Vestnik 1993 09 22

"CHANGING TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF FRATERNALISTS" tips

SPJST Herald "Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation"

Officia Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, Founded 1897 BROTHERHOOD

HUMANITY

BENEVOLENCE

Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 September 22, 1993 ISSN-07458800 VOLUME 81 NUMBER 36

Sentimental Journey . . .

Applications for year approaching 1,000 mark...

Member reflects on color and charm of Czech Republic

PAST Congratulates August Top Producers The figures for the first eight months of 1993 production are history and they are very promising. Comparing 1993 with 1992 for the same period of time illustrates that SPJST sales representatives are responding to the challenges set by the lodge incentive program. Applications written thus far in 1993 total 935 which is 110 ahead of last year. Insurance written is $21,252,710.00, which surpasses last year by more than $1.5 million. This is a significant achievement which we should be proud of.

We are extremely proud of two of our sales representatives who are double winners in their respective districts.

Martha Broz of District Four and Werner Ahrens of District Seven won both the

"most earned premium" and "most applications" awards in their districts. To all district winners, "a tip of the hat." It's folks like you who help the SPJST grow.

We again ask all SPJST members to help our sales representatives by furnishing names of people who you would like to be your fraternal brothers and sisters.

All of us, working together, can help the SPJST grow to new heights.

Fraternally,

Bernard M. Gebala, F C Vice President —SPJST-

!STRICT I EARNED PREMIUM

DISTRICT III EARNED PREMIUM

Beverly Dianne Howie Lodge 188, Centerville

Stanley Vrla Lodge 130, Dallas

DISTRICT I APPLICATIONS

DISTRICT III APPLICATIONS

Frieda Bednar Lodge 169, Brenham

Johnnie Gaidusek. Sr. Lodge 66, Waco

DISTRICT H EARNED PREMIUM

DISTRICT IV EARNED PREMIUM AND APPLICATIONS

Evelyn Gustafson Lodge 18, Elgin

DISTRICT II APPLICATIONS

Albin Machu Lodge 29, Taylor

by Louis J. Polansky Lodge 1, Fayetteville PART ONE

"SPJST sales representatives are responding to the challenges set by the lodge incentive program."

DISTRICT V APPLICATIONS

Benita Walzel Lodge 81, Needville

DISTRICT VI EARNED PREMIUM

Erwin Holy Lodge 4, Hallettsville

DISTRICT VI APPLICATIONS

Eddie Vrana Lodge 23, Moravia

Martha Broz, Lodge 160, San Angelo

DISTRICT V 7ARNED PREMIUM

Sidon Turnis lodge 142, Houston

DISTRICT VII EARNED PREMIUM AND APPLICATIONS

Werner Ahrens Lodge 93, Hobson

On June 29, 1993, a group of people from mostly the Fayetteville area made a trip to the Czech Republic.

This group primarily consisted of the Fayette Heritage Signers and Dancers from Fayetteville. One of the purposes of this trip was to perform at a living History Museum in Roznov in Moravia at a festival being held on July 3 and 4.

Some of the other reasons for going were also sightseeing and for some, like me, I was very curious about where my entire family had come from as all of my grandparents had come from Moravia and all but one came from the area of Frenstat, town of about 15,000 people, located in the Beskydy mountains near the Polish and also the new Slovakian borders. I took this trip with a much different perspective than most of my companions, in that since I was a little boy, I had been told by my grandparents and priests of the Moravia of their experiences.

We left Houston on the 29th about 3 p.m. and arrived in Prague at about 2 p.m. on the 30th of June.

The first thing I noticed when we got to Prague was the small size of their airport and terminal as opposed to those in the states as well as the one we stopped at in Germany.

When we got off the plane, we were taken by bus to a terminal and there we had to show our passports and claim our luggage. We then went through customs without any questions asked and met our welcoming party. A cousin from Prague and his nephew came to meet my wife and me and I was able to communicate with them to a satisfactory degree. We then boarded our bus and proceeded to go to a small town near Prague where a large castle, one of the oldest in Bohemia, was to be toured by us. The only problem was that we all had our raveling clothes on and the walk to the castle was about two or three miles and most of that up hill.

The little conversation I had with the people here lead me to believe that they were not very friendly and sort of ignored us. The reason for this is that this castle is one of the popular sights and these folks have gotten tired of tourists.

This was also our first experience with public restrooms. When you go in one and if you want to use a toilet, the charge is 2 Korona, or one if you want to use only the urinal.

(Continued on page 16)

2/VESTNIK - Wednesday, September 22, 1993

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

VESTNIK VESTNIK (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the second week of June and third week of August by VESTNIK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. 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 76503-0100.

EDITOR: BRIAN VANICEK P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76501 Home: Route Four, Box 553, Temple, TX 76501 Office Phone: (817) 773-1575 Home Phone: (817) 985-0007

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 Office Phone: (817) 778-5228 P.O. Box 5119 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

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 - MICHAEL AHLSTROM, VICE CHAIRMAN, 407 TAOS STREET, VICTORIA, TX 77904 (512) 578-3279 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) 8224226 DISTRICT II - ARLEEN MAYEUX, ROUTE 5, BOX 11, QUAIL HOLLOW ROAD, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817) 986-2952 III - AL KERCHO, 436 DISTRICT BROOKVIEW, HURST, TX 76054 - (817) 2825065 DISTRICT IV - HERMAN D. WEISE, 6006 FM HWY. 765, SAN ANGELO, TX 76905 - (915) 653-9890 DISTRICT V - ALVIN J. SEFCIK, 1409 AUSTIN, LaMARQUE, TX 77568 - (409) 935-3915 DISTRICT VI - RITA VANEK, SCTY., P.O. BOX 901, EL CAMPO, TX 77437 - (409) 543-6220 DISTRICT VII - MONTA FOSTER, CHMN., 911 E. GONZALES, YOAKUM, TX 77995 - (512) 2935471 (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 - LEONARD JANSA, V. CHMN., 6617 PLAINVIEW DRIVE, SAN ANGELO, TX (915) 658-8045.

DISTRICT V - HELEN HEG WOOD, SECTY., 6702 LINDY ANN LN., HOUSTON, TX 77008 (713) 864-0489 DISTRICT VI - JEROME J. HLAVATY, BOX 174, LOLITA, TX 77971 DISTRICT VII - POLLY BAYER, ROUTE 4, BOX 166, FLORESVILLE, TX 78114 - (512) 393-7257 STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR 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

BOB BAYER DISTRICT VII

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS DISTRICT I - SUSAN SKRABANEK, RT. 2, BOX 13, CALDWELL, TX 77836 - (409) 272-3440 DISTRICT II - PATSY KOSLOVSKY, 1309 E. CENTRAL, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817) 774-8488 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 - MARCY DOROTIK, 1205-C VERDE ST.. BRYAN, TX 77802 - (409) 779-2013 DISTRICT VII - SUSAN BOHNENBERGER, P.O. BOX 1891, SEGUIN, TEXAS 78155 - (210) 372-4955 LIBRARY, ARCHIVES, MUSEUM Dorothy Pechal, Museum Curator Office: (817) 773-1575, P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76502

Home Phone: (210) 393-7257 Route Four, Box 166, Floresville, Texas 78114

Sales Representatives Assistance

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

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE "ISTRICT I - MELVIN H. SKRABANEK, SEC. P.O. BOX 490, CALDWELL, TX 77836 - (409) 567-3664 DISTRICT II - LAVERNE CABLA, ROUTE 3, BOX 690, TEMPLE, TX 76501 - (817) 985-2354 DISTRICT III - BESSIE PETR, V. CHMN., 5406 MORNINGSIDE, DALLAS, TX 75206 - (214) 826-3557 DISTRICT IV - ANGELINE KRISTINEK, CHMN., ROUTE 7, BOX 834, LUBBOCK, TX 79401 - (806) 763-0047 DISTRICT V - LORENDA BALDWIN, ROUTE 7, BOX 15, ALVIN, TX 77511 -(713) 585-4118 DISTRICT VI - HELEN KELNER, 911 AVE. K, ROSENBERG, TX 77471 - (713) 342-2624 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 - RONNIE RIEGER, ROUTE 2, BOX 87-B, COUPLAND, TX 78615 - (512) 352-2000 DISTRICT III - JOHNNIE KRIZAN, SCTY., ROUTE 2, WEST, TX, 76691

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1-800-72-SPJST After Office Hours and/or Weekends, call DISTRICTS 1 and 2 Gene McBride (817) 859-5855 DISTRICTS 3 and 4 Keith Gatewood (817) 939-7058 DISTRICT 5 Helen Hegwood (713) 864-0489 DISTRICTS 6 and 7 Jim Wiest (512) 729-7313 UNSOLICITED MATERIALS FOR PUBLICATION CANNOT BE RETURNED UNLESS SUFFICIENT POSTAGE IS ATTACHED, THIS INCLUDES PICTURES. THE EXPENSE OF PUBLISHING ENGAGE. MENT 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 SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE VESTNIK, P.O. BOX 100, TEMPLE TEXAS 76502.

Watch Your Mail This Week Time to Renew Your Subscription Vestnik readers, watch your mail this week. Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas will be sending out Vestnik subscription cards. To continue receiving the Vesmik, you must return this card within 30 days.

You don't even have to put a stamp on the card. Just drop it in the mail for uninterrupted service.

This subscription renewal procedure is initiated every four or years or so to ensure that only those members who want to receive the Vestnik, are getting it.

But what about those members who don't currently get the paper, but would like to receive it? They will also get a chance to receive the Vestnik. Later this year, all SPJST households will be receiving a copy of the 1994 SPJST calendar. Attached to the calendar will be a subscription card that the member can complete and return to the SPJST Home Office. Hopefully, this will ensure that all eligible members get a chance to receive the Vestnik.

As much as I would like to believe that everyone reads this column, I know that it just isn't so. Please help get the word out on the subscription card by mentioning this notice at your next lodge meeting or in your conversations with fellow SPJST members. Thanks for your attention and your cooperation. *** You Can Catch Up in Minutes ...

The minutes of the July meeting of the Supreme Lodge appear„on pages five through ten of this week's Vestnik.

Reading this report will enable you to catch up on some of the issues management has been addressing.

Of particular interest-on page fiveyou'll see that there was some discussion regarding the NFCA (National Fraternal Congress of America) Model Fraternal Code. Apparently, the NFCA has made some attempts to encourage the Texas State Legislature to adopt the "Model Fraternal Code" as a means for governing Texas-based fraternal societies. At the present time, the rules for governing fraternals in Texas are adequately addressed by Chapter 10 of the Texas Insurance Laws.

While a "model" guide for governing all fraternal societies may sound like a good idea, it pays to read the small print.

As SPJST Legal Advisor Sidney Kacir explains, the Model Fraternal Code would also provide for "an easy conversion of a fraternal into a mutual life insurance company by the Supreme Lodge."

Based on that one item alone, the Model Fraternal Code appears to be in direct opposition to one of the fundamental principles of managing a fraternal benefit society-namely that of "member ownership and member control." In response, the SPJST Supreme Lodge voted unanimously at the July meeting to oppose enactment of the Model Fraternal Code in Texas. Several other Texasbased fraternal benefit societies have taken similar positions on this matter.

To better inform members on this issue and any recent developments, SPJST President Howard Leshikar is preparing a report that will appear in an upcoming edition of the Vestnik.

A Few Words About Stories ...

Recall the readership survey we conducted a few weeks ago? One of the recurring suggestions that members had about their newspaper was that the photography needed to be better and the reporting needed to be more meaningful.

In both cases, these are areas that we can begin improving today.

Good stories contain complete information. All stories submitted should be written legibly or typed and answer the following questions: Who, what, when, where, why and how? If you answer these questions, chances are good that you'll have all the information necessary for a good story. Also, take care to check spellings on names-people love to see their names in print-especially when they are spelled correctly.

In case there are any questions, it's a good idea for the reporter to include his or her name, address and telephone number somewhere on the story.

Keep in mind, too, your well-written lodge letters may have strong reader appeal for your local newspaper-particularly if your area is served by a weekly paper dedicated to promoting community events. *** And, a Few Words About Photos ...

Clear color or black-and-white prints are the best photographs for publication in the Vestnik. Color photographs sometimes reproduce poorly in the Vestnik because once the color print is reproduced in black-and-white, everything that is red, or a shade of red, appears as black or a shade of gray in the blackand-white photo.

Good contrast and an uncluttered background are also important for a good photo. When photographing people, it's especially important to be close to the subjects.

People-the focal point of most photos-are more important than background. Before you take a photograph, check the background and try different angles if possible. If necessary, move your subjects to avoid distractions.

Light-colored backgrounds work best.

Take special care when you are shooting photographs of people outdoors. It's usually a good idea to use your flash attachment to fill in the shadows caused by bright sunlight.

The Vestnik is your newspaper and is made available for you to use as a tool to promote fraternalism in your lodge and throughout the SPJST. It can also be an effective aid in recruiting new members.

It can help boost the morale of active members. It can be used as a source of ideas for social and fraternal activities and a source of information about the SPJST and its many fraternal benefits.

The Vestnik is always looking for feature stories about lodges, lodge members and special events that will appeal to the readership. If you have a story idea, follow through and get the information or please give me a call. Likewise, if you ever have any questions about submitting your news and photos to the Vestnik, please call me at (817) 773-1575 or 1 (800) 72-SPJST. Thank you!

-SPJST-

Wednesday, September 22, 1993—VESTNIX/3

From the Vice President's Office The SPJST Monthly Insurance Report As Of 8/31/93 NUMBER OF AMOUNT OF EARNED PREMIUM APPLICATIONS Beverl y Dianne Howie Evelyn Gustafson Stanle y Vrla Martha Broz Sidon Tumis rwin Holy Werner Ahrens Home Office

T

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 Totals:

Frieda Bednar Albin Machu Johnnie Gaidusek, Sr. Martha Broz Benita Walzel Eddie Vrana Werner Ahrens Home Office

MONTH-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR INSURANCE WRITTEN AND ISSUED INS. WRITTEN INS. ISSUED

DIST. APPS.

$112,500.00 5818,220.00 $472,500.00 $210,000.00 $576,000.00 $155,000.00 $197,000.00 $0.00 $2,541,220.00

$ i 20,000.00 $1,023,720.00 $287,500.00 $225,000.00 $431,500.00 $120,000.00 $152,000.00 $0.00 $2,359,720.00

33 19 7 37 8 8 0 116

YEAR-TO-DATE TOTALS FOR * INSURANCE WRITTEN AND ISSUED * DIST. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 Totals:

APPS.

INS. WRITTEN

72 236 144 53 265 81 75 9 935

INS. ISSUED $1,093,000.00 $4,475,560.00 $2,653,150.00 $1,722,500.00 $4,550,000.00 $1,182,500.00 $1,404,000.00 $280,000.00 $17,360,710.00

$1,363,000.00 $5,740,060.00 $2,903,150.00 $2,027,500.00 $5,985,000.00 $1,467,500.00 $1,466,500.00 $300,000.00 $21,252,710.00 Fraternally,

Bernard M. Gebala, FIC Vice President —SPJST-

INTEREST RATES

SPJST MORTGAGE INTEREST TES

ANNUITY I (Certificates Issued Prior to 4-1-93)

5% Annualized Effective 8-1-93 through 9-30-93

ANNUITY II (Certificates Issued 4-1-93 and After)

5.80% Annualized Effective 8-1-93 through 9-30-93

INTEREST RATE FOR UNIVERSAL LIFE 7% Annualized Effective 8-1-93 through 9-30-93

ki

Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance

by James A. Ballew, CLU Part Two (Continued from Last Week) When Should You Buy Term?

Top Sales Representatives Based On: DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 9

PLAIN TALK ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Home or Farm Mortgages: 7% for 1 to 7 years 7 1/4% for 8 to 15 years 7 1/2% for 16 to 20 years Mortgages on Qualified Owner-Operated Business Real Estate 81/4% for 10 years 81/2% for 11 to 15 years

Believe it or not, insurance companies and fraternal benefit societies don't dislike term insurance. After all, virtually all of them offer term and sell rather a lot of it. But they would prefer that people use it as it was designed, namely for temporary needs or in situations where permanent coverage is called for, but the insured can't afford the premiums. Let's look at examples of both.

Temporary Needs The classic use of term insurance is to provide protection for a short period (that's why most term policies and certificates are available in 1, 5, 10, 15 or 20year increments). Certain loans (including home mortgages) and business insurance needs are typical situations where term insurance is widely used.

For instance, the decreasing term policy or certificate, which the face amount of insurance is reduced every year to the end of the term, is probably the best and most popular way to provide low-cost mortgage life insurance. Many people also buy term insurance to cover the amount of certificate loans made against their permanent life insurance, an ideal way to make sure the death benefit is not reduced by the outstanding loan balance.

Temporary Solution Term life insurance can also be purchased as a temporary solution to a permanent need. For example, young families often use term insurance to provide the kind of protection they need but can't yet afford. The sensible approach, however, is not to rely totally on term. Instead, a base amount of permanent insurance—as much as can be reasonably afforded— should be purchased. The rest of the job can then be done with renewable and convertible term insurance (generally with at least 5- or 1-year renewal dates).

A couple in their late twenties with one or more children and the usual financial responsibilities, for example, may easily need $100,000 or $200,000 or more of life insurance—and might need it for years to come. At first, $25,000 of permanent protection may be all their budget can handle. The remaining $75,000 can be covered with relatively inexpensive 5-year renewable and convertible ten]) insurance.

The conversion feature is important because it guarantees that the term portion can be changed over to a permanent plan at any time, without evidence of insurability. In view of the rising cost of term coverage over the years—and the fact that most people need to provide for some additional retirement income—it's a good bet that all or part of that term insurance should eventually be converted to permanent, cash value protection.

That's all part of smart life insurance planning.

policy is used to provide the needed insurance protection.

Several things tend to make hash of this approach (which may account for the fact that, while a lot of people talk about doing this, not many successful practitioners of the theory are to be found).

Chief among the drawbacks are these:

1. Most people lack the investment expertise. Doing really well with investments in the long run takes a level of financial know-how that most of us simply don't have. Even people who know what they're doing can make costly mistakes. (To a certain extent, this argument can be nullified by buying the right mutual fund. But how can we be sure which is the right fund?)

2. Loss of the tax shelter. Cash value accumulation in life insurance is incometax free (although there may be tax consequences if the policy is cashed in by the owner). This means that whatever side investments are made have to do better— after taxes—than the guaranteed rate paid b y the insurer. For instance, someone in the 30 percent income tax bracket would have to earn ten percent on his investment in order to realize a seven percent after-tax gain.

3. Relatively small amount to invest.

Assuming annual investments are made comparable to the difference between the term and permanent insurance premiums, the amount of money available to invest each year will be relatively small. This limits the range of investment possibilities to those offerings with low front-end commitments or to a modest annual investment in a mutual fund.

Human Nature But maybe what's wrong about the buy-term-and-invest-the-difference idea is human nature. Investment plans, like savings accounts, tend to be put-and-take propositions. (How many savings accounts have you opened and closed over the years?) There's nothing wrong with investment money, but because our family's financial security may one day depend on our having an adequate life insurance program, it's just good judgment to keep the two things separate.

Make sound investments, of course, maybe even speculate some. But do it after you've taken care of your family's basic financial security needs.

Should You Rent or Buy?

The notion of buying term instead of traditional permanent insurance and then investing the difference between the two

The answer to this question is: both.

With the effects of long-term inflation over the years, few young families can afford to buy all the permanent life insurance they need. But, on the other hand, they can't really afford not to have the protection. Term, as we pointed out earlier, is usually the best often the only— answer for the short period.

If you own term insurance, it's important to understand what that coverage will cost down the road, both in money and in the possible loss of protection when it's needed most. Know your options at renewal and conversion time. Then ask your SPJST sales representative to show you what building a permanent, cash value life insurance program can mean to you and your family in the long run.

premiums has been around for a long time. The idea is to earn more money through one's own investments than the insurance company or fraternal benefit society pays on cash value accumulations in permanent life insurance. The term

James A. Ballew, CLU has many years of experience writing about life insurance.

He has served as editor of the Fraternal Monitor since 1965 and also serves as a consultant to fraternal benefit societies.

Investing the Difference

4/VESTNIK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

From the President's Office SPJST Scholarship Applications Now Available from Home Office The SPJST Supreme Lodge is accepting applications for scholarships until December 31, 1993. Please specify if you are applying for the regular scholarship (four-year college), or a technical scholarship.

If you apply for a technical scholarship, you must attend a technical school and be enrolled in an 18-month or longer program at an accredited technical school.

Send all correspondence to: Supreme Lodge SPJST Scholarship Department P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 You must be a "qualified member" to apply. To be a qualified member, scholarship applicant must hold a valid SPJST insurance policy for at least one year prior to the date of the application.

—SPJST-

From the Secretary-Treasurer's Office Announces Mortgage Modification Program SPJST

The Supreme Lodge has approved a new alternative to refinancing. If you have a high interest rate, owner-occupied residential or owner-operated farm mortgage with the SPJST, you can now get your interest rate decreased with a minimum of paperwork and at a reduced cost if you act before November 8, 1993.

The modified interest rate is determined by the remaining term of your mortgage. The new rates are: 7 1/4% 7 years or less over 7 years to 15 years 7 1/2% 7 3/4% over 15 to 20 years The modification fee is the regular loan application fee, plus 1/2 of the other estimated closing costs, excluding cost of survey. No new survey or appraisal is required.

The reduced paperwork consists of a written request submitted with the fee, acknowledging normal federal disclosures and a one-page modification agreement. New coupons and a new amortization schedule are then furnished.

The monthly payment can be left unchanged in which case the mortgage will mature earlier than scheduled; otherwise, the payment can be recalculated to the maturity of the remaining mortgage

balance at the reduced rate which will reduce the amount of payment and leave the maturity term the same.

The maturity of the loan cannot be extended beyond the present loan maturity date.

To be eligible, your mortgage with the SPJST must be an owner-occupied residence or an owner-operated farm. Other qualifications include continuous inforce SPJST membership, current payment of taxes and installments, hazard insurance in force and full compliance with other loan requirements. All persons who signed the original note must also sign the modification agreement.

This modification program expires on November 8, 1993 and can be changed or withdrawn, but once your modification is approved, the lower interest rate will prevail for the remaining term of your loan.

The SPJST also offers the traditional full refinancing of mortgages.

For further information, write or call and ask for modification information.

Fraternally, Leonard D. Mikeska, Secretary-Treasurer

—SPJST-

Fun and Important SPJST Dates Family

Sept. 26

District Six Fraternal Fest, hosted by Lodge 30, Taiton. Music by Vanek Brothers and Leroy's Swinging Orchestra. Food and refreshments throughout the day. Activities start at 2 p.m.

October 2

District Four Family Fun Day hosted by Lodge 160, San Angelo.

October 10

District One Fall Meeting and Family Fun Day. Hosted by Lodge No. 17, New Tabor.

Progressive "42" Tournament at Lodge 48, Beyersville. Play begins at 9:15 a.m. Should be an enjoyable event. Everyone welcome.

Oc _ober 16 October 23

Gulf Coast Czech Festival Dance at Lodge 172, Pasadena; 8-12 p.m.

Includes Polka Dance Contest and music by the Vrazels.

October 24

Gulf Coast Czech Festival, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.—Polka Mass/Brethren Services; Czech dinner; Entertainment and parade of Czech kroje.

Dance at Lodge 172, Pasadena, with music by the Moonriders.

October 24

District Three Fraternal Fest, hosted by Lodge 25, Ennis. To help plan activities, please contact District Three FAC Gordon Hubenak at (817) 498-3905.

District Seven Family Fun Day at Lodge 107, Floresville. Games and contests. See future issues of the Vestnik for more information.

October 24 October 30

Fall DYC Meeting at Home Office. Meeting starts at 9 a.m.

November 7

District Six Fall Meeting and Family Fun Day, hosted by Lodge 32, Victoria. See future issues of the Vestnik for more information.

—SPJST-

District

News and Updates

District One Fall Fun Day Scheduled for Sunday, October 10 at Lodge 17, New Tabor Dear Local Lodge FAC, Please read the following announcement at your next meeting: The District One Fall Fun Day will be held on October 10, 1993 at Lodge 17, New Tabor.

Any lodges or lodge members who are interested in attending or participating in any of the contests may pre-register by calling District One FAC Clarence Sefcik at (409) 567-3885 after 5 p.m.

The following contests will be held: Volleyball Tournament Horse Shoe Tournament Quilt Contest

Pastry Contest "42" Domino Contest Youth Club Members Contest (See Youth Club Leader for Details) Prizes will be awarded in each contest. Registration will begin at 1 p.m. and the contests will start at 1:30 p.m.

There will be a meal served at 5:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at this time.

Everyone is asked to bring a dessert.

Hope to see everyone there.

Fraternally, Clarence W. Sefcik, District One FAC —SPJST-

Four Fall Fun Day Scheduled for Saturday, October 2; Lodge 160, San Angelo to Host District

Dear Members of District Four, Lodge 160, San Angelo will host the District Four Fall Fun Day on October 2 at the Wall Fire Hall in Wall, Texas.

Registration will begin at 11 a.m.

Lunch will be served at 12 noon. We are asking each family to bring a dessert. A number of contests are scheduled. (Contests are for members only.)

1. Quilt Contest 2. Horseshoe Contest 3. Baked Goods Contest

4. Needlework Contest (This does not indluce applique or painted items.)

5. Christmas Ornament Contest This is a youth contest.)

Bingo games will also be played.

Everyone is invited to come and have a good time as it wil be a fun afternoon for all.

Fraternally, Sharon Geistman, Lodge 160 Secretary —SPJST-

Three Fraternal Fest Scheduled for October 24 at Lodge 25, Ennis

District

All members of District Three and surrounding areas are encouraged to come out and celebrate the first-ever Dis trict Three Fraternal Fest, to be held on.

Sunday,October 24 at Lodge No. 25, Ennis.

This event is being hosted by Lodge No. 25, Ennis. The day's schedule will include the District Three business meeting at 10:30 a.m., followed by a roast beef lunch at noon. Adult plates will be $5 and $2.50 for children, age 12 and under.

After lunch there will be youth activities and a free dance from 2-6 p.m. with music by the Sulak Band. The Beseda Dancers from Lodge No. 130, Dallas will also perform. There will be games and prizes for everyone.

Continue to look to the Vestnik as the date approaches for a complete agenda for the day.

Fraternally, Diana Engelke, Secretary District Three —SPJST-

Six Fraternal Fest Scheduled for September 26 at Taiton Community Center District

The second SPJST District Six Fraternal Fest will be held on Sunday, September 26, 1993 at the Taiton Community Center, Highway 71 North of El Campo, Texas. Lodge 30, Taiton will be hosting the event. The Fest offers Polka and Country and Western Music for listening and dancing from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A variety of food such as hamburgers and other refreshments will be available throughout the day.

District Six will also be sponsoring a mini prize drawing during the afternoon's festivities. All District Six lodges are encouraged to donate prizes.

Two bands will perform during the afternoon—the Vanek Brothers Band of Victoria and Leroy's (Rybak) Swinging Orchestra of Hallettsville.

The Vanek Brothers will kick off the six hours of continuous music and dancing when they begin at 2 p.m. and perform until 3:30 p.m. They will play again from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Leroy's Swinging Orchestra will play from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. and again from 6:45 p.m. until 8 p.m. A special "Battle of the Bands" will occur from 6:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m.

The Taiton Community Center has a good oak dance floor. Admission will be $5 per adult and children under 12 years will be admitted free.

Thank you, Sincerely, Monica Staff Phone: (409) 758-3789 —SPJST-

Wednesday, September 22, 1993—VESTNiK/5

The Minutes of the July 12-14, 1993 Regular Meeting of the Supreme Lodge SPJST held at the Home Office in Temple,Texas The meeting was called to order by Chairman of the Board Cyrill (Sid) Pokladnik at 8:30 a.m. with the following Supreme Lodge Members present: Cyrill Pokladnik-III, Howard B. Leshikar, Pres.

Chairman of the Board Bernard M. Gebala, Vice Pres.

Leonard D. Mikeska, Sec.-Treas. Stanley Broz-IV, Louis Hanus-V, Jerry Mikulas, Financial Sec. Matt S. Vanek-VI, Sidney Kacir, Legal Advisor Vice Chairman of the Board Andrew Vavra-I Robert Bayer-VII Willie E. Kohutek-II MINUTES - The minutes of the May 11-12, 1993 regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge were considered page by page. The minutes were approved with the following addition: Add on page 318, after Director Broz's report that "District IV elected a new Rest Home Director, Billy Rollwitz." The motion to approve the minutes with the one addition was by Director Broz, seconded by Director Hanus and it carried unanimously.

The minutes of Supreme Lodge Officers' meetings of May 5, 13, 20, 21 and June 4, 9, 18, 22 were approved on motion by Director Vavra, seconded by Director Bayer and carried.

OFFICERS' REPORTS - The Supreme Lodge Officers' reports were acknowledged on unanimously adopted motion by Director Vanek, seconded by Director Kohutek. The reports will be placed of record in Exhibits Volume 13.

AUDIT ASSIGNMENTS - The following audit assignments were made: Vouchers - Matt Vanek, Andrew Vavra, and Robert Bayer, Ledger - Louis Hanus and Stanley Broz assisted by Financial Secretary Mikulas.

Audit - Howard Leshikar, Bernard Gebala, Leonard Mikeska, Sidney Kacir, Willie Kohutek and Sid Pokladnik.

Recess was taken at 8:45 a.m. to allow time to complete the directors' audit. The meeting was called back to order at 1 p.m.

Editor Brian Vanicek was present.

company, you are going to be taxed and treated like a commercial life insurance company" and "if the fratemals lose their characteristics as fraternals, they will be treated and taxed like any other life insurance company." He also stated that one of the alternatives was to abolish our Chapter.

The NFCA Model Code provides "an easy conversion of a fraternal into a mutual life insurance company by the Supreme Lodge. "Note it is not necessary for the members or delegates to participate in this decision under the NFCA Model Code. Under the present Chapter 10, the delegates would have to authorize the conversion.

Director Vavra moved that authorization be granted to Legal Advisor Kacir, President Leshikar, Vice President Gebala and Director Pokladnik and other Supreme Lodge members to attend a meeting of representatives of domestic fraternals scheduled for July 16. Director Vanek seconded,and the motion carried unanimously. The motion included provisions that the Supreme Lodge is opposed to pursuing the enactment of the Model Fraternal Code.

Recess was taken from 3:05 p.m. until 3:20 p.m.

LOCAL LODGE NO. 188, CENTERVILLE - Gary Helmcamp and Diane Howle of the Centerville lodge were invited into the meeting. They shared information with the Board about the financial need of the lodge and the reasons. The lodge is confronted with payment of a penalty in connection with the lodge IRS 990 form.

The matter was discussed and authorization was granted to offer the following plan to SPJST Lodge No. 188: 1. To renew, extend and increase the existing loan with an increase of new funds. Capitalizing interest to date of new paper.

2. Subject to new appraisal and Investment Committee approval.

3. Payment remain unchanged.

4. Interest at 7.25% The motion to approve was made by Director Vavra, seconded by President Leshikar and it carried unanimously.

MUSEUM - President Leshikar reported on visitors to the museum and reported on some very good newspaper articles in the Temple and Killeen Daily newspapers featuring the SPJST Museum.

MERGING OF LODGES - President Leshikar reported that he has organized some information for each lodge that will be reorganized/disbanded or merged. On June 22, 1993 Lodge 103 merged into Lodge 67. Lodge 147 is meeting with Lodge 168 on August 8, 1993 to consider a merger of the two lodges.

President Leshikar also stated letters have been sent to Lodges in Wharton, Port Lavaca and Guy about possible mergers and he would be contacting the Sealy and Wallis lodges in the near future.

OLD BUSINESS PERPETUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND - After review of new developments, it was agreed on motion by President Leshikar, seconded by Financial Secretary Mikulas to postpone action until the September meeting. Motion carried. A meeting was scheduled with Joe Flori to review the matter and applicability of tax laws and regulations.

YOUTH DEPARTMENT - There was discussion about concerns of Board members that processes are in place to provide safeguards for proper interaction of staff, volunteers and children. There was a review of a proposed Application/Questionnaire and Release of Liability for Volunteers. During the discussion, it was pointed out that children are entrusted to the Society for camp and other activities and procedures should be in place to detect and screen out staff and/or volunteers if we have reason to have concern about any such individual. After the discussion, the matter was postponed until the September meeting to allow time to obtain additional information.

MISSION AND GOALS - President Leshikar stated that the Society needs to look at the following areas of the Mission and Goals: 1. Need to check off those things we are doing or have accomplished, and address those we are having problems meeting.

2. One new lodge in each district.

3. Need to start working with actual figures for projections for the lodge incentive program for 1994.

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR'S REPORT - Consideration was given to State FAC Frank Klinkovsky's report. There was a brief review of the fraternal service report to the NFCA, the 100% families program and a report on travel of the state FAC. STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT - SYD Joni Lange's report was reviewed and considered. It was announced that craft judging would begin earlier at the SYAD to allow more time for visitors to view the items. There was a brief review of the SYAD and Beseda judging.

EDITOR VANICEK - Editor Vanicek spoke briefly. He stated he was visiting the meeting as an observer and appreciated the opportunity to address the group.

Editor Vanicek stated that he had contacted the Publication Committee Chairman and Secretary and they would withdraw their recommendation that a political candidate advertising in the Vestnik be a member for one year before purchasing an ad in the Vestnik.

Editor Vanicek reported that a student, Erin Jones, is doing volunteer work with the Vestnik as a communication intern. Recess was taken at 5:10 p.m. until 8:30 a.m., July 13, 1993.

Editor Vanicek was present to observe the meeting.

PROPOSAL FOR POINT SYSTEM REVISION ALTERNATIVE TO PRESENT SYSTEM - A proposal providing an alternative to the existing merit point system was reviewed. It was understood that a proposal survey and a survey ballot was sent to youth leaders with five or more active youth club members and the results were fifteen in favor and thirteen opposed. It was understood that a delegation of interested members from the Youth Department would be present to discuss the proposal tomorrow and action on the matter was postponed.

MODEL FRATERNAL CODE - There was a review of known efforts by the National Fraternal Congress (NFCA) to have the State Legislature adopt the Model Fraternal Code instead of the present Chapter 10 of the Texas Insurance. Laws.

Legal Advisor Kacir reviewed the history of the current laws governing fratemals and referred to a comparison of Chapter 10 of the Texas Insurance Code and the NFCA sponsored model code.

Legal Advisor explained that the NFCA Model Code provides "such other benefits as authorized for life insurers are not inconsistent with this Article." In 1987, Commissioner of Insurance Doyce Lee stated "if you act like a commercial life insurance

LOCAL LODGE NO 188 - CENTERVILLE - The action of the previous day setting the interest rate for the mortgage loan of the Centerville Lodge was reconsidered on unanimously adopted motion by President Leshikar, seconded by Legal Advisor Kacir.

Information was pointed out that it was understood that the lodge wanted a separate loan at the current rate and preferred that the interest rate would be left unchanged on the present loan. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska compared the final result of one combined loan and two separate loans. A compromise was reached to set an equivalent rate of 6.5 percent on the combined loans since it would be essentially the same as two separate loans. The 6.5 percent rate was approved on motion by President Leshikar seconded by Director Vavra. Motion carried.

REPLACEMENT VEHICLES - Vice President Gebala reported that the two replacement vehicles were received on June 18, 1993. One vehicle was assigned to Keith Gatewood with primary use in Districts 3 and 4. The second vehicle has been temporarily assigned to Helen Hegwood for primary use in District V. Jim Wiest in District 6 and 7 is using the vehicle which was previously assigned in District 5.

6/VESTNIK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

QUICK-START II - Vice President Gebala reported that Quick-Start certificates of completion have been awarded and distributed. The course seems to have been well received. The sales force seems to be more receptive to selling and our production will be the gauge of how successful the course was.

It is also noted in the minutes that letters were received from Mary Steinman of Lodge No. 154, Betty Schoeneman of Lodge No. 9, and Sandra Jansa, the District IV DYC. A petition was received from District 'V with some 170 names supporting the position not to change the point system.

LOCAL LODGE INCENTIVE - Vice President Gebala stated that he has stressed this program heavily. The field people have contacted the sales representatives and have tried to motivate them in helping their respective lodge grow. The Sales Department has also sent out written notification to all sales representatives via the MESSENGER. He indicated that there does seem to be interest in this program out in the field by some lodges.

SYD Joni Lange was present and was given the opportunity to speak on the matter.

She stated she does not feel that her position is one of setting policy and she can work equally well with the old or new program, regardless of the decision.

ANNUITIES - Vice President Gebala discussed a letter from A. M. Best requesting additional quarterly information concerning the reserving method. This letter was referred to our Actuary, John Agee, who contacted A. M. Best. Mr. Agee's letter explaining the concerns of A. M. Best was placed in the Exhibits.

A. M. BEST RATING - Vice President Gebala discussed the fact that the SPJST has retained a Best's rating of A excellent and the SPJST is the highest rated Texas domiciled Fraternal Benefit Society. He stated that many fraternals have had their ratings lowered. He further stated that with the exception of the eight giant fraternals nationwide, the SPJST is one of the four highest rated Societies.

There was a discussion about the standards and requirements of the A.M. Best rating service. To maintain the rating requires a great deal of extra use of our personnel resources to complete the extensive periodic reports and modern testing procedures such as cash flow testing. A conference with A. M. Best will also be necessary this fall. Some fraternals have decided not to seek a rating.

After discussion, it was decided on unanimously adopted motion by Director Vanek, seconded by Director Kohutek that we continue to submit to rating by the A. M. Best rating service.

COMPUTER ER UPDATE - Vice President Gehala reported that the MICR printer has been ordered but not received. State of the art software for the two most recently purchased PGs was secured through a non profit service vendor at a savings of $425.

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS COVERAGE - Vice President Gebala shared information with the Board about Errors and Omissions coverage for sales representatives.

He discussed quotes on premiums and a new E&O policy being developed through the National Fraternal Congress. The potential liability and risk due to errors and omissions was discussed for the purpose of making the entire Board aware of the risks involved. There was discussion about who would pay the premium for Errors and Omissions coverage if it is secured. Premium estimates indicate cost could exceed $100,000 per year.

The matter of Errors and Omissions coverage was postponed until additional information and quotes are received and the NFCA plan is available.

FFMA UPDATE - Vice President Gebala stated he will be concluding his tenure as President of the Fraternal Field Managers' Association and Tom Acker of KJT will be installed as President at the September meeting. Vice President Gebala will continue to he on the Board one more year as Past President. The next scheduled meeting is in San Antonio with the NFCA. A short recess was taken from 9:40 a.m. until 10 a.m.

YOUTH POINT SYSTEM PROPOSAL - Several individuals from the Youth Department had requested an opportunity to appear before the Board to share their views on the point system change being considered by the District Youth Counselors (DYCs) and the Youth Department.

District I DYC Susan Skrabanek, was present to share her views about the advantages of the proposal for Point System Revision or an alternative to the present system. She shared her view why the revised system would be more fair than the old system and how the new system would help to develop the children to mature into active adult lodge members who do fraternal service for the right reasons. She was excused from the meeting after concluding her presentation.

Youth Leader Gladys Yates was present and was given the opportunity to state her views on the new revised point system. She shared concerns that the new proposal in her opinion will hurt the youth program in her lodge. She stated that the present point system serves as a good incentive to encourage participation and that the present point system provides good rewards when the children participate and do fraternal service. After concluding her comments she was excused from the meeting.

District III DYC Bessie Petr was present and shared her views that the present point system is good and she could not understand why there was a desire to change to a new system. She shared her views that although the point system dates back many years but it is working well and we can make changes each year and stated in her opinion, she does not see why we should make such a drastic change. She left the Board room after concluding her presentation.

District V DYC Marie Stayton was present and stated she talked to many people in District V and had gotten a petition against the new proposal to revise the point system. She stated that the old system should be amended to require participation in the YAD. She discussed the fact that everyone in the youth clubs does charity work under the old program and that the new proposal would not provide adequate incentive. She was excused from the meeting after concluding her presentation.

There was discussion about the role of the Board on this matter. Article 44 of the By Laws was reviewed which essentially states that the SYD and the DYCs formulate rules and regulations for youth activities at all levels, subject to approval of the Supreme Lodge. Legal Advisor Kacir stated that under that By Law, there is a forum and provision for considering changes.

The four previous speakers were invited back into the Board room and were informed that there is a forum for change under the By Laws and the Board would not make a decision on the matter until a finished product is worked out and presented to the Board for a final decision. It was concluded that if changes were needed these changes should be considered and worked out by the Youth Department and the DYCs and then presented to the Supreme Lodge.

All who came to make a presentation were thanked for taking the time to be present to share their views and opinions.

FORECLOSED PROPERTY - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska discussed efforts to sell the following foreclosed properties: (a)REO 182 & 183 - Commercial property at 6620 - 6630 Azle Avenue, Lake Worth, Texas in Tarrant County.

The property is listed for sale with Prudential Keystone Realtors for $108,900. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that we have an Earnest Money Contract with a party for a price of $75,000 cash. The officers and Director Pokladnik agreed to the contract subject to changes. The contract is subject to financing approval by a third party lender.

Supreme Lodge Officers and Director Pokladnik have authority to decide and act on offers.

The contract was ratified on motion by Financial Secretary Mikulas, seconded by Director Kohutek. Motion carried. (b) REO #186 - Residence at 5831 Millar Drive, Dallas, Texas, Dallas County. The property is listed with J. Fite Realty for $21,500. The Supreme Lodge officers and Director Pokladnik have full authority to decide and act on offers. (c) REO #188 - Residence with 10.79 acres of land in Wilson County. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that a purchaser is in process of obtaining loan to buy the property. Agreement was reached to sell for $44,499.24 if closed by July 15, 1993.

There was discussion about the prior agreement by the Board authorizing this arrangement. There was a report on the events that led us to this point.

REAL ESTATE LOANS/DELINQUENCIES - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska referred to a list attached to his report of loans delinquent three or more months.

He reported we have 27 loans delinquent over three months. Of these loans, there are 17 loans on a workout; 5 loans in bankruptcy/foreclosure; 2 loans have an acceptable deferral; and the remainder of 3 loans do not fit into any of the above categories. The recommendations were reviewed. Motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska that the recommendations for action be approved, seconded by Director Broz and carried unanimously.

LOSS RESERVE ON REAL ESTATE OWNED/REAL ESTATE LOANS Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that delinquent loans and real estate owned were reviewed and a list of recommended reserves is listed in the delinquency report recommending reserves for potential loan losses.

He stated that the reserves for anticipated loan losses are reviewed at each Supreme Lodge meeting and recommends $50,000 as a loss reserve for potential losses.

The recommended loss reserve for Real Estate Owned is $41,500.

Motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska that the recommended loss reserves be approved, seconded by Director Hanus and carried unanimously.

Recess for lunch was taken from 12:10 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Editor Vanicek introduced communication intern Erin Jones who is doing volunteer work with the Vestnik.

DOUGLAS E. AND JUSTINE P. YEAGER- Douglas and Justine Yeager were present to discuss their opinions concerning what they termed controversial requirements by which certain youth benefits were obtained by Juvenile Policy Holders.

They expressed concerns that the Youth Department is promoting requirements that in their opinion materially affect the lawful marketing of our insurance products by our sales persons. They referred to a copy of a brochure advertising SPJST Youth Clubs and Youth Camp and other benefits and a copy of a Benefits of SPJST Mem-

Wednesday, September 22, 1993—VESTMK/7

bership brochure and discussed these brochures. Reference was made to Article 21.21 of the Texas Insurance Code. Concern was raised that the present literature may not adequately disclose and provide the sales representatives with the rules of the Youth Department so that these requirements can be fully disclosed to consumers. During the discussion it was brought out that the SPJST must provide benefits in addition to the standard life insurance benefits and consumers may buy the life insurance products because of the additional benefits and if this is the case, full disclosure of the requirements may need to be made.

The agenda was interrupted to allow President Leshikar to share information with the Board. President Leshikar stated that information was just received that past Editor Rudy Sefcik had passed away.

The discussion concerning Juvenile Policy Holders resumed with Legal Advisor Kacir stating we are always glad to receive comments and discussed options to look at concerning disclaimers for benefits having certain specific requirements.

It was concluded that either we should disclose the full requirements for certain youth benefits such as camp or allow all who so desired attend without meeting any requirements. Douglas and Justine Yeager were thanked for their comments and they left the meeting.

President Leshikar volunteered to get the Supreme Lodge Officers to review some of the concerns expressed.

RESOLUTION OF RESPECT, EDITOR RUDY J. SEFCIK - The following Resolution was unanimously adopted on motion by President Leshikar, seconded by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska: RESOLUTION OF RESPECT WHEREAS, the Supreme Lodge and the SPJST membership was saddened to learn of the death of Rudy J. Sefcik, past Editor of the SPJST; and, WHEREAS, Brother Sefcik left surviving him to mourn his departure, his wife, Maxine, his sons, Terry C. and Edwin J., a host of relatives, friends and neighbors, all of whom, with all the members of the Supreme Lodge SPJST, mourn his departure; and, WHEREAS, the members of the Supreme Lodge SPJST desire to record their sorrow at the death on July 13, 1993 of Brother Sefcik, who had worked harmoniously and diligently for the good of the Society and served as Editor of the Vestnik from 1969 until 1992.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Supreme Lodge of the SPJST meeting as a body in session on July 13, 1993 hereby gives its formal expression of sympathy and does hereby not in its records the passing from this life of a loyal member, who was respected by his associates and loved by his family and friends.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be tendered to the family as an expression of heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement; one copy be sent to the Vestnik for publication; and one copy be spread on the minutes of the Supreme Lodge SPJST. LOAN APPLICATION COSTS/MORTGAGE MODIFICATION - SecretaryTreasurer Mikeska remarked that feedback indicates to him that the Board's primary concern about application fees and closing costs centers around the fees and costs of refinancing existing SPJST loans.

Concerning loan application fees for new loans, he stated that the loan application fees and closing costs appear to be in line with most lenders. There are a few isolated exceptions. He asked for additional input from the Board.

Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska discussed the refinancing of existing SPJST loans, explained a possible procedure authorizing decrease of the interest rate by simple modification rather than the traditional full refinancing procedure involving new loan papers, appraisal, title policy and other detailed requirements.

Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska presented a summary of how such a plan could be structured to modify the interest rate on existing SPJST loans.

1. The interest rate change and payment change will be done using a modification agreement instead of the usual refinancing procedure. The new interest rate will begin the first of the next month after signing of modification agreement.

2. The fee will be based on the present application fee schedule plus 1/2 of the estimated closing costs for a usual loan closing. Survey will not be included in calculation. The amount paid by the borrower will be considered as interest income to the SPJST. 3. The program will be available for owner occupied residential/owner operated farm mortgages. The loan must be current and other loan requirements met. The borrower must have taxes paid and SPJST membership in force.

4. The modified interest rate will be 1/4 percent greater than the new loan rate and term would be determined by remaining years to maturity.

5. The modified payment will be a product of the interest rate and remaining years to original maturity of the loan. The payment can be left unchanged for an earlier maturity.

6. No reappraisal or loan application or additional loan papers will be required other than execution of the prescribed modification agreement and required disclosures.

7. The modification will be communicated by a letter in the Vestnik and response to written and phone inquiries about modification. Notice will not be mailed to individual borrowers.

8. The plans will be effective immediately and continue until the next meeting (September 9, 1993) and can be extended at the next meeting or withdrawn earlier if so decided by the Supreme Lodge Officers and mail poll of Directors. The written request and modification must be received (or postmarked) while the modification plan is in force.

Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska explained that any of the provisions could be changed by the Board as well as the modification interest rate or the structuring of the fees.

There was extensive discussion and the proposed modification fee schedule was also reviewed.

The modification plan was approved on motion by Director Vanek, seconded by Director Broz and it carried unanimously. •v) Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that we have $2,377,804.47 of loans in process as of June 30. Of this amount, $447,614.21 represents SPJST loans in process of refinancing with us.

MORTGAGE LOAN/INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska stated that the matter of reinstating the $25,000 insurance requirement in addition to 90-day membership was discussed last meeting and postponed until the July meeting. The matter was taken up and discussed. Legal Advisor Kacir gave an update on any new developments that would affect the reinstating of this requirement and essentially he informed the Board there were no major changes. It was decided to continue to monitor the matter for possible future change.

DEBT/INCOME RATIO - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that our current income ratio is 25 percent and debt ratio is 33 percent and proposed to change the loan qualifying income ratio to 28 percent and the debt ratio to 36 percent. By precedent, the Investment Committee does make exceptions on a case by case basis. After discussion, it was decided on motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Director Vavra to change the income and debt ratio to qualify for a mortgage loan as proposed. Motion carried unanimously.

SPJST SPONSORED CREDIT CARD/LONG DISTANCE SERVICE -Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska referred to information he had previously provided to Board members about a potential SPJST sponsored credit card and long distance phone program, both of which could be made available to members.

On motion by Director Broz, seconded by Director Bayer it was decided not to pursue either plan at this time. Motion carried unanimously .

Recess was taken from 3:10 p.m. until 3:20 p.m.

INDEPENDENT AUDIT - Steve Niemeier and Jerry Tyroch were present from the firm of Brockway, Chupik, Gersbach and Niemeier, P.C. to present a report on the independent audit and financial statements as of December 31, 1992 and 1991.

Steve Niemeier referred to the financial statements and stated that they are giving a clean opinion. The financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Society as of December 31, 1992 and 1991, and the results of its operation and its cash flows for the years thru ended in conformability with generally accepted accounting principles. The financial statements were reviewed and also included the independent auditors' report on Study and Evaluation of the System of Internal Controls.

The report of internal control was reviewed with the Board. Report was made that the auditors noted no matters involving the internal control structure and its operation that they consider to be material weaknesses.

Steve Niemeier expressed appreciation to the officers and staff for their professional assistance and cooperation. He also thanked the Board. The auditors excused themselves from the meeting.

After discussion, the independent auditors report,the financial statements as of December 31, 1992 and 1991 and the independent auditors' report on Study and Evaluation of the System of Internal Accounting Controls was accepted on unanimously adopted motion. The motion was by Financial Secretary Mikulas, and seconded by Legal Advisor Kacir.

Director Hanus asked for information about the procedure followed and used to purchase and pay for securities since we now are a custody account. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska explained the order we now follow.

VESTNIK - Financial Secretary Mikulas reported that the total Vestnik subscribers now stands at 9,403 as of June 30, 1993. This amount has increased by 10 since the first of the year. A total of 97 nonmembers have paid their subscription fee prior to July 1, 1993. Subscription fee for nonmembers amount to $14.00 per year. The total cost per week for postage now amounts to $1,247.34. Cost in printing the Vestnik amounts to approximately $995.00.

QUARTERLY STATEMENT - Financial Secretary Mikulas reported that the quarterly statement of the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST) as of March 31, 1993 had been forwarded to each officer and director. Director Hanus

8/VESTNIK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

moved and Director Broz seconded that it be noted in the minutes that the quarterly report for the period ending March 31, 1993 was reviewed and accepted. The . motion carried unanimously.

DIRECT BILL –Financial Secretary Mikulas stated that 101 lodges have been converted to direct bill consisting of 48,034 certificates. This completes 93% of our certificate membership and 87% of our lodges.

outside of the area. Director Vanek asked Legal Advisor Kacir if he was a full time attorney and asked why we used other attorneys in out-of-town matters. The Legal Advisor pointed out that out-of-town counsel is used where it is concluded that it is more cost effective to use out-of-town counsel. Legal Advisor Kacir explained that additional allowance is provided for by the Convention for litigation and threatened litigation and reviewed the fee currently charged by the Legal Advisor for litigation.

He explained that the basis for fees charged for foreclosures are specified in the note and deed of trust for the loan and are to be paid by the maker of the note.

Lodges that have not converted to direct bill and remain on group bill are as follows: Lodge No.

Name

No. of Certs.

Lodge No.

634 584 182 591 88 1,779 52 616 34 195

101 110 122 138 151 154 157 162 167 174

Name

No. of Certs.

2.) He questioned postage costs of some $21,000 for the Home Office and some $25,000 for the Vestnik.

3.) He reviewed the cost of employees' hospitalization.

6 9 16 20 41 66 76 80 82 94

West Snook Bila Flora Granger Port Lavaca Elm Mott Wichita Falls Holland Ennis Wheelock

Gainsville Kaufman Wallis Ganado Wharton Ft. Worth Lubbock Iowa Colony Penelope Rockdale

40 76 79 146 196 1,110 142 68 38 233

BUDGET 1993 - Financial Secretary Mikulas reviewed the itemized listing of all income and expense for the first six months of 1993 comparing the totals with the budget amount. Any expense item in excess of 50% or more needed to be reviewed.

Actual expenses included in the budgeted amount are up by 3 percent. Income for the first six months stands at 58%.

REFUND TO LODGES, 1993 - Financial Secretary Mikulas informed the Board that the refund to lodges for 1993 was reviewed in our March and May meeting. No formula has been determined and the matter was to be discussed in the July meeting.

His recommendation was to set a rate according to certificates in force and break down of the rate paid per premium paying and paid up certificates.

VESTNIK SURVEY - Financial Secretary Mikulas reported he would be proceeding with the Vestnik survey agreed upon in the last meeting.

PENDING LOANS - Legal Advisor Kacir referred to his report of loans pending and updated changes since the report was prepared.

LITIGATION/TAX SUITS - Legal Advisor Kacir reviewed his report and stated there was improvement in the number of pending litigation/tax matters.

FORECLOSURES STARTED/IN PROCESS OF WORKOUT - Legal Advisor reviewed items in his written report.

BANKRUPTCIES - Legal Advisor Kacir discussed work on bankruptcies of SPJST borrowers and referred to five bankruptcies listed in his report.

ASSOCIATION OF FRATERNAL BENEFIT COUNCIL - Legal Advisor Kacir briefly discussed items from the Council workshop he attended.

LEGAL ADVISOR SECRETARY - Legal Advisor Kacir reviewed his efforts to replace Margaret Agnew who resigned because she and her husband were moving out of the area. Legal Advisor Kacir indicated that the salary allowed was not sufficient to hire a person with the experience and skills needed. He indicated the need for a salary of $18 to $24,000. Deliberation followed.

Director Bayer moved that a salary of up to $15,000 annually be authorized for the legal secretary for the Legal Advisor's Office. The motion was seconded by President Leshikar. Vote was taken and the motion carried unanimously. Legal Advisor Kacir verified that notice would include requirement of two years legal experience preferred and will consider college graduate or six years experience, preferably in the medical or a technical field, and provide for salary of up to $15,000 and any amount in excess would be subsidized by the Legal Advisor. A written resume will be required.

DIRECTOR VANEK - He discussed 50-year presentation in Lodges 63, 40, 97 and 28 and a social at Lodge 148. He reviewed several of the expense items. He asked for explanation of Czech Language allocation payments.

There was discussion about the procedure involving the preparation and notification of the agenda for the Supreme Lodge meeting. It was pointed out the agenda item concerning a time clock for the Home Office was not carried forward on the agenda.

It was understood that old unfinished items of business are to be automatically carried forward and only new items would be reported by the presenter of that business item.

Director Vanek asked for a definition of comp time and questioned if there are any records of comp time. It was agreed that all references in the Minutes concerning comp time be located for consideration in the September Supreme Lodge meeting.

Director Vanek reported on the possibility of a merger of the Schulenburg and Velehrad lodges and there was a question because the lodges were in different districts. It was determined there would be no conflict on this merger.

DIRECTOR BAYER - He reported on possible mergers of lodges in District VII. He commented that he thought the 75-year pins were too plain and need to be redesigned. He asked to be furnished with employee code identification numbers for long distance telephone bills.

DIRECTOR POKLADNIK - He discussed the plans for the Fraternal Fest in District HI. He discussed matters concerning hotel arrangements for the SPJST Convention.

Recess was taken from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m.

BOOKS FOR CZECH REPUBLIC - There was discussion on the request for a donation to buy books for use in the Czech Republic. After discussion, Legal Advisor Kacir moved that $200 be authorized for purchase of books and the books will be sent to the location we are given. The motion was seconded by Director Hanus and it carried unanimously.

FRATERNAL SERVICE REPORTING/RECOGNITION - President Leshikar reported that because of the importance of the Fraternal Activities Report and fraternal activities as a whole, we are going to use the following program to help recognize our members efforts in the fraternal field.

Certificates of recognition will be given to individuals for specific categories such as; 100 or more fraternal acts, 50-100 fraternal acts, 25-50 fraternal acts, and 0-25 fraternal acts.

Members reporting their individual fraternal activities to their lodge FAC, on the reporting form provided to them, will receive a certificate of recognition for volunteering their time.

The certificates of recognition should be presented to the members during a lodge meeting, or at the end of the year during the membership drive/social.

We feel that the above program will help give a "pat on the back" to those members who give of themselves to their lodges and communities throughout the year.

Motion to approve was by President Leshikar, seconded by Legal Advisor Kacir and it carried unanimously.

Recess was taken at 6:05 P.M. until 8:30 a.m., July 14, 1993.

DIRECTORS' REPORTS DIRECTOR VAVRA - He reported on meetings with lodges in Gonzales and Flatonia concerning lodge reactivations. He reported that the Flatonia lodge donated two computers to the Flatonia Schools.

DIRECTOR KOHUTEK - He stated that the Board members were invited to Red Ranger for supper by the operators, Jerry and Louise Zavodny, members of Lodge 24.

He reported that the audit of securities was changed since we now have a custody account. He stated the securities were accounted for and found in order.

DIRECTOR BROZ - He discussed youth participation in District IV and said activities were increasing. He also discussed more policies being written in the area.

DIRECTOR HANUS - He discussed information about liquor liability and also discussed other activities. He was concerned there is not better attendance at District V YAD. He asked for information about the following items on the audit: 1.) Legal services and it was explained that this was for outside legal fees for matters

BEST REPORT - President Leshikar reported that the A.M. Best Company wants us to meet with them at their Headquarters Office, after the 3rd quarter in November or December. He visited with Hope Meaker, the representative who handles the information for our Society at A.M. Best Headquarters. The concern of the rating service seems to be in regards to annuities. While the gross profit spread on annuities looks good, the net spread is of major concern.

Hope Meaker made the statement that the annuities nationwide are not very profitable. The A.M. Best Co. is taking extra caution with insurance companies that are selling annuities.

A motion was made by President Leshikar that we try to adequately satisfy the requirements of A.M. Best Co. by telephone and correspondence and only if this approach is not successful, then a trip is authorized. The motion was seconded by Legal Advisor Kacir and it carried unanimously. Those authorized are Supreme Lodge Officers and anyone on the Supreme Lodge who desires to attend.

NFCA MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS - There was discussion about the NFCA request for completion of, a document consisting of pages of extensive information.

The document is associated with the NFCA membership standards proposal that will come up to the national convention.

Wednesday, September 22, 1993—VESTNik/9

On motion by Vice President Gebala, seconded by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska it was agreed that President Leshikar inform the NFCA Standards Committee that we feel the document requests information that should not be required and the proposal needs additional work. Motion carried unanimously.

He referred to an analysis of spreads on both Annuity I and IL The spreads are: (I) Gross yield on Annuity I allocated assets of $33,116,956.94-----7.038% Less current Annuity I payout rate ---- 6.250% Gross spread on Annuity I ----0.788%

NFCA - On motion by Legal Advisor Kacir, seconded by Director Bayer it was decided that the SPJST will nominate President Leshikar for director of the NFCA. Motion carried unanimously.

AUTO REPAIRS - Vice President Gebala reported on $700 of repairs for the SPJST auto assigned to the field representative in District V. INSURANCE PHYSICALS EXPENSE - Vice President Gebala reported our present limit for insurance physicals is $30 which is relatively low and most reports exceed this amount. He reported the Society allows additional expense only if the premium warrants the expense; otherwise, the cost is charged to the sales representative. It was agreed to leave the procedure unchanged.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES FOR NEW LODGES - Vice President Gebala stated that we need to set a policy to establish new lodges with new sales representatives so it complies with our By-Laws and is workable. He discussed an experience with one lodge which is representative of problems he encounters. After clarification, it was understood that members can be written into a lodge in process of being formed for a period of one year or more at the discretion of the Supreme Lodge.

VACATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES - Vice President Gebala requested a determination of when an employee is entitled to vacation and how long. There was a discussion about procedures and if a handbook should be prepared dealing with everyday office circumstances such as vacations, sick leave, dress code, comp time, paid holidays, time off for funerals, etc. The matter was referred for the Supreme Lodge Officers to decide if we need an employee handbook.

(II) Gross yield on Annuity II allocated assets of $1,029,271.95 Less current Annuity H payout rate Gross spread on Annuity II

9.406% 5.800% 3.606%

Discussion centered on the fact that we need to reduce the rate on Annuity I because of the greater interest rate risk and implement a procedure to allow members to roll from Annuity Ito Annuity II. After discussion, decision was reached to set a new rate of 5 percent on Annuity I effective for the period from August 1, 1993 through September 30, 1993 and leave the rate unchanged at 5.8 percent on Annuity II effective for the period from August 1, 1993 through September 30, 1993. The motion was by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Legal Advisor Kacir and it carried unanimously.

LODGE REPORTING COMPLIANCE - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that the local lodge 990/990T were due for filing by May 15, 1993 for 1992 business.

He reported the following lodges have not furnished us with copies of their 990s or information they do not need to file: Lodges 6, 15, 18, 29, 177 On the matter of local lodge officers and information update, the following lodges have not responded: 29, 66, 114, 122, 141, 149, 151, 162, 168, 171, and 188.

VIDEO TAPE PROMOTION - Vice President Gebala brought up the need to update our ten-minute sale video. President Leshikar discussed the need of a short video for the Youth Department. On motion by Director Kohutek, seconded by Financial Secretary Mikulas the sum of $3,000 was authorized for the two such videos. Motion carried unanimously.

The matter of lodge compliance was discussed and the effect non compliance will have by way of such lodges not being eligible to receive their refunds.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION - Vice President Gebala reported that the Texas Department of Insurance has levied a new requirement that a fraternal sales representative cannot sell insurance products if his license has been revoked.

Our insurance application form has been revised to provide for the new requirement.

BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS - Authorization was granted to allow the opening of a brokerage account with APS Financial at the discretion of Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska which authorization included the normal resolution and authorization to sign necessary customary agreements. The motion was by President Leshikar, seconded

by Director Kohutek and it carried unanimously.

PAGER SYS I LM - Vice President Gebala reported that we have a pager system presently for SFM McBride. Pagers are now $129.95 each with an 800 number allowing 15 free calls per month at $12.50 plus a $25.00 each start up fee. Do you want the three remaining field personnel wired the same way? Some directors would like to have a better contact with their assigned field representative. No action taken.

PERSONNEL —A personnel matter was discussed whereby an employee was allowed to work part time through December 31, 1993 due to personal circumstances.

DELINQUENT LODGES - Financial Secretary Mikulas stated that the following lodges with delinquent premiums as of June 30, 1993 were: $ 19.77 - May premiums 388.84 - May premiums 29.79 - May Premiums $438.40

Lodge 183, Ganado Lodge 151, Wharton Lodge 162, Iowa Colony Total

SOFTWARE/HARDWARE" FOR SALES REPRESENTATIVES - Vice President Gebala brought up the possibility of developing a system that would be utilized by local sales representative. The matter was postponed subject to completion of a survey of sales representatives to determine anticipated usage.

Delinquent lodges have been notified.

Recess for lunch was taken from 1:05 p.m.to 1:30 p.m.

INVESTMENTS - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska referred to a listing of securities and investments and closed real estate loans for the period beginning May 1, 1993 through June 30, 1993. The investments were ratified on motion by Director Broz, seconded by Director Hanus and carried unanimously.

INVESTMENT POLICY - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska requested that the Supreme Lodge review the Society Investment Policy last amended during the May Supreme Lodge meeting.

The interest rate discount to lodges with mortgages was considered. It was agreed that effective at the next loan anniversary date of each applicable loan that after applying the discount credit no lodge be required to pay a rate greater than 6.25 percent provided the lodge meets the terms of the discount policy. Under Lodge Building loans the percentage in the last sentence was changed from 7 1/4 percent to 6 1/4 percent.

The Investment Policy was affirmed and the change approved on motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska seconded by Legal Advisor Kacir. Motion carried unanimously.

UNIVERSAL LIFE RAIL - Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska reported that the current Universal Life rate effective through July 31, 1993 is 7 percent and the guaranteed rate is 4.5 percent and the gross spread on Universal Life is 1.077percent.

He explained that the assets allocated are bonds and mortgage on a 2 to 1 ratio. On motion by Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska, seconded by Vice President Gebala it was decided to leave the Universal Life rate unchanged at 7 percent effective for the period from August 1, 1993 through September 30, 1993. Motion carried unanimously.

ANNUITY RATE - Secretary Treasurer Mikeska brought up for review the current annuity accumulation period rate effective through July 31, 1993 which is: Annuity I 6.25% Annuity II---- 5.80%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Financial Secretary Mikulas discussed a report comparing 1993 income and expenses with the same period in 1992. He stated that expenses have increased approximately 14 percent over the same period. Income has decreased by approximately 2 percent.

LODGE INCENTIVE PROGRAM - Financial Secretary Mikulas referred to a breakdown of the Lodge Incentive Program as of June 30, 1993:

Lodge Lodge Lodge Lodge Lodge Lodge

BRONZE (15 certs.) $750.00

HONORABLE MENTION (12 certs.) $550.00

GOLD (25 certs.) $1,000.00

SILVER (20 certs.) $850.00

2 88

80 160

47 • 31 172 188 196 200

2,000.00

1,700.00

3,300.00

Grand Total $7,000.00 as of June 30, 1993.

LIST OF DURATION OF ANNUITY I AND ANNUITY II - Financial Secretary Mikulas commented on the number of annuities and the amount subject to penalty when making withdrawals that exceed the 10% permissible.

ANNUITY I DURATION 1 2 3 4 5

COUNT 258 327 158 158 149

AMOUNT 3,912,279.41 5,142,386.35 2,238,218.52 2,037,468.64 1,460,123.28

10/VESTMK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

200 348 282 232 103

3,336,317.58 5,170,484.88 5,519,011.79 2,710,082.36 1,287,458.53

2,215

32,813,831.34

6 7 8 9 10

ANNUITY II DURATION 1 GRAND TOTAL

COUNT 75 2,215

AMOUNT 849,060.89 33,662,892.23

LIQUOR LIABILITY - Legal Advisor Kacir discussed new developments concerning sales of alcoholic beverages. He stressed the importance of running a clean operation and carrying of liquor liability coverage. He encouraged lodges to take advantage of the training that is offered concerning sales of alcoholic beverages.

COST OF SMALL LOANS - Director Broz asked if something could be done to decrease the cost of a loan to a member when they need a relatively small remodeling loan. The matter was discussed. Postponed for further study.

ESCROW - Director Broz suggested the possibility of establishing escrow accounts for taxes and insurance in connection with real estate loans. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska discussed the matter and stated we could do this if the Board wanted to set up escrow accounts. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska will look into escrow account costs and other implications.

LENGTH OF TIME TO CARRY PAST DUE LOANS - Director Bayer asked how long the Society will carry a delinquent real estate loan. Secretary-Treasurer Mikeska responded that delinquent loans are handled on an individual loan basis and the Director is involved in the decision process. He also stated that a report of delinquency is considered by the Board every two months and the loans are reviewed on an individual basis by the Board. He stated that this is the time when the director can input the recommendation on each seriously delinquent loan.

DIRECTORS' REPORTS DIRECTOR VAVRA - He discussed the status of loans in his district where a special problem or situation existed.

He discussed the implications of liquor liability.

He reported District I decided not to have a Fraternal Fest.

Letters from the Lodges Lodge 17, New Tabor Reports on September Meeting Dear Members, Lodge No. 17 held its regular monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on September 5 with all officers present, except for Wilford Hildebrand.

A resolution was read for Alvin J. Drgac. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the friends and family of our departed member.

New members welcomed to our lodge are Brandi Crnkovic and Jacquelyn Dean Paul.

Youth Leader Susan Skrabanek reported that the Youth Club had a very successful fund raiser.

Doors have been replaced and reinforced due to the break-ins that we've been having.

Kristi Vollentine will represent Lodge No. 17 at the fair this year.

FAC Sefcik reported on the Fall Fun Day on October 10 at our lodge hall.

Lodge No. 17 will provide an evening meal but we will need desserts.

Activities at the Fun Day will include volleyball, horseshoes, dominoes ("42 " and "straight"), a quilt contest and a pastry contest. The Youth Club will also

have a Christmas tree ornaments contest.

Activities will begin at 1:30 and the meal will be served at approximately 5:30 p.m.—or when volleyball is over.

Serving on the Food Committee for the Fun Day are Melvin Skrabanek, Linda Gaas, Theo. Dusek, Clarence Sefcik and Lola Vavra.

Our next meeting will be on October 3rd at 2 p.m.

Fraternally, Lola Vavra, Reporter PS. Members are asked to please bring desrtfohFalunDyOct.10 —SPJST-

29, Taylor Reports on September Meeting Lodge

The September meting of Lodge 29, Taylor was held on Sunday, the 12th.

President Melvin Steger called our meeting to order as we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call showed one officer absent and that there were 34 members present. We stood in respect of Otis Lehman, a Property Committee member and a friend to all, who passed away recently. Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Catherine.

The minutes of the July and August meetings were read and approved. Correspondence was read from the Supreme Lodge. Several "thank you" notes were also read.

The treasurer's report was presented

by Patti Rieger and approved.

The SPJST Annual Contribution Towards the Czech Language Courses at Alief

DIRECTOR KOHU'I LK - He discussed the need to cooperate and work together and the employees should support the leadership and we will accomplish great things.

DIRECTOR BROZ - He said it was beneficial to get the officers' reports in time for study.

He discussed working on the delinquencies of loans in his district.

DIRECTOR HANUS - He stated it was good to have the information comparing the SPJST with other fraternals.

DIRECTOR VANEK - He discussed the District VI Fraternal Fest to be held at New Taiton on September 26. He asked for advertising items for the Fraternal Fest and was told by Vice President Gebaia that we could arrange to have SPJST advertising items on consignment at the Fraternal Fest. A mini museum display could also be arranged.

DIRECTOR BAYER - He discussed activities in his district. He stated he thought we had a good meeting.

DIRECTOR POKLADNIK - He asked that the sympathy be extended to the family of Rudy Sefcik in behalf of those Supreme Lodge Officers who cannot attend the funeral of Rudy Sefcik due to the state meeting in Austin.

Director Pokladnik stated that he thought we had a very good meeting. He said we must do those things that are the best and right thing for the Society. He referred to changing times and sensitive matters facing all societies. He urged all to be able to accept criticism and to do those things our members would have us do.

The next meeting was set to begin on September 9 at 8:30 a.m.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Chairman of the Board Fraternally submitted,

Leonard D. Mikeska, Secretary-Treasurer —SPJST-

Pictured, from left are Czech instructor John J. Karas, District Five Director Louis Hanus and Thomas Draper, director of Alief Community-Continuous Education-Evening School.

Alief Community Evening School, where Czech is now in progress in its 26th semester, is located at Hastings High School, between Bellaire Blvd. and Alief - Clodine, at the intersection of Cook Road and High Star Drive in southwest Houston.

The enclosed picture shows, from left to right, the Czech teacher, John J. Karas, born and educated in Czechoslovakia up to the communist takeover of that country in 1948. Since that time, he lived as a political exile in England, Canada, and in Minneapolis and Chicago in the United States. He has lived now for more than 26 years in Houston. John J. Karas is the ICET Senior Engineering Technician and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also has the

Arts and Humanities degree (in the foreign languages) from the University of Houston and other substantial university studies in the related fields.

In the center of the picture is SPJST District Five Director Louis Hanus presenting a $600 donation check to the director of Alief Community Continuous Education - Evening School Thomas Draper, at right.

The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, known by its Czech initials as SPJST, is to be highly commended for its support of the Czech language program at Alief and elsewhere across Texas.

Juanell Dressing, Secretary of Alief Community Evening School.

—SPJST-

Wednesday, September 22, 1993—VESTNEK/11

The Property Committee gave a lengthy report about our upcoming events. The main one being our "Czech Out Our Chili Classic" to be held at our lodge home on October 16th. We still have room for cookers to sign up as well as arts and crafts displayers.

The Audit Report will be ready at the November meeting. Our lodge accepted Joan D. Lackey as a new member and invited her to attend our meetings.

The Senior Citizen group reported that they are doing well and meeting regularly.

Next meeting will be on Sunday, October 10th at 4 p.m. We were then adjourned to a covered dish supper.

Janet Kaiser, Reporter —SPJST-

47, Seaton Reports on September Meeting and Coming Events Lodge

Dear Members, President Wallace Jez led the Pledge of Allegiance and asked the members to remain standing in silent prayer for the passing of member and friend, Sister Anna Kristine Junek, In addition to the 62 members present, four visitors were warmly welcomed— Theresa Bedrich, Gertrude Kahlig, Della Marinik and Freddy Schroeder.

Sister Odell Baca was wished much good health.

The roll call and minutes were approved as read by Secretary Dolores Skrabanek.

Leon Jezek, Jr. was accepted as a transfer—welcome!

Sister Skrabanek also relayed information regarding the District Two Fall meeting.

Brother Edwin Vasicek presented the hoard minutes. Important details included: Estimates on restriping/resealing the parking lot.

• Various repairs • Possible new tile in the ladies res room • Additional ceiling fans • Possible new freezer and drapes The officers' reports followed.

President Jez commented on the adult Beseda group's performances at Westfest and the Caldwell Kolache Festival.

Vice President Edwin Pechal stated that kitchen workers are needed for two of remaining three months of 1993.

FAC Dorothy Pechal gave details on the following: • State volleyball tournament on November 20.

• "100 Pennies Scholarship Drive" will begin October 1, 1993.

• The October election of Fraternalist of the Year (Please have nomination/s ready for a vote).

• Written nominations can be turned in at the October meeting. Please include reasons upon which you base your nominations.

• Incentive program's goals are being attained.

Youth Leader Judy Pechal detailed past and future youth activities: • Several clean-up days in preparation for State Royalty.

• Awarding of a $500 merit scholarship to Lori Greger. Congratulations!

• Trash pick-up.

• Halloween Carnival and auction set for October 24.

• District Two Six Flags trip on October 23.

• District Two Lock-In (for the use of the hall and facilities during the lock-in, Sister Patsy Koslovsky warmly expressed many thanks.)

Chairman of the Board Woodrow Marek set an audit for Tuesday, October 5 at 7 p.m. Brother Marek also stated that preliminary copies of Rules and Regulations were available. This important document will be voted on during the October meeting. Please attend .. . express your opinion by VOTING. Chairpersons' reports were given.

Seaton Choral Club President Helen Janacek announced that the singing group was chosen as "Top Entertainer" by the Taylor S.P.J.S.T. Nursing Home.

In addition, the choral group will formally "adopt" the nursing home in the near future. (The membership applauded this small choral group for their devotion to the residents of the Taylor nursing home.)

Sister Katherine Smith stated that there is some interest in continuing the Czech classes by both students and Martin Valko, who instructed the summer session. Dates, times, hours and cost (since no money is allotted for this session) will have to be worked out. Anyone interested, please call Sister Dorothy Pechal as soon as possible at the Supreme Lodge Home Office—(817) 773-1575 or at her home—(817) 9852545, Celebrating birthdays during the month were Emil Hejl, David Pechal and Elsie Sodek. Anniversary celebrants were Leo and Gertrude Kahlig and Calvin and Dolores Skrabanek.

Door prize winners were Vlasta Hruska, Leo Kahlig, Elsie Sodek and Vallie Zavodny.

A last announcement/request came from 'youth member Melanie Koslovsky.

She said that help is needed (and will be appreciated) with the Halloween Carnival/Auction set for October24. A planning meeting will be at Star Hall on September 29 at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in lending a hand or sharing ideas, please attend.

The next meeting will be October 3 at 2 p.m.

Fraternally, Katherine Smith, Reporter —S PJ

ST—

Lodge 49, Rowena Reports on Quarterly Meeting SPJST Lodge No. 49 held its third quarterly meeting on August 3rd in the Lodge Hall at 7:30 p.m.

President Elizabeth Walther presided over the meeting in proper order.

Fifteen members and visitors were present. District Director Stanley Broz and his wife, Martha, were in attendance.

Mr. Broz reported on Home Office activities.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read, corrected and then approved.

Billy Rollwitz, our new District Four Rest Homes Director, gave us a good report on the homes.

Lodge 49 Youth Leader Connie Havlak gave a report on the attendance at the District Four Youth Camp at the Methodist Youth Camp in Buffalo Gap, near Abilene, Texas. She also stated that three Lodge No. 49 Youth would be par-

Lodge 84, Dallas Honors 50-Year Members With Dinner and Dance on August 21, 1993

-11 50-year honorees and all dance guests enjoyed the reception held August 21.

• Lodge President Betty Olson and Brother Sid Pokladnik presented the 50year pins to the honorees. Pictured, from left, are: Betty Olson, Richard Sykora, Doris Moffitt, William Vita, Roxie Frnka and Sid Pokladnik. ticipating in the State Youth Achievement Day. She also showed crafts that the young people made at camp.

Financial Secretary Elizabeth Urbanek then gave her report.

Plans for serving hamburgers, nachos, snow cones, candy and other items at the baseball tournaments the following Friday and Saturday were finalized. Elizabeth Walther has been declared by many as the best hamburger cook in the county.

Rental fees for the hall were discussed and approved.

Nancy Schwertner moved that we not hold a Czech Fest Day this year because of the time factor. Elizabeth Urbanek seconded the motion.

Everyone agreed to attend the SPJST District Four Fall Fun Day in Wall, Texas, which is being sponsored by Lodge 160 on October 2.

The next meeting of Lodge 49 will be on November 3rd at the Lodge Hall at 7:30 p.m. Officers for 1994 will be elected at this time; a fraternalist of the year will also be chosen.

Contributions to the Birthday Fund were made by Elizabeth Urbanek, Nancy Schwertner, and Connie Havlak.

Address books given as door prizes were received by Emma Havlak and Brandee Havlak.

President Walther adjourned the meeting and served delicious cold cuts and cheeses for the social following the meeting.

Fraternally, Pauline Shiller, Secretary

P.S. A call meeting of Lodge No. 49 will be held Thursday, September 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in the lodge hall.

—SPJST-

88, Houston Hlahol Dramatic Club Presenting Show of the Year

Lodge

This is a reminder to let you know that Lodge 88, Houston, will present THE SHOW OF THE YEAR on Sunday, September 26. The program will start at 2 p.m.

The kitchen will open at 11:30 a.m. with hamburgers, hot coffee, French fries and pastries available. The bar, of course, will open later on.

The admission is free of charge; however, if possible, a donation of a pastry will be most welcome.

It has been a pleasure to work with the participants, those performing, the assistants, and those in charge of the kitchen and the pastry booth.

Their responses to my invitations have been most courteous and helpful, and these are qualities which are recognized and very much appreciated.

Come and join the fun.

Naomi Spencer, President Hlahol Dramatic Club —SPJST-

88, Houston Reports on Member Donations Lodge

To all lodge members and, friends who have contributed so generously of your clothing items, shoes, and other items of apparel to those in need. Have you ever

12/VESTNIK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

thought about what a service you have done for those much less fortunate than ourselves?

Your Fraternal Activities Coordinator (FAC) thought that you might like to know where your gifts go and for what purpose these articles are used. The organization listed below is just one of a few that your FAC has located and has determined to be worth of your gifts.

The Houston Achievement Place— This organization has a group of familystyle -residential treatment homes for youngsters with emotional, behavioral and/or family problems. Youths placed through public agencies live in the homes with specially trained couples serving as teaching-parents. Achievement Place teaches these youngsters how to live more successfully with their families, teachers, friends and employers.

With the help of the teaching-parents approach, youths progress through the program. While living at an Achievement Place home, they learn social skills, academic skills, and homemaking skills. by participating in the self-government aspect of the program, they also learn how to plan and be responsible for their own behavior.

With help from the community, there is a volunteer board of directors responsible for the physical facility and the finances. The board participates in goal setting, program evaluation and policy making.

Your gifts of clothing, shoes and other serviceable, wearable items are used by the youth in so far as possible with the balance being sold.

The monies from the sales are used in operating the existing homes and the development of additional homes to help more boys and girls.

There are presently twelve homes with seven young people and one teaching-couple living in each residence.

Doesn't this make for such a wonderful charitable feeling in our inner-self to realize what little of ourselves that it takes to make someone else a little more comfortable?

Don't forget to bring your unneeded wearables to the lodge and your FAC will deliver them to where they are needed.

Fraternally, Homer Alexander (FAC) —SPJST-

88, Houston Reports Birthday Club News

Lodge

On September 8, 1993, Lodge 88's Birthday Club meeting was held at Lodge 88. President Lowrina Lindemann called the roll at 11:25 a.m. Our attendance was smaller than usual, but we had a good reason as so many of our members are ailing. Try to get well soon as we have many things coming up shortly.

Secretary Rita Alexander read the minutes which were approved as read.

Lillie Spies gave the financial report.

I will put in a little extra about Lillie. she has just returned from Glenn Ellen, California, which is close to San Francisco.

Her children, Joe and Aggie Foster, have moved there from London after five years. They've build a new house and "Mother" had to come see it—so off Lillie went. She said that she had such a good time. Now she's looking forward to Christmas.

President Lowrina announced that Lad and Tilly Bily donated the meat for the first Wednesday in September and the sisters brought covered dishes. It was a delicious dinner. Margie Anders and Kathy Trefell were in charge of the kitchen arrangements. Thanks to all of you who assisted.

Our known sick are: Ima Lero, who had a fall; Mary Johnson lost her last sister, Annie Grissom, wife of Robert Grissom, Erna O'Connor, one of the former members of our Lodge 88 Choral Group singers lost her last son, Mr. Gooden. He was a dancer and had his own group.

He danced at our lodge several times.

Evelyn Mikolas had talked to Hilda Krpec, Mrs. Svestka's daughter, and said that Mrs. Svestka is in bed all of the time. Also, I just got word that Clara Jecmenek is in the hospital. Our prayers are with you—our dear members who mean so much to us and have so many heartaches.

Kathy Trefell made a motion, seconded by Alma McNaspy, to have a catered Christmas dinner on December 1, 1993 and to invite the Board Members and officers of the lodge. It passed unanimously.

Cooks for October are: Bessie Lero, Margaret Spahr, Julia Kinnamon and Adela Kite.

We just lightly discussed having a beef stew in November. The big question was, "Who will cook the stew?"

Tilly Bily, Julia Kinnamon and Pearl Hanka had birthdays in September.

"Happy Birthday" was sung to us.

Mary Kosut gave her report and grace for our meal.

The Calcutta game was won by Delores Condon Marie Pokluda.

Remember: "As long as you have a window, life is exciting."

Submitted with love,

by Pearl Hanka, First 'Vice President and Reporter —SPJST-

92, Fort Worth Czech Heritage Day A Real Winner

Lodge

Dear Members, How about this cool weather and rain? I just knew that the Lord knew when to send the rain, but we really did not need the storm that just hit in our area. Still, we should give thanks for whatever we get.

September 11 was a great day for Lodge 92 as it was the day of our annual Czech Heritage Day celebration. The sun was shining and so were the faces of the many friends and members who came to help celebrate the occasion. We were surprised to see our editor, Brian and his wife Joan and daughter. Their daughter, Stephanie, is very beautiful like a doll. Brian, you and your family are always welcome to our lodge whether we have a special day or not. Brother Sid Pokladnik, our District Three Director and his wife, Justine, were also present and we are always glad to have them. Brother Sid was here at the opening of our hall in 1938. He was in the band that played for the dance.

Our Czech Heritage Day started out with some good old fraternal spirit with friends and members getting acquainted.

The meal started at noon and then the accordion jam session was on its way.

The accordion players played several

numbers which were enjoyed by everyone.

Next, the Alpine dancers performed a very, nice dance routine for which they received great applause.

At each break in the activity, there was a drawing for some kind of prize donated by some company or one of the members. Those who won prizes were glad. The drawing for the large prize was held at 10 p.m.

Brother Al Kercho, the chairman of the Czech Heritage Day celebration, did a very nice job introducing the different acts and also the drawings. Brother Kercho introduced Brother Carl W. Zich, the president of the lodge. Brother Zich then welcomed all of the guests and friends saying that those who attended helped make this Czech Heritage Day a wonderful day that will be remembered for many years. He thanked everyone and wished them all a happy day.

It was a pleasant honor to have with us the "Kalico Babes," the Texas Junior Clogging Company and the Texas Junior Buckaroos. These groups really performed some very special dances. Ms. Staci Hubenak and Paul Hubenak are the owners and teachers of these groups.

They may be young, but they really put on a great show.

To show our appreciation, we would like to identify them by name. The Kalico Babes featured: Audra Morton, Amanda Grosgebauer, Kafi Blackburn, Katie Mead, Austin Pokluda and Natalie Thigpen. The Texas Junior Clogging Company featured: Shyanne Story, Julie Cameron, Tan Johnson, Lindsey Massengale, Brandi Coffey and Rhonda Belota. The Texas Junior Buckaroos featured: Greg Fowler, Veronica Arriaga, Ashley Wiggs, Krista Brennan, Heather Vechnak, and Serena Nov Reider. Staci and Paul Hubenak performed a special dance together that was something to see. Just wonderful. To Staci and Paul, thank you very much for presenting for us all of the great performances by these young people.

The winners of the hand-made kroj were as follows: First Prize: John and Lillian Devin; Second Prize: Frank and Myrle Kovar; and Third Prize: Carl and Christine Zich. In the child kroj contest, the winners were: First Place: Catherine Adamek and Second Place: Hannah Fournier. In the European-made kroj contest, the winners were: First Place: Rosie Steinman, Second Place: Mary Ann Krivanek; and Third Place: Josephine and Frank Prochaska.

Following the costume judging, it was then time for the afternoon dance with music by the Vrazel Polka Band. The dance floor was really full with many happy dancers. It seems that everyone is happy with the polkas and waltzes and they really show it out on the dance floor.

This always seems to make the band play even better. Everyone enjoyed the Vrazel band as it has been quite some time since they have played here.

After the afternoon dance, it was time for the Ukrainian dancers to perform.

They put on a wonderful show which was enjoyed by all of those in attendance. If some of you have never seen them, you should try to see one of their performances.

The food for the day was catered by Riskey Barbecue, which is always tasty and good to eat. The Ladies Circle had plenty of pastries to go with the meal, and plenty for all afternoon if someone was hungry.

At 8 p.m., the Harold Strand Band started to play and once again, the dance

floor was full. It seems that each band tried to out do the other. Both bands were very good and we appreciate the good music both put out.

Lodge No. 92 hopes that we showed you a great time. All of us at the lodge thank you for coming and making a great day for us. Many thanks to all of those who bought prize drawing tickets and helped us pay for the expenses we had. I am sorry for the ones who did not win, but only a few had that chance. I also want to thank all of the members who worked. It just goes to show you that fratemalism is still in our hearts. Hope that some pictures get into the Vestnik in the future. Again, thanks to all who came to Fort Worth for this special day. Till my next letter, stay healthy and happy.

My aunt and uncle were shopping for a simple push lawn mower. A salesperson approached them and asked if a 19inch mower would suit their needs. "Oh, no," my aunt quickly replied, "Our grass never gets that high."

Fraternally, Carl W. Zich, Reporter Lodge No. 92 —SPJST-

142, Houston Reports on September Meeting Lodge

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 12, 1993, our regular monthly meeting was called to order by President Keith Kieschnick. We had 36 members and eight visitors at the meeting. All stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and remained standing for a moment of silence in memory of our departed sister, Lila Stanyan.

Secretary Alice Jochen then held the roll call of officers. All were present except FAC Marilyn Spivey. The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved as read.

The financial secretary-treasurer's report was read by Sister Rosie Tumis.

The board of trustees report and the bar report were read by Henry Hermis, Sr. The Youth Club report was given by youth Leader Elizabeth Hermis. She announced the good and exciting news that our Lodge 142 member and Youth Club member, John Buri, had been chosen SPJST State King for the coming year. He was selected from a field of six other contestants. The duke is Leslie Watkins of Lodge 172, Pasadena. We are most proud and happy at Lodge 142 because this is the first time that our lodge has produced a State King. Congratulations to John Buri from our entire membership.

Sister Elizabeth Hermis proceeded to thank all for their generous donations, namely Mr. and Mrs. Joe Braunagel, Jo Buri, Rita Hermis, and Jo Ann Buri. All is appreciated.

The Sick Committee report indicated that Charles Motl, Joyce Malenosky and Emilie Hinds were in the hospital. Mrs. Lillian Schmidt was also on the sick list. Here's hoping that all are feeling better at this time.

All committee reports were given.

New members accepted into our lodge were: John L. Brumek and John D. Jenkins. The sales representative was Sidon Tumis.

Visitors recognized at the meeting were Helen Hegwood, June Worchesick, Joe Braunagel, Jo Ann Buri, Jo Buri and Joe Gambil.

Wednesday, September 22, 1993—VESTNfiL/13

Helen Hegwood spoke about insurance and the annuity programs. Annuity I is paying 5 percent and Annuity II is paying 5.8 percent. She also noted that mortgage rates had decreased.

To qualify for one of the Gold,Silver or Bronze lodge recognition awards, we must enroll 25, 20, or 15 members during the calendar year and additionally meet several fraternal activity objectives.

Sister Hegwood then proceeded to honor our Brother Sidon Tumis, who was recognized as the top sales representative, in terms of achieving earned premiums, for District Five . As a result of this achievement, he received $25 worth of lottery scratch-off tickets. Brother Tumis is ranked No. 5 among more than 400 sales representatives in the State of Texas.

The District Five Fall Meeting at Lodge 88, Houston starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 18.

Our recommendation for Reenumeration Committee is Keith Kieschnick, Robert Kieschnick, Sidon Tumis, Henry Hermis, Sr., and Fred Buri.

We need to continue our Food and Clothing Drive. Members are asked to bring items and set them in the office at our lodge. Someone will be assigned to distribute the items to the needy.

Those members celebrating birthdays in September are: Robert Kieschnick (9/3), Emil Kutra, Jr. (9/15). Agnes Fahacher (9/15); Lou Gambil (9-12) and John Burl (our king) 9/20.

Celebrating anniversaries in September are Dennis and Elizabeth Hermis (9/27 - 19 years; and Robert and Mary Ann Kieschnick (9/14 - 27 years).

The senior door prize went to Barbara Boyd. Other door prizes went to: Sidon Tumis, W.J. Schmidt, Keith Kieschnick, and Alene Kieschnick.

Sister Helen Hegwood donated four prizes and the winners were: Bertin Doskocil (pill box), Frank Tumis (apron), Rudy Cernush (tie clip) and W.J. Schmidt (lipstick holder).

The capsule prize for $40 went unclaimed due to the absence of Roy Melner, Sr., and Andrea Lea McMichael.

Next month's capsule prize increases to $50 Come to our meeting. You could be the lucky one.

The meeting adjourned at 3 p.m.

Our next meeting will be on Sunday, October 10, 1993 at 2 p.m.

A delicious lunch of cold cuts, potato salad, chips, nuts, deviled eggs and more trimmings was served to all present.

Thanks to Rosie Tumis, our kitchen manager, and her faithful helpers Rita Hermis and Willie Linhart.

We had many of our members vacationing and traveling out of state. Sister Rosie Tumis, along with Johnnie and Darlene Tumis and sons recently journeyed to Nashville, Tennessee where Rosie visited with her son, Harvey Tumis and his family; meanwhile, Darlene and Johnnie Tumis visited with Darlene's mother and father. All had an enjoyable trip and we welcome back home.

Respectfully submitted, Alice Jochen, Secretary —SPJST-

154, Fort Worth Reports on Lodge Activities Lodge

Dear Members and Friends, Oh! What a wonderful morning to wake up to—a downpour of rain that

was needed so badly.

Our meeting yesterday was called to order by your president, Brother Jerry Milan, who flew in at 1:15 p.m. He and Brother Emil Milan had been attending the USGF convention.

Brother Jerry made welcome our guests Brother Keith Gatewood, Jewell Clark and Julie Roach.

Our youth member, Jimmie Brown, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes and financial report by Sister Mary Renfro and the treasurer's report by Sister Anna Johnson were approved as read.

Sister Mary Pavey reported on cards sent.

Brother Tal Milan gave a good report on the Fraternal Services event. He and Sister Mary Renfro were honored by receiving a plaque from Brother Gatewood for their good accomplishments.

We congratulate you. Keep up the good work.

Brother Milan reminded us to remember the District Three Meeting and Fraternal Fest on October 24 at Lodge No. 25, Ennis. The State Fair of Texas in Dallas will also once begin hosting "Czech Day" at the fair on Sunday, October 17.

Vice President Rose Steinman reported on her representing our lodge at the Westfest. She was in the parade. She was also joined by Sister Jeanie Mason and myself on Sunday when we met Myron Floren and had a wonderful day.

The Westfest Dancers are the greatest.

Speaking of celebrations, we were sorry to miss Czech Heritage Day at Lodge 92, but we were tied up most of the day with a lodge rental. Sister Rose Steinman represented us. We extend our congratulations to her for receiving first place in the kroj contest.

Brother Tal announced that it was time for the "What 100 Pennies Will Buy Scholarship Fund." In just a few minutes, we collected $33. We will continue to take donations. Thanks to you all.

He also announced that he is working on getting our volleyball players in line for the tournament on November 20 in Temple.

The Youth Club worked hard to make beautiful key chains to present to grandparents for their day, yesterday.

We extend our "get well" wished to Brother David Milan, who was operated on Friday morning and will be in the hospital several days; and to James Peaton, who was rushed to the hospital and was in the critical care for several days. He was moved to a room yesterday. James is the husband of Sister Susan (Steinman) Peaton. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

We extend our sincere sympathy to Sister Agnes Chandler on the loss of her stepfather, Elmer Lee Welbey of Temple and to Sister Kira Christopher on the loss of her grandfather. May he rest in peace.

We would also like to extend our anniversary congratulations to Brothers and Sisters Donald and Bonnie Steinman, 26 years; Jerry and Henrietta Milan, 36 years; Emil and Sally Milan, 44 years; and Joe and Carrie Milan, 49 years.

Yours truly was honored for her 83rd birthday (a little early—the 20th) with Sister Anna Johnson's famous strawberry shortcake and cards signed by all.

Birthday greetings are extended to all of our September celebrants.

The Youth Club worked hard to make beautiful key chains for Grandparents Day. During the meeting, the key chains were presented to the grandparents, and I

was also included.

We were happy to have Brother Keith visit and enjoy the goodies with us after the meeting.

Brother Joe Milan was our door prize winner but he was in Denver, Colorado attending his army reunion.

Our next meeting will be on Sunday, October 10 at 3 p.m.

P.S.—We extend our congratulations to the Jerry Milan Family on the opening of their "Fine Art Gallery" at 408 Houston Street downtown. They feature works by artists and sculptors from around the world.

Their grand opening was a huge success.

Good luck from us all.

So until—Keep Smiling.

Fraternally, Mary Pavey —SPJST-

172, Pasadena Invites Everyone to Attend Gulf Coast Czech Festival

Lodge

Dear Members, Just a reminder to let you know that the Gulf Coast Czech Festival is coming up October 23rd and 24th. The "country store" and "white elephant sale" is in need of crafts and miscellaneous items, pies, cakes, cookies , breads and candy.

White elephant items will be handled

by Louise Willis at 472-8881. Other items will be handled by Vicki Dressler at 575-6247.

Don't forget our September meeting on Wednesday, September 22nd with a covered dish diner at 6:30 p.m. This is when our cooks bring in their favorite dishes.

Nominations for Fraternalist-of-theYear will be accepted and the Reenumeration Committee will be elected. The By Laws Committee will also be selected.

Your attendance is very important. It is necessary that you attend this monthly meeting to help with the election of committees.

Submitted by, Vicki Dressler —SPJST-

172, Pasadena Reports on August Meeting

Lodge

Dear Brothers and Sisters, We held our regular monthly meeting on August 25th at 7:30 p.m., opening with our regular ceremony, followed with roll call. President Tennie Walla introduced our guests, Brother Louis Hanus, District Five Director; Dr. Dixie Mellillo, Dorothy Weston and Anna Belle Banger with "The Rose" Breast Imaging Center.

President Walla announced that August 25th was Lodge Rozkvet, No. 172, Pasadena Day, as proclaimed by Mayor Johnnie Isebell of the city of Pasadena, Texas. She said that she , Brother Joe Krenek, chairman of the Board of Trustees and Brother Robert Mayfield, vice president and FAC, represented the lodge at the mayor's office to receive the proclamation. Dr. Mellilo, Weston and Banger attended on behalf of The Rose. The mayor said that Pasadena

SPJST Lodge No. 172 was recognized for the good deeds that it has performed for the community.

Dr. Mellillo then handed the proclamation to Brother Robert Mayfield to read it. After reading it, Dr. Mellillo and her staff thanked the lodge for their help and for their cooperation.

Dr. Mellillo then shared picture slides on breast cancer. She did a a very good job on narrating the slides which enabled those in attendance to learn more about the disease.

We then proceeded with our lodge business meeting. All reports were read and business conducted.

President Walla said that our next regular monthly meeting will be on September 22nd, which will also be our covered dish supper. We will start eating at 6:30 p.m. and meeting at 7:30 p.m. So, bring your favorite covered dishes of food so that we can eat and have fellowship.

Before the meeting adjourns, there will be a special event performed—so come to the meeting and see what takes place.

All business finished, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Fraternally, Alvin J. Sefcik, Vice President and Reporter —SPJST-

177, Academy Reports on September Meeting

Lodge

The September 9th meeting was called to order by President Otis Beck.

The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers were present.

Secretary Kathy Fritz read the minutes of the August meeting which were approved as read. All committee reports were also given. Otis Beck reported that his son Rick Beck was in the hospital.

We wish him a speedy recovery.

Jennifer Goodson was voted on and accepted as a new member.

FAC J.C. Johnson recognized those celebrating birthdays in September.

They were Martha Garcia, Joanne Smith and Karen Bartek. Anniversary celebrants were Bill and Irene Johnson. J.C. also reported on the incentive program and asked the members for their support.

A motion was made and carried that the office of the Vice President would remain vacant until the election of new officers in November.

Kathy reminded members of the District Two meeting on September 19th in Taylor and reviewed the activities for the day. A motion was made and carried to donate $75 for the prize drawing at the District Two meeting.

A motion was also made and carried to donate funds from the profit of bingo to the following organizations: • $500 to St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store in Temple; • $200 to Meals on Wheels in Temple; • $500 to the Little River Volunteer Fire Department.

Our lodge is happy to be able to donate the above money to these organizations. By doing so, it will help many people.

Otis Beck also recognized the young members who won in the State Youth Achievement Day. Those in attendance applauded the young people on their accomplishments. We are proud of our youth club and also of our youth leader, Karen Bartek.

14/VESTMK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

Kathy Fritz spoke to the members about the Annuity I and Annuity II and the interest rates of each and told the members if they had any questions, for them to contact one of the sales representatives.

Door prizes were won by Martha and Alex Garcia and Kathy Fritz.

We were happy to have Alvin Simcik from Cen Tex Nursery as a guest speaker. He spoke to the membership on yard and tree care. He discussed the proper time to plant, prune, spray and fertilize trees and also about how to properly care for a lawn. He answered a number of questions asked by the members. His talk was very informative and we appreciated Mr. Simcik speaking to the members about how to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn.

Our next meeting will be on October 13, 1993. Please try to attend.

Fraternally, Linda Johnson, Reporter —SPJST-

200, Bruceville-Eddy Reports on September Meeting Lodge

President Bob Miracle opened the September meeting of Lodge 200, Eddy by asking Earl Soudelier to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read.

Linda Roming was elected as Lodge 200's new Secretary and Treasurer and the lodge welcomed her help. President Miracle then announced that the lodge account was moved to the Moody Bank.

The lodge finalized our plans for the October 6th, 6:30 p.m. meeting and Ethnic Social. We have decided to have a Czech Social with a meal of sausage and sauerkraut cooked by Vice President Harvey LaFlamme to follow with kolaches baked by Edith Davidson. The social will be held at Gene McBride's house on East Highway 107 in Eddy. It is the first house on the east side of Interstate 35 across the railroad tracks. Gene will have an interesting presentation on our Czech heritage. All members and families of members of Lodge 200 are urged to attend. One of the worst feelings is doing all the work setting up a social and just a few show up. So far, we have had great participation from our members, so let's do it again.

We then discussed Lodge 200's participation in the Supreme Lodge Volleyball Tournament on November 20, 1993.

We will be there and we'll be ready.

President Bob Miracle then announced that the lodge would be doing one of the cake walks at the District Two meeting at Lodge 29, Taylor. Everyone agreed that we would get it done and have a good time doing it.

We discussed our salute to Eddy's veterans on Veterans Day in November.

Final plans will be completed at a later date.

The lodge discussed putting off the tree planting for our ecology project because of the dry weather. As soon as it turns cooler and rains, we will get the trees planted.

We are busy and we could use help, so whatever you like doing, just let us know. New ideas and new challenges are always appreciated.

Earl Soudelier, Financial Secretary and Reporter —SPJST-

Circle of Czech Women Report on Meeting Dallas

Our September meeting was called to order by President Bertha Podhrasky.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and we remained standing for a moment of silence in memory of Otto Sladecek, uncle of Dorothy Reznik and brother-inlaw of Lillian Moran.

Bertha welcomed 34 members and 10 male guests and one visitor, Matthew Tyrock, grandson of Lydia Tyrock.

Bertha Malik, membership chairperson, reported all members have paid their dues for the year. A big "Thank You" was extended to Bertha for a job well done.

Correspondence was read by Evelyn Trojacek, including a "Thank You" card form Dwaine George, son-in-law of Libbie Slovak for the donation to Muscular Dystrophy in memory of Margie.

A "Thank You" card was also received from the American Red cross for the donation to the Midwest Flood Relief.

Libbie Elsik of the Sunshine Committee sent a "Get Well" card to Jim Pavelka, husband of Liddie.

Libbie also sent a "Thinking of You" card to Bertha Podhrasky.

Liddie Pavelka of the Sunshine Committee was absent but she sent a report that no cards were sent. She reported that her husband, Jim, was feeling better.

News of Members Rose Kopecek sent greetings to everyone. She was unable to attend.

Bill Lattner, husband of Marie Lattner had surgery and he is doing good.

Sorry to hear Helen Vrla was not feeling well. Hope she is feeling better.

I had a nice surprise. While we were having lunch, Cheryl, daughter of Wanda Petr, called and I got to talk to Wanda.

She is doing better and she sends her greetings. I told her that we all missed her and for her to hurry back.

Bertha and Julius Podhrasky spent six weeks in Czechoslovakia. Bertha gave us a report and said that she had a good time.

Congratulations to Francis and Libbie Smith, who celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Also, congratulations to all who had an anniversary this month.

Announcements Czech Day at the State Fair will be on October 17, 1993. The program will start at 10 a.m.

Anne Zvolanek would like to hear from you if you have a "kroj" (costume) and would like to wear it for the Parade of Costumes at the fair.

The next Sister City meeting will be on September 13, 1993 at Sokol.

The Fraternal Council will also meet on September 13, 1993 at Ennis Sokol.

The Czech Culture Society will meet on September 27, 1993 at Lodge 84 at 7:30 pm.

Donations In memory of Leslie Novak from Bob and Anne Zvolanek and Mary Sebestik.

"Thanks" for the flowers for the head table from Anne Zvolanek.

Hostesses were Adel Vlk, Georgia Brozek, Lydia Tyrock, and Florence Peressenyi.

"Happy Birthday" was sung to the September birthday celebrants, namely Virginia Blatney, Frances Jurcik, Bessie

State Fair of Texas to Host 53rd Czech Day on October 17 The American Czech Culture Society (ACCS), in conjunction with the State Fair of Texas, will again be joining forces on Sunday, October 17, to present the 53rd annual "Czech Day." According to Ida Schultz, publicity director for the ACCS, a great variety of events are scheduled. Activities begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and kolaches at the Special Events Tent, located near the Grand Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds. There will be plenty of time to meet and greet your friends from around the state before the program begins at 10:30 a.m.

The Dallas Czech Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Cyrill (Sid) Pokladnik, will perform, followed by a performance of the Dallas Czech Singers under the direction of Bob Liska. TradiICalich, Bertha Malik, Ida Fehmer, Marie Lattner and Rose Novak.

"Thanks" to everyone our White Elephant Sale was a nice success.

Again, I am asked to remind members to not bring canned or any type of food for the drawing. (DO VYHRY).

Our next meeting will be on October 7, 1993. We will be getting ready for the fair. See you then.

Evelyn Cechan, Reporter —SPJST-

Christi Circle of Women Elect Officers at September Meeting Corpus

The election of officers highlighted the meeting held September 2 by the Corpus Christi Circle of Women. Congratulations go to Kathy Marek, our new president and Lillian Corville, our new vice president. Secretary Milly Elzner and Treasurer Lillie Hayek were reelected for two more years and I was elected Financial Secretary to replace Betty Jurica. As past president, I wish to thank her and the other officers who served for the first two years of our organization.

A nice collection of school supplies was brought by members to be donated to the Department of Human Services.

Betty Jurica will take care of their delivery. They will then be distributed to needy children. Betty presented a thank you note received from the Runaway Shelter for the clothing that she had delivered to that organization.

Guests attending were Georgie Anne Rambo, Jerry Elzner and grandson, Jerry, who will be two years old in October.

Georgie Anne came with little Jerry's mother, Glenda.

Pauline Novosad donated paper plates for our use and both Norma Baker and I donated Sweet & Low so our coffee drinkers who use a sugar substitute are taken care of for quite a while.

Lillie Hayek brought some potted parsley for door prizes. It was so pretty and green I could just see my mother cutting a few springs for her home made chicken noodle soup. Both pots were won by Milly Elzner. Our fisherwoman, Anita Regmund, brought two pounds of filet fish won by Lillian Coville. Leona Matula brought two jars of home made pickles won by Annie Spencer and Lil

tional Czech folk dances will be performed by the Youth Club and adult Beseda circles from SPJST Lodge No. 84, Dallas.

Visitors will also be treated to a promenade of kroj (national dress), so, if you have a costume in your closet, bring it out and wear it! Special awards will be given to the Czech-American King and Queen and the oldest CzechAmerican couple will be honored. An exhibition of athletic prowess will be presented by SOKOL and will be held on the Marine Corps Field from noon until 1 p.m. Finally, Kovanda's Czech Band will provide authentic Czech polka and walt music. Food, under the direction of Bessie Petr, will also be available throughout the day.

—SPJSTHruska. Annie Spencer also won some stationery brought by Pauline Novosad.

Lil Hruska brought two miniature cacti won by Velma Malchar and Lillie Hayek.

"Happy Birthday" was sung to Lil Hruska before we adjourned for the luncheon prepared by Glenda Elzner and her hostesses. Thank you, ladies, for the very good food.

Our next meeting will be held October 7, at which time we will celebrate our second anniversary. I urge all members to arrive by 10:15 a.m. so that our business meeting can start promptly at 10:30 Earlier is better if you want to pay your dues before, rather than after the meeting.

Fraternally, Anna Marie Moss, Reporter —SPJST-

Heritage Group to Meet at Lodge 49, Rowena Czech

The Runnels, Concho, and Tom Green Czech Heritage Society will meet on Sunday, September 26th at 1:30 p.m. in the SPJST Hall in Rowena.

President Louis Kokes stated that this will be a very short business meeting followed by a presentation by Historian and Genealogist Betty Smith, a librarian, at Angelo State University. She will present a program on several counties where she has compiled histories and geanologies of their area. She is an outstanding speaker.

President Kokes said that he will donate five books on Czech genealogy to the A.S.U. library, which were given to our local chapter by the Czech Heritage Society of Texas State President Robert Janak of Beaumont.

President Kokes believes that the books will be more useful and available to people at the A.S.U. Library.

Mr. Ed Lisovsky, president of Ethicon, will give us a report on Czech House, which is sponsored by Ethicon during "Christmas at Old Fort Concho" during the first part of December. The well-preserved fort is the jewel of San Angelo because of its historical significance.

There will be no food served this time, due to the R.V.O.S. meeting and barbecue later in the day.

Pauline Shiller, Reporter —SPJST-

Wednesday, September 22, 1993—VESTNIK/15

S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville, Reports on Activities Resident Update Dorothy Sury is the newest resident to join S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2 in August. We are glad to gave her with us.

We regret the death of Augusta Hruzek. She will be missed by our staff and by the residents.

Donations Thanks for the following donations: Bibs were donated by the Immanuel Women's Guild; doughnuts were donated by St. Michael's Catholic Daughters; bananas were donated by AARP Chapter 1772; bingo gifts were donated by the Knights of Columbus; cookies and pears were donated by Ida and Rudy Gasch; and cakes were donated by Friedens United Church of Christ Women's Guild.

Month in Review Every Monday morning, Olie Eixman, Willie Mae Tielke, Ruby Lee Oberhoff and Alice Bergen came to have sing-a-long. Lillie Richter and Merylyn Leus also helped out this month.

Every Tuesday afternoon, Ida Gasch, Annie Stavinoha, Toni Kramer, Erna Gorka and Adela Wadephul came to have bingo for the residents.

Every Tuesday morning, Frank Ramos came to have Bible study. Frank recently returned from vacation in Michigan and reported that he had a good time. The residents are happy to have him back again.

Every Thursday morning, Father Ramsey, Milton Legendre, Rosie Kovar, and Annie Stavinoha with St. Michael's Catholic Church came to have mass.

Every Thursday afternoon, the Catholic, Immanuel, Presbyterian, Damon, and Methodist ladies took turns having crafts.

Every Friday afternoon, Melva Hastings, Mildred Novak, and Martha Marx came to roll hair.

Every Sunday morning, Rosie Kovar and Annie Stavinoha came to have Rosary. The Knights of Columbus came to give communion.

On Wednesday afternoon, August 4, Rev. Kuebler came to have services.

On Monday afternoon, August 9, the residents enjoyed homemade ice cream.

Thanks to Paul Legendre and Harvey and Martha Marx for lending us their ice cream freezers.

On Wednesday afternoon, August 11, Rev. Foster came to have services.

On Monday afternoon, August 16, Ed Pisklak provided music on the accordion.

Elton Tielke also placed his accordion on August 15 for the residents.

On Wednesday morning, August 18, Peggy and Patty came to sing.

On Thursday afternoon, August 18, Garland Hurtye and mary Goffinett with the Fort Bend Humane Society brought dogs for therapy.

On Wednesday afternoon, August 25, Rev. Bell came to have services.

On Friday afternoon, August 27, the Birthday Party was held which included Louis Vacek entertaining on piano and accordion and singing "Happy Birthday." The residents also had a special guest, Smity the Clown, who visited with the residents and made animal shapes out of balloons for them.

On Sunday morning, August 29, mass was held with St. Michael's Choir singing.

On Sunday morning, Elton Tielke played his accordion for the residents.

On Monday afternoon, August 30, Barbara Svatek, S.A.D. took Annie Traff, Sophie McDougle, James Little, Lela Padgett, and Milady Walenta riding and treated them to an ice cream cone.

On Tuesday afternoon, August 31, Larry Ognoskie, George Lolley and Fritz Koehne provided music and singing In Appreciation The A Flower and Gift Shop provided the corsages andboutineers for residents in August. The Freiden's United Church of Christ Ladies provided the cakes.

Melva hastings, Ida Gasch and Mildred Novak helped serve cake, ice cream, punch and coffee to all Birthday greetings during the month of August went out to the following residents: Lora Hackstedt, Rosie Zdunkerwicz, Mary Hybner, Emilie Pisklak, Alma Corson, Louis Smith, Callie Manross, Rosalie Horelica and Juan Garcia.

Staff members celebrating birthdays were: Barbara Svatek, Viola Kutej, Esther Casas, Vera Washington, Margaret Charanza and Cindy Degollado.

The residents enjoyed all of the activities during the month of August.

Thanks to all denominations of churches and to the volunteers that perform services in the home for the residents.

Barbara Svatek, S.A.D. —SPJST-

Elections Are Coming Soon!

Let's Do Our Part and Vote!

Lodge

Youth Section Letters Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club Reports September Meeting

9, Snook Youth Club Hosts "Country Store"

Dear Readers, Lodge 9 had their monthly Youth Club meeting on September 1st. I brought Leighton Schubert, my friend, to the meeting. We discussed having an entry in the Burleson County Fair parade and having an ice water booth at the Kolache Festival. We then had a pizza party.

Fraternally, Jason Gaas (9-10-93) —SPJST-

Dear Readers, The Snook Youth Club had a "country store" at the Snook Volunteer Fire Department's annual barbecue at the end of August. We also had a prize drawing to help our youth club make money. It was fun.

Fraternally, Jason Gaas (9-10-93) —SPJST-

Lodge

40, El Campo-Hillje Youth Club Reports September Meeting.

Lodge

Lodge 9, Snook Youth Club Enjoys Pizza Party Dear Readers, Our monthly meeting was held September 1 at 6:45 p.m. We started our meeting with a pizza party. Thre was a lot of it and it sure was good. We discussed having a Water Booth again at the Caldwell Kolache Festival.

I hope that I get to work with Candice and Courtney. Our next meeting will be October 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Fraternally, Heather Slenk (9-7-93) --SPJST-

9, Snook Youth Club to Meet October 6 Lodge

Dear Vestnik Readers, The Lodge No. 9 Youth Club had their monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 1st. We had pizza and cookies before the meeting.

Mrs. Marie Schoeneman spoke to us about the Burleson County Fair coming up this month. Thank you, Mrs. Schoeneman.

Our next meeting will be October 6.

Fraternally, Amy Gaas, Reporter (9-10-93) —SPJST-

Dear Readers, The September 2, 1993 meeting of the Lodge No. 40 Youth Club was called to order by Martha Bartos. Lisa Reck led the Pledge of Allegiance. There were four members present. The secretaries report was read and approved as read.

The treasurer collected dues.

Old business included a special congratulations to the people who placed at State Y.A.D. The people who placed were: Jody Krpec—First Place in Handicraft; Lisa Reck—Second Place in Foods; and Sharon Borak—Third Place in Hobby Kits.

New business was that there will be a Fraternal Festival on September 26th at Talton. Poems were read and door prizes were awarded. The next meeting is October the 7th at 7 p.m. in the Commercial State Bank Gold Room Sharon Borak (9-7-93) —SPJST-

for More District Summer Camp Photos Next Week Look

Smitty the Clown visits with residents of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2 in Needville on August 8, 1993. Smitty's visit to the home coincided with the monthly birthday party for residents and staff members.

DISTRICT ONE Y.A.D. JUNIOR GROUP TALENT WINNERS: Lodge 13, Dime Box (Incorrectly identified last week as Lodge 17, New Tabor).

16/VESTNIK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

Reunions and Announcements Svoboda-Cabla Family Reunion The 17th Annual Svoboda-Cabla reunion will be held on Saturday, October 9, 1993, at the Seaton Community Center, beginning at 10 a.m. The meal will be served at around noon. Each family is asked to bring a vegetable, salad or dessert. Barbecue is being provided as well as cups, plates, utensils and drinks. To cover costs, adults will be $2 each and children, under the age of 12, will be 75 cents.

This year, adults and children may play bingo, dominoes or horseshoes after the meal. Those interested in bingo, please bring that special white elephant gift for someone else's winning treasure!

For more information, please contact Don or Rhonda Cabla, Route Four, Box 680, Temple, Texas 76501, or call (817) 985-0020.

We encourage everyone to come out and join in the food and fellowship— plus, have a great time!

Thank you, Don and Rhonda Cabla

--SPJST-

Kulhanek

Family Reunion The 21st Kulhanek Reunion of the descendants of Antonin and Celetina Kulhanek will be held on Sunday, September 26, 1993 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Diamond Center in Freisburg. A Holy Mass for the deceased family members will be at 8 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Registration will begin at 10 a.m.

Each family is asked to bring a basket lunch for their family. Plates, napkins, forks, knives, bread, coffee, tea, and ice will be furnished. Instead of a set registration fee, each family is asked to give a monetary donation and/or bring an auction item to help pay for the cost of the reunion.

Door prizes, a prize drawing and a silent auction are being planned again.

Home-baked goods, home-canned goods, crafts, or any item you bring will make a good prize or auction item. If you enjoy playing games, bring your cards and dominoes and any games your child would like.

Please bring any old photos you would like to share with our family.

Taped polka and waltz music will be played throughout the day. Know a little of family history, as there will be prizes for the right answers. You are encouraged to attend for a day of fun, reminiscing, and historical facts on the Kulhanek family.

Thank you, Adeline Ripper, Secretary (713) 391-0073

—SPJST-

Ondrasek-Surovik

Family Reunion Sunday, October 3, 1993 will be the date for the the Ondrasek-Surovik Family Reunion. It will be held at the Cooks Point Community Center, located eight

miles east of Caldwell, Texas—turn right on FM 1362 South.

Notify your family and bring a basket lunch. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Tea, coffee and utensils will be furnished. If additional information is needed, please call the chairpersons below: Clarence and Viola Ondrasek Vitopil (409) 823-1490 or Jimmy and Shelly Vitopil Palmos (409) 822-5231

—SPJST-

Tallas-Manak

Family Reunion The Annual Tallas-Manak Reunion will be held on Saturday, October 9, 1993 at the SPJST Hall in Taylor, Texas, beginning at 11 a.m. A pot luck meal will be served from 1 to 2 p.m. Meat will not be furnished. Tea, coffee, and eating utensils will be provided.

The following activities are planned: • "White Elephant" Exchange - if you wish to participate, bring a wrapped gift (inexpensive $5 limit).

• The Annual "Bro-Czech" Horseshoe Tournament.

• Auction - it was a great success at our 1992 reunion - each family is asked to donate an item (i.e., reproductions of old family photos, arts/crafts, baked goods, etc.). If your family does not wish to donate an item or participate in the auction, a cash donation will be appreciated.

• Door prizes Geraldine (Tallas) Heisch and Cindy Tallas have updated the Tallas and Manak Family History Books and will have a draft of them at the reunion. If you have anything to contribute concerning our family heritage, please bring copies to add to the history books. Please plan to review and/or critique your family's section and place an order if you would like to purchase one. If you are unable to attend, please send information on your families and address additions and/or changes to Cindy Tallas, 2000 Cedar Bend Drive, No 2302, Austin, Texas 78758. See you on October 9th.!

Cindy Tallas, D.A. and Janice (Lindemann) Swope, Paul and Judy (Tallas) Pasemann, Nancy and Robert Lindemann

—SPJST-

Trlica-Kopecky

Family Reunion The 39th Trlica-Kopecky Family Reunion will be held on Sunday,October 10th at the Moravia Parsish Dining Room in Moravia, Texas.

Please bring food for a family-style dinner. Sausage, bread, drinks and cups will be furnished.

Directions: Take FM 532 (Moulton Exit) off Highway 77, between Schulen burg and Hallettsville, to FM 957 to Moravia. Signs will be posted. Bring ALL your family and spend the day at Moravia.

Sincerely, Minnie Lee Trlica, Secretary —SPJST-

Sentimental Journey (Continued from page 1)

On our way over to the castle, we had a taste of Czech beer and I found it to be different from ours here in the states, but desirable. They sell beer everywhere— in cafes, souvenir shops, stores and it is all drank warm. An average Czech beer contains about 12 ounces and costs about 30 cents.

The castle was old and after walking back downhill in my boots, I was tired of walking. On the way down, there was one shop owner and his wife who were friendly and when they found out that I could talk Czech, they wanted to talk.

Anyway, we went to our hotel, which was comparable to about a second-class hotel in Houston, and they had no fire escapes or alarms and we were on the third floor. There was a private bath and the room was nice and clean. No quilts though. All bedding is made with feathers and there is no air conditioning anywhere.

After our first meal there, which was, fairly good, some of us caught cabs to the Prague Square and listened to a group of musicians which had visited us here last year. The beer in the square was no bargain, costing about $2 per glass.

The next day, we toured all of the churches and castles in Prague in about four hours. Most of these buildings were built by the Austrian Hierarchy who ruled over the Czechs for centuries and most are very ornate with lots of gold and silver. We crossed a large bridge known at the Charles Bridge which has religious statues along its entire 1/2 to 3/4 mile length.

The most touching part of this tour was that we ran into this old gypsy who had an old beat up accordion. He was sitting on a curb with all the gorgeous buildings around him playing a familiar melody. Some of us went to him and he played other songs we knew. Later, he followed us to another spot and some of us sang with him as he played and others danced on the sidewalk. I guess this was the best part of my trip so far,for it displayed to me the human factor and I could just imagine how bad it must have been living under the thumb of the communists for many years and all at once being set free. Old people like this man could no longer take advantage of this new freedom and, if anything, the new government was a bad thing for this person who had been fed and clothed and was now turned loose on the streets.

Prague is a tourist town and everything there is expensive—but not too expensive. The hotel room was $70 per night for two of us and prices in the stores near the hotel were reasonable.

The store next to the hotel sold a variety of foods. Because we were going on a long trip, we all stocked up on bottled water and snacks. The water in Czechoslovakia is safe to drink from the faucet and tastes very good.

We found out right away that the people there do not take payment in American money. You have to buy Czech koronas (about 30 for a dollar) and pay about 5 percent at the hotel for the privilege.

We got on our bus about noon and finally headed out into the country and toward Moravia. The countryside near Prague is hilly and looks somewhat like the area around Nashville, Tennessee with high ridges and evergreen trees varying from pine to fir.

As we got into the middle of the country, between Prague and our destination, the land became rolling—sort of like around here —and almost all of the land was used to raise hay or grain. A lot of grain is used to make beer so they have to plant a lot. There were poppies and lots of wild flowers.

The trip from Prague to Roznov is about seven hour long and some of us were anticipating seeing the mountains of Moravia. The highway we were on was like a freeway and the speed limit was about 55 miles an hour in kilometers.

Finally, near dark, we began to see the mountains of Moravia . The closer we got, the larger they became. The mountains are not jagged and rocky but have sloping tops with lots of trees and are somewhat like the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

We arrived in Roznov at the museum about 8 p.m. where they had a dinner for us and a reception. The food was a traditional Czech meal of sausage, potatoes, sauerkraut and white dumplings with gravy. Desserts included large kolache pies of mostly poppyseed.

The poor bus driver had been with our group since 8 a.m. and still had to take us to the hotel. We made a collection and the man probably got more in tips for one day than for a whole month's work.

An average banker gets about 2,000 to 2,500 koronas per month, which is less than $100.

We got to the hotel, which was new, and our rooms were very comfortable.

There was a private bath, TV, radio and even a little icebox full of goodies. This is kind of like they do in Mexico—you pay for what you eat or drink. It took a long time to unpack our luggage from the bus and a couple of us experimented the bar in the night club. The music here was in English by an English group and there was good Scotch whisky to be had— but no bourbon. All of the Scotch drinks were about $2. They don't know how to mix drinks so you have to tell them you want a glass of water, ice and maybe a piece of lemon or lime and that you will mix it yourself.

The next morning, Friday, we were awake quite early by the sun and we went to eat our breakfast at the hotel cafe. The menu, of course, was in Czech, but they did have ham and eggs, coffee, rolls, jelly and butter. After breakfast,we waited for a car and driver which would take us to Frenstat. Since I was anxious to see my grandparents' home town, a tour of the museum was not taken. Our car and driver arrived and we proceeded to Frenstat some ten miles from Roznov. The mountains were rising above the rolling hills and there was a mist in the air. When we got near Frenstat, our driver veered off the main road into the foothills. She told us she wanted to show us some views of the areas below the Radhost Mountain which were picturesque and good for taking photos.

We drove around through the countryside and the terrain was rolling with small cottages and houses scattered about the landscape. This is where we got our first glimpse of the cattle. All throughout the trip, we never saw a cow until now.

There they were, grazing in the pastures.

The lady who drove us must have got her license at the speedway for she drove quite fast and got us into the town of Frenstat in no time at all. She was also very friendly and I was able to communicate with her in Moravian very well.

Next Time: Impressions of Frenstat —SPJST-

22. zitei 1993—VESTMK/17

PODPORA LIDSKOST

BRATIZSTVI

cast

Ceska Ufedni organ Sh y% anske Podporujici

Jednoty Statu Texas. zaloiene roku 1897

ROtNiK 81 tiSLO 36

22. zaiii 1993

Vala ske muzeum v pfirode g

ROZNOV POD RADHOSTEM

Valiesske muzeum v phirode Roznov pod Radhatem vytvali model historicke krajiny hornate severovfthodni Moravy s expozici Valaske dediny, Dfeveneho mesteeka a MISTnske doliny. Je nejstargim muzeem v pfirode ve stiedni Evrope a nejrozsahlerAim u nits.

The WallaL.111,114 open-air Museum at Roznov pod Radhostem creates, a model of the historical countryside of the mountainous region of northeastern Moravia with the exposition of the Wallachian Village, the Wooden Town and the Mill Dell. It is the oldest open-air museum in central Europe and one of the most impressive in the country.

Oddil Dopisovatelii Rad eislo 47 Seaton Mile sentry a bratfi, Schnzi byla zahajena ye 2 hodiny odpoledne 12. srpna, 1993 pfedsedou Wallace Jez. Vlajky nastolili Sarah Hejl a Rebecca Greger.

Tajemnice DOlores Skrabanek pfecetla protokol "dluhi Lang" z minuli schnze a byl pfijat tak, jak byl napsan.

Na listku nemocr4ich je Adell Baca a Ed Lawrence.

Navgtevu v schuzi jsme inn Theresa Bedrich, Gertrude Kahlig, a Della Marinek.

Pfijat byl jenom jeden den, Leon Jezek, Jr. od radu 87.

Korespondenci meli jsme od Maxine Sefclk, Jason Reese a Sharon Holman.

Zpravy uredniku byly dobre a Okres druhy (District Ii bude mit "Fan Day" na 19. srpna.

Rad 47, "Beseda Dancers" taneovali na "West Fest" a v Caldwell "Kolache Festival."

Sestra Judy Pechal, vedouci mladeze, podala zpravu, is e mela 27 elenu, 3 naystevniky a dva dospele.

Narozeniny budou slavit Emil Hejl, a David Pechal.

V'roei stiatku budou slavit Leo a Gertrude Kahlig, a Dolores a Calvin Skrabanek.

Dverni ceny dostali Vlasta Hruska, Vallie Zavodny, Leo Kahlig, Elsie Sodek.

VIM schtze nakho radu bude v nedeli 3. zafi ye 2 hodiny odpoledne.

Mejte se radi, Emily Mikeska Stuteville

SPJST-

Y'rapor Z Texasu?

Kam

V Dievenem mesteeku je nejstar sg i stavbou Vallova Ohrnovani brambor na male vranti. hospoda z roknovskeho namesti.

The oldest building in the Wooden Town is Vasek's Tavern The turning of potates at Mala Vranca. from the square in Roznov.

SPJST Members Invited to Spend Christmas Holidays at the Wallachian Museum at Roznov, Moravia SPJST members are invited to spend the Christmas holidays with their loved ones in the beautiful, snow-covered Beskydy Mountains of Moravia. The Wallachian Open-Air Museum in Roznov, Moravia, Czech Republic, will be celebrating Christmas for Texas Czech from December 11 - 18, 1993.

The entire week will be filled with Advent carols, memories, a family atmosphere and good cheer. Old traditions will be reenacted to give participants an idea of a Czech Christmas as it used to be Some of the many featured events

during the week-long holiday celebration will include: • An exhibition of nativity scenes on the museum grounds.

• Christmas tree trimming at the Milonov Cottage (an old cottage without electricity, cooking on a large wood-burning stove).

• Baking of Christmas wafers and gingerbread.

• The art of making mittens (everyone will make a pair for themselves).

• Country feat of hog-killing time at Jezerne Cottage (helping with making of "Jelito" and "Jiternice" and tasting.

• The medical treatment of animals in the time of our forefathers.

• Straw weaving for Christmas tree ornaments.

This would be a wonder "once-in-alifetime" Christmas present to give your loved ones—a traditional Christmas with plenty of snow. For more details, please call Marjorie Matula (512) 5750820, Anna Krpec (713) 726-0282, or George Hlavinka (409) 535-4895.

Submitted by, Marjorie Matula and Arnold Pechal

—SPJST-

"Privez1 jsem texask 'y prapor. Co myslite, povesi ho na radnici? A taky mam pro ne dve knihy. Tlusty. Su v With jmena lidi, kteff se vydali do Ameriky. A taky jejich deti a vnukft a pravnukii. Tech, kteri u2 dnes neznaju slovo eesky. Jako muj syn," medituje nad pivem Arnold Pechal. Take labuiMicky vychutnaNd ochranna kfidla finny Motlako. Pa.nu Arnoldovi je padesat. "Cesky neurnItn, jen moraysky," §klebf se zcela americky.

"Stafieek pfijeli do Texasu z Hrozenkova. Nesu Silar. Ale su to jako reprezentant velkeho krajanskeho spolku. Kdyi' jsme ho pied deseti lety zakladali, meli jsme tficet Clem.

Veilkaj jich je na Na podiu eermenske sokolovny se prave pot rka. s basniekou nejmladk z rodu. Ctyfleqr Mirek Silar. "Aj, v Americe se 2ije moc prudko, rychle.

Zvlagf ti mladf. Oni ve'ilka nechcu poshichaf. A moc se divaji na televi2ny. A to jim kazi rozum," spoeine na klueinovi ne2nSrm pohledem pan Arnold. A mavne rukou. Ma ji pinou mozolu. Farman to v Texasu nernajf lehke ani dnes.

—Irene Jirku Od DNES, 17. eervence 1993

18/VESTMLIE-22 zati 1993

OSTIA HIANIGS *A,

CZECH HERITAGE SOCIETY OF TEXAS

Attention U.S. Veterans of Texas and Czech Ancestry

Sklizeii sena na horske polane.

Harvesting hay from a mountain meadow.

Learn Czech With Us 3rd lesson.

Verbs in the Present Tense. To be Nage rodina. Jsme velka rodinaotec, matka, babFeka, bratr Honza, sestra Marie a ja. Bydlime v Praze na Smichove. Otec je in2enSTr a pracuje v zavode Tatra. Matka prodava v mlekarne. Bratr je delnik v tovarn6 Tesla v Karlin6. Sestra uci na zakladnf gkole. A ja studuju na univerzite.

BabiCla je doma, je ui stars. Rano prvni vstava Honza. Jeho tovarna je daleko a prace zaCIna u2 v gest. Rychle snida a bai na autobus. Pak vstava maminka, protole mlelcarna otevira take brzo rano. Otec, sestra a ja vstavame posledni. Spoledne snidame a jdeme na tramvaj. Otec jde pe gky, neni to dalelco. Doma zustava jen babiaa.

Uklizi, jde nalcupovat a potom VOCABULARY: rodina-- family, otec— father, matka, maminka-mother, babiCla-- grandmother, bratr— brother, Honza, m., from Jan— John, sestra--- sister, bydlfm-- I live, stay, Smichov, Karlin-Praha's quarters, in2enYr— engineer, zavod--works, plant, prodavam-- I sell, mlekarna--- milkshop, worker, tovarna— factory, &Ina-- I teach, zaklacln1 gkola— elementary school (na z. g .--- at the e.s.), studuju-I study, univerzita-- university, u2— already, rano, adv.— in the morning, prvni— first, vstavam— I get up, daleko— far, prace, f.-- work, zginam— I begin, v lest— at six, rychle— quickly, snidam--- I take breakfast, balm— I run, na autobusfor (to catch) the bus, potom, pakthen, proto2e— because, oteviram- I open, take— too, also, brzo— early, poslednf— last, spolene-- together, jdu— I go, tramvaj, f.— tram, street car, peg ky— on foot, blizko— near, ziistivam— I stay, len-- only, uklfzim— I tidy up, nakup-- shopp-

ing,

vatim— I cook, delam— I work, pfgu-- I write.

1. The verb to be in the indicative of the present tense: jsem—I am ad) jsi—you are (ty) je—he, she, it is (on, ona, ono) jsme—we are (my) (vy) jste—you are jsou—they are (oni, ony) In the negative form the verb takes negative previs ne-. nejsem, nejsi, nevi, nejsme, nejste, nejsou.

The personal pronouns j4, ty, etc. are usually not used with the verbs (E.g. Bydlime v Praze. Studuju na univerzite.), unless they express stress or contrast (E.g. Já pigu a ty vans. Jd rano nesnidam.). Ty as well as the verbal form jsi are used only when speaking to a close friend. Respect is expressed by using the plural form vy + jste in second person singular. The same rule applies to all verbs.

2. In the indicative of the present tense, Czech verbs use the following endings: -e j du pig u studuju es jdeg pie studujeg j de -e studuj e -eme jdeme pigeme studujerne -ete j dete pfgete studuj ete -ou jdou studuj ou -im vatim -am deldm -1; vans -as deli -1 van -á dela -ime vafirne -dme defame -ite vafite -ate &late van -iji delaji JAN HOLUB

The Czech Herita ge Society of Texas is in the process of com piling a hook for publication on mi:itary veterans of Texas and Czccn ancestry. that the Societ y include as In many ',eterans as possible. the T deadline or receivi entries for the volume is December 31, 1993.

Ve.sunk readers are encouraged to enter .2• the names of their 0 friends, relatives— w or themselves—in a book that will keep the names and 0 fighting spirits of our Czech-Texan veterans alive for all future gen0 erations. The following guidelines need to be fol11" lowed in order to keep expenses down: 1. Answer the following question s.

Type or print on a good grate of 8 1/2" x 11" white paper: • Full name • Date of Birth • Place of Birth • Parents' Name • Education (Schools/places) • Rank and Serial No. • Place of Enlistment (Orders) • Theater of Operations • Battles Fought in • List of Medals • Wounded or not • Date of Discharge • Date of death (if deceased) • Current address (if alive) • Any other information of interest

ADVERTISING INFORMATION The following rates apply for classified advertising in the Vestnik.

Please note that it costs nothing to include events on the calendar page.

SPJST LODGE RATES For advertising SPJST lodge-related activities

$12.50 2 3/8" x 5" $25.00 4 7/8" x 5" $50.00 10" x 5" COMMERC RATES Applies to all advertising not related to promoting SPJST lodge events

23/8" x 5" 4 7/8" x 5" 10" x 5"

$25.00 $50.00 $100.00

For more information, contact the editor at (817) 773-1575.

If possible, place a 2" x 3" photo graph. preferably in uniform. in 1. envelope with the application form.

Copies of photographs, called "wa:et size" can be made at almost any psace you have our photograpils developed. Please do not cci Clown your ori;2.ina, i„t photos yourscH. '„ send your only cony. y Photos could " •• lost or dama ged in Ali the mail. Also. do .4 not send photo copies. No matter ▪ how good they look, they do not * reproduce ina quality manner when printed.

• 3. If the veteran is , deceased, give date of death E1 and details of place of burial.

4. If veteran is living, give present address and included any other information of interest such as wife's name, number of children, occupation, unusual hobby, or some event that took place when in service.

5. A half-page will be accepted for each veteran's write up, so make your write-up brief and concise, including only basic details.

6. Mail your completed resumes to Ed Baca, 9822 Carlow, La Porte, Texas 77571.

7. Remember, if you don't do it, your Czech veteran's record may not be remembered.

Sincerely, Robert Janak, CHS President —SPJST--

••■•■•■■ iI Couple to manage and become financial partner of 37-room AAA-approved motel in West Tex s coun seat town of 6,000 population. Owner wants to 11 retire and will train couple to take over management.

For more information, write: i Joseph F. Svacek„ Jr., 4141 Winding Way Court, !

Dallas, Texas 75287

Wednesday, September 22, 1993--VESTNiK/19

Monday, September 27—American Legion, 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 2—Super Games Sunday, October 3—Monthly Meeting, 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 9—Garcia Wedding Reception Sunday, October 17—R.VO.S. Annual Meeting, 2 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 25—American Legion, 7 p.m.

Satuday, October 30—Steglich Wedding Reception

SPJST CALENDAR FOR SPJST LODGES ONLY LODGE NO. 6, COTTONWOOD Friday, Sept. 24—Social Night, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 1—Lodge No. 6 Trustee Meeting Saturday, Oct. 2—Urban Family Reunion Sunday, Oct. 3—Rienke Family Reunion Friday, Oct. 8—Social Night, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 9-25th Wedding Anniversary Sunday, Oct. 10—Lodge No. 6 Monthly Meeting, 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 15—W.H.S. Class of 1963 Reunion Saturday, Oct. 16—W.H.S. Class of 1963 Reunion Sunday, Oct. 17—R.V.O.S. Lodge No. 46 Meeting and Supper For information regarding scheduling events at Lodge 6, please call George Straten at (817) 826-5863.

LODGE NO. 9, SNOOK (Local lodge meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.; Youth Club meetings are at 6:30 p.m.) * **

LODGE NO. 13, DIME BOX Saturday, October 2—Dime Box Homecoming and Fall Festival. Music by Branded Hearts; dance from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.; $3 per person.

Saturday, October 16—Special FX; dance from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Saturday, October 23—Branded Hearts; dance from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

LODGE NO. 15, BUCKHOLTS Local lodge meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. For hall rental and dance information, call Audrey McCall at (817) 593-2321.) ***

LODGE NO. 17, NEW TABOR (Local lodge meetings are held on the first Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. Youth meetings are also on the first Sunday of every month at 3 p.m.) ***

LODGE NO. 18, ELGIN Sunday, September 26—Battle Dance ($6 per person) 3-8 p.m. New Edition and Limited Edition.

(For rentals and reservations, call Irene Helgren at (512) 285-4534. Band Bookings: Ards Monson at (512) 285-3711. Most of our Saturday night dances are held from 8:30 until 12:30.) ***

LODGE NO. 24, CYCLONE Saturday, September 25—Youth Dance with music by D.J. from 8 until 12 p.m.

Flag Hall is located 10 miles east of Temple, off Highway 53. For more information regarding hall bookings or to reserve Flag Hall, please contact Louise Zavodny at 985-2556. ***

LODGE NO. 25, ENNIS (Local lodge meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. The Youth Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. For reservations or hall rentals, call Alicia Honza at (214) 875-8359 or Linda Trojacek at (214) 875-6321.) ***

LODGE NO. 29, TAYLOR Saturday, Sept. 25—Lodge Work Day Saturday, Sept. 25—Private Party Saturday, October 16—Chili Cook-Off, including an arts and crafts fair, flea market, trade displays and food. For cookoff or vendor information, contact Allen Matthews (512) 3528629 or Edmond Tate (512) 352-6223.

(Bingo every Wednesday night at 7:30.

Adult lodge meetings are every second Sunday of the month at 4 p.m. The Youth Club meets at 5 p.m LODGE NO. 35, ELK Saturday, Sept. 25—Midnite Rodeo Saturday, October 2—Texas Heart Beat

Saturday, October 9—Neon Texas Sunday, October 10—October Lodge Meeting. Meeting will include RVOS No. 50 meeting at 2:30 p.m., followed by SPJST Lodge No. 35 fellowship and barbecue supper for the combined lodges. Ladies asked to bring salads, pastries and any other specialty items for the supper.

Saturday, October 16—Dakota Saturday, October 23—Texas Style Saturday, October 30—Wayward Sons (Lodge No. 35, Elk features dancing every Saturday from 8:30-12:30. Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of the month, unless otherwise noted.) ***

LODGE NO. 39, BRYAN (Local lodge meetings are held the last Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. at the lodge home.)

LODGE NO. 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE Saturday, September 25—Edward Ermis Wedding Saturday, October 2—E1 Campo High School Class Reunion Sunday, Oct. 17—Annual R.V.O.S. Meeting Monday, October 18—Regular monthly meeting after the Social Games Wednesday, November 17—Annual Meeting; Election of officers. Refreshments to be served (Games every Monday night at 7:30 p.m.; Games License No. 3000-72-8240-0). ***

LODGE NO. 47, SEATON Saturday, Sept. 25—Jerry Haisler & Melody Five Saturday, October 2—Lee Roy Matocha Orchestra Sunday, October 3—Lodge Meeting, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 9—El Campo Melody Boys Friday, October 15—R.V.O.S. No. 5 Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 16—The Texans C/W Sunday, October 17—Battle Dance with Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five and Vrazels Polka Band; 3-8 p.m. ; $5 per person—no hall passes Monday, Oct. 18—Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 23—Czech Harvesters of Dallas Sunday, October 24—Marek Reunion Saturday, October 30—Leroy Rybak Swinging Orchestra (Seaton Star Hall is located five miles east of Temple, just off of Highway 53. All Saturday dances are from 8-12 p.m. For more information regarding hall bookings, please contact Louis Kohutek at 983-2261. Hall telephone: 985-2548.) ***

LODGE NO. 49, ROWENA Thursday, September 23—Call meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Lodge Hall. ***

LODGE NO. 66, WACO Friday, September 24—Cherokee Rose Saturday, September 25—Dakota Saturday, October 2—Jerry Haisler and the Melody Five Saturday, October 9—Cherokee Rose Saturday, October 16—Billy Roy and Heart of the Night *** LODGE NO. 74, LOVELADY (Lodge business meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month. Game nights are every Thursday and Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Permit No. 1-75-1052324-8. "Barbara's Kitchen" will be open.)

LODGE NO. 80, HOLLAND Sunday, Sept. 19—Fall District Two Meeting at Lodge 29, Taylor

Saturday, September 25—The Taste of Texas (C&W) Saturday, October 2—Hayslip Brothers (C/W) Saturday, October 9—Heart of Texas (C/W) Saturday, October 23—Vrazels-Gulf Coast Czech Festival Sunday, October 24—The Moonriders-Gulf Coast Czech Festival Saturday, October 30—Chaparral(C/W)

(Game night every Thursday at 7 p.m. Permit No. SP1-74615-1395-8; AL-00061-9887-0)

(Executive members and Board of Trustees meet every second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Regular lodge meetings are on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.)

LODGE NO. 84, DALLAS Saturday, September 25—Open Saturday, October 2—Dance, featuring Aplen

** *

Musikante; Admission: $5 Saturday, October 9—Rental Wedding Thursday, October 14—Fraternal Council Meeting hosted by W.O.W. at Lodge 84 Saturday, October 16—Harvest Dance featuring Kovanda Czech Band; Admission: $6 Sunday, October 17—Czech Day at the State Fair of Texas Monday, Oct. 18—Lodge Monthly Meeting Saturday, October 23—Rental—"15th" Saturday, October 30—Open ** *

LODGE NO. 88, HOUSTON (Games every Thursday; Early Bird Special at 7:15 p.m.; Regular Games at 7:45 p.m.

License No. 3-00-621-2077-41001).

Friday, September 24—"Back to School Youth Party"; Texas Brew, C/W; No Alcoholic Beverages; 8 p.m.-12 a.m.; $5 per person Saturday, September 25—Jack Melick, "The Piano Man"; Big Band Music; Dress Code; $10 per person Saturday, October 2—Jody Mikula; Polkatime; $5 per person Friday, October 8—Texas Brew (C/W); $5 per person Saturday, October 9—Gus Lindemann; Ballroom and Variety; $6 per person Saturday, October 16—Central Texas Sounds; Polkatime; $5 per person Saturday, October 23—Jack Melick, "The Piano Man," Big Band Music; Dress Code; $10 per person Saturday, October 30—Eddie Bauer; Big Band Music; Dress Code; $10 per person For reservations, call (713) 869-5767.

LODGE NO. 175, ROSENBERG Tuesday, September 21—Lodge meeting at the Civic Center in Rosenberg, 7 p.m. ***

LODGE NO. 177, ACADEMY Saturday, September 25—Loaded Dice Saturday, October 2—Debonaires Saturday, October 9—Backroads Saturday, October 16—Firecreek Saturday, October 23—Reckless Saturday, October 30—Loaded Dice (Lodge meetings are the second Wednesday of each month; social at 6:30 p.m.; Youth Club meeting at 6:30 p.m.; Trustees' meeting at 7 p.m.; Business meeting at 7:30 p.m.) ***

LODGE NO. 178, LONGVIEW-KILGORE (Lodge meets on the first Thursday of each mont at the VFW Post, 4002, Longview, Texas.) ***

LODGE NO. 179, WARRENTON (Lodge meets second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Warrenton store; social hour and meal follows. The meat is furnished and members bring side dishes.) ** *

LODGE NO. 180, BURLESON Saturday, September 25—Treadin' Water Saturday, October 2—Country Junction Saturday, October 9—Texas Heat Saturday, October 16—Crossfire Saturday, October 23—Treadin' Water Saturday, October 30—Mountain Creek

** *

LODGE NO. 92, FORT WORTH Saturday, October 30—Halloween Dance.

Sponsored by Lodge 92 Youth Club; 8 p.m. until midnight. Music by Rejcek's of Ennis (The Stardust Ballroom presents ballroom dancing every Friday, 9-12:30; DRESS CODE; 642-1361. Lodge meetings are the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., or as otherwise specified. Game nights are on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Ladies Circle meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.)

(All Saturday night dances are from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Lodge membership monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Trustees' meetings are on the same dates at 6:30 p.m.) ** *

LODGE NO. 186, CALDWELL (Lodge meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m.; Social games are at 7:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Kitchen and bar open. License Permit No. 1-74-20733095-41002).

** *

LODGE NO. 107, FLORESVILLE (Lodge 107 monthly meetings are the second Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. at the lodge hall, unless otherwise noted.)

LODGE NO. 130, DALLAS (Lodge 130 monthly meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month in the Youth Room of Lodge 84, 2625 Floyd Street, Dallas.) * **

LODGE NO. 133, SAN ANTONIO

LODGE NO. 187, ROUND ROCK Friday, September 24—O.M. Brown Saturday, September 25—Debonaires Friday, October 1—People's Choice Saturday, October 2—Lonesome Dove Friday, October 8—Debonaires Saturday, October 9—O.M. Brown Friday, October 15—Lonesome Dove Saturday, October 16—Sierra Friday, October 22—Texas Unlimited Saturday, October 23—Texas Fever Friday, October 29—Debonaires Saturday, October 30-0.M. Brown

All monthly meetings will be held on the third Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. at the St. Margaret Mary Recreation Center on 1314 Fair Avenue in San Antonio.)

(Private party room available. For more information, call Albert at 255-8157.)

LODGE NO. 142, HOUSTON Sunday, October 10—October Lodge Meeting, 2 p.m.

LODGE NO. 188, CENTERVILLE (Game times: Sunday, 2 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.; lodge monthly meetings on the first Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m.)

(Hall rentals for wedding or party, call (713) 862-6291 after 4 p.m.)

***

LODGE NO. 79, CORPUS CHRISTI/SOKOL HALL (Hall location: 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Phone: (512) 852-9042. Public invited. SPJST lodge meetings are held at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month, unless notified otherwise.)

LODGE NO. 172, PASADENA

LODGE NO. 154, FORT WORTH Sunday, October 10—Lodge Meeting, 3 p.m.

Sunday, October 17—Czech Day at the State Fair Sunday, October 24—District Three Meeting and Fraternal Festival at Lodge No. 25, Ennis. ** *

LODGE NO. 156, BAYTOWN Thursday, October 14—Lodge Meeting at the home of Cleo Leibham. ***

***

LODGE NO. 191, LUFKIN Wednesday, September 22—Cloggers Friday, September 24—Polka Club Monday, September 27—Square Dance Tuesday, September 28—Polka Wednesday, September 29—Cloggers Saturday, November 13—President's Ball —SPJST-

your upcoming lodge event listed here? If not, please call 1 (800) 72-SPJST to post. These are free listings.

Is

20/VESTNIK—Wednesday, September 22, 1993

DID YOU KNOW?

You're the Boss.

It's true. When you're a member of a fraternal benefit society, you have an important voice in its operations.

In a very real sense, you own the fraternal and operate it through its elected board of directors.

That's the fraternal way of doing business.

Working as organizations of members. Members who both provide and receive benefits.

From the headquarters of the National Fraternal congress of America— to

the i"raternal lodges in your home town. Your concerns are heard. Your needs are met.

It may be through insurance benefits. Or any of the other social, cultural, charitable and educational benefits. All are shaped around the needs of you and those around you.

So the 10 million people who belong to the 100 societies of the :'1.FCA aren't just members of fraternals.

They ARE the fraternals.

Slavonic Benevolent Order (SP:ST) of the State of Texas P.O. Box 100, 520 North Main Temp TX 76503 Ph I ne: AC (17) 7734575