Changing to meet the needs of fraternalists.
"Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation"
VESTNIK Official 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 November 8, 1995 ISSN-07458800 VOLUME 83 NUMBER 42
SPIST a key player in 1995
Veterans' Day
Texas Fraternal Congress responds to industry issues From October 20 - 22, the Texas Fraternal Congress met in Austin for their 95th Annual Convention. Fifteen fraternal benefit societies operating in Texas were represented. President of the 1994-1995 Congress and convention moderator was SPJST Supreme Lodge Vice President Leonard Mikeska. Convention coordinating chairman was Kathy Fritz, assistant to the Vice President. "It's been a pleasant experience repre senting the SPJST on the Texas Fraternal Congress Executive Board the past nine years and serving as president of the association this past year," said TFC President Mikeska. Brother Mikeska's report to the 11-C follows on page three of this issue. The two-and-a-half day program included business sessions covering a range of topics related to the marketing and sale of life insurance and fraternal programming. Guest speaker for the Friday banquet was Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council Vice President Tommy Engelke. Addressing the subject of "internal change," Mr. Engelke talked about the importance of developing long-term strategies to meet the changing needs of members and prospective members. "If the rate of change within an organization is less than the rate of change outside of the organization, then the end is in sight," he observed.
TAFIC President Glory Brown presents Fraternal Insurance Counselor of the Year Award to SPJST State Field Manager Gene McBride.
November 11, 1995
In commemoration of th 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II and in honor of all who served.
1994-1995 Texas Fraternal Congress President Leonard Mikeska, left, accepts handshake and plaque from incoming TFC President Buddy Preuss.
Saturday's schedule included reports from 'ITC officers and standing committees. It was during the morning program that SPJST State Field Manager received the prestigious Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) of the Year Award which is presented annually by the Texas Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors (TAFIC). The winner is selected on the basis of fraternal and civic involvement as well as marketing and sales proficiency. Making the presentation to Brother McBride was TAFIC President Glory Brown. The Saturday morning program concluded with an entertaining presentation on selfreliance by Susie Humphreys. The annual Youth Spectacular, which showcased the talents of several SPJST youth club members and performing groups representing various parts of the state, highlighted the afternoon program. (See State Youth Leader's Report and accompanying photos on page nine of this week's Vestnik.) Sunday's schedule included reports from 11-:C standing committees, including the election and installation of officers for 1996. Buddy Preuss, representing the Order of the Sons of Hermann, was elected 1996 President. (Editor's Note: See accompanying Texas Fraternal Congress photo summary and listing of SPJST attendees on page eight.) SPJST-
We
dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.
to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage — and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge — and more. —John F. Kennedy January 20, 1961
Scott & White Home Prescription services offers a prescription service to SPJST certificate holders and will mail maintenance medications directly to your home. See the back page of this week's Vestnik and coupon on page 14 for more information.