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ESTNIK ST Herald 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
VOLUME 87 NUMBER 41
ISSN-07458800
Texans consider ad valorem amendment on November 2 The November 2 election ballot will include a proposed Constitutional amendment that could pave the way for some SPJST lodges to qualify for property tax exemptions next year. The wording on the November ballot proposition (HJR 4) will read:
not require another Constitutional revision, merely an amendment to the existing tax code. Foes of the measure express concern that approval of the proposition could eventually create a broader class of organizations that qualify directly "The constitutional amendment to for ad valorem exemptons, perhaps authorize the legislature to exempt leading to some fraudulent charities. property owned by instituThat risk could be offset, tions engaged primarily in on how the nzn 0 depending public charitable functions amendment is regulated REriral from ad valorem taxation." and interpreted by local While there is no specifTax Appraisal District ic reference made to "fraOffices. ternal benefit societies" in Outlining the basis for ad the amendment; passage of valorem exemptions for the amendment could be a ON ELECTION DAY fraternal benefit societies real plus for SPJST and sisin April, Texas Senator MEMBER 2ND Steve Ogden of College ter fraternals in any future quest to seek legislative Station said, "In many relief from ad valorem taxation. communities, lodges and lodge halls If passed, the requirement that an are the social hub of the community. organization would have to engage in Instead of (concentrating their efforts) purely charitable functions would be performing charitable purposes, lodges stricken from the Constitution. With are having to spend an inordinate such wording in place, all that may be amount of time raising money to pay necessary would be for fraternals to their ad valorem taxes." seek "enabling legislation" that would The proposed constitutional amendqualify them to receive an exmption ment is scheduled to appear as the under Section 11.18 of the Property fourth item on the November 2 ballot. Tax Code. In layman's terms, it may —SPJST-
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October 27, 1999
Family Fun and Important SPJST Dates October Czech Heritage Month in Texas October 22 - 24 Texas Fraternal Congress, Houston October 23 Fund Raiser at SPJST Lodge 47., Seaton October 23 National Make a Difference Day October 23 Lodge 48, 13eyersville Progressive "42 - Tournament October 24 District Three Fall Meeting hosted by Lodge 180, Burleson October 24 - 30 Texas Czech Heritage Week October 30 District Four Czech Fest at St. Ambrose Parish Hall in Wall (Lodge 160, San Angelo co-hosting) October 30 Czech Heritage Day at Lodge 24, Cyclone October 30 Czech Heritage Day Dance at Lodge 47, Seaton October 30 Arts and Crafts Show and Sale at Lodge 66, Waco October 30 Halloween Dance at Lodge 92, Fort Worth October 31 Halloween Dance at Lodge 79, Corpus Christi October 31 Lodge 88, Houston Czech Day November 6 Lodge 24, Cyclone Barbecue Cook-Off November 7 Lodge 161, La Parita-Jourdanton hosts District Seven Fall Meeting at Longhorn Museum, Pleasanton November 13 State Volleyball Tournament, Bruceville-Eddy November 19 (19-21) Lodge 130, Dallas Camp-Out at Fort Parker
—SPJST
UOM
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SPJST Sales Champs Present Winner's Trophy For the first part of 1999, the SPJST sponsored an incentive trip for its sales representatives, rewarding the top 20 — based on earned premium as of May 31, 1999 — with a trip to Bossier City, Louisiana. On July 9, the winning sales representatives boarded a bus and trekked to Bossier City. During the visit, the group enjoyed a fun-filled Saturday afternoon at Louisiana Downs. Following the races, the group presented an award to the winning jockey of the third race which had been run in honor of the SPJST. Pictured above, at the presentation, are, from leff: Horse owner Virgie Yarberry and his family; Albin Machu (29); Trainer Paul Pruett; Jockey David Guillory; Charles Garrett (97), Glenn Kaminsky (28), District Six Director and Supreme Lodge Chairman Man Vanek, Martha Broz (160), Helen Hegwood (88), District Two Director Frank Klinkovsky, Larry Matula (66), District Four Director and Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman Stanley Broz, Karel Matejka (40), District Three Director Johnnie Krizan and Donald Williams (157). —Submitted by State Field Manager Gene McBride