Changing to meet the needs of fraternalists.
VESTNIK SPJST Herald
"Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation' Official Publication Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, Founded 1897
BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SPJST Home Office, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800
Ocrtober 7, 1998
VCI.,UME :5 NUMBER 38
D.A.R.E.-ing Effort at Lodge 40, El Campo-Hill "e
At their September 20 meeting, members of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje learned about Their local D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program and efforts being made by local law enforcement officials, educators, students and parents to fight drug abuse and youth violence. The program was delivered by Sergeant Danie! E ;' ,5 are , The Wharton County Sheriff's Department cht his wife, Roxanne Bezdei: Marek, who is the Adult Probation Officer for Wharton County. Pictured, from left, are: Lodge 40 President Bennie Reck, Sergeant Daniel Marek, Lodge 40 Youth Club Reporter Ross Juranek and Officer Roxanne Marek. Sergeant Marek heads Wharton County's juvenile delinquency prevention program and Mrs. Marek was recently received statewide recognition for her outstanding work as a probation officer. See related story on page 6.
Family Fun and Important SPJST Dates October 10
District Five Fraternal Workshop, Lodge 88, Houston
October 17
District Youth Counselors Fall Meeting, Home Office
October 18
District One Fall Meeting
October 18
Lickskillet Day(s), Fayetteville
October 18
Lodge 31, Yoakum Czech Week Kick-Off Dinner
October 24
Texas Fall Gala, Lodge 24, Cyclone
October 24
Progressive "42" Tournament, Lodge 48, Beyersvilie
October 25
Texas Czech Heritage Week Begins
October 25
District Three Fall Meeting
October 25
Lodge 88, Houston Czech Day
October27
District Three Fraternal Workshop, Lodge 84, Dallas
November 1
District Seven Fall Meeting, hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton
No,.779.ber 7
Cookoff and Countywide Sale, Lodge 24, Cyclone
November 14
SPJST State Volleyball Tournament
November 21
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show and Sale, Lodge 66, Waco
November 21
Tarok Tournament, Lodge 48, Beyersvilie —SPJST-
—Photo by Chuck Schwartzkopf
SPJST officials attend 112th annual meeting of National Fraternal Congress in Atlanta Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar, District Four Director and Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman Stanley Broz and State Field Manager Gene McBride joined more than 740 delegates and guests who attended the 112th annual meeting of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) held September 16-19 at the Hilton Atlanta and Towers. The NFCA is the trade association representing 91 fraternal benefit societies that provide insurance and volunteer opportunities to 9.2 million members in the United States and Canada. Highlighting convention activity, Vera A. Wilt, president of CSA Fraternal Life, Oak Brook, Ill, was elected 1998-99 president of the NFCA. "By our very nature, fraternal benefit societies provide a means for our members to come together for financial protection and for community service," said Wilt. "We must always remember this two-fold purpose and remember that the promise of fraternalism is dependent on listening to our members and providing them with the products, resources and opportunities that meet their life needs."
SPJST on Parade Riding tall, it's Matthew Kalina, son of Curtis and Donna Kalina and grandson of Billy and Sylvia Rollwitz of Lodge 49, Rowena. Matthew, also a member of Lodge 49, drove the 1945 M Formal! the Miles Cotton Festival in Miles, Texas on September 12. Gilbert Daniels of Sutherlin, Oregon was named Fraternalist of the Year for his outstanding volunteer efforts and society contributions. Mr. Daniels, a retired maintenance worker with a lifelong commitment to helping others, is a member of Neighbors of Woodcraft, based in Oregon City, Oregon. SPJST's 1998 Fraternalist of the Year Willie Kohutek of Lodge 47, Seaton was also among those saluted by the NFCA. Officers and directors of the Field Managers Section of the National Fraternal Congress of America were also elected during the annual meet-
1999 SPJST Member
Services Directory offers something new. Please see page 2.
ing. SPJST State Field Manager Gene McBride was elected to serve as a director of the Field Manager's Section. Immediately preceding the conference, NFCA members contributed $63,417 and hundreds of volunteer hours to complete two Habitat for Humanity homes in Americus, Georgia. Since 1990, NFCA member societas and state fraternal congresses have sponsored 2,313 Habitat for Humanity projects and donated $9.7 million to the organization and its affiliates. —SPJST-
Something's Fishy From the looks of things, Garrett Reddehase of Lodge 177, Academy landed a trophy-size shark during the Youth Club's excursion to the Gulf Coast. Congratulations are in order — but for another reason. See page 3!