VESTNIK January 12:Layout 1
1/7/11
Volume 99 Number 2
ˇ ´ VESTNIK
10:29 AM
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S P J S T Benevolence
Humanity
Fraternals’ Trade Association Unveils New Identity
The nation’s premier association of fraternal benefits societies has adopted a new identity to better reflect its purpose, membership, and value to communities throughout the nation: American Fraternal Alliance. The organization, which will be known informally as “the Fraternals” or “Fraternal Alliance,” also unveiled a new logo and tagline as part of its new identity. The association, formed in 1886, previously was called the National Fraternal Congress of A m e r i c a (NFCA). SPJST is a proud member of the Fraternals. The American Fraternal Alliance is a nonprofit trade association with 70 members, each of which is a fraternal benefit society. These member societies operate in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Fraternalists throughout the United States and Canada celebrate their common bonds, work together on thousands of volunteer efforts in communities all across the map, and have brought the concept of mutual aid into its third century. The fraternal system is a time-honored, cost-effective way that a large segment of Americans and Canadians provide financial protection to their families.
ISSN —07458800
Did you know: • Fraternal benefit societies represent nine million individual members who participate in 31,500 local chapters— among America’s largest member-volunteer networks.
Brotherhood
Spirit 2010
January 12, 2011
December State Top Producers Associate Agent Insurance Issued
Associate Agent Earned Premium
• These members contributed an estimated $400 million in direct financial aid to charitable and fraternal programs last year.
• Members represent one of America’s largest volunteer networks, with indiv i d u a l s volunteering 91 million hours for community-service projects last year.
Susan Skrabanek, FIC Catherine Manchack Lodge 17, New Tabor District One
Lodge 142, Houston-West District Five
A Ribbon of 113 Years
• Fraternal benefit societies have $363 billion of life insurance in force.
• Fraternal benefit societies paid $3.3 billion in life insurance benefits, $4.6 billion in annuity benefits, and $475 million in accident and health benefits in the United States last year.
The fraternal system works. A 2010 economic impact study quantified $1.6 billion in indirect value of “improved social capital” resulting from the activities of fraternal benefit societies. All members of the Fraternals, including SPJST, are making these types of positive impact on society. —SPJST—
Interest Rates.......................................3 Important Dates ...................................3 Vestnik Valentines Form .....................3 Spirit 2010 Updates .............................4 Lodge Section .....................................7 In Memoriam ......................................14
H E R A L D
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi member George Marek, center, presents a 113-year-old SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone ribbon to Lodge 79 Vice President/FAC Jerry Sijansky, left, and President Mark Rebecek to be placed in Lodge 79’s library. George found the ribbon while going through his late father’s belongings.
Inside This Week’s Vestnik
Death Claims......................................15 Financial University...........................16 Youth Section ....................................17 Czech Culture ...................................21 Advertisements ................................21 Lodge Calendar .................................22
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Lodge 189 BryanCollege Station teen receives scholarships
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Lodge 258 Seguin members celebrate Christmas
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Lodge 202 Jourdanton youth ready for livestock show