ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 96 Number 8
Benevolence
H E R A L D
Humanity
Brotherhood
February 20, 2008
ISSN —07458800
Lodges, members, sales agents shine at awards banquet H
undreds of awards were presented at the SPJST Awards Banquet held Saturday, February 9, 2008, at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.
Congratulations to 2007 State Fraternalist of the Year Ronnie Pflughaupt of Lodge 1, Fayetteville.
During the day’s event, many lodges, lodge fraternalists, top-producing sales agents, and youth leaders were recognized in accordance with the terms of the Rhythm ’07 membership campaign. Many lodge and individual awards were presented. The goal of SPJST’s Rhythm ’07 program was to write at least 2,777 applications in 2007. A total of 5,651 applications for life insurance certificates were written in 2007. The day began with a workshop in the morning for lodge officers. Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek welcomed attendees and addressed the duties of lodge officers. Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride talked about SPJST’s proud past and its bright future. SecretaryTreasurer Lanita Anglin mentioned
the lodge’s role in filing Form 990. Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny discussed communicating SPJST. Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas reviewed the 2007 annual statement. Legal Advisor Drew Popelka reminded members of the importance of SPJST By-Law recommendations and the deadline for submitting them. Following time for questions and answers, a sandwich lunch was served. During lunch, U.S. Congressman John R. Carter (TX-31) addressed the members. The afternoon awards ceremony began with introductions and welcomes by SPJST officials. Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek recognized 31 individuals for the special honor of being selected Fraternalists of the Year from their respective lodges. The SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year is Ronnie Pflughaupt of Lodge 1, Fayetteville. The honorable mentions are Marie Shelfer of Lodge 9, Snook; Helen Kelner of Lodge 28, East Bernard; Natalie Henke of Lodge 202, Jourdanton; and Charlie Herendon of Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point. SPJST recognized 12 youth clubs around Texas for their membership growth in 2007. Receiving the top youth club award was Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. The top youth recruiter was Ryan Henke of Lodge 107, Floresville. He received a large trophy and an iPod. The grand prize winner in the youth drawing was Kaitlyn Whatley. Kaitlyn won a MacBook laptop and a printer. Fifty-six lodges across Texas were recognized for their life insurance sales and community service activities in 2007. Lodges received awards in nine various categories. The state’s top lodge is Lodge 271, Laredo. The
lodge issued 733 applications in 2007. Several members were honored for their recruiting efforts in 2007. The state’s overall top recruiter of the year was Carmen Kocurek of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. State and district top producers were also recognized at the banquet. Associate agent (part time) state sales honors went to Jesus Rodriguez of Lodge 271, Laredo for applications written; Baltazar Nunez, FIC of Lodge 219, El Paso for insurance written; and Kenneth Schawe of Lodge 171, Lockhart for earned premium. Pete Espinoza of Lodge 217, Alice received the career agent (full time) state honors for applications written. Juan Castaneda received the top career award for insurance written, and Susan Watzlavick of Lodge 10, Shiner received the top career earned premium award.
Congratulating 2007 Top Youth Recruiter Ryan Henke of Lodge 107, Floresville are his parents Natalie and Doug Henke and sister Brooke. Ryan turned in 36 recruiter cards. For his efforts, he received a trophy, Orel bucks, and an iPod.
District Six Director Mike Ahlstrom, center, presents a trophy to longtime agent Charles Garrett, FIC of Lodge 97, Placedo. Looking on is Charles’ wife, Yvonne.
The SPJST Insurance Department also honored 13 Consistency Club members for their insurance production. Sales agents competed for several prizes through an “SPJST Idols” contest based on overall highest combined production in applications written, insurance issued, and earned premium.. The top associate SPJST Idol was Baltazar Nunez, FIC of Lodge 219, El Paso, and the top career SPJST Idol was Pete Espinoza of Lodge 217, Alice. Fifty-eight SPJST sales agents received honorable distinction and recognition for being in the Million Dollar Club. These 58 sales agents issued more than $102 million of life insurance in 2007. Following the awards presentations, a steak dinner was served. Door prizes concluded the day. Congratulations to all sales agents, lodge and youth members, and youth leaders on their awards. —SPJST—
Inside This Week’s Vestnik Family Fun Dates ................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 From the SL Vice President................3 From the Districts ............................3-4 Lodge Section......................................4 Change of Address .............................6
Youth...................................................28 Kraslice Contest Rules .....................32 In Memoriam ......................................33 Czech Culture ....................................35 Advertisements .................................37 Activities Calendar............................38
SPJST Awards Banquet Photos, Results Pages 12-27
Page 10
Lodge 81 hosts CHS fund-raiser, District Five membership rally
Lodge 246 Youth Club delivers valentines Page 30