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 24-Lander's Reunion *4.* LODGE NO. 9, SNOOK (All local lodge meetings held 1st Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.; Youth Club meetings, 6:30 p.m.) *** LODGE NO. 13, DIME BOX Saturday, May 16- Private Saturday, May 23-Texas Unlimited Saturday, May 30- Emotions Sunday, June 7-Flippin Reunion Friday, June 12- LaGrange (Debonaires), 812 Sunday, June 14- Kocurek Reunion Saturday, June 20- Emotions Saturday, June 27-Texas Unlimited (Lodge Meeting every 3rd Sunday, 2 p.m.)

LODGE NO. 15, BUCKHOLTS Saturday, May 16-Garage Sale, 8 a.m.-???

Sunday, May 17-Vybiral Reunion (Lodge meeting every 2nd Sunday, 3 p.m.; Hall rental/dance information: call Audrey McCall 817-593-2321) *** LODGE NO. 17, NEW TABOR (Monthly meeting on first Sunday of every month, 2 p.m.; youth meeting also first Sunday of every month, 3 p.m.) *** LODGE NO. 18, ELGIN Saturday, May 16-King of Swing, 8-12 Sunday, May 17-BATTLE DANCE, 3-8; Central Texas Sounds vs. Bobby Jones Sunday, May 24-May Fete, 3 p.m.; music by Fritz Hodde and The Fabulous Six; Public Dance, 5-9 Sunday, May 31-BATTLE DANCE, 3-8; Tony Janak vs. Zetka's Czech Band Sunday, June 7-BATTLE DANCE, 2-7 p.m.; Jodie Mikula vs. Harry Czarnek Sunday, June 14-Vrazel's, 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, June 20- King of Swing, 8-12 (Most of our Saturday Night Dances are held from 8:30 to 12:30) *** LODGE NO. 24, CYCLONE Saturday, May 16-Private Prom of RosebudLott School Sunday, May 17-Stepan Reunion Saturday, May 30-The Texans, 8-12 Saturday, June 6-Private Wedding Sunday, June 7-Green-Geistman-Kessler Reunion Monday, June 8-Regular Meeting, 8 p.m. *** LODGE NO. 25, ENNIS Saturday, May 23-Private Party Saturday, May 30-Private Party Saturday, June 6-Vrazel's 30th Anniversary at SPJST Lodge No. 25, 8:30-12:30 Sunday, June 7-Trojacek Reunion (Regular Meeting 2nd Thursday of each month, 8 p.m.; Youth Club meets every first Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. For reservations or hall rentals, call Alicia Honza, (214) 875-8359 or Linda Trojacek, (214) 875-6321) *** LODGE NO. 29, TAYLOR (Lodge 29 Adult Meeting every 2nd Sunday, 4 p.m.; Youth Club Meeting, 5 p.m.) *a* LODGE NO. 32, VICTORIA Wednesday, May 13-Monthly Meeting, Citizens National Bank, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 21-District VI Planning Meeting, Victoria Mall at 7 p.m. *** LODGE NO. 33, BLEIBLERVILLE Saturday, May 16-Curtis-Martin Wedding Sunday, May 17-Fish Fry (fish to go) available, 9-11; serving full meal, 11:30 a.m. (Ladies bring cakes, pies, canned vegetables); Horseshoe Tournament (Registration, 1 p.m.; playtime, 2 p.m.) *** LODGE NO. 35, ELK Saturday, May 16-Cherokee Rose Saturday, May 23-Sons of The Desert Saturday, May 30-Texas Heart Beat Saturday, June 6-Texas Sugar Sunday, June 7-Lodge Meeting, 3 p.m. (Date changed due to SPJST Convention) Saturday, June 13-Cherokee Rose Saturday, June 20-Broken Heart Saturday, June 27-Sons of the Desert ***

LODGE NO. 39, BRYAN (All meetings will be held at the lodge on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m.) *** LODGE NO. 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE Monday, May 18-Regular Monthly Meeting after Social Games Saturday, May 30-Elkins Wedding Saturday, June 20-1962 El Campo High School Class Reunion at American Legion Hall/Picnic Grounds, El Campo Sunday, June 28-Family Day Registration, 2 p.m.; bring covered dish or dessert (Games every Monday night, 7:30 p.m.; Games License No. 3000-72-8240-0) *** LODGE NO. 47, SEATON Saturday, May 16-El Campo Melody Boys (C/W-P/W) Sunday, May 17-MAY FETE DANCE; music

by Silver Spur Band (C/W) Saturday, May 23-The Texans (C/W) Sunday, May 24-Casey School Reunion; Registration, 10 a.m.; Noon Meal, 12; Business Meeting, 2 p.m. (Bring enough food for your family) Saturday, May 30-Fritz Hodde and The Fabulous Six (C/W-P/W) Saturday, June 6-NO DANCE Sunday, June 7-Lodge Picnic Saturday, June 13-Jerry Haisler and The Melody Five Saturday, June 20-LeeRoy Matocha Orch.

Saturday, June 27-The Texans (C/W) All Saturday dance, 8-12; for information contact Louis J. Kohutek, (817) 983-2261; Hall, (817) 985-2548) *** LODGE NO. 49, ROWENA (Every third Friday of the month is Game Night) *4.* LODGE NO. 51, ELLINGER Monday, June 22-Lodge Meeting, 8 p.m.

Si* LODGE NO. 54, WEST Saturday, May 23-Private Wedding Sunday, May 24-Tokio School Reunion, 2-5 p.m.

Friday, June 5-Lodge Meeting, 7:30 p.m.; also honoring 50-year members Saturday, June 6-Vanek Reunion Saturday, June 13-RVOS #46 Family Day Sunday, June 14-Ambulance Fish Fry Saturday, June 20-Private Wedding Sunday, July 12-RVOS #47 Family Day *4.* LODGE NO. 66, WACO Saturday, May 16-Private Wedding Friday, May 22-Kirk Lewis - No Holding Back Band Saturday, May 23-Jerry Haisler and The Melody Five Saturday, May 30-Cherokee Rose Friday, June 5-Cherokee Rose Saturday, June 6-Sons of The Desert Monday, June 8-Social Night, 7 p.m.; bring snacks Saturday, June 13-Texas Sugar Saturday, June 20-Cherokee Rose Friday, June 26-Cherokee Rose Saturday, June 27-Kirk Lewis - No Holding Back Band *4.* LODGE NO. 68, NELSONVILLE Sunday, May 24-Lodge Meeting, 3 p.m. at Mrs. E.D. Shupak's residence, 935 Shupak Rd. (Date changed due to Mother's Day) *** LODGE NO. 74, LOVELADY Saturday, May 16-Dance; music by Jeff Boyd and Colt "45" Band (Lodge business meetings held 1st Sunday of each month, 5:30 p.m.; Game nights every Thursday, 7-10 p.m. Permit #1-751052324-8; Kitchen will be open) *** LODGE NO. 79, CORPUS CHRISTI/SOKOL HALL (Hall Location: 5502 Kostoryz Rd., Corpus Christi; 512-852-9042; Public Invited) (SPJST Lodge meeting held at 2 p.m. on third Sunday of each month, unless notified otherwise) *** LODGE NO. 80, HOLLAND Sunday, May 17-Annual Lodge #80 Picnic Friday, May 22-High School Graduation Saturday, May 23-King of Swing Dance, 812 Monday, Mr.; 25-Arlerican ..en Meeting, 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 6-Kurtz Wedding Reception Sunday, June 7-Monthly Meeting, 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 13-Ivey Reunion Sunday, June 21- Ivicic Reunion Monday, June 22-American Legion Meeting, 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 27-King of Swing Dance, 812 (Game Night every Thursday, 7 p.m. #SP1-74615-1395-8; AL-3-00061-9887-0) *** LODGE NO. 81, NEEDVILLE Sunday, May 17-Covered dish meal, 12 noon (Ladies bring meat and a vegetable dish); Business Meeting, 1 p.m. *** LODGE NO. 84, DALLAS Saturday, May 16-DANCE ALPEN MUZI KANTEN Monday, May 18-Lodge Meeting, 7:30 Saturday, May 23-Non-Member Rental Sunday, May 24-Benefit Dance/Dinner, 3 p.m.; music by Dallas Czech Concert Orchestra Saturday, May 30-Non-Member Rental Saturday, June 6-Dance; Czech Harvesters Sunday, June 7-Lodge Meeting, 2 p.m.; Social following (Members, please bring finger food) Saturday, June 20-Dance; Double Shot (C/W) *** LODGE NO. 88, HOUSTON Saturday, May 16-Knights of Dixie (Ballroom/Variety) Saturday, May 23-Bobby Jones Sunday, May 24-"Tea Dance," Big Band; music by John Sullivan, 4-8; DRESS CODE Saturday, May 30-Gus Lindemann (Ballroom/Variety) Saturday, June 6-The Moonriders (Polkatime) Sunday, June 7-Lodge 88 Homecoming With a "Splash"; Dinner, 11 a.m.; Social Games, 2 p.m., Dance, 5-9 p.m., music by City Polka Boys Friday, June 12-Texas Brew (True C/W) Saturday, June 13-Central Texas Sounds, (Polka/Variety) Saturday, June 20-Ray Jurecka, (B/R Variety) Saturday, June 27-Jack Melick, "The Piano Man" - Big Band Music; DRESS CODE (Kitchen open for Saturday Night Dances; every Thursday Games -- 7:15 p.m. - Early Bird Special; 7:45 p.m. Regular Games; License No. 3-00-621-2077-41001) *** LODGE NO. 92, FORT WORTH Saturday, May 16-Dance sponsored by SPJST Lodge 92; music by Mikula Band of Ennis, 8:30-12:30.

Saturday, June 13-Dance, 8:30-12:30; music

by The Country Boys of Ennis; sponsored by St. Thomas Women's Auxiliary (Stardust Ballroom presents ballroom dancing every Friday, 9-12:30; DRESS CODE; 624-1361; Lodge Meetings second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m.; or otherwise specified-Ladies' Circle meets every second Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m.) *** LODGE NO. 94, WHEELOCK Saturday, May 16-Special Dinner/Meeting, 6 p.m. at Senior Citizens Center in Edge; all Members, their Families and their Guests are urged to attend; no charge for meal *** LODGE NO. 97, PLACEDO Sunday, May 17-Fourth Annual Polka Fest, 1-8 p.m. at Inez Community Center (wooden dance floor); music by Vrazel's, Vanek Brothers, Leo Majek's Orchestra; Food served all afternoon; sponsored by Lodges 97 and 143 *** LODGE NO. 130, DALLAS (Lodge 130 monthly meetings will be held on the 3rd Monday of the month in the Youth Room of Lodge 84, 2625 Floyd St., Dallas.) *4.* LODGE NO. 133, SAN ANTONIO Sunday, May 17-Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at 1314 Fair Avenue, San Antonio; Meeting to follow (Members are asked to bring a vegetable dish and a dessert) *** LODGE NO. 142, HOUSTON Sunday, June 7-Lodge Meeting, 2 p.m. (June 14 is convention in Victoria.)

(Hall rentals for wedding or party; call (713) 862-6291 after 4 p.m. *** LODGE NO. 143, INEZ Sunday, May 17-Fourth Annual Polka Fest, 1-8 p.m. at Inez Community Center; music by Vrazel's, Vanek Brothers, Leo Majek's Orchestra; Food served all afternoon; sponsored by 97 and 143 *** LODGE NO. 161, JOURDANTON Sunday, June 14-Lodge Meeting, 11:45 a.m. at Juliano's Restaurant - Jourdanton; also a complimentary meal will be served ***

LODGE NO. 172, PASADENA Saturday, May 16-River Road Boys (C/W) Saturday, May 23-Texas Throwdown (C/W) Saturday, May 30-The Moonriders (C/W) Saturday, June 6-Heart of Texas (C/W) Saturday, June 13-South Texas Crystals (C/W) Saturday, June 20-Due West (formerly Texas Borderline) (C/W) Saturday, June 27-Hayslip Brothers (C/W) *** LODGE NO. 177, ACADEMY Saturday, May 16-Fire Creek Saturday, May 23-Jed Durbin Saturday, May 30-Back Roads (Meeting on 2nd Wednesday of each month; Social, 6:30 p.m.; Trustees' meeting, 7:30 p.m.; Business meeting, 8:00 p.m.) *** LODGE NO. 180, BURLESON Saturday, May 16-Cross Fire Saturday, May 23-Treadin' Water Saturday, May 30-Mountain Creek Saturday, June 6-Jimmy Schmidt Saturday, June 13-Green River Saturday, June 20-Crossfire Saturday, June 27-Treadin' Water (All Saturday Night Dances; 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Lodge Membership Monthly Meetings; first Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.; Trustees' Meetings, same date, 6:30 p.m.) *4,4.

LODGE NO. 183, ARLINGTON Public Dance every 1st Saturday of the month through December; music by Buddie Hrabal and Memory Lane (C/W); 8:3012:30 (All dances, 8:30-12:30 at 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington; 817/465-8538; or 817/274-3837, or 214/263-5915) *** LODGE NO. 186, CALDWELL (Lodge meeting on 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m.; Social Games, 7:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; Kitchen/Bar Open; License Permit #1-7420733095-41002) *** LODGE NO. 187, ROUND ROCK Friday, May 15-Texas Fever Saturday, May 16-People's Choice Friday, May 22-The Connection Saturday, May 23-Lonesome Dove Friday, May 29-***Marty Haggard*** Saturday, May 30-***Benny McArthur*** Sunday, May 31-MAY FETE Friday, June 5-Sierra Saturday, June 6-Private Party Friday, June 12-Lonesome Dove Saturday, June 13-O.M. Brown/Rowdy Cowboys Friday, June 19-Texas Fever Saturday, June 20-People's Choice Friday, June 26-The Connection Saturday, June 27-Lonesome Dove (Friday Night Dances, 8-12 p.m.; Saturday Night Dances, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

(Private Party room available; call 2558157) *** LODGE NO. 188, CENTERVILLE Saturday, May 16-Sterling Country Saturday, May 23-Special Edition Saturday, May 30-Derek Hartes (Game times: Sunday, 2 p.m.; Wednesday 7 p.m.; Lodge monthly meetings on 1st Monday, 7:30 p.m.)

-SPJST-

Seaton School Reunion The Seaton School reunion will be held on Sunday, May 24, 1992 at the lunch room beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The noon meal will be served at 12:30 p.m. with the food brought for your family members. Plates, cups, bread, tea and coffee will be provided.

A short business meeting will follow and a full afternoon of remembering your school days; seeing the teachers, trustees, cafeteria workers and fellow students.

Please advise family members who may not know the date of the reunion.

The school wil be opened so you may show your children where you got your education.

See you all on Sunday, May 24th for the greatest reunion we've ever had.

All in the community are invited.

Fraternally, Dorothy Pechal Secretary, Biannual Reunion -SPJST----

/VESTNiK—Wednesday, May 13, 1992

SPJST Annuity Program What A Way To Secure Your e e t Our annuities can be purchased to fund your Individual Retirement Account. In that case, both the deductible portion of your contribution and the interest accumulation are tax-deferred until you start drawing money out of the plan.

Or you can buy an annuity as an investment entirely apart from your IRA. In that case, the premium is not tax deductible, but the interest portion will not be taxed until you start taking money out of your annuity.

Send in the coupon below for details.

Mail To: Bernard M. Gebala, Vice President SPJST P.O. Box 100 - Temple, Texas 76503 ( ) - I am not a member of SPJST but would like information on the SPJST insurance program. ( ) - I am a member and would like information on current insurance plans offered by SPJST. NAME: STREET or PO: CITY: TELEPHONE NUMBER:

STATE:

ZIP: