ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 95 Number 23
Benevolence
H E R A L D
#
Humanity
#
Brotherhood
June 6, 2007
ISSN —07458800
NFCA Honors “Fraternalist-in-Action” for Volunteerism SPJST Lodge 180, Burleson Member Carole Slavik Visits Capitol Hill The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) recognized SPJST Lodge 180, Burleson member Carole J. Slavik as a Fraternal MVP (Most Valuable Participant) in Washington, D.C., on May 22 to 24, 2007. Slavik, honored for her outstanding fraternal service, met with members of Congress representing her home state and Congressional district. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time and energy to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors. “The NFCA salutes Carole Slavik as a true fraternalist,” said NFCA Chair of the
~ Inside ~ Fraternal Week at the Texas State Capitol Page 5 State Horseshoe Tournament Page 10 Lodge 184 annual fried chicken to-go Page 21 Lodge 1 Youth Club receives grant Page 25
Family Fun Dates ...............3 Interest Rates .....................3 Financial Report.................7 Lodge Letters ...................11 Memoriam .........................23 Reunions...........................23 Youth .................................24 Vestnik Project .................27 Czech Culture...................28 Activities Calendar...........30
LEFT PHOTO: Carole Slavik of SPJST Lodge 180, Burleson visits with Congressman Chet Edwards (D-Texas) of the 17th Congressional District of Texas in Washington, D.C. RIGHT PHOTO: Carole visits with United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas).
Board Janice U. Whipple. “As a Fraternal MVP, Ms. Slavik embodies the heart of fraternalism through her hard work, dedication and generosity. She demonstrates how fraternalism is a force for good in American society.” During her Capitol Hill visit, Slavik met with Congressman Chet Edwards (D-Texas) and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas).
These members of Congress were very interested in learning what Slavik and SPJST are accomplishing in their state and districts, and expressed their support for fraternal contributions to local communities. This was the NFCA’s first opportunity to meet with Senator Hutchison, who voiced her strong support for volunteerism. The Senator
thanked Slavik for her community involvement and assured the NFCA that she fully supports the fraternal movement. “Fraternals have a great story to tell, and no one can tell it better than the individuals who devote time to making their communities a better place by helping their neighbors and friends,” said NFCA Chair Whipple. “Carole
Slavik went to Washington and was an excellent goodwill ambassador for the fraternal benefit system. Through her story, she demonstrated to members of Congress the good works performed by fraternalists every day.” “The MVP visits remind legislators in a very direct way that any attempt to raise Please see Carole Slavik on page 6.
State Royalty, Float in Ennis 2006-2007 SPJST State King Ryan Edwards, State Queen Raychel Clark, State Duke Zachary McManus, and State Duchess Madeline Clark stand in front of the SPJST Float at the National Polka Festival parade in Ennis on Saturday, May 26.
Riding with the State Royalty through the parade were members of Lodge 25, Ennis. They all wore Czech kroj on the Czech-themed float which received the First Place President’s Award.