"Joining Hands To Touch Lives-Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation"
ESTNIK T Herald Official Publication of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, Founded 1897
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Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SPJST Home Office, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503
VOLUME 87 NUMBER 45
ISSN-07458800
Internet insurance shopping requires caution says TDI
SPJST lodges participate in national Make a Difference Day October 23,1999, marked the ninth annual Make A Difference Day. Each year on the fourth Saturday in October, Americans respond to the challenge of USA WEEKEND magazine and The Points of Light Foundation by committing their time, efforts and expertise to making a difference in our nation's communities. Now, really: How much difference can one person make, on one day of the year? Let the numbers speak for themselves. Nationally, an estimated 2 million people took time on October 23 to give back to their local communities, topping last year's record 1.8 million participants. Hundreds of groups — including several SPJST groups — joined celebrities Reba McEntire, George Foreman and Miss America as well as everyday people from all 50 states in an endless array of volunteer efforts.
Closer to Home SPJST lodges and youth clubs were encouraged to get involved in this year's National Make a Difference Day. Projects were completed by several lodges. (Continued on page 4.)
Since it became a national holiday in 1863, Thanksgiving has come to characterize a day of national reunion — an opportunity for families and friends to get together, to share each other's compan y and to express thanks for all of the good things in their lives. For those who have lost relatives and friends this past year, the holidays can be a lonely time. During the u comin Holiday season, may we, as caring fraternalists, offer each other support and give thanks for the memories of our love ones who have died. May we find some measure ofjoy and comfort in recollecting in the warm and colorful memories of our departed brothers and sisters.
Looking for a gift idea that won't break or wear out? Unlike electronic gadgets, holiday ornaments or toys, life insurance is one gift that won't break or wear out. SPSJT offers a wide variety of life insurance plans for youngsters and adults. The following listing provides a brief summary of the insurance options that are available: Universal Life. A flexible protection plan issued to ages 0 to 80 which offers both a guaranteed and current interest rate on the cash value accumulation. Mod-Term. A modern 10-year term product issued to ages 20-60, renewable to age 70 and convertible prior to age 65 with indeterminate premiums. Can be continued as an Annual Renewable Term certificate from age 70 to 95. Ask about original age enhancement option. Mod-20. A modern 20-year term product issued to ages 20-50, renewable to age 70 and convertible to age 65 with indeterminate premiums. Can be continued as an Annual Renewable Term certificate from age 70 to 95. Modified Premium Whole Life. Targets children and issued up to age 24. Affordable term converts to permanent whole life at age 25.
(Continued on page 3.)
Country superstar Reba McEntire beams as she takes an active part in Make A Difference Day: helping distribute 600,000 new books for poor kids in Chicago. Photo of Reba McEntire by Steve Kagan for USA WEEKEND.
November 24, 1999
Every juvenile certificate issued by the SPJST gives your youngster access to the many benefits of belonging to the SPJST. These include membership and fellowship in a local lodge, the chance to participate in an active youth program and the opportunity to compete for scholarships. All in all, a nice return considering the nominal investment.
You can shop for almost anything over the Internet these days, including insurance. Many insurance companies -- and fraternal benefit societies — have Web sites. The SPJST web site, should be up and running around the start of the new year. As with most Internet transactiosn, consumers should keep their guard up when shopping for insurance on the Web, advises Texas Commissioner of Insurance Jose Montemayor.
"Consumers should keep their guard up when shopping for insurance on the Web advises Montemayor." "Although the Internet is a wonderful tool, it extends the reach of people bent on insurance fraud and makes it easier for them to remain anonymous," says Montemayor. "Always assume that if a deal seems too good to be true, it's probably neither good nor true." More and more SPJST members are discovering the wonders of the Internet and taking advantage of online options, including online purchases of goods and services. If you see potentially deceptive insurance material in an e-mail or on a Web site, don't hesitate to report it to TDI so they can investigate. You can report by e-mail to: advertising @tdi.state.tx.us . You can also write to: Texas Department of Insurance Advertising Unit (MC 111-2A) P.O. Box 14091 Austin, Texas 78714-9091 "Texas law generally requires an insurance transaction to be in writing and signed," Commisioner Montemayor explains. "The use of electronic signatures and other related questions is under review by Congress. Be sure to keep hard copy records of any Internet transactions. Print out copies of forms you fill out online." For more information, check out TDI's Web site, www.tdi.state.tx.us —SPJST-