Vestnik 2020.03.23

ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T

Volume 108 Number 6

Benevolence

H E R A L D

★ Humanity

★ Brotherhood

March 23, 2020

ISSN —07458800

lodge 47, Seaton hosts chili supper and game night

Players gather for spjst straight DOMINO Tournament Jimmie Coufal, left, of Lodge 47, Seaton, and Jim Metteauer of Nacogdoches participate in the SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament on Saturday, March 7 at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. See photos and results on pages 4 and 5.

Enjoying a game of 42 dominoes at the Lodge 47, Seaton Family Night on Saturday, February 29 are, left to right, Emily Ordogne, Danny Stepan, Christopher Ordogne, and Edwin Vasicek. The fun evening with family and friends included a chili supper, games, music, and children’s activities.

More pics on page 27.

Grandpa’s helpers Lodge 184, Moulton President Elmer Michna enjoys a special moment with grandchildren Kylie and Ryan Koncaba at the February 11, 2020, quarterly meeting held at Moulton Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed.

Happiness is living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.

If you can’t find the sunshine,

be the sunshine!

( ( ( ( ( Inside This Week’s Věstník ( ( ( ( ( Message from the President ..............3 Important Dates ...................................3 Interest Rates ......................................3 Vision 2020 Convention......................7 Lodge Section....................................24 Youth Section ....................................37

Camp Tee-Shirt Order Form .............37 Vestnik Project ..................................38 In Memoriam ......................................43 Czech Culture ....................................44 Advertisements .................................45 Lodge Calendar .................................46

SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund receives 7,500 pennies Page 25

Lodge 48 Beyersville shares building progress Page 28

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi youth earn recognitions Page 40

2

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

ˇ ´ VESTNIK

Editor’s Note

We are all in this together.

SPJSTHERALD

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 800-727-7578 • 254-773-1575 Fax: 254-774-7447 www.spjst.org VĚSTNÍK EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 122) • Mobile: 254-534-0807 VĚSTNÍK Fax: 254-773-8087 email: vestnik@spjst.org or melaniez@usa.com SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 139) • Mobile: 254-534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com VICE PRESIDENT HIRAM DIXON, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM 254-773-1575 (ext. 240) • Mobile: 254-231-7722 email: hiramd@spjst.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC 254-773-1575 (ext. 149) Mobile: 254-721-4739 • Home: 254-778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com CONTROLLER ROY VAJDAK 254-773-1575 (ext. 142) • email: royv@spjst.com DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM PO Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878-0085 Home: 979-272-3265 • Mobile: 979-224-3125 email: dv.aggie71@gmail.com DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, Texas 76574-2164 Home: 512-365-1110 • Mobile: 512-826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIRMAN JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Road, Waco, Texas 76705-5330 254-799-4247 • email: john.engelke@hotmail.com DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BOBBY DAVIS, FICF, CFFM 1886 Pecos Street, Suite 3, San Angelo, Texas 76901 Mobile: 325-450-3748 • Fax: 325-657-2003 email: bgdsr2428@aol.com DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR BRADLEY STAVINOHA, FIC 10522 Will Lehman Road, Needville, Texas 77461 Mobile: 979-739-2386 • Office: 979-793-7411 email: spjst@earthlink.net DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN KAREN KASPAR, FIC, CFFM 8550 N. State Highway 71, El Campo, Texas 77437-9819 Home: 979-543-2532 • Mobile: 979-332-1616 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 4188 FM 1303, Floresville, Texas 78114-6092 Mobile: 830-391-3375 OPERATIONS MANAGER/ MARKETING MANAGER RICHARD A. HRBACEK 254-773-1575 (ext. 246) • richardh@spjst.com REGIONAL GENERAL AGENTS DISTRICT ONE - Jim Schroeder, LUTCF 936-661-2294 • jschroeder55@suddenlink.net DISTRICT TWO - Contact SPJST Home Office 800-727-7578 for assistance.

DISTRICT THREE - Sabino Garcia 817-909-8899 • garciasabi@att.net DISTRICT FOUR - Lydia Talamantez 325-262-9743 • lillyg636@yahoo.com LODGE 219, EL PASO - Francisco Viniegra 915-203-3124 • fviniegra@vinquiz-insurance.com DISTRICT FIVE - Delisle Doherty 832-232-2049 • delisled@sbcglobal.net DISTRICT SIX - Carolina Covarrubia 281-779-9956 • covarrubia.carolina@yahoo.com DISTRICT SEVEN - Armando Perez, LUTCF 361-425-5543 • asperez6040@hotmail.com CAMP KUBENA • 2001 Waldeck Rd • Ledbetter, TX Rob Clift, Executive Director 979-249-5674 • robc@spjst.com

HUMAN RESOURCES LYNETTE TALASEK 254-773-1575 (ext. 146) • email: lynettet@spjst.com STATE FRATERNAL DIRECTOR FRANK HORAK Office: 254-773-1575 (ext. 177) • Mobile: 254-534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Hannah Kovar, PO Box 28, Snook, Texas 77878 - 979-220-7904 - ladyjays@tamu.edu District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Mary Steinman, 1136 Westgrove Dr, Saginaw, Texas 76179-3463 - 817-731-2580 - appamary@sbcglobal.net District Four - Laura Pospichal, PO Box 253, Rowena, Texas 76875 - 325-365-6485 - yellowcar02@aol.com District Five - Melissa Victorick-Brown, 2324 Lakeway Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546-6196 - 832-274-7369 district5dyc@gmail.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El Campo, Texas 77437 - 979-543-7120 - lisa_bubela@yahoo.com District Seven - April Howard, 814 Madison Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 - 830-624-9242 - aprhoward@gmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-884-1451 - dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - 512-848-2416 - RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - 325-442-4841 - bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Dorothy Pflughaupt, 1243 Clovis Road, Houston, Texas 77008 - 713-859-8976 - dotpflugh@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 979-244-4415; 979-479-0056 cell District Seven - Oscar Korus, 2565 Bruce Road, Poteet, Texas 78065 - 830-391-4169 - oscarkorus@gmail.com FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Debbie Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-540-8532 - debbiekostelka@yahoo.com District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - 254-985-2282 - edwinpechal@yahoo.com District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - 254-744-8973 - mlgaller54@gmail.com District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Highway 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-651-8550 - hdweise@zipnet.us District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - 979-249-5940 - malaktax@gmail.com District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Court, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - 979-335-4461 - g2kamin@live.com District Seven - James House, 146 Deer Run Street, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 830-570-7750 - james.houseconstruction146@gmail.com INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - 979-272-3440 District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 254-985-2396 patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Robert Sill, 400 Westview Terrace, Arlington, Texas 76013 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - 325-234-8117 District Five - Mark Childres, 14011 Laskey Manor Court, Cypress, Texas 77429 - 832-496-6646 - mark@childresinsurancegroup.com District Six - Elizabeth Holub, 4624 Freyburg Hall Road, Schulenburg, Texas 78956 - 979-561-8640 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 210-535-4916 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - 979-540-8531 District Two - Tammy Cannon, 305 Bluehaw Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628-6367 - 512-948-5339 - tcannon4715@yahoo.com District Three - Lynda Novak, 7153 Cornelia Ln, Dallas, Texas 75214 - 972-948-4456 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76903 - 325-651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 County Road 47, Angleton, Texas 77515-9721 - 979-864-9999 - lorendave14@sbcglobal.net District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - 281-342-2624 District Seven - Regina House, 146 Deer Run Street, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - 830-570-2046

F

ourteen-year-old Grace Schwertner of Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club wrote a letter to the Vestnik on Thursday, March 12. She says, “It is spring break, and I am sad it is almost over. I am not ready to go back to school. I like to spend time with my family.”

Little did young Grace know when she wrote that letter that her spring break would be extended another week - and now possibly until the next school year - and she would be able to spend many days, weeks, and possibly months at home with her family.

What a week it has been . . . life has completely changed. And, very quickly, too. Just a couple days later, we received a letter from eight-yearold Lodge 20, Granger youth Collin Teague. He said that his youth club is doing their part to flatten the curve.

“We had our youth club meeting this month via teleconference.”

Social distancing. Global pandemic. Self-quarantine. State of emergency. Flatten the curve. Coronavirus.

COVID-19. These words and phrases are all part of our daily vocabulary and in our constant thoughts now.

Along with the rest of the nation, our lodge, district, and state SPJST leaders have cleared everything from our calendars by canceling or postponing countless meetings, events, and activities through mid-May. Many stores, restaurants, and businesses are now closed for what I hope and pray will be a short time. People are transitioning to working remotely. All of this is in an effort to “slow the spread”

and to “flatten the curve.”

It is a time of great uncertainty.

This unprecedented situation has no manual or guidebook; we are all in this together, trying to figure it out and make decisions on a day-by-day or even hour-by-hour basis. There is so much fear of the unknown, and perhaps rightfully so, that is creating panic in our state, nation, and world.

This week’s Vestnik includes lodge cancellations and postponements that we have received as of print time.

Please see the message on page 3 from SPJST President Brian Vanicek. On March 19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order limiting public gatherings to 10 people. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus situation, before attending any lodge meeting or event, please call the lodge or contact person in advance.

We wish you, your family, and our country well during this challenging time and pray for a quick resolution.

Věstník Dates and Deadlines April 13 Věstník deadline is Mon., April 6 at 5 p.m.

April 27 Věstník deadline is Mon., April 20 at 5 p.m.

May 11 Věstník Special Convention Issue deadline is Mon., May 4 at 5 p.m.

May 25 Věstník deadline is Mon., May 18 at 5 p.m.

June 8 Věstník deadline is Mon., June 1 at 5 p.m.

June 22 Věstník deadline is Mon., June 15 at 5 p.m.

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month by SPJST, PO Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Members’ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501. Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the Věstník do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VĚSTNÍK c/o Controller Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

SPJST Family Fun and Important Dates (Number in parentheses denotes SPJST district.)

March 31 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Ends April 10 Good Friday Holiday: SPJST Home Office Closed April 19 District Five Spring Meeting • Lodge 81, Needville (5) Cancellation/postponement decision will be made in April.

April 21-22 SPJST Supreme Lodge Meeting SPJST Home Office, Temple April 22 Administrative Professionals Day May 2 Join Hands Day May 10 Lodge 24, Cyclone Mother’s Day Barbecue Lunch (2) May 17 District Seven Spring Meeting hosted by Lodge 202, Jourdanton Jourdanton Public Library (7) May 25 Memorial Day • SPJST Home Office Closed June 7 District Three Youth Achievement Day June 7 District Seven Youth Achievement Day June 7 Lodge 47, Seaton Annual Picnic (2) June 14 Flag Day June 15-16 33rd SPJST Convention Killeen Civic and Conference Center, Killeen June 20 District Four Youth Achievement Day June 24-28 Leaders-in-Training (LIT)/Teen Camp Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 3 Fourth of July Holiday: SPJST Home Office Closed July 9 Chaperone Training • Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 9-12 Session 1 Junior Camp • Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 11 District Two Youth Achievement Day (2) Lodge 47, Seaton July 12 District One Youth Achievement Day (1) Caldwell Civic Center July 12 District Six Youth Achievement Day (6) Taiton Community Center July 16 Chaperone Training • Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 16-19 Session 2 Junior Camp • Camp Kubena, Ledbetter July 17-18 Lodge 47, Seaton Barbecue Cookoff (2)

want to

receive your

věstník on

Mondays?

SPJST INTEREST RATES 02/01/2020 - 04/30/2020 Universal Life Universal Life 3 (plans 1203-1222 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) • Credited Rate: 3.00%

Whole Life/Universal Life 3 (plans 1223-1232 with a guaranteed rate of 2.50%) • Credited Rate: 3.50%

VESTNIK

Annuities Annuity 5 (plans 8032-8039, 8057 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) • Credited Rate: 2.80%

Subscribe to receive the Věstník by email.

Visit www.spjst.org to sign up for an email subscription.

Annuity 5-Year (plans 8040-8041 with a 1.50% guaranteed rate) • Credited Rate: 2.80%

Annuity 6 (plans 8058-8066 with a 1.65% guaranteed rate) • Credited Rate: 3.00%

3

SPJST meetings and activities canceled through at least May 16 Dear Brothers and Sisters, As the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak continues to accelerate, SPJST continues to monitor the situation closely and takes to heart the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention directive issued on Sunday, March 15.

The CDC guidance reads as follows: Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.

Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

In line with this directive, the 2020 SPJST Youth Leaders Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, March 21 (March 20/22 optional) has been canceled until further notice. Also in line with the CDC directive, all organizers of SPJST district meetings, contests, youth functions, and lodge activities through May 16 and which meet the in-person events definition of 50 people or more are requested to cancel or postpone scheduled events until further notice. Matters of concern related to SPJST’s 2020 Convention scheduled for June 14 to 16 will be addressed at the April 21 and 22 SPJST Supreme Lodge meeting.

COVID-19 remains an emerging respiratory disease and concern. Everyone

can do their part to help plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging public health threat. For detailed information as it relates to COVID-19, please visit the CDC website at www.coronavirus.gov.

Thank you for your kind attention to these items. My special thanks to our lodge leaders for taking responsibility and readily implementing the cancellation of lodge meetings, activities, and public events. Your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time is greatly appreciated.

Social distancing, I know, is rapidly reshaping life as we know it; however, if it helps to defeat the ominous coronavirus, I’m all for it. And who knows — maybe this new way of living may lead us to having an even greater and more demonstrated appreciation for the people and place in our lives that we hold dear . . . I hope and pray for your continued health and happiness.

Fraternally, Brian Vanicek SPJST President Recognizing the ongoing and increased uncertainty that coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing around the world and in our communities, our highest priority is the health and well-being of our members and staff. With that in mind, we wanted to update you on the actions we have taken in response to the outbreak.

SPJST is committed to keeping our members and staff in the loop on all our health and safety-related efforts. To do our part to flatten the curve, the SPJST Home Office at 520 North Main Street in Temple, Texas, will be closed to walk-in traffic beginning Thursday, March 19 until further notice. We remain ready to assist you by telephone at 254-773-1575 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by email at info@spjst.org.

—SPJST—

4

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

SPJST hosts State Straight Domino Tournament Saturday, March 7, 2019 • SPJST Home Office in Temple

Danny Stepan of Lodge 47, Seaton; Don Wesley of Ennis win SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament On Saturday, March 7, 2020, a total of 40 players turned out for the SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament at the SPJST Home Office in Temple.

Of the 40 players that participated in the 10-round tournament, 17 were members and 23 were prospective members. Players drove to Temple from as far away as Nacogdoches, Childress, and Ennis. Players enjoyed snacking on doughnuts from Big Krumnow’s Crumbdoughs in Holland. Lunch was

provided by Ratibor Country Grill, and consisted of chicken spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, and salad.

At the end of the tournament, door prizes were drawn while results were being tabulated. Jeanette Beseda and Patti Rosales, both of Lodge 6, Cottonwood, received a special prize. They each received a box of Lucky Charms cereal and a Texas Lotto scratch-off ticket potentially worth $100,000.

First through fourth place winners received a plaque and money. Winners of the tournament were: 1st - 9 wins, 1 loss for 3,515 total points Danny Stepan of Lodge 47, Seaton Don Wesley of Ennis 2nd - 8 wins, 2 losses for 3,600 total points Jim Metteauer of Nacogdoches Jerry Jones of Nacogdoches

The 2020 SPJST State Straight Domino Tournament winners are, seated, left to right, first place - Don Wesley of Ennis and Danny Stepan of Lodge 47, Seaton; second - Jerry Jones and Jim Metteauer, both of Nacogdoches; in back, second from left, third - Robert Holman of Childress and Level Stanaland of Nacogdoches; and fourth - Brodie Bashaw and Troy Martin, both of Waco. Congratulating them are State Fraternal Director Frank Horak, far left, and Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez, back, right.

3rd - 8 wins, 2 losses for 3,405 points Robert Holman of Childress Level Stanaland of Nacogdoches 4th - 7 wins, 3 losses for 3,785 points Brodie Bashaw of Waco Troy Martin of Waco Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—

Receiving lottery tickets and boxes of Lucky Charms are Lodge 6, Cottonwood members Jeanette Beseda, left, and Patti Rosales, both of West.

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

SPJST Insurance offers rewarding opportunities to individuals interested in becoming a Sales Agent or General Agent.

Life Insurance and More

Apply Today!

Online, Over the Phone, or In Person

We’re Hiring!

Have You Considered an Insurance Career Opportunity with SPJST? Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501

800-727-7578 • info@spjst.org • www.spjst.org

5

6

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

From the SPJST State Fraternal Director State Fraternal Director shares April updates Slavnost - May Fest and Tribute to the Czech Immigrants to Texas SPJST members, family members, and their guests are cordially invited to visit SPJST Lodge 19, Velehrad hall on the campus of Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) in La Grange.

The event is currently scheduled for Sunday, May 17 during TCHCC’s annual Slavnost - Mayfest: A Tribute to CzechTexas Immigrants of All Years. Admission is $10 per person and includes the meal and all events. The program begins at 10:30 a.m. with the opening ceremony.

A fried chicken dinner starts at 11:30 a.m. with music by the Czech Harvesters from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. SPJST Lodge 19, Velehrad hall will be open at 1:30 p.m. and will be followed later that afternoon by the traditional May Pole dance.

The Velehrad lodge hall was previously located on a two-acre tract in the northern part of Lavaca County in the Velehrad community. The area was settled in the 1850s and was named Velehrad or “Big Castle” for the Czech city of the same name. The Velehrad lodge hall was built in 1895 by Lodge Radhost, No. 114 C.S.P.S (Cesko Slovanska Podporujici Spolek), which pre-dated the founding of SPJST in 1897. Not only did the lodge hall serve as a community center lodge room, it also served as a school. When the enrollment of the 1883 Velehrad School became too large, school was conducted in the Velehrad lodge hall.

During the spring of 2006, the outside of the hall was restored by members of the SPJST District Six Cemetery Association. SPJST Lodge 19, Velehrad hall was restored again in 2019 and is one of the latest additions to the TCHCC Czech Village which will also be open for tours on May 17.

“The SPJST Foundation expresses tremendous gratitude to those District Six members who rescued this historic SPJST charter lodge hall from obscurity in 2006,” says SPJST Foundation President Brian Vanicek. “Thanks to those caring individuals and the generous support of SPJST Foundation contributors, the Velehrad lodge hall will be a place where history comes to life and new memories are made.”

Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center is located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road in La Grange.

District Spring Meetings Most of the district spring meetings have been postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. Please watch your Vestnik for rescheduled dates.

Save the Date: Come to Camp Kubena!

Attention, SPJST members with children and grandchildren! We want you to come join us at Camp Kubena. Fun times are ahead! We are extending an invitation to SPJST youth that are not part of a lodge youth club and the youth who are new to SPJST. If you have a life insurance certificate issued before May 31, 2020, you can come join us at camp. Camp is a great place to make new friends and build selfconfidence. Camp Kubena offers swimming, games, high ropes courses, low ropes courses, BB guns, archery, disc golf, and many other activities.

Qualifications for Camp: u If your child has completed kindergarten and is a current youth club member and has made seven out of 12 meetings, they will be eligible to attend camp without pay. u Youth that attend lodges with no youth club can attend seven adult meetings and qualify for camp without paying.

The lodge secretary will need to provide the Home Office with copies of the membership roster of each meeting the youth attended. u Youth that have not made at least seven meetings will be prorated $35 per meeting missed. Youth can make up a meeting by attending another local youth club. Please see your youth leader about this.

Member Referrals Wanted: Participate in the Monthly Prize Drawing!

When it comes to getting new SPJST members, there is no substitute for member referrals. Referral cards received during a given month will go into a drawing for three $25 Walmart gift cards. The individual making the referral also benefits SPJST by helping to build a stronger and more active local lodge.

On a related note, SPJST is looking for men and women who believe in the fraternal ideal and would like to consider the benefits of being an SPJST sales agent.

Join Hands Day Incentives Saturday, May 2, 2020, marks the date for this year’s Join Hands Day. Please know that you may want to wait until June to schedule your Join Hands Day event due to the coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak. SPJST is asking the lodges to invite other community organizations, such as Lions Club, volunteer fire departments, Kiwanis, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc., to partner for the project.

The Home Office will offer the $100 incentive to all lodges that register their projects with the Home Office. You can do this by completing the Join Hands Day flyer and returning it to the Home Office. We ask you to share your photos and projects with the Vestnik. If you have any questions, contact Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez at tammym@spjst.com or 254-773-1575 or me at frankh@spjst.com or 254-534-0681.

State 42 Domino Tournament The SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament that was scheduled for Saturday, April 4 has been postponed and will possibly be rescheduled at a later date. This is due to the coronavirus outbreak. Please watch the Vestnik for an update.

Wishing you all a happy Easter holiday!

SPJST FAC Assistance We are here to help if you need assistance. Please feel free to call me or Tammy. Your District FAC is also available to assist you.

State Fraternal Director Frank Horak 254-534-0681 or 800-727-7578 frankh@spjst.com Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez 800-727-7578 or 254-773-1575 tammym@spjst.com District One FAC Kyle Skrabanek 979-820-0531 District Two FAC Ruth Hanusch 254-771-0193 District Three FAC Vicki Sims 214-763-0341 District Four FAC Janeece Williams 806-632-5239 District Five FAC Clay Zapalac 281-750-2920 District Six FAC Helen Zabransky 361-798-3347 District Seven FAC Regina House 830-570-2046 Fraternally submitted, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—

List of SPJST State, District, and Lodge Events/Activities that have been postponed (pp) or canceled due to COVID-19 District Two Spring Meeting at Lodge 47, Seaton - March 15 (pp) District Six Spring Meeting in Hallettsville - March 15 (pp) Youth Leaders Workshop at Camp Kubena - March 20 to 22 (pp) District Five Delegates’ Meeting at Lodge 88, Houston - March 22 (pp) Texans of Czech Ancestry (TOCA) Banquet - March 28 (canceled) Lodge 24, Cyclone - Vrazels’ Tribute Band - March 29 (pp) SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament at Home Office - April 4 (pp) District Four Spring Meeting in Tahoka - April 4 (pp) Lodge 88, Houston Easter Party - April 4 (canceled) Lodge 6, Cottonwood Easter Party - April 5 (canceled) Lodge 47, Seaton Longtime Member Recognition - April 5 (canceled) Lodge 196, Houston-West Easter Party - April 11 (canceled) District One Spring Meeting at Lodge 9, Snook - April 19 (canceled) District One Youth Development Workshop - April 19 (pp) District Four Youth Development Workshop - April 19 (pp) Lodge 84, Dallas After-Easter Celebration - April 19 (canceled) District Three Spring Meeting - April 26 (postponed) National Polka Festival in Ennis - May 23 (canceled) Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple is temporarily closed.

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

SPJST VISION 2020 CONVENTION June 14 to 16, 2020 • Killeen Civic and Conference Center

Advertising deadline April 1 for Convention souvenir book Dear Members and Friends, The 33rd SPJST Convention will be held June 14 to 16, 2020, at Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas.

Plans include publishing a souvenir program book, and you are cordially invited to place an advertisement in the book.

The Official Convention Souvenir Program Book will be distributed to approximately 300 delegates and visitors at the convention. All advertisers will also receive a complimentary book. Prices for advertisements in the Official Convention Souvenir Program Book are: Full Page Ad (7.5”w x 10”h) - $150 Half Page Ad (7.5”w x 5”h) - $90 Quarter Page Ad - (3.75”w x 5”h) - $60 Eighth Page Ad (3.75”w x 2.5”h) - $30 In Memoriam (includes photo) - $20 Well Wish Greeting (one line of text) - $10 All advertisements will be printed in full color. The SPJST Věstník/Communication Department is available to assist with ad design. Please include the text for the ad and photos or clip art images. Digital images saved in TIFF, EPS, JPEG, or PDF files will work best. Digital-ready advertisements should be saved as PDF files. All text, photographs, or digital files must be received with payment by April 1, 2020. Please submit online at spjst.org or mail to: SPJST Věstník Editor/ Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny PO Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503-0100 Visit spjst.org or Mail If you wish to place an advertisement in the book, please submit your information as soon as possible. Checks made payable to SPJST can be mailed to the address above and must accompany ad-

vertisement information by April 1. Ad information and payment may also be submitted online at www.spjst.org under the “Events” tab. Proceeds from advertisement sales will go to the SPJST Foundation to benefit Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center and Camp Kubena.

We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your ad information. For questions or additional information, please contact the SPJST Věstník/Communication Department at 254-773-1575 or email melaniez@spjst.com.

Fraternally, Melanie Zavodny Věstník Editor/ Director of Communication —SPJST—

Finance Committee sets April 15 recommendation deadline Any request for donations or financial assistance that requires Finance Committee review at the SPJST Convention must be in the hands of the Finance Committee, in writing, before April 15, 2020, which is 60 days before the Convention, or it cannot be considered.

Please send your request to Chairman Dewyan Weise. See contact information in the Vestnik on page 2.

Marceil Malak, Secretary Finance Committee —SPJST—

By-Law Committee sets April 15 recommendation deadline The 2020 Convention officially begins on Monday, June 15 at Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas. The deadline for recommendations for changes to the by-laws is 60 days prior to the Convention on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Recommendations must be

signed and submitted to any member of the By-Law Committee. All recommendations will be published in the Věstník.

By-Law Committee members are listed on page 2 of each Věstník. For more information, please contact ByLaw Committee Chairman Ronnie Rieger at 512-848-2416 or email RonnieR1056@yahoo.com or By-Law Committee Secretary Beverly J. Teplicek at 325-442-4841 or email bjtep@verizon.net.

Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger, Chairman Beverly Teplicek, Secretary By-Law Committee —SPJST—

Chief Financial Officer Leonard Mikeska Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy

By-Law Committee to present slate of qualified candidates for 2020 Convention

District Three Director John Engelke Lodge 66, Waco

Dear Members, The By-Law Committee is reviewing all qualifications of submitted candidates for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Editor/Director of Communication, and District Directors. The committee was scheduled to meet; however, due to recent world events, the meeting was delayed. The Committee will present the slate of qualified candidates to delegates in the next Věstník. The candidates are: President Brian Vanicek Lodge 24, Cyclone Vice President Delisle Doherty Lodge 196, Houston-West Richard Hrbacek Lodge 1, Fayetteville

Věstník Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny Lodge 246, Morgan’s Point District One Director Jim Schroeder Lodge 189, Bryan-College Station Donnie Victorick Lodge 9, Snook District Two Director Jesse Pospisil Lodge 29, Taylor

District Four Director Bobby Davis Lodge 49, Rowena District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha Lodge 81, Needville District Six Director Annie Vahalik Lodge 4, Hallettsville District Seven Director Sandra Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton Regina House Lodge 202, Jourdanton Donnie Howard Lodge 185, New Braunfels Fraternally, Ronnie Rieger, Chairman Beverly Teplicek, Secretary By-Law Committee —SPJST—

7

8

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

From the SPJST By-Law Committee The following document has been signed and submitted from the SPJST Supreme Lodge to the By-Law Committee for its consideration by delegates at the 33rd SPJST Convention set for June 15 and 16, 2020, in Killeen, Texas.

This document was reviewed at several Supreme Lodge meetings and was unanimously approved by all Supreme Lodge members at the January 22, 2020, meeting. All standing committee members (By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication) received a copy at a meeting held on February 8, 2020, at the SPJST Home Office. Feedback from committee members was discussed in a special-called meeting on February 18 where Supreme Lodge members amended and unanimously approved the amendments of a couple of the sections.

The document is color coded: black is the current bylaws; red is the proposed change; green signifies moving the text to the SPJST Operations Manual; and blue represents codification of the text.

The By-Law Committee will review these proposals at its next meeting and submit any recommended changes to the Vestnik.

PREAMBLE The main idea and purpose of this Society, as organized by fearless and peace-loving Czech pioneers in Texas, was and is: To provide and promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members.

To endeavor to keep alive the cherished traditions, customs, heritage, culture, and language of our forefathers.

And generally, through moral, spiritual, and economic respect, to encourage benevolence and humanity through the Society with sound practical life insurance for its members.

This Society operates under the lodge system and provides for the payment of life, sick, accident, or other benefits to its members.

ARTICLE I NAME Section 1. The name of this Fraternal Benefit Society is SPJST, originally chartered as Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas (Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas {SPJST}).

ARTICLE II PRINCIPAL OFFICE Section 2. The principal office (Home Office) of SPJST shall be located in Temple, Texas.

ARTICLE III OBJECTIVES MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

jected, the member may begin application to another lodge. No one may hold membership in more than one SPJST lodge.

Section 3. The objectives of this Society, as organized by fearless and peace-loving Czech pioneers in Texas, are: (1) To provide and promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members.

(2) To endeavor to keep alive the cherished traditions, customs, heritage, culture, and language of our forefathers.

(3) Generally, through moral, spiritual, and economic respect, to encourage benevolence and humanity through the Society with sound practical life insurance for its members.

(4) To operate under the lodge system.

(5) To provide for the payment of life, sick, accident, or other benefits to its members.

Section 9. Membership Classes. There shall be the following classes of members:

Section 4.

Mission. Insuring and enriching lives.

(a) Adult Member.

(1) A person of 16 or more years whose application has been accepted and approved and to whom there has been issued a certificate of membership and insurance or annuity which is in force or who is receiving a settlement agreement benefit by reason of such insurance or annuity. It is expressly determined that in this latter event, the owner of the insurance or annuity, if different from the insured, shall have no privileges of membership and the insured will retain these rights.

Section 5. Vision. Our vision is to provide financial security for our members; build a wholesome family environment; and encourage cherished Czech traditions.

Section 2. Vision. Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.

(2) A person may become a member by purchasing an annuity in a minimum amount as set by the Supreme Lodge and pays his or her local lodge dues and assessments, if any, annually in advance.

ARTICLE IV FRATERNAL BENEFICIARY SOCIETY

(3) Further, it is determined that in the event that a third party owner surrenders the insurance or annuity, the insured who is the member shall have his/her membership privileges imparted by the surrendered insurance or annuity terminated immediately.

Section 6. SPJST is a 501(c)(8) non-profit corporation formed, organized, and incorporated under the fraternal benefit society laws of the State of Texas; and carried on solely for the mutual benefit of its members and their communities and beneficiaries; and having a lodge system, with a representative form of government. SPJST shall have all the powers granted to it by law. SPJST will strive to be a financially strong fraternal benefit society and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance and value-added benefits to its members. SPJST will conduct its affairs in a manner that is perceived as a good corporate citizen.

ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP Section 7. Application for Membership. Individuals may become members if they meet the requirements for membership established by SPJST, apply for membership upon a form in use by SPJST, and are accepted into membership in accordance with the rules, procedures, and rituals of SPJST. All members must be citizens or legal residents of the United States.

Section 8. Local Lodge Membership. The local lodge has the right to determine whether it will accept an applicant for membership into the lodge. Upon receipt of notification of a new candidate for membership, the local lodge must vote to accept or to reject the candidate no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting after application is accepted. The candidate for membership must receive a majority vote of those present and voting to be accepted as a member. The local lodge secretary notifies the candidate whether he/she is accepted or rejected. If re-

(4) Members upon reaching age 16 automatically become adult members with all rights of adult members by complying with all requirements of adult membership.

(5) Adult members whose life insurance certificates have matured based on the applicable mortality table shall remain members of SPJST, with all the privileges and benefits of active members and shall not be required to pay any dues or assessments.

(6) An adult member suspended for non-payment of premiums, dues, and assessments, if any, loses his/her right to vote and is not eligible for election.

(7) Adult members are eligible for election as officers of local lodges, in the district, delegates, as committee members, and as members of the Supreme Lodge. (b) Youth Member. SPJST may insure the lives of children. Such insurance shall be issued upon the application of an authorized adult (who shall not by reason thereof, nor by reason of any benefit providing for waiver of premium, become a member) who has an insurable interest. At age 16, the insured youth shall become an adult member. (c) Associate Member. An associate member is a person who holds an SPJST certificate purchased through an outside agency under contract with SPJST

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

selling group insurance. This member will not have SPJST or local lodge privileges, benefits, or voting rights.

(c) Elect Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees.

(d) Social Member.

(1) A social member is a member whom a lodge votes in as a social member, who completes a social membership form, and who pays his/her membership dues and assessments, if any, to the local lodge.

(2) A social member is not eligible to vote or hold office; however, a social member may, at the discretion of the local lodge, serve on an appointed committee with the inherent right to deliberate and vote on that committee.

(3) A social member must pay for the Věstník if he/she desires to receive it.

(4) An uninsurable child whose parent or guardian is a member can participate in the youth program.

Section 10. Membership Guidelines. All members shall guide themselves according to the charter, constitution, and by-laws of SPJST; otherwise, they are subject to penalty as defined by these by-laws and as prescribed by the Supreme Lodge for violation and non-observance of them.

No subordinate body, nor any of its subordinate officers or members, shall have the power or authority to waive any of the provisions of the by-laws of SPJST. Such provisions shall be binding on SPJST and every member and beneficiary of a member.

Section 11. Induction of New Members. Induction of new members may be conducted at a time and date convenient to the local lodge and the new members.

ARTICLE VI CONVENTION Section 12. Purpose. The Supreme Governing Body of SPJST shall be known as the Convention and shall be composed of delegates elected according to the rules of these by-laws. The Convention is the sole judge of eligibility and qualifications of all delegates and substitutes. The Convention has the power to: (a) Adopt, amend, and supplement the by-laws of SPJST. (b) Receive and act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge officers and directors and the Convention Committee, which must be published in the Věstník 30 days before the Convention. Directors may make one combined report if they so agree. (b) Receive and act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge officers and directors and all committees, which must be published in the Věstník 30 days before the Convention. Directors may make one combined report if they so agree. (c) Elect district directors and Convention Committee members.

(d) Determine compensation of district directors. (d) Determine salaries of Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (SecretaryTreasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees. (e) Determine compensation for all delegates, Convention officers, and Convention Committee members, and Convention expense borne by SPJST. Delegates, Convention officers, and committee members will be paid the week following the Convention. (e) Determine compensation for all delegates, Convention officers, and committee members, and Convention expense borne by SPJST. Delegates, Convention officers, and committee members will be paid the week following the Convention. (f) Decide what donations will be made to various charities and educational institutions, etc.

Section 13. Regular Conventions. Regular Conventions are held once every four years. The date and location of the next regular Convention shall be set by the Supreme Lodge and published in the Věstník no later than January of the Convention year.

Section 9. Regular Conventions. Regular Conventions are held once every four years. The date of the next regular Convention shall be set by the Supreme Lodge and published in the Věstník no later than January of the Convention year.

Section 14. Special Conventions. Special Conventions may be held upon a two-thirds vote of all members of the Supreme Lodge for an urgent matter concerning the welfare of SPJST. Such Special Conventions shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by the Supreme Lodge. No business may be taken up at such Special Convention except for the purpose for which called, which purpose shall be clearly and distinctly set forth in the call for the Special Convention. A call for a Special Convention shall be deposited in the United States mail at least 30 days prior to the convening of such Special Convention, addressed to each delegate at his/her last known address as shown by the records of SPJST. At the Special Convention, delegates from each lodge shall have the same number of votes as at the preceding Regular Convention.

Section 15. Quorum. Two-thirds of delegates seated at any Regular or Special Convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business.

Section 16. Ballot In Lieu of Special Convention. In lieu of calling a special Convention, the Supreme Lodge may send a ballot to all delegates by mail or by email. The ballot may include one or more resolutions that could be considered and adopted at a special Convention. The proposed resolution or resolutions must be mailed to the delegates at least 30 days before the ballots must be returned.

Delegates from each lodge shall have the same number of votes as at the preceding regular Convention. A resolution shall be deemed adopted upon receipt of signed ballots

9

with votes equal to the number of votes that would have been needed to adopt the resolution at a special Convention at which all delegates were present.

Section 17. Order. All proceedings of the Convention will be conducted in the following order, unless decided otherwise by the Convention Order Committee and approved by the delegates: (a) Supreme Lodge President convenes the Convention and appoints a temporary committee of seven tellers, one from each district, to tabulate votes during the election of the Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair. (b) Credentials report. A list of names of elected delegates and number of votes each lodge and delegate is entitled to will be made available to delegates at the beginning of the Convention by the Convention Committee. (b) Credentials Committee report. A list of names of elected delegates and number of votes each lodge and delegate is entitled to will be made available to delegates at the beginning of the Convention. At least 30 days prior to the Convention, the Supreme Lodge President will appoint three members to the Credentials Committee. (c) Elect Convention officers (Chair and Vice Chair) from among the delegates. (c) Elect Convention officers (Chair and Vice Chair) and name Convention committees (Resolution, Grievance, Order, Teller, other necessary committees) from among the delegates. (d) Act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge members and the Convention Committee. (d) Act on all reports filed by Supreme Lodge members and all standing committees (By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication). (e) Deliberate by-laws. (f) Convention Committee’s report. (f) Convention committees’ reports. (g) Miscellaneous business. (h) Elect district directors and Convention Committee members in district caucuses. (h) Elect Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, district directors, and all required committees. (i) District caucuses. The purpose of these seven, separate district caucuses is to nominate and elect a district director and Convention Committee member, who will also serve as substitute district director. Each delegate will vote in accordance with Section 32 (Votes) of the by-laws. The district director will act as temporary chair of the district caucus until delegates elect a permanent chair. (i) District caucuses. The purpose of these seven, separate district caucuses is to nominate and elect a district director and substitute; By-Law Committee member and substitute; Finance Committee member

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

10

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

and substitute; Insurance Committee member and substitute: and Publication Committee member and substitute. Each delegate will vote in accordance with Section 24 (Votes) of the by-laws. The district director will act as temporary chair of the district caucus until delegates elect a permanent chair. (j) Select location for the succeeding Convention. (j) Install district directors and Convention Committee members. (k) Install elected officials and standing committee members. (k) Adjourn Convention.

Section 18. Convention Officers. The Supreme Lodge President shall convene the Convention and shall preside until a Convention Chair is elected. The Supreme Lodge President shall appoint the secretaries of the Convention.

The Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair are the Convention officers.

Section 15. Convention Committees. The following committees appointed by the Convention Chair and Convention Vice Chair will function during the Convention: (a) Resolution Committee – three members. (b) Grievance Committee – seven members, one from each district. (c) Convention Order Committee – three members. (d) Election Teller Committee – seven members, one from each district. This committee has the authority to employ machine operators, if needed. (e) All other necessary committees.

Section 19. Proceedings. All proceedings in the Convention, unless such rules are not covered by the by-laws, are conducted in accordance with the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order.”

Section 20. Discussions. All Supreme Lodge members and Convention Committee members may participate in the discussions at the Convention, but they do not have the right to make motions, vote, or nominate unless they are delegates.

Section 17. Discussions. All Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, and standing committee members may participate in the discussions at the Convention, but they do not have the right to make motions, vote, or nominate unless they are delegates. (a) No concern can be discussed in the Convention unless it was first presented to the Convention Committee and acted upon by that committee. (a) No concern can be discussed in the Convention unless it was first presented to the Grievance Committee and acted upon by that committee. (b) No motion to change by-laws or amendment thereto can be presented to the Convention unless the motion or amendment thereto has been discussed and approved by a lodge and submitted to any member of

the Convention Committee not later than 60 days prior to the Convention so that the Committee could study such motion or amendment and deliver its opinion. Recommendations must be submitted in the English language. The Convention Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Věstník for publication. Rejected recommendations can be presented by a delegate in the Convention during deliberation of the respective article. (b) No motion to change by-laws or amendment thereto can be presented to the Convention unless the motion or amendment thereto has been submitted to the By-Law Committee 60 days prior to the Convention so that the committee could study such motion or amendment and deliver its opinion. (c) Requests for donations, support, salaries, or increase of salaries must be presented to the Finance Committee 60 days prior to the Convention for consideration, approval, or rejection, or the request cannot be discussed in the Convention.

Section 21. Voting. The enactment, deletion, or amendment to a by-law requires a two-thirds vote by authorized votes of delegates present. Unless otherwise required by law or the laws of SPJST, all other matters are decided by a majority of authorized votes of the delegates present.

Delegates shall vote by voice, show of hands, standing, roll call, or secret ballot as designated by the Convention Chair. No delegate shall vote by proxy.

Section 21. Voting. The enactment, deletion, or amendment to a by-law requires a two-thirds vote by authorized votes of delegates present. Unless otherwise required by law or the laws of SPJST, all other matters are decided by a majority of authorized votes of the delegates present.

Delegates shall vote by voice, show of hands, standing, roll call, or secret ballot as designated by the Convention Chair. No delegate shall vote by proxy. All new by-laws become effective on the latter of July 1 or the date filed with Texas Department of Insurance following the Convention at which they were adopted.

Section 19. Election of Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, and District Directors.

Establish a screening process for the purpose of reviewing all qualifications of submitted candidates for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Office (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, and seven District Directors. The screening committee has the right to gather additional background information, submit the slate of qualified candidates to the delegates 90 days prior to Convention, and shall have the discretion to consult with personnel with legal and human resource expertise to assure compliance with current labor laws. The By-Law Committee will serve as the screening committee. Anyone seeking the positions of Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Editor/Director of Communication, or District Director must announce candidacy at least 120 days prior to Convention.

Section 22. Minutes. The minutes shall be kept and approved in the English language. A copy of the Convention minutes shall be sent to each local lodge secretary; all Convention delegates; Convention Committee members; and all members, upon request.

Section 20. Minutes. The minutes shall be kept and approved in the English language. A copy of the Convention minutes shall be sent to each local lodge secretary; all Convention delegates; members of all standing committees (By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication); and all members, upon request.

Section 23. Publicity. Supreme Lodge President and Vice President of Communications are responsible for appropriate publicity pertaining to Conventions.

Section 21. Publicity. Supreme Lodge President and Editor/Director of Communication are responsible for appropriate publicity pertaining to Conventions.

ARTICLE VII CONVENTION COMMITTEE Section 24. Composition. The Convention Committee shall be comprised of seven elected members (one from each of the seven districts). The Convention Committee member will also serve as substitute district director. The Supreme Lodge shall fill any vacancy occurring in the Convention Committee by appointing an Adult Member to serve.

Section 25. Eligibility. Supreme Lodge members, their spouses, and SPJST Home Office employees are not eligible for membership on the Convention Committee, but they are free to attend the Committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the Committee. (a) Convention Committee members are expected to attend their respective district spring meetings. If two meetings are missed during a four-year period, the Supreme Lodge will appoint an Adult Member to complete the remainder of the term.

Section 26. Duties. The Convention Committee shall have the following duties: (a) Review proposed agenda items and agenda for the Convention. The agenda will be prepared by the Supreme Lodge officers. All proposed agenda items must be submitted to the Convention Committee at least 60 days prior to the start of the Convention to be included in the Convention agenda. (b) Review resolutions submitted for consideration of the Convention and make recommendations to the Convention regarding such resolutions. Any proposed resolution must be submitted to the Convention Committee at least 30 days prior to the start of the Convention to be considered by the Convention. (c) Examine and pass upon the credentials of the Delegates to the Convention. (d) Assist the Convention Chair in the tabulation of votes of matters brought before the Convention. (f) Review all compensation and financial benefits of district directors. Gather relevant information and recommendations regarding reasonable compensation for directors and present a proposal to the Convention.

Any increase in compensation must be approved by the Delegates of the Convention.

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

(-) The Vice President of Communications will outline and report to the Convention the format, editorial policies, and general usefulness of the Věstník. This report will be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention.

(1) Outline and report to the Convention the format, editorial policies, and general usefulness of the Věstník, working in collaboration with the Editor/Director of Communication. This report will be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention. (g) Recommend to the Convention compensation of district directors. The Committee’s recommendations shall be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention.

(4) Recommend to the Convention per diem of delegates and salaries of district directors. The Committee’s recommendations shall be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention. (h) Review submitted recommendations for changes to the by-laws. The Convention Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Věstník for publication. Consider, arrange, and recommend motions for amending by-laws of the succeeding Convention. Eliminate conflicts in the bylaws. Codify and rearrange the by-laws. Deliberate and decide on all recommendations for amending the by-laws and, if necessary, prepare and present its own recommendations for changes, additions, or deletions of any articles. Submit recommendations to the Věstník for publishing 30 days prior to the Convention. (i) Arrange and compile the newly-adopted by-laws with all changes and amendments immediately following the Convention. Working with the Vice President of Communications, the Convention Committee will eliminate duplications, remove conflicting articles, and recodify all by-laws, in compliance with the Texas Department of Insurance. A neat, readable proof copy with a complete index will be forwarded to each member of the Committee for approval and one copy to each Supreme Lodge member for comments. Such comments shall be forwarded to the Committee within 10 days after receipt thereof and prior to final approval by the Committee. The Supreme Lodge will determine if copies will be printed or available digitally and will provide copies to lodges and members, upon request.

A sealed package containing all of the Committee’s records from the Convention will be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge President. The sealed package may be opened in case of necessity only in the presence of the Supreme Lodge. The Home Office will provide assistance as needed to accomplish this duty. (j) Arrange and compile the newly-adopted by-laws with all changes and amendments immediately following the Convention. The Convention Committee will eliminate duplications, remove conflicting articles, and recodify all by-laws, in compliance with the Texas Department of Insurance. A neat, readable, finished product with a complete index will be submitted to the publisher within 90 days after the Convention.

The Vice President - Communications and Media Relations will forward one copy of the proof to each member of the Committee for approval and one copy to each Supreme Lodge member for comments. Such

comments shall be forwarded to the Committee within 10 days after receipt thereof and prior to final approval by the Committee. The Supreme Lodge determines the number of copies to be printed and furnishes copies to lodges and members, upon request. A sealed package containing all of the Committee’s records from the Convention will be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge President. The sealed package may be opened in case of necessity only in the presence of the Supreme Lodge. The Home Office will provide assistance as needed to accomplish this duty. (j) Review the financial standing of the Society annually and ensure that a financial report is prepared and presented to the Convention.

11

(1) One delegate for lodges with 20 to 100 adult members; (2) One additional delegate for each additional 200 adult members.

(2) One additional delegate for each additional 150 adult members. (b) Changes in Lodge Membership. If a lodge obtains enough new active members to qualify for an additional delegate to the Convention in the time period between the annual meeting and 60 days before the Convention, then that lodge shall send the substitute delegate or delegates with the most votes. A lodge losing the required number of members between such time shall not lose the delegate or delegates.

(k) Present report at district spring meeting. (l) Participate in lodge and district events to inform the membership on matters pertaining to SPJST. Section 27. Committee Chair. The Convention Committee shall convene immediately following the Convention and elect a Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary from its membership.

Section 28. Meetings. The Convention Committee shall meet annually in between Convention years. During the Convention year, the Convention Committee shall hold a minimum of two meetings, one at least six months and one immediately prior to the start of the Convention. The day and time shall be designated by the Convention Committee Chair after consultation with Convention Committee members. The Convention Committee Chair may call special meetings and shall call a special meeting upon written request of at least three Convention Committee members.

Any meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the Convention, may meet by telephone conference or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other. All non-electronic meetings shall be at the Home Office.

Section 29. Quorum and Voting. A majority of the Convention Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of Convention Committee business except that a smaller number may adjourn a meeting for lack of a quorum. The Committee shall act by a majority of Committee members present.

(c) New Lodges. A lodge chartered during the Convention year may elect its delegates and its substitutes any time before the convening of the Convention. A lodge chartered, merged, or reorganized less than three years preceding the election of its delegates may elect its delegates and substitutes from among those members having attended a majority of the regular meetings from the date of its charter, merger, or reorganization.

Section 32. Votes. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every delegate.

Section 24. Votes. A lodge represented by its delegate or delegates is entitled to one vote for every adult member.

Delegates from each lodge shall divide their lodge’s votes equally among themselves. In the event the votes do not divide equally among its delegates, the extra votes shall be assigned proportionally to all of the lodge’s delegates. (Example, a lodge with 4 delegates and 405 votes would result in each delegate having 101.25 votes).

Section 33. Substitute Delegates. Substitute delegates shall be elected according to the procedures for election of delegates. No more than 10 substitute delegates shall be elected per lodge. A substitute delegate shall attend the Convention if one of the elected delegates cannot attend.

The substitute delegate or delegates shall be chosen to fill vacancies according to which substitute delegate received the most votes at the annual lodge meeting.

Section 34.

Delegate Requirements.

(a) Qualifies as an adult member.

ARTICLE VIII LODGE DELEGATE ELECTIONS Section 30. Election of Delegates. Delegates and substitute delegates shall be elected no later than January at the local lodge meeting that precedes the Convention for the term from one Convention to the next Convention.

Section 31. Number of Delegates per Lodge. Every lodge has the right to elect delegates in accordance with its membership. (a) The number of delegates a lodge may send to the Convention shall be based on the following scale: (1) One delegate for lodges with 20 to 399 adult members;

(b) Is present during the election or is absent due to unavoidable circumstances. (c) Attended at least 50 percent of the regular meetings of the lodge during one year preceding the Convention. Lodges meeting monthly, 50 percent is six meetings; lodges meeting bi-monthly, 50 percent is three meetings; and lodges meeting quarterly, 50 percent is two meetings. (When there is a conflict with the date of their local lodge meeting, Supreme Lodge members, district fraternal activities coordinators, on official business, may count as attending a regular meeting for this purpose. The state fraternal director, district youth counselors and their assistants, on official business, may count as attending youth club meetings. Notification must be given to the local lodge

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

12

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

secretary prior to the event with written confirmation made by the party within two weeks following the event.) Newly transferred members’ attendance record of the previous lodge shall be accepted. (c) Attended a majority of the regular meetings of the lodge during one year preceding the Convention.

Lodges meeting quarterly, majority would be two meetings. (When there is a conflict with the date of their local lodge meeting, Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, fraternal field managers, and state and district fraternal activities coordinators, on official business, may count as attending a regular meeting for this purpose. The state youth director, district youth counselors and their assistants, on official business, may count as attending youth club meetings. Notification must be given to the local lodge secretary prior to the event with written confirmation made by the party within two weeks following the event.) Newly transferred members’ attendance record of the previous lodge shall be accepted.

must be completed by the secretary and signed by the president and secretary of the local lodge, to certify the election of the delegate and substitute. After completion, one form must immediately be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer. The elected delegate must present the second form to the Convention Committee during Convention registration. The credential form must contain: (c) The Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) forwards to the local lodge secretary the required forms in duplicate that must be filled out by the secretary and signed by the president and secretary of the local lodge, to certify the election of the delegate and substitute. After completion, one form must immediately be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer). The elected delegate must present the second form to the Credentials Committee during Convention registration. The credential form must contain:

(d) Is a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election.

(1) A statement of the number of regular meetings held by the lodge the delegate is representing.

(e) Is not an officer or director of another fraternal life insurance society. (f) Any member who desires to serve as a delegate who is an underwriter of any insurance company or an agent (underwriter) of any other fraternal life insurance society may be elected but must first disclose this information to the local lodge members prior to the election.

Section 35. Term. Delegates and substitute delegates shall hold office until their successors are seated at the following Convention. The delegates and substitutes to the most recent regular Convention shall be the delegates and substitutes to any special Convention or for any ballot in lieu of a special Convention. If a delegate is not in the Convention by the second day, he/she will not be seated unless he/she has a good excuse, such as serious illness/emergency or death in immediate family. In the event of the merger of two or more lodges following the Convention, those delegates of each lodge shall be entitled to the same number of votes they had at the preceding Convention.

Section 36.

Delegate Selection Procedure.

(a) When a lodge is entitled to two or more delegates, the nomination and election of delegates is made by whatever procedure is deemed most convenient and expedient by the local lodge. If a nominating committee is used, nominations from the floor must be permitted. In the election process, a secret ballot may be used. Ballots containing more nominees than permitted are void and not counted. The nominees receiving the highest number of votes are elected. (b) The result of the election of delegates and substitutes shall be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) within 30 days after the election. Failure to do so will nullify the lodge’s delegates. (c) The Chief Financial Officer forwards to the local lodge secretary the required forms in duplicate that

(2) The number of regular meetings attended by the delegate in the year preceding the Convention.

Section 38.

Conflicts of Interest.

(a) No agent of any other life insurance company, or any officer or director of any similar fraternal order is eligible for membership in the Supreme Lodge. (b) No Supreme Lodge member shall receive commission for the sale of property belonging to SPJST. No Supreme Lodge member can buy property from SPJST. No Supreme Lodge member shall be personally liable to SPJST or its members for monetary damages for any act or omission in the officer’s or director’s capacity as an officer or director except in the following instances: (1) For any breach of the officer’s or director’s duty of loyalty to SPJST or its members; (2) For any act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law; (3) For any transaction from which the officer or director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from action taken within the scope of the officer’s or director’s position;

(3) The mileage from the delegate’s home to the Convention site and return.

(4) For any act or omission for which the liability of an officer or director is expressly provided for by statute or payment of a dividend.

(d) Lodges failing to comply with all required lodge duties and obligations within 60 days prior to the Convention will lose their right to representation at the Convention.

(c) No person can be an employee of the Supreme Lodge if he/she is related to any member of the Supreme Lodge within the third degree, as construed under Section 573 of the Government Code of the Texas Revised Civil Statutes.

(e) In the event of a delegate’s death, incapacity, or transfer to another lodge, he/she shall automatically be replaced by the first substitute of such lodge.

Section 39. Duties. The affairs of SPJST shall be managed under the direction of the Supreme Lodge between regular meetings of the Convention. The Supreme Lodge has the duty and authority to:

ARTICLE IX SUPREME LODGE Section 37. Composition. The Supreme Lodge shall be composed of the seven elected directors (one from each of the seven districts) and the President, who is appointed by the directors. The other officers (Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller) shall serve as non-voting members of the Supreme Lodge. The Supreme Lodge shall have the authority to provide rules and regulations for the extension and development of SPJST and shall have all other necessary and incidental powers to carry out the objectives of SPJST and such other duties as prescribed by these by-laws.

Section 29. Composition. The Supreme Lodge shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), Controller, and seven elected directors (one from each of the seven districts). The Supreme Lodge shall have the authority to provide rules and regulations for the extension and development of SPJST and shall have all other necessary and incidental powers to carry out the objectives of SPJST and such other duties as prescribed by these by-laws.

(a) Provide leadership for all SPJST members and others. (b) Promote fraternalism between lodges. (c) Learn and promote Czech heritage and language and the history of SPJST. (d) Employ legal counsel on an as-needed basis. (e) Provide sufficient insurance coverage for the protection of SPJST. (f) Conduct a strategic planning process and develop an annual business plan with clearly defined qualitative and quantitative goals.

(-) Approve a contract on an annual basis, if deemed beneficial, for the printing of the Věstník, after consulting with the Vice President of Communications. (g) Approve a contract on an annual basis, if deemed beneficial, for the printing of the Věstník, after consulting with a member of the Publication Committee designated by that committee, and the Editor/Director of Communication.

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

(g) Adopt formulas to determine the amount of refund to lodges based on premium income from members and other incentive factors after a review of the annual statement and consultation with the actuary.

(5) The loss of representation at all youth functions on the district and state levels.

(h) Adopt such additional plans and tables of insurance including annuities and universal life products, which appear to be beneficial, according to fraternal insurance laws of the State of Texas.

(7) No transfers into the lodge will be accepted.

(i) Ratify compensation schedule and incentive programs for sales agents.

(9) No local lodge dues will be collected.

(6) No new applications for membership will be accepted.

(8) All meetings and activities normally carried on by such lodge will cease.

(j) Fill vacancies for the Supreme Lodge President and Convention Committee members. (k) Fill vacancies in the Supreme Lodge and Editor/Director of Communication with the exception of the President, as specified in Section 41 (Vacancy).

(o) Suspend or discharge local lodge officers and committees for irregularities in office detrimental to SPJST on charges filed by members of the local lodge or the Supreme Lodge, and after 20 days notice to the accused and due hearing thereon, by a vote of twothirds of the Supreme Lodge.

(k) Employ a certified public accountant, upon recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), to prepare a detailed report concerning the condition of SPJST.

(p) Determine the amount of application fee and rate of interest on mortgage loans according to prevailing conditions, and the demand for loans in the best interest of SPJST.

(l) Prepare a report of its progress/accomplishments since the preceding Convention. Each Supreme Lodge officer must submit a report to be printed in the Věstník at least 30 days prior to the Convention. Directors may submit one combined report, if they so agree.

(q) Determine areas that can be outsourced or partnered for increased efficiency.

(m) Investigate all irregularities, disorders, and incompetence in office of the President or any district director. Following a thorough investigation, including a hearing of such charges and 20 days advance notice to the accused, the Supreme Lodge may discharge the accused from his/her office by a two-thirds vote. (n) Investigate all irregularities, disorders, and incompetence in office of any Supreme Lodge member and Editor/Director of Communication (after consultation with the Publication Committee). Following a thorough investigation, including a hearing of such charges and 20 days advance notice to the accused, the Supreme Lodge may discharge the accused from his/her office by a two-thirds vote. (n) Suspend local lodges for not performing their local lodge duties and for irregularities detrimental to SPJST. In the event of suspension, and until the suspension is lifted by the Supreme Lodge, one or more of the following shall be in effect: (1) The loss of representation at regular and special Conventions of SPJST.

(r) Ratify the sale and purchase of bonds and stocks by a majority vote. (s) Ratify the salary of Home Office employees, as proposed by the President. (u) Ratify the salary of Home Office employees, as proposed by Supreme Lodge officers and Editor/Director of Communication. (t) Assign further duties to any member of the Supreme Lodge.

Section 40. Supreme Lodge Chair. The Supreme Lodge shall elect a chair and vice chair for one two-year term from among its seven elected district directors. Multiple terms as chair or vice chair are permissible; however, they may not be successive. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Supreme Lodge and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Supreme Lodge. The vice chair will preside in the absence of the chair.

Section 32. Supreme Lodge Chair. The Supreme Lodge shall elect a chair and vice chair for a term of one year from among its seven elected district directors. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Supreme Lodge and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Supreme Lodge. The vice chair will preside in the absence of the chair.

(3) The name and number of the local lodge will be dropped from the roster of the lodges.

Section 41. Regular Meetings. The Supreme Lodge shall meet quarterly during the third week or weekend in January, April, July, and October. In case of necessity, the President has the right to change the date of the meeting.

Meetings are open to SPJST members except during executive sessions concerning personnel, disciplinary matters, litigation, or threatened litigation.

(4) The loss of representation at district meetings and other functions of SPJST.

Section 42. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Supreme Lodge may be called by the President, in case of

(2) All official lodge records and papers shall be relinquished to the Supreme Lodge for examination.

13

necessity. In the event that two-thirds of the Supreme Lodge members determine a necessity for a special meeting, and the President refuses to call such a meeting, the two-thirds members may, by written notice, call all Supreme Lodge members to such a special meeting and hold the meeting. Two-thirds of the Supreme Lodge members will constitute a quorum at special meetings.

Section 43. Location. Meetings of the Supreme Lodge shall be held at the Home Office, unless the President or the Supreme Lodge designates an alternative location.

Section 44. Quorum and Voting. Two-thirds of the Supreme Lodge members shall constitute a quorum. The act of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which quorum is present shall be the act of the Supreme Lodge, unless the act of a greater number is required by the Charter of Incorporation, by-laws, or applicable law.

Section 45. Electronic Communication. The Supreme Lodge and any committee or sub-committee of the Supreme Lodge, or any other meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the Convention, may meet by telephone conference or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other.

Section 46. Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Supreme Lodge or any committee or sub-committee of the Supreme Lodge may be taken without a meeting by written consent of all of its members then in service. A written consent under this provision shall have the same force and effect as a vote taken at a meeting.

Section 47. Minutes. The Supreme Lodge will designate a Home Office staff member to record minutes of all transactions at all open Supreme Lodge meetings and special meetings. The Chief Financial Officer (SecretaryTreasurer) will maintain minutes and exhibits of the Supreme Lodge meetings and Investment Committee meetings. Written consent may be given electronically. (a) The minutes will be printed in the Věstník within 30 days after each regular or special Supreme Lodge meeting. (b) The minutes will include each item voted on at the meeting with a record of how each Supreme Lodge member voted on each issue. Matters concerning personnel, disciplinary matters, litigation, threatened litigation, and marketing plans will not be included.

Section 48. Committee Establishment. The Supreme Lodge may appoint committees to have such authority as the Supreme Lodge may delegate. Each committee shall consist of three or more Supreme Lodge members. Additional committee members may be appointed by the Supreme Lodge. A majority of the members of each committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all committee business.

Section 40. Committee Establishment. The Supreme Lodge may appoint an audit committee and other committees of the Supreme Lodge to have such authority as the Supreme Lodge may delegate. Each committee shall consist of three or more Supreme Lodge members. Additional committee members may be appointed by the Supreme

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

14

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge. A majority of the members of each committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all committee business.

Section 49. Finance and Audit Committee. The Finance and Audit Committee shall be responsible for the oversight of the auditors of the Society, the audit of financial statements of the Society, review of investment transactions and performance of the investment portfolio, and such other responsibilities designated to it from time to time.

Section 50. Communications Committee. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for determining what material proposed to be included in the Věstník may be harmful to and against the best interests of SPJST. Section 51. Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy by the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, or Controller, such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the President with ratification by the Supreme Lodge.

Section 41. Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy by the President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer), or Controller, such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the Supreme Lodge. (a) In the event of a vacancy by the President, such vacancy will be filled by the Supreme Lodge. (a) The office of President shall be temporarily filled by the Vice President until a new President is appointed by the Supreme Lodge. (b) In the event of a vacancy by the Věstník Editor/Director of Communication, such vacancy will be filled by appointment by the Supreme Lodge after consultation with the Publication Committee. (b) In the event of a vacancy by a district director, the position shall be filled by his/her substitute. (d) In the event of a vacancy by a substitute director who succeeded the director, the district president shall call a meeting of the delegates of the previous regular Convention to a place centrally located for the purpose of electing a new director and his/her substitute for the term to the next Convention. This election shall be carried out within 30 days. The results of the election shall be announced to the Supreme Lodge without delay.

Section 52. Removal of Supreme Lodge President and District Directors. A Supreme Lodge President or District Director may be removed from the Supreme Lodge “for cause” by a two-thirds affirmative vote of a majority of members of the Supreme Lodge at a meeting called for that purpose. Appointed officers and the Supreme Lodge member whose status is at issue shall not be entitled to vote in the matter. “For cause,” for purposes of this section, shall include: Section 42. Removal of Supreme Lodge Members. A Supreme Lodge member may be removed from the Supreme Lodge “for cause” by a two-thirds affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the Supreme Lodge excluding the Supreme Lodge member whose status is at issue at a meeting called for that purpose. “For cause,” for purposes of this section, shall include:

(a) Inability or failure to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Supreme Lodge member; (b) Engaging in conduct unbecoming of a Supreme Lodge member; (c) Absence from two Supreme Lodge meetings during the course of a calendar year, without good cause; (d) Breaching a fiduciary duty owed to SPJST, its members, or beneficiaries; (e) Materially violating these by-laws, the Charter of Incorporation, or any code of ethics or conflict of interest policy adopted by SPJST; or (f) Ceasing to be a member of SPJST. A determination of cause shall be made within the reasonable discretion of the Supreme Lodge. All Supreme Lodge members, upon termination of their tenures, must deliver to their successors all property belonging to SPJST. ARTICLE X SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS Section 53. Officer Requirements. To be a Supreme Lodge officer, an individual must meet the following requirements: (a) Be a member of SPJST for at least one year preceding the appointment. Individuals who do not meet this one-year requirement may be hired; however, they shall not serve as a Supreme Lodge officer until they have been a member for one year. (a) Be a member of SPJST for at least one year preceding the election or appointment.

Section 54.

General Duties.

(a) Coordinate and conduct workshops for the training of local lodge officers in the first quarter of each year. (b) Submit a quarterly report of all services performed to the Supreme Lodge members prior to each Supreme Lodge meeting. (c) Submit reports regularly to the Věstník.

Section 55. President. The President shall be appointed by the Supreme Lodge. The President shall serve as the chief executive officer of the Society, shall have general supervision and direction of the day-to-day business and affairs of the Society, and shall perform all duties incumbent to the position and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Supreme Lodge from time to time. The President is the official head of SPJST and oversees all departments. The President is an ex officio member of all appointed committees within the Supreme Lodge. Subject to such rules and policies as may be prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, the President shall have authority to appoint and terminate such other officers, agents, and employees and to delegate authority to them.

Section 46. President. The President is the official head of SPJST and oversees all departments. The President is an ex officio member of all appointed committees within the Supreme Lodge. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the President must also have experience and knowledge in the fraternal life insurance field; demonstrated leadership capacity in the fraternal activities field; management skills; and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with others. Other requirements include: (a) Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business or equivalent work experience.

(b) Be a citizen of the United States of America. (b) Management and marketing experience. (c) Must have at least $50,000 of SPJST life insurance or if uninsurable, then an SPJST annuity in at least the amount of $20,000. (d) Appreciate and promote the Czech language and culture and fluently speak the English language. (e) Any other requirements that the Supreme Lodge may prescribe that take into consideration and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST. Section 44. Term. The term of office for Supreme Lodge President, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) and Supreme Lodge officers elected at the 32nd Convention is from July 1 of the Convention year to June 30 of the following Convention year.

Section 56. Reasonable Compensation. Reasonable compensation of the President shall be determined by the district directors. Reasonable compensation of all Supreme Lodge officers other than the President shall be recommended by the President and approved by the district directors. In its determination of reasonable compensation, the district directors or a committee delegated authority for officer compensation shall take into account, among others, the services rendered by the officer, the performance of the officer, the performance of the Society, market and industry standards, and compensation paid to officers of similarly situated fraternal benefit societies.

(g) No Supreme Lodge officer or his/her spouse can receive commissions for services as a sales agent.

Section 47. Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The Supreme Lodge Vice President shall assist the President in activities promoting SPJST. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Vice President must also have experience and knowledge in the fraternal life insurance field; demonstrated leadership capacity in the life insurance field; marketing and management skills; and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with others. Other requirements include:

(h) No Supreme Lodge officer may hold any position in the districts or lodges.

(a) Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business or equivalent work experience.

(f) No officer can hold more than one office at a time, and no officer can receive more than one compensation at one time.

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

(b) At least 5 years of life insurance experience.

(a) Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business or equivalent work experience.

(c) Management and marketing experience. (d) Annuity certification.

Section 47. Vice President. The Supreme Lodge Vice President shall assist the President in activities promoting SPJST. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Vice President must also have experience and knowledge in the fraternal life insurance field; demonstrated leadership capacity in the life insurance field; marketing and management skills; and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with others. Other requirements include: (a) Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business or equivalent work experience. (b) 5 to 10 years of life insurance experience. (c) Management and marketing experience. (d) Annuity certification.

Section 48. Chief Financial Officer. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Chief Financial Officer must have experience in corporate management and administration/accounting and knowledge in the mortgage lending and loan origination field, investment management, property management, and claims and annuity administration. Other requirements include: (a) Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business or equivalent work experience. (b) At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the investment field.

Section 48. Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer). In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) must have experience in corporate management and administration/accounting and knowledge in the mortgage lending and loan origination field, investment management, and claims and annuity administration. Other requirements include: (a) Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business or equivalent work experience. (b) 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the investment field.

Section 49. Controller. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Controller must have experience and knowledge in the accounting and information technology fields. Other requirements include: (a) Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business or equivalent work experience. (b) At least 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in the accounting field.

Section 49. Controller. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Controller must have experience and knowledge in the accounting and information technology fields. Other requirements include:

(b) 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible management experience in the accounting field.

Section 50. Staff. After consulting with the President, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Communications, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller have the authority to hire employees working directly under the respective officer.

Section 50. Staff. After consulting with the President, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (SecretaryTreasurer), and Controller have the authority to hire employees working directly under the respective officer.

ARTICLE XI SPJST ADVISORY COUNCIL Section 57. Convention Delegates shall serve as members of the SPJST Advisory Council between conventions. SPJST Advisory Council members shall serve on a volunteer basis and meet annually each spring with the Supreme Lodge with the goal of keeping the SPJST Advisory Council members engaged and responsive in matters relating to the growth and development of SPJST. ARTICLE XII SUPREME LODGE DIRECTORS Section 58. Director Qualifications. These qualifications shall reflect the complexity and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST and shall therefore include expertise in corporate governance, financial accounting, and insurance, among others.

• Directors are accountable to members and owe duties of loyalty and care to SPJST. Directors’ performance should be evaluated through SPJST’s long-term performance, financial and otherwise.

• Directors must have high integrity and the appropriate competence to represent the interests of all members in achieving the long-term success of SPJST. Ideally, in order to facilitate engaged and informed oversight of SPJST and the performance of management, a subset of directors will have professional experiences directly related to SPJST. At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that some of the best ideas, insights, and contributions can come from directors whose professional experiences are not directly related to SPJST.

15

and insurance, among others. To be a Supreme Lodge director, an individual must meet the following requirements: (a) Be a citizen of the United States of America at the time of election. (b) Be an active member for at least one year prior to the time of election. (c) Have SPJST life insurance in force or, if uninsurable, have an SPJST annuity. (d) Meet the lodge attendance requirements for delegates. (e) Appreciate and promote the Czech language and culture and fluently speak the English language. (f) Attend the Convention or have an excuse for not being present that is acceptable by two-thirds of the delegates. (g) Be capable of assuming the responsibilities as outlined herein and as established by SPJST from time to time. (h) Reside within the bounds of director’s respective district. (i) Candidates seeking election for one of the seven elected Director positions must indicate their intention to seek election and submit information regarding their qualifications for a Director position in accordance with the procedures established by the Supreme Lodge at least 120 days prior to the Convention. The Supreme Lodge shall help identify and encourage well qualified candidates from each District to seek election as a Director. The Supreme Lodge shall review candidate information and may gather additional background information and shall submit the slate of candidates and qualification information to the Convention Committee. The Convention Committee shall provide the slate of candidates and information regarding qualifications to the District Delegates at the Convention.

• Directors should have complementary and diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and experiences.

Section 60. Term. The terms of the elected Directors shall be for four years and commence upon the close of the Convention during which they are elected and terminate upon the close of the following Convention. No director can hold any position in the SPJST Home Office or district.

Section 52. Term. The term for directors is from July 1 of the Convention year to June 30 of the following Convention year. No director can hold any position in the SPJST Home Office or district.

• Directors need to commit substantial time and energy to the role.

Section 61. tors will:

• Directors should be business savvy and memberoriented, and have a genuine passion for SPJST.

Section 59. Director Requirements. These qualifications shall reflect the complexity and magnitude of the business and affairs of SPJST and shall therefore include expertise in corporate governance, financial accounting,

General Duties. The Supreme Lodge direc-

(a) Oversee the management and progress of SPJST. (b) Oversee the compliance of all by-laws and decisions of the Conventions and Supreme Lodge.

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

16

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

ARTICLE XIII VĚSTNÍK – OFFICIAL PUBLICATION EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND VĚSTNÍK – OFFICIAL PUBLICATION Section 54. Qualifications. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Vice President of Communications must have experience editing and composing a newspaper; possess journalistic qualifications; have knowledge of the fraternal benefit system and English and Czech languages; and be well versed in media law, especially as it relates to privacy concerns and libel.

Section 54. Qualifications. In addition to the Supreme Lodge officer requirements, the Editor/Director of Communication must have experience editing and composing a newspaper; possess journalistic qualifications; have knowledge of the fraternal benefit system and English and Czech languages; and be well versed in media law, especially as it relates to privacy concerns and libel.

Section 55. General Duties. The Vice President of Communications will: Section 55. General Duties. The Editor/Director of Communication will: (a) Manage all aspects of the Věstník. (b) Manage all aspects of the SPJST internet website. (c) Coordinate public relations in the community and across the state to improve SPJST’s public image as directed by the Supreme Lodge President. (d) Submit a quarterly report of all services performed to the Supreme Lodge members prior to each Supreme Lodge meeting.

Section 56. Term. The Editor/Director of Communication’s position will be elected by the delegates at the Convention. The term of office is from July 1 of the Convention year to June 30, following the Convention.

The Editor/Director of Communication may not hold any position in the district or serve as an agent for any other life insurance company or any similar fraternal order.

Section 57. Staff. After consulting with the President, the Vice President of Communications has the right to hire employees working directly under the Vice President of Communications.

Section 57. Staff. After consulting with the President, the Editor/Director of Communication has the right to hire employees working directly under the Editor/Director of Communication.

Section 58. Supreme Lodge Discussions. The Editor/Director of Communication will be included in any Supreme Lodge discussions involving the Věstník/Communication Department.

Section 59. Dismissal. The Communications Committee has the obligation to see that the Vice President of Communications does not print articles inimical to the best interests of SPJST. The Vice President of Communications may be dismissed for any of the following offenses:

Section 59. Dismissal. The Publication Committee has the obligation to see that the Editor/Director of Communication does not print articles inimical to the best interests of SPJST and that he/she otherwise fulfills his/her obligation. The Editor/Director of Communication may be dismissed after first being recommended for dismissal by a majority of the Publication Committee. Following a thorough investigation, including a hearing of such charges and 20 days advance notice to the accused, the Supreme Lodge may discharge the Editor/Director of Communication from office by a two-thirds vote. The authority of dismissal rests with the Supreme Lodge whose decision is by two-thirds vote. The Editor/Director of Communication may be dismissed for any of the following offenses: (a) Incompetence, which means he/she does not manage the Věstník satisfactorily in a dignified and professional manner. (b) Willfully refusing cooperation with the Publication Committee. (b) Using the Věstník for personal promotion. (c) Promoting ideas harmful to SPJST. Section 62. Official Publication Věstník. SPJST shall have an official publication. The name of the official publication shall be Věstník. The Věstník will be published twice monthly and in color.

Section 63. Subscriptions. A Věstník shall be sent to SPJST members as shown on the records of SPJST, except that if SPJST records show that two or more members have the same mailing address, an official publication mailed to one of them is deemed mailed to all of them at the same address unless a separate copy is requested. Names and addresses of members requesting the Věstník must be furnished to the Home Office. Schools, colleges, and universities offering and instructing the Czech language for credit will receive the Věstník free of charge upon request.

(f) At least 30 days prior to the convention, the Věstník will include pre-convention reports of the Supreme Lodge officers and directors and Convention Committee and a list of delegates’ names and lodge numbers. (f) At least 30 days prior to the convention, the Věstník will include pre-convention reports of the Supreme Lodge officers and directors and standing committees and a list of delegates’ names and lodge numbers. (g) Any suggestions for the improvement of the contents of the Věstník should be referred to the Vice President of Communications. (g) Any suggestions for the improvement of the contents of the Věstník should be referred to the Editor/Director of Communication or to the chair of the Publication Committee, and the committee will then direct the Editor/Director of Communication to make the changes accordingly.

Section 63. Objectionable Material. The Communications Committee will make decisions concerning objectionable contributions in the following manner: (1) If the Vice President of Communications considers any matter questionable or harmful to SPJST, he/she shall send a copy of the material in question to each member of the Communications Committee, who shall respond by return mail. The Committee may consult with legal counsel.

(2) If the material is considered acceptable by the majority of the members of the Committee, the Vice President of Communications will publish the article in its entirety.

(a) Letters should be of purely fraternal spirit, without political, religious, or anti-religious inclinations.

(3) No letter may be published in its censored form without consent of the writer. Objectionable material will be returned to the writer by the Vice President of Communications. If the Vice President of Communications fails to submit material turned down by him/her, the writer may submit the letter to the Supreme Lodge President and the decision of the Supreme Lodge President will override the opinion of the Vice President of Communications.

Section 63. Objectionable Material. The Publication Committee will make decisions concerning objectionable contributions in the following manner:

(b) Each Věstník shall include the contact information for Supreme Lodge members and Convention committee members. (b) Each Věstník shall include the contact information for Supreme Lodge members, Editor/Director of Communication, and all standing committee members.

(1) If the Editor/Director of Communication considers any matter questionable or harmful to SPJST, he/she shall mail a copy of the material in question to each member of the Publication Committee, who shall respond by return mail. The committee may consult with legal counsel.

(c) The Věstník shall have lessons in the Czech language.

(2) If the material is considered acceptable by four members of the committee, the Editor/Director of Communication will publish the article in its entirety.

Section 62. Věstník Content. The Věstník shall contain material grouped in sections, including original editorial articles, various reports, a youth section, and a Czech heritage/cultural section. A portion of the printed material shall be in the Czech language.

(d) Any notice, report, or statement required by law, including notice of election, may be published in the Věstník. (e) During the month of May, names and addresses of district and local lodge secretaries will be published in the Věstník.

(3) No letter may be published in its censored form without consent of the writer. Objectionable material will be returned to the writer by the Editor/Director of Communication. If the Editor/Director of Communication fails to submit material turned down by him/her, the writer may submit the letter to the Pub-

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

lication Committee Chair and the decision of the Publication Committee will override the opinion of the Editor/Director of Communication.

ARTICLE XII STANDING COMMITTEES: BY-LAW, FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND PUBLICATION Section 64. Composition. Each standing committee shall be comprised of seven members, one elected by each district. The committee members elected at the Convention will function through the succeeding Convention.

Section 65. Committee Officers. Each standing committee shall convene immediately following the Convention and elect a committee chair, vice chair, and secretary from its membership.

Section 66. Eligibility. Supreme Lodge members, their spouses, and SPJST Home Office employees are not eligible for membership on any standing committee, but they are free to attend the committee meetings, make suggestions and recommendations, and assist the committees in every way possible. The committee has the right to deliberate and hold executive sessions during which the persons mentioned in this section will not be present. (a) Committee members must attend their respective district spring meetings. If two meetings are missed during a four-year period, the substitute will be appointed to complete the remainder of the term. (b) In the event that neither the elected member nor his/her substitute can serve on the committee for which such member has been elected, the district delegates from the preceding Convention shall elect another member from the district membership to serve. The election procedure will be determined by the district officers. The district president shall notify the secretary of such standing committee and the Supreme Lodge of the results of the election without delay.

Section 67. Quorum and Voting. A majority of each standing committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of standing committee. The committee shall act by a majority of committee members present.

Section 68. Electronic Communication. Any meeting of SPJST at which written minutes are kept, except the Convention, may meet by telephone conference or other means of communication that allows all participants to simultaneously communicate with each other.

Section 69. Compensation. Committee members will receive compensation for attending meetings as adopted by the preceding Convention.

(2) Eliminate conflicts in the by-laws.

(3) Codify and rearrange the by-laws.

(4) Deliberate and decide on all recommendations for amending the by-laws and, if necessary, prepare and present its own recommendations for changes, additions, or deletions of any articles.

(5) Submit recommendations to the Věstník for publishing 30 days prior to the Convention.

(6) Arrange and compile the newly-adopted bylaws with all changes and amendments immediately following the Convention. The By-Law Committee will eliminate duplications, remove conflicting articles, and recodify all by-laws, in compliance with the Texas Department of Insurance.

(7) Submit a neat, readable, finished product with a complete index to the publisher within 90 days after the Convention.

(8) Print the by-laws. The printer must forward one copy of the proof to each member of the committee for approval and one copy to each Supreme Lodge member for comments. Such comments shall be forwarded to the By-Law Committee within 10 days after receipt thereof and prior to final approval by the committee. The Supreme Lodge determines the number of copies to be printed and furnishes copies to lodges and members, upon request.

(9) Forward a sealed package containing all of the committee’s records from the Convention to the Supreme Lodge President. The sealed package may be opened in case of necessity only in the presence of the Supreme Lodge.

(10) The Home Office will provide assistance as needed to accomplish this purpose. (b) Meetings. The By-Law Committee convenes not later than January of the Convention year. In the event additional recommendations are made in the Convention, and if the committee deems it advisable for the purpose of considering and deciding on such recommendations, the committee will convene during the Convention and present its recommendations. (c) By-Law Recommendations.

(1) Recommendations for changes to the bylaws must be signed and submitted to any member of the By-Law Committee not later than 60 days prior to the Convention. Recommendations must be submitted in the English language.

17

Section 71. Finance Committee. (a) Purpose. The Finance Committee’s purpose is to: (1) Review the prior year financial statement.

(2) Review all compensation and financial benefits of Supreme Lodge members and Editor/Director of Communication. Any increase in compensation must be approved by the delegates of the 2016 Convention.

(3) Recommend whether a bonus will be paid to Supreme Lodge members and Editor/Director of Communication. The Finance Committee will recommend a formula as how the bonus is to be paid. No bonus shall be paid without the consent of the Finance Committee.

(4) Recommend to the Convention per diem of delegates and committees; salaries of elected officials; donations; allocations; and expenditures.

Requests must be signed and submitted to any member of the Finance Committee not later than 60 days prior to the Convention. Requests not submitted 60 days prior to the Convention cannot be brought up for discussion on the Convention floor. The Finance Committee recommendations shall be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention. (b) Meetings. The Finance Committee shall meet annually. The committee will meet as necessary during the year of the Convention, after January 1.

Section 72.

Insurance Committee.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Insurance Committee is to: (1) Outline and report to the Convention the growth and progress of the Insurance Department.

(2) Provide input to the Supreme Lodge Vice President on products and innovative ideas.

(3) Represent SPJST by promoting insurance programs and products.

(4) Participate in lodge and district events to inform the membership on matters pertaining to the Insurance Department. (b) Meetings. The Insurance Committee will meet as requested by the Supreme Lodge Vice President. One meeting must be held at least six months prior to the Convention to consider by-law recommendations.

Section 73.

Publication Committee.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Publication Committee is to:

(a) Purpose. The By-Law Committee’s purpose is to:

(2) The By-Law Committee secretary shall forward all signed by-law recommendations to the Věstník for publication.

(1) Consider, arrange, and recommend motions for amending by-laws of the succeeding Convention.

(3) Rejected recommendations can be presented by a delegate in the Convention during deliberation of the respective article.

(1) Outline and report to the Convention the format, editorial policies, and general usefulness of the Věstník. This report will be published in the Věstník 30 days prior to the Convention.

Section 70.

By-Law Committee.

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

18

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

(2) Determine what material proposed to be included in the Věstník may be harmful to and against the best interests of SPJST.

(f) DISTRICT SIX: Aransas, Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, and Wharton.

(b) Meetings. The Publication Committee will meet annually. Special meetings will be held in exceptional cases when problems cannot be settled by correspondence.

(g) DISTRICT SEVEN: Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Cameron, Comal, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Real, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Webb, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala.

ARTICLE XIV DISTRICTS Section 64. Composition. Districts are subordinate bodies under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge.

SPJST is divided into seven districts across the state of Texas in which lodges are located. The districts are composed of the following counties: (a) DISTRICT ONE: Austin, Bastrop (except Lodge 18), Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Cherokee, Fayette, Grimes, Houston, Lee, Leon, Madison, Panola, Robertson, Rusk, Trinity, Walker, and Washington. (b) DISTRICT TWO: Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Coryell, Falls, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Lampasas, Llano, McCulloch, Mason, Menard, Milam, San Saba, Travis, Williamson, Lodge 18, Elgin (located in Bastrop County), and Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy (located in McLennan County). (c) DISTRICT THREE: Anderson, Bosque, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Clay, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Grayson, Gregg, Hamilton, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Jack, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Limestone, McLennan (except Lodge 200, Bruceville-Eddy), Marion, Montague, Morris, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Smith, Somervell, Tarrant, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wise, and Wood. (d) DISTRICT FOUR: Andrews, Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor, Borden, Brewster, Briscoe, Brown, Callahan, Carson, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Comanche, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Culberson, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Donley, Eastland, Ector, El Paso, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Gains, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hansford, Hardeman, Hartley, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Hudspeth, Hutchinson, Irion, Jeff Davis, Jones, Kent, Kimble, King, Knox, Lamb, Lipscomb, Loving, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Midland, Mills, Mitchell, Moore, Motley, Nolan, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Pecos, Presidio, Randall, Reagan, Reeves, Roberts, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Shackelford, Sherman, Sterling, Stephens, Stonewall, Sutton, Swisher, Taylor, Terrell, Terry, Throckmorton, Tom Green, Upton, Val Verde, Ward, Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Winkler, Yoakum, and Young. (e) DISTRICT FIVE: Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Tyler, and Waller.

Section 65. District Meetings. Districts have the right to assemble for consultation, information, and administration within the limits of the by-laws of SPJST. (a) Members of every district must hold at least one business meeting each year, which may be combined with social and youth activities. (b) Every district formulates its own rules and regulations that must not conflict with the by-laws of SPJST. Any time a district desires to adopt a new activity program, which is not provided for in SPJST’s by-laws, it will present its proposal to the district director, who in turn, will present it to the Supreme Lodge for approval. (c) All deliberations and minutes must be conducted in the English language.

Section 66. District Officers. The following district officers shall be elected during the spring meeting: president; first vice president (to serve as fraternal activities coordinator for the district unless the district elects a fraternal activities coordinator as a separate position); second vice president (optional); secretary; treasurer; fraternal activities coordinator (optional); reporter (optional); district youth counselor; assistant youth counselor (where applicable); and flag bearer.

Section 76. District Officers. The following district officers shall be elected during the first meeting of the year: president; first vice president (to serve as fraternal activities coordinator for the district unless the district elects a fraternal activities coordinator as a separate position); second vice president (optional); secretary; treasurer; fraternal activities coordinator (optional); reporter (optional); district youth counselor; assistant youth counselor; and flag bearer.

Section 77.

Duties of District Officers.

(a) President.

(1) Preside at all district meetings utilizing basic parliamentary procedure and conduct business according to an agenda.

(2) See that all by-laws, rules, and regulations are observed by the members assembled.

(3) Appoint the majority of all appointed committees.

(4) Sign all letters and other documents.

(5) Represent the district in public relations and official SPJST functions.

(6) Work with other district officers to coordinate district activities.

(7) Perform all duties and obligations as set out by the rules and regulations of the district.

(b) Vice President.

(1) Assist the president in meetings.

(2) Appoint the minority of members on all appointed committees.

(3) Serve as the fraternal activities coordinator for the district if a separate position is not elected.

(4) Perform all duties and obligations as set out by the rules and regulations of the district.

(5) Assume the president’s duties in the event of incapacity, absence, resignation, or death. (c) Secretary.

(1) Maintain a record of attendance at all meetings.

(2) Prepare and direct district correspondence.

(3) Maintain correspondence with the Home Office on district changes and other important information.

(4) Maintain accurate minutes of all deliberations in the meetings as provided in the constitution and by-laws.

(5) Forward a list of district officers to the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) within 30 days after the district election.

(6) Receive all mail and reply thereto at the request of the president of the district. (d) Treasurer.

(1) Receive all money.

(2) Pay all bills of the district.

(3) Receive written report from all committees within 48 hours showing receipt and handling of all funds.

(4) Render to the membership periodic reports of all district assets and resources, monetary, and other.

(5) Submit his/her books, including all checks and statements, to the auditing committee at the district meeting. The books must be audited at least once per year. (e) Fraternal Activities Coordinator.

(1) Suggest, plan, and coordinate all fraternal activities for the district.

(2) Work with committee members to accomplish fraternal activities.

(3) Keep and maintain accurate records of district fraternal services.

(4) Work with the district officers to set goals.

(5) Comply with requests from the Home Office for fraternal services and other reports on district fraternal activities. (f) Reporter.

(1) Write interesting articles and district news for the Věstník and local newspapers.

(2) Photograph and record district events for posterity and news articles.

(3) Submit event photographs to the Věstník and local newspapers.

(4) Coordinate publicity for the district. (g) District Youth Counselor. (Complete duties are defined in the current SPJST Youth Club Handbook.)

(1) Organize and conduct district camp.

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

(2) Initiate and conduct all youth programs at district meetings.

(3) Plan and coordinate at least one district-wide social for all youth members in the district per year, provided funds are available.

(4) Conduct annual district youth leader training.

(5) Organize and conduct District Youth Achievement Day. (6) Visit each youth club in his/her district at least once during the year.

(7) Communicate with youth leaders in the district on a regular basis (at least once per quarter).

The DYC will conduct an orientation with a new youth leader.

(8) Publicize district youth events, including YAD and camp, in the Věstník and local media outlets (newspaper, radio, television, community bulletins, internet), when possible.

(9) Submit an annual report to the State Youth Director and Supreme Lodge President no later than 30 days following the district’s annual spring meeting.

(10) Submit quarterly reports, including youth club contacts and district youth fund activity, to the State Youth Director.

Section 78. District Planning Meetings. The district director may attend meetings of the district officers in an advisory or planning capacity but does not have a vote.

Section 79. District Officer Resignation. In the event of the resignation of the president between district meetings, the first vice president will automatically assume that office. Any other positions vacated between district meetings shall be filled by a person designated by a majority of the other district officers who will then seek ratification of their appointment at the next district meeting.

Section 80. District Annual Allocation. Each district will receive an allocation of $4,000 per year from the Supreme Lodge to be placed in the district’s General Expense Fund.

This sum is to be used by the district to pay the lodge hosting the district meeting $1,000 per meeting with the balance being used to defray the expenses of the district and to promote growth for SPJST. Section 67. District Audit Committee. The district must elect or appoint an audit committee, consisting of three or more members. If appointed, the president appoints the majority of the committee, and the vice president appoints the minority. This is to be done in the annual meeting. The duties of the audit committee are to audit at least once a year the income and expense of the operation of the district and the district youth. This information will be reported to the district.

Section 68. District Meeting Order of Business. (a) Convening of the meeting (b) Pledge of Allegiance (c) Welcome by host lodge president (d) Roll call of officers (e) Roll call of lodges (f) Recognition of guests (g) Reading of minutes (h) Tribute to departed members (i) Reading of 50- and 75-year and Age 96 members

(j) Treasurer’s report (k) District Youth Counselor’s report (l) Convention Committee report (m) Supreme Lodge report (n) Director’s report (o) Old business (p) New business (q) Audit committee report (r) Election of district officers (s) Selection of site, time, and date of spring meeting (t) Adjournment of the meeting Section 68. District Meeting Order of Business. (a) Convening of the meeting (b) Pledge of Allegiance (c) Welcome by host lodge president (d) Roll call of officers (e) Roll call of lodges (f) Recognition of guests (g) Reading of minutes (h) Tribute to departed members (i) Reading of 50- and 75-year and Age 96 members (j) Treasurer’s report (k) District Youth Counselor’s report (l) Reports of standing committee representatives (By-Law, Finance, Insurance, and Publication) (m) Supreme Lodge report (n) Director’s report (o) Old business (p) New business (q) Audit committee report (r) Election of district officers (s) Selection of site, time, and date of fall fun day/spring meetings (t) Adjournment of the meeting ARTICLE XV LOCAL LODGES Section 69. Charter. Lodges and youth clubs are subordinate bodies under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge.

Individual local lodges must receive their charters from the Supreme Lodge. Lodges are largely self-governing organizations but shall comply with these by-laws, the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order,” Local Lodge Officers’ Handbook, and all other requirements adopted by the Supreme Lodge. A local lodge may, upon adoption of a proper resolution by its membership, incorporate for fraternal, benevolent, and charitable purposes and make contracts, purchases, mortgages, lease and hold real and personal property necessary to carry out its purposes under the Texas NonProfit Corporation Act. Section 70. Rules and Regulations. Lodges shall have the right to make and adopt rules and regulations in conformity with the Charter of Incorporation and by-laws of SPJST and not in conflict with any regulations or requirements of the Supreme Lodge. Such laws, alterations, or amendments are to take effect only upon the written consent of the Supreme Lodge. Every lodge is authorized, at its will, to grant sick benefits as often as it sees fit to do in accordance with its own rules and regulations.

Section 71. Charter Withdrawal. The Supreme Lodge may withdraw the charter of any lodge in the event the Supreme Lodge determines that withdrawal is in the best in-

19

terest of SPJST. The Supreme Lodge shall provide for the disposition of property of lodges that have been suspended or dissolved in a manner consistent with the purposes of lodges.

Section 72. New Lodges. A newly established lodge is free to adopt any name with Supreme Lodge approval.

Prior to granting permission to designate a proposed lodge in an area, the Supreme Lodge shall review and consider the potential need for the area, and the proximity of existing lodges. (a) The application for permission to organize a new lodge must be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge on an appropriate form listing the names of not less than 20 respectable persons who were not members of SPJST at the time of application but who have applied for insurance and have been accepted as members in anticipation of forming a new lodge. (b) The Supreme Lodge will then send a representative to the new lodge for the purpose of organizing the lodge, electing officers, and giving basic lodge organizational instruction and general information about SPJST. (c) After a new lodge has sufficient members, other than transfers and juveniles, it must, after one year of its organization, be formally chartered in accordance with the wishes of the members and the Supreme Lodge ritual. (d) If 20 members cannot be secured immediately, a proposed lodge can be designated and members can be accumulated over a period of up to 365 days into the proposed lodge in process of being formed. The Supreme Lodge has the authority to extend this period. If a lodge is not organized within the period authorized, the Supreme Lodge will assign any members in the proposed lodge to another lodge of the member’s choice or to the nearest SPJST lodge.

Section 73. Mergers. Two or more lodges wishing to merge or consolidate may do so if notice is given to the membership of both lodges in the Věstník at least twice before the meeting at which consolidation is to be considered.

Each member who has attained the age of 16 years will be mailed a written notice that a merger will be voted upon at such meeting. The merger can become effective only if a majority of the members present of each merging lodge vote in favor of the merger.

Section 74. Lodge Meetings. Local lodges must conduct monthly meetings unless they have permission from the Supreme Lodge to meet every three months so as to remain in good standing and have authority to elect delegates to the Convention. Meetings are conducted on the day and hour specified by the regulations of the local lodge. (a) Presence of five members of a local lodge in good standing constitutes a quorum for valid transaction of all business of the local lodge, according to the by-laws and rules.

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

20

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

(b) Discussions of political and religious matters of any kind are not allowed in lodge meetings. The president of the lodge is required to stop such discussions. (c) Each member has the right to attend meetings of other lodges; however, he/she does not have the right of deliberation, unless called upon by the president. (d) Officers and committees are installed in the regular meeting following the annual meeting or at a time deemed most expedient to the lodge. (e) All deliberations and minutes may will be conducted in the English language.

Section 75. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting is to be held in November or December, or the first meeting thereafter. The election of nominated candidates is held during the annual meeting at which time every member has the right to vote for any other candidate on his/her ballot. Whenever a lodge deems it necessary, with the consent of two-thirds of the members present, it may nominate candidates for officers, delegates, and committees in the meeting preceding the annual meeting.

Section 76. Lodge Dues. Every local lodge determines its own local dues, if any, at annual meetings. Every lodge has the right to levy special dues and assessments, if any, on its members when the regular assessments and funds of the lodge are not sufficient to cover the sick benefits and other purely lodge purposes and requirements. These assessments also apply to social members. Members who have their certificates paid up in due course, according to the terms thereof and who wish to remain active members, must pay the local lodge dues and assessments, if any, as prescribed by the lodge to which they belong, payable annually. Dues are to be paid to the treasurer before or at the end of the regular business meeting.

(c) All outgoing local lodge officers must turn over all records, reference material, booklets, etc., and money to their successor in good order at the end of their term.

Section 79. Board of Trustees. In case of necessity and if the size and volume of business warrants it, a lodge may elect a board of trustees. The board of trustees may consist of as many members as the lodge deems expedient. The board of trustees is responsible for all lodge property and gives a current account of that property to the members.

Section 80. Candidate Eligibility. In nominating a candidate for local lodge office, only those members who attend the lodge functions and meetings on a regular basis should be elected. A lodge may require in its rules and regulations that a member must have attended a majority of the meetings for the year of the election in order to be elected as an officer. An exception to the attendance requirement exists where an office has not been filled prior to the election. A member on suspension, for whatever reason, will not be elected to a position of responsibility in the lodge. Any member of the local lodge who desires to serve as a lodge officer who is an underwriter of any insurance company or an agent (underwriter) of any other fraternal life insurance society may be elected but must first disclose this information prior to the election.

Section 81. Dissolution. In the event of dissolution of a lodge, after the payment of all legally binding debts, the remaining assets and funds of the lodge, if any, shall never inure to the benefit of any member of the lodge and no funds or property of the lodge shall be distributed among or revert to any member. Nothing herein will prevent transferring such funds or property to another duly chartered SPJST local lodge, or from one duly chartered SPJST lodge merging with another duly chartered SPJST lodge.

Section 77. Suspension of Membership. Members may be suspended from local lodge membership but will not lose their insurance benefit except for nonpayment of premiums or if it occurs within the contestable period of the benefit contract and is for material misrepresentation in the application for membership or insurance.

(a) No lodge can be dissolved as long as 20 members are still in favor of its further existence.

Section 78. Lodge Officers. The following officers will be elected: president, vice president (to serve as fraternal activities coordinator for the lodge unless the lodge elects a fraternal activities coordinator as a separate position), second vice president (optional), secretary, treasurer, fraternal activities coordinator (optional), reporter (optional), and youth leader (optional). Lodges will also elect or appoint a flag bearer (optional), assistant youth leader(s) (optional), and parliamentarian (optional).

Section 82. Insurance. All lodges are encouraged to secure and maintain liability insurance in the minimum amount of $300,000 and workers’ compensation insurance (if the lodge has any employees) and have the carrier/insurer furnish proof of such coverage to the Home Office.

This also includes those lodges that do not own their lodge facility.

(a) The offices of the local lodge president and secretary cannot be combined, but each other office may be combined with other offices. (b) Election of officers is by ballot whenever more than one candidate is nominated for the same office.

A majority of votes decides. Officers are elected for one year or until their successors are elected. All officers elected take office on January 1, except lodges holding annual meetings in January, in which case such officers take office immediately following election.

(b) In case a lodge is dissolved, it is the duty of the last officers to deliver all books and papers belonging to the lodge to the Home Office.

ARTICLE XVI BENEFIT CERTIFICATES Section 83. Contract. The certificate of membership and insurance or annuity, together with any riders or endorsements attached to it, the application, the declaration of insurability (if any) signed by the applicant, the Charter of Incorporation, by-laws of SPJST, and Operations Manual and all amendments to them, constitute the entire contract when it is issued. Any subsequent changes, additions or amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws shall be binding upon the applicant member, certificate owner, beneficiaries and other persons affected, and shall

govern and control in all respects, except that no changes shall destroy or diminish benefits promised in the certificate when it was issued. If SPJST’s reserves for any class of SPJST’s benefit certificates becomes impaired, the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors may require the certificate holders to pay SPJST an equitable proportion of the deficiency as determined by the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors. The aggregate amount for the impaired reserves may not exceed the total amount required to comply with section 885.408 of the Texas Insurance Code.

Section 84. Terms. Any person upon whose life a certificate is issued prior to attaining the age of 16 years shall be bound by the terms of the application and certificate and by all the laws and rules of SPJST to the same extent as though the age of 16 years had been attained at the time of application.

Section 85. Beneficiaries. Benefit certificates may be made payable to such person or persons, entity, or interest as may be permitted under the rules and regulations of SPJST and applicable state laws. (a) In the event a named beneficiary predeceases the insured or is otherwise not legally entitled to receive the certificate proceeds, the certificate proceeds shall be paid per stirpes to the family members of the insured in the following succession, as applicable, (1) the surviving spouse; (2) children; (3) grandchildren; (4) parents; (5) brothers and sisters; (6) grandparents; and (7) estate of the deceased. (a) In the event a named beneficiary predeceases the insured or is otherwise not legally entitled to receive the certificate proceeds, the certificate proceeds shall be paid per stirpes to the family members of the insured in the following succession, as applicable, (1) the surviving spouse; (2) children; (3) grandchildren; (4) parents; (5) brothers and sisters; (6) grandparents; (7) other relatives in accordance to the laws of descent and distribution of Texas. In the event it is determined that the deceased insured has no living relatives, after a reasonable search, the certificate proceeds shall be paid to the estate of the insured. (b) A beneficiary shall not have or acquire any claim against SPJST whatsoever until the insured dies unless otherwise provided by law. (c) If a member moves from his/her last known address and his/her absence cannot be accounted for, for a period of seven years, his/her beneficiary will be paid the proceeds accruing under the certificate (Section 133.001, Civic Practice and Remedies Code or its successor).

Section 86. Reserves. If SPJST’s reserves for any class of SPJST’s benefit certificates becomes impaired, the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors may require the certificate holders to pay SPJST an equitable proportion of the deficiency as determined by the Supreme Lodge Board of Directors. The aggregate amount for the impaired reserves may not exceed the total amount required to comply with section 885.408 of the Texas Insurance Code. If such payment is not made, either: Section 86. Reserves. If the reserves as to all or any class of certificates become impaired, the Supreme Lodge may require that there shall be paid by the owner to SPJST

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

the amount of the owner’s equitable proportion of such deficiency as ascertained by the Supreme Lodge. If such payment is not made, either:

(b) Any individual under 70 years of age regardless of insurability may become a member with the purchase of an annuity in an amount of $5,000 minimum.

(a) it shall stand as indebtedness against the certificate and draw interest not to exceed the rate specified for certificate loans; or

(c) Any individual over 70 years of age regardless of insurability may become a member with the purchase of an annuity in an amount of $1,000 minimum.

(b) in lieu of or in combination with, the owner may accept a proportionate reduction in benefits under the certificate.

Section 87. Certificate Loans. The policies and procedures for certificate loans shall be governed by the terms of the insurance certificate contract and laws of the State of Texas. Certificate loans are administered in accordance with policies and procedures determined by the Supreme Lodge and fully in compliance with the certificate contract.

Section 88. Assignments. No assignment of the certificate shall be binding upon SPJST until the original or copy is filed with SPJST at the Home Office and the Home Office shall have made written acknowledgment thereof.

SPJST assumes no responsibility for the validity of any assignment and any claim hereunder by an assignee shall always be inferior to those of SPJST to secure any indebtedness against this certificate, whether such indebtedness shall be created before or after any assignment.

Section 89. Change of Beneficiary. Any member desiring to change his/her beneficiary may do so. (a) The request for change of beneficiary must be completed by the member on a form in use by SPJST. Change of beneficiary forms must be filed with SPJST at the Home Office. A person whose designation as a beneficiary is revocable may not have or obtain a vested interest in the proceeds before the certificate pays out. (b) No beneficiary change shall take effect unless received by the Home Office during the lifetime of the insured. When it is received, any change shall take effect as of the date the request for beneficiary change was signed, as long as the request for change was mailed or actually delivered to the Home Office while the insured was alive. Such beneficiary change shall be null and void where SPJST has made a good faith payment of the proceeds or has taken other action before receiving the change.

ARTICLE XVII ANNUITY CERTIFICATES Section 90. Eligibility Requirements. SPJST members (life insurance certificate holders) are eligible and may purchase an annuity with a $100 minimum contribution.

Section 91.

Exceptions.

(a) Any individual under 70 years of age must apply for an SPJST life insurance certificate, but if rated above standard, the individual may become a member with the purchase of an annuity in an amount of $1,000 minimum.

ARTICLE XVIII MORTGAGE LOANS The Supreme Lodge is fully authorized to set policy and procedure in connection with members’ applications for loans on real estate. No one individual or corporation may have total loans exceeding $500,000. This limitation does not apply to SPJST lodge buildings and 501(c)(3) organizations. No director shall be permitted to evaluate a mortgage loan if he/she is related to the applicant either by blood, marriage, or business connections, or if he/she has any direct or indirect interest in the loan to be made.

ARTICLE XIX INDEMNIFICATION Section 92. Indemnification. To the extent permitted by law, SPJST does hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Supreme Lodge member serving SPJST against liability for any claims or causes of action which may be made against any of the above stated individuals, of any kind or nature, for such acts or omissions which would arise in the performance of their duties. SPJST shall agree to pay any damages on behalf of any of the above stated individuals for which they may be held liable.

SPJST shall agree to pay any and all expenses that may be incurred by any of the above stated individuals, including, but not limited to payment of reasonable attorney fees for defense of any claims or cause of action made whatsoever.

Section 92. Indemnification. To the extent permitted by law, SPJST does hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Supreme Lodge member and Editor/Director of Communication serving SPJST against liability for any claims or causes of action which may be made against any of the above stated individuals, of any kind or nature, for such acts or omissions which would arise in the performance of their duties. SPJST shall agree to pay any damages on behalf of any of the above stated individuals for which they may be held liable. SPJST shall agree to pay any and all expenses that may be incurred by any of the above stated individuals, including, but not limited to payment of reasonable attorney fees for defense of any claims or cause of action made whatsoever.

Section 93. Insurance. SPJST shall maintain insurance on each Supreme Lodge member against liability for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties as determined by the Supreme Lodge.

Section 93. Insurance. SPJST shall maintain insurance on each Supreme Lodge member and Editor/Director of Communication against liability for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties as determined by the Supreme Lodge.

21

ARTICLE XX FUNDS AND INVESTMENTS Section 94. There shall be established and maintained by dues and assessments collected from members and from all other income of the Society, a fund or funds for the payment of death and other benefits and for the accumulation of reserves on certificates as provided by law and/or the benefit certificates, and for the expense of management and extension of the Society.

The Supreme Lodge shall have supervision over the operations of the funds of the Society which shall be invested in accordance with the investment policies adopted by the Supreme Lodge and all applicable laws.

ARTICLE XXI INTERPRETATION OF BY-LAWS If any section of these by-laws should not be explicit, or in case of uncertainty or dispute as to its intent or meaning, the Supreme Lodge shall have the power to decide upon such situation; and its decision shall remain in force until such decision or section is duly amended.

ARTICLE XXII RULES OF PROCEDURE Section 95. If the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST are silent as to any procedural aspect of any action or meeting hereunder, the procedures of the current latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall control such procedure.

ARTICLE XXIII WAIVER Section 96. No subordinate body, nor any of its subordinate officers or members, shall have the power or authority to waive any of the provisions of the by-laws of the Society. Such provisions shall be binding on the Society and every member and beneficiary of a member.

ARTICLE XXIV AMENDMENTS Section 97. Repeal/Amend. These by-laws may be repealed or amended in whole or in part by a two-thirds majority vote at any regular or special Convention.

Section 98. Between meetings of the Convention, the Supreme Lodge may by two-thirds vote of all Supreme Lodge members, amend these by-laws in any way necessary to clarify or give effect to Convention enactments, to remove or revise contradictions or ambiguities, or to make these Bylaws conform to the laws of the State of Texas.

Section 99. Effective Date. Amendments to these bylaws shall take effect upon their adoption, unless another time is specified, and shall be submitted to Texas Department of Insurance. All amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST or a synopsis thereof shall

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

22

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

be published in the Věstník within the time required by the laws of the State of Texas. The Chief Financial Officer shall file with Texas Department of Insurance a certified copy of each amendment not later than the 90th day after the date of enactment of the amendment. A printed copy of the bylaws, as amended, that is certified by the Chief Financial Officer is prima facie evidence that the by-laws were legally adopted.

Section 109. Effective Date. Amendments to these bylaws shall take effect on July 1 following the Convention at which they were adopted. All amendments to the Charter of Incorporation or by-laws of SPJST or a synopsis thereof shall be published in the Věstník or mailed directly to members within the time required by the laws of the State of Texas. The Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) shall file with Texas Department of Insurance a certified copy of each amendment not later than the 90th day after the date of enactment of the amendment. A printed copy of the by-laws, as amended, that is certified by the Chief Financial Officer (Secretary-Treasurer) is prima facie evidence that the by-laws were legally adopted.

Section 100. Power to Correct Typographical Errors. The Convention directs the Supreme Lodge Officers to correct typographical errors that might appear in the foregoing bylaws and to renumber the articles, sections, subsections, and/or subparagraphs in codifying the same so as to place them in proper order but without changing the context, intent, and purpose thereof. Should any article, section, or part of these by-laws be held invalid for any reason whatsoever by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remainder or any part thereof.

ARTICLE XXV RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES The purpose of this article is to provide a method for fair resolution of disputes consistent with the fraternal nature of SPJST. Should a formal complaint be brought against any member(s), committee member(s), or officer(s), the provisions contained in this article shall be followed as these procedures have been structured to reflect the spirit of the disciplinary process as detailed in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order.” (a) Local lodges of SPJST and their officers and members, as well as members of the Supreme Lodge, shall guide themselves according to the charter, constitution, and by-laws of the Society; otherwise, they are subject to penalty for violation and non-observance of them. Punishments that a lodge can impose generally fall under the headings of corrective actions, censure, suspension, or expulsion. Members may be suspended from membership for the following reasons, but will not lose their insurance benefit except for nonpayment of premiums and dues: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Members found to be guilty of immoral acts; Members convicted of felonious acts; Members derelict in their responsibilities; Members guilty of improper conduct and habitually failing to adhere to the by-laws, rules and regulations in the meeting; and Members whose actions are considered injurious to the organization or its purposes.

(b) Formal disciplinary procedures should be regarded as a drastic step reserved for serious situations or those potentially so. In the event that a grievance cannot be resolved informally, SPJST provides an orderly, confidential, and progressive procedure to deal with any serious differences of opinion which cause a member to believe that they have been dealt with unjustly.

(1) consider evidence and determine innocence or guilt by a two-thirds vote of eligible voting members present; and

(c) The grievance must be submitted in writing and signed by the person(s) making the charge. The grievance should be specific and should identify a desired outcome. Anonymous or unsigned grievances will not be considered. The grievance should be addressed to the lodge president — or if the lodge president is being cited — to the lodge vice president; and so on. Grievances dealing with matters on a district level or state level are to be directed directly to the Office of the Supreme Lodge President — or if the Supreme Lodge President is being cited — to the Supreme Lodge Chairman. The procedural process is essentially the same as outlined throughout this section.

(h) In the event of a finding of guilt by the lodge, the cited member may appeal, in writing, to the Supreme Lodge. Such an appeal must be made within 15 days after receipt of notice of action by the Grievance Committee; likewise, the aggrieved member, if not satisfied with the Grievance Committee’s ruling or sentencing, may appeal to the Supreme Lodge in the same manner as the accused member.

(d) The lodge president shall appoint a Lodge Grievance Committee of at least three members who are not directly involved or named in the grievance.

The lodge president shall serve as a non-voting member of the Grievance Committee. In the event that the grievance involves the lodge president, the committee shall be appointed by the vice president or another lodge officer not cited or affected directly by the grievance. The Lodge Grievance Committee may be a standing committee of the lodge; otherwise, the Lodge Grievance Committee shall be designated at the next lodge meeting following the written filing of the grievance. (e) The Lodge Grievance Committee will be instructed to make a determination that the allegations cited against the member are well-founded. In the event that the allegations are determined wellfounded, the Lodge Grievance Committee shall address the matter, including any corrective actions which are deemed necessary, discretely with the member in question.

(2) consider and vote upon disciplinary action(s) recommended by the Grievance Committee, subject to an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the voting members present.

(i) The appeal will be added to the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge. (j) The Supreme Lodge shall investigate thoroughly all facts pertinent to the ruling of the Grievance Committee. To facilitate in this process, the lodge Grievance Committee will furnish a transcript of all prior proceedings on the matter to the Supreme Lodge President. (k) The Supreme Lodge shall uphold, reject, and/or amend the ruling of the Grievance Committee, and this decision shall stand. (l) All grievance proceedings under the by-laws shall be held in executive session, and the name of the member under investigation shall not be disclosed in any public communication or to any person other than to persons whose testimony is necessary in connection with the initial proceedings and/or subsequent lodge intercession. All communications concerning disciplinary proceedings are to be marked “Confidential” and all disciplinary files are to be maintained in strict confidence.

—SPJST—

(f) The severity of the action taken or recommended by a Lodge Grievance Committee should depend upon the nature and severity of the offense.

Under most circumstances, it is recommended that upon first offense, that the Lodge Grievance Committee issue a discrete written warning to the accused, detailing the offense and the corrective action(s); moreover, SPJST seeks to ensure that a lodge doesn’t expel anyone from membership for reasons of race, religion, gender, or disability. (g) If the problem persists following this issuance of written warning — or if the individual cited protests the findings of the Lodge Grievance Committee — then the Lodge Grievance Committee may reconvene to reconsider the matter and — if deemed necessary — request that the accused member be brought before the general membership at a regularly scheduled lodge meeting for a trial to:

Black - current by-law • Red - proposed change • Green - move to Operations Manual • Blue - codifying

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

23

SPJST PHOTO CHALLENGE We’re inviting all our members to a fun and creative photo challenge!

Take a photo with the theme: “What SPJST Means to Me”

ative!

Be cre

You could be featured in the next issue of the Vestnik!

Submit your photo to info@spjst.org

COLOR the

have fun with these

Activities to do at home • Start to learn a new language - like Czech! with apps like Duolingo and Babbel.

• Do you have old photographs lying around?

Make a scrapbook or organize an album.

• Find a yoga or workout routine online and follow along.

• Mail someone a letter; they will love it!

• Get crafting! Pick up an old hobby or learn a new one.

Go to Pinterest for ideas and inspiration.

• Find a forgotten book and take time to read it.

• Host a family game night.

Rediscover favorite games from your childhood!

• Karaoke night!

Find music on the radio, youtube, or apps like Pandora and Spotify.

Bonus points if you have a cd, cassette, or record player!

• Give a friend or family member a phone call.

• Get creative in the kitchen with new recipes or have a baking/decorating competition with family members.

24

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

SPJST Lodge Section The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to:

/// Questions? Call 800-727-7578

Lodge 4, Hallettsville announces longtime members Dear Members, SPJST Lodge 4, Hallettsville met on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Hallettsville Chamber Meeting Room at 3 p.m.

President Joe Siptak opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for the deceased members.

Welcomed to the meeting was Dis-

SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087

Email: vestnik@spjst.org

trict Six Director/Supreme Lodge Chairman Karen Kaspar.

Secretary/Treasurer Helen Zabransky read minutes of the last meeting and the financial report.

Resolution Chairman Gayenell Chudej read a resolution of sympathy for Henry T. Muenster.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Annie Vahalik reported on upcoming events and meetings and that bingo would be played and door prizes given.

Members signed a get well card for Jennifer Hessler.

Under correspondence, a letter was read listing our 50- and 75-year members. Fifty-year members are Arthur C. Holly, Dorothy Ann Jackman, Troy Keith Kalmus, Ronald Eugene Kostelnik, Donna Mae Sevcik, and Karen Ann Sevcik. The 75-year members are Leona Mae Guenther and Mildred A. Netardus, and Age 96 honoree is Evelyn Sklar. The pins will be mailed directly to the members from the Home Office.

District Six Director Karen Kaspar spoke to members on upcoming events, meetings, and the state convention. She shared that she will not be seeking reelection as director. Best wishes, Karen, and thank you for all you did for our district.

The lodge then congratulated Vice President/FAC Annie Vahalik on submitting her announcement for District Six Director.

Members voted to advertise in the 2020 Convention Souvenir Book.

President Joe reported that he attended a rest home directors’ meeting and a By-Law Committee meeting.

Philip and Annie Vahalik attended the District Six Cemetery meeting in Moravia.

FAC Annie reported that she along with Vlasta Bartos and Mary Ann Cerny from Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje attended the SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament in January. They had a good time even though they didn’t place.

Tammy and Frank did a great job hosting the tournament.

“Happy Birthday” was sung to Gayenell Chudej who had a birthday that day and to Joe Siptak and Philip Vahalik who had February birthdays.

Door prize winners were Susan Siptak, Gayenell Chudej, and Annie Vahalik.

The meeting adjourned followed by lunch with President Joe Siptak giving the meal prayer.

Everyone then had fun playing bingo with the prizes provided by the lodge.

The next meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at the chamber meeting room beginning at 3 p.m.

Please call 361-798-3347 for an update.

Fraternally, Patsy Zabransky, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 18, Elgin hosts the Dujka Brothers for Valentine Dance

TOP LEFT PHOTO: The valentine dance with the Dujka Brothers was a good time for those who attended. TOP CENTER: We had visitors from California - Madden, Pam Schoski, Janier Williams, Eva Montague, and Pauleth Britton had a great time. TOP RIGHT: Edward and Viola Doege from La Vernia were there to help Connie and Harry Schielack from Rockdale celebrate their 41st anniversary. Also helping with the celebration were Gene and Susan Bartosh from San Antonio. It was great to have you with us. Come again! LEFT PHOTO: Stasia Demkowicz attends often. This time, youngsters Leo and Lela were there with the group.

RIGHT PHOTO: Celebrating their 55th anniversary were Sid and Joan Krhovjak with our regular dancing group. We always end with a sing-along. Thank you to John and Mark Dujka for the patriotic ending; it was very touching.

—Submitted by Irene Vrabel, Reporter

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 6, Cottonwood reports on March meeting President Milton Peterson called the meeting of SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood to order on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 2 p.m. Brother Don Urbanovsky led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sister Peggy Dobecka gave the SPJST motto. A moment of silence was observed for the sick and deceased of the lodge.

Sister Irene Peterson reported 16 members and one guest present. Sister Barbara Hykel read minutes from the last meeting.

Sister Peggy Dobecka gave the treasurer’s report and the youth report. The youth will make Easter bags for rest home residents. For Join Hands Day, the youth will take out some old plants and plant new things around the hall.

Sister Evelyn Stuckly gave her fraternal report. There will be a Flag Day contest and the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive is still going on.

Sympathy cards were sent to Bobby and Peggy Dobecka on the loss of her mother and to Irene Barber on the loss of her husband. There were no March birthdays. Progressive door prize winner was absent. Attendance door prize winners were Bobby Dobecka, Pam Urbanovsky, and Jeanette Beseda.

Irene and Milton Peterson prepared the meal for members.

Dates to Remember There will be a social on Friday, March 20. A trustee meeting is planned for Friday, April 17 - meal at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

We are canceling our Easter party that was scheduled for Sunday, April 5 due to concerns of the coronavirus.

Dorothy Kucera, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 18, Elgin welcomes guest at February meeting Kristen Alamo Rowin, who was a Republican candidate for the District 17 United States House, was our guest at the SPJST Lodge 18, Elgin meeting in February 2020. Kristen gave her views and thanked us for letting her visit with us.

Monday, March 23, 2020 Unfortunately, the hall is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We had to cancel the Sunday, April 5 polka dance with the Red Ravens.

We have a great dance schedule for the upcoming months. Please continue to check the Vestnik for any additional updates. The schedule is:

25

A bucket of 7,500 pennies

Sunday, May 3—Lost Cause, polka Sunday, May 17—Glen Collins, country Sunday, June 28—Western Days Free Dance: Glen Collins Sunday, July 19—Glen Collins, country Sunday, July 26—Fritz Hodde, polka I have heard that we don’t advertise maybe this will help. We advertise to the members; maybe we need to expand.

We are still trying to find a way to get people interested in SPJST. How many people really know what SPJST is really about? Are the rates competitive? I don’t have the answers, but I keep asking.

A big thanks to Anton Bravenec of Lodge 47, Seaton for collecting and donating a bucket of 7,500 pennies to the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive.

Anton, center, presents the pennies to Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez and State Fraternal Director Frank Horak at the Home Office on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

“lt’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice” Irene Vrabel, Reporter —SPJST—

As little as one dollar can make a

big difference!

Thank you for your generous support of the 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund drive.

Acknowledgement of the donation: Name/s published in the SPJST bi-monthly newspaper, Vestnik.

26

Monday, March 23, 2020

Lodge 24, Cyclone reports on March meeting Lodge 24, Cyclone met on Monday March 9, 2020, at Flag Hall. The meeting was called to order by Brenda Maddux. She led the Pledge of Allegiance and a silent prayer for the deceased members and the military. Brenda Maddux did not have her FAC report from the Home Office, but knew the District Two Spring Meeting was scheduled for March 15 at Seaton Star Hall. Brenda gave the hall and bar reports. We understand that the walk-in cooler is ready to be fired up this week.

There were no minutes as Margaret Mikeska was not present.

We discussed the Mother’s Day meal and decided to order 1,100 chicken halves and to have a drive-through service for plates-to-go. We discussed the Vrazels’ Band Tribute scheduled for Sunday, March 29. The Rogers High School Prom will be held the night before on Saturday, March 28. The Red Raven band was booked for Saturday, March 13, 2021. Please make plans.

The insurance is due soon.

Robert Macek celebrated his birthday on March 3.

For the lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter Editor’s Note: Due to concerns of the coronavirus, Lodge 24, Cyclone has postponed the Vrazels’ Tribute Band that was scheduled for March 29. The Rogers High School Prom scheduled for March 28 has been canceled.

—SPJST—

Lodge 24, Cyclone postpones March 29 Vrazels’ Tribute Dance In accordance with CDC recommendations, as well as guidance from SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek, all large events and gatherings of any type are to be postponed to a later date for the safety and health of not only those in attendance, but for all workers and participants of the event. Therefore, the Vrazels’ Tribute Dance that was to be held on Sunday, March 29 at SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone Flag Hall is being

VĚSTNÍK

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth of Lodge 38, Kovar!

Lodge 29, Taylor welcomes new members

Happy 14th birthday to Elizabeth Holder of Lodge 38, Kovar! She is pictured with uncle Allen Lastovica, who is also a member of Lodge 38.

RIGHT PHOTO: Elizabeth celebrated her special day with her family.

Pictured with Elizabeth are mom Sheri and brothers Matt, far right, and Ethan. They are all members of Lodge 38.

—Submitted by Dorothy Lastovica

postponed to a later date after the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has cleared.

We will be in contact with each of you as soon as a date for this event is rescheduled.

Daniel Wilde, President —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis hosts successful fundraiser Dear Members and Readers, The monthly members’ supper at Lodge 25, Ennis was held on Thursday March 12, 2020. In keeping with the St. Patrick’s Day theme, Betty Macalik prepared an Irish feast of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and mashed potatoes with chocolate cake for dessert.

In the absence of President JoAnn Jones, the monthly meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Vice President Arlene Honza. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Margaret Krajca. We are happy to announce that there were no members on the deceased or sick list.

Pat Fowler read the minutes of the last meeting. Betty Macalik gave the financial, treasury, and bar reports. Fraternal Activities Coordinator Kay Lynn

Kovar reported that the District Three Spring Meeting will be held at our lodge on Sunday, April 26. In the absence of our youth leader, Betty Macalik reported that the youth had an outing and meeting at All Star Bowling.

Old business included a final report from our annual fundraiser. A higher profit was announced than previous years. Thank you to all the members who helped make this a fun and very successful event!

Margaret Krajca announced one new member is pending.

With no other business to discuss, March birthdays and anniversaries were announced, none of whom were present.

The meeting adjourned, and the social began with 10 members and three officers present.

All lodge events and rentals for the remainder of March through April have been canceled or rescheduled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Fraternally, Margaret Krajca Reporter —SPJST—

President Ronnie Rieger called the Lodge 29, Taylor meeting to order on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. He led the Pledge of Allegiance and had a moment of silence in honor of our departed members and the military serving our country. Tammy Cannon and Mike and Cristy Girod were absent. The February minutes were read and approved. Ronnie gave the treasurer’s report in Tammy’s absence.

Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Sharon Kaderka reminded us of the District Two Spring Meeting that will be held at Seaton Star Hall on Sunday, March 15. The SPJST State 42 Domino Tournament will be held on Saturday, April 4 at the SPJST Home Office. Sharon also asked members to save the date of Saturday, October 31 for the SPJST Car Show and CzechFeszt.

We had two members transfer to Lodge 29 - Angeline Malicoat and Katherine Merka. Barbara Nygrin made a motion to accept the new members, and Mary Jane Pustejovsky seconded. The motion passed.

Cristy Girod signed up two new members - Lane Jirasek and Noella Silvas. Albin Machu made a motion to accept the new members, and Frankie Pustejovsky seconded. The motion passed.

Members celebrating birthdays in March include Sharon Kaderka, Kristen Rieger, Frankie Pustejovsky, Mike Girod, Andylyn Teat, McKensie Falk, and Ruby Schroeder.

Mary Jane and Frankie Pustejovsky brought door prizes. Next month, Adolph Grieger volunteered to bring them.

The next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. has been canceled due to state and county guidelines pertaining to the spread of the coronavirus.

Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 30, Taiton reports on February meeting The SPJST Lodge 30, Taiton meeting was called to order on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Taiton Community Center. President Yvonne Marcaurele called the meeting to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A moment of silence was observed for any sick or departed members.

The minutes of the January meeting were read. Five officers, four adult members, 15 youth members, and two guests were in attendance.

Treasurer Lisa Bubela reported on the financial standing of the lodge. She reported that the only outstanding bills at this time was from cleaning supplies for cleaning the hall in preparation for the upcoming Taiton Altar Society Chicken Dinner on March 8.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Patsy Baker informed members of the upcoming events around the state. The District Six Spring Meeting is planned for Sunday, March 15 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Hallettsville. It will be cohosted by Lodges 4, Hallettsville and 63, Sweet Home. She then shared the enhanced premium guidelines with the members present.

Secretary Marjorie Treumer read the list of terminations, lapses, transfer requests, and new insurance issued.

Youth Leader Lisa Bubela reported that she had attended the American Camp Association conference and that it was a great experience. She reported that she learned a lot of new information and cannot wait to put it all into practice at camp. She reported that we would be changing the youth calendar year to January to December. The scrapbook for this the 2020 Youth Achievement Day (YAD) will only cover June 2019 to December 2019. To participate in YAD and camp, each member will still need to attend seven meetings in the calendar year. LIT camp will be June 24 to 28, and District Six camp will be July 16 to 18. District Six YAD will be hosted by Lodge 30, Taiton on July 12, and State YAD will be July 25 at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple. Lisa also informed members that on February 23, a youth workshop would be held at SPJST Lodge 81, Needville. It will begin at 11 a.m. with lunch and the workshop to follow.

District Six Director Karen Kaspar

Monday, March 23, 2020 shared that she had attended the recent Supreme Lodge meeting and that everything had gone well. She also shared that she had attended the District Six Cemetery Committee previously. She informed the members that she would be participating in a review of the by-laws in preparation for the upcoming convention this summer. She stated that she was officially not seeking re-election as District Six Director.

The Lodge 30 rules and regulations were then read and discussed. There were no changes made to the existing rules and regulations at this time.

Happy birthday was wished to Debbie Krpec who celebrated her birthday on February 12 and to Brooke Bacak who celebrated her birthday on February 18.

The next meeting will be on March 8 at Taiton Community Center. The adult meeting will begin at 2 p.m. with the youth to follow.

Fraternally yours, Marjorie Treumer, Reporter —SPJST—

27

Lodge 47, Seaton hosts Chili Supper and Family Night Lodge 47, Seaton hosted a chili supper and family fun day on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Seaton Star Hall.

Members and guests enjoyed a chili meal and socializing.

Lodge 47, Seaton member Tammy Martinez, left, center, calls bingo for the youth members in attendance.

All youth and adults enjoyed a fun evening at the hall.

Lodge 39, Bryan cancels meeting

Youth attendees socialize and play games at the Lodge 47, Seaton Family Fun Night.

Dear Members, Lodge 39, Bryan canceled its March 14, 2020, meeting due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. Members were unable to discuss the possible sale of the lodge’s property. Therefore, the meeting that was scheduled for April 5 has also been canceled. Stay tuned for an announcement regarding the next meeting.

Fraternally, Wade O’Shields, President —SPJST—

Adults visit and socialize in the bar at Star Hall. Thanks to all who attended.

—Submitted by Ginger Ringwald Fraternal Activities Coordinator

28

Monday, March 23, 2020

Lodge 47, Seaton cancels April 5 meeting, member recognition Dear Lodge 47 Members and Friends, The lodge officers and board members unanimously canceled the Sunday, April 5, 2020, lodge meeting at the recent board meeting due to the coronavirus outbreak. This meeting was also to have honored this year’s 50- and 75-year members. The celebration of these members will be held at a later date. An invitation will be sent to each of you as soon as a date is rescheduled.

Also, please watch the Vestnik for other details.

May God keep each of you healthy and safe.

Patsy Koslovsky, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 48, Beyersville postpones April meeting Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adult and youth club members of Lodge 48, Beyersville will postpone their next monthly meeting which was scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2020, at Thrall Country Diner. Please stay tuned for the next meeting date.

Fraternally, Alice Bracewell, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 76 Wichita Falls announces meetings Dear Members, Beginning in June 2020, meetings for Lodge 76, Wichita Falls will begin at 12:30 p.m. Meeting dates are Sunday, June 7; Sunday, September 13; and Sunday, December 6. Meetings will be held at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls. For more information, contact Vice President/FAC Ray Esparza 940766-0472. Please make plans to join us.

Everyone is welcome.

Ray Esparza Vice President/FAC —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 48, Beyersville Building progress

Lodge 48, Beyersville’s new building is progressing well. Members hope to have the outside framing completed soon. The next phase will be installing windows and doors which are available and ready for delivery.

—Submitted by Alice Bracewell, Secretary

Lodge 79 Corpus Christi members celebrate Valentine’s Day Lodge 79, Corpus Christi celebrated Valentine’s Day with a catered meal of hamburger steak and sides furnished by the lodge and members on Sunday, February 16, 2020. The meeting was called to order by President Mark Rebecek at 2 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. On the sick list was Carlene Jackson, partner of member James Elzner.

All officers were present, and we had 28 members and guests in attendance.

Member Larry Novosad had been on our sick list, and he was able to attend the meeting. It was good to have him back.

Secretary Virginia Rebecek read the January minutes, and they were approved.

Treasurer Larry Elzner gave the January financial report, and it was approved as read. We received a thank you note from the Coastal Food Bank for our donation.

Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Jerry Sijansky gave the fraternal report. He advised all to read the Vestnik for all the different events coming up. The month of February celebrated Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day. Jerry gave a history of Valentine’s Day.

Under new business, Secretary Virginia Rebecek read a letter from SPJST Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny about purchasing an ad in the program book for the convention. It was voted that our lodge will purchase a full page ad.

Judy Majek made a motion to give the monthly donation to Works of Mercy. The motion was approved.

Member Lela Mae Hajek was recognized for receiving a plaque for her many years of community service to the Robstown Livestock Show. Congratulations, Lela Mae! Members Michael Urbanovsky and daughters Sarah and Annie were on several television stations advertising the Polka Fest with their attire.

Under old business, five members will attend the District Seven Spring Meeting in Jourdanton.

Youth Leader Marcia Rew gave the youth club report. The youth colored the Vestnik Project, talked about Valentine’s Day, and received goodie bags.

Birthdays for February were Lela Mae Hajek on the 1st, Dorothy McCoy on the 8th, and Christina Rew on the 16th. “Happy Birthday” was sung to these members.

Wedding anniversary was Lydia and Victoria Bridges, who were married 62 years on February 15. Happy anniversary!

Twenty-five dollar door prizes were won by Mark Rebecek and Victor Bridges.

Our next meeting will be Sunday, March 15. Our lodge will recognize 50and 75-year members with a meal of chicken fried steak and sides furnished by the lodge.

Christina Rew made motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Victor Bridges, at 2:50 p.m.

Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 80, Holland cancels March, April, May events In the interest of all our workers, members, and bingo players, we have decided to cancel our Thursday night bingos and the first Saturday bingos for the duration of March, April, and May. There will be no public functions at Lodge 80, Holland during this time period. We are following the suggested outlines of our state and local governments and the Supreme Lodge regarding crowds numbering more than 50 persons. We wish for all to remain healthy during this challenging time.

May God bless everyone.

Sincerely, Rita Spinn President —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 80, Holland hosts Chamber Banquet Dear Members and Friends, Lodge 80, Holland’s bi-monthly meeting was called to order by President Rita Spinn on Tuesday March 3, 2020, with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for departed members being observed. Minutes of the previous meeting provided by Secretary Linda Hill were approved on a motion by Coleman Benner. Financial report provided by Treasurer Joyce Martinets was approved on a motion by Connie Horak after some discussion. The audit committee of Shirley Liles, Mary Davis, and Jeanette Wald was included in the report with all things fine for 2019.

Vice President Joe Liles read correspondence from Westphalia Church of Visitation thanking us for our donation; SPJST Home Office regarding the upcoming convention, thank you for the fundraiser in November, and thank you for the donation to the scholarship fund; thank you from Holland Chamber of Commerce for the use of the hall for its banquet; and a letter from Holland ISD for senior scholarships. Brother Liles stated that American Legion member Ralph Snyder fixed the pulley on the flag pole, and we now have the flag waving over us.

Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Pajestka Jr. reported on valentine bingo night, upcoming bingo nights, the

Monday, March 23, 2020 domino tournament at the Home Office, Holland Women’s Study Club fundraiser, and Join Hands Day. Silveria Tschoerner reported that the Bartlett Youth League would use the lodge hall in April.

The Chamber Banquet was great with two of our members being recognized for their service in the community.

Joyce Martinets was named Woman of the Year. J.D. (Pete) Coker was one of the gentlemen receiving Man of the Year. Way to go, Joyce and Pete! Coach Brad Talbert was Man of the Year for his great season with the Holland Hornets football team and athletics as athletic director. Students recognized were Megan Depew, Christine Reagan, Brady Shelton, and Jacob Cearley.

President Spinn discussed the upcoming convention. A motion was made

by Joe Liles to purchase a full page ad in the convention program. Motion was passed. President Spinn then discussed the District Two Spring Meeting. The membership moved to donate two door prizes for the meeting.

President Spinn then asked about donations to be made, and the following were approved by the membership: Holland ISD scholarships, Holland Women’s Study Club, and Czech National Cemetery in memory of Raymond Balusek.

Barbara Taisler-Hill brought up a request about the Czech cemetery, and it was approved by the membership.

Barbara made a motion to increase hamburger prices by 50 cents, and after

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi recognizes february birthday celebrants Lodge 79, Corpus Christi recognized its February birthday celebrants at the meeting.

Happy birthday to, left to right, Christina Rew on the 16th, Dorothy McCoy on the 8th, and Lela Mae Hajek on the 1st. They are all members of Lodge 79.

—Virginia Rebecek Secretary

some discussion, the motion passed.

Coleman Benner made a motion to have a special bingo night once a month.

The motion carried.

Frank Horak stated that the fundraiser for the Home Office Christmas project was greatly appreciated, and they would like to do another one at the lodge. The motion carried.

It was agreed to join hands with Holland American Legion Post 526 to help with their fundraiser on May 2.

The 50- and 75-year members were scheduled to be recognized on Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m. with a meal and our meeting. However, this has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Have great spring, and stay well.

Fraternally, Frank Pajestka Jr. Fraternal Activities Coordinator —SPJST—

Lodge 81, Needville reports on March meeting The March 2020 meeting of SPJST Lodge 81, Needville was held on Sunday, the 15th. At 12 noon, a prayer of thanks was given by President Vincent Newman, and everyone enjoyed a potluck meal. A variety of meats, vegetables, and desserts were provided by members. I would like to thank Emma Kujawa’s kitchen committee for getting everything ready for us.

President Vincent Newman called the business meeting to order at 1 p.m. Vincent Newman led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All officers answered the roll call.

Secretary Willie Mae Kuykendall, Treasurer Bradley Stavinoha, and Special Funds Chairman Dan Natho read their reports, which were approved as read.

Under old business, we decided to cancel the parking space rental for the citywide garage sale. Also under old business, President Vincent Newman read a letter about postponing the District Five delegates’ meeting until the end of May. Under new business, President Vincent Newman read a nice letter from George Abschneider where he made a donation to the lodge. We also decided

29

Happy Anniversary, Victor and Lydia Bridges!

Happy wedding anniversary to Victor and Lydia Bridges of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi! They celebrated their 62nd anniversary on February 15, 2020. They are members of Lodge 79 Corpus Christi.

—Submitted by Virginia Rebecek

to place an ad in the convention book.

Under other business, our next meeting will be on Sunday, April 19, and it will be the District Five Spring Meeting.

We are all very excited to see everyone next month. Bradley Stavinoha reminded members that Join Hands Day is on May 2. He also announced that our lodge’s youth helped out at the American Legion fundraiser.

For our next meeting on Sunday, April 19, we will have a catered meal since its the district meeting. See you at the next meeting!

Fraternally, Jeanette Newman, Reporter —SPJST—

30

Monday, March 23, 2020

Lodge 84, Dallas cancels April 19 after-Easter event

VĚSTNÍK

O O O Presenting 2020 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas

Dear Readers, Due to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak, Lodge 84, Dallas has canceled its after-Easter celebration that was to be held in conjunction with the monthly meeting on Sunday, April 19, 2020.

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 84, Dallas celebrates 110th anniversary Dear Readers, Lodge 84, Dallas had a wonderful turnout on Sunday, March 8, 2020, for its 110th anniversary! The spaghetti dinner catered by Lynda Novak was delicious. Thanks to Sister Vicki Sims and Sister Kelly Tucker for keeping the food, dessert, and tea stations stocked while serving and a big thank you to District Three Director John Engelke and wife Diana for help with guiding guests through the serving line so it ran smoothly.

After dining on the spaghetti lunch, President Justine Yeager welcomed all in attendance. She brought the March meeting to order at 2:10 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Flag Bearer Lynda Novak. A moment of silence was observed for troops serving our country, those affected by illness, and our departed members.

President Yeager spoke on the importance of what SPJST means to us all.

She explained how SPJST was built on fraternalism and that it is meant to help others - then, now, and for the future.

She encouraged building our membership so we can keep the tradition going.

Through our love for each other, we can stay active!

District Three Director John Engelke was then introduced. He welcomed all attending the anniversary celebration and thanked everyone for their support.

He emphasized how important our membership was, and how it was the glue that kept our lodge and organization together.

The sunshine committee reported

received on March 13 from District Two Director Jesse Pospisil indicating that the District Two Spring Meeting scheduled for March 15 was postponed amid health concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting is to be rescheduled, and a new meeting date along with more details will be announced in the Vestník.

Fraternally, Carolyn Greene, Secretary —SPJST—

Lodge 88, Houston cancels March, April events The 2020 SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas officers are, left to right, Reporter Anne Cowan, Youth Leader/Flag Bearer Lynda Novak, Treasurer James Liska, Secretary Cherri Petr, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator/Assistant Youth Leader Vicki Sims, and President Justine Yeager. The officers were installed by District Three Director John Engelke, far right.

that a sympathy card was sent to the family of brother Ted Dusek. May he rest in peace.

Youth Leader Lynda Novak gave her reports on the youth club, Fraternal Council, and Czech Culture Committee.

President Yeager asked Secretary Cherri Petr to read the minutes of the last meeting and the correspondence received, which were all approved by those present. Secretary Cherri introduced Sister Kathy Nemec who was presented her 75-year membership pin

by President Yeager.

President Yeager asked Director Engelke if he would install the 2020 slate of officers for Lodge 84, which he happily did.

President Yeager closed the meeting with a reminder that the next monthly meeting would be an after-Easter celebration on Sunday, April 19. However, since then, due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been canceled.

The meeting was adjourned so everyone could enjoy some bingo!

Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 87, Temple reports on March meeting The monthly meeting of Lodge 87, Temple was called to order by President Sidney Kacir on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 2 p.m. Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Linda Hopper, led the Pledge of Allegiance. President Kacir then called for a moment of silence in memory and honor of our founding fathers and other departed lodge members. Secretary Greene read minutes from the previous monthly meeting.

President Kacir led a discussion about the SPJST 2020 Convention and highlighted the importance of lodge delegates’ responsibilities in preparing for voting duties by reviewing information provided in the Vestník about those who announce candidacy for elected office as well as for any submissions which may be made with recommendations for changes to the by-laws.

Gary Waskow, lodge hall and grounds maintenance/repair person, attended the meeting, and joined in a brief discussion regarding updates to the lodge.

Members discussed health/safety issues related to the coronavirus COVID19 pandemic. An email message was

In light of everything that is happening at this time with the coronavirus pandemic, Lodge 88, Houston has made the difficult decision to cancel events and meetings through April. This includes bingo, delegates’ meeting scheduled for March 22, the monthly members’ meeting scheduled for March 23, the Easter party scheduled for April 4, and monthly members’ meeting scheduled for April 20 when we were to recognize our 50- and 75-year members.

(Please know that we want to recognize you and are working on a plan to do this.)

Everyone will be notified when we decide how to proceed. Please understand that we want to do what is best for everyone and ask for your understanding and patience during this difficult time.

Thank you, Janice Jahns, President —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

Lodge 160, San Angelo: SPJST Frisbees bring excitement to children in nepal during terry mikeska’s mission trip

By Amanda Razani As we adjust to the new year and think about our goals for 2020, it’s also a good time for us to reflect on our blessings and just how fortunate we are.

Terry Mikeska, a local philanthropist and volunteer, knows how true that statement is, having recently come back from his 61st mission trip to Nepal.

Mikeska, along with his sister, Rebekah Ocker went to Nepal in November 2019. Having been a nurse and in the health industry for many years, Ocker had expressed her interest in joining her brother on his next trip to Nepal. This information ended up being shared with the CEO of HMS, the company she now works for in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In response, the president and CEO, Bill Lucia, generously surprised them by personally funding the entire two health mission portions of the trip.

Together, they spent eight days in the eastern side of Nepal where they completed six big projects, working diligently to fulfill important needs every single day. From delivering rice pots and much needed supplies, to sharing water purification systems and visiting the orphanages where they provided clothing, personal care products and knitted items, Mikeska and Ocker were driven to help as many people as possible in the poverty stricken and more remote areas of the country.

Sharon Hohmann of SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo asked Terry Mikeska if he would speak a few minutes to the local lodge about his missions during which Terry said that the SPJST frisbees that Sharon gave him was one of the biggest excitements for the poor children in the villages. The children have never seen such a flying toy in their life.

Yet, even as they helped hundreds of children and families in need, Ocker was brought to tears when she saw that it still wasn’t enough to help everyone.

Many children standing in tattered clothing, and of poor health, happily waited for supplies to be delivered off a truck but did not end up receiving anything.

Ocker shares, “It was very difficult to handle at times, and overwhelming, to

see the needs of the children in these poor villages.”

After a devastating earthquake in 2015, Nepal was left in shambles, and is still a long way from a full recovery.

Many people died during the natural disaster, and children and elderly were left without parents or caregivers. Mikeska has watched kids grow up in the orphanages that he visits and notes that these orphanages are so full that food is a big need for these children, along with more space. Another critical need is restrooms and kitchens.

He plans to go back to Nepal later this year and would really like to tackle some of these bigger projects, along with delivering more supplies and hats.

One of the first things he delivered on his initial mission trip was a box of knitted hats and baseball caps that had been donated by volunteers. Mikeska says that everyone who received one was overjoyed and grateful for their gift, and he thinks it is time to have another cap drive.

“Each time I go on these trips, I see my friends with their knitted hats and caps, and they have taken such care of them; just cherishing what they have,” says Mikeska.

As far as the bigger projects are concerned, he says a U.S. dollar goes a very long way in Nepal. Plus, the citizens are extremely willing and happy to volunteer their time and labor so that all donations can be put towards supplies. As an example, in 2017, he was able to have a school built in Nepal for less than $10,000, due to a generous donation from a San Angelo community member and philanthropist.

“I try to stretch every dollar, and rarely incur any expenses, because I want all donations to go towards helping the people of Nepal,” Mikeska explains.

To save money, he uses sky miles for his mission trips, and packs very lightly to allow more room for supplies in his luggage. He also stays with his friends in the villages and enlists their negotiation skills to ensure the best prices are achieved for each project.

Looking back to 2012, Mikeska was first introduced to the people of Nepal when he was contacted by a random

31

32

Monday, March 23, 2020

stranger on Facebook and decided to respond back. After a year of chatting back and forth, he became friends with this stranger and his brother, Sujan and Rajan Kaffle. It was at that time that a lifelong friendship was established, and he ended up helping them attend college to earn their degrees.

Then in 2015, when the earthquake hit, he didn’t hear from them for several days. He became very worried. Finally, after over a week, he received a call letting him know they were safe, but the situation was not good. People had spent days under tarps, in rainy conditions with little food.

Mikeska knew he had to help however he could and asked his friends, Rajan and Sujan, to drive around and take pictures of the damage in the area.

In looking at the pictures they collected, he noticed that most people were simply in need of rice pots to boil water and cook their food. Most of the pictures showed people digging in the trash looking for cans or anything they could use for this purpose.

That is when he knew how he could help, and his first mission trip plans were established. He named his project, Fill the Rice Pot. Mikeska says he never intended to get the public attention that he received after sharing his plans to travel to Nepal and lend his help. However, he ended up with $17,000 in donations for his first trip, along with several knitted hats and caps that were given by volunteers.

“I am humbled by all the people that hear my story and want to help every year. I couldn’t do this without them,” he shares.

(Visit www.terrymikeskafoundation.org to see hundreds of photos and videos of the most recent 2019 mission.)

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 183, Arlington reports on January meeting Dear Vestnik Readers, The January 26, 2020, meeting of SPJST Lodge 183, Arlington was called to order at 2 p.m. by President Ann Pustejovsky.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Members remained standing for a moment of silent prayer for sick and departed members and friends.

Roll call of officers/trustees showed all present except Fraternal Activities Coordinator Debra Daniel with an excused absence. Five members and one guest were present.

Minutes of the November 17, 2019, meeting were read. Robert Sill made a motion to accept the minutes as read; Tom Weeks seconded.

Ann Pustejovsky gave the financial reports. Dorothy Gerlich presented the financial secretary’s report for December - two new members and for January - three new members and one termination. Robert Sill made a motion to accept the new members; motion carried.

With the absence of FAC Debra Daniel, Kay Weeks gave the fraternal report.

Under old business, Ann read a thank you note from the Arlington Stars for our donation of the hall for their Christmas party in December.

Tom reported that he is working on getting a quote on the front door repairs.

Ann reported that one of the air conditioners had been repaired, and it seems to be working fine. She is getting a quote to replace another air conditioner and have all of the air conditioners cleaned out.

Ann reported that there is no rush to repair the sprinkler system until it gets red tagged.

Tom reported that he had made some major modifications to the lodge website and has been getting some good response.

Under new business, Ann mentioned that she is requesting a list of all sales agents for our lodge. In addition, she reported that one of our members, John Sill, will be receiving his 75-year SPJST pin.

Ann reported that our hall rentals continue to be a positive trend for 2020.

In addition to our donation of the hall in March for the Arlington Fire Department Retirement Party, we have a bene-

fit event in September. The swing dance group consistently rents the hall for lessons every Sunday evening.

With our hall continuing to stay booked like it is, we will need to consider repairing or replacing 50 to 100 chairs to keep up with the demand.

Ann reminded everyone that she and Kay Weeks will be attending the 2020 SPJST Convention as delegates. Robert Sill will attend as the Insurance Committee representative.

Ann and Tom expressed our need to have a Square terminal for credit card charges.

Ann mentioned that she will be getting a quote to clean up the grass and weeds at the back of the hall.

After no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Our next lodge meeting will be Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Kay Gerlich Weeks Secretary/Reporter —SPJST—

Lodge 219, El Paso plans upcoming meetings Attention Members and Readers, SPJST Lodge 219, El Paso will meet on the second Wednesday in April and May at 6 p.m. Meetings will be held at Puerto Vallarta Grill, 1611 Montana Avenue in El Paso. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 8.

For questions or information, call President Aracely Quiz 915-999-2062.

Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

Aracely Quiz, President —SPJST—

Lodge 179, Warrenton members enjoy valentine meeting, fellowship

SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton members enjoyed good food and fellowship during their February 2020 meeting. Members were honored to have four guests - Marceil Malak and Michelle Malak, both of Lodge 88, Houston, and District One Director Donnie Victorick and wife Janice, both of Lodge 9, Snook. Each person was given a chocolate rose for a valentine treat. Lodge members in attendance were President Ruby Juergens, Vice President Ora Lee Levien, and Fraternal Activities Coordinator Joan Sue Goehring. Pictured, left to right, are Vice President Ora Lee Levien, FAC Joan Sue Goehring, Marceil Malak and Michelle Malak, both of Lodge 88, Houston, District One Director Donnie Victorick, and President Ruby Juergens. They are all are holding their chocolate roses. Not pictured is Janice Victorick.

— Submitted by Joan Sue Goehring, FAC

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

Fort Worth Friendship Club The meeting of the Fort Worth Friendship Club was called to order by President Barbara Becknell on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in the community room of St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Our guest was Harold Strand, guest of Helen Skrasek (Harold was the husband of the late Adele Strand, and both were members when they moved to Fort Worth); Sally Wellington, Elizabeth Creamer’s daughter; James Schaffer, son of Mary and Gary Schaffer; and Jeanette Pappus, guest and cousin of Mary Ann Krivanek. All were welcomed. We enjoyed having all of you - come again.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The theme was St. Patrick’s Day, and I believe everyone was wearing something green so no one was pinched!

Secretary Mary Schaffer read the minutes from the previous meeting, and Treasurer Margaret Sears gave the financial report. Both were approved as presented. This was Mary’s first time to present the minutes, and she did an excellent job - thanks! Margaret reported that memorials were made to St.

Thomas Church for masses for Agnes Saldana and a donation to Meals on Wheels for Debbie Skrasek’s mom, Velma Jo Eakin Burns.

Linda Powell reported that she had moved, and all were asked to make the address correction in the new membership booklets. Linda will also have some minor surgery on Monday. Let’s keep her in our prayers.

The president encouraged all members to bring a dish of food for the luncheon rather than give cash for their lunch as this month we only had one plate of cookies for dessert, but I believe we did have enough side dishes to complement the fried chicken. She also reminded everyone that if you bring a guest and that guest brings a dish, it is not required to pay for that guest.

Easter will be our theme for April, and the president reminded everyone that April is a designated month in which the Club supports the St. Vincent de Paul assistance program. No food items are accepted - only Walmart, Target, or gas gift cards, checks, and cash.

St. Vincent de Paul will determine how to distribute our donations. Hostesses for April will be Sharron Connelly, Lynn Cummings, and Libbie Vrla with Lola

Taylor being a substitute. Claire Keighley has volunteered to pick up the chicken.

Sunshine Person Darlene Tompkins reported she sent a thank you card to Lydia Alholm for the second door prize she donated to the Club; thinking of you cards were sent to Tracy Horn, Lupe Garcia, Rose Ann and Jimmy Spann; and get well cards were sent to Jim Wilcox and John Hoenig, husbands of our members who have been on the sick list.

Rose Ann thanked all for the many cards she and Jimmy received from the Club and members.

The singing of “Happy Birthday” went out to our March celebrants - Betty Carter, Anna Marie Moncrief, Margaret Hoenig, Jo Ann Wilcox, and Barbara Becknell. May you all have many more.

We had eight door prizes to give away with special thanks to the donors.

Winners of the 50/50 dollar games were Lola Taylor and Shirley Martin. We had lots of happy winners.

Vice President Betty Carter read the history of St. Patrick, why you get pinched if you’re not wearing green and that he died on March 17, the day we celebrate. This was most informative and enjoyed by all. The president asked

if anyone among us was of Irish heritage. Mary Schaffer said her grandfather came over to this country, and Elizabeth Creamer said her grandmother came over from Ireland at age 16. She said she came by boat by herself, but had a brother already living here. Lola Taylor also read a St Patrick’s Day poem which was enjoyed.

March hostesses Chris Strieff and Barb Collins were thanked along with Anna Marie Moncrief for picking up the chicken.They did a great job.

Following the meeting, Grace was said, and all enjoyed the fried chicken lunch. Games were then played.

The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, April 1; however, due to COVID-19 concerns, it has been canceled.

Other News To those of you who know Lydia Alholm . . . she still goes to WinStar every month. Her friend from the Wellington Retirement told me she was a winner again this last time. They are already planning the April trip.

Last weekend, my sister Lil Kosarek and I were invited to the one-year birthday party for my great-great-niece Hazel

Lodge 84, Dallas celebrates 110th Anniversary on Sunday, March 8, 2020 LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 84, Dallas member Kathy Nemec, left, receives a 75-year pin from President Justine Yeager. Congratulations, Kathy!

RIGHT PHOTO: District Three Director John Engelke assists with the serving line. FAR RIGHT PHOTO: President Yeager welcomes everyone to the 110th lodge celebration.

BELOW PHOTOS: Members and guests enjoy fun, food, and fellowship. After the meal and meeting, everyone enjoyed bingo.

—Submitted by Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter

33

34

Monday, March 23, 2020

Hall in Norman, Oklahoma. My nephew and niece J.D. and Pam Kosarek of Waco picked us up on Friday, and we returned on Sunday. Hazel is the daughter of Melanie and Barrett Hall (Melanie is J.D. and Pam’s daughter). The party was great. On Sunday morning, we went to mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church which is on the Oklahoma University campus down the street from the football stadium. It was a large, beautiful church, the pastor was funny, and we so much enjoyed the service. On the way to Norman, we passed WinStar, and it is huge.

This weekend, we are invited to a two-year birthday party in Waco for great-great-nephew Charlie Kosarek, son of Ben and Sara (Ben is J.D. and Pam’s son).

So Until, Keep Smiling, Libbie Vrla, Reporter —SPJST—

Rural School Reunion canceled

VĚSTNÍK links. Unscrupulous actors send these messages with the intention of deceiving citizens into revealing sensitive information or donating to false charities.

Any email or social media post with a Coronavirus (COVID-19) subject line, attachment or hyperlink should be treated with caution.

Remember these tips to avoid cyber scams: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments.

Use trusted sources like legitimate, government websites for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID19.

Do not reveal any personal or financial information in an email, and do not respond to any email solicitations for this information.

Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations.

The current disaster declaration is effective across the entire state, and under Texas consumer protection statutes, it is illegal for a person to take advantage of a disaster declaration by engaging in deceptive trade practices.

or file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our disaster scams website.

For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services.

—SPJST—

Texans who believe they have encountered disaster scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s tollfree complaint line at 800-621-0508

Lodge 179, Warrenton joins hands with Ledbetter Homemakers Club for American Cancer Society; Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department SPJST Lodge 179, Warrenton, along with Ledbetter Homemakers Club, participated in a fundraiser for American Cancer Society and Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department. A beef stew supper was served with all the fixings - cornbread, homemade bread, and a variety of desserts - for a free will

donation. Lodge 179 members helped prepare vegetables, and made desserts and cornbread. The fundraiser was held Thursday, February 20, 2020.

—Submitted by Joan Sue Goehring, FAC

TOP LEFT PHOTO: Ledbetter Homemakers Club member Helen Wagner is known as an expert potato peeler. TOP CENTER PHOTO: President Ruby Juergens makes a donation from Lodge 179. Donations were given to American Cancer Society and Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department. TOP RIGHT PHOTO:

FAC Joan Sue Goehring cleans carrots. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 179 members help count money. Left to right, Cindy Goehring, President Ruby Juergens, FAC Joan Sue Goehring, and Ledbetter Homemakers Club Treasurer Joyce Navaro. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: President Ruby Juergens peels potatoes.

Due to the current coronavirus outbreak and for the concern and safety of everyone, we are canceling the rural school reunion that was scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, at SPJST Lodge 6, Cottonwood Hall in West, Texas.

Milton and Irene Peterson Lodge 6, Cottonwood —SPJST—

AG Paxton reminds Texans to be aware of cyber scams during coronavirus (COVID19) emergency AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to caution Texans about scams emerging during the statewide Coronavirus disaster declaration announced by Governor Abbott on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Several cyber scams involving false emails or text messages have been reported, and Attorney General Paxton advises all Texans to be on alert for electronic communications with dangerous attachments or fraudulent website

VĚSTNÍK

St. Monica’s Ladies March 29 festival canceled St. Monica’s Ladies Festival that was to be held on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at Simon-George Hall in Cameron, Texas, has been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Beverly Angell Lodge 15, Buckholts —SPJST—

Easter in the Czech Republic from A to Z Surviving the Czech Easter Holiday from A to Z A is for All Week Long: Czech Easter is a nearly week-long celebration that begins on Ugly Wednesday and continues through to the Easter Monday feast with numerous special days in between.

B is for Brunch: Easter brunch is quickly becoming a tradition in Prague with many hotels and restaurants offering special menus throughout the Easter weekend.

C is for Cantata: In Prague, the Bach Easter Cantata or mass at St. Nicholas cathedral commemorate the religious aspects of the holiday, forgotten under the communist regime when Easter was celebrated only as a rite of spring.

D is for Decorations: Aside from colored eggs and hand-made willow whips, Czechs also adorn trees and bushes with Easter regalia as part of a 19th-century European tradition originating in Germany and Austria.

E is for Eggs: In Moravia, especially, Easter eggs - vejce - are decorated by hand using a variety of stunning techniques including batik and wrapping in a fine decorative wire which have made them world-renowned.

F is for Fertility Rituals: From whipping women to dousing them in water to ensure fertility, this Czech holiday comes with a trigger warning…not for feminists!

Monday, March 23, 2020 G is for Good Friday: In Czech, Velký pátek, was not recognized as a national holiday under the communist regime, but it’s now officially back. Hello, fourday weekend.

35

O O O Presenting 2020 Officers O O O SPJST Lodge 183, Arlington

H is for this traditional carol, sung by Czech children at Easter: Hody hody doprovody dejte vejce malovany Nedate-li malovany dejte aspon bily však Vam slepička snese jiny.

Give me a colored egg if you won’t give me a colored egg give me a white one and get your hen to lay another.

I is for Increased Security: Hard to believe, but last year in Prague, and this year again, police will be on high alert for over-zealous party people - yes, Czech Easter is that kind of holiday and criminal activity.

The 2020 SPJST Lodge 183, Arlington officers are, front, left to right, President/Treasurer Ann Pustejovsky, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Debra Daniel, Financial Secretary Dorothy Gerlich, and Secretary/Reporter Kay Weeks. In back are Vice President Tom Weeks and District Three Director John Engelke who installed the officers at a celebration dinner in December.

J is for Judas March: A 16-century White Saturday custom, Vodění Jidáše sees one lucky guy get dressed up in a bale of hay and pointy hat, parading through the village followed by legions of children collecting candy.

P is for Pomlázka: A willow-branch whip festooned with ribbons that is used in the traditional Czech Easter-whipping custom. Also for pučálky an Easter dish made of peas.

K is for Kraslice: The most traditional technique for coloring eggs the Czech way, these gloriously hand-painted eggs are synonymous with the holiday.

Q is for Question: We aren’t sure about this one, but supposedly on a leap year, women get to whip the men at Easter?

L is for Lamb: Young meat is a staple of the Czech Easter menu including rabbit and goat. Lamb-shaped cake beránek is served for dessert.

R is for Řehtačka: These rattles are used by schoolchildren to scare off Judas throughout the Holy Week.

M is for Mazanec: This classic Czech yeast bread, baked with an egg wash and sprinkled with almonds, is similar to the hot-cross buns of Easter tradition served elsewhere.

N is for Nádivka: Easter would not be Easter without this Czech stuffing. Each year in Prague there is a competition devoted to the best one; nettles, spinach, and other herbs are added to symbolize spring rebirth.

O is for Onion Peels: Use them along with other vegetable peelings or dried leaves to decorate eggs in the natural way.

S is for Slivovice: The preferred Easter libation, best enjoyed while parading through the village in search of female victims to spank.

T is for Trhy: The Easter markets velikonoční trhy - that dot the Czech capital are pretty much just like the Christmas markets. But with eggs.

U is for Ugly Wednesday: Called Škaredá středa, this is the day Judas betrayed Jesus; and when children are let out of school early to help with preparations.

V is for Velikonoce: The Czech word for Easter derives from “great night” - velká noc - after the day Christ rose from the dead.

W is for Wearing Red: Red is still the ultimate Easter symbol for many Czechs who wear it to symbolize good health and happiness.

X is for Xaverov: Obscure fact - Xaverov, a Czech village that is the site of one of the largest poultry farms in the world, is, for Czechs of a certain age, synonymous with eggs!

Y is for Yolks Be Gone: Egg are blown out or hollowed before decorating per the Czech tradition.

Z is for Zelený čtvrtek, or Green Thursday: One of the three Holy Days leading up to Easter when only vegetables including an herb-based soup are eaten, and some Czechs also drink green beer. https://news.expats.cz/community/czech-easter-holidayfrom-a-to-z/

—SPJST—

36

Monday, March 23, 2020

VÄšSTNĂ?K

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

find an item and write it down!

find items in your home that begin with each letter of the alphabet

Something round

________________________

A ________________________

N ________________________

Something sticky

________________________

B ________________________

O ________________________

Something used outdoors

________________________

C ________________________

P ________________________

Something smelly

________________________

D ________________________

Q ________________________

Something used on a holiday

________________________

E ________________________

R ________________________

Something yellow

________________________

F ________________________

S ________________________

Something noisy

________________________

G ________________________

T ________________________

Something new

________________________

H ________________________

U ________________________

________________________ Something with numbers (not a clock)

I ________________________

V ________________________

Something crunchy ________________________

J ________________________

W ________________________

________________________

K ________________________

X ________________________

Something that floats ________________________

L ________________________

Y ________________________

________________________

M ________________________

Z ________________________

Something green

Something bumpy

SPRING SUDOKU DIRECTIONS: Fill in the grids so that each horizontal row contains each letter exactly once, each vertical column contains each letter exactly once, and each subgrid contains each letter exactly once.

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020 The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to: SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Questions?

Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor, or State Fraternal Director at 800727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

State Fraternal Director shares April youth news Save the Date!

Completed Junior Camp Applications Due Sunday, June 7 Leaders-In-Training/Teen Camp Wednesday, June 24 to Sunday, June 28 Camp Kubena in Ledbetter Chaperone Trainings at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter Thursday, July 9 Thursday, July 16 Junior Camp Session 1 Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 12 Camp Kubena in Ledbetter Junior Camp Session 2 Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19 Camp Kubena in Ledbetter State Youth Achievement Day Saturday, July 25 Cultural Activities Center in Temple Come to Camp Kubena!

We want you to come join us at Camp Kubena! Fun times are ahead! We are extending an invitation to SPJST youth that are not part of a lodge youth club and the youth who are new to SPJST. If you have a life insurance certificate issued before

May 31, 2020, you can come join us at camp. Camp is a great place to make new friends and build self-confidence. Camp Kubena offers swimming, games, high ropes courses, low ropes courses, BB guns, archery, disc golf, and many other activities.

out a life insurance certificate. This amount is reasonable compared to other Texas camps which start at $745 per week. Please contact me if you have any questions about attending our camp.

Online Camp Registration is Open Please know that CampDoc registration is up and running for the 2020 SPJST camping season. Please visit https://spjst.org/programs/campregistration/ and click on the banner, “Sign Up Now For Summer Camp.” It will direct you to CampDoc, and you can click on “Sign Up” to create your new profile and register your child. If you have questions concerning camp, please contact me or Tammy Martinez at the Home Office.

Chaperones, I need a commitment from you to be able to attend the camp from beginning to end.

Merit Points and Due Dates Reports are always due by the 15th of the month after the quarter is over. For the first quarter - January through March 2020 - the report is due in the Home Office by April 15. On April 16, I will send an email and make a phone call to those youth clubs who have not returned at report saying that it is due by 5 p.m. Those youth clubs which have not turned in by the time I have set, will forfeit the money for that quarter, and the youth will not receive their points.

Most of the time, everyone is good about getting this to us in a timely manner. I’m sorry I have to be so blunt, but Tammy and I have many responsibilities with the Youth Department and adult fraternal areas of SPJST. If there is a reason you are having a problem getting in the information, please contact me. I am here to help you out with solving this issue.

Order Your SPJST 2020 Camp Tee-Shirt Today!

Qualifications for Camp: u If your child has completed kindergarten and is a current youth club member and has made seven out of 12 meetings, they will be eligible to attend camp without pay. u Youth that attend lodges with no youth club can attend seven adult meetings and qualify for camp without paying. The lodge secretary will need to provide the Home Office with copies of the membership roster of each meeting the youth attended. u Youth that have not made at least seven meetings will be prorated $35 per meeting missed. Youth can make up a meeting by attending another local youth club. Please see your youth leader about this. u Parents and grandparents, please know your child or grandchild can go to camp if they are finishing kindergarten to high school senior this year for $250 as long as they have a current SPJST life insurance certificate in force. Parents and grandparents, if you have a certificate in force and your child or grandchild does not have a certificate, he or she can still attend camp for $350. This is the first year we are offering camp to youth with-

37

Tee-Shirt Design by Macy Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor The 2020 camp tee-shirts are Royal Blue in color with the “SPJST - Superheroes Unite “ design on them. Tee-shirts must be pre-ordered and pre-paid. Youth club members attending camp will receive their tee-shirts at camp. Tee-shirts can also be mailed for an additional $3.50 for postage per shirt.

Order Deadline: June 1, 2020 Name

Lodge

Address/City/Zip Phone

Please order the following tee-shirts.

Adult $10.00 Small (34-36) ______ Medium (38-40) ______ Large (42-44) ______ X-Large ______ Adult XX-Large $12.00 ______ Adult XXX-Large $12.00 ______ Youth $10.00 Small (6-8) ______ Medium (10-12) ______ Large (14-16) ______ Total number of shirts ordered: ______ Postage for shirts, if mailed ($3.50 per shirt): ______ Total Amount Enclosed: ______ Send your order along with your check to

SPJST Home Office c/o State Fraternal Director Frank Horak P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

38

Monday, March 23, 2020

Decorated Rock Contest District Youth Counselors, we are facing many challenges at this time that we would have never imagined. Due to COVID-19 and possibly having a later spring district meeting, we may want to think of a more creative way of having this contest. Have your youth email or text you a photo of their completed rock.

You can have them judged then email the winner and myself. I can pick up the rock later or have it mailed to the Home Office.

You can also have the contest at your rescheduled spring meeting or possibly during an outing.

The first place winning rocks from each district will be featured in a display case in the SPJST Home Office lobby through the end of the youth year. The first place winning rocks from each district will also be judged on the state level.

Awards are:

Basketball Buddies

VĚSTNÍK K to 8 years - $25 gift card 9 to 11 years - $25 gift card 12 to 14 years - $25 gift card 15 years to HS Senior - $25 gift card

the donation and the amount of their donation.

Spring District Meeting Dates Please know that all spring district meetings will be rescheduled at a future date. Please look in the Vestnik for updates.

Vestnik Projects Each monthly Vestnik Project will talk about a Super Hero — try and plan an activity or memorial to honor the person.

The May Vestnik Project will be about Howard E. Butt Sr., founder of the Texasbased grocery chain H-E-B.

100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive Please remember to keep sending in your pennies for the SPJST 100 Pennies Scholarship Fund Drive. All young people who donate at least $2 will receive two merit points. All young people who donate at least $5 will also receive a certificate. Youth leaders, if you do not have any of the 100 Pennies slips, please feel free to accept the donation and send it in on a piece of paper. Please be sure to include the name of the person making

Join Hands Day is Saturday, May 2 Saturday, May 2, 2020, marks the date for this year’s Join Hands Day. Please know that you may want to wait until June to schedule your Join Hands Day event due to the coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak. SPJST is asking the lodges to invite other community organizations, such as Lions Club, volunteer fire departments, Kiwanis, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc., to partner for the project.

Our goal for 2020 is to have 50 or more lodges participate. What can your

youth club do? Some of the great projects from past years include baking for the needy, cemetery clean-ups, highway beautification, assisting veterans and senior citizens programs, and a fundraiser for your local volunteer fire department.

You’ve still got plenty of time to decide what you want to do in 2020. The main thing - at this point - is committing to do something. If you have any questions on this, please contact me.

This year, the Home Office will offer a $100 incentive to local SPJST lodges to be used in developing and/or promoting their project. This incentive will be for lodges who partner with youth in their community. To receive the $100 incentive, lodges must register the event with the Home Office.

Fraternally, Frank Horak State Fraternal Director —SPJST—

SPJST April Vestnik Project - Sandra Day O’Connor This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Clubs Merit Points System. Mail completed project no later than May 15, 2020 to: SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503

Name___________________________________________________________Age______________ Lodge______________

Sa Sandr ndra Day D y O’Connor O’Connor:: “The “The F Fir irst st Wom oman n Supreme Supr Cour Courtt J Judg udge” SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR was born in El Paso, Texas, on March 26, 1930, the daughter of Harry Alfred Day, a rancher, and Ada Mae (Wilkey). She grew up on a 198,000-acre cattle ranch near Duncan, Arizona. The ranch was nine miles from the nearest paved road. The family home did not have running water or electricity until Sandra was seven years old. She hunted from a young age, using a .22-caliber rifle to shoot jackrabbits for food. She began driving as soon as she could see over the dashboard and had to learn to change flat automobile tires herself.

Sandra had two younger siblings, a sister and a brother, respectively eight and ten years her junior. She was graduated from Stanford University in 1950 and Stanford University Law School in 1952. After graduation, O’Connor became a Deputy County Attorney of San Mateo, California.

Lodge 49, Rowena Youth Club member Cotton Wood, left, and Lodge 160, San Angelo Youth Club member Nolan Jansa had a basketball game against each other on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The boys did not realize they were playing each other until they were on the court guarding one another.

Not only are these fellow SPJST youth club members in District Four, they are also cousins. The boys had a great time playing basketball against one another . . . although they visited more on the court than actually paying attention!

She moved to Germany and worked as a civilian attorney for the United States Army in Frankfurt from 1954 to 1957. Upon her return to the United States, O’Connor engaged in private law practice. She was appointed to the Arizona State Senate in 1969 to fill an unexpired term, and the following year she was elected to the State Senate.

Twice re-elected, she was majority leader of the State Senate from 1973 to 1974. O’Connor was elected to the Maricopa County Superior Court in 1975 and appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals in 1979.

President Ronald Reagan nominated O’Connor to the Supreme Court of the United States on July 7, 1981. The Senate confirmed the appointment on September 22, 1981, making O’Connor the first female Associate Justice in the history of the Court. Justice O'Connor served on the Supreme Court for twenty-four years and retired on January 31, 2006.

Now draw a line to match the phrase on the left to the related word to the right of the page.

O’Connor was born in this city?

Frankfurt, Germany

In what city did O’Connor become Deputy County Attorney?

Washington, D.C.

O’Connor was a civilian attorney in the United States Army in this city?

Duncan, Arizona

Where did O’Connor serve as the first woman on the Supreme Court?

El Paso, Texas

O’Connor grew up near what town?

Arizona

O’Connor was elected to what State Senate?

San Mateo, California

Source Material: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sandra-Day-OConnor

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

Lodge 20, Granger Youth Club helps flatten the curve

Lodge 49, Rowena youth share spring break activities

We are doing our part to help flatten the curve. We had our youth club meeting this month via teleconference. Thanks to Brianna Braden for setting this up for us.

Collin Teague, age 8 —SPJST—

Shopping and Eating I am going to Dallas tomorrow. I am so ready. We are going shopping. I want to eat out a lot.

Hunter Wood, age 14

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club assists with chicken dinner On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 2 p.m., Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club and adults met in the meeting room at Taiton Community Center. After the meeting was called to order, Assistant Youth Leader Kirby Lange thanked all the youth for their help with the cake walk and with selling raffle tickets earlier in the day for St. John’s Altar Society Chicken Dinner.

All youth club members were reminded that camp registration is now open online. The District Six Spring Meeting is next weekend on March 15 in Hallettsville at St. Mary’s Parish Hall with registration at 11 a.m. Youth are encouraged to participate in the decorated rock contest held that day and to bring items for the club raffle table.

Simone Riha, age 10 Reporter —SPJST—

••• Hoping for Slow Spring Break This week is our spring break. It has been fun. I have been working hard. I hope the rest of the week goes by slow.

Tanner Wood, age 15 ••• Spring Break Work I spent time with Nanny and Grandpa over spring break. We worked cows and

39

tagged baby calves. We worked on the “old bomber” shed. It was about to fall down. The wood had termites. I also played football with my brothers.

Love, Cotton Wood, age 9

Loves Sports I am about to start softball. I am close to finishing basketball. I love both sports.

I might want to play volleyball. I love sports.

Bella Schwertner, age 10

•••

•••

A Teenager I’m 13 years old, and now, I’m a teenager. I’m on spring break this week.

Colt Schwertner, age 13

Family Time It is spring break, and I am sad it is almost over. I am not ready to go back to school. I like to spend time with my family.

Grace Schwertner, age 14

••• Baby Goats I went to my dad’s house for this weekend. This coming Tuesday is me and my boyfriend’s one month. My family will have baby goats soon.

Tracy Schwertner, age 14 •••

••• Driver’s Permit We are on spring break this week, and I got my permit so I can drive. I also have been helping my dad and grandparents on the farm.

Olivia Schwertner, age 16 —SPJST—

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club starts spring break with bowling social Dear Readers, Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club met on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at All Star Bowling Alley. What a great way to start off spring break with fun bowling and socializing. We had a short meeting and recognized members’ and guests’ birthdays.

We hope to see you next month at the Easter egg hunt. More details to come.

Fraternally yours, Rita Holland, Youth Leader —SPJST—

LEFT PHOTO: The teens’ bowling team - Misty, Cody, Chad, Preston, Jacob, and Jacie. CENTER PHOTO: Momma Candice helps Paige with the bowling ball.

RIGHT PHOTO: Grandpa Scooter holds new Lodge 25 member Julia Cecile Wyatt during her first time to go

bowling. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: The Oliver girls.

BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club members and guests at All Star Bowling. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Madison, Linda, Stacy, and Victoria.

40

Monday, March 23, 2020

Lodge 84, Dallas Youth Club reports on March meeting The youth of Lodge 84, Dallas met for their monthly meeting at the 110th anniversary of Lodge 84 on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The meeting was brought to order. The Pledge of Allegiance and SPJST motto were recited before a moment of silence was held for our departed members and troops serving our country.

Youth Leader Lynda then went over important dates, especially the afterEaster celebration on April 19, District Three Spring Meeting on April 26, National Polka Festival in Ennis on May 23 (youth will be participating in the parade), and District Three Youth Achievement Day on June 7. She reminded everyone that she will need our entry cards before May 15 so she can make sure they are all in order before YAD. Due to the anniversary celebration, our meeting was kept short and adjourned early so we could join in the fun.

The next meeting was scheduled for Sunday, April 19. However, it has been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Fraternally, Josh Tucker, age 11 Reporter —SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club shares March Meeting Scenes

Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club members work on Vestnik Projects during the March meeting.

—Submitted by Simone Riha, Reporter and Kirby Bubela, Assistant Youth Leader

Easter customs in the Czech Republic Easter, or Velikonoce - from Veliké noci or Great Nights - was greatly suppressed under the communist regime prior to 1989. Since then, the traditions of Easter have been making a wonderful comeback. While the religious aspects are known and talked about, Easter is not considered a serious religious holiday. Instead, it is a celebration for the coming of spring.

Many of the Czech Easter customs and folk traditions are still observed and practiced especially in villages. And depending on where you are, the many different regions have their own traditions and customs.

In the capital city of Prague, busy Easter markets are popular with both locals and visitors alike. If you are in Prague in the spring, check out the big Easter markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

The first thing we note about spring and Easter are baby animals . . .

Lodge 79, Corpus Christi youth achieve special recognitions

Czech Lamb One Easter tradition is to bake a lamb, but in the Czech Republic real lamb is usually replaced by one made from gingerbread or pound cake. Some families frost them others leave them bare.

Eggs or Kraslice Kraslice is the hand-painted or decorated egg. It is probably the most recognizable symbol of Czech Easter.

Traditionally, Easter eggs are decorated by the girls to be given to boys on Easter Monday. Various techniques exist to decorate Easter eggs, and they usually require a certain level of skill.

Different materials can be used, such as bee’s wax, straw (hay), watercolors, onion peels, picture stickers, and so on.

And there are no limitations in creating pretty, colorful eggs.

A nationwide Easter egg contest is held in Prague and other Czech cities around Easter time and for those who don’t have the time or the skill, colorful eggs can be bought at all Easter markets.

The Color Red Red at Easter symbolizes health, joy, happiness, and new life that comes with the spring. When at Czech Easter markets, you will notice that many of the eggs are colored red and it is for this reason.

LEFT PHOTO: Congratulations to Lodge 79, Corpus Christi youth Marcus and Jacob Rebecek who each received a certificate for perfect attendance for the first semester at Calk-Wilson Elementary. Marcus is in the fifth grade, and Jacob is in the third grade.

Stephen and Laura Rebecek are their parents, and grandparents are Mark and Virginia Rebecek, all of Lodge 79. CENTER PHOTO: Sarah Rinaldi made the

high honor roll with a GPA over 95 during the first semester at Incarnate Ward High School in San Antonio.

Sarah is a sophomore, and she is the daughter of Frank and Stephanie Rinaldi and granddaughter of Mark and Virginia Rebecek, all of Lodge 79. RIGHT PHOTO: Happy birthday to Lodge 79 Youth Club member Zackery Rew, who celebrated his birthday on January 10.

Mazanec or Easter Bread The making of a bread on Easter is customary in most cultures. In the Czech Republic, this holiday bread is called a Mazanec. It is made from a sweet yeasted dough similar to the Vanočka at Christmas time.

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

41

February Scenes from Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club

LEFT PHOTO: Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club members are pictured with PHOTO: Lodge 30 Youth Club officers conduct the meeting. RIGHT blankets they were donating to Angels Home Health Care. CENTER PHOTO: Youth clean Taiton Community Center.

The oldest Easter bread recipes in Bohemia go back to the early 15th Century! Of course, at that time, sugar was hard to come by as the breads were probably made sweeter with the addition of small bits of fruit.

Pomlázka or Pussywillow Braids Pussywillows are abundant in the Czech Republic. A pomlázka - from pomladit, “to make younger” - is a

braided whip made from pussywillow twigs. A traditional pomlázka consists of eight, 12, or 24 willow rods and is decorated with colored ribbons at the end.

A young, live pussywillow twig is believed to bring health and youth to anyone who is whipped with it. Yes, whipped! But don’t worry - the gentle swats always seem a gesture of hospitality and a matter of custom - never a whipping, in the physical sense. Well . .

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth begins YAD projects

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth: fun at cotillion/deb ball

2020 SPJST Flag Day Essay Contest THE THEME IS: “THE AMERICAN FLAG Freedom, Courage, and Honor” FIRST PLACE PRIZES AWARDED IN FOUR AGE DIVISIONS Entering Kindergarten to 8 Years $50 Gift Card 9 to 11 Years • $50 Gift Card 12 to 14 Years • $50 Gift Card 15 to High School Senior $50 Gift Card

All First Place Winners also receive a U.S. Flag, wooden pole and hanging bracket!

Grand Prize Winner $100 Gift Card to be Presented at 33rd SPJST Convention in Killeen, Texas on Sunday, June 14, 2020

Hi, Everyone!

This is our spring break, and I am getting started on my Youth Achievement Day (YAD) projects. We have had a lot of fun planning everything.

Madeline Kitchen, age 10 —SPJST—

Dear Readers, Last weekend was the cotillion/debutante ball. I had a lot of fun with my friends. We danced and had a nice dinner.

Your friend, Rileigh Kitchen, age 13 —SPJST—

All SPJST members who are entering kindergarten to high school senior are encouraged to enter. Youth club membership is not required. Age division will be determined as of Flag Day — June 14, 2020. The Rules: Write a Flag Day essay or poem that addresses the theme, “The American Flag Freedom, Courage, and Honor” Essay length must be between 150 and 500 words. Entries must be typed. Entries — including digital files — must include a cover sheet with participant’s name, address, phone number and/or email address and lodge number.

Entries must be original and created by the youth. Entries become the property of SPJST and will not be returned.

Entries must be received on or before May 31, 2020. Send entries by U.S. Mail to: SPJST Flag Day Essay Contest c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503-0100 Send email entries to: frankh@spjst.com

42

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

Lodge 81, Needville youth assist with American Legion fundraiser

LEFT PHOTO: Left to right, Sierra Sivils, Evan Stavinoha, District Five Director Bradley Stavinoha, and Maxx Stavinoha assist American Legion Post 350

. for most, at least.

Used for centuries, boys in villages go around from door to door to whip girls and women, (yes, even strangers), on the backs of the legs, thighs, or buttocks with the whip – but remember, the whipping is not supposed to be painful or to cause suffering.

Talented boys will recite an Easter carol before asking for an egg or two,

with plates-to-go at the annual lunch fundraiser. Also in attendance, but not pictured, were Baley Stavinoha and Youth Leader Kristen Jones.

and the girl would then reward the boy with a painted egg or candy and tie a ribbon around his pomlázka. For older boys (men), slivovice - plum brandy - is the reward. In some areas, each “victim” even ties her own ribbon onto the boys’ whip. It sounds sort of like notches on a

venge on the Tuesday after Easter when they can pour a bucket of cold water on any man. The habit slightly varies across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

For most young men, the skill of braiding pussywillows is gone, but the custom remains. Pomlázkas can be bought in stores and on the streets.

Dousing with Water Boys will run up to a girl and douse her with water. This has a similar symbolic meaning to the pomlázka, above.

It has to do with ancient fertility rites.

We hope you enjoyed our peek into Czech Easter customs and traditions . . .

Happy Easter. Veselé Velikonoce. http://www.tresbohemes.com/2016/03/czech-easter-customs/

—SPJST—

gun barrel, but it’s all in fun, and everyone loves it.

As the boys progress through the villages, their bags fill up with eggs and their pomlázkas are adorned with more and more colorful ribbons.

In some regions, women get their re-

Color the Patriotic Picture

All SPJST members ages eight and under can participate. All participants names will be entered in a drawing for prizes. All entries will be exhibited at the SPJST Home Office in Temple. Entries must be postmarked by May 31, 2020.

Mail entries to SPJST Youth Program c/o SPJST Home Office • P.O. Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503.

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth wins 4th at cook-off

Dear Readers, I did a barbecue cook-off with my dad in Cuero, and I won fourth place in the kids cook-off. I had a lot fun and met lots of new friends.

Your friend, Skeet Kitchen, age 9 —SPJST—

Name ______________________________Age______ SPJST Lodge No. ___________________________

VĚSTNÍK

Monday, March 23, 2020

43

In Memoriam In Memory of Mary Jo Franklin Mary Jo Fojtasek Jez Franklin died at her home on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 8 at St. Luke Catholic Church in Temple with Reverend John Guzaldo as celebrant. Burial was private.

She was born in Temple to Joseph and Mary Hutka Fojtasek. She attended Temple schools and graduated from Temple High School. She married Joe D. Jez. They had a son, Michael, and a daughter, Katrina.

Mary Jo was a founding member of St. Luke Catholic Church and was actively involved in church activities. She also enjoyed being a leader for Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. After the death of her husband, Mary Jo attended business school, working as a secretary, and she attended Temple College taking

classes in Czech language and counseling. She enjoyed dancing and raising and riding quarter horses. She loved her home, and gardening and cooking. After remaining a widow for 10 years, she married Ed Franklin.

She was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton.

She is survived by husband Ed Franklin; daughter Katrina and husband Steve Jackson; granddaughter Christina Jez; brothers Travis Fojtasek and wife Georgia and Bill Fojtasek and wife Diane; and sister Barbara Fojtasek Dana.

She was preceded in death by husband Joe D; son Michael Jez; grandson Christopher Jez; brother Joseph V. Fojtasek; and sister Vi Fojtasek Adamek.

In memory of Mary Jo, please make a donation to Bell County Museum or charity of your choice.

—SPJST—

email called into the office to be updated to the register book.

4. The funeral home should have the ability to electronically sign documents either by email or fax, and payment availability for services over the phone or through platforms like PayPal, Cash App, etc.

5. The funeral home should be taking precautions to protect the family and guests through extensive sanitation (the CDC has provided a list of suitable cleaning solutions) of the chapel pews, hard surfaces, and common areas. Hand sanitizers, tissues, and post effective protocols for personal hygiene at gatherings should be available.

6. Refrain from using porous materials throughout the funeral home and for deceased purposes.

Good Grief News CDC and the Funeral Industry

By Sabrina N. Young, CFSP

On March 16, 2020, the National Funeral Directors Association hosted a live webinar with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention to discuss funeral protocols that will impact cities around the state of Texas and throughout the nation.

As the owner of a newly forming funeral home, Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center, I feel it is my obligation to keep our community up-to-date with funeral information. I would like to send out condolences to those affected by the recent changes due to COVID-19, and I extend my gratitude to the health care professionals for all they are doing to protect us.

As a consumer during this time of uncertainty, I have some tips that cover

❖

Lodge 47, Seaton

choosing a funeral home and how to conduct a funeral for a loved one along with answers to questions related to attending a service and contracting coronavirus.

What to Look for in a Funeral Home 1. Having remote access to make arrangements over the phone or through video conferencing such as Zoom, Facetime, or Skype with a licensed funeral director.

2. Having the option of recording or live streaming the service/visitation.

3. The register book could be signed online, or the ability to have someone’s name, address, phone number, and

7. Wash and disinfect any items of the deceased before returning the items to the family.

8. Hosting only one funeral a day; giving enough time for the family to visit or limit visitors by 10 people signing a “sign-in sheet” per service. This allows crowd control and adhering to the State of Texas Health Department guidelines.

9. While events are being canceled around the nation and in city across the state, best practice would be to: a. Postpone the funeral ceremony by embalming the deceased and gathering at a future date to hold services. b. Another alternative to proceed with cremation (by fire) and hosting a memorial service at a later time. c. Last, for those with cremation (by water), the funeral home secures the flight to the partnered state, the aquamation can occur and the cremated remains are to be mailed directly to your home.

d. If services are to be conducted, immediate family and clergy can have the service while guests can view the service via streaming/recording of services. e. In the event of bathing and shrouding the deceased due to religious affiliations, please contact the funeral home to ensure they house the proper PPE (proper protective equipment) for the families, to do so. There is a shortage of supplies, and most funeral homes are not prepared with PPE according to the CDC guidelines.

If someone dies from COVID-19, can I touch my loved one, and will I get it?

While the CDC is still developing the specifications of the virus, it is encouraged not to touch the deceased if they have passed from COVID-19. If you must touch, wash immediately before you touch your face, mouth, nose, or eyes. These are the pathways that are leading entries for infection. Embalming is the best practice for sanitation and preservation.

If someone attends the visitation or service who doesn’t show symptoms (asymptomatic), can you contract it?

It will be contagious to everyone so best practice is stay clear - at least six feet - away from everyone. Don’t shake hands; place your hand over your heart for sympathy and condolences.

The safety and well-being of you, your family, and your friends are of utmost importance. Should you have any questions or concerns relating to any funeral topics or bereavement, please contact Sabrina N. Young, CFSP at 254-251-0099. You can also follow Sabrina on Facebook @youngsdaughters for community information to stay up to date on funeral industry standards.

—SPJST—

44

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Česká

Část

ROČNÍK 108 ČISLO 6 23.březen.2020

Podpora ★ Lidskost ★ Bratrstvi´ BENEVOLENCE

HUMANITY

BROTHERHOOD

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

Czech Heritage Museum announces temporary closure

TCGS postpones April 3, 4 genealogy research workshop

The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, located at 119 West French Avenue in Temple, has closed as a preventative and protective measure during the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

Please contact the Museum via email at CzechHeritageMuseum@gmail.com for more information.

The first and third Tuesday tarok lessons have been canceled temporarily.

The April 14 Czech film screening at The Beltonian Theatre in Belton has also been canceled.

The Texas Czech Genealogical Society Fourth Annual Genealogy Workshop which was set for April 3 and 4 at the Czech Heritage Museum has been postponed. Watch the Vestnik for the rescheduled date.

The Kolache Kitchen-Downtown, which is located inside the Czech Heritage Museum’s building, is offering curbside service with fresh kolaches and lunches. Visit their Facebook page for hours and more details. You can give them a call, and they will deliver your order to your car. Or you can honk your horn, and they will come out and take your order.

Susan Chandler Museum Administrator —SPJST—

Due to the uncertainty about the COVID-19 virus and its future impact, Texas Czech Genealogy Society (TCGS) is postponing its April 3 and 4, 2020, Genealogy Research Workshop that was to be held at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple, Texas. The future date will be determined when more facts are known about this situation.

Submitted by, Gladys Valchar TCGS Secretary Lodge 87, Temple —SPJST—

National Polka Festival in Ennis canceled We hope all of you and your families are staying safe during these troubled times. We have been in regular contact with local government regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic. In doing so, we are closely monitoring this unprecedented event and how it impacts plans for the National Polka Festival.

During these talks, Ellis County and the City of Ennis, have made the decision to issue a Public Health State of Emergency Disaster regarding the spread of the virus. The guidelines strongly suggest that events with over 50 people be canceled or rescheduled and to continue this practice for the next eight weeks. It clearly will be some time before we all begin to resume our normal lives. For this reason, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 National Polka Festival.

While we know that this is a huge disappointment to many, we feel that it is the right choice. We hope you can understand why this decision had to be made. Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus and the government restrictions on large gatherings, it is simply too much of a risk to move forward with business as usual.

To our sponsors, we will be contacting you soon to discuss refund options.

To our fans and patrons, we hope we bring you a great festival in 2021.

We will be back. We will carry on.

We will “Polka On.” Be well, The National Polka Festival Committee —SPJST—

Granger Tarok Tournament postponed The Granger Tarok Tournament which was scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, in Granger has been postponed due to concerns of the COVID-19.

Please watch the Vestnik for the new date. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Willie Cervenka —SPJST—

CESAT announces Czech language course for high school students As president of Czech Ex-Students Association of Texas (CESAT), I wanted to inform you of the new Czech language courses that are offered through Blinn College. CZEC 1471 (Beginning Czech I) and CZEC 1472 (Beginning Czech II) are now offered, so that high school students may take the courses for dual credit. A second year of Czech language courses is in development so that students may take two years of Czech language in high school.

Because of the rich Czech heritage in Texas, learning the Czech language is

CZECH CULTURAL CALENDAR Wednesdays POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Taylor Czech Speaking Class meets every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at S.P.J.S.T. Assisted Living, 505 East Lake Drive in Taylor. This is an informal class setting for learning to speak, write, and read Czech. For information, contact Instructor Lydia Kurtin 512-8592543. Submitted by Alice Bracewell, Lodge 48, Beyersville.

Second Sundays POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Czech Language Class—at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 West Fairgrounds Road on US Highway 77, La Grange, 1 to 4 p.m. Fee is $10 per person per class. Call or email to verify classes. Pre-registration preferred. For information, call 888-785-4500; 979-9689399; or email info@czechtexas.org.

Second Tuesdays POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Czech Film Nights and Matinees—at The Beltonian Theatre, 219 East Central, Belton. Showtimes - 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Free admission. Film is presented by Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (CHMGC). For information, call CHMGC 254-899-2935; find them on Facebook; or on the web at www.czechheritagemuseum.org. Find The Beltonian online at www.thebeltoniantheatre.com or on Facebook.

May 1 Taylor Czech Chorus Scholarship Application Deadline—For application and information, contact Betty Zimmerhanzel 512-352-6823; or local school counselors. Visit The Taylor Czech Chorus on Facebook. Submitted by Monica Stojaník, Lodge 20, Granger.

—SPJST—

VĚSTNÍK particularly appealing to students. It provides an opportunity for students of Czech descent to maintain their heritage and culture that is interwoven in the settlement and growth of many communities in Texas. It may also provide an additional language for students who are interested in majoring in international business or European studies.

The instructor of the course uses distance learning technology so that your students can take the course live online on their high school campus using a computer equipped with a microphone and headset. In the Fall 2020 semester, the course will be offered live online Monday through Thursday from 7:45 to 8:50 a.m. Or students may attend the course face-to-face on the Schulenburg campus. To defray the cost of the course, CESAT and other Texas Czech organizations have provided funds so that scholarships are available for students enrolling in the Czech language courses.

Shannon Williford who serves as the Director for Dual Credit Programs at Blinn College can assist you in getting your students registered for the course.

Her contact information is Shannon.Williford@blinn.edu or 979209-8218.

Please let me (Polasek29@gmail.com) know if you have any questions about the Czech language program offered at Blinn College.

CESAT hopes that you will encourage your students to take advantage of this wonderful learning opportunity!

Submitted by, Thadious Polasek CESAT President Lodge 67, Schulenburg —SPJST—

Monday, March 23, 2020

Taylor Czech Chorus scholarship deadline The Taylor Czech Chorus has established a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a graduating senior of Czech descent.

The selected recipient will have the scholarship paid to the accredited college or university of his/her choice. All graduating 2019-2020 seniors who are eligible candidates and that meet the following criteria are urged to apply.

1) Graduating senior in the 2019-20 school year.

2) Have a minimum high school GPA equivalence of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

3) Provide documentation of Czech heritage. Possible forms of documentation which can show Czech lineage include, but are not limited to: a. birth certificates of generations showing Czech name(s), b. family tree, c. Baptismal certificates of ancestors authenticating heritage, d. docket from immigration ship(s), e. ancestor’s passport(s) or visa(s).

4) Include a 300- to 400-word, typed, double-spaced essay defining why you think you should be selected for this scholarship, how your Czech heritage has influenced you, and what your heritage means to you.

5) The recipient must live no farther than 25 miles from Taylor, Texas (exception: a relative of a Taylor Czech Chorus member).

6) The recipient must be willing to attend a meeting of the Taylor Czech Chorus in Taylor, Texas, to receive the scholarship award.

7) Submit a completed application and all necessary documentation by the

CUBA & CUBA, P.L.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law • ESTATE PLANNING • WILLS • TRUSTS PROBATE • REAL ESTATE • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL FARM AND RANCH • MORTGAGES • LAND USE EMINENT DOMAIN • CONTRACTS • LEASES • FRANCHISES BUSINESS SALES AND ACQUISITIONS • CORPORATION • PARTNERSHIP • LLC • INSURANCE CLAIMS • TRIAL • MEDIATION

254-778-1824 COURT CUBA EXTRACO BANK BUILDING 18 S. MAIN, SUITE 802, TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501

deadline of Friday, May 1, 2020. Late applications will not be considered.

Applications are available by contacting Betty Zimmerhanzel at 512-3526823, from The Taylor Czech Chorus Facebook page, and through local high school counselors.

Monica Stojaník Lodge 20, Granger —SPJST—

TCGS seeks recipes for 20th anniversary Czech cookbook Celebrations bring good eats! The phone rings and you learn visitors are coming. Perhaps you open the church bulletin or you are in a meeting; a holiday is coming; whatever the occasion might be, you need to prepare a special dish or dessert. What is your “go to” recipe(s)? Will you share it with us?

It is hard to believe the Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS) will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary in January 2021. As the saying goes, “My, where did the time go?” As with any special occasion, plans are made and action begins in order to achieve the goal of completing those plans. One such goal for our anniversary is a new cookbook.

Our first cookbook, Tribute To Czech Cooks, sold out almost before it was received. A second order was placed, ending with the same results. While we paid tribute to Czech cooks in general, the cookbook’s main focus was on recipes of ancestors and articles on them as well.

With this cookbook, we are calling for your delicious, special recipes. You know - it is the dish or dishes you prepare that are always requested. It may be for a special main dish, vegetable, salad, cake, pie, bread/rolls, etc., prepared as

Texas Czech Genealogical Society Website: txczgs.org Promoting the study of the genealogy of the particular group of people known as “Texas Czechs.”

For membership: Marie Dulak 979-589-1903

45

only you can, to taste that certain way.

However, please do not get us wrong. If you did not have the opportunity to submit an ancestor’s recipe in the Tribute To Czech Cooks Cookbook, please feel free for it to be included in our upcoming Cooking With Czech Recipes Cookbook.

Attention, Czech men! We know you are excellent cooks be it in the kitchen or the outdoor grill. You have your special “tricks” for giving the dish you prepare your own unique taste. Just know, we look forward to including your recipes, too.

This cookbook will also be special in that we invite you to include photos photos of the person preparing the dish; the dish preparation process, and/or the finished dish or dessert. While the photos you submit will be in color, in the cookbook, they will be black and white.

Charlene Hurta will serve as chair of this project. To contact her for more information or for submission purposes, she can be reached at 1231 CR 201A, Angleton, Texas 77515; phone 979-849-0348; or email cmhurta@earthlink.net. The submission deadline is August 1, 2020.

—SPJST—

St. Monica’sC Ladies Festival

A Simon-George Hall 401 S. Karnes N Cameron TX 76520 Sunday, C March 29, 2020 E Beginning at 11 a.m.

L E D Bar-B-Q Chicken & Green’s Sausage Dinner Plates $10 Silent Auction Cake Wheel Country Store Face Painting

46

Monday, March 23, 2020

VĚSTNÍK

SPJST Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Post your lodge’s upcoming SPJST fraternal activities and entertainment dates and information here. These listings are free. The deadline for submitting information for the Fraternal Activities and Entertainment Guide is on the first and third Mondays of each month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Send updates to: VĚSTNÍK, c/o Editor Melanie Zavodny, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503. FAX to: 254-773-8087. Email to: vestnik@spjst.org. Advertising rates are $2 per column inch for lodge ads; $4 per column inch for non-profit organization ads; and $6 per column inch for commercial ads. For advertising information, please call the Editor at 800-727-7578 or email vestnik@spjst.org.

LODGE 1, FAYETTEVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 507 East Main Street, Fayetteville. Directions: Lodge hall is located on Hwy 159 East, 3 blocks from the town square. Hall Rental Information: 979-966-3795. Lodge Meetings: First Monday of even-numbered months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 4, HALLETTSVILLE (6) Sunday, April 19—Lodge meeting, 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 12—Lodge meeting, 3 p.m.

Lodge Meetings: Held every other month at 3 p.m. at Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, 1614 North Texana Street, Hallettsville.

LODGE 6, COTTONWOOD (3) Saturday, March 28—Baptism party CANCELED: Sunday, April 5—Easter party, meeting, and SPJST No. 6 Inc. meeting, 2 p.m.; followed with Easter egg hunt, program, and meal at 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 12—Marek family Easter party Friday, April 17—Social/trustee meeting Sunday, April 26—Knapek reunion Friday, May 1—Lodge meeting, 2 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 700 South Czech Hall Road, West. Directions: From Interstate 35, take the West exit and stop at the blinking light. Go east at the blinking light and stay on Oak Street through downtown West. Take Farm Road 2114 East for 3 miles. Turn right on Czech Hall Road. Lodge hall is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road. Hall Rental Information: Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383 or Jeanette Beseda 254717-7840. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, contact Youth Leader Peggy Dobecka 254-717-0383; or dataped@sbcglobal.net.

LODGE 8, WEIMAR (6) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Monday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant, Schulenburg. Dates are February 24, May 25, August 24, and November 23.

LODGE 9, SNOOK (1) Lodge Hall: 457 CR 269, Snook. Directions: From Snook, turn on FM 2155 to downtown. At Snook School, stay right on Spur 2155. At “T”, turn right on CR 269. Go 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: 979-272-3732.

Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Loree Lewis 979-220-4733.

LODGE 13, DIME BOX (1) Lodge Hall: 1081 County Road 425, Dime Box. Directions: In Dime Box, turn left from FM 141 on CR 424. Go east on CR 425 for 3/10 mile; hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: 979-884-1451; Hall Phone: 979-884-1451. Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. For information, contact Youth Leader Julie Schneider 512-269-8180.

LODGE 15, BUCKHOLTS (2) Lodge Hall: 600 State Hwy 190/Hwy 36, Buckholts (historic hexagon-shaped building with a stone entrance.) Directions: Hall is located on Hwy 36, east of Buckholts, 1/4 mile east of downtown Buckholts. Hall Rental Information: 254-2172863. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly. For information, call 254-721-3902.

LODGE 17, NEW TABOR (1) Lodge Hall: 2674 CR 225, Caldwell. Directions: From Caldwell, turn from Hwy 36 east onto FM 166. Proceed 2.1 miles then turn left on CR 225. Go 1 mile, veering to the right. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 979-2723440. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Youth Leader Holly Narro 979-218-4931.

LODGE 18, ELGIN (2) • Dances held Sundays, 3 to 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

CANCELED: Sunday, April 5—Red Ravens Sunday, May 3—Polka dance: Lost Cause Sunday, May 17—Glen Collins and the Alibis Saturday, June 27—Free Dance: Glen Collins and the Alibis, 2 to 5 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 702 Hwy 95 North, Elgin. Lodge 18 is a nonsmoking facility. Hall Rentals/Band Bookings: David Meyer 512-217-0162. Hall phone: 512-285-3100. Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 20, GRANGER (2) Lodge Hall: 114 West Davilla, Granger. Hall Rental Information: Brenna Bohac 512-859-2584. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the hall. A light meal is served before each meeting. All members are invited. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Brita Goodman for information 254-541-5344.

LODGE 23, MORAVIA (6) Lodge Hall: FM 957 North, Schulenburg. Located 12 miles south of Schulenburg, in Moravia. Directions: From Hwy 77 between Hallettsville and Schulenburg, take FM 532 West for 4 miles to Moravia. Turn right on FM 957 North; go 1 mile.

Hall is on the right. Lodge Meetings: Tuesday after the second Sunday in March, June, and September, 7:30 p.m.; and the first Sunday of December, 3 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 24, CYCLONE (2) POSTPONED: Sunday, March 29—Vrazels’ Tribute Band, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets $10 each. For tickets, call Linda Wilde 254-985-2258.

Lodge Hall: 411 FM 964, Cyclone. Directions: Hall is 12 miles east of Temple, past Zabcikville. Exit Hwy 53 at blinking light to FM 485; go 1 mile to FM 964. Hall Rental Information: Mark Maddux 254-721-1774; or Brenda Maddux 254-7211682. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call Kim Campbell 254-721-0586.

LODGE 25, ENNIS (3) POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Sunday, March 29—Rental - RVOS annual picnic Lodge Hall: 1901 East Hwy 34, Ennis. Hall Rental Information: 972-875-8381. Mail: PO Box 129, Ennis, Texas 75120. Email: SPJSTennis@yahoo.com. Game Room: Open every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the lodge dining room with supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary social in the game room. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. For information, call Youth Leader Rita Holland 469-337-2284.

LODGE 28, EAST BERNARD (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 12 noon at Wharton County Library - East Bernard Branch, 746 Clubside Drive, East Bernard.Call Secretary Helen Kelner 281-342-2624 for information.

LODGE 29, TAYLOR (2) • All Wednesday, Friday night dances - free admission • Old-fashioned hamburgers served Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m.

CANCELED: Friday, March 27—Les and the Leftovers, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

CANCELED: Wednesday, April 1—Taylor Made Band, 7 to 10 p.m. Guest musician - Fritz Hodde.

CANCELED: Friday, April 3—Gabriel River Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

At print time, lodge cancellations/postponements are included. Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order limiting public gatherings to 10 people. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID19 situation, before attending any lodge meeting or event, please call in advance.

Thank you, and God Bless.

CANCELED: Wednesday, April 8—SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor members will hold their monthly meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Covered dish meal following the meeting.

CANCELED: Friday, April 10—Quintin Dubec Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

CANCELED: Sunday, April 12—Hall closed for Easter CANCELED: Wednesday, April 15—Taylor Made Band, 7 to 10 p.m. Guest musician - Fritz Hodde.

CANCELED: Friday, April 17—Craig Howell and The Somewhere in Texas Band, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

CANCELED: Friday, April 24—Sterling Country, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Lodge Hall: 5025 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: In Taylor, at intersection of State Hwy 95 and US 79 Business (4th Street), turn east on Hwy 79. Proceed to FM 619, turn north (left) and go about .8 mile to the large, 2-story hall. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 512-352-9139. Live Music: First and third Wednesday each month, free, 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday night dance, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For information and meeting location, call Youth Leader Cristy Girod 512-468-1347.

LODGE 30, TAITON (6) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Taiton Community Center, 14221 FM 961, El Campo. For information, call Youth Leader Lisa Bubela 979-543-7120.

LODGE 32, VICTORIA (6) Lodge Meetings: Held the second Thursday of every other month - January, March, May, July, September, and November, 2019 at Victoria Mall Meeting Room, at 6:30 p.m.

For information, contact Secretary Linda Mozisek 361-2207725.

LODGE 35, ELK (3) Saturday, April 4—Nolan Pick Band C (re-scheduled from Saturday, March 18) Lodge Hall: 9508 Elk Road, Axtell. Directions: From Interstate 35 in Waco, take Hwy 84 East exit. Stay on Hwy 84 East through Bellmead; go approximately 8 miles. On the right side of Hwy 84 will be a sign saying “Elk.” Take the Elk Road. Turn right on Elk Road; go approximately 1 mile; the road will dead end. Turn right at the dead end; go approximately 1/2 mile. Hall is on the left. Hall Rental Information: Gene Pavelka 254-749-3326. Hall Phone: 254-863-9320.

Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Sales Agent: James (Dude) Mann 254-7150275; mrdudemann@yahoo.com.

LODGE 38, KOVAR (1) Lodge Hall: 278 Zimmerhanzel Road, Flatonia. Hall Rental Information: 512-237-9099/day; 830-839-4353/night. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 512-332-6758.

LODGE 39, BRYAN (1) Lodge Hall: Cherry Bend Circle, Lot 12, Bryan. Directions: From Hwy 6, turn west on OSR. Go 2 miles to Mumford Road; turn left. Go 1.1 mile and turn left on Magnolia. Take the first right turn on Cherry Bend Circle. Hall (white building) is at the bend of the road. Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - watch for date in Věstník, 1 p.m. at the hall. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. Meat, drinks, and serving items provided by the lodge. Please bring a dessert or side dish. For information, call President Wade O’Shields 979-218-3527; or FAC Ronnie Roesler 979-406-0158.

LODGE 40, EL CAMPO-HILLJE (6) Lodge Hall: 30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59, Hillje. Directions: Hall is just off US 59 in Hillje. Hall Rental Information: Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614; Hall Phone: 979-648-2317. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall.

Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date, time, location, call Youth Leader Cathy Garcia 979-332-1614.

LODGE 41, PORT LAVACA (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at Six Mile Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Room, Royal Road, Port Lavaca. For information, call lodge Secretary Mary Sitka 361-552-5170 or email danmarysitka@yahoo.com.

LODGE 47, SEATON (2) Lodge Hall: 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple. Directions: Seaton Star Hall is 7 miles east of Temple on Hwy 53. Star Hall is a non-smoking facility. Hall Rental Information: Danny Stepan 254-760-7819; Hall Phone: 254-985-2548. Visit www.seatonstarhall.com. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the hall.Call Youth Leader Amber Bartek for information 254-931-0295.

LODGE 48, BEYERSVILLE (2) Lodge 48, Beyersville suffered devastating damage to its hall due to a fire on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. For information or questions, contact Lodge 48 President Robert Leshikar 512-635-3021.

Lodge Hall: 10450 FM 619, Taylor. Directions: From Taylor, take the South Loop. Turn right on FM 112 and go about 0.8 mile. Turn right on FM 619; continue on FM 619 for approximately 4 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 512-739-9324. Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Michelle Newsom 512-913-0226.

LODGE 49, ROWENA (4) Lodge Hall: 706 FM 2133, Rowena. Hall Rental Information: 325-262-3377 - Butch Wood. Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Becky Wood for information 325-656-0029.

LODGE 51, ELLINGER (1) Lodge Meetings: Third Friday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Ellinger Fire Department, West Main Street in Ellinger. For information, call Calvin Hlinsky 979-378-2364.

LODGE 54, WEST (3) Lodge Meetings: First Friday in March, June, and November, and the second Friday in September at St. Joseph Hall, 303 South Harrison Street in West, 7 p.m. For information, call Freddie Kaluza 254-709-2303.

LODGE 63, SWEET HOME (6) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

For meeting location or information, call Lodge Secretary Ann Moseley 361-781-2644.

LODGE 66, WACO (3) Lodge Meetings: Date, time, location TBA in the lodge’s monthly meeting minutes that appear in the Věstník. For information, call 254-799-4247.

LODGE 67, SCHULENBURG (1) Lodge Meetings: Third or fourth Sunday of March, June, September, and December (Christmas) at Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant in Schulenburg, 2 p.m. To confirm meeting date/s, call Ernest Kutac 979-561-7190.

VĚSTNÍK LODGE 73, SEYMOUR (4) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 12 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For meeting location, call Alice Orsak 940-889-2391.

Monday, March 23, 2020

LODGE 76, WICHITA FALLS (4) Attention: Beginning in June, 2020, lodge meetings will begin at 12:30 p.m.

LODGE 107, FLORESVILLE (7) Lodge Hall: 1156 FM 1303, Floresville. Directions: From Floresville, take FM 536 West for 3 miles to FM 1303; turn right and go 2 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Rental Information: 830-393-7796. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: For meeting date/time/location, contact Youth Leader Lian Lynn 830480-2737.

Lodge Meetings: Sunday, June 7; Sunday, September 13; and Sunday, December 6. Meetings are at 12:30 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 1801 Ninth Street in Wichita Falls. For information, contact Dianna Ibarra 940-224-7383.

LODGE 117, ROBSTOWN (7) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of March, June, September, and December, 1:30 p.m. at Hilltop Community Center, 11425 Leopard, Corpus Christi.

LODGE 79, CORPUS CHRISTI (7) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Meal served at 1 p.m.; meeting follows. Visitors welcome. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road, Corpus Christi. Call Youth Leader Marcia Rew for information 361-563-6779.

LODGE 130, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: For monthly meeting date, time, and location, contact President/Sales Agent John Vrla 214-906-3385 or email jvrla@cebridge.net.

LODGE 80, HOLLAND (2) Lodge Hall: 12141 East FM 2268, Holland. Directions: On Hwy 95, south of Holland, turn east on FM 2268. Go 1/2 mile to hall, which is on the right. Hall Phone: 254-657-2485.

Bingo: Every Thursday, 7 p.m. Permit No. SP12371416574; AL17460607355. Lodge Meetings: Held bi-monthly. Watch the Věstník for dates/times. Board of Directors’ Meetings: Watch the Věstník for dates/times. Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at the hall, 6 p.m. Call Youth Leader Kelly Taisler 254-913-3309 for location, information.

LODGE 81, NEEDVILLE (5) Lodge Hall: 13609 Hwy 36, Needville. Directions: Hall is located at the corner of Hwy 36 and FM 361, one mile from the traffic light in Needville. Hall Manager/Bookings: Dan Natho 979-618-1426. Hall Phone: 361-793-4742. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m.; meal at 12 noon at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Madeline Gadway 979-900-9566; or madeline.gadway@gmail.com.

LODGE 84, DALLAS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. Meeting location will be posted in the Věstník. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. - unless otherwise announced in the Věstník. Contact Youth Leader Lynda Novak 972-948-4456.

LODGE 87, TEMPLE (2) Lodge Hall: 320 North 50th Street, Temple. Directions: From East Adams Avenue, turn north onto 50th Street; go 2/10 mile. Hall is on the left. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 254773-2363.

LODGE 88, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Hall: 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights). Directions: Hwy 290—Take Mangum Dacoma exit; stay on frontage road. At third traffic light, turn left onto 18th Street. Go under freeway at third traffic light, turn on Beall Street. Hall is on the right. Hall Phone/Rental Information: Call 713-869-5767; or visit www.lodge88.org.

Dances are held 8 to 11:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

For more information, call 713-869-5767, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beer, set-ups, soda, and ice sold at bar. Please do not bring from outside. *Dress Code dances: evening attire for ladies and gentlemen. *Introductory pricing. Bingo: Every Thursday evening; games start at 7 p.m.

License No. 17407503501. Lodge Meetings: Third Monday, 7 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: Starting January 2020, Lodge 88 Youth Club meetings will be held on the second Sunday of the month at the lodge. hall. For information, call Youth Leader Vanessa Guerrero 281-745-1697.

LODGE 91, SAN JACINTO (5) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings - TBA in the Věstník.

For information, contact Lodge Secretary Vonda Smesny 832-694-8762.

LODGE 92, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 3316 Roberts Cut Off Road, Fort Worth 76114.

Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-30 West to the Henderson exit. Take Henderson North; it becomes Jacksboro Hwy (TX 199). Stay on this road north until Roberts Cut Off, which is a right off of Jacksboro Hwy. Hall - also known as National Hall - is on the right about 2 or 3 blocks down the road. Great Western Inn Motel is on the corner. Hall Event/Rental Information: Call National Hall Events Manager Jon Durham 817-624-1361. Visit Lodge 92 website www.nationalhallfortworth.com. Ladies Circle: Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Randy and the 92nd Road House Band plays every first Sunday. Dressy casual. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the hall - unless otherwise noted.

LODGE 97, PLACEDO (6) Lodge Meetings: Monday, March 2; Monday, June 1; Monday, September 14 in the Community Room at Victoria Mall, 6 p.m. For information, call Secretary Judy Bellanger 361576-2935.

LODGE 160, SAN ANGELO (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Wednesday of February, May, and August; and the November meeting is held the third Sunday.

Watch the Věstník for meeting time/location. For information, contact President Sandra Jansa 325-651-8045; or sandra.jansa@hotmail.com. Youth Club Meetings: For date, time, location, call Youth Leader Ryan Jansa 325-234-5879.

LODGE 162, IOWA COLONY (5) Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center, 12003 CR 65, Iowa Colony. For information, contact President Betty Crawford 713-5945049. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center. For information, call Youth Leader Brenda Moyle 713-303-1471.

LODGE 133, SAN ANTONIO (7) Lodge Meetings: Quarterly meetings are held in March, July, October, and December at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Activity Center, 1630 Goliad Road, San Antonio. For information, contact President Jarolyn Popp 830-964-5135.

LODGE 169, BRENHAM (1) Lodge Meetings: Fourth Thursday in February, April, June, August, October, 6:30 p.m. at Texas Seafood and Steakhouse, 2209 South Market Street, Brenham. (December meeting/social information will be announced at a later date.) Lodge Information: Call Stephen Bliznak 979-2514150; or Lenora Bliznak 979-277-8845.

LODGE 135, ENNIS (3) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, 7 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 2622 East Hwy 34, Ennis. Directions: From IH-35 East at Waxahachie, take Hwy 287 East exit. Stay Hwy 287 on until you come to Ennis. Go straight through downtown Ennis and under the overpass at IH-45. Then go approximately 1 3/4 miles on Hwy 34.

Sokol Hall is on the left.

LODGE 172, PASADENA (5) Lodge Hall: 3609 Preston Road, Pasadena. Lodge Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the lodge hall, 3609 Preston Avenue, in Pasadena. November and December meetings will be held on the third Sunday. For information, contact Jo 346-317-4412; or Helen 713-9207172

LODGE 139, DANBURY (5) Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly - the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at Main Street Steakhouse, 1802 Main Street in Danbury. Meeting at 12 noon, luncheon follows. For information, call Lonnie 979922-1553.

LODGE 141, SEALY (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of every other month February, April, June, August, October, and December at 6 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy. For information, contact Secretary Bernice Stolarski 979-885-6786.

LODGE 142, HOUSTON (5) Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month except in December which is the second Sunday at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted; meal served at 1 p.m. Meetings are held at SPJST Lodge 88, Houston, 1435 Beall Street at West 15th, Houston (the Heights) in the annex building - unless otherwise noted. For information, contact Lodge142 President Dennis Hermis 713-826-2981; or Secretary Elizabeth Hermis 281-787-8717. Youth Club Meetings: Held the same date, time, and location as the adult lodge meetings - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Youth Leader Amanda Muzny 713-560-5377.

LODGE 148, EL MATON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton.

Call Youth Leader Melissa Zielonka for information 979-6181890.

LODGE 151, WHARTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Depot Museum, 100 South Sunset Street, Wharton. For information, call 979-532-5884.

LODGE 154, FORT WORTH (3) Lodge Hall: 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth. Directions: From IH-35 West in Fort Worth, take IH-20 West exit. Stay on IH-20 West until you come to 820; stay on 820 until you come to Jacksboro Hwy and Azle Street exit. Take Azle Street exit; go to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light.

Go to the second traffic light then turn right onto Boat Club Road. Go approx. 2 1/2 miles. Hall is on the right. Hall Phone: 817-237-5181. Lodge Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at the hall. For information, call 817731-2580. Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the hall. Contact Youth Leaders CarrieAnn Jones 817-371-1727, carrieannjones@att.net; or Appa Burcie 817-614-2967, abburcie2015@gmail.com for information.

LODGE 155, AUSTIN (2) Lodge Meetings: For dates time, and location of quarterly meetings, call Secretary Ginny Prasatik 512-472-1721.

LODGE 157, LUBBOCK (4) Lodge Meetings: Last Sunday of every other month of March, June, and September; then December - the first Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For meeting location, contact Secretary Cynthia Kristinek - phone 806-763-7245; or email cyndynjerome@gmail.com.

LODGE 177, ACADEMY (2) Lodge Hall: 711 Rio Poco, Little River-Academy. Directions: Hall is on the south side of Academy, just off Hwy 95, on the right. Hall Phone: 254-982-4434. Please leave a message with questions. Bingo: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kitchen is open. Board of Trustees/Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November - Board Meeting, 6:15 p.m. Regular lodge meeting, 6:30 p.m.

LODGE 179, WARRENTON (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 11 a.m.

Location will be announced in the Věstník prior to the meeting each month. For information, contact Ricky Weyand 979-966-7138.

LODGE 180, BURLESON (3) Lodge Meetings: First Tuesday of each month at the Burleson Police Department Building - Community Room, 1161 S.W. Wilshire Boulevard, Burleson at 6 p.m. For information, call 817-905-2097 or 972-268-0022.

LODGE 182, FALLS COUNTY (2) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at The Chicken Place, 504 Bridge Street, Marlin. For information, contact Youth Leader Becky Beckendorf 254-749-5732.

LODGE 183, ARLINGTON (3) Lodge Hall: 3100 Pleasant Valley Lane, Arlington. Directions: Take IH-35 West to Fort Worth. Take IH-20 East exit and proceed on IH-20 East until you come to Cooper Street exit. Take Cooper Street exit to the North. Stay on Cooper Street until you come to Mayfield Street. Turn right on Mayfield; go down and turn left on Pleasant Valley Lane. Hall Rental Information/Hall Phone: 682-800-3485. Game Nights are every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. and every Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Permit No. 17516910506. Lodge Meetings/Family Nights: Third Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 184, MOULTON (6) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November, 7 p.m. at Moulton VFD building in the meeting room. RSVP to Elmer Michna at 361-772-3876 or Johnnie Hoffman at 361-772-5049. Please RSVP by Thursday of the week prior to the meeting.

LODGE 185, NEW BRAUNFELS (7) Lodge Meetings: Every other month - February, April, June, August, October, and December. Call for meeting date, time, and location. Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. (subject to change). Call Youth Leader Jessica McCoy for information 979-777-8215.

LODGE 186, CALDWELL (1) Lodge Hall: 937 State Hwy 36, Caldwell. Directions: Hall is just off Hwy 36 on the south side of Caldwell, next to Burleson County Fairgrounds. Hall Rental Information: 979-5674264. Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the hall. Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the hall. Call Youth Leader Yolanda Brinkman for information 979-567-0637.

47

LODGE 187, ROUND ROCK (2) Lodge Hall: 920 Luther Peterson Place, Round Rock. Directions: From Taylor, take Hwy 79 into Round Rock until you get to Sunrise. There will be a 7-11 store on the right.

Turn right and proceed past Hopewell School. Continue through the four-way stop. Luther Peterson Boulevard is the first street on the left. From Temple, take IH-35 South. Just past Georgetown, exit on University Boulevard. Proceed to stop sign. Take left on University Boulevard. The third street is Sunrise. Turn right onto Sunrise. The second street to the right will be Luther Peterson Boulevard. Hall Rental Information: 512-255-1554; or 512-771-4948. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2 p.m. at the hall, followed by entertainment and potluck meal.

LODGE 189, BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION (1) Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of March, June, September, and December, 2 p.m. at (unless otherwise noted) C and J Barbecue, 1010 South Texas Avenue in Bryan.

LODGE 191, LUFKIN (5) Lodge Hall: 197 Hughes Road, Lufkin. Hall Rental Information/Dance Reservations: George Scogin 936-875-2867.

Regular Dances: Third Friday night of each month, 7 to 10 p.m. Please bring finger foods for the snack table. Lodge Meetings: Monday night before the Friday dance of the month, 7 p.m. at the hall.

LODGE 196, HOUSTON-WEST (5) Lodge Hall: 17810 Huffmeister Road, Cypress. Directions: Off Hwy 290 West at Skinner. Hall Phone: 281-373-9482; email spjstlodge196@gmail.com. Lodge Meetings: First Sunday of each month. Potluck social at 1 p.m.; meeting begins at 2 p.m. - unless otherwise noted. For information, call Cadance Wager 713-515-2835.

LODGE 200, BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (2) Lodge Meetings: First Wednesday of each month on even months - February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Hall, 100 4th Street, Eddy. For information, contact President Allen Trigg, Sr. 254-6245152.

LODGE 201 BLEIBLERVILLE-NELSONVILLE (1) Lodge Hall: 3948 FM 2502, Bleiblerville. Directions: Hall is across the street from the post office in Bleiblerville. Lodge Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the hall.

For information, call Jenell 979-357-2181.

LODGE 202, JOURDANTON (7) Adult Lodge Meetings: Held quarterly, the first Sunday of March and June at 1 p.m.; and the second Sunday of September and December at 1 p.m. A meal will be served at each meeting. Meetings are at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. For information, contact Secretary Bettie House 830-281-8246.

Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of every month at 1:15 p.m. except in September and December, meetings are held on the second Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at Jourdanton Community Center, 1101 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton. For information, contact Youth Leader Regina House 830-570-2046.

LODGE 207, IOWA PARK (4) Lodge Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. For meeting location, call Secretary Joyce Kotulek 940-8550882.

LODGE 215, SOUTH PLAINS (4) Lodge Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Secretary Pam Lehmann 806-535-8356. Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 6 p.m. at 631 Lockwood Street in Tahoka. For information, contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams 806-632-5239.

LODGE 219, EL PASO (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Wednesday of March, April, and May at 6 p.m. at Puerto Vallarta Grill, 1611 Montana Avenue, El Paso. For questions, call President Aracely Quiz 915-999-2062.

LODGE 229, ABILENE (4) Lodge Meetings: Second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at 6 p.m. For meeting location information, contact Secretary Tammy Copeland 325-333-4089.

LODGE 232, HOUSTON MIDTOWN (5) Lodge Meetings: Held the third Tuesday of every other month in January, March, May, July, September, and November, 6:30 p.m. at Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston. For information, contact Secretary Catherine Anderson 713-726-1928.

LODGE 246, MORGAN’S POINT (2) Lodge Meetings: Unless otherwise announced, second Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, 11:30 a.m. For meeting location, call President Ingrid Petrik 254-760-1831 or Secretary Melanie Zavodny 254-534-0807.

LODGE 258, SEGUIN (7) Lodge Meetings: For meeting date, location, and time, contact President Chester Jenke 210-413-3053 or Treasurer Colleen Jenke 210-215-9494.

—SPJST—

Tired of the market downturns?

Choose SPJST instead.

Qualified and Non-Qualified Flexible Annuities Available 3.00% Rate • 1.65% Guaranteed Plans 8058-8066

Flexible premium deferred annuities current rate applies to the quarter in which issued and are subject to change quarterly. The interest rate is 3.00% and the guaranteed minimum interest rate is 1.65% for plans 8058-8066. Should you choose to continue this annuity after the surrender period, the minimum rate guarantee is 1.65%. Surrender charges apply to early withdrawal. Excess withdrawals are subject to early withdrawal penalties. The IRS may impose a penalty for withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2. Rates valid through April 30, 2020, and are subject to change.

Annuities issued by SPJST.

Life Insurance and More

Home Office: 520 North Main Temple, Texas 76501

800-727-7578 info@spjst.org www.spjst.org