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Changing to meet the needs of fraternalists.
11V 1 SPJST Herald
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Joining Hands To Touch Lives .. . . . . Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation
Official Publication of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State o Texas • Founded 1897
VOLUME 88 NUMBER 38
OOD
HUMANITY
BENEVOLENCE
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SPJST Home Office, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 ISSN-07458800
October 4, 2C:0 MierWESI
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b5ertie5 O ttober a5 SPJST at 103
)ciety embodies 'kit of fraternalism non-members — the SPJST a concept that is sometimes easily misunderstood. To some, "it's strictly an insurance company; to others, it's a social club; and, finally, to others, its a cultural preservation society. So who's right? At its best, the SPJST embodies the characteristics of all these definitions, demonstrating that its strength lies in its diversity. Ti-:e SPJST is a society that members can join for any number of reasons. It's a "package deal" built upon the idea of addressing human needs — financial, social and cultural. The ability to meet those needs and uphold strong human values is the mortar that holds the society together. What's most important to the member depends on his or her station in life. What a seven-year-old wants from his membership is a lot different than what an 80-year-old would like 1 In June, delegates to the Twenty-Eighth SPJST Convention voted to amend the by bylaws by broadening the definition of "social membership" in the SPJST. The new by-law which goes into effect on January 1, 2001, will enable lodges to enroll insurable social members without first requiring them to purchase an SPJST insurance certficate or annuity. Previously, the category of "social membership" had been reserved for individuals "who could not be insured." ARTICLE 1, Section J. Several questions relating to "social memberships" need to be resolved by the Supreme Lodge when they meet later this month, including what costs and/or limiting factors — if any will be placed on social membership in a local lodge. Also, questions remain as to how the by-law change will relate to young people who are enrolled as social members and their eligibility to participate in the youth program.
SPJST Mortgage Interest Rates Rates subject to change without notice
to see. The sale and purchase of insurance has long been a cornerstone of membership in the SPJST 1 . As such, the Society offers a wide range of insurance programs, annuity plans and mortgage options designed to meet the varying needs of its members. Aembers of Lodge 13, Dime Box, in a group from around turn of the century. The fraternal component of the SPJST further enhances membership by emphasizing Czech heritage and the social and civic responsibilities that members share with each other and the communities in which they live. There are few limiting factors placed on local lodges and how they choose to meet their fraternal obligations. Really, what it comes down to is initiative and imagination. The guidelines which describe how the business of the SPJST is to be conducted is found in the SPJST Bylaws. SPJST members have regular lodge meetings and conventions every four years to address the big issues. Reform and innovation are healthy processes and they are what keep the SPJST growing. Reform and innovafion, in fact, provided the basis for the founding of the SPJST.
How It All Started In presenting any history, one must always contend with the question of just where to begin. We can start with the immigration of Czechs to the (Continued on page 3.)
Universal Life 7.25% for Annualized*
Roth IRA
Home or Farm Mortgages:
6.30% for Annualized*
7.25% for 1 to 7 years 7.75% for 8 to 15 years 8.00% for 16 to 20 years 825% for 21 to 30 years
Annuity II
Qualified Business Real Estate Mortgages
Annuity
9.00% for 10 years 9.25% for 11 to 15 years
6.30% for Annualized* Certificates issued 4-1-93 and after
530% for Annualized* Certificates issued prior to 41-93 *Rates effective 8-1-2000 through 10-31-2000
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The Fourth Convention of the Main Lodge SPJST was held June 17 19, 111 1907 on the second floor of the Piwetz Building on the Square in C ° -om at that time housing the Frank Ginzel General Merchandise Store. the highlights of the Fourth Convention, we can see that the SPJST cor.:inued to enjoy modest growth with an increase from 52 delegates representing 43 lodges in 1902 to 71 delegates representing 71 lodges in 1907.
00 pennies drive kicks off The SPJST kicked off its annual 100 Pennies. Scholarship Drive on October I. Donations are tax I deductible and 100 percent of the amount that is contributed is applied towards scholarships. Acknowledgement of individual donations will be published in the Vestnik. To contribute to the 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive, please send your check to: 100 Pennies Scholarship Drive CIO SPJST Home Office P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Please contact Donna Locke in he Fraternal Department (800) 727-7578 for printed Bonaon solicitation forms. SPJST General Scholarships were estabfished in 1982 for all SPJST mems. General Scholarships are funded by the SPJST and voluntary contributions by SPJST members. Accordingly, the more funds ilable, the more scholarships warded. Thank you for vour generous support1 --S PJ ST--
The Feeling is Mutual SPJST Library, Archives and Museum President Glenn Kaminsky, left, accepts $500 check from Fr. Van den Dries of Wallis, a member of SPJST Lodge 28, East Bernard. "I am fortunate and glad to donate to an organization that is working to preserve and maintain our heritage." Truly, the SPJST and LAM are fortunate to have the kind and generous support of people like Brother Van Den Dries. For LAM giving information, please contact Brother Kaminsky at (979) 335-4461 or Treasurer Margaret Haisler at (979) 272-8657.