"CHANGING TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF FRATERNALISTS"
Noe
VESTNIK SPJST Herald
41IP "Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation"
Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, Founded 1897 HUMANITY
BENEVOLENCE
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800 VOLUME 82 NUMBER 25
June 29, 1994
A.M. Best Company issues its annual risk reports
SPJST gets an "A" in annual ratings report SPJST officials were pleased to receive word last week that the Society had been assigned a rating of A (Excellent) by the A. M. Best Company. The rating is assigned to institutions that have "achieved excellent overall performance when compared to the standards established by the A.M. Best Company." The notification marked the conclusion of the Best Company's annual evaluation process begun months earlier. The report is based upon an extensive review of financial, investment and operational reports prepared by officers and staff members. "This (rating) shows that everybody within our Society is looking very carefully at everything that affects us— whether it be the present or in the future. This is an outstanding accomplishment for our Society," said Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar. The SPJST, on an annual basis, volunYoung
tarily submits itself to the scrutiny of the A.M. Best Company. "A.M. Best Company is considered `the Industry Information Source,"" said Supreme Lodge Vice President Leonard Mikeska. "Ratings by the firm are widely accepted by the general public and the insurance industry as highly reliable and the most comprehensive source of financial information on domestic insurance companies." In 1993, the SPJST was the highestrated Texas domiciled fraternal benefit society. Unless there is an upgrade of a Texas based society, the SPJST should again hold that distinction for 1994. "I'm elated that we kept our favorable rating," said Brother Mikeska. "This rating speaks very well of the officers and directors, their management ability, and SPJST's progress over the years," observed Secretary-Treasurer Lanita Anglin. "I feel very honored to be
adults receive leadership training
"Ratings by the firm are widely accepted by the general public and the insurance industry as highly reliable." a part of this team," she added. Legal Advisor Sidney Kacir echoed her sentiments, stating,"I am delighted that we continued to maintain our A (Excellent) rating by AM. Best." Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas
attributed the A (Excellent) rating to the Society's ability to post healthy gains in assets, thereby offsetting increasing liabilities. "I am proud of this accomplishment and I will do everything I can to maintain this excellent rating," said Brother Mikulas. According to the letter which accompanied the rating, the A (Excellent) rating reflects the SPJST's • very strong capitalization; • conservatively invested asset portfolio; and • consistently profitable operating results. "This will be highly positive for our sales representatives since prospective members are showing more and more concern about ratings and financial strength. This is good news," concluded Brother Mikeska. —SPJST-
Now That's Teamwork!
We came. We saw. We tore down the wall! —Leaders in Training Workshop Slogan by Joni Lange, State Youth Director
"WE CAME." Who came? Seventytwo SPJST members consisting of young adults and chaperones. "WE SAW." What did they see? They saw they had a job to do and they did it. "WE TORE DOWN THE WALL!" What wall did they tear down? The wall of the unfamiliar, the wall of fear and the wall of complacency. From the moment the Leaders In Training (LIT) Workshop began, we knew we had a good thing going. The workshop, which took place June 3-5 at Camp Lone Star in La Grange, catered to a special group: A group eager to face new challenges; a group ready and willing to do what was asked of them. A group ready to become leaders! Our young leaders began their week-
end getting acquainted, learning new games and new ways to entertain young campers from a master in his profession—Mike Spiller, an international games expert. We want to thank Mike for the excellent job that he did and we look forward to working with him again next year. The prosperity and security of the SPJST depends on each generation's capacity to assume the responsibilities and privileges of adult life. One of these responsibilities is problem solving. Motivational speaker Paula Brown introduced the LITs to various problem solving and brain storming techniques. We want to also thank Paula for taking time out of her busy schedule to share the weekend with us. We look forward to working with her again in the near future. One of our responsibilities is to ensure the safety of the young people who are
prosperity and security of the SPJST depends on each generation's capacity to assume the responsibilities of adult life." "The
District One Assistant District Youth Counselor Holly Suehs, left, performs a Nerf ball exchange with team member Nila Young, a member of Lodge 13, Dime Box. The ball exchange was just one of many fun team-building exercises that workshop participants enjoyed during the two-day youth leadership workshop.
entrusted to our care. Emergency care procedures are fundamental to the training of leaders. Many times split second decisions are made by a leader which could make the difference between a minor and a major injury. This year we were fortunate to have Thomas Pechal, a paramedic for the Temple Fire Department, instruct LITs in the proper use of first aid procedures during the first critical moments when an accident has occurred. We want to thank Tom and his lovely daughters for their help and expertise during this very important session of our training. We
look forward to working with him again in the near future. One of the more relaxing and fun segments of the LIT weekend is when we get to make our craft. Carolyn Dobos, former craft instructor for Michael's, assisted LITs in making the popular sunflower door knockers. Each door knocker became as unique and special as the person who made it. Carolyn, another great job! Thank you. One of our greatest challenges in dance instruction has been full participation (Continued on page 11)